Press Release Depot

• 20Aug

  Rockford Fosgate Initiates First Annual ‘Conquer the Rock-for-Fosgate’ Contest

  Arizona, Auto, Utah No Comments

  TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Rockford Corporation
  (Nasdaq: ROFO) today announced they selected winners for their “Conquer the
  Rock-for-Fosgate” contest sponsored at the 2008 goneMOAB event in Moab, UT the
  week of May 18th, 2008. The goneMOAB event is the premier gathering of Nissan
  truck and SUV enthusiasts featuring off-road trails for everyone, from the
  first time 4×4 adventurers to the most skillful of rock-crawling and extreme
  trail experts.

  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080820/LAW010)

  The “Conquer the Rock-for-Fosgate” contest encouraged Nissan enthusiasts
  in attendance to submit a photo of their Nissan vehicle in an impressive
  off-road setting. With Moab’s steep inclines, massive boulders and rugged
  trails abound, the ingredients for award-winning photos weren’t tough to come
  by. The top three photos were selected and prizes are being awarded, including
  a complete Rockford Fosgate audio system for Tyler Hagan, the first place
  winner. Every contestant who entered will receive a shirt and banner for
  participating. The winning photos will be found at
  http://www.rockfordfosgate.com within the days to come.

  Rockford Fosgate’s high performance audio systems are available in
  numerous Nissan vehicles including the Xterra and Frontier, which were found
  traversing the challenging terrain Moab is famous for during the event. For
  2009, these models are offering Rockford Fosgate premium audio systems that
  feature a cutting-edge new DSP amplifier for better than ever sonic
  performance. The premium audio systems produce detailed and accurate sound,
  along with the legendary deep and powerful bass customers call the PUNCH(R)
  – that feeling of power at impact. The Rockford Fosgate audio systems, sure
  to impress any music lover who demands the best, are available later this year
  when the 2009 Xterra and Frontier begin arriving at dealerships.

  “As Nissan’s high-performance audio partner, we enjoy every opportunity to
  support the enthusiasts who are passionate about Nissan off-roading,” says Dan
  Vandenbergh, Rockford Fosgate OEM Managing Director, “This year’s goneMOAB was
  a fun and memorable event for everyone involved, we are already looking
  forward to participating again next year.”

  Congratulations to Tyler Hagan, Chris Patrick and Jonathan Williams, our
  winners for the 2008 Conquer the Rock-for-Fosgate photo contest.

  About Rockford Corporation (http://www.rockfordcorp.com)

  Rockford is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance
  audio systems for the mobile audio aftermarket and for the OEM market.
  Rockford’s mobile audio products are marketed primarily under the Rockford
  Fosgate, Rockford Acoustic Design and Lightning Audio brand names.

  Brand websites include: http://www.rockfordfosgate.com,
  http://www.rockfordacousticdesign.com, http://www.lightningaudio.com and
  http://www.installedge.com.

  SOURCE Rockford Corporation

• 19Aug

  HUGHES Telematics and Intrado Partner to Set New Safety Benchmark Behind the Wheel

  Auto, Georgia No Comments

  ATLANTA, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — HUGHES Telematics, a leader in developing
  the next generation of telematics solutions and services, announced today its
  exclusive partnership with Intrado Inc., of Longmont, Colorado. Intrado
  provides the core of North America’s 9-1-1 infrastructure and has been
  instrumental in the evolution of the nation’s emergency communications network
  for the past thirty years.

  (logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070105/CLF018LOGO )

  The Intrado(R) Emergency Call Relay Center (ECRC), a hardened and secure
  call center facility staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by emergency
  dispatch-trained professionals, will be the main link in this exclusive
  relationship: all HUGHES Telematics-equipped vehicles will call the ECRC when
  the airbag deploys with Automatic Crash Notification (ACN), or when a
  passenger provides notification of an emergency situation. ECRC personnel will
  then immediately route the call to the closest Public Safety Answering Point
  (PSAP) directly through the dedicated 9-1-1 network, eliminating delays in
  potentially life threatening situations.

  HUGHES Telematics-equipped vehicles will provide PSAP personnel with
  immediate access to critical information. For example, a jurisdiction may
  routinely send a single officer to an accident scene, but with HUGHES
  Telematics data indicating the vehicle experienced a rollover, appropriate
  rescue personnel can also be quickly dispatched.

  “We believe Intrado’s extensive involvement with the nation’s 9-1-1 system
  and unparalleled caliber of trained resources will help us save lives and take
  appropriate and necessary action when our customers need it most,” said Erik
  Goldman, president of HUGHES Telematics. “Our exclusive partnership with
  Intrado sets the new benchmark for safety and security behind the wheel, and
  we believe drivers will experience the highest quality and accuracy of
  emergency response.”

  Intrado’s operators possess extensive 9-1-1 dispatch experience.
  Additionally, the company has the industry’s largest dedicated staff of 9-1-1
  data integrity analysts who maintain the accuracy of Intrado’s PSAP database.
  This powerful database, coupled with HUGHES Telematics’ technology,
  facilitates a swift, accurate and appropriate response to drivers in emergency
  situations.

  “The partnership between Intrado and HUGHES Telematics demonstrates the
  power of an advanced 9-1-1 network,” said George Heinrichs, president of
  Intrado. “By providing new types of life-saving information directly to
  nation’s emergency responders we can better assist them on their life-saving
  mission.”

  Although safety and security services like Automatic Crash Notification
  are the cornerstone of the telematics industry, HUGHES Telematics plans to
  offer an array of features beyond these services, making driving not only
  safer, but more convenient and fun.

  About HUGHES Telematics

  HUGHES Telematics (www.HUGHEStelematics.com) is a leader in developing the
  next generation of telematics solutions. The company designs, engineers and
  manages vehicle- and driver-centric solutions to increase vehicle value,
  ownership experience, convenience, efficiency and safety and security.
  Headquartered in Atlanta, HUGHES Telematics offers a portfolio of proprietary
  consumer, manufacturer, fleet and dealer services designed to set industry
  standards for intelligent vehicle interaction and information exchange.

  About Intrado

  For over a quarter of a century, Intrado has pioneered improvements to the
  9-1-1 network, helping enhance the quality of emergency response in the United
  States. Intrado helps telecommunications service providers and public safety
  agencies save lives by transforming emergency communications.

  SOURCE HUGHES Telematics

• 19Aug

  ArvinMeritor Recognized for Its Supplier Diversity Program With the 2008 ‘Corporate ONE’ Award

  Auto, Michigan No Comments

  TROY, Mich., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — ArvinMeritor, Inc.
  (NYSE: ARM) announced today it received the 2008 ‘Corporate ONE’ Award from
  the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) for its supplier
  diversity program which drives procurement opportunities with minority
  business owners. This is the second consecutive year ArvinMeritor has received
  this award.

  “When it comes to supplier diversity, ArvinMeritor has set aggressive
  targets for on-going investments with minority suppliers. While we’re making
  good progress we still have room for improvement,” said Vernon Baker, senior
  vice president and general counsel, who oversees ArvinMeritor’s supplier
  diversity program. “To reach our goals we have made a commitment toward
  creating a pipeline of opportunity for our minority supply base.”

  During 2007, ArvinMeritor spent $95.3 million with minority suppliers,
  including new contracts totaling $34 million in which minority suppliers
  provided office supplies, professional staffing, logistics and auditing
  services, as well as Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) management and
  products.

  Criteria for the ‘Corporate ONE’ award includes having an established
  minority/diversity supplier development program, reporting minority purchases
  on a quarterly basis and membership to the MMBDC’s Project ONE, which is an
  initiative to aid minority businesses in becoming competitive bidders for
  corporate contracts. Other corporations that are active members of Project ONE
  include Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and Bank of
  America Corporation, among others.

  About ArvinMeritor

  ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of
  integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The
  company serves commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment
  manufacturers and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers.
  Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 18,000 people
  in 24 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock
  Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the
  company’s Web site at: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/ .

  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010524/ARVINLOGO )

  SOURCE ArvinMeritor, Inc.

• 19Aug

  Gooding & Company Posts Record-Breaking Results of $64.2 Million at 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Auctions

  Auto, California No Comments

  PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Gooding & Company, the
  official auction house of the 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance(R),
  captured total sales of $64.2 million including several of the world’s rarest
  and most spectacular automobiles during its two-night auction on August 16 and
  17. An international crowd of collectors and spectators were captivated as
  140 lots crossed the auction block including top private collections, vintage
  racing cars and individual automotive objets d’art such the 1937 Bugatti Type
  57SC Atalante Coupe, which sold for a stunning $7.92 million — setting a
  record for the highest price ever paid for an automobile at a North American
  auction.

  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/LATU522)

  “Our auctions at Pebble Beach this year represent the finest grouping of
  cars we have ever had the honor to offer, and the strong sales results reflect
  that exceptional quality,” said David Gooding, president and founder of
  Gooding & Company. “We’re proud to have set the North American auction record
  with the $7.92 million sale of the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe, and
  to have reached noteworthy milestones in a host of other categories as well.”

  The Gooding & Company auction on Saturday and Sunday included 20 cars that
  sold for more than $1 million — 5 of which sold over the $2 million mark.(1)

  Above the $2 million mark, in addition to the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC
  Atalante Coupe which sold at $7.92 million, highlights include the legendary
  1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB “California” Spider which sold at $3.63 million, the
  famed 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Mille Miglia “Sleeping Beauty” at $2.585
  million, and a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Berlinetta Le Mans that fetched $2.2
  million.

  Gooding & Company also auctioned chassis 001 of the 2009 Bugatti Veyron
  16.4 Grand Sport benefiting the Pebble Beach Company Foundation which
  delivered an impressive $3.19 million.

  The world’s finest collection of Bugattis ever to come to auction, the Dr.
  Peter and Susan Williamson Collection, comprised of twelve significant
  collectibles, sold for more than $15.5 million with a portion of the proceeds
  donated to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Dartmouth Medical
  School. In addition to the record-setting sale of the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC
  Atalante Coupe, the 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster sold for $1.76 million and
  the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix sold for $1,457,500.

  Other noteworthy cars that beat the one million mark over the weekend
  included: 1931 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre “Blower” ($1.76 million); 1962 Chevrolet
  “Gulf Oil” Corvette ($1.485 million); 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ($1.43 million);
  1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Long Nose ($1.375 million); 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
  GS Spider ($1.32 million); 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS ($1.265 million); 1936
  Mercedes-Benz 500k Cabriolet B ($1.045 million); and 1907 Thomas Flyer
  Model-36 60 HP Touring “Blondie” ($1.028 million). The 1914 Stutz Series E
  Bearcat, one of six known to exist, scored a record at $1.375 million.

  The Carl J. Schmitt Collection of eleven Brass Era automobiles sold for
  nearly $2.2 million including the 1901 Packard Model C Dos-a-Dos Runabout,
  which set a record for its type at $214,500. Another highlight of the evening
  was the sale of Oprah Winfrey’s Charity Car Collection, which sold for
  $716,000 including her 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing with proceeds to
  benefit the annual Arts and Culture Workshop at The Oprah Winfrey Leadership
  Academy for Girls - South Africa.

  About Gooding & Company

  Gooding & Company provides unparalleled service for those in the collector
  car market, offering a wide range of services, including private and estate
  sales, appraisals and collection management. As the official Pebble Beach
  Auction House for the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the company
  sold more than $61.3 million worth of collector automobiles in August 2007.
  Gooding & Company will be conducting its annual Scottsdale Auction on January
  17, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, please contact (310)
  899-1960 or visit http://www.goodingco.com.

  Gooding & Company also lends its auction expertise for the live
  intellectual property auctions of Ocean Tomo, a fully integrated intellectual
  capital merchant bank specializing in understanding and leveraging
  intellectual-property assets. The most recent Summer 2008 live intellectual
  property auction in Amsterdam produced record-breaking $12.6 million results
  from the sale of patents, management lots and digital media systems.

  (1) The prices are in US Dollars, include the buyer’s premium and are

  rounded to the nearest dollar. Gooding & Company is not responsible

  for typographical errors or omissions.

  SOURCE Gooding & Company

• 19Aug

  2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Announced at Prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

  Auto, California, Tennessee No Comments

  NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The all-new 2009
  Infiniti G37 Convertible, the first-ever open-top iteration of the highly
  popular Infiniti G, is not quite ready for its world debut. That honor is
  scheduled for the Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November. That didn’t
  stop Nissan Senior Vice President and Design Director Shiro Nakamura from
  providing a preview photo of the new G Convertible on Saturday, August 16 in
  conjunction with Infiniti activities at the 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours
  d’Elegance.

  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/CLTU086 )

  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/INFINITIBADGELOGO )

  Based on the current G37 Coupe, the G37 Convertible promises stunningly
  seductive styling and G-worthy dynamic performance. The new G37 Convertible
  will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, to retain a coupe-
  like roofline, and available unique interior treatments. “Our biggest
  challenge in designing the new G Convertible was keeping the beauty of the G37
  Coupe on which it is based,” said Nakamura. “I believe we have succeeded.”

  Infiniti also displayed three new 2009 Infiniti models on the lawn near
  the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course’s 18th green:

  — The Infiniti G37 Sedan, featuring a new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6
  engine

  — The Infiniti G37x Coupe, a new all-wheel drive addition to the Infiniti
  G Coupe lineup

  — The Infiniti M35, with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 303
  horsepower and a new 7-speed automatic transmission

  In addition, Infiniti sponsored a special design exhibit in coordination
  with Hearst Magazines, “The Infiniti House of Inspiration.”

  Open throughout the week of the Concours d’Elegance, the exhibit showcased
  important designs from a variety of disciplines that share a similar
  philosophy with Infiniti. Among the select companies and exhibitors from the
  worlds of architecture, interior design and fashion were Fambuena, Paola
  Lenti, Carlos Miele, George Nakashima, Louis Poulsen, Duncan Quinn, Riga,
  Ligne Roset, Stua and Tsunami Glassworks. The boldly designed 2009 Infiniti
  FX crossover SUV was one of the centerpieces of “The Infiniti House of
  Inspiration.”

  Infiniti was also the sponsor of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
  Media Center.

  About the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan and G37 Sport Coupe

  The Infiniti G premium high-performance sport sedan receives a significant
  upgrade under the skin in 2009 with the addition of a new VQ37VHR “VVEL”
  3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 horsepower. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic
  transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Now designated as
  the Infiniti G37 Sedan, other major changes include new available sport
  brakes, a new sport 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint
  (self-healing clearcoat finish). The 2009 G37 Sedan is available in four
  models - G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. It goes on sale in
  September 2008.

  For 2009, the G37 Coupe’s performance envelope expands with the addition
  of a new G37x AWD model with advanced ATESSA E-TS(TM) all-wheel drive system.
  Also new is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and
  Downshift Rev Matching (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual
  transmission). The 2009 G37 Coupe is available in four models - G37, G37
  Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD - each with standard 330-horsepower
  3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology. It goes on sale in September
  2008.

  About Infiniti

  Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including
  the G sports coupe and sedan, the M luxury performance sedan, FX premium
  crossover SUV, QX full-size luxury SUV, and the EX personal luxury crossover.
  More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience(R) can be
  found at Infiniti.com .

  SOURCE Infiniti

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