April 12, 2006, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) today announced that two of its members recently renewed their commitment to boating safety by increasing their annual membership support levels to the standards setting organization. Luhrs Corporation and Webasto Product North America, Inc. (WPNA) both increased their membership to a Silver Level.

Luhrs Corporation has been an ABYC member since 1990. Luhrs is a subsidiary of Luhrs Marine Group, a global manufacturer of high value fishing boats from 28 to 44 feet in Open, Hardtop and Convertible configurations. For more information on Luhrs, including the latest on Luhrs Tournament Teams, visit www.luhrs.com.

Webasto Product North America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Webasto Global Comfort Solutions. Both entities are subsidiaries of Webasto AG, which is one of the largest suppliers of open roof systems and thermosystems to the world's automotive industry. Webasto manufactures and distributes air conditioners, hatches, portlights and heaters (cut out calorifiers) for the marine market. For more information on Webasto, visit www.webasto-us.com.

"We commend both Luhrs and Webasto for upgrading their membership to the Silver Level as it is through the generous support of our members that we can continue to grow and enhance our membership offerings," said Sharon Busker, ABYC Membership Director. "Use of the ABYC standards and participation in the educational programs can serve as a strategic and tangible asset for an organization, and we thank these two companies for recognizing this by upgrading to Silver."

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.