BELLINGHAM, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 30, 2008 -- Avion Cars today announced its acceptance into the multimillion dollar Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles to offer more consumer choices.

Avion cars was among the first to submit its registration application, an important step towards ensuring that it is at the starting line when the cross country stage race competition kicks off next year. Final confirmation of Avion Car's Registered Team status is pending their signature of a Master Team Agreement (MTA) upon its release later this year.

Henderson, a native of Bellingham, WA, completed the first Avion prototype in 1984 and drove into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1986, after a border-to-border trip that averaged 103.7 miles per gallon. In that record-setting trip, he drove along the West Coast from Mexico to Canada. On Saturday, October 11, 2008, Henderson smashed his old World book record and set a new world record in fuel economy (113.1MPG) when he drove his lightweight and aerodynamic automobile from the Canadian border to the Oregon border.

Henderson traveled 263.1 miles and used 2.326 gallons of diesel averaging 113.1 miles per gallon, even getting stuck twice in Seattle traffic.

The Avion will next be on display at the Seattle International Auto Show, from November 5-9.

Henderson is among more than 120 teams from 28 states and 17 countries who signed a letter of intent to compete for their share of a $10 million prize purse, which will be awarded to those that can design and build production-capable, 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

"I was thrilled to be able to break our old world record. This was a personal goal achieved for me and now we set our sites on the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. We are in the process of building another car to compete and hopefully win. We are now seeking corporate or personal sponsorships to help us meet our goals," Henderson said.

With registration now officially open, many of those 100+ teams are actively working on their applications to become official competitors of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. Those who pass this first round of qualification, as Craig Henderson's Avion now has, will move into the next phase of competition, which includes a dramatic cross country stage race set to begin next September.

"We congratulate Avion Cars on their continued commitment to developing super fuel-efficient vehicles," noted Don Foley, Executive Director of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. "While there's still much to be accomplished before reaching that starting line in New York City, we're pleased to see that they have taken this important step in the process."

Once registration closes at the end of this year, and the field of competition is in place, qualified competitors will begin preparing for a rigorous cross country stage race that will combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The race is set to kick off in New York City in September 2009, and will continue in up to nine other cities throughout the U.S. Winners will be announced in 2010.

"The time is right for the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE and the Avion project is ready to compete," added Henderson. "We have restored the original Avion, installed a new motor and have tested the car at 60 miles per hour averaging over 100 miles per gallon on diesel. We have set records for fuel economy in the past and we are confident that we will be a strong contender for winning the prize."

Henderson hopes to make the Avion available for purchase and sees the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE as one of the perfect ways to make that happen. "Win or lose, we may all win with the advancement of fun, safe and clean 100 mile per gallon or energy equivalent cars," added Henderson.

Craig Henderson and his company, Bullfrog Boats sponsor the Avion project. They are seeking additional corporate or personal sponsorships with the goal of winning the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE and making the Avion available for production.

For more information about the Avion, please visit www.100mpgplus.com, email craig@100mpgplus.com or call Craig Henderson 360-303-4790.

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:

The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, is to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on affordability, safety, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. This progress is needed because today's oil consumption is unsustainable and because automotive emissions significantly contribute to global warming and climate change.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email progressiveautopress@xprize.org.

About Progressive:

Progressive, founded in 1937, is one of the country's largest auto insurance groups and a leading insurer of motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats, and commercial vehicles. The Company offers competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

One of Progressive's Core Values is Excellence. To the Company's more than 27,000 people, it simply means seeking constant improvement. Over time, this has meant introducing revolutionary ideas that make car insurance easier to shop for, buy and use. It's this same innovative spirit that's behind the Company's sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will inspire innovation that will produce more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, helping to make a difference in people's lives.

Progressive's products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at http://www.progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).

     Contacts:
     Craig Henderson
     360.303.4790
     craig@100mpgplus.com
     Carrie Fox
     202.255.9214
     Carrie.Fox@xprize.org