DETROIT -- In light of today's difficult economy, SAE International has announced it will phase out its consulting service, the SAE Automotive Resources Institute (ARi) by the end of 2009. SAE said the phase-out will be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that all current projects are completed to the satisfaction of clients and customers. The ARi Registered Consultants will continue to provide consulting services to the industry outside of the current ARi framework.

To ensure complete satisfaction of customers and industry constituents, the founding leaders of ARi, Neil Schilke and Herb Everss, will manage the phase-out to its completion, targeted for the end of this year.

"It is our goal to satisfy all customers and members during this difficult process in these challenging times," said David Schutt, chief executive officer of SAE International.