Court Approves American Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Chapter 11 Plan

BREA, CA – March 2, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (the “Company”) today announced that the Honorable Scott C. Clarkson of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana approved the confirmation of the Company’s Chapter 11 Plan, which creditors overwhelmingly accepted. Confirmation of the Plan clears the way for the Company to complete its restructuring process, which is expected to occur on March 31, 2013.

As previously announced, the Plan approved the Company’s sale of its Motorcycles/ATV and Marine divisions and Automotive parts and service operation to a newly organized, wholly-owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation. The subsidiary will operate in the continental U.S. as Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. and will use the Suzuki products brand name

“Today’s confirmation is a significant milestone and is one of the last remaining steps in our realignment and restructuring process,” said M. Freddie Reiss, the Company’s Chief Restructuring Officer. “During the next few weeks, we will take final steps to implement the Plan, which will allow the Company to sell its Motorcycles/ATV, Marine, Automotive parts and service divisions. This will promote the long-term growth of the Motorcycles/ATV and Marine divisions, as well as providing automotive parts and service through the dealer network.”

A copy of the Plan is available at www.omnimgt.com. Additional information regarding Company’s business realignment can be found at the following website, www.suzuki.com, or via an information hotline at 1-877-465-4819.

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American Suzuki Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval of Agreement with Ally Financial Inc. and Certain Affiliates (“Ally”) to Enable Continuation of Automotive Financing Programs

Ally and certain affiliates to continue zero percent consumer financing and dealer floorplan financing for automotive products

Financing programs for motorcycles, ATV and marine products to continue with GE Capital’s Retail Finance and Commercial Distribution Finance businesses and Sheffield Financial

BREA, CA – November 16, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (“ASMC” or “the Company”), today announced that it has received Bankruptcy Court approval of its agreement with Ally Financial Inc. and certain of its affiliates (“Ally”), including American Suzuki Financial Services Company, to assume certain agreements with Ally that support Ally’s provision of automotive dealer floorplan financing and retail financing programs, including zero percent for qualified buyers of Suzuki automobiles. The agreement will help ensure that ASMC’s automotive dealers and consumers have continued access to wholesale and retail financing for Suzuki automobiles.

As previously announced, all automobile warranties will continue to be fully honored, in accordance with their terms, and parts and service will continue to be provided to consumers through ASMC’s continued service and parts dealer network.

Also, on November 7, 2012, ASMC obtained authority to continue its financing relationships with GE Capital’s Retail Finance and Commercial Distribution Finance businesses, which provide motorcycle and ATV consumer financing programs, as well as motorcycle, ATV and marine dealer inventory financing, respectively. By Court approval of these motions, dealers and consumers of Suzuki products will continue to have access to wholesale and retail financing in the same manner as before the Company’s November 5, 2012, chapter 11 filing. The Court also approved the continuation of existing agreements with Sheffield Financial for consumer financing for motorcycle and ATV products.

ASMC has begun working within its current U.S. Automotive dealer network to help structure a smooth transition from new automobile sales to exclusively parts and service operations. ASMC intends to market and sell its remaining U.S. automobile inventory through its automotive dealer network, many of whom have expressed interest in continuing to order and receive shipments of Suzuki automobiles as long as they remain available. Through and after the restructuring, all warranties will be fully honored and automobile parts and services will be provided to consumers through the dealer network.

ASMC announced on November 5, 2012, that it plans to realign its business to focus on the long-term growth of its Motorcycles/ATV and Marine divisions and to wind down and discontinue new automobile sales in the continental U.S., following a thorough review of its current position and future opportunities in the U.S. automotive market. ASMC determined that the best path to achieve this realignment in an efficient and orderly manner was to restructure its operations under chapter 11. The case was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California in Santa Ana.

Additional information regarding ASMC’s business realignment can be found at the Company’s website, www.suzuki.com or via an information hotline at 1-877-465-4819.

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Maxxis Sponsorship Application Period Now Open!

SUWANEE, GA – September 11, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Maxxis’ 2013 sponsorship application period is now open. Through November 1, riders, teams and event organizers in ATV, bicycle and off-road motorcycle racing can apply for sponsorship in 2013.

Maxxis welcomes applications from participants at all levels, from amateur to pro. To apply, simply visit the appropriate link below and click the “Get Sponsored” tab. Download, print and complete the form, attach a race resume or event proposal, and mail both documents to the specified address, postmarked no later than November 1. All applicants will be notified of sponsorship status via email by December 1, 2012.

• ATV: http://www.maxxis.com/MotorcycleATV/ATV-Racing-and-Sponsorship.aspx
• Bicycle: http://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Bicycle-Racing-and-Sponsorship.aspx
• Off-Road Motorcycle: http://www.maxxis.com/MotorcycleATV/Motorcycle-Racing-and-Sponsorship.aspx

Maxxis looks forward to another great year of competition, with racing’s best riders paired with the finest tires on the market. Be sure to visit Maxxis.com and submit your application ASAP. Good luck!

About Maxxis International
For over 43 years, Maxxis International has delivered high-quality tires to both original equipment and aftermarket customers. Maxxis offers products for automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden and industrial use. The company has operations in Asia, Europe and North America, and its products are distributed in approximately 170 countries. For more information, please visit maxxis.com.

 

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Maxxis Starts Tire Tuesday Giveaway for September

SUWANEE, GA – September 10, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – For the second straight month, Maxxis will award a set of tires to the lucky winner of its Tire Tuesday Giveaway. September’s winner will receive a set (one front and one rear) of Maxxcross IT or Maxxcross SI motorcycle tires. Maxxis fans can enter this month’s contest from September 4 through September 25.  Entry is free, and the winner will be chosen at random.

To enter, a user simply has to like the Maxxis Facebook page (www.facebook.com/maxxis) and then enter the Tire Tuesday Giveaway at https://www.facebook.com/maxxis/app_459859024046102. Fans can enter using a mobile device by using this link: http://bit.ly/NhwizF. (Some exclusions apply, and prizes are subject to availability. Check the link above for a complete list of rules.)

The monthly contest began in August. Prizes rotate among Maxxis’ high-quality motorcycle, automotive, ATV and bicycle tires, and fans can enter a new contest each month. Maxxis will announce additional promotions and giveaways in coming weeks on the Maxxis Tires Facebook page.

Good luck!

About Maxxis International

For over 45 years, Maxxis International has delivered high-quality tires to both original equipment and aftermarket customers. Maxxis offers products for automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden and industrial use. The company has operations in Asia, Europe and North America, and its products are distributed in approximately 170 countries. For more information, please visit maxxis.com.

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“High Gear” Chosen as Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women

- Women Builders Perform Modifications this Summer;
Final Vehicle Debuts at 2012 SEMA Show Then Auctioned on eBay -

DIAMOND BAR, CA – June 5, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  Thousands of fans voted for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), invited the public to view three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a group of female volunteers.

The winning concept known as “High Gear” was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Co. Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, the concept is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power. Highlights include Rosegold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior, satin black body, plush quilted suede seats and a leather wrapped interior. Modifications will also be made to the engine, undercarriage, drive train and sound system.

“We appreciate our readers and fans helping us determine which concept will be used for this very exciting project,” said Doug Evans, Executive VP of Source Interlink Media (SIM). SIM, a partner in the project, hosted the voting on several of its websites and will also host the physical build at its El Segundo, California, headquarters.

“The concept selected by everyone who voted is amazing,” continued Evans. “It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by the dedicated group of women participating in the project. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SBN, Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal.”

As title sponsor of the project, Ford Motor Co. donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT for the project. Female members of the SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

The SBN Vehicle Build Task Force is comprised of Task Force Chair Rose Kawasaki (Exports International), Project Vehicle Coordinator Sherry Kollien (Ford Motor Company), Assembly Coordinator Kellie Colf (eTool Developers), PR/Media Coordinator Camee Edelbrock (Schiefer Media Inc.) and Product Coordinator Susan Carpenter (JR Products). Advisors include Mike Spagnola (Street Scene), Joel Ayres (Bedslide) and Marla Moore (Hypertech).

To learn more about SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.sema.org/SEMAMustangBuild or contact SEMA Project Manager Bryan C. Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,383 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theatre and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

About the SEMA Scholarship Fund
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 – $2,000, with $4,000 going to the top student. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, administration, advertising, design/graphics, engineering, information technology, manufacturing, photo/journalism, race car driver/crew, sales/marketing, technicians and transportation.

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2012 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance Names Ducati as Featured Motorcycle Marque of the Year

DANA POINT, CA – May 31, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® will celebrate 86 years of Ducati high performance, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, during its 30^th anniversary, June 23-24, at the St. Regis Monarch Beach golf links in Dana Point, Calif. The premier celebration of automotive elegance in Southern California will feature some of the best motorcycles and automobiles, each competing for top awards during the event.

“Initially, we included collector motorcycles at our event in 2010 as a one-time feature,” noted Jeff Spellens, Dana Point Concours d’Elegance president. “The response was so incredible that collector motorcycles have become an integral part of the two-day event.”

The Italian manufacturer will be represented on the golf links with a 1955 Ducati 125 Bialbero Gran Prix. The bike features a 125 cc Twin Cam engine, which was part of the original group of motorcycles with the first Twin Cam motor designed by Chief Engineer at Ducati Fabio Taglione.

A 1966 Ducati Monza 250 will also capture attention. Manufactured for the American market, the Monza 250 was only built in 1966 and 1967. This ‘66 was a barn find in Indiana before the current owner purchased and restored the motorcycle.

One Ducati is a showcase for the company’s superior engineering. Introduced in 1970 and designed by Chief Engineer Taglione, the Desmo head opens and closes the valves using the camshaft, without valve springs. Today it is a trademark of the Ducati brand and is featured in a 350 cc single cylinder 1970 350 Desmo that can be viewed just inside the entrance of the motorcycle pavilion. Another Ducati that will feature a Desmo head is a 1965 Ducati 250 Mach I Desmo. The bike has a 250 cc engine and is restored to excellent condition.

“Much like owning a Shelby or a Harley-Davidson, owning and riding a Ducati is a lifestyle decision,” added Spellens. “It is fitting to celebrate an Italian manufacturer at our event, who understands the meaning of good taste, class and sophistication.”

To see these Ducati’s and more, guests can purchase a general admission ticket for $30 online or $35 at the gate. Motorcycle and car exhibitors can download a registration form and send to the appropriate chairman as noted on the documents. For more information about the event, please go to www.danapointconcours.org.

About Dana Point Concours d’Elegance
The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance® is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, with excess proceeds supporting local Southern California charities. The event is presented primarily with Full Classic® Cars from the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), and other non-classic classes. The Dana Point Concours® organizing committee aspires to create a premier automotive event that showcases the rich Southern California automotive heritage. For more information, please visit www.DanaPointConcours.org.

Contacts
TPRM
Jennifer Pullen, 713-855-9312
jpullen@tprm.com

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AutoTrader.com Surpasses One Million Views on its YouTube Channel

ATLANTA, GA – May 30, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – AutoTrader.com, the ultimate automotive marketplace, hit another major milestone in May: the one millionth view on the brand’s YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/autotrader). Launched in December 2010, the AutoTrader.com YouTube channel currently houses over 225 videos that are aimed at mainstream car shoppers, rather than car enthusiasts. The one-millionth view occurred on Sunday, May 13, 2012.

“We know that video is an important part of the car shopping process, as the convergence of sight, sound and motion helps create emotional connections between shoppers and vehicles,” said Scott Markle, senior manager of content strategy at AutoTrader.com. “With these videos, we aim to bring vehicles to life in a way that engages shoppers, talk about topics that are important to those shoppers and educate them on subjects with which they might not be very familiar.”

The majority of the videos are developed by AutoTrader.com’s expert editorial team. Videos range from new car reviews, used car reviews, coverage of major auto shows, “5 reasons to buy” and educational content such as “Real SUV Off-Road Features” and “What is a Plug-In Hybrid.” Sprinkled throughout are also some fun videos, such as the recent auto cross excursion with AutoTrader.com’s long-term Mini Cooper test car and the new AutoTrader.com Dream Machine.

“We’re always looking for ways that we can reach more car shoppers, and we know that a lot of younger buyers are already very video centric,” added Brian Moody, site editor at AutoTrader.com. “Leveraging our YouTube channel to house videos has been a great way to further showcase the value of how we at AutoTrader.com can help them find the car that’s right for them.”

Certainly one unique video offering on the AutoTrader.com channel are the used car reviews. Unlike most other used car reviews that are simply repurposed new car reviews, AutoTrader.com’s editorial team reviews actual used vehicles, gets feedback from current owners, discusses the differences in the model years and provides key information surrounding known issues and any recalls for those vehicles.

A few additional noteworthy stats:

• Video views on the channel are growing an average of nine percent per month so far in 2012.
• 20 percent of the video views from the channel are occurring on mobile devices, which supports the rising use of mobile devices during the car shopping process.
• Nine percent of traffic is coming from embedded players on other sites, which range from OEM sites, dealer sites and car forums).
• People aged 25-54 make up the majority of the viewers on the channel, which also skews 88 percent male.

A look at the most-viewed videos so far in 2012 show that users are engaging with a wide range of content, from recent auto show coverage to reviews and more:

• Syfy’s “Dream Machines” Builds AutoTrader Concept Car
• 5 Reasons to Buy: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
• Top Luxury Cars: 2012 Detroit Auto Show
• 5 Reasons to Buy: 2012 Subaru Impreza
• 2011 Kia Optima – New Car Review

About AutoTrader.com
Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com, created in 1997, is the Internet’s ultimate automotive marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location millions of new cars, used cars and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of auto dealers and private sellers and is a leading online resource for auto dealers, individuals and manufacturers to advertise and market their vehicles to in-market shoppers. The company also provides a robust suite of software tools for dealers and manufacturers to help them manage and market their vehicle inventory and display advertising on the Internet. AutoTrader.com continues to grow key business metrics, including revenue, profitability and site traffic. Today, AutoTrader.com attracts millions of unique monthly visitors who utilize the site to review descriptions, photos and videos of vehicles for sale; research and compare vehicles; review pricing and specials; and read auto-related content like buying and selling tips and editorial coverage of major auto shows and automotive trends. AutoTrader.com operates one other auto marketing brand, AutoTraderClassics.com. AutoTrader.com also owns used vehicle management software company Auto, Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), HomeNet Automotive, a leading provider of online inventory management and merchandising solutions for the automotive retail industry and VinSolutions, a leading provider of end-to-end solution platforms for dealers.  AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. Providence Equity Partners is a 25 percent owner of the company and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit www.autotrader.com.

SOURCE: AutoTrader.com

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Acura Teamed With Marvel’s The Avengers as Official Sponsor of Red Carpet World Premiere

HOLLYWOOD, CA – April 13, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Thousands watched with amazement as actor Robert Downey Jr. (“Tony Stark”) drove onto the red carpet in a custom Acura-created sports car at the Marvel’s The Avengers Hollywood premiere on Wednesday, April 11, at the El Capitan Theater. The premiere, co-sponsored by Acura, featured militarized S.H.I.E.L.D.-Edition Acura MDX and TL models that were used in the film to escort the actors on Hollywood Blvd.

In addition to Downey’s impressive arrival, Marvel’s The Avengers stars Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) also arrived in a fleet of Acura vehicles.

“Acura is excited to continue our presence as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Marvel films (Captain America: The First Avenger, THOR, and The Avengers),” said Mike Accavitti, Vice President of National Marketing Operations. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Marvel’s The Avengers’ characters including Hawkeye and Black Widow can be seen driving militarized Acura vehicles throughout the highly anticipated film, including the MDX, ZDX and TL models, along with a cameo from the entirely new 2013 RDX.

Fans can further immerse themselves in the world of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Marvel’s The Avengers by visiting http://www.SHIELDops.com and testing Avengers-inspired technology mounted to S.H.I.E.L.D.-Edition Acura vehicles. Fans can earn the chance to win movie passes and S.H.I.E.L.D. gear. The grand prize is an all-expense-paid Tony Stark-inspired trip to New York City.

Marvel’s The Avengers opens in theaters nationwide Friday, May 4, 2012.

About Marvel’s The Avengers

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, directed by Joss Whedon, from a story by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon with screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The film releases May 4, 2012, andis distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information visit http://www.marvel.com.

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

About rp&

rp& is a full-service marketing communications division of RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif. Established in 2008, rp& has been responsible for the development of all Acura National, Regional, Online and Event Marketing communications. For more information, visit http://rp-and.com/.

Additional ways to connect with Acura:
Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

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Manheim Recognized with Dealers’ Choice Awards for Eighth Consecutive Year

Traditional Auction and OVE.com honored in two categories

ATLANTA, GA – April 5, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Continuing to prove that Manheim is the top solution for remarketing dealers seeking quality inventory, Manheim and OVE.com were recently named recipients of Auto Dealer Monthly magazine’s 2012 Dealers’ Choice Awards. OVE.com received the Diamond award, the highest honor, for the Online Auctions-Purchasing Inventory category, and Manheim received the Platinum Award for the Auction Companies-Traditional category.

The aptly named Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize the top vendors, suppliers and finance companies in the retail automotive industry, as voted by dealers and dealership employees. This is the eighth year Auto Dealer Monthly has held the Dealers’ Choice Awards. Manheim has received a top placement for the Traditional category every year since the award’s inception, while OVE.com has received honors in the Online Auctions category for seven consecutive years.

“It is a significant honor to be recognized by our customers every year,” said Susie Heins, vice president of dealer sales at Manheim. “Manheim continues to focus on helping our dealers succeed and become more profitable. It is exciting to know that dealers recognize the value we deliver.”

This year 48 awards were presented to 40 companies in 21 distinctive product and service categories. Dealers and dealership personnel rated providers in four areas: 1) product or service provided, 2) customer support and service, 3) overall value for dollars spent and 4) whether the dealer would recommend the provider.

“The Dealers’ Choice Awards bring some well-deserved recognition to the outstanding products and services dealerships rely on every day, and I can’t think of a better honor for an allied industry than to be chosen for an award by their own customers — dealers and dealership personnel,” said Harlene Doane, editor of Auto Dealer Monthly. “At Auto Dealer Monthly, we consider it a great honor to be able to recognize some of the best vendors and finance companies in the industry. Manheim should be extremely proud of the job they do for dealers.”

“We have a long history of listening to and collaborating with our customers to explore new opportunities to innovate our products and services,” said Amy Mills, senior director, product strategy for Manheim Digital. “We appreciate this recognition and will continually strive to create high-impact solutions that drive value for our customers.”

The complete list of winners, as well as any provider or finance company rated higher than the group average score in any category, and the feature article about the 2012 Dealers’ Choice Awards is published in the April 2012 issue of Auto Dealer Monthly magazine. It is available at  http://autodealermonthly.epubxp.com/read/account_titles/158951

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)

Manheim is the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services. Through its 113 worldwide wholesale operating locations and digital services, Manheim influences every stage of a used vehicle’s life cycle, helping commercial sellers and automobile dealers maximize the full value of their vehicles. Drawing from its auction transaction volume, Manheim Consulting publishes the annual Used Car Market Report, the definitive source of data for the used car industry. Manheim Consulting offers a wide range of services including custom analytics, business optimization and macro economic analysis.

Manheim is the online vehicle remarketing leader, connecting buyers and sellers to the world’s largest, most comprehensive wholesale marketplace through its extensive in-lane and digital offerings. Manheim.com receives nearly 900,000 visits each week.

Additionally, Manheim offers services including reconditioning, certification, inspections, dealer financing, title management and marshaling, among others. Through its wide array of services and technologies, industry publications, customer support and educational offerings, Manheim gives its customers maximum control over how they buy and sell vehicles, helping them to conduct business in the most efficient way possible. Worldwide, the company handles nearly 8 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.

About Auto Dealer Monthly, LLC

Auto Dealer Monthly is the day-to-day resource for automotive dealerships of all sizes. It is known for offering business solutions to dealers by providing information necessary to make wise decisions regarding products, services or process changes in daily operations. Auto Dealer Monthly is also the publisher of Auto Dealer Monthly magazine and creator of SpecialFinanceInsider.com and AutoDealerPeople.com.

For further information: Lois Rossi, 678-645-2028

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Porsche 911 Named 2012 World Performance Car

Top international automotive media makes the
2012 Porsche 911 their first choice

ATLANTA, GA – April 6, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The seventh-generation Porsche 911 has been named the 2012 World Performance Car. The announcement was made at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation. The Porsche 911 was one of 34 new-for-2012 vehicles selected for the annual awards program.

The World Performance Car honor is awarded each year by an international jury panel comprised of 66 top-level automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world. Jury members are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of his or her professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of millions of automotive consumers in every corner of the globe.

“We are honored that the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2012 World Performance Car,” said Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “For just the seventh time in almost 50 years the iconic 911 has been revised to the point of being a new-generation, and winning this award from a global team of world-class journalists is excellent validation for the work and dedication of everyone at Porsche.”

Lower, wider, longer, more powerful and more efficient than its predecessor, the all-new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera has been refined from the ground up. Delivering 350hp and 400hp respectively, the 3.4-liter 911 Carrera and 3.8-liter Carrera S boxer engines are available with a seven-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) automatic. When fitted with the Sport Chrono PDK, the Carrera can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the Carrera S reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top-track-speed of 187 mph.

Inside the cabin of the new 911, numerous comfort, convenience and ergonomic features create an environment that allows drivers to fully focus on the road ahead, while also appreciating new available audio and communications systems by companies like Bose® and Burmester®. Both driver and passenger benefit from almost an inch more front leg room for increased comfort. The elevated center console allows for faster shifts.

The 2012 Carrera has a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $82,100; the 911 Carrera S has a base MSRP price of $96,400, not including a $950 destination charge.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera Gran Turismo. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 196 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/Porsche and www.facebook.com/Porsche

SOURCE: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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