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June 12, 2008

Porsche 'christens' endangered eagle chicks

Stuttgart -- Today Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, and his daughter Stephanie 'christened' two imperial eagle chicks in Stuttgart, naming them Asta and Artus. The two young birds of the species aquila heliaca, which is threatened worldwide with extinction, hatched six weeks ago in Greifvogelpark Hellenthal, falconer Horst Niesters' sanctuary park for birds of prey in the Eifel region. This successful hatching is regarded as a sensation in expert circles.

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Audi Improves 16 Positions in Initial Quality

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Audi of America, Inc. posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality in the results from J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 industry-wide study, released June 4, 2008. Even as initial quality improved across the auto industry, Audi distinguished itself from the pack, jumping sixteen spots to #10 with 113 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The Audi A6 ranked third in a tie in the Midsize Premium Car segment.

"One of our most successful quality drivers has been listening to our consumers - and applying what they teach us at the earliest stages of our vehicle development," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "It is nice to have our passion for quality recognized, but our focus is on raising the bar even higher in the future."

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June 10, 2008

Alanis Morissette partners with Mercedes-Benz Blue-Tec

Seven-time Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette has partnered with Mercedes-Benz and its “Mixed Tape” online music magazine for “Underneath,” the first video/single from her highly anticipated new album Flavors of Entanglement (Maverick/Reprise Records).

Alanis, a strong supporter of environmental causes and organizations, chose the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC for the music clip.

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V Performance certified at 556 horsepower

MILFORD, Mich. - As final testing of the limited-edition 2009 CTS-V nears completion, the results suggest that Cadillac's upcoming sports sedan is entering the stratosphere of the world's highest-performing cars.

Cadillac announces the following performance specifications for all-new 2009 CTS-V:

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June 9, 2008

2009 Dodge Challenger Pricing: Starting in Low $20s

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.

“The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “For less than $22,000, we’ve brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology.”

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Porsche's Hartmut Kristen: “A class victory in Le Mans is a huge success”

Stuttgart -- After its successes in the American Le Mans Series and the Le Mans Series, the Porsche RS Spyder is on the verge of its next great challenge: On Saturday at 3pm, the Weissach-developed and built sports prototype tackles the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time.

Hartmut Kristen, Head of Motorsport at Porsche, is relaxed about the debut at the world’s toughest long distance race: “I’m confident that we are very well prepared.”

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Change at the Top of Daimler Communications

Hartmut Schick (46), since January 2002 Head of Global Communications of Daimler AG, will take over a new executive position within the operative business of the group. His new position will be announced shortly.

Prior to the career change to communications Schick, who is a graduate engineer, was active as Chief of Staff for the Chairman of the Board of Management. From 1997 to 1999, he built up the Mercedes-Benz Plant in Juiz de Fora, Brazil.

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Posted by Frank at 9:53 AM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mercedes-Benz

XM Radio, NavTraffic Available on 2009 Porsche 911

WASHINGTON -- XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced that XM radio and its award-winning XM NavTraffic service will be available as a factory- installed feature on all 2009 Porsche 911 models.

This will be the first time that XM is available in a Porsche sports car. XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider to Porsche.

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Robbie Knievel Jumps 21 Hummers

FORT WORTH, Texas — Motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel successfully completed a shortened jump Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway.

Knievel jumped over 21 Hummer vehicles, four less than had originally been planned because of a headwind gusting more than 30 mph. The landing ramp protected the last three of the large SUVs in the line, though Knievel easily cleared all the vehicles and avoided crashing even after hitting the landing ramp off-center.

"I love you Texas, bye-bye," Knievel said after the jump.

June 8, 2008

Video: Bob Lutz on the Volt Test Mule

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

This week we announced that the GM Board has approved the Chevrolet Volt program. Yes, development work has been going on in earnest, but now it’s official. In fact, recently, at GM’s Milford Proving Ground, I drove an official “engineering development vehicle” with the 16-kwh lithium-ion battery pack we’ve been testing for our E-Flex System and I have to say – pun half-intended – it was electrifying.

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Mercedes G 55 AMG Gets an Upgrade

Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive.

Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort.

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Posted by Frank at 12:47 PM | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mercedes-Benz

A Note from HUMMER: Let the Speculating Begin

By Martin Walsh, General Manager, HUMMER

In preparing for the announcement about General Motor’s putting HUMMER up for strategic review this week, we anticipated that subsequent rumors and speculation about the brand’s fate would soon begin.

They have, and we can expect these things to swirl while we examine possible outcomes. But I want you to know that in the end I believe the HUMMER name, and it’s line-up of iconic vehicles, will still be purchased and enjoyed by customers around the world.

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Posted by Frank at 12:38 PM | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | GM | Hummer

Space Shuttle Crew Tests BMW Hydrogen Vehicle

Munich -- The Space Shuttle crew is getting a taste of the future of mobility at BMW. The astronauts, who normally head into space propelled by hydrogen, have adopted the role of earthbound passengers to experience the world's first hydrogen-powered saloon, the BMW Hydrogen 7.

It is an obvious move considering that NASA was already using the American fleet of these vehicles for test purposes at Cape Canaveral in autumn 2007. Commander Stephen Frick takes stock of his impressions: "It's impressive to see hydrogen functioning so smoothly in cars as well. What I find most striking is that a car running on hydrogen performs just as well as a petrol-driven model."

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Video: General Motors Exec Buys Vectrix Scooter

General Motors electric car champion Bob Lutz has upped his personal commitment to battery-powered transportation with the purchase of an electric scooter.

The GM vice chairman has bought a Vectrix scooter that uses a nickel metal hydride battery pack to give it a range of 45-60 miles and a top speed of about 60 mph. Watch the video of Lutz taking delivery of the scooter.

For more scooter news, read ScooteringUSA.com

Chevy to award five lucky high school grads with new cars

Nashville, Tenn. – During Fall 2008, high school seniors at more than 200 schools in 26 Tennessee counties learned that having perfect attendance would make them eligible to win a new 2008 Chevy Cobalt sedan this June. Close to 500 students faithfully attended all 180 days during the school year.

Five of these students will be awarded new Chevy Cobalts in a drawing held at the Sommet Center on 501 Broadway in Nashville on June 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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