PRESS INFORMATION FROM BINZ UK Binz Blows The Bloody Doors Off It is iconic, it is a classic, it is inimitable and try as they might the imitators have never managed to recapture the atmosphere of the originals. The Mini and the original Italian Job are arguably two icons of the late 20th Century that should never have been remade. The original just cannot be recaptured. However, the Italian Job Touring Event held during October 2008, brings together the enthusiasts of the Mini and the movie in a rally across the Alps to Emilia Romagna and Turin and back to Ashford. No modern imitations here, just original Minis (and other cars that featured in the movie). Unlike the theme from the movie, "The Self Preservation Society", all the participants are out to grab as much money as they can for children's charities. One duo taking part in this event is Bob Barnett and lifetime mate Terry Larkin. Bob inherited a 1987 Mini when his mother passed away. In her memory Bob has restored the car, which still has only 17,000 miles on the clock, and has entered it in the Italian Job where he aims to raise over £3,000 towards children's charity, Kids Out UK. Bob says, "My mother was a generous person and co-sponsor Jonathon Terry and myself were both fortunate enough to come from good caring families. We are trying to help Kids Out UK to raise around £100,000 for an activity bus which will be used throughout the UK to provide events for disadvantaged children. It is what my mother would have wanted." Bob and Terry are well on their way to their £3,000 target and have gained sponsorship from JJ Foods, importers and distributors of Lavazza Coffee, La Marguarita Restaurant in Southampton, and Binz UK Ltd., distributors of Binz limousines and hearses worldwide. Binz's involvement came about when Peter Smith was approached by Bob's employer, Jonathon Terry of Jonathon Terry Funeral Directors of Southampton. Peter commented, "We are a family business and we believe that we need to integrate with our clients at every level. So when Jonathon Terry asked if we would sponsor one of his staff on the Italian Job we were happy to help. The Binz itself is fast becoming an icon and being part of this iconic event through sponsoring Bob and Terry brings everyone at Binz a great deal of pleasure." Ends Image caption: "Bob Barnett: swapping six door Binz limousine for two door Mini to raise money for Kids Out UK" More images and further information at: http://www.aardvarkpr.co.uk/downloads.htm Editors contact: Ewan Scott Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 (mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911 Company contact: Binz UK tel. 0118 975 8999 Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual; both Aardvark Associates and Binz UK - Nilsson Ltd. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors PRESS INFORMATION FROM BINZ UK Further Information - Binz Blows The Bloody Doors Off Bob Barnett's Mini is a 998cc Mayfair model which has cost him £6,000 to restore to its current immaculate condition. It is of course a later model than the Mini Coopers that featured in the film but it retains the ethos captured in the classic movie. The Italian Job Touring Event itinery takes in some of the routes used in the film including visits to Rimini and San Marino. Participants will stay in the Fiat factory with its rooftop test track - the factory now being a world class hotel. Bob Barnett and Terry Larkin depart from Dover at 11:00am on the 18th October 2008 and the event proper kicks off on the 24th October in Turin. Kids Out UK's mission statement is "to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people by providing fun opportunities and positive experiences that work to significantly enhance their wellbeing and outlook for a happier future." To learn more about Kids Out UK go to www.kidsout.org.uk . To donate online and support Bob and Terry's fundraising efforts, you can visit http://www.justgiving.com/bobandterry To find out more about the Italian Job go to http://www.theitalianjob.com/piazza_charityrun.htm Ends More images and further information at: http://www.aardvarkpr.co.uk/downloads.htm Editors contact: Ewan Scott Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 (mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911 Company contact: Binz UK tel. 0118 975 8999 Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual; both Aardvark Associates and Binz UK - Nilsson Ltd. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors PRESS INFORMATION FROM BINZ UK Binz FACTS Binz supply the only side impact crash tested Mercedes-Benz E-Class extended limousines to UK hospitality, diplomatic and funeral service users. Its 6 seat passenger vehicle range is complemented by two E-Class hearses designed specifically for this country, and which have also fulfilled the crash test criteria. All Binz vehicles hold full European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, come with individual Certificates of Conformity, and retain the base E-Class advanced on-board safety aids such as Acceleration Skid Control, Electronic Stability Control, ABS braking and now PreSafe. These dynamic handling systems have been recalibrated by Binz in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz to take into account the increases in wheelbases and rated gross vehicle weights. Privileged access to key E-Class design and test data like this, and wide use of Original Equipment Manufacture - OEM - components such as heavy-duty axles and brakes, has led Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG). to accept Binz vehicles for full warranty and service support through its UK service organisation. Since 2004, Binz has delivered over 300 vehicles to UK operators, and now offers a vehicle range extending from E 220 or E 280 CDi based diesels, up to the flagship E 350 based V6 petrol model. On the road prices for the 6-door extended E 220 limousine to Elegance specification start at £89,597.18 inclusive of VAT and 3 year warranty (£76,252.92 exclusive). CO2 emissions for the E 220 CDi in particular are 174 g/km, making this one of the cleanest vehicles in its class, which also achieves a fuel economy figure of 52.3 mpg (5.3 l/100 km) on the EU combined extra urban cycle. Binz extended E-Class limousines and hearses are manufactured for Binz UK by and in conjunction with Binz GmbH, of Lorch, Germany. Binz UK is an independently owned coachbuilder and vehicle designer, based in Reading, Berkshire. Ends Images available for download at www.aardvarkpr.co.uk/downloads.htm Editors contact: Ewan Scott Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 (mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911 Company contact: Binz UK tel. 0118 975 8999 Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual; both Aardvark Associates and Binz UK - Nilsson Ltd. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors.