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OKI(R) Paves New Ground

9 November 1998

OKI(R) Paves New Ground; Launches Exclusive Trade-In Offer and 'AutoEducator(TM)' Program 
             Trade Associations and Vocational School to Benefit

    LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6 -- Okidata(R), a leading international
computer printer and facsimile equipment supplier, announced today a unique
educational initiative that will be partially funded by the company's new
trade-in program, which is available exclusively to the automotive
aftermarket.
    At a press conference this morning at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry
Week (AAIW) '98 Expo in Las Vegas, company officials outlined Okidata's
first-ever, printer trade-in offer.  It gives customers a cash incentive when
they upgrade their working printer for a new OKI unit from the full printer
portfolio for the automotive aftermarket.  Also detailed was how the company
plans to further demonstrate its commitment to the industry by directing
monies from the trade-in program to help fund educational programs.

    New Trade-in Program Provides Cash While Aiding Environment
    Chuck Kocher, senior marketing manager -- Core Vertical Markets, explained
that the trade-in program, which is a limited-time offer, is the first of its
kind specifically geared to the automotive aftermarket.  "This offer will
encourage end users in this market who are very familiar with our company's
impact printers to consider our full product line.  The trade-in offer is
environmentally friendly, too, since it promotes recycling printers and/or
printer components," he added.  Depending on the quantity of new OKI units
purchased, Okidata can even pay for shipping of trade-in units.
    OKI's program will allow customers in the automotive aftermarket to turn
their old working printer into cash by trading up to a new OKI printer (full
details available by calling "We're Your Vehicle(TM)" at 888-934-9520 or
emailing vehicle@okidata.com).

    Company Launches Educational Initiative
    At the press conference, Okidata also provided details on its new
"AutoEducator(TM)" program, which will be partially funded by monies Okidata
receives from its new trade-in program.  The "AutoEducator" program is
designed to promote educational development within the industry.  The new
program will provide funds for scholarships and other activities sponsored by
trade associations to which Okidata is a member.  The philanthropic activity
is part of the company's "We're Your Vehicle" marketing effort geared directly
to the automotive aftermarket.  In addition, the company announced it is
finalizing plans with the Arizona Automotive Institute, Glendale, AZ, to
provide financial assistance and expertise to promote the school's technology
education programs.  AAI, which is the country's only learning facility
devoted exclusively to auto electronics technology, will use the funds to
provide financial assistance to individuals attending the school.
    John Calman, president of AAI said, "We are extremely proud to be involved
with Okidata and the 'AutoEducator' program."  Calman noted that his school
looks forward to bringing additional technology information to the auto
education process that AAI has been involved with for more than 30 years.
    "Working with OKI will further enhance our slogan, 'Training today ... for
the automotive jobs of tomorrow' and bring added value to our curriculum,"
said Calman.
    Barry Williams, vice president -- Field Sales for Okidata, explained that
as the automotive aftermarket continues to evolve and become more competitive
and high-tech, it's important that technicians and other providers in this
industry are properly trained and educated.  "As a technology company, Okidata
feels it can bring something to the table by helping businesses in this
industry improve operations in a meaningful way."  Williams noted that channel
partners (resellers in the automotive aftermarket) who are authorized VARs
(value-added resellers) and members of participating trade associations would
have primary access to the "AutoEducator" program.

    "AutoEducator" Also Helps ASIA and TANA Programs
    Okidata's "AutoEducator" program also will benefit the Automotive Service
Industry Association (ASIA).  Officers from that group today accepted
Okidata's first check for $1,000 to help support the trade association's
"Jobber Success Series(R)" Education Fund.
    William A. Potter, director, Member Services for ASIA, said the donation
would help support future ASIA Education Day events at the annual Industry
Week Expo.  The donation also will help support interactive video productions,
association seminars, and other types of reference materials.
    "Obviously we're pleased with the generosity of Okidata, but I'm even more
excited about this company's commitment to our industry and how their
technology expertise will benefit our association's membership," Potter said.
    In addition to its planned activity with ASIA, Okidata is working closely
with the Tire Association of North America (TANA) to develop a series of
technology seminars and round-tables that will take place next year in various
parts of the country.
    Dave Poisson, executive vice president with TANA, explained that they are
working with Okidata to develop a series of one-day seminars in several cities
across the country.  "These sessions will serve to brief automotive
aftermarket principals on how important it is to incorporate technology into
the everyday operations of their businesses," Poisson said.  In addition, he
noted that a series of technology awareness programs, executive conferences,
and other events would be available to business owners around the country.
    Further details on Okidata's new "AutoEducator" program, and other
programs and services are available by calling "We're Your Vehicle"
headquarters at 877-AUTO-OKI, visiting http://www.okidata.com or emailing
vehicle@okidata.com.
    Headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, Okidata, a division of OKI America,
Inc., is a full-line supplier of PC peripheral equipment, including serial
impact dot matrix printers; inkjet printers; digital LED page printers; and a
full line of plain paper multi-function products and facsimile machines.
Okidata's entire line of inkjet, Digital LED page printers and multi-function
products and facsimile machines are in compliance with the EPA's Energy
Star(R) Program.  Its parent company, OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd., a
$5.9 billion multinational corporation with headquarters in Tokyo, is a world
leader in information processing systems, telecommunications and electronics.
More information about Okidata and OKI products and services is available on
the Okidata Internet Website:  http://www.okidata.com.

    OKI and Okidata are registered trademarks, and People to People Technology
is a trademark of OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd.  "AutoEducator" and "We're
Your Vehicle" are trademarks of OKI America, Inc.  Energy Star is a registered
trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Jobber Success Series
is a registered trademark of the Automotive Service Industry Association.