HSBC Launches New Automobile Finance Program with S&H Greenpoints(R); Program Will Allow S&H Members to Earn Greenpoints(R) with Auto Loans

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill.--Sept. 8, 2006--HSBC - North America announced today that its auto finance business will launch an S&H greenpoints(R) auto finance program in cooperation with S&H Solutions (A Sperry & Hutchinson Company). This innovative program allows HSBC to offer nearly 8 million S&H greenpoints members the opportunity to earn 15,000 S&H greenpoints on new and refinanced auto loans with HSBC Auto Finance.

"This exciting new program with HSBC demonstrates S&H Solutions' desire to fulfill our commitment to build strategic coalition partnerships while expanding the range of financial service products through which S&H greenpoints members earn valuable rewards," stated Ron Pedersen, president & CEO, S&H Solutions.

"HSBC Auto Finance is excited to provide S&H members with a convenient and highly competitive auto loan option to supplement S&H greenpoints rewards. We look forward to extending the relationship with S&H Solutions and its members," said John Haines, president and CEO of HSBC Auto Finance.

Since 1896, Americans have collected over 12 billion Green Stamps(R) rewards from such retail outlets as department stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Today, consumers continue to receive similar rewards by collecting S&H greenpoints. S&H greenpoints are deposited into individual electronic accounts and may then be redeemed for merchandise or used towards discounts and savings with participating vendors. Membership is free and further information as well as access to establish a greenpoint account can be found at www.greenpoints.com.

About S&H Solutions

S&H Solutions is one of the country's leading customer-based retail solutions providers. The company offers a comprehensive range of powerful and adaptable loyalty marketing proprietary technology and services. S&H, Green Stamps, S&H greenpoints and greenpoints are registered service marks and S&H Solutions is a service mark of The Sperry and Hutchinson Company, Inc. Additional information is available at www.shsolutions.com.

About S&H Greenpoints(R)

S&H greenpoints(R) is the digital reinvention of S&H Green Stamps. S&H's digital greenpoints currency offers all the benefits of stamps - without the licking and sticking. Greenpoints can be redeemed for any of hundreds of catalog items, or for free or discounted food items in store. Additional information is available at www.greenpoints.com.

About HSBC Auto Finance

HSBC Auto Finance, headquartered in San Diego, is a leading provider of financing for new and used vehicles and has products that serve the full spectrum of credit consumers. The company purchases consumer contracts from thousands of active dealers in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, it originates or refinances auto loans through direct solicitations, the Internet and alliances, and services auto loans for HFC and Beneficial branches. HSBC Auto Finance is part of HSBC - North America, one of the top 10 financial services organizations in the United States with assets approaching $300 billion.

About HSBC North America

HSBC North America Holdings Inc., the holding company for all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household International businesses, is one of the top 10 financial services organizations in the U.S. with more than $300 billion in assets. The company's businesses serve more than 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking, and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit www.hsbcusa.com.