Ford e-News

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –

Ford’s Fiesta global small car is off to a fast start in Europe

The new Ford Fiesta – the stylish subcompact that is ushering in a new
wave of global cars from Ford (NYSE: F) — is off to a fast start in Europe.
The strong early sales of the Fiesta helped Ford’s European operations
increase market share in November and bodes well for the company as it
prepares the launch of the global small car in China in the first quarter of
next year and in other key Asian markets and the United States in early 2010.
In its first two months on sale, Ford has sold more than 42,200 new Fiestas in
Europe’s main 19 markets despite soft overall industry sales, making the new
Fiesta the second-most popular vehicle in the Ford of Europe lineup behind the
Focus compact. For more information contact Mark Truby at mtruby@ford.com or
313-323-0539 or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29572

2009 Ford F-150 named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

The all-new Ford F-150, America’s best-selling full-size pickup delivering
class-leading capability and unsurpassed fuel economy, was named 2009 Motor
Trend Truck of the Year(TM). “The new F-150 is a thorough, thoughtful upgrade
of a highly successful formula,” said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief, Motor
Trend. “The 2009 model improves on the core attributes that have made the
F-150 a best seller for decades, ensuring it will remain a strong player in
the segment despite the challenging economic environment.” The 2009 F-150,
new inside and out, is the new benchmark in its segment, appealing to a
growing number of core truck customers. Improvements include a new
high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers even more horsepower,
unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading towing and payload capacity. For
more information contact Anne Marie Gattari at agattari@ford.com or
313-323-7809 or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29577

All-new Ford Flex named Automobile All-Star

The all-new 2009 Ford Flex has been named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s
2009 All-Stars. “We were taken by the Flex’s exterior design, which is
thoroughly modern while harking back to the glory days of U.S. automakers, and
a cabin that is a masterpiece of ergonomic engineering and chock-full of
high-tech features,” said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-chief of
AUTOMOBILE Magazine. Winners were selected based on design, value and
performance, driving enjoyment and the vehicle’s ability to redefine an
existing category or create a new market segment. For more information
contact Jay Ward at jward35@ford.com or 313-845-2387 or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29584

Best-in-class aerodynamics help F-150 achieve unsurpassed fuel economy

When Ford Motor Company set out to redesign the F-150 – the 2009 Motor
Trend Truck of the Year(TM) and the best selling pickup of the past 31 years -
the truck team knew it wanted to improve fuel efficiency. While Ford’s truck
engineering team worked to make fuel efficiency gains through powertrain
performance and weight reduction, the design team focused on what Director Pat
Schiavone calls the “black art” of aerodynamics. The new F-150 4×4 is now
best-in-class for aerodynamics and unsurpassed fuel economy in its segment.
For more information contact Anne Marie Gattari at agattari@ford.com or
313-323-7809 or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29588

Ford’s 2010 Mustang available for children ages 3 and up

On the heels of last week’s debut of Ford’s newest Mustang, Mattel is
making plans to launch the Hot Wheels(R) version of America’s iconic muscle
car. The 2010 Hot Wheels Mustang is 1/64 the size of the original. It weighs
less than a pound and is just short of three inches long, compared to the
full-size car, which tips the scale at approximately 3,500 pounds and measures
more than 15 feet in length. The toy hit retail stores Dec. 1, 2008. For
more information contact Alan Hall at ahall32@ford.com or 313-594-3744 or
click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29479

Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution
photographs.

Progress Energy Florida to Continue Clean-Air Investments and Retire Two Coal Units

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Progress Energy
Florida (NYSE: PGN) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) announced a landmark agreement today that will protect the environment,
continue investments in air emission-reduction equipment and cost-effectively
manage a significant reduction in the company’s use of coal-fired power
generation.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c )

As part of the agreement, the company will retire the two oldest
coal-fired units at the Crystal River Energy Complex in Citrus County after a
new, advanced-design nuclear plant is built in Levy County. Doing so will
reduce the company’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 5 million
tons per year, which is the equivalent of removing more than 830,000 vehicles
from Florida’s roads. The company is also aggressively pursuing energy
efficiency, investing in renewable energy resources and developing advanced
transportation technologies, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, to help
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are committed to providing our customers with clean, reliable and
affordable electricity now and in the future,” said Jeff Lyash, president and
CEO of Progress Energy Florida. “As a significant player in an industry
critical to addressing global climate change, we are taking action to
significantly reduce our carbon emissions. This agreement will help us deliver
on our promise to reduce emissions without sacrificing reliable and affordable
electric service.”

Under the agreement, Progress Energy Florida will retire its Crystal River
Units 1 and 2 after the second unit at the Levy County site completes its
first fuel cycle. Current plans call for the second unit to come online in the
2017 time frame and the first fuel cycle to be complete around 2020. A fuel
cycle is the operating time between plant refueling outages, typically 18 to
24 months.

The agreement with the DEP also allows the company’s $1.3 billion
investment in air emission-reduction equipment to stay on track despite
uncertainty surrounding the federal Clean Air Interstate Rule. Progress Energy
Florida will complete and operate the state-of-the-art air emission controls
already under construction at its Crystal River Units 4 and 5. This equipment
will reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 90
percent and mercury emissions by 80 percent.

The company’s Crystal River Energy Complex, which includes four coal-fired
units and one nuclear unit, is one of the largest generating facilities in the
country. Located near Crystal River, Fla., the complex is capable of producing
3,148 megawatts (MW) and serves the daily needs of more than half of the
utility’s customers. Units 1 and 2 are coal-fired power plants that began
operation in 1966 and 1969, respectively. They have a combined generating
capacity of approximately 866 MW. Unit 3 is an 838-MW nuclear unit that began
operation in 1977. Units 4 and 5 are coal-fired plants built in 1982 and 1984,
respectively. They have a combined generating capacity of 1,444 MW.

The first unit at the Levy County site is expected to come online in 2016
and be capable to generate approximately 1,100 MW. The second unit is expected
to be complete in 2017 and also be capable to generate approximately 1,100 MW.

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN),
provides electricity and related services to about 1.7 million customers in
Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a
territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of
St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding
Orlando. Progress Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting
the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-
efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-
of-the-art electricity system. For more information, visit
www.progress-energy.com.

2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

DETROIT, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Two European automakers, two domestics
and for the first time a Korean automaker comprise the six finalists for the
North American Car of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year
awards, it was announced today.

Two of the six vehicles are new, clean diesels that can be sold in all 50
states. In 16 years this is the first time a diesel-powered vehicle has been a
finalist.

A group of 50 automotive journalists voted the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis
and Volkswagen Jetta TDI as finalists for the 2009 North American Car of the
Year.

The Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC are finalists
for the 2009 North American Truck of the Year.

The awards are unique in the United States because — instead of being
given by a single publication — they are given by 50 automotive journalists
from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio,
newspapers and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the
year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling,
driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from
the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and
finally settled on 14 cars and 11 trucks that deserved to be on the ballot.

Michelle Collins, Vice Chairman Automotive at Deloitte & Touche, was
responsible for counting the ballots, which jurors sent directly to the
accounting firm.

The finalists were announced today at a news conference during a luncheon
held by the Detroit Economic Club and the North American International Auto
Show.

Ms. Collins will be the only person who knows the winners, which will be
announced January 11th at the North American International Auto Show. Although
the winners are disclosed at a news conference at the North American
International Auto Show, the show does not give the awards.

Last year the North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Malibu and
the North American Truck of the Year was the Mazda CX-9.

This is the 16th year of the awards, which are funded exclusively by the
jurors. During that time:

— Hybrids have been honored four times.

— Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year eight
times. Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won
four times.

— Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year nine
times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won
twice.

    Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

    2009 North American Car of the Year nominees
    Audi A4
    BMW 1 Series
    Cadillac CTS-V
    Dodge Challenger
    Ford Flex
    Honda Fit
    Hyundai Genesis
    Jaguar XF
    Lincoln MKS
    Mazda 6
    Nissan GT-R
    Pontiac G8
    Toyota Venza
    Volkswagen Jetta TDI

    2009 North American Truck of the Year nominees

    BMW X6
    Chevrolet Traverse
    Dodge Ram
    Ford F-150
    Honda Pilot
    Infiniti FX35/50
    Kia Borrego
    Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
    Nissan Murano
    Subaru Forester
    Volkswagen Tiguan

More information on the awards — including the names of jurors as well as
previous finalists and winners — is available at:
www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

SupplyCore Awarded Contract to Provide Logistics Support to U.S. Military’s Land-Based Vehicle Fleets

ROCKFORD, Ill., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — SupplyCore, a leading supply chain
management and logistics services provider, has been awarded a ten-year
contract (SPM7LX-06-R-0157) with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to support
the U.S. Military’s land-based vehicles including the HMMVEE, Bradley, and the
M939 Series under the Fleet Automotive Support Initiative-Global (FASI-G)
Program. This indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has a maximum
value of $4.4 billion over the next ten years. Under this contract, SupplyCore
will provide parts and supply chain management services to Department of
Defense facilities. SupplyCore will provide this service through their
facilities located in Rockford, IL, Atlanta, GA, Santa Fe Springs, CA, Kansas
City, MO, and additional locations as needed.

The FASI-G Program, administered by the Defense Supply Center Columbus,
was created to provide superior logistics, supply chain management services,
and to improve customer services in supporting the military’s land-based
vehicle fleets.

In order to be awarded the Small Business Set-Aside portion of the FASI-G
Program, SupplyCore was required to show they were competitive with the large
businesses that competed for the contract in both price and delivery
capability. As a leader within the Small Business community, SupplyCore is
able to manage an extensive supply chain that includes many highly capable
small manufacturers. The FASI-G set-aside contract is one of the largest small
business set-asides ever awarded by the Department of Defense.

About SupplyCore

SupplyCore helps the armed services and the DLA improve their supply chain
performance and eliminate waste while providing superior service to the
warfighter. SupplyCore has spent over twenty years streamlining and improving
its technological processes and its supply chain, which translates into more
efficient purchasing for the federal government.

SupplyCore has steadily become one of the leading integrated suppliers,
offering integrated logistics, supply chain management, and web-based
procurement services for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps as
well as other federal government organizations. Founded in 1987, SupplyCore
currently has more than 110 associates with offices and distribution centers
located in Illinois, California, South Carolina, Atlanta, Japan, Saudi Arabia,
and Kuwait.

For more information, visit http://www.supplycore.com.

About the FASI-G Program

The FASI-G contract term is ten years. The base period has been revised to
four years, with three two-year option periods, to be exercised at the
discretion of the Government. FASI-G is a partial small business set-aside;
1,246 NSN solicited as unrestricted and 730 NSNs solicited as a small business
set-aside. All items support the land-based tactical and non-tactical vehicle
fleets. There is the potential to add an additional 22,000 (approximate) items
to any resulting contract via 52.216-9009 Addition/Deletion of Items.

The primary customers of the FASI-G Program are the Army and Marine Corps,
including the Reserves and National Guard. However, any DoD activity with
land-based vehicles is included in the scope of the program.

Delco Remy(R) iMT9(TM) Starter Motors Surpass the Competition

PENDLETON, Ind., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — The new Delco Remy iMT9
heavy-duty starter motor series tackles the requirements of off-highway
vehicles working in extreme conditions. Designed without an external
solenoid, the iMT9 starter underwent extensive independent validation testing
which proved performance and sealing superiority outclassed competitive
models. Significant new business from a strategic global OEM customer was
awarded based on these performance results.

Construction, mining and military vehicles can be exposed to water
submersion and considerable amounts of dirt and debris. The iMT9 heavy-duty
starter motor series is encapsulated to protect the internal starter
components when vehicles are operating in these extreme conditions.

“The integrated solenoid design is a first for us,” stated Kent Jones,
Vice President of Heavy-Duty Sales and Marketing at Remy, Inc. “Outperforming
existing designs the first time out endorses our place in the market as a
technology leader.”

Field tests confirmed the industry-new patented clutch design provides a
significant advancement in overall starter durability. Additional performance
enhancing features of the Delco Remy iMT9 starter motor series include:

    -- Cranks up to a 17-liter diesel engine
    -- Rotatable mounting flange offers ease in installation
    -- Operating temperature range -32 degrees C (-25.6 degrees F) to
       120 degrees C (248 degrees F)
    -- Integrated solenoid allows application flexibility
    -- Available in 12 and 24 volts
    -- Environmentally sealed design is submersible and withstands 2,500 PSI
       high-pressure water

About Remy International, Inc.:

Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Pendleton, Indiana, is a
leading manufacturer, remanufacturer, and distributor of Delco Remy brand
heavy-duty systems and Remy brand starters, alternators and hybrid power
technology. Visit the Delco Remy brand website at http://www.delcoremy.com.

TriMas’ Cequent Unit Increases Wal-Mart Business

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TriMas
Corporation (NYSE: TRS) — a diversified growth company of specialty niche
businesses — today announced that its Cequent Consumer Products Group has
been awarded additional towing security and accessory business with Wal-Mart.

Cequent will supply modular towing systems, towing security products and
accessories to Wal-Mart throughout the U.S. in 2009.

“We are very excited to be chosen by Wal-Mart as their major supplier for
towing security and accessory products,” said John Aleva, President of Cequent
Consumer Products, a business unit within the Cequent Group at TriMas.

“Cequent has the leading brand in towing, Reese Towpower(TM), and brings
more than 50 years’ towing experience to its customers,” he added. “Our
investment in product and packaging innovation and our recent agreement with
LifeLong(TM) Locks continue to increase our product value with customers.”

About Cequent

Cequent is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range
of accessories for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreational
vehicles, passenger cars and trailers of all types. Products include cargo
management and rack systems, towing and hitch systems, and trailer and
electrical brake systems. Cequent draws upon a 75-year-old heritage of
superior cargo management and recreational accessory brands, including:
ROLA(R), Highland The Pro’s Brand(R), Draw-Tite(R), Reese(R), Hidden
Hitch(R), Fulton(R), Wesbar(R), Bulldog(R), and Tekonsha(R).

About TriMas

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (NYSE:
TRS) is a diversified growth company of high-end, specialty niche businesses
manufacturing a variety of products for commercial, industrial and consumer
markets worldwide. TriMas Corporation is organized into five strategic
business groups: Packaging Systems, Energy Products, Industrial Specialties,
RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories. TriMas Corporation has
nearly 5,000 employees at 70 different facilities in 10 countries. For
additional information, please visit www.trimascorp.com .

    CONTACT:   Sherry Lauderback
               Vice President, Investor Relations
               & Communications
               (248) 631-5506
               sherrylauderback@trimascorp.com

Registration Now Open for Harley-Davidson’s 2nd Annual Daytona Women’s Ride

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Last year in Daytona, hundreds of women
riders joined together on the Harley-Davidson Daytona Women’s Day Ride and
raised $67,000 for MDA. Registration for the 2009 ride on Tuesday, March 3, is
now open with a limited number of spots available for women riders.

The Women’s Day Ride, designed to celebrate women riders, as well as
generate funds for the MDA, is open to the first 500 eligible female
Harley-Davidson or Buell riders who register at
http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders before Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. Aside
from riding together through the streets of Daytona, participating women
riders are also encouraged to secure pledges and donations from their families
and friends, which will be used to support the MDA’s Summer Camp programs
across the country. For nearly 30 years, the Harley-Davidson family of
dealers, employees, riders and suppliers has helped raise more than $65
million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

“Last year the Women’s Day Ride was a huge success,” said Leslie Prevish,
Women’s Outreach Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Riding down the road
with hundreds of women riders was truly inspirational, and more importantly,
we raised $67,000 for MDA. Hopefully this year, with the support of our
generous female riders, as well as their friends and family, we’ll easily
eclipse that mark.”

All participating riders will receive a 2009 MDA pin, as well as an
MDA/Harley-Davidson bike flag. The top three fundraisers among the group will
receive a Harley-Davidson jacket, and every rider who raises at least $600
will receive a special 2009 MDA Women’s Day Ride sterling silver charm.

Daytona Women’s Booth

Women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling — seeking the
freedom and control associated with the open road, polished chrome and a sweet
sounding engine. In fact today, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that
more than 12% of U.S. motorcyclists are women.

To help fuel that trend and encourage women to meet and talk about their
experiences, the Motor Company is also hosting a Women’s Booth at the Ocean
Center throughout Daytona Bike Week where experienced women riders or those
just looking for information on how to get started can learn more about the
sport. The booth will include bike lift seminars as well as information about
learning to ride, “helmet hair” tips, healthy living while on the road and
more.

Women that visit the booth will also have the chance to meet Karen
Davidson, the great grand-daughter of one of the Motor Company founders, and
are invited to share their riding stories or dreams of getting behind the
handlebars by signing a banner featured at the booth.

What Else Harley’s Doing to Inspire Women to Ride

Harley-Davidson’s We Ride is a basic overview on what a new rider or a
woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport. It
features information on how and where women can learn to ride with details on
the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course and the best way to fit a motorcycle for a
woman’s ergonomic and functional needs. It also includes tips on getting
involved and staying active with riding groups, as well as inspirational
stories from real women who have answered the call of the open road. The
special 48-page riding guide is available for free download at
http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders or for free shipment when you order
online and can also be picked up at any local Harley-Davidson dealership.

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are hosting free women-only
Garage Parties to encourage them to get involved in motorcycling. The
Harley-Davidson Garage Party event provides a non-intimidating environment for
women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are
interested in riding.

For more information about Harley-Davidson and women and riding, visit
http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle
manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of
motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information,
visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com.

Dealer Fraud Cases Expected to Rise Amidst Bleak Retail Season

Akerman Senterfitt’s Bankruptcy and Litigation Groups Look Out For Creditor’s Interests

MIAMI, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — The economic crisis that swept 2008 has left most retailers hesitating to call this the most wonderful time of the year. With consumer spending down and retail vacancy rates increasing, the retail industry has taken a substantial hit. It’s therefore not surprising that as dealers of cars, boats, RV’s and large ticket discretionary items feel the effects, more creditors will be negatively impacted as default rates continue to rise.

“We fully anticipate an increase in litigation cases involving dealers defaulting on their loan obligations in this sour retail season,” says Jim Foster, Akerman Senterfitt Shareholder and a senior litigation and bankruptcy attorney in the firm’s Orlando office. “More troubling though, is the growing trend of dealer fraud instances across many mid-sized dealerships within the marine, furniture, automotive and electronics industries.”

It’s an unfortunate truth that dealer fraud situations, known as “sold and unpaid” (SAU) or “sold out of trust” (SOT) cases, are increasing and harming many creditors. In prior years, SAU and SOT cases were often seen amongst “brown and white” dealers who would take advantage of standard floor plan checks and pile inventory in tall rows with empty boxes closest to the ceiling to give the impression that all assets were accounted for. Dealers expecting the next sales to cover the losses will seek to hide the fact that they have sold inventory without sending payment. However, Foster notes, “In this economic environment, missing inventory will not go unnoticed this retail season. Creditors and their Field Service Representatives are more vigilant than ever.”

For example, before the slump in sales, creditors would permit dealers to hold manufacturer’s statements of origin (the document needed to obtain a title), now the lenders are bringing the MSOs in house in the hope that a consumer complaining about an inability to obtain a title to his new car, boat or RV, will alert the creditor to the SOT situation.

In addition to dealer fraud, it is not uncommon in a down market for dealers to default on payment obligations and allow repossession of their inventory rather than declare bankruptcy. In these cases, assets are ending up in the creditor’s possession and are ultimately bought back by the manufacturer. Consequently, manufacturers are struggling and may be willing to financially assist the creditor in an effort to avoid a repossession from the dealer that would trigger the obligation of the manufacturer to buy back unsold inventory.

“We understand and appreciate these difficult economic times and the unfortunate repercussions of a struggling retail industry,” says Michael McMahon, Chair of Akerman’s Litigation practice. “With the largest litigation practice in Florida and one of the largest teams of litigators in the United States, we are confident that we can assist in limiting the potential losses to creditors affected by the current economic challenges that will persist into the New Year.”

Comprised of litigation, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights attorneys, Akerman’s Dealer Distribution and Inventory Finance team has vast experience representing creditors in all aspects of dealership financing matters in a wide range of sectors, including: marine, recreational vehicles, aircraft, flight simulators, restaurant equipment, automobile, furniture, computers, electronics and appliances. Akerman’s litigation team includes more than 200 commercial trial lawyers in Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Tysons Corner and Los Angeles, including several former judges, and serves clients as national, regional or special trial counsel.

About Akerman Senterfitt

Akerman is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the U.S. by The National Law Journal NLJ 250 (2008) in number of lawyers and is one of the largest firms in Florida. With more than 500 lawyers and governmental affairs professionals, the firm serves clients in major business centers throughout the United States, including Miami, New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. For additional information, please visit the firm’s Web site at www.akerman.com.

    Contact:
    Bradley Wray
    RF|Binder Partners, Inc.
    (212) 994-7592
    bradley.wray@rfbinder.com

    Walter Fowler
    RF|Binder Partners, Inc.
    (212) 994-7512
    walter.fowler@rfbinder.com

National Safety Council Issues Christmas and New Year’s Driving Fatality Estimates

ITASCA, Ill., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Year-end holidays are a potential threat to the nation ending the year with a record low number of motor-vehicle fatalities. As travel increases at the holidays, so too does the incidence of high risk behaviors, like drunk driving.

The National Safety Council estimates there will be 432 motor-vehicle fatalities during the Christmas holiday period that begins at 6 p.m., Dec. 24 and extends until midnight, Dec. 28. For the New Year’s holiday period, from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 until midnight on Jan. 4, the NSC estimates 445 motor-vehicle fatalities.

Estimates coincide with a 2008 traffic fatality rate that, through October, has the United States on track to achieve its lowest annual rate of traffic deaths ever recorded and the first time the number of crash-related deaths has dipped below 40,000 since 1961, according to National Safety Council data.

Factors that help keep people safer on the roads include improved safety features in vehicles and greater visibility and enforcement of important traffic safety laws, including those related to seat belts, child passengers, impaired driving and teen driving.

“There is an especially good reason to drive defensively this holiday season, as our nation is on the verge of making traffic safety history,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the NSC. “Yet we know the holidays bring increased incidence of drunk driving and often other safety risks, such as those posed by winter weather or drowsy driving.”

“The Council urges everyone on the road this holiday to wear a seat belt,” Froetscher said. “Seat belts are the single best defense against drunk drivers and the most effective way to protect passengers and reduce fatalities in crashes. And please, if you plan to drink at a holiday party, don’t drive. Alcohol impairment is a factor in 32 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.”

In addition to the human loss, motor-vehicle crashes present a significant national expenditure in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, administrative expenses, employer costs and property damage. The estimated cost of motor-vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damage was $257.7 billion in 2007.

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

Henkel Accompanies Dakar Rally to South America

DUESSELDORF, Germany and ROCKY HILL, Conn., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — The driest desert on earth, the world’s longest exposed mountain range – Dakar 2009 is full of superlatives demanding exceptionally skilled drivers as well as vehicles and technical equipment able to meet the toughest requirements. On January 3, 2009, the most sensational of all rally events will begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Henkel will be at the starting line for the fourth consecutive time. Select products from the company’s Loctite(R) and Pattex brands will prove their ability to withstand the most extreme conditions. Know-how from Henkel ensures that more than 500 competitors from about 50 nations will not be delayed by a loose bolt, worn bearing, leaking seal, broken windshield or any other unexpected incident when traveling the plains of Patagonia, crossing the Atacama Desert and passing the Andes Mountains.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030605/HENKYLOGO )

In the Dakar Rally 2009, Henkel’s Official Supplier status reflects its competencies as a leading supplier of industrial adhesives and sealants, pushing the limits further in pursuit of reliability, performance and innovation. “As an ideal testing arena for new product developments, the rally has confirmed the superior quality of our products even under the most extreme racing conditions,” says Isabelle Feix, Marketing Communications, Loctite. “Many products have earned their ‘Dakar-proven’ stamp of approval in the four previous events.” Loctite(R) anaerobic threadlockers have performed reliably where mechanical devices fail. Broken windscreens are quickly replaces with Teroson direct glazing sealants. Damaged plastic parts can be restored quickly and reliably using Teroson Plastic Repair products. And Pattex Power Tape repairs, secures, holds and seals, making it an indispensable tool to have along.

Over the years, Henkel service specialists accompanying the rally have established a strong relationship with the competitors, built on the competent assistance and the high-quality products offered for fast and efficient repairs. They are known as the “Henkel-Charlies” to most of the drivers and even more so to their mechanics. This year a team of four will head for South America to support the competitors with hands-on expertise for emergency repairs and overnight maintenance work in the bivouacs. The “Charlies” will travel with the rally from start to finish, and will be joined by photojournalist Stefano Levi, reporting every day live from the bivouacs and from the track. His reports can be found at: www.dakaradventure.com.

The Dakar Rally receives extensive international media coverage by radio and TV stations and will be broadcast in 180 countries. The event captures the interest of a huge public. “Many of them are motor sport and technology enthusiasts – exactly the key group of Loctite(R) and Teroson product users,” said Isabelle Feix.

For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people’s lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas – Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesive Technologies – and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel’s sales are in consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company’s total sales. In fiscal 2007, Henkel generated sales of 13,074 million euros and operating profit of 1,344 million euros. Our more than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, “A Brand like a Friend,” and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.

    Press-Contact

    Cindy Demers (North America)
    Phone: 480-754-4090
    cindy.demers@us.henkel.com

    Sabina Hampe (International)
    Phone: +49 211 797 - 7519
    Fax: +49 211 798 - 4040

    Technical Contact
    Isabelle Feix
    Phone: +49 211 797 - 2460
    Fax: +49 211 798 - 12460
    Press@Henkel.com