LOS ANGELES, Feb. 04 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carroll Shelby ("Shelby")
(OTC: CSBI) and Superformance International ("Superformance") have settled
their remaining differences regarding alleged trademark and trade dress
infringements with regard to the Shelby Cobra and Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
body shapes, and have also agreed to begin working together to advance their
mutual objectives of making the highest quality products available to their
customers.
"I am pleased that Superformance has recognized the value of being
associated with the Shelby entities, and on my part, I recognize Superformance
in the replica car business for their quality of design and engineering
integrity," said Carroll Shelby, chairman of Carroll Shelby International,
Inc.
"There are several ways in which a closer relationship between the Shelby
entities and Superformance can create synergy that will benefit both
corporations, as well as capitalize on each companies strengths," said Mr. Jim
Price, president of Superformance.
"For example, we have in Hi-Tech Automotive, a modern and very capable
engineering and manufacturing facility in South Africa," said Price. "This
enables the possibility of future manufacturing of components or other
products for Shelby Automobiles to Shelby's high specifications. We are very
interested in exploring such opportunities, which we feel would be of benefit
to both organizations."
In describing the new cooperative relationship between Shelby and
Superformance, John Luft, President of Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., said,
"Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles and its independent dealer network will
continue to produce, manufacture and sell the only authentic Shelby Cobra
branded products, built to original specifications, inside and out ... but
Superformance's products will be the only component vehicles licensed with the
permission of Mr. Carroll Shelby to replicate the shapes of his famous 289,
427 and Daytona Coupe vehicles, originally manufactured in the 1960's. We are
very excited about this new licensing arrangement."
The companies have also put into place the framework whereby the Shelby
organization can expand its operations by making authentic Shelby Cobra
products available to Superformance's dealer network in the US.
"Mr. Shelby and Mr. Price have confirmed that the foundation of mutual
respect and co-operation that has developed will now be the focus of the
future efforts of both companies, rather than protracted and expensive
litigation," said Mr. Ronnie Kruger, CEO of Superformance International.
About Carroll Shelby International, Inc.
Carroll Shelby International, Inc. is the parent company of Shelby
Automobiles and Carroll Shelby Licensing.
Shelby Automobiles Inc. is manufacturing high performance Shelby vehicles
under the guidance of the legendary Carroll Shelby and will be involved in
prototype manufacturing, design and engineering projects; and plans to
increase production and availability of these Shelby products through an
expanded dealer network and direct sales under a license agreement with
Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. For more information, call 702/325-4851 or
visit the company's web site at http://www.shelbyautos.com.
Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., founded in 1988, is the exclusive holder of
automotive manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby's trademarks and
vehicle design rights, which include some of the world's most famous muscle
cars and high-performance vehicles, including the car that brought home to the
U.S. it's first and only FIA World Manufacturers Championship in 1965, the
famous Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. It also holds trademark rights for
Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For additional
information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843,
or fax (310) 914-1853 or write to Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., 11150 West
Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1050, Los Angeles, CA 90064 or visit
http://www.carrollshelbyinternational.com, http://www.carrollshelby.com.
About Superformance
Superformance International Inc., founded in 1996, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Hi-Tech Automotive (Pty) Ltd, and sole North American
distributor of the Superformance (R) range of component vehicles, parts and
accessories manufactured by Hi-Tech Automotive in South Africa.
Superformance distributes its products through eleven retail dealer
outlets in the US and Canada.
The Superformance Mk III and Superformance Coupe is already established as
the most sought after replica component vehicles in their class in the US.
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