Press Release

International Automakers Announce California Auto Industry Alliance

11/20/96

California automotive industry announces formation of alliance


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Seven major automobile makers who have
their U.S. sales and marketing headquarters in California Monday
announced the formation of the California Automotive Industry Alliance
(CAIA).

"We need to do a better job of informing our fellow Californians of
the expansiveness of the automotive industry in this state," said CAIA
Chairman Bob Thomas, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Corp. U.S.A.

"Consequently, we formed this alliance to better spread the word about
the significant contributions we make to the California economy and
the substantial presence we have in this state."

"California fosters the creative energy required by dynamic businesses
such as the automotive industry, and the largely professional jobs we
provide in sales and marketing, research and design are, in turn, a
stimulus to the state's economy," Thomas added.

The CAIA has commissioned a study, currently being conducted by one of
the nation's most prestigious universities, that will more precisely
quantify the industry's economic contributions in California. The
organization will work to disseminate information to opinion leaders
and the general population regarding the contribution of the
California automotive industry to the state.

Each CAIA founding member company has its U.S. sales, marketing and
design headquarters located in California. They are: American Honda
Motor Co. Inc., Mazda Motor of America Inc., Mitsubishi Motor Sales of
America Inc., Nissan Motor Corp. U.S.A. and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.
Inc. Together, CAIA companies have 125 corporate facilities in
California.

Other members of the organization are Kia Motors America and American
Suzuki Motor Corp.

Thomas said, "California is also increasingly an international center
for trade, and in today's world, every car on the road, although it
may be popularly identified as Japanese, American or European, is in
reality the product of a global automotive economy in which a great
deal more than imports and exports cross national boundaries."

In addition to Thomas, the other members of the CAIA board of
directors are: Tom Elliott, executive vice president, auto operations,
American Honda Motor Co.; George McCabe, senior vice president,
general manager, Mazda Motor of America; Dick Recchia, executive vice
president and chief operating officer, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of
America; and Yale Gieszl, executive vice president, Toyota Motor Sales
U.S.A.

The CAIA was established in order to better inform the general public
and elected and appointed officials about the California motor vehicle
industry's contributions to the public welfare and economic well-being
of California and the United States.

In addition to articulating the contributions of the industry, the
member companies will work with suppliers, distributors and others
with a common interest in related trade and economic issues.