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The Ultimate Fuel Economy Challenge: 100 + Hopefuls Intend to Compete for $10 Million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE

Jean Levasseur — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:57:50 -0700

Registration Now Open

With a Shared Goal of 100 MPGe, Teams from Around the World Aim to Develop Viable, Super Efficient, Clean and Affordable Vehicles.

SANTA MONICA, CA, August 27, 2008— As American drivers prepare to fill up their gas tanks for what is regarded as the last long weekend of summer, many hopeful winners of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE –a multimillion dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles – are laboring away in their garages and test facilities, with the shared goal of finding a solution that will make filling up that gas tank much less painful on the wallet in the coming years.

To date, more than 120 teams, from 28 states and 17 countries, intend to compete for their share of a $10 million prize purse, which will be awarded to those that can design and build production-capable, 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

With registration into the competition now officially open, many of the 100+ teams are also actively working on their applications to become official contenders of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE; those who pass this first round of qualification will move into the next phase of competition, which includes a dramatic cross country stage race set to begin next September.

Recent signers of a letter of intent to compete include India’s Tata Motors, Maxi-Eco of Brazil, Drexell University, Western Washington University, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. of Chicago, IL and TTW Turin Italy of Turin, Italy. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Young also intends to enter his 1960 Lincoln Continental conversion into the competition, along with his partner Jonathan Goodwin.

Interested teams, from established car manufacturers to startups, have an opportunity to join the competition through January 1, 2009. More information on registration and rules can be found at progressiveautoxprize.org.

Once registration closes, and the field of competition is in place, teams will begin preparing for a rigorous long distance stage race that will combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The race is set to kick off in New York City in September 2009, and will continue in up to nine other major markets throughout the U.S. Vehicles that win the $10 million prize purse – offered by Progressive –will need to exceed 100 miles per gallon or its energy equivalent, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

“The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is bringing together some of the most inspiring and innovative minds in the world, in a shared effort to break America’s addiction to oil,” said Don Foley, Executive Director. “This competition has caught the attention of every major auto manufacturer, and we are confident that it will bring new visibility to a range of solutions, from both established and emerging sources.”

For a list of teams hoping to compete in the cross country stage race, or to learn more about the registration process for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org.

About the X PRIZE Foundation
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured the world’s attention when the Burt Rutan-led team, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private spaceship to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for suborbital spaceflight. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation, and its revolution partner BT Global Services, are creating prizes in Exploration (Space and Oceans), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org.

About Progressive
Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats and commercial vehicles. The Company offers competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

One of Progressive’s Core Values is Excellence. To the Company’s more than 27,000 people, it simply means seeking constant improvement. Over time, this has meant introducing revolutionary ideas that make car insurance easier to shop for, buy and use. It’s this same innovative spirit that’s behind the Company’s sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will inspire innovation that will produce more fuel efficient vehicle choices, helping to make a difference in people’s lives.

Progressive’s products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at www.progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).

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U.S. City Interest High in the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE for Super Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Jean Levasseur — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:08:55 -0700

Multi-Million Dollar Competition Narrowing Search for U.S. Cities Interested in Hosting Stages of the Cross Country Race

SANTA MONICA, CA, July 1, 2008— As American consumers face record-breaking prices at the gas pump and rethink their driving habits, the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multi-million dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of super fuel efficient vehicles, is finding strong interest from U.S. cities vying to host a stage of its 2009-2010 competition.

The technology-neutral competition, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, is open to teams from around the world that can design and build production-capable, 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance. Winners of the $10 million prize purse will need to exceed 100 MPG equivalent fuel economy, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

Since distributing a request for proposal (RFP) to the top 100 U.S. media markets in April, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE has been in discussions with city, state and community leaders across the country interested in the opportunity to host a stage race and simultaneously showcase their own local green efforts. Cities representing a diverse geographic and demographic mix – such as Albuquerque, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Indianapolis, New York, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Pasadena, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis – have all expressed interest in the competition.

The cross country stage race will begin in New York City in September 2009, and will continue in up to nine other major markets throughout the U.S. Each stage race will feature a driving competition over city, suburban and rural roads between 30 and 200 miles in length. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is interested in offering diverse geographic and driving “real world” conditions, including the potential for slick and snowy roads, mountainous conditions and downtown city streets.

To date, 94 teams from 14 countries and 24 states have signed Letters of Intent to compete. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE continues to solicit additional teams to enter the competition, which is open to established automakers as well as start-ups. For a complete list, visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org.

“The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is a call to action to promote and inspire innovation in vehicle technology,” said Don Foley, Executive Director of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. “As part of that goal, we are excited by the opportunity to celebrate the many U.S. cities that are making major strides in energy and conservation. We look forward to announcing the final lineup later this fall.”

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will continue to accept proposals from U.S. cities through the end of the summer. Interested parties should email progressiveautoprize@xprize.org to request a copy of the RFP, or to arrange a meeting with the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE staff.

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on affordability, safety, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. This progress is needed because today’s oil consumption is unsustainable and because automotive emissions significantly contribute to global warming and climate change.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email us.

About the X PRIZE Foundation:
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured the world’s attention when the Burt Rutan-led team, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private spaceship to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for suborbital spaceflight. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation, and its revolution partner BT Global Services, are creating prizes in Exploration (Space and Oceans), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email us.

About Progressive:
Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats, personal watercraft and commercial vehicles. The company offers competitive rates and products that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

Progressive’s products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).

Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Releases Statement in Response to Senator McCain’s Proposed $300 Million Battery Prize

Jean Levasseur — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:48:05 -0700

Santa Monica, CA (June 24, 2008)—Today, the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, released a statement in response to Presidential hopeful and presumed Republican nominee John McCain’s proposed $300 million battery prize:

“We commend Senator McCain for recognizing that great innovations can arise from the spirit of competition,” said Don Foley, Executive Director of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel efficient vehicles. “But creating a new battery is only part of a broader challenge to solve our country’s energy crisis and dependence on foreign oil. We must also look seriously at developing new vehicles, especially those that are production capable.”

The technology-neutral competition, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, is open to teams from around the world that can design and build production-capable 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

Beginning in September 2009, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will kick off a cross-country stage race in which competing vehicles will be tested and showcased in real world conditions. Winners of the $10 million prize purse, funded by Progressive, will need to exceed 100 MPG equivalent fuel economy, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE has received bipartisan support from a diverse group of politicians and government agencies, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Congressman Daniel E. Lundgren (R-CA), Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Houston Mayor Bill White, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Andy Karsner, and NHTSA Administrator Nicole Nason. The Prize has also received technical support from The U.S. Department of Energy, The Department of Transportation (NHTSA and Federal Highway Administration) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with Resolutions of Support from both the U.S. House of Representative and the U.S. Senate. The Department of Energy has also announced a $3.5M grant to fund the public education program of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE.

“There’s no single path to energy independence; we need to explore many different technologies, fuels and vehicles before the American public can determine the most practical, environmentally-friendly and energy conscious solution for the future,” added Foley. “We commend all public and private sector efforts to bring attention to these issues, including those by our title sponsor Progressive, and we look forward to being a part of the solution.”

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org.

About the X PRIZE Foundation:
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating prizes in five areas: Exploration (Space and Underwater), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org.

Tata Motors Limited Intends to Compete in Multimillion Dollar Progressive Automotive X PRIZE

Jean Levasseur — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:34:26 -0700

India's Leading Automobile Company Joins More Than 70 Groups From Around the World in Competition to Create Viable, Safe and Super Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

SANTA MONICA, CA-- May 15, 2008 - The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE -- a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles -- today announced that Tata Motors Limited of the United Kingdom has signed an official Letter of Intent to compete. Tata Motors is now among more than 70 teams from 12 countries and 22 U.S. states who have signed a letter of intent to compete for a share of a $10 million prize purse.

The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to teams from around the world that can design and build production-capable, 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance in one of two classes: Mainstream and Alternative. Mainstream vehicles will be required to carry four or more passengers, have four or more wheels, and allow for a 200-mile range. Alternative Class vehicles will be required to carry two or more passengers, have no constraints on the number of wheels, and allow for a 100-mile range.

Jonathan Etherington, Principal Engineer of Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC), will lead the Tata Motors team. Under Etherington's direction, the team intends to enter a pure e-drive micro car into the Alternative Class and Dominant Electric Hybrid vehicle into the Mainstream Class.

Other recent entrants to the Letter of Intent program include Motive Industries of Canada, Western Washington University, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. of Chicago, IL and TTW Turin Italy of Turin, Italy. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Young also intends to enter his 1960 Lincoln Continental conversion into the competition, along with his partner Jonathan Goodwin.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is open to all -- automakers large and small as well as innovators -- who believe the goal of a 100 MPGe vehicle is not only possible but essential if we are to break our addiction to oil.

"We are so pleased that such a diverse group of competitors intends to compete for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE," noted Don Foley, Executive Director of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. "With the first stage race only 17 months away and the price of crude oil now hovering around $120 a barrel, consumer interest in the need for such a competition and a long term solution to fuel prices is rapidly growing."

Beginning in September 2009, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will kick off a cross-country stage race in New York City, followed by nine other major markets throughout the U.S., in which competing vehicles will be tested and showcased in real world conditions. Organizers are now seeking cities to host the remaining stages of the competition.

Winners will be the vehicles that exceed 100 MPG equivalent, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time. The competition is scheduled to conclude in 2010.

ABOUT THE PROGRESSIVE AUTOMOTIVE X PRIZE

The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on efficiency, safety, affordability, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers will want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. This progress is needed because today's oil consumption is unsustainable and because automotive emissions significantly contribute to global warming and climate change.

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION

The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world's first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating prizes in five areas: Exploration (Space and Underwater), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition.

ABOUT PROGRESSIVE

Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats, personal watercraft and commercial vehicles. The company offers competitive rates and products that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

Progressive's products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).

New York City Announced as First Stage of the $10 Million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Competition

Jean Levasseur — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:11:13 -0700

Mayor Michael Bloomberg Announces NYC Will Host the Start of the Stage Race
Competition in September 2009

March 24, 2008, New York, NY—Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced that New York City will kick off the $10 million cross-country Progressive Automotive X PRIZE race in September 2009. The announcement came just weeks before the one year anniversary of PlaNYC, the City's plan to create a greener, greater New York.

"The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is an excellent example of how the private sector can spur solutions to our most complex challenges," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Here in New York City, we are also stepping up to the plate on energy conservation, by transforming our taxi fleet into hybrids and cutting the City's energy use by 30% over the next ten years. It's all part of PlaNYC, our plan to create a greener, greater New York. Development of a super-efficient car would be a major step forward in the fight against global warming - and it would help us reach our goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in New York City by 30% by 2030. To maximize national and international awareness of the X PRIZE, I am pleased to announce that New York will be the starting point for the race next year."

Beginning in September 2009, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will kick off a cross-country stage race in major markets throughout the U.S. in which competing vehicles will be tested and showcased in real world conditions. Following New York City’s announcement, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will seek proposals from other U.S. cities to serve as Host Cities for the remaining stages of the national competition. Cities are invited to host stages, or legs of varying distances, of the Qualifying and Final Races of the competition scheduled to conclude in 2010.

Thursday’s press conference to unveil the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE was hosted by Dr. Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation and Glenn Renwick, CEO of Progressive, and featured Mayor Bloomberg and members of four teams hoping to compete.

“The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is a call to action to promote and inspire innovation,” said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation. “The environmentally friendly cars created as a result of this competition will affect everyone who drives in ways we can’t even imagine today. We hope that other U.S. cities will follow Mayor Bloomberg’s lead to bring this competition through their city.”

To date, more than 60 teams representing ten countries and 22 U.S. states have signed a Letter of Intent to compete for a share of the prize purse and global publicity.

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email us.

About the X PRIZE Foundation:
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating prizes in five areas: Exploration (Space and Underwater), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email us.

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X PRIZE Foundation & Progressive Insurance Join Forces to Officially Announce the $10 Million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE

Jean Levasseur — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:06:00 -0700

During Today’s Launch, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Declared
New York City as Host of First Stage of Competition, Scheduled to Begin in September 2009.

NEW YORK (March 20, 2008) – Today at the New York International Auto Show, the X PRIZE Foundation and Progressive (NYSE:PGR) jointly announced the company’s Title Sponsorship of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition and its funding of the $10 million prize purse.

The newly renamed Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is an international competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles. The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to teams from around the world that can design, build and bring to market 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people want to buy, and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

To date, more than 60 teams from nine countries have signed a Letter of Intent to compete for a share of the prize purse and global publicity.

“We’ve been working hard to make a difference in car insurance for 70 years,” said Progressive’s CEO, Glenn Renwick. “Now we have a chance to make a difference by supporting the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. This competition will result in more choices of more fuel-efficient vehicles for drivers and will be a catalyst for moving this technology forward, faster.”

“This competition represents what we’re all about in name and spirit—new ideas, competition and always working to do better,” added Renwick. “Being a part of this gives us a chance to make a real difference.”

At today’s New York International Auto Show, four teams and their vehicles joined representatives of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also on hand in support of the initiative.

“The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is an excellent example of how the private sector can spur solutions to our most complex challenges,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Here in New York City, we are also stepping up to the plate on energy conservation, by transforming our taxi fleet into hybrids and cutting the City’s energy use by 30% over the next ten years. It’s all part of PlaNYC, our plan to create a greener, greater New York.”

The Mayor added, “Development of a super-efficient car would be a major step forward in the fight against global warming – and it would help us reach our goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in New York City by 30% by 2030. To maximize national and international awareness of the X PRIZE, I am pleased to announce that New York will be the starting point for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE race next year.”

The X PRIZE Foundation, best known for the successful $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for private suborbital spaceflight, is an educational nonprofit whose mission is to bring about radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity by holding $10 million dollar (or larger) competitions to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Several teams in the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE’s Letter of Intent program will be on hand to speak with the media throughout the show. A complete list of teams that have already signed a Letter of Intent to compete is included below.

The window for applications will be open until mid 2008, when a thorough qualification process will assess safety, cost, features and business plans to ensure that only production-capable, consumer-friendly cars compete. Those that qualify will race their vehicles in rigorous cross-country stage races in 2009 and 2010 that combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The winners will be the vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe, meet strict emissions standards and finish in the fastest time. Host cities involved in the competition route are to be announced shortly.

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

About the Competition:
Draft Guidelines that specify vehicle requirements and other aspects of the competition are available at http://auto.xprize.org/auto/automotive-x-prize/draft-guidelines. A summary of the current guidelines follows:
The competition will comprise two vehicle classes: Mainstream and Alternative. Mainstream vehicles will be required to carry four or more passengers, have four or more wheels, and allow for a 200-mile range. Alternative-class vehicles will be required to carry two or more passengers, have no constraints on the number of wheels, and allow for a 100-mile range. All vehicles will need to meet requirements for performance and features to make the cars attractive to consumers. The competition will culminate with two dramatic, long-distance stage races in 2009-2010 – a Qualifying Race and the Grand Prize Final Race. Race courses will reflect typical consumer driving patterns during numerous stages, in varied terrain, communities, and weather conditions. To win, vehicles must complete both races with the lowest overall time averaged over all scoring stages while still meeting the requirements for 100 MPGe fuel economy and low emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The $10 million prize purse will be split 3:1 between the winners of the Mainstream and Alternative classes. Final guidelines will be published shortly.

Support for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE:
Support and encouragement has been received from government agencies that will help the privately funded organization conduct the competition and test vehicle compliance, including the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory; the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway, Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ); and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

In addition, non-governmental organizations supporting the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE include the National Resources Defense Council, The Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation, Union of Concerned Scientists, the Apollo Alliance, the Consumer Federation of America, Global Green USA and CALSTART, among others.

Sponsors and Donors of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE:
• The prize’s Title Sponsor is Progressive Insurance
• The U.S. Department of Energy is the Sponsor of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Education Program, and Adobe® and Idealab® are Supporting Sponsors
• Auto Research Center (ARC) is the Official Performance Simulation Provider
• Ray Sidney of Big George Ventures is a prize benefactor, and the following people are patron donors: Gil & Elyssa Elbaz, Jack Hidary, Jeffery Shames, and Nadine Weil

Teams in the Letter of Intent Program:
As of March 20, the following teams have signed a Letter of Intent to compete:

° AirShip Technologies Group (Lake Oswego, OR, USA)
° Alpha-Core/Poulsen Hybrid (Bridgeport, CT, USA)
° Aptera Motors (Carlsbad, CA, USA)
° Arkas Automotive (Istanbul, Turkey)
° Avion Car Company (Bellingham, WA, USA)
° Brilliant Automotive, (Fairfield, IA, USA)
° Belloso Motor Company (Salisbury, MD, USA)
° Brilliant Automotive (Southfield, IA, USA)
° Commuter Cars Corp (Spokane, WA, USA)
° Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA)
° DEHyds (Tenino, WA, USA)
° Delta Motorsport (Northamptonshire, UK)
° Desert Fuel (Phoenix, AZ, USA)
° Disruptech (Newhall, CA, USA)
° Team Dragonfly (Northampton, UK)
° Electric Truck Inc (Greenwich, CT, USA)
° Energy Highway (Pleasanton, CA, USA)
° Esterer Engineering Ltd. (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
° FuelVapor Technologies BC, (Maple Ridge, BC, Canada)
° Global-E (Mandeville, LA, USA)
° Goodwin-Young “Linc Volt” (Wichita, KS, USA)
° Greenhouse 2000 (Orlando, FL, USA)
° Gunn Team (San Jose, CA, USA)
° HerfDuo (Berlin, Germany)
° Hybrid Technologies (Mooresville, NC, USA)
° HyKinesys (Rolling Hills Estate, CA, USA)
° ICEwave (Terre Haute, IN, USA)
° Illuminati (Virden, IL, USA)
° Kinetic Vehicles (Creswell, OR, USA)
° Kuttner Doran Innovations (Charlottesville, VA, USA)
° laeN’O (Marshall, NC, USA)
° Loremo (Munich, Germany)
° Lydell Industries (Frewsburg, NY, USA)
° Maine Automotive X (Camden, ME, USA)
° Mann Research & Development, (Benton, KY, USA)

° laeN’O (Marshall, NC, USA)
° Loremo (Munich, Germany)
° Lydell Industries (Frewsburg, NY, USA)
° Maine Automotive X (Camden, ME, USA)
° Mann Research & Development, (Benton, KY, USA)
° MDI and Zero Pollution Motors,, (Nice, France and New Paltz, NY, USA)
° Michigan Vision (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
° Miles Electric Vehicles (Santa Monica, CA, USA)
° Motive Industries, Inc. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
° MotoTron Disrupt (Oshkosh, WI, USA)
° Northwest Energy Research Association (Arlington, WA, USA)
° Phoenix Motorcars (Ontario, CA, USA)
° Physics Lab of Lake Havasu (Lake Havasu, AZ, USA)
° Porteon Electric Vehicles, Inc. (Portland, OR, USA)
° Prometheus Systems (Flagstaff, AZ, USA)
° Psycho-Active (Moore, SC, USA)
° RaceAbout Association (Helsinki Finland)
° Red Light Racing (RLR) (Callaway, MD, USA)
° Revolución Motors (Lawrence, KS, USA)
° Society for Sustainable Mobility (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
° Spirit One (Alberta, CA, USA)
° T3 Motion (Costa Mesa, CA, USA)
° Team TWIKE IV (Germany)
° Tesla Motors (San Carlos, CA, USA)
° Tilting Vehicle Australia (Kilburn, Australia)
° TriTrack (Georgetown, TX, USA)
° USA Electric Cars, LLC (Cortland, NY, USA)
° Valentin Technologies (Elm Grove, WI, USA)
° Velozzi (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
° Venture Vehicles (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
° Visionary Vehicles (New York, NY, USA)
° West Philly Hybrid X Team (Philadelphia, PA, USA)
° Western Washington University/Vikings (Bellingham, WA, USA)
° X Tracer Team Switzerland (Winterthur, Switzerland)
° ZAP (Santa Rosa, CA, USA)

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email email us.

About Progressive:
Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats, personal watercraft and commercial vehicles.

The company offers competitive rates and products that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

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U.S. Department of Energy and the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Partner to Develop National Education Program

Jean Levasseur — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:03:50 -0700

Groups Aim to Excite Students About Energy Efficiency, Next-Generation Auto Technology

SANTA MONICA, CA, March 20, 2008 – The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multi-million dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles, today announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to inspire youth and the general public about the alternative vehicle and fuel options of the near future. The two organizations plan to create a national education program that will encourage young people to pursue careers in energy-efficient sciences and technology. The U.S. Department of Energy plans to make up to a $3.5 million USD grant to fund this program, subject to appropriation from Congress.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will award at least $10 million in prizes to teams that can engineer clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPG or its energy equivalent fuel efficiency (MPGe) and win a cross-country stage race. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is perfectly aligned with the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy to strengthen America's energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality through public-private partnerships that:

• Promote, advance, develop and strengthen advanced vehicle technologies
• Enhance energy efficiency and productivity
• Bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy technologies to the marketplace
• Make a difference in the everyday lives of Americans by enhancing their energy choices and their quality of life

In addition to providing more consumer choices and helping preserve natural resources, a key goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to engage students and the public in learning about advanced vehicle technologies, energy efficiency, climate change, alternative fuels, and the science and math behind efficient vehicle development.

“The Department of Energy has a rich history of research and development in energy efficiency, and a commitment to educating consumers and the public on the importance of the issue,” said Don Foley, Executive Director of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. “The organization has had a highly respected collegiate vehicle competition for over 20 years and we are delighted to have them bring their experience and expertise to the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE initiative, aimed at K-12 students and the public.”

The world-class education program will engage students and showcase the 21st century skills students will need to compete in our new global economy: teamwork, creativity, strong literacy, math and science skills and innovative thinking. The program will provide comprehensive online resources easily accessible to students, parents and teachers. This online knowledge center will provide an interactive experience that will allow both students and the general public to follow the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE vehicles as they perform in real-time during the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE races and learn about key science and technology issues as a result.

“This grant represents one of the most important ways the Energy Department is leveraging private sector expertise to educate and engage the public about utilizing clean, cutting-edge technologies to transform our transportation sector,” DOE Assistant Secretary Alexander A. Karsner said. “Our support and collaboration with the Automotive X PRIZE aims to not only demonstrate the practical and much-needed use of advanced and energy-efficient vehicle technologies to reduce our dependence on oil, but we hope it will also inspire our next generation to pursue careers in math, science and education and engineering, so America remains at the forefront of innovation and discovery.”

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE education program funded by the Department of Energy will further engage students through national contests that ask them to imagine what the role of transportation will be in their future world. The program will be designed to build excitement among students, engaging them in a competitive and creative process while conveying the X PRIZE approach to fostering breakthroughs that benefit humanity through competition.

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the $10 million Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating prizes in five areas: Exploration (Space and Underwater), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email us.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email email us.

ABOUT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Working with a wide array of state, community, industry, and university partners, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in a diverse portfolio of energy technologies. Energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will mean a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence for America.

For more information contact about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy please contact the EERE Information Center at 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) or on the web at www.eere.energy.gov.

United States Senate Passes a Resolution Praising the Automotive X PRIZE

Jean Levasseur — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:07:48 -0700

Senate Resolution Introduced by Senators Lugar and Bingaman and Passed Early Today Applauds the Foundation’s Leadership in Inspiring a New Generation of Viable, Super-Efficient Vehicles

WASHINGTON, DC March 14, 2008—Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), along with Senators Carl Levin (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Pete Domenici (R, NM) today led the passage of a Senate resolution congratulating the X PRIZE Foundation’s leadership in inspiring a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles. The Senate resolution follows an earlier House resolution introduced by Congressman Daniel E. Lungren (R-CA) which passed February 6th, 2008. (Full text of S. Res 486; Full text of related congressional record)

The Automotive X PRIZE is a private, independent, technology-neutral competition being developed by the X PRIZE Foundation. The prize will award a multimillion dollar purse to teams that can design, build, and demonstrate production-capable vehicles that achieve 100 MPG or its energy equivalent (MPGe).

As noted by Senator Bingaman, “This prize promises to help harness the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of America’s best minds to one of our greatest problems: our over-reliance on foreign oil. It should be an exciting competition and it is certainly a worthy goal. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovations they inspire.”

“The dual passage of both the House and Senate resolutions demonstrates that our elected officials understand the real issues consumers are facing today and that real solutions will require the American spirit of free enterprise,” noted Don Foley, Executive Director of the Automotive X PRIZE. “This high-profile competition is igniting ideas and concepts across the globe to help solve the challenge of energy security and climate change.”

The Automotive X PRIZE is open to all – automakers large and small as well as innovators – who believe that the goal of a 100 MPGe vehicle is not only possible but essential if we are to break our addiction to oil.

“United States national security and economic prosperity demand that we move toward a sustainable energy future,” added Senator Lugar. “The global trend of foreign governments asserting greater control over oil reserves allows unfriendly regimes to use their energy exports as leverage against the United States and our allies. Establishment of the Automotive X Prize demonstrates remarkable vision and leadership. I am particularly encouraged that development of the prize benefits from insights of a diverse group of government, non-government, university and industry representatives."

With only a few days until the Foundation’s public announcement of the multimillion dollar prize purse and title sponsor at the New York Auto Show on March 20, the Automotive X PRIZE will signal the beginning of this competition as well as the hope that the country’s dependence on foreign oil and its reliance on a depleting fuel source will one day come to an end.

“We thank Senators Lugar and Bingaman for their leadership and commitment to the goals that this competition represents to the United States as well as the entrepreneurial American spirit that it will inspire for the benefit of mankind,” added Foley.

Today’s action by the Senate adds to the significant support that the Automotive X PRIZE has garnered from a diverse group of politicians and government agencies, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Houston Mayor Bill White, along with support from The U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Andy Karsner, The Department of Transportation (NHTSA and Federal Highway Administration) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. In 2004, the Foundation captured world headlines when Burt Rutan, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and the Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation is creating prizes in five areas: Exploration (Space and Underwater), Life Sciences, Energy & Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email us.

Congressional Resolution Applauds X PRIZE Foundation for Its Work on the Automotive X PRIZE

Jean Levasseur — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:46:22 -0800

The Resolution, Introduced by Congressman Daniel Lungren in December and Passed Today, Applauds the Foundation’s Leadership in Inspiring a New Generation of Viable, Super-Efficient Vehicles.

WASHINGTON, February 6, 2008—Congressman Daniel E. Lungren (R-CA) today led the passage of a House resolution congratulating the X PRIZE Foundation’s leadership in inspiring a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles. (Full Text of H. Res. 907; Related Congressional Record)

The Automotive X PRIZE is a private, independent, technology-neutral competition being developed by the X PRIZE Foundation. The prize will award a multimillion dollar purse to teams that can design, build, and demonstrate production-capable vehicles that achieve 100 MPG or its energy equivalent (MPGe).

As noted in the resolution, first introduced by Congressman Lungren in December “…the United States is heavily dependent on foreign sources of oil that are concentrated in tumultuous countries and regions, and the national security and economic prosperity of the United States demand that we move toward a sustainable energy future.”

“The passage of this resolution is a clear signal that the House of Representatives understands that the problems we face as a Nation will require the American spirit of free enterprise to get involved in the solution,” noted Don Foley, Executive Director of the Automotive X PRIZE. “Only a high-profile competition such as the Automotive X PRIZE can bring these forces to bear on the problems of energy security and climate change.”

“Competition for a prestigious prize is far more likely to get results than government programs aimed at anticipating and funding winners,” said Congressman Lungren. “Although occasionally effective, federal subsidies are paid before an industry proves it can achieve what it set out to do, and all too often such subsidies are given to the politically influential, not the meritorious. But prize money is paid out only when the goal is achieved.”

With only weeks until the Foundation’s public announcement of the multimillion dollar prize purse, at the New York Auto Show on March 20, the Automotive X PRIZE will signal the beginning of this competition as well as the hope that the country’s days of dependence on foreign oil and its reliance on a depleting fuel source will one day come to an end.

“As a scientist, engineer and inventor myself, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Automotive X PRIZE Foundation’s competition to build a 100 MPGe four-passenger car,” added Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. “I was the first member of Congress to purchase a Prius and I am really looking forward to the opportunity to buy the winning vehicle of the Automotive X PRIZE.”

“We thank Congressman Dan Lungren and Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) for their leadership and commitment to the goals that this competition represents to the United States as well as the entrepreneurial American spirit that it will inspire for the benefit for mankind,” added Foley.

Today’s action by the House adds to the significant support that the Automotive X PRIZE has garnered from a diverse group of politicians and government agencies, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Houston Mayor Bill White, along with support from The U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Andy Karsner, The Department of Transportation (NHTSA and Federal Highway Administration) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

To read the complete Congressional resolution, please visit auto.xprize.org.

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. On October 4, 2004, the X PRIZE Foundation captured world headlines when Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space twice in two weeks to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The X PRIZE Foundation has since launched the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE and the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, and will continue to offer new prizes for breakthroughs in the areas of life improvement, exploration, equity of opportunity and sustainability. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email us.

Automotive X PRIZE to Inspire Green Auto Innovators and Environmentally Aware Cities at 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Mark Krynsky — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:10:10 -0800

$10 Million+ Competition to Offer First Glimpse of Contenders and Launch Search for Host Cities

DETROIT, MI, January 10, 2008 — The Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles, will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to U.S. cities interested in hosting a stage of the 2009-2010 race competition at this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Automotive X PRIZE will showcase the innovations of its early entrants at their booth during the show’s Press Preview and Industry Days, January 13-18.

The Automotive X PRIZE, which was created to help break the world’s addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change, is an independent and technology-neutral competition, open to teams from around the world who can design, build and bring to market 100 MPG equivalent vehicles that people want to buy, and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

To date, more than fifty teams from seven countries have signed Letters of Intent to compete and the Automotive X PRIZE continues to solicit additional teams to enter the competition. The window of opportunity for interested teams to register will remain open for at least the next 60 days. Once the competition launches—in early 2008—those that qualify will embark on a rigorous cross country race that combines speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance in 2009-2010. The winners will need to exceed 100 MPG equivalent fuel economy, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

“The Automotive X PRIZE has the potential to revolutionize the auto industry. Competitors and U.S. cities have a unique opportunity to help bring about tangible, positive change: lower fuel costs, reduced carbon emissions, and an invigorated market. Our participation in Detroit, and the launch of this RFP process are major milestones in this competition,” noted Don Foley, Executive Director of the Automotive X PRIZE.

The racing segment of the Automotive X PRIZE is expected to travel through ten U.S. cities while being broadcast to a global audience in 2009 and 2010, building consumer demand for vehicles in the competition and demonstrating many practical, clean and affordable vehicle options. This opportunity represents a visual, hands-on forum for Host Cities and individual administrations to drive public behavior toward reducing environmental impact. Details on the Host City RFP will be available at the Automotive X PRIZE booth.

In addition to seeking support from U.S. cities, the Automotive X PRIZE is seeking national, regional and local sponsors to underwrite the stage race competition. “Thousands of bright minds, from all over the world, will gather in Detroit next week. We’re hopeful that new individuals, groups and industry sponsors will see the possibilities within this competition, and answer our call to action,” added Foley.

To date, the Automotive X PRIZE has received support and encouragement from several government agencies that will help the privately funded organization conduct the competition and test vehicle compliance, including the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory; the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway, Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ); and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

In addition, non-governmental organizations supporting the Automotive X PRIZE include the National Wildlife Federation, National Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, the Apollo Alliance, the Consumer Federation of America, Global Green USA, CALSTART and Greenpeace among others.

For more details on the Competition Guidelines or to view a list of the 50-plus teams that have signed a letter of intent to compete, please visit http://auto.xprize.org.

ABOUT NAIAS PARTICIPATION
Six teams that intend to compete in the Automotive X PRIZE competition will be available to speak on their early innovations at the Automotive X PRIZE booth in the Concourse as follows (note: subject to additions and change, please check in advance):

Sunday, January 13th
12:00 – 1:00pm Psycho-Active
1:00 – 2:00pm Tilting Vehicle Australia
2:00 – 3:00pm Michigan Vision
3:00 – 4:00pm Visionary Vehicles
4:00 – 5:00pm AlphaCore/Poulsen Hybrid

Monday, January 14th
11:30 – 12:30pm Visionary Vehicles
2:00 – 3:00pm Physics Lab of Lake Havasu
3:00 – 4:00pm Valentin Technologies
4:00 – 5:00pm Velozzi
(Velozzi also available Tues., Jan 15; 10:00 – 11:00)

ABOUT THE X PRIZE FOUNDATION
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. On October 4, 2004, the X PRIZE Foundation
captured world headlines when Mojave Aerospace Ventures, led by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world’s first private vehicle to space twice in two weeks to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. The X PRIZE Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics and the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, and will continue to offer new prizes for breakthroughs in the areas of life improvement, exploration, equity of opportunity and sustainability. The Foundation is widely recognized as the leading model for fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org or email using our contact form.

For more information about the Automotive X PRIZE please visit auto.xprize.org or email using our contact form.