All posts by Jim Dvorak

Managing Director of SOEC since 2005. Veteran of the Southern California automotive scene. Involvement with Saleen dates back to the mid 1990s.
Automotive News

ALL MUSTANGS, ALL THE TIME: GALPIN FORD DEVOTES ENTIRE SHOWROOM TO CAR

By: JULIA M. SCOTT on March 22, 2007
Original Article: DAILY NEWS (LOS ANGELES, CA)

Mar. 22–NORTH HILLS — On the surface, car dealer Galpin Ford’s decision to devote an entire showroom to a car that has not been selling well seems counterintuitive.

Sales of Mustangs dropped 19 percent in January and February compared with last year as the newness of the latest Mustang model wore off and buyers waited for the next model to come out.

But showcasing the iconic sports car is a smart move, several analysts said.

“You have to look beyond Mustang sales,” said Kevin Tynan of Argus Research Corp. “If you open a Mustang showroom, you become a beacon for Mustang enthusiasts.”

In other words, fans will come to ogle Mustang eye candy, creating the buzz and foot traffic that is the lifeblood of a dealer.

The move already seemed to be working on Wednesday, the opening day of the showroom.

An hour before the start of an autographing session, dozens of Mustang fans had filled up the parking lot with models dating back to 1970. Many said they came for the signature of race car driver Steve Saleen, whose latest design was on display in the showroom.

Saleen and race car driver Parnelli Jones customized the 2007 Mustang that is named after them. It is one of 500 made and sells for $60,565.

Michael Shore came with his father, Allen, from Simi Valley to meet Saleen. Shore, a business major at California State University, Northridge, said he wasn’t going to leave until he had Saleen’s signature.

“It’s kind of inspiring because he started as a race car driver and a car enthusiast,” said Shore, 20, as he snapped pictures of Mustangs parked next to his black 2000 Saleen Speedster. “And he built this whole empire.”

Inside, banners dotted the chrome-laced showroom, which used to house sport utility vehicles and trucks. Three Mustangs were parked in the bright, airy space.

Saleen and Jones were on hand to toot the car’s horn.

“What’s unique about this car is literally everything,” said Saleen as he pointed out dual-colored leather seats, a race car suspension system, and two names scrawled on the dash. Both he and Jones signed each of the 500 cars.

Devoting an entire showroom to a single model is unusual, but not very expensive if you have enough space. All it takes is switching the cars and slapping up a few posters.

“It’s an option that a mega dealer can look at,” said analyst David Healy of Burnham Securities Inc.

Galpin certainly has the space. Its sprawling campus in North Hills stretches across 60 acres.

Galpin is the No. 1 Ford dealer in the country and also sells the most Mustangs, according to George Pipas, Ford’s domestic sales analysis manager. The nationwide decline in Mustang sales, which was similarly felt at Galpin, is part of a bigger trend in the coupe market, he said.

“It’s not just a Mustang thing,” Pipas said. “The whole category was off 38 percent.”

The dedicated showroom will help turn those figures around at Galpin. Aside from attracting potential customers, it will help the dealer hone its sales pitch and focus Mustang hype, said George Peterson, president of the consulting firm Auto Pacific in Tustin.

“Your salespeople can be trained very strongly on Mustang and its basic competition so they can do a more effective sales job,” Peterson said.

The showroom will also increase revenues of aftermarket wheels, stereos, performance-enhancing parts, and paint jobs that Galpin sells at its Auto Sports center.

Total revenues from aftermarket products may not be a significant factor, but the profit margin is incredible, analyst Tynan said.

Mustangs are the No. 1 car Galpin customizes, said Vice President Beau Boeckmann.

“It’s one of those cars that people love to customize and make their own,” said Boeckmann, who appears on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” which is filmed at Galpin’s Auto Sports center.

Chris Lawson was looking at the customized Mustangs parked in front of the showroom Wednesday evening. She has had “six or seven” Mustangs in her lifetime.

“I have been in love with Mustangs since I was 10 years old,” said Lawson, a 45-year-old caregiver who lives in Reseda. “Take the rest of them and leave the Mustangs behind.”

Press Release

WIN A 600 BHP SALEEN MUSTANG WITH THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN

The winner of The 2007 Great American Run, starting from a choice of 4 cities in the US on 29 July 2007, will not only be hailed as the ultimate driving hero, but will also be awarded one of only 25 limited edition Saleen ‘Ultimate Bad Boy’ Mustangs that are being built specifically for the event. The 24 remaining cars are available exclusively to Great American Run entrants with 11 sold to date.

Says CEO of Cannonball World Events, Tim Porter: “This limited edition Great American Run Saleen Mustang has to be the ultimate prize for any serious petrol head! Just competing in the Great American Run is going to be the most amazing experience, but to think that there’s a strictly limited edition American muscle car up for grabs at the end adds some real spice to the event!”

All cars feature 600BHP and boast a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds. Each carries a unique 18ct gold plated chassis door plate inscribed with The Great American Run logo and the all important limited edition ID. Further information about entry to The Great American Run and full car specifications can be found on our website or from the UK Head Office on +44 (0)1403 276191.

Non entrants in the UK and Europe wanting to order any other model of Saleen can do so directly through the Cannonball Run World Events Head Office on + 44 (0)1403 276191 or by contacting Tim directly on 001 714-391-2486. The current weak dollar rate means that these muscle cars have a starting price in the order of £24,000 for the 335BHP version to £40,000 for the 550BHP Extreme model.

Further information can be found on our website: www.thegreatamericanrun.com or by calling the UK Head Office on +44 (0)1403 276191.

Press Release

POWERING THROUGH THE AMERICAN BUSH OR PUTIN YOUR FOOT DOWN IN RUSSIA

Cannonball’s Big & Beautiful in 2007

Rumours of the World’s largest ever Cannonball Run are absolutely true! The Great American Run, starting at 4pm on July 29th 2007 will see some 400 cars starting from four separate host cities in the shape of Washington D.C, New York City, Miami and Atlanta.

Cannonballers will then spend several long days behind the wheel, often in searing temperatures, all vying to arrive at the finishing line in a time that most closely matches that set by the organisers.

Along the way, Cannonballers will be expected to party hard every night and with Cities such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles on the route, there’ll be few objections!

For the real speed freaks, three separate tracks at The Willow Springs Raceway, out in the Mohave Desert, have been exclusively booked for the Great American Run – a unique chance to put the pedal to the metal at America’s first and possibly most challenging race track. The Willow Springs venue also offers a superb karting circuit for those that are thin enough, short enough, strong enough and fit enough to race in what is arguably the truest form of motorsport, and all with their anal glands just a couple of inches off the ground!

With the current dollar exchange rate against Sterling as high at 1.9, this is a great time to enter, and with flights available to either New York or Miami for around £350, the excuses not to go are fast running out! A rental Mustang convertible or Hemi 300C for the event will cost around £450 Sterling (including ‘one-way’ drop-off fees), so the only thing left to worry about is how to get home the custom made winners trophy designed by Peter Maxwell of Maxwell-Aylwin Goldsmiths and the 500bhp victory lane prize car! There’s then a full 12-months as US Cannonball King or Queen before you need to pack your bags again to defend your crown with a complimentary entry into the 2008 Great American Run.

With over 150 cars already entered, the Great American Run is already the biggest rolling car event in the World and with only 8-months to go isn’t it time you decided if you’re a man or a boy!

Of course, for those that don’t think size is everything (mentioning no names here Tim), June 14th 2007 will see the debut running of the highly exclusive Cannonball Run Russia, and where-as the Great American Run is ‘great’, Cannonball Run Russia is set to be one of the World’s social events of the year. Departing from Moscow and completing over 3,500km within the Russian Federation, Cannonball Run Russia offers participants a truly unique opportunity to see some of this amazing Country like never before, and the parties are certain to go down in history! Strictly limited to 60-cars, entrants in Cannonball Run Russia will dine out for years telling of their Russian exploits! The likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin are de rigour for Cannonball Run Russia, but with competitors being some of the richest and most powerful Russians of the postcommunist era, this event is the diamond in the Cannonball crown. As for the parties and the women, they can both be easily summed up in one expression… second to none and very, very sexy!

This is the one event in 2007 that you simply cannot afford to miss as it breaks new ground and sets new standards! You never thought you’d here this, but… welcome to Russia!

Further information on these events can be found by visiting www.cannonballrunworldevents.com and clicking on the relevant flags or

The Great American Run
Call us now for further information or to book on 01403 276191 from the UK or 1-800-619-8593 toll free from the USA

Cannonball Run Russia
For further information or to book, please call Steve on +7 926 268 4074.

Automotive News

MUSTANG FACELIFT

By: N.A. on November 11, 2006
Original Article: PRESS, THE

IN BRIEF–DRIVE

Steve Saleen, founder of Ford tuner Saleen Inc, says he recently spoke with new Ford CEO Alan Mullally, who said the 2009 Mustang will not be a complete redesign, but more a facelift of the existing model. The overall body shape is expected to stay the same, but the front and rear should see extensive reworking to keep things fresh. Mustang fans must also be hoping the car will finally get the independent rear suspension it deserves, something its GM and DCX competitors already have.

Press Release

TEAM SALEEN/ORECA’S S7R CLINCHES CHAMPIONSHIP AT LE MANS

Drivers Ayari & Hernandez Sweep Pole Positions & Wins FFSA GT

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Drivers Soheil Ayari and Bruno Hernandez in their #9 Saleen S7R, not only secured both pole positions, they also won both races at Le Mans this past weekend. This is an outstanding finish to the 2006 FFSA GT season before the final race commences at Magny-Cours next weekend (October 21-22).

In spite of a 40 kg (nearly 90 lbs) weight ballast, the Saleen S7R again proved its resolve on the track by outshining its competition of Ferraris, Corvettes and Vipers.

This crowning achievement now makes Saleen a nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in a GT Series.

Ayari stated, “The Team did a superior job. The Saleen S7R was increasingly powerful throughout the season and the racecar obtained a world- class level of reliability. I was proud to share the wheel with Bruno all year.”

“We are very happy with the teamwork. The Saleen S7R has been reliable and powerful and today we have far surpassed our goals,” Hernandez added.

Founder and Vice Chairman, Steve Saleen, best described the 2006 season: “This achievement for 2006 has solidified our partnership with Oreca. This distinct affiliation combined with teamwork on the track achieved our goal of preparing for races in 2007.”

He continued, “Saleen’s racing history is renowned. Without a doubt, our racing accomplishments this year alone with Oreca as well as with Zakspeed have affected the industry to an extent that no other manufacturer can emulate.”

“Factory teams with vast resource pools have yet to grasp what we’ve done with the S7R,” noted Billy Tally, Saleen’s Chief Officer of Technology. “Our applied technology and innovation of power, downforce and mechanics have placed the S7R in a league of its own,” Billy concluded.

About Saleen
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has manufactured more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

Now a nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactures the American Supercar – the Saleen S7, the S281 Mustang, the S331 Sport Truck in addition to the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located in Irvine, California, and Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility just finished a three-year run of the paint and assembly of the Ford GT.

For more information please visit www.saleen.com.

SOURCE: Saleen

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Press Release

SALEEN ZAKSPEED S7R CAPTURES THE POLE & VICTORY

Drivers Jarek Janis, Sascha Bert & Andrea Montermini Win in Budapest, Hungary

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ — In their #9 Saleen S7R Zakspeed, drivers Janis, Bert and Montermini made their way through the pack of Aston Martin, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati racers to Victory Lane completing 102 laps in just over 3 hours on the 19 km circuit at Hungaroring, Hungary.

In securing their third pole of the FIA GT season and setting a new track record, Janis started the race by proving that the Saleen S7R is the quickest car on the track, and as Bert and Montermini had their turns behind the wheel, they lead virtually every lap, finishing 10 seconds ahead of second place, the #4 Corvette! As Zakspeed Racing is now tied for second place in the standings, they anticipate an impressive close to the 2006 season.

Steve Saleen, Founder and Vice Chairman of Saleen, Inc., stated, “Again the S7R has proven to be a viable competitor in the GT Series this year. We’re completely confident that Zakspeed is in the position of winning the last two races of the season.”

About Saleen
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen, Inc. manufactures the American Supercar, the Saleen S7, the S281 Mustang, the S331 Sport Truck in addition to the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located both in Irvine, California, and Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility just finished a three-year run of the paint and assembly of the Ford GT.

For more information please visit www.saleen.com.

Contact:
PR Dept.
(949) 597-4900
pr@saleen.com

SOURCE: Saleen, Inc.

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Enthusiast News

SALEEN, INC. ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH IN THEIR EXECUTIVE STAFF

Saleen, Inc. is pleased to announce recent organizational additions and promotions to the Executive Staff. Founder and Vice Chairman, Steve Saleen and President Brian Walsh recently made the following announcements.

Michael Simmons — Chief Marketing & Sales Officer

Michael Simmons joined Saleen effective October 1, 2006. In this newly created and diverse position, Michael is responsible for developing and executing the company’s business development strategies including sales, marketing and public relations activities, product development strategies, distribution network expansion and other growth initiatives.

“Michael’s broad-based experience in various senior positions at other companies makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead our business development efforts, through expansion of our product offerings and broadening of our distribution footprint,” stated Brian Walsh. “He will help us to further fuel the tremendous growth we have achieved in recent years.”

Simmons brings to Saleen 19 years of experience in operations, marketing and financial management with a variety of public and private companies. Most recently, Simmons was the CFO of Sonance, a manufacturer of premium consumer electronics and loudspeakers. Prior to Sonance, Simmons was the CEO of TechSpace, a provider of technology and business process outsourcing solutions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Before TechSpace, he was the COO of the S.R. Jacobson Development Corporation.

In addition to leading significant growth in these roles, Simmons also brings relevant automotive experience from his management roles in sales, marketing, product development and finance at Ford Motor Company, as well as his consulting experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Simmons holds a BBA degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jerry Kanaly — Chief Financial Officer

Jerry Kanaly joins Saleen as Chief Financial Officer starting October 16. Jerry brings over 30 years of experience during which he was a partner in a Big-4 firm — KPMG LLP and was CFO for innovative high-technology companies, encompassing every aspect of finance, accounting and compliance. Throughout his substantial career, he has a proven track record of leading companies in achieving profitable growth, as well as transforming accounting systems, policies and procedures into streamlined, efficient practices.

Additionally, Kanaly has led many large teams — domestic and international — in achieving this growth and by developing resources to ensure that the company’s goals and objectives were met.

Kanaly graduated with his MBA from The Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles, earned his BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Billy Tally — Chief Officer of Technology

William “Billy” Tally has been promoted to Chief Officer of Technology. Tally’s history with Saleen runs deep starting on the race side, thereby integrating to the street with the advent of the Saleen S7, Tally has been integral throughout the years with Steve Saleen on the design, development and implementation of all Saleen product offerings for both the street and the track.

Prior to joining Saleen in 1996, Tally’s background was primarily competitive on the track; on-road as well as off-road. Tally has a number of successes under his belt in NASCAR, SCORE Off Road, USAC Midget, Nationals, and motorcycle racing, and now in the GT series. His engineering and race career have only furthered Saleen’s commitment and integrity in these areas as well as abroad.

Manny Margaretis — Vice President of Aftermarket

Manny Margaretis has been promoted to Vice President — Aftermarket. Since joining Saleen, Margaretis has successfully developed and led the Aftermarket business into a more robust business model, thereby fostering the Saleen brand in other areas of the automotive industry.

Margaretis’ previous experience brings an advanced knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, product development and international trade in soft goods. This experience encompasses over 25 years in business development building/developing/and the selling of 10+ businesses. Additionally, as an active trade and vendor negotiations specialist with domestic and international vendors/suppliers of both soft goods and specialty items, Margaretis brings to his new position a skill-set that encompasses many versatile components.

Margaretis earned his graduate MBA President Key Executive degree from Pepperdine University with an emphasis on Business Administration in 1995.

Alan Leukhardt — Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing & Quality

Alan Leukhardt has been promoted to Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality. In addition to overseeing new product development and sustaining engineering, Leukhardt’s expanded role will include leadership of the manufacturing and quality functions in both the Troy and Irvine operations.

“Leukhardt’s greatest skills involve overall process improvement and cost improvement in the manufacturing environment. His team-building skills are exceptional,” said Walsh.

Leukhardt brings to Saleen a BSME from Stanford University and was most recently Vice President — Business Development of Lindsey Manufacturing. With almost 20 years of senior management experience in product marketing, product and process development, Leukhardt’s background is rich in various industries that encompass design and manufacturing. During his off-time, Leukhardt competes in the SCCA Pro and Club racing.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL, JERRY, BILLY, MANNY AND ALAN!

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