MADD and Nissan Join Forces in Hopes to Raise $2 Million for 2006 National Strides for Change Program

DALLAS--April 5, 2006--More than 16,000 people died in automotive crashes involving alcohol in 2004. While this number has significantly decreased since the 1980s, it is still much too high. For this reason, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) are partnering again to host its Strides for Change 5K fundraising walks in 22 cities around the country. The walks help rally support to stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking.

"Drunk driving is the nation's most frequently committed violent crime, and unfortunately, it affects every community in the country," said Glynn Birch, MADD national president. "We are thrilled that Nissan is again partnering with us to host the Strides for Change walks this year. Their support allows us to increase our outreach to families in communities all across America."

Strides for Change is a 5K, non-competitive walk that enables corporations and individuals to team up with MADD in keeping our children and communities safe. Participants form teams of 10 or more and are asked to raise $100 each through pledges. During the 2005 walks, more than $1.1 million was raised and more than 10,000 walkers participated. For 2006, MADD has increased its walk sites by more than 50 percent and expects to raise over $2 million through its efforts.

"As an automotive manufacturer, Nissan realizes how important it is to educate drivers and make them aware of the consequences of their decisions. We are proud to again merge our commitment to safety with MADD's mission to stop drunk driving," said Robert Yakushi, director of product safety and regulatory, NNA.

In addition to serving as the national sponsor of the Strides for Change events, Nissan employees will form teams around the country to walk and raise money. The funds raised by the Strides for Change walks help further MADD's lifesaving mission in a variety of ways. For instance, a $40 donation enables MADD to provide two hours of group support for a victim of drunk driving.

The 2006 Strides for Change walks will kick off in Dallas, Phoenix and Raleigh on April 22 and then occur in cities across the country through October 2006. The other event sites include: Hartford, Baton Rouge, Boston, Nashville, Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Denver, San Diego, Atlanta, Lansing, Houston, Detroit, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Interested in participating? There are three options: (1) If you live in the area of a walk event, you can register to walk or form a team; (2) If you are unable to make one of the walks, you can sign up to raise money as a virtual walker, anywhere and anytime; or (3) You can also give a one-time donation to the walks. Please visit the Strides for Change web site, www.stridesforchange.org, to register, donate or get more information.

About MADD

MADD is the premier organization working to fight drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501c3 charity with approximately 400 offices and two million members and supporters nationwide. More than 300,000 lives have been saved since MADD's founding in 1980. For more information, visit www.madd.org.

About Nissan North America, Inc.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanUSA.com or contact the corporate media line at (310) 771-5631.