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December 24, 2002
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This Week:

• Porsche(R) Announces New 911 GT3

• Jaguar Introduces All-New 2004 XJ Range For 2004

• The BMW xActivity  

• Exclusive Preview of the 2004 Pontiac GTO featured on "XXX" DVD

• Benteler Automotive to Build New Manufacturing Operation in Alabama

• Toyota to Unveil All-New Sienna Minivan At 2003 North American International Auto Show

• Ulrich Eichhorn appointed Member of the Board, Engineering at Bentley

• Porsche Cayenne Equipped With Advanced Chassis Technology From Continental Teves

• Ford Announces 100th Anniversary Plans

• New President at BMW Motorrad

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Benteler Automotive to Build New Manufacturing Operation in Alabama

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. and OPELIKA, Ala. - Benteler Automotive Corporation based in Auburn Hills, Michigan has announced its plans to expand its North American presence with a new manufacturing facility that will be built in Opelika, Alabama. Construction of the new plant will begin in January, with expected completion by September 2003. The building will cover 144,000 square feet, and will be built on a 38 acre site in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

The manufacturing operation will produce Benteler's automotive products to support its customer base located in the Southeast U.S. The Opelika, Alabama location was selected due to its central location and proximity to the growing number of vehicle assembly plants in the region. Employment is expected to be approximately 150 associates when fully operational. It is estimated that new projects could significantly increase the employment level to approximately 300 people over 5 years.

"Our new Opelika facility represents a major step forward for Benteler in North America, it not only expands our geographic reach, allowing us to be closer to our customers, but also will grow our capability and capacity as well," stated Walter Frankiewicz, President of Benteler Automotive North American Operations in making the announcement. "The support received from the City of Opelika, Opelika Industrial Development Authority, and the State of Alabama has been excellent, and the technical orientation and proximity to Auburn University will make it a great location to support the needs of our growing business," Frankiewicz added.

Benteler selected Opelika upon conducting an extensive analysis of twenty five cities in four southeastern states. Opelika is part of Alabama's fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the 19th fastest growing MSA in the nation. "Alabama's automotive sector continues to expand thanks to investments by global players such as Benteler Automotive," stated Todd Strange, Director of the Alabama Development Office. "Alabama is, without question, a leader in the automotive manufacturing sector -- in the southeast, in the nation, and around the world," said Governor Don Siegelman. "

Benteler brings to Alabama its reputation as a premiere supplier of automotive components and high quality jobs so hard working Alabamians can help their families obtain a better quality of life.""We are extremely pleased to have Benteler Automotive become Opelika's newest corporate citizen. Their investment decision is a testament to our commitment to recruit premier companies from around the world," said Mayor Barbara H. Patton, City of Opelika.Benteler Automotive supplies components, modules and systems to a global customer base. Its product lines include chassis systems, safety and structural products, exhaust systems, and tubular products.

(Dec 20, 2002)