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What's Cool in the Summer of 2000? Sewell Saab's 'Air Conditioned' Seats

31 May 2000

Ventilated Seats Are the 'Hot' Perks for Texas Drivers

    DALLAS - With Texas temperatures already soaring to and over 100 degrees, 
Sewell Saab is providing the coolest, new accessory on Metroplex streets -- 
ventilated seats.

    Based on a unique fan system, the luxury automobile from Sweden is the
first to offer such an accessory to passenger cars.  Two electric fans in each
front seat -- one in the seatback and one in the lower cushion -- remove the
warm, humid air that is normally trapped between the person and the seat. The
fans pull the air through perforations in the leather upholstery, through
small channels in the padding and vent it underneath the seat.  The fans
operate at three driver-selectable speeds for effective full-body ventilation.

    At this time, the ventilated seats are available as an option in only the
Saab 9-5 sedans and station wagons.

    "This new system of cooling the seats was one of the innovations created
by Saab that convinced us that they recognized and addressed the unique
conditions, which Texans face," said Sewell Saab General Sales Nick
Vanderpool.  "In addition to the obvious comfort advantages, the heated and
ventilated seats contribute to safe driving by keeping the driver more
comfortable and alert."

    A leader in the luxury car innovations, Saab first introduced electrically
heated seats to the auto industry in 1971.

    "Whether it's arriving at a meeting or driving cross country for a trip,
it's today's perk and tomorrow's necessity," said Mr. Vanderpool.  "With the
temperatures soaring, we've been concerned about keeping up with the demand,
but luckily Saab USA has been able to keep up with our needs."

    To prove his point, Mr. Vanderpool expects May to break all projections
placed on the dealership by both Sewell Automotive Companies and Saab USA.

    "We're 60% up over last year's sales to date and expect to be over 100%
for the month of May," said Mr. Vanderpool.

    Located at 7310 Lemmon at University and across from Love Field, Sewell
Saab opened in October 1999 and is North Texas' only Saab dealership.

    Nationally acclaimed for its customer service record, the Texas-based
Sewell Automotive Companies was established in 1911 and today has 13
franchises in Dallas, Fort Worth, New Orleans and San Antonio with 1,200
associates and sales in excess of $800 million.  The Sewell reputation for
superb customer service has earned an international following due to Carl
Sewell's best selling book, Customers for Life, with 850,000 copies published
in 16 languages.  In addition to Saab, Sewell offers Cadillac, Lexus,
Infiniti, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and GMC trucks, with new and used car sales and
service, from five locations in the DFW area.