INTERNATIONAL AUTO SALON-LOS ANGELES LAUNCHES SPORT COMPACT SEASON
Now On Its Way to Its Atlantic City Debut May 21-23, Salons Blend
Business with Consumer Attractions



DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 9, 2004) -- More than 200 manufacturers
launched the sport compact show season at the annual SEMA
International Auto Salon at the Los Angeles Convention Center last
weekend. Next stop on the SEMA show circuit is the East Coast IAS
version set for the weekend of Friday-Sunday, May 21-23, in the
Atlantic City Convention Center.

"The Eastern region holds great potential for this market—our
members believe a business-to-business event combined with a stellar
consumer show will continue to build this segment of the industry,"
said Christopher J. Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "Tapping into
the largest wave of vehicle enthusiasts in decades is a critical
priority for the industry. The SEMA International Auto Salon will
help businesses reach one another and a huge population of young
consumers."

Four major factors contributed to the three-day trade and enthusiast
event's success: the market's newest trends, such as drifting, high-
profile exhibitors, media participation, and the Salon's lifestyle
features such as the BFG Challenge and performances by DJs Kid Capri
and Skribble, making the Salon more than a car show with vehicles of
enviable styling and quality on display.

The nearly-400 vehicles at the Salon ranged from an unobtainable
ultimate-JDM Evo straight from Japan to the unaffordable Enzo
Ferrari to a Scion complete with mobile-DJ package to celebrity
vehicles in the "DUB zone." Cars of similar high-quality will be on
display at IAS-Atlantic City, including a JGTC (Japanese Grand
Touring Championship) vehicle.

Drifting was a main topic during the weekend in Los Angeles, with
professional drivers from Japan participating in media conferences
and signing autographs for their fans, and drifting technology on
exhibit in many of the show's booths. JDP (Japanese domestic parts)
and drag racing also commanded a great deal of attention.

The list of Los Angeles exhibitors was a who's who of the core
compact performance market -- including AEM, Mackin Industries and
TEIN -- all of them "booked" for the IAS-Atlantic City.

"It's these brands that drive the industry," said Peter
MacGillivray, vice president of marketing and communications for
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the Salon's
producer.

The IAS-Atlantic City schedule will mirror that of the L.A. show,
with industry activities on Friday and on Saturday morning, and the
doors opening wider at Saturday noon, May 22, to accommodate the
enthusiast crowd.

More information is available at www.SEMAias.com.