NIKKEI BUSINESS to Organize World's Most Extensive Auto Conference: Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003 in October

Tokyo -- June 26, 2003 -- NIKKEI BUSINESS, the flagship general business magazine of Nikkei Business Publications, has announced that it will organize Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003 on October 20th and 21st to feature an exceptional lineup of magnificent speakers and provide a unique opportunity gathering over 1,300 business people engaged in the auto industry around the globe. There is no other international automotive conference that features eminent speakers as extensively as this Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003.

Following its first conference held two years ago, this year's conference is committed to become the most extensive and worthwhile international conference focused on the auto industry. The event, embracing "New Technologies and Markets in the Auto Industry" in its integral theme, will be held just prior to the Tokyo Motor Show in hopes of drawing as many participants from diversified countries and contribute to the development of the world's auto industry.

Noteworthy about the conference this year is the lineup of magnificent speakers for both the focus sessions (Oct. 20th) and keynote sessions (Oct. 21st), exceeding by far the scale of the previous conference. In addition to the participation of Presidents and CEOs from Toyota Motor, Honda Motor and Nissan Motor, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen AG; Professor Jurgen Hubbert, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG; and Mr. Jean-Martin Folz, President du Directoire, PSA Peugeot Citroen will partake as keynote speakers to represent European automakers. Mr. Richard Wagoner, Chairman and CEO, General Motors; and Mr. Nick Scheele, President and COO, Ford Motor Company will participate as U.S. representatives. Hailed from Korea and China are Mr. Dong-Jin Kim, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor and Mr. Miao Wei, Chairman and CEO, Dongfeng Motor.

As both the lineup of keynote speakers and the menus demonstrate, the conference will be the world's most extensive and in-depth automotive conference. The first conference held two years ago was recognized as the world's unparalleled event. By capitalizing on the expertise, the conference will be enhanced both by scale and grade. It is certain that this conference will be an opportunity that one definitely cannot afford to miss. Dow Jones & Company -- the leading U.S. media and publisher of The Wall Street Journal -- will participate to extend their special cooperation. Ms. Karen Elliott House, Publisher of The Wall Street Journal; Mr. John White, Wall Street Journal Bureau Chief, Detroit; Mr. Norihiko Shirouzu, Wall Street Journal Correspondent, Detroit (Japan Expert); and Mr. Paul Ingrassia, President, Dow Jones Newswires are to moderate the conference together with the world's prominent auto analyst -- Ms. Maryann Keller. In-depth discussions are planned to delve into the questions of: How automobile design and manufacturing technologies are to change; how component procurement will change when automobile production takes a full swing in China -- a country anticipated to become the world's largest automobile market; and marketing methodologies for boosting branding power.

Another highlight of Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003 is the commendation of "Athena Award," established this year to honor one notable management executive who has contributed to both the development of the auto industry as well as a solid society. The award's name, "Athena," was taken from the Greek mythology goddess of wisdom, craft and war. The First Athena Award (Award of Excellence in Automotive Leadership) is to honor General Motors Chairman and CEO Richard Wagoner. A commendation ceremony and the award winner's speech will be delivered at the keynote reception, all scheduled on October 20th. The event will be an exceptional auto summit, outstanding both in terms of quality and quantity. The conference is sure to provide markedly valuable opportunities to discover the strategies of the world's top-tier automakers.

Although auto conferences are organized at times when motor shows are held in Europe and the U.S., there is no other international conference that features such big wheels en masse as Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003. The event will be an exceptional auto summit, outstanding both in terms of quality and quantity. The conference is sure to provide markedly valuable opportunities to discover the strategies of the world's top-tier automakers.

Herewith is the capsule of the conference:

HName: Tokyo International Automotive Conference 2003
HVenue: International Convention Center Pamir and Hiten Main
HBanquet Hall, New Takanawa Prince Hotel(Takanawa, Minato-ku,
HTokyo)
HDates: October 20 (Mon) and 21 (Tue), 2003
HSpeakers: Automakers' top executives and managers in charge of technology, marketing and intern ional businesses from Japan, the HU.S., Europe, Korea and China
HOrganizer: Nikkei Business (Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.)
HSpecial Sponsorship: Japan Automobile Manufacturers
HAssociation, Inc.
HSpecial Support: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of HJapan
HSpecial Cooperation: The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones &
HCompany
HCooperation: Nihon Keizai Shimbun
HSponsorship: Approximately 20 automakers from Japan, the U.S.,
HEurope and Korea (Planned)

How to apply for participation to the conference:
-- Advanced registration
-- Registration fees
HPremium seats: 120,000 yen (10,000 yen discount for Nikkei Business subscribers)
HStandard seats: 100,000 yen (10,000 yen discount for Nikkei Business subscribers)
H*All seats come with tables.
H**Premium seat-attendees will receive complimentary DVDs featuring conference highlights.

Detailed information including conference programs are obtainable at: http://nb.nikkeibp.co.jp/auto/eng

For details, please contact:
Press Members
Tokyo International Automotive Conference Press Office (Located within IBI)
Tel: +81-3-3230-1835
Fax: +81-3-5213-8169
E-mail: tiac-pr@ibitokyo.com

General Inquiries
Tokyo International Automotive Conference Registration Office
http://nb.nikkeibp.co.jp/auto/eng
E-mail: 2003tiac@intergroup.co.jp