Phil Frank Joins Saleen's Executive Staff

Saleen S7

Saleen's In-House Design Department Grows

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 11 -- Phil Frank, long time Saleen design consultant formally joined Saleen as Vice President of Design at the beginning of September. Phil will work closely with Steve Saleen on strategic design for all future vehicles. Familiar with the Saleen organization, Phil has closely collaborated with Steve Saleen for the last twelve years. His accomplishments with Saleen include intimate involvement with the design of all vehicles since 1994 -- most prominently the legendary Saleen S7. His most recent project with Steve was the design and development of The Saleen Store -- the new era of automotive retailing.

One of the most versatile designers of his generation, Phil has developed award-winning products that combine both innovation and impact, from watches to high-performance vehicles, advanced PC concepts to lifestyle eyewear, to his own line of high-end carbon fiber and aluminum furniture.

Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by creative artist parents (his father is the author of the comic strips "Farley," "Elderberry's" and Road & Track's "Frank and Troise"), where Phil was exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, cultures and world styles.

While obtaining his Industrial Design degree at San Jose State University he created a full-size concept car for his student portfolio which lead to the association with Saleen in 1993. In 1996, Phil joined the world-renowned Ziba Design where he was instrumental in the development and direction of the internal design philosophy. In 1999, he moved to Nike as a senior designer in the Equipment group where his background in automotive design, product development and digital processes expanded the developing categories of watches, bags and eyewear.

About Saleen

Since the company's inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

An eight-time Manufacturers' Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactures the American Supercar, the Saleen S7, the S281 Mustang, the S331 Sport Truck in addition to the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen's manufacturing facilities are located both in Irvine, California, and Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility just finished a three-year run of the paint and assembly of the Ford GT.