PAR North America Announces Appointment of President and Chief Operating Officer.

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 1999--

"PAR North America has named Don Elliott president and chief operating officer of the Company," stated Jim Hallett, chief executive officer of PAR North America.

Elliott, 48, has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years. For the 10 years prior to coming to PAR North America, he worked for Mazda North American Operations, most recently as head of Fleet Operations. Mr. Elliott has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Transportation Economics from Denison University.

"Don Elliott has been a very capable leader since joining PAR in January, 1999," stated Hallett. "Under his leadership over the past year, PAR North America has completely restructured its business of providing automotive remarketing and other related services to fleet/lease, bank and financial companies. During this past year, PAR North America has experienced double-digit growth, while establishing a national network of repossession agents, solidifying its expedited title processing services and starting a Canadian import business. PAR North America also has developed and implemented a new computer system for tracking and managing consignment vehicles and titles," Hallett said.

"Don Elliott has a long background and is well respected in the automotive industry, and he has quickly gained the loyalty and support of the employees of PAR North America. He will serve PAR North America well as it continues to grow rapidly into the next millennium," said Hallett.

PAR North America also announced the appointment of Jeff Byrd to Director of Administration. Byrd also joined PAR North America within the last year, and for five years before joining PAR North America, served as the Director of Titles for the Indiana BMV. He has a BS Degree in Finance from Indiana State University and a MBA from Oklahoma City University. Mr. Byrd will be responsible for daily operations and new business development, including Canadian import operations, expanded title services, and lease end-of-term processing. Byrd also will be the liaison between the Company and each of the state motor vehicle administrators across the country.

PAR North America is affiliated with MP Automotive Services, North America's second largest provider of wholesale vehicle remarketing services. MP Automotive owns ADESA Corporation, which operates a chain of auto auctions throughout the United States and Canada, as well as other affiliated businesses, including PAR North America, which provide vehicle remarketing, wholesale floorplanning and transportation services in the automotive industry. MP Automotive Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minnesota Power, Inc., a diversified services company with headquarters in Duluth, MN. Minnesota Power's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MPL.