“Samsonite partners with McLaren”

July 21, 2009 12:00 by Aarti Nagraj

Samsonite partners with McLaren

 

 

McLaren and Samsonite are proud to announce a licensing agreement for a superior range of travel luggage under the co-branding of McLarenSport and Samsonite Black Label. The initial phase of this cooperation between the two companies is an edgy, yet casual collection linked to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team. The collection will be launched in Fall/Winter 2009 following the completion of an intensive testing phase by the team, which has been travelling with prototype styles since the first Grand Prix of the 2009 season in Australia.

 

On this occasion Mr. Prashant Vatkar, Vice President- Middle East said, “As the significant leaders in cutting edge travel solutions we are proud of our collaboration with the McLaren group. This will add more value and strength to our operations and give more exposure to our elite Samsonite Black Label products. The new collection will be available in all our Samsonite Black Label stores and with our affiliates towards the end of fall 2009.”

 

The collection will be distributed by Samsonite in their own stores and in the most exclusive bags and leather goods shops worldwide. “For all travelling members of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team the nine months of the Formula 1 season is a constant cycle of travelling to and from Grands Prix,” Said Jonathan Neale, Managing Director, McLaren Racing. “In every area of our operations we endeavour to make this process as effortless as possible for the team, so their focus remains on the racing. Samsonite has done an outstanding job to meet our tough requirements for luggage. These include: space for work and personal items, due to the time spent away from home, to be light-weighted, allowing the bags to be packed fully without being overweight; the wheel suspension system that absorbs the impact of uneven ground, protecting the bag contents while transferring from airports to hotels and home. Perhaps most importantly is the need for unrivalled robustness and security. Ensuring our luggage, which could include race critical laptops or new components, arrives at the destination in one piece is vital. We are looking forward to continuing to develop and innovate in this area with Samsonite”.

 

“We are pleased to put our centennial experience as a leader in the travel and business segments at McLaren's disposal. This partnership allows us to draw inputs from the world of Formula 1 to create a new range of high performance products with an innovative design.  In addition, it’s a confirmation of how two historical brands, who share an interest in the search for excellence, can work together to create new realities for an increasingly demanding consumer. “Beppi Fremder, Chief Marketing Officer Samsonite Corporation

 

 

The McLaren Group embraces a collection of niche, hi tech companies, each maximizing the benefits of the global name and reputation that McLaren has established in the cutting edge technology sport of Formula 1. Through the application of the principles of total commitment, quality and excellence, the McLaren Group has established itself at the forefront of British engineering.

 

 

Samsonite is the worldwide leader in superior travel bags, luggage and accessories, combining notable style with the latest design technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability. Utilizing top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite creates unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveler.  For almost a century, Samsonite has continued to build upon its rich design heritage.

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About Samsonite Group

Samsonite is the worldwide leader in superior travel bags, luggage and accessories, combining notable style with the latest design technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability. Utilizing top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite creates unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveller. For 97 years, Samsonite has continued to build upon its rich design heritage. Samsonite markets products under the Samsonite, Samsonite Black Label, Lambertson Truex, American Tourister, Lacoste and Timberland brands. Samsonite, Life's a journey!