GE Financial Assurance's Auto Warranty Services (AWS) on April 23 announced continued sales growth, with an 18 percent year-to-date increase over the same period in 2000 and up a whopping 33 percent over the most recent 12 months.

According to GE AWS, this surge is the result of its continued focus on the customer, quality and product competitiveness. "We are constantly looking at market opportunities and how we can provide improved benefits for consumers," said Ted Thompson, vice president of sales. "We are pleased the industry has responded positively to our customer-based approach and improved offerings."

Additionally, GE Financial Assurance announced that James Slavik has been appointed the new business leader for Auto Warranty Services. He succeeds Dan Munson, who was promoted to a senior vice president role with GE Financial Assurance's Partnership Marketing Group near Chicago.

Slavik brings an extensive finance, business development and operations leadership background to GE Auto Warranty Services. "Taking over a dynamic organization with a track record of success and customer focus is very exciting and challenging," Slavik said. "AWS is well-positioned in the service contract industry and we will work hard to keep our products and services among the most competitive in the nation."

About GE Auto Warranty Services

The GE Auto Warranty Services business is a provider of vehicle service contracts and related products.

GE Auto Warranty Services is a vertically integrated vehicle service contract company that develops, administers and underwrites its own programs. It offers a variety of coverage and deductible options.

GE's 5 Star Plan offers the most extensive coverage for virtually every component, system and part. The 4 Star Plan provides protection for major assemblies in the vehicle and the 3 Star Plan covers powertrain components such as the transmission, engine and drive axle.

GE Auto Warranty Services vehicle service contracts are administered by GE Capital Management Corporation. In Florida, they are issued and administered by GE Capital Administrative Services, Inc.

Auto Warranty Services is part of GE Financial Assurance, an integrated family of consumer-focused insurance and investment companies.

Headquartered in Richmond, Va., GE Financial Assurance operates in 17 countries and has $110 billion of assets under management.

For more information visit www.gefinancial.com.