FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
96,000 votes and counting; voting numbers amaze as Americans vote early and often for favorite heroes in the 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards
Vote for top hero through Feb. 4, 2007 at www.volvoforlifeawards.com
IRVINE, Calif. (September 21, 2006) – On Aug. 14, 2006 Volvo asked Americans a simple question: Who would you give a Volvo to? Little did the carmaker know that more than 96,000 online votes would pile up from across the United States just six weeks into the 25-week contest.
The question was asked to generate interest in the 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards, a program designed to seek out, reward and celebrate real-life heroes from across America. This year, in honor of the 5th Anniversary of these awards, Volvo has selected the top five heroes from every state – and published all 250 of their stories online at www.volvoforlifeawards.com.
For the first time in history, Volvo is inviting the American public to sit in the driver’s seat by serving as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges. From now through Feb. 4, 2007, American’s can visit the Web site, read as many stories as they like and vote for their favorite heroes online. This democratic vote will decide the finalists in the 5th Anniversary Awards in the categories of safety, quality of life and environment.
The finalists’ nominations will then be narrowed down to three winners by a panel of distinguished judges – including Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Val Kilmer, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and previous Volvo for life Awards top winners. Winners receive a $50,000 charitable contribution from Volvo; finalists receive a $25,000 contribution.
On April 4, 2007, Volvo will fly the winning heroes to New York City, where they will be honored at the 5th Anniversary Awards Gala by Volvo and members of the celebrity judging panel. At the climax of the ceremony, Volvo will reveal which of the three top heroes is also the winner of the Grand Award of a Volvo for life – a lease on a new Volvo every three years for the rest of his or her life.
“The public response to this new ‘America Votes’ format has been simply overwhelming,” said Anne Bélec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. “It’s a testament to the rising popularity of the Volvo for life Awards and more importantly, the strength of this year’s nominees and their inspiring stories. Voter passion has made this a compelling race to watch early on and I expect more and more excited voters to step up and support their heroes as we move closer to February. There’s still time to rally friends, family and co-workers to vote and make a difference in this race – get out and vote!”
To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.
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Contact:
Kim McMartin
Haberman & Associates
612-372-6447
kim@habermaninc.com
Sören Johansson
Volvo Cars of North America
949-341-6719
sjohan44@volvocars.com
Media:
For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards
