A NEW MODEL ROLLS OFF THE LINE . . . CARS' VERSION 4.1 IS HERE

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., February 27, 1995 -- If you like CARS, you're going to
love the newest model. Version 4.1 of the American Iron and Steel
Institute's Computerized Application and Reference System (AISI/CARS) will
save more time and effort on the part of its users than ever before. User
requests have been integrated into Version 4.1 to create a faster, more
comprehensive software program, one specifically designed to meet the
needs of its users.

CARS is a computerized version of the Auto/Steel Partnership's (A/SP)
Automotive Steel Design Manual. AISI/CARS evolved from the Manual as a
tool for strengthening the relationship between customers and suppliers.
Version 4.1 encompasses all updated information of Update 4 of the Manual,
plus some enhancements to other sections.

CARS is a paperless reference manual consisting of the Reference and
Application Modes. The Reference Mode accesses more than 500 pages of
steel material properties and design guidelines. The Application Mode
consists of numerical and graphics solutions for structural evaluation and
component performance. Three other modules are also used in CARS. The
Geometric Analysis of Sections (GAS) module calculates geometric section
properties for arbitrary thin-walled sections. The Material Archives
Program (MAP) enables the user easy access to 150 commonly used automotive
steels. Key to Automotive Design (KEY) is an expert system that poses
interactive questions to the user to assist in identifying proper design
procedures.

Improvements

The Reference Mode "Keyword Index" has been greatly improved in 4.1.
Previously, users searched each section individually to find the requested
keyword. This time-consuming exercise has been eliminated in the new
version, which now allows for a comprehensive keyword search of all 20
sections simultaneously.

Prior to the upgrade, users were unable to determine which equations were
applicable to only specific materials (steel, aluminum, plastics). Version
4.1 provides a message alerting users to steel-specific equations and
flowcharts, eliminating the possibility for using incorrect equations on
other materials.

Also improved in Version 4.1 are the section modulus calculations.
Previously, the program assumed that the thickness of a given material
could be ignored, in terms of identifying section properties. This
sometimes resulted in inaccurate calculations of up to four percent. The
latest version accounts for section thickness, lowering the error to less
than one percent.

Other improvements in Version 4.1 include:

* A new option in GAS to delete a database of previously saved
  cross sections.
* A new function key to change the axes scale of the "Trend Analysis"
  XY plots in GAS and the Application Mode.
* A new option in MAP to display monotonic and crack initiation
  fatigue properties for various sheet steel products.
* Warning messages added to GAS to identify lines that intersect
  or cross each other.
* GAS section properties can be saved and specified as default section
  property input for a DE/CAASE solution module.
* The addition of a status message in manual mode of a flowchart
  analysis to indicate when to hit the return key to continue with
  the flowchart analysis.
* The use of the Escape key now permits switching from automatic to
  manual flowchart analysis. It can also be used to stop the analysis
  and return to the main menu.

Other minor corrections and revisions to flowcharts have also been added to
CARS in response to user requests.

The 1996 models of CARS will be arriving soon as well. This version
features many new accessories, including Microsoft Windows interface,
enhanced printing properties and DXF data input, which allows users to
transfer information from AUTOCAD software directly into the CARS
program.

CARS is a product of the Auto/Steel Partnership, a consortium of 12 North
American steel companies and Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. For
information on CARS availability and CARS tutorials (also known as
"Driving Schools"), or to receive a test drive version of CARS, telephone
the CARS User's hotline, 1-800-888-8680.

The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) is a unique international association
that includes the largest North American automotive companies and major
sheet steel producers. The A/SP, formed in 1987, leverages the resources
of the automotive, steel and related industries to pursue research,
validation and education common and critical to these industries. These
A/SP activities assure continued leadership in the design and manufacture
of automotive bodies utilizing sheet steel.

Auto/Steel Partnership
2000 Town Center, Suite 1900
Southfield, MI 48075-1137
810-351-2661,  fax 810-351-2691

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