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November 30, 2006

GM's Front-Wheel-Drive, 2-Mode Hybrid System Debuts in 2008

Saturn Hybrid SUV Expected to Offer Up To 45-Percent Fuel Economy Improvement

LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. will expand the industry’s most diverse portfolio of hybrid technologies in 2008 with the debut of its front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system in the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

By using this sophisticated hybrid technology, the Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue, based on current federal test procedures.

“We are delivering on our promise to continue our steady rollout of additional hybrid applications, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance,” said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. “This will be the auto industry’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle to use a 2-mode hybrid system, which improves fuel economy while maintaining performance and capability.”

The Vue Green Line 2-mode Hybrid SUV will be powered by GM’s 3.6L V-6 gas engine, with direct injection and variable valve timing, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and two active cooled permanent magnet motors.

The front-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system optimizes city and highway fuel efficiency by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios.

This design is similar to the 2-mode hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive applications, which will debut next year in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.

The 2-mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by the following operations:

* Engine off at idle
* Low speed electric-only propulsion
* Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
* Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
* Regenerative braking
* Engine speed and load control

“The 2-mode hybrid system has the flexibility to improve fuel efficiency across a range of vehicles,” Stephens said. “For example, in 2003, we introduced the 2-mode hybrid system for transit buses. In 2007, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon 2-mode full-size SUVs will debut, followed by the Vue Green Line 2-mode in 2008.”

By using two electric modes and four fixed gear ratios, the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors are smaller, compared with traditional “one-mode” hybrid systems, and impose no significant limitation on the size of the engine.

Consequently, the 2-mode hybrid system fits into the same space as a conventional automatic transmission, minimizing packaging, cost and weight issues. The result is exciting performance and outstanding fuel economy.

Posted by Frank at 06:41 PM | Comments (0)

Land Rover LR2 Debuts at 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

The All-New Land Rover LR2 Sets New Standards For Premium Compact SUV Category

Land Rover North America today unveiled its new premium compact SUV, the Land Rover LR2, at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The fourth new model launched from Land Rover in just four years, LR2 joins the impressive line-up of Range Rover (2002), Land Rover LR3 (2004) and Range Rover Sport (2005) that together have seen record-breaking sales performance around the world.

New from the ground up, LR2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as the class-leading off-road ability of a Land Rover.

"LR2 combines the advantages of a premium sedan -- such as polished ride, accomplished performance and an attractive cabin -- with the attributes of a robust SUV," says Richard Beattie, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Land Rover North America. "With its tough go-anywhere ability, stadium seating, cabin versatility and spaciousness, we believe that no other compact SUV gets closer to blending these best-of-both-worlds abilities."

Land Rover North America today also announced U.S. pricing for its all-new SUV, the LR2. A well-equipped LR2 will be priced from $34,700.

Technical highlights of the LR2 include a brand-new 3.2-liter inline-six engine. The 230bhp* i6 engine provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds)*. The engine is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover's CommandShift(TM) offering manual sequential gear changes and a driver-selectable sport mode, for livelier performance.

The exterior and interior design of LR2 is completely fresh, integrating the company's unique design language with a form that is instantly recognizable as the latest Land Rover.

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with a high level of torsional rigidity which benefits refinement, comfort and handling on-road as well as ensuring the vehicle is fit for serious off-road use.

Land Rover's unique Terrain Response(TM) is standard, making off-road use easier. Other interesting technologies include a new intelligent permanent all-wheel-drive system for superior traction and better on-road fuel economy, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

*Figures are subject to change and will be confirmed at a later date.

Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the US in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and LR3 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to http://www.landroverusa.com/ .

Posted by Frank at 05:56 PM | Comments (0)

The new Volvo C30 – Love it or hate it, you simply can't deny it

-- Volvo announces the U.S. will get the new C30
-- Global volume target of 65,000 cars annually
-- 75 percent of the buyers in Europe

Los Angeles -- With the new C30, Volvo makes its debut in the two-door premium-car segment. The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a young and dynamic group of customers “a Volvo of their own.”

“The new C30 aims for a group of young singles, or couples, who live active urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars.

Coming to America
As the covers were pulled off the stunning new Volvo C30 at the recent Paris auto show, Volvo Cars or North America, LLC (VCNA) announced that it would sell the car in the U.S. market. No firm on-sale date has been announced, but VCNA will not introduce the C30 before the 2008 model year.

In the U.S. market, the current direction is for the C30 to come in just one version: Hot. With 218 turbocharged horses galloping through the front wheels and 236 lb.-ft. of torque that's available from 1,500-4,800 rpm, the C30 is sure to please the enthusiast driver. Contributing to the C30's exciting driving dynamics is the fact that this newest Volvo is 8.5 inches shorter than the S40 sport sedan. Because of its smaller overall size, the C30 benefits from an improved power-to-weight ratio over its sedan counterpart.

Pricing and sales-volume data in the U.S. market will be announced closer to the Volvo C30's on-sale date.

For an active life in urban areas
Volvo has focused primarily on singles, or couples without children who see the car as a vital component to their active lifestyles. When they buy clothing, home furnishings, or electronic devices, design and brand are very important factors – and they choose cars in the same way.

“These are customers who move between their homes, the office, meetings, the gym, and to their favorite spots around town at a fast pace. This group prioritizes exciting design and exhilarating driving characteristics, and for the most part there are not more than two people in the car,” explains Håkan Abrahamsson, Project Director for the Volvo C30. He adds, "Another appealing possibility, of course, is that the C30 will be the second car for families with children.”

Confident design and a fast silhouette
The design of the production-ready C30 is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept that was first shown at the North American International Auto Show last January. The assertive front clip is retained from the Design Concept, with its angled headlamps and low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings in contrasting materials, and the sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows. This is created by the narrowing roof and incorporating the wide shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark.

The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate. The spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate is available in two different versions.

“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognize the exclusive and convenient glass tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will ever be uncertain about which car they have in front of them,” says Volvo Car’s Design Director Steve Mattin.

A Product of Free Will
The possibility of adapting the car to their personal taste is high on the wish list among the intended buyers. When the new C30 hits the US, a wide array of factory installed options and retailer installed accessories will be available for the customer to personalize the car their way. Styling items like a sport steering wheel, unique inlays, 18-inch wheels and a choice of deck spoilers are just a few items that will allow customers to exercise their free will.

Room for four adults
The new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seating positions in the rear seat, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centered to provide a feeling of spaciousness and excellent forward visibility. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier. The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating center stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.

Target 65,000 cars a year
The Volvo C30 will be unveiled for the public at the Paris Motor Show in September, and production will begin at the end of 2006. The volume target is 65,000 cars a year. Volvo expects that 75 percent of the buyers will be in Europe. The largest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, the USA, France, Sweden, and Holland.

The new C30 will make a firm impression in a segment that is new for Volvo – and the intention is that at least three out of four Volvo C30s will find customers who do not currently drive a Volvo.

“I am convinced that the new C30 will be a great success. Since we displayed the concept car in Detroit, it has become one of the market’s most talked about and eagerly awaited newcomers.” said Kerssemakers.

Posted by Frank at 05:54 PM | Comments (0)

2007 Kia Amanti

Premium Midsize Sedan Boasts Contemporary Styling, Luxury Amenities and Class-Leading Safety and Warranty

The 2007 Amanti is the flagship model for Kia. Amanti continues with the unique combination of luxury, style, performance and value that helped it earn the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Award in the mid-size sedan segment. The Amanti has impressed many since its introduction and Kia continues to enhance its flagship sedan, most notably with a new, 3.8-liter aluminum engine providing 264 horsepower, a lighter platform with modified suspension and significant exterior and interior styling upgrades.

Various all-new features also were added to the 2007 Amanti. Among them 17-inch wheels available in chrome finish and optional power adjustable pedals for increased comfort while driving.

In addition to the larger 3.8-liter engine and upgraded suspension and styling, a host of amenities have been strategically packaged into the vehicle, increasing Amanti's value even more. Standard features include eight airbags, dual zone automatic temperature control, power front seats with power four-way lumbar setting for driver's seat and front active headrests.

Improved Handling and Performance

The Amanti's all-new, 3.8-liter aluminum DOHC V6 engine delivers 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 32-percent increase in power over its predecessor. This new powerplant, coupled with the five-speed automatic Sportmatic(TM) transmission, delivers improved fuel economy while outperforming competitive V6 engines from the Buick Lucerne, Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Ford 500 and Chrysler 300.

A lighter platform (251 pounds lighter than the previous Amanti) with a modified suspension delivers improved handling performance while retaining good ride comfort, and a precise power rack-and-pinion steering system provides direct road surface feedback to the driver. Credit the Amanti's smooth ride to its fully independent suspension, featuring gas pressurized shocks, a front double wishbone and rear multi-link setup that provides dynamic characteristics most commonly associated with high-end luxury cars.

Contemporary and Upscale Redesigned Exterior

Significant exterior styling changes to the 2007 Amanti make for an upscale sedan that adds elements of sportiness. Redesigned areas include the hood, front grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, trunk deck lid, tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and rear quarter panels, which combined yield a bold, eye-catching look.

Luxury Interior Styling, Comfort and Convenience

Building on the sedan's stylish exterior, Amanti also adds considerable styling changes by continuing the same flowing lines and gently curved surfaces to the interior. Within the 106 cubic feet of passenger space, passengers are enveloped in a luxurious blend of rich materials and natural forms. Standard chrome interior door handles, wood trim and a leather-covered armrest add refined value and contribute to the overall upscale feel. Thanks to intelligent use of its 58.5 inches in height and 110.2-inch wheelbase, the Amanti offers 40 inches of front headroom and 44.5 inches of front legroom.

The cargo area also has ample storage capacity -- 15.9 cubic feet -- enough room for up to four sets of golf clubs. The high opening angle of the trunk lid is controlled by gas-assisted struts that protect cargo, and an available luggage net restrains lighter items from rolling around in the trunk.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio remote controls and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink(R) are among many standard features found on the 2007 Amanti, while new sporty white-blue interior illumination enhances interior ambiance.

Additional standard equipment includes an AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system with six speakers, one-touch up-and-down power windows, power door locks with keyless remote, heated mirrors, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and a four-way power front passenger seat, as well as a full-size spare tire, power sunroof with sliding sunshade and variable intermittent front wipers.

Safety in Abundance

A safety leader, the Amanti has more standard airbags (eight) than any other vehicle in its segment, including dual front advanced airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The 2007 Amanti also adds standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to its extensive list of standard safety features.

Other standard safety features include four anti-pinch windows -- which sense obstructions and automatically roll down -- height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones. On the active safety front, Amanti features a standard four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), which apportions braking force front and rear according to the vehicle's load distribution.

Electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist are available in the affordably-priced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) package, which helps control the vehicle in the event of a severe stop, applying the brakes to individual wheels while reducing engine power to help bring the vehicle safely back on its intended course.

Packaged Options

The 2007 Amanti offers several option packages. The Leather Package includes leather seat trim, memory setting for driver's seat and outside mirrors, heated front seats, an Infinity AM/FM/CDC audio system with nine speakers, a four-inch monitor with trip computer and power adjustable pedals. The new Premium Package requires the Leather Package and adds exclusive black interior color, Supervision meter cluster, aluminum interior trim and 17-inch tires with chrome wheels. The new Wheel Package consists of 235/55R17 tires and machined alloy wheels. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Package includes electronic stability control and brake assist.

Posted by Frank at 05:50 PM | Comments (0)

Acura 'Advanced Sedan Concept' Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES -- The Acura "Advanced Sedan Concept" made its world debut today at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Created by Acura's Los Angeles-based advanced design team, the concept features a modern, powerful exterior while retaining an ultra luxurious feel.

"The Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura's commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style," said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations. "With our advanced design team taking a significant role in shaping future vehicle design, we can expect upcoming products to reflect this progressive, forward-thinking styling."

The Advanced Sedan Concept is the purest expression of advanced design, performance and luxury, highlighted by its powerful, wide stance and deeply sculpted surfaces. The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.

The concept's generous exterior proportions suggest that a large, powerful engine lurks beneath the surface. The exterior lines reveal a sheer, sculpted lower body contrasted with a taut, architectural cabin. Although ultra-modern in its design, the concept retains the classic silhouette associated with a flagship sedan.

Low to the ground, the concept is anchored by large 22 inch front and 23 inch rear tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful brake discs and calipers accent the wheels and large ducts direct cooling air to the components. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept's muscular appearance.

The sleek, compact cockpit nestles atop the sculpted body and flows from hood to trunk. For a unique panoramic view, the roof is constructed entirely of tinted glass that shades the occupants while still connecting them to the outside world.

"We wanted to capture the essence of an ultra luxurious sedan but give it a striking, mysterious presence to create a vehicle with a dual personality," said Dave Marek, chief designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "The concept echoes this quality with its clean exterior lines, a wide, stance, high performance cues and key luxury accents."

The hood is accented with pronounced character lines that culminate in the aggressive five-sided grille, which contributes to the sedan's bold presence. The commanding grille is constructed of polished aluminum and features a cut crystal Acura emblem. The narrow headlights also double as air intakes and are positioned low on the bumper, further enhancing the sedan's already commanding 79.5 inch width.

"The front of the sedan communicates power and luxury," explains Marek. "The pronounced hood and large grille communicate performance, while the jewel-like Acura emblem captures the essence of pure luxury."

In the rear, the Advanced Sedan Concept has a flush mounted rear bumper with the high-mounted stop lamp integrated into the center break of the trunk. The jeweled taillights are pushed to the outer edge of the bumper to further enhance the vehicle's wide and low appearance, while integrated dual exhaust outlets complement the sedan's performance-oriented style.

During the past decade, several Acura vehicles have been designed and developed in the U.S. including the award winning MDX luxury SUV, the innovative TL performance luxury sedan and the all-new RDX turbocharged crossover SUV. Acura will continue the expansion of its U.S. design capabilities with the addition of a dedicated Acura Design Center that will open next year in Torrance, CA.

Posted by Frank at 05:44 PM | Comments (0)

Honda REMIX Concept Shines Brightly at Los Angeles Auto Show

Styling Concept Mixes Sports Car Attitude With Everyday Functionality

The Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on agile and fun-to-drive performance that can also provide exceptional practicality as a daily driver.

Sports car in shape and design, the low-slung REMIX features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience. The aluminum-color exterior accentuates every line and curve in the geometric, yet fluid styling. Capable of delivering more than just driving performance, the rear storage area supplies generous cargo room.

"Pure Honda to the core, the REMIX concept vehicle focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun-to-drive philosophy," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality."

The REMIX small sport concept is a product of the Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Purely a design concept, the vehicle is fashioned around a front-wheel drive small car platform with a 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A sport suspension, along with aggressive tires and brakes, further supplement its performance side.

"The REMIX blends familiar Honda themes into a new, fresh design," said Ben Davidson, REMIX lead designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "Smooth and fluid surfaces provide a sports car identity to the geometric shapes that form the functional aspect of this vehicle."

Honda R&D Americas, Inc., began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 30 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products like the Honda Ridgeline, Pilot, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.

The company will operate 10 major facilities in North America with the addition of two new design centers by the end of 2007. More than 1,300 designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura passenger cars, motorcycles and power equipment products for North America and global markets. Its main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance) responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio) responsible for complete product development, testing and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and two dynamic test facilities in Mojave Desert, California, and East Liberty, Ohio.

Posted by Frank at 05:40 PM | Comments (0)

Honda FCX Concept on Display at Los Angeles Auto Show

Fully Functional Next-Generation Fuel Cell Vehicle Makes First Public Debut in U.S.

A fully functional Honda FCX Concept vehicle will be on display for the first time to the general public at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The FCX Concept features a newly developed compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack as well as a low-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

To meet Honda objectives for significant gains in both environmental and driving performance, the FCX Concept is equipped with a V Flow fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout. This has allowed designers to create an elegant, low-riding, sedan form that would have been difficult to achieve in a conventional fuel cell vehicle. This new fuel cell stack is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the current FCX FC Stack, yet its power output is 14kW greater. The drive motor has been positioned coaxially with the gearbox for a more compact design, with output increased by 15kW. Overall, the power plant is about 180kg lighter than that of the current FCX and about 40 percent smaller in volume. The result is improved energy efficiency and performance along with a more spacious interior.

While with previous fuel cell stacks the hydrogen and the water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally, the new FCX Concept features vertical-flow design. This allows gravity to assist in discharging the water that is produced, resulting in a major improvement in water drainage, key to high-efficiency fuel stack performance. The result is stable power generation under a broad range of conditions, and higher output from a smaller package. Low-temperature startup has also been significantly improved, enabling cold-weather starts at temperatures 10 degrees C lower than the current FCX -- as low as minus 30 degrees C.

As an auxiliary power source, the FCX Concept carries a compact, high-efficiency lithium ion battery, contributing to increased power output and a more compact power plant. These efficiency improvements to major power plant components give the vehicle a travel range approximately 30 percent greater than the current FCX. The vehicle is also highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of around 60 percent -- approximately three times that of a gasoline-engine vehicle, twice that of a hybrid vehicle, and 10 percent better than the current FCX.

Other features include seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant-based material that offers outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight damage. Other improvements such as Shift-by-Wire and a newly designed instrument panel with easy-to-read display of hydrogen fuel consumption facilitate improved ease of operation.

The new fuel cell vehicle currently under development for release in 2008, will feature the principle technologies of the FCX Concept to achieve a new dimension in environmentally friendly driving pleasure not found with gasoline-engine vehicles.

Posted by Frank at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)

Mercedes-Benz to Launch New Model for Advertising Agencies in 2007

Stuttgart -- Starting in 2007, Mercedes-Benz will be realigning the worldwide partnerships with its advertising agencies: Implementing the decision made in the summer of this year, Jung von Matt will become the lead agency for Mercedes-Benz in the automaker’s home market of Germany as well as in Austria and Switzerland, effective January 1, 2007.

The agency will be responsible for drawing up and implementing international marketing concepts. The adaptation of the campaigns in the markets will be carried out in the future by the agency BBDO worldwide through its large international network of agencies. In the U.S., UK, France, Italy, Spain and Japan, Mercedes-Benz will continue to work with its agency partners.

Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars: “The new agency model is the basis for globally integrated brand communication activities using every tool at our disposal. By reorganizing our partnerships with the agencies, we are aiming to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing activities worldwide not only in terms of quality, but also time and costs.” The new agency model’s stronger links to the markets and standardization of marketing measures also makes it possible to consistently implement the new brand positioning worldwide.

As the lead agency, Jung von Matt will be responsible for the key strategic and creative tasks associated with the communication of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Following a comprehensive international selection process, Mercedes-Benz chose the agency network BBDO worldwide for the global adaptation of communication measures to the local needs and requirements.

The network agency’s main task will be to adapt marketing activities developed at Mercedes-Benz headquarters to the needs of national markets, to facilitate the transfer of knowledge with the markets, and to combine creative and production services. By means of this new agency model, Mercedes-Benz is creating synergy effects and streamlining the processes within the worldwide marketing organization.

Posted by Frank at 05:32 PM | Comments (0)

MINI wins resale honors

"Best Resale Value in Hatchback Category" "Best Resale Value in Convertible Category" and Top 10 Scorer Overall

Los Angeles, CA -- MINI took home three honors in Kelley Blue Book's "2007 Best Resale Value Awards". MINI was awarded two top spots with "Best Resale Value" in the Hatchback category and "Best Resale Value" in the Convertible category. In addition, the MINI Cooper has achieved a spot in the list of models ranked with the Top 10 Best Resale Value.

“As a testament to the MINI Cooper’s unwavering appeal, both the hatchback and convertible versions top their respective categories in this year’s resale value awards,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “With an additional placement in the overall top 10, the expressive and fun MINI remains a resale champion.”

“We are overjoyed to receive this recognition from Kelley Blue Book for the MINI,” noted Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “We are committed to offering our owners outstanding value in areas of performance, safety and fun. The overwhelming enthusiasm MINI owners have for their car is a testament of our commitment and we see strong resale value as an important indicator of our efforts.”

Kelley Blue Book’s resale values are projections based on current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition in segment, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts. Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period.

Posted by Frank at 05:30 PM | Comments (0)

Vote for Kansas' Greatest Hometown Heroes

National Vote Underway for All-Time Greatest Heroes - Five per State - In 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards

Vote for Top Heroes at www.volvoforlifeawards.com; $1 Million in Financial Contributions Provided; Winner Receives Volvo Car for Life

Who would you give a Volvo to? How about Richard LaMunyon of Wichita, who created the single largest grassroots fundraising and awareness activity for the Special Olympics movement? Or Robin Pool of Derby, who founded an organization to teach individuals how to train service dogs for the disabled? Or Tom Prichard of Overland Park, who founded Sudan Sunrise to increase the number of Americans partnering with Sudanese relief groups?

These are just three of the five extraordinary Kansas heroes named as semi-finalists in the 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards -- Volvo's annual search for hometown heroes across America. This year, in honor of the Awards' 5th anniversary, Volvo selected the top five heroes from every state in America and is asking the American public to visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to vote for their favorites now through February 4, 2007.

Who in Kansas would you give a Volvo to? Representing Kansas in this year's Volvo for life Awards are:

* In 1981 Retired Chief Richard LaMunyon of the Wichita Police Department
founded the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR). The
LETR for Special Olympics has become the single largest grassroots
fundraising and awareness activity for the Special Olympics movement.
In 2004, 85,000 law enforcement officers served as "Guardians of the
Flame," carrying the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" to the opening
ceremonies of hundreds of local, regional, national and international
Special Olympics Games. LETR has generated more than $336 million in
financial support for the Special Olympics movement.

* In January 2005, eight-year old Abby Bridgewater of Culver was
diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To lift her spirits, she
began making fairy figures. What started as a hobby during treatment
soon blossomed into a grand giving gesture. Bridgewater now makes and
sells the fairies and has raised thousands of dollars for In the Arms
of Friends, a local charity that supports families of children
diagnosed with cancer.

* Dr. Sharon Lee of Kansas City established two non-profit health
clinics, Family Health Care and the Duchesne Clinic, to serve more than
12,000 underinsured and uninsured patients. Under the Family Health
Care umbrella she created the Permanency Planning Program to provide
custodial care for children with a parent dying of a terminal illness
(the program helps parents prepare legacy videos and letters) and the
Hepatitis C Program to educate and treat those suffering from this
disease.

* In 1998, Robin Pool of Derby founded the non-profit organization
Paws-Up, Inc. after years of working with her own service dog. Paws-Up
offers an owner-training program that empowers people with disabilities
to train their own dog as an assistance dog. The program has graduated
15 human/dog teams and is in the process of helping 16 more teams reach
their graduation goals. Pool leads weekly classes for Paws-Up and has
helped numerous disabled individuals, health professionals and
educators learn how to assistance train dogs.

* In early 2005, Tom Prichard of Overland Park left his job as mission
pastor to found Sudan Sunrise, an organization greatly increasing the
number of Americans partnering with Sudanese relief teams. Sudan
Sunrise led to the creation of the Sudanese Women's Movement, giving
Sudanese women, both Christian and Muslim, the opportunity to break
through old barriers of enmity, fight for peace and demand a better
future for their children.

Once the public vote concludes, the top three vote getters in the categories of safety, quality of life and environment will be named finalists. Then, a panel of distinguished judges -- including Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Val Kilmer, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and previous Volvo for life Awards top winners -- will select winners in each category. Winners receive a $50,000 charitable contribution from Volvo; remaining finalists receive a $25,000 contribution.

Volvo and members of the celebrity-judging panel will honor the winning heroes on April 5, 2007 at the 42nd St. Cipriani during the 5th Annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony. There, Volvo will reveal which of the three top heroes is also the Grand Award winner of a Volvo vehicle every three years for the rest of his or her life.

"Over the past five years the Volvo for life Awards initiative has received more than 15,000 hero nominations," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "All of these heroes demonstrate incredible conscience, care and character. Having the public help us select the winning heroes is a truly exciting -- and democratic -- addition to this year's program."

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

Posted by Frank at 05:27 PM | Comments (0)

Study: nearly half of Americans won't look at Japanese pickups

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Brand Origin Continues to Play a Critical Role in Vehicle Consideration by Large Pickup Truck Buyers

Vehicle Styling Is the Top Reason Consumers Avoid Consideration of Some Models

Although the large pickup truck segment encompasses both domestic and import brands, vehicle brand origin continues to be a top reason new-vehicle buyers avoid certain large truck models, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study(SM) released today.

The study, which examines the reasons consumers fail to consider particular models when shopping for a new vehicle, finds that nearly one-half (48%) of buyers of domestic-branded large pickup trucks avoid import models within the segment because they specifically do not want an import-branded truck. Conversely, 33 percent of import buyers report the same with regard to domestic large pickups. Domestic-branded truck buyers also report avoiding large pickup trucks from import brands primarily because they did not like the look or design (33%), and also believed the pickup was not rugged enough (20%).

However, very few buyers of domestic large pickup trucks question the reliability of the two import brands, with only 5 percent avoiding models for this reason. Conversely, reliability is one of the top reasons import large pickup buyers avoid a domestic brand, with 25 percent avoiding domestic models based on reliability concerns. The perception of poor reliability as a reason for avoidance can also have a long-term impact on a brand or model. For example, buyers may avoid a brand or model today due to reliability issues that occurred several years ago.

"With the fully redesigned Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra being launched for the 2007 model year, the large pickup truck segment is steadily being refreshed and diversified," said Steve Witten, executive director of marketing research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Making updates and improvements to vehicles can be critical in addressing buyer concerns, especially among buyers who shy away from models because of styling or reliability based on brand origin perceptions. These enhancements can go a long way toward improving buyer confidence and changing opinions."

The study also finds that across all vehicle segments, styling continues to be the top reason buyers avoid considering some models, with nearly 50 percent of all avoiders indicating that the look/design of the model was a reason for avoidance. Styling typically determines the buyer's first impression of a model, and if a buyer dislikes the styling, they generally will not pursue that model any further. Vehicle styling, reliability and high cost, respectively, represent the top three product reasons for avoidance.

Top 10 Reasons for Avoiding a Vehicle

1. Styling (45%) 6. Too small (14%)
2. Reliability (23%) 7. Poor gas mileage (12%)
3. Costs too much (20%) 8. Not comfortable enough (11%)
4. Resale value (16%) 9. Lacked performance (10%)
5. Poor quality (15%) 10. Lacked options/features (9%)

The 2006 Avoider Study is based on responses from more than 39,000 owners who registered a new vehicle in May 2006.

Posted by Frank at 05:25 PM | Comments (0)

American Honda to Equip More Than 650,000 Vehicles with XM Satellite Radio For 2007

XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio with more than seven million subscribers, today announced that American Honda Motor Co., Inc., one of the world's most successful automotive brands, will factory- install XM in more than 650,000 of its 2007 model year vehicles.

A record number of Honda and Acura brand passenger cars and trucks are arriving at dealer showrooms able to deliver more than 170 channels of XM music, news, sports, talk, traffic, weather and entertainment programming.

Honda was an original strategic partner in the launch of XM, and introduced its first factory-installed XM vehicles in 2003. Honda produced more than 200,000 vehicles with XM in 2004; over 400,000 in 2005; over 550,000 in 2006; and is projecting production of more than 650,000 factory-installed XM units for 2007 model vehicles.

"The rapidly increasing availability and volume of Honda and Acura vehicles with XM Satellite Radio speaks to the attractiveness of XM programming to both new and certified pre-owned car buyers," said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive for XM Satellite Radio. "XM complements the exceptional driving experience Honda and Acura owners have come to expect."

XM Satellite Radio is a factory-installed feature on 2007 Honda models including Motor Trend's 2006 Car of The Year, the Honda Civic, and 2006 Truck of The Year, the Honda Ridgeline. Additional 2007 Honda models that include factory-installed XM are the Honda Accord, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda CRV, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey and Honda Element.

XM is also a standard factory-installed feature on all 2007 Acura models. XM's real time traffic service is also available on an expanded number of Acura models, including the RL, TL, RDX and MDX.

Every Honda and Acura vehicle with factory-installed XM also comes standard with a three-month complimentary subscription to XM's audio service.

Posted by Frank at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)

Chrysler Sponsoring Patti LaBelle' 'A Christmas with Grace' Live Concert in Detroit

"The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle" tour comes to Greater Grace Temple presented by Chrysler and offers a look at the new 2007 Aspen SUV

Her voice is legendary, and she's one of music's most celebrated recording artists. The incomparable Patti LaBelle headlines "A Christmas with Grace" at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. It all happens on Friday, December 1, 2006. Start time is 7:00 p.m.

This holiday concert is part of LaBelle's nationwide tour presented by American Airlines and Chrysler. In fact, the capacity crowd expected to pack out Greater Grace's 4,000-seat auditorium will also get an up-close look at Chrysler's new 2007 Aspen SUV as well as other new models at the event.

Appearing with LaBelle are two of gospel's hottest talents, Grammy Award winning singer Yolanda Adams and Detroit's own rising star J Moss. The Greater Grace Temple Mass Choir is slated to open the concert with some special Christmas favorites.

The tour, which highlights the release of her new album "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle," is what her fans all over the world have been waiting for. Patti and her producers have put together a powerful collection of gospel songs. She will perform a number of songs from the album at the concert.

The general admission tickets are only $35 and are available at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road in Detroit, MI. They're also available at God's World in Detroit, as well as online at http://www.greatergrace.org/ and http://www.pattilabellegospel.com/ .

Posted by Frank at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)

All-New 2007 Kia Rondo Makes U.S. Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Kia Beefs Up Product Line, Enters Crossover Vehicle Segment With New Model

Kia Motors America (KMA) today added a fresh face to its vehicle lineup by unveiling the all-new 2007 Kia Rondo, designed to completely change the way consumers think about the crossover segment, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A brand-new model for North America, Rondo encompasses Kia's "Power to Surprise" tag line and fits perfectly into the company's evolving image as a leader in safety and value.

"The all-new Rondo is a perfect addition to further Kia's growth in the U.S. market, and allows us to be even more competitive, especially in the ever-expanding crossover vehicle segment," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "By broadening our product selection, and with the news of our vehicles' high level of comfort, quality and performance spreading throughout the industry, more consumers will be attracted to the Kia brand when considering a future vehicle purchase."

Smooth, Clean Exterior Lines (Car Stylatude)

The Rondo instantly garners attention with its fresh, clean look thanks to a modern dynamic shape. Available in LX and EX trim levels, standard LX features include body-colored door handles, body-colored side moldings and black front grille crossbars packaged with newly designed 16-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 205/60HR16 tires. Upgrading to an EX adds fog lights, 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 225/50R17 Michelin tires. Chrome accents, which are standard on the EX, include exterior door handles, side moldings and front grille crossbars. Integrated roof rails -- sans crossbars -- also is standard on EX models and available on most LX trims. The easy-on-the-eyes exterior shape of Rondo can be further enhanced by an accessory body kit, which includes fender flares, front/rear/side fascia extensions and a lower rear spoiler. An upper rear spoiler as well as roof rack crossbars are available as standalone options. Exterior color choices include two completely new Kia colors, Urban Gray and Fine Silver.

Roomy Interior Provides Versatility (Huge Cabinocity, Seat Flexology)

Exterior refinement continues to flow into the cabin. Standard features include flat woven seat fabric, an AM/FM/CD tuner with four speakers and air conditioning (for most models) along with power windows, door locks and mirrors. The EX upgrades to Double Raschel seat fabric; an MP3-capable AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo with front tweeters and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; illuminated vanity mirrors; and metal-finish interior door handles. Additional packaging options accentuate the interior to near-luxury status. The Convenience Package (LX) adds cruise control and keyless entry; the Leather Package (EX) adds heated leather seats; and the Premium Package (EX) adds a power sunroof and upgraded 10-speaker Infinity AM/FM/MP3-capable 315-watt digital audio system with in-dash six-CD changer and 7.5-inch subwoofer.

Inside Rondo, an immediate sense of spaciousness in the legroom and headroom departments is evident. The standard five- and optional seven-passenger seating configurations will appeal to consumers looking for the functionality of a minivan, but not the size and heft. Slightly taller and wider than its closest competitor, the Mazda5, the Rondo provides a comfortable front row with 41.6 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom. Second-row space is fixed at 40.2 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom, regardless of a five- or seven-passenger seating layout. The optional third-row seating offers a sensible 35.1 inches of headroom and 31.3 inches of legroom, more than enough room to accommodate the average-sized adult. And when optioned with the third row, Rondo's second row adjusts with a forward/backward sliding range of nearly one foot in travel.

The versatile second-row seats also provide the flexibility of a 60/40 multi-fold split, while the third row folds down in a 50/50 split. Additionally, both rows fold completely flat for maximized cargo room. Practicality does not sacrifice comfort as the driver's seat offers six-way adjustments, including height adjustment, and the front passenger offers four-way adjustments. In addition, each passenger is well taken care of with an abundance of storage cubbies and multiple cup holders located in every row.

Optima-Based, Car-Like Attitude and Performance (Giddyupidness)

Under the hood Rondo is built from a solid foundation derived from Kia's new-generation Optima and shares engine, transmission and chassis components. Available with either a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter sixty-degree V6, Rondo performs with finesse, despite its slightly larger dimensions. The four-cylinder delivers 162 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque while the six-cylinder produces 182 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder comes with a four-speed automatic whereas the V6 is equipped with a five-speed automatic, both with a standard Sportmatic(TM) shift.

The front-wheel drive Rondo utilizes independent front and rear suspensions. Situated in front are MacPherson struts with coil springs while the rear's multi-link and coil springs complete the layout to provide a comfortable, balanced ride. Standard front and rear anti-roll bars are calibrated for precise and responsive handling, while the hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering's effort and feel are tuned accordingly.

Class-Leading Safety

The Kia brand has an established history in addressing vehicle safety, and the all-new Rondo is no exception with an unprecedented amount of standard equipment. Part of the vehicle's advanced supplemental restraint system (SRS) are six standard airbags: advanced dual front, dual front seat-mounted side and full-length side curtains. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a four-channel four-wheel Anti-Lock Disc Braking System (ABS) help maintain vehicle control during difficult driving conditions. Front active headrests coupled with side-impact door beams, an energy-absorbing steering column and front crumple zone provide more passenger protection. A Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also standard on all models.

Peace-of-Mind Warranty

As with all Kia models, Rondo comes with Kia's Total Protection Package, exceptional vehicle coverage that includes a 10-year/100,00-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and 5-years/60,000-miles of 24-hour Roadside Assistance. One-year/12,000-mile tire and road hazard protection as well as a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty are added benefits to consumers.

Posted by Frank at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)

Audi R8 Features Delphi's Revolutionary MagneRide Semi-Active Suspension

Audi's mid-engined sports car joins the Audi TT in offering Delphi's MagneRide suspension

Controlled fluid damping technology continues to gain acceptance in Europe

Audi's new R8 road-going sports car, which incorporates the genes of the five-time Le Mans winning race car, will join the Audi TT in featuring Delphi Corporation's revolutionary MagneRide suspension technology.

Called Audi Magnetic Ride this innovative technology uses magneto- rheological fluid-filled dampers to provide continuously variable real-time suspension damping control. The system offers increased damper tuning capability, a very large range of damping, and faster response over valve- based controlled suspension systems. Audi Magnetic Ride delivers both maximum driving dynamics and superior road isolation that results in excellent driver comfort.

Furthermore, drivers can choose from two driving programs with a console- mounted two-position driver preference switch depending on whether they want to drive with maximum road feel and control, or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.

Principle of Delphi's MagneRide technology

Delphi's MagneRide semi-active suspension uses magneto-rheological fluid to provide continuously variable real-time suspension damping control. It responds in real time to road and driving conditions based on input from sensors that monitor vehicle body and wheel motion.

"The legendary success of the racing Audi R8 is well-known," said Daniel Warrell, Delphi Chassis Product Business Unit executive. "We are delighted to apply MagneRide to its road-going namesake."

Audi Magnetic Ride is based on a magneto-rheological principle. When in a magnetic field, small iron particles in the suspension fluid align themselves in the direction of the magnetic flux. The electromagnetic coil is integrated into the damper piston in such a way that when it is energized the magnetic flux runs exactly transversely to the admission ports in the damper piston. As the piston moves, the aligned iron particles cling together and create flow resistance in the flowing suspension fluid.

The greater the energy applied and the stronger the magnetic field, the greater the attractive force between the iron particles, thereby creating greater resistance and damping power. The energy is controlled in relation to driving dynamics and impulses from the road. This means for every road situation optimal damping power is available. This damping power produces -- according to OEM desire -- a more comfortable feel or sportier vehicle handling.

The control of these dampers is done by an electronic controller that communicates with the vehicle's sensors and other chassis controllers in order to determine the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds.

Application

Audi uses the magneto-rheological dampers for both comfort and sport. In its basic mode, the suspension allows for a more comfortable vehicle feel. In sport mode, the vehicle offers a more responsive ride thanks to a push of a button.

Because of the greater emphasis on ride comfort in the basic mode, maximum comfort is assured when driving over long distances or uneven surfaces.

The greater emphasis on precise and responsive handling in the sport mode results in even better control at the limit. It also optimally suppresses the transient rolling tendency of the car's body in corners.

Benefits

Because damper valving is eliminated by using magneto-rheological controlled fluid within the damper, the Delphi technology has a very short response time. The damping force is only dependent on the power applied to the magneto-rheological fluid and can be adjusted up to 1,000 times a second. Thanks to the nearly instantaneous and variable control of the power, the damping force can also be set anywhere in the broad range between the full soft and the full firm settings. This means the magneto-rheological dampers respond in real time and with great sensitivity to impulses from the road. The control system loop uses an enhanced Skyhook control strategy to ensure the greatest possible road-to-wheel contact on uneven road surfaces with the least impulse to the car body. This means that the new Audi R8 with Magnetic Ride has superb agility, great driving dynamics and outstanding ride comfort.

For Audi, the low-energy requirements of the system are another benefit. On average, a damper requires just 5 watts of electrical capacity (25 watts at a maximum).

Delphi's magneto-rheological monotube damper requires roughly the same space requirements as conventional dampers or struts. If required, Delphi can supply the complete semi-active system with dampers and struts including the sensors and the control unit.

For more information about Delphi Corporation (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ), visit Delphi's media room at http://www.delphi.com/ .

Posted by Frank at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)

GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Saturn Vue Green Line Will Use Modified 2-mode Hybrid System, Lithium Ion Battery

LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM’s 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy.

"GM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The technological hurdles are real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can’t give you a production date for our plug-in hybrid today. But I can tell you that this is a top priority program for GM, given the huge potential it offers for fuel-economy improvement.”

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.

The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV’s powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM’s 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.

When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system’s electric motors and regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It maintains two driving modes – one for city driving, the other for highway driving – and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time.

The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM’s ambitious effort to offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of affordability:

* This year, the GM Hybrid system, an affordable belt-alternator starter hybrid technology, debuted in the Vue Green Line front-wheel-drive SUV.

* In 2007, the GM Hybrid system will expand to the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel-drive midsize sedans.

* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.

* In 2008, the 2-mode hybrid system will expand to the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew cab full-size pickups. The Escalade will offer all-wheel drive, while the Silverado and Sierra will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

* In 2008, the first front-wheel-drive application of the 2-mode hybrid system, will debut – without plug-in technology – in the Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will offer customers a choice of the GM Hybrid system or the 2-mode hybrid system.

* In 2009, an electric all-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system will be introduced in the Vue Green Line.

“GM plans to introduce a new hybrid system annually for the next several years, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance,” said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. “This strategy will allow more consumers to benefit from our hybrid technologies, while providing the opportunity to reduce our country’s petroleum consumption.”

Posted by Frank at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)

Total 2006 auto output said to hit decade low

North American 2006 Year-End Output to Tumble Bringing Total 2006 Auto Production to a 10-year Low

November's North American production outlook is revised slightly upward, although Ward's AutoForecasts still calls for a downturn (8.5%) from year-ago, to be followed by an 8.8% decline in December.

Ward's AutoForecasts calls for overall production for 2006 to end at a 10- year low. November's revised output forecast calls for an additional 23,000 units from last month's outlook to 1.247 million. Most of the add-on is spread out among several auto makers.

December production should reach 1.063 million vehicles, compared with year-ago's 1.166 million.

In the U.S., alone, production is forecast to decline 8.1% and 9.4%, respectively, in November and December.

November's seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of production now is forecast at 10.8 million units, up from October's 10.5 million but well below year-ago's 11.7 million. The December SAAR equates to 11.0 million, compared with like-2005's 11.2 million.

The fourth-quarter U.S. SAAR is 10.7 million units vs. prior-quarter's 10.9 million and year-ago's 11.8 million.

North America will end 2006 at 15.78 million units, 3.3% below 2005's 16.32 million and the lowest output since 15.45 million in 1996.

By country, the U.S. will produce 11.20 million vehicles in 2006, 6.2% below 2005 and a 13-year low. Canada's output is forecast to slip 4.7% from year-ago to 2.56 million, a sharp contrast from the peak 3.06 million in 1999.

Mexico's plants will buck the trend with a forecast 19.6% increase over last year, topping 2 million for the first time. Mexico's output is expected to total 2.01 million units, compared with year-ago's 1.68 million, besting the previous high of 1.92 million in 2000.

New products from the '06 model year have helped the Mexican surge.

Ford Motor Co. S.A. de C.V.'s 162% jump in output from 2005 largely is due to its Hermosillo plant, where production of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan began in late 2005 and a third shift was added in January.

The third vehicle in the trio of sedans, the Lincoln Zephyr, ceased production in June, and its successor, the Lincoln MKZ, was launched the first weekend in September.

Production of the Chevrolet HHR cross/utility vehicle spurred a significant gain for General Motors de Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Canada's results were hindered by a decline in demand for minivans offered by Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG, both of which build the vehicles at plants in Ontario. A drop in production of large pickups at General Motors Corp. also contributed to the decline.

U.S. output in the year has been hurt by declines nearly across the board.

Ford is forecast to see a 16.6% drop in its U.S. output, while DC, GM, Nissan North American Inc. and Toyota Motor Engineering and Mfg. North America Inc. also will record declines compared with 2005.

A reduction in the output of SUVs and pickup trucks primarily is responsible for the falloff.

North American production is expected to rise slightly in 2007 in Canada and Mexico and stay relatively flat in the U.S.

Ward's AutoForecasts details forecast North American production by manufacturer, plant, platform and vehicle line. A product of Ward's Automotive Group, Ward's AutoForecasts draws from Ward's extensive automotive database and from the many experts employed at Ward's for our news, data and analysis services.

Posted by Frank at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)

Goodyear Develops New NASCAR Cam Drive Belt

Heading into the final ten- race chase for the title, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Champion Jimmy Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports made gambles on and off the track to find increased performance.

One bet was made on a new ultra-high-tech Goodyear Gatorback automotive camshaft timing belt that contains carbon fiber found in advanced composites.

Carbon fiber -- strong and flexible, weighing much less than steel of similar strength -- is added to heat- and oil-resistant rubber compounds for use in the belt's tooth and body construction, so both are stronger.

Earlier this year, Goodyear (NYSE:GT) introduced its Goodyear Eagle tire, featuring ResponsEdge Technology with carbon fiber.

Mike Gregg, Goodyear Engineered Products' chief belt engineer, said it's unusual to introduce a product upgrade late in the season, but "engine performance demands increased during the season and we didn't want to wait until the off-season to make changes."

Jim Wall, director of engine engineering for Hendrick Motorsports, contacted Gregg, looking for a timing belt that would tolerate a 25 percent increase in horsepower.

According to Jeff Andrews, engine program director for Hendrick Motorsports, "It was determined that a jump of that magnitude would increase the demand on the belt by 50 percent."

Andrew said the improved Gatorback timing belt with carbon fiber allows engines to run more efficiently, handles increased loads and higher temperatures better, and provides precise timing in a very harsh environment.

"Goodyear came through for us," he said. "They designed, developed, tested and delivered the latest Gatorback belt in just seven weeks, making it available to all race teams, as we headed into the ten-race Chase to the Championship."

Before the season ended, drivers on the Hendrick team using the new Gatorback belt included Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Brian Vickers and Terry Labonte. Other race teams also tested and used the belt.

"We were ecstatic about the belt's performance," said Wall. "The size and weight of our cam drive components remained the same, but their performance increased dramatically."

Gregg said the rapid product development process required to keep up with NASCAR race teams helps drive Goodyear's cutting-edge technology in the automotive aftermarket. For example, the same Gatorback Poly-V belts chosen by all NASCAR teams are available straight-off-the-shelf in major auto part stores and auto service centers."

According to Gregg, when conventional timing belts engage under extreme load with sprockets, tooth deflection or deformation occurs. Deflection affects a camshaft's precise timing of opening and closing air valves in sync with its crankshaft and pistons.

Gatorback's new carbon-fiber compound and belt construction virtually eliminate tooth deflection.

Wall said, "Less tooth deflection means more horsepower, and Gatorback's strength and consistency provide accurate ignition timing, which we continuously strive to improve."

Gregg said the belt's tooth face is made from nylon, with a patented polymer alloy coating that reduces friction and wear and withstands temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the belt's cord is made using high-strength glass with finer, stronger filaments than that found in most timing belts."

Goodyear Engineered Products is the exclusive NASCAR Performance licensee of automotive aftermarket belts and hose. More information is available at http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/.

Posted by Frank at 05:09 PM | Comments (0)

Lithia Toyota of Medford Raises Money for Living Opportunities

Lithia Toyota of Medford has joined in the effort to reach out to Rogue Valley's most needy and fragile citizens. For more than 30 years, Living Opportunities, Inc. has been doing that and more by assisting people with developmental disabilities achieve their "greatest potential for independent living."

Lithia Toyota of Medford joined other area residents and businesses in the important effort to help the community's needy by donating $5,000 raised from the Priority You program to Living Opportunities at this year's Livin' Lovin' Lunchin held on November 28 at Ashland's Springs Hotel.

"We are very excited to be a part of this year's Living Opportunities fundraising efforts," said Steve Philips, General Manager of Lithia Toyota of Medford. "During this time of year it is especially important to lend a helping hand and that's why Lithia Toyota and the community are making a difference together."

"We are so pleased to receive another generous donation from Lithia," said Roger Hassenpflug, Chief Executive Officer for Living Opportunities. "Every day we come closer to giving individuals with developmental disabilities a chance to work for the same employers, live in the same neighborhoods and have the same opportunities that each of us aspire to in our community."

Established in 1974, Living Opportunities has grown from a one group home serving 35 people to six 24-hour supervised residential homes now currently serving nearly 300 of our most fragile neighbors in Southern Oregon with residential care, supported living and vocational services. Living Opportunities focuses their support in areas including: employment, recreation, semi-independent living, 24-hour supervised residential and respite.

Source: Lithia Motors

Posted by Frank at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)

GMAC Financial Services Begins New Era as an Independent Financial Services Company

Improved Liquidity and Credit Profile, Expanded Business Opportunities Expected to Enhance Future Growth Prospects

NEW YORK - GMAC Financial Services opens its doors today as an independent global financial services company after 87 years as a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp.

GM today completed the sale of a majority equity stake in GMAC to an investment consortium led by Cerberus FIM Investors, LLC and including wholly owned subsidiaries of Citigroup, Inc., Aozora Bank Ltd. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. As a result of this transaction, GMAC expects to benefit from access to a lower cost of funds as it assumes a separate and independent credit profile and independent governance by a new board. In addition, GM and GMAC have entered into 10-year agreements under which GMAC will remain the exclusive provider of GM-sponsored auto finance programs and will continue to provide GM dealers and their customers with the same broad range of financial products and services as it does today.

GMAC's existing management team will remain in place and is led by Chief Executive Officer Eric Feldstein, President William Muir, and Chief Financial Officer Sanjiv Khattri.

"GMAC has had tremendous success -- more than $9.4 billion of net income since the beginning of 2003 -- during a time when our credit ratings were under pressure and our access to capital was constrained," said Feldstein. "This accomplishment reflects the consistently strong operating results of our core business units despite the funding challenges we encountered."

GMAC has established itself as the leading global auto finance company, the largest provider of automotive extended warranty and dealer vehicle inventory insurance, and a Top 10 participant in real estate finance with nine consecutive years of market share growth. The company has a superior asset origination capability -- more than $60 billion per year just in the auto segment -- and a world-class servicing capability in both auto and mortgage.

"The prospects for GMAC look quite promising as we now combine our existing business strengths with improved credit ratings, a more competitive cost of funds, and a strengthened capital base to support profitable growth," Feldstein said.

New GMAC Board of Directors Named

The company's new 13-member board was named today. The board includes independent members as well as representatives from the Cerberus-led consortium and GM. Ezra Merkin, a managing partner with Gabriel Capital Group, has been named non-executive chairman of the GMAC Board. Other members of the board are as follows:

* Walter Borst, General Motors Treasurer
* Frank Bruno, Cerberus Global Investments LLC President and Managing Director
* T.K. Duggan, Durham Asset Management co-founder
* Fritz Henderson, General Motors Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
* Douglas Hirsch, Seneca Capital founder and Managing Partner
* Michael Klein, Citigroup Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking
* Mark LaNeve, General Motors Vice President North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing
* Mark Neporent, Cerberus Capital Management L.P. Chief Operating Officer and Senior Managing Director
* Seth Plattus, Cerberus Capital Management L.P. Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Managing Director
* Bob Scully, Morgan Stanley Co-President
* Lenard Tessler, Cerberus Capital Management L.P. Managing Director
* Rick Wagoner, General Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The consortium, which will hold a 51-percent interest in GMAC, is committed to a long-term investment horizon through a five-year minimum hold period. Cerberus has also committed to reinvest all of its after-tax distributions into GMAC preferred stock in years 3-5 after closing.

"Cerberus Capital and the investor consortium are committed to a long-term partnership that will bring sustained growth, diversity of product offerings and lasting benefits to GMAC," said Mark Neporent, Cerberus' chief operating officer and senior managing director. "We're committed to helping GMAC compete even more effectively and continuing its tradition of strong growth and success. Cerberus has great confidence and respect for the people of GMAC and we look forward to the continued success of GMAC as an independent company."

GMAC's capital base has been bolstered by $1.9 billion through its issuance of preferred equity to GM ($1.4 billion) and Cerberus ($500 million). The company's previously announced $10 billion asset-backed facility, arranged through Citibank, will

offer an additional source of liquidity. Strengthened by the company's new ownership and independent governance structure, GMAC expects improved credit ratings will lead to lower-cost funding.

"Today marks an exciting new era for GMAC. Our improved capital position and credit profile enable us to play offense again," said Feldstein. "With a global franchise spanning nearly 40 countries, and world-class asset origination and servicing capabilities, GMAC is well positioned to generate increasing revenue at higher returns across all of our businesses long-term."

GMAC is a global financial services company that operates in approximately 40 countries, in auto finance, real estate finance, commercial finance and insurance businesses. With more than $300 billion in assets, it generated $2.5 billion in net income in 2005, on revenue of $19.2 billion.

Posted by Frank at 05:03 PM | Comments (0)

Kelley Blue Book Releases Residual Value Analysis

Honda and Acura Top 2007 List, Volkswagen Moves Up

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, today announces the 2007 model year vehicles that are expected to retain the greatest proportion of their original retail prices after five years of ownership. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are a reflection of current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition in each segment, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book's team of market and pricing analysts.

"Residual values have become an important indicator of brand perception in the marketplace and consumer purchase behavior," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "High resale value is a direct reflection of the perceived desirability of each brand and model."

The following 2007 model-year vehicles are expected to retain the greatest percentage of their original price over a five-year ownership period.

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND
Honda and Acura (tie)

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY
SEDAN: Acura TSX LUXURY: BMW 5 Series
COUPE: Honda Civic PICKUP: Toyota Tacoma
CONVERTIBLE: MINI Cooper SPORT UTILITY: Acura MDX
WAGON: Volkswagen Passat VAN / MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey
HATCHBACK: MINI Cooper HYBRID: Toyota Prius

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 MODELS (in alphabetical order)
Acura TSX Pontiac Solstice
BMW 5 Series Scion tC
Honda Civic Toyota Prius
Lexus IS Volkswagen GTI
MINI Cooper Volkswagen Eos

(All values based on the November/December 2006 Kelley Blue Book(R) Residual Value Guide).

Top Makes

Among vehicle brands, Honda and Acura tied for 2007 Best Brand Award for resale value. The average resale value for the vehicles across each of these makes hits an industry high just shy of 56 percent of their original prices after five years of ownership.

Following Honda and Acura in resale value by make are, in order, Volkswagen, BMW, and Land Rover. Throughout the last half-decade, Volkswagen has continued to make its way up in the rankings with the majority of its vehicles holding a make average of 55 percent.

Volkswagen's performance is especially notable since its full line of vehicles includes a number of inexpensively priced models. One reason for its success in resale value is its desirability among young and enthusiast drivers. Like BMW and Land Rover vehicles, Volkswagens are immediately identifiable by "family resemblance," another factor that enhances resale value. Volkswagen's jump up in the rankings this year can be attributed to its lineup of fuel-efficient compact vehicles, including its diesel models offered for the 2007 model year.

Domestics vs. Import Brands

When it comes to determining the vehicles, brands and segments that will best retain their value over a consumer's ownership period, much is clearly related to production levels, consumer perception of the brand and fun-to-drive and/or other "expressive" characteristics. Honda, Acura, MINI, and Volkswagen, all of which are import brands, epitomize these factors in a way that has been difficult for domestic manufacturers up to now. Since Kelley Blue Book began its Best Resale Value Awards, only two domestic vehicles have received the prestigious honor, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette and, this year, the all new 2007 Pontiac Solstice.

While the imports represent the cream of the resale value models, the domestic brands are faring better than they have in the past. Three General Motors brands are tops among domestics for 2007: Saturn, Cadillac and Pontiac.

"The domestics are facing some hurdles when it comes to achieving retail sales targets and are thus putting more of their vehicles into fleet," said Nerad. "Until their production capacities and labor issues change significantly, they will continue to struggle in the resale value area."

The positive news for the domestics is that they are making some progress, though often at great cost, to rationalize their manufacturing capacity and labor supply. As those factors are brought into balance, one expression of that will be improved resale value, which will most likely be accompanied by more profitable unit sales.

High-Performance / Low-Volume Vehicles

Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards exclude expensive, high-performance, low-volume vehicles, because of the program's emphasis on serving the typical consumer. Had these limitations not been placed on the list, the following vehicles would have received awards. The Mercedes-Benz military-styled G-Class SUV, BMW's 6 Series as well as its high-performance counterpart M6 and the Supercharged Land RoverRange Rover V8. The No. 1 vehicle would have been the 2007 Corvette ZO6, holding the greatest percentage of its original value after a five-year ownership period. Other high performance vehicles that are expected to retain a substantial amount of their original value include the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and the Audi S4 Quattro.

"High-performance, low-volume vehicles are the two staples of high resale value," said Nerad. "By nature, many specialty vehicles that are produced in low numbers and/or have high performance capabilities will retain their value better than typical vehicles."

Vehicles with Low Resale Value

Many of the vehicles with the lowest residual values are vehicles with long lifecycles, high production levels and those models that populate the fleet market. A number of this year's vehicles with the lowest retained value include a host of minivans.

Those vehicles with the lowest resale value include the Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Caravan, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Freestar, Isuzu Ascender, Kia Sedona, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Monterey.

"The cars that do not retain their value well are falling victim to decreasing demand even as production levels continue at relatively high levels," said Nerad. "These vehicles often end up being heavily discounted at the dealership or pushed into fleets. That, in turn, sends their value as used vehicles plummeting."

About Kelley Blue Book Residual Values

Based on projections by Kelley Blue Book's expert staff of market analysts encapsulated in the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, the prestigious Best Resale Value Awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their retail prices after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from awards consideration.

While the company's Residual Value Guide has been published since 1981, Kelley Blue Book established its annual Best Resale Value Awards in 2003. Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by banks, financial institutions, governmental agencies and the automotive leasing industry.

Posted by Frank at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)

Kelley Blue Book Announces Winners of 2007 Best Resale Value Awards

Consumer Advice for Finding New Cars With Minimal Depreciation Down the Road

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, announces the 2007 model year winners of its annual Best Resale Value Awards. Since depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a consumers' biggest expense during the first five years of vehicle ownership, these awards, like all of kbb.com's information services, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.

The following awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in design, engineering and production. They are based on projections by Kelley Blue Book's expert staff of market analysts encapsulated in the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their retail price after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from awards consideration.

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND
Honda and Acura (tie)

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY
SEDAN: Acura TSX LUXURY: BMW 5 Series
COUPE: Honda Civic PICKUP: Toyota Tacoma
CONVERTIBLE: MINI Cooper SPORT UTILITY: Acura MDX
WAGON: Volkswagen Passat VAN / MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey
HATCHBACK: MINI Cooper HYBRID: Toyota Prius

2007 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 MODELS (in alphabetical order)
Acura TSX Pontiac Solstice
BMW 5 Series Scion tC
Honda Civic Toyota Prius
Lexus IS Volkswagen GTI
MINI Cooper Volkswagen Eos

(All values based on the November/December 2006 Kelley Blue Book(R) Residual Value Guide).

While most car buyers today consider sticker price one of the most significant numbers when choosing a new vehicle, the editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recommend that shoppers consider a number they won't find today on any window sticker, its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average vehicle will only retain about 35 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $20,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $7,000 after five years. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values are generally plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find, such as models often found in rental fleets. But certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. Vehicles that maintain their value best generate consumer enthusiasm. Frequently they are in limited supply and high demand.

Vehicle shoppers can take several factors into consideration when buying a car to determine a vehicle's future value. Certain features available on new cars today will be desirable by a majority of used-car buyers three or five years down the road, and these features will help the vehicle maintain more of its original value. In-market shoppers should consider the following options in their next new vehicle to help better retain its value. First, choose a popular exterior color, such as black, white or silver. Then select equipment that many buyers want. Included on this list are: antilock brakes (ABS), alloy wheels, CD player/CD changer, parking sensors, navigation system, sensing cruise control and leather-covered seats. At the same time, avoid less popular colors and go easy on customization.

"Vehicles that are painted in odd colors and vehicles that have been overly personalized will be desired by a smaller group of people down the road," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "That will negatively affect their resale value."

While the company's Residual Value Guide has been published since 1981, Kelley Blue Book established its annual Best Resale Value Awards in 2003. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are projections based on current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition in segment, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book's team of market and pricing analysts. Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by banks, financial institutions, governmental agencies and the automotive leasing industry.

Posted by Frank at 05:01 PM | Comments (0)

PA Governor Rendell Unveils Gold Star License Plate for Military Families

New Plate Presented to Mother of Deceased Army Ranger

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today presented Pennsylvania's new Gold Star Family license plate to the mother of a U.S. Army Ranger who was among the first soldiers to die while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Governor Rendell presented the license plate to Ruth Stonesifer, the Department of Pennsylvania President of the American Gold Star Mothers, who was a driving force behind the creation of the new plate. Her son, Kristofor Stonesifer, was killed in a helicopter crash in Pakistan on Oct. 19, 2001, during an operation to move troops into Afghanistan. PFC Stonesifer spent most of his life in Doylestown, Bucks County.

"We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Kris Stonesifer and the other brave men and women who have courageously given their lives while serving our nation," Governor Rendell said. "The Gold Star Family license plate is another way in which family members may honor the treasured memory of their loved ones."

The Gold Star Family license plate is available to family members of persons killed while serving on active duty. Applicants must provide proper documentation and a fee of $20 to the Department of Transportation. The application, Form MV-912, is available through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services Web site at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/.

The Gold Star Family plate is the 16th special military license plate to be created by the General Assembly. The others include the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War plates.

The new license plate was authorized by House Bill 2498, sponsored by Rep. Charles McIlhinney of Bucks County. Governor Rendell ceremoniously signed the legislation today. It was originally signed on Oct. 4.

Posted by Frank at 05:00 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota Announces New Minority Business Spending Target

Toyota today announced a new minority business spending target at its 17th annual Opportunity Exchange conference and trade fair. Toyota's U.S. operations will target ten percent of the company's overall U.S. purchases of parts, goods and services with minority businesses.

"Toyota believes it is imperative to do business with minority enterprises," said Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. "Not only does it help our bottom line, but it more closely reflects the diversity of our customers and employees across the United States."

Opportunity Exchange is designed to provide minority business enterprises (MBEs) across the nation with the chance to network and develop relationships with more than 275 of Toyota's direct suppliers. Since the first Opportunity Exchange in 1990, the event has grown from 100 participants and $350,000 in resulting MBE contracts to more than 1,800 participants and more than $100 million in new contracts through last year.

"Currently, more than seven percent of Toyota's US purchasing is done with Minority Enterprises," said Osamu "Simon" Nagata, vice president of Purchasing at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. "Ten percent represents an aggressive target that will challenge Toyota and offer us a great opportunity."

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957. By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build about 2 million cars and trucks in 15 plants across North America. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America, which sell more than 2.5 million vehicles a year. Toyota directly employs nearly 40,000 people in North America. Toyota's investment in North America is valued at more than $17.6 billion.

For more information about Toyota's Supplier Diversity Program or for more information on how to because a supplier to Toyota, visit http://www.toyotasupplier.com/.

Source: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 04:59 PM | Comments (0)

Avis Budget Group Names Larry De Shon Executive Vice President, Operations

Avis Budget Group, Inc., the parent company of Avis Rent A Car System, LLC and Budget Rent A Car, System, Inc., today announced that Larry De Shon has been named executive vice president of operations. In this role, he will oversee all domestic car rental operations as well as quality assurance and field security for Avis and Budget, two of the largest and most well known brands in the travel industry. He will be based at corporate headquarters in Parsippany, N.J.

Mr. De Shon brings more than 25 years of operations management experience to his new role, having held various positions of increasing responsibility at United Airlines, Inc. He began his career with United as a customer service representative and was promoted to several roles culminating most recently in his position as the company's senior vice president of airport operations. As the head of United's worldwide airport operations, Mr. De Shon oversaw ground operations, logistics, safety, security, customer processing and service, product development and internal communications, leading an organization of 23,000 employees in 29 countries.

"Larry brings a wealth of operations management experience and many noteworthy accomplishments to this position," said Robert Salerno, president and chief operating officer of Avis Budget Group. "Under his leadership, I expect he will take the Avis and Budget brands to new levels."

Mr. De Shon received bachelor degrees in both communications and sociology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

About Avis Budget Group, Inc.

Avis Budget Group is a leading provider of vehicle rental services, with operations in more than 70 countries. Through its Avis and Budget brands, the company is the largest general-use vehicle rental company in each of North America, Australia, New Zealand and certain other regions. Avis Budget Group is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J. and has more than 30,000 employees. For more information about Avis Budget Group, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

Posted by Frank at 04:59 PM | Comments (0)

GM Completes the Sale of a Controlling Interest in GMAC

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) today announced that it has completed the sale of a 51-percent interest in GMAC to a consortium of investors led by Cerberus FIM Investors, LLC and including wholly owned subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc., Aozora Bank Ltd. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

The transaction will preserve the mutually beneficial relationship between GM and GMAC, while improving GMAC's access to cost-effective funding. In addition, the sale of the controlling interest in GMAC will provide significant liquidity to GM that will support its North American turnaround plan, finance global growth initiatives and strengthen its balance sheet.

"This has been a year of significant actions and progress for GM, as we aggressively execute our North America turnaround plan and position the company for long-term growth and profitability. Successfully completing the GMAC transaction has been a key priority for the company, and an important step to further support GM's turnaround," said GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner. "This transaction will result in a stronger GMAC, with enhanced access to funding at lower costs and greater opportunities for growth, including leveraging their traditionally strong relationships with GM dealers.

"Although GMAC will have a new majority owner, GM and GMAC will remain strategic partners through various long-term agreements. GM will retain a 49 percent ownership stake in GMAC, and the close operating relationship between the companies will continue," Wagoner said. "We look forward to working with the Cerberus-led consortium as majority owners of GMAC in the future. All the parties are committed to maintaining a high degree of service to our dealers by providing the right wholesale, retail and lease products to support the sale of GM cars and trucks."

GM expects to receive approximately $14 billion in net cash proceeds and distributions over three years, after repayment of intercompany debt but before purchases of preferred equity in GMAC. This includes a $7.4 billion purchase price, a $2.7 billion cash dividend from GMAC and other transaction related cash flows including the monetization of certain retained assets. GM and the Cerberus-led consortium invested $1.9 billion of cash in preferred equity in GMAC - - $1.4 billion by GM and $500 million by the consortium.

General Motors Corp., the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 318,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Posted by Frank at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)

Volvo Chairman to Retire

According to an Automotive News report, Volvo Cars Chairman and chief marketing officer of Ford Motor Co. Hans-Olov Olsson will retire at the end of the year, Ford said today. Olsson will be replaced as Volvo Cars chairman by Lewis Booth, 58, who will continue as executive vice president of Ford's Europe division and the struggling Premier Automotive Group (PAG). Ford has yet to name a new chief marketing officer.

Posted by Frank at 04:56 PM | Comments (0)

VW's Hopes for Profit "Unlikely" Until 2009, Exec Says

Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president of Volkswagen of America, said the automaker is "unlikely" to earn a profit in North America in 2007, and given the slowing U.S. economy, predicts that breaking even in 2008 now "looks like a challenge."

Even though Volkswagen remains profitable as a whole, the automaker, like other European car makers, has been hampered in the past several years by the low value of the dollar against the euro, which makes cars made in Europe more expensive than those made in the U.S., reports The Wall Street Journal.

The VW brand has been hampered because it only has one SUV in its product lineup and SUVs and pickup trucks account for half of the U.S. market and competition has also increased for the automaker. Volkswagen hopes to narrow its losses in 2007 by selling more vehicles that are built in its plant in Mexico, said Hallmark.

In addition, the automaker has lowered prices on its Jetta and New Beetle models to boost sales volume. Hallmark asserted that Volkswagen can be profitable by 2009 since it will be aided by a host of new models including: a new compact SUV, called the Tiguan, diesel models of the Jetta, and a minivan built by DaimlerChrysler.

Posted by Frank at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota's Press Urges Congress to Extend Federal Tax Credits for Hybrids

Toyota North America President Jim Press urged Congress yesterday to extend a 2005 federal energy bill which provided up to $3,600 in tax credits to U.S. consumers who buy hybrids, reports The Associated Press.

"By encouraging consumer support for a promising new technology, our government is supporting innovation and investing in our nation's future," Press told the Electric Drive Transportation Association. "There's a two-year window of opportunity that we probably won't see again for a decade. It's time for the industry and government and all of the constituent organizations and suppliers to really come together and take a long-term strategy."

Press said extending the credits would help accelerate the nation's buying of hybrids and alternative fleet vehicles and help address energy concerns. This summer, Toyota hit the legal production limit of 60,000 vehicles that are eligible for the full tax credit. Press argues that a drop in demand for hybrids after the full tax credit expired "shows that it had an effect."

Beginning in October, the $3,150 credit for the popular Toyota Prius, the largest hybrid tax credit available, shrank to $1,575. Credits for other hybrids made by Toyota, including certain Camry, Highlander and Lexus vehicles, were reduced to between $775 to $1,300.

Posted by Frank at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)

Nissan Shows Off New Hybrid Models at LA Auto Show

Nissan unveiled a new Altima hybrid sedan and coupe as well as a souped-up version of the Sentra small car at an event on the eve of press days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, reports The Detroit News. Company officials said that the new models will be available early next year.

The full-size car, which is the automaker's first hybrid vehicle, will be sold in California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. "We think those markets are a good place to start," said Bill Bosley, vice president of the Nissan Division in North America. The automaker stated that it has the capacity to build 50,000 hybrids and expects to sell roughly 25,000 to 30,000 per year in 2007.

Posted by Frank at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)

November 29, 2006

Tiger Woods Debuts New Buick Crossover By Driving Through A 35-Ft Video Wall

LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods, the world’s top-ranked professional golfer, took a different approach to his drive today. He literally drove Buick’s newest product, the 2008 Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV, through a large 35-ft. video wall with GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner passenger side.

Wagoner and Woods introduced the all-new Enclave to a standing-room only crowd of media and Buick dealers at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world’s most prestigious art and design schools. This is the first time Buick has partnered with Woods for a vehicle world introduction. Buick has enjoyed a long partnership with Woods as a product endorser since 2000.

“The new Buick Enclave is just beautiful to look at inside and out,” said Tiger Woods. “The interior is so comfortable and there’s plenty of room for my sticks. I’m really excited for Buick and what the all-new Enclave means for the division and GM.”

The Enclave is Buick’s first luxury crossover SUV. It is built on an all-new crossover architecture and motivated by one of GM’s most powerful V-6 engines ever.

The Enclave creates its own niche in the fast-growing crossover market by melding elegant interior and exterior design and a confident ride in a quiet, well-crafted roomy cabin capable of carrying up to eight passengers with space for gear. It arrives in dealer showrooms next summer.

Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, Enclave employs a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain with variable valve timing (VVT) that is mated to Buick’s first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

A host of innovative features that are uncommon or unavailable in competitors’ vehicles add to the Enclave’s standout status in the segment, including a second-row seat console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded.

“Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks,” said Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. “It’s an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick: a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks.”

Peace-of-mind features such as Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist and a rear back-up camera, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation are also available.

The Buick Enclave is the last of three new crossovers to be introduced this year from General Motors. Crossover entries accounted for about 2.5 million industry sales in 2005 and the segment is projected to grow to 3.5 million units by 2010. GM currently has seven entries in this segment – Chevy Equinox and HHR; Pontiac Torrent and Vibe; Saturn VUE, Buick Rendezvous and Cadillac SRX – and expect to double the number of crossover entries by 2010, including the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave.

The new Buick will be built at GM’s new Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Lansing, Mich.

Posted by Frank at 08:58 AM | Comments (0)

BMW Group Prepares US Launch of Diesel Vehicles in 2008

With the launch of its performance-oriented and efficient Diesel engines in the United States scheduled for 2008, the BMW Group announces another step in its strategy for profitable and sustainable growth.

The engines which are known in Europe for their unique synthesis of dynamic performance and low fuel consumption will be made available for the US, the strongest-performing single BMW market.

For the BMW Group, the offer of Diesel vehicles in the US is a long-term oriented sustainable commitment. Therefore, an enhanced concept for minimum exhaust gas emissions has been developed for this engine to meet the strict emission standards in effect in California and other states. This makes it possible to simultaneously introduce these new cleaner Advanced Diesels as so-called 50 States (Bin5) models. All potential BMW customers across the US can choose an efficient and future-oriented technology with minimum environmental impact.

While the BMW Group has been offering Diesel vehicles in Europe since 1983 and 67% of the BMW sales there are Diesel models today, the acceptance of this type of engine has been increasing among potential vehicle customers in the US market.

As in Europe, the BMW Advanced Diesels will establish themselves as the sporty, clean and efficient choice in the US, and will further contribute to the unique reputation they have earned among independent experts.

The jury of the prestigious Engine of the Year Award has already granted this award to the BMW Diesel engines several times, particularly emphasizing their unequaled harmony of dynamic performance, innovative technology, surprisingly low fuel consumption and the smoothness which is so untypical of a Diesel.

The Diesel models for the US are an integral part of the EfficientDynamics corporate strategy which integrates a combination of short-term, mid-term and long-term measures for the continued reduction of fuel consumption and emissions while at the same time enhancing the performance and driving characteristics which are such a hallmark of BMW. For instance, through measures like the introduction of the fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC in 2001, BMW has achieved a greater improvement in fleet average fuel consumption than any other brand on the US market. In the long term, the BMW Group favors hydrogen as a sustainable source of energy.

The type designations and specifications of the BMW Diesel vehicles for the US will be announced at a later point in time.

Posted by Frank at 12:52 AM | Comments (0)

Zipcar brings convenient cars with a conscience to London

With £13MM in new investments, the world's largest car club brings Londoners a convenient alternative to car ownership and high petrol prices

LONDON (29 November 2006) — Zipcar, the world's largest car club, launches today in London, bringing Londoners a smart urban transport alternative. Already used by more than 80,000 drivers in some of the world's most congested cities, Zipcar offers a unique combination of clean, green, affordable car transportation around the capital without any of the hassle and expense of owning or maintaining a vehicle.

The Zipcar car club offers drivers a choice of fun and environmentally friendly vehicles from a luxury BMW to a run around MINI, with six models available from launch in London, as well as the simplest to use self service and fully automated booking and pick up services. Car club members can book online or over the phone at any time, any day of the week, and with the unique Zipcard system drivers just swipe to unlock the car and drive away with the minimum of fuss.

Conceived to deliver a cost-effective and sustainable urban transport solution for savvy, eco-conscious city dwellers, Zipcar gives Londoners the best of both worlds. With an estimated twenty private cars taken off the road for every Zipcar introduced, the impact on reducing congestion on London's roads and improving air quality without compromising residents' desire to travel by car is an exciting proposition for most urbanites. What's more, parking, petrol, insurance, maintenance and 60 miles of free driving are all included in the low hourly or daily rates, relieving the headache and expense of London car ownership.

Scott Griffith, Zipcar CEO, believes London is the perfect city for the Zipcar experience. "London is a vibrant, forward-thinking city and a great place to live, but as one of the largest and most densely-populated cities in the world, it faces complex challenges of traffic congestion and limited parking availability. In cities such as New York, Toronto, Chicago, and San Francisco, Zipcar has proven its service can impact car ownership in the city. With our technology, variety of vehicles and superior member experience, we are confident that Zipcar will quickly become a car ownership alternative for thousands of Londoners."

London Zipcars will launch initially in Zones 1 and 2 and the Kensington & Chelsea borough with plans to extend throughout the capital by the end of 2007. Zipcar car club members can book a variety of makes and models for prices from £4.20 per hour including petrol, insurance, maintenance and reserved parking. The first batch of London Zipcars will include Honda Civics, Toyota Aygos, BMWs, and MINI Coopers, available on a 24 x 7 basis.

Scott Griffith, Zipcar CEO adds: "Everyone at Zipcar is committed to transforming transport and communities throughout London. Our team in the capital is already working alongside Transport for London to deliver Zipcar as a sustainable, environmentally sound solution for all urban residents and businesses in the city."

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, MP of Kensington and Chelsea, said, "The problem of congestion in the UK with its related environmental implications is one that requires an innovative solution. Car sharing fits the bill perfectly. It is a sustainable measure that will reduce the number of cars on the road without inconveniencing people or harming their ability to get around in a big city. I am pleased that Kensington and Chelsea will pioneer this scheme. London, in particular, faces acute transport problems. Car clubs can assist in leading the way to resolving some of the difficulties associated with overcrowding on the roads. A forward thinking scheme such as this is to be welcomed."

The London operation is headed up by London resident and General Manager Paul McLoughlin, formerly European General Manager for Vipre, a division of VPSI. London will become the hub for Zipcar's expansion into Europe as part of its overall vision to deliver full international car club availability. Zipcar today also announced £13MM in additional equity financing and is already the world's largest on-demand car club.

Zipping in London

With Zipcar's award-winning technology, accessing and using a Zipcar is as easy as getting money from a cash point. Within minutes or up to a year in advance, car club members can reserve Zipcars online or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To celebrate the arrival of Zipcars in London, residents can now join the Zipcar car club at www.zipcar.com for only £50. As a welcome gesture, and for a limited time, Zipcar will also include £25 of free driving so that urbanites can 'kick the tyres' of car sharing to experience its benefits first hand. Rates in London start at £4.20 per hour and £34 per day (any 24 hour period), with petrol, designated parking and comprehensive insurance included. To join Zipcar residents simply need to have a valid driving license, be over 21 years of age and meet safe driving standards.

About Zipcar
With 80,000 consumer and business drivers, Zipcar is the world's largest and fastest growing car sharing service. The company currently operates 2,500 vehicles in London and 13 states and provinces throughout the United States and Canada, including metropolitan New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Toronto and Washington.

Through its success to date, Zipcar has proven that large-scale car clubs can make a positive impact on urban lifestyle and environment. After joining the service, more than 40% of Zipcar members report selling their car or delaying a decision to purchase a new vehicle. Members also report driving less and walking and using public transportation more, saving an average of $435 (c. £250) compared to the average cost of owning and operating a car in the city. Zipcar also replaces older vehicles with newer cars that have more stringent pollution and emission control, helping to clean up air quality in local communities.

The launch of Zipcar into London and the European market follows three consecutive years of 100%+ growth for the company.

For more information, visit www.zipcar.com.

Posted by Frank at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

All-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Tops Segment Three Convertible Top Offerings

* Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America’s favorite convertible company with all-new Sebring Convertible

* Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top, can drop with the press of a button on the key fob

* Spacious interior makes comfortable room for four adults; exceptional cargo room easily fits four golf bags, two golf bags when top is dropped

* Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg and Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability

Chrysler is raising the roof on the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is built on the company’s new D-segment platform and offers what no other convertible on the road can offer: Chrysler’s sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious interior that comfortably sits four adults and enough room in the trunk to hold two golf bags, even when the top is dropped.

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before — three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard power hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring Convertible provides the benefits of coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.

“America’s favorite convertible is now better than ever,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, athletic handling, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the only convertible in the segment that can pass the two-golf-bag test. The sky’s the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in the marketplace.”

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.

In markets outside North America, Sebring Convertible will be the first D-segment cabriolet for the Chrysler Group to offer both a diesel engine and right-hand-drive availability, thereby equipping the vehicle to become a stronger competitor in the segment.

Elegant Design both Inside and Out, Top Up or Down
Chrysler designers looked at the future brand showroom when seeking inspiration for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. From the original sketches to the production vehicle, the all-new convertible was designed to provide a familial tie to its new sedan sibling, and the resemblance is unmistakable. Beyond that, the convertible stretches the look to create usable space in the trunk when the convertible top is stowed.

“Top up or down, the all-new Sebring Convertible’s design captures the essence of the Chrysler brand,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. “The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s design is a showcase for the expressive, refined, athletic and passionate.”

From the front view, the new Sebring Convertible shares many traits with its sedan sibling, including the distinctive face of Chrysler, the brand’s signature eggcrate grille and a uniquely sculptured hood that features the Chrysler brand’s elegant lines. The Chrysler winged medallion is centered at the top of the grille just below the leading edge of the hood. Large quad headlamps wrap around to the side of the vehicle, where the all-new Sebring Convertible’s profile takes on a shape all its own.

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer, and the car is 3.5 inches taller and more than 2 inches wider than the vehicle it replaces. Its overall length also is 3 inches longer than the sedan, which lengthens the side profile and provides enough cargo room in the trunk to hold two golf bags when the roof is retracted. Sebring Convertible’s profile is defined by a long hood, a long roofline and a high chrome beltline, all of which give the vehicle a nicely proportioned, elegant greenhouse with the top up. Designers also minimized the width of the C-pillar, improving the convertible’s sleek side profile and increasing rearward visibility when the convertible top is up. Sculpted character lines run across the body, underneath the door handles and across the lower bodyside, producing the Sebring Convertible’s athletic stance.

From the rear, wide tail lamps are mounted on the corners and deck lid for visibility and visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps help maintain a uniform appearance among models sold around the world. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust outputs hint at the Limited model’s performance capability when equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle.

World-class Craftsmanship
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s interior features a modern, clean design with intense focus on quality, detail, craftsmanship and execution. Soft surfaces on interior touch points, including the instrument panel cover and door arm rests, complement the convertible’s luxurious interior.

Inspired by the Chrysler winged badge, the convertible’s center stack features a Chrysler signature analog clock, which is surrounded by dual heating and air conditioning vents. Sebring Convertible’s instrument panel also includes a locking glove box that can secure important documents and small items. The center floor console features dual storage bins and a sliding armrest that moves 3 inches to provide a comfortable position for all drivers.

As many as four occupants can experience the new Sebring Convertible’s comfortable, roomy interior. Occupants sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in the previous Sebring Convertible model, giving them a command-of-the-road seating position. Rear seat passengers also have plenty of leg and head room, making this a functional convertible that can be enjoyed year round in all seasons.

All 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models feature a two-tone interior theme with dark and lighter shades of Khaki or Gray on the instrument panel and door trim. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited model also features an exclusive Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats. Interior accents include Alloy Silver and chrome on the Sebring Convertible model, Satin Silver and chrome on the Touring model and Satin Silver, chrome and Tortoise Shell on the Limited model.

Thoughtful Attention to Details
The Sebring Convertible’s development team paid keen attention to details, finding ways to make life easier for the driver and passengers, while creating a clean design in the process. The result is a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible that delivers many standard innovative and thoughtful features that will both surprise and delight the driver and passenger, including:

* A trunk spacious enough to hold four golf bags when the convertible top is up and two golf bags when the convertible top is down
* Available remote convertible top operation on the key fob
* No manual convertible top latches, as Sebring’s new convertible top system automatically latches
* A standard power hard tonneau that neatly conceals each of the three convertible tops when retracted
* Seatbelts integrated into the front and rear seats, which looks clean, enhances seat comfort and makes it easier for passengers to get into the back seat
* Easy-entry rear seat, as passenger seat features slide and memory recline position
* Available remote start that allows drivers to warm up or cool down their convertible from a distance
* An available windscreen that reduces wind and road noise
* A locking glove box that can secure important documents and small items, top up or down
* An available heated/cooled cup holder that keeps warm beverages warm and cold beverages cool
* Available YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
* Rear cupholders that are positioned in the rear quarter panels for easy access by rear-seat passengers
* Passenger seat back that includes a map pocket for storage
* Doors that include map pocket inserts

Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel Efficiency
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is available in the United States in three models: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited.

Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible sold in the United States: the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

Fuel economy is a high priority for many of today’s car buyers, and the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s standard four-cylinder engine rivals the best four-cylinder engines in the segment. Sebring Convertible’s 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available FFV 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competition’s four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring model’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited models sold in the United States also are available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth quiet operation. Sebring Convertible’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieves 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Solid Structure Provides a Smooth Ride
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was engineered to have an extremely rigid body structure, which provides its quiet, comfortable ride, devoid of cowl shake, even when the top is down. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Sebring Convertible's body structure is substantially stiffer than its predecessor in bending and torsion — especially bending — due to very large sills. In fact, its new front-wheel-drive architecture and the three-box vehicle design contribute to a body that is 2.5 times stiffer in twist and 1.5 times stiffer in bending than the previous generation convertible. These refinements also make the new Sebring Convertible structure stiffer than other convertibles on the market that cost thousands of dollars more.

A Breath of Fresh Air
The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible brings new levels of function and technology to the U.S. convertible segment. Innovative new features include the cutting-edge MyGIG navigation/entertainment/infotainment system, a heated/cooled cupholder, YES® Essentials stain-resistant seat fabric and an available feature every convertible owner will love — the ability to drop the convertible top and all four windows with the push of a button on the key fob.

“The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible does for the convertible segment what the Chrysler 300 did for the large car segment and the all-new Sebring Sedan does for the mid-size sedan segment — it brings innovative, useful technologies to customers,” said David Rooney, Director – Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. “These features make life easier and safer for the driver and passengers, while making the overall driving experience much more enjoyable for all.”

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible features MyGIG™, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications This best-in-class, next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:

* A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive
* Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
* Gracenote® database installed on the hard drive, which provides song identification, including composer, artist and title
* Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
* Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
* Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in motion)
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, which provides customers with more than 125 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, 24 hours a day. This includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as well as sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather
* UConnect™ Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible cell phones and the Sebring Convertible’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Class-leading Safety Features
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants both safe and secure, top up or down.

A new integrated seat-belt system for 2008 connects all seat belts to the seats, making them more comfortable for the driver and passengers, as well as making it much easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat.

Sebring Convertible’s safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Side-guard door beams help protect occupants in side impacts.

Sebring Convertible’s extremely strong safety cage is complemented with standard advanced multi-stage front air bags and standard front-seat-mounted side air bags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on all 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models. Electronic Stability Program also is available.

Rising to the Top
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible competes primarily in the Standard Specialty segment, with some consideration from Luxury Specialty segment buyers in the U.S. market. The convertible portion of the Standard Specialty segment has remained fairly steady over the past 5 calendar years, with an average of 150,000 units sold each year. The convertible segment is expected to achieve steady growth in the near future, due to a trend toward niche vehicles.

In the United States, Chrysler Sebring Convertible is designed to appeal to successful Baby Boomers who want a car for themselves. They love the open-air freedom of a convertible, but also appreciate that the new Sebring Convertible is practical 365 days of the year. These buyers are 40-50 years old, and 70 percent of them are married. They are well-educated and earn a median income of approximately $90,000. Fifty percent are male, 50 percent are female and 60 percent are college educated. These Sebring Convertible buyers are fun, carefree, classy, friendly, smart and easy-going. The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible meets their demands for a vehicle that can do triple duty for going to work, running errands and pleasure drives with the top down.

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Production
Production of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible begins in the first quarter of 2007 at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant. Sebring Convertible’s new 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha (Wis.) Engine Plant.

Posted by Frank at 12:41 AM | Comments (0)

Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen and Jeep launch BLUETEC Diesel Initiative

On the eve of the Los Angeles Motor Show DaimlerChrysler, AUDI and Volkswagen announced that they intend to establish the BLUETEC brand name as the designation for particularly clean, highly fuel-efficient passenger cars and SUVs with diesel engines. Under the shared concept of BLUETEC, each of the manufacturers involved will be working on their own technical systems for meeting the world’s most stringent emission regulations.

The latest J.D. Power study, “Global Outlook For Diesel”, predicts that the share of diesels among first-time registrations in North America will rise to over 15 percent by 2015. It is in the light of this development that Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen will be systematically expanding their ranges of diesel vehicles.

All three companies are convinced that up-to-date diesel propulsion systems play a major part in efficient and clean mobility. With their high torque, agility, economy and robustness they display all the qualities which American customers, especially, appreciate.

With their outstandingly efficient fuel consumption, which lies some 20 to 40 percent lower than that of comparable petrol engines, these particularly clean diesel engines now have the potential to comply with the toughest emission limits in the world. They combine ecology and economy with driving pleasure for the customer.

What is BLUETEC?

The name BLUETEC covers diesel engines with exhaust emission treatment systems which meet even the strictest emission regulations on the US market. The systems employed by BLUETEC serve in particular to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) the only constituent part of the exhaust gases which, due to the design of the diesel, inherently lies above the value for petrol engines. In this way it will in future also be possible to meet the strict limits imposed by the State of California.

Depending on the vehicle class concerned, various NOx treatment systems can be used. In one version, for instance, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a further improved, particularly long-life NOx storage converter. Another way of cutting NOx emissions is even more effective. In this case for example AdBlue, a water-based additive, is injected into the exhaust gas. This causes ammonia to be released, which in turn reduces the nitrogen oxides almost completely to harmless nitrogen and water in a downstream SCR catalytic converter.

BLUETEC is a brand of DaimlerChrysler which is already being used by the corporation’s Mercedes-Benz cars and commercial vehicles. In future the name BLUETEC will also stand for clean diesel engines from Audi, Volkswagen and Jeep® in the United States.

AUDI:
Audi stands for sportiness, progressiveness and high quality – for “Vorsprung durch Technik”. Audi currently makes the Audi A3, Audi A4 and Audi A4 Avant and the Audi S4 at its Ingolstadt plant, the Audi A6 and A6 Avant, Audi A8 and Audi RS 4 in Neckarsulm, and the TT Coupé and TT Roadster at AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. in Györ, Hungary. the Audi Q7 is built in Bratislava. The Audi product range is rounded off by the Audi A4 Cabriolet, which is made by Karman.

The new Audi R8, made by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, is the first super sports car in the Audi range. Audi stands for “Vorsprung durch Technik” (leadership by technology), and this guiding principle finds its expression in the company’s products. Prime examples of this include the quattro full-time all-wheel-drive system, aluminium bodywork (Audi Space Frame in the Audi A8 and R8), the S tronic Direct Shift Gearbox featured in the Audi TT and Audi A3, and the advanced TDI and FSI engine technology. Audi is a pioneer in diesel technology – both on the road and on the racetrack. The R10 TDI sports car was the first diesel ever to win the legendary “24 Hours of Le Mans” race and the ALMS Series in America. Audi will also be putting the world’s most powerful diesel on the road, in the form of the Q7 V12 TDI, with an output of 500 horsepower and 1000 Newton metres of torque.

DaimlerChrysler:
DaimlerChrysler is unique in the automotive business: its product range extends from ultra-compacts up to sports cars and on to luxury saloons – and from versatile small vans to classic heavy-duty trucks and comfortable touring coaches. The passenger car brands of DaimlerChrysler comprise Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and smart. Its commercial vehicle brands include Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Mitsubishi Fuso, Thomas Built Buses and Orion. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services offers financial services as well as other vehicle-related services.

DaimlerChrysler’s strategy is based on four pillars: excellent products offering outstanding customer orientation, leading brands, leadership in innovation and technology, and global presence and integration. DaimlerChrysler’s workforce is based all around the globe, and the same applies to its shareholders. With 382,724 employees DaimlerChrysler achieved sales totalling € 149.8 billion in 2005.

Volkswagen:

The Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and is the biggest automotive producer in Europe. Volkswagen employs nearly 345,000 people worldwide. In 2005 the Group’s eight brands delivered 5.243 million vehicles in more than 150 different countries, corresponding to a world market share for passenger cars of 9.1 percent. Group sales rose in 2005 to € 95.3 billion. In eleven European countries and in another seven countries in America, Asia and Africa the corporation operates 44 production facilities. Every working day around the world, the Group’s employees are busy building over 21,500 vehicles and providing vehicle-related services. The Volkswagen Group comprises the brands Volkswagen cars, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, commercial vehicles, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini plus, amongst other units, Volkswagen Financial Services.

Posted by Frank at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)

Dave Hermance, Automotive Hybrid Systems Expert and Environmental Advocate - Obituary

David W. Hermance, Toyota's top North American engineer for advanced technology vehicles, died Nov. 25, while performing aerobatic maneuvers in his plane off the coast of San Pedro, Calif. A resident of Huntington Beach, Calif., he was 59.

An eloquent spokesperson, Hermance championed the virtues of hybrid technology before scientists, regulators, environmentalists, legislators and consumers. With a knack for explaining complex hybrid and advanced technology, Hermance served as Toyota's hybrid engineering ambassador in the U.S.

"Dave Hermance was a gifted engineer and was highly respected by his peers in the automotive industry," expressed Yasuhiko Ichihashi, president of Toyota Technical Center, USA. "Dave's strong communication skills were instrumental in educating the public on Toyota's hybrid technology. He possessed unique skills which can not be replaced."

Hermance's successful careers at General Motors and Toyota spanned four decades. Hermance spent the first 26 years of his long automotive career with General Motors where he led Durability Test Development and served in a variety of roles in the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory.

In 1991, Hermance joined Toyota Technical Center U.S.A. in the Gardena, Calif. facility as Senior Manager in Engine Evaluation with responsibility for evaluating North American passenger car engines. In 1992, Hermance was promoted to General Manager of the Powertrain Department where he was responsible for the development of engine and drivetrain calibrations for the North American market. He went on to become the Executive Engineer for Advanced Technology Vehicles and oversaw advanced technology communication for the North American market and regulatory activities in California. Up until his death, Hermance worked tirelessly to promote hybrid and advanced technology vehicles in the U.S.

Within the industry, he was widely recognized as the most authoritative voice on hybrid power vehicles in the U.S. Hermance was instrumental in making hybrid technology appealing to mainstream consumers, in addition to environmentally aware car buyers. He was well -respected by industry analysts and environmentalists for his efforts to further advanced technology vehicles.

"We had a great deal of interaction with Dave over the years and found him to be a truly outstanding individual," said Dave Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, a nonprofit organization which focuses on trends and changes related to the automobile industry. "He possessed deep knowledge, was highly articulate and a pleasure to work with in every respect. On top of his professional attributes he was a terrific human being. He will be missed by all."

Among his many automotive accomplishments, Hermance may be best remembered for being the key person promoting the benefits of hybrid technology for consumers in the U.S. market. Hermance dedicated his life to championing advanced technology vehicles and will be remembered fondly for his contribution to Toyota, General Motors, and the environment.

Hermance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the General Motors Institute. He served as a member of the Society of Autmotive Engineers. Hermance was an avid pilot who enjoyed aerobatic flying. With his flight instructor father, Hermance began learning to fly at 14, soloing at age 16, and earning his private pilot's license during college.

Born in Danville, IN, 09/27/47, Hermance is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary; two children, Keith Hermance (Lindsay Hermance) of Mission Viejo, CA and Kathy Bougher (Jeremy Bougher) of Lebanon, IN, grandson Colin Bougher and sister Bonnie Riley .

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be sent to the Hermance family in care of Toyota at: Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, North America, 1630 West 186th St., Gardena, CA 90248.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation in the name of Dave Hermance at: Attn: Maria Price, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.

Posted by Frank at 12:35 AM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2006

Belvidere Police Department Now Backed by More Muscle and Safety Features

2006 Dodge Charger Police Vehicles Join Local Patrol Lineup as New Law Enforcement Vehicle of Choice

Belvidere, Ill., Nov 28, 2006 - Bad guys beware: Criminals will now have more trouble eluding law enforcement officers since the Belvidere Police Department recently added six rear-wheel-drive 2006 Dodge Charger 3.5-liter V-6 police vehicles to its patrol fleet.

“The Belvidere Police Department is proud to join local law enforcement departments across the country in adding Dodge Charger police vehicles to our patrol lineup,” said Jan Noble, Chief of Police - City of Belvidere. “After viewing several makes and models of police vehicles, it was a natural choice to select a vehicle brand with ties as close to this community as the long-standing relationship with the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant.”

Although the Dodge police vehicles are not produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, the manufacturing facility is responsible for output of the highly popular Dodge Caliber, Jeep® Compass and the soon-to-arrive Jeep Patriot.

At the very beginning of the Dodge police vehicle development, specific law enforcement vehicle features and functionality standards were integrated into the design of the Dodge Charger vehicle to allow for easier installation of aftermarket upfits and additions.

Also, added safety features, including all-speed Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and four-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brake System (ABS), aid the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability and control even when driving over uneven surfaces like patchy snow, ice or gravel.

“We tried to create the ideal police vehicle for law enforcement departments to give our police customers an affordable, capable vehicle with industry-leading innovations,” said Tricia Llewellyn, Midwest Government & Alternative Fuel Sales Manager – Chrysler Group. "In addition, with rear-wheel drive and ESP control, the Dodge Charger police vehicle provides optimum police car pursuit performance.”

Incidentally there has been another benefit surrounding the delivery of these new vehicles.

“Dodge Charger police vehicles are turning heads everywhere in the community; officers have been approached by curious Belvidere residents to discuss the new ride,” said Frederic Brereton, Mayor – City of Belvidere. “All in all, the public’s response to the vehicle has been very positive.”

Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation Program
The Belvidere Police Department considered purchasing Dodge Charger police vehicles after a positive vehicle reception at the Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation Program. This benchmark program sets the standard for police departments across the U.S. when ordering new fleet vehicles.

For two years running, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum police vehicles have met and often exceeded requirements of those tests, which included a series of grueling on-road exercises that evaluated acceleration, top speed, braking and vehicle dynamics.

Out of the 16 police vehicles tested, top results for Dodge police vehicles included:

* Dodge Charger 5.7-liter HEMI® posted best-in-class top speed of over 145 mph
* Dodge Charger 5.7-liter HEMI and Dodge Magnum 5.7-liter HEMI posted first and second place in acceleration times
* Dodge Magnum 5.7-liter HEMI and Dodge Charger 5.7-liter HEMI posted first and second place in vehicle dynamics testing
* Dodge vehicles secured the first four places in braking distance; with the Magnum 3.5-liter V-6 and Charger 3.5-liter V-6 coming in first and second and the Magnum 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and Charger 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 placing third and fourth
* In addition, the Dodge Magnum 3.5-liter V-6 and Dodge Charger 3.5-liter V-6 posted best-in-class fuel economy in the city with 19 miles per gallon (mpg)

Belvidere joins other leading U.S. cities updating their police patrols with Dodge police vehicles, including Denver, Colo.; Forth Worth, Texas; Orange County, Calif.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Richland, Miss.; Scottsdale, Ariz. and Seattle, Wash.

Belvidere Assembly Plant
The Chrysler Group is the city of Belvidere's largest employer and has a significant impact on the community with 3,400 employees throughout Illinois who generate $188 million in annual wages (year-end 2005). Union members are represented by United Auto Worker's Union Locals 1268 and 1761. The plant began production of the Plymouth Fury and Doge Monaco in 1965.

Police Car Heritage
The former Chrysler Corporation dominated the police car business throughout the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s, with U.S. market shares ranging from 45-60 percent. Police vehicles manufactured by the former Chrysler Corporation included the Dodge Monaco, Dodge Royal Monaco, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Diplomat, Dodge Dart, Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Fury, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Volare and Chrysler Newport.

Dodge returned to the police car market after a 12-year hiatus with the 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The front-wheel-drive Dodge Intrepid earned a 4 percent share of the approximately 70,000 unit U.S. market. That vehicle was phased out of production in 2003.

In the fall of 2004, Dodge previewed the 2005 Dodge Magnum as a special service police vehicle, offering enhanced rear-wheel-drive performance and handling with a spacious, flexible interior. The 2006 Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum police vehicles were introduced in the spring of 2005 as full-service police pursuit units.

Posted by Frank at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)

Mustang by Giugiaro

VIVA LA MUSTANG! GIUGIAROS INTERPRET FORD ICON – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies

Los Angeles, Nov. 28, 2006 – The 2005 Ford Mustang captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans and future owners when the all-new model debuted. But the proportions and design of Ford’s first purpose-built muscle car in 30-plus years caught the eyes and sparked the imaginations of a pair of the world’s leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.

“When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we’d seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. “We still believe it’s important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.”

So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched J Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, on his idea to do an Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang by Giugiaro – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder’s first reveal at the inaugural November Los Angeles Auto Show.

“It seemed only fitting,” said Mays. “This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it’s right at home in L.A. – America’s most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, design icon Giorgetto Giugairo’s offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford’s most iconic car.”

Design aficionados will remember that the senior Giugiaro – who last year celebrated his 50 th anniversary in the business by designing a custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 – created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which was unmistakably Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of

World War II.

The senior Giugiaro’s portfolio includes concept and production designs for nearly every automaker in the world – from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen to Mazda, Lotus and Bugatti. Since joining ItalDesign, the family firm, in 1990, Fabrizio Giugiaro has helped deliver key global designs as well, but American automotive icons have long captured his attention.

He designed the Chevrolet Corvette Moray, unveiled in early 2003, and was eager to expand the collection of Giugiaro-interpreted American metal.

Fabrizio Giugiaro led the 2-D design process on the Mustang by Giugiaro concept, allowing him to deliver a complete exterior model from the family’s Turin, Italy, studios in just four months.

Visually, the Mustang by Giugiaro appears more compact than the production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and a signature Giugiaro “trick” of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.

Still, the Italian version of America’s most popular muscle car hasn’t lost any of its swagger.

The vibrant orange concept is wider than the production version. The Giugiaros added 30 millimeters to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design.

With its longer hood and the trunk barely visible, the car looks more of a fastback in side view. But details throughout reinforce the freedom and rebellion synonymous with Mustang. Fabrizio Giugiaro’s favorites include:

* The interior – featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.
* The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept’s roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.
* Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.
* Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.
* The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept’s carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the ‘50s.
* The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.

As its wheels and tires suggest, the Mustang by Giugiaro is more than just a tribute to Mustang design. It also is an exclamation of the car’s heritage of performance.

The concept features a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction with Ford Racing – which is responsible for Ford Motor Company motorsports development and operations.

Ford Racing’s efforts include the development and sale of a race-prepared version of the Mustang, called the FR500C, for the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series. In its first season alone, the FR500C scored five wins in the 2005 GS Class, including the manufacturers’ championship, in which Mustang bested other production-based sports cars, including the BMW M3 and Porsche 911.

This Mustang, a turn-key race car sold to privateers, provided the inspiration for the Mustang by Giugiaro concept’s performance and handling attributes.

Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger for the new concept. Additional improvements include fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake is increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance is enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe.

The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger. A high-efficiency Ford Racing aluminum radiator provides increased cooling capability to accompany the extra 200 horsepower provided under hood.

Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.

“The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro. “After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic.”

Posted by Frank at 01:18 PM | Comments (0)

IRS Confirms Tax Credit Eligibility for 2007 Honda Hybrid and Natural Gas Vehicles

Buyers are eligible for federal tax credits ranging from $1,300 for Accord Hybrid to $4,000 for Civic GX

Customers who purchase a new 2007 Honda hybrid or natural gas vehicle may be eligible for federal tax credits ranging from $1,300 to $4,000 when they file their tax returns for the year in which it was purchased, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The announcement is the result of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which calculated the tax credits based on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed by Congress last year. Honda's 2007 Civic Hybrid, Civic GX and Accord Hybrid are all eligible for the federal government's tax credits.

The federal tax credits are as follows:
2007 Civic Hybrid: $2,100
2007 Accord Hybrid: $1,300
2007 Civic GX: $4,000

Additionally, buyers of the natural gas vehicle home refueling appliance named "Phill" are also eligible for up to a $1,000 tax credit. Phill allows consumers to refuel their natural gas Civic GX from home at a much lower fuel cost than gasoline.

Various limitations to the credit may apply, depending on the specific circumstances of the customer, and Honda is encouraging customers to contact the IRS or a tax advisor to determine if and how the tax credit will apply to their vehicle acquisition. Customers are also encouraged to contact the IRS at www.irs.gov for information on hybrid and natural gas tax credit amounts applicable to Honda's new 2005 and 2006 model year hybrids and natural gas vehicles purchased during 2006.

"The federal tax incentives reward consumers who seek the highest levels of environmental performance from their vehicles," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Honda continues to be a leader in producing vehicles that set the standard for fuel economy and low emissions."

Honda was the first automaker to sell a hybrid vehicle in the U.S. with the Insight in December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March 2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in December 2004. Additionally, Honda announced that in 2009 it will introduce another hybrid model priced below the Civic Hybrid.

Honda is currently the only manufacturer to market a natural gas passenger car nationally to fleet operators and to consumers in the states of California and New York. The home refueling appliance, "Phill" can also be purchased in conjunction with the natural gas powered Civic GX at certain California and New York Honda dealers.

Posted by Frank at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)

Statement Regarding Death of Toyota Executive, Dave Hermance

From Toyota -- We are deeply saddened to confirm that Dave Hermance, Executive Engineer at Toyota Technical Center in Gardena, California, passed away in an airplane accident on Saturday, November 25th.

Dave worked at Toyota Technical Center for 15 years in the powertrain and advanced technologies division. Dave was highly respected as a leading expert on hybrid technology systems. In that capacity, Dave was a frequent and popular speaker at advanced powertrain conferences and automotive seminars. Dave had the unique ability to explain complex engineering systems to non-technical audiences in a manner that was easily understandable.

Dave will be truly missed by his colleagues at Toyota and his many friends in the automobile industry.

Posted by Frank at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)

Valley Chevrolet Dealers Partner with Toys for Tots to Bring Joy to Local Children

Thirteen Maricopa County Chevy Dealers Collect Toys this Holiday Season

PHOENIX - The Valley Chevrolet Dealers are partnering with Toys for Tots to help bring joy to local children this holiday season. Thirteen area dealerships have made their stores available as collection points for the toy drive this year. This is the third consecutive year that the Valley Chevrolet dealers have partnered with Toys for Tots.

“It’s wonderful to help put a smile on the face of a child, especially during the holiday season,” said Bill Gruwell, owner of Courtesy Chevrolet and president of the Valley Chevrolet Dealers Association. “The Valley Chevrolet dealers have a long standing history of giving back to the community. We’re thrilled to support Toys for Tots again this year.”

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

New toys may be dropped off during normal business hours at any one of the 13 participating Chevrolet dealerships, which include Bill Heard Chevrolet (Scottsdale); Brown and Brown Chevrolet (Mesa); Power Chevrolet (Superstition Springs); Chapman Chevrolet (Tempe); Courtesy Chevrolet (Phoenix); Freeway Chevrolet (Chandler); Gateway Chevrolet (Avondale); Power Chevrolet (Camelback); Power Chevrolet (Peoria); Midway Chevrolet (Phoenix); Sands Chevrolet (Glendale); Thorobred Chevrolet (Chandler); and Van Chevrolet (Scottsdale).

The donated toys will be picked up from the dealerships beginning December 19.

Toys donated will be brought together in a formal Chevy Silverado Convoy. The convoy will be made up of 13, all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado trucks, which will drive around the Loop 101 starting at 1:30 p.m. on December 19. The 13 trucks will be filled with toys and will follow a U.S. Marine military vehicle that will lead them around the Loop 101 starting at 44 th street in the Airport Marriott parking lot ( 1101 N. 44 th St ). The Chevy Silverado Convoy of Toys for Tots will end at U.S. Marine Reserve Headquarters in Buckeye at approximately 4:00 p.m. (U.S. Marine Corp Reserve, 1201 N. 35 th Ave. , Phoenix , Ariz. 85009) Toys from this convoy will be delivered to the headquarters where the U.S. Marines will distribute to area children in time for Christmas.

Posted by Frank at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)

Carmakers say state's greenhouse rules would endanger SUVs

The auto industry said Monday that lawsuits over vehicles' greenhouse gas emissions could eventually force manufacturers to eliminate big SUVs from the market in California, an assertion denied by environmental attorneys and the state air quality board.

"If we lost (in court)," said Dave Barthmuss, General Motors' spokesman for environmental and energy affairs, "certain vehicles could not be offered for sale -- vehicles that consume more fuel than others. There would be fewer SUVs and we might not be able to offer them for sale in California. It could spell the end of the big SUV in California."

At the California Air Resources Board, however, spokesman Jerry Martin said the 2002 law in question cannot force the auto industry to reduce the size of its vehicles or to abandon any models it wants to keep selling.

The spat over what may happen to SUVs in California stems from a pair of federal court lawsuits that have been going on for years but are back in the news because one of them is scheduled to be argued Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In that case, California, along with 11 other states and several environmental organizations, wants federal limits on vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases. In another case, filed in federal court in Fresno two years ago, the auto industry challenged the 2002 California law requiring new vehicles sold in the state to cut tailpipe emissions by 30 percent by 2016. The law is to be phased in, starting in 2009.

If the Supreme Court rejects states' right to sue the Environmental Protection Agency to limit greenhouse gases, legal experts doubt that California can prevail in the other lawsuit over its 2002 emissions law.

The crux of both legal issues revolves around the strong differences between the auto industry, on the one hand, and the lawsuit-filing states and environmental organizations, on the other, over what causes pollution and global warming and what can be done about it.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)

Hot Wheels Rolls out New '07 Models

Latest from Die-Cast Leader Includes New Mystery Cars, Expanded Treasure Hunt Series and Code Cars

Mattel has unveiled the first wave of its Hot Wheels® new basic car assortment for 2007, ensuring that kids, collectors and car enthusiasts will have no trouble finding something to quench their desire for speed, power and performance. More than 180 different basic cars will join the Hot Wheels® fleet in the 2007 model year with a number of exciting additions to the brand that epitomizes popular car culture.

Leading these new additions is the eagerly anticipated Mystery(TM) car segment which features 24 different vehicles in specially designed "blind" packaging. Since fans' view of the car is obscured, they will not know which model they've purchased until they open the package, encouraging trading among collectors. Mystery(TM) cars will be produced in varying quantities, meaning each purchase is another chance to find a very rare model.

"As a kid, I used to love buying baseball cards, never knowing exactly what I was going to get, and trading with my friends for the cards that I needed," said Geoff Walker, vice president of Wheels Marketing, Mattel Brands. "We're creating the same kind of experience for kids and Hot Wheels collectors, giving them the thrill-of-the-hunt which is so central to the appeal of collecting." Walker added that unlike card collecting, the cost of collecting Hot Wheels® cars has remained relatively constant throughout its nearly 40-year history, making it easier for kids to build their collection. "While the price for a pack of baseball cards can easily approach $5, you can collect and trade Hot Wheels Mystery cars for less than a dollar. And, our cars are certainly more fun. After all, you can't race baseball cards."

More surprises are in store with Code(TM) cars, another new segment with special codes etched on the car chassis, similar to a real vehicle's VIN. Entering the code on the newly relaunched Hot Wheels® Web site (www.hotwheels.com) will reveal information on the car and also unlock special web-exclusive content, such as screen savers and hidden game levels. Each code is unique, even on the same model, making each individual car's online properties completely distinctive. And, for the first time, hotwheels.com/cars features a site solely dedicated to cars with games, downloads and an interactive tool so that kids can track their collection online.

In addition to the two new segments, there are some modifications for the 2007 Hot Wheels® basic car line. Always popular with collectors, the scarce Treasure Hunt series of cars will be produced in greater numbers, making them easier to find for kids and the casual consumer. Joining the mix will be a new series of "super" Treasure Hunt cars, produced in smaller quantities than the regular Treasure Hunt cars.

"We found that we'd made the series so popular with our collectors that kids rarely had a chance of finding a Treasure Hunt car on the shelf," explained Walker. "By increasing production on the regular Treasure Hunt models, and introducing the new 'super' Treasure Hunt cars, we are serving both audiences."

Other segments include Track Stars(TM), which achieve optimum performance on the classic orange Hot Wheels® track; 2007 New Models, 36 models that have never been made before; and 12 "teams" of cars that all share a similar trait - Hummers, Camaros, hot rod taxi cabs and more.

The 2007 line of Hot Wheels® basic cars is on store shelves now for a suggested retail price of $0.99 each, with new models rolling out monthly throughout the year. For more information, visit www.hotwheels.com.

Posted by Frank at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)

Disgruntled investors seek Chrysler spin-off

STUTTGART/FRANKFURT -- Growing ranks of shareholders in DaimlerChrysler are calling for a spin-off of loss-making U.S. arm Chrysler, which they say is dragging down the group and damaging management's credibility.

But that pits them directly against Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche and his executive team, who remain determined to hang on to Chrysler and restore it to profit.

"I would welcome a separation of Daimler from Chrysler," said Ingo Speich, portfolio manager for car stocks at German fund manager Union Investment, which with nearly 14 million shares is among the biggest German investors in the group.

"Cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler is still very limited," he said, undermining a key argument for the 1998 merger with Daimler-Benz that formed the world's fifth-biggest carmaker.

Chrysler remains for investors "the great unknown", he said, a "problem child" that could shred the group's future results even if management makes no mistakes.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)

Lexus Announces Pricing on 2007 LX 470 Limited Edition Full-Size Luxury SUV

Lexus today announced pricing for the 2007 LX 470 Limited Edition luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). The LX 470 Limited Edition will be available as a special option package containing unique exterior and interior features that will be priced at $410. The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2007 LX 470 will remain unchanged at $67,395.

Every LX 470 Limited Edition will receive Black Onyx exterior and color-coded scuff plates. Exterior features will include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish, and chrome door handles, beltline accent and exhaust tip. Finally, chrome Limited Edition exterior badges will be displayed on the front driver and passenger doors.

On the inside, all LX 470 Limited Editions will come equipped with a Stone leather interior. Features will include a Black Bird's-Eye Maple wood trim, and Black floor mats and a cargo mat, each with a Gray Limited Edition logo.

Only 400 of these special LX 470s will be produced for the entire U.S. market. The LX 470 Limited Edition will make its public debut on December 1 at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show and will reach Lexus dealer showrooms in early December.

Posted by Frank at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)

Survey Finds Employers Are Doing the 'Ride Thing' During the Holiday Season

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety and Anheuser-Busch Release Results of 2006 Designated Driver Poll

What's the best way to impress the boss during office holiday parties? It's not by belting out your favorite song during the karaoke competition. According to a new survey, 65 percent of Americans believe that being the designated driver is the best way to win points with the boss, while only 7 percent said that singing a favorite holiday song would do the trick. As companies around the country plan their holiday events, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and Anheuser-Busch encourage employers to make sure their employees get home safely after the festivities.

The survey, conducted by Data Development Worldwide, also found that 71 percent of Americans say their employer uses at least one of four ways to assure employees get home safely from holiday office parties: encouraging the use of designated drivers, offering plenty of food, serving alcohol responsibly or offering free safe rides home.

"Employees are a company's greatest asset," explains Kathy Lusby-Treber, NETS executive director, "and offering a designated driver program at holiday office parties ensures that everyone has a safe ride home, sending a clear message about driver safety."

John Kaestner, vice president of Consumer Affairs for Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. said, "It's great to see so many employers taking steps to ensure a fun and safe time at the holiday party for their employees. What better gift to give a friend than to be their designated driver."

Additional survey results include:

-- More than 148 million American adults have been a designated driver or
have been driven home by one.
-- Ninety-two percent of American adults 21 and older have heard of the
idea of a designated driver.
-- The vast majority of adults (95 percent) say that promoting the use of
designated drivers is an excellent or good way to help reduce the
problem of drunk driving.
-- Being the designated driver (65 percent) beats out dancing the
Electric Slide (4 percent) and hovering over the buffet table (4
percent) as the best way to impress the boss.
-- Americans would overwhelmingly prefer their designated driver to be a
friend (78 percent), rather than a taxicab (14 percent) or mass
transit (4 percent).
-- Given the choice of five special occasions in which to have a
designated driver, Americans choose New Year's Eve - with six in 10
saying they would want a designated driver on that night (62 percent).
-- If using a text message to round up friends at the end of an evening,
most Americans would use the text message, "Next stop ... home!" (52
percent).
-- The favorite accessory of designated drivers this year is a Global
Positioning System (28 percent), followed closely by a bottomless cup
of coffee (24 percent) and a "rockin" stereo system (22 percent).

Drunk-driving fatalities nationwide continue to decline. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports drunk-driving fatalities have decreased 39 percent since 1982. In addition, Christmas drunk-driving fatalities were 37 percent lower in 2005 than in 1982; and New Year's Eve drunk-driving fatalities were 24 percent lower in 2005 than in 1982.

The designated driver poll was conducted Aug. 24 - 27, 2006, using random digit dialing procedures. The findings were based on telephone interviews with a representative sample of nearly 1,000 Americans, ages 21 and older. To see the full survey results, visit http://www.alcoholstats.com/ .

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is the only organization dedicated exclusively to traffic safety in the workplace. NETS is a public/private partnership that engages employers of all sizes and industry-types in seeking, developing and expanding best practices in traffic safety.

Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers have invested more than a half-billion dollars since 1982 in a comprehensive portfolio of more than two dozen community-based programs and national advertising campaigns to promote responsibility and discourage alcohol abuse, including underage drinking and drunk driving. Since 1989, the company and its wholesalers have provided more than 815,000 safe rides.

The company ranked first in the U.S. beverage industry for social responsibility in FORTUNE magazine's 2005 "America's Most Admired Companies" and first in the beverage industry worldwide for social responsibility on FORTUNE's 2005 "Global Most Admired Companies" list. For more information about Anheuser-Busch's responsible drinking programs, visit http://www.beeresponsible.com/ .

Source: Anheuser-Busch Companies

Posted by Frank at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)

Jaguar Announces the New Jaguar XF

Jaguar Cars today announces that a new sports sedan, the Jaguar XF, will make its public debut next autumn. Positioned in the luxury mid-size segment, the new Jaguar XF will replace the S-TYPE sedan in the Jaguar model line-up.

Designed and developed at Jaguar's Product Development Centre at Whitley in Coventry, UK, the new Jaguar XF will be built at Jaguar's Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, UK.

"The Jaguar XF is a new sports saloon that will challenge people to think again about Jaguar as daring and different," commented Bibiana Boerio, managing director of Jaguar Cars. "Our new XK sports car has been very well- received and is enjoying great success. We are now moving on to the next stage of Jaguar's exciting new design era -- and if you like the new XK, just wait until you see the new Jaguar XF!"

Customer deliveries of the new Jaguar XF will commence in spring 2008, dependent on market.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.

Posted by Frank at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)

Grand Packaging Introduces First-Ever RV Sauna

Relaxing Infrared-Heated Sauna Units Provide Coachbuilders with New Luxury Option

Grand Packaging, Inc. today introduced a new luxury amenity traditionally available only at expensive health centers and five-star hotels -- the first-ever, compact, deep-heat sauna unit specifically designed for recreational vehicles (RVs). The patented Grand RV Sauna will be introduced during the 44th Annual National RV Trade Show (RVIA) in Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday, Nov. 28th.

The Grand RV Sauna is installed in an area the size of an average RV closet. The innovative unit uses a self-venting, infrared dry-heating element as a safe alternative to traditional fire or steam-heated saunas. Its quick- heating technology creates an environment of up to 150 degrees in approximately 15 minutes, and auto-venting double French doors ensure minimal heat loss during use. When not in use, the sauna unit easily converts to a convenient storage space.

Grand Packaging's new RV Sauna reflects a trend among RV owners toward greater on-board luxury, as well as an increasing awareness among health- conscious Americans of the restorative powers of infrared heat therapy. Saunas have historically been used to treat ailments from rheumatoid arthritis to soft-tissue cancers.

"RV owners place a high value on luxury and relaxation during their leisure experiences," said Andre Levesque, president of Grand Packaging. "The Grand RV Sauna gives owners a spa-like environment everywhere their travels take them," he said. "And from the manufacturer's perspective, closets are not typically marketable spaces in an RV, but the Grand RV Sauna offers the option of a new, value-added amenity while maintaining the utility of a closet."

The Grand RV Sauna will be available as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) option at the beginning of 2007, from some of the top RV manufacturers in the United States, including DoubleTree (Mobile Suites and Elite Fifth Wheel Series units), Dutchman/Thor (Grand Junction Series Fifth Wheels) Gulf Stream (Tour Master class A), and Chariot Eagle Park models. Units come in single or double-occupancy and are made from clear white wood that is virtually hypoallergenic. The Grand RV Sauna retails for $4,000-$5,000, based on the manufacturer and model selected. All four of the RV manufacturers will feature Grand RV Saunas in coaches on display at the RVIA show.

"More consumers are searching for new ways to relax while using their RV, and we are always interested in the next best product that will add value to a vehicle," said Matt Buckman, General Manager at Dutchmen's Colorado and Grand Junction group. "Grand Packaging has found an innovative way to repackage a traditional closet space to create a new and enjoyable experience for every RV owner."

A 2005 study issued by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center indicated that nearly 8 million U.S. households own at least one RV -- a 15 percent increase during the past four years, and a 58 percent rise since 1980. A key force behind the upswing in RV ownership is the aging of the baby-boomer generation, supported by strong ownership gains among younger and older buyers as well. In fact, high rates of RV ownership today extend across a 40-year demographic span from age 35 to 75, the study found.

Posted by Frank at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)

Porsche Denies Plans to Acquire Audi

Porsche, Volkswagen's largest shareholder at 27.4 percent, today said it prefers its independence and is not looking – contrary to speculation – to acquire Audi or any other premium Volkswagen brand and merge them under Porsche, reports Forbes. "Porsche will remain independent, there are no plans in this direction," a Porsche spokesman said. Earlier, Germany's business daily Handelsblatt newspaper reported that Porsche plans to restructure VW by carving out its luxury brand and then buying them. VW's other premium brands include: Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley.

Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)

Auto Sales Likely to Drop in 2006, Even Lower in 2007

After years of positive growth, sales of automobiles in the U.S. are slowing and an increasing number of forecasts predict sales could fall next year to their lowest level in nearly a decade, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The lag in sales is being linked to a slump in the housing industry – particularly in big market areas like California – and slowing growth in the overall U.S. economy. According to the Journal, the forecast is particularly troubling for Detroit automakers: "A downturn in vehicle demand would make it even more difficult to regain profitability – and to clear out bulging inventories of unsold vehicles without costly production cuts or discounts." The pressure is also on other automakers such as Toyota and BMW, who rely on California for a big chunk of their annual sales.

Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)

November 27, 2006

VW SUV tows a jet

TDI power: A Touareg V10 TDI takes a 155-ton jet along for a ride

WOLFSBURG, Germany - “Wanna bet that a Touareg V10 TDI can tow a Boeing 747?” “A 155-ton jet?” “Never!” “Sure it can!” This verbal exchange by two Volkswagen employees had consequences: A few months later, on Thursday this week, a Volkswagen crew did indeed hook up a new generation Touareg V10 TDI to a 747.

The certified result: The SUV pulled it off easily. However, the receipt of orders from airport operators wanting to replace their tow vehicles weighing up to 70 tons with the significantly more economical Touareg could not be confirmed.

The "Touareg tows a Boeing 747" event took place at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in England, located 40 miles from the gates of London. From the very start the question, entirely seriously meant, was posed about how powerful a modern, top range SUV with engine, four-wheel drive and chassis is.

The Touareg is innately the ideal towing vehicle: Maximum load capacities are 3,500 kilos for trailers and 1,640 kilos for the rear axle. But when instead of a 3.5 ton boat trailer a jet weighing over 155 tons – consisting of 511 m2 of wing surface, 4 engines, 450 seats and a fuselage the size of a block of houses – is attached to the hitch, things look quite a bit different. Careful preparations must be made.

In order for the Touareg V10 TDI to be able to tow the big bird, the weight of the Volkswagen had to first be increased. This sounds paradoxical but is absolutely necessary so that the power of the engine can be converted into propelling force. For this purpose steel balls and steel plates were distributed in the SUV. Extra weight: 4,345 kilos! Total weight of the Touareg: 7,030 kilos. Weight distribution: 2,755 kilos in front, 4,275 kilos in back.

The other modifications were kept to a minimum. For the front axle drive the shorter transmission of the Touareg V8 was integrated in place of the V10 TDI transmission. The crew increased air pressure in the standard Michelin tires to 4.5 bar. And finally, the maximum speed was limited – not out of fear that the unusual harnessed system would become airborne, but to protect the tires. Everything else, from the engine to the shock suspension system and four-wheel drive corresponded exactly to the series production version.

An extra device was then used to hook up the Boeing 747 to the Touareg’s standard trailer hitch. The experiment could begin. Based on the maximum torque of the V10 TDI (750 Nm) and the transmission ratio, the engineers had previously calculated that the Touareg would be able to put approx. 200 tons into motion. But who would trust his calculations if a 1.7 meter high, 4.75 meter long car was suddenly attached to a 19.4 meter high jet over 70 meters long? Nobody would. Especially not when typical English weather with heavy rain and headwinds were lashing across the car and jet as if there was no tomorrow.

But the Touareg did the job. Volkswagen technician Uwe Krieghoff took the wheel. He started the engine. Using the four-wheel drive control on the middle console he selected the "LOW" setting for reduced off-road speed. 50 percent of driving force was now distributed to the front axle and 50 percent to the back. Krieghoff manually selected the second gear of the automatic transmission, accelerated slowly and reflected on getting the 18 head-height wheels of the 155 ton 747 rolling from a standing position. The greatest power was required in these few seconds. As soon as this harnessed system got moving, it would move. But the only thing that budged at first was the engine speed. Krieghoff continued to push down the gas pedal to about the halfway position. And with not a hint of traction problems the Touareg and the jumbo jet started moving. After a distance of 150 meters Krieghoff slowed the harnessed system to a stop.

A post check-up of the Touareg did not find any evidence of damage to the car. Everything was A-OK.

Incidentally, the new generation of the Touareg is now available for order. The SUV comes standard equipped with ESP plus trailer stabilization. It is extremely effective at preventing trailers from dangerously fishtailing when improperly loaded or traveling at excessively high speed. The system didn’t kick in during the test with the 747 – the speed was only eight km/h.

Posted by Frank at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)

Ford to showcase hydrogen-powered Explorer in LA

* Ford's all-new fuel cell powered Explorer features a center-mounted hydrogen tank that delivers more miles on a single fill-up than any other fuel cell vehicle today, while maintaining ample space for six passengers and cargo.

* The fuel cell Explorer is the first of a series of prototype vehicles to be built for the United States Department of Energy to determine the feasibility of hydrogen propulsion.

* The Explorer has been driven 17,000 miles. It set a new record for the most miles traveled in a 24-hour period in a fuel cell vehicle.

* The fuel-cell-powered Explorer will be available Nov. 29 & 30. for media drives during the Los Angeles Auto Show media days.

Los Angeles, Nov. 27 – Ford Motor Company will raise the bar in the hydrogen fuel cell race today at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show when it unveils an all-new fuel cell powered Explorer that can travel 350 miles on a single fill-up, more than any fuel cell vehicle on the road.

The six-passenger fuel cell Explorer is one of several vehicles with green technology that Ford will have at the show, including the new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, the PZEV emissions compliant Ford Fusion and Ford Focus and the 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty with Ford Clean Diesel Technology.

The fuel cell Explorer prototype is part of a series of vehicles partially funded by a contract with the United States Department of Energy. The goal of the Technology Demonstration Vehicle program is to find a pathway for a fuel alternative to petroleum that has less environmental impact than current powertrain technology.

“We believe hydrogen may become a viable motor fuel in the long-term,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “With these technology demonstration vehicles, Ford continues to lead the way in the development of hydrogen technology.”

Research into hydrogen, including the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered Ford Explorer, is part of Ford's overall effort to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence. Ford is moving ahead with a range of technology solutions simultaneously, including vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions. Some of the technology, such as that seen in Ford’s lineup of hybrid vehicles, represents near-term approaches. Other technology, including hydrogen cell, must be viewed as a long-term option.

Fuel Cell Explorer

The first vehicle to be publicly unveiled from the Ford and DoE demonstration program is the fuel-cell-powered Ford Explorer. While it comes equipped with advanced electric all-wheel-drive like the production model from which it is based, a center-mounted hydrogen storage tank now occupies the space typically used for the 6-speed automatic transmission found in production Explorer models. Locating the hydrogen storage tank in this area allowed engineers to design a larger tank and deliver a never-before-achieved 350-mile driving range for a fuel cell vehicle. This unique design maintains Explorer’s six-passenger seating arrangement and the cargo capacity found in the production Ford Explorer.

In less than one year, the fuel cell Explorer has accumulated more than 17,000 miles, including a world-record drive of 1556 miles in a single 24-hour period, the most of any fuel cell vehicle to date. The record was set by Ford engineers at the new Dearborn Development Center test facility in Dearborn, Mich.

In January, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, Ford will unveil the next vehicle in this series of demonstration vehicles.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort At Ford

Ford first began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. Ford’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company’s first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles since its inception. With this fleet on the ground, a great deal of information that can be integrated into future fuel cell vehicle propulsion systems is being generated in different local environmental conditions. .

Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to insure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.

Posted by Frank at 03:07 PM | Comments (0)

Ford Announces Plans for Debt Financing

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today announced that it plans to obtain financing totaling approximately $18 billion in order to address near- and medium-term negative operating-related cash flow, to fund its restructuring, and to provide added liquidity to protect against a recession or other unanticipated events.

The financing transactions consist of:
* new five-year senior secured revolving credit facility of approximately
$8 billion that is intended to replace Ford's existing unsecured credit
facilities of $6.3 billion;
* senior secured term loan of approximately $7 billion; and
* unsecured capital market transactions of approximately $3 billion,
which may include unsecured notes convertible into Ford common stock.

The size of the individual components of the financing may vary depending on market conditions.

Borrowings under the senior secured revolving and term loan credit facilities will be secured on an equal basis by first-priority liens on principal domestic manufacturing facilities (subject to public debt indenture limitations) and substantially all of the Company's other domestic automotive assets, certain intellectual property, certain real property, all or a portion of the stock of certain subsidiaries (including Ford Motor Credit Company and Volvo), certain intercompany payables and notes, and up to $4 billion of domestic cash without restriction on its use.

The arrangers for the senior secured credit facilities are Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

Ford expects these transactions to close prior to December 31, 2006.

Upon completion of the transactions, Ford expects to have Automotive liquidity of approximately $38 billion at year end 2006, consisting of gross cash (i.e., cash, cash equivalents, loaned and marketable securities and short-term Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association assets) and available credit facilities.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive- related services include Ford Motor Credit Company.

Forward-Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements herein regarding our financial plans are based on expectations and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation, market conditions and the other factors described under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations - Risk Factors" in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Posted by Frank at 02:54 PM | Comments (0)

Holiday Traffic Fatalities and Injuries Drop in Pennsylvania

Number of Crashes Decrease While Citations and Arrests Increase, State Police Report

The number of highway fatalities, injuries and total crashes investigated by Pennsylvania State Police during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday driving period all dropped compared to the same period last year, Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said today.

"We had better weather than last year for the driving period, but I believe the decreases are in part the result of tougher traffic-law enforcement by our troopers and greater use of seat belts by the public," Miller said.

He said 11 people were killed and 379 others were injured in the 1,066 crashes to which State Police responded during the holiday driving period that began Nov. 22 and ended Nov. 26. During last year's five-day Thanksgiving driving period, 13 people were killed and 503 others were injured in 1,738 crashes investigated by troopers.

Noting that studies by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation show that seat belt usage in Pennsylvania is on the rise, Miller said the holiday statistics indicate that far too many drivers and passengers still fail to buckle up.

"Only one of the 11 people killed during the holiday travel period was wearing a seat belt," Miller said. "Making sure that everyone in a vehicle is properly restrained is the single most important thing that can be done to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries."

Miller said 103 of the 1,066 crashes, including two of the fatal crashes, were alcohol-related.

State Police issued 6,490 speeding citations, arrested 369 individuals for driving under the influence, cited 476 people for not wearing seat belts and issued citations to 63 for failing to properly restrain children in child safety seats during the holiday driving period.

During the same period in 2005, troopers wrote 4,500 speeding citations, arrested 292 drivers for DUI, cited 237 individuals for not wearing seat belts and issued citations to 53 people for not properly restraining children in child safety seats.

The crash numbers cover only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on crashes to which other law-enforcement agencies responded.

During the holiday driving period, State Police took part in both the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign to increase seat belt usage and the national "Operation C.A.R.E." program to reduce traffic crashes on interstate highways, Miller said.

Posted by Frank at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces 2007 Award Recipients, 2006 Industry Leader

The Automotive Hall of Fame has announced its 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients. The Automotive Hall of Fame's oldest recognition, initiated in 1940, the Distinguished Service Citation recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organizations. A recipient is either currently employed in the industry or recently retired.

2007 Distinguished Service Citation recipients are:

- Dr. Amar G. Bose, Chairman and CEO, Bose Corporation
- Jeffrey A. Cook, Technical Leader, Ford Motor Company
- Allan Gilmour, Vice Chairman, CFO (retired), Ford Motor Company
- Timothy D. Leuliette, Chairman, President and CEO, Metaldyne Corporation
- Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President, Environment and Energy, General Motors Corporation
- Phil Smart, Sr., Chairman, Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz

The Automotive Hall of Fame also announced its 2006 Industry Leader of the Year Award, which is presented to a single individual each year who has demonstrated outstanding industry leadership. The 2006 Industry Leader of the Year is James E. Press, President, Toyota North America.

The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Mich., is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual. The Automotive Hall of Fame is both a visitor attraction and an educational resource for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. For more information about the Automotive Hall of Fame, visit http://www.automotivehalloffame.org/ .

Source: Automotive Hall of Fame

Posted by Frank at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)

Vote for Oregon's Greatest Hometown Heroes

National Vote Underway for All-Time Greatest Heroes - Five per State - in 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards

Vote for Top Heroes at www.volvoforlifeawards.com; $1 Million in Financial Contributions Provided; Winner Receives Volvo Car for Life

Who would you give a Volvo to? How about Sandra Clarke who created No One Dies Alone, a volunteer program that partners "compassionate companions" with terminally ill patients? Or Matt Gerber who founded humanitarian aid organization, TeamWorks International, to "help others help themselves?" Or Paula Lucas who formed the American Domestic Violence Crises Line to help American women and children overseas suffering from abuse?

These are just three of the five extraordinary Oregon heroes named as semi-finalists in the 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards -- Volvo's annual search for hometown heroes across America. This year, in honor of the Awards' 5th anniversary, Volvo selected the top five heroes from every state in America and is asking the American public to visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to vote for their favorites now through February 4, 2007.

Who in Oregon would you give a Volvo to? Representing Oregon in this year's Volvo for life Awards are:

Nursing supervisor Sandra Clarke of Eugene told a dying man that she would sit with him after she completed her rounds during one of her shifts at Sacred Heart Medical Center. When she returned just over an hour later the man had died, alone. This sad experience moved Clarke to create No One Dies Alone (NODA), a volunteer program that partners "compassionate companions" with terminally ill patients who would otherwise face death without the support of family and friends. More than 400 hospitals in the United States, Canada, Japan and Singapore have requested information to help implement NODA in their institutions.

Matt Gerber of Milwaukie founded humanitarian aid organization TeamWorks International to "help others help themselves." TeamWorks identifies people in communities already engaged in work to improve their society and connects them with the resources they need. Gerber manages the organization's staff and projects around the world, from funding orphanages to the support of locally created, locally directed community projects.

Paula Lucas of Portland formed the American Domestic Violence Crises Line to help American women and children overseas suffering from abuse. Lucas worked nights to support her sons and days to build up the organization after fleeing the Middle East to escape from her abusive husband. Now, the American Domestic Violence Crises Line provides extensive support services and programs to help women establish violence-free and economically feasible lives when they return to the United States with their children.

Jody Stark, a nurse practitioner from Ontario, devotes her time and money to others at home and abroad. At home, she runs a free medical clinic that provides care, treatment and medications to uninsured patients. Abroad, Stark raises funds for Nicaraguan rural populations, helping support an agricultural training center and a school for street children in Somotillo.

Chant Thomas of Jacksonville is a life-long environmental activist and lives in the forests of Southern Oregon that he helped save. In 1979, Chant started Threatened and Endangered Little Applegate Valley, (TELAV), a small grassroots organization that was successful in stopping timber sales that would have permanently degraded the Little Applegate watershed. Thomas also helped found Headwaters, the group that waged a legal battle against herbicide spraying that went all the way to the Supreme Court and won. Today Thomas mentors young activists, works to save the last of the roadless areas locally and educates communities on how they can effect change.

Once the public vote concludes, the top three vote getters in the categories of safety, quality of life and environment will be named finalists. Then, a panel of distinguished judges -- including Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Val Kilmer, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and previous Volvo for life Awards top winners -- will select winners in each category. Winners receive a $50,000 charitable contribution from Volvo; remaining finalists receive a $25,000 contribution.

Volvo and members of the celebrity-judging panel will honor the winning heroes on April 5, 2007 at the 42nd St. Cipriani during the 5th Annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony. There, Volvo will reveal which of the three top heroes is also the Grand Award winner of a Volvo vehicle every three years for the rest of his or her life.

"Over the past five years the Volvo for life Awards initiative has received more than 15,000 hero nominations," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "All of these heroes demonstrate incredible conscience, care and character. Having the public help us select the winning heroes is a truly exciting -- and democratic -- addition to this year's program."

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

Posted by Frank at 02:47 PM | Comments (0)

Chrysler, Ford Vehicles Face U.S. Recall

DETROIT -- The government has announced four separate auto recalls affecting about 300,600 vehicles.

More than half of the vehicles being recalled -- 170,099 -- are Volvo passenger cars, station wagons and sport utility vehicles from the 1999-2002 model years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

Volvo Cars of North America, a unit of Ford Motor Co., is recalling vehicle speed controls on some C70, C70 convertible, S60, S70, S80, V70, V70XC and XC70 models. A malfunctioning electronic throttle module may cause the vehicles to unnecessarily go into "limp home" mode, in which the vehicle's speed is limited to 10 to 30 mph, NHTSA said.

Dealers will install upgraded software on the affected vehicles' electronic throttles.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is recalling 127,928 Chrysler Pacificas from the 2005-2006 model years. The crossover vehicles have fuel pump modules and powertrain control module software that may allow the engine to stall under certain conditions, causing a crash to occur without warning.

Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and replace the fuel pump module on Pacificas built from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2004, NHTSA said.

Chrysler also is recalling 2,258 Sebring sedans from the 2007 model year with a hood latch part that may break and allow the hood to open while driving. Dealers will replace the hood latches at no cost to owners.

Ford is recalling 422 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans from the 2007 model year to properly secure the windshield to the body, NHTSA said. Dealers will replace the windshields at no cost to owners.

In another action, DaimlerChrysler has begun mailing an owner's manual addendum to owners of 18,245 Jeep Compass SUVs from the 2007 model year. The original manuals do not contain required warning information about the higher risk of rollover in an SUV, NHTSA said.

Posted by Frank at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)

Bank of America Becomes 'Official Bank of NASCAR' Starting With 2007 Season

Company's expansion into racing driven by enterprise-wide business growth potential

Multi-year agreement exemplifies NASCAR's strategy to partner with Fortune 500 blue chip companies that will market the sport nationally

Bank of America, one of the world's largest financial institutions, today announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) to become the "Official Bank of NASCAR," beginning with the 2007 season. Bank of America's agreement with NASCAR marks a significant expansion into racing, and acknowledges the sport as a strong platform for targeting multiple customer segments and accelerating growth across the company's enterprise.

"We are very proud of our new partnership with NASCAR, which has proven to have the reach, passionate fan base and ability to communicate directly to our customers," said Anne Finucane, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America. "NASCAR's popularity and loyal following gives us an opportunity to promote a broad array of financial solutions not only to its 75 million fans, but also to NASCAR's powerful community of teams, sponsors and businesses that support the operations and growth of the sport."

Under the five-year agreement, Bank of America will be NASCAR's exclusive partner for banking and related financial services, and will have the rights in this category to use NASCAR marks in marketing and advertising promotions through 2011. These services include a broad set of products and services, including: consumer checking and savings products; Visa-branded credit, debit and ATM card issuance, processing and servicing; consumer and commercial lending; merchant services; securities brokerage services; mutual fund distribution and management services; treasury and payroll services; and community development banking.

NASCAR will continue existing relationships with partners in the areas of payment services, insurance and related services, tax preparation and gift cards.

"With its trusted reputation and national reach, Bank of America is an ideal partner for NASCAR," said Steve Phelps, Chief Marketing Office for NASCAR. "We're thrilled Bank of America will play such a visible role in the sport, and look forward to the value the company will bring to NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors and media partners. We consider this agreement, which comes at the end of a very successful season for NASCAR, a significant step for the future growth of our sport."

Bank of America will leverage its agreement with NASCAR through racing-themed mass-market promotions, at-track branding and hospitality, rewards programs for both customers and employees, and business-to-business and cross-promotional opportunities with NASCAR's various sponsor partners.

Other elements of the agreement include onsite branding and hospitality opportunities during NASCAR's jewel events, such as the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge, Championship Event and Champions Week.

Financial terms of the sponsorship agreement were not disclosed.

Posted by Frank at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)

Ford's 'Go-To' Guy

Thank God for Derrick Kuzak." It's a popular refrain among the upper crust at Ford Motor Co. -- top guys such as Bill Ford, the company's chairman, and Mark Fields, president of the Americas. New Ford CEO Alan Mulally made clear during a recent Free Press interview that he has become a fan, extolling Kuzak's "big-time leadership." Detroit Free Press

Link.

Posted by Frank at 02:42 PM | Comments (0)

Nissan's three-year electric car plan

Nissan Motor Co. plans to develop and start selling subcompact electric cars powered by self-developed lithium-ion batteries in about three years, the Nihon Keizai (Nikkei) business daily reported on Sunday. Japan's number-two automaker also plans to develop and sell gas-electric hybrid cars by 2010 in an attempt to catch up with rivals Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. in the field of eco-friendly vehicles, Nikkei said. Reuters

Posted by Frank at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota Hybrid Exec Dies in Plane Crash

David Hermance, Toyota's executive engineer for advanced technology vehicles, died Saturday, Nov. 25, when the airplane he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Hermance, 59, was Toyota's top American executive for alternative-fuel vehicles and emissions technologies in North America.

Posted by Frank at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)

BorgWarner Powers European Car of the Year 2007

Ford S-MAX Wins Top Accolades in Close Competition

Leading global powertrain supplier BorgWarner powers the European Car of the Year 2007 -- the Ford S-MAX -- as well as seven of the eight finalists in the closely fought competition. The BorgWarner Engine Group supplies the turbocharger for the Ford S-MAX gas engine model and the EGR, auxiliary cabin heater and cold-start technology for the winning MPV's diesel model.

Established in 1964 and sponsored by seven leading auto industry publications, the Car of the Year is an international award judged by a panel of 58 senior journalists from 22 countries across Europe. The award recognizes the single, most outstanding new car to enter the European market during the year. The 2007 trophy will be presented in Amsterdam on January 22.

"We are proud that our leading engine technology contributes to the sporty performance and fuel economy of this dynamic new MPV," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "Congratulations to Ford on this prestigious industry recognition."

The Ford S-MAX features several BorgWarner technologies, including the world's first turbocharger designed to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1050 degrees C to meet the severe thermal stability requirements of Ford's high-performance gasoline engine. An integrated exhaust manifold and swing valve combine to deliver a powerful driving experience. BorgWarner diesel EGR valves feature DC motor actuation, high actuation force, fast response time, flexible mounting orientations, compact package size, and patented anti- contamination/anti-sticking technology.

For quicker, more reliable and environmentally friendly starting, the Ford S-MAX diesel model includes cold-start technology from BERU AG (a majority- owned subsidy of BorgWarner), the leading manufacturer of glow plugs in the world. BERU glow plugs offer the benefits of no cold-start knocking, quiet engine running, and up to 40% less emissions during warm up. In addition, BERU's positive temperature coefficient (PTC) auxiliary cabin heater for diesel vehicles speeds comfortable heat inside the vehicle and accelerates windshield de-icing.

Posted by Frank at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)

Crain: Chinese Cars Pose No Threat to U.S. Economy

In a column in today's print edition of Automotive News, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Keith Crain predicts, "The Chinese might export cars, but it won't be soon, and the quantities will be small." Crain says, he "[doesn't] believe it for a minute" that Chinese automobiles pose a threat to economies in Europe or the U.S.

According to Crain, Chinese automakers are too busy "trying to fulfill consumer demand for cars in their own market," which just this year became the world's second largest market for automobiles behind the U.S. and ahead of Japan and Germany. "It would be difficult and expensive for them to divert much of their resources to a foreign market," adds Crain.

Posted by Frank at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)

November 23, 2006

Keeping innovation in sight

The 2008 F-Series Super Duty features the industry's first power telescoping, power fold side mirrors extend up to 70 mm or fold at the touch of a switch and are integrated into the vehicle's seat-position and pedal memory system.

Katherine Ralston brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “loving your job.” When the Ford Motor Company engineer was recently reunited with a prototype for the towing mirror she developed for the 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty, she gave it a big hug, saying, “I missed you.”

It was this kind of compassion and dedication that lead to the development of not just the first original equipment manufacturer application, but the industry’s first power-fold, power-telescoping side mirrors.

Developing a mirror this big and complex provided Ralston and her team with plenty of challenges. At one point, she found herself in Australia to sort out some vibration issues.

“I was driving down the wrong side of a dirt road at 80 kph (50 mph), holding a force gauge attached to the mirror to take wind force measurements while the team in Dearborn (Mich.) was having trouble with the mirrors folding back under wind load.”

With all those issues resolved, Ralston’s team has delivered a mirror that every trucker will fall in love with.

The Super Duty’s mirrors stand up to the best in the aftermarket business, with a large, 7-by-8-inch power-adjustable main mirror and a large, 3.75-by-6.37-inch manually adjustable spotter mirror to provide excellent visibility. What the best in the aftermarket can’t do is extend and fold at the touch of a button. The control switch is conveniently mounted on the windowsill near the power window switches. The mirrors extend 2.75 inches and fold flat to the cab when not in use. They are also integrated into the vehicle’s seat-position and pedal-memory system, offering two different settings.

“These mirrors have the most feature content of any mirror available today, including heated glass, clearance lamps and integrated turn signals,” says Ralston.

The workings of the mirrors are surrounded by a design that’s been squared and toughened to match the front of the 2008 Super Duty. Several design studies were done to make sure the finished product looked good on the truck.

“We were always teased during development of the 2008 Super Duty that we were developing the mirrors that the truck attached to,” says Ralston.

Harry Rawlins simply enjoys the convenience that the power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors provide. As 4x4 trailer and tow specialist for the Ford Super Duty, he spends a lot of time behind the wheel of trucks towing trailers. The mirrors are part of a towing package that he helped develop, which includes the industry’s first fully integrated tow brake controller.

“A good set of mirrors is a necessity when towing,” says Rawlins. “Super Duty’s mirrors provide excellent visibility both behind the trailer and in the driver’s blind spots. But what’s really nice is that they pull in easily for maneuvering into tight spots.”

He also likes to park his truck in front of his house, which could cause problems with the large towing mirrors hanging out in traffic.

“That’s another neat feature of the power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors,” says Rawlins. “You just park the truck and hit the button as you get out. The mirrors automatically fold out of the way.”

Posted by Frank at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)

Ford's year-end clearance event

The Year-End Event includes 30-second television spots featuring the Black Eyed Peas’ hit song, “Let’s Get it Started”

The biggest holiday shopping day of the year is just around the corner, and this year, shoppers will want to plan on making a trip to their neighborhood Ford dealer. Ford is launching its nationwide Year-End Event, offering customers $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash on some of its hottest 2007 products.

“The Year-End Event is a perfect way for us to usher in the season and highlight Ford’s exciting 2007 lineup,” says Al Giombetti, president of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. “Our new products are winning comparison tests and earning third-party recognition for quality and outstanding features. When customers get behind the wheel, they’ll find bold styling, more standard safety features and great performance — more reason than ever to put Ford vehicles on holiday shopping lists.”

Advertising for the Year-End Event includes 30-second TV and radio spots featuring the Black Eyed Peas hit song “Let’s Get it Started,” with print executions running in newspapers including USA Today. The campaign also has a strong digital component — 43 percent of Americans say they plan to shop on the Internet this holiday season, up 6 percent from 2004. With the average consumer spending 14 hours a week on the Internet — as much time as watching TV — those who browse high-impact automotive sites will see Ford vehicles showcased and learn how they can “Get it Started” for the holidays.

Ford’s Year-End Event runs through Jan. 2, 2007, offering customers $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash on the 2007 Fusion and $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash plus $2,000 Customer Cash on the 2007 F-Series Super Duty and 2007 Escape. The 2007 Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle offer $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $1,000 Customer Cash, and the 2006 Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle come with $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $1,500 Customer Cash plus $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash, a $3,000 total.

Zero percent financing for up to 60 months continues on certain remaining 2006 models.

Lincoln Wish List Year-End Event helps customers find the ultimate holiday gift

Lincoln is welcoming the holiday season with its strongest lineup ever — and a new year-end campaign designed to put Lincoln vehicles at the top of everyone’s Wish List.

“Our new Lincoln products deliver the distinctive styling, outstanding performance and cutting-edge features that luxury customers want,” says Al Giombetti, president of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.

The Wish List Year-End Event features a nationwide “sign & drive” lease offer on the Lincoln MKZ of $399 a month for 39 months and $0 down, $0 security and $0 first-month payment.

Advertising includes radio, digital and print executions featuring the new 2007 Lincoln MKZ and Navigator. Ads featuring the all-new 2007 Lincoln MKX will join the campaign next month. The Lincoln Wish List Year-End Event runs until Jan. 2, 2007.

Posted by Frank at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)

The night Henry Ford met Santa

Author Carol Hagen credits the idea for The Night Henry Ford Met Santa to her seven-year-old son, Tyler.

Reindeer, elves and Christmas wishes are popular components of holiday stories, but what about Henry Ford? According to Carol Hagen, in 1908, when most people were fast asleep, Henry Ford was dreaming up the Model T assembly line — with a little help from Santa Claus.

Released by Sleeping Bear Press in September, “The Night Henry Ford Met Santa” is Hagen’s first published work.

Inspired by a tour of Henry Ford’s estate, Fairlane, the story was originally written as an assignment for a children’s literature class.

“I knew I wanted to write about Henry Ford, but I just couldn’t think of a story,” Hagen says.

With the deadline quickly approaching, she enlisted her son Tyler, then 7, for ideas.

“He’s the ultimate Christmas fan” and suggested Santa Claus, she says with a smile. “I took it from there.”

Hagen, a Dearborn Heights, Mich., teacher and school librarian, wanted the book to have childlike innocence mixed with a bit of historical fact.

“Henry Ford is so much a part of Dearborn,” she says. “He contributed a whole lot to the state and the people.”

With a little digging at the Benson Ford Research Center, her story includes facts about the original Ford Model T and a line from a letter that Henry’s son Edsel Ford wrote to Santa Claus in 1901.

Hagen had no idea there was a “real” letter to Santa Claus until after the first draft of her book was written.

“A friend told me about it,” Hagen says. “I changed a line of the letter in my book to match the original. The story was truly providence.”

Providence indeed, Sleeping Bear Press picked up her story shortly after she submitted it.

“It didn’t really hit me until I saw my book in the sneak preview catalog that the publisher sends to librarians,” Hagen says. “Then I really freaked!”

She is quite pleased with the community’s response to her book.

“The town and the museum have really embraced me,” Hagen says.

She is scheduled for several book signings in the Dearborn area, including appearances at the Henry Ford Museum and Fairlane Mansion. Her books are even popping up at Ford dealerships and in the gift shop at Ford’s World Headquarters.

Will there be other books?

“I have a couple of ideas, but I don’t want to give them away,” Hagen says. “I also want to write a chapter of the Henry Ford book for older kids.”

Her only advice to aspiring authors: “Just keep dreaming. Everything starts with a dream.”

To include a copy of Hagen’s book, “The Night Henry Ford Met Santa,” in your holiday shopping, go to Borders, Barnes & Noble or sleepingbearpress.com.

Posted by Frank at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

Ford says take care of your particulate filter

The Super Duty’s new 6.4-liter Powerstroke engine even offers increased power and torque making it the most popular choice for over 8,500 pound trucks, but these newer engines will require some special attention.

North America is on the cusp of a clean-diesel revolution, driven by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mandated move to ultra-low sulfur diesel, which was launched Oct. 15.

Ultra-low sulfur diesel has a sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm), compared with low sulfur diesel at 500 ppm. Reducing the sulfur content will allow automotive manufacturers to build clean-diesel-powered cars and trucks that can meet the government’s stringent new emissions regulations.

“Removing the sulfur enables reduction of particulate matter by over 90 percent,” says Peter Misangyi, fuels and lubricants specialist for Ford Motor Company. “As a normal customer, you won’t see the telltale black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes anymore. In addition, NOx emissions are cut in half.”

In fact, the EPA estimates that by 2030, when the entire fleet (on and off highway) has been turned over, nitrogen oxide emissions will be reduced by 4 million tons yearly, and cancer-causing particulate matter will be reduced by 250,000 ton per year.

Ford Motor Company is leading the revolution, coming to market in early 2007 with the industry’s first clean-diesel truck engine in the new 2008 F-Series Super Duty. The Super Duty’s new 6.4-liter Power Stroke® engine even offers increased power and torque, making it the most popular choice for trucks that weigh more than 8,500 pounds, but these newer engines will require some special attention.

“The customer will have a new part to service, called the diesel particulate filter,” says Mike Harrison, 6.4-liter Power Stroke chief engineer, Ford North American Diesel. “But with proper use of the specified fuels and oils, typical servicing of the part should not be required before the vehicle has been driven 120,000 miles.”

The diesel particulate filter is an integral part of Ford’s clean-diesel technology. Working like a self-cleaning oven, the filter traps the particulate, or soot, inside the filter and regenerates itself, using injected diesel fuel to effectively burn and disintegrate the soot. Regeneration takes place about every 300 miles of normal use.

While older diesels should have no problem running on the new fuel, Harrison cautions against using anything other than ultra-low sulfur diesel in the new trucks. Any fuel containing more than the 15 ppm of sulfur could inhibit regeneration. Continued use of high-sulfur fuel may eventually clog the filter, calling for service at the dealer.
< P>The EPA requires diesel pumps at filling stations to be properly labeled. Owners should read the labels carefully, as there are three: one for ultra-low sulfur diesel, one for low sulfur diesel and one for off-highway diesel.

Harrison also stresses the importance of reading the diesel supplement that comes with the vehicle owner’s manual. Here are a few other Ford recommendations to keep in mind:

· Change the fuel filter at every other oil filter change. Oil filter change intervals have been extended to 10,000 miles from 7,500 miles under normal operation. Heavy-duty operation intervals stay at 5,000 miles.

· Use CJ-4 oils, which minimize the amount of ash buildup in the diesel particulate filter.

· Empty the water separator on the primary fuel-conditioning module once a month or when the warning light comes on. Failure to do so could cause corrosion of the internal fuel system components, leading to failure of the fuel pump and injection system. The water is considered a hazardous waste. The maintenance CD that comes with the vehicle provides information on the proper way to capture and dispose of the water.

· The unique design of the Super Duty exhaust system prohibits the addition of chrome tip covers. An air infusion device entrains cold air into the exhaust to help cool it when the truck is in regeneration mode. It’s important to keep the openings clear of mud and debris.

· Harrison suggests that when operating in hot climates or after a stint of high-speed driving, let the truck idle for about three minutes before shutting it off.

Posted by Frank at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)

Team HUMMER Extends Winning Streak In Baja

H2 dominates full stock class; H3 secures mini stock championship title

DETROIT – Team HUMMER once again demonstrated why it's one of the most successful teams in off-road racing, as Team HUMMER driver Josh Hall piloted his H2 to its second consecutive Baja 1000 Stock Full class win at the 39th annual SCORE Tecate Baja 1000. Not to be outdone by his son, team owner Rod Hall, piloted his Team HUMMER H3 to a 3rd place Mini Stock class finish, securing the 2006 SCORE Mini Stock class points championship.

“The H2 demonstrated once again why it is one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the market today,” said Hall. “Not a single stock part on that truck failed, even after 26 hours racing across some of Baja’s most treacherous terrain. It says a lot about the engineering behind the H2 and the detail the Team HUMMER crew put into preparing the truck for this year’s race.”

Josh and co-riders (Sam Cothrun, Reno, Nev./ Thad Stump, Gilbert, Ariz./ Sean Holman, Huntington Beach, Calif.) completed the grueling 1,047.8 miles of this year’s race in 26:30:45 hours, averaging a speed of 39.65 miles per hour. Hall, who drove the entire race himself, finished more than five hours ahead of the nearest stock full class competitor.

Hall’s victory marks his third Baja 1000 class victory and the 11th Baja 1000 class win for Team HUMMER. It also represents the 26th class win for the Hall family, further securing their place as the winningest family in Baja 1000 history.

Team HUMMER owner Rod Hall marked his 39th Baja 1000 with an eventful 3rd place mini stock class finish following a series of unfortunate incidents that began with the vehicle rolling after 12 miles of racing.

“We demonstrated just how tough the H3 truly is at this year’s race,” said Rod. “Even after all we put it through, we finished the race and secured the mini stock class championship.”

Hall, his co-drivers (Emily Miller, Crested Butte, Colo./Mike Winkel, Reno, Nev.), and co-riders (Susan Crandell, Cornwall on Hudson, NY/ Rick Pewe, Thousand Oaks, Calif./ Jake Povey, Reno, Nev.) piloted the H3 across the finish in 36:37:14 hours.

Hall’s 3rd place finish was enough to secure the 2006 SCORE Mini Stock class championship, following his class victories at this year’s SCORE Baja 500 and Primm 300. Hall’s finish also continues his streak as the only person to have raced every Baja 1000 in a four-wheeled vehicle in the 39-year history of the event.

The 2006 Baja 1000 also marked the inaugural Baja race for Team HUMMER’s new H1 Alpha piloted by Rod’s youngest son and five-time Baja 1000 winner Chad Hall. While the H1 ran strong in second place for a majority of the race, a disappointing critical overheating issue put it out of the race after 944 miles.

About Team HUMMER
Team HUMMER was founded by legendary off-road racer Rod Hall in 1993. Since then, Rod and his sons Josh and Chad have compiled 11 class wins at the Baja 1000; 45 podium finishes in the Best in the Desert (BitD) Racing Association series; and five BitD class championships. Team HUMMER competes with the H1 Alpha, H2 and H3 in the stock class, which features production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. For more information about Team HUMMER, visit www.rodhallracing.

Posted by Frank at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)

Volvo Motor Sport Goes Green

Volvo Cars Sweden has set its sights on winning the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) in 2007. With bioethanol (E85) in the tank!

“This is fully in line with our strategy of innovation in the domestic market, in which we aim to lead the field both in business terms and, as in this instance, in the STCC. This gives us an opportunity of being involved and leading the development of greener motor sport,” explains Thomas Andersson, president of Volvo Cars Sweden.

Volvo Cars Sweden is now making a concerted effort to finish on top of the podium in the STCC, the supreme class in Swedish motor sport.

The use of E85 environmental fuel is one of the most important features of the new team organisation.

Going into the 2007 season, the STCC will be the first production car championship in which bioethanol E85 will be used. The aim is to make it the standard fuel in the championship, although both it and petrol will be allowed next year.

The choice was an easy one for Volvo. Volvo Cars Sweden, through its official STCC team, Polestar Racing, is also an STCC development partner.

“Environment is a Volvo core value. So we did not have to think twice before taking on the role of STCC development partner,” says Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, director of motor sport at Volvo Cars Sweden.

“Volvo’s motor sport history shows that we have always been in pole position in terms of environmental development. We have chosen to implement environmental options whenever they have become available. Among other things, Volvo was the first marque to use a catalytic converter in the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) in 1994. The following year, this became mandatory in the championship,” adds Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin.

Volvo is taking part in the STCC for the eleventh year in succession and is aiming for a top placing next year:

“We are going into next season’s championship with the clear aim of competing to win. The bioethanol initiative will also serve as a common motivator for all of our partners contributing to the total customer experience – Volvo, Volvo dealers, Volvo Finance, Tanka, Hertz and several more of our close partners,” says Thomas Andersson. He adds:

“We also see a potential in extending the activity to Nordic level. Interest in Volvo’s broad-based environmental offer – and bioethanol in particular – is now growing in more and more markets.”

Volvo’s new ‘green’ competition model will be exhibited on stand C10:31 at the Swedish Motor Sport Show at Älvsjö, Stockholm on 24-26 November.

Posted by Frank at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

Get Instant Revenge on Badly Parked Cars

"Revenge is Yellow" www.revengeisyellow.com have made it possible for the public to avenge bad parking with their innovative, fun and sarcastic messages on joke parking tickets.

Badly parked motorists could find messages on their vehicles like....

"This is just a note to say thank you for parking so close to my car...Next time, please leave a sodding tin opener so I can get my car out....Do society a favour and take the bus next time!"

"Well done! It must of taken years of practice to be that bad. Maybe if you let your guide dog park next time, you might only take up one space, or at least get it straight."

"Thanks for your inconsiderate parking, I couldn't get past your car on a skate board let alone my own car.. The next time you feel the need to abandon your vehicle try the local tip."

All the public needs to do is simply select the relevant parking message, put it into a parking ticket wallet and then place it on the badly parked car. The results are instant and especially satisfying.

Matt Wilkinson, the www.revengeisyellow.com MD commented, "The idea originated when I got so fed up with non-parent cars parking in parent and toddler spots at my local supermarkets. At last, we all have a way of getting your instant revenge... A fantastic stocking filler or office party present."

Mixed Packs are available at GBP2.99 including P&P from www.revengeisyellow.com

Posted by Frank at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

Mitsubishi Raider Truck Triumphs in the Prestigious 39th Annual Tecate Score Baja 1000

Dan Fresh of DXR Racing Pilots the Baja Raider Truck To a Hotly Contested Baja 1000 Class Victory

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today proudly announced that the production Mitsubishi Raider truck prepared and campaigned by DXR Racing, roared to victory in the Stock Mini class at the 2006 Baja 1000, which wrapped up in La Paz, Mexico this past weekend. In a race that was determined the closest finish in Stock Mini class history, the Mitsubishi Raider won by a margin of 33 seconds.

Team Mitsubishi/DXR Racing spent 34 hours, 36 minutes and 44 seconds on the desert course to prevail over the factory Toyota FJ Cruiser (driven by Rod Millen) and other factory efforts from Hummer (driven by Baja legend Rod Hall, who has the most Baja 1000 class wins over 20 years) and import-class rival, Honda. The race was ultimately settled over the last 20 miles and included a dramatic, late-stage collision between the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Mitsubishi Raider in an aggressive attempt by Millen to take the lead.

Ultimately, the Raider's consistent performance, steady pace race strategy and the proven mettle of Fresh -- who drove all but 25 minutes of the race himself while other entries used two or three drivers -- made this a "driven to thrill" triumph for the Raider as well as the Mitsubishi brand.

"This race was a truly amazing moment and well-deserved win for Mitsubishi Motors and the race-prepped Raider," said Jun Asami, Vice President, Marketing, Mitsubishi Motors North America. "We are proud of both the tenacity of Dan Fresh and the performance of this outstanding Mitsubishi vehicle."

OFFICIAL Results from 2006 SCORE Baja 1000
STOCK MINI (Stock, Mini Trucks)
1. Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Sean Douglass/Dale Godges,
Irvine, Calif., Mitsubishi Raider, 34:36:44. (30.27mph race avg.)
2. Rod Millen (New Zealand)/Ryan Millen, Newport Beach, Calif.,
Toyota FJ Cruiser, 34:37:18
3. Rod Hall, Reno, Nev./Emily Miller, Crested Butte, Colo./Mike Winkel,
Reno, Nev., Hummer H3, 36:37:17
4. Gavin Skilton, Orange, Calif./Kevin Jensen, Apple Valley, Calif./Clive
Skilton, Orange, Calif., Honda Ridgeline, 42:51:25
(6 Starters, 4 Finishers)

Posted by Frank at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)

Ford Bold Moves #23: Life in Drive

What is one approach Ford is taking to appeal to the leading segment of car buyers? It’s an innovative Fusion of new experiences and smarter connections, from a woman’s perspective.

Posted by Frank at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2006

Regis Philbin To Host NY Auto Show Advertising Awards Program

Regis Philbin, a cultural icon in television broadcasting, is hosting the first ever Television Automotive Advertising Awards program at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

The event celebrates the effectiveness of television advertising in the automotive category and recognizes automakers and advertising agencies for excellence in a variety of television advertising areas. The awards program will take place on April 4, 2006 during the Show’s opening press breakfast.

Posted by Frank at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)

Jeep, Chrysler Reveals Concept Sketches

Chrysler Group today shared sketches of two concepts that will be unveiled in January 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit — Chrysler Nassau Concept and Jeep® Trailhawk Concept.

The Chrysler Nassau concept is a four-door, four-passenger luxury coupe with an emphasis on driving dynamics. The artistic exterior design leans toward an exploration as to what could be a future sedan in the brand's lineup. The Chrysler Nassau concept highlights sweeping curves to define the front and rear fasciae.

The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core features of the Jeep Wrangler with the sophistication of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Derived from the all-new 2007 Wrangler architecture, the Jeep Trailhawk concept taps into "Jeep Rugged" attributes to provide classic proportions, unsurpassed off-road capability and a new approach to open-air freedom. The headlamps, cropped and peering out from beneath a diagonal brow, produce the countenance of a bird of prey, and the inspiration for the "Trailhawk" name.

Posted by Frank at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)

Chrysler 2007 Chrysler Sebring Directly to Asian Consumers with New Ad Campaign

Chrysler Group Pitching the All-New 2007 Chrysler Sebring to Chinese, Korean and Asian Indian Consumers with a New TV and Print Advertising Campaign

The Chrysler brand is courting Asian American car buyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City with a pilot advertising campaign for the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring. The campaign -- which is directed at Chinese, Korean and Asian Indian consumers -- kicks off Nov. 27. To view the TV spots, please go to http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ .

The centerpiece of the campaign is a 30-second television spot titled "Photo Album." There are three versions of the spot: in the Mandarin dialect using Chinese talent, in Korean using Korean talent and in English using Asian Indian talent. The spots will run on Chinese, Korean and Asian Indian cable TV and network stations. A Chrysler Sebring print ad in all three languages will run in Asian American newspapers and magazines.

"In today's world, diverse markets require specific marketing strategies," said Dave Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "Because our consumers are using an ever-expanding array of media, we are making a direct effort to reach out and communicate with them in venues they find most comfortable. This campaign for Asian American consumers does that in a very natural and respectful way."

"PHOTO ALBUM" -- The spot is based on the importance of family to the Asian American community. In all three versions, the new owner of a 2007 Chrysler Sebring demonstrates the vehicle's MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System to a friend. MyGIG has a 20 gigabyte hard drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures to the hard drive. "There is nothing more important to me than my family," says the Chrysler Sebring owner to his friend. He proves it by proudly displaying digital photos of his family that are stored on the MyGIG system. The scene cuts to the friend sitting in his own vehicle, which is not a Chrysler Sebring. He has a friend too, and is showing him his own in-car photo album. Of course, it is not MyGIG. It is a revolving filing device attached to his dashboard. As he rotates the photos, the device malfunctions, sending pictures flying into the laps of both men, the seats and the floor. The spot closes with on-road driving footage of a Chrysler Sebring and a voice-over: "The new 2007 Chrysler Sebring ... With excellent fuel efficiency and the MyGIG Infotainment System, you can take your memories for a ride."

The ads will run on Chinese TV networks KTSF in San Francisco, KSCI in Los Angeles and WMBC-TV in New York; Korean network stations KTSF in Los Angeles and WMBC-TV in New York; and Asian Indian TV networks SET Asia, ZEE TV and Z Cinema.

The print ad will run in the following newspapers: China World Journal, Sing Tao, and China Daily News; Korea Central Daily News, Korea Times, Korea Sunday News, and Daily Sports Seoul; India Abroad and India West. The magazines are India Today and Indian Life & Style.

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring appeals to buyers who appreciate style, practicality, safety and value. Sebring's elegant and sophisticated design, packaged with interior craftsmanship, exciting new technologies and class- leading safety features, meet the needs of their busy lives.

Chrysler Sebring offers class-leading safety, with a combination of standard safety items not typically found in the mid-size-car segment, including standard side-curtain and standard front-seat-mounted side air bags and available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.

Three engine options power the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sold in the United States: the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine (which gets 24 mpg city/32 mpg hwy), a 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides 0-60 mph performance to rival the best in the mid-size-car class.

In addition to MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, the 2007 Chrysler Sebring also offers a unique combination of features not available on other mid-size competitors, including:

* YES Essentials(R) stain-resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat
fabric
* Available DVD rear-seat video entertainment system that includes AM/FM
stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD Player, six-disc CD/DVD Changer
and SIRIUS Satellite Digital Audio Radio (late availability)
* Heated/cooled front cupholder for keeping cool beverages cool and hot
beverages hot. Cupholder can heat beverage to 140 degrees F or cool to
nearly freezing at 35 degrees F
* Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white
lights in both the front and rear seats (late availability)
* Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on all audio systems
* MP3 play capability
* Available remote start
* Express down front windows on the key fobs
* 60/40 fold-flat rear seats
* Available heated cloth front seats
* Available heated leather seats
* Available fold-flat front passenger seat
* Cabin air-filtration system
* Sliding center console armrest bin with dual bin front seat storage
* Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

Posted by Frank at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)

Win Open Wheel Driving Lessons With Danica Patrick

PEAK Antifreeze announced today its new national consumer sweepstakes for the fourth quarter of 2006, which will send fifteen lucky winners on an exclusive PEAK trip to a Skip Barber Racing School -- where PEAK spokesperson and IndyCar Series superstar Danica Patrick will be among their personal instructors. Danica and the Skip Barber staff will teach the PEAK prizewinners to drive Skip Barber Formula open-wheel racecars on a world-class track.

PEAK's Open Wheel Driving Lessons with Danica grand prize will include:

-- A full 2-day Skip Barber Racing School experience, with both
professional classroom instruction and track time

-- Personal instruction from Danica Patrick, the 2005 IndyCar(R) Series
Rookie of the Year

-- Plenty of seat time behind the wheel of a Formula open-wheel racecar,
capable of 130mph

-- Roundtrip airfare, lodging and all meals

-- PEAK apparel and gear

To enter, consumers are encouraged to pick up a PEAK sweepstakes entry form from their favorite PEAK retailer, or to visit http://www.peakantifreeze.com/ to enter online. All entries must be received by December 31, 2006.

Everyone who enters will be eligible to receive a discount on any PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant this fall, in the form of a manufacturer's mail-in rebate.

Fans of Danica Patrick, IndyCar(R) Series racing, and PEAK Antifreeze shouldn't let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass them by. WHEN YOU PEAK, YOU WIN(TM)

For more details and official sweepstakes rules, visit http://www.peakantifreeze.com/ .

For more information on Skip Barber, visit http://www.skipbarber.com/ .

Visit Danica Patrick's official website at http://www.danicaracing.com/.

Posted by Frank at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)

Kia Brand Recognized Again for Highest Marks in Safety

2007 Kia Sedona Meets Strictest Ever Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Standards and Wins 'Top Safety Pick' for Second Year in a Row

Already having earned a five-star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as being a recipient of Consumer Digest's Best Buy Award, the new 2007 Sedona was selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as one of only 13 vehicles to earn the "Top Safety Pick" award for its impressive performance with top ratings in frontal, side and rear impact crash tests.

"We continue to be extremely proud of the recognition that Kia receives for its commitment to safety," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. "Being the first minivan ever to earn the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' -- and to do it two years in a row -- is yet another example of our dedication to providing quality vehicles equipped with the highest level of standard safety features available."

The Sedona builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation minivan, which earned the company's first five-star crash rating when it debuted in 2002. Since then Kia has earned an impressive list of safety accolades, including NHTSA five-star crash ratings all around for Optima and Sedona and five-star side impact crash ratings for Sorento, as well as the highest possible safety ratings from IIHS for Sedona and top ratings for front and rear impact crash tests for Optima.

A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control (ESC). This addition is based on IIHS research indicating that ESC "significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers."

"The idea of tightening the criteria for the award is to encourage more vehicle safety improvements," says IIHS president Adrian Lund. "Last year a car could win with an 'acceptable' rating in the rear test instead of the highest rating of 'good', and ESC wasn't considered. Now it's tougher to win, and some of the 2006 winners don't meet the criteria for this year's award because the manufacturers haven't improved the head restraints from 'acceptable' to 'good' or don't offer ESC."

The 2007 Sedona continues to offer a high level of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).

Posted by Frank at 03:04 PM | Comments (0)

Subaru Sponsors 97th Annual Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day Race

Subaru Tribeca Serves as Official Pace Vehicle at Paul Brown Stadium

Subaru of America, Inc. and its local Cincinnati dealers are joining together to sponsor the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati's own Paul Brown Stadium. On November 23, nearly 12,000 participants will run or walk in an event that promotes a healthy lifestyle through running/walking and benefits local and national charities including Ronald McDonald House, The Wellness Community and The Christ Hospital.

"Subaru has a long history of supporting active lifestyle events and organizations that are important to our customers," said Mike Hafertepe, regional vice president, Subaru Great Lakes Region, Subaru of America, Inc. "Subaru and its Cincinnati-area dealers are proud to be a sponsor of the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race."

In addition to event support, Subaru is offering a $500 coupon to registered race participants towards the purchase or lease of a new Subaru vehicle at its Cincinnati-area dealerships. Race participants must bring the coupon and provide proof of race registration at the following Subaru dealerships:

Subaru of Beechmont
8021 Beechmont Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45255
Phone: 513-474-4313
http://www.subarubeechmont.com/

Busam Subaru
6195 Dixie Hwy
Fairfield, OH 45014
513-870-0091
http://www.busamsubaru.com/

Jake Sweeney Subaru
8755 Fields Ertel Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249
513-489-5253
http://www.jakesweeneysubaru.com/

Joseph Subaru
7600 Industrial Rd
Florence, KY 41042
800-441-5562
http://www.joseph.subaru.com/

The Thanksgiving Day Race is a Cincinnati tradition. Everyone is invited and the starting line has room for all ages and abilities. For more information about the race visit http://www.thanksgivingdayrace.com/.

Posted by Frank at 03:01 PM | Comments (0)

Elegance And Efficiency Converge In GM's Los Angeles Auto Show Lineup

LOS ANGELES – The General Motors portfolio at the Los Angeles Auto Show continues the company’s ongoing and dramatic product resurgence, with a focus on cars and SUVs that feature sophisticated, globally inspired designs as well as advanced, fuel-saving technologies.

The show will feature all-new entries by Buick, GMC and Saturn – including two of the four hybrid models GM will launch in calendar year 2007, as well as a resurrection of Cadillac’s Platinum Series and special-edition Saab models that commemorate the vehicle brand’s 60 th anniversary. Chevrolet will highlight two hydrogen fuel cell models – the Sequel and the Equinox Fuel Cell – that provide show goers with a glimpse of clean, petroleum-free transportation.

“We always look forward to the L.A. Auto Show because Los Angeles is such an important market for trend-setting cars and trucks,” said GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, who will kick off media days as the keynote speaker at the Motor Press Guild breakfast. “Besides launching a number of exciting new production cars, trucks and crossovers, we’ll also demonstrate our commitment to addressing fuel economy and environmental concerns with several very important advanced technology vehicles.”

According to the recently issued 2007 EPA Fuel Economy Guide, GM leads the industry with more vehicles that achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg or more on the highway. For the 2007 model year, GM offers 23 such vehicles, up from 14 in 2006.

Here are the specific models that GM will highlight in L.A. :

* 2008 Buick Enclave
* 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
* 2008 Saturn Vue
* Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid
* Saab 9-3 60 th Anniversary Edition
* Saab 9-5 60 th Anniversary Edition
* HUMMER HO 2 Design Concept (Design Challenge entry)
* Cadillac Platinum Series (XLR, STS, DTS)
* Cadillac DTS-L
* Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
* Chevrolet Sequel

Posted by Frank at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)

Mercedes 2007 M-Class earns TOP SAFETY pick

MONTVALE, NJ - The Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2007 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting occupants in front (off-set), side and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute tests. Winners must be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), such as the ESP system pioneered by Mercedes-Benz.

SUV’S Eligible For First Time
The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front off-set and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a TOP SAFETY PICK is to earn the top rating of good in all three Institute tests.

In 2006, SUVs weren’t eligible to win because the Institute hadn’t evaluated the side crashworthiness of many of them. “Many SUVs didn’t earn good ratings in our crash tests, and on the road they were more likely than cars to get in serious single-vehicle crashes, including rollovers, because of their higher centers of gravity. Newer SUVs perform better in crash tests and, when equipped with ESC, are much less likely to roll over. All but one of the seven SUVs that win our 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK have ESC as standard equipment,” said the Institute president Adrian Lund.

Recent Institute research found that ESC reduces the risk of serious crashes involving both SUVs and cars. The largest effect is in single-vehicle crashes, which were reduced 40 percent with the addition of ESC. Fatal single-vehicle crashes went down 56 percent, and fatal rollovers of cars and SUVs were reduced by about 80 percent.

Mercedes-Benz Takes a Holistic Approach to Safety
Continuing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to occupant safety, the 2007 M-Class comes standard with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side impact air bags in front and rear, window curtain air bags that stretch from front to rear, active head restraints, belt tensioners, and belt force limiters for front and rear seating positions. A rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioners and window curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.

A Choice of Four High-Torque Engines
For 2007 the new ML320 CDI diesel and ML63 AMG models join the V6-powered ML350 and the V8 ML500. Under the hood of the ML350 is a new generation 3.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque. The ML500 is powered by a five-liter V8 engine with 302-horsepower and 339-lb.ft. of torque.

The ML63 AMG is the first engine developed entirely by AMG, a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Boasting 215 hp and a whopping 398 lb-ft. of torque, the ML320 CDI features an innovative diesel engine that’s equipped with the latest 3rd generation CDI technology with class leading fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon on the highway and a range of 600 miles.

Posted by Frank at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)

GM Lansing Delta Township is Wildlife Habitat Council's "Rookie of the Year"

Detroit-Hamtramck also newly certified, increasing GM's total WHC certified sites to 10

DETROIT -- General Motors Lansing Delta Township Assembly Center has been recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) as its “Rookie of the Year” for creating an exemplary new wildlife habitat program at a corporate site. WHC’s prestigious International Conservation Awards recognize voluntary activities by companies who demonstrate excellence in the areas of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration. GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center also has been certified by WHC.

These newly certified programs bring the total of GM certified programs to 10 in the U.S. and Canada, representing 870 acres. WHC’s Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and education efforts at corporate sites.

“ Lansing Delta Township is our newest assembly plant,” said Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president, Environment and Energy. “Our earliest plans for the facility included a goal to design and build the world’s most environmentally advanced auto manufacturing plant. We’re very pleased that our efforts to enhance the natural setting, as well as provide educational and recreational opportunities for the community, met the rigorous standards of the Wildlife Habitat Council.”

Although both sites are part of a corporate-wide commitment to use native plants on company grounds to provide habitat for wildlife, each facility took a different approach.

The Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) plant was built on a greenfield site and was certified earlier this year at the “gold” level by the U.S. Green Building Council for its superior energy and environmental design and construction. That attention to environmental detail also extends to the site’s grounds. 75 acres of the undeveloped site was enhanced to preserve existing plants and wildlife and to provide educational opportunities for the community.

The Detroit-Hamtramck ( Mich.) plant, built in the 1980s in the heart of a long-developed central city, replaced a 16.5-acre lawn with wildflowers and grasses to provide habitat for migratory birds, including the plant’s thriving pheasant population.

In making the announcement, Robert Johnson, president, Wildlife Habitat Council said: “With its latest certifications, General Motors proves that both older facilities and brand new ones can create sustainable landscapes that conserve natural ecosystems. At the Wildlife Habitat Council, we believe it is vital to improve approaches to the environment if our landscapes are to remain sustainable for future generations. As our organization moves forward into the global arena, we must involve more people in local initiatives to enhance open spaces. Developing this strong sense of place is the key to better connecting people to nature and ultimately the key to protecting nature.”

Features of the Lansing Delta Township program include:

* A trail network throughout the 75-acre habitat that provides safe access for visitors to observe without disrupting the plants or animals.
* Wildlife curriculum development through partnerships with local schools and organizations that include on-site visits and classroom activities.
* Removal of invasive, non-native plant species.
* Addition of structures in ponds, wetland areas and trees to provide resting and nesting areas for birds, water fowl, fish and aquatic species.
* Work is underway to plant 40 acres with trees, shrubs and prairie plantings to provide habitat and shelter for pheasants and other animals.

At the Detroit-Hamtramck site, the primary activity was the replacement of a large section of lawn with native grasses and wildflowers, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service and Pheasants Forever.

* 11 species of warm season grasses and wildflowers were planted to provide suitable habitat for migratory birds that prefer grassland habitat. The plant site, although located in a long-developed area of the city, already had an existing pheasant population.
* Monarch butterflies, bees, and a variety of birds – including ring-necked pheasant, barn swallow, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk and red-winged blackbird – have been observed.

“At General Motors, we are constantly taking actions to reduce the impact of our facilities and processes on the environment,” said Ray Tessier, group director, Environmental Services. “Achieving that goal in an organization as large and as complex as ours requires initiative and energy at a local level. We are proud of our newly certified sites for their success in taking a broad corporate goal and making it relevant to the needs of the wildlife and the people in their community.”

General Motors has a total of 870 acres of land in the United States and Canada certified by the WHC. In addition to the two newly certified sites, WHC-certified GM sites include GM headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit; Warren, Mich.; Spring Hill, Tenn.; Bedford, Ind.; Lordstown, Ohio; Oshawa, Ontario; and two in Saginaw, Mich.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world’s leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. www.wildlifehc.org

Posted by Frank at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)

GM Detroit-Hamtramck Receives International Habitat Conservation Award

BALTIMORE , MD —Employees at General Motors Corporation’s (GM) Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly received international recognition for their contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 18 th Annual Symposium, Connecting People & Nature. GM demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving habitat certification at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center.

“At the Wildlife Habitat Council, we believe it is vital to improve approaches to the environment if our landscapes are to remain sustainable for future generations. As our organization moves forward into the global arena, we must involve more people in local initiatives to enhance open spaces,” said Robert Johnson, WHC President. “Developing this strong sense of place is the key to better connecting people to nature and ultimately the key to protecting nature. WHC members are leading the way and opening the doors to corporate habitats to educate and involve entire communities. Congratulations to GM for their exceptional efforts to responsibly manage our natural world.”

The Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly facility is an automotive final assembly plant located in an urban region of Michigan. Although a majority of the site is needed for industrial activities, the facility is committed to converting 16.5 acres of lawn area into a healthy and diverse wildlife habitat.

Detroit/Hamtramck personnel partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pheasants Forever to develop a Project Work Plan. A Habitat Development Agreement was signed by GM and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to confirm both parties' commitment to the program. The main goal of the project is to provide suitable habitat for migratory birds that prefer grassland habitat. Secondary benefits include education and gained environmental awareness through the enjoyable natural resource by company employees.

A seed mix of native warm season grasses and wildflowers was planted by Pheasants Forever. Although still in the developmental stages, the habitat areas already provide suitable food and shelter for insects, birds and small mammals. The wildflowers and grasses provide an excellent breeding ground for grasshoppers and similar insects, which in turn provides food for insectivorous birds. Ring-necked pheasants, barn swallows, American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, red-winged blackbirds and other species are readily observed on-site.

The Detroit/Hamtramck facility plans to continue its commitment to protect wildlife habitat as expressed in the Habitat Development Agreement. A bluebird nest box program is being considered as a future project.

Also receiving certification for the first time this year from the Wildlife Habitat Council is GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly Center. The Lansing Delta Township plant also won the coveted Rookie of the Year award, which goes to one newly certified program each year, and exemplifies a superior wildlife habitat program. GM has a total of 10 programs in the U.S. and Canada, representing 870 acres, certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council. For photos of the wildlife habitats at Lansing Delta Township and Detroit-Hamtramck, visit http://media.gm.com.

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly was one of 175 sites recognized at the 2006 Symposium for creating a habitat program. Over 50 Corporate Lands for Learning SM programs now reach thousands of learners from schools and scout groups to master gardeners and university researchers. Since 1990, WHC has certified 408 programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.

The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2.4 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. For more information, visit WHC online at www.wildlifehc.org.

Posted by Frank at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)

GM Lansing Delta Receives International Habitat Conservation Award

BALTIMORE , MD—Employees at General Motors Corporation’s (GM) Lansing Delta Township received international recognition for their contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 18 th Annual Symposium, Connecting People & Nature. General Motors Corporation demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving habitat and Corporate Lands for Learning SM (CLL) certification at Lansing Delta Township.

The employees at GM further distinguished themselves by winning the coveted Rookie of the Year award, which goes to one newly certified program each year, and exemplifies a superior wildlife habitat program. WHC’s prestigious International Conservation Awards recognize voluntary activities by companies who demonstrate excellence in the areas of wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration. GM shows that employing exemplary practices and approaches helps protect our natural resources and the environment while continuing to promote significant economic benefits. A panel of independent judges, which includes one representative from a conservation organization, a government agency and a corporation, reviews nominees for the awards.

“At the Wildlife Habitat Council, we believe it is vital to improve approaches to the environment if our landscapes are to remain sustainable for future generations. As our organization moves forward into the global arena, we must involve more people in local initiatives to enhance open spaces,” said Robert Johnson, WHC President. “Developing this strong sense of place is the key to better connecting people to nature and ultimately the key to protecting nature. WHC members are leading the way and opening the doors to corporate habitats to educate and involve entire communities. Congratulations to GM for their exceptional efforts to responsibly manage our natural world.”

The Lansing Delta Township (LDT) facility, located on approximately 1,100 acres in Michigan, is a manufacturing site for midsize - crossover vehicles. Approximately 780 acres of this land is undisturbed and includes a 75-acre area with diverse woodlands, three wetland areas and a large stormwater detention basin used for wildlife habitat and CLL programs.

The LDT Wildlife Habitat Team was formed in 2004, and collaborated with wetland management and ecological restoration experts to create a plan for site activities. The plan is designed to support the GM Environmental Principles by implementing programs that will enhance and sustain habitats at the facility, as well as promote environmental stewardship among LDT team members and the community through the development of an outdoor educational area.

To fully understand the ecosystems present at LDT, wildlife inventories were compiled and the on-site species are monitored throughout year. The team set goals to improve the general food, water, cover and habitat for these wildlife species in wetland, wetland buffer and woodland areas. Boulder mounds, floating nest platforms, wood duck boxes, songbird houses and bat houses were placed around the wetland areas to begin the site enhancement. In the wetland buffer regions, Pheasants Forever seeded a prairie restoration area. In addition, trees, shrubs, eastern bluebird nest boxes, a purple martin colony house, American kestrel nest boxes, raptor boxes and bee blocks were placed throughout the buffer site. General woodland enhancements include a snag assessment and invasive species removal.

The wildlife team also works to achieve public awareness and community involvement. Several projects incorporate local scouting troops, schools and other community organizations. A trail network was developed to provide safe access for visitors and experience the natural settings. During the past year, a Junior High Curriculum was created by the Woldumar Nature Center and is now utilized for local outreach events. The team continues to develop future projects which currently include a possible greenhouse, butterfly garden, brush piles, gathering areas and pavilion.

The CLL program at the Lansing Delta Township facility features a curriculum designed by the Woldumar Nature Center that is closely linked to the Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Benchmarks. Sessions entitled Forests are Fabulous, Prairie Partners, Habitat Hunters and Wetland Wonders explore a wide range of ecological concepts and skills that enhance classroom-based topics. Drawing from lessons and activities similar to those in Project WILD, these hands-on field studies make the most of each students’ time at the LDT habitat, encouraging them to use critical thinking, apply classroom learning to a new environment and make careful, scientific observations of the natural world. A teacher-training program ensured a sound academic start to this promising new CLL program.

A second level of the site’s CLL program involves the employees themselves, as GM LDT sponsors programs and events where the habitat team, which hosts the CLL events, is offered education to further their knowledge and skills. Continuing education is provided in topics such as species identification, construction of artificial nesting structures and implementation of the habitat projects required to make the CLL program possible. All of these education-centered events are open to GM employees and their families, encouraging greater community involvement in the program, and greater appreciation for the wildlife habitat and the natural world in general.

Also receiving certification for the first time this year from the Wildlife Habitat Council is GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Asembly Center. GM has a total of 10 programs in the U.S. and Canada, representing 870 acres, certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council. For photos of the wildlife habitats at Lansing Delta Township and Detroit-Hamtramck, visit http://media.gm.com.

Lansing Delta Township was one of 175 sites recognized at the 2006 Symposium for creating a habitat program. Over 50 Corporate Lands for Learning programs now reach thousands of learners from schools and scout groups to master gardeners and university researchers. Since 1990, WHC has certified 408 programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.

The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2.4 million acres in 48 states, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. For more information, visit WHC online at www.wildlifehc.org.

Posted by Frank at 02:47 PM | Comments (0)

2007 Volvo XC90 Rated Top Safety Pick by IIHS

…highest safety award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

IRVINE, CA (November 22, 2006) – The Volvo SUV was among 13 vehicles earning TOP SAFETY PICK awards for 2007 announced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS tests.

"Our crash tests cover the most common kinds of real-world collisions," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Designating TOP SAFETY PICK winners based on the tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative test results."

A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control, or ESC. This addition is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers. It is notable that the Volvo XC90's Roll Stability Control (RSC) was an industry first.

"Integrated safety technology has set the XC90 apart since its introduction, and it's part of Volvo DNA to focus of real-world safety," says Anne Bélec, president & CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. "An award like this validates Volvo's commitment, and explains why customers have made the XC90 the best-selling European SUV in the United States."

The IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a TOP SAFETY PICK is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. The Volvo XC90 achieved "Good" in each of the three crash tests.

SUVs weren't eligible to win in 2006 because the Institute hadn't evaluated the side crashworthiness of many of them. Now more SUVs have been rated, and 2007 winners reflect the safety improvements manufacturers have been making to these vehicles.

The criteria for selecting winners included: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Each vehicle's overall side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph that represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrument-equipped dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a real-world crash would have sustained serious injury. The movements and contacts of the dummies' heads during the crash also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

Posted by Frank at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota Camry Named Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year

The all-new 2007 Toyota Camry has been named Motor Trend's 2007 "Car of the Year." Launched in spring 2006, the new Camry offers a major redesign for the 2007 model year and an available Camry Hybrid option equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Long-favored by passenger-car buyers, the Camry remains America's best-selling passenger car eight of the last nine years. Currently in its sixth generation, the all-new Camry offers more interior space, an athletic design with a more upright style than its predecessor, and unique performance enhancements, especially in the Camry Hybrid. The hybrid version sets a new standard for fuel efficiency / performance balance with outstanding EPA- estimated 40 mpg city/38 mpg highway ratings and a net 187 horsepower for the combined hybrid system.

The Camry was selected ahead of 27 contenders in various vehicle segments. Eligibility for the award was based on several factors including design, value, innovation, performance, safety, technical advancement, quality and market significance. Each vehicle was subjected to a battery of tests, such as skid pad ratings, acceleration and quarter-mile track times, and evaluated on drivability and fuel economy under normal driving conditions.

The 2007 Camry's improved performance, safety and comfort deliver the exceptional value that has helped make this model so admired. Camry sales provide further evidence of its popularity among consumers with year-to-date sales of 374,717 units in 2006. In October 2006, Toyota passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever October sales of 33,812. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 2,806 units in October.

This marks the third time in the last four years that Toyota has claimed one of Motor Trends' top prizes. The magazine selected the Tacoma pickup as its Truck of the Year in 2005. The Prius Hybrid was named Car of the Year in 2004.

Posted by Frank at 01:26 PM | Comments (0)

Capital Dream Cars Announces Winter Rates for Its Fleet of Exotic Cars

Give an Unforgettable 'Experience Gift' to That Special Someone

Give the gift of an "experience" this holiday season with an exhilarating car rental from Capital Dream Cars. To make the experience even sweeter, Capital Dream Cars announces winter savings of 30% off its regular season rates for rentals occurring between December 1, 2006 and February 28, 2007.

Why give the gift of an experience? Although the experience gift industry has largely been a European phenomenon, experience gifts have been catching on fast in the U.S. In fact, 1 in 4 shoppers plan to give a gift of experience this holiday season, according to Unity Marketing's latest Gift Tracker survey. As it becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year to find that extraordinary gift for that special someone, more people are favoring experience and activity gifts over traditional tangible gifts as a way to make gift-giving (and gift-receiving, for that matter) more memorable and meaningful.

"When a wife surprises her husband with our fiery red Ferrari or classy gray Bentley, the look he gets on his face is uniformly the same each time -- instant love," says Capital Dream Cars Founder Eugene Kim. "But by the end of the rental, it's not unlikely for the wife to have fallen in love with the vehicle as well. Not only has she been along for the ride, she's been able to watch her husband up close as he savors the thrill of fulfilling a dream he's possibly had his entire life. That goes beyond vicarious enjoyment. That's empathy and shared experience."

Adam Michaels, Founder of Cloud 9 Living, an experience gift company offering over 1,200 unique and memorable experiences across the country, can attest to this. "Today, more than ever, people have enough stuff. What they long for are experiences that will have an indelible impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones."

"Since Spring 2006, Cloud 9 Living has partnered with Capital Dream Cars because they share our commitment to offering extraordinary lifestyle experiences -- helping people fulfill their dreams and create life-long memories. These core values are evident in how they operate their business and how they treat their customers."

Capital Dream Cars opened in March 2006 to wide acclaim and is the premier exotic car rental company serving the Washington, DC/Baltimore region. The mission of Capital Dream Cars is to provide area drivers with a boutique rental experience featuring only the finest automobiles and attentive, personal service. Cars can be rented on a half-day, daily or weekly basis. Vehicles currently available at Capital Dream Cars include a red Ferrari 360 Spider and a slate gray Bentley Continental GT. Other world-class vehicles, including the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari 430, are scheduled to arrive in 2007.

Posted by Frank at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)

Don't Become a Victim of Auto Theft

State Farm Provides Tips to Keep Your Vehicle and Belongings Safe During the Holidays

Theft can cast a dark shadow over the joy of the holiday season. State Farm(R) claims data showed that over 9,000 vehicles were stolen between November 12, 2005 and December 31, 2005 -- prime time for holiday shopping and travel. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that over 1.2 million vehicles were stolen in 2005 causing over $7 billion in losses.

As mall parking lots fill up due to extended store hours and families pack up for one of the heaviest travel times of the year, State Farm reminds them to take precautions to keep your vehicle, valuables and purchases safe.

Secure Your Vehicle:
-- Always lock your vehicle and roll up the windows when parked.
-- Never leave your keys in the car.
-- Never hide a key in or around your car.
-- When parked in a commercial lot or garage, leave only the ignition key
with the attendant.
-- Consider investing in additional theft protection devices.

Protect Your Property
-- Keep valuables/packages out of plain sight - put them in the trunk or
under a blanket.
-- Don't leave personal and vehicle information in the glove compartment -
keep it with you.
-- Cover the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - thieves can use this
number to get a duplicate key.

Use Common Sense
-- Park in well-lit areas.
-- Lock your garage and the vehicle in the garage.
-- If possible, avoid parking your vehicle in suspicious or unsafe areas.
-- When parking in the street, turn the wheels toward the curb and set the
parking brake. These steps can prevent your vehicle from becoming a
towing theft.

Key Features to Consider When Purchasing a Vehicle
-- A factory immobilizer (a computer chip in the key).
-- A locking steering wheel.
-- Anti-theft devices such as alarms and GPS tracking systems.

Top 5 Most Frequently Stolen Cars in 2005
-- 1991 Honda Accord
-- 1995 Honda Civic
-- 1989 Toyota Camry
-- 1994 Dodge Caravan
-- 1994 Nissan Sentra

State Farm urges motorists to report any suspected theft activity to your local law enforcement and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) at 1-800-tel-NICB. Together, we can make it a silent night for holiday theft.

Posted by Frank at 01:24 PM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2006

IIHS Recommends More Subaru Models Than Any Other Automotive Brand

The 2007 Subaru Legacy, Forester and Tribeca all earn the TOP SAFETY PICK awards from the IIHS

Subaru was a big winner with this year's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards, the 2007 Subaru Legacy, Forester and Tribeca all earned the TOP SAFETY PICK designation. These three Subaru models, with available Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), were among only 10 other 2007 TOP SAFETY PICKS in the industry, but Subaru had the most IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK designations of any single automotive brand.

"We are very pleased that the IIHS has recommended the Subaru Legacy, Forester and Tribeca models in their recent tests. Uncompromising active and passive safety is a long-time hallmark of the Subaru brand," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president, and CMO, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our research indicates that customers strongly associate the Subaru brand with safety and the recent recommendation from the IIHS validates this positioning in the mind of our customers."

The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute tests. The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a TOP SAFETY PICK is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Vehicles that were eligible to win included current small, midsize, and large car models plus minivans and small and midsize SUVs. Winners also had to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC). Subaru calls its electronic stability control Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control or VDC.

Subaru VDC monitors vehicle stability by continually measuring inputs including steering angle, lateral-g, yaw rate, and individual wheel speed. Using this data, VDC can compare the driver's intended path to the vehicle's actual path. Working with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and ABS, VDC can correct understeer, oversteer, drift conditions and wheel slip.

Subaru designed VDC to increase stability on slippery surfaces and to also enhance cornering performance on dry roads. The system can improve high-speed stability and help prevent oversteer from occurring when the throttle is quickly lifted while cornering. Using various sensor inputs, VDC can sense impending loss of control at either the front or rear of the vehicle. If VDC detects instability, it will produce a counteracting force by adjusting power distribution between the front and rear wheels and momentarily applying (or releasing) brake force on one or more wheels.

Subaru Making Safety Standard

To Subaru, safety means far more than protecting a car's occupants in the event of a collision. Ideally, a passenger vehicle should provide the driver with the means to help avoid hazardous situations. Subaru calls the concept Active Driving/Active Safety. Designing a vehicle for active safety gives a driver a strong sense of control, maneuverability and security.

Active Safety: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive forms the core of the Subaru Active Driving/Active Safety concept. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives a Subaru a significant traction advantage over two-wheel drive cars (front- and/or rear-wheel drive) on all road surfaces. On all 2007 Subaru models, the standard 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). This system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Passive Safety: The compact Subaru Boxer engine helps enhance safety, because it allows more crush room in front and on the sides. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. All Subaru models are built around a Ring Frame Reinforced body structure design that incorporates front and rear crumple-zone construction to absorb the energy of an impact and help protect the reinforced passenger compartment. Essentially, the Ring Frame Reinforced structure forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing excellent protection in a variety of collision types. This structure increases cabin rigidity and can absorb impact energy from any direction.

Advanced Restraint Systems: All 2007 Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three- point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Next, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants' torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.

All 2007 Subaru models feature the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects weight on the passenger seat - determining if it's a child or adult - to control air bag deployment.

All Forester and Impreza models for 2007 feature standard front seat head/chest side impact air bags. The Legacy and Outback models come equipped with front seat side impact air bags for thorax and pelvic-area protection and side curtain air bags (full side coverage) for head protection. The Tribeca is equipped with front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection and side curtain air bags for the front and middle rows. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact airbags offer protection regardless of seat position. The side curtain air bags deploy from the headliner.

For additional information on Subaru safety visit: http://www.subaru.com/safety.

Posted by Frank at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)

Chevrolet to unveil all-new 2008 Malibu in January

DETROIT, Mich. – Chevrolet confirmed today that the all-new 2008 Malibu will be unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and released a sneak peek of one of the car’s available two-tone interiors, which demonstrates a new level of refinement in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment.

“The next-generation Chevrolet Malibu's interior showcases the precision and detailed execution that will differentiate it among the mid-size car segment,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “The 2008 Chevy Malibu will offer a number of striking and progressive interiors that use premium materials to demonstrate quality and value not seen before in this segment.”

In the sneak peek photograph, the roomier Malibu cabin showcases Chevy's classic dual cockpit design.

The new Malibu builds on the success of its current model, which garnered many awards such as the 2005 J.D. Power Initial Quality Award and the 2006 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Picks” silver medal.

Posted by Frank at 03:23 PM | Comments (0)

Tire Pressure Monitoring Technology Can Save Your Life

GM Goodwrench: Fall Is the Perfect Time to Learn About Tire Care - Monitors, Proper Inflation, Regular Maintenance

DETROIT – Four little wheel sensors in a growing number of vehicles can help save lives by alerting motorists to low tire pressure, a potentially dangerous driving situation. GM Goodwrench is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes this fall to learn how to use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as well as check tires and tire pressure, which helps ensure optimal vehicle performance in steering, cornering, braking, ride comfort, noise and fuel economy.

The increasing use of tire pressure monitoring systems, which are being phased in across the entire U.S. vehicle fleet, also means that vehicle owners need to be more mindful when they rotate or replace tires, so that the system isn’t damaged and that the sensors are properly matched to the tires. GM utilizes its industry-leading methodology, Tire Pressure Criteria (TPC), to ensure tire performance, handling and durability under a variety of load and driving conditions and allows the customer to obtain the same tire from a GM dealer when replacement is necessary.

General Motors is a leader in installing tire pressure monitors and has more vehicles equipped with the devices than any automaker, with over 4 million installed on cars and trucks to date. However, even this sophisticated technology needs the full attention of diligent drivers to be most effective.

“Tire pressure monitoring is wonderful technology that has the potential to help make our roads safer,” said Jim Gutting, director, GM Tire-Wheel Center. “But it’s no substitute for being conscientious about tire maintenance. All vehicle owners should familiarize themselves with TPMS, how it works and what it can tell them about basic tire maintenance.”

Low tire pressure-related crashes cause 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Yet a survey earlier this year by the Rubber Manufacturers Association showed that three out of four drivers wash their car every month, but only one in five correctly checks their tire pressure.

NHTSA says tire safety studies have shown that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes and irregularities are the most important things a motorist can do to avoid tire failure. These actions, along with other care and maintenance can also:

* Improve vehicle handling
* Help avoid vehicle breakdowns and crashes
* Improve fuel economy (by 3.3 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency)
* Save money by increasing tire life

GM began installing tire pressure monitors in vehicles as early as 1987. The GM TPMS utilizes separate sensors mounted in each wheel that use real-time monitoring to determine the pressure in each tire. A warning light on the instrument panel or a message displayed on the driver information center, along with an audible warning, alerts the driver to check the air pressure in their tires.

Tire pressure – what’s proper?
To check your tire pressure, you need to know what the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Tire pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch, or psi. Depending on the make of the vehicle, the information can be on the tire placard located on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove-box door or inside the trunk lid.

According to John Maxgay, lead engineer, GM Chassis Electronics, when a tire is underinflated, most of the car's weight is concentrated on the tread located just under the sidewalls, rather than being spread out evenly across the full width of the tire. This means that as the tire rolls, the sidewall is continually flexed and could heat up. This may affect both vehicle performance and safety.

On the other hand, while overinflated tires are not associated with as many crashes as underinflated tires, overinflated tires can make the vehicle ride stiff because they do not allow for desired full tread contact (due to the car riding chiefly on just the center of the tread). Overinflated tires also can be more susceptible to being punctured.

Falling temperatures, falling tire pressure
With winter approaching and lower temperatures, it’s the perfect time to focus on tire pressure. That’s because the air pressure inside a tire varies according to the outside temperature and how long the vehicle is driven. If you’ve ever wondered why a basketball doesn’t bounce as well outside on a cold day, it’s because colder temperatures lower the air pressure inside the basketball. The same is true for tires.

GM recommends that owners check their tire pressure once a month on cold (driven less than three miles) tires with a good-quality digital or stick device versus the gauge at the service station air pump.

GM wants to make it easy for owners to keep their tires – as well as the rest of their vehicle – maintained. N early 2 million GM vehicle owners who subscribe to OnStar by GM and sign up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics receive free monthly diagnostic reports via e-mail that provide crucial tire pressure information and recommended maintenance information, as well as remaining engine oil life and information on other monitored vehicle systems. The real-time report is sent directly to the OnStar subscriber's computer desktop. Subscribers can enroll at the OnStar website (www.onstar.com) or press their blue OnStar button and sign up through an advisor.

When the vehicle is brought to a GM Goodwrench dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, if necessary, the Goodwrench technician will rematch the tire pressure sensors to their new positions on the vehicle to ensure that accurate information is being sent to the real-time pressure display in the Driver Information Center, to OnStar, and to the vehicle itself. Goodwrench technicians also are trained to safely remove and replace the sensors when necessary.

In addition to keeping an eye on tire monitoring systems and tire maintenance, GM Goodwrench also recommends that Fall Car Care Month is an excellent time for consumers to have their vehicles inspected before the busy holiday driving season approaches.

What is a multi-point inspection?
GM Goodwrench offers convenient, efficient, multi-point inspections for vehicles, comprehensive diagnostic testing and complete service capabilities to help customers keep their vehicles operating properly. GM Goodwrench dealerships offer the following inspection services:

* Transmission, drive shaft and u-joints
* Brakes
* Radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses
* Interior lights, exterior lamps, brake lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights
* Exhaust system
* Engine air cleaner filter
* Suspension and steering system components

Posted by Frank at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)

Fatigue at the wheel: Mercedes-Benz developing warning system for motorists

Safety experts at Mercedes-Benz are turning their attentions to one of the principal causes of serious traffic accidents: over-fatigue.

The objective of their work is to develop a system that is capable of recognising fatigue in time to warn the driver. Over the course of this development project, the engineers from the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre have already conducted tests with over 200 motorists, both in the driving simulator and on motorways. The revolutionary new system should be ready for series production in just a few years' time.

According to official statistics in Germany, around 0.5 per cent of all serious traffic accidents are caused by "over-fatigue". Last year, the police put a total of 3034 accidents down to fatigue, including 1786 collisions resulting in personal injury. This equates to some 0.5 per cent of all serious accidents. Experts believe that the true figure is much higher, however, as it is often impossible to detect and verify signs of fatigue by the time accidents are reconstructed. Various scientific studies estimate that between 10 and 20 per cent of serious traffic accidents can be attributed to drowsiness. According to an investigation carried out by insurance companies in Germany, fatigue is responsible for one in four fatal motorway accidents. The probability of being killed in an accident resulting from fatigue is 2.5 times higher than for all other causes of accidents.

These findings are corroborated by accident researchers outside Germany. The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that every year over 100,000 accidents are caused by driver fatigue in the US, in which 1500 people are killed and a further 71,000 injured. The NHTSA claims that the risk of an accident or a near-accident occurring increases four to six-fold if driving when tired. Meanwhile, a study into fatigue at the wheel conducted by scientists in Canada established that one in five drivers has at some time nodded off whilst driving.

Two thirds of fatigue-induced accidents occur at night-time, with one in two taking place in light traffic. The majority of incidents of this type happen in the early hours of the morning between 2 and 6 a.m., but they can also occur in the middle of the afternoon.

Mercedes assistance systems honed for real-life accident scenarios

When developing driver assistance systems, Mercedes-Benz works at all times on the basis of what happens in real-life accidents and deploys the very latest technology in its ongoing search for new ways of improving driving safety in critical situations. In the past, the Stuttgart automotive brand has focused on particularly serious accidents resulting from driver errors, rear-end collisions, accidents at night-time and accidents involving pedestrians. This has enabled Mercedes-Benz engineers to obtain remarkable results, as confirmed by the accident statistics:

* Fitting the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) as standard has brought about a reduction of over 42 per cent in the proportion of serious accidents resulting from driver errors in the accident breakdown for Mercedes passenger cars.

* Brake Assist (BAS), that was likewise invented by Mercedes-Benz and has featured as standard in its passenger cars since 1997, helped to cut the rate of rear-end collisions (per 10,000 new vehicle registrations) by eight per cent for Mercedes passenger cars. At the same time, BAS has reduced the proportion of serious pedestrian accidents by 13 per cent.

The latest project for detecting fatigue at the wheel has yet again seen the experts at Mercedes apply their committed, practically minded approach to avoiding acci-dents. Development of this brand new system got underway several years ago with a series of tests in the driving simulator in Berlin. This was followed by a programme of motorway driving at night-time which 150 test persons have participated in to date, covering over 250,000 kilometres in the process.

Different fatigue detection techniques undergoing trials

Over the course of the practical investigations, the expert team of engineers, cyberneticists, mathematicians, computer scientists and psychologists is testing out a variety of methods for detecting driver fatigue as soon as it sets in. One of these techniques is the eye-blink observation method: an infrared camera directed at the driver's head permanently monitors the eye-blink frequency, enabling microsleep to be detected the instant the eyes stay closed for a certain period of time. A warning signal sounds in the car's cockpit in response.

In order to obtain objective indicators of fatigue, other physiological readings such as the electroencephalogram (EEG) are used. Yet another method is based on the analysis of dynamic driving data, such as steering or braking characteristics. One of the systems triggers an alarm if the driver does not move the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Detecting fatigue by combining measured and empirical values

However, initial results obtained by the engineers in Sindelfingen indicate that the observation of individual criteria alone does not allow reliable detection of tiredness. Fatigue is a highly complex phenomenon that can manifest itself in all manner of ways. In view of this, Mercedes-Benz will make use of a whole host of factors for fatigue detection, including the individual driving style, the duration of the journey, the time of day and the current traffic situation. By continually comparing this data with stored empirical values, the system will be able to compile an individual driver profile and use probability calculus to determine whether the driver is exhibiting the first signs of fatigue.

The principal goal of the development project is to detect the gradual transition from the state of being fully awake to being tired, in other words from high powers of concentration to a clear attention lapse, and warn the driver before he or she becomes over-fatigued and thereby jeopardises safety.

Posted by Frank at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

Vote for South Carolina's Greatest Hometown Heroes

National Vote Underway for All-Time Greatest Heroes - Five Per State - in 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards

Who would you give a Volvo to? How about Charleston's Anne Lee, who started a program to educate society on the steps needed to stop sexual abuse? Or Sumpter's Luis Rodriguez, who has improved living conditions for more than 5,000 low-income individuals? Or Orangeburg's Cheri Thompson, who started an organization to help children create peace within their lives?

These are just three of the five extraordinary South Carolina heroes named as semi-finalists in the 5th Anniversary Volvo for life Awards -- Volvo's annual search for hometown heroes across America. This year, in honor of the Awards' 5th anniversary, Volvo selected the top five heroes from every state in America and is asking the American public to visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to vote for their favorites now through February 4, 2007.

Who in South Carolina would you give a Volvo to? Representing South Carolina in this year's Volvo for life Awards are:

* Anne Lee, of Charleston, has dedicated her life to addressing,
awakening and educating society to take steps to stop sexual child
abuse. In January of 2000, Lee created Darkness to Light, a program
that today spans 32 states and two other countries.

* Jack B. McConnell, of Hilton Head Island, ended his retirement from
medicine 10 years ago to serve the unmet medical needs of his
community. McConnell started the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (VIM),
a free clinic which relies entirely on retired medical personnel to
provide care. VIM has helped tens of thousands of underserved and
uninsured patients get the health care they need.

* Luis Rodriguez, of Sumpter, has devoted the past 11 years to improving
the quality of life for low-income individuals in rural South Carolina.
During this time, Rodriguez built a shopping center in an impoverished
empowerment zone community. He also developed eight apartment
complexes catering to low-income families and elderly individuals and
has set aside housing units for homeless individuals. In addition to
his many efforts, Rodriguez takes time to develop an annual Christmas
basketball tournament to give kids something constructive to do during
their long holiday break.

* Cheri Thompson, of Orangeburg, has devoted her time, energy, heart and
money to her mission of giving children a chance to create peace within
their hearts. Thompson's program, The Healing Species, is a violence
prevention and compassion outreach program that uses animals to teach
children the value of life, empathy, conflict resolution and critical
thinking. With the help of five full-time employees, Thompson's
12-week program has helped more than 4,000 children.

* Adam Weiner, of Hartsville, helps troubled youngsters through his
unique, non-profit organization, Puck's Theater. Puck's Theater
encourages kids to use the dramatic arts to explain their frustrations,
torments and dreams through words. The kids Weiner helps are either
referred to him through the legal system, attend the local alternative
school or are kids from special programs in regular schools. So far,
Weiner has helped more than 4,000 kids find words to express
themselves.

Once the public vote concludes, the top three vote getters in the categories of safety, quality of life and environment will be named finalists. Then, a panel of distinguished judges -- including Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Dr. Sally Ride, Val Kilmer, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and previous Volvo for life Awards top winners -- will select winners in each category. Winners receive a $50,000 charitable contribution from Volvo; remaining finalists receive a $25,000 contribution.

On April 4, 2007, Volvo will fly the winning heroes to New York, where Volvo and members of the celebrity-judging panel will honor them at the 5th Annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony. At the climax of the ceremony, Volvo will reveal which of the three top heroes is also the Grand Award winner of a Volvo vehicle every three years for the rest of his or her life.

"Over the past five years the Volvo for life Awards initiative has received more than 15,000 hero nominations," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "All of these heroes demonstrate incredible conscience, care and character. Having the public help us select the winning heroes is a truly exciting -- and democratic -- addition to this year's program."

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

Posted by Frank at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

CNN Hummer prepped for the auction block

Proceeds from the SUV Will Benefit The Fisher House Foundation

Following a brave tour of duty in the Iraq War and a wild "Overhaulin'" by Chip Foose and his partners on The Learning Channel, a one-off CNN Hummer will be sold for charity at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nicknamed "Warrior One," the custom SUV was unveiled before a host of CNN employees on October 12, 2006.

Proceeds from the sale of the Hummer will be donated to The Fisher House Foundation, a group that builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Events(TM)", the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world's finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.

"The CNN Hummer will be one of the most historic, inspiring vehicles to ever cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "This machine served with America's brave soldiers in Iraq, and now it will help fund an amazing organization that supports the families of wounded soldiers. The future owner of this Hummer will capture a commemorative gem to add to their automotive collection."

CNN officials purchased the Hummer in Kuwait prior to the war. Correspondents, producers and photojournalists depended on "Warrior One" to report stories while embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines. In addition to basic transportation, the Hummer served as living quarters and a storage facility for the CNN crew.

This past summer "Overhaulin'" took the Hummer to the show's workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews revamped the Hummer's engine and made numerous upgrades including a 6-inch suspension lift, custom leather interior, 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and one-off Foose wheels.

Stereo system upgrades include 7,500 watts of Kicker audio, 250-pound subwoofers, a DVD player and six LCD monitors. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee spent 240 hours painting images of journalists and military personnel onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq and to the brave journalists who covered the war.

"The crew from Overhaulin' has created a memorable tribute to military personnel who serve during times of war and the journalists who cover them," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "We feel the Fisher House - with its mission to support military families during times of medical need - is an ideal recipient for the proceeds raised by the auction."

Since its unveiling, the Hummer has visited various U.S. military bases and automotive events, including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from October 31-November 3, 2006. The "Overhaulin'" episode featuring the Hummer aired on November 14, 2006, on TLC.

"In addition to its sentimental value, Chip Foose transformed this military beast into one of the best looking SUVs on the planet," added Steve Davis, executive vice president of Barrett-Jackson. "CNN wanted to personalize this Hummer to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces and the journalists who risk their lives alongside them. I believe Chip and his team delivered."

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events(TM)" in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Posted by Frank at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)

2007 Acura RDX Earns TOP SAFETY PICK Award

All-new SUV One of Only Three Luxury SUVs to Receive Honor for 2007

The all-new 2007 Acura RDX was one of only three luxury SUVs (out of 13 total vehicles) to earn a 2007 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety TOP SAFETY PICK Award. The annual award, given to SUVs for the first time this year, recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in front, rear and side crashes based on their ratings in the Institute's tests.

"We are very pleased that the RDX is being recognized for its outstanding safety ratings by the IIHS," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "It is our goal to continue to offer Acura customers peace of mind by providing safety through advanced technology."

The Acura RDX went on sale in August and is equipped with the latest safety technologies. Like the entire Acura lineup, it features the application of front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats and Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)) as standard equipment. In addition, RDX utilizes Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure which helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area.

In addition to safety technologies, the RDX features engineering breakthroughs for Acura, including the luxury division's first turbocharged and intercooled engine, and the first adaptation of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system to an SUV.

Posted by Frank at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)

2007 Honda CR-V and Pilot Earn TOP SAFETY PICK Award

Pilot and All-New CR-V Earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highest Crash Safety Ratings

The all-new 2007 Honda CR-V, along with the 2007 Honda Pilot, were among seven SUVs to earn 2007 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK Awards. The annual award, given to SUVs for the first time this year, recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in front, side and rear crashes, based on their ratings in the Institute's tests.

"Honda is honored that IIHS awarded their highest safety rating of 'TOP SAFETY PICK' to both the Pilot and the all-new CR-V, recognizing the advances Honda continues to make through our 'Safety for Everyone' commitment," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Having both the CR-V and Pilot earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK awards demonstrates that mainstream and affordable Honda SUVs can achieve the highest levels of crash protection in these types of tests."

As part of Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all trim levels of the 2007 Honda CR-V and the 2007 Honda Pilot include side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor as standard equipment. These airbags further complement the vehicles' existing standard driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS), front-side air bags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System and Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)). In addition, the CR-V utilizes Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure.

Posted by Frank at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

HotShot Makes Ice Scrapers Obsolete

500,000 throughout world now have heated washer fluid on car

More than 500,000 drivers throughout the world will not scrape snow, ice and freezing rain from their windshields this winter thanks to a revolutionary de-icing technology that makes ice scrapers obsolete. HotShot(R) is the patented cycling, hot-fluid, de-icing system designed and manufactured by Microheat, Inc., a Tier-One supplier to the automotive industry. It represents the greatest breakthrough in windshield wiper technology in over 70 years.

HotShot is currently featured on a variety of General Motors vehicles including the Cadillac DTS and Escalade, the Buick Lucerne, and SUVs and full size trucks including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMS Yukon, Hummer H2, Sierra, and Silverado. In addition, more than 20 OEMS throughout the world are in various stages of testing the product. Microheat has shipped product to Daihatsu for vehicles in Japan, has a purchase order from Toyota, and has a sourcing agreement with Ford.

First available on vehicles in 2004, the convenience and safety of HotShot has catapulted the product to a highly desired feature by most drivers, according to research from J.D. Power and Associates. According to the research, 69 percent of drivers surveyed expressed interest in having a system like HotShot on their next vehicle. They ranked it higher than features currently in series production such as Satellite Radio, Navigation, and Rear Seat Entertainment systems.

"Half a million motorists now enjoy the convenience, comfort and safety of HotShot in every season and under all driving conditions," said Microheat President and CEO Gary Pilibosian. "The system automatically removes snow, ice, bugs and road grime from windshields in under 90 seconds with the push of a button."

Introduced commercially in 2002, HotShot features a patented cycling technology that intelligently heats fluid to an exact temperature and sprays the fluid at a precise time interval to quickly and efficiently remove snow, ice, bugs and road grime from vehicles. The all-season, all-weather system can be activated at vehicle start-up and maintains hot fluid for use by drivers on demand during normal driving conditions.

The acclaimed HotShot has been the recipient of numerous awards including: Finalist in 2006 PACE Awards, celebrating product and process innovations; Frost & Sullivan's 2005 Excellence in Emerging Technologies Best Practices Award; Popular Mechanics deemed it the "Outstanding Achievement in New Product Design and Innovation;" RoadStar Magazine and Newport Publications awarded Microheat in 2004. Microheat's CEO Gary Pilibosian was named Automation Alley's 2006 Emerging Leader.

Posted by Frank at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)

Three Years Running: Saab 9-3 Sedan Earns IIHS 2007 Top Honors

DETROIT — The Saab 9-3 Sedan has earned the 2007 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize car category.

This is the third consecutive year that the 9-3 Sedan has driven away from this competition with top honors. For 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick – Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash test rating for 2005. The 2007 Saab 9-3 Sedan was awarded the designation amid toughening criteria.

The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries. Winning vehicles must earn good ratings in all three of the previously described tests and, new for 2007, vehicles must also offer electronic stability control. Adrian Lund, IIHS president admits that with the added criteria it is tougher to win, however it was added with the overall goal to encourage more vehicle safety improvements.

"This is the Saab 9-3's second year running to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick award," said Adrian Lund, president of the IIHS. "Considering the criteria are tougher this year than last , the 9-3's accomplishment is impressive."

IIHS is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. The Institute's research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular, and environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during, and after crashes to reduce losses.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven engines/transmissions that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Saab also offers vehicle warranty coverage for five-years or up to 100,000 miles. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Saab 9-3 Range Accolades:

* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2007
* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick – Gold Award”, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: Activelifestyle.com “Active Lifestyle Award”, 2006
* 9-3 Range : “Wards top-10 best engine”, Wards, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: SmartMoney "Best mispriced wagon" awards, SmartMoney magazine, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: "Top sport wagon", buyacar.suite101.com, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: Intellichoice Award - Lowest Maintenance Costs in Class, 2006
* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Double Best Pick” crash test rating, 2005
* 9-3 SportCombi: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
* 9-3 Convertible: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
* 9-3 Sedan: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2004
* 9-3 Convertible: Five stars, top rating from European new Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) crash tests, 2004
* 9-3 Sedan: “Green”, top rating for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Swedish Insurance Company Folksam’s crash tests, 2003
* 9-3 Sedan: Five stars, top rating from European new Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) crash tests, 2002

Posted by Frank at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

Clarion Ships 2007 High-Speed Navigation System

"This Holiday Let Clarion Guide The Way"

Clarion Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of mobile electronics, simultaneously expands into two key product categories as it delivers its NAX970HD High-Performance Navigation unit and MAX675VD 2-DIN A/V source unit.

Clarion is known as a long-standing market leader in mobile navigation in Japan. The introduction of the NAX970HD navigation unit marks the first time that Clarion has brought this high-speed technology and its 3D menu interface to the North American market.

The NAX970HD 30GB HDD navigation system utilizes a high-speed processor to perform ultra-fast coast-to-coast route calculation in a matter of seconds. The unit's slick 3D menu operation is effortlessly controlled by the MAX675VD's large 7-inch motorized touch-screen, the largest screen size available in a 2DIN unit. While using Navigation, the user can also enjoy their iPod, Satellite Radio or others sources. The turn-by-turn voice prompts come through loud and clear to any of the systems' nine million points of interest.

"Users will instantly realize Clarion's high-performance advantage, whether operating the system's ultra-cool 3D menu or when simply calculating a route," states Adam Thomas, Vice President of Marketing for Clarion Corporation of America. "This is just a glimpse of how our products continue to offer innovative and technologically enriched features to improve the consumer experience in mobile environments."

The newly available NAX970HD and MAX675VD each have an M.S.R.P. of $1,199.99 and are readily available for the 2006 holiday selling season. See the Clarion.com website for a local authorized dealer.

Posted by Frank at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

Experian Automotive Releases September 2006 New Vehicle Sales Statistics

Ford F-150 Leads September 2006 New Vehicle Sales

Experian Automotive, a division of global information solutions company Experian(R) , today announced definitive September new vehicle sales statistics based on actual state vehicle registrations from across the United States.

"For the month of September the Ford F-150 leads as the number one selling new vehicle, up 11.6 percent from August," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "In total, 1,385,730 new vehicles were sold across the U.S. in September, a 9.4 percent decrease from August levels."

According to state vehicle registration data that has just become available and compiled by Experian Automotive, the top ten selling new vehicles across the United States in September 2006 were:

Ford F150 48,577 +11.6%
Toyota Camry 37,826 -6.7%
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 33,090 -17.0%
Honda Accord 32,411 -19.3%
Toyota Corolla 32,195 -11.0%
Honda Civic 33,150 +20.8%
Chevrolet Cobalt 19,974 -12.5%
Nissan Altima 19,889 -3.8%
Ford Mustang 18,697 +23.5%

According to actual state vehicle registrations, the automotive makes with the most vehicles sold in the United States for the month of September were:

Ford 217,899 +5.6%
Toyota 191,975 -7.2%
Chevrolet 183,050 -15.0%
Honda 119,952 -16.5%
Nissan 78,365 -7.3%
Dodge 76,947 -8.9%
Chrysler 43,400 -0.7%
Pontiac 36,365 -10.5%
Hyundai 35,793 -22.0%
Jeep 34,911 -3.5%

Experian Automotive provides in-depth market statistics to companies throughout the automotive industry - from automakers to dealerships to finance and insurance companies. According to state vehicle registration data compiled by Experian Automotive, the following breakdown outlines the top five states that sold the most new vehicles in September 2006, and the top-selling new make/model in each state:

State Top-Selling Make/Model
1. California Toyota Camry
2. Texas Ford F150
3. Florida Ford F150
4. New York Honda Accord
5. Illinois Toyota Camry

Posted by Frank at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

Ford makes corporate responsibility gains

Ford Motor Company was recently recognized for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leadership by three influential CSR reporting surveys.

Ford was rated among the top 25 companies in the world in CSR reporting by Tomorrow's Value The Global Reporters. This was Ford's second time on the list. It is the only automaker among the top 25 of 50 companies demonstrating best practices in CSR.

Tomorrow's Value, released bi-annually since 1994, is an international benchmark of corporate sustainability reporting developed in partnership with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Standard & Poor's and SustainAbility Ltd.

Ford is also listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) annual review of global sustainability leaders and it is among selected companies from a wide range of industrial sectors that have been included in the DJSI's "best-in-class" lists. DJSI tracks the economic, environmental and social performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Ford has been included in the DJSI for five consecutive years.

Ford also earned "best-in-class" status for its environmental and social performance in Storebrand Investments' 2006 Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) survey. Storebrand, a major Scandinavian financial service company with a strong commitment to corporate responsibility, monitors the environmental and social performance of more the 2,000 companies.

"Nearly six years ago, we convened a high-level stakeholder forum that predicted that the issues of climate change and human rights would be increasingly important to our industry and our Company," said Sue Cischke, vice president, Environmental and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "We have worked since then to account for these issues in how we do business."

CSR surveys measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognized corporate social responsibility standards. To be included, companies must demonstrate a clear and transparent commitment to sustainability.

At the end of 2005, Ford issued an industry-first report on the business implications of climate change. Ford also was the first in the automotive industry to develop, implement and report a Code of Basic Working Conditions for its operations and those of its suppliers.

"The report sets out Ford's Code of Basic Working Conditions for its operations and those of its suppliers, as well as our long-term climate strategy," said Cischke. "Ford is steadfast in its commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability. We are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by such an influential benchmark."

For more information on these surveys, visit www.sustainability.com/insight/globalreporters.asp, www.sustainability-indexes.com and www.storebrand.com.

To learn more about Ford Motor Company's sustainability strategy, see the company's latest sustainability report at www.ford.com/go/sustainability.

Posted by Frank at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)

Subaru, Audi, Honda top safest vehicles list

2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award winners: award criteria are tougher; SUVs eligible for first time

ARLINGTON, VA — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announces 13 vehicles that earn TOP SAFETY PICK awards for 2007. Winners include 4 cars, 7 SUVs, and 2 minivans. This award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC).

Vehicles eligible to win are current small, midsize, and large car models plus minivans and small and midsize SUVs. Pickups aren't included in this round of awards because the Institute hasn't begun to evaluate their side crashworthiness.

"Our crash tests cover the most common kinds of real-world collisions," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Designating TOP SAFETY PICK winners based on the tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative test results."

Tougher criteria to win: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a TOP SAFETY PICK is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests.

A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer ESC. This addition is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.

"The idea of tightening the criteria for the award is to encourage more vehicle safety improvements," Lund says. "Last year a car could win with an acceptable rating in the rear test instead of the highest rating of good, and ESC wasn't considered. Now it's tougher to win, and some of the 2006 winners don't meet the criteria for this year's award because the manufacturers haven't improved the head restraints from acceptable to good or don't offer ESC."

In particular, the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, large family cars, are good crash test performers but don't have ESC, even optional. The midsize Chevrolet Malibu doesn't have ESC either, and its seat/head restraints aren't rated good. These cars won in 2006 but not 2007.

No small cars won this year's award. The four-door Honda Civic won last year, but most 2007 Civics don't have ESC. Those that do don't have seat/head restraints rated good for rear crash protection.

Each year the Institute offers to test early the vehicles that manufacturers think will be candidates to win TOP SAFETY PICK. All current car and minivan models plus small and midsize SUVs are eligible. Three of the 13 winning vehicles for 2007 are from Honda, including an Acura SUV. Three winners are Subarus.

Vehicle size and type are factored in: TOP SAFETY PICK is awarded by vehicle size because size and weight are closely related, and both influence how well occupants will be protected in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better protection in crashes than smaller, lighter ones.

"The awards recognize the cream of the crop for safety in the vehicle size classes, but they don't mean a smaller vehicle that's an award winner affords better protection than a larger vehicle that didn't win TOP SAFETY PICK," Lund points out.

Automakers heed ratings and make changes to win: Crash tests have driven major improvements in the designs of all kinds and sizes of passenger vehicles. The Institute began frontal crash tests for consumer information in 1995. Side tests were added in 2003, and the following year a dynamic test to evaluate rear crash protection was introduced. Most vehicles now earn good ratings in the Institute's frontal test, but significant differences still are apparent in the performances of vehicles in side and rear crashes.

Some manufacturers improved their vehicles specifically to earn TOP SAFETY PICK awards. Audi redesigned the seat/head restraints in the A4 and A6 to improve performance in the Institute's rear test. Subaru accelerated plans to offer ESC on some versions of the Forester and Legacy.

"But ESC isn't on every version of these two Subarus. Initially it's only on the sporty or pricier models. It's disappointing that Subaru didn't add ESC across the board," Lund says. The company plans to expand ESC availability later.

Other vehicles are in the process of being changed to earn TOP SAFETY PICK status. For example, Ford will add ESC to 2008 Freestyles, so when this SUV is introduced next year it will qualify. Automakers also have been adding standard side airbags with head protection, even though government regulations don't require them. All 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK winners have standard side airbags.

Seventeen other vehicles would have won 2007 awards if they had good seat/head restraint designs. Toyota could have claimed nine TOP SAFETY PICK awards, including three Lexus winners. Honda could have picked up four additional awards, including one for an Acura.

"Protection in rear crashes is an area where many vehicles lag behind in safety," Lund notes. "As manufacturers continue to improve seat/head restraints, we expect to see more winners."

SUVs qualify for 2007: SUVs weren't eligible to win in 2006 because the Institute hadn't evaluated the side crashworthiness of many of them. Now more SUVs have been rated, and 2007 winners reflect the safety improvements manufacturers have been making to these vehicles.

"In the past SUVs, especially the smaller ones, weren't good safety choices compared with cars," Lund explains. "Many SUVs didn't earn good ratings in our crash tests, and on the road they were more likely than cars to get in serious single-vehicle crashes, including rollovers, because of their higher centers of gravity. Newer SUVs perform better in crash tests and, when equipped with ESC, are much less likely to roll over. All but one of the seven SUVs that win our 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK have ESC as standard equipment."

Recent Institute research found that ESC reduces the risk of serious crashes involving both SUVs and cars. The largest effect is in single-vehicle crashes, which were reduced 40 percent with the addition of ESC. Fatal single-vehicle crashes went down 56 percent, and fatal rollovers of cars and SUVs were reduced by about 80 percent.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Each vehicle's overall side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph that represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a real-world crash would have sustained serious injury. The movements and contacts of the dummies' heads during the crash also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

WINNERS

Large car
Audi A6 manufactured in Dec. 2006 and later

Midsize cars
Audi A4
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy equipped with optional electronic stability control

Minivans
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Luxury SUVs
Mercedes M class
Volvo XC90

Midsize SUVs
Acura RDX
Honda Pilot
Subaru B9 Tribeca

Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester equipped with optional electronic stability control

Posted by Frank at 02:14 AM | Comments (0)

Volkswagen premieres Neeza concept in China

Neeza: new Volkswagen concept designed for China; Magotan: new premium sedan based on the Passat

WOLFSBURG/BEIJING - Volkswagen is today igniting a fireworks of superlative innovations at Auto China 2006: Three world and four China premieres will ensure that visitors to the motor show get a picture of the new Volkswagen models being offered in China in the coming years.

As an exhibition highlight and world premiere Volkswagen is showing the Neeza concept, a crossover of a coupé and a station wagon, self-confident and powerful, designed for China in China! In another world premiere Europe’s most successful car maker is also presenting a model modified for the Middle Country: The classy and large Magotan is based on the Passat and from now on will be one of Volkswagen’s top models in China.

In addition, Volkswagen is presenting four China premieres in Beijing. I: With the Concept A Volkswagen is providing a peek at the new Tiguan SUV. II: With the Golf GTI a Volkswagen with cult status is debuting in Beijing. III: With the Eos the first convertible coupé will be available in China. IV: And with the CrossPolo Volkswagen is showing how smart a small car can be.

On the world premiere of the Neeza: Visually, the self-confident mid-sized Neeza model – conceptually a crossover of a coupé and a station wagon – pays its respects to the off-road and sports car world; nevertheless, the Volkswagen designed for China in China convinces with features suitable for everyday use. An all-round talent unifying Chinese and German automotive expertise in a new car generation. The concept opens the window to the future of new models from Shanghai Volkswagen. The culture, the individual taste and the desires of Chinese customers will become an integral component of car development in the design of these cars. An example of exterior design: Here the Neeza demonstrates a completely new symbiosis of Asian SVW design and German Volkswagen design philosophy.

The name Neeza was derived from "Ne-zha". Ne-zha is a celebrated figure from Chinese history. Ne-zha was a small boy with magic weapons who fought against evil spirits. His unequalled will, his youthful and foresighted spirit and courage reflect the idea hidden behind the character and the name of the concept.

On the world premiere of the Magotan: The sedan specially tailored to the Chinese market is a popular car known around the world as the Passat. Technically, the new Magotan is considered a German high-end product. Safety, driving dynamics, engines, quality and ergonomics reflect a standard that is among the best in the world.

It was taken into consideration during the design of the model in Germany that in terms of both design and features this sedan meet every demand of the Chinese market and satisfy the tastes of modern Chinese society. Starting in 2007 the luxurious, sporty and progressive Magotan will be offered in China.

Posted by Frank at 02:09 AM | Comments (0)

Nissan Expands Online Advertising Alliance with Microsoft

New deal allows Nissan to work directly with Microsoft content developers

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) will dramatically expand its Web advertising initiatives across Microsoft online properties, the two companies announced today.

This expanded alliance will enable Nissan to more powerfully engage with consumers across multiple digital touch points throughout Microsoft® Digital Advertising Solutions including MSN, Window Live, Live Search, Xbox, and Windows Mobile.

Furthermore, this new alliance allows Nissan to work directly with Microsoft content developers, strategists and subject matters experts to aide in Nissan’s ability to reach its target consumers.

“Nissan’s target audience is adopting an increasingly mobile lifestyle, and the amount of time consumers spend online is rising significantly,” said Jan Thompson, vice president of marketing, NNA. “Broadening our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to deliver targeted messages to consumers across a diverse online network.”

Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions is designed to connect advertisers with their target audiences across such devices as PCs, Xbox® video game systems, Web-enabled mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Through these channels, advertisers can reach more than 465 million consumers each month across the MSN® network and millions more through Windows Live™, Xbox Live® and Office Online.

“Nissan North America is demonstrating exceptional vision and bold leadership with its commitment to make the Internet a cornerstone of its advertising strategy in partnership with Microsoft,” said Joanne Bradford, corporate vice president of global sales and marketing and chief media revenue officer at Microsoft. “With unique, diverse and flexible assets that Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions can provide, Nissan is extremely well positioned to reach consumers at every stage of the automotive buying cycle.”

Key parts of this alliance will include sponsorship of Forza Motorsport 2 console game on Xbox 360 and global tournament on Xbox Live, a co-branded “blogazine” for Infiniti on MSN.com called “Open for Design” (http://openfordesign.msn.com), search advertising with Microsoft adCenter, behavioral targeting, and participation in pilot advertising programs within Windows Mobile and Office Live. Also core to the alliance is a customized regional dealer strategy that involves the embedding of Nissan and Infiniti dealerships into Windows Live Local mapping technology and geo-targeted advertising for dealerships.

Posted by Frank at 02:07 AM | Comments (0)

Tough man lands softly with help from Volvo Cars

Swiss-born Oliver Keller is one of the leading stuntmen in Hollywood today. And now he has the biggest Volvo airbag in the world to help him land safely at the end of his stunts.

Oliver Keller is ranked among the top 50 stuntmen in the world. Based in Hollywood, he has done stunt work for films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman and TV blockbuster "24hours". He has even been on the cover of Vogue.

Last spring he contacted Volvo Cars Switzerland for cooperation and support for his stuntsschool which took place in Interlaken (CH) during summer. Volvo came up with the idea to support the production of a giant airbag he needs for soft landings.

The result is the largest Volvo airbag ever. And this year it won the coveted stunt industry award for “Best Technical Achievement”. A safety statement of ist kind which fits perfectly Volvo's core brand value.

“Working with Oliver Keller is very valuable in our brand-building ,” says Georg Redlhammer, head of Marketing & Public Affairs at Volvo Cars Switzerland.

Posted by Frank at 02:05 AM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2006

Nissan's Carlos Ghosn Speech to the Detroit Economic Club

This speech, “Inside the Alliance: The Win-Win Nature of a Unique Business Model,” was delivered by Nissan-Renault's President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn on Nov. 16, 2006

Detroit is a city whose name is – and will always be – synonymous with the automotive industry. Indeed, the world recognizes the influence of Motor City. It is a pleasure to join you here today.

I wanted to speak to you about the meaning and value of the alliance business model. I believe that this century marks the unfolding of a new era of global capitalism. In today’s global business landscape, the creation of transnational partnerships is becoming a familiar and valid practice. And even though there are numerous accounts of ineffective alliances between companies – and the auto industry alone provides several case studies – I firmly believe that it is possible to create significant, sustainable value through strategically designed and effectively managed business partnerships.

I can speak to this subject with some degree of assurance because I have been working within the context of the Renault-Nissan Alliance for the past seven years. My understanding has been proven through experience. I can offer a perspective from inside the house. Some who are outside looking in may not have the same understanding.
Based on the media articles I have read over the past six months, I recognize that some observers have varying definitions of what “alliance” means.

For example, one article likened the proposed alliance among General Motors, Nissan and Renault to a game of “high-stakes poker.”
After the talks with GM had terminated, an executive at a competitor automaker noted, “It’s not easy to build a brand through mergers and acquisitions.”

Both statements are far from the reality of what was under discussion at the time. The strategic directions we were considering were not akin to chips on a poker table… and there was never any thought given to merger or acquisition.

The definition of an “alliance” business model leaves no place for gamesmanship or merging one entity into another. In fact, you cannot merge two brands any more than you could “merge” oil and water.

So what is the Alliance exactly?

For Nissan and Renault, you can think of the Alliance as a fundamental document, like a constitution, that exists to formalize the management structure and governs the relationship between the two companies.

The Alliance is not a holding company. It is not a merger or acquisition. It is not a joint venture with limited scope. The Alliance does not own anything and is not obligatory.

The Alliance is a structured, disciplined partnership. Each company has its own executive board and its own business strategy, its own business plan. Each is accountable for specific results to its board of directors and, ultimately, of course, to its shareholders. Brand identities are separate. There is no blurring between Nissan and Renault.

What are the goals of the Renault-Nissan Alliance?

Simply put, the Alliance is a tool to enhance performance, and it is based on three simple, yet profound and sacred principles – namely:
▪ Respect and preserve the brand, product and corporate identities of each member;
▪ Accept and maintain autonomous management structures; and
▪ Seek and develop synergies.

The Alliance structure is cemented by cross-shareholding, giving both parties a vested interest in each other’s success. And this is understandable – why would any functional group be transparent with the partner company if you had no assurance that it would be around tomorrow? Cross-shareholding is a lever that makes the Alliance work.

When the Alliance began in March 1999, Renault acquired 36% of Nissan shares, and its stake has since increased to 44%, which is the maximum amount of shares that can be acquired. As its profitability has strengthened over time, Nissan has acquired 15% of Renault shares. The value of Renault is tied to the value of Nissan… and vice-versa. We have a community of shared interests.

How does the Alliance work on a practical level?

The Alliance is tool that enhances the role of the companies to build synergies… and the mechanism for building synergies is through cross-company teams.

Currently, there are 18 teams made up of employees of both companies. Each has a limited number of people from the respective functions of finance, powertrain, vehicle engineering, logistics, and so on. These are the Alliance opportunity hunters and problem solvers. The teams meet regularly and share ideas to maximize value for each company. The discipline that keeps them in line is milestones, which include a series of commitments and targets.

We also have nine functional task teams that assist the work of the cross-company teams and contribute to synergies in support functions, such as quality, cost management and control, or corporate planning.

These teams explore opportunities, draw up joint projects and monitor their implementation, and also report to the senior management member responsible.

I mentioned earlier that the automotive landscape has been littered by ineffective alliances between various automakers over the years. The sole exception is the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which is working very well and bringing results, against all the odds.

So why has this Alliance succeeded where others have failed? I believe there are three main reasons.

First, it is based on the fact that the two companies remain distinct and autonomous. We never tried to fuse the two together, and that distinction has been honored from the very beginning.

When Nissan and Renault signed the Alliance, there was no winner and no loser. Even though Nissan was financially weak at the time, the executives at both companies were extremely aware that if this partnership were to be successful, it would be vital to respect the identities and self-esteem of all the people involved. The reason was very simple: In the final analysis, the only real asset that a company has is its people. And people will not give their best efforts if they feel that their company is being taken over by another… or if they feel that their identity is being consumed by a greater force. If it becomes obvious that one partner is making all the decisions, then the motivation of the other team will surely decline significantly.

So a guiding principle of the Alliance is that the two companies operate side by side. Nissan is a peer for Renault, and Renault is a peer for Nissan. The identity and autonomy of each company is respected.

A second guiding principle for success is that we make sure that we always do what we say. Nissan has a culture of commitment, like no other automaker. Since the start of the Nissan revival in 1999, we have been extremely transparent about our plans. We have had a series of clearly announced three-year business plans, with clear operating commitments. First was the three-year Nissan Revival Plan, which was fully delivered in two years’ time. Next was NISSAN 180 – also fully delivered. Today we are in the midst of NISSAN Value-Up, the plan through fiscal year 2007.

Renault, too, has its own strategy and commitments, as expressed in “Renault Commitment 2009,” the growth plan whose ambition is to make and sustain Renault as the most profitable European mass-market car company. In fact, what other companies in the world will give their main business commitments up to four years in advance?

We do this to give our employees a clear direction to follow and our shareholders a yardstick to measure our progress. The formula and principles are not secret; they are entirely transparent. But, as with anything else, execution is the real challenge.

The bottom line? If we say it, we will do it. Nissan and Renault are both very disciplined organizations, and the culture of commitment has been – and continues to be – key to Alliance achievement.

Finally, the third reason for success is that we get results. You can have remarkable principles and follow them, but if you don’t produce results, they don’t work. Plans without results have no value.

In the Alliance, synergies are not developed for the sake of developing synergies, but only for the sake of the performance of each company. All decisions are profit-driven. Every single synergy is sought and developed to enhance the performance and total profitability of each partner.

Consider the Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization. Today, 72% of procurement is pooled together, accounting for $60 billion in purchases… and the annual savings are significant.

We can show you synergies realized from sharing key technologies, common powertrains and common platforms. By 2010, our target is to have 10 common platforms and eight common powertrains shared between Nissan and Renault vehicles worldwide.

This does not at all mean that only the badges will be different. Engines and transmissions can be tuned differently to achieve an authentically Nissan or Renault feel and driving performance. Exteriors and interiors can likewise be tailored to achieve distinction. But by working together on future technologies… and through joint procurement of things you can neither see nor feel… we can achieve important synergies.

In addition to vehicle projects, we are exchanging best practices in manufacturing efficiency and in logistical effectiveness, and we are taking the same pragmatic approach to research and development. For instance, Renault is leading the development of diesel engines that can be adopted by either company, and Nissan is taking the lead in the development of gasoline-fueled engines. For example, when Nissan wanted a diesel engine in Europe, it approached Renault, which had available capacity. Nissan performed some additional engineering, but at a minimum investment. In less than a year, Nissan had diesel engines in Europe. We don’t waste resources or engineering capabilities by duplicating efforts.

Other evidence of results?

In March 1999, Renault’s market capitalization was – in dollars – $10.7 billion. Today it has tripled, to $32.6 billion.

Nissan’s market capitalization went from $9.7 billion to $52.3 billion – multiplied more than fivefold.

Put in the context of performance in the global automotive industry, the total market capitalization of the world’s major automakers increased by 27.1% between 1999 and today. That number includes a doubling in the market value of Japanese automakers, a flat performance among European automakers and a decline by more than half among U.S. automakers.

Collectively, the market capitalization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance has quadrupled, giving us the second-highest market capitalization in the global auto industry. We are also #2 in profitability.

Right now – halfway through NISSAN Value-Up – Nissan is earning a 7.7% operating profit margin at the lowest point in our product cycle… but that’s about to change. Our U.S. product offensive began this summer with the Versa, followed by the all-new Sentra that went on sale in mid-October and the new Infiniti G35 that had only a few days of sales in October. And this month we launched the all-new Altima sedan, our best-selling model.

In fact, the Altima, Versa and Infiniti G35 make up three of the 11 cars in consideration for 2007 North American Car of the Year, which in itself is a statement about the appeal of our current lineup.

So far, our new models are off to a solid start… but we are facing the same headwinds that the rest of global automakers are facing. And the realities of the business world keep us humble: At the end of the day, we have to recognize that, for many observers, it doesn’t matter how much you delivered in the past, we’re only worth our last three months’ results anyway!

Even so, if you look at results over the seven-year span of the Alliance, you see that Nissan has launched attractive, competitive products… grown in size… expanded revenues… added employees. The same will happen to Renault.

You can look at the facts and judge the results for yourself… but I believe that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is a model that works.

The future of the Alliance

As to the future of the Alliance, it remains an open proposition. For Renault and Nissan, we are satisfied to continue together as two separate companies, as long as this Alliance continues to provide measurable value for both companies and all our stakeholders.

A securities firm recently asked, “Why doesn’t Nissan just buy Renault? Or why doesn’t Renault just take the majority of Nissan?”

It’s true that some sort of fusion of the two companies might give investors a quick windfall. But the lasting result would be a huge disruption over many years to come. So there will be no merger, no fusion. Nissan will continue to be Nissan, and Renault will be Renault.
But what about adding a third partner to the Alliance? My response is, “Why not?” The Renault-Nissan Alliance is a credible reference. Why not use it if there is an opportunity in the industry?

In truth, there is no need for a third partner. The Alliance is going very well. But we expect that we could gain from a third party the same benefits that we have already found in our current partnership – benefits such as greater international scope… better supplier prices… faster development times… broader product lines… increased revenue and profit… and a broader, diverse talent pool.

To enlarge the Alliance to a third partner, we would have to make sure that it is compatible with the commitments of the two existing companies – that is, NISSAN Value-Up and Renault Commitment 2009 – and that the opportunity would be far outweighed by the risks. It would have to be an opportunity, not an obligation. We would never do anything hostile, but only something based on opportunity and cooperation.

Today, the Alliance is made up of an Asian partner and a European partner. Expanding the Alliance to include an American partner makes sense in terms of geographical complementarities. But geography is not a sufficient basis for expanding the Alliance. If an opportunity were to develop for a healthy, win-win partnership… with potential synergies that could be quantified… then we could consider next steps.

But we are in no hurry. We can wait for the next opportunity to emerge and it may take some time.

I remain committed to the principle of alliances as an effective model for business or other applications. And I am not here expressing some esoteric belief. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has proof in hard numbers – with large losses converted into billions of dollars of profits and tens of billions of dollars of market capitalization since 1999. We know how much value an alliance can create if and when appropriately managed.

I would also propose that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is a structured, natural actor in the evolution of globalization. In this partnership, you see different groups of people working together in a constructive way, which is totally compatible with the diversity that exists in a global enterprise.

I am always bemused by those who feel threatened by the emergence of new countries on the global level. But the premise of a global marketplace is that all who contribute are accepted. Economic development and diversity are constructive and normal consequences of globalization. The very definition of “diversity” means that all players are welcome. Those who can contribute… are welcome to compete.

The vision of the global economy of the 21st century could be aided by the values and strategies that have proven successful in the Renault-Nissan Alliance: Diversity is an opportunity. Respect for different identities is at the basis of a successful globalization.

For the moment, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is a unique business model. But I hope this position will someday become commonplace. Alliance principles are strategic foundations for future direction and future possibilities – principles between groups that can form the basis for meaningful, lasting and peaceful success.

Thank you for your attention.

Posted by Frank at 01:53 PM | Comments (0)

New Ford CEO visits the racetrack

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Nov. 20, 2006 -- The man hired to get Ford Motor Company back on track is quickly getting up to speed on the company -- literally.

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally's first trip to a NASCAR Nextel Cup event allowed him to personally experience the top spectator sport in the U.S., one that draws a large and loyal customer base for Ford.

"It was fantastic. It's great exposure for our products in a very exciting sport in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd," said Mulally, who served as the honorary race starter for the Ford 400.

During the weekend, the Ford Fusion and Ford F-Series are raced in front of thousands of fans -- about 70,000 attended Sunday's race while millions more watched on television. The races also provided the opportunity to showcase the Ford F-150 FX2, Ford Edge and Ford Shelby GT500, which served as pace cars for the three races.

Ford research indicates that 56 percent of the company's customers are race fans who spend more on average for each vehicle purchased than do non-racing customers. That's one of the reasons Ford owns the naming rights to Ford Championship Weekend through 2014.

Championship Weekend features the season finales of all three of NASCAR's top series -- Nextel Cup, Craftsman Truck and Busch -- at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ford is the title sponsor of all three events.

Championship Weekend receives significant support from the company's dealers in South Florida, and a large product display helps promote Ford cars and trucks.

Mulally got a feel for what attracts fans to NASCAR as he toured the Nextel Cup garage, met key Ford race team members and owners and browsed the Ford displays before the race.

"You get a real sense of how loyal our race fans are to the Ford brand. Their enthusiasm for our products is great to see," Mulally said.

Ford's top executive also said he was thrilled to serve as the honorary race starter, waving the symbolic green flag from a raised platform as the 43-car field roared by him.

Despite a busy schedule since joining Ford, Mulally has made it a point to see Ford operations firsthand and meet employees. Last week, he joined members of the Fusion team to congratulate them on a successful launch. In October, he traveled to Canada to help employees at the Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex celebrate the production start up of the all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.

Posted by Frank at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)

Los Angeles Auto Show Celebrates Centennial With a Record 35 World and North American Debuts

Earlier Dates Provide a New Beginning

Since its inception in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show has grown from 99 cars inside a skating rink into a major international event showcasing 1,000 of the newest vehicles from manufacturers.

A record 35 vehicles will make their World or North American debut on press days Nov. 29 and 30, the most ever in the 100-year history of the show. And of that number, 21 are World debuts, with seven being concept cars. When the show opens to the public Dec. 1-10 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, it will be the first major show of the North American season.

The show is being held one month earlier than in previous years to avoid perennially conflicting with the Detroit auto show. This enables automakers to stage more debuts and to increase their participation, thereby elevating the importance of the LA show within the automobile industry, particularly to journalists, and provide consumers with a better overall experience.

"This will be the best LA Auto Show ever," states Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show. "This is a new beginning with our new dates and increased commitment from manufacturers and everyone is anticipating even better things in the future."

Cutting-edge design has been a growing emphasis at the LA Auto Show and with 15 manufacturer design studios, the LA region is a world design center. This year a record seven concept vehicles will make their World debut at the show. Four of them -- Acura, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda -- were designed by their LA-based advanced design studios. In addition to these four, exciting concepts from Ford, Volkswagen and a second one from Honda, are all expected to be forward-thinking expressions of new design directions for their brands.

The show presents a broad variety of production makes and models from 47 manufacturers. Visitors can view everything from subcompacts to full-size cars, pickups to crossovers and sports cars to minivans. There's something to suit every need, dream and budget.

Two- and four-door passenger cars come in such a diversity of designs, features and technological advances, that narrowing the choice to just one is difficult. The Lexus 460L is so advanced that it parallel parks itself while the Chrysler Sebring has a multimedia hard drive capable of storing music, movies and photos. Volvo tosses tradition aside and comes to Los Angeles with its nimble new C30 three-door hatchback.

Sporty, edgy and powerful are the mantra of many automakers. And this being LA, there is no shortage of sports cars making their debut, like the new Audi R8 premium performance coupe and the stylish and sophisticated V8 Vantage roadster from Aston Martin. For the truly exotic, there are the powerful Ferrari 599, lightweight Lotus Exige S and the new Murcielago LP640 Roadster from Lamborghini.

Individuals searching for vehicles with more space will discover the range of SUVs, pickups and crossovers to their liking. BMW unveils its redesigned luxurious X5, Buick enters the luxury crossover category with the all-new Enclave and Ford introduces its completely redesigned Escape. From across the pond, Land Rover rolls out its rugged LR2 SUV that strikes a balance between luxury and off-road capability.

Hybrids continue to grow in popularity and the technology is increasingly being adapted into full-size vehicles to help lower emissions while increasing fuel efficiency. For example, General Motors will introduce the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Ford weighs in with a hybrid version of its Escape. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ethanol are also gaining momentum. BMW is one such company at the fore of hydrogen technology and will debut its Hydrogen 7 at the show.

The LA Auto Show is an excellent opportunity for consumers to see the newest automotive accessories and customizing trends. Everything from custom wheels, tires and performance products to the latest mobile audio and entertainment systems can be found in Kentia Hall.

Posted by Frank at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

Michelin Offers Safety Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Travel

Free 7-Point Vehicle Safety Checks in Toledo Today

Thanksgiving is among the most popular holidays for car trips. To help make holiday travel hassle free for you and your family, Michelin reminds motorists to perform seven quick and easy safety checks before heading out on the road. Following these simple tips could save time, money, and maybe even a life in the long run.

#1. TIRE TREAD DEPTH: In most states, the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. Place a penny into the most shallow tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If the top of his head remains visible, then your tires should be replaced.

#2. SET TIRES TO THE RIGHT PRESSURE: Drivers should follow the recommended air pressure from the vehicle manufacturer as listed on a sticker located on the vehicle's door jamb, glove box door or in the owner's manual. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare, make sure it is properly inflated as well. For the most accurate reading, Michelin recommends performing pressure checks when the tires are "cold."

#3. TURN SIGNALS: Verify turn signal operation, front and rear. Inspect lenses for damage.

#4. BRAKE LIGHTS: Verify illumination of the rear and center high- mounted stop lights when brake pedal pressure is applied. Inspect lenses for damage and keep them clear of dirt and debris.

#5. HEADLIGHTS: Confirm the headlamps operate in both low-beam and high- beam conditions. Inspect lenses for damage and keep them clear of dirt and debris.

#6. WIPER BLADES: Vision represents 90% of driving. Inspect the blade for rubber that is worn, split or cracked or has a bent wiper refill or bent blade assembly. Wiper blade manufacturers, including Michelin, recommend replacement every six months.

#7. WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID RESERVOIR: Open the hood of your vehicle to verify windshield washer fluid level and top it off, if necessary.

Posted by Frank at 01:30 PM | Comments (0)

MADD Announces National Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving

Combination of Stronger Enforcement, Tougher Laws and Advanced Technology Make it Possible to Remove Threat

DOT, NHTSA, IIHS, GHSA, IACP, the Century Council, DISCUS and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Join Forces in Support of Campaign

In a bold new effort designed to eradicate one of the nation's deadliest crimes, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) today launched its national Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to literally wipe out drunk driving in the United States.

Despite a more than 40 percent decline in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since MADD was founded in 1980, the threat still remains. Every year, nearly 13,000 people are killed by drunk drivers with an illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above and countless others are injured. This represents more than 1,000 families every month that must live with the tragic consequences of drunk driving.

"The real possibility of eliminating drunk driving in this country is a powerful, even audacious, idea. Yet the tools are now at hand. Using technology, tougher enforcement, stronger laws and grassroots mobilization, the goal of eliminating a primary public health threat that has plagued the United States is within our reach," said Glynn Birch, national president of MADD, whose 21-month-old son was killed by a drunk driver in 1988.

As a nation, our efforts to prevent drunk driving fatalities have stalled. MADD's plan to eliminate this public health threat requires new strategies to complement current methods. Today, MADD is announcing a 4-point plan to lead the nation toward the goals of eliminating drunk driving:

* Intensive high-visibility law enforcement, including twice-yearly crackdowns and frequent enforcement efforts that include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in all 50 states;

* Full implementation of current alcohol ignition interlock technologies, including efforts to require alcohol ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers. A key part of this effort will be working with judges, prosecutors and state driver's license officials to stop the revolving door of repeat offenders;

* Exploration of advanced vehicle technologies through the establishment of a Blue Ribbon panel of international safety experts to assess the feasibility of a range of technologies that would prevent drunk driving. These technologies must be moderately priced, absolutely reliable, set at the legal BAC limit and unobtrusive to the sober driver; and

* Mobilization of grassroots support, led by MADD and its 400+ affiliates, to make the elimination of drunk driving a reality. MADD is uniting drunk driving victims, families, community leaders, and policy makers in the fight to eliminate drunk driving.

With emerging technology, the vision that drunk drivers will not be able to operate vehicles is no longer a dream but, with substantial research, a real possibility. But to achieve it, all four strategies must succeed. Interlock use must expand to all convicted drunk drivers. Emerging technologies must be developed into effective and practical devices that don't inhibit lawful drivers. High-visibility enforcement must continue. All three of these components must be backed up by effective communications and broad public support.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters said, "Drunk driving is a problem that is painful and persistent, but it's also preventable. Pairing the public and private sectors for the common good is a powerful combination, one that will help us achieve real results in terms of saving lives and preventing injuries."

Secretary Peters was joined at the event by NHTSA Administrator Nicole Nason, who is the Honorary Chair of the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

Joining MADD at the press conference were the Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the Century Council, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. Properly implemented, this public/private partnership will lead to the elimination of one of the primary public health threats to the American family for the last 100 years. Each supporter will pursue these initiatives according to their own policies and procedures.

Lt. Colonel Jim Champagne, immediate past chairman of GHSA, endorsed the Campaign as a way to renew attention to the drunk driving problem. According to Champagne, "State Highway Safety Agencies were pleased to work with MADD to help develop this new Campaign and we think it sends a clear message to those who may be tempted to drive drunk: we will use every tool at our disposal to keep our roads safe and when we arrest you -- and we will -- there will be no leniency."

Highly visible law enforcement crackdowns, including checkpoints and saturation patrols, are proven to get drunk drivers off the road. Eighty- seven percent of Americans support the use of sobriety checkpoints, yet 10 states still prohibit the use of them. The Campaign will work to make checkpoints legal in all states.

"Impaired driving is not just another traffic offense; it is a serious crime that often causes needless deaths and injuries," said IACP President Joseph Carter, Chief of the MBTA Transit Police Department. "More than two decades of research have demonstrated that sobriety checkpoints and other law enforcement efforts make a difference. They are vitally effective techniques to get impaired drivers off of our roads."

Research shows that the overwhelming majority of people arrested for drunk driving have driven drunk more than 50 times before their first arrest. Two- thirds of those whose licenses are suspended for DUI drive anyway. Interlocks are proven to be up to 90 percent effective while on the vehicle, yet it is estimated that only one in eight convicted drunk drivers each year currently get the device, and most of those are repeat offenders. Sixty-five percent of the public support mandatory interlocks for first time offenders, and 85 percent of the public support mandatory interlocks for repeat offenders.

The Honorable Susan Molinari, chairman of The Century Council, noted, "I thank MADD for having the vision that eliminating drunk driving is possible and that to do it, it requires many different stakeholders at the table. By working together, we can eliminate drunk driving."

In addition to stronger enforcement and mandatory interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, MADD supports the development of new sensor technology already underway that allows a vehicle to recognize if a driver is drunk, and to stop the driver from operating that vehicle. The public is overwhelmingly supportive: by a 4 to 1 margin (58 percent to 16 percent), Americans support advances in smart vehicle technology to prevent drunk driving.

"Enforcement is essential, but we know we'll never arrest all drunk drivers once they get on the road," said Susan Ferguson, senior vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and chair of the newly-announced Blue Ribbon Panel for the Development of Advanced Alcohol Detection Technology. "If society is to eliminate the carnage caused by drunk drivers, we must do more to prevent them from drinking and driving in the first place. Fortunately, advanced technology is being developed that may allow quick, reliable detection to do just that."

MADD, NHTSA, the auto industry and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are forming a cooperative research initiative via the Blue Ribbon Panel for the Development of Advanced Alcohol Detection Technology to help bring this new technology to market in the next 10 years through a non-regulatory, voluntary and data driven effort.

"The Institute has long studied the most effective ways to enforce alcohol-impaired driving laws," adds Adrian Lund, president of IIHS. "Now our research will have two broad objectives: to maximize the effectiveness of laws and enforcement techniques and to study how new technology can fit seamlessly into the driving task without affecting the majority of drivers who drive sober."

At least four classes of technology warrant further investigation by the Blue Ribbon Panel: advanced breath testing, both individual testing and testing for alcohol in the vehicle; using visible light to measure BAC (spectroscopy); using non-invasive touch-based systems to measure BAC transdermally; and eye movement measurement technology, including the involuntary eye movements (or nystagmus) related to BAC, and eye closure that can indicate drowsiness.

"There is no single solution that will eliminate drunk driving. Drunk driving remains a behavioral challenge, an enforcement challenge and a challenge requiring innovative new approaches, including exploring new technologies," said Fred Webber, president & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "These diverse organizations are well suited to address the long-term strategy."

MADD intends to work with law enforcement agencies, judicial organizations, auto manufacturers, insurers, distilled spirits companies, technology companies, safety advocates, health care professionals, and emergency technicians to abolish drunk driving in the U.S. through the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives. MADD is a 501 (c)(3) charity with approximately 400 entities nationwide and 2 million members and supporters. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/, http://www.madd.org/campaign or call 1-800-GET-MADD.

Source: MADD

Posted by Frank at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)

Honda Demonstrates the FCX Concept Vehicle in United States

Fully functional Next-Generation Fuel Cell makes its U.S. driving debut

The FCX Concept features a newly developed compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack as well as a low-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

To meet Honda objectives for significant gains in both environmental and driving performance, the FCX Concept is equipped with a V Flow1 fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout. This has allowed designers to create an elegant, low-riding, sedan form that would have been difficult to achieve in a conventional fuel cell vehicle.

This new fuel cell stack is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the current FCX FC Stack, yet its power output is 14kW greater. The drive motor has been positioned coaxially with the gearbox for a more compact design, with output increased by 15kW. Overall, the power plant is about 180kg lighter than that of the current FCX and about 40 percent smaller in volume. The result is improved energy efficiency and performance along with a more spacious interior.

While with previous fuel cell stacks the hydrogen and the water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally, the new FCX Concept features vertical-flow design. This allows gravity to assist in discharging the water that is produced, resulting in a major improvement in water drainage, key to high-efficiency fuel stack performance. The result is stable power generation under a broad range of conditions, and higher output from a smaller package. Low-temperature startup has also been significantly improved, enabling cold-weather starts at temperatures 10 degrees C lower than the current FCX- as low as minus 30 degrees C.

As an auxiliary power source, the FCX Concept carries a compact, high-efficiency lithium ion battery, contributing to increased power output and a more compact power plant. These efficiency improvements to major power plant components give the vehicle a travel range approximately 30 percent greater than the current FCX. The vehicle is also highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of around 60 percent -approximately three times that of a gasoline-engine vehicle, twice that of a hybrid vehicle, and 10 percent better than the current FCX.

Other features include seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant-based material that offers outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight damage. Other improvements such as Shift-by-Wire and a newly designed instrument panel with easy-to-read display of hydrogen fuel consumption facilitate improved ease of operation.
The new fuel cell vehicle currently under development for release in 2008, will feature the principle technologies of the FCX Concept to achieve a new dimension in environmentally friendly driving pleasure not found with gasoline-engine vehicles.

Posted by Frank at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

A New Strategy to Discourage Driving Drunk

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 — The threat of arrest and punishment, for decades the primary tactic against drunken drivers, is no longer working in the struggle to reduce the death toll, officials say, and they are proposing turning to technology — alcohol detection devices in every vehicle — to address the problem.

In the first phase of the plan, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, backed by a national association of state highway officials and car manufacturers, will announce here on Monday a campaign to change drunken driving laws in 49 states to require that even first offenders install a device that tests drivers and shuts down the car if it detects alcohol.

Many states already require the devices, known as ignition interlocks, for people who have been convicted several times. Last year New Mexico became the first to make them mandatory after a first offense. With that tactic and others, the state saw an 11.3 percent drop in alcohol-related fatalities last year.

New Mexico was not the only state to record a decline in alcohol-related motoring deaths, and several states showed even bigger drops. For example, from 2004 to 2005, Maryland showed a decrease to 235 from 286, or 17.8 percent. In New Mexico, which has had a chronic problem with drunken driving, state officials cited the new rule on interlocks as a significant factor in their campaign to cut the fatality rate. The rule did not take effect until June 17, 2005.

“It is an integral part of our success,” said Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, who thinks others should follow his state’s lead.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 05:08 AM | Comments (0)

'You're an Idiot,' And Other Festive Holiday Greetings

Online or En Route, Drivers Spell Out How They Feel

The pilgrimage to Thanksgiving dinner is often a battle against rude, obnoxious drivers and the impulse to throttle them.

But this holiday season, there's no need to keep that anger to yourself. Entrepreneurs have come up with ways to let off steam.

The Web site http://www.platewire.com allows motorists to post the license plate numbers of offending drivers on the Internet and tell the world what a moron that guy was on the Capital Beltway. The Web site was created by a Fairfax man who said he wants to shame people into driving better. Police disapprove, saying the best tactic is to call authorities.

On the Web site, license plate numbers are accompanied by pointed, sometimes-profane commentaries on the motoring skills of their owners. They are listed under headings such as "Maniac" and "Jerk on the Phone."

"Great job driving down the BW parkway," reads one post about a Maryland driver. "How many people did you cut off with that tank of a vehicle? Get off your cellphone and drive. Was that your kid in backseat too?"

Mark Buckman, a Fairfax computer consultant who started the site with his stepbrother Luke Sevenski, said he is outraged by careless, rude or inattentive drivers.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 05:07 AM | Comments (0)

Real cars drive into Second Life

Car companies open dealerships in virtual world. Extended warranties not needed, optional dragon heads available.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- General Motors' Pontiac division is spending thousands of dollars to create a make-believe dealership that will sell make-believe cars for as little as a few dollars a piece.

The dealership will exist, so to speak, in Second Life, an on-line virtual world.

Second Life allows users to animate a computer-generated representation of themselves - or someone they might like to be - and move about, talk, walk and "teleport" from place to place in a computer-generated world all while interacting with people who might be, in physical fact, thousands of miles away.

Since it started about three years ago, the population of Second Life has grown to 1.2 million users.

For now, at least, the Pontiac dealership will offer just one model: the Pontiac Solstice GXP. But you can have it in any color you want. And we do mean any color. Stripes, spots, plaid, purple daisies. No problem.

Surrounding the dealership will be Motorati Island, 96 virtual acres that GM has bought and will give away, lot by lot, in "land grants" to Second Life members interested in building car-culture oriented business.

Some ideas include drive-in theaters, car customizing shops and restaurants with in-car dining service.

There will be no repair shops.

"I would hope you wouldn't have a virtual breakdown of a virtual vehicle," said Pontiac Spokesman Jim Hopson.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 05:06 AM | Comments (0)

Gas prices heading up again

Gas prices are on the rise again, just as Americans hit the highways for Thanksgiving.The average pump price rose about 5 cents per gallon nationwide compared to two weeks ago, industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 05:05 AM | Comments (0)

Mitsubishi Plans Diesel for Europe, Maybe U.S.

Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Hiroshi Harunari is "not excluding the U.S. market" as it plans to ready a four-cylinder diesel engine for Europe before 2010, reports Automotive News.

"It depends on market acceptance," Harunari said. "This is the only country where diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. So we will watch the market. We will not be the front-runner, but we will be ready." Honda and other automakers have already said they will launch clean diesels in the U.S.

Posted by Frank at 04:48 AM | Comments (0)

November 19, 2006

Mercedes taking on the LA Auto Show

S63 AMG, CL63 AMG and Maybach 62 S To Make North American Debut at LA Auto Show

MONTVALE – The S63 AMG, CL63 AMG and Maybach 62 S will celebrate their North American debut at the Los Angeles Automobile Show, open to the public December 1 – 10, 2006.

The S63 AMG sedan and the CL63 AMG coupe are both powered by the first engine developed entirely by AMG -- a 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Infused with even greater power and enhanced agility, the Maybach 62 S delivers a level of performance expected in an exotic sports car while maintaining the extraordinary luxury and comfort of the world’s finest super-luxury sedan.

AMG Racing Success Spawns High-Power Production Engine
One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new 6.3-liter engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, this powerful new engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket followers (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. Designed entirely by AMG, the engine shares no parts with Mercedes-Benz other V8 engines. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

Maybach 62 S: 604-Horsepower Twin-Turbo V12
The Maybach was designed to drive like a private luxury jet for the road, and the new 62 S model takes that analogy to an even higher level – “a jet with an afterburner.” Like the 57 S, the 62 S is powered by a higher-performance version of the Maybach twin-turbo, intercooled V12 engine. Designed and hand-built by Mercedes-AMG, the 62 S powerplant displaces six liters, a half-liter more than the standard engine. With higher turbo boost pressure and other modifications, the 62 S engine produces an impressive 604 horsepower and a massive 738 pound-feet of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm.

To balance its increased acceleration, the Maybach 62 S chassis has been modified to provide sharper handling response, with firmer air suspension and shock absorbers as well as thicker stabilizer bars. The suspension has been specially tuned to work with new 11-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 275/45 R 20 Michelin Pilot Sport tires (versus 19-inch wheels on the standard 57 model).

The new chassis provides even more impressive handling without unduly compromising the car’s whisper-smooth ride. In addition, the ESP stability control and traction control programming have been revised to allow the driver to get the most out of the additional performance.

Posted by Frank at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)

Locally Produced Chrysler 300C Stands Out in Chinese Sedan Market

* Locally produced Chrysler 300C Sedan debuts at Auto China 2006

Shortly after its launch in China, the locally produced Chrysler 300C Sedan debuts at Auto China 2006 to give another hit to Chinese public. With a shape based on the company’s all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Chrysler 300C features classic proportions of the legendary Chrysler brand flagship. A long hood, short deck and dramatic profile complete with 18-inch wheels give Chrysler 300C its stunning presence.

Simply stated, the Chrysler 300C Sedan has signaled a design direction that will make everything else on the road now in China seem ordinary. The dramatic expressive exterior, together with the rear-wheel-drive configuration, continues the Chrysler brand’s long-standing tradition of innovative design in this locally produced vehicle.

Chrysler 300C Sedan’s interior continues the noble, proud themes of the exterior with distinctive features, materials and textures that provide a handcrafted and upscale feel. The Chrysler 300C interior comes with a generous level of standard equipment and amenities, including a remote-controlled DVD audio video system in the rear seats.

Housed in the center of the vehicle’s dashboard, this system features a large 14.7cm full-color display, AM/FM stereo, six-disc CD system that can play MP3 audio files and navigation system, all in one unit.

High Performance from a Range of Engines

A car designed from the ground up with performance and premium quality in mind demanded powertrain systems that exceeded customers’ expectations. Three engines and two transmissions were developed to provide the optimum in powertrain choices for Chrysler 300C Sedan buyers. The 2.7-liter V-6 provides an outstanding combination of performance, fuel economy, quietness and durability.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers higher output, still with a perfect blend of performance and economy, and for the ultimate in performance, Chrysler 300C Sedan customers can choose the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.

The Chrysler 300C Sedan marks the return of the HEMI engine to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years. The legendary engine design that powered Chrysler’s “letter series” cars in the 1950s has been re-engineered and reborn as a modern, high-performance, fuel-efficient and durable powerplant known as the all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. With 250 kW (340 hp DIN) and 525 N•m (390 lb.-ft.) of torque, the Chrysler 300C can go from 0 to 100 Km/h in 6.4 seconds (0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds) and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 Km/h (155 mph).

Chrysler 300C Sedan offers a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) as standard on a V-8 engine. The Chrysler Group’s MDS seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-liter HEMI engine when V-8 power is not needed. This provides a world-class combination of outstanding performance, power and very competitive fuel economy. MDS increases fuel economy up to 20 percent, depending on driving style and vehicle usage.

Transmissions were matched to the engines to provide the best combination of performance, smoothness and fuel economy. Two transmissions are available in the Chrysler 300C Sedan. A proven DaimlerChrysler five-speed automatic transmission is standard on Chrysler 300C vehicles equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and the 3.5-liter engines. The five-speed automatic transmission is controlled by Chrysler Group’s Auto Stick driver-selectable range control. This shifter accommodates fully automatic shifting or the driver can select each gear manually. The 2.7-liter engine is matched to a revised version of a proven Chrysler Group four-speed automatic transmission.

New Rear-wheel-drive Chassis for Great Handling

Transferring all this power to the road is Chrysler’s new rear-wheel-drive chassis architecture. Rear-wheel drive offers the best vehicle balance and handling with front wheels steering and rear wheels driving.

Overall, the Chrysler 300C Sedan is engineered to offer a smooth, quiet and luxurious ride while maintaining a feeling of control and confidence. For the Chinese market, the Chrysler 300C has a unique steering, suspension calibration and wheel and tire set-up that is adapted toward higher-speed ride and handling.

The HEMI-powered Chrysler 300C Sedan offers even more athletic and nimble suspension and steering characteristics, with the front and rear suspension tuned for greater handling performance. A well-damped ride with reduced body roll gives the customer a precise and responsive driving experience.

The short- and long-arm front suspension together with a five-link independent rear suspension provides excellent handling and ride characteristics. Power rack and pinion steering makes parking easier without compromising steering performance at speed, balancing comfort and ease of operation with feel and responsiveness.

An anti-lock braking system (ABS), all-speed Traction Control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) are all standard on the locally produced Chrysler 300C Sedan. This integrated system benefits from state-of-the-art electronics that provide much faster response than in the past.

Available Performance

* Three engine choices including:
o 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with Multi-Displacement System, and a five-speed Auto Stick automatic transmission
o 3.5-liter V-6 with a five-speed Auto Stick automatic transmission
o 2.7-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission
* 6.4 second 0-100 Km/h (6.3 second 0-60 mph) time with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
* Rear-wheel-drive configuration
* Short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension and independent five-bar multilink rear suspension
* Rack and pinion steering
* 18-inch chrome-faced aluminum wheels (to be checked by BBDC)

Available amenities

* Patented faux tortoise shell interior accents or optional genuine California Walnut wood accents
* Heated leather driver and front passenger seats
* Eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (TBC by BBDC)
* Driver and front passenger adjustable lumbar support
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with flush-mounted audio, phone, navigation and trip computer controls (TBC by BBDC)
* Power tilt-telescoping steering wheel with memory (TBC by BBDC)
* Power adjustable pedals
* Dual driver memory system controls for adjustable steering column, driver’s seat, mirrors, radio presets and power adjustable pedals
* Dual-zone automatic temperature control with infrared sensing
* Air filtration system
* Express-up/down power front and rear windows (with anti-pinch protection in front)
* Boston Acoustics premium sound system
* Analog clock
* 60/40 split folding rear seat
* Electrochromic interior and driver’s rearview mirror
* Sun roof with one-touch open and close with anti-pinch protection
* AF/FM radio plus six-disc CD/MP3 player and remote-controlled DVD audio video system in the rear seats

Standard Safety Features

* Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* All-speed Traction Control System
* Four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist
* Front and rear side-curtain air bags
* Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
* Three-blink lane change turn signal feature
* High-pressure headlamp washers
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Ultrasonic rear park assist system
* Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
* Security alarm with panic button on key fob

In China, the Chrysler 300C Sedan is currently built at Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co., Ltd., DaimlerChrysler’s joint venture in Beijing, China, and the local Chrysler 300C 2.7L, 3.5L and 5.7L have been available since November 8, 2006.

Posted by Frank at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)

China automaker in talks to make Dodge cars

DaimlerChrysler AG said Friday it is holding talks with China's Chery Automobile Co. about a possible joint venture that would make cars for the Dodge brand for sale in the United States.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)

Flooded Vehicles Pose Safety and Consumer Risk

Auto Dealers Seek Insurers' Help in Keeping Flood-Damaged Cars Off the Streets

Insurance Company Voluntarily Discloses Flood Damage Info

In a major new development, PEMCO, a Seattle-based insurance company, announced this week that it will voluntarily disclose vehicle flood damage information to the public.

The recent flooding in the Pacific Northwest and the Eastern US has refocused public attention on the problem of flooded and totaled vehicles being resold to unsuspecting buyers. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has been pressing the U.S. Congress since the Gulf Hurricanes of 2005 for new federal legislation which would require insurance companies to disclose total loss information to the public so that problem vehicles are red-flagged forever.

"We salute the PEMCO insurance company for taking this strong step for safety and consumer protection, and hope other insurance companies take notice. Flooded cars can be a roadway menace and a consumer nightmare. Whether a car is flood damaged in Washington or totaled in Oregon, total-loss disclosure would give consumers and automobile dealers essential information about these problem vehicles," said David W. Regan, the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Vice President for Legislative Affairs.

The NADA-supported House bill (HR 6093) would rely on existing technology to permanently "red flag" totaled vehicles. The legislation would require insurance companies to make commercially available: the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a totaled vehicle, the reason for the total loss (flood, collision, stolen, etc.), the date of total loss, the odometer reading on that date, and whether the airbag deployed. Senator Trent Lott (R- MS) has introduced a similar bill (S. 3707), pending before the Senate Commerce Committee, which recently added new backers.

The estimated 500,000 vehicles damaged by Hurricane Katrina are only part of the problem. Insurance companies totaled approximately five million vehicles last year due to extensive damage, flooding or theft. Thousands of these damaged vehicles are sold at salvage auctions, rebuilt and re-enter the market with clean titles, so consumers, wholesale auto auctions and dealers may have no way to learn about the total loss.

Flood-damaged vehicles are surfacing far from the Gulf Coast, but conflicting and confusing state motor vehicle title laws hamper efforts to spot these problem cars. Both the House and the Senate bills would attack motor vehicle title fraud at the core by disclosing total loss information before a vehicle is sold at salvage auction, rebuilt, and returned to the market. This Federal legislation would not require any change in state titling laws, but would give consumers access to valuable information to identify totaled vehicles before these potentially unsafe cars ever re-enter the market.

"The goal of this legislation is simple -- if a vehicle is totaled, the VIN should be disclosed to the public," Regan added. "Armed with total-loss information, consumers, businesses, dealers, auto auctions -- anyone buying used cars -- should be able to spot one of these rebuilt wrecks, even if the title is clean. This legislation is necessary to red-flag the total-loss history of a used car forever."

Posted by Frank at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2006

First 2007 Tundra Pickup Rolls During Grand Opening of Toyota's New San Antonio Plant

November 16, 2006 – San Antonio - The first all-new 2007 Tundra full-size pickup will roll off the assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc., or TMMTX, on Friday, November 17. The line-off of the new Tundra will mark the official grand opening of the $1.28-billion San Antonio plant. The plant will start with a one-shift operation, and add a second shift in the spring of 2007.

"The full-size pickup truck market is, by far, the single-largest opportunity for Toyota's future growth plans in the U.S.," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Thanks to this highly-efficient plant, the on-site suppliers and all the team members, we plan to take full advantage of that opportunity. The new Tundra will arrive in showrooms in February. Our production and sales goals are ambitious, yet realistic, and reflect our confidence in the product."

If the class-leading new 2007 Toyota Tundra is the largest, most sophisticated and most powerful half-ton pickup truck ever built, it's only fitting that the factory where it is first assembled is the most advanced that Toyota has yet built in the United States. TMMTX will be capable of producing approximately 200,000 new Tundras each year, with a crew of 2,000 team members working two shifts.

LOCATION
The TMMTX plant is located on the 2,000-acre site of the former Walsh-Small Ranch, said to be the oldest cattle ranch in Texas, one that was active even before Texas statehood. The site is just south of downtown San Antonio, Texas, in historic Bexar County. The location was chosen when key factors converged for Toyota's executives and planners, including truck market dynamics, geography, transportation resources, and community support.

Texas is the capital of full-size pickup sales in the United States. In fact, roughly one of every seven full-size pickups sold in the U.S. is sold in Texas. Geographically, the area south of San Antonio offered a large tract of flat, open ground required to build such a large facility. While the U.S. has an abundance of open lands, it is not easy to locate that large a parcel near major workforce and transportation resources.

An important component offered by the San Antonio site is access to the state's transportation facilities – both rail and highway. The plant requires two-way transportation, to bring in parts and materials and ship out finished Tundras.
To accomplish this, the plant is near two major Interstates, 10 (east/west) and 35 (north/south), which connect it to the nation's interstate highway system. It is also immediately adjacent to a pair of competing rail lines. This gave Toyota the opportunity to build connections to each of these lines, and to build loading docks so that multiple rail cars can be loaded at the same time.

TEAM MEMBERS
The second critical factor for choosing San Antonio as a site for the new Tundra plant was the availability of a large pool of qualified workers. San Antonio is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. and the second-largest in Texas. Toyota received more than 100,000 applications for the 2,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs. The company strives to reflect the diversity of the communities in which it does business. TMMTX's workforce reflects San Antonio's diverse population, which is about 60 percent Hispanic.

GROUNDBREAKING
With the necessary conditions of land, transportation and workforce addressed, and the city selected, Toyota was ready to break ground on the project. The company acquired the site in 2003 meaning that TMMTX has gone from ranch land to state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in just three years.

This was an enormous task, considering the 6.5 million cubic yards of dirt moved, the 250,000 yards of concrete poured (enough to pave a two-lane highway 53 miles long), the 15,000 tons of steel erected and the 10 acres of railway siding installed.

At a total cost of $1.28 billion, the result is 2.2 million square feet, or 46 acres, of main factory built to construct the 2007 Tundra from scratch, starting from coils of steel rolling into one end of the building and ending with gleaming, powerful trucks rolling out the other. The plant contains stamping, welding, paint, plastics and assembly facilities where TMMTX team members can build Tundras at a rate of up to about 750 per day.

ON-SITE SUPPLIERS
On-site and fully integrated with the main plant are separate production and assembly facilities for 21 individual parts and component suppliers. That means that an additional 1.8 million square feet were constructed to house their operations and an additional 2,100 workers. There are many advantages to this arrangement, not the least of which is logistics costs. Traditionally, auto suppliers are located in the Midwest and South. Bringing them on-site reduces parts shipping costs. Parts are provided to the main Tundra production facility as they are needed. Little of what goes into the new Tundra is sourced from Japan: approximately 80 percent of the content is domestic.

Co-location also speeds communications. TMMTX and its on-site supplier partners can quickly react to and solve problems as they arise. It's also better for the environment, reducing over-the-road trucking and resulting emissions. Finally, the on-site suppliers invested an additional $300 million at the site, a further economic development boost for the community.

Seven of the 21 on-sight suppliers are minority-owned, including six new joint ventures between San Antonio-based businesses and traditional U.S. and Japanese auto industry suppliers. These seven companies are majority-owned by minorities. This represents a unique approach to supporting the further development of a minority supplier base. (See separate release)

PRODUCTION PROCESS
Building Tundra is a highly choreographed process. First, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) places orders. They create long-range forecasts so manufacturing can order parts, and production-controllers can tell plants what exactly to build. In a process called "sequential build," each bare chassis comes down the line and has a paper manifest attached, that shows what type of parts the truck needs, much like a recipe. This requires a sophisticated parts-delivery system to ensure that parts are getting to the line to match the vehicles. Having the seat company on site, for instance, means that the seat company will get a list of the exact vehicles to be built that day and in the order in which they'll be built. The finished seats are shipped to the plant and loaded onto the assembly line in the proper order. Team members verify that the seat is correct.

TMMTX operations will ramp up in steps. Beginning back in September, the plant began pilot versions of the truck. This phase was designed to make certain
• that all the production equipment works as it was designed to work
• that all manufacturing processes all work as they should
• all team members are properly trained
• and that all the parts fit together correctly on the truck.

The TMMTX factory floor features a blend of automation and manpower. In the welding and painting areas of the plant, robots do much of the work. Nearly 400 handle painting and welding, making those areas about 90-percent automated.

Even where manpower is primarily used, a variety of "assist devices" help assembly workers lift and move heavy, bulky items such as seats and doors. Using this creative combination of muscle and machine, it takes about 24 hours going from raw, coiled steel to finished, painted, rolling and running state-of-the-art pickup.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-ADVANCED
In keeping with its state-of-the-art technology and processes, Toyota's newest production facility will be the company's most environmentally-advanced to date. For instance, TMMTX has prioritized the reduction of paint booth emissions by using only cartridge-based paint systems. The advantage is that it eliminates the need to purge paint lines when a color change is made. The primer paint booth uses a water-born paint system, a first for Toyota in North America and further protecting the environment.

Water, in fact, is an important consideration in this area of Texas, and TMMTX employs a number of water conservation measures. The plant was designed to consume as little as possible. TMMTX buys recycled water from the San Antonio Water System for 100 percent of its processes. The only fresh water used at the plant is for the kitchen and restrooms.

In addition to conserving resources and preventing emissions, the San Antonio plant reduces waste in a number of ways. It operates as a zero-landfill facility, meaning no waste will be taken to a landfill. The plant will recycle extensively.

For instance, scrap steel will return to the steel mill, scrap plastic will be shredded and returned to a pellet manufacturer. Even the amount of packaging of new parts – packaging that might ordinarily be thrown away – has been minimized. Substituting wooden pallets with plastic will also make a difference. Wood breaks up and wears out, then must be disposed of in a landfill, while plastic can be used over and over again for a much longer period of time.

"TMMTX is a not only a brand-new plant for a brand-new truck, it's Toyota's opportunity for long-term growth in the full-size pickup segment and the community of San Antonio," said Esmond.

Posted by Frank at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)

Tundra Assembly Plant Advances Toyota Production System

On-Site Supplier Production Network Raises Quality, Efficiency, Speed and Environmental Focus To A New Level

San Antonio - The first 2007 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck rolls off the assembly line at Toyota's all-new Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) production facility Friday, at a ceremony attended by Texas Governor Rick Perry and Toyota Motor Corporation President Katsuaki Watanabe.

The ceremony marks the arrival of a vehicle that will give Toyota, for the first time, a formidable entry in a segment once considered the exclusive domain of Detroit automakers GM, Ford and Dodge. Perhaps more significantly, the event marks the opening of a production facility that will immediately establish itself as Toyota's most innovative; a plant that will elevate the Toyota Production System (TPS), widely considered the industry benchmark in quality, efficiency and technological advancements, to a new level.

"Our facility will introduce numerous recently patented production and assembly advancements that, for now, must remain proprietary," said Don Jackson, vice president of TMMTX production and quality. "But even more important to establishing a new benchmark for the Toyota Production System, will be how a vast network of 21 separate parts and components suppliers have been incorporated and integrated on site. TMMTX will be the first automotive assembly plant to integrate numerous supplier parts-production facilities on the same grounds and, in some cases, under the same roof, as the main assembly plant."

One such example is Avanzar, a new joint-venture between Detroit-based Johnson Controls and a San Antonio-based minority-owned company that will build seats for the new Tundra. The company has a facility on the TMMTX grounds that will build steel seat frames. The finished frames are then shuttled less than a mile to a receiving dock of the Avanzar production facility located under the same roof as the main assembly plant.

The frames provide the skeleton for front and rear seating systems that are assembled to order, as needed, on the TMMTX assembly line. For example, an order is received from the factory for a bucket seat set of specific color and fabric design, for a specific truck. Each truck has a katashiki, a specific recipe, detailing every variable from trim level to color to seat configuration.

The seats are built, then mounted onto an elevated track system that connects the Avanzar production facility with the main assembly plant. Less than an hour after receiving the order, the seats arrive at the assembly point, less than five minutes prior to the arrival of the truck in which it will be installed.

"Because Avanzar is on site, it eliminates the need to transport the seats from a remote factory," said Jackson. "There is no need for component packaging and no freight costs. This eliminates land fill waste and reduces the environmental impact of fuel consumption associated with freight movement. More importantly, with the production facility virtually in house, we have a close connection with the supplier, should component quality issues be detected. The ability to significantly shorten the duration of any quality issue is a huge advancement and certainly makes my job easier."

Like Avanzar, the Reyes Corporation is a San Antonio-based minority-owned joint venture with Lear and Amtex. The on-site Reyes plant produces interior plastic trim pieces, as well as carpet sets for the new Tundra. What makes the Reyes relationship with TMMTX so special is its role in the innovative process known as parts "kitting." TMMTX is the first Toyota truck assembly plant to adopt the kitting process, which is currently used at its most advanced passenger-car factories. Kits, or sets of parts, can be delivered to a specific installation point, or mounted inside the truck as it travels down the assembly line delivering parts to more than one installation point.

Reyes Plant Manager, Mark Goss, likens the system to the prep-cook area inside an upscale restaurant, which cooks specific components, such as steamed vegetables for a larger platter.

"The turnaround time from when we receive the order, to when the part is installed, will be 57 minutes once the factory is fully up to speed," said Goss. "During pre-production prototype build, we were told that some of our plastic parts were still warm…sort of like fresh cookies out of the oven."

The Reyes plastic parts are manufactured per specific katashiki order, packed into a hanging plastic sleeve---similar to a closet organizer--- and delivered to the main factory with other kits on an hourly basis. The empty kit sleeves are returned to be used for the next batch of parts. As with the Avanzar model, freight delivery costs and packaging are eliminated. And since parts are manufactured in small batches, quality issues can be quickly detected and corrected.

"Quality has always been the number one concern in the TPS system," said T.J. Tajima, TMMTX President. "However, Toyota's global corporate commitment to the environment is seen as an equally important component. Our innovative on-site supplier network was instituted to improve vehicle quality and reduce environmental impact. The fact that this new system also reduces time, raises efficiency and is significantly more cost-effective, are satisfying bonuses."

Posted by Frank at 04:36 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota Donates $600K for Texas Literacy Programs

November 17, 2006 – San Antonio - The Tundra pickup truck wasn't the only cause for celebration today as Toyota began production at its new manufacturing plant in San Antonio. Family literacy also got a big boost, as the company announced a $600,000 grant to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) to implement the successful Toyota Family Literacy Program in the Southwest Independent School District.

Accepting the gift from Dr. ShoichiroToyoda, honorary chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., was Sharon Darling, president and founder of NCFL, and Dr. Velma Villegas, superintendent of the Southwest Independent School District.

The Toyota Family Literacy Program (TFLP) – the first of its kind to focus on the needs of Hispanic and other immigrant families on a national level – will be featured in three area schools: Bob Hope Elementary, Sky Harbour Elementary, and Sun Valley Elementary. The Southwest Independent School District's student population is 88 percent Hispanic, with 90 percent of 3rd grade children considered to be economically disadvantaged.

NCFL, the country's leading advocate for family literacy and a longtime Toyota partner, will coordinate the local initiative, working closely with the school district.

"NCFL's partnership with Toyota transforms the lives of families across the nation through proven family literacy initiatives," Darling said. "We are thrilled to add San Antonio to this storied journey."

In addition to San Antonio, four other cities are part of the latest expansion of the family literacy program: Chula Vista, Calif., Orlando, Fla., Wichita, Kan., and Winston-Salem, N.C. A total of 155 school districts submitted applications for the five spots, all vying for part of the overall $3 million grant from Toyota.

TFLP -- which got its start in 2003 and is now functioning in 10 cities across the U.S. with high, or fast-growing, Hispanic populations -- aims to increase basic language and literacy skills among K-3rd graders and their parents. A key component of the program is that parents and their children attend the same school and spend time in the classroom together. Also, the program provides parents with the skills they need to help their children succeed in school.

"We're excited to begin the next chapter of the Toyota Family Literacy Program in
San Antonio," said Luis de la Garza, vice president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas. "We've seen first-hand how the program has helped improve literacy skills for thousands of children and parents across the country, and we look forward to many more success stories in San Antonio."

Early results from the TFLP programs already implemented include:
• Significant literacy gains by adults, the majority of which improved their literacy scores by one or more levels
• Ratings for children in the program that exceeded peers in areas including academic performance, motivation to learn, attendance, classroom behavior, involvement in classroom activities, and other areas
• 70% of participating families holding a library card by the end of the first year
• Waiting lists at the majority of program sites due to high demand

Presently, NCFL and the school district are in the process of putting the pieces together to get the program up-and-running at the three schools. Other area contributors include: Education Service Center Region 20, which will provide parent instructors and an aid for the Parent Education component of the program; and Texas A&M University, which will provide education major students who will work with parents on-site. Also, Trinity University and Palo Alto College System will be collaborating partners.

ABOUT NCFL
The National Center for Family Literacy was established by Sharon Darling in 1989 with a grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. For the past 17 years, NCFL has pioneered educational initiatives that open pathways to continuous life improvement for the nation's most at-risk children and families. The organization has supported more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers, leading to positive gains for more than 1 million families. To learn more, call 1-877-FAMLIT or visit www.famlit.org.

Posted by Frank at 04:29 PM | Comments (0)

Ford produces co-star in new Bond film

The highly anticipated Bond…James Bond…film, "Casino Royale," opens this week in theaters around the world and Bond lovers will play close attention to actor Daniel Craig, the new 007--what he's wearing, who’s on his arm and certainly, what he drives.

When it comes to Bond's vehicles in "Casino Royale," Ford takes center stage.

The movie features the new Aston Martin DBS as well as the refreshed Ford Mondeo. "Casino Royale" continues Ford's longstanding relationship with the Bond franchise that stretches back over five decades and 17 films.

"It's both deeply gratifying and tremendously exciting to watch the partnership between Ford and James Bond continue to grow," said Myles Romero, director, Ford Global Brand Entertainment. "Just as every actor who's played James Bond has brought his distinctive sensibilities to the role, the new models that 'co-star' in this film are simultaneously unique and immediately recognizable as members of the Ford family."

James Bond is typically associated with super sporty vehicles outfitted with technically advanced gadgetry – something the average person might never get the chance to drive. But this film takes on a slightly more prosaic approach. The cars are still sporty, but they're much like the ones you'd see at your area dealership. You get a sense of that in the first few minutes of the film when Bond gets into a Ford Mondeo that transports him to a hotel in the Bahamas.

When filmmakers approached Ford, Mondeo's design was just a sketch on the drawing board. The result was a misty blue five-door Mondeo equipped with a sports body kit that hinted at what the new model would look like in '07. It took crews several weeks to build the vehicle by hand. It is basically a body shell, without amenities like air conditioning, and an engine just big enough to go 30 mph.

Mondeo's presence in "Casino Royale" is big news for Ford of Europe and is one of its largest product placements.

“It’s amazing the amount of interest that is generated around this vehicle. It was a closed set but paparazzi were hiding everywhere," Romero said.

The reveal of the new Mondeo in the film is part of Ford's European marketing platform called “Ford Feel the Difference,” which seeks to make an emotional connection with customers.

"In very broad terms, the association with 'Casino Royale' delivers perfectly on the platform theme as it will enable us to build more style in our brand," said Lyn West, Brand Communication Strategies manager, Ford of Europe. "The movie is about adventure, glamour, technology and humour -- thereby supporting our marketing message of 'style with substance.' "

“We’re delighted to be part of this exciting new Bond project," said Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe vice president, Marketing Sales and Service. "On the big screen, the new Mondeo looks impressive and eye-catching, and we're convinced this appearance, although brief, will stimulate early customer interest in the new model"

Full details of the new Mondeo will remain under wraps until the car is officially launched early in 2007. It will be sold in 21 countries abroad.

In true Bond style, 007's mode of transportation for most of the movie is an Aston Martin. The luxury automaker is showcasing its newest product, the Aston Martin DBS, a car that captures the elegance of a DB9 and the power of a DBR9 race car.

It's a role coveted by other automakers. According to Al Uzielli, senior advisor, Ford Global Brand Entertainment, Toyota offered the Broccoli family, owners of the Bond franchise, a multi-million dollar deal to put Bond behind the wheel of Lexus' supercar.

"The beauty of Aston Martin is that it's such a natural fit for the character," said Uzielli, grandson of Henry Ford II. There's also a long-standing family relationship since Henry Ford II brokered the deal with Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli to showcase the '64½ Ford Mustang convertible in the Goldfinger film.

From the brand of the liquor Bond drinks to the cars he drives, filmmakers pay close attention to detail, making sure every element is consistent with the setting and is sensible for the film.

"We're all in a business where we have to be extremely careful in where we take our brands. It just wouldn't seem right to have the consummate British agent drive a Japanese car. Regardless of what the money was, in the long run, it's 'where does that take your brand?'" Uzielli said.

The Jaguar XJ Sport and XJR and Land Rover Range Rover Sport, also take part in the action -- driven by both Bond and villains in high-speed chase scenes. Bob Witter, manager, Ford Global Brand Entertainment, says Ford has greater room to negotiate because of the wide range of vehicles it can offer through its many brands.

Romero says product integration gains brand exposure in a way traditional marketing cannot. "Die Another Day," he says, generated more than a billion positive impressions for the company worldwide.

"If you integrate products into a film that, first of all, make sense with the script and, secondly, work well with the creative, you successfully get your marketing message across. I think movie-goers will find that Ford has a lot to offer," he said.

Posted by Frank at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

Ford doubles China sales

Ford unveils award winning S-MAX and announces its new Nanjing research and engineering center

BEIJING, November 17, 2006 – Ford Motor Company continues its accelerated growth plan for China and is on track to deliver its strongest year to date with growth expected to exceed 100.8% (year on year) in 2006. Headlining Ford’s product line-up at Auto China 2006 is the all-new Ford S-MAX, which was named Car of the Year in Europe this week, and is the first Ford vehicle to introduce ‘kinetic design’ to China’s motoring enthusiasts.

At Ford, kinetic design stands for ‘energy in motion’ and that’s exactly what the Ford S-MAX delivers, making it one of the most exciting new vehicles to hit China’s roads and highways. Other product joining S-MAX at the show include Ford Focus, a star performer in its own right, so much so that Ford recently added a 5-door version, to keep ahead of consumer demand.

In addition to a strong product showing at Auto China 2006, Ford Motor Company also announces a major new investment - the opening of the Ford Research and Engineering Center – to be located in Nanjing, China. It will support Ford Motor Company's product development for worldwide operations while also making a major contribution to the future of China’s auto market.

" The Ford Research and Engineering Center represents another major milestone for Ford as it strengthens its manufacturing blueprint in China. It will offer a winning combination that leverages Ford's global expertise in research and engineering in addition to building China’s leading local talent. It will also work with Technical Development Centers at Ford Motor's joint ventures in China to support product development and procurement, "said Mei Wei Cheng, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor (China) Ltd.

Earlier this week, Ford S-MAX, was voted Car of the Year by 58 of Europe’s leading motoring journalists across 22 European countries. No mean feat, Ford S-MAX knocked out 41 contenders to win this prized European automotive crown. In fact, Ford now has two cars in its China product lineup that have won this prestigious award, the other being the much-loved Ford Focus.

With its super streamlined ‘kinetic design’ Ford S-MAX, with its confident stance on the road and sharp yet fluid exterior lines is expected to be as big a crowd pleaser in China as it has in Europe. It aims to set new standards in driver comfort and style with its innovative driver focused technologies and inventive approach to seating, storage and flexibility of space. Ford enthusiasts will not have to wait long for S-MAX. Speaking at Auto China 2006, Mei-Wei Cheng, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor (China) Ltd confirmed that S-MAX will be produced by Changan Ford and will be ready to roll off production lines in early 2007.

Joining S-MAX and Focus on stage is the Ford iosis Concept Car which gives Ford’s customers a strong sense of the future design direction the brand is taking.

The man behind the iosis Concept is Martin Smith, Executive Design Director for Ford of Europe, was also awarded ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ by Autocar in London this week. Speaking at Auto China 2006, Martin stated, “What iosis does, is bring to life our new ‘kinetic design’ language in a compelling way. To us, ‘kinetic design’ is about expressing the energy in motion and power of our vehicles, seamlessly integrating strong visual cues with dynamic driving performance. It shows our customers the future design direction of Ford’s product line. A consistent and dynamic energy that will be embedded into our product DNA.”

He continues, “You only have to look at Ford S-MAX. Its bold ‘kinetic design’ offers function, space and flexibility alongside head turning ‘wow factor’ and dynamic drivability. This winning formula is what’s made Ford S-MAX such a success in Europe.”

Other products taking center stage for Ford will include Ford’s Reflex concept, which features a Diesel Hybrid Powertrain, the legendary Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the all-new Focus ST. A range of other locally produced blue oval favorites will also be on display.

"We are using Auto China 2006 to showcase the strength of our product range, reinforcing the depth and diversity of the Ford Motor Company product family. Our portfolio has something to appeal to everyone, from dependable and affordable transportation through to luxurious premium brands. In the future, Chinese customers can continue to expect more exciting, locally-made Ford vehicles that consistently deliver cutting-edge design and world leading technology, "said Mei Wei Cheng.

The full Ford Focus family will be on display at the show. Ranging from locally produced Focus 4-door and Focus 5-door through to the Focus China Circuit Championship (CCC) racing car and the visually stunning Focus ST. This convertible Focus has been a global success and is now making its first appearance in China at this years show. Ford Focus boosted the sales at Changan Ford Mazda Automobile in the first ten months of 2006 with retail sales totaling 56,151 units, representing more than 50% of total Ford product sales.

With strong sales momentum, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile is now one of the fastest growing auto makers in China. In 2007, total annual production capacity will exceed 410,000 units at Chongqing and Nanjing plants (combined). Ford also continues to expand its distribution network and will have 200 appointed dealers by the end of 2006.

"It is no secret that the China market is critical to our plans for building a stronger Ford Motor Company globally," said Mei Wei Cheng. "With sales volumes continuing to fuel growth, we are looking ahead and taking the required steps now to ensure our China operation is able to continue to meet the seemingly insatiable appetite for our products. In doing so, the China market will play an even greater role in the future growth and success of Ford Motor Company’s global operations."

For the year 2006, Ford Motor Company's China Sourcing Office is on track to source some $2.6 billion worth of auto parts and systems, supporting Ford Motor Company's global manufacturing operations and after sales customer services. The company is also actively expanding its auto financing business in the China market. Ford Automotive Finance has extended its auto financing services to more than 70 Chinese cities nationwide in just 18 months after starting operation, servicing Changan Ford Mazda Automobile and Jiangling Motor Company simultaneously.

As one of the largest exhibitors with 5,000 square meters of exhibition space, Ford Motor Company, comprising of six affiliated brands (Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Mazda) will demonstrate its enterprise muscle, displaying a full fleet of show vehicles. Executives from Ford Motor Company, John Parker, Group Vice President of Ford Motor Company, Asia Pacific and Africa, Mei Wei Cheng, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China, and Martin Smith, Executive Design Director from Ford of Europe, attended the Ford press conference and show preview for media at Auto China 2006 in Beijing.

Posted by Frank at 04:26 PM | Comments (0)

Ford offering $1,000 for holiday sales push

The holiday season begins with a visit to the Ford dealership. Beginning today, Ford’s nationwide Year-End Event will show off its new 2007 models and offer customers $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash on some of its hottest products. To rev up the excitement, the campaign features the Black Eyed Peas’ hit song, “Let’s Get it Started.”

“The Year-End Event is a perfect way for us to usher in the season and highlight Ford’s exciting 2007 lineup,” said Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. “Our new products are winning comparison tests and earning third-party recognition for quality and outstanding features. When customers get behind the wheel, they’ll find bold styling, more standard safety features, and great performance – more reason than ever to put Ford vehicles on holiday shopping lists.”

The Year-End Event includes 30-second television and radio spots, with print executions running in newspapers including USA Today. The campaign also includes a strong digital component: 43 percent of Americans say they plan to shop on the Internet this holiday season, up 6 percent from 2004. With the average online consumer spending 14 hours on the Internet— as much time as watching TV every week – those who browse high-impact automotive sites will see Ford vehicles showcased and learn how they can “Get it Started” for the holidays.

Ford’s Year-End Event runs through January 2, 2007, offering customers $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash on the following vehicles:

* 2007 Fusion -- $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash

* 2007 Ford F-Series Super Duty -- $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $2,000 Customer Cash offer = $3,000 total

* 2007 Ford Escape -- $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $2,000 Customer Cash offer = $3,000 total

* 2007 Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle -- $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $1,000 Customer Cash offer = $2,000 total

* 2006 Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle -- $1,000 Year-End Bonus Cash and $1,500 Customer Cash + $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash = $3,000 total

Zero percent financing for up to 60 months continues on certain remaining 2006 models.

Posted by Frank at 04:25 PM | Comments (0)

Sir Richard Branson Gives Green Light to Saab BioPower

DETROIT — Move over fossil fuel – that’s just so passé – or that’s the message as the UK ’s most high-profile and best-known businessman Sir Richard Branson takes delivery of a Saab 9-5 BioPower.

Sir Richard’s switch to his Saab flex-fuel car, which runs on the eco-friendly and renewable fuel source bioethanol E85 (made from plant products such as wheat and grain), reinforces the Virgin boss’ unwavering commitment to fighting one of the biggest challenges of our times – that of global warming.

Speaking today as he took the keys of his new Saab, Sir Richard said: “I am convinced that biofuels are the way forward, both for the car and aviation industries, which is a vision we share with Saab. Now we need to extend that vision to others. It’s high-time that flex-fuel cars, such as the Saab 9-5 BioPower, are given the same concessions in the UK as other green cars, like for example, exemption from London’s Congestion Charge.”

He continued: “At the moment, bioethanol is made from a variety of agricultural sources, whilst in the future, we will see it made from cellulosic waste matter, such as wood chippings, which really will make it the ultimate green fuel”

Earlier this year, the Virgin Group announced that all profits and equity realizations over the next 10 years from the group’s worldwide transport companies, including Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in the UK , would be invested in the renewable energy sector. The amount to be invested is expected to be some £1.6bn (about US$3.0 bn). Virgin Fuels is expected to be one of the beneficiaries and has already invested in bioethanol production and will conduct research and development into alternative transport fuels, including bioethanol and an alternative biofuel for aviation. Sir Richard’s new car will carry both the Virgin Fuels and Saab BioPower logos.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden . For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven car variants that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Posted by Frank at 04:14 PM | Comments (0)

The Greatest Diesel Marathon of All Time Reaches Its Final Destination in Beijing

BEIJING, China -- The longest diesel marathon of all time ended successfully in Beijing today. The 36 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars, which left Paris on 21 October on a transcontinental rally covering about 14,000 kilometres, arrived safe and sound in the Chinese capital after traversing Europe and Asia.

Through this endurance test under extreme conditions Mercedes-Benz has once again demonstrated the outstanding performance of its modern diesel engines in terms of emissions, fuel economy and reliability. Proof of this is also the fuel consumption of the victorious "Ebay" team which won the fuel economy contest with an average of 7.19 l/100 km diesel. The best result on a daily leg was as low as 5.5 l/100 km.

"During this endurance test for a total of more than 500,000 kilometres, the 33 E 320 CDI and three E 320 BLUETEC impressively showed the potential of our high-tech diesels. They proved that driving enjoyment, great fuel economy and environmental compatibility are not mutually exclusive" said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for the Mercedes Car Group. "At the same time, the long distance drive from Paris to Beijing rendered the qualities of the new E-Class generation more tangible. The E-Class has lived up to all the promises that we had previously made to the participants and our customers," he added. Today's grand finale of the long distance drive took place at Beijing's historic Yongding Gate, the southern access point to the "Holy Axis" of the Forbidden City.

During the five legs of the "E-Class Experience" more than 360 drivers from 35 countries took turns at the steering wheels of the diesel sedans. In only 25 driving days they passed through nine countries under partly extreme conditions, such as snow and ice, as well as unpaved roads. The average daily driving distance was about 560 kilometres. Together with the 24 escort vehicles, which ranged from the G-Classes of the Mercedes-Benz crew and technical trucks to the mobile diesel service station, the marathon entourage covered a total road distance of about 840,000 kilometers. This corresponds to a 21-fold circumference of the earth at the equator.

Record breaking consumption figure: 5.5 litres/100 km

The "Ebay" team in car number 3 won the fuel economy contest over the entire distance with a consumption of only 7,19 l/100 km. Thanks to their economical driving style, the "German Taxi" team only needed 5.5 liters of diesel for every 100 kilometers on the 616 kilometer-long drive from Lanzhou to Wuhai. The figures are especially remarkable because all participating cars are standard production E-Classes with 165 kW/224 HP. And the luxury sedans didn't have it easy. They were fully loaded with up to three passengers and numerous pieces of luggage. Because of the anticipated bad road conditions and cold weather, all cars were equipped with winter tyres and a suspension that was raised by five centimeters.

With a low total average consumption of 8.32 l/100 km diesel fuel for all 36 Vehicles the goal of demonstrating the diesel engines' superior fuel efficiency was clearly met on the individual legs as well as over the entire distance. In total the fleet of 36 vehicles consumed about 40,530 liters of low sulphur diesel fuel. That is about 20 percent or 10,000 liters less than originally estimated. The participating 18 rear-wheel drive vehicles consumed only 8.01 l/100 km diesel, while the 18 4MATIC models with four-wheel drive ended up with a slightly higher average of 8.53 l/100 km.

A taxi trip for 40,000 Euros

The most unusual vehicles in the fleet were the two E-Class taxi cabs which accompanied the convoy over the total distance. In this case, the competitive comparison showed clear cost differences. The fare in the German taxi came to 16,050 Euros at the end of the fourth leg after just 12,000 kilometres. The trip in the Parisian taxi would have been clearly more expensive. At that point, the meter already displayed the proud amount of 34,090 Euros. At the arrival in Beijing, the total had come to nearly 40,000 Euros.

Posted by Frank at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)

OnStar Wins Popular Science's 2006 Best of What's New Award

Directions & Connections Plan With All-New OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation Is Honored in the Automotive Technology Category

DETROIT – General Motors industry-leading OnStar, the in-vehicle safety, security, and communications service, was recently awarded Popular Science’s 2006 Best of What’s New Award for its upgraded Directions & Connections Plan including the all-new OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation service. This award-winning OnStar service plan will be available in 2007 on more than 2 million GM cars and trucks in the U.S. and Canada.

“Since Popular Science honored us with the Best of What’s New Award the year we were launched in 1996, OnStar has continued to evolve by focusing on customer-driven innovation including seven generations of hardware in ten years – an achievement typically unheard of in the traditional vehicle development process,” said OnStar’s President, Chet Huber. “The newest generation of OnStar hardware, Gen 7, is the hallmark of the OnStar Directions & Connections Plan with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. We’re excited to hear that Popular Science recognizes our continued progress along with the value and differentiation our services bring to GM vehicles.”

According to a J.D. Power and Associates 1 estimate, the customer demand for factory-installed navigation systems is rapidly increasing with a 41 percent rise from the 2004 to 2005 Model Year. By offering OnStar’s Directions & Connections Plan with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation to more than 2 million MY 2007 vehicles, GM is responding to this demand and significantly increasing the number of factory-installed navigation systems on North American roads.

OnStar’s Directions & Connections Plan with OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation was chosen among thousands of products to receive the Best of What’s New Award. Each year, the editors of Popular Science review products in search of the top 100 tech innovations of the year; breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant leap in their categories.

“Best of What's New is the ultimate Popular Science accolade, representing a year's worth of work evaluating thousands of products,” says Mark Jannot, editor of Popular Science. “These awards honor innovations that not only influence the way we live today, but that change the way we think about the future.”

OnStar Directions & Connections Availability and Features
OnStar’s Directions & Connections Plan is a standard feature during the first year of OnStar service on all Model Year (MY) 2007 Buicks and Cadillacs along with the MY 2007 GMC Acadia and MY 2007 Saab 9-7X. The Directions & Connections Plan is also available for a $100 upgrade during the first year of OnStar service across 30 additional GM MY 2007 vehicle models.

The Directions & Connections plan provides OnStar’s safety, security, and convenience services including:

* OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
* OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics
* Information and Convenience Services
* Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment
* Advanced Automatic Crash Notification
* Emergency Services
* OnStar Hands-Free Calling
* Remote Door Unlock
* Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
* Roadside Assistance
* AccidentAssist
* Remote Horn and Lights

The simplicity of OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, which is the first fully-integrated offboard navigation service, allows a consumer to talk to an OnStar Advisor, who in turn sends complete “turn-by-turn” directions to the customer’s vehicle through their OnStar system. Voice-guided directions are then automatically played through the vehicle’s stereo as they are needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. As the simplest and smartest navigation system in North America, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation offers automatic route corrections, ten million points-of-interest locations and pinpoint positioning through an enhanced GPS system.

Ten Years of Technology Innovation
According to an April 2006 Accenture study, more than 80 percent of U.S. consumers want some type of telematics in their vehicle with safety and security features ranking as the top choices. Over the company’s ten-year history, OnStar has met this call by building a platform of safety, security and peace of mind services including Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment, Remote Door Unlock, Hands-Free Calling, as well as navigation and Roadside Assistance. OnStar’s innovation continues to grow by tapping new opportunities that build off the company’s core offerings.

Since the company signed up their first subscriber in 1996, OnStar has grown to more than 4.5 million active subscribers and has assisted in more than 3.5 million emergency situations. Along with the recent introduction of OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, OnStar has launched OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, which runs hundreds of checks of the vehicle’s key operating systems and sends subscribers a monthly e-mail detailing all of the results along with important maintenance information. More than 2 million subscribers have signed up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics since September 2005.

About OnStar by GM
OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 50 2006 GM models including one year of service becoming standard on most GM retail vehicles in the United States and Canada by the end of 2007. OnStar provides services to more than 4.5 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

Posted by Frank at 04:07 PM | Comments (0)

Chrysler Aspen Makes Star Appearance in the 'Brightest' Movie of the Holiday Season

Chrysler Aspen plays supporting role in new family holiday movie "Deck the Halls"

Adorned with a big red bow, the 2007 Chrysler Aspen plays the role of the ultimate Christmas present in the new family holiday film, "Deck the Halls," opening in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The Chrysler Aspen appears alongside Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito in this family comedy about one-upsmanship, jealousy, clashing neighbors, home decoration ... and the true spirit of the holidays. Broderick and DeVito play neighbors who find themselves going toe-to-toe to prove who the local "King of Christmas" is.

Glowing like a Christmas tree on wheels, the Chrysler Aspen, covered in holiday lights, delivered the stars to the movie's premiere on Sunday, Nov. 12 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. Broderick, DeVito, along with co-stars Kristin Davis and the rest of the cast, arrived in style in the Chrysler brand's first-ever full-size SUV.

The Chrysler Aspen plays an important supporting role in the film. In his quest for holiday supremacy, DeVito tries to illuminate his house so it can be seen from outer space and adds a live manger scene to complete his festive decor. DeVito, a car salesman, presents Broderick with the Chrysler Aspen as a way of making amends for wreaking havoc on his neighbor's holiday festivities.

In one scene from the movie, Broderick, after initially declining the over-the-top gift from his neighbor, drives the Chrysler Aspen into town and after parking the vehicle, sweeps his hand admiringly over the vehicle's stylish profile.

"Casting the Chrysler Aspen in this film was a perfect fit for us. It showcases the Aspen as the elegant, versatile and dynamic vehicle that it is," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communication. "With the Chrysler Aspen playing a lead role in the film, the vehicle goes from being just an extra to almost becoming another character in the plot."

"Deck the Halls," from Regency Enterprises, is directed by John Whitesell and written by Matt Corman & Chris Ord and Don Rhymer, and will be released by Twentieth Century Fox.

Posted by Frank at 04:05 PM | Comments (0)

Toyota Begins Tundra Production in San Antonio

New facility, 21 on-site suppliers invest nearly $1.6 billion, will employ more than 4,000

Toyota today celebrated the opening of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), the company's new $1.28 billion plant in San Antonio. Toyota officials, including Toyota Motor Corporation honorary chairman Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and president Katsuaki Watanabe, joined Texas Governor Rick Perry and other local officials to witness production of the first two all-new Tundra pickup trucks.

To commemorate the event, Toyota announced a $600,000 donation to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) to establish the Toyota Family Literacy Program in three schools in San Antonio's Southwest Independent School District.

Toyota's San Antonio plant was announced in February 2003, and construction began later that year. When the plant reaches full operations next spring, it will have the capacity to produce 200,000 Tundra full-size pickup trucks and employ 2,000 team members.

The plant's investment was originally estimated at $800 million, but grew to approximately $1.28 billion because of a capacity expansion for 50,000 more trucks; rising material costs, especially for steel; and additional infrastructure needed for the on-site suppliers.

Additionally, the 2,000-acre site houses 21 suppliers who produce parts and components and ship them directly into the plant. The on-site suppliers include seven minority-owned joint ventures, will employ 2,100 at full production, and have cumulatively invested approximately $300 million.

"As Toyota moves forward into a new era, this new plant is a dynamic symbol of our bright future," said Mr. Watanabe. "Here in Texas, we have assembled a great team of people, a great plant, and a great truck. Along with great people, this is one of the most advanced automotive plants on the earth. It has the latest in technology and is using the best production and environmental techniques learned from 60 plants we operate around the world."

"Today is the culmination of nearly four years of hard work and dedication by all the members of Team Texas," said Hidehiko "T.J." Tajima, president of TMMTX. "It would have been impossible to reach this day without the strong partnership of our team members, construction partners, suppliers, and all those in the government and community. We now begin the next stage in what will be a very long and very successful partnership with San Antonio, Bexar County and Texas."

"The full-size pickup truck market is, by far, the single-largest opportunity for Toyota's future growth plans in the U.S.," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Thanks to this highly-efficient plant, the in-house suppliers and all the team members, we plan to take full advantage of that opportunity. The new Tundra will arrive in showrooms in February. Our production and sales goals are ambitious, yet realistic, and reflect our confidence in the product."

"When Toyota announced it would build a plant in Texas, it was the shot in the arm we needed to transform our economy and begin creating jobs in Texas again," said Texas Governor Rick Perry. "Today employment is at an all-time high, we have a record state surplus and the Texas economy is leading the nation. Toyota is an important part of the Texas economic revival because their investment means thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in wages for Texas families."

Posted by Frank at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)

Holiday Travel Doesn't Have to Include Traffic

Avis Completes Nationwide Roll-out of Where2 GPS With Real-Time Traffic Alerts

The American Automobile Association predicts that 63 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more this holiday season. That means that car travelers have a good chance of encountering some kind of traffic or road congestion while in route.

To help ensure travelers get to the festivities on time, Avis Rent A Car System, LLC, today announced that Avis Where2, the only GPS navigation system with real- time traffic alerts, is now available nationwide. The roll-out includes over 130 major markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisc