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Event Announcement

SALEEN MUSTANG CREATOR TO DISPLAY CARS, SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AT FOOD LION AUTOFAIR

Steve Saleen, creator of the Saleen Mustang, will visit the Sept. 10-13,2009 Food Lion AutoFair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. There will be a display of special high-performance Mustangs he has produced over the last 25 years. Photo: Brad Bowling
Steve Saleen, creator of the Saleen Mustang, will visit the Sept. 10-13,2009 Food Lion AutoFair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. There will be a display of special high-performance Mustangs he has produced over the last 25 years. Photo: Brad Bowling

Steve Saleen’s name has appeared on more than 11,000 high-performance Mustangs over 25 years, and he is celebrating that milestone with a special display and autograph sessions at 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, during the Sept. 10-13 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Saleen was a successful Formula Atlantic racer in the early 1980s when he realized that a few simple improvements could make Ford’s popular Mustang perform on par with more expensive sports cars. Borrowing his sister’s white 1984 Mustang hatchback with 5.0-liter V-8 and five-speed transmission, Saleen designed a package that would transform the pleasant pony into a modern muscle car. He upgraded the suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers and installed a set of exotic alloy wheels. To aid its high-speed handling, this first Saleen Mustang received an aggressive front air dam, low side skirts, and a rather large rear wing. The final touch was a banner of vinyl lettering across the top of the windshield announcing “Saleen Mustang.”

Saleen kept his prototype and sold two cars to West Coast Ford dealers before the ’84 season closed. Those first three cars, and every Saleen Mustang since, received a unique production number separate from the Ford VIN, a practice that enhances their collectible status.

Steve Saleen took his cars racing in 1986 and won four Sports Car Club of America championships in ’87, giving his company the first of many competition trophies.

Due to federal emissions regulations, Saleen was not allowed to modify the 225-horsepower Mustang engines, so he hired a former Environmental Protection Agency official in 1988 and put him to work certifying a 300-horsepower V-8 for limited production. At the time, such a challenge was unprecedented for a small-volume manufacturer, but it resulted in the 1989 Saleen SSC, a car that enthusiasts still refer to as the “super Mustang.” Not only was the engine more energetic, but the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, transmission and rear axle were designed especially for that model. The leather-covered interior was fitted with a massively powerful sound system, four-point rollbar and a unique “rear speaker enclosure” that eliminated the back seat. All 161 SSCs were white hatchbacks.

Saleen’s 10th anniversary in 1993 coincided with the final year of the “square” Mustang, a design Ford introduced in 1979. Steve Saleen chose to send the so-called “Fox” body on its way with a bang and developed the supercharged, 450-horsepower SA-10. Only nine of the black hatchbacks were built – all wearing the latest and greatest go-fast parts the company’s catalog had to offer.

Five years later, the SA-15 embodied all that was holy to the Saleen faithful, this time in the form of 10 yellow convertibles with supercharged, 320-horsepower V-8s. Matching yellow 18-inch alloy rims, a composite hood, unique leather interior, and a fiberglass cover over the rear seats made the birthday model stand out from the standard Saleen Mustang.

Another five years flew by, and, for 2003, Saleen offered six pearlescent white SA-20 convertibles with 375-horsepower V-8s and a “Speedster” appearance package similar to that on the SA-15. The hefty sticker price, $54,357, included airfare for two to the Saleen plant in Irvine, Calif., one night’s lodging, a celebratory dinner with Steve Saleen and attendance at the company’s annual car show.

Recently, Steve Saleen left Saleen Inc. and launched a new company called SMS Ltd. to manufacture niche-market, ultra-performance vehicles out of new Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers, and, of course, Ford Mustangs. To recognize his 25th anniversary, Saleen built a single 720-horsepower silver hatchback he intends to keep for personal use.

The Food Lion AutoFair is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Saleen Mustang with a special display that will include an SSC, SA-10, SA-15, and SA-20 – all owned by collector and longtime Saleen enthusiast Debbie Blaylock, of Asheville. Rounding out the exhibit will be a 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition model built to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary of its first SCCA championship. Steve Saleen will be on hand Friday, Sept. 11, to meet fans and sign autographs in the Showcase Garage from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.

Enthusiasts can enjoy the Saleen 25th anniversary display during the Sept. 3-6 Food Lion AutoFair. The Fall Food Lion AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors. It features more than 50 car club displays and more than 7,000 vendor spaces that offer a huge array of automotive parts and memorabilia. More than 1,500 collectible vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale in the car corral that rings the 1.5-mile superspeedway.

Food Lion AutoFair hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults while children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. On Friday, Sept. 11, in honor of their public service, all police, fire and emergency workers showing a badge or ID will receive free admission to the Food Lion AutoFair. Parking for the event is $5.

For more information, contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit the Food Lion AutoFair event page.

Press Release

MICHAELS LAW GROUP: JURY TEACHES TOYOTA A LESSON ON HOW TO TREAT ITS SUPPLIERS

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Ending nearly two years of litigation, an Orange County jury recently voted unanimously in favor of SVP International and against Toyota Motor Sales, USA, awarding significant damages to the Toyota supplier.

SVP was hired by Toyota in August 2007 to design and engineer a high-performance version of the Tundra truck that would serve as Toyota’s entrance into the high-performance vehicle market. This case was of national importance, as it was Toyota’s first attempt at entering the high-performance segment. SVP expected that after the high-performance Tundra was completed, it would build other high-performance vehicles for Toyota, possibly including the premier Lexus brand.

SVP, a company founded by race-car driver Steve Saleen and entrepreneur Wayne Grafton, was selected by Toyota through a lengthy competitive bid process. Yet, after Toyota contracted with SVP, and after SVP began working on the project, Toyota cancelled the project with SVP and later cancelled the program altogether. When Toyota refused to recognize SVP’s contract or any of the work that SVP had performed, Michaels Law Group filed suit against the manufacturer in the Orange County Superior Court.

Jonathan Michaels, founding member of Michaels Law Group, had the following to say: “What was most disappointing about this case is the way that Toyota handled it. They knew that a contract for the project had been issued, and that SVP had begun working on the project and had incurred expenses, yet they completely disregarded SVP altogether.”

The jury apparently agreed with Michaels’ assessment. After a 4-week trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict against Toyota, awarding significant damages to SVP. “This case is important in that it shows that small businesses have a voice,” says Michaels. “Toyota is not above the law, and we are not afraid to prove it to them.”

Following trial, Toyota entered into a confidential settlement agreement with SVP, whereby SVP agreed to not disclose the amount of the jury verdict.

ABOUT MICHAELS LAW GROUP
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, Michaels Law Group is a full service business law firm, specializing in complex litigation and advanced business transactions, with a specialty in the automotive industry.

Founding member Jonathan Michaels, an avid car collector and automotive enthusiast, has litigated cases against nearly every automotive manufacturer and has been involved in structuring some of the most significant automotive transactions to date. With this unique background, Michaels Law Group has become well-known in the automotive industry as the “go to” firm for business transactions and automotive-related disputes.

If you’d like to schedule an interview with Jonathan Michaels, please contact Kelly Pion at 949.581.6900 or email Kelly at kpion@michaelslawgroup.com.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.michaelslawgroup.com

[SOURCE Michaels Law Group]

Event Coverage

WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE 2009

From our friends at Saleen Performance Vehicles.

Woodward Dream Cruise 2009
Preproduction S7 with 2010 435S #02

[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]

Press Release

2010 SALEEN 435S: HIGH PERFORMANCE VALUE – UNMISTAKABLY SALEEN

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” — Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 24, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association’s annual “Mustang Week” event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It was created much more for ‘go’ than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it’s a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on.”

The heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company’s previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and “435S” lettered on each side of the hood’s power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car’s character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang’s MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car’s identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said Shields. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”

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Press Release

STEVE SALEEN PRESENTS: 2010 SMS 460 MUSTANG

Orange County, California. (July 20, 2009) Yesterday, Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars unveiled the first CAD illustrations of the 2010 SMS 460 Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” event in Seattle. The SMS 460 Mustang will be the only Mustang authorized to bear Steve Saleen’s name, to use the benefit of his heritage and to incorporate his performance innovations derived from over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience. Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars: “The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for. It reflects my unrivalled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang’s striking design separates it from any other vehicle in the market. Chief Creative Officer of SMS, Phil Frank notes, “Steve Saleen’s new SMS 460 Mustang is a dramatic, timeless and iconic visual statement that confidently leads the pack, continuing the evolution of the image of the Steve Saleen brand.” The SMS 460 Mustang is in final tooling and prototype testing stages and the market launch is planned for later this year.

The SMS 460 Mustang will offer a 4.6 liter V8 engine featuring 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the even more powerful SMS 460X Mustang engine with all new internals and extensive headwork pumps out 655 hp and 600 ft-lb from the enlarged 5.0 liter V8. Both use the new (patent pending) SMS 296 Supercharger for their incredible horsepower and torque gains. Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X. Performance for both cars is striking.

The SMS 460 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds, while the 460X manages the same in closer to 4. In addition to engine output, handling, road holding and braking improvements, the 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs will feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS 15” six piston front and 13” four piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration. The SMS 460X Mustang will also feature the unique (patent-pending) Steve Saleen Red Butterfly Induction System. The interior with all-new Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats features the patented Signature Series chevron stripes. Multiple seat chevron and SMS unique exterior colors are available through the SMS Tailor Made options.

Steve Saleen receives Lee Iacocca Award for “dedication to excellence”

On July18, 2009, Steve Saleen was honored with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American Automotive Tradition during the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup”. Says Steve: “I am humbled to receive this award, it reflects my over thirty years of ongoing involvement in the passion and love for Mustangs.”

About Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style

Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. SMS Supercars’ first products, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers were launched in early 2009, with the SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang models destined for market entry later in 2009. Customers interested in buying the only authorized Steve Saleen Mustang can contact SMS Supercars directly at www.smssupercars.com or by calling (714) 400-2121.

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[Source: SMS Supercars]

Press Release

RESPONSE FROM SALEEN PERFORMANCE VEHICLES TO THE LAWSUIT FILED BY STEVE SALEEN AND SMS SUPERCARS THIS PAST WEEKEND

To note:

  • In February, 2009, MJ Acquistitions purchased many of the assets of Saleen Inc., including the rights to the Saleen brand, and certain assets relating to Saleen’s supercharger, aftermarket and high performance street vehicle businesses.
  • That part of the company is now doing business as Saleen Performance Vehicles, as a member of the automotive technology enterprise that also includes Power-Tec Engineering, Cyltec, Control-Tec, and Arrow Racing Engines.
  • Saleen Performance Vehicles is preparing to launch two, new Saleen high-performance 2010 Mustangs this year, including a vehicle later this week during Mustang Week activities in Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • Steve Saleen officially left Saleen, Inc. in 2007.

Statement from Mike Shields, President and CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles:

TROY, Mich., July 20 — We’re dismayed by the lawsuit that was filed this weekend by Steve Saleen, and even more disappointed by the fact that it appears to be an attempt to disrupt the debut of our new Saleen vehicle this week.

Our company’s purchase of certain assets in February entitles us to use the Saleen brand for our superchargers, aftermarket parts and high performance vehicles, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of great Saleen products that fulfill the brand promise of ‘Power in the Hands of a Few.’

While this lawsuit is an unfortunate minor distraction, our dedicated team of enthusiasts is excited about not only the launch of our exciting new Saleen car later this week, but also on working closely with our loyal dealers and customers to ensure their satisfaction. As I stated last week during a media teleconference, we are working to resolve past warranty issues and have every intention of going forward with a warranty policy that will provide confidence to all our valued stakeholders.

The Saleen Performance Vehicles brand is not about one person. It represents a legacy of high-performance vehicles that has developed over the past quarter century, and we feel privileged to be entrusted with that legacy going forward. Everyone in our company takes that responsibility seriously. That’s why we’re so enthusiastic about the future of our company, and why we can’t wait to begin its latest chapter this week at Myrtle Beach.

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Enthusiast News

STEVE SALEEN HONORED WITH LEE IACOCCA AWARD AT MUSTANGS NORTHWEST ROUNDUP

Bellevue, Washington — July 18, 2009 — SOEC Exclusive — by Jim Dvorak

In a hotel atrium full of Mustang enthusiasts gathered for the 29th annual banquet of the Mustangs Northwest Roundup, a very surprised Steve Saleen was presented with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for his “dedication to excellence in perpetuating an american automotive tradition.”

Since starting Saleen in 1983, Mr. Saleen has been a significant contributor to the Mustang hobby through is racing, automotive manufacturing and aftermarket parts businesses, as well as his public appearances and interactions with fans.

The trophy was presented jointly by National Parts Depot’s Rick Schmidt and Saleen owner and enthusiast Bill Smallwood III, who resides on the organizing commitee of the Mustangs Northwest Roundup.

Steve and Liz Saleen have been attending and supporting the Mustangs Northwest Roundup since 1993, an event which has been known as the “World’s largest annual gathering of Mustangs,” and is also established as the largest gathering of Saleens year after year. The Mustangs Northwest committee attribute much of their success to the continued support of Mr. and Mrs. Saleen.

Other honors Mr. Saleen has received in the past include being inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame.

The Lee Iacocca Award was created by the Iacocca Foundation for car clubs and shows to acknowledge car enthusiasts and their passion for maintaining an American tradition. This beautiful award is a one of a kind elegant plaque with a likeness of Lee Iacocca and his signature engraved in gold. The Iacocca Foundation supports Type 1 diabetes research.

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Press Release

“THERE IS ONLY ONE SALEEN” SAYS STEVE SALEEN AS HE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT HIS NAME

Orange County, California. (July 17, 2009) Steve Saleen and his company, Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars, announced today that they have filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court in California, seeking an order directing MJ Acquisitions, Inc. to cease and desist from promoting their products under the Saleen name in any form. Concurrently, Mr. Saleen is also seeking additional, related remedies from the company that formerly carried his name. This action is an additional move to continue to protect the name, reputation and brand value of Steve Saleen, and to reassure his loyal customers, dealers and car enthusiasts that only Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercar performance vehicles and products are genuine and deserving to carry his name. Steve Saleen ceded control of the company he founded, Saleen, Inc., in 2003 and left it completely in the spring of 2007 without any further management association. The non-enthusiast corporate executives sold a number of assets to a company by the name of MJ Acquisitions, Inc., changed the company’s name, and in early 2009 ceased operations altogether.

True Steve Saleen performance vehicles again available in the market

After having left his previous company, Mr. Saleen started Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars in 2008 and unveiled his newest creation, the SMS 570 Challenger, in January of this year. After having participated in the 2009 National American Dealers Association show as part of the official Chrysler Group display, Steve Saleen’s SMS Supercars successfully launched the SMS 570X Challenger and the new SMS 296 Supercharger at the New York International Auto Show in April of 2009, where many media ranked them among the stars of the show. Steve Saleen’s SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs were announced at the 45th Mustang Anniversary show in Alabama in April, with more info and images to be released this weekend at the Mustangs Northwest Roundup in Seattle and during the 2009 Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach starting Monday, July 20.

Steve Saleen steps up and protects his brand, name, reputation and customers “SMS Supercars is the new Saleen” (Steve Saleen)

In April 2009, Steve Saleen announced support for his customers and dealers affected negatively by the demise of the company that long carried his name. In a statement issued in April, he said: “The company I launched a long time ago announced it will no longer honor its product warranties, nor will the acquiring company for those assets, MJ Acquisitions, Inc. This kind of ‘customer treatment’ damages my reputation, misleads customers and cannot be left unaddressed.” Steve Saleen announced that SMS Supercars would guarantee the warranties that MJ Acquisitions abandoned. Mr. Saleen went on to say: “It amuses me that faceless executives and wannabes are trying to misrepresent themselves as some kind of continuation of Saleen, which they are not. SMS Supercars is the true Saleen. It is the only company I endorse, the only company entitled to use my name and legacy, and the only company that carries my signature on its products, because they are my products. The legal action we have undertaken today will emphasize once and for all that the only genuine Saleen products are mine.

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[Source: SMS Supercars]