Penske Auto Centers Launches 'Auto Cash Gift Card'

TROY, Mich., Dec. 18 -- Penske Auto Centers today announced the launch of the Penske Auto Center Auto Cash Gift Card. In making the announcement, Jim Wheat, President and CEO stated, ``This cash card provides an excellent alternative gift idea for our customers nationwide. Virtually everyone has been faced with the dilemma of what to get for the person who has everything. This cash card provides our customers with a high-value, high- quality solution to gift buying.''

In addition, the cash card provides parents of college students with peace of mind. Parents can purchase and replenish the vehicle maintenance cash card for their college students. While travelling back and forth to school, students will be able to take advantage of the many services and products offered by Penske Auto Centers as the card is honored at the more than 630 Penske Auto Centers nationwide. And for those individuals that travel extensively, the vehicle maintenance cash card can be considered as ``travel insurance,'' as they no longer will need to worry about servicing their vehicle while on the road.

``Let's face it, a key factor for most consumers when making a gift buying decision is the value of the gift and the convenience of the purchase experience,'' said Wheat. ``When we looked at implementing this vehicle maintenance cash card throughout our service centers, research indicated that most individuals use a cash card's value within the first 90 days of purchase,'' said Wheat. ``I'm confident that this cash card will be well- received by our customers.''

The Penske Auto Center Auto Cash Card is available in any dollar amount and can be used toward the purchase of the many services and products offered nationwide. Those services include:

* Speedlane Oil changes featuring Mobil Oil -- Guaranteed in 30 minutes or its free * Protech -- antifreeze/coolant fluid replacement * Transmatic -- automatic transmission fluid replacement * MAXAir R-134 -- air conditioning recharging * PowerMaster -- fuel system cleaning * Ride Control -- tires, alignment, brakes, shocks, struts, etc. * Auto Energy -- an array of batteries and alternators

Penske Auto Centers LLC is the largest independent tire dealer in the United States with over 630 locations nationwide and more than 4,000 employees committed to being the leader in preventative automotive maintenance. In addition to its strong presence in the marketplace for tire sales, other services offered by Penske Auto Centers include 30-minute oil changes, wheel alignments, ATF fluid exchanges and brake service, just to name a few. Integral to the Company's overall success are its long-term growth strategy and strategic partnerships with organizations such as Kmart, Goodyear, Mobil, NAPA, Snap-on, Safety-Kleen and Exide Battery Company. For more information go to www.penskeautocenters.com