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Automotive Supplier Authority(TM) Database Maps the Future of the Supply Base

19 February 1998

Automotive Supplier Authority(TM) Database Maps the Future of the Supply Base

    TROY, Mich., Feb. 17 -- A first-of-its-kind interactive
global supplier database titled Automotive Supplier Authority(TM) New
Customers of the 21st Century, has been developed by International Business
Development Corp. (IBD Corp.).
    Produced by leading automotive industry analyst Donna L. Parolini, the
Automotive Supplier Authority is an adaptive software database designed for
use as a strategic tool to focus on global supplier activity.  The Automotive
Supplier Authority identifies supplier representation within specific regions
for each of the five vehicle systems.
    The database is equipped with a dynamic mapping system that will allow the
user a visual representation of global supplier location.  The system plots
search results with color-coded dots labeling each supplier.  It is the first
tool of its kind to map supplier plants around the world by vehicle system,
sub-system, country, company and sales volume.
    "The mapping system is a big part of the database that differentiates it
from a standard directory," said Parolini, President of Troy-based IBD Corp.
"The maps allow the user a visual representation to accompany the data."

    Benefits to users are:

    *  Determine who your new customer will be and why;

    *  Assist system integrators in advancing their corporate make/buy
decisions within their current supply chain and with cross region perspective;

    *  Assist in strengthening or advancing their product "family" by
leveraging capabilities;

    *  Streamline global supplier procurement activities.

    The database will be demonstrated at the "Automotive Industries Magazine"
booth at the SAE International Congress & Exposition, February 23-26, 1998 at
Cobo Center.
    "The supplier industry is experiencing 'merger mania'," said Parolini,
"This database is an exceptionally valuable source to assist corporate
executives in the decision making process."
    Subscription to the Automotive Supplier Authority is available on a
one-year subscription basis, which allows the subscriber 24-hour access to the
database and mapping system.  The database is password driven and is only
available on the Internet.  Database information will be updated on a weekly
basis.  Information and a brief demonstration of the Automotive Supplier
Authority are available through IBD Corp.'s web site at
http://www.ibdcorporation.com.
    Founded in 1987, IBD Corp. is dedicated to preparing top management of
leading automotive suppliers and other companies for business cycle changes,
by developing personalized long-range growth strategies.  The company focuses
its resources on providing corporate strategic management behavior models,
based on years of actual experience in product and corporate strategy, product
engineering and expansive research.
    Donna Parolini has more than 20 years experience studying and analyzing
the worldwide automotive industry and its supply base, predicting movement
shifts and significant trends.  Information comes from personal contact with
suppliers, automakers, educators and government officials from around the
world.  Parolini's Automotive Supplier Councils, in their 1Oth year provide
strategic direction and resources for the global supplier industry.

SOURCE  International Business Development Corporation