R. L. Polk & Co. Signs on as Sponsor For Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium through 2008

Research Triangle Park, N.C. – R. L. Polk & Co. has agreed to extend its corporate sponsorship of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) – the premier industry conference for senior-level aftermarket executives – for the next three years. The 2006 event is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 17-18, at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich.

“We are pleased to have Polk’s support for GAAS,” said Mort Schwartz, GAAS chairman. “Our two-day symposium has a greater purpose. All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. Last year, we marked a significant milestone when the Symposium surpassed $1 million in scholarship funds awarded to more than 1,000 students,” he noted.

Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.

“All of us at Polk are proud to continue our sponsorship of GAAS and be a part of helping develop the next generation of leadership in the aftermarket industry,” said Mike Gingell, Vice President Strategic Markets, R. L. Polk & Co.

Polk will also present its Aftermarket Inventory Efficiency Award during the 2006 event. Designed to recognize and reward outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency, the award was initiated at the 2005 GAAS.

Speakers and registration details will be available soon at www.globalsymposium.org. GAAS is a must-attend event for anyone conducting business with the automotive aftermarket including: advertising, communications, marketing and PR professionals, attorneys, business developers, consultants, electronic commerce providers, export management companies, financial analysts, investment bankers, market researchers, product developers, research and development specialists, and venture capitalists.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA)and University of the Aftermarket.