Cirrus Design Adds New Sales Management; Prepares For Enhanced Sales

Business Wire, Feb 26, 2003

Business Editors

DULUTH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003

Cirrus Design has named a new vice president of sales who has extensive experience in sales of high-end products.

John M. Bingham was vice president of Rolls Royce & Bentley Motor Cars for 17 years before joining the aircraft manufacturer.

Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier says, "John brings valuable experience to Cirrus. We will benefit from the extensive knowledge he gained while leading a major sales operation in the high luxury vehicle market. Many of the customers John is used to dealing with also have interest in high-performance aircraft such as the Cirrus. We are looking to John to raise the bar on all of our sales, marketing and service efforts. Existing demand for Cirrus aircraft must be met by a uniquely skilled sales organization; one that is as highly regarded as our planes."

Cirrus Design has delivered more than 700 airplanes and doubled output in 2002. "Cirrus is in prime position for continued expansion," says Bingham. "One of my first initiatives is to expand our regional sales team. In addition to expanding our U.S. reach, we will tap further into the international market." Cirrus currently sells 15 percent of its airplanes outside of the United States.

Bingham comes to Cirrus Design after a long history with Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars Inc. Most recently he served as Vice President, The Americas, where he was responsible for an increase in retail and wholesale car sales of more than 58 percent in North America, the Caribbean and all of Latin America. He developed a strong manufacturer/dealer relationship network throughout the Americas and developed the market region for the company that was consistently named the top performing export market worldwide.

Educated in Economics in the United Kingdom, Bingham is an avid private pilot. "As is the case for most of us at Cirrus, John's experience as a pilot helps him understand the needs of other pilots, and especially the empowering lifestyle that General Aviation brings," says Klapmeier. "Couple that knowledge with his extensive experience in establishing and maintaining large regional sales teams, and we know we have a winning combination that will result in Cirrus achieving its goal of being the number one General Aviation aircraft manufacturer in its class."

Cirrus Design Corporation is based in Duluth, MN, with an additional facility in Grand Forks, ND. The company manufactures and markets general aviation composite aircraft, incorporating advanced technologies that result in high levels of performance, safety and comfort.