Michigan Man Raising Funds to Donate Automated External Defibrillators Named National Hero Award Semifinalist

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $100,000 charitable contributions awarded to finalists; winner receives Volvo car for life

40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 15 -- A victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest has only seven minutes, at most, in which they can be saved. Ronald Dundon, a Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor, is alive today because first responders had an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart. When Dundon learned that many communities in Michigan had a pressing need for the same medical equipment and training that saved his life, he began raising funds to donate the equipment. Dundon has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is now in the running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards -- an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes across America.

Beginning today, the American public can visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and vote for Dundon. This democratic vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's hero search. Three winning heroes will receive $100,000 for their charities. One extraordinary winner will receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.

When Dundon experienced Sudden Cardiac Arrest in February 2003 the attending emergency team's use of CPR and an AED saved him. After his recovery, Dundon founded the AED Fund of Kalamazoo County to help increase the chances of survival for future Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims in underserved communities. The AED Fund raises money to purchase AEDs for first responders, high schools and middle schools. The organization has also formed partnerships with the Michigan Emergency Medical Services system to ensure that hard pressed fire departments receive this life saving device.

Additionally, the AED Fund educates the public about the need for CPR and AED training and where to get it. As a certified CPR instructor, Dundon teaches basic CPR classes free of charge. To date, the AED Fund has placed dozens of defibrillators in the hands of first responders throughout Michigan.

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Once again, Volvo is inviting America itself to serve as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "Last year we had an overwhelming response with more than 700,000 votes tallied. This year's heroes are top notch. It will be tough to narrow the field down and pick winners, but Volvo is confident that America is up to the challenge."

In the end, every vote counts. Ten heroes have been selected in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category. The voting period will determine three finalists in each category. Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and learn more about what the top 40 hometown heroes are doing to make the world a better place now and in the future. Most importantly, support Dundon with your vote and help bring more funding to your community.

Volvo Cars of North America leads the national initiative, honoring and rewarding local heroes with financial contributions each year. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners. One top hero in each of the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. One extraordinary winner will go on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero," and with it, a new Volvo car every three years for life.

A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is up for grabs this year -- but only America's kids can reach it. Volvo is elevating its annual Butterfly Award to its own youth hero category -- with a $25,000 prize for the winner and $10,000 to two runners up.

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com.