Bourns Announces New Low Capacitance TISP Surge Protectors Optimized for ADSL and VDSL Applications

Bourns Surge Protectors Reduce Line Failures and Maximize xDSL Line Reach to Customers

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced the availability of a new family of low capacitance surge protectors designed to protect ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, VDSL and VDSL2 ports in modems or telephone exchanges. Designated the TISP4CO15L1N, TISP4CO20L1N and TISP4C025L1N, Bourns’ new family of surge protectors have a small footprint and are designed to reduce line failure and help to increase xDSL line reach to customers with a low capacitance of 9 picofarads (pF) and a feed-through package that is designed to provide the lowest possible protection voltage. This new family of Thyristor Surge Protection Devices (TSPD) is based on Bourns industry-leading TISP(R) overvoltage protection technology that follows in the company’s history of providing leading-edge and cost effective solutions and recommendations.

“Bourns’ new family of TISP surge protectors is an ideal solution for modems or telephone exchange ports due to its small size, feed-through package and ultra low capacitance,” said Koenraad Rutgers, technical marketing manager at Bourns. “We already have design wins from our OEM customers based on our product performance that provide solutions to help reduce line failures and maximize xDSL line reach.”

As the VDSL market continues to grow with more than 100 million lines installed in 2008 alone, Bourns’ new family of surge protector products is designed to protect xDSL line-driver interfaces at both ends of the line from overvoltages from AC power system or lightning-flash disturbances. These symmetrical protectors are two-terminal thyristor-crowbar devices and can be used to protect between conductors, or a pair of devices can be deployed to protect from line to ground. When placed between the xDSL line driver IC and the transformer, this protector will clamp and switch into a low-impedance state, safely diverting the energy transferred by the xDSL coupling transformer. The low capacitance design makes these devices an optimal choice for designs from ADSL all the way up to 30 MHz VDSL2. The alternative to TISP surge protectors had previously been simple steering diodes which allow energy to reach the protected line drivers, potentially resulting in line damage.

Pricing and Availability

Bourns’ TISP4CO15L1N, TISP4CO20L1N and TISP4C025L1N surge protectors are available now. As a pricing reference, the TISP4 surge protector products are offered at $0.20 in 1 million-unit quantities through distribution.

About Bourns

Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. Additional company and product information is available at the company’s website at www.bourns.com.

Bourns(R), and the Bourns logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bourns, Inc. and may be used publicly only with the permission of Bourns and require proper acknowledgement. Other listed names and brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

    Agency Contact:
    Annette Keller
    Keller Communication
    (949) 640-4811
    annettekeller@sbcglobal.net

    Company Contact:
    Mikelyn Bridges
    Bourns, Inc.
    (951) 781-5397
    mike.bridges@bourns.com

Ricardo Launches Industry’s Most Comprehensive and Integrated Development Center for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Systems

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Ricardo, Inc., a leading
independent engineering firm specializing in total vehicle fuel economy and
efficiency, has launched the Battery Systems Development Center at its Van
Buren Twp., Michigan, headquarters. The center provides the most
comprehensive and integrated range of capabilities in the industry for turnkey
development and application of complete high-voltage battery-pack systems for
hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

“As a leading supplier of advanced technologies and alternative energy
solutions, Ricardo is at the forefront in developing renewable energy
applications that will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lead to
energy independence,” said Ricardo President Dean Harlow. “While there has
been a great deal of theoretical discussion and proposals on renewable energy,
Ricardo is actually applying the technology by taking it off the whiteboard
and into the real world. Last year we launched TVFE(TM) as a total vehicle
fuel economy solution. Now we open the Battery Systems Development Center
which will be among the industry’s most complete battery development and
system integration centers, working with a wide range of customers from cell
suppliers to the Tier 1 and OEM’s on battery systems for hybrid and electric
vehicles.”

The Battery Systems Development Center is the focal point of Ricardo’s
design, analysis, simulation and integration of advanced high-power battery
packs and their electronic management systems. Combined with the company’s
deep expertise in the development of electronic controls, hybrid transmissions
and vehicle systems, it provides Ricardo with the capability of providing
fully integrated, turnkey battery systems.

“Electrification of the vehicle is a critical element of automakers’
strategies for achieving the 35-mile-per-gallon CAFE regulations,” said Karina
Morley, Ricardo’s global vice president of Controls and Electronics. “The
Battery Systems Development Center is a state-of-the-art, benchmark facility
that enables Ricardo to evaluate and optimize batteries throughout the
development cycle, from the early stages through battery pack production and
integration into the vehicle.”

Ricardo’s Battery Systems Development Center is believed to be the only
supplier facility with a Virtual Vehicle Development Environment, making it
the industry’s most comprehensive battery development and systems integration
center. This allows for fully simulated vehicle integration to be conducted
in a safe, controlled and repeatable environment, positioning Ricardo as one
of the only suppliers equipped to deliver increased efficiencies by fully
optimizing a battery pack and control system.

“We’re very proud of the fact that Ricardo is playing a role in
positioning Michigan as the leader in electric vehicle technology
development,” Harlow added. We commend Governor Granholm, the Michigan
Legislature and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for creating
incentives that make it possible for companies like Ricardo to invest in
Michigan’s high-tech future. It’s an investment that will fuel jobs and
economic development for years to come.”

Ricardo’s extensive expertise in battery development can be applied to
non-automotive industries that can benefit from advanced battery pack
development. Applications could include agricultural equipment, military
vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles. This includes
any type of energy storage, such as ultra capacitors or batteries for
stationary or other applications.

In the Battery Systems Development Center, prototype battery pack systems
undergo exhaustive development in specially built development chambers
equipped with robust safety and filtration systems. Each will feature high-
capacity battery cyclers, high-voltage instrumentation, hardware-in-the-loop
systems and other equipment to enable the development of battery systems in
simulated vehicle environments. Once a battery pack design is verified in a
safe, simulated environment, the battery system can be integrated into and
further developed on a vehicle in Ricardo’s adjoining garage facility.

About Ricardo

Ricardo, the Eco-Innovation Technology Company, is a leading independent
provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and
strategic consulting to the world’s automotive, military, transport and new
energy industries.

The company’s skill base represents the state-of-the-art in low emissions
and fuel-efficient powertrain technology, and can be best summarized: “Ricardo
is Fuel Economy.”

With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia,
Ricardo provides engineering expertise ranging from vehicle systems
integration, controls & electronics, hardware and software development, to the
latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and
fuel cell powertrain technologies. Ricardo’s customers include the world’s
major automakers and suppliers as well as manufacturers in the military,
commercial, off-highway and clean energy sectors. The company also serves in
advisory roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo’s U.S.
operation, Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan.
Ricardo plc posted sales of $394 million in financial year 2008 and is a
constituent of the FTSE TechMark 100 index — a group of innovative technology
companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit
www.ricardo.com.

Ricardo offers TVFE(TM), its Total Vehicle Fuel Economy engineering
service, to transportation manufacturers worldwide to provide objective
evaluation of all available technologies to identify the most cost-effective
strategies to optimize fuel economy and CO2 goals. For more information on
TVFE, please visit www.totalvehiclefueleconomy.com.

Everyone Wins the Big Game With a Sober Designated Driver

MADD Asks Fans to Call The Right Play and Use a Designated Driver

DALLAS, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) calls on all NFL fans to remember the most important SuperBowl play off the field is the designated driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 67 people were killed in traffic crashes involving a vehicle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher during the 24 hours of SuperBowl 41 in 2007.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030421/MADDLOGO )

“We want to make sure fans aren’t throwing a Hail Mary when it comes to getting home safely,” said Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD’s national president. “Plan ahead and designate a sober driver to ensure your team arrives home safe and sound.”

Home Safe Card supports safer communities and MADD’s mission through its Home Safe Card. This prepaid card can be used to pay any transportation service that accepts Discover(R) Network Cards. Each time a MADD-affiliated Home Safe Card is sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to MADD. The Home Safe Card will soon be available nationwide in $100, $75, $50, and $25 denominations. Please visit www.homesafecard.com for details.

“We at Home Safe Card are thrilled the SuperBowl is back in our home town of Tampa, and we want to make sure all football fans have a solid game plan for getting home safely,” said Perry Anderson, founder and CEO of Home Safe Card. “However fans choose to participate in the action, the most important play is the one that keeps them in the game, and that means a safe ride home.”

MADD is also asking the public to support the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which asks for full implementation of current technologies such as ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, intensive high-visibility law enforcement, exploration and development of advanced vehicle-based technology, and mobilization of grassroots support. Florida, home of this year’s SuperBowl, has passed a mandatory ignition interlock law for all convicted drunk drivers, starting with a high-BAC first-conviction.

Laminated Glass Prominent at 2009 North American International Auto Show

More low cost, high volume vehicles offering technology

DETROIT, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Numerous vehicles that were on display at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) tout laminated glass as standard or optional equipment in applications beyond the windshield, reports the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA). Those window positions include driver and passenger side windows, rear windows and roof glass.

New adoptions of laminated glass demonstrate the value that automakers continue to place on the benefits of the product. Since the year 2000, when the technology began to appear on luxury vehicles at NAIAS, laminated glass has been adopted by many additional vehicles including those designed to exhibit quality, yet be affordable to a wide variety of consumers. Notably, over the past three consecutive years at NAIAS, the vehicle named North American Car of the Year has included laminated door glass as standard equipment.

Vehicles on display included:

    Bentley Continental GT   Ford Mustang (roof)     Maybach 57 & 62
    Bentley Flying Spur      Ford Taurus ('10)       Maserati Quatroporte
    Buick LaCrosse ('10)     Hyundai Genesis         Mercedes CLS
    Buick Lucerne            Lamborghini Murcielago  Mercedes S Class
    Buick Enclave            Lexus LS                Mercedes CL500
    Cadillac SRX ('10)       Lexus LX                Mercedes 400 BlueHybrid
    Chevy Malibu             Lexus RX                Mercedes SL AMG Black
    Ford Flex Limited        Lexus LS 600h           Saturn Aura
                             Lincoln MKS             Subaru Forrester (roof)

Additional manufacturers offer laminated glass on a variety of models. For a complete list, visit the EPGAA Web site, www.epgaa.com.

Concept Vehicles on display included:

• Audi Sportback Concept
• Chevy Beat
• Lincoln MKT Crossover

“We are pleased to see so many new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show with laminated glass,” said Pete Dishart, Director, New Product Development and Emerging Technologies for Pittsburgh Glass Works and EPGAA President. “Under the difficult economic conditions the industry now faces, vehicle content decisions are receiving intense scrutiny. It is gratifying to see that laminated glass provides a compelling value proposition to the automotive manufactures and their customers.”

Laminated glass, automotive safety glass designed for greater comfort and security, is a high-impact resistant glass technology consisting of two or more panes of glass bonded together by a plastic interlayer or film that automakers and car buyers have trusted for use in windshields for more than 70 years. Laminated glass offers a variety of benefits, including acoustic improvement, weight savings of 12 percent over conventional tempered glass vehicle windows, enhanced security, and safety and solar protection. This application also meets all regulatory and industry standards for performance of glazing materials.

About the EPGAA

The Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA) is composed of laminate and glass providers to provide information and overall education on the development of laminated glass for added vehicle security, occupant comfort and safety. For more information on the EPGAA, visit www.epgaa.com.

Motorcycle Seats NOT The Cause of Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction for Bikers

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — “A 2005 Japan impotence study uses soft words about hard seats suggesting motorbike ‘vibration may cause ED’ and ‘more studies are needed to determine the cause,’ ” says patent-granted author Randall Dale Chipkar. “Based upon limited information one cannot conclude motorcycle seats as causation for impotence.”

“Bicycling or hard scooter seats on rough roads are much more rigorous on the groin rather than modern day cruising seats. Not to mention motorcycle rubber-mounted engines, sophisticated suspensions, smooth asphalt and contoured padded seats,” Chipkar says.

“Subtle groin vibrations increase blood flow and are actually stimulating not debilitating on our tissues. Regular motorcycle seat vibration is not going to damage penile nerves,” Chipkar adds.

The pelvis and perineum are designed for prolonged sitting properly displacing pressure and any eventual discomfort can be walked off without sustaining biological harm or compromised blood flow.

“Causation of impotence or erectile dysfunction involves many issues including lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, I feel there is a much greater issue than pressure or vibration linking impotence to motorcycle riders,” says Chipkar.

“Most motorcycles have electrical components beneath the seat. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) radiation passes through the seat penetrating into the rider’s groin. ELF EMFs can disrupt zinc ions which are linked to impotence and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, excessive ELF EMF invasion compromises electromagnetic homeostasis involving neuron function, hormone imbalance and adrenal fatigue all linked to impotence and libido loss,” Chipkar says.

“I discovered up to 500 milliGauss of ELF EMF radiation above motorcycle seats zapping the prostate. In contrast, many doctors raise cancer concerns involving 3 to 5 milliGauss of ELF EMF exposure from hydro tower power lines and other sources,” adds Chipkar.

“On my website doctors prove ELF EMF danger. Impotence, erectile dysfunction, infertility, sterility, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are linked not to motorcycle seats but what’s ‘rising up’ through them,” Chipkar says.

Chipkar authored Motorcycle Cancer? to expose the truth. Chipkar is now campaigning worldwide to enhance the motorcycle industry to keep riders safer.

Randall Dale Chipkar is available for interviews and has a motorcycle cancer website for rider safety. For more information about The Motorcycle Cancer Book, proof of EMF danger, studies, erectile dysfunction, lymphoma, impotence, enlarged prostate, prostatitis, BPH, prostate cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, RiderSaver(TM) motorcycle seat shielding, etc. Please visit http://www.motorcyclecancer.com

Ford Motor Company – January U.S. Sales Conference Call

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — You are invited to
participate in Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE: F) January U.S. sales conference
call hosted by George Pipas, U.S. Sales Analysis Manager. The conference call
will begin at 1:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 and last 45 minutes.

To access the call, please dial 800-299-0433 about 10 minutes prior to the
start time and ask to be connected to the Ford sales conference call. For
international participants, please dial 617-801-9712. Following the call, a
telephone replay will be available through Tuesday, February 10 at
888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888 (for international participants), passcode
18342934.

The call also will be webcast live, on a listen-only basis, at
www.shareholder.ford.com or www.streetevents.com (subscribers only). Replays
will be available on demand.

    Ford Motor Company
    January U.S. Sales Conference Call

                         Date              Start Time (ET)     Phone Number

    Conference Call      02/03/09          1:00 p.m.           800-299-0433

    Telephone Replays    02/03/09          2:45 p.m.           888-286-8010
    (Continuous through 02/10/09)                       Passcode - 18342934

    Webcast at www.shareholder.ford.com or www.streetevents.com
(subscribers only).
    - Live               02/03/09          1:00 p.m.

    - Replays            On demand.

Jiffy Lube(R) Seeks to Raise $1.5 Million for American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women(TM) Movement

Goal of Maintenance Partners for Life Campaign is to Build on Tremendous 2008 Success

HOUSTON, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Jiffy Lube today announces the launch of the second year of its nationwide campaign to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women(TM) movement. Starting January 28, more than 85 percent of Jiffy Lube locations across the U.S. will participate in the Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life campaign, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and a healthy vehicle. Jiffy Lube seeks to raise $1.5 million to help fight heart disease, which would exceed last year’s total of $1,034,757. One hundred percent of the funds will benefit Go Red For Women initiatives.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NE62931-a )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NE62931LOGO-b )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NE62931LOGO-c )

Prevalence of Heart Disease

Nearly 2,400 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day — an average of one death every 37 seconds. In fact, heart disease is the nation’s number one killer of women and men. Despite more women dying of heart disease than the next five causes of death combined, only 21 percent of women view heart disease as their greatest health threat.

“We’re very excited to continue our partnership with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, which has made such a positive impact in the fight against heart disease,” said Rick Altizer, president of Jiffy Lube International. “We were so blown away by the positive response and overwhelming support from our system and customers alike. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with the AHA.”

Making Contributions

Between January 28 and March 16, customers at participating service centers can support this cause with a donation of $3. In return, donors will receive a Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life savings book containing heart-healthy recipes, as well as $100 in savings from Jiffy Lube, Perfumania and Yankee Candle. Funds will be donated to local American Heart Association chapters in the communities in which they are raised. In addition, for each Jiffy Lube Gift Card(SM) purchased during the campaign, both online or at participating service centers, Jiffy Lube will donate $1 to Go Red For Women.

Healthy Hearts & Healthy Vehicles

Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life leverages the strong parallels between properly maintaining both heart health and vehicle health, and educates people on smart preventive maintenance of their bodies and vehicles. Maintaining a healthy heart and healthy vehicle is a matter of choice; the right choices can turn into life-saving actions. Regular visits to the doctor, along with a proper diet and exercise regime help keep both the body and heart healthy. Likewise, following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can help keep a vehicle running properly. Simple choices can provide long-term benefits; to learn about choices that can benefit your heart health, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.

“Jiffy Lube has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the fight against heart disease,” said David Josserand, American Heart Association Board Chairman. “Its Maintenance Partners for Life campaign touches many lives by raising awareness and much-needed funds across the nation. We’re extremely grateful for the contributions Jiffy Lube has made to this cause and we look forward to working collectively to reach our Go Red For Women goals.”

Learn More Online

Starting January 28, people can visit www.JiffyLubeGoesRed.com to learn more about the Maintenance Partners for Life campaign. Visitors can find tips on heart health and vehicle maintenance, updates on fundraising events at service centers and opportunities to share their personal experiences with heart disease. It will also provide a list of participating Jiffy Lube service centers.

To find a Jiffy Lube in your area, please visit http://Locations.JiffyLube.com. Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles, community involvement programs and events, franchise information, and employment opportunities.

About Maintenance Partners for Life

Jiffy Lube, America’s largest fast-lube company, and the American Heart Association (AHA) are working together to fight heart disease. Through Jiffy Lube’s Maintenance Partners for Life campaign, the goal is to raise more than $1.5 million dollars for the AHA’s Go Red For Women movement, which celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together and eradicate heart disease.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

About Jiffy Lube(R)

Jiffy Lube International Inc. (“Jiffy Lube”), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 27.5 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit http://www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.

Disclaimer statement:

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, that are subject to risk factors associated with the oil, gas, power, chemicals and renewables business. It is believed that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, but may be affected by a variety of variables which could cause actual results, trends or reserves replacement to differ materially, including, but not limited to: price fluctuations, actual demand, currency fluctuations, drilling and production results, reserve estimates, loss of market, industry competition, environmental risks, physical risks, risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets and the successful negotiation and consummation of transactions, the risk of doing business in developing countries, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves, economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions, political risks, project delay or advancement, approvals and cost estimates.

Please refer to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 (as amended) for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect the Shell Group’s businesses. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or other information.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this presentation, such as “expected producible resources” and “amount of reserves we expect to produce,” that the SEC’s guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC.

Oklahoma Drivers May Save ‘Sooner’ on Auto Insurance With Esurance

Auto Insurance Company Launches in the Sooner State

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, announced the launch of its auto insurance program in Oklahoma. With Oklahoma and the recent addition of Utah, Esurance’s affordable auto insurance is now available to drivers in 30 states, comprising nearly 90% of the U.S. population.

Gary Tolman, Esurance President & CEO, stated, “We are excited to add Oklahoma to the growing list of states where Esurance’s convenient, affordable auto insurance is available. Esurance offers an instant online quote and purchase process that allows consumers to compare rates with other auto insurers and customize coverage to best suit their needs. Oklahoma drivers will quickly discover our competitive auto insurance rates with the ‘Quote. Buy. Print.’ convenience of Esurance’s award-winning, innovative Web site.”

Tolman reminded Oklahoma drivers to make a habit of shopping around for auto insurance, especially with another auto insurance company in the mix. “Consumers should shop for new auto insurance rates at least once a year, but they have the most to gain when a new option becomes available. With the addition of Esurance, the enhanced competition in Oklahoma’s auto insurance marketplace will benefit consumers with lower auto insurance rates.”

Once at www.esurance.com, Oklahoma drivers will find they may be eligible for a variety of discounts. Customers who quote or purchase their policy online are eligible for the Fast 5 Discount, an instant 5% off their first policy term. The Switch & Save Discount, a 5% reduction on their first two policy terms, is available to customers with current auto insurance coverage at the time of purchase. Other auto insurance discounts are available to customers paying in full or insuring more than one car, along with discounts benefiting homeowners, students and drivers who have successfully completed an accident prevention course.

Tolman stated, “Esurance’s auto insurance prices are generally competitive, but an additional 5% discount for purchasing online or for already having coverage makes our auto insurance rates even more affordable. Thousands of drivers switch to Esurance every week, and now Oklahoma drivers can join the hundreds of thousands of Esurance customers in the U.S. who are already enjoying the convenience of 24/7 customer service and claims handling.”

Oklahoma drivers can get auto insurance quotes from Esurance by visiting the company’s Web site, www.esurance.com, or by calling the auto insurance company’s 24/7 service center at 1-800-ESURANCE.

About Esurance(R)

Esurance, a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), provides personal auto insurance direct to consumers online and through select online agents. Esurance is dedicated to constantly improving the way people shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance. By combining the best of technology with industry know-how, Esurance is able to offer hassle-free auto insurance coverage with 24/7 customer service and claims handling at competitive rates.

Through Esurance’s Web site, www.esurance.com, customers can get instant auto insurance quotes, view comparison quotes, buy an Esurance policy, and print their proof of insurance card — all in minutes. Esurance also offers policyholders the ability to make policy changes and file claims instantly online, demonstrating its commitment to improving the entire insurance process from quote to claim.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to White Mountains’:

    *changes in adjusted book value per share or return on equity;
    *business strategy;
    *financial and operating targets or plans;
    *incurred losses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment
    expense reserves and related reinsurance;
    *projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per
    share, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;
    *expansion and growth of our business and operations; and
    *future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by White Mountains in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:

    *the risks associated with Item 1A of White Mountains' 2007 Annual Report
    on Form 10-K;
    *claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes,
    earthquakes, floods or terrorist attacks;
    *the continued availability of capital and financing;
    *general economic, market or business conditions;
    *business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it
    and pursued;
    *competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and
    casualty insurers and reinsurers;
    *changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their
    interpretation, applicable to White Mountains, its competitors or its
    clients;
    *an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting
    its financial position;
    *recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
    *other factors, most of which are beyond White Mountains' control.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by White Mountains will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, White Mountains or its business or operations. White Mountains assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Amerigon Incorporated Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Amerigon Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARGN), a leader in developing and marketing products based on advanced thermoelectric (TE) technologies, today announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”) in which one purchase right will be distributed as a dividend on each share of common stock held of record as of the close of business on February 10, 2009 (the “Rights”). The Rights will be deemed attached to the certificates representing outstanding shares of common stock and no separate Rights certificates will be issued.

The Rights Plan is designed to deter coercive takeover tactics and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of the Company without offering a fair price to all of the Company’s shareholders. The Rights Plan will not prevent a takeover, but should encourage anyone seeking to acquire the Company to negotiate with the Board of Directors prior to attempting a takeover. The Rights Plan is not being adopted in response to any specific effort to acquire control of the Company.

Each Right will entitle its holder to purchase from the Company, in certain circumstances described below, one one-thousandth of a share of a newly created Series B Preferred Stock of the Company for $20.00 (the “Purchase Price”). The Rights will become exercisable if any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15 percent or more of the Company’s common stock or has commenced a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 15 percent or more of the Company’s common stock. If any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15 percent or more of the Company’s common stock, each right will entitle its holder, other than the acquiring person, to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s or the acquirer’s common stock having a value of twice the Purchase Price.

Further details about the Rights Plan will be contained in a Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company.

About Amerigon

Amerigon (NASDAQ: ARGN) develops products based on its advanced, proprietary, efficient thermoelectric (TE) technologies for a wide range of global markets and heating and cooling applications. The Company’s current principal product is its proprietary Climate Control Seat(TM) (CCS(TM)) system, a solid-state, TE-based system that permits drivers and passengers of vehicles to individually and actively control the heating and cooling of their respective seats to ensure maximum year-round comfort. CCS, which is the only system of its type on the market today, uses no CFCs or other environmentally sensitive coolants. Amerigon maintains sales and technical support centers in Southern California, Detroit, Japan, Germany, England and Korea.

Certain matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may be different. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from its expectations in this release are risks that sales may not significantly increase, additional financing, if necessary, may not be available, new competitors may arise and adverse conditions in the automotive industry may negatively affect its results. The liquidity and trading price of its common stock may be negatively affected by these and other factors. Please also refer to Amerigon’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, its Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008 and its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

    Contact:
    Allen & Caron Inc
    Jill Bertotti (investors)
    jill@allencaron.com
    Len Hall (media)
    len@allencaron.com
    (949) 474-4300