Press Release

Sit Back and Enjoy the (Free) Ride!

HSBC Bank USA Crowns New Yorks Most Knowledgeable Cabbie, Offers Customers Complimentary Transportation

14 May 2003

New York – Amid cab and transit fare hikes and potholes, there is good news this week for many New York City travelers. HSBC Bank USA has found the citys most knowledgeable cabbie and is putting him to work taxing New Yorkers around Manhattan free of charge. Johnnie Morello of Queens beat out hundreds of local hopefuls to claim the title of HSBC BankCabbie and an exclusive, full-time job driving the HSBC BankCab the only completely refurbished 1981 checker cab on the streets of Manhattan.

Following an intense battle of wits and charm, Mr. Morello emerged victorious as the HSBC BankCabbie with his expert answers to questions like "Unless marked otherwise, what is the speed limit on city streets?" and "In what year was the first New Years Eve celebration held in Times Square?" When asked what he thought about becoming the BankCabbie, he said, "Im so excited Im speechless, but that wont last long!"

HSBC screened hundreds of applicants for the position of HSBC BankCabbie, and the selection process culminated with eight finalists facing off at Ellens Stardust Diner today before a judging panel of New York experts, including "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz, former New York City Traffic Commissioner and and author of New York Short Cuts and Traffic Tips; Berly Ellis, the host of TaxiVu, Ed Levine, author of New York Eats, and David Kotheimer, Regional President for Metropolitan New York, HSBC Bank USA.

Karen "Duff" Duffy, the New York model and actress, hosted the event and posed trivia questions to the finalists from five distinct New York categories:

Dont Block the Box
New York Eats
Im From Out of Town
The City that Never Sleeps
Ill Take Manhattan
Come On and Take A Free Ride

"HSBC Bank is the worlds local bank, and we wanted to show our New York City customers that we know New York and understand their needs when it comes to every-day life in the city," explained David Kotheimer. "Taxi cabs are a big part of New York City culture, and were delighted to offer our customers free rides in the HSBC BankCab. Plus, our customers will have exclusive access to the most knowledgeable cab driver in the city," he added.

Mr. Morello will receive an exclusive contract to drive the HSBC BankCab, the only original Checker Cab in New York. New Yorkers can learn more about the HSBC BankCab at us.hsbc.com or at HSBC branches via window posters and handouts. HSBC customers who flag down the BankCab must simply show their HSBC bank cards to receive a free ride.