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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ — DriverSide, the first full service Web site dedicated to saving consumers time and money by making the ownership or lease of an automobile hassle-free, announced today its acquisition of fairBenjamin. As an early innovator in the online repair space and particularly in linking motorists to the right mechanic at the right price, fairBenjamin’s diagnostic and cost estimation tools further enhance DriverSide’s repair service data. In addition, Ben Picard founder of fairBenjamin joins DriverSide as Director of Services and Leads. He directs a group responsible for product innovation in linking consumers to mechanics.
By acquiring fairBenjamin, DriverSide continues improving on the estimates it gives to consumers for common repair costs. DriverSide now offers an easier format of more comprehensive data in its new and redesigned Pre-Service Reports, a printable resource with details on service costs and mechanic ratings specific to a consumer’s local area. Visitors at Driverside.com first identify their vehicle, the city and the repair. DriverSide’s Pre-Service Report then issues a cost estimate for both parts and labor, which guides consumers in servicing their automobile. Giving drivers a firm number allows them maximum leverage when negotiating with service centers.
“At DriverSide, we spend all our time trying to save motorists money and make auto ownership easier. Purchasing fairBenjamin allows us to do more of both,” said Jad Dunning, chief executive officer at DriverSide. “This acquisition, along with the launch of our improved Pre-Service Reports is a clear indication of our commitment to bringing the best tools for free to our users. While we focus on all aspects of vehicle ownership, we recognize that servicing is an important area where we can help people and save them significant sums of money.”
DriverSide gives consumers a place to get advice, store service records, find out the real value of their car, receive recall notices, get service reminders, communicate with car experts, seek guidance on how much to pay for servicing, buy parts and accessories, read reviews of mechanics from other drivers, and so much more. First-time visitors at DriverSide.com simply identify their specific car or truck. Once their vehicle is claimed, information is tailored to the automobile’s make, model and year, forming a personalized vehicle profile in their publically available “My Garage.”
“I wanted to create a blue book for auto repair, a trusted source where anyone can go and ask any repair question online and know the fair price to pay. DriverSide extends the concept, educating consumers on the entire car ownership lifecycle,” said Benjamin Picard, founder of fairBenjamin and newly appointed director of services and leads at DriverSide. “DriverSide’s vehicle resources, experts and Web 2.0 resources joined with fairBenjamin’s nationwide registry of factory-approved parts, and local fair market labor rates brings consumers much needed transparency in owning and maintaining their vehicle.”
The fairBenjamin website at will be integrated into .
About fairBenjamin
fairBenjamin is your trusted friend for car repair. fairBenjamin was founded in 2007 to give motorists peace of mind and access to great mechanics. The fairBenjamin service for linking drivers with mechanics is U.S. patent pending.
About DriverSide
Founded in fall 2007 by Internet Entrepreneurs Trevor Traina, Adam Jackson, and Jad Dunning, DriverSide is the first Web site specifically designed for automobile owners. Funded by Catamount Ventures, DriverSide allows consumers to save money on servicing and maintenance costs as well as buy and sell automobiles. With an in-house editorial staff, DriverSide offers useful advice on how to own and operate a vehicle as well as reviews on new and used automobiles. DriverSide’s community allows consumers to participate in forums, meet other owners of a particular vehicle, share knowledge, and post reviews on mechanics and dealers.
Whether for buying, selling, servicing, maintaining or accessorizing, DriverSide has brought together all the information and resources needed to make automobile ownership an easy and personalized experience. ()
DriverSide

DENVER, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Automakers today announced EcoDriving(TM) (), a comprehensive, nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The industry also applauded California and Colorado for being the first states to support this consumer awareness program. The Environmental Defense Fund also participated in the launch of the EcoDriving initiative.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
“You can save money and save the environment by driving green,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of automobile Manufacturers. “Through EcoDriving, 10 top automakers and the states of California and Colorado have found we share an important commitment, and we commend Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Ritter for their leadership in engaging consumers in green driving. Drivers don’t have to wait to buy a new, fuel-efficient vehicle to start reducing fuel costs and CO2 … though I do encourage everyone to buy one of our new fuel-efficient vehicles immediately.”
By following a set of subtle and easy-to-use best practices for driving and vehicle maintenance, a typical EcoDriver(TM) can improve mileage by about 15 percent. “Today’s automobiles are really computers on wheels, with more than 3,000 interactive parts operating as a complex system. The more you know about your machine, the better you can reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions,” said McCurdy.
EcoDriving produces the highest mileage from every single vehicle, regardless of vehicle size and age, so it offers an unmatched reach in addressing energy and climate issues by potentially affecting the nation’s entire fleet of 245 million automobiles. The program’s benefits are potentially huge:
— If just half of all drivers nationwide practiced moderate levels of
EcoDriving, annual CO2 emissions could be reduced by about 100 million
tons, or the equivalent of heating and powering 8.5 million households.

— If all Americans practiced EcoDriving, it would be equal to 450 billion
miles traveled on our roadways without generating any CO2 emissions.
That’s 1,500 CO2-free miles for every man, woman, and child in the
United States each year.

Sample EcoDriving practices include:

— Not tailgating, knowing the proper way to accelerate and brake, using
synchronized traffic lights to a driver’s advantage, driving at the
optimum highway speed, understanding when to use air conditioning and
much more.

Sample maintenance practices include:

— Knowing which motor oil to use, understanding the importance of proper
tire pressure and what affects tire pressure, understanding
aerodynamics and much more.

In conjunction with the unveiling of EcoDriving, the National automobile Dealers Association announced that September will be free “Green Check-up Month” nationwide.
“Consumers who are better aware of the operations of their vehicle will be rewarded by saving money at the gas pump and reducing CO2 emissions. Working together, we can substantially reduce CO2 emissions and fuel use, one EcoDriver at a time,” said McCurdy.
The Alliance’s EcoDriving consumer awareness campaign centers on an interactive website, , to help drivers learn practical tips to improving their mileage and reducing their carbon footprint. The site includes a video guide to EcoDriving, an “EcoCalculator” to determine benefits for individuals or states, a Virtual Road Test and a variety of educational tools.
As part of their national campaign, automakers pledged to reach out to government, business, educators and more. Alliance members hope to engage all 50 states, as well as major consumer organizations, in EcoDriving. “We’re all in this together, so there’s a role for each one of us to play in being a part of the solution to these critical issues,” added McCurdy.
“Automakers are aggressively developing and introducing new technologies, but it takes 15 years or more for these technologies to become widespread on the road. EcoDriving helps consumers reduce carbon dioxide emissions today,” said McCurdy.
The Alliance of automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 10 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information, visit the Alliance website at .
Contact:
Wade Newton
(202) 326-5571

The Alliance of automobile Manufacturers

DENVER, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Automakers today announced EcoDriving(TM) (), a comprehensive, nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The industry also applauded California and Colorado for being the first states to support this consumer awareness program. The Environmental Defense Fund also participated in the launch of the EcoDriving initiative.
“You can save money and save the environment by driving green,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of automobile Manufacturers. “Through EcoDriving, 10 top automakers and the states of California and Colorado have found we share an important commitment, and we commend Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Ritter for their leadership in engaging consumers in green driving. Drivers don’t have to wait to buy a new, fuel-efficient vehicle to start reducing fuel costs and CO2…though I do encourage everyone to buy one of our new fuel-efficient vehicles immediately.”
By following a set of subtle and easy-to-use best practices for driving and vehicle maintenance, a typical EcoDriver(TM) can improve mileage by about 15 percent. “Today’s automobiles are really computers on wheels, with more than 3,000 interactive parts operating as a complex system. The more you know about your machine, the better you can reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions,” said McCurdy.
EcoDriving produces the highest mileage from every single vehicle, regardless of vehicle size and age, so it offers an unmatched reach in addressing energy and climate issues by potentially affecting the nation’s entire fleet of 245 million automobiles. The program’s benefits are potentially huge:
– If just half of all drivers nationwide practiced moderate levels of EcoDriving, annual CO2 emissions could be reduced by about 100 million tons, or the equivalent of heating and powering 8.5 million households.
– If all Americans practiced EcoDriving, it would be equal to 450 billion miles traveled on our roadways without generating any CO2 emissions. That’s 1,500 CO2-free miles for every man, woman and child in the United States each year.
Sample EcoDriving practices include:
– Not tailgating, knowing the proper way to accelerate and brake, using synchronized traffic lights to a driver’s advantage, driving at the optimum highway speed, understanding when to use air conditioning and much more.
Sample maintenance practices include:
– Knowing which motor oil to use, understanding the importance of proper tire pressure and what affects tire pressure, understanding aerodynamics and much more.
In conjunction with the unveiling of EcoDriving, the National automobile Dealers Association announced that September will be free “Green Check-up Month” nationwide.
“Consumers who are better aware of the operations of their vehicle will be rewarded by saving money at the gas pump and reducing CO2 emissions. Working together, we can substantially reduce CO2 emissions and fuel use, one EcoDriver at a time,” said McCurdy.
The Alliance’s EcoDriving consumer awareness campaign centers on an interactive website, , to help drivers learn practical tips to improving their mileage and reducing their carbon footprint. The site includes a video guide to EcoDriving, an “EcoCalculator” to determine benefits for individuals or states, a Virtual Road Test and a variety of educational tools.
As part of their national campaign, automakers pledged to reach out to government, business, educators and more. Alliance members hope to engage all 50 states, as well as major consumer organizations, in EcoDriving. “We’re all in this together, so there’s a role for each one of us to play in being a part of the solution to these critical issues,” added McCurdy.
“Automakers are aggressively developing and introducing new technologies, but it takes 15 years or more for these technologies to become widespread on the road. EcoDriving helps consumers reduce carbon dioxide emissions today,” said McCurdy.
The Alliance of automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 10 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information, visit the Alliance website at .
Contact: Wade Newton
(202) 326-5571
The Alliance of automobile Manufacturers

HOUSTON, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Mint Leasing, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: MLES) , which represents an alternative to traditional financing companies by leasing high-quality automobiles to the average purchaser through premier retailers, today announced that it has retained RJ Falkner & Company to develop and implement a comprehensive investor relations program for the Company.
RJ Falkner & Company, Inc. is an investment research and financial communications firm that seeks out undervalued small-cap companies with the potential to outperform the overall stock market on an intermediate- and long-term basis. Its research analysts work with the managements of such companies to broaden their exposure within the investment community and expand the level of interest among investment professionals and high-net-worth individual investors. Additional information on RJ Falkner & Company, Inc. is available on the Internet at .
“We selected RJ Falkner & Company as our investor relations firm because of its expertise in shareholder communications and the relationships that its research analysts have developed within the investment community during the past 38 years,” stated Jerry Parish, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Mint Leasing, Inc.
“We are excited to be selected to provide a full range of investor relations services to The Mint Leasing, Inc.,” commented R. Jerry Falkner, CFA, President of RJ Falkner & Company, Inc. “Through its innovative leasing services in a growing number of states, The Mint Leasing works directly with brand-name automobile dealers to provide their customers with attractive alternatives for the acquisition of new or low-mileage pre-owned vehicles. With leading automobile finance companies cutting back on their finance and leasing operations, we believe The Mint Leasing is well-positioned to expand its share of the automobile leasing market, which has historically accounted for about 20 percent of the auto market, in coming years.”
The agreement between The Mint Leasing, Inc. and RJ Falkner & Company covers one year and provides for assistance in investor relations, press release development, the preparation of independent analyses and research reports, and other related services of benefit to The Mint Leasing, Inc. Any forecasts, projections and/or conclusions contained in the research reports published by RJ Falkner & Company will be independently prepared by RJ Falkner & Company, unless otherwise stated, and will not be endorsed by the management of The Mint Leasing, Inc.
About The Mint Leasing, Inc.
The Mint Leasing, Inc. represents an alternative to traditional financing companies by leasing high-quality automobiles to the average purchaser through premier retailers. Most of its customers are located in Texas and six other states in the southeastern U.S. The Mint Leasing’s customers are primarily comprised of brand-name automobile dealers that seek to provide leasing options to their customers, many of whom would otherwise not have the opportunity to acquire a new or late-model-year vehicle. The Mint Leasing, Inc. is responsible for underwriting criteria and procedures, administration of the leases, and collection of payments from lessees.
The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “MLES”.
The information in this news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements to the future financial performance of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, product development and acceptance, the impact of competitive services and pricing, or general economic risks and uncertainties, and other risks disclosed in the Company’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Mint Leasing, Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — DriverSide founders and technology entrepreneurs, Trevor Traina and Adam Jackson, will begin an eight-day 3000 mile journey across the globe for the Gumball 3000 Rally, which will be documented at For the official kick off of the 10th Anniversary Gumball 3000 Rally, superstars and supercars will depart on August 9, 12:00pm from the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco. Joined by 120 of the most amazing cars, driven by film stars, musicians, sports stars and billionaires, Traina and Jackson will travel across the globe from San Francisco to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and then off to North Korea and China.
“As an Internet automobile resource, we thought it only natural that DriverSide join the Gumball 3000. We decided to leverage our Internet expertise in incorporating technology gadgets in the only Rally car,” said Trevor Traina, co-founder and chairman of DriverSide. “We will be using an iPhone, camera for LIVE video feeds, lap top, and radar detector, to show the world what the Gumball Rally is all about. From San Francisco to the Mass Games in North Korea and ending at the Olympics in China, our 3000 mile trip will be all documented and we welcome the public to come along for the ride.”
Over the past nine years, Gumball 3000 has been hosted by kings and presidents, partied with Snoop Dogg, chartered the world’s three largest aircrafts, hung out at the Playboy Mansion, and most recently has been invited to work with the United Nations and will put on the first-ever rock concert in North Korea, all through the language of the motor car. For more information on this year’s Rally, visit
About DriverSide
Founded in fall 2007 by Internet Entrepreneurs Trevor Traina, Adam Jackson, and Jad Dunning, DriverSide is the first Web site specifically designed for automobile owners. Funded by Catamount Ventures, DriverSide allows consumers to save money on servicing and maintenance costs as well as buy and sell automobiles. With an in-house editorial staff, DriverSide offers useful advice on how to own and operate a vehicle as well as reviews on new and used automobiles. DriverSide’s social networking capabilities allow consumers to participate in forums, meet other owners of a particular vehicle, share knowledge, and post reviews on mechanics and dealers.
Whether for buying, selling, servicing, maintaining or accessorizing, DriverSide has brought together all the information and resources needed to make automobile ownership an easy and personalized experience.
DriverSide

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American International automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released July 2008 sales figures for the international automobile industry. AIADA represents over 11,000 international franchises, which increased their market share from 54.2 percent in June to 57.3 percent in July.
“This is a challenging time for all carmakers, international and domestic,” said American International automobile Dealers Association President Cody Lusk. “We are experiencing a period of change, as consumers respond to fuel prices, energy concerns, and a downturn in the economy. For now, international dealers are able to take solace in the fact that their reliable, fuel efficient vehicles are well suited for a new era of American driving.”
International brands sold 165,598 more vehicles than the domestic brands in July, despite an overall downturn within the industry. Asian brands have a 49 percent share of the market, Europeans have an 8.3 percent share, and domestic brands finish the month off with 42.7 percent. Nissan was the only major brand to see an uptick in sales through July. The Japanese automaker reported a 9.9 percent sales increase from the same time one year earlier.
“We don’t see any immediate relief in the next six months,” said Lusk. “Dealers are simply tightening their belts and working hard to provide the fuel efficient, affordable vehicles consumers need.”
For more information on automobile sales data and to view a full report on July automobile sales, please visit .
About AIADA: Established in 1970, AIADA is and continues to be the only association whose sole purpose is to represent America’s 11,000 international nameplate automobile franchises that sell and service the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing more than 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at .
American International automobile Dealers Association

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire/ — Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The Impreza WRX moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.
(Photo: )
(Logo: )

The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as “Kyo-Ka” (translated from Japanese as “strengthening”). To reach their goal, the 2009 WRX, subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car’s performance character. With a larger turbocharger, increased boost and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure, the WRX engine now produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm (vs. 224 hp and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 model.)
To supplement the increased power, subaru re-tuned the WRX suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars. Standard 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wear 225/45R17 summer performance tires, compared to 205/50R17 all-season tires on the 2008 WRX.
The 2009 Impreza WRX is equipped exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and, like all Subarus, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, standard on all Impreza models for 2009, helps to enhance road handling safety. An Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on a hill.
Rally-Inspired Interior
The WRX interior for 2009 gains new WRX-exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver’s footrest. Performance-design front seats come with the head restraint integrated into the backrest and provides a one-piece, sporty look. The optional Premium Package gains a power moonroof for 2009; other contents carry over, including the 10-speaker audio upgrade with auxiliary input jack, projector-beam fog lights, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. A navigation system with video jack inputs is also available.
New GT model for 2009
A new Impreza 2.5GT model for 2009 (4-Door and 5-Door) is powered by a 224-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine mated exclusively to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru employs four versions of Symmetrical AWD system across its model line. The type used in the WRX utilizes a viscous coupling locking center differential that distributes torque 50:50 front/rear. Should slippage occur, the system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction. The version of Symmetrical AWD used in the Impreza 2.5 GT utilizes an electronically controlled continually variable hydraulic transfer clutch.
All Impreza models for 2009 feature a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. (The WRX and 2.5GT models feature larger front brakes than other Impreza models.) All Impreza models are equipped with advanced dual stage front air bags, front seat mounted side air bags and side-curtain airbags.
About subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2005. For additional information visit .
Subaru, Impreza, WRX and STI are registered trademarks of subaru of America, LLC.
Contact: Dominick Infante
subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-8615

Jessica Tullman
subaru of America, Inc.
(310) 352-4400

Subaru of America, Inc.

IRVINE, Calif., July 29 /PRNewswire/ — Linda Brennan, Boston Red Sox Foundation and volvo Cars of North America raffle winner, now owns the ultimate 2007 World Series Championship collectible: The Boston Red Sox Special Edition volvo C30.
Volvo and the Red Sox Foundation hosted the raffle to raise money for children and families in need across New England. Brennan took home the C30 during Saturday’s Red Sox versus Yankees game at Fenway Park.
“The Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation are deeply grateful to volvo for being a great teammate and making the Red Sox Second World Series Ring Raffle a great success,” said Meg Vaillancourt, Red Sox Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations and Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation, “The Special Edition C30 is a champion’s car and our fans and raffle participants loved having the chance to imagine themselves behind the wheel. We thank volvo for generously supporting the Red Sox Foundation’s programs serving children and families in need.”
Only 107 of the Special Edition C30s were produced with each car built to commemorate a Red Sox victory during the 2007 season. A numbered dash plaque in the Volvos indicates which of the 107 victories each car represents. Signifying the championship-clinching game, Red Sox Special Edition volvo C30 number 107 was donated by volvo to The Red Sox Foundation for the World Series charity raffle.
The raffle sold nearly 140,000 tickets to fans and raised nearly $1.4 million. All raffle proceeds will go to Red Sox Foundation programs. In addition to the C30 winner, nine fans won a genuine Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series Championship ring.
About the Red Sox Special Edition volvo C30
Finished in vibrant Passion Red, Red Sox Special Edition C30s proudly bears the team’s logo on the front fenders while a larger transparent logo is affixed inside the rear glass hatch. The team logo is also featured on the floor mats. In addition, the C30s are authenticated by Major League Baseball through the Major League Baseball Authentication Program.
A Certificate of Authenticity couples the numbered dash plaque of each individual car to the corresponding 2007 season individual game victory, opponent and final score.
Similar to the volvo C30 R-Design, each Red Sox Special Edition C30 is fitted with a matte-silver finish for the outside mirror housings and front grille surround. Front fog lights, power-assisted and heated front seats, a blue watch-dial instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum inlays, sport pedals, sport shifter, vehicle security alarm, soft load cover, cruise control and the Dynaudio Sound System with Sirius Satellite Radio are also included.
As the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo’s model range, the C30 offers a dynamic driving experience. The turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine produces 227-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed Geartronic transmission is optional on the Boston Red Sox Special Edition C30.
Available exclusively at select volvo Retailers in New England, the Boston Red Sox Special Edition C30 equipped with five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic is priced at $29,465*.
About volvo Cars of North America
VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information on the entire volvo product lineup please refer to the volvo Cars of North America, LLC, public relations website at: .
About the Red Sox Foundation
The Red Sox Foundation is the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox. Their primary focus is in serving the health, education, recreation and social service needs of children and families in need across New England. Their goal is to harness the passion fans have for the Red Sox and transform it into a vehicle for positive change in the community.
*Price does not include destination charges of $745.
Volvo Cars of North America

AUBURN, Wash., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — MD Johnson, Inc. announces that Keith Hagerty has completed the sale of his Chrysler dealership, Brewer Chrysler, to Tom Matson Sr., in Auburn Washington. Matson is the owner of Tom Matson Dodge Jeep and the adjoining Chrysler Motor Company Dealer. For more than a half century, Matson has been a dealer in the Auburn Washington market. Hagerty has also enjoyed a long family history in the automobile business in Auburn. Both Matson and Hagerty’s fathers were automobile dealers and in 2006, Matson acquired the adjoining Jeep dealership from the Robert’s family, another long tenured family in the Auburn automotive market. The new acquisition for Matson will be placed in Matson’s new, state of the art facility located in Auburn Washington on Auburn’s auto row. MD Johnson, Inc. represented Hagerty in the transaction and Mark Topping, VP of MD Johnson, Inc. was the transaction manager responsible for completing the transaction on behalf of MD Johnson, Inc. and Hagerty.
Hagerty’s family purchased the dealership from Chris Brewer, who started the dealership in 1952. Gene Hagerty, Keith’s father, worked for Chris Brewer in numerous capacities and bought Chris Brewer out in 1974. Keith Hagerty became involved in the business in 1971 and took over the business from his father and at the time of closing, Brewer was the oldest franchised Chrysler dealer in King and Pierce County in Washington State. Tom Matson Sr. is actually Tom Matson III and works with his son, Tom Matson IV and his grandson, Tom Matson V. Matson is an iconic automobile dealer in Washington State as well as an accomplished Helicopter pilot.
Mark Johnson, President of MD Johnson, Inc. stated that, “Tom’s acquisition of the Chrysler franchise completes a small piece of a long process undertaken by Chrysler a number of years ago. Chrysler has been actively pursuing getting dealers to consolidate into a single location. As with Matson and Hagerty, after years of being competitors in the same line of cars and in the same market, it is difficult to come to the conclusion that it no longer makes sense to compete in a domestic market that has shrunk.” Johnson further commented that, “Chrysler is involved in pursuing these alignments nationally and we have been fortunate enough to assist our dealer clients and Chrysler in making these often contentious sales happen.”
Topping stated that, “Andy Conn and Jason Baldwin of Chrysler’s West business center in Irvine were instrumental in helping put this transaction together and never wavered on their commitment to their dealers.” Topping, himself a former Chrysler dealer, further stated that, “MD Johnson, Inc. is involved in a number of these sale and acquisition projects with all of the domestic manufacturers and that each individual transaction presents a new set of challenges.” Johnson said, “Like some of the other alignment projects we have advised on, the real estate in this transaction is under contract and will be purchased by another party at a later date. It requires a great deal of patience and ingenuity to deal with multiple parties. As in Hagerty’s transaction, it takes a buyer for the dealership, a buyer for the real estate and a manufacturer relocating a franchise all to agree on the terms and conditions of the sale. In today’s economic climate, the outcome is not always assured.”
MD Johnson, Inc. is a mergers/acquisitions and financial advisory services firm specializing in Advisory Services to automobile dealers, dealership management companies and dealership lawyers and CPA’s. In addition to standard M and A services, the firm provides detailed Valuation, Consolidation, Succession, Strategic Planning and Transaction Management Services for its clients. The firm’s clients include public and private groups and individual owners located throughout the US. Previous press releases are archived at
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Mark Johnson
MD Johnson, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and renault S.A., will kick off the Los Angeles Auto Show by delivering the Motor Press Guild (MPG) keynote address the morning of Nov. 19, 2008. The MPG breakfast and Ghosn’s address is open to all credentialed Press Days attendees. A Q&A session will be part of the presentation.
(Logo: )
Ghosn joined Nissan as its chief operating officer in June 1999, became president in June 2000 and was named chief executive officer in June 2001. In May 2005, Ghosn was named president and chief executive officer of renault S.A. in addition to his current responsibilities at Nissan. As head of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Ghosn is responsible for two separate companies with combined annual global sales of 6.16 million vehicles and 9.1 percent global market share in calendar year 2007.
“Mr. Ghosn is among the most significant and influential executives in our industry,” said Matt Stone, MPG keynote address committee chairman and executive editor of Motor Trend. “We’re pleased that he will be here to open the Los Angeles Auto Show, and I know he’ll have plenty to say. Don’t be surprised if he makes a little news in the process.”
Prior to joining Nissan, Ghosn served as executive vice president of the renault Group, a position he had held since December 1996. In addition to supervising renault activities in the Mercosur, he was responsible for advanced research, car engineering and development, car manufacturing, powertrain operations and purchasing.
The 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall for the third consecutive year. The dates are Nov. 19-20, 2008 for press and Nov. 21-30 for the public. Media registration opens early September. Last year, the newer fall timing prompted a record number of world and North American vehicle debuts with record media attendance and news coverage from around the globe.
This will be the 10th year that the MPG breakfast has opened the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days. MPG is comprised of approximately 800 automotive journalists and public relations professionals nationwide, making it the largest automotive press association in the country.

Los Angeles Auto Show