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GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition Blends Truck Capability With Styling

12 April 1999

Unique GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition Blends Truck Capability With Expressive Styling

    SOUTHGATE, Mich., April 12 -- In celebration of its thirtieth
anniversary this year, the GMC Jimmy has gone through some changes.  With the
help of ASC Incorporated's expertise in second stage production, the Model
Year 2000 Diamond Edition builds upon Jimmy's tradition of true truck
capability and comfort.
    The Diamond Edition is a four-door compact sport utility vehicle with
traditional drop gate or liftgate/liftglass rear compartment access, two- and
four-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction.  Two standard features of the
Diamond Edition are its grille guard and tubular side step rails.  These
accessories, while common to the industry, are rarely offered as original
equipment.
    "In addition to the grille guard and side steps, what makes the Diamond
Edition unique compared to other SUVs, is its distinctive truck styling," said
Gary J. Forgue, chief engineer at ASC.  The interior style features diamond-
quilted, perforated leather seats.  The diamond quilting provides additional
support and breathability for lasting comfort on long trips.  Forgue also said
that the Diamond Edition's trailer towing package sets it apart from other
vehicles.  This package includes a hitch platform, seven-prong connector,
hitch tube and ball.
    ASC manages GM's second stage production program for construction of the
Diamond Edition.  This program, which takes place at ASC's Moraine, Ohio,
assembly plant, allows the company to better penetrate the market with
limited-run special edition vehicles.  In addition, this leverages location
and capabilities in order to give GMC the opportunity to produce other
specialty vehicles.
    The ten-month timetable for production start-up of the Diamond edition is
similar to that of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is also produced at the
Moraine plant.
    The new components that are assembled or managed by ASC at Moraine
include:  the side step rail assembly, grille guard assembly with integral fog
lamps, electrical "jumper" harnesses for the fog lights, a seven prong trailer
connector and special body-side appliques with an inset "Diamond Edition"
emblem.
    ASC is a global specialty vehicle and products manufacturer with four
operating activities:  Creative Services provides automotive design,
engineering and prototype services; Specialty Vehicles supplies the automotive
industry manufacturing expertise, development and production of specialty
vehicles; Engineered Systems manufacturers and distributes open-air systems
(sunroofs and convertible tops) and composites (removable hardtops and molded
products) for OEM and aftermarket applications; and Aftermarket Products
engineers and develops vehicle accessories for the aftermarket.
    Headquartered in Southgate, ASC maintains operations throughout the U.S.
and Canada, and in Germany and Korea.