The Hague/Zeewolde, April 28, 2003
Orange Nederland and Spyker Squadron today announced their co-operation with the launch of team Orange Spyker, which will compete in the 24 hours of Le Mans in France, for the next three years. Orange will also be the official communications supplier for the team, which will be known as team Orange Spyker.
This co-operation signals a major move by Orange Nederland into the arena of sports sponsorship, one of the four pillars of Orange's sponsorship strategy: Music, Film, Art and Sports. It reflects Orange's intentions to establish itself in the Netherlands as the key brand of choice for mobile communications, delivering unrivalled innovation and quality through its products, services and customer care.
Orange will use the sponsorship to promote its brand and its advanced communications services in all key markets in Europe, and specifically in the Netherlands. The agreement with Spyker is wide-ranging and includes title sponsorship, team and car branding, and a variety of promotional, hospitality and marketing activities.
The main objective for team Orange Spyker is to finish the gruelling Le Mans 24-hour race, which takes endurance, stamina and state-of-the-art technology. The Orange Spyker C8 Double 12 R (chassis number 009), was launched today in its team Spyker Orange design at the press conference in Zeewolde, the Spyker Squadron Production Facility. The car is distinguished by its full aluminium body and team Orange Spyker design in the colours black, orange and aluminium. For the 24-hours of Le Mans, Hans Hugenholtz, Norman Simon and Tom Coronel will drive the Spyker C8 Double 12 R (chassis number 009) that competes in the GT class on 14 and 15 June.
Announcing the deal, the CEO of Orange Nederland, David Holliday, said: "I am delighted with this sponsorship opportunity with Spyker cars, as it brings together two companies with very similar philosophies towards their customers. The Le-Mans 24 hour event is one of the most testing in the motor sport calendar, relying on leading-edge technologies and continually pushing the boundaries of technological and engineering excellence. Orange shares this focus, which brings innovation and technical leadership together to provide a great customer experience."
He continued: "Furthermore, as many people are aware, Spyker is a recognized Dutch success. By partnering with them, we are sending out a clear message that Orange is here to stay in the Netherlands and that we want to share our world with the Dutch people. We are looking forward to establishing what promises to be a dynamic and successful partnership, which exploits our communications leadership for the world of Le Mans 24 hour racing."
Victor Muller, CEO Spyker, said: "Orange and Spyker are both involved in businesses where speed is essential and timing is crucial. Both companies are also involved in businesses that are the leading edge of technology. It is obvious to us that Orange has proved worldwide and is about to prove in the Netherlands, that it is one of the most innovative companies in the field of freedom it has given people in communicating. Orange has changed the way we conduct both our business and private lives."
"We are looking forward to the wealth of new advanced communications services that Orange can offer us and Spyker's fans in the Netherlands."
The first 24-hours of Le Mans in which the team Orange Spyker will be competing, kicks off on 14 June 2003.
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Pictures can be requested at Spyker International Motor Holding B.V., Milou Mulder, telephone 06-53 65 31 35 or e-mail mulder@spykercars.com
About Orange:
The Orange group is one of the world's largest mobile communications companies, with operations in 19 countries across Europe and beyond. Orange provides a broad range of personal communications services in the Netherlands, including Orange GSM1800 services. Orange Netherlands employs over 1.000 people. Orange Netherlands is a preferred supplier to the Dutch government. In July 2000 the company obtained an UMTS license. Orange has 44.4 million controlled customers worldwide. Further information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.nl
For more information:
Orange Nederland N.V.
Kevin Zuidhof
Tel: 06-28 026 284
E-mail kevin.zuidhof@orangemail.nl
Lammers van Toorenburg Benelux PR
Evelien van Dongen
Tel: 030-6565070
E-mail: orange@lvtpr.nl
About Spyker Squadron:
Spyker Squadron B.V. is a subsidiary of Spyker International Motor Holding B.V. The race department develops and maintains the Spyker C8 Double 12 R. In 2002 the racecar competed in the races in Sebring and Le Mans. And for 2003 more races are scheduled. The season started with the 12-hours of Sebring. The first race will be the 24-hours of Le Mans and after this event the car will compete in the ALMS in Miami and Petit Le Mans (Atlanta). Further information can be found on www.spykercars.com
For more information:
Spyker International Motor Holding B.V.
Milou Mulder
Tel.: 06-53 65 31 35
E-mail: mulder@spykercars.com