PRESS INFORMATION
FROM BINZ (UK) LTD.
Date: 07.06.06 embargo: immediate

Binz set to challenge Hong Kong funeral customs

Around the world, funeral traditions are slow to change. But in Hong Kong at least, the more usual funeral vans now have a rival in an award winning hearse from Binz, whose contemporary design may help dispel some of the fears surrounding the taboo subject of death and dying.

The new vehicle's light and airy casket deck framed by large, optically-clear window areas, reflect Western moves towards celebrating a life well lived.  Lesley Lok Man-yee, a director with Kang Sau Funeral Service explains the philosophy behind the recent acquisition to its fleet, "Funerals should not be something scary. I hope people can treat it as a final farewell."

Charitable agency the St James Settlement has partnered with Kang Sau Funeral Service to provide the $HK1.5m hearse, which is part of a package offered under the Funeral Navigation Scheme where elderly citizens on welfare can apply for a grant-aided funeral.

The hearse arrived in Hong Kong from Binz some time ago, but it took the Transport Department five months to approve the vehicle's paperwork, which is a new concept for the city. The order follows hot on the heels of another international sale secured by Binz UK to second-generation funeral directors Boralesgamuwa Florists, of Sri Lanka.

Binz hearses are hand built with full Mercedes authorisation on extended chassis E-class Mercedes chassis in Germany, and have recently been named an iF Design Forum award winner. The vehicles come with full European Type Approval and 5 Star NCAP crash testing. Unlike some other conversions the co-operation with Mercedes gives the Binz engineers full access to engine and chassis management data to ensure that every Binz performs as Mercedes engineers originally specified the original vehicle.

ENDS

Picture caption: Hong Kong resident Madam Leung inspects the Kang Sau Funeral Service's new Binz 5 door hearse.

ENDS
 
Editors' contact:	Ewan Scott 	Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 
(mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911

Company contacts:			Binz (UK) Ltd.  tel: 0118 9758 999

Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractural;
both Aardvark Associates and Binz UK Ltd. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors.