AAA Announces Membership of 50 Million at Start of Today's Daytona 500 Race

One in Four Drivers Now Belongs to Nation's Largest Paid-Membership Group

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 19 -- AAA, founded 105 years ago by a handful of fledgling automobile clubs, marked the start of the 49th running of the NEXTEL Cup Daytona 500, in which rookie driver David Ragan piloted the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, by announcing it now serves 50 million members. Today's announcement means AAA retains its title as the largest public service, paid- membership organization in North America.

"AAA and its member clubs are both honored and grateful to have the privilege of serving the largest group of consumers in North America," said Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President and CEO, at a track-side ceremony at the Daytona International Speedway. "AAA has always prided itself on putting the needs of its members first and delivering automotive and travel solutions that inform, protect and add significant value to their everyday lives."

AAA's continuing membership growth can be attributed in part to its wide range of benefits and services that assist consumers with automobile ownership and use, leisure travel, safety, insurance, and in many other areas. Despite the expansion the Auto Club has seen in the scope of services provided to members over the past 100-plus years, AAA's most basic premise has remained the same: To assist members in the safe, responsible use and enjoyment of their automobiles.

To that end, AAA works continuously at the state and federal levels to ensure adequate funding for the nation's road system; more stringent laws governing roadway safety, including the licensing of novice drivers and child passenger safety; and providing motorists a voice in the development of sustainable energy policies that will ensure individual mobility.

AAA also has grown into the nation's largest leisure travel agency with more than $3.6 billion in sales annually. It is also the largest provider of roadside problem-solving, responding to approximately 30 million calls for help each year. Publishing nearly 166 million copies of travel-related materials annually--including AAA's authoritative Maps, TourBooks, CampBooks, TripTiks, Road Atlas and retail guide books--AAA is one of the largest travel- related publishers in the world. Reaching this amazing milestone attests to the value AAA provides its members through innovative new services like the new and enhanced Internet TripTik(R) available on AAA.com, the mobile automotive battery testing and installation service, and the widely-used Show Your Card(R) member discount program.

Through these and other member benefits, AAA continues to demonstrate quality and value that attracts new members and meets the changing needs of others who have belonged for many years.