Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Petersen Automotive museum celebrated the penultimate day before major renovation at its 2014 Bold Moves Gala. New partnerships were announced and three industry icons were honored at this annual benefit for the Robert E. Petersen Free School Bus Program. The fund-raising efforts more than doubled last year's total.
At the Gala, Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges announced two strategic partnerships. Both will help make "The New Petersen" a bucket-list destination for automotive enthusiasts and museum-goers worldwide upon its projected late-2015 re-opening.
First, The Petersen and Xbox are pleased to announce plans to create the Forza Motorsport Experience. Visitors to the 1,500 square-foot simulation room will be able to experience legendary racing circuits from behind the wheel of state-of-the-art Forza Motorsport simulators, or experience the beauty of the automobile up close in ForzaVista™. The experience will open in the museum next year, with plans to create programmatic and event experiences to follow shortly thereafter. To learn more about Forza Motorsport, visit ForzaMotorsport.net.
Also, Belkin International's Linksys brand will be partnering with The Petersen to provide state-of-the-art networking, Wi-Fi and security capabilities for the new museum. An array of sophisticated network switches, Wi-Fi access points and an entirely new security camera upgrade will be part of the content infrastructure of the new museum. The Petersen/Linksys partnership will allow for a 21st century patron experience where accessing data, social network posting and other online activities from mobile devices are ensured to be seamless experiences. In addition, the museum plans on enhancing the practical museum-going experience with augmented reality: content viewed on a personal, mobile device, and only made possible by precision planning of Wi-Fi services. "There could be no better partner than Linksys to provide such consultation, equipment and execution, including an entirely new upgraded security camera system," Terry Karges said.
Three industry icons were also honored at the 2014 Bold Moves Gala: Mike Love, Jim Farley and Keith Crain. Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love received the Automotive Spirit Award, presented by Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum. One of the band's primary lyricists, Love's car-themed collaborations with cousin Brian Wilson include "Little Deuce Coupe," "409," and "Fun, Fun, Fun." The Beach Boys also performed at the Gala, with Love handling lead vocals.
Said Mike Love: "Cars, especially American cars, are synonymous with the music of the Beach Boys. They are emblematic of freedom and pursuing dreams. What an incredible honor to be one of this year's recipients and help close the curtain on the original Petersen -- I can't wait for the new one to open its doors."
Jim Farley, Ford's EVP of Global Marketing, was also recognized. He received the Automotive Entrepreneur award, presented by Henry Ford III. Leading the company's post-recession marketing efforts, Farley helped launch several global-platform vehicles. Most notable are Fusion, Fiesta and the 2015 Mustang.
"It is a great honor to be recognized by the Petersen Automotive Museum with the Automotive Entrepreneur Award for my contributions to the automotive industry," Farley said. "This recognition reflects the collective work and efforts of the entire Ford Motor Company team and our commitment to deliver great products for our customers around the world."
The third honoree was Crain Communications Chairman Keith Crain, who received The Petersen's 2014 Automotive Journalism Award. Crain has served as Editor-In-Chief of Automotive News, Autoweek and Crain's Detroit Business since 1971. He is also active in several Detroit-area charities.
"It's a real privilege and honor for me to be honored by the Peterson," Crain said. "To be surrounded by so many friends that I have known over the years is great fun and to share it with Jim Farley, my good friend, and Mike Love is simply fun. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with everyone. Cars of all shapes and sizes are the common denominator. We all love cars."
Sponsors for the 2014 Bold Moves Gala were Ford Motor Company, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, and Pure Insurance.
The Petersen Automotive Museum's $125M renovation is expected to take approximately one year. Some of The Petersen's most stunning cars will move to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the "Amazing Automobiles: The Ultimate Car Exhibit," which runs from October 28, 2014 - May 1, 2015.
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum's Web site at: www.petersen.org.
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