Revolutionary Nike Performance Innovation for Beijing to Extend
its Already Dominant Lead in China
BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2008--Nike and Kobe
Bryant today launched the Nike Hyperdunk, Nike's (NYSE:NKE) lightest
and strongest basketball shoe ever and one of the many superior,
lightweight performance product innovations the company unveiled to
support athletes from over 100 countries who will compete for gold in
32 sports in Beijing this summer.
"Our performance product for Beijing is some of the best work Nike
has ever done," said Nike President and CEO Mark Parker. "The Nike
Hyperdunk is a prime example of our commitment to deliver
extraordinary innovation and lightweight performance product to the
world's best athletes. Every gram counts in competition. Athletes need
superior lightweight footwear and apparel that they can compete in
with confidence and that's exactly what we've created for them."
Parker and Kobe introduced the Nike Hyperdunk to media from around
the world who came to the company's World Headquarters to witness
Nike's innovative assortment of Beijing-related performance product.
The product ranges from footwear using lightweight technology fibers
stronger than bullet proof vests and Lunarlite foam cushioning to Nike
Swift performance apparel using recycled polyester.
At only 13.0 ounces, the Nike Hyperdunk is 18 percent lighter than
the average Nike basketball shoe. Kobe runs an average of 2.5 miles a
game--less weight on his feet means more energy on the court. Kobe is
expected to play in the Nike Hyperdunk when the Lakers meet the
Clippers in April. The Hyperdunk hits US retail in late July.
"The Nike Hyperdunk is extremely lightweight, strong and
responsive to give a real advantage on court," said Kobe.
The competition in Beijing will provide Nike with a global stage
to capitalize on the momentum and brand leadership that the company
has firmly established in China. The introduction of the Nike
Hyperdunk and other Beijing-related innovations are powerful platforms
for Nike to reinforce its number one position as the leading sports
brand in China. Today China represents Nike's largest sourcing country
and is its largest business outside of the United States with revenues
having just surpassed $1 billion for the trailing 12 months.
The Hyperdunk combines two new Nike innovations: Flywire
technology and Lunarlite foam. Flywire redefines footwear
construction, shaving off weight and adding strength, allowing
athletes to be lighter on their feet and faster on the track and on
the court. Lunarlite foam features a unique cell structure making it
lightweight and ultra responsive as a cushioning system.
For more information on the Nike Hyperdunk and all of Nike's
innovative products for Beijing, visit www.nikemedia.com.
About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading
designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear,
apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and
fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse
Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear,
apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which
designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories
and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football
(soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets
and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel
and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.
Satellite Coordinates:
Date: 4/7/08
Time: 9:30pmET-9:45pmET (21:30ET-21:45ET)
Coords: GALAXY 26 07C ANALOG,
93 degrees West
Downlink: 3840 V
Status: FIRM
Date: 4/8/08
Time: 4:00amET-4:15amET
Coords: GALAXY 26 07C ANALOG,
93 degrees West
Downlink: 3840 V
Status: FIRM
Date: 4/8/08
Time: 1:00pmET-1:15pmET (13:00ET-13:15ET)
Coords: GALAXY 26 07C ANALOG,
93 degrees West
Downlink: 3840 V
Status: FIRM
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5652272
CONTACT: NIKE, Inc.
New York Media Relations, 212-367-4447
SOURCE: NIKE, Inc.