Chrysler Group and ADESA Corp. Open State-of-the-Art Auction Facility in Atlanta for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Dealers.

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ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2003

ADESA Corp., an ALLETE company (NYSE:ALE) announces the opening of a new state-of-the-art auction facility in Fairburn, Ga. ADESA Atlanta partnered with the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler Corp. to host a record sale of more than 2,100 vehicles.

Slated to be the largest auction for Chrysler Group dealers in the United States as well as the hub for Chrysler products in the Southeast, ADESA Atlanta will offer many exclusive features for Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealers.

Located on Oakley Industrial Boulevard in Fairburn, Ga., ADESA Atlanta sits on 260 acres and features eight fully-automated auction lanes and a 90,000-square foot state-of-the-art reconditioning and repair center.

"We have identified ADESA Atlanta to be the flagship auction for Chrysler Group dealers," said Jim Hallett, President of ADESA Corp. "It will take the auction experience one step further by offering an enhanced selection of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge cars and trucks. The ultimate goal is to provide an auction experience that is second to none, featuring unique inventory that will drive traffic at the retail level for the dealers."

The Edge Club is one key element of the auction experience. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers will have exclusive use of The Edge Club, a private lounge decorated like a Chrysler Group dealership of the future, providing check-in/check-out service, computer access and other amenities.

Another key element for the auction - a first in the industry - is the inclusion of the on-site MOPAR Accessory Center. The Accessory Center will serve dealers who want to add the Chrysler Group's MOPAR brand special equipment to vehicles, even before they leave the auction.

"The opening of the new ADESA Atlanta facility represents our joint commitment to providing our dealers with the best auction experience possible in order to help them achieve their sales objectives," said Ray Fisher, Vice President - Fleet & Remarketing Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corp. "We are very pleased to partner with ADESA in delivering a competitive advantage."

Of prime importance to the Chrysler Group, its dealers and ADESA, the new facility is designed to insure product quality from the outset. Using assembly line-like processing, the reconditioning center offers a full complement of services such as paintless dent repair and full body work. It also features the latest in paint technology, utilizing environmentally friendly waterborne paint. The repair facility's drive-over inspection bay enables certified technicians to walk below vehicles for efficient and accurate inspection of frames and other underbody components to insure every vehicle sold meets specific safety requirements.

ADESA Atlanta is equipped to sell an estimated 1,000 vehicles a week, or 50,000 units annually.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, ADESA Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE). Through its network of subsidiaries, ADESA operates 54 wholesale vehicle auctions and six heavy-duty commercial vehicle auctions strategically located across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The ADESA network of services includes several other related businesses in the vehicle remarketing industry including ADESA Impact total loss management (with 28 auction locations), Micro 21 dealer software, AutoVIN inspection services, PAR North America remarketing services, and Automotive Finance Corp. (AFC). For further information on ADESA Corp., call 1-800-923-3725 or go to www.adesa.com.

The statements contained in this release and statements that the company may make orally in connection with this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE, Inc., ADESA Corp.'s parent company, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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