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American Suzuki Gives New York City's Fresh Air Fund a Free Ride


April 2006
 Filed under: SUZUKI Car News | SUZUKI Headlines

Charity to Receive Suzuki Grand Vitara Transformed Into Automotive Canvas by New York's 'Billy the Artist'

NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) and New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) organizers have come together with New York City's prominent not-for-profit organization, The Fresh Air Fund, for a unique way to promote life-enthusiast activities among inner-city youth from disadvantaged communities.
In conjunction with this year's NYIAS, Suzuki enlisted the upbeat, colorful artistry of New York's "Billy the Artist," who recently painted the exterior of a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara to be donated to The Fresh Air Fund on behalf of ASMC and the show. Known for his vibrant and colorful murals and designs throughout the landscape of New York City, Billy incorporated images of many life-enthusiast activities, reflecting Suzuki's "Way of Life" brand philosophy.

Billy also integrated elements consistent with the mission of The Fresh Air Fund, an organization devoted to helping inner-city youth experience their own "Way of Life," by transporting them from New York City's toughest neighborhoods to the outdoors for recreational activities. Just in time for summer, the Grand Vitara will be used at one of the five Fresh Air camps in upstate New York.

"The Fresh Air Fund is an organization whose mission aligns perfectly with Suzuki's 'Way of Life' brand philosophy, and we're thrilled to include this worthwhile donation among our many activities at this year's New York International Auto Show," said Gene Brown, ASMC vice president of marketing. "In the same way Suzuki is committed to providing vehicles for adventure- seeking consumers, The Fresh Air Fund is equally passionate about helping children experience their own 'Way of Life' at its camps throughout the year and at the homes of volunteer host families in the Northeast."

The "Billy the Artist"-painted Grand Vitara will be featured at the 2006 NYIAS on Wednesday, April 12, and Thursday, April 13, in the Crystal Palace lobby at Jacob Javits Convention Center. ASMC selected the exciting X-Sport version of its media-acclaimed Grand Vitara for use in conjunction with "Billy the Artist." Beyond its new head-turning exterior and to meet the needs of The Fresh Air Fund, the vehicle features full-time four-mode four-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Program (including traction control), anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and six airbags (including front and rear side-curtain airbags).

"The Fresh Air Fund remains appreciative of the corporate philanthropy we receive from all our sponsors and partners, and we're particularly thankful to Suzuki and the New York International Auto Show. By displaying the vehicle and helping to increase our visibility, we hope even more New York City children will be able to enjoy free summer vacations in the country," said Jenny Morgenthau, executive director of The Fresh Air Fund. "It's incredibly generous of Suzuki to demonstrate its understanding of our mission by presenting a gift that will resonate with our children and one that thoroughly embodies the spirit of this organization."

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., were founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 540 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motors manufacturer with sales of more than 2 million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has operations in 125 countries. For more information, go to www.suzukiauto.com or www.media.suzuki.com.

About The Fresh Air Fund

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2005, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. More than 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, N.Y. The Fund's year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year. For more information, please visit www.freshair.org or call 1.800.367.0003.

About "Billy the Artist"

"Create your own reality" is the mantra "Billy the Artist" lives by and the reality he has created is one of great success. Painting on instinct, Billy captures the energy and power of the city around him, creating what he calls "urban primitive," a kaleidoscope of colorful and puzzle-like images that celebrate the diversity and joy of the human spirit, relationships, friendships and the simple smile of a child. Billy has been showcased at the prestigious Forbes Gallery in New York and internationally at The Carib Fine Art Gallery on the island of Curacao. His murals have been seen at "De La Guarda" (New York and Las Vegas), Woodstock 99, "RENT" (Broadway, London and other national productions). Billy also has done artwork for several philanthropic organizations such as Covenant House and The Harvey Milk High School. His work has been auctioned at Sotheby's and sold in New York galleries from Soho to Chelsea and in Chicago, Cleveland and Austin. For more information, please visit www.billyartnyc.com.

Source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation

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