Team Baurtwell Partners With Kenwood to Customize Celebrity Cars for Spike TV's 'Ride With Funkmaster Flex'

Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, and Tracy McGrady to Have GM Classics Equipped With Latest Kenwood Mobile Entertainment Gear: Cars in Touring Exhibit

NEW YORK, June 11 -- Hip Hop radio DJ and TV personality Funkmaster Flex and Kenwood announced a promotional agreement under which Kenwood is providing Team Baurtwell, the car customizing group headed by Funkmaster Flex, with cutting-edge mobile entertainment systems for installation in three celebrity project vehicles. The vehicles are being featured this season on the popular Spike TV program, "Ride with Funkmaster Flex."

Team Baurtwell will install Kenwood systems in classic cars being restored for rappers Missy Elliott and 50 Cent and for NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady. The three vehicles, a '63 Chevy Impala SS for McGrady, a '79 Camaro Z28 for Missy Elliott, and an '84 Buick Regal for 50 Cent, will also be exhibited in the Funkmaster Flex 2004 Celebrity Car Show, a national touring exhibit of celebrity vehicles customized by Team Baurtwell.

The first of the Kenwood-equipped cars to appear on "Ride with Funkmaster Flex" will be McGrady's Impala, airing on Sunday, June 13. The show will specifically spotlight the entertainment system, which includes Kenwood Excelon gear, according to Flex. Missy Elliott's Camaro Z28 will appear in the Sunday, June 27, episode, and 50 Cent's Buick Regal will be featured on Sunday, July 28. Viewers should check local TV listings for airtimes.

"We're thrilled to have this association with Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex," said Sally House, senior marketing manager at Kenwood. "Their choice of Kenwood systems for these high-profile celebrity vehicles will carry a lot of weight with young consumers. Team Baurtwell fans know that equipment doesn't even get considered for a celebrity vehicle unless its leading-edge, high-performance gear."

"We've got great plans for these Kenwood systems," said Funkmaster Flex, "and everyone on Team Baurtwell is very excited to have Kenwood on board for these vehicles. Nothing adds spark and style to a custom classic like hot audio and video gear. We've got some great surprises in store for 'Ride' viewers."

Company Information

Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value. Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, Calif., is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation (Japan).

Further information can be obtained by contacting Kenwood USA Corporation, P.O. Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801, by calling 1-800-Kenwood, or by visiting http://www.kenwoodusa.com/.