AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Takata, a leading global supplier of automotive safety systems, has been named a finalist for the 2008 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award, for their pioneering advances in motorcycle airbags. The motorcycle airbag was developed by Takata in a partnership with Honda Motor Company, and is currently available to consumers on the 2008 Honda Gold Wing.
Takata's motorcycle airbag design is the first on the market for motorcycle applications, and Honda is the only manufacturer to currently offer the technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates approximately 5,000 people are killed annually from motorcycle accidents, and the motorcycle airbag was developed specifically to address this situation by improving motorcycle crashworthiness.
"As a company dedicated to the development of automotive life-saving technology advancements, we are elated to be recognized for our motorcycle airbag design," said Alby Berman, vice president of communications, Takata. "Our long-standing partnership with Honda Motor Company has enabled this ground-breaking technology to prove its life-saving application."
Recognizing superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance, the Automotive News PACE Award is open to suppliers that contribute products, processes, information technology, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Takata, along with other Automotive News PACE Award finalists, will undergo an extensive review process - including a site visit - by industry, academic and business leaders to select award winners, to be announced at a gala ceremony in Detroit on April 14, 2008.
The PACE Award, presented by Automotive News with Microsoft, SAP and the Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.), is recognized throughout the industry as the "Academy Award for Automotive Innovation" and honors innovations, technological advancements and business performance among automotive suppliers. This award sets industry standards and recognizes suppliers who exceed expectations of their OEM customers and automotive consumers. Winners of the 14th annual PACE Awards are selected by an independent panel of judges and will be announced April 14, 2008. For complete details of the 2008 Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.autonews.com/PACE.
Takata, the world's leading supplier of automotive safety belts, has a long history of safety innovation and provides a host of safety technologies with the goal of protecting human life. The company's product portfolio includes seat belts, front- and side-impact protection, electronics and textiles. The company, with its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, is involved in many consumer and government safety efforts, including being a corporate sponsor and active board member of the Traffic Improvement Association of Michigan.
Source: Takata
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Custom Roland Sands Design Bike To Benefit Ride for Kids® Efforts
Bike to Tour with Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® to Raise Awareness and Funds
The ConqueRR’s mission is to support the Ride for Kids® motorcycle charity events in their fundraising efforts for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, which seeks to find the cause of and the cure for childhood brain tumors. This is accomplished through participating in a drawing at one of the 13 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows to win this unique machine as well as by raising awareness of the 37 Ride for Kids® events that take place across the United States each year.
“The RSD ConqueRR project is exciting to all of us,” said National Ride for Kids® Director Kyle Clack. “To combine Roland’s vision, a Honda CBR1000RR and the focused mission of Ride for Kids® is an amazing way to positively affect the lives of these brave young children and their families. Our combined love of motorcycling translates directly into hope for a better future.”
Designed to reflect the fighting spirit that is so much a part of the small heroes who face these devastating brain tumors, the ConqueRR is the result of a collaboration of companies from across the motorcycling world. Starting with a machine that is already on the cutting edge of sportbike technology and style made the customizing task a tough one. Sands and his group concentrated on cleaning many of the bike’s lines – taking a very detailed package to the next level.
“It’s my honor to donate my skills as a motorcycle designer and builder to Ride for Kids,” said Roland Sands. “I hope to inspire my fellow motorcycle enthusiasts to buy a ticket not only to win this bike, but to support these amazing kids.”
Built by Roland Sands Design, the bike features prototype RSD “Assault” Gold Anodized Ultra-Light Weight Wheels, RSD “Combat” crash sliders, RSD “Combat” triple trees, RSD “Combat” reservoir covers, RSD “Combat” mirror clean-up kit, and one off grips. The custom paint job is courtesy of Chris Wood at Airtrix, who has painted most of RSD’s custom motorcycle fleet. Performance-minded upgrades are included throughout the bike in the form of Performance Machine radial mount brake calipers, Erion Racing headwork, cam and custom exhaust, Speigler brake lines, Dunlop Tires, DID chain, and a HotBodies Racing undertail section and windscreen.
“The ConqueRR is the latest example of the generosity and caring spirit of the motorcycle industry,” said Cycle World Magazine Marketing Director Corey Eastman. “For all of us that have had the honor to work on this and other Ride for Kids projects, it is gratifying to see our passion for motorcycling benefit the kids and families facing this battle for life.”
The ConqueRR will be displayed as part of the Cycle World booth at each of the 13 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show stops. Ride for Kids® representatives will be on site at each event encouraging participation in the motorcycle drawing and educating attendees about upcoming Ride for Kids® events. For more information or to enter the drawing without attending a show, visit www.rideforkids.org.
For the 15th consecutive year, Cycle World, the world’s most popular motorcycle magazine, is the title sponsor for the series and leading manufacturer Toyota will return for the 10th year as presenting sponsor. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota is the world’s largest powersports show series. For more information on upcoming tour dates, call 800/331-5706 or visit motorcycleshows.com.
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids® program, started in 1984, has raised more than $37 million to find the cause of and cure for childhood brain tumors. Thanks to the generous support of the motorcycling community, the PBTF has become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. The Foundation also provides family support through college scholarships, educational literature, newsletters, online resources and informational broadcasts. For more information, please go to www.rideforkids.org.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
AAA Opposes HB 4749, Which Provides 'Opt-Out' Option for State's Helmet Law
$100 fee makes it OK to go without helmet?
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The State House passed legislation today (October 11) that would enable motorcyclists to ride without their helmets on Michigan roads. In their latest bid to rid riders of their helmets, special interest groups in Lansing have proposed an 'opt-out' solution. For a $100 fee, motorcyclists would have the chance to buy their way out of a helmet.
American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) conceived the bill, which would require riders to be 21 years or older, licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years, complete a motorcycle safety course and have insurance or security of $20,000 for first-party medical benefits in the event of an accident.
"It's like a 'get out of jail free card,'" said AAA Michigan Community Safety Services Manager Jack Peet. "Those who can afford the fee don't have to wear a helmet; everyone else does."
The reality, added Peet, is that no one can afford HB 4749, which would result in 22 additional fatalities each year, along with 132 more incapacitating injuries, 610 other injuries and $140 million in added economic costs to Michigan citizens.
"If the mandatory helmet requirement is repealed or waived through a fee, there will be a significant increase in severe head injuries and deaths," said Peet. "Studies show that in a crash, unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely than helmeted cyclists to suffer traumatic brain injuries."
In addition, motorcycle crashes account for a disproportionate share of money paid out of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA), a fund which is supported by a surcharge on every auto insurance policy in this state. Although motorcyclists represent 1.7 percent of the assessments paid into the MCCA, they account for 6.7 percent of all claims reported.
Since its inception in 1978, MCCA has reimbursed member insurers more than $210 million for 503 motorcycle injury claims exceeding the threshold. Total reimbursement for all claims exceeds $4.4 billion. If the mandatory helmet law is repealed, serious injuries to motorcyclists will rise. Since Michigan's no-fault law allows lifetime benefits for all "reasonable and necessary" medical costs, the number of claims and the amount paid by the MCCA to reimburse insurance companies will increase, causing all policyholders in Michigan to pay more.
The $20,000 first-party medical benefit touted by ABATE, says Peet, wouldn't begin to cover these catastrophic expenses.
In addition to increased medical costs passed on to taxpayers, Motorcycle deaths and injuries are on the rise after the repeal of mandatory helmet laws in Florida, Kentucky and Louisiana. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in the three years after Florida's repeal of its mandatory helmet law in 2000, 933 motorcyclists were killed, an 81 percent increase.
Another study found that fatalities grew by more than 50 percent in Kentucky and 100 percent in Louisiana after those states struck down mandatory helmet laws.
Opponents of the mandatory helmet law believe that it infringes on individual freedom of choice and the right to privacy. They argue that individuals who do not wear helmets harm mainly themselves. However, that is really not the case. The consequences of that person's decision not to wear a helmet is borne by all of society through higher insurance premiums, lost productivity and increased health care costs.
In Florida after the helmet law was repealed, the cost of hospital care for motorcycle injuries grew from $21 million to $44 million in the 30 months after the law changed.
AAA Michigan offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in Michigan. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 50 million members in the United States and Canada.
First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: AAA Michigan
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The State House passed legislation today (October 11) that would enable motorcyclists to ride without their helmets on Michigan roads. In their latest bid to rid riders of their helmets, special interest groups in Lansing have proposed an 'opt-out' solution. For a $100 fee, motorcyclists would have the chance to buy their way out of a helmet.
American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) conceived the bill, which would require riders to be 21 years or older, licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years, complete a motorcycle safety course and have insurance or security of $20,000 for first-party medical benefits in the event of an accident.
"It's like a 'get out of jail free card,'" said AAA Michigan Community Safety Services Manager Jack Peet. "Those who can afford the fee don't have to wear a helmet; everyone else does."
The reality, added Peet, is that no one can afford HB 4749, which would result in 22 additional fatalities each year, along with 132 more incapacitating injuries, 610 other injuries and $140 million in added economic costs to Michigan citizens.
"If the mandatory helmet requirement is repealed or waived through a fee, there will be a significant increase in severe head injuries and deaths," said Peet. "Studies show that in a crash, unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely than helmeted cyclists to suffer traumatic brain injuries."
In addition, motorcycle crashes account for a disproportionate share of money paid out of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA), a fund which is supported by a surcharge on every auto insurance policy in this state. Although motorcyclists represent 1.7 percent of the assessments paid into the MCCA, they account for 6.7 percent of all claims reported.
Since its inception in 1978, MCCA has reimbursed member insurers more than $210 million for 503 motorcycle injury claims exceeding the threshold. Total reimbursement for all claims exceeds $4.4 billion. If the mandatory helmet law is repealed, serious injuries to motorcyclists will rise. Since Michigan's no-fault law allows lifetime benefits for all "reasonable and necessary" medical costs, the number of claims and the amount paid by the MCCA to reimburse insurance companies will increase, causing all policyholders in Michigan to pay more.
The $20,000 first-party medical benefit touted by ABATE, says Peet, wouldn't begin to cover these catastrophic expenses.
In addition to increased medical costs passed on to taxpayers, Motorcycle deaths and injuries are on the rise after the repeal of mandatory helmet laws in Florida, Kentucky and Louisiana. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in the three years after Florida's repeal of its mandatory helmet law in 2000, 933 motorcyclists were killed, an 81 percent increase.
Another study found that fatalities grew by more than 50 percent in Kentucky and 100 percent in Louisiana after those states struck down mandatory helmet laws.
Opponents of the mandatory helmet law believe that it infringes on individual freedom of choice and the right to privacy. They argue that individuals who do not wear helmets harm mainly themselves. However, that is really not the case. The consequences of that person's decision not to wear a helmet is borne by all of society through higher insurance premiums, lost productivity and increased health care costs.
In Florida after the helmet law was repealed, the cost of hospital care for motorcycle injuries grew from $21 million to $44 million in the 30 months after the law changed.
AAA Michigan offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in Michigan. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 50 million members in the United States and Canada.
First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: AAA Michigan
Friday, October 12, 2007
Michael Guilford dies in Motorcycle accident
GAINESVILLE — Florida walk-on football player Michael Guilford was killed early Friday morning in a motorcycle accident in Gainesville.
Guilford, a redshirt freshman from Quincy, crashed his 1998 Kawasaki motorcycle into a median around 1 a.m, killing both him and passenger Ashley Slonina, also a Florida student. Neither Guilford nor Slonina was wearing a helmet, Gainesville Police spokesman Keith Kameg said.
Police believe excessive speed was a factor in the accident. Police are also investigating whether alcohol was involved. Guilford, nicknamed "Sunshine" because of his blonde hair, was a star on the scout team, frequently imitating the opposition's quarterback. He acted as Troy Smith as the Gators prepared to face Ohio State in the national championship game, and acted as Kentucky's Andre Woodson in practice Thursday, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Source: Palm Beach Post
Guilford, a redshirt freshman from Quincy, crashed his 1998 Kawasaki motorcycle into a median around 1 a.m, killing both him and passenger Ashley Slonina, also a Florida student. Neither Guilford nor Slonina was wearing a helmet, Gainesville Police spokesman Keith Kameg said.
Police believe excessive speed was a factor in the accident. Police are also investigating whether alcohol was involved. Guilford, nicknamed "Sunshine" because of his blonde hair, was a star on the scout team, frequently imitating the opposition's quarterback. He acted as Troy Smith as the Gators prepared to face Ohio State in the national championship game, and acted as Kentucky's Andre Woodson in practice Thursday, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Source: Palm Beach Post
Friday, September 28, 2007
Miller Brewing Company and American Motorcyclist Association Launch National Motorcycle Safety Program
Keep Your Balance Program Introduced at Tomahawk Fall Ride
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Brewing Company and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have partnered to create Keep Your Balance, a comprehensive program intended to promote safe motorcycle riding practices and responsible alcohol consumption. The program, endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, officially launched Sept. 14 at the Tomahawk, WI Fall Ride.
Miller believes that individual responsibility is enhanced by the ability to make informed choices. Keep Your Balance promotes rider education and emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and getting home safely. Following the Tomahawk kickoff, this national program will be a part of additional motorcycle events across the country including the upcoming ride in York, Pa. Sept. 27 - 29.
"Our goal with Keep Your Balance is to provide motorcycle enthusiasts and local retailers with information about how to reduce irresponsible motorcycle riding, due to over-consumption of alcohol, unsafe riding practices or insufficient training," said Diane Wagner, alcohol responsibility manager at Miller Brewing Company. "Our kickoff in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Miller's home state, was a great success and allowed us to introduce the program, share safe riding tips and remind the more than 40,000 riders in attendance about responsible drinking. Several hundred riders signed pledges to ride responsibly and our program materials and mission were well-received. The riders recognize the need for this type of program and Miller and the AMA look forward to expanding our reach at several upcoming events."
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data released in August 2007, motorcycle fatalities have increased 47 percent since 2002, making this program especially relevant to riders today. Under the umbrella of Miller's successful Respect the Road program, Keep Your Balance will provide motorcycle riders and retailers with educational training materials and tools to encourage responsible practices and to help prevent the hazards associated with impaired motorcycle riding.
"Training is one of the best things a rider can do for themselves and others on the road. Our aim is to help spread awareness and encourage riders to use good judgment," said Rob Dingman, AMA president and chief executive officer. "Educational programs like Keep Your Balance are crucial for decreasing the number of alcohol-related motorcycle crashes occurring today."
Elements of the program include: certified server training for local retailers, a public awareness campaign, training resources for riders, educational materials on safe riding practices, retail involvement and promotion, incentive giveaways such as training kits and t-shirts for responsible riding pledges, outdoor advertising and program messaging and prepaid phone cards offering responsible riding tips provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Miller will also utilize its national distributor network to help promote and communicate the program via retailers. Public awareness will be sustained through web communications including a web site dedicated to the Keep Your Balance program at http://www.millerkeepyourbalance.com/.
About Miller Brewing Company
As one of America's oldest brewers, Miller Brewing Company continues the commitment of founder Frederick J. Miller to brew "confoundedly good beers" with "uncompromising quality." Through more than 150 years of innovation and brewing excellence, Miller has built a broad portfolio of award-winning beers that capture approximately 18 percent of the U.S. beer market. In the past decade, Miller beers have won 105 medals -- more than twice as many as its major competitors -- at the biannual World Beer Cup and annual Great American Beer Fest. An unprecedented four-time gold award winner at the World Beer Cup, Miller Lite is the great tasting, less filling beer that has defined the American light lager category since 1975. Miller's latest innovation, Miller Chill, is a chelada-style beer brewed with lime and salt, providing a unique twist on refreshment. Miller also brews smooth, golden rich Miller Genuine Draft using a unique cold-filtering process introduced in 1985. The company's oldest brew is Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. Miller imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Tyskie and Foster's, and it offers regional craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. Near-premium beers include Milwaukee's Best Light, Steel Reserve, Olde English 800, Mickey's Malt Liquor, Icehouse and Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew. Miller also offers the Sparks line of caffeinated alcohol beverages. Miller is a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, one of the world's leading brewers with a global footprint spread across five continents. For more information, visit http://www.millerbrewing.com/.
Source: Miller Brewing Company
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Brewing Company and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have partnered to create Keep Your Balance, a comprehensive program intended to promote safe motorcycle riding practices and responsible alcohol consumption. The program, endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, officially launched Sept. 14 at the Tomahawk, WI Fall Ride.
Miller believes that individual responsibility is enhanced by the ability to make informed choices. Keep Your Balance promotes rider education and emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and getting home safely. Following the Tomahawk kickoff, this national program will be a part of additional motorcycle events across the country including the upcoming ride in York, Pa. Sept. 27 - 29.
"Our goal with Keep Your Balance is to provide motorcycle enthusiasts and local retailers with information about how to reduce irresponsible motorcycle riding, due to over-consumption of alcohol, unsafe riding practices or insufficient training," said Diane Wagner, alcohol responsibility manager at Miller Brewing Company. "Our kickoff in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Miller's home state, was a great success and allowed us to introduce the program, share safe riding tips and remind the more than 40,000 riders in attendance about responsible drinking. Several hundred riders signed pledges to ride responsibly and our program materials and mission were well-received. The riders recognize the need for this type of program and Miller and the AMA look forward to expanding our reach at several upcoming events."
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data released in August 2007, motorcycle fatalities have increased 47 percent since 2002, making this program especially relevant to riders today. Under the umbrella of Miller's successful Respect the Road program, Keep Your Balance will provide motorcycle riders and retailers with educational training materials and tools to encourage responsible practices and to help prevent the hazards associated with impaired motorcycle riding.
"Training is one of the best things a rider can do for themselves and others on the road. Our aim is to help spread awareness and encourage riders to use good judgment," said Rob Dingman, AMA president and chief executive officer. "Educational programs like Keep Your Balance are crucial for decreasing the number of alcohol-related motorcycle crashes occurring today."
Elements of the program include: certified server training for local retailers, a public awareness campaign, training resources for riders, educational materials on safe riding practices, retail involvement and promotion, incentive giveaways such as training kits and t-shirts for responsible riding pledges, outdoor advertising and program messaging and prepaid phone cards offering responsible riding tips provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Miller will also utilize its national distributor network to help promote and communicate the program via retailers. Public awareness will be sustained through web communications including a web site dedicated to the Keep Your Balance program at http://www.millerkeepyourbalance.com/.
About Miller Brewing Company
As one of America's oldest brewers, Miller Brewing Company continues the commitment of founder Frederick J. Miller to brew "confoundedly good beers" with "uncompromising quality." Through more than 150 years of innovation and brewing excellence, Miller has built a broad portfolio of award-winning beers that capture approximately 18 percent of the U.S. beer market. In the past decade, Miller beers have won 105 medals -- more than twice as many as its major competitors -- at the biannual World Beer Cup and annual Great American Beer Fest. An unprecedented four-time gold award winner at the World Beer Cup, Miller Lite is the great tasting, less filling beer that has defined the American light lager category since 1975. Miller's latest innovation, Miller Chill, is a chelada-style beer brewed with lime and salt, providing a unique twist on refreshment. Miller also brews smooth, golden rich Miller Genuine Draft using a unique cold-filtering process introduced in 1985. The company's oldest brew is Miller High Life, the champagne of beers. Miller imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Tyskie and Foster's, and it offers regional craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. Near-premium beers include Milwaukee's Best Light, Steel Reserve, Olde English 800, Mickey's Malt Liquor, Icehouse and Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew. Miller also offers the Sparks line of caffeinated alcohol beverages. Miller is a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, one of the world's leading brewers with a global footprint spread across five continents. For more information, visit http://www.millerbrewing.com/.
Source: Miller Brewing Company
Monday, September 24, 2007
Miller Lite Revs up for Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration
Two Legendary Milwaukee Icons to Team Up Again for Major Celebration; Brewer Planning National Summer Promotion Featuring Harley-Davidson(R) Motorcycles
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Lite is inviting millions of Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycle owners and enthusiasts to ride towards great taste and refreshment next summer.
Building on a relationship between two Milwaukee neighbors that dates to Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary celebration in 1993, Miller Lite will be the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of next year's Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration. The only light beer to win four gold medals in the bi-annual World Beer Cup's American-style Light Lager category, Miller Lite will feature a national summer promotion highlighting the Harley-Davidson affiliation.
"This is a natural alliance that brings together two great American companies who know how to exceed consumer expectations," said Tom Long, Miller's president and CEO. "American beer drinkers who want great beer taste and refreshment in their light beer know that Miller Lite is the best choice, just as riders who truly appreciate world-class power and design in motorcycles have looked to Harley-Davidson since 1903. Together, we'll invite people on a journey that will highlight the best that summer has to offer."
The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration is highlighted by two key elements: -- The Ride Home will be the biggest Harley-Davidson Anniversary ride in
history. There will be 105 unique starting points around the United
States, each hosted by a Harley-Davidson Motor Company representative.
The 105 starting points will all feed into 25 major routes bound for
Milwaukee with an arrival date of August 28, 2008.
-- There will be four days of non-stop activities planned throughout the
city of Milwaukee from August 28-31. The events will be centered
around the Milwaukee lakefront area with highlights including music,
food and entertainment, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum(TM),
and a special Harley-Davidson exhibit at Discovery World.
Miller Lite's Harley-Davidson promotion will kick off in mid-May, featuring commemorative packaging, motorcycle giveaways, additional Miller Lite/Harley-Davidson branded merchandise that will be given away as part of the Miller Lite promotion, point-of-sale materials and regional/local promotions and events. More details of the Miller Lite promotion will be available in early 2008. The brand also will be actively involved the 105th Ride Home and the Celebration in Milwaukee.
"We're thrilled to have Miller Lite join us on our 105th Anniversary journey and are looking forward to a great celebration year," said Joanne Bischmann, Harley-Davidson vice president - licensing and special events.
Both Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson produce quality products that millions of Americans enjoy. It is extremely important to both companies that these products are enjoyed safely and responsibly. In an effort to promote safe motorcycle riding practices and responsible alcohol consumption, Miller and the American Motorcyclist Association have partnered to create Keep Your Balance, a comprehensive educational program for riders. The program launched at the Harley-Davidson-sponsored Tomahawk Fall Ride and will have a presence at upcoming motorcycle events across the country, including the 105th Anniversary Celebration. Miller will also utilize its national distributor network to help promote and communicate the program via retailers. Visit http://www.millerkeepyourbalance.com/ for more information.
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Lite is inviting millions of Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycle owners and enthusiasts to ride towards great taste and refreshment next summer.
Building on a relationship between two Milwaukee neighbors that dates to Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary celebration in 1993, Miller Lite will be the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of next year's Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration. The only light beer to win four gold medals in the bi-annual World Beer Cup's American-style Light Lager category, Miller Lite will feature a national summer promotion highlighting the Harley-Davidson affiliation.
"This is a natural alliance that brings together two great American companies who know how to exceed consumer expectations," said Tom Long, Miller's president and CEO. "American beer drinkers who want great beer taste and refreshment in their light beer know that Miller Lite is the best choice, just as riders who truly appreciate world-class power and design in motorcycles have looked to Harley-Davidson since 1903. Together, we'll invite people on a journey that will highlight the best that summer has to offer."
The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration is highlighted by two key elements: -- The Ride Home will be the biggest Harley-Davidson Anniversary ride in
history. There will be 105 unique starting points around the United
States, each hosted by a Harley-Davidson Motor Company representative.
The 105 starting points will all feed into 25 major routes bound for
Milwaukee with an arrival date of August 28, 2008.
-- There will be four days of non-stop activities planned throughout the
city of Milwaukee from August 28-31. The events will be centered
around the Milwaukee lakefront area with highlights including music,
food and entertainment, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum(TM),
and a special Harley-Davidson exhibit at Discovery World.
Miller Lite's Harley-Davidson promotion will kick off in mid-May, featuring commemorative packaging, motorcycle giveaways, additional Miller Lite/Harley-Davidson branded merchandise that will be given away as part of the Miller Lite promotion, point-of-sale materials and regional/local promotions and events. More details of the Miller Lite promotion will be available in early 2008. The brand also will be actively involved the 105th Ride Home and the Celebration in Milwaukee.
"We're thrilled to have Miller Lite join us on our 105th Anniversary journey and are looking forward to a great celebration year," said Joanne Bischmann, Harley-Davidson vice president - licensing and special events.
Both Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson produce quality products that millions of Americans enjoy. It is extremely important to both companies that these products are enjoyed safely and responsibly. In an effort to promote safe motorcycle riding practices and responsible alcohol consumption, Miller and the American Motorcyclist Association have partnered to create Keep Your Balance, a comprehensive educational program for riders. The program launched at the Harley-Davidson-sponsored Tomahawk Fall Ride and will have a presence at upcoming motorcycle events across the country, including the 105th Anniversary Celebration. Miller will also utilize its national distributor network to help promote and communicate the program via retailers. Visit http://www.millerkeepyourbalance.com/ for more information.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies Clinches the AMA Superstock Championship with One Round Remaining
BRASELTON, Ga., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Yoshimura Suzuki's Ben Spies clinched the 2007 AMA Superstock Championship after winning the penultimate race of the season at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., on Sunday afternoon. With one round of AMA Superstock remaining, Spies went for the win even though he only had to finish in sixth place or better to take the title. Yoshimura Suzuki's Spies is also the defending 2006 AMA Superbike Champion and currently leads the points in the premier class this year as well.
"It was a good race for us today," said Spies. "I wanted to win the championship but I wanted to win the race pretty bad too. So I just tried to put in consistent lap times on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. It's great to win the Superstock championship for Suzuki. The Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 is an amazing bike and has worked great at every track we've raced at this year. I want to thank Suzuki and my crew for working so hard for me all season long."
En route to capturing the 2007 AMA Superstock championship, the 23-year- old Texan has won an impressive seven out of eight races so far this season. Spies also captured six pole positions in AMA Superstock, including the coveted starting spot at Road Atlanta this weekend. Prior to that, Spies also won the 2003 AMA Formula Xtreme championship in his rookie season for the factory-supported Yoshimura Suzuki team.
"Winning the 2007 AMA Superstock championship is a great accomplishment for Suzuki and the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 as well as for Ben," said Mel Harris, American Suzuki Vice President Motorcycle/ATV Division. "Over the last few years, we've asked a lot from Ben and he hasn't disappointed us. Ben is a talented young rider and he truly brings out the best in the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000."
For more information on Spies and Yoshimura Suzuki, please log on to www.teamsuzuki.com.
Source: Yoshimura Suzuki
"It was a good race for us today," said Spies. "I wanted to win the championship but I wanted to win the race pretty bad too. So I just tried to put in consistent lap times on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. It's great to win the Superstock championship for Suzuki. The Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 is an amazing bike and has worked great at every track we've raced at this year. I want to thank Suzuki and my crew for working so hard for me all season long."
En route to capturing the 2007 AMA Superstock championship, the 23-year- old Texan has won an impressive seven out of eight races so far this season. Spies also captured six pole positions in AMA Superstock, including the coveted starting spot at Road Atlanta this weekend. Prior to that, Spies also won the 2003 AMA Formula Xtreme championship in his rookie season for the factory-supported Yoshimura Suzuki team.
"Winning the 2007 AMA Superstock championship is a great accomplishment for Suzuki and the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 as well as for Ben," said Mel Harris, American Suzuki Vice President Motorcycle/ATV Division. "Over the last few years, we've asked a lot from Ben and he hasn't disappointed us. Ben is a talented young rider and he truly brings out the best in the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000."
For more information on Spies and Yoshimura Suzuki, please log on to www.teamsuzuki.com.
Source: Yoshimura Suzuki
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