National CTE Research Center Outlines Projects

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, has outlined an aggressive research agenda focused on areas such as programs of study, literacy in career and technical education (CTE), and using data to assess student performance.

“The focus of the Research Center will be on three major components of effective education,” said Director James R. Stone III. “Those components are: engagement – reducing dropouts and increasing school completion; achievement – strengthening academic and technical knowledge and skills; and transition – increasing the movement of students from high school to postsecondary education and from education into the workplace. All of these will be done in a balanced agenda of high school and postsecondary research.”

The new National Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) at the University of Louisville has several partner institutions and organizations that will work with them to achieve the goals of the grant. These partner institutions include the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, Clemson University, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the Academy for Educational Development (AED), and the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc).

The work of the Research Center will:

• Use practitioner-driven approaches in the planning, development, conduct, and evaluation of all research, dissemination, and professional development activities;
• Develop a program that is national in scope, reflecting the strengths and needs of diverse national, state, and local practitioners across a range of geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural settings; and
• Present a balanced research, dissemination, and professional development program for secondary and postsecondary practitioners and institutions.

The currently funded projects include:

• A Longitudinal Study of the South Carolina Personal Pathways to Success Initiative led by Clemson University
• A Longitudinal Analysis of Programs of Study led by AED
• Rigorous Tests of Student Outcomes in CTE Programs of Study led by the University of Louisville
• Relative Impact of Interventions to Improve Achievement and Retention in Postsecondary Occupational Programs led by the University of Minnesota
• Authentic Literacy Applications in CTE: Helping All Students Learn led by Cornell University
• Professional Development for Educators on the Use of Assessment Data led by NOCTI
• Harvesting State Postsecondary Career and Technical Administrative Record Data to Assess Student Performance led by the University of Louisville
• Alternative Licensure Career/Technical Teacher Induction Model led by SREB
• Identifying Best, Promising and Practitioner Wisdom Practices led by ACTE

Brief overviews of all of these studies can be found on the Center’s Web site at http://www.nrccte.org.

While conducting rigorous research in the CTE field remains the focus of the NRCCTE, the Center will also work with ACTE to share the results of that research and help schools, districts, and states improve their CTE delivery.

Regular podcasts and webcasts keep the education and CTE communities informed of the results of the Center’s research. The NRCCTE will also begin to disseminate Research Snapshots, which are designed to put the often difficult-to-understand research into practical and understandable language. The Snapshots will begin to be released this month and continue as new research emerges.

The NRCCTE has identified and begun implementing a technical assistance academy and continues to work with states to help schools and districts integrate curriculum through its popular and well-known Math-in-CTE model.

About the NRCCTE

The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education is the primary agent for generating scientifically based knowledge, dissemination, professional development, and technical assistance to improve career and technical education (CTE) in the United States. The NRCCTE works to improve the engagement, achievement, and transition of high school and postsecondary CTE students through technical assistance to states, professional development for CTE practitioners, and dissemination of knowledge derived from scientifically based research. The NRCCTE is funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Goodyear Receives Innovation Award in Europe

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company (NYSE: GT) recently received the 2008 Award for Industrial Innovation
from the Luxembourg Business Federation (FEDIL). The company was honored for
its Goodyear OptiGrip(R) tire with SmartWear(R) Technology.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

The OptiGrip tire, developed at Goodyear’s Luxembourg Technical Center,
was designed with SmartWear Technology to provide European motorists with
exceptional wet grip and to resist aquaplaning throughout the tire’s life by
employing a tread surface that reveals new grooves as the tire wears down.

The award was presented at a special ceremony in Luxembourg City by
Jeannot Krecke, Luxembourg’s Minister of Economics, and Francois Biltgen,
Luxembourg’s Minister of Labor, Culture, Higher Education and Research. The
award was accepted by Goodyear’s Vice President of Global Product Development
Joe Zekoski.

“It is a great honor for Goodyear to receive this prestigious award,” said
Zekoski. “I believe that Goodyear’s new SmartWear Technology will change the
way people view tires and will create a new appreciation for the technology
that is built into them.”

Founded in 1918, FEDIL is comprised of more than 500 companies that share
knowledge and learning concerning economic, industrial, financial and social
affairs, research and development, and information technology. In an effort
to encourage creativity and innovation, FEDIL introduced the Award for
Industrial Innovation in 1983. The award is bestowed every two years.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. Goodyear employs
about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities
in 26 countries around the world.

Johnson Controls Withdraws 2009 Guidance Citing Deteriorating Global Auto Industry Production

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Johnson Controls, Inc., today
announced that due to the rapid decline in global automotive production and
uncertain industry conditions, it was withdrawing its 2009 financial guidance.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081030/AQTH055ALOGO )

“Global automotive production is significantly worse than just two months
ago,” said Johnson Controls Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen A.
Roell. “Our customers continue to announce production reductions and plant
shut downs on a weekly basis. Every region of the world is down by a double-
digit rate, with virtually every automotive customer affected. The ongoing
uncertainties and rapid changes in the automotive industry make it difficult
to provide meaningful financial guidance for the upcoming year.”

On October 14, 2008, Johnson Controls issued financial guidance based on
2009 assumptions of 12.3 million vehicles in North America and 21.2 million in
Europe. The company’s latest production estimates for 2009 are 9.3 million
units in North America and 16.2 million units in Europe.

The company also announced that it expected to report a loss in its 2009
first quarter, which will end on December 31, 2008. The first fiscal quarter
is traditionally the company’s weakest and generates the smallest portion of
its annual profitability.

The loss in the first quarter will primarily result from the impact of the
dramatically lower automotive production levels on the company’s Automotive
Experience business. North American production in the quarter is expected to
be 25% lower than the year-ago period, while European production is estimated
to decline 32%.

The company’s Power Solutions business profitability will be also be
negatively impacted by the lower auto production levels as well as lower
stocking levels at certain aftermarket customers. Additionally, a higher than
normal inventory of spent cores purchased for recycling coupled with rapidly
falling lead prices will negatively impact earnings. This impact is expected
to be non-recurring, affecting only the current quarter.

The company said it is continuing to adjust its cost structure and
evaluate other cost reduction options in response to the environment. In
September 2008, the company announced a restructuring program to improve its
cost structure. Under that program, 21 plants will be closed in 2009 in
North America and Europe.

The company today said it was reducing its 2009 capital expenditure
forecast from $975 million to $600 to $650 million. This reduction primarily
reflects the elimination of automotive capacity expansion investments.
Johnson Controls said its cost structure improvement actions and the
performance of the company’s Building Efficiency and Power Solutions
businesses should enable the company to remain profitable in 2009.

“Johnson Controls is strong and well-positioned for the future,” Mr. Roell
said. “We have a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity. Our businesses
will continue to benefit from their participation in the global growth mega-
trends of energy efficiency and sustainability.”

He added, “We are optimistic about the new U.S. Administration’s
infrastructure investment plans which target energy efficiency improvements in
federal buildings and schools, two of our Building Efficiency businesses’
largest markets. This could substantially strengthen the growth
opportunities for our company.”

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to
the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies,
products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the
relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000
employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our
products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and
one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our
environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and
communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For
additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

Johnson Controls, Inc. (“the Company”) has made forward-looking statements
in this presentation pertaining to its financial results for fiscal 2009 and
beyond that are based on preliminary data and are subject to risks and
uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are
statements that are or could be deemed forward-looking statements and include
terms such as “outlook,” “expectations,” “estimates,” or “forecasts.” For
those statements, the Company cautions that numerous important factors, such
as automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, financial distress
of key customers, energy prices, the strength of the U.S. or other economies,
currency exchange rates, cancellation of or changes to commercial contracts,
liquidity, the ability to execute on restructuring actions according to
anticipated timelines and costs as well as other factors discussed in Item 1A
of Part II of the Company’s most recent Form 10-k filing (filed November 25,
2008) could affect the Company’s actual results and could cause its actual
consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-
looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company.

Zeus Announces Product-Line Expansion with Insulated PEEK(TM) Wire

ORANGEBURG, S.C., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Zeus, Inc. announced it has
expanded its current product offering and is now producing Insulated PEEK
Wire. Zeus Insulated PEEK Wire is insulated copper wire designed for
challenging environments and applications. Zeus’ current capabilities consist
of extrusions in a wide range of sizes from 6 gauge to 40 gauge, including 1/2
sizes.

Zeus Insulated PEEK Wire has a high continuous operating temperature,
excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, and dielectric strength. For some
applications, little or no varnish is required and material properties are
maintained in long, continuous lengths without pinholes. Insulated PEEK Wire
is available in amorphous and crystalline forms with various sizes and can be
spliced using Zeus PEEKshrink(TM).

Typical applications include magnet and winding wire for motors and
electrical insulation. Insulated PEEK Wire is widely used in the petroleum,
automotive, aerospace, and electrical industries.

“With more than 40 years in the field of polymer science and extrusions,
Zeus is able to offer its customers unparalleled quality, service, and
technical resources. This announcement builds upon our history of excellence
and demonstrates our commitment to the development of new products that
enhance and improve customer applications,” stated Robert Hall, Vice President
of Engineered Extrusions.

VICTREX(R) is a registered trademark of Victrex Manufacturing Limited.
PEEK(TM) is a trademark of Victrex plc.

About Zeus, Inc.:

Zeus, Inc. is headquartered in Orangeburg, SC, USA. Zeus is a world leader
in the design and production of high-performance polymer tubing used in
demanding applications, operating multiple facilities in North America and
internationally. Zeus products and services are preferred by companies in
medical, automotive, electrical, fluid handling and mechanical markets. For
more information, visit http://www.zeusinc.com.

    Contact:

    Creative Media Group
    Email: publicrelations@zeusinc.com
    866.272.4710

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com.

UTI Foundation Awards the First Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship

NASCAR Official’s Legacy Opens Door for Young Woman Seeking Career in Automotive Technology and NASCAR

PHOENIX, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation today selected Kenna Primm of Greenwood, Ark. as the first Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship recipient. Named in honor of the UTI graduate and NASCAR Sprint Cup official who died tragically in April of this year, the $10,000 scholarship will fund a portion of Primm’s technical education at UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute, NASCAR Tech in Mooresville, N.C.

This month, Primm will graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in marketing and begin a 10-week internship at Daytona International Speedway in January. She will start at NASCAR Tech on April 20. Upon completion of her technician training, she plans to combine both her marketing and technician degrees and pursue a career in the motorsports industry.

“My father introduced me to NASCAR racing when I was little, and since then I’ve always wanted to be a part of the industry. I think it’s important to be knowledgeable about both NASCAR’s business and technical aspects,” said Primm. “Brienne Davis applied her skills and dedication to graduate at the top of her class at UTI and continued her success as part of NASCAR. I want to follow in her footsteps and encourage more females to work in NASCAR, just as she did.”

“Brienne’s accomplishments with NASCAR’s Sprint Cup events are an inspiration for all,” said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation. “This scholarship, also supported by NASCAR, The NASCAR Foundation, NASCAR’s family of officials, drivers and fans in memory of Brienne Davis, will help young women like Kenna Primm pursue their dream careers in the automotive and NASCAR industries.”

“This scholarship was created to provide opportunities for women who have dedicated themselves to pursue careers in the automotive industry and NASCAR,” said Odis Lloyd, managing director, NASCAR automotive aftermarket. “Kenna Primm represents that dedication to her goals and hunger to develop the skills necessary to succeed and she is a wonderful selection as the first recipient of the Brienne Davis Scholarship.”

The UTI Foundation supports education excellence and the considerable need for qualified technicians. The $10,000Brienne Davis scholarship is awarded annually to one qualified female student who wishes to enroll in the NASCAR Technical Automotive Program. Additional information is available on the UTI Foundation website at www.utifoundation.net.

About UTI Foundation:

The UTI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Arizona non-profit, is the umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) not-for-profit initiatives and is dedicated to raising funds to further its mission and strategic goals. The UTI Foundation supports technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine and NASCAR industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs. For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.

About NASCAR Technical Institute

NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech), a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI), has an exclusive educational alliance with NASCAR. Located in Mooresville, NC, NASCAR Tech is the only school of its kind that combines automotive training and a NASCAR-approved technologies curriculum into one program. Students learn the basics of engine construction, lubrication systems, chassis fabrication, dyno testing, racing theory principles, NASCAR rules and regulations, as well as the teamwork needed in today’s automotive and racing industries. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. a leading provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, also offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at nine other campuses through several well-known brands — Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Marine Mechanics Institute and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI). For more information, visit www.uti.edu.

    Contact:
    Maria Miller
    SSA Public Relations
    602.956.6776
    Maria@gotossa.com

Fleetwood Completes Repurchase of 5% Debentures With Common Stock Pursuant to Terms of Indenture

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Fleetwood
Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: FLE) announced today that it has completed the offer,
launched on November 6, 2008, to repurchase its remaining 5% convertible
senior subordinated debentures with shares of its common stock, as required by
the indenture governing the debentures. Approximately $19.9 million in
aggregate principal amount of debentures were tendered and accepted in the
offer, which expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 15, 2008.
As previously announced, approximately $79 million in aggregate principal
amount of the debentures were tendered and accepted in Fleetwood’s previous
exchange offer for new senior notes, which expired on December 11, 2008, and
thus were no longer eligible to participate in the offer to repurchase the
debentures for common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing
the debentures, Fleetwood will issue approximately 121.8 million shares of its
common stock to repurchase the tendered debentures. The total number of shares
was based on a price of $0.163 per share, which represents 95 percent of the
average of the volume weighted prices of the common stock during the relevant
20-trading-day period. After issuance of these shares, Fleetwood expects the
total number of outstanding shares of common stock to be approximately 209.2
million.

“The need to satisfy our debenture obligation while maintaining our
liquidity has been successfully accomplished,” said Elden L. Smith, president
and chief executive officer. “We were able to refinance $79 million of debt on
terms that are reasonable in view of the historic dislocation in the worldwide
credit markets. We also preserved liquidity by satisfying the remaining
debentures with common stock, and we are now in a position to focus intensely
on further restructuring our business operations and continuing to drive down
our administrative overhead costs. And in the longer term, although many
observers have anticipated a shakeout among the manufacturers in both RVs and
manufactured housing, we at Fleetwood look forward with a great sense of pride
to continuing our longstanding leadership role in both these industries.”

Important Information Regarding Exchange Offers

In connection with the two offers, registration statements on Form S-4,
tender offer statements on Schedule TO, and related documents and amendments
thereto relating to the offers have been filed by Fleetwood with the SEC. This
news release shall not constitute an offer to exchange or sell, or the
solicitation of an offer to exchange or buy, nor shall there be any exchange
or sale of such securities in any state in which such offer, exchange,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification
under the securities laws of any such state. Holders of the debentures are
strongly advised to read the registration statements, tender offer statements
and other related documents because these documents contain important
information. Such holders may obtain copies of the exchange offer materials
from MacKenzie Partners, the information agent for the offers, at 800-322-
2885. These documents can also be obtained at no charge from Fleetwood or at
the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Fleetwood did not make any
recommendation to holders of debentures as to whether they should have
tendered their securities pursuant to either offer.

About Fleetwood

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading
producer of recreational vehicles and manufactured homes. This Fortune 1000
company, headquartered in Riverside, Calif., is dedicated to providing
quality, innovative products that offer exceptional value to its customers.
Fleetwood operates facilities strategically located throughout the nation,
including recreational vehicle, factory-built housing and supply subsidiary
plants. For more information, visit Fleetwood’s website at www.fleetwood.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and
information based on the beliefs of Fleetwood’s management as well as
assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Fleetwood’s
management. Such statements reflect the current views of Fleetwood with
respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and
assumptions, including risk factors identified in Fleetwood’s 10-K and other
SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the
significant demands on our liquidity while current economic and credit
conditions are severely affecting our operations; the lack of assurance that
we will regain sustainable profitability in the foreseeable future; our
potential inability to decrease our operating losses and negative cash flow;
the effect of ongoing weakness in both the manufactured housing and
recreational vehicle markets, especially the recreational vehicle market which
has deteriorated sharply in recent months; the volatility of our stock price
and the risk of potential delisting from the NYSE; the effect of a decline in
home equity values, volatile fuel prices and interest rates, global tensions,
employment trends, stock market performance, credit crisis, availability of
financing generally, and other factors that can and have had a negative impact
on consumer confidence, and which may continue to reduce demand for our
products, particularly recreational vehicles; the availability and cost of
wholesale and retail financing for both manufactured housing and recreational
vehicles; our ability to comply with financial tests and covenants on existing
and future debt obligations; our ability to obtain, on reasonable terms if at
all, the financing we will need in the future to execute our business
strategies; potential dilution associated with future equity or equity-linked
financings we may undertake to raise additional capital and the risk that the
equity pricing may not be favorable; the cyclical and seasonal nature of both
the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries; the increasing
costs of component parts and commodities that we may be unable to recoup in
our product prices; repurchase agreements with floorplan lenders, which we
currently expect could result in increased costs due to the deteriorated
market conditions; expenses and uncertainties associated with the entry into
new business segments or the manufacturing, development, and introduction of
new products; the potential for excessive retail inventory levels and dealers’
desire to reduce inventory levels in the manufactured housing and recreational
vehicle industries; the effect on our sales, margins and market share from
aggressive discounting by competitors; potential increases in the frequency
and size of product liability, wrongful death, class action, and other legal
actions; and the highly competitive nature of our industries and changes in
our competitive landscape.

     Filed by Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. pursuant to
     Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
     Rule 13e-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     Subject Company: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
     Commission File No. 001-7699

    Contact:  Lyle Larkin, Vice President -- Treasurer (951) 351-3535
     * Kathy A. Munson, Director -- Investor Relations (951) 351-3650

WABCO Earns Commercial Vehicle ‘Supplier of the Year’ Award From UK Trade Association for Third Year in a Row

BRUSSELS, Belgium and BIRMINGHAM, England, December 16
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — WABCO Holdings Inc. (http://www.wabco-auto.com)
(NYSE: WBC), a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the
commercial vehicle industry, today announced that the Automotive Distribution
Federation (ADF) in the United Kingdom has named WABCO as Commercial Vehicle
Supplier of the Year 2008, marking the third consecutive year that WABCO has
earned this award from ADF, the UK trade association representing over 80
percent of parts distributors in the independent automotive aftermarket as
well as parts manufacturers and importers.

“This award recognizes professionalism, product quality and expertise for
customer service and technical support across the UK independent automotive
aftermarket, and we congratulate WABCO on their success as ADF Commercial
Vehicle Supplier of the Year,” said Brian Spratt, Chief Executive, Automotive
Distribution Federation. “WABCO has now won this award for three successive
years, demonstrating the consistency of their performance and showing their
leadership in the aftermarket.”

“WABCO is proud to be awarded for 2008 by the UK’s largest aftermarket
trade association, and we take further pride in winning this top distinction
three years in a row,” said Nick Rens, WABCO Vice President, Aftermarket and
Trailer Systems. “WABCO’s aftermarket performance in the UK further
strengthens our global service network covering 450 WABCO Service Centers and
over 500 WABCO Service Points around the world.”

“We are passionate about product and service quality, and yet again the
ADF award confirms WABCO’s ability to achieve outstanding customer
satisfaction on a continual basis,” said Chris Chapman, WABCO Aftermarket
Manager, United Kingdom. “Winning the ADF award proves that customers value
our range of aftermarket support tools, services and training programs, and
they highly rate our support for systems, components and parts throughout a
vehicle’s lifecycle.”

About WABCO

WABCO Vehicle Control Systems is one of the world’s leading providers of
electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems
for heavy duty commercial vehicles. Customers include the world’s leading
commercial truck, trailer, and bus manufacturers. Founded in the U.S. in 1869
as Westinghouse Air Brake Company, WABCO was acquired by American Standard in
1968 and spun off in 2007. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, WABCO employs
more than 7,700 people in 31 countries worldwide. In 2007, WABCO’s total
sales were $2.4 billion. WABCO is a publicly traded company and is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange with the stock symbol WBC. Website:
http://www.wabco-auto.com

    Media contact
    Tobias Mueller, +49-69-7191-6834, tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de

    Investors and financial analysts contact
    Mike Thompson, +32-2-663-9854, mike.thompson@wabco-auto.com
    Jason Campbell, +1-732-369-7477, jason.campbell@wabco-auto.com

Ener1 Secures $30M Commitment; Business Plan is Fully Funded Through 2009

NEW YORK, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ener1, Inc. (Amex: HEV)
announced today that it has secured a commitment for a $30 million line of
credit from its principal investor, Ener1 Group, that fully funds the
company’s business plan through 2009. The terms for the line of credit are
being finalized and are anticipated to be disclosed later this week.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080312/CLW018LOGO )

Ener1 also confirms that it remains on schedule to deliver advanced
lithium-ion battery systems to Think electric vehicle maker in Oslo, Norway
for installation in Th!nk City vehicles for commercial sale scheduled to begin
at the end of Q1 2009. Think announced yesterday that the company is
extending its holiday shutdown period, while additional funding sources are
sought, and will resume production at the end of January. There has been no
change to Ener1’s existing purchase order for $34 million.

“We are secure in our funding through the coming year, which gives us the
ability to focus solely on execution on the business side, and deliver on our
consistent promise to create long-term shareholder value,” said Ener1 CEO and
Chairman Charles Gassenheimer. “The environment for automotive suppliers and
manufacturers has reached a nadir. However, demand to supply advanced battery
systems for the dozens of hybrid and electric vehicle programs already
committed to by the world’s automakers will remain healthy and robust.”

Safe Harbor Statement:

Certain statements made in this press release constitute forward-looking
statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections
and assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,”
“scheduled,” “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions
are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties,
which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends
may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due
to a variety of factors. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the
date of this press release and the company does not undertake any obligation
to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to
reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of
this press release.

About Ener1, Inc.:

Ener1 develops and manufactures compact, high performance lithium-ion
batteries to power the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles. The
publicly traded company (Amex: HEV) is led by an experienced team of engineers
and energy system experts at its EnerDel subsidiary located in Indiana.
EnerDel has developed proprietary battery systems based on technology
originally pioneered with the assistance of the Argonne National Lab.

Ener1 is seeking to become the first company to mass-produce a
cost-competitive lithium-ion battery for hybrid and electric vehicles. Demand
for battery solutions is being driven by a need to reduce dependence on oil as
well as growing concern about vehicle emissions. In addition to the automobile
market, applications for Ener1 lithium-ion battery technology include medical,
military, aerospace, electric utility and other growing markets.

Major shareholders of Ener1 include Ener1 Group, Inc., a privately held,
global investment and advisory firm, and ITOCHU Corporation, a Japanese
trading company and distributor of manufacturing equipment essential to
lithium-ion battery production. ITOCHU has annual revenue of approximately $90
billion and offices in more than 80 countries. Ener1 has also received funding
from a growing number of institutional investors.

In addition to battery technology, Ener1 develops commercial fuel cell
products through its EnerFuel subsidiary and nanotechnology-based materials
and manufacturing processes for batteries and other applications through its
NanoEner subsidiary.

    Contacts:   INVESTOR RELATIONS
                   Rachel Carroll
                   VP Corporate Communications
                   P: 212 920 3500
                   E: rcarroll@ener1.com

                MEDIA RELATIONS
                   Jon Coifman
                   Waggener Edstrom Worldwide
                   P: 212 551 4815
                   E: jcoifman@waggeneredstrom.com

‘State Parks Goes From Gas to Green’

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Quantya and California State Park’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division partner to promote electric off-highway vehicles.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ — When most people think of California State Parks, they envision tall redwood trees or long sandy beaches. They usually don’t think of dirt bikes or four-wheel drive vehicles. But these too can be found in State Parks. In fact, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks is widely recognized as a leader in off-highway vehicle recreation management. Exercising this leadership role, California State Parks approached Quantya, a leading electric motorcycle manufacturer, to partner with the OHMVR Division to promote electric off-highway vehicles.

In order to meet the state’s long-term renewable energy and climate change goals, the OHMVR Division supports the development of alternative fuel vehicles for the off-road industry. Recognizing the budding clean-tech boom in California, Quantya has been seeking a way to introduce their new eco-friendly motorcycle to the State. So, the two organizations decided to partner in furthering their mutual goals. Quantya agreed to provide California State Parks with an electric motorcycle for two months at no cost. In exchange, California State Parks agreed to provide direct feedback on the bike’s performance capabilities and relevance as a patrol vehicle. Both parties see this exchange as an opportunity to highlight the advances in electric technology for off-highway vehicles which will ultimately help to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The new Quantya Dual Sport “Strada” was developed as a patrol vehicle for law enforcement. “This was a great opportunity for us to learn from State Parks widely recognized experience, and to gain direct feedback on how we can enhance our vehicle’s functionality,” said David Lodermeier, Technical Services Manager for Quantya USA. The bike’s electronic design and silent operation make it perfect to ride in natural settings without causing disturbance and for campground patrols.

To commence the evaluation, State Park Rangers at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area took possession of the new Quantya “Strada” on August 8th, said John Vallett, Chief Ranger, “… the bike has been perfect for us because we can ride through the park with very little disruption to wildlife, or patrol the campgrounds at night and not disturb guests who are sleeping; while at the same time can have the confidence in the performance of the bike when it is called upon.”

California State Parks is assessing Quantya’s electric motorcycle because they anticipate it will reduce their operational fuel costs Quantya hopes the feedback and exposure from the relationship with California State Parks will spark interest from other state and federal agencies who are interested in supplementing their existing fleet with proven electric vehicle technology.

About Quantya

“Swiss Electric Movement” is the result of eco-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts who started the development and distribution of zero-emission high performance electric motorcycles. Quantya USA, part of the Swiss Electric Movement, wants to bring the massive success of the Quantya electric motorcycles to the US market. Quantya USA, the exclusive importer and distributor for the USA and Canada, is located in Syosset, NY and more information can be found at www.quantya.us.

Video: Motor Trend Names Ford F-150 2009 Truck of the Year

- Editors call 2009 the closest vote in Truck of the Year history -

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Motor Trend (www.motortrend.com), the leading automotive authority and part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, a subsidiary of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc (Nasdaq: SORC), today announced the selection of the all-new Ford F-150 as its 2009 Truck of the Year(TM). The complete report on Motor Trend’s 2009 Truck of the Year is available online and will be published in the magazine’s February issue, available on newsstands January 6, 2009.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/motortrendsportutilityoftheyear/35088/

“The stakes were high and the field of contenders was among the best yet for this year’s voting,” said Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend. “Despite the downturn in the economy, the pickup truck remains the automotive backbone of America, providing a tough, durable workhorse for business and recreational users alike. No matter what shape the American auto industry emerges from the current crisis, the pickup truck will remain a key part of the American automotive landscape.

“It was a tough call, but ultimately the F-150 prevailed for the third time in its production history,” said MacKenzie. During judging, editors praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality. Handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor helped tally a strong superiority score.

To achieve high payload and towing numbers, Ford retained traditional leaf-springs on the rear axle but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The chassis engineers tuned the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150 for feeling smaller and nimbler than the competition.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors, and the company predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. To that end, the truck’s fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas with a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks to boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter engine.

MacKenzie continued, “In the end, we do believe work trucks will come to dominate this segment and we happily give the golden calipers to the highly capable, broad-reaching Ford in the closest vote in Truck of the Year history.”

The 2009 Field of Contenders

The Ford F-150 was one of four trucks eligible for the Truck of the Year title. The other contenders were the Dodge Ram 1500, Suzuki Equator and the Hummer H3T.

To be eligible for Truck of the Year, a vehicle must be totally new or redesigned, and released in the 12 months prior to January 1, 2009 (cars with modifications such as new engines or that are variants of existing models are not eligible).

About the Testing and Evaluation Process

Motor Trend subjected all Truck of the Year contenders to a series of rigorous on- and off-road testing at the Yucca, Arizona proving grounds. Editors tested two versions of each contender, with different engines, transmissions and body configurations to better evaluate the breadth of capabilities in such diverse areas as towing power, dirt and gravel road handling and stop and go traffic.

Each year, the editorial staff of Motor Trend has evaluated eligible vehicles for its “Truck of the Year” based on three key categories: Significance, Superiority and Value. Significance refers to innovation in engineering, technology, design, safety and packaging. Superiority levels the playing field and looks for class-leading levels of vehicle dynamics and performance, build quality and execution, and how well the vehicle performs its intended function. Finally, the all-important Value question asks, “What does this vehicle deliver in relation to what the consumer has to pay to purchase and own it?”

High-resolution images of the winner are available upon request and at www.motortrend.com/media. Multimedia coverage of the testing and selection process will be broadcast on Motor Trend Radio, hosted by Bob Long.

About MOTOR TREND

MOTOR TREND, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC was founded in 1949 and has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7.1 million. Internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in automotive publishing, MOTOR TREND comprises Motor Trend Magazine; the award-winning website motortrend.com; Motor Trend Radio; Truck Trend; Motor Trend International Auto Shows; Motor Trend en Espanol; and the renowned Motor Trend Car, Sport/Utility and Truck of the Year Awards program.

Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: SORC), a $2.2 Billion media and marketing services company operating in 25 states, is a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences. Source Interlink Media, LLC publishes over 75 magazines and 90 related web sites. Source Interlink Distribution services tens of thousands of retail store locations throughout North America distributing DVDs, music CDs, magazines, video games, books, and related items. In addition to distributing over 6,000 distinct magazine titles annually, the Company maintains the largest in-stock catalog of CDs and DVDs in the U.S. — a combined total of more than 260,000 titles. Supply chain relationships include consumer goods advertisers, subscribers, movie studios, record labels, magazine and newspaper publishers, confectionary companies and manufacturers of general merchandise.