Warren, MI. TI Group Automotive Systems Inc. joined a growing roster of auto-industry linked suppliers supporting the efforts of Oakland County's Automation Alley alliance.

TI Automotive recently opened a state-of-the-art global testing center in Auburn Hills, MI which includes the most advanced capabilities for on-vehicle testing of complete fuel storage and delivery systems. The center also performs critical evaporative emission testing using full vehicle SHEDs (Sealed Housing for Evaporative Determination) to develop next generation fuel systems to meet customer and government regulations, according to Joe Roznowski, director of the new Global Test Group.

The NVH (Noise, vibration, harshness) laboratory in the Auburn Hills facility includes two semi-anechoic chambers that are capable of accommodating full-size vans, and are equipped with the latest control and data acquisition systems. Similar capabilities at TI Automotive's Engineering Center in Rastatt, Germany, serve the company's customers in Europe.

"TI Automotive is proud to be part of such a strong coalition of similar companies dedicated to world-class automotive technology", notes Jim Davis, President of TI Automotive North America, which has it's headquarters in Warren, MI.

TI Group Automotive Systems is a tier one supplier specializing in fluid storage and delivery systems, including brake, fuel and air conditioning applications. Following the merger of TI Group with Smiths Industries in December, TI Automotive is currently a division of Smiths Group. Completion of the state of TI Automotive is expected in the first quarter of 2001. With sales of $2.1 billion (1999) and employing some 20.000 people at over 150 facilities in 29 countries, TI Automotive supplies over half the world's car production each year.

Further information can be obtained from:

TI Group Automotive Systems

- Attn:Chris Conciatu
- Tel. 810.755.8343
- Email.

AutoCom Associates

- Attn:Laura Oliveto
- Tel. 248.647.8621
- Email.