ASC Incorporated Named Partner With GM for Chevy SSR Development

8 January 2001
ASC Incorporated Named Partner With GM for Chevy SSR Development
    SOUTHGATE, Mich., Jan. 8 ASC Incorporated, a global
supplier of specialty vehicles and systems has been named a partner with
General Motors Corporation to assist in the development of the new Chevy SSR -
Super Sport Roadster.
    ASC has created a focused team -- ASC Vehicle Technologies -- dedicated to
complete vehicle design and production. Based in Oak Park, Mich., the team is
a multi-disciplined resource for the design, engineering and manufacture of
specialty vehicles. ASC's SSR pre-production engineering and final design will
take place in the Oak Park location.
    "The SSR project is a tremendous opportunity to expand our participation
in vehicle development and delivery," said Larry Doyle, ASC president and CEO.
"Our newly-established ASC Vehicle Technologies is dedicated to harnessing all
the necessary technologies for highest quality, fast-to-market vehicle
production programs. Working very closely with our customers, we can bring a
specialty vehicle program to market in a matter of months, not years. This
particular capability is extremely significant in the case of the SSR."
    John Hrit has been named vice president of operations with ASC Vehicle
Technologies.  He was previously vice president of manufacturing with ASC,
responsible for creating lean, efficient manufacturing systems in all the
company's plants. He was also responsible for the GM J-body build as part of
ASC's team at GENASYS, a 50-50 joint venture between GM and ASC to produce
specialty vehicles.
    Introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2000 North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, the Chevy SSR will go into production in the 2002
calendar year. The SSR will combine the rear-drive, open-air excitement of a
sports roadster with the function and utility of a pickup. Design features
include the full-width grille bar and prominent Chevy bow tie logo that
currently appear on other Chevrolets. Large, five-spoke alloy sport wheels and
performance tires promote the sports car look. The Chevy SSR will feature a
retractable hardtop and a covered, lockable pickup box.
    ASC is a global specialty vehicle and systems company providing automotive
and specialty vehicle design, engineering, prototype and production services;
manufacturing and distribution of open-air systems, composite products and
exterior trim; and development and distribution of aftermarket vehicle
accessories. Headquartered in Southgate, ASC maintains operations throughout
the U.S. and Canada, and in Germany and Korea.
    ASC's family of companies includes Creative Services, Vehicle
Technologies, Specialty Vehicles, Engineered Systems, Composite Systems,
Exterior Technologies, Aftermarket Products and ASC Europe. They employ more
than 4,500 people in over 30 facilities, and have annual sales of over
$700 million. For more information about ASC Incorporated, visit
http://www.ascglobal.com .