ASC, Inc. and SO-CAL Speed Shop to Open Southern California Design Center

Industry first collaboration to offer automakers blend of original equipment and enthusiast specialty vehicle design and concept development

POMONA, Calif., June 2 -- ASC, Inc. today announced a partnership with SO-CAL Speed Shop to create a full-service design and advanced planning studio in Pomona, Calif. The studio will provide styling, design and complete concept vehicle builds for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

"Having ASC and SO-CAL team members under one roof creates a unique combination of true car enthusiasts who understand both the OEM and consumer specialty markets," said Mark Trostle, president of Creative Services for ASC. The studio, which also will serve as home base for ASC's West Coast consumer research and product ideation and planning efforts, is planned to be operational by June 1, 2003.

"Southern California is a pace setter for automotive performance, design and consumer trends," said Pete Chapouris, president of SO-CAL Enterprises, Inc. "This studio will offer OEMs the capability to translate these trends into low-volume, specialty vehicles that stir the hearts and emotions of car buyers throughout North America."

This new operation allows ASC to better support customers with offices in Southern California, including Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Mitsubishi, Honda and the Premier Automotive Group of Ford Motor Company.

ASC is a full service original equipment specialty vehicle development partner for automotive manufacturers. Its award-winning programs include vehicle development and sub-assembly of the Chevrolet Super Sport Roadster (SSR); convertible systems for the BMW Z4, Toyota Solara, and Mitsubishi Eclipse; and numerous appearance and body services for such products as the Dodge SRT-4, RT-10 Dodge Ram Truck, Pontiac Grand Am and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Founded in 1965, ASC is headquartered in Southgate, Mich. and employs more than 1,000 car nuts in 11 facilities throughout the U.S. and Germany. www.ascglobal.com

Founded in 1946 by Alex Xydias, the SO-CAL Speed Shop is a world-renowned restorer and builder of hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles, racecars and concept vehicles. SO-CAL is headquartered in a 27,000-square-foot complex in Pomona, Calif., employing 35 people. www.so-calspeedshop.com