Thursday, October 18, 2012

Nissan to auction "boltmobile" for Usain Bolt children's charity

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Wednesday October 17, 2012 – In recognition of Jamaican sprint icon Usain “Lightning” Bolt’s contribution to sports and his automotive enthusiasm, Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga has unveiled a unique gold-painted GT-R, which will be auctioned to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation.
The one-off GT-R, to be sold on the eBay online auction platform later this month, will be embossed with the fastest man on earth’s signature and embellished with bespoke interior fittings finished in real gold.

Proceeds from the auction will assist the foundation's work creating educational and cultural opportunities for children and young people and providing computers and other learning aids for youngsters in Jamaica.

News of the charity auction came last weekend when Bolt signed a special deal with Nissan Motor Company Limited to extend his role as brand ambassador for the 196-mph GT-R and to become honorary "Director of Excitement" for the company's global marketing drive.

Bolt, appearing at Nissan's world headquarters in Japan, said: "Racing is my inspiration, and I want to help Nissan become an even more exciting brand for everyone."

Operations chief Shiga welcomed Bolt's endorsement and deepening ties with Nissan, for which he became a brand spokesman on the eve of the London Olympics.

"Nissan shares the spirit of excitement that captivated worldwide audiences at the Olympics. There is no one better qualified than Usain Bolt to help us translate that spirit into great experiences," Shiga said.

The deepening Nissan relationship coincides with the legendary sprinter’s pledge to defend his titles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

As part of his partnership with Nissan, Bolt test-drove various GT-R models at the car company's proving ground near Oppama, Japan, where his reaction times, acceleration and other handling capabilities will be used in developing a special "Bolt GT-R" for his personal use.

Bolt will also soon start work with Nissan product specialists on a limited-edition version which can be ordered in markets where GT-R is available.

The gifted Jamaican sportsman, who was collected from Tokyo's Narita Airport in a GT-R driven by Formula 1 racer Mark Webber, is expected to contribute further to Nissan's "WHAT IF" global brand campaign.

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai