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Lotus Engineering Acquires Michigan Automotive Research Corporation

25 February 2000

Lotus Engineering Acquires Michigan Automotive Research Corporation

    DETROIT, Feb. 25 -- Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned
automotive engineering consultancy, has acquired the engine testing facility
business of Michigan Automotive Research Corporation (MARCO), it was announced
Friday.
    This acquisition makes Lotus Engineering one of the largest independent
engine test facilities in the world, with a material U.S. presence comprising
27 engine test cells in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The acquisition also provides
the Lotus brand with a new and substantial physical presence in the Detroit
area -- home to the North American auto industry.
    Lotus Engineering shall develop the services offered from its Ann Arbor
site to include design support and full vehicle emissions testing.  This is a
further step towards its commitment to the major OEMs located in Michigan.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
    For background on Lotus Engineering, please visit the website
http://www.lotuseng.com as well as http://www.lotuscars.co.uk .  Additional background
information on the Michigan Automotive Research Corporation can be found at
http://www.marco.com .