Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America Sponsors Continental Divide Trail Alliance Volunteer Efforts to Build the 'King of Trails'

PINE, Colo., July 5

WHAT: The Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) and Mitsubishi Motors Sales of America (MMSA) will announce their new partnership at the Meet the King of Trails! event and unveil the full-size Mitsubishi Montero donated to carry trail tools and volunteer supplies.

Mitsubishi Motors' sponsorship, valued at over $150,000, will focus on supporting the CDTA's nineteen volunteer projects in Colorado and increasing the public's involvement in this national treasure.

During the CDTA's public outreach program event, Meet the King of Trails!, CDTA volunteers will be greeting the public, passing out CDT brochures and giving away free limited quantity gifts from CDTA corporate supporters including Mitsubishi Motors.

WHERE: Berthoud Pass On Highway 40 between Winter Park and Empire

WHEN: Saturday, July 6, 2002 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHO: - Bruce and Paula Ward, CDTA Executive Directors - James Baird, Mitsubishi Motors Colorado District Sales Manager

BACKGROUND:

Congress designated the CDT a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When completed the CDT, or "King of Trails," will stretch 3,100 miles between Canada and Mexico along the backbone of America through some of the most wild and picturesque landscapes in North America. It includes dozens of unique ecosystems, three national parks and thousands of historical, cultural and scenic landmarks.

The Continental Divide Trail Alliance is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to the completion, maintenance and protection of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail since 1995. To learn more about the CDT, volunteer, or become a member, contact the CDTA at P.O. Box 628, Pine, Colorado 80470, toll-free at (888) 909-CDTA or www.CDTrail.org.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1981 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. The website address is www.mitsubishicars.com.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America Sponsors Continental Divide Trail Alliance Volunteer Efforts to Build the 'King of Trails'

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America has formed a partnership with the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) to assist with one of the most ambitious conservation projects in the history of America, the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, also known as the "King of Trails."

Mitsubishi Motors' sponsorship, valued at over $150,000, will focus on supporting the CDTA's nineteen volunteer projects in Colorado and increasing the public's involvement in this national treasure.

"By partnering in this conservation effort with CDTA, it is our goal to generate awareness and support for the 'King of Trails,'" said Henry Block, president of the Mitsubishi Motors Advertising Association of Colorado. "We hope that area residents and visitors alike who use this unique trail system will be left with the indelible impression that we are all responsible for protecting the environment and ensuring that its splendor can be enjoyed by generations to come."

Mitsubishi Motors' contribution includes a cash grant, the use of one full-size Mitsubishi Montero equipped to carry trail tools and volunteer supplies, the production and distribution of an educational map of the CDT in Colorado, volunteer thank you gifts, and CDT promotional advertisements. In addition, local Mitsubishi dealerships will support the program by making donations to the CDTA for every vehicle test drive and purchase within a specific time frame, and participating in the "Meet the King of Trails" public awareness program. Mitsubishi dealerships supporting CDTA include:

-Boulder Mitsubishi -Osbourne Mitsubishi, Denver -Ed Carroll Mitsubishi, Ft. Collins -Skyline Mitsubishi, Thorton -Mile High Mitsubishi, Denver -Urlich Mitsubishi, Greeley -Quality Mitsubishi, Denver

According to CDTA's co-executive director Paula Ward, "We are very excited about our new partnership with Mitsubishi Motors. Their support will help us reach more people and it will provide the CDTA with valuable resources to further progress on the Trail. Our work in planning and building the CDT involves extensive travel on rough and rugged mountain roads. While the CDT is designed for non-motorized use to help preserve it for generations to come, the donation of the Mitsubishi Montero to the CDTA will allow us to access the Trail to continue our trail building, restoration and maintenance efforts, as well as significantly reduce our overhead."

Stretching the length of the United States from the Canadian and Mexican borders, the Continental Divide Trail, or "King of Trails," traverses five states through some of the most wild and picturesque landscapes in North America. The Continental Divide Trail includes dozens of unique ecosystems, three national parks and thousands of historical, cultural and scenic landmarks. It is unquestionably the most environmentally significant trail corridor in America. The CDTA is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the completion, maintenance and protection of the Continental Divide Trail since 1995.