ADVISORY/Info-Tech Expert Reveals How New Early Warning Detection Technology Could Have Saved Auto Industry Millions in Recall Costs.

Business Editors/Calendar Editors/Automotive Writers

ADVISORY...for Thursday (May 15)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:
        As the August 2000 Ford-Firestone recall demonstrated, the
        potential cost of public highway and traffic safety to
        vehicle, truck, trailer and equipment manufacturers when left
        unchecked, can be disastrous. Consequently, the National
        Highway Traffic and Safety Association recently imposed the
        Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and
        Documentation Act (TREAD), requiring manufacturers and
        suppliers to submit quarterly reports featuring "early warning
        data" that was previously proprietary company information,
        such as warranty claims, consumer complaints, field reports,
        and legal claims. Join industry expert Marianne Grant and find
        out how forward thinking automotive industry professionals are
        leveraging their TREAD compliance data to better anticipate
        parts defects and mitigate recalls before they spiral out of
        control.

WHO:
        Marianne Grant is the director of Syncata's El Segundo-based
        Business Innovation Center. Drawing on nearly 25 years
        experience consulting with Fortune 500 companies on business
        processes and information technology systems -- and other
        professionals at Syncata with extensive experience servicing
        the needs of the automotive industry -- Ms. Grant is
        subject-matter expert on the reporting requirements of TREAD
        compliance and early warning detection.

WHEN:
        2:00 p.m. -- Thurs., May 15, 2003

WHERE:
        Marriott Centerpoint - Oakland Ballroom
        3600 Centerpoint Pkwy, Pontiac, MI 48341
        248/253-9800

NOTE:
        Question and answer session immediately following the
        presentation.

SYNCATA:
        Founded in 1990, Syncata
        (www.syncata.com/tread/registration.asp) helps automotive and
        industrial manufacturing companies improve operational
        performance and profitability. The firm designs processes and
        integrates systems that help solve specific problems within
        sales, finance, manufacturing, distribution and service
        operations. The firm has offices in Michigan (Southfield),
        California (El Segundo, Irvine and Oakland) and India (New
        Delhi).