Crown MVP Proves You Can't Have Enough Good Design


Stand-Up Counterbalanced Lift Truck Among 2007's Most Cutting-Edge Products

NEW BREMEN, Ohio, April 25, 2008 - Each year, The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design presents the international GOOD DESIGN(TM) Award to designers and manufacturers for advancing new, visionary and innovative product concepts, invention and originality and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered basic product and consumer design. With this year's win, Crown Equipment Corporation products have been designated as GOOD DESIGN seven times over the past 10 years. This year, Crown's Most Versatile Performer (MVP), the RC 5500 Series Stand-Up Counterbalanced lift truck, received the honors.

"Crown is honored to be recognized for its GOOD DESIGN once again. Our team really worked smart to create innovation above and beyond our customers' expectations. It's gratifying to know the RC 5500 Series is not only functional, but designated as GOOD DESIGN," said Vice President - Design Center Mike Gallagher. "We extensively studied and analyzed the behavior of operators including how they got on and off the lift truck and how they maneuvered around the warehouse managing loads. Thus we know the compartment of the RC 5500 has been designed for comfort and productivity."

RC 5500 Design

Crown's revolutionary design increases productivity by enhancing ergonomics and comfort. Operators traveling over rough floors and dock plates on a stand-up lift truck absorb shock and vibration. Crown's new FlexRide(TM) suspension reduces shock and vibration by up to three times more than other stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. FlexRide protects operators from the wear and tear created in a typical dock application, providing a ride comparable to a high-quality automobile.

Crown designers also considered the shape of the power unit as well as the placement of the pillars, mast and overhead guard as opportunities to maximize visibility. Insetting the right-side wall and offsetting the operator provides the operator with a direct sightline to the front of the truck and its forks. This enhanced view allows operators to anticipate any trouble spots and correct position of the lift truck before making tight turns.

"Crown designed its RC 5500 Series Stand-Up Counterbalanced lift truck to maximize productivity and meet application demands with best-in-class features and Crown Technovation*," said Gallagher. "It recognizes Crown's commitment to innovation and adding value for our customers that means something to them."

GOOD DESIGN

Other Crown lift trucks designated as GOOD DESIGN include the WAVE® Work Assist Vehicle, TSP 6000, SX 3000, FC 4000 and SC 4000.

For 2007, the Museum received a record number of submissions from six continents. In addition to Crown Equipment Corporation, other winners include BMW, Apple Computer, Inc, The Bosch Group, Eastman Kodak Company, LG Electronics, Logitech and OXO International.

"In a world where design and innovation now move faster than the speed of light, after almost 60 years, GOOD DESIGN remains the most coveted design prize for the most innovative and advanced design produced worldwide," said Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine, Museum President, The Chicago Athenaeum.

Winning companies showcase the best design in electronics, medical equipment, transportation, furniture, textiles, industrial machinery, public environment, hardware, tools, bath and accessories, kitchen appliances, floor covering, tabletop, household products, personal, office products, children's products, sports and recreation, lighting and graphics.

For more information about the GOOD DESIGN Award and to view a complete list of winners, visit the Museum's website: www.chi-athenaeum.org

About Crown Equipment Corporation

Crown is the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States and the sixth largest lift truck manufacturer in the world. Crown's award-winning line of lift trucks has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown lift trucks are manufactured and sold throughout the world.

* Technovation(TM) is the fusion of technology and innovation.

Contacts:

Dave Helmstetter

Crown Equipment Corporation

(419) 629-2311

dave.helmstetter@crown.com

DeAnna Starn

R/P Marketing Public Relations

(419) 241-2221

dstarn@r-p.com

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