ADESA Impact Launches Western Operations, Total Loss Recovery Center In Northern California

Business Wire, May 1, 2003

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2003

On the heels of announcing its seventh shared auction facility in Manville, N.J. last week, ADESA Impact has opened its 29th North American total loss auction facility in the heart of the Bay Area in Fremont. ADESA Impact is a subsidiary of Indianapolis, Ind.-based ADESA Corp., an ALLETE company (NYSE:ALE).

"This is an ideal site for insurance total loss customers, strategically located in the heart of the Bay Area, and capable of providing service throughout the region," said Warren Byrd, president of ADESA Impact. "With the addition of a California location, ADESA Impact now has a strong total loss recovery presence from coast to coast."

Located less than two miles from Interstate 880 in the former ADESA Golden Gate auto auction facility on Stevenson Blvd., in Fremont, CA, the ADESA Impact facility rests on 62 acres and will feature indoor auction lanes, a 50,000 square-foot reconditioning facility, a vehicle evaluation center, and Internet sales. The western region's management team will be led by regional vice president, Kevin F. Fleming.

"Kevin's appointment signifies our commitment to hiring experienced, well-known executives on the West coast," Byrd said. "Kevin's experience in the total loss recovery auction business as well as his overall sales background will serve ADESA Impact tremendously as we continue in our growth strategy."

ADESA Impact U.S. and Canada processed over 200,000 vehicles in 2002 and is a part of ALLETE Automotive Services (NYSE:ALE), which includes ADESA Corp., a network of 53 wholesale auctions and six heavy-duty commercial vehicle auctions strategically located across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Automotive Finance Corp., the country's largest independent dealer finance company, PAR North America, remarketing services, and ComSearch, a leading national claims audit and recycled parts locating company. In addition, ALLETE Automotive Services operates Micro 21 dealer software and AutoVIN inspection services. For further information on ADESA Corp., call 1-800-923-3725 or go to www.adesa.com.

The statements contained in this release and statements that ADESA may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks in documents filed by ALLETE, ADESA Corporation's parent company, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.