News Releases

06/19/2007

HITACHI POWER TOOLS NAMED THE OFFICIAL POWER TOOL OF THE INDYCAR SERIES

Indianapolis (June 19, 2007)) -- Hitachi Koki U.S.A., Ltd (Hitachi Power Tools), based in Atlanta and manufacturer of an extensive line of professional grade power tools and accessories for residential construction, commercial construction, tradesman and do-it-yourselfers, has been named the Official Power Tool of the IndyCar Series in a partnership announced today.

As part of its partnership with the IndyCar Series, Hitachi Power Tools will sponsor the IndyCar Series Technical Inspection Crew, a team of 15 individuals responsible for inspecting all IndyCar Series cars on race weekends. The technical inspection crew as well as the IndyCar Series inspection area both in the paddock and along pit road during qualifying will be branded with the Hitachi Power Tools marks. Also, Hitachi will sponsor the IndyCar Series Chief Mechanic Award, a $25,000.00 end-of-year award presented to the championship team’s chief mechanic. The IndyCar Series partnership is part of a multi-faceted activation around the series that includes primary sponsorship of the No. 20 Vision Racing Honda driven by Ed Carpenter.

“We welcome Hitachi Power Tools to the IndyCar Series and look forward to working with them to market and promote the partnership,” said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division of the Indy Racing League. “The high-tech engineering of Hitachi’s power tool line results in outstanding performance and makes it a natural partner for the speed and technology offered by the IndyCar Series.”

Hitachi Power Tools will market and promote its IndyCar Series relationship at retail with special promotions. Hitachi Power Tools will utilize the IndyCar Series trademark and logo on advertising and point-of-purchase displays throughout the season.

Hitachi Power Tools Director of Marketing, Tim Young, said, “Working with the IndyCar Series in 2007 as the Official Power Tool sponsor offers Hitachi an outstanding opportunity to promote some of the most technologically advanced, widest array of professional power tools available to fans. The partnership is great because technology is the lifeblood of Hitachi Power Tools and the Indy Racing Series.”

Hitachi Power Tools is the only tool manufacturer that offers a complete line of electric, cordless and pneumatic power tools as well as a full line of accessories and fasteners. Their reputation and commitment to excellence and high-tech engineering has grown to make Hitachi Power Tools superior in the industry and a perfect fit for the demanding tool intensive IndyCar Series.

In 1994, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Hitachi Koki U.S.A. carries an extensive line of professional grade tools and accessories for residential construction, commercial construction, tradesman and Do-It-Yourselfers. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with satellite offices in Jefferson GA, Valencia CA and Toronto ONT, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. supplies nearly 4000 retail locations, both independent and home center, and supports over 1000 authorized service centers. Many Hitachi tools are designed and offered for use only in North America. With dozens of new models already in development, Hitachi Koki U.S.A. enters the 21st century continuing to offer the highest level of professional power tools available. www.hitachipowertools.com.

The Indy Racing League was formed in 1994 to preserve the tradition, heritage and excitement of the Indianapolis 500 in US open-wheel racing. The Indy Racing League serves as the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in the US, and the Indy Pro Series, which serves as an essential stepping stone for drivers striving to reach the IndyCar Series. Reaching a worldwide audience, Indy Racing League events are available through a variety of multimedia platforms, highlighted by a broad-reaching partnership with ABC Sports/ESPN. The Indy Racing League has been at the forefront of motorsports innovation with drivers, teams and tracks benefiting from major safety improvements such as the SAFER Barrier, SWEMS wheel tethers, chassis enhancements, ethanol fuel and Delphi IRL Safety Team.