U.S. consumers waged a courageous battle against high gas prices by driving less last year, but still ended up paying 24 percent more for less gas, according to motor fuels research by The NPD Group, a leading market research company. NPD?s Motor Fuels Index finds that consumers paid 24 percent more dollars to purchase 1.7 percent fewer gallons in 2011 compared to 2010. The increased spending represents more than $ 76 billion dollars going into the country’s collective gas tank in 2011 versus the previous year.

The results of the 2011 Motor Fuels Index, which continually tracks consumer motor fuel purchasing behaviors and attitudes, were reminiscent of 2008 when the national average price for a gallon of gasoline remained above the $ 3.00 per gallon mark for 12 months (November 2007 to October 2008), reports NPD. During that time, miles driven decreased by 55 billion miles. Prices once again crossed the $ 3.00 threshold in December 2010 and remain above that level to date. Miles driven never fully recovered from the 2008 declines, and consumers cut back another 36 billion miles through December 2011.

?Consumers continue to modify driving patterns to purchase fewer gallons, but it isn?t enough to offset price increases at the pump,? says David Portalatin, motor fuels analyst at NPD. ?There?s no doubt that the consumer is losing share of wallet at the pump despite trying to reduce consumption.?

With more of the wallet going towards gas, it means less to spend on other things, says Portalatin. For example, NPD?s Convenience Store Monitor, which tracks the consumer purchasing behavior of more than 51,000 c-store shoppers in the U.S., reports that total convenience store consumer traffic declined by 4 percent in 2011. This effect was more severe at oil company-branded outlets that are typically more dependent on gasoline to drive customer traffic. Traditional convenience chains that are more diversified in their food and beverage offerings were better positioned to weather the trend, according to Portalatin.

According to the most recent Motor Fuels Index findings, through March 2012, consumers have already cut back another 1 percent on gallon purchases but have spent 9 percent more for those gallons compared to the same time period a year ago.

?Gas prices have continued to increase into the spring of 2012 with more increases expected,? says Portalatin. ?And while seeing $ 3 plus on the pump is no longer the shock it once was, there is still only so much money in the wallet, and something will need to give in order to fill the tank.?

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About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/, or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/npdgroup.

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PV polysilicon and wafer prices fell approximately 50% in 2011. With demand for solar systems forecast to be down or flat in 2012, polysilicon and wafer prices are expected to remain under heavy pressure. As a result, revenues for both industries are predicted to shrink, polysilicon by 35% and wafer by 47%.

As described in the new NPD Solarbuzz Polysilicon and Wafer Supply Chain Quarterly, significant oversupply of both polysilicon and wafer production is causing less competitive manufacturers to temporarily idle or shutter factories and reduce utilization. Polysilicon factory utilization is forecast to fall from 76% in 2011 to 66% in 2012. Wafer utilization is forecast to fall from 64% to 57%.

In this very challenging market, cast-mono is emerging as an important strategy for wafer and vertically integrated module makers, particularly in China, to increase competiveness. The technology enables hybrid mono/multi-crystalline ingots to be grown in high productivity conventional multi-crystalline DS casting furnaces at lower costs than Cz grown mono ingots.

?Chinese manufacturers know they need to increase conversion efficiencies in order to remain competitive in the oversupplied market. They see cast-mono as a low-cost approach with relatively low technical barriers to achieving this goal,? stated Charles Annis, Vice President at NPD Solarbuzz.

Commercial production of cast-mono wafers and modules began in 2011. This year, cast-mono is predicted to account for 2.4 GW, or about 8%, of total PV wafer production. Based on survey results detailed in the report, cast-mono production is forecast to grow steadily and to account for more than 25% of all wafer production by 2016.

?Many leading Chinese manufacturers are very optimistic about cast-mono, but there are still multiple technical and commercial challenges, such as the wide range of efficiency distributions and the non-uniform appearance of modules, which need to be resolved before the technology can fully achieve its promise of higher efficiency at lower costs. In 2012, we will see how the end market receives a strong supplier push of cast-mono,? added Annis.

Discussion of these topics and much more can be found in the NPD Solarbuzz Polysilicon and Wafer Supply Chain Quarterly. With critical data in user-friendly Excel pivot tables and detailed interpretation of market and technical trends in PowerPoint, the report is a comprehensive guide to the most important metrics used to evaluate the PV polysilicon and wafer industries. To learn more about the Polysilicon and Wafer Supply Chain Quarterly, contact us at our seven global locations, email us at contact(at)solarbuzz(dot)com, or call 1.516.625.2452.

About NPD Solarbuzz

NPD Solarbuzz, part of The NPD Group, is a globally recognized market research business focused on solar energy and photovoltaic industries. Since 2001, NPD Solarbuzz has grown its client-base to include many of the largest global PV manufacturers, major investment banks, equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, hedge fund companies, and a vast range of other multi-nationals. NPD Solarbuzz offers a wide array of reports, including Marketbuzz, an annual global PV industry report, and Solarbuzz Quarterly, which details both historical and forecast data on the global PV supply chain. The company?s research also provides annual downstream PV market reports by region for Europe, Asia Pacific and US markets. In addition, Solarbuzz.com is a recognized and respected online resource within the solar industry. For more information, visit http://www.solarbuzz.com or follow us on Twitter at @Solarbuzz.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com and http://www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.

Solarbuzz and Marketbuzz are registered trademarks of The NPD Group.

Solarbuzz and Marketbuzz are registered trademarks of The NPD Group.

Media Contact:

Stacey Harmon

SAVVY Public Relations

Phone: 925-336-9592

E-mail: media(at)displaysearch(dot)com

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A series of grassroots events from friendraisers to hotel packages are raising awareness and funds for the Center for Great Apes, a non-profit sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans in Florida. For the entire month of April, the Pinecrest Gardens Gallery in Miami will feature an exhibit of ape portraits, Lemon Tree Inn of Naples will be making donations, and friendraisers will be occurring throughout the year. To learn more about events and special deals that benefit the sanctuary, become a member to receive the newsletter and become a friend on http://www.facebook.com/CenterForGreatApes.

?We are approaching our 20th anniversary of providing an enriching, healthy sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans in need of lifetime care,? said Patti Ragan, Founder of the Center for Great Apes, ?Grassroots fundraising and marketing plays a critical role in increasing awareness and raising funds. It takes nearly $ 20,000 a year to care for a single ape. These events and partnerships really make a positive impact.?

In March, Dr. Lindsey Matheson of Fisher Island, Florida hosted ?Cocktails for Clyde?, a special party to raise awareness and funds for Clyde, a chimpanzee that had been caged in a basement for 40 years until the Center for Great Apes rescued and welcomed him to the 120-acre sanctuary. ?Clyde was taken from his mother after poachers killed her in the 1970?s in Africa,? stated Patti Ragan, ?He was sold as a pet, and like all great apes, he quickly became too strong for his owners and as a result, he suffered.? Clyde, who was unable to walk without difficulty and was emaciated when he arrived, is now gaining weight and exploring the sanctuary with delight. The ?Cocktails for Clyde? party was supported by Miami Club Rum, a new rum crafted by Destiler?a Can?ca.

In April, the Gallery at Pinecrest Gardens in Miami, Florida will be featuring a series of portraits of the apes by award-winning artists including Disney illustrator Frank Armitage, Joe Zammit-Lucia, James Fox, Brian Kennedy, Jessie Johnson, Marilyn Magill, and Alan Li. Select works will be on sale and will benefit the Center for Great Apes. Patti Ragan, the Founder of the Center for Great Apes, will discuss each artist and their subjects during the opening reception on April 12 from 6-9pm in the Gallery.

On April 19, California Pizza Kitchen located on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Florida will donate a portion of the proceeds when guests present their special coupon. To get the coupon, download it at facebook.com/CenterForGreatApes.

Also in April, Olivia Dingman, a kindergartener, is having a different kind of birthday party. Instead of bringing gifts, she invited her friends to bring money for games and ?adopt? an ape toy at her party. ?When we asked Olivia what she wanted to do for her birthday party, she said she wanted to raise money for the Center for Great Apes,? said her father Darrin Dingman, ?So we?ve planned games that her friends can play for 25 cents and win prizes. It should be great fun, and her mother and I are so proud of her philanthropic spirit.?

In Naples, Florida, Lemon Tree Inn, a boutique hotel walking distance from shops, galleries and restaurants in the popular Fifth Avenue area, is offering 10% off regular rates and will donate $ 10 for every new GreatApe reservation of two nights or more from April 15 through October 2012. The special offer is subject to availability and blackout dates. The donations will go to Center for Great Apes once the stay is completed. To book a stay and support the Center for Great Apes, use the reservation code GreatApe on http://www.LemonTreeInn.com.

?We need to raise $ 200,000 to care for three new arrivals – two orangutans from Iowa and Clyde, the chimpanzee,? said Patrick Harris, a board member of Center for Great Apes. ?We are looking for strategic partners for a series of events planned for Miami. We feel that by partnering with Miami-based companies, both they and the Center will benefit.? The Center for Great Apes, founded in Miami in 1993, has members across the country, and more than 6,000 fans on Facebook.

About the Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation

The Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation (dba Center for Great Apes) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a permanent sanctuary in a safe and enriching environment for orangutans and chimpanzees in need of lifetime care. Founded in 1993, the Center for Great Apes is one of 9 chimpanzee sanctuaries and the only orangutan sanctuary in North America. The sanctuary was established to provide a safe and enriching home for chimpanzees and orangutans that are in need of care for the remainder of their lives. The great apes at CGA have been rescued from roadside zoos, circuses, labs, basement garages, and other unnatural situations. Many of the apes have come from the entertainment industry and several were admitted to the sanctuary by request of the owner. For more information visit http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/.

o????Center for Great Apes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

o????Center for Great Apes is an accredited sanctuary by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

o????Center for Great Apes is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.

There is a growing desire among today?s affluent travelers for experiences that evoke the ?golden age of travel,? with its glamorous allure and sense of discovery and, the South Pacific with its idyllic imagery of azure waters, white sandy beaches, and tranquil lagoons is one destination that fully captures this spirit. Even more so when explored aboard a private yacht, and now, for the first time, BURGESS, the global superyacht experts, offer UNBRIDLED (191-ft), designed as a ?go anywhere? exploration vessel and the ideal platform to cruise these stunning waters.

With its vast open deck spaces and huge array of watersports equipment, UNBRIDLED provides guests with every opportunity to enjoy life on the water while surrounding them in luxurious comfort. Built with exploration in mind, guests can take in the breathtaking surroundings with the custom-made tenders capable of cruising up to 300 miles themselves, ideal for a day trip to enjoy a deliciously prepared picnic on a pristine beach. There is impressive inventory of diving and fishing equipment, snorkeling gear, kayaks, waterskis and wakeboards and even its own sailing dinghy.

All of these toys make for the ultimate water-based journey of the area?s destinations, such as Tahiti, where UNBRIDLED will be based in July 2012. Sometimes called the ?jewel of the South Pacific,? Tahiti has a rare combination of lush tropical atolls and volcanic peaks rising up from exquisite lagoons that span the spectrum of every shade of blue. Later in the summer, she will move on to Fiji, a country of more than 300 gorgeous islands, and crystal clear waters filled with schools of multicolored fish, extraordinary coral beaches, and incredible flora and fauna.

UNBRIDLED allows guests to discover these wonders in sheer luxury and privacy, such as relaxing in the spectacular outdoor areas and deck space which exceeds that of many larger yachts. The open-plan sundeck features a large spa pool, comfortable sun loungers, full bar, and uninterrupted views at anchor, while the bridge deck aft is designed for shaded outdoor dining and relaxation. The lavish and intricately styled interior offers deluxe accommodation for up to 12 guests in six elegantly appointed ensuite staterooms, including a double master suite with his and hers walk-in-wardrobe and offices. Fully kitted out, the yachts additional amenities include an outdoor gym, super-size Jacuzzi dip pool, beautifully styled salons and dining areas, and an impeccable captain with a crew of 12, including a world class chef.

Special weekly charter rates for UNBRIDLED in the South Pacific with immediate effect are US$ 300,000 excluding operating expenses. BURGESS offers two more options for yacht charter in the South Pacific, the sailing yacht GENEVIEVE (121-ft) starting at ?63,000 per week and in Fiji NOBLE HOUSE (176.9) with a weekly starting rate of US$ 196,000.

Founded in 1975 with ten international offices, BURGESS is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts of over 130-feet. Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including yacht sale and purchase, technical consultancy services, charter and operational management.? The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service.? More information on Burgess can be found at http://www.burgessyachts.com. ???

For information please contact Teresa Delaney at 917-670-5674 or tdelaney(at)tdelaneypr(dot)com.

http://www.mylingerielounge.com has a vast inventory of sexy bikinis, board shorts, and cover ups available in many styles, colors, and sizes so every woman can feel their best when out at the beach this summer. My Lingerie Lounge carries all sizes, as well as sizes extra small through plus sizes. The company?s commitment to customer service is top notch and the reviews from previous buyers will help uncertain consumers through the ordering process.????

My Lingerie Lounge affords its consumers the luxury shopping experience combined with the speed and ease of online ordering. ?Finding a stylish bikini that fits beautifully is what we feel most women expect when they are shopping for swimwear. When visiting our site, they will enjoy access to the largest inventory of quality merchandise in a matter of seconds? says owner Jimmie Bell, ?We wanted to make sure we had a large selection of sexy bikinis in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, we did not want to sacrifice quality for quantity and my main concern was being able to deliver the best product at the best price.? The options available are all top-of-the line, and the newest styles in the fashion industry. Brazilian Low Cut, Triangle Neck, and Two Piece Mess Push Ups are just a few of styles available. With the introduction of the new inventory, women of all sizes can enjoy a wonderful shopping experience.

For more information about My Lingerie Lounge, visit the company?s website, or follow on Twitter @jbell_24 and Facebook/My.Ling.Lounge to stay connected with special offers and new products.

About http://www.mylingerielounge.com

Online lingerie retailer with large selection of lingerie, bikinis, bras, panties, plus size lingerie, sexy costumes, hosiery, bridal, adult party costumes, clubwear, swimwear, and adult toys! Affordable prices, fast shipping and secure ordering.

U.S. consumers, from ages two and up, fuel themselves for the day with a variety of eating and drinking occasions from the time they awake in the morning until 11 a.m., according to a recently published morning meal study by The NPD Group, a leading market research company. NPD?s Morning MealScape 2011 study finds that 43 percent of these eating and drinking occasions consist of a beverage but no food (e.g. mid-morning coffee), 24 percent a small/mini meal, 21 percent a full/complete meal, and 11 percent a snack.

Just over one in three individuals (38 percent) limit themselves to one morning eating or drinking occasion while 41 percent have two or more occasions (e.g. small meal early morning and then a late morning beverage) on a typical morning. The average number of morning drinking or eating occasions per person per day is 1.4, which, based on the population, amounts to an estimated 420 million morning meal occasions per day, or 153 billion occasions per year that include at least one food or beverage, according to the NPD study, which does a deep dive into the situational and attitudinal drivers impacting consumers? morning food and beverage choices.

?Understanding the number of eating and drinking occasions helps food manufacturers size the morning opportunity,? says Dori Hickey, director, product management at NPD and author of Morning MealScape 2011. ?By developing versatile products and positioning products as both a meal and snack, food companies can meet consumers? varied morning meal needs and maximize sales volume.?

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Methodology:

NPD?s Morning MealScape 2011 study included 27,179 participants, both adults and children (parents answered on behalf of their children, age 2-5). Participants reported on yesterday?s consumption behavior from the time they got up until 11:00 a.m.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/, or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/npdgroup.

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Today, A? Design Award & Competitions announced the newest edition of Toy, Games and Hobby Products Design Award, which is a niche design competition open to submissions of toys for kids, recreation equipment and hobby sets and games.

Toy and Recreation Equipment manufacturers worldwide are invited to take part in the competition by applying online at adesignaward.com. Submitted products will be evaluated by a specialized jury composed of a panel of academics, business professionals and focus group of end-users.

Entries to Toy, Games and Hobby Products Design Award will be judged on aspects such as innovation content, fun factor, ergonomics, social responsibility, aesthetical aspects, packaging design and product documentation. Awarding criteria and the award sub-categories are further explained at adesignaward.com

The ultimate goal of the award is to attract the attention of the media to award winning products through advertising and publicity opportunities. Winning entries will receive free communication and publication services from A? Design Award in addition to the award trophy, certificate, badges, logo and other services that are provided to award winners.

Unlike any other awards in toy industry, winners are not obliged to make any further fees for claiming the award, and winners? benefits as listed in adesignaward.com will be provided free of charge to all winners. Prospective participants can apply online at adesignaward.com by paying the single time nomination fee of 375 Euros.

A’ Design Award is organized in many diverse categories therefore the prospective winners of the A’ Design Award can expect to reach an audience that is wider than their own niche: the award not only reaches the specific media in recreational goods and toy industry, but more importantly, it reaches a wider, design oriented public such as design oriented media; editors, consumers, decision makers and buyers.

About the A? Design Award: The A? Design Award & Competition is an annual international design award and competition aiming to highlight design oriented services, products and offerings. A? Award present its winners with publication and advertising opportunities. Further information regarding the award can be accessed from whatisadesignaward.com.

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For those wondering how to remove rust from tools, cast iron, metal, or other surfaces, a new report from Planet Amazing shows the benefits of a new rust remover product called Oxystrip, including the quick 10 minute treatment time and safe non-toxic, environmentally friendly status as an EPA approved rust remover. This non-toxic product is the safest rust remover on the market the report says.

“Removing rust is easier than most people think,” says Justin Douglas of Planet Amazing. “Rust can now be easily removed from toys, tools and machinery, as well as household surfaces and concrete, with the new Oxystrip rust remover liquid from Planet Amazing,” he says. “Oxystrip also protects the surface for the future. It works in about 10 to 15 minutes. Apply Oxystrip to a rusted surface. Let it penetrate for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse the surface. Oxystrip contains special additives to prevent further rusting.”

“Oxystrip can be used on metals, automotive parts, toilets, tubs, tile, concrete, metal siding and machinery,” Mr. Douglas explains. “Rusting of metals is caused by a process called metal oxidation. In short, the surface of the metal is deteriorated by chemical reactions inherent to the chemical composition of the metal. Water and salts are the main culprits in the oxidation process. Rust can be a problem with cement, clothing and carpets which have been in close proximity to rusting metal.”

“For metal to rust, two reactions must occur,” Mr. Douglas says. “Metal to metal ions and electrons must be converted by oxidation, and a second reaction in which electrons are consumed by converting oxygen and water to hydroxide ions. In order for these reactions to occur, the electrons must be transported from the place where the metal dissolves to the place where the oxygen is consumed and an ionic current must also flow between the sites to complete the circuit. This ionic current flows more easily through water containing electrolytes such as salt. That is why rust occurs more often in areas with salt in the environment. When used according to instructions, Oxystrip is completely safe and effective. Never worry about the destructive and unsightly effects of rust again. Oxystrip is the rust removal solution.”

For more information on Oxystrip rust remover, visit the Amazon.com Oxystrip rust remover page.

About Planet Amazing

Planet Amazing creates family-friendly and environmentally safe products. Planet Amazing sets high standards for their operating companies in the area of environmental responsibility ? striving for performance that does not merely comply with regulations but reduces the environmental impact. They commit to take care of the planet and preserve its beauty, resources and strength for future generations. Planet Amazing embraces research and science – bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the lives and well-being of people. Employees of the Planet Amazing Family of Companies work with its partners in order to touch the lives of people every day, throughout the world.

Apple ran away with the lead in the tablet market following its April 2010 iPad launch. Competitors scrambled to keep up and many launched their own tablet products in a range of screen sizes, as opposed to Apple with its one 9.7-inch iPad. For example, Amazon successfully launched the 7.0? Kindle Fire, which is tied to Amazon?s content and services; and Samsung rounded out its tablet lineup with the 7.0?, 8.9? and 10.1? Galaxy Tabs.

?As the tablet market continues to heat up, manufacturers are striving to differentiate next-generation products to compete with the iPad,? according to Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst. ?Screen size has emerged not only as a key differentiator, but also the leading indicator of different tablet usages. New NPD In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com) research highlights top tablet usage scenarios based on device screen size and provides market insight based on the different tablet form factors. For example, devices with smaller form factors in the 3.5″ to less than 7.0″ range, spanning PMP and tablets categories, best serve entertainment needs that are typically considered complementary to everyday activities like commuting, exercising, and other on-the-go activities.?

Recent research findings include:

????Worldwide shipments for devices with screen sizes between 3.5″ to less than 7.0? will decline throughout the forecast period to 15.6 million in 2016.
????Despite anticipated price erosion, revenue in the 7.0″ to less than 8.5″ form factor represents one of the brightest spots in the tablet market due to anticipated Amazon Kindle Fire demand.
????Due to continued iPad success, tablets in the 9.7? to less than 11? form factor category will represent 65% of worldwide tablet shipments.
????The bill of materials for a 9.7? tablet will fall to US$ 246 by 2016 due primarily to strong consumer demand and declining display costs.

New NPD In-Stat research, Screen Size Dictates Top Tablet Uses: 3.5″ to Less Than 11″ Devices (#IN1205220ID), takes a holistic view of the tablet and PMP markets starting with 3.5″ devices to devices with screens up to 11″.

Additional data includes:

????Worldwide shipments, by tablet screen size
????Average sales prices, by tablet screen size
????Worldwide revenues, by tablet screen size
????Tablet bill of materials

This research is part of NPD In-Stat?s Smart Mobile Devices service, which provides forecasts and market analysis for connected mobile devices, including tablets, e-readers, digital photo frames, portable media players, handheld game consoles, personal navigation devices, and mobile computing devices.

About NPD In-Stat

NPD In-Stat?s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. NPD In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on NPD In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com, or follow us Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/npdgroup.

Contact:

Stephanie Ethier, Senior Analyst

Email: sethier(at)in-stat(dot)com; Phone: (480) 483-4443

Rick Vogelei, Marketing Manager

Email: rvogelei(at)in-stat(dot)com; Phone: (480) 483-4476

K’NEX, America?s building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love?, is pleased to announce that consumers outside the US and Canada will be able purchase their favorite K?NEX building sets directly from knex.com beginning February 29, 2012.

?K?NEX building sets have long been a favorite of parents, and kids and consumers living outside the US and Canada contact us asking how to purchase our building sets,? said Michael Araten, President of K?NEX Brands. ?We?re excited to be partnering with Bongo International’s Checkout Solution to be able to respond to these brand fans.?

Consumers from over 200 different countries, from France to Belarus to Tahiti will be able to purchase K?NEX manufactured building sets by going to knex.com and selecting their country from a list. They will then be able to view the building sets that are available to them: because of licensing and distribution agreements, not all sets are available in all countries. Export compliance is one part of the service being provided through Bongo. Consumers simply place their orders as they would on any local website. They receive their purchases in 3-5 days.

At the most basic level, selling internationally involves offering international shipping and accepting various methods of payment. Bongo enables this and much more. The Checkout solution provides a seamless customer experience while removing a tremendous burden from Retailers. The process includes everything from HS classification for accurate duty & tax calculation to complete fraud protection. This allows K?NEX to focus on maintaining their products? high quality and continued success- wherever they go.

About K?NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K?NEX Brands, the world?s most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world?s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K?NEX is America?s building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love, and encourages youngsters to ?imagine, build and play.? Since 1992, The Rodon Group, a subsidiary of K’NEX Brands, L.P., has manufactured over 30 billion parts for the K’NEX building toy system. For more information, please visit http://www.knex.com or http://www.rodongroup.com.

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