Norwalk, Conn. (Aug. 23, 2005) - As gas prices continue to climb nationwide, motorists are looking to shift into savings at the pump. According to the Lundberg Survey, the national average for a gallon of gas is $2.53, a new record.

"Off the track, I'm just like you. I'm constantly checking gas prices and figuring out ways to save a few bucks," said Bobby Hamilton, racing legend and AutoVantage spokesman. "With no relief in sight at the gas pump, many folks are grabbing the keys to a hybrid vehicle. Most hybrids won't get you to the gas station on empty because only a few can run on electricity alone, but all of them will definitely conserve gas and save money."

Those record gas prices as well as environmental concerns have fueled a high demand for hybrids. Nationwide hybrid registration rose 81 percent in the last year, according to R.L. Polk and Co., an international firm that analyzes automotive industry trends.



"Most major automobile manufacturers are beginning to include hybrid cars as a cost-effective solution to combat record gas prices while at the same time helping the environment," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage. "After years of diligent research and design, alternative-fuel vehicles are now becoming a reality."

For motorists who are thinking of jumping into the driver's seat of a hybrid, Bobby Hamilton shares some background information to help get the new engine started:

• The hybrid combines a gasoline-powered engine and a battery-operated motor to achieve superior fuel efficiency. No outlets needed.


• A process called regenerative braking recharges the car's battery by using its momentum as energy - a valuable source that is wasted during braking and cruising in conventional models. The hybrid's additional motor converts this energy into electricity, then stores it in a battery designed to last your vehicle's lifetime. This technology not only allows the hybrid to use less gasoline, but also emits less carbon dioxide, clearing smog from your tail pipe.


• A smaller engine does not mean you have to leave performance by the wayside. In fact, compared to their "traditional" competition, hybrids often pack better acceleration because of their additional electric motor.


• In order to save fuel, a hybrid's electric motor will take over some of the engine's duties. When climbing a hill or passing on the straightaway, the electric motor becomes an anchor of sorts, pushing your hybrid into high gear. This is especially useful for stop-and-go traffic. Some models get 50 miles per gallon in the city.


• When you come to a stop, a hybrid's idle-stop feature automatically shuts off the engine. Accessories like air conditioning and dashboard lights continue running on battery power.

The Union of Concerned Scientists, founded by faculty members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, compared hybrids' idle-stop feature to the light switch inside a refrigerator. Whether you're waiting for the light to turn green or the cows to cross the road, if your car doesn't need its engine, it will simply shut off. Don't worry, you'll never notice the change. The engine is back on by the time your foot hits the accelerator.

• Although the U.S. Department of Energy lists only seven hybrid vehicles in its 2005 Fuel Economy Guide, many more will be available in 2006 in order to keep up with demand. In the meantime, you may have to put your name on a waiting list.


• Hybrid options run the gamut:  sedans, SUVs and trucks. Hybrid trucks, which come equipped with multiple outlets for power tool use, essentially turn your pick-up into a generator. Hybrid transit buses are already in use in major metropolitan areas across the country.


• Hybrid cars "cost an average of about $3,000 more than conventional-gas cars," according to Consumer Reports. However, hybrid owners will save in the long run because their vehicles get about 19 percent more MPG in the city. Buyers in certain states also receive a tax deduction, though it will expire after 2006.


• Hybrids' regular maintenance intervals stretch further than those of their conventional counterparts. You should bring your hybrid to a dealer for oil and filter changes since most independent mechanics still lack experience with these cars.


• Some state laws allow hybrid drivers to use carpool lanes, regardless of the number of passengers. So with all things considered - less stops at the gas station, less pollution and even less traffic - hybrids give drivers a win-win situation.

Bobby Hamilton, a spokesman for AutoVantage, is the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion after achieving four career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories. He founded Bobby Hamilton Racing, which owns and operates three trucks in the NASCAR circuit.

About AutoVantage

Membership in AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ begins with a two-month trial that costs $1 and can be canceled anytime during the trial period. Unless you call toll free (1-800-876-7787) to cancel during your $1 trial period, your privileges will automatically continue at the low $9.99 monthly membership fee, or then current month's fee, billed to the credit card you provide without your having to do anything further. Your satisfaction is important. You can call toll free to cancel at any time for a refund of the unused portion of your then-current month's fee, no matter how much money you’ve saved. Trilegiant Corporation, (http://www.trilegiant.com) a leader in the membership services and loyalty businesses, offers AutoVantage.

About Affinion Group
As a global leader with almost 40 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing loyalty solutions. Leveraging its expertise in customer engagement, product development and targeted marketing, Affinion provides programs in subscription-based lifestyle services, personal protection, insurance and other areas to help generate increased customer loyalty and significant incremental revenue for more than 5,550 marketing partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Stamford, Conn., the company has approximately 4,250 employees and markets in 17 countries globally. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, discussions regarding industry outlook, Affinion's expectations regarding the performance of its business, its liquidity and capital resources, its guidance for 2011, the consummation of the acquisition of Prospectiv and the impact to Affinion's business and the other non-historical statements in the discussion and analysis. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "continues," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," and similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs only as of the date of this press release and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, risks related to general economic and business conditions and international and geopolitical events, a downturn in the credit card industry or changes in the techniques of credit card issuers, industry trends, foreign currency exchange rates, the effects of a decline in travel on the Company's travel fulfillment business, termination or expiration of one or more agreements with its marketing partners or a reduction of the marketing of its services by one or more of its marketing partners, the Company's substantial leverage, restrictions contained in its debt agreements, its inability to compete effectively, and other risks identified and discussed from time to time in Affinion's reports filed with the SEC, including Affinion's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers are strongly encouraged to review carefully the full cautionary statements described in these reports. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances.