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COOL BOTTOMS Y'ALL

2 June 2000

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

            Ventilated Seats Are the 'Hot' Perks for Texas Drivers

    SAN ANTONIO, June 1 With Texas temperatures already
soaring around 100 degrees, Ken Batchelor Saab is providing the coolest, new
accessory on San Antonio 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 Ken Batchelor Saab Sales Manager Tony
Palumbo.  "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. Palumbo.  "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."
    Located at IH-10 at Huebner, Ken Batchelor Saab opened in March 2000 and
is part of the Texas-based Sewell Automotive Companies, which has
13 franchises in Dallas, Fort Worth and New Orleans with 1,200 associates and
sales in excess of $800 million.  In addition to Saab, Ken Batchelor also
offers Cadillac, with new and used car sales and service at the IH-10 and
Huebner location.