Sacramento, California, May 21, 2013 - Sams & Associates Inc., the leader in providing quality, consistency and timeliness in independent claims handling, announces the addition of Robert Greth as their new property adjuster in Northern California and surrounding areas.

With over 18 years of experience in adjusting property claims ranging from residential and commercial.  Robert, has a vast knowledge in property claims handling along with construction.  He owned and operated Greth Construction which covered all aspects of commercial and residential construction, estimating, interpretation of plans and specifications, project development, contract administration and supervising personnel.  Prior to Robert pursued his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

'Robert has the professionalism necessary to handle our claims and the personal touch our clients have come to know as Sams & Associates. We are excited to have Robert on board and looking forward to what he will continue to bring to the table as time goes on.' president, Don Sams, stated

Robert Greth, can be reached by phone at (775) 309-3288 or by email at bob.greth@sams-assoc.com   

About Sams & Associates:

Sams & Associates is a leading independent insurance adjusting firm serving California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Utah. With claims adjusters throughout the Western United States, Sams & Associates investigates, inspects and adjusts all types of commercial and residential property and liability claims. Sams & Associates has the required licensing and experienced staff for SIU insurance investigations and administration. For more information contact 800-566-7267 or on the web at http://www.sams-assoc.com.

Donald K. Sams
President
(800) 566-7267, 103
don.sams@sams-assoc.com

Corporate Contact:
Bob Lund, C.O.O.
(800) 566-7267, ext. 107
bob.lund@sams-assoc.com

Claims Contact:
Chet Davis, CEO
(800) 566-7267, ext. 104
chet.davis@sams-assoc.com

Sales & Marketing Contact:
Bobby Phillips, Business Development Manager
(800) 566-7267, ext. 101
bobby.phillips@sams-assoc.com  

— WebWireID174984 —

— WebWireID174978 —

Following a one-week hiatus after the Supercross finale in Las Vegas, the Honda Red Riders returned to battle this past Saturday to kick off the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento, CA. In front of a record 25,000 fans the Team Honda Muscle Milk duo of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia finished a solid 4-5 respectively overall on their CRF450Rs. Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac landed himself on the podium with hard-fought 2-3 finishes for third overall in the 250 class. This past weekend also played host to round one of the Women's Motocross (WMX) Triple Crown series and Team Honda Muscle Milk's Sayaka Kaneshiro finished second overall.

450 Race
For the first time since winning his 250 Class Championship in 2010, Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard returned to Hangtown aboard his CRF450R and he didn't disappoint. In both motos, Canard launched off the line to a top-five start and quickly jumped in behind the lead battle. He was able to maintain a consistent pace throughout both 30-minute plus two-lap races but was unable to catch the leaders. He scored a fourth overall with 4-4 finishes.

"I am really pleased with how today went," said Canard. "I haven't raced here since 2010, which is the year I won my championship so coming out with a fourth is great. It is definitely a good starting point for the season. I got pretty tired trying to keep pace with the leaders but I felt good and am happy with the bike. I am grateful to be healthy and ready to head into the next round."

Despite riding a few races in the 450 class in 2011, this season marks Justin Barcia's first full year in the big-bike class. Barcia struggled off the line in both motos, starting outside the top 10 but he was able to swiftly make his way through the pack and tuck in behind his teammate by the halfway point. He rallied to a fifth overall with 5-5 finishes. "I want to be up in the front battling with the leaders," Barcia said. "The day started awesome getting the Oakley bomb award but I didn't get the best starts in both motos. Starts are so important because the front guys are going so fast. If you don't start with them there is almost no way to catch them. The track was so gnarly and rough, but my CRF450R was working awesome. Definitely looking forward to next weekend."

250 Race
In the 250 class, Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac made it to the podium with two solid rides aboard his CRF250R. In moto one, Tomac finished second, but a bad start in moto two left him in 10th place after the first lap. He worked his way into third by lap five but continued to charge toward the leaders, ultimately taking the checkered flag in third place. Tomac made history at Hangtown in 2010 by being the first rider ever to win a professional Motocross debut. "It was good. I haven't been on the podium here in two years, so it's good to get third, at least," Tomac said. "We went 2-3 in the motos, so I can't complain. For the first race of the year, you have to figure out where you are speed-wise with the pace. I feel like I'm in a good spot to start the season. It's always fun to get back outdoors, open up that throttle and go for a little bit longer and have some good battling."

Teammate Zach Osborne had not raced a motocross national in five years and was able to capture a fifth overall finish with 9-5 scores. "It's a good way to start the season," explained Osborne. "It's something to build on. I actually kind of surprised myself today. This is the first national I've ridden in five years and I didn't know what to expect, really. To come away with a fifth overall is really good and that feeling will carry us into Lakewood, another track I really like."

Justin Bogle and Zach Bell, who have both been out due to injury weren't as lucky aboard their GEICO Honda CRF250Rs. Bogle ended up 12th overall after a tough first moto but was able to rebound in the second moto to finish in eighth place. Bell finished 15th in the first moto but pulled off the track late in the second moto due to pain in his shoulder, which he injured during the Supercross season.

"This is not really at all where I want to be," Bogle said. "The second moto, I got a better start from my gate pick. I rode pretty well for parts of the race, but there were parts of the race where I didn't ride well at all. All in all, not what I wanted."

"The first moto was bad because we lost the front brake," Bell said. "I got the holeshot in the second moto, but my shoulder felt weak, and I couldn't hang on. I wish I was faster and up front with those guys. I felt good about the holeshot though."

WMX Race
In the Women's Motocross Championship, Team Honda Muscle Milk rider Sayaka Kaneshiro had an exciting start to the season. For the second season, Kaneshiro lined up on the gate aboard her factory-prepared CRF250R and she didn't disappoint, finishing second overall on the podium with 2-3 scores.

The Focus: UC Davis Children's Hospital Visit
On Friday May 17, Canard made a visit to the local UC Davis Children's Hospital in hopes of brightening the day of some sick kids and their families. Canard spent the first hour of the visit in the designated playroom with the kids who were well enough to get out of bed. He signed autographs, played with the kids and even came up with a secret handshake with one of the young boys. With a bag full of Honda goodies, Canard then made his way around the 7th floor for bedside visits with the kids who weren't able to make it to the playroom. He passed out signed shirts, hats, posters and even gave a four-year-old girl his autographed riding pants, making it a very happy birthday for her.

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 2-2
3. James Stewart 3-3
4. Trey Canard (Honda) 4-4
5. Justin Barcia (Honda) 5-5
6. Ryan Sipes 8-7
7. Andrew Short 6-10
8. Mike Alessi 12-6
9. Tyla Rattray 9-9
10. Weson Peick 13-8

450 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 50
2. Ryan Dungey 44
3. James Stewart 40
4. Trey Canard 36
5. Justin Barcia 32
6. Ryan Sipes 27
7. Andrew Short 26
8. Mike Alessi 24
9. Tyla Rattray 24
10. Weson Peick 21

250 Class Overall Results
1. Ken Roczen 1-1
2. Blake Baggett 3-2
3. Eli Tomac (Honda) 2-3
4. Marvin Musquin 4-4
5. Zach Osborne (Honda) 9-5
6. Kyle Cunningham 8-7
7. Jason Anderson 12-6
8. Jeremy Martin 7-13
9. Joseph Savatgy 10-11
10. Justin Hill 13-9

250 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 50
2. Eli Tomac 42
3. Blake Baggett 42
4. Marvin Musquin 36
5. Zach Osborne 28
6. Kyle Cunningham 27
7. Jason Anderson 24
8. Jeremy Martin 22
9. Joseph Savatgy 21
10. Justin Hill 20

WMA Overall Results
1. Courtney Duncan 1-1
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro (Honda) 2-3
3. Taylor Higgins 4-4
4. Mackenzie Tricker 3-6
5. Jacqueline Strong 6-5
6. Alexah Pearson 5-8
7. Mariana Balbi 7-7
8. Sara Pettersson 8-9
9. Hailey Larson 9-10
10. Jessica Patterson 30-2

WMA Championship Points (after round 1 of 3)
1. Courtney Duncan 50
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro 42
3. Taylor Higgins 36
4. Mackenzie Tricker 35
5. Jacqueline Strong 31
6. Alexah Pearson 29
7. Mariana Balbi 28
8. Sara Pettersson 25
9. Hailey Larson 23
10. Jessica Patterson 22

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

About Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

©2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

— WebWireID174938 —

The new mini-car to be launched under the model names of Nissan DAYZ and DAYZ Highway STAR, and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon and eK Custom, is the first model jointly planned and developed by a joint venture, NMKV, engaging in the minicar business for both companies.

At the Mizushima Plant with the attendance of Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko, NMKV Chief Executive Officer Junichi Endo and local guests, 350 staff members from three companies pledged for further development in front of the car just rolled off the line after two years have passed since the foundation of NMKV in 2011.

The new model was created with a totally different approach from the conventional OEM, where NMKV, a joint venture formed by Nissan and Mitsubishi, combined strength of both companies in every step of car manufacturing.
Combining a product concept made up by NMKV consisting of members from both companies with a different taste of design of each company, the models carry the brand identity of each company. With integrated expertise of two companies, the new cars deliver a number of attractions that conventional minicars do not offer, including best-in-class fuel economy, touch-screen automatic air-conditioning system to be adopted for the first time in minicars and high-quality feel interior.

"The new minicar jointly planned and developed by NMKV, a Mitsubishi and Nissan joint venture, is a combination of expertise of both companies while maintaining individuality of each brand. This is a result of new collaboration which is innovative even for industry," said Nissan COO Shiga at the ceremony. "Three companies will continuously work together so that Mitsubishi, Nissan and NMKV will lead the minicar market in Japan."

'Through the cooperation in minicar business, we enjoy the volume merit, maximize the synergy effect by adopting each other's know-how and experiences in the process of development and production, and have created the product which is competitive enough to competitors taking a lead in the market. We would like to show our presence in the minicar market in Japan" said Mitsubishi President Masuko. 'We will continuously expand this collaboration maximizing synergy with Nissan."

'I'm pleased to celebrate the off-line of the first model which NMKV planned and developed. Product planning and development at the joint venture were all a whole new experience for us. Thanks to passion and strong will of all employees, we achieved a new way of how we should join forces. We will continuously make great cars, which can be developed only through a unique collaboration by three companies," said NMKV CEO Endo.

Following the first model, NMKV is now developing a super height wagon-type minicar as its second model, slated to be on sale at the beginning of 2014.

Nissan and Mitsubishi will continuously strengthen competitiveness of their minicar lineup maximizing synergy through NMKV.

※NMKV website: http://nmkv.com

— WebWireID174880 —

DEARBORN, Mich. – The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi has earned the highest possible 'five-star' Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The five-star rating is the U.S. Government's highest-possible safety rating and is determined only after severe testing procedures as part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid joins the Ford Fusion and the Ford Fusion Hybrid which already received five-star safety ratings. NHTSA has elected to test plug-in vehicles separately from vehicles powered by gasoline internal combustion engines as the market share of electrified vehicles is increasing. April marked Ford's best hybrid sales month ever with Ford's EV market share hitting an all-time high of 18 percent, up from 3 percent last April.

'The Fusion Energi combines the highest possible safety ratings from NHTSA and great fuel economy, two things we know customers are looking for in their vehicles,' said Steve Kenner, Global Director of the Ford Automotive Safety Office. 'Our strategy is to provide our customers with a range of powertrain options in our vehicles, while still leading in fuel economy in every segment that we compete.'

The Fusion Energi gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 108 MPGe, which is five MPGe better than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

The NHTSA five-star rating for the Fusion Energi comes in addition to the 2013 Fusion being named a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in December. The Top Safety Pick + designation is the highest rating the organization has for vehicle safety.

The Fusion Energi also features the Personal Safety System™ with safety belt technologies and front impact airbags. The Personal Safety System™ is a network of components that work together to tailor the deployment of the front airbags during frontal collisions. Other driver assist technologies available on the Fusion Energi include:

• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rearview Camera
• Hill Start Assist
• Electronic Parking Break

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 175,000 employees and 65 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 and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

— WebWireID174865 —

Markus Bachmeier, Head of Hydrogen Solutions at Linde said: 'With this event Linde shows that already today fuelling of hydrogen vehicles is not limited to pre-commercial passenger cars, busses and forklift trucks but is also feasible under the challenging requirements of an internationally renowned motorsport event.'

Together with clean drive technology experts Alset Global, headquartered in Graz, Austria, Aston Martin engineers have developed a hybrid hydrogen racing prototype, running on gasoline, CGH2 or a blend of both fuels. The hydrogen used at the Nürburgring 24 Hours Race will be sourced from Linde's pilot plant in Leuna, Germany, where it is manufactured from raw glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel manufacturing. Advanced to industrial scale, this production path has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 50 and 80 percent compared with conventional hydrogen production processes using natural gas. In addition, Linde is working together with partners to develop more renewable hydrogen production pathways such as water electrolysis using wind-generated electricity.

The flexible trailH2-gas™ fuelling concept means that hydrogen-powered cars can fill up at almost any location. Demand for trailH2-gas™ is high and it was successfully deployed, for example, at this year's HANNOVER MESSE. But Linde is also helping to advance a stationary hydrogen infrastructure to support the introduction and commercialisation of mass-produced hydrogen-powered cars in the coming years. Innovations such as the ionic compressor and the cryopump are already helping to make hydrogen refuelling ever more energy-efficient and user-friendly.
So far, Linde has supplied the fuelling equipment for more than 80 hydrogen stations in 15 countries. The company also participates in an initiative organised by the German Ministry of Transportation to increase the number of public hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany to 50 by 2015.

In addition, Linde is the largest constructor of hydrogen plants worldwide and has been producing hydrogen for the most varied of applications for more than 100 years. These include the desulphurisation of fuel in the petrochemical industry, which makes a valuable contribution to reducing carbon emissions from today's vehicles.

About The Linde Group

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 62,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2012 financial year, Linde generated revenue of EUR 15.280 bn. The strategy of the Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

Under the 'Clean Technology by Linde' label, the company offers a wide range of products and technologies that help to render renewable energy sources financially viable, and significantly slow down the depletion of fossil resources or reduce the level of CO2 emitted. This ranges from specialty gases for solar module manufacturing, industrial-scale CO2 separation and application technologies to alternative fuels and energy carriers such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen.

For more information go to http://www.linde.com/cleantechnology.

— WebWireID174862 —

"Honda prides itself in designing vehicles around the needs of our customers," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "There's no better validation for this effort than being recognized for having vehicles that excel in the areas critical to the family buyer."

All-new for 2013, the Honda Accord was the top ranked sedan on KBB.com's list of family vehicles and had the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own1 among the ten recognized vehicles. KBB.com editors applauded the new Accord for its stylish exterior, fuel-efficient powertrains and available features like the LaneWatch™ blind spot display. The Accord also earns industry-leading safety scores, having been rated as a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.2

The 2013 Honda Odyssey was the top rated minivan on the list, continuing to lead its class in fuel economy and safety ratings, while providing spacious accommodations for up to eight passengers. The Odyssey Touring is rated at a remarkable 28 mpg3, the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger minivan. The Odyssey is rated as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK, and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.2

Rounding out the selection of Honda vehicles recognized was the 2013 Honda CR-V, which achieved the highest KBB.com 60-Month Residual Value4 among the ten recognized vehicles. The CR-V is rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a TOP SAFETY PICK and is distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.2 Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an unparalleled balance of size and capability ideal for families.

For more information about KBB.com's 10 Best Family Cars of 2013, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-family-cars-2013.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists) http://www.hondanews.com
For consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda
Instagram: http://instagram.com/honda
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+honda

1 Kelley Blue Book® 5-Year Cost to Own sourced by KBB.com on April 25, 2013.
2 Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.
3 Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
4 Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values sourced from KBB.com's May/June 2013 book.

— WebWireID174843 —

The latest addition to the Rolls-Royce family was unveiled to Northern and Central China customers in a creatively refreshing Art Park that reflects Wraith's unique character defined by power, style and drama.

Wraith is the boldest, most dramatic and powerful Rolls-Royce prototype that exemplifies the renowned Spirit of the Ecstasy figurine. Featuring a contemporary two-door design, Wraith's striking fastback body epitomises power, style and drama – inspired by the great Grand Tourers of the Fifties and Sixties.

In profile, Wraith's sweeping fastback design gives the car its unique iconic character. Bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of its dynamic character can be seen in Wraith's deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.

'We are extremely proud to present the one and only Wraith here in Beijing. Wraith is a fresh demonstration of the spirit of Rolls-Royce – a contemporary, elegant design for a new era of the world's most iconic car marque.' Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director for Mainland China for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, 'Today, Mainland China constitutes one of the largest single markets for Rolls-Royce. One out of four cars that we produce in Goodwood is being driven on the streets of Chinese cities. The Rolls-Royce phenomenon in China is the result of our ethos in the pursuit of excellence. This market will continue to be part of the engine that drives us on the path to further growth, and push us forward to even greater achievements, this year and for years to come.'

The car will travel across Southern China in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity for invited guests to preview the new member of the Rolls-Royce family.

— WebWireID174840 —

The winning technician can use the grand prize to upgrade his existing workspace or build his ultimate Dream Shop. Technicians can register at the dedicated Delphi Dream Shop website (delphidreamshop.com) or, new for 2013, through Delphi's Facebook page (facebook.com/DelphiAutoParts). The grand prize winner will be introduced this November at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

"In its third year, the Delphi Dream Shop continues to receive an enthusiastic response from technicians," said Lúcia Veiga Moretti, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "This year it is even easier to enter and follow the contest with the addition of Delphi's Facebook page, which many are already using — along with Twitter and YouTube — to learn about Delphi products and to diagnose, service and repair vehicles of today and the future."

The Delphi Dream Shop sweepstakes includes electronic equipment needed to service the increasingly complex vehicle electronics found on-vehicle, including Delphi's new AutoIQ diagnostic kit with Wi-Fi-enabled tablet and a high-performance laptop with shop management software. It also includes earth-friendly shop equipment like an A/C recovery machine, gas caddy system and fuel system tester.

Other prizes include shop essentials such as mechanic tools, air tools and compressor, a heavy-duty lift, transmission jack, two-ton service jack, engine lift, battery charger and tester and brake lathe.

In addition, the grand prize winner will receive Delphi parts from its fuel, engine management, heating and cooling, and Diesel product portfolio. Delphi will also include comprehensive training from its award-winning program, as well as a subscription to Delphi's RepairPoint, to provide further online diagnostic support.

Since being chosen as the 2012 Delphi Dream Shop grand prize winner, Ryan Mullin from Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada, has had fun taking delivery of his prizes. "I'm still pinching myself. I didn't think I had a chance to win, but you can't win if you don't enter," said Ryan.

In addition to the grand prize, technicians are eligible to win monthly prizes of handheld touch-screen tablets, weekly prizes of Delphi mechanic gloves, shop stools and fender covers, plus hundreds of instant prizes including Bass Pro Shop gift cards, Delphi lunch coolers and Delphi hats. Technicians are encouraged to enter early and visit often. Official rules can be found at delphidreamshop.com.

About Delphi: Delphi Automotive PLC is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 32 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com/am.

— WebWireID174811 —

The program has been compiled by the hosts to entertain the worldwide community and features live concerts, automobile exhibitions, competitions, joint excursions and lots of party action. The IMM 2013 also reflects the fascinating history of this unique British car, and its diversity will be impressively documented by the fleet of participants' own cars. Nowhere else do so many representatives of different sections of the brand's history assemble: from lovingly maintained classics dating back to the early years through to the very latest individually styled MINI models.

A revolutionary space concept, classless style and fascinatingly agile handling were what gave the classic Mini its exceptional status on the international automobile markets from the very beginning. These fundamental qualities were reproduced in all the numerous model versions created back in the 1960s, accounting for the enormous popularity of the classic Mini to this day and revived in modern form for the 21st century in the new MINI. This is one reason why fans and drivers of the new MINI have been part of the IMM community for many years.

So in Mugello, too, there will be brand new MINI models produced in 2013 parked alongside the Morris Mini Minor and the Austin Seven. The MINI Clubman will meet its ancestor, the Morris Mini Traveller. And the Mini Cooper S from the 1960s - once the base model for the cars that won the Monte Carlo rally - will measure up against today's top sports model, the MINI John Cooper Works. And because the IMM is a true family get-together, even the less well-known relatives will be in on the act: these include the Wolseley Hornet and the Riley Elf, elegantly fitted small cars which transferred the genes of the classic Mini to two other British Motor Corporation brands, likewise in the 1960s.

In deference to the host country, an Innocenti Mini Parade will take place on the Mugello race track. Based on the British original in terms of technology and initially in its external design, too, the Italian version of the car was produced in Milan from 1965. The last of these came off the production line 20 years ago, having undergone several revisions in the meantime.

IMM weekend activities also include a parts market, presentations by Mini clubs from various countries, slalom and drift competitions and test drives in current MINI models. There will also be excursions to Pisa, Siena and Florence, either by bus or in a Mini convoy subject to limited participant numbers. The most attractive and lovingly restored automobiles from all eras of the brand's history will be presented in an exhibition area specially reserved for the Mini Contest. But awards won't just go to perfectly preserved classics: in the brand's typical tongue-in-cheek style there will also be prizes for the cleanest car, the most rust, the longest distance covered to get to the IMM and the loudest hi-fi system in a Mini.

— WebWireID174800 —

The Cooper Class also enjoys a substantial prize for the class winner, in the form of a subsidized John Cooper Works class drive in 2014, worth over £16,000 with other prizes for race winners and Driver of the Day. The John Cooper Works Class will also be eligible for a substantial prize due to be announced at the first race meeting at Snetterton.

The John Cooper Works Class cars have also been subject to a performance upgrade in the form of a bespoke ECU map, which provides improved throttle response and more torque.

In 2013 nearly 30 registered drivers will compete, split between the two classes and therefore expect one of the most competitive seasons to date. Reigning champion Lee Allen returns to defend his crown, from a number of young hard chargers led by Lee Pattison, Chris Smith and 2009 Overall and 2010 John Cooper Works Class champion Luke Caudle. There are many drivers who are new to MINIs who are also aiming to upset the establishment, including Mark Steward, Lawrence Davey and Stuart Calder, whilst Jono Brown steps up from the Cooper Class in 2012 to take on the big boys this year.

The Cooper Class grid is the largest it's been for a few years and the competitors have the pedigree to steal the show from the turbo cars. It will be fascinating to see how they all shape up.

During 2013 and 2014 many more improvements will be launched including new initiatives which will ensure that the MINI Challenge continues to be the 'Place to Race' for many years to come.

To discover more about the MINI Challenge visit www.minichallenge.co.uk

— WebWireID174789 —

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its decision to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation.

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.

From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda's decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems. Participation in Formula 1 under these new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of Honda engineers can learn the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:
"Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world's most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA's decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jean Todt, the President of FIA and to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realize our participation in F1 racing. The corporate slogan of Honda is "The Power of Dreams". This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realize our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1."

Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said:
"The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it's a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy – and we're utterly committed to maintaining it."

Jean Todt, president of FIA said:
"I am very happy to hear about Honda's important decision to return to Formula One with McLaren from 2015.The introduction of the new power train next year, in the form of a 1.6 litre, 6 cylinder engine with direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in the years to come. "

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said:
"It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One contender."

History of Honda Participation in F1 Racing:

1964-1968: Participated as an "all Honda" team including both the engine and chassis

1983-1992: Participated as an engine supplier (Won both the driver's and constructors' championship titles for four consecutive years from 1988 through 1991)

2000-2005: Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis

2006-2008: Participated as an "all Honda" team including both the engine and chassis

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. In 2013, Honda marks 40 years of the Civic model, with more than 30 years of producing automobiles in the region, which began with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio in November 1982. Having produced more than 25 million vehicles in North America through 2012 using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda currently operates 14 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, engines and transmissions.

Connect with Honda
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com
Website: http://automobiles.Honda.com and hpd.honda.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda and http://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD
YouTube: www.youtube.com/Honda
Tumblr: HondaRacing.tumblr.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Honda and twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD
Instagram: instagram.com/Honda
Google+: plus.google.com/+Honda
Pinterest: pinterest.com/Honda

1. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile

2. Formula One Group is the collective name for the multiple companies within the organization that manages the overall operation of Formula One racing, including Formula One Administration (FOA) that manages commercial rights and Formula One Management (FOM) that manages promotional and marketing activities

— WebWireID174735 —

Stuttgart / Leipzig. The Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany, is producing the 100,000th Panamera today. Back in 2009, the decision to produce this new Porsche model series and manufacture the first customer vehicle started a success story. 'In over 120 countries, Panamera customers drive a Porsche that is 'Made in Leipzig' and sport this quality seal around the globe. The team and I are very proud of this,' says Siegfried Bülow, Chairman of the Board of Porsche Leipzig GmbH. Developed in the Swabian city of Weissach and manufactured in the Saxon metropolis of Leipzig, the Panamera also illustrates successful cooperation between business sites within the Porsche company. The value that is placed in this team accomplishment is being expressed today as the 100,000th Panamera festively drives off the assembly line and through a paper wall that was signed by employees beforehand.

The milestone vehicle is a new Panamera S E-Hybrid in 'rhodium-silver metallic'. This vehicle - the world's first plug-in hybrid of the luxury class - made its debut before a world audience at the Shanghai Auto Show at the end of April 2013. The Panamera S E-Hybrid combines efficiency, sportiness and comfort with a very personal note: the number of possible combinations of factory installed exterior and interior colour combinations and decors is over 1,500. With 416 hp (306 kW) of system power, the car's NEDC fuel consumption is just 3.1 litres of fuel per 100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions. The car is also a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 270 km/h.

— WebWireID174732 —

Five organizations will be awarded a three-year, $175,000 grant, in addition to a wide range of NCFL training and communication support, learning items and materials. Fifteen grants will be awarded over the course of the six-year initiative. Schools, libraries and community-based organizations that provide services to families are eligible to apply.

Submissions are being accepted now through June 24 at www.toyotafamilylearning.org. Submissions will be evaluated on a number of factors, including strength of existing services, commitment from community partners, and strength and innovation of proposal. Grant recipients will be notified in July.

This new initiative is the latest in Toyota's long-standing support of NCFL's mission to advance family learning and literacy. Since 1991, Toyota has been a strategic partner to NCFL, providing more than $36 million to fund 256 literacy programs nationwide and impacting more than 1 million families. Program highlights include: 
 


• Toyota Family Literacy Program: brings parents and children from immigrant families together in a classroom to learn and engage with culturally relevant programming.
 


• Toyota Teacher of the Year award: annually recognizes individual educators for their efforts to improve literacy among learners of all ages. The winner receives a $20,000 grant to implement his or her classroom project.
 


• Toyota Families in Schools: establishes learning services in schools and engages parents and at-risk students aged 5 to 12 years old by providing academic and home-life support.    

Carson Toyota has been serving Southern California residents since 1974. With an inventory of more than 1,000 new and pre-owned vehicles in stock, a knowledgeable sales staff, expert factory-trained technicians and a state-of-the-art parts and service department on more than 10 acres, Carson Toyota is one of the highest volume Toyota dealerships in the nation. Visit Carson Toyota today at 1333 233rd Street in Carson, Calif. or (www.carsontoyota.com).

Don't forget to become of fan of Carson Toyota on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carson-Toyota/109671395727432)
and become a follower of Carson Toyota on Twitter (http://twitter.com/toyotaofcarson).

— WebWireID174719 —

As the driver's gaze drifts to the left, the car keeps rolling forward. In the very same moment, the vehicle ahead comes to a sudden stop. While the driver does not notice the impending danger, the Bosch emergency brake assist does, and brings the car to a stop in the nick of time.

The predictive emergency braking function is just one of many assistance technologies that Bosch, being one of the leading automotive suppliers worldwide, offers. The electronics help preserve a safe distance between vehicles. In critical situations, they can warn drivers and brake automatically. At night, the vehicle electronics provide optimum automotive lighting outside city limits – and they do so fully automatically. All this makes driving a safer and more pleasant experience.

For many years, automatic assistance systems were to the preserve of premium-segment vehicle models. However, the technology has now reached vehicles in the compact class. For instance, Bosch has supplied the radar and video sensors for the new Volkswagen Golf.

'With its assistance systems in the new Golf, Bosch has brought safety and comfort to the masses,' says Gerhard Steiger, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division. The sales figures for modern environment sensors clearly illustrate this. Such sensors form the basis of predictive assistance systems, as they monitor the vehicle's surroundings. From 2011 to 2012 alone, the number of sensors sold around the world more than doubled. And drivers are benefiting from this trend: as a result of mass production, prices have decreased, and more buyers of new vehicles can afford the electronic helpers. In turn, as the sensors become more widespread, the accident risk for all road users will diminish.

Assistance systems become noticeably active in critical situations. For instance, the Bosch emergency brake assist alarms the driver as soon as danger becomes apparent. If the driver fails to react to its acoustic warning, it briefly hits the brakes, and then partially brakes automatically. If an accident can no longer be avoided, full automatic braking can, at the very least, reduce impact speed. The sensor data can be used to precisely adapt the braking force to the danger at hand. At speeds of less than 30 kilometers per hour, however, there is no multi-stage braking strategy. This saves time, and makes it possible to effectively avoid accidents.

Another example is the Bosch adaptive cruise control. The driver sets the vehicle's speed as always. The car not only maintains the speed, it brakes and accelerates automatically – and can bring the car to a complete halt. In vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, it can even move off on its own following a short stop. With adaptive cruise control, the only thing the driver has to do is steer. All this is made possible by a radar sensor that keeps precise track of the distance to the vehicles ahead.

The multi-purpose camera is another decisive provider of information. It films what is happening up to a range of 120 meters in front of the car. Powerful software analyzes the flow of images at lightning speed. For instance, it recognizes road markings that are important for lane departure warning assistance. If a vehicle approaches the curb line, steering can be gently corrected to automatically guide the vehicle back to the middle of the lane. Road sign recognition functions can also draw on the video sensor data. Comparing these with information from the vehicle's navigation system means drivers can be warned of speed limits and areas in which overtaking is not allowed. The high beam assistant and dynamic light control functions also use data from the Bosch video camera, which provides the information required to ensure the best possible view without dazzling oncoming drivers.

Assistance and much more
In addition to safety and comfort features, the new Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a number of other Bosch technologies, including the car's diesel injection system, its engine control unit, injection valves for gasoline direct injection, the start-stop system, the alternator, the wiper system, and the engine's cooling fan, as well as a broad range of sensors.

Additional YouTube links:
Bosch predictive emergency braking system:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHR8AeZrlVc
Bosch Adaptive Cruise Control:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=own_VaRZ9M8

Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. In 2012, its sales came to 31.1 billion euros, or 59 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. Its roughly 177,000 Automotive Technology associates worldwide mainly work in the following areas of business: injection technology for internal-combustion engines, alternative powertrain concepts, efficient and networked powertrain peripherals, systems for active and passive driving safety, assistance and comfort functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as car-to-car and Car2X communication, and concepts, technology, and service for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In fiscal 2012, its roughly 306,000 associates generated sales of 52.5 billion euros. Since the beginning of 2013, its operations have been divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some 4.8 billion euros for research and development in 2012, and applied for nearly 4,800 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is 'Invented for life.'

Further information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com.

PI8036 - 15. May 2013

— WebWireID174709 —

The ADAIA Phone: Communicator and Lifeguard.

The design of the Android handset, the first product born of this collaboration, will pefectly reflect the multidimensional lifestyle of its users as they move between waves, whitewater and workplace. The package design will intelligently link the diverse user worlds, reflecting smartness and ruggedness in equal measure. The interface design will allow users to choose between 'Adventure' or 'Office' mode. The ADAIA smartphone will be a communication device and personal lifeguard rolled into one: it will have satellite functionality where no terrestrial network is available, including a GPS search and rescue service that can summon emergency assistance. An integrated SOS button will be easy to use even in extremely critical situations. The one-step battery replacement will maintain normal device operation while the battery is swapped in one fluid motion. And hackers don't get a look in: various built-in security features will ensure military-grade security and privacy.

The smartphone will be able to cope with all kinds of outdoor challenges. The design team set out to create an extremely rugged package, researching premium materials used in aerospace and medical product design for attributes that include durability, lightness and precision. Side grip surface wrapping of the entire phone will ensure ergonomic protection while also taking into account the use of gloves. Chamfered corners, all-round O-ring layering, and a rubber structure assembly will further enhance the impression of solidity. Topographical maps inspired the design of the back of the phone, with alluring contour lines telling the story of adventure, adding premium coupled with precision, and acting as a functional grip. This design element will be a timeless and iconic component of the ADAIA design language.

Innovative Concept, Innovative Design.

ADAIA CEO and co-founder Heikki Sarajärvi comments: 'When I destroyed my fourth smartphone last year while sailing, I knew there was a need for a durable smartphone capable of weathering the toughest environments. I also realized the durable function had to be coupled with a dynamic and iconic design for consumers to want to use it. That is exactly why we brought on DesignworkUSA to create a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.'

'ADAIA was looking for a design studio with experience in the design of premium products and with know-how in designing for the mobile lifestyle,' says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA. 'We have developed a design language that speaks to ADAIA's tough and stylish brand attributes and that translates them into a convincing product and interface design which will give ADAIA a recognizable face in the mobile industry,' he adds.

Expert Summit: Development with Adventurers and Outdoor Enthusiasts.

ADAIA is bringing a group of the world's leading international explorers and adventure athletes on board to join forces with the company and contribute to research, development and testing of the handset on upcoming expeditions. Kevin Vallely, Guinness World Record holder and one of Canada's leading adventurers, will take the phone on a 1,800-mile rowing trip through the Arctic's Northwest Passage, departing July 1st, 2013. World-famous BASE jumper and wingsuit pilot Jeb Corliss will test the ADAIA smartphone on several projects in 2013, battling harsh conditions including high impact, extreme cold and heat, and water.

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

ADAIA

ADAIA aims to become the leading brand in premium communications equipment for high-end niche markets with a focus on security, reliability, and design. ADAIA was born when a group of former Nokia colleagues and mobile industry pioneers came together to realize a vision for a new form of mobile communication. Athletes of all types who need a durable phone tough enough to withstand water, high impact, and the harshest weather conditions will soon have a secure Android smartphone that is stylish and virtually indestructible. Funded by private equity investors, ADAIA is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland with offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver, London and Dubai.

www.adaiadevices.com

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a creative consultancy that's been driving innovation for forty years. Acquired by BMW Group in 1995, DesignworksUSA enables its parent company as well as internationally-renowned clients outside the automotive industry to grow their businesses through design and a portfolio of creative consulting services. With clients including Coca Cola, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, HEAD, HP, Intermarine, John Deere, Microsoft, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Siemens and Varian Medical Systems, DesignworksUSA is deeply immersed in a broad cross-section of industries. Combining cross-fertilized knowledge with strategic long-term perspectives and global context provided by studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Shanghai, DesignworksUSA draws upon its unique and vibrant resources to create the future.

www.designworksusa.com

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

— WebWireID174705 —

About Papros Inc.: Papros Inc. has been committed to providing Total Environmental Management solutions to US and International companies. 'Optimizing the Greenback and the Green Environment' has been the slogan of Papros Inc. since its inception more than twenty five years ago. Based in San Jose, California, Papros Inc.'s solutions span the entire spectrum of Environmental Management, featuring tools to enable corporations worldwide to deploy and manage product environmental lifecycle data in a manner that is efficient, easy-to-use and economical. Papros aims to proactively support the infrastructure needed for manufacturing and for rapid changes in product design.

— WebWireID174692 —

Dank der 24-Stunden-Auftragsannahme wird gewährleistet, dass die Ausdrucke üblicherweise am nächsten Tag im deutschsprachigen Raum auf seinem Schreibtisch liegen. Mit UPS hat der Onlinedienst einen Distributionspartner gewählt, der auch international als zuverlässiger und schneller Dienstleister bekannt ist. Den Dienst zu nutzen, ist ausgesprochen einfach: Der Kunde wählt Papierformat und Qualität und legt fest, ob er den Plot schwarz-weiß oder in Farbe wünscht. Dann bestimmt er die Auflage und sendet den Auftrag ab. Die Pläne können bis zu einen Meter 50 breit und 30 Meter lang sein. Zum Leistungsumfang gehören neben dem Plotten von Plänen auch Plankopien, Reprokopien oder das Laminieren, Kaschieren und Konfektionieren von Unterlagen. Originalunterlagen, die per Post eingesandt werden, können für den Kunden auch gescannt oder kopiert werden.

Städten und Gemeinden macht die Finanzkrise schwer zu schaffen - um knapp 20 Prozent sind die für sie wichtigen Einnahmen aus der Gewerbesteuer eingebrochen. Um Kosten zu sparen, verwenden immer mehr kommunale Auftraggeber das effiziente und preiswerte Planmanagement von CAD-Plots.de. Pläne in Farbe und schwarz-weiß werden einfach per Email an den Plotservice gesendet. Bereits am nächsten Tag liegen die fertigen Unterlagen auf dem Schreibtisch des Auftraggebers.
Naturgemäß besonders hoch sind die Einsparungen bei Planfeststellungsunterlagen. Größere Projekte unterliegen einem förmlichen Planfeststellungsverfahren mit Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligung. Diese sind meist sehr umfangreich und können aus bis zu einer Million Teilen (Pläne, Kopien, Trennblätter, Ordner) bestehen. Mit modernsten Hochleistungsmaschinen und erfahrenen Partner bearbeitet CAD-Plots.de diese Aufträge professionell in 3-4 Wochen.

Mehr Informationen im Internet unter www.CAD-Plots.de Wir freuen uns sehr über einen Hinweis auf eine evtl. Veröffentlichung.

Pressekontakt:
Wilhelm Treml
ntomail.de
A Company of Treml Group München
Rupert-Mayer-Str. 44
81379 München
Tel.: +49 (0)89 74 34 59-0 info@cad-plots.de

— WebWireID174690 —

110 years of cinema

Renault's love story with cinema has lasted for more than 110 years. Soon after Thomas Edison invented the 'Kinetograph', or motion picture camera, the Lumière brothers started projecting moving pictures on a screen in 1895. At the time, Louis Renault was already working on his Voiturette Type A with direct-drive transmission which he successfully drove up the steep Rue Lepic in Paris three years later. He was one of the first industrialists to use cinema as a new way of promoting his products. Motor racing and French industrial history soon became regular topics for films screened at the Lumière brothers' 'Cinématographe'. In Boulogne-Billancourt, their film studios were located just a few streets away from the workshop of automobile industry pioneer Louis Renault. Unique ties were forged, making Renault the preferred partner of film actors and directors. Today, a special fleet of 40 Renault vehicles feature in some 200 television programmes and films each year. Not only is Renault emblematic of the movie industry, but it is also a partner of major film festivals.

Founded in 1939, the Cannes Film Festival has become a global institution and the world's biggest film market, attracting over 10,000 participants from 92 countries with 5,000 films on offer, 1,500 of which are screened at the Festival. The event receives more media coverage than the Olympic Games! Back in 1949, a gleaming Renault Vivastella disturbed the quiet village life in Jacques Tati's masterpiece Jour de Fête ('The Big Day').

A 30-year partnership

1983 was the first year Renault supplied 15 Renault 30 models to escort the stars to the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival. This was something of a revolution; previously some stars were known to walk to the event… In 1992, Cannes played host to the unveiling of Safrane and 45 cars were included in the official vehicle fleet to replace the Renault 25. To mark the 10-year anniversary of Renault's partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, a special 'Palme d'Or' edition of Safrane was released. In 2011, Renault Latitude replaced Vel Satis as the official vehicle alongside Espace. The Cannes Film Festival organisers are exacting in their requirements for comfort on board the official vehicle fleet, calling for more than two weeks of meticulous preparation work prior to the event. 'Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival' branding is then applied to the vehicles together with special flag-holders. Each year, once the cars have been used to escort the world's greatest movie stars, the Renault network sells the vehicles to fans and film-buffs.

2013 in the limelight

Renault also takes advantage of the Cannes Film Festival to show off its latest models to the stars. This year, the all-new Renault Captur SUV will be on display with eight vehicles joining the official vehicle fleet. As in 2012, Renault will be showcasing its electric vehicles on the Croisette in Cannes. Renault is the automobile world's manufacturer to offer a full range of Zero Emission vehicles. A high-profile fleet of 15 Twizys and 2 ZOE models will be supplied to the Cannes Film Festival. The official vehicle fleet of 37 Latitude and 55 Espace models will be escorting the stars alongside an additional fleet of 16 Latitude and 85 Espace models for the Festival's other partners. Renault will also be celebrating with the winners of competitions organised in the run-up to the Festival. The couple who won the 'Inter-Country Battle' on Renault's Facebook page will enjoy a VIP experience in a personalised Renault Captur. And the winners of the competition held to mark the release of Un Prince (Presque) Charmant ('(Almost) Charming') will hit the Croisette in a ZOE. The two winners announced at the French Business Council Gala Dinner in Dubai will also be in attendance.

From May 15 to 26, the 66th Cannes Film Festival will pay tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. In 2013, Renault vehicles will still be driving the stars of the silver screen up and down the Croisette.

— WebWireID174685 —

— WebWireID174671 —