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March 10, 2007

Ferrari's 60th Anniversary: Miami is first U.S. stop on marathon round the world relay

Homestead Miami Speedway hosts celebratory parade lap of 60+ Ferraris

MIAMI -- The marathon relay celebrating Ferrari's 60th anniversary arrived in the United States this morning. Sixty Ferrari owners gathered at The Collection, Ferrari's authorized dealership in Miami, and drove from the dealership to the Homestead - Miami Speedway where the season opener for the 14th annual Ferrari Challenge was taking place. At the speedway the owners celebrated 60 years of Ferrari passion with a ceremonial parade lap around the track cheered on by thousands of spectators.

The relay involves over 10,000 Ferrari owners and their cars of all ages. They act as symbolic "bearers" of a specially commissioned relay baton adorned with 60 badges of symbolizing the most extraordinary events in the Marque's 60-year history.

The relay started in Abu Dhabi and made its way across the Middle East to China, Japan, Australia and South Africa before arriving in the United States. Next the relay will move to Brazil and Mexico before returning to North America where it will make stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal before its last U.S. stop going from New York to Washington D.C. Then the relay will move to all main European countries before arriving at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy on June 23rd?

The Relay Baton

The relay baton was designed and created to symbolize Ferrari's history and is topped by a dazzling platinum and diamond Prancing Horse made by Damiani. It also features 60 enamel symbols designed by the Intesta e D'Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli and BBDO advertising agencies, and the creative talents Allessando Migliorini of Area Creativa, Marco Morosini, Enzo Naso of the eponymous studio and Wolfgang Seidl of Seidldesign.

60 Unique Ferraris

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Ferrari will build a series of 60 truly unique cars. These will be based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Granturismo which combines handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail.

The cars will be offered with a two-tone livery in a combination of classic Ferrari colors as used on some of the Prancing Horse's most memorable models. The interior appointments will feature sophisticated color combinations and a stunning new-generation electrochromic glass roof, itself a major innovation. The degree of opacity of the roof, in fact, can be adjusted to suit the occupant's requirements. To underline the exclusivity of this series of one-offs, each example will also boast an enameled symbol set on the central tunnel representing one of the 60 historic events chosen to celebrate the Marque's anniversary. The result is a true collector's car aimed at Ferrari's most dedicated clients.

Source: Ferrari North America

Posted by Frank at 4:13 PM

Madame Tussauds Immortalizes Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Both NASCAR Stars Unveil Wax Figures During Grand Opening of Neon Garage at LVMS

LAS VEGAS -- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas immortalized Richard Petty, "The King" of NASCAR, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., currently its most popular driver, in wax today in special ceremonies during the first public opening of the new Neon Garage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Both Petty and Earnhardt, Jr. were in attendance and participated in the unveiling of their life-sized wax figures. Each wax figure will remain in the Neon Garage for fans' enjoyment during Saturday's Busch Series race and Sunday's UAW Daimler Chrysler 400. The figures will then go to their permanent home in the SPEED attraction at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian Hotel Resort Casino on the Strip and join those of the late seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt and four-time champ Jeff Gordon.

When asked if he thought the figure looked like him, the ever personable, ever humble Petty said, "Yeah, I guess so. I don't know, I never look at myself in the mirror."

Earnhardt, Jr. said, "It's a big honor, especially to be up here with Richard Petty. I don't know which is a bigger honor, to be up here with Richard or the wax figure."

Rather than driving suits, both interactive figures are casually dressed. The Petty figure appears in his trademark Western hat and shirt, sunglasses, jeans and custom boots. His hat was provided by Kaci Riggs, a custom hat maker for the Charlie One Horse Co. in Garland, TX. Gary Tucker, a custom boot maker in Las Vegas, made his boots. Earnhardt, Jr. is hatless and dressed in a work shirt and Wrangler jeans.

"The new Neon Garage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be a tremendous addition to the auto racing experience at the track. We are very excited to play a role in its grand opening and to have Richard Petty and Dale, Jr. with us for the unveiling of their figures," said Adrian Jones, Madame Tussauds general manager.

"We are honored to be a part of this event," said LVMS General Manager Chris Powell. "Madame Tussauds is known throughout the world as a top entertainment attraction. It is an exciting element for the Neon Garage to have one of NASCAR's most historic figures and its most popular driver take part in this exciting event."

The SPEED attraction at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is dedicated to auto racing. It opened Aug. 23, 2005, with the life-sized figure of the late Dale Earnhardt. Gordon joined Earnhardt in March 2006.

"The SPEED attraction will continue to recognize the stars of auto racing on a long-term basis. We will immortalize more legendary drivers," Jones said.

Madame Tussauds is an international wax attraction that offers the public the unique opportunity to "interact" with famous people. Madame Tussauds operates museums in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York and at The Venetian Resort - Hotel - Casino on "The Strip" in Las Vegas, NV. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is open seven days a week. For attraction hours and pricing, please call 702-862-7800 or visit online at www.mtvegas.com.

Source: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Posted by Frank at 4:08 PM

ResQMe, the Original Keychain Car Emergency Tool

SANTA BARBARA, California -- ResQMe from NOV8 is the "original" keychain emergency tool that allows escape from vehicular entrapment situations. Made in USA and used by many public safety organizations around the world, ResQMe cuts through jammed seat belts and breaks malfunctioning car windows.

ResQMe, a proven lifesaving tool, is an important part of the effort to reduce road fatalities and injuries worldwide. Inspired by the LifeHammer, ResQMe is an innovative response to the growing demand for safety and offers real peace of mind to motorists. "This high quality safety tool is a perfect gift for those you care about! ... This must-have tool is a 'Gift for Life,' that could very well save one!" says Laurent Colasse, President of NOV8.

Introduced during the noteworthy International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, ResQMe is now part of standard equipment used by many public safety organizations in US, Canada and Europe (Dutch "Politie Midden en West Brabant"). Ward Stanley, a renowned police officer instructor in Florida testifies, "I would highly recommend this device to everyone."

Unlike most glass-breaking products, ResQMe is an American technology tested frequently by officials. Recently, it was awarded as the Best Automotive Product at INPEX. Also ResQMe complies with the CE mark.

Weighing just over .5oz (15g), ResQMe packs a powerful punch, despite its tiny size. Its high quality, spring loaded steel point easily breaks any tempered glass window by simply pressing the black cylinder against the window to release the spring loaded spike.

Its safely concealed razor-sharp blade slices through a jammed safety belt to free the driver and any trapped passengers from vehicular entrapment. The patented clip securely attaches to any keychain and releases easily with a swift pull for quick emergency response.

ResQMe is now available to the general public. The Spanish and the French South Highway (ASF) have just equipped their roadside assistance personnel with ResQMe. In January 2007, Volvo and Toyota began offering ResQMe to some of their Scandinavian customers. Following the AAA's (US) lead, NAF (NO), Motormannens (SE), FDM (DK) and ACS (CH) have joined the effort by making ResQMe(TM) available to their members and ANWB (NL) will come on board this summer. The Dutch government recommends that everyone carry an emergency tool inside their vehicle. Many European companies are following suit and emphasizing their commitment to safety by reviewing and showing interest in our newest patented technology.

Web site: http://www.resqme.com

Source: NOV8 Safety

Posted by Frank at 4:04 PM

Ford Announces Investment in Sharonville Transmission Plant

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced a $200 million investment in the Sharonville Transmission Plant for a future transmission that will make Ford a leader in high-performance, fuel-efficient powertrains.

The investment will be used to retool the plant for flexible manufacturing and advanced powertrain production. Details of the transmission will be disclosed at a future date.

The investment is supported by a significant incentive package from the State of Ohio, Hamilton County and the City of Sharonville.

"Sharonville is working hard to achieve world-class productivity levels," said Joe Hinrichs, vice president, North America Manufacturing. "We appreciate the show of support from the state and local governments, and the UAW, which is working with us to make our plants competitive."

Source: Ford Motor Company

Posted by Frank at 4:00 PM

Morrie's Mazda Unveils New Buy Happy Campaign at Minneapolis Auto Show

WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center

WHEN: Saturday March 10th, 11AM-3PM and Saturday, March 17th, 11AM-3PM

At the Minneapolis Auto Show, Morrie's will be sending four pixmen on Saturday, March 10th to the skyways to give away "Buy Happy, Everyone's a Winner" cards. Cards contain prizes that range from a carwash to a iPod shuffle.

The mob team will be walking the show floor in packs on March 17th, generating buzz and awareness of the new "Buy Happy" campaign. Morrie's Mazda knows that the only way to be different and to stand out from other dealerships is to reach potential customers using fun, yet unconventional marketing tactics.

Source: Morrie's Mazda

Posted by Frank at 6:01 AM

March 9, 2007

NGK spark plugs launches new website

www.ngksparkplugs.com features easier navigation, enhanced application lookup

Wixom, MI -- NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc., a subsidiary of NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD., “The World Leader” in spark plugs and oxygen sensors, has just launched a newly redesigned website for its NGK Spark Plug and NTK Oxygen Sensor lines.

The new website, www.ngksparkplugs.com, features a fresh new look and an enhanced application look-up. According to Mark Sprague, NGK Spark Plugs (USA) Marketing Manager, “This new site will create added excitement for all of our products. We’ve combined new graphics and bold new colors along with more product information and easier navigation to make our new website as informative and easy to use for our automotive aftermarket customers.”

The NGK website homepage introduces each NGK product category with a sliding marquee that displays product images, features, and benefits. New navigation allows visitors to browse by category or to select individual products of interest via a direct link.

New image-rich catalog with 100,000 applications

NGK’s new site incorporates a new catalog, which features over 100,000 product applications supported by individual product images for each part. To help educate customers on technical issues and assist with problem solving, NGK provides a complete reference library of technical bulletins, FAQs, and installation instructions.

A motorsports section highlights NGK’s leadership role in supporting a wide variety of racing venues and the company’s ongoing commitment to provide high quality NGK performance products and sponsorship for some of the most successful racing teams in America.

NGK Spark Plugs – World Leader in Spark Plug and Oxygen Sensor Technology

Since 1936, NGK Spark Plugs has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, NGK manufactures NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Oxygen Sensors for virtually every automotive manufacturer in the world.

NGK has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and a commitment to excellence continues to be the driving force behind the company’s advanced research and development programs. With state-of-the-art manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities, NGK is dedicated to providing customers with world-class products and services.

In addition to serving OE automotive and aftermarket customers, NGK also produces spark plugs and oxygen sensors for motorcycle, powersports, marine, and small engine manufacturers. NGK also offers complimentary product lines including resistor caps, spark plug wires, and high performance cables.
In North America, NGK is headquartered in Wixom, MI and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, Sissonville, WV, and Chicago, IL.

Additional information about NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. can be found at www.ngksparkplugs.com

Posted by Frank at 2:19 PM

VW Group reports record global sales and revenue

2008: Profit before tax of at least €5.1 billion

WOLFSBURG, Germany - The Volkswagen Group reached its targets last year: “We cut costs, increased productivity and quality, and launched a fireworks of new models”, said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, on Friday at the presentation of the 2006 financial results in Wolfsburg.

“The Volkswagen Group sold more vehicles worldwide in 2006 than ever before. All brands contributed to this success.” This growth is also positively reflected in the financial data. Sales revenue exceeded the €100 billion mark for the first time. Operating profit before special items rose 51.7 percent to €4.4 billion. “We recorded an impressive result”, emphasized Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Pötsch. “The ForMotionplus performance enhancement program helped the Group to optimize its cost structures and processes and increase its competitiveness.”

The Group’s new model rollout was successful in 2006, said Winterkorn. 5.7 million vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide, an increase of 9.4 percent compared with 2005. "We were able to offer our customers a sparkling fireworks of 38 new models and product upgrades", said Winterkorn.

Growth rates for deliveries recorded particularly strong performance in China, where they rose by 24.3 percent compared with the previous year, and South America/South Africa (up 14.9 percent). But Volkswagen also scored a hit in its home market, recording 7.3 percent growth in deliveries in Germany. As a result, the Group extended its market share to 32.6 percent. In Western Europe, one in five new vehicles came from the Volkswagen Group, whose share of the global passenger car market increased from 9.1 to 9.7 percent.

The Board of Management has defined ambitious goals for the future. "We will bring the Group onto a new, higher, level in terms of content and technology, and will focus rigorously on our customers in the process", said Winterkorn. "We offer mobility across all vehicle size classes, from subcompacts through to large saloons, and even heavy trucks." As an innovation leader, the Volkswagen Group will extend its leading position in the global competitive environment, develop new markets and continue to grow profitably. It will focus in particular on the Russian and Indian markets, which have strong growth potential.

According to Winterkorn, the tremendous potential of the Group lies in the value of its brands, and these assets must be leveraged. "That’s why we need strong, independent brands", he said. Volkswagen dissolved the brand groups at the beginning of this year and returned complete independence and responsibility for their entire business to the brands.

"Over the next ten years, the Volkswagen brand will develop into the most innovative volume manufacturer with the best quality in its class", stressed the Chairman of the Board of Management. Strategically, it is excellently positioned and offers unique growth potential with an unbeatable range of models. To be able to leverage this potential to the full, however, the restructuring process that was successfully initiated must be continued systematically and proactively, continued Winterkorn.

A core issue for Volkswagen is the reduction in CO2 emissions demanded by the EU. The Company’s goal, according to Winterkorn, is to accelerate the use of alternative fuels and to reduce fuel consumption overall. Volkswagen has already sent clear signals here, and has been committed for some time now to developing second-generation biofuels. The Group will also offer hybrid vehicles in the future: it will launch a hybrid version of the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg in 2008, followed by a hybrid in the compact class. In addition, further economical, environmentally friendly models will be added to the "BlueMotion" series.

Winterkorn announced that the new model rollout would be continued systematically in the current fiscal year. The Company had recorded a good start to the year, and had already sold 8.3 percent more vehicles in the first two months than in the same period of the previous year. "We are confident that we will be able to increase our deliveries to customers slightly in 2007, and exceed 2006 sales revenue. 2007 operating profit is expected to be higher than 2006 operating profit before special items." For 2008, the Board of Management is expecting profit before tax of at least €5.1 billion. "Innovative products, competitive costs, productive processes and an aggressive position in the markets will enable us to put the Company on an even better footing and demonstrate that we are well equipped to master the future", said the Chairman of the Board of Management, summing up the Group’s goals.

Earnings development 2006

Volkswagen CFO Pötsch noted that Group sales revenue had risen by 11.6 percent in 2006 to around €105 billion, while the cost of sales before special items had risen by only 10.5 percent. "This demonstrates the success of our strict cost discipline", said Pötsch. "We achieved this despite continued unfavorable exchange rates and higher energy and raw materials prices." Distribution and administrative expenses also rose at a slower pace than sales revenue. The operating margin before special items therefore improved from 3.1 percent to 4.2 percent.

Last year, the Board of Management implemented extensive measures to improve Volkswagen’s competitiveness. "The expenses for the restructuring will ensure a sustainable increase in the Group's earnings power", emphasized Pötsch. The net special items from these expenses and the income from the sale of gedas and Volkswagen Bordnetze reduced earnings by €2.4 billion. Operating profit after special items was €2.0 billion (previous year: €2.5 billion). The corporation tax credit of €951 million and the €795 million gain on the sale of Europcar had a positive effect on profit after tax. Overall, the Group generated profit after tax of €2.8 billion (previous year: €1.1 billion).

Shareholders should also profit from the good result. The Board of Management and Supervisory Board will therefore propose to the Annual General Meeting to increase the dividend to €1.25 per ordinary share and €1.31 per preferred share.

The strong cost and capital management discipline resulted in a substantial improvement in liquidity in the Automotive Division. Without affecting the development of new models, the ratio of expenditure on property, plant and equipment (capex) to sales revenue decreased from 5.0 to 3.8 percent. Net cash flow rose by €3.2 billion last year to €5.6 billion. Net liquidity increased by €6.4 billion to €7.1 billion. In the medium term, Volkswagen expects a ratio of capex to sales revenue in the Automotive Division at a competitive level of just under six percent.

Operating profit by business line

"The figures for the two brand groups Volkswagen and Audi reflect the tremendous market acceptance for our attractive models and the success of our sustainable cost and process optimization measures", said Pötsch. The Volkswagen brand group almost trebled its operating profit before special items in 2006, which rose from €516 million to €1.4 billion. "We’ve made progress with restructuring the core Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand", according to Pötsch, "but we still have some way to go before we return to the level of earnings we recorded there in the past." Škoda again recorded encouraging development last year. The Audi brand group increased its operating profit by just under half to around €2 billion, despite the continued unsatisfactory result at SEAT. Strong sales by the Commercial Vehicles business line generated operating profit of €101 million (previous year: €96 million). The Financial Services Division again made a stable contribution to the earnings of the Volkswagen Group. Operating profit again reached a high level, at €843 million (previous year: €829 million).

Medium-term target

Presenting the annual financial statements, CFO Pötsch reiterated the medium-term target of a return on investment after tax of at least nine percent in the Automotive Division. Eliminating special items from the return on investment produces a 2.9 percentage point increase to 5.8 percent for 2006. "Although this still does not cover the cost of capital, we have made a significant step in this direction", stressed Pötsch.

Posted by Frank at 2:00 PM

10 Questions With Bruce Campbell Vice President, Nissan Design America

Bruce Campbell is Vice President, Design for Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA). He is responsible for leading the development of projects assigned to NDA – San Diego and NDA-Farmington Hills, Mich. He has worked on various projects including Altima, Xterra, Sentra, Quest and the full-size truck and SUV.

Since joining NDA in 1980, he has worked as chief designer for the corporation’s industrial design projects, chief designer of the Gobi Show Car and principal designer on various Nissan projects, including the "Hardbody" Truck, Pulsar NX, NX 2000, Cocoon show car and the Nissan Quest Minivan. He also holds a dozen design-related U.S. and foreign patents.

1. How has the Internet influenced or changed design in recent years – in terms of bringing the world cultures closer, in terms of quicker feedback and response from the marketplace and in how you do track consumer needs or taste?

The Internet is a "one dimensional" source of information, but it is extremely helpful for getting a quick read on what is popular or current. For example, we conducted an Internet survey of what interests were most relevant to young people. We were able to make the connection between cars and gaming, deciding to integrate the Xbox 360 into the Nissan URGE Concept. While the basic concept of URGE came from other research and studies, the Internet led us to develop a cockpit where the car became the game and the game became the car, an industry first.

2. Nissan Design America played a major role in the design of the current Nissan Quest minivan, which is somewhat revolutionary in the class. Recently, several major manufacturers have announced that they are leaving the minivan segment in favor of crossover SUVs. What is the future of the minivan and what can we expect the mainstream "people movers" to look like 10 years from now?

There’s no denying the popularity of crossovers as an alternative to large family SUVs, but the minivan segment will not disappear because the needs of the young family will always be there. Minivans remain viable because they continue to offer functionality in ways that neither sedans nor SUVs can match. One important "evolution" of the minivan, which we’ve taken the lead on with Quest, is that the design must be more compelling and attractive. The buyer attitude has to change to "I want to have a minivan," verses "I have to have a minivan."

3. How do you decide how far to take a "next generation" design of a successful nameplate? For example, the 2007 Altima has been praised by some media for being easily recognized as an Altima, while others have said that the design should have been less "evolutionary" and more revolutionary."

To revolutionize the already revolutionary Altima simply did not make sense. The strategy was to enhance every aspect of the design from the interior, to the iconic headlamps and tail lamps. One of our ongoing challenges is to find the balance between recognition and freshness. With this next-generation Altima, we tried to express both the nameplate and its newness. The 2008 Altima Coupe was developed concurrently, so we knew both cars needed to be more exciting and passionate.

4. Where do you see sports car design heading in the future? What about the next generation Z – must it always have ties to the original 240Z or is there a point where you’ve taken the original concept as far as it can go and you start completely fresh?

The current 350Z, when it was introduced in 2002, marked a point of departure. It signaled the birth of the "modern Z," offering design that is clearly distinct from its predecessors while retaining the spirit of the original – not only in design, but in driving exhilaration and performance value. The following generations of the Z will continue to be modern, with very emotional design impact. The DNA of the 240Z will always be present, but the visual cues might be less prominent.

5. Most people think of designers as the artists or rebels of the auto industry. As the head of an international design studio, how do you reconcile the corporate demands of your position with the artistic mindset of a designer?

I will offer a different opinion – conventional thinking says that designers are seen as artist or rebels. I prefer to think of our role as closer to that of a chemist - that carefully mixes the elements of design (art and beauty, thoughtfully engineered, and manufactured, planned and marketed to real people) and adding the most important ingredient – creativity. For me, this definition fits smoothly into the modern corporate culture, by inclusiveness, rather than being an elite rebel.

6. The Nissan Bevel Concept, which debuted at this year’s North American International Auto Show, might be the first vehicle to acknowledge the needs of aging Baby Boomers. What are some of the challenges in designing vehicles for specific demographic groups?

When the customer profile is clear this is a relatively simple job because we can focus on specific needs and tastes to deliver a creative answer. In the case of the Nissan Bevel, the solution for the "everyday hero" baby-boomer was to accommodate his hobbies and activities. The challenge comes when you’re trying to please a broad range of buyers across different demographics without turning anyone off, like with our best-selling Altima or even the new Versa, which appeals to a wide range of buyers.

7. You have recently been involved with the design of Nissan North America’s new headquarters building in Cool Springs, Tennessee. What was that experience like?

In one word: fantastic! It’s not often that you can work with a creative group of architects and help "pen" a significant new building. I’m proud to say that the building will be artistically beautiful and a very inviting workplace environment. The new NNA headquarters will be a modern and timeless design – an iconic signature on Nashville’s skyline.

8. The Nissan URGE Concept offered a look at potential 3-passenger sports car seating and a very open, exposed, motorcycle-like interior. What’s next in terms of innovative packaging or layouts?

As we begin to focus on a small car package, the reality is that we need to accommodate people who are growing larger. Once the North American attitude of "bigger is better" can be shed – we can move ahead with cost-effective, creative and flexible ideas of how to package people, cargo and powerplants.

9. The development time for a new vehicle, from concept to showroom, has shortened considerably in recent years. How has the design process changed as part of this trend?

This is not just a trend, but a new way of life. We have to start the design process earlier with sound levels of research and planning. This is followed by charting design directions early – and sticking by them. New technology is helping us realize the development phases quickly and efficiently.

10. Where will we see the greatest areas of innovation in the next five or 10 years – in interior design or exterior?

I believe that the most innovative aspect of design in the next ten years will come in the area of "materials" – for both exteriors and interiors. Interiors need to shed the feeling of too much plastic. We need to find substitute materials that offer a feeling of richness. For the exteriors, the high cost of raw materials and the demand for more durable "sins" will drive the automotive industry to offer innovative alternatives to sheet metal and aluminum. Other innovations are very likely in areas like glass technology, using new molding techniques and E.L. shading, and in wheel/tire systems, which are well on their way with run-flat, tire monitoring and integrated wheel/tire designs like we used on the Actic and Bevel concept.

Bruce Campbell – On a personal note

One might assume that the head of Nissan Design in North America is a car fanatic with gasoline in his veins. In my case this is not true – my passion is pure design – I just happen to specialize in automotive design. My foundation was set in Detroit. After graduating from design school at CSS, I moved to San Diego and began my career as an Industrial Designer. I was involved in advanced transportation systems, product design and a couple of "skunk-works" projects for other Japanese car manufacturers.

In 1980, I was fortunate to join a small group that founded Nissan Design International (called Nissan Design America today). I have been around long enough to have the perspective of all the changes of Nissan. The current state of Nissan is the most exciting and being part of the process is very rewarding. In other words, the dream is still very alive! NDA has a long, colorful and very successful history, with past leaders and award winning products. It’s my honor to foster this special culture and aid in Nissan’s growth.

Even if I’m not a real "car-guy" – I do have a favorite car, it’s my fully restored 1963 Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately it sits in the corner of my garage, buried under many boxes. With some luck, and if my travel schedule permits, this icon of great design will be on the road again very soon.

About Bruce Campbell
Prior to joining NDA, Campbell was director of design for Tesa Design, a consulting design firm specializing in transportation and product design.

Campbell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial design from the Society of Arts and Crafts in 1974. He has been a member of the Industrial Design Society of America since 1973.

Posted by Frank at 1:53 PM

Let's Get Small: Kia Latest To Face Scion

DETROIT -- Thanks to Toyota's success with Scion, more carmakers are thinking small. And square-ish.

Kia, for one is preparing what marketing chief Ian Beavis calls a "Scion fighter." It's named Soul and hits the market next year. Shown as a concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the car sports a boxy design similar to a Scion xB.

"Scion has created a segment, and there is more and more room in that for others," Beavis said. "We've been in there, with the Rio, then Nissan came in with the Versa and Honda with the Fit, and it has lifted everyone's boats."

Kia has been studying Toyota's Scion brand for three years, he added, "but [we] don't plan to emulate them." Nor does Ford, but last week the No. 2 automaker confirmed it will finally enter the sub-compact segment in the next couple of years. The move also was seen as a rare nod by Ford to a Japanese competitor.

"It's an important segment for any automaker, but Toyota has done a masterful job with Scion," said Barry Engle, general manager of marketing at Ford. Chrysler has signed on with Chinese automaker Chery to jointly produce a small car for the Dodge brand, filling a lack in Chrysler's portfolio.

Posted by Frank at 1:49 PM

Move to Daylight Savings Time Increases Risk of Drowsy Driving

More than a third of drivers admit to falling asleep at wheel; National Road Safety Foundation offers tips to stay awake on the road

NEW YORK -- As clocks spring ahead for the start of daylight savings time this weekend, roads and highways throughout the nation become a bit more dangerous, according to the National Road Safety Foundation, Inc., a non-profit group that provides free driver safety programs for schools and other organizations.

"The change throws off our internal clock, and it can take as long as two weeks for our bodies to adjust," says Adele Kristiansson, director of marketing and legislative affairs at the National Road Safety Foundation.

"Drowsiness is a condition most drivers fail to recognize, and it can be as dangerous as drinking and driving," she adds. "Studies show 60 percent of us have driven while feeling fatigued, and more than a third admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. Drowsiness is a factor in a substantial number of traffic crashes."

Experts list several signs that should warn a driver to stop and rest:

-- Difficulty focusing, with frequent blinking
-- Daydreaming or not remembering the last few miles driven
-- Head nodding
-- Repeated yawning or rubbing eyes
-- Drifting out of your lane, tailgating or hitting shoulder rumble strips

If you experience any of these warning signs, pull over at the next exit or a safe rest area and take a break or a 20-minute nap. Have a cup or two of coffee or caffeinated snacks and allow 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter your bloodstream. Don't drink alcohol or take medication.

Sleep-induced crashes are often very serious, since the driver does not take evasive or corrective action as the vehicle loses control.

Over the past 40 years, the National Road Safety Foundation has produced films and teaching materials that have been used to train millions of young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and aggressive driving. The Foundation's newest program, "Almost Home," deals with drowsy driving. For information on "Almost Home" and other free driver education programs, call 1-800-SAFEPATH or visit www.nationalroadsafety.org.

Source: National Road Safety Foundation

Web site: http://www.nationalroadsafety.org/

Posted by Frank at 1:37 PM

LoJack System Recovers Assets and Helps Police Crack Major Organized Crime Rings

Week of High Profile LoJack Recoveries Underscores System's Benefits to Society, Get Violent Criminals Off our Streets

WESTWOOD, Mass. -- In the past week, LoJack Corporation's Stolen Vehicle Recovery System has been instrumental in helping police arrest criminals involved in carjacking, kidnapping and other criminal activities and has again led police to major organized crime rings. The events of the past week underscore LoJack's effectiveness in recovering stolen mobile assets, and in helping police to apprehend the violent criminals behind these and other more serious crimes.

These recent recoveries are ideal examples of how our time-tested System continues to benefit society - recovery after recovery - by helping police not only track and recover stolen assets, but also to arrest the thieves behind these crimes," said Richard T. Riley, LoJack's Chairman and CEO. "These recoveries highlight the unmatched effectiveness of our Radio Frequency technology, which for example, enabled police to quickly track and recover a stolen motorcycle housed in a metal building. They also continue to validate the importance of LoJack's direct integration with law enforcement who use our tracking computers to pinpoint the location of stolen assets."

About the Recoveries:

Recovery Involves Carjacking, Kidnapping, Robbery, Sexual Assault

In this California recovery, a couple was carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and the female was sexually assaulted. The couple, who each had a vehicle at the scene, was sitting in one of their cars when two suspects approached the vehicle, robbed the male of his wallet and keys, and stole both the car they were in and their second vehicle. The suspects sexually assaulted the female and dumped the victims on the shoulder of a freeway. The victims flagged down a car, called 911 and reported the crime. Police activated the LoJack unit in one of the stolen vehicles, which led California Highway Patrol flying in a fixed-wing aircraft to locate it. Police arrested two suspects and are currently pursuing three others. The second stolen vehicle was also recovered by authorities.

Police Bust Major Chop Shop Involving Construction Equipment, Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles

On March 6, Washington State Police uncovered the second of two related major chop shops, recovering more than $300,000 in stolen construction equipment, trucks, cars and motorcycles. The investigation began when a LoJack-equipped dump truck was reported stolen and tracked and recovered by police in less than four hours after activation. Police discovered the first chop shop at a Battle Ground, WA location and, during the investigation, identified another suspicious location in Ridgefield, WA, which was found to be a second chop shop. Two suspects were arrested and the investigation continues.

Police Discover Motorcycle Chop Shop by Recovering Bike in Metal Building

In this recovery, a stolen LoJack-equipped 2006 Yamaha motorcycle was recovered by Fort Worth, TX police in an industrial park. The LoJack System's proprietary Radio Frequency technology was able to penetrate the metal building and led police to the stolen motorcycle within an hour and 12 minutes after activation. Upon securing a search warrant, police entered the premise, recovered the stolen bike and also discovered a Suzuki and Kawasaki that had been stolen earlier in the day. Three suspects were arrested.

LoJack-Equipped Vehicle Leads Police to Suspect with Violent Past; Two Massachusetts Schools Forced into Lockdown

In this recovery, a Massachusetts State Trooper began tracking the LoJack signal from a vehicle, which had been stolen about an hour earlier in Boston. The police gave chase, and the suspect abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot to the Marshfield Middle School. The Marshfield Middle School and High School were immediately put into lockdown by alert staff. The Marshfield Police Department arrived on the scene, while the suspect attempted to open a number of locked doors to the middle school. The suspect, who according to local authorities had a "long record of violent acts," was subsequently arrested at the high school.

Source: LoJack Corporation

Posted by Frank at 1:35 PM

Budget Offers Bargain One-Way Rates From Florida

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- It's that time of year again - Budget is looking to move its fleet north for the summer. Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. today announced special one-way rates from Florida to select locations in the continental United States through a limited-time offer that allows customers to rent a car in one place and return it in another, with unlimited mileage and no drop fees.

Now, customers traveling one-way can rent a minivan for just $19.95 per day; those needing less room can drive one-way from the Sunshine State for the following low rates: economy for $12.95 per day; compact for $13.95 per day; intermediate for $14.95 per day; standard for $16.95 per day; or full-size for $18.95 per day.

The offer is available for pickup at the following Budget airport locations: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami International, Orlando, Pensacola, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Southwest Florida International.

Vehicles must be returned to select locations in the continental United States. In the Northeast, locations include Baltimore, Boston, New York and Philadelphia; in the Midwest, at Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis; and in the Southeast locations include Charlotte, Nashville, New Orleans, Raleigh and Savannah. Customers should check www.budget.com for information on all available drop-off cities.

The Budget one-way offers are valid for pick up from April 9, 2007 through June 15, 2007. There is limited availability at these rates and customers must mention Budget Customer Discount (BCD) Number U094700 at the time of reservation. For full terms and conditions, including participating locations, or to make a reservation, customers should visit www.budget.com, call 1-800-BUDGET-7 or contact their local travel professional. For complete terms and conditions, visit www.budget.com.

Source: Budget Rent A Car System, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 1:31 PM

Volkswagen will introduce new Diesel emissions-reducing technology in 2008

SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent

Wolfsburg, Germany - On its new Touareg Volkswagen is introducing one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world: The BlueTDI with SCR catalytic converter. This converter reduces nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent.

The Touareg BlueTDI, that delivers 165 kW / 225 PS, meets even the most challenging exhaust emissions standards. Currently, the lowest limits are set in the US states California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine: In the “Tier2 Bin5” standard. The Touareg BlueTDI being presented in Geneva is one of the first vehicles with a diesel engine that can clear this hurdle too. Especially in the USA, economical turbo-diesels like the V6 BlueTDI can contribute, more than any other current powertrain technology, toward reducing oil consumption and the generation of climate-impacting greenhouse gases.

Therefore, Volkswagen will be offering the Touareg with SCR catalytic converter starting in 2008, initially in the USA, as part of the BlueTec Alliance started together with Audi and DaimlerChrysler at the end of last year. Also slated for 2008: The company for smaller vehicles like the Jetta will introduce, in America, a NOx storage catalytic converter that eliminates up to 90 percent of nitrogen oxides. The two technically challenging systems are scheduled to debut in Europe a short time later.

The Euro-4 standard currently specifies a NOx limit of 0.25 g/km here. The US standard, which the Touareg BlueTDI satisfies, specifies among other things a NOx limit of 0.043 g/km (0.07 g/mile).

New catalytic converter technology targets reductions in nitrogen oxides; Nitrogen oxides are converted to harmless nitrogen and water

SCR is the usual international acronym for "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter has a very special task. Its purpose is to selectively convert the nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust components to nitrogen and water without generating any undesirable side products. It was developed precisely for this highly specialized task. Therefore, in the future vehicles such as the Touareg BlueTDI, being shown for the first time in Geneva, will also be equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter.

The nitrogen oxides are converted utilizing a synthetically produced, water-based urea solution, e.g. AdBlue, which is stored in an auxiliary tank on the Touareg BlueTDI. The substance, consisting of 32.5 percent urea, is continuously sprayed into the exhaust stream before the SCR catalytic converter. It is metered based on the mass flow of the exhaust. Engine management ensures precise regulation, based on information from a NOx sensor located after the SCR catalytic converter.

Atomized into a fine spray by a screen, the urea is transformed in the hot exhaust gas stream upstream of the catalytic converter. In the SCR catalytic converter this reacts with the nitrogen oxides and splits them, as described, into nitrogen and water. The water-based additive AdBlue is non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable.

AdBlue is consumed at an average rate of about 0.1 liter per 100 kilometers. Consumption and tank size are sized so that the AdBlue supply does not need to be replenished until the next scheduled service.

Combustion chamber sensors that are unique worldwide monitor each cylinder; Common rail injection system operates at pressure of 2,000 bars for first time

Besides introducing the SCR catalytic converter, the engineers at Volkswagen Automotive Group have put together an entire bundle of innovative modifications. Combustion chamber sensors are being implemented for the first time; they monitor pressure conditions in the cylinders. And a new common rail system with 2,000 bar injection pressure atomizes the fuel even finer. The ideal combustion achieved by these measures enhances smooth engine running and lowers overall raw emissions.

In the effort to reduce emissions, especially NOx raw emissions, efforts being made in internal engine modifications include measures to lower maximum temperatures in the combustion chambers and to reduce oxygen concentration by exhaust gas recirculation. Nitrogen oxides generated despite these measures are fed to the new SCR catalytic converter and are removed, as outlined above.

Combustion chamber sensors optimize injection and combustion; Piezo injectors with newly developed eight-hole nozzles

As engineers began to develop the BlueTDI, their first goal was to achieve further overall combustion optimization in the engine. The world premiere of such an innovation is being celebrated in the BlueTDI – the combustion chamber sensor. Integrated in the glow plug, the sensor continuously measures pressure conditions in the cylinder and reports the data to engine management.

This enables perfect control of injection and combustion in each cylinder; it is even possible to compensate for fluctuating qualities of fuel. Ideal combustion helps to reduce raw emissions. It also optimizes smooth running and noise behavior.

The intensively refined common rail injection system serves the same purposes. With a newly designed pump, the system builds up 2,000 bar of pressure – also an innovation. The piezo injectors have been significantly modified too. Their smaller eight-hole nozzles inject miniscule spray volumes into the combustion chambers. This, together with the higher pressure combine to produce an injection that is even more precise and dynamic – detailed work that as a whole has resulted in one of the most economical and cleanest six-cylinder diesel engines in the world.

Presentation of technologies such as the SCR catalytic converter in a special exhibit area lets visitors experience key mobility technologies of today and tomorrow

To point out its activities in the area of environmental protection, Volkswagen has set up a BlueMotion Park at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. At numerous exhibits and interactive information terminals on technological highlights visitors can experience how Volkswagen technologies are preserving the mobility of today and tomorrow. Key topics addressed here are engines, transmissions, synthetic fuels, lightweight construction and aerodynamics. Exhibits relating to BlueTDI systems are another focal point: The SCR catalytic converter for larger vehicles like the Touareg, and the NOx storage catalytic converter such as the one Volkswagen introduced for the first time in a Jetta test car.

Note:
All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction. TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

Posted by Frank at 7:32 AM

Mazda unveils Hakaze concept in Geneva

HIROSHIMA, Japan — “Nagare is the start of a new journey. A journey that will ultimately sow the seeds for an entirely new generation of Mazda vehicles. That is why it is so exciting and exhilarating. Nagare is about capturing motion, energy and beauty, and translating it into forms that people connect with and want to touch. Nagare finds its inspiration in nature, and as such is an incredibly rich source for our designers.” Laurens van den Acker, General Manager Design Division.

Last year Mazda wowed the show car world with a trilogy of design concepts that was talked about on three continents. From Europe's Sassou show car with its unique Shoji design principle and hidden features, to Tokyo Motor Show's Mazda Senku concept car, winner of the Grand Prix du Plus Beau Concept Car at the 21st Festival Automobile International in 2006 in Paris, to North America's sports car study Mazda Kabura, winner of the Detroit Motor Show's Aesthetic and Innovation Award – Mazda Motor Corporation wrote another chapter in its global reputation for eye-catching, Zoom-Zoom designing.

The new show car season features four concepts from Mazda that express a new design language called Nagare, (pronounced na-ga-reh) developed by Mazda's new global design director, Laurens van den Acker. The word Nagare means "flow" and "the embodiment of movement" in Japanese and applying it to car design involved analyzing motion itself and how forces like wind and water move in nature. Natural flow lines are all around us – wind blowing shapes in sand, wave forms seen from above – and are literally symbolic of movement itself. Nagare, then, is the application of natural flow to automotive design that combines surface language and proportion to communicate movement in a new way.

“Through the success of the current generation of cars, Zoom-Zoom has managed to focus our company and delight our customers at the same time. Nagare builds on this newly regained confidence and gives it a unique and distinctive identity,” says Laurens van den Acker.

Its first expressions were the Mazda Nagare concept car presented last November at the LA Auto Show, and the Mazda Ryuga, which premiered at the Detroit Motor Show this January. Both Mazda concepts are an evolving expression of Zoom-Zoom, inspired by the movement of nature's elements – Mazda Nagare's surface articulation was inspired by geological flow patterns, and Mazda Ryuga's side body texture was inspired by Karesansui, or Japanese raked gardens. Both evoke energy and lightness, translated into a beautiful language of lines and forms that are powerful yet effortless, simple yet strikingly seductive.

Now Nagare is coming to Europe with this season's third all-new concept car, the Mazda Hakaze, which was designed at Mazda's European Design Centre near Frankfurt, Germany . Mazda Hakaze is a compact crossover coupe with roadster feel. It combines the best attributes of three traditional types of cars. Part of its roof is removable, which gives a feel similar to a roadster; it is agile and fun to drive like a compact hatchback, and it has a high hip point and interior functionality like a compact SUV. It expresses Nagare "flow" on the outside with sand-dune like surface iteration, and combines these with shapes from machines that move through water or air. On the inside, it boasts "flowing" Nagare forms, natural surfaces and insightful functionality to meet the demands of adventurous lifestyles like kite-surfing.

" Nagare is expressed in the Mazda Hakaze, not only in the iteration on the side of the car, but also in a lot of the details," says Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer, Mazda Motor Europe. "If you look at things like the execution of the wheel design, the spokes have a nice flow in terms of the way they move, the way the surfaces move, the way they integrate into the tyre design. The interior too. The basic form of the interior is like looking at sand dunes. It's got all this movement, winds blowing. I find that inspirational in terms of trying to find a new way of expressing design. Of course, you have to think about functionality. But Mazda is all about emotion. And this is emotion."

A Look at Advanced Product Planning

While the new Mazda Hakaze design concept is a look into a possible future compact crossover vehicle from Mazda, it is nonetheless a concept rooted in reality. It meets the unmet needs of a growing compact segment trend towards SUV-like crossovers in Europe, making it a valid proposal, despite its futuristic attributes. To ensure Mazda Hakaze and all upcoming concepts from Mazda Motor Europe are not merely flights of fancy, an Advanced Product Planning (APP) team was assigned to Mazda Motor Europe's Research and Development (MRE) centre in late 2004 with cross-functional team members from design, marketing and engineering.

The APP team was responsible for the initial planning phase of the Hakaze project. This began with lifestyle and automotive trend research, and included spending time with "normal" consumers in Germany and the UK, to see exactly what kind of lifestyles people lead, and what kind of attitudes these customers have towards their cars. Combined with market data, it became clear that compact SUVs – those able to meet emerging and more active lifestyle trends – will become more popular over the next 10 years.

"Traditional segments in Europe are declining," said Benno Gaessler, Manager APP who, along with Stefan Meisterfeld, Assistant Manager APP, was responsible for analysis and strategy. "What the team found was that potential customers have emotional needs that are unfulfilled. They would like to drive a coupe, to drive a convertible, to drive a vehicle that is expressive. But these normally come with a very big price tag and expensive running costs. How we can fulfil these needs is what Hakaze is all about."

Mazda Hakaze and Kite-Surfing

Mazda identified increasing popularity among Europeans for vehicles that meet the demands of active, adventurous lifestyles. To demonstrate Mazda's expertise in meeting these needs, Hakaze was designed especially for the new crossover sport of kite-surfing that combines surfing and paragliding. The sport began as we know it today in Maui in 1996, with the first official kite-surfing competition held there in 1998. Since then, it has become the fastest-growing water sport in the world with an estimated 300,000 kite-surfers worldwide. A kite-surfer stands on a board with foot straps, and uses the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself and the board across the water. However, this simplicity also makes kite-surfing challenging. Your body is the only connection between the kite and the board and you have to control them both at the same time. Kite-surfers are used to connecting to the Internet to monitor wind conditions, and carry lots of wet and sandy surfing gear. All these needs are met by various functional attributes of the Mazda Hakaze concept.

The APP team clearly identified an overall concept that would appeal to these kinds of customers. It should be just as agile and fun to drive as a compact hatchback, while offering attributes like open-top driving, a higher seating position, more sporty driving attributes and a modern, upscale design. What is unique to this vehicle is that its realization was a tightly-knit, cross-functional effort," says Jose R.G. Santamaria, Director of APP and Consumer Insights. "We have engineering, planning and design professionals working together as one group. From this point of view, Hakaze is the first of this new and effective process of future development."

After identifying the key attributes of the new concept, the APP team turned the plan over to two cross-functional members of the team - a designer and a packaging engineer. Together, they worked to develop a vehicle concept that meets the needs of the target customer mentioned above, while making sure it stayed true to C-segment hatchback values. This robust process at the beginning of development was a major asset to the actual designers of the Mazda Hakaze, when they took over realization of the project at a later stage.

The Compact Crossover Coupe with a Roadster Feel

In Japanese, the word Hakaze (pronounced Hah-kah-zay) comes from "ha" for "leaf" and "kaze" which means "wind," a fitting combination for a vehicle that looks like it is effortlessly cutting through the air while standing still. Mazda Hakaze has very compact proportions. At 4,420 mm, it is roughly the same length (+15 mm) as the MAZDA 3 hatchback – which ensures agile, sporty handling – but is wider (1,890 mm, + 135 mm), and taller (1,560 mm, + 95 mm) with a high seating position, a very large glass area and large suspension travel – all attributes usually associated with a C-segment SUV.

This insightful package is clothed in a modernistic body work with no door handles and no mirrors – exterior cameras replace these – very compact proportions and flowing major feature lines and side textures that create a muscular and taught look. Mazda Hakaze has no B-pillar either and the rear two-thirds of the glass roof can be taken off in two parts and stored in a slide-out compartment in the rear bumper. Lowering the car's four frameless windows then converts the concept into a fun to drive, four-seat coupe with roadster feel.

Mazda Hakaze's exterior design was a cooperative effort from the same successful duo that designed the Mazda Sassou, presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show: Mickael Loyer, whose design was selected this time for the final proposal, assisted by Luca Zollino. "The design team took inspiration from sports and outdoor activities in the wind or in the water giving the sensation of being free and allows us to break boundaries," says Mickael Loyer, "like kite-surfing, flying, diving, driving a jet-ski or a motorbike. We were looking for shapes moulded by natural elements, and how the wind shapes the sand is a key element in the exterior design of this concept."

At the front, Mazda pushed forward the design idea of the Mazda Sassou – with a large grille design that has chevron-shaped front indicators and headlights – to which they added Nagare flow lines. At the rear of the car, a unique illumination system is used with light flowing directly into the lower part of the rear window. Because the rear lights have flowing shapes integrated into the design here, this creates an impression of floating light. Mazda Hakaze's silhouette features Nagare flow lines at the front of the door panel, with a visual link to the front of the car created by a line falling over the top of the front wheel well and into the side panel. These are combined with a rising beltline extended into the hatchback door, a steeply angled windshield similar to Mazda's crossover SUV CX-7 and a roof line that gives Hakaze a modern body shape that integrates the strong look of a Samurai sword when seen from the side.

All the concept's Nagare flow lines combine to visualize movement by making it seem as if the wind itself has etched natural flow lines into the car ´ s surface. Even when parked, Mazda Hakaze looks as if it is moving – as if wind is blowing over the front wheel wells, down and along the side panels and across the bottom of the rear window.

Mazda Hakaze not only took its inspiration from Nagare natural flow, but also from technological objects like helicopters, speed boats, jetfighters. These are strongly related to flow and examples of human interface to fast movement through natural elements. The design team combined these kinds of forms with shapes directly moulded by flow in sand and water. Examples of this are Hakaze's glass roof cockpit and its 20-inch wheel design. The wheels use a mixture of forms inspired by sand dunes and propeller shapes to express flow and movement – including extensions of the spoke design into the tyre rubber bordering the wheel – and adds a three-dimensional depth to lend Mazda's new show car a modern sophistication.

"The Hakaze is an agile yet tough coupe that takes you wherever you want to go," says Luca Zollino. "Its design is also unique because of the unconventional shape of its hatch. The continuity of the beltline through the hatch allows us to close all the volumes above it: this together with a very angled and long windscreen enhances the compactness of its proportions."

Exterior Color and Materials – Nagare Surface Treatment enhanced by “flop” technique

Mazda Hakaze's exterior forms are combined with colors, materials and surface treatment that also express Nagare flow. A desert image is the source for its golden color, reminiscent of a desert at sunset."The exterior color was selected to support the surface language, its articulation and its texture," says Maria Greger, Senior Designer for Color and Materials, "so that the whole surface impression is one of natural flow. We want to have a feeling of sand. So if you look closer at the color, you see small particles like sand."

The natural look to the exterior surface was further underscored by employing a "flop" technique in the color treatment of all panels that are bent at an angle to form two sections with a smooth edge between them. The paint used for such panels was designed to give the upper part of the panel a more transparent feel, which is created by a transparent layer over the color. Then the color "flops" over towards a darker impression below the edge, an effect achieved by additives to the paint and by a slightly different use of particles in the paint. The final effect is similar to a sand dune or a wave in sand, which is lighter above and darker below.

Mazda Hakaze – Kite-Surfing Practicality

Mazda's latest show car was designed to show how a possible future C-segment crossover would meet emerging lifestyles trends, and no other trend sport is as perfect a fit as kite-surfing, the latest big crossover sport. It is designed for typical surfer flexibility. For instance, you can take the roof off in two parts and stow them in a slide-out compartment in the rear bumper. This makes Mazda Hakaze a perfect vehicle, not only for a cool roadster feel while driving, but also makes it a sun-filled place to relax on the beach between sessions. Also, the doors and hatch have no handles and are opened without a key. They use a "data shell" , which is a wireless, multi-functional device that the car recognizes, which unlocks the doors automatically. The driver then simply touches the surface where the handle would be, and the door moves outward away from the car by 30 degrees , and opens upward by 45 degrees . This is especially practical when lugging gear to the car.

A Natural Environment

The interior of the Mazda Hakaze is a triumph of form, texture and functionality. Its two large, pop-up doors are keyless, one-touch and give a wide opening into one of its four bucket seats. Once inside, Hakaze's interior gives an intense open feeling, even with the roof on. The windscreen extends to behind the front occupants, creating an enormous viewing angle. The A-pillar dives into the instrument panel just in front of the door, making this feeling even stronger.

"Nagare is visible on the interior in the main surfaces, which are a combination of gently flowing volumes with edges that slowly fade away," says Jo Stenuit, Assistant Chief Designer who, along with Masato Ogawa, Lead Designer from Hiroshima, designed Mazda Hakaze's interior. "Inspiration was taken from a dune landscape with the technical parts, like the steering column, being pushed into the surface like a shell that is partly covered in sand on the beach. Also the textures follow this gentle flow of form in a natural manner. All this creates a sensual feeling for the interior and makes sitting in Hakaze like sitting in a natural environment."

The interior design, and especially the instrument panel, is asymmetrical with a strong focus on the driver. The wrap-around cockpit features a long steering unit that gives a feeling of sportiness and depth. It has orange-lit meters on each side of the steering wheel – speedometer and tachometer – and in the centre of the steering column is an LCD screen with navigation information, images from the car's rear view and side cameras and warning indicators – all of which give an enhanced feeling of control to the driver. The centre of the steering wheel is fixed, only the rim and the lower arm can rotate.

There are also unique sliding controls to the right of the driver on the centre console, which follow the three illuminated lines in the surface. These lines have a dune wave design to make it easy for the driver to slide his finger up or down along the surface. Doing so adjusts seat positions, heating, audio and multimedia devices, with light below the surface moving up or down with the finger. The wave strip furthest from the driver has the controls for the car's hard disc drive multimedia system and an LCD screen that electrically rises up and out of the dashboard surface on the passenger side. This screen can be turned by hand so the driver can also see it when the car is parked.

Data can be transferred to and from the car's computer with a personal "data shell" , which is a further development of the USB stick concept used on the Mazda Sassou design car.

It is a wireless device that allows the driver to open the car simply by carrying it in his pocket, and also allows him to save his personal driving settings and data from his home computer (route, music, movies). After getting in the car, the driver pushes the switch on the side of the "data shell" causing the connector to pop out (in way similar to a key). This he sticks into a designated slot in the centre console and it automatically downloads the stored information wireless using Bluetooth® technology and provides ignition. Once in place, the "data shell" also functions as the gear shift lever for the concept's automatic gearbox. Mazda Hakaze concept also has a wireless charging pad located in the glove box (also using Bluetooth®) to recharge the batteries of a mobile phone, PDA, camera or MP3 player. This insightful solution does away with annoying cables hanging everywhere, and keeps the device out of view and safe while it recharges automatically.

All of Mazda Hakaze's seats are mounted on the centre tunnel and are electrically adjustable, sliding fore and aft. For more room in the boot, the rear seats slide forward with their lower cushions under the front seats, which give ample space in the hatch for all kinds of gear necessary for a day at the beach. With the windows down and the top off, there is a true roadster feel wherever you happen to be sitting in the car.

Mazda Hakaze – Kite-Surfing Functionality

Kite-surfers are "wind chasers." They get up in the morning, switch on their computer and search for the right wind conditions on the Internet for the best place to surf, call their friends, grab their gear and go. Mazda Hakaze meets the needs of such a lifestyle in several ways. For example, part of Hakaze's centre tunnel in the boot slides rearwards and out of the car, to which a kite-surfboard can be attached, slid back in and transported. On the inside is an Internet connection on the integrated LCD screen in front of the front passenger. A small digital camera is mounted in the LCD screen, which can be rotated to film the road or the people in the car. The idea is that you can film a nice surfing spot or the route to it, and then share it afterwards with your friends. The concept's boot also has a practical double floor construction on both sides of the centre tunnel in the boot, whose underside is made of rubber making it ideal for transporting wet and sandy items. And finally, most of the switches in the car are sensors that are under the surface, meaning there are no shut lines. This prevents water or sand from getting into the switches and makes cleaning the vehicle on the inside easier as well.

Interior Colors and Materials

"We want the interior to be a heightened touch experience full of natural-feeling surfaces. Natural in the sense that you come to the car and you have one impression. When you look a second time, you see new things happening everywhere," says Luciana Silvares, Designer for Color and Materials who, along with Maria Greger, designed the colors and materials for Mazda Hakaze.

The color scheme on the inside of Mazda Hakaze was chosen to enhance the natural flow forms and to underscore the car's kite-surfing functionality. They reflect the ocean, continuing the beach and dune theme, with the floor a dark brown, the trim, dashboard, doors and centre panel a greenish beige, the four seats in a deep blue. This is combined with unique texturing of materials meant to enhance the Nagare flow strategy with natural feeling surfaces and patterns. Many of the concept's interior materials are grained using new Flotek® technology, which can create different textures on a single surface. Before, materials had to be embossed using the same repeating patterns. With this new graining technology, the Color and Material's team was able to make asymmetrical and creatively-patterned surfaces that mimic natural irregularities.

The floor, for instance, is made of soft, natural leather – great for bare feet just off the beach – embossed in a flow pattern with a patina of various textures and slight imperfections that give a natural feel compared to artificially homogeneous material like carpet. The dashboard also has a special grain over it that feels sandy in some places and has line texture in others, which enhances the flowing Nagare forms by making them not only look natural, but feel natural as well.

This touch experience also extends to the seats of Mazda Hakaze, which are made of smooth, high-tech leather with a surface coating to make them feel similar to the material used for wet suits, but with a higher quality. The driver's seat is surrounded in a cocoon-like cockpit and continues the kite-surfer appeal with wet suit stitching and badging in orange Kanji script, while the other three seats have water droplets printed on them for a wet and wild look. The result of all these efforts is a very interactive, even sensual interior surfacing where passengers can discover new touch sensations every time they get into the car.

Ready for Off-road Fun

The Mazda Hakaze design concept has been conceived to be equipped with either a powerful DISI* gasoline engine or a diesel engine. The MZR 2.3-litre DISI gasoline engine is a high-performance turbocharged engine with direct injection that is coupled to Mazda's active torque-split all-wheel drive transmission. This is Mazda's latest MZR powertrain technology and is an ideal match to the adventurous and fun nature of Mazda Hakaze. It delivers high torque and power, 6-speed sport automatic transmission and beach-ready four-wheel drive traction.

Combined with Mazda Hakaze's aerodynamic shape and lightweight body, the engine would not only be fun to drive, but would also use acceptable amounts of gasoline. It has MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension for agile, Zoom-Zoom handling, whether at the beach or in the city.

Posted by Frank at 7:29 AM

Chevy Leads the Charge for GM in February

Ed Peper and the Chevy Silverado, North American Truck of the Year

By Ed Peper
Chevrolet General Manager

Wow — what a month and what a great start to 2007! As most of you already know, our February sales results have come in and we surprised a lot of people out there — except ourselves.

The Chevrolet brand was #1 in America for the month — and there’s no question that feels good. The hard work and better planning with our dealers is paying off, starting with our first big promotion of the year with last month’s President’s Day event.

The numbers are all the proof we need — Chevrolet posted total sales of 187,088 deliveries in February 2007, up 5.3% over February 2006. Our retail delivery gains were even stronger, with sales up 10.1% in February 2007 versus last year.

Silverado led the parade of Chevy vehicles that turned in strong performances last month.

* In February 2007, Silverado posted 58,696 total sales, up 26.5% versus last year.

-Last month was Silverado's best total and retail sales for the month of February in five years (since February 2002).

-Silverado retail sales were up 34% last month versus February 2006.

-Since the start of the launch of our all-new truck, Silverado total sales are up 26,035 deliveries (October 2006 to Feb. 2007 vs. prior year).

-Silverado outsold Ford F-Series in February 2007.

* The Avalanche continued its growth streak by posting a 109.7% retail sales increase. This was the seventh month in a row that Avalanche has posted a year-over-year retail sales increase.
* Impala continued to rock by turning in a 65.1% retail sales increase. This was the 11th month in a row that Impala has posted a year-over-year retail sales increase.
* Suburban posted a year-over-year retail sales increase of 29.3%.
* HHR posted a year-over-year retail sales increase of 21.2%.
* Aveo posted a year-over-year retail sales increase of 17.2%.
* Colorado posted a year-over-year retail sales increase of 12.5%.
* TrailBlazer posted a year-over-year retail sales increase of 8.9%.

This type of improvement sends some clear messages — that introducing new and exciting products, then marketing and selling them in a well-planned manner results in success. Even those products that are further into their lifecycle continue to show improvements — a testament to both the lasting design and capability of the product and to our field teams who market, sell and service them.

Chevy led the charge this month for GM — but these things are happening across the company. The momentum is there, and we fully intend to build on it and continue to improve.

Posted by Frank at 7:25 AM

Hyundai Prices Upscale Veracruz Crossover $11,000 Below Lexus RX350

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new premium crossover, the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz. Hyundai has once again made luxury and performance attainable in previously unthinkable ways with a base price more than $11,000 lower than the Lexus RX350.

Veracruz's designers recognized that the needs and desires of traditional SUV buyers weren't being met and focused on meeting those needs in an elegant and ingenious way. The result is a spacious crossover that delivers refined style, a supple ride and first-rate performance at previously unavailable prices.

The all-new Veracruz is available in three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited. All models include standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a powerful, fuel-efficient 3.8-liter V6 engine, Hyundai's first six-speed automatic transmission, seating for seven, upscale amenities and more cargo volume than the full-size Mercedes-Benz GL.

2007 Hyundai Veracruz Manufacturers Suggested Retail Pricing:

Veracruz GLS 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) FWD $26,995
Veracruz GLS 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) AWD $28,695
Veracruz SE 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) FWD $28,695
Veracruz SE 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) AAW $30,395
Veracruz LTD 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) FWD $32,995
Veracruz LTD 3.8L V6 6-Speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC(R) AWD $34,695

$690 freight charge included

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

The Veracruz continues Hyundai's product expansion and global design evolution through the continued use of fluid and organic forms to create a refined and luxurious exterior appearance.

Up front, the sculpted bumper creates the appearance of additional height. Three-tiered headlights complement the design. The grille combines a flat-lined upper chrome bezel and a curved lower bezel which houses the Hyundai flying-H logo. Distinctive character lines and a fast profile enhance the stylish yet functional imagery. The vehicle's seductive beltline ascends from the wraparound headlights and follows the tapering greenhouse to include the prominent taillights. Chrome trim is strategically applied to highlight some of its design features while giving Veracruz an elegant, luxurious presence. The prominent wheel arches house 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires.

Smooth and solid in its stance, the Veracruz even impresses as it departs. The integrated rear fascia has a sculpted section that blends seamlessly into the sides of the taillights. The taillights decisively angle towards the character line highlighting the rounded back glass.

INTELLIGENT INTERIOR

Inside, passengers are coddled in a rich, sophisticated environment that was inspired by boutique hotels. The result is an interior that could be found in the finest luxury crossovers thanks to Hyundai's intelligent ergonomic engineering, intuitive design, and superior craftsmanship. Hyundai has combined space with elegance including conveniences that exceed expectations. For example, although the Veracruz is 9.7 inches shorter than the Mercedes Benz GL, it has more cargo volume.

Every major component of Veracruz has been designed to reduce cabin noise below the whisper-quiet Lexus RX350. To isolate outside noise, Hyundai applies acoustic dampening sheets to the doors and unibody, a steel plate beneath the engine and four layers of carpet padding. Engine noise is reduced through electronically controlled engine mounts, a multi-curvature dash, custom hood insulation and a pillow tripod joint which lessens vibrations from the driveshaft at idle.

Seating for seven adults is made possible thanks to the standard Hyundai Hideaway(TM) third-row seat. Access to the third row is just a step away with the flip of a lever to slide the second row forward. Available dual-zone climate controls for driver and front-seat passenger further enhance the Veracruz's luxury credentials.

Brushed metal accents and blue backlighting for all interior gauges, switches and buttons highlight the modern, integrated interior design. Even the front cupholders are ringed with blue light to aid nighttime driving, while a soft blue spotlight in the overhead console provides subdued task lighting. Hyundai's focused attention to detail can be seen throughout the interior -- console bins and the glovebox are lined with soft flocking material. Soft-touch, high-quality materials, low-gloss surfaces and zero-tolerance net-fits are used throughout the interior.

VERACRUZ GLS

Veracruz GLS comes well-equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, ESC with traction control, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and seating for seven. Also standard is an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system (including three months of complementary XM service), air conditioning with separate rear HVAC controls, steering wheel audio/cruise controls, heated power side mirrors with puddle lights and side turn signal repeaters, front solar glass and rear privacy glass, remote keyless entry, and power windows and door locks. Inside are active front head restraints, dual front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags plus side-curtain airbags protecting all three rows. Other useful features include a tire pressure monitoring system, a trip computer and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Hyundai Hideaway third-row seat folds flat into the floor and is split 50/50, and the second- and third-row seats include their own roof-mounted vents. The optional Premium Package adds a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, power driver seat, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and backup warning system.

VERACRUZ SE -- A SPORTIER FLAVOR OF VERACRUZ

The SE features the GLS equipment plus standard 18-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink(R), and front fog lights. A streamlined roof rack, center storage console with Cool Box functionality, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, automatic headlights and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also standard equipment. An optional Premium & Leather Package adds a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a 315-watt Infinity(TM) audio system with CD changer and backup warning system. The available Entertainment Package (requires Premium and Leather Package) features a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor, 605-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound, 115-volt power outlet and conversation mirror.

VERACRUZ LIMITED -- PREMIUM FEATURES, OUTSTANDING VALUE

Veracruz Limited comes standard with all of the equipment found standard on the SE and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power front passenger seat, automatic temperature control, a 315-watt Infinity(TM) audio system with CD changer, power tilt & slide glass sunroof, power tailgate, chrome door handles, metal door sill scuff plates, conversation mirror, windshield wiper deicer and backup warning system. For even greater luxury, the available Ultimate Package includes power-adjustable pedals, integrated memory system, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, blue backlit sill scuff plates, 605-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor, 115-volt power outlet, proximity key and rain sensing wipers.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Posted by Frank at 7:14 AM

If Your Motor Oil Could Talk

BETHESDA, Md. -- OK, we had an arrangement. You'd change me every 3,000 miles or three months and in exchange, I'd keep critical parts of your precious vehicle's engine lubricated, cleaned and cooled. Here I am, however, dirty and old and still expected to perform. No way.

The Car Care Council reminds motorists that although oil can't speak for itself, it is the engine's life-blood and that changing the oil regularly is still the single most important thing to do to ensure the engine's long life.

What happens when oil ages and why does it need to be changed? With time, oil becomes contaminated by sources including dust, metallic shavings, condensation and even antifreeze. The additives in the oil that protect the engine break down, lose their effectiveness and can act as contaminants or corrosives.

When contaminants are present, they can stick to parts of the engine and act as abrasives, causing it to perform less efficiently. The oil lubricates poorly and is much less effective at cushioning the moving parts of the engine, which can increase friction. Ultimately, an engine that is not properly lubricated will wear prematurely and could seize up due to the friction and heat. Regular oil and filter changes can eliminate the contaminants and limit the effects they have on the engine.

"It's one of those things that's easy to put off doing. It's like putting off teeth cleaning. Cavities will happen," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "The oil change improves efficiency, fuel economy and dependability, and protects the engine."

Automotive technicians agree. In a Vavoline study of ASE-certified technicians in 2006, 84 percent of technicians surveyed said that not getting a regular oil change could cause the most problems for a vehicle, when compared to other maintenance issues.

The council recommends that drivers follow the owner's manual for viscosity and grade of motor oil. Viscosity refers to the thickness or thinness of the oil. The viscosity of oil changes with temperatures. Oil thins when heated and thickens when cooled; therefore, having the proper viscosity grade for the climate and temperatures of your geographic location is very important. Oil that does not flow well in cold temperatures will leave parts of the engine with no protection, while oil that burns off and becomes too fluid in high temperatures will also leave parts of the engine unprotected.

As a reminder, if you change your own oil, dispose of it properly. Never pour used oil down the drain or into the ground. Instead, take the used oil to a facility that accepts used engine oil.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit http://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

Posted by Frank at 7:13 AM

Simon Thomas Appointed Vice President of Sales Operations for Nissan Europe

TRAPPES, France -- Simon Thomas has been appointed as vice president of sales operations for Nissan Europe effective April 1, 2007.

Thomas, who is currently vice president for sales and marketing for both the Nissan and Infiniti brands in Nissan Canada, replaces Christian Meunier who will become vice president of model line marketing for Nissan North America.

Thomas has over 15 years experience with Nissan including at Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd., where he held a variety of sales roles in England and Scotland, before being appointed marketing director in 2000 and then sales director in 2003.

Prior to joining Nissan, Thomas spent seven years working for Rover Cars in a number of sales roles.

In his new role, Thomas, 46, will oversee sales operations in over 30 countries across Europe and will report directly to Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

"We are delighted to welcome Simon to the team. With his proven sales background and over 15 years experience with Nissan in both the UK and Canada, he will play a vital role in helping Nissan's future growth in Europe," said Carolin.

Thomas is married with two children.

Source: Nissan Europe

Posted by Frank at 7:09 AM

Nissan Announces Management Changes In North America

NASHVILLE, TN – Nissan today announced changes in the management team of its North American Sales and Marketing Department aimed at furthering the company’s drive to sustainable, long-term profitable growth and to better align the company in the rapidly changing automotive industry. Related changes in senior positions in Nissan Europe and Nissan Canada were announced simultaneously.

“The U.S. market is changing and Nissan’s marketing and sales group must change with it,” said Brad Bradshaw, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan North America. “Since 1999, we have nearly doubled the number of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles we are offering and more are coming.

“We have created an architecture that allows us to react faster and with more confidence to changes in the market, to become more flexible and to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the brand recognition of Nissan and Infiniti,” he said.

Nissan Americas
The following changes are effective April 1, 2007:

· Christian Meunier, currently Vice President, Sales Operations, Nissan Europe, will become Vice President, Model Line Marketing for Nissan North America. In his new role, Meunier will be responsible for Model Line management to ensure successful, profitable model portfolios for both Nissan and Infiniti. He will develop a model-by-model strategic positioning brief and create the launch strategy in coordination with marketing communications, sales and corporate communications. He will report to Bradshaw. Four model line marketing directors will report to Meunier, including one for Infiniti.

Meunier has been working at Nissan Europe in the sales and marketing area since 2002. He has an extensive automotive background in sales and marketing positions with Mercedes-Benz USA, Rover France and Ford France.

· Jan Thompson, Vice President, Marketing for Nissan North America, will become Vice President, Marketing Communications. She will focus her efforts on the advertising, interactive marketing and marketing communications activities for both the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Directors reporting to Thompson will deal with interactive marketing and marketing communications.

· Dave Mazur, currently Vice President, Market Intelligence will take on additional responsibilities of Pricing, Market Planning and Brand Management. Yuhei Takahashi, currently Vice President, Pricing and Brand Management, will complete his U.S assignment and return to Japan for a new assignment. Mazur’s group will assume responsibility for segment and vehicle volume forecasts and analyses, as well as product contract monitoring from a portfolio perspective, pricing and brand tracking.

Nissan Europe / Nissan Canada

· Simon Thomas, currently Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan Canada, Inc., will replace Meunier as Vice President, Sales Operations at Nissan Europe. A replacement for Thomas will be announced at a later time.

“Corporate structure is a framework enabling us to implement strategies through the company’s greatest asset – its people,” said Bradshaw. “The new structure will enhance the resources we have to take on challenges and succeed. All these responsibilities are crucial to the successful fulfillment of the Nissan Value-Up business plan and our longer term success in North America.”

Posted by Frank at 7:09 AM

March 8, 2007

NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson to Drive Cadillac CTS-V in Charlotte SPEED GT Race

Johnson to Join Team Cadillac for Fourth Round of SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT at Lowe's Motor Speedway

DETROIT – Reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will drive Team Cadillac's No. 16 CTS-V in the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT race at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Thursday night, May 24, 2007. The 50-minute race, the fourth round of the 10-race SPEED GT series, will take place on the track's 1.5-mile banked oval with modifications to introduce road racing elements to the course. The SPEED GT race will follow NASCAR Nextel Cup qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600.

"I've driven thousands of laps at Lowe's Motor Speedway and enjoyed success there, but it's going to be a new experience for me to turn right as well as left when I race in the SPEED GT event in Charlotte," said Johnson. "I've always enjoyed driving different kinds of vehicles, so I'm looking forward to racing against sports cars with the Cadillac CTS-V sedan.

"When I tested with Team Cadillac on the Sebring road course in February, I discovered that the Cadillac CTS-V race car's handling and braking are similar to the setups we use in NASCAR Nextel Cup road races," Johnson continued. "I'm hoping that my experience at Lowe's Motor Speedway will benefit the team because we only have one day to practice, qualify and race. I really enjoyed working with the Team Cadillac crew and my teammates Andy Pilgrim and Lawson Aschenbach during the test, and I think we'll be able to get our CTS-V race cars up to speed quickly on both the oval and the road course sections at Lowe's Motor Speedway."

Johnson is one of America's most versatile racers. He's raced motorcycles, off-road trucks, ASA stock cars, and Daytona Prototypes. Johnson is scheduled to participate in a one-day SCCA Pro Racing test at Lowe's Motor Speedway on March 19 before making his SPEED GT debut in May.

"As we've been reinventing and rebuilding the Cadillac brand over the past several years, we've made the conscious strategic decision to align Cadillac with the best of the best in everything we do," said Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor. "We'll have the past two SPEED GT champions, Andy and Lawson, for the full 2007 season, and we're absolutely thrilled to have 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson drive our third CTS-V in the upcoming Charlotte race."

The Cadillac CTS-V race cars that compete in the SPEED GT championship are based on the production Cadillac CTS-V performance luxury sedan. The Cadillac CTS-V race cars have a base weight of 3100 pounds and are powered by 6.0-liter fuel-injected GM small-block V-8s that produce 500 horsepower with a series-mandated intake restrictor. All cars in the SPEED GT race on shaved Toyo street tires.

"We're proud to have Jimmie as a member of the GM family, and we appreciate the cooperation between Chevrolet, Cadillac, GM Racing and Hendrick Motorsports that made this program possible," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Road Racing Group manager. "This is a great opportunity to have the defending NASCAR Nextel Cup champion compete in one of our GM road racing programs, and it will certainly put the SPEED World Challenge Series in the spotlight."

Since entering the SPEED GT series in 2004, Team Cadillac has won nine races and seven poles, and swept the manufacturers and drivers championships in 2005. The 2007 SPEED World Challenge GT series will kick off at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on March 16, 2007.

Posted by Frank at 3:50 PM

Strong pickup sales suggest a GM revival

General Motors stunned the automotive world last week, but it wasn’t for the usual negative reasons.

Industry followers more accustomed to hearing about large layoffs or sickening sales declines were startled when GM said its U.S. sales rose 3.7 percent in February, even as its two domestic rivals, Ford and Chrysler, posted sizable declines and the overall market was flat.

GM’s gain in the normally soft month was led by strong demand for its sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks including the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado. Even more impressive, the gain came without the huge sales incentives of previous years.

Posted by Frank at 2:28 PM

Certified Sales Continue to Rise

DETROIT — Even though Jack Frost was busy dumping large quantities of snow on much of the country in February, Autodata Corp. reported that certified sales maintained their momentum for the month, coming in at 129,461 units, up 3.2 percent from the previous February.

The company noted that both February 2007 and February 2006 had the same number of selling days — 24. When compared to January's results, February's sales were up 1.8 percent, even though the latter month had one less selling day.

In a breakdown of market share, Autodata said domestics grabbed 48.3 percent of the market, down 2.3 percent, while the European share was 14.1 percent, down 1.1 percent. Asian automakers' share was up 3.4 percent, reaching 37.6 percent.

Overall, General Motors reported it sold 42,855 CPO units, up almost 6 percent from the same month last year.

Posted by Frank at 2:27 PM

DaimlerChrysler chief discounts idea of selling of Chrysler in pieces

GENEVA: DaimlerChrysler's chief executive, Dieter Zetsche, said Tuesday that it would be difficult to dismember Chrysler, as analysts and other outside experts have speculated in recent weeks, because of an integrated production system that binds together its various brands.

"Chrysler Group is very integrated," Zetsche said during an interview here at the Geneva Motor Show. "The technical lines, like platforms, do not go along the same lines as the brands. The less they are aligned with the brands, the more difficult it would be to think of any separation."

Zetsche emphasized that he was making an observation, not commenting on scenarios of how DaimlerChrysler might sell the Chrysler unit — a prospect it confirmed three weeks ago that it was considering.

But his statement seemed to reinforce reports that DaimlerChrysler hopes to unload Chrysler as a single unit, rather than hive off single brands like Jeep.

Posted by Frank at 2:26 PM

GM Exec: Market threatens to kill one of Big Three

Lutz says automaker in best position to survive

GENEVA -- Intense competition and growing overcapacity could threaten the existence of one of Detroit's Big Three automakers, General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said Tuesday.

While Lutz dodged questions about GM's interest in buying the Chrysler Group, he said market conditions are conspiring to eliminate one Detroit automaker down the road.

"If you project out present trends, you can only come to the conclusion that it's going to be an extremely difficult environment," Lutz said in an interview at the Geneva auto show.

But Lutz made it clear that GM, in his opinion, is more likely to survive than Chrysler or Ford Motor Co. "Right now, we're in the best position," he said. "We're approaching the end of the beginning of the transformation of GM."

Analyst Bradley Rubin of BMP Paribas in New York agreed a shakeout is likely. "It's true. It is confusing. There are a lot of products out there," he said.

Posted by Frank at 2:25 PM

The all-new Volvo XC70 - more refined appearance but still ready for tough adventures

The all-new Volvo XC70 has admittedly dressed up for a luxurious night out in town, but its appetite for exciting adventure is as large as ever.

"The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

The large dark-coloured plastic panels on the current XC70 model have now been mostly replaced with painted surfaces. This in combination with refined lines and contours and a more dynamic rear section give the all-new XC70 a more elegant, more luxurious appearance.

But don't be fooled into thinking the XC70 is ready to abdicate its position as the sportiest, most capable XC model. Quite the contrary.

"Imagine you are driving comfortably on an open motorway. When you look out the side window across the bleak landscape, you are surprised to be overtaken by a car driving in the rough desert with a trail a cloud of dust behind it. That was the vision and that was the car we had in our minds when we started designing the all-new XC70," explains Stefan Jansson, who is in charge of the exterior design.

Larger painted area at the front

At the front the characteristic dark nose of the current XC70 has been abandoned and replaced with a new, unique soft nose. The headlamps and grille have grown and now have the same trapezoidal shape that was first seen on the XC60 Concept in Detroit in early 2007.

In order to retain the rugged stance, the plastic panels at the corners have been emphasized around the bumper air intakes, which are more clearly pronounced.

"They look like "boxing-gloves", while the shape of the air intakes is inspired by a jet engine's frontal profile. These lines are echoed around the red reflectors at the rear, which accordingly trace the shape of the extractors on a jet engine," explains Stefan Jansson.

The silver-coloured protective skid-plate at the front has been widened and integrated to take on a spoiler-like shape.

Tall and spacious with rippling muscles

Along the sides the contrasting, protective sections have been supplemented with a chrome moulding at the bottom of the doors to emphasise the required stance of a tall, spacious car with elegant lines and rippling muscles. The roof-rail is integrated into the A-pillar moulding.

"The framed side windows, the distinct shoulders and the clean lines create harmony between the rounded, sporty front and the spacious rear of a genuine estate car. The raised rear section is also an important element in creating the well-balanced impression," says Stefan Jansson.

The pronounced wheel housings are another important feature of the XC70 model's confident statement that this is a highly capable car. The all-new XC70 can be specified with a variety of wheels all the way up to sporty six-spoke 18-inch alloys.

Intelligent overlapping tailgate

The rear of the all-new XC70 gives a more dynamic, more sculpted impression with the hexagonal design language taken from the remarkable glass tailgate of the new Volvo C30. The rear glass window also extends further down than the side windows to give the driver better rearward visibility.

"The shape of the outside is now more dynamic without compromising the car's practical properties. With the help of the intelligent overlapping tailgate, which takes the tail lamps up with it when it is opened, the space inside the car is larger than before and easy to load," says Steve Mattin.

At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing than before. A new feature that was first shown on the XC60 Concept in Detroit this year.

Luxurious and adventurous

The all-new XC70 model represents Scandinavian design at its best - that is to say every little detail has been designed with one hundred percent focus on clean lines and intelligent functionality.

Comfort in the front seat includes superb seats and ergonomically designed instruments - naturally including an elegant, super-slim centre stack and an audio system of absolute world class.

"One could say that the XC70 has a dual personality. On weekdays it's a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life. Come the weekend and it transforms into a rugged partner for all kinds of exciting adventures," says Jonathan Disley, who has designed the interior of the all-new XC70.

Espresso Brown interior and royal inspiration

In addition to Sandstone Beige and Anthracite Black there is an Espresso Brown option where the warm dark colour of the seats, door panels and instrument panel contrasts with the sand-coloured detailing of the rest of the interior trim.

The special XC70 feeling inside the car has been inspired by one of the best-known patterns of Swedish design history - "Virrvarr" (Chaos or Confusion) by Swedish prince and later internationally renowned designer Sigvard Bernadotte.

"The ‘tangled' theme in "Virrvarr" served as the inspiration for a number of details: the stitching of the leather, the cross-brushed aluminium panels and the mesh pockets at the rear. The idea is that the criss-crossing lines should be echoed throughout the interior to make the car even more exciting," says Boel Hermansson, head of colour and material design for the all-new XC70.

Posted by Frank at 12:55 PM

Yello: World Premiere of the Audi A5

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Visitors to the world premiere of the Audi A5 were greeted by “A yelled hello”. The name of the band “Yello” derives from these three words. Boris Blank and Dieter Meier, both from Switzerland, compose electronic music from sounds samples – and are providing the musical backdrop to Audi’s press event during the Geneva Motor Show. Their compositions are furthermore a foretaste of Yello’s new album, which is set to be released this year.

The music that Yello produces symbolizes progressiveness and perfection. The two musicians’ work is defined by the experimental creation of technically perfect sounds. Yello has composed the music for the new Audi A5 commercial. The campaign will be launched on German TV at the end of May 2007 and then worldwide too.

The duo’s association with cars goes back a long time – and was responsible for the birth of Yello. At the end of the 70’s, Boris Blank was recording engine sounds at a test lab for cars and using them for his compositions. He played these to the avant-garde artist and filmmaker Dieter Meier, and the first songs were born out of these sound experiments. Their first single made Yello successful in the USA, and worldwide recording contracts followed. In addition to 15 albums, the duo produced music for feature films, television programs and commercials.

The most famous piece of music composed by Yello is “Oh yeah” from the album “Stella” (1985) which is used time and time again in TV programs and film productions, such as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “The Secret of my Success”. The fact that a remix of “Oh yeah” stormed the American dance charts in 2006 and made it to number one proves that Yello is still on the cutting edge.

Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM

Insurephoenix.com Presents Grand Adventure Day at Phoenix Zoo

PHOENIX -- As part of a continued effort to focus on the family, insurephoenix.com and the Phoenix Zoo will offer the Grand Adventure Day this Friday, March 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MST). The latest installment of the Zoo Series sponsored by insurephoenix.com, Grand Adventure Day offers grandparents a FREE Safari Train pass when accompanied by at least one grandchild to the zoo.

The Safari Train offers a narrated tour past most of the major zoo exhibits and your guide will provide insightful commentary on the animals and exhibits and will give helpful hints on what to do and see after the tour. Since the tour lasts about 25 minutes, train riders still have plenty of time to explore the zoo in greater detail afterward.

The Zoo Series is a collection of programs provided by insurephoenix.com to provide fun and safe activities for families of all ages. Insurephoenix.com is proud to partner on this series with the Phoenix Zoo, voted one of the nation's top 5 zoos for kids.

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85281. For more information on the Zoo Series, please visit http://www.insurephoenix.com/events or http://www.phoenixzoo.org/.

Source: Insurephoenix.com

Posted by Frank at 12:38 PM

Truck Crash Victims, Safety Advocates to Name Most Deadly Trucking States

Report Card to be Issued on Federal Leadership on Truck Safety

WHAT: Truck crash victims' families will be joined by safety advocates
at a news conference where The Truck Safety Coalition will (1)
release a new state-by-state study ranking the most dangerous
states for truck-related traffic deaths and (2) issue a Report
Card grading the U.S. Department of Transportation's level of
effort to address key truck safety issues, such as truck driver
fatigue, truck size and weight, and safety regulation enforcement.
This news announcement will come on the eve of a U.S. House of
Representatives committee hearing on safety repercussions of a
Bush Administration "pilot program" that allows trucks from Mexico
to travel throughout the United States.

WHEN: MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. ET

WHERE: Jack Morton Auditorium, Media & Public Affairs Building (First
Floor), George Washington University, 805 21st Street, NW (at H
Street), Washington, DC

WHO: DAPHNE IZER of Lisbon, Maine, who founded Parents Against Tired
Truckers (P.A.T.T.) after her son Jeff, 17, and three of his
friends were killed October 10, 1993, by a tractor trailer driver
who fell asleep at the wheel.

JANE MATHIS of St. Augustine, Florida, whose son David and bride
of five days, Mary, were driving home from their honeymoon on
March 25, 2004, on I-95 near the Kennedy Space Center when they
were killed in a fiery crash caused by a Winn-Dixie tractor
trailer driver who fell asleep at the wheel. The truck driver was
never prosecuted. David also was the son of Circuit Court Judge
Robert Mathis.

ROB and SHERRY DURK of Linden, Michigan, whose daughter Janelle
Durk, 15, was killed July 6, 2006, in a crash caused by two semi
tractor trailer drivers on I-70 in Clark County, IL. One trucker
was driving for 20 straight hours and crashed after falling
asleep, which caused a traffic backup. The Durks stopped safely,
but another semi hit them from behind, killing Janelle. They were
driving home to Michigan from a family reunion in Kansas.

NIKKI HENSLEY of Fostoria, Ohio, whose husband Virgil Lee Hensley
was killed July 9, 1997, when a semi-truck driver, who was working
19 straight hours, ran a stop sign and struck the side of their
car, killing her husband instantly. The truck driver walked away
without any punishment when the Wood County Prosecutor dropped the
case. Nikki was left to raise their two sons who are now in
college, and she is now a P.A.T.T. board member.

TRUCK CRASH VICTIMS from around the nation, including FL, IL, KY,
ME, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, TX, and VA.

JOHN LANNEN, Executive Director, The Truck Safety Coalition
(http://www.trucksafety.org/)

JOAN CLAYBROOK, President of Public Citizen; and Chair of Citizens
for Reliable & Safe Highways (CRASH)

JACKIE GILLAN, Vice President of Advocates for Highway and Auto
Safety; and CRASH board member.

WHY: This news announcement will be part of a four-day SORROW TO
STRENGTH conference to give people who have lost loved ones or
been injured in truck crashes an opportunity to:

-- Share personal stories and meet others injured in truck crashes
or who have suffered the loss of a family member or friend.

-- Learn how to cope with grief and anger and to help others.

-- Become a truck safety activist and lobby members of Congress to
improve road safety.

The Truck Safety Coalition is a partnership of CRASH and P.A.T.T. dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes, providing compassionate support to truck crash survivors and families of crash victims, and educating the public, policymakers and media about truck safety issues.

Source: The Truck Safety Coalition

Posted by Frank at 12:36 PM

Car swapping on your European vacation

Travellers have long taken advantage of the convenience and cost savings of swapping residences for leisure trips. So, why not translate the concept to cars? London-based GoGo Britain is capitalizing on the idea, offering customers a simple, reliable and cheap alternative to rental cars.

Here's how it works: customers make reservations through the GoGo Britain website. A variety of vehicles are available based on destination and date. Since travel plans often change, customers are required to confirm reservations within 48 hours of their trips. There are no mileage restrictions, so swappers can drive to their heart's content as they explore the countryside or city. There currently are eight swapping locations throughout Great Britain, where Belgian, French and Dutch swappers can exchange their left-steered vehicle for one that’s accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, and vice-versa for Brits heading over to the Continent.

Both parties can rest assured that every possible step is taken to ensure safety and security. Customers must be 25 or older, have valid driver's licenses and clean driving records for at least five years. All-inclusive insurance must be purchased before driving off the lot, and GPS receivers are installed in each vehicle, but only activated if there's an emergency and a car needs to be located.

GoGo Britain was developed by VisitBritain, the British Tourist Board, with the aim of attracting European tourists to Britain. And therefore will likely remain limited to locations in Great Britain. Catering to travellers who’d rather not swap houses but are willing to exchange cars, this is an idea that could be expanded to most other countries.

Website: www.gogobritain.co.uk

Posted by Frank at 12:31 PM

Detroit Muscle Highlights Race Car Legend Danny Scott at Detroit's Autorama

HOLLY, Mich. -- Detroit Muscle, A CMI-Schneible Group Company, roars into the Detroit Autorama with racing legend Danny Scott's newly rebuilt, award winning 1967-all-steel body Camaro. Scott, featured in 50 Years of Drag Racing, is credited with helping to establish the "Fastest Street Car Drag Racing" series and is one of the pioneers who paved the way for today's "Pro-Street" class.

Awarded the title the "Consummate Racer", Danny Scott, with the support of Detroit Muscle, has rebuilt this award winning car to its original condition. (Right down to the inscription - - "Mom's Headache")!

As CMI-Schneible Group's Chief Engineer and Technical Advisor, Scott and long time "Award winning racing counterpart", Rick Dyer, Master Car Builder for Detroit Muscle, have integrated their passion, experience and knowledge of the original car with the Detroit Muscle resources to provide quality parts, performance enhancements and restoration.

"This labor of love" brought back streams of memories of the award winning experiences from the moment the original car hit the streets! When Danny first spotted his 67 Camaro, "It was just an old car, discarded out in a field," Scott recalls. He decided he wanted to make something special out of this car, recreating a car that was both competitive on the track and able to cruise the streets. With the support of his family, Scott started to build a "back-half Camaro" that went on to win race after race.

Through the establishment of the notorious car, Scott went on to earn the 1999 Pro Street Championship. Danny's thrilling wheel-stands, low ET's and great sportsmanship have been highly notable over the years! Scott clearly deserves credit for helping to establish street car classes in this sport. He was awarded "One of the Fastest Street Cars in America" in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Over the past 25 years, Scott has not only provided awesome racing action but has also received the highest racing and editorial accolades. The most prestigious award was being selected as the #1 pick for Hot Rod Magazine's 25th anniversary edition as their "Top Ten" car over the past 25 years.

This first generation Camaro was built a little differently than your garden variety 8-second car. Danny wanted a real street car, which meant nothing sticking through the hood, no wings, and no fiberglass parts. He knew it needed roll up windows and an all original exterior and interior parts with safety as a primary feature. Only a handful of truly streetable 8-second street cars have ever competed. This 8-second street car had its own set of rules! Dan's motor was "poked and stroked" (4.600 x 4.090) out and was fitted on a Sam Gianino -- built fat motor displacing 540 cubic inches. Scott says, "Although this Camaro looks as good under the hood as it does on the outside, one peek at the engine and there is no question that 'it was meant to move'!" However, that never deterred Danny and family from taking it out on the street for a spin!

In the spring of 1995, Scott suffered a tragic loss when his famous Camaro was burned to the ground in a garage fire! Scott retrieved the shell and hung it from the rafters in his home barn. After numerous requests about the car from friends and admirers, Scott was encouraged to restore this record breaking street car and started the rebuild in November of 2006.

With passion driving him, Scott, Dyer, Scott's family and the entire Detroit Muscle team went to work diligently, to recreate, step by step, each and every part, to meet the deadline for the "New Reveal" of Danny Scott's legendary "Mom's Headache" at the Detroit Autorama. Now ready to hit the pavement in show case form, see Danny and his award winning car, along with six other award-winning custom and high performance vehicles, in the Detroit Muscle exhibit at the 55th Annual Detroit Autorama at Cobo Hall on March 9-11, 2007.

"'BORN-AGAIN', 'Mom's Headache'
Back Again"
On March 9, 2007

For more information regarding the legendary Danny Scott and his award winning story or "100% Pure" Detroit Muscle products and apparel go to www.detroitmuscleusa.com

Source: Detroit Muscle

Posted by Frank at 11:00 AM

BMW Celebrates 11 Years of With Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Donated funds will top $11 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure as the 237-stop nationwide fundraising tour crosses the country

ATHENS, Ga. -- The million-mile, cross-country grassroots fundraising drive that has raised more than $10 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure over the past decade kicked off in Athens, Georgia today at Athens BMW, 3040 Atlanta Highway from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Thirty-eight specially-badged BMWs, decorated with pink modernist maps, arrived for the official start of The 11th Annual BMW Ultimate Drive Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Over the next eight months, the program will travel throughout the country, stopping at 237 BMW Centers nationwide with the goal of donating an additional $1 million to the cause.

The BMW Ultimate Drive is a grassroots program that gives community members the opportunity to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. For every mile driven during the BMW Ultimate Drive event, $1.00 is donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The money raised directly supports breast cancer research, education, screening, and community outreach programs provided by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the nation's largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

"We at BMW are delighted that, after a decade of grassroots fundraising, community members across the country continue to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure through the BMW Ultimate Drive," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Nearly 300,000 people have participated in the program over the past 10 years, and this year, 237 communities -- and thousands of supporters in the fight against breast cancer nationwide -- will have the opportunity to become involved."

Developed by BMW in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, two fleets of specially badged BMWs crisscross the country visiting participating BMW Retail Centers. The drive will continue through October 2007, inviting consumers to get behind the wheel and help contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

Upon completion of every drive, each participant adds his or her own name to the Signature Vehicle -- this year, a BMW X5 -- which becomes a living memorial to those who have lost their battle against breast cancer and a sign of hope and inspiration to others fighting the disease.

"Breast cancer is still the most common form of cancer among women -- and the second leading cause of death," said Hala Moddelmog, President and Chief Executive Office of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "The BMW Ultimate Drive has helped fund essential research and crucial services for patients, survivors, and their families over the past 10 years."

The BMW Ultimate Drive Program

The BMW Ultimate Drive is a driving program created by BMW to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. The general public is invited to drive the fleet of BMWs at participating Retail Centers during an Ultimate Drive event. For each mile driven in one of the vehicles, $1.00 is donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs. The program consists of a 19-car Northern and a 19-car Southern fleet of Titanium Silver BMWs each lead by a Signature Car -- a 2007 BMW X5. The Signature Vehicles are painted, as are the fleet cars, in shimmering Titanium Silver with swirls of pink ribbons.

As in years past, there will be an award presentation at each event honoring a "Local Hero" -- a community resident who has made an outstanding personal effort in the fight against breast cancer. A photograph of each hero will be affixed to one of the two BMW X5 Signature Vehicles.

There is no purchase necessary to drive the vehicles in the BMW Ultimate Drive, and all proceeds from the test drives are donated directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. All administrative costs of the BMW Ultimate Drive Program are underwritten by BMW separately and apart from the funds raised for this program.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit http://www.komen.org/ or call 1-800 I'M AWARE.

Source: BMW of North America, LLC

Posted by Frank at 10:46 AM

Hyundai Launches Consumer-Driven 'Mash and Seek' Challenge

Contest Finalists Race to Connect With a Team of Strangers and Win a 2007 Hyundai Elantra

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Hyundai Motor America announced it has begun accepting applicants for its "Mash and Seek" challenge. On April 30, sixteen randomly selected finalists, who have never met and know nothing about one another, will be placed in teams of four armed with only a single photo -- a collage of teammates' facial features -- and participate in a race to find their teammates. The first team to find one another will win four new 2007 Hyundai Elantras.

Hyundai Motor America is putting the human need for connectivity to the test with its "Mash and Seek" challenge. Fueled by an innate desire to connect with people and simple technological resources available at our fingertips, random connections are made daily. The "Mash and Seek" competition challenges individuals to master the global network and use "smart" thinking and the need for "discovery" to drive them to victory.

How to Play:

* Visit www.mashandseek.com to by April 20th to enter.

* On April 30, sixteen finalists will be randomly selected and placed
into groups of four.

* Each team member will receive a four-piece collage comprised of
photos from their teammates forming one composite face.

* After the first four days of the competition, each team will receive
a Hyundai quiz twice a week. The first team to correctly answer all
of the questions will receive one clue towards finding one another.

* The clues can range from geographic locations to first names.

* The remaining teams will receive the same clue 24 hours later.

* Those who are not selected as the lucky sixteen still have a chance
to win a Hyundai Elantra by answering the quizzes correctly online.
Each participant that successfully and correctly completes a quiz
will have their name entered into a drawing for an additional Elantra
prize.

"Hyundai is excited to host such a fresh and creative game that tests human investigative nature and desire for connection," said Kathy Faith, national manager of Experiential Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "We are anxiously awaiting the results of this social experiment and wish each team the best of luck!"

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Posted by Frank at 9:38 AM

Penske Truck Leasing Celebrated Grand Opening of a $5 Million Facility in Winston-Salem

READING, Pa. -- Penske Truck Leasing today celebrated the grand opening of a new facility in Winston-Salem, N.C., located on 131 Back Forty Drive. The 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, currently employing eight associates, offers commercial and consumer truck rental services, full-service truck leasing and contract maintenance. About 30 leasing customers are handled at this location, and nearly 300 vehicles are maintained onsite.

The one-story building incorporates Penske Truck Leasing's new facility design elements, and features state-of-the-art technology, to enhance the customer experience. The wireless technology component allows Penske service technicians to integrate various vehicle diagnostic and repair software.

The facility cost approximately $5 million to construct, and has three service bays, a truck washing bay and a three-lane fuel island with high-speed fuel pumps for fast, efficient service.

Penske previously operated a temporary facility in Winston-Salem, at 3117 Starlight Drive, until last month. All jobs were transferred over to this new facility.

"We are now able to service our customers from this state-of-the-art facility in Winston-Salem," said John Crockett, Senior Vice President -- Southeast Region, Penske Truck Leasing. "Customers that previously traveled to our Greensboro location will now benefit from a new locally operated location in Winston-Salem. We are planning to add more associates in the near future as we expand our business presence here. Our reputation and sales focus precedes us into this market and we expect our growth to be immediate and significant."

The service department, available at 336-788-8974, is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The rental department, which can be reached at 336-784-3013, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

Source: Penske Truck Leasing

Posted by Frank at 9:36 AM

BMW Group Increases Global Sales by 2.8%

BMW brand 3.6% up on the same month last year

Munich -- The BMW Group increased its sales by 2.8% in February this year. In total, 97,416 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were delivered to customers (previous year: 94,781). For the year up to and including February, the corresponding figure is 191,693 units, which is 1.6% above last year (188,616).

As the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, the company is assuming that the BMW Group will set a new sales record for the year as a whole, with each of the three brands reaching a new all-time high.

In February, 85,473 BMW cars were delivered to customers. This is an increase of 3.6% (previous year: 82,536). For the year to the end of February, sales, at 166,098 units, were 3.3% above the corresponding level last year (160,801). From the second quarter, the BMW Group is expecting sales of the BMW brand to develop much more dynamically. This growth is driven by the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the revised BMW 5 Series and BMW 1 Series models which will be launched in the market later this month. The new three-door BMW 1 Series will follow in May. The new BMW X5 has been available in North America since November last year and will also be delivered to customers in Europe from the middle of March.

MINI Clubman still to come this year
Sales of MINI did not quite reach the previous year’s level with 11,905 vehicles delivered in February (previous year: 12,215/-2.5%). The new MINI has been available in the USA since the middle of February. Further overseas markets such as Japan will follow this month. The model range of the second generation of MINI will be expanded from April onwards by the addition of the new MINI Cooper D and the new MINI One. In addition, the company announced at the Geneva Motor Show that it would be launching the MINI Clubman later this year.

After the MINI Convertible, this is the third model variant of the MINI that has been available from the BMW Group since summer 2001. As the new models become increasingly available over the course of the year, sales of the MINI brand are also set to become more dynamic. For the year to the end of February, MINI, with 25,532 cars sold, is still 8.0% below last year's figure (27,755).

38 Rolls-Royce vehicles were delivered to customers in February
(previous year: 30/+26.7%). For the year to the end of February, 63 Rolls-Royce Phantoms were handed over to customers (previous year: 60).

Motorcycle sector continues to be very positive
After a positive January, deliveries to customers in the motorcycle sector in February rose once again by a clear 19.4% to reach 6,413 vehicles (previous year: 5,372). For the year to the end of February, this means an increase of 13.3% to 10,565 motorcycles sold (previous year: 9,326).

Posted by Frank at 8:12 AM

Hyundai Unveils QarmaQ: Advanced Technology Vehicle

Co-Developed with GE Plastics, Sporty Coupé makes debut in Europe

Elastic Front™ safety system reduces pedestrian injury, Eco-focused technologies lower weight, fuel consumption and CO2

GENEVA— At the Geneva International Motor Show today, Hyundai Motor Co. and GE Plastics presented QarmaQ, a first in the Crossover Coupe segment. The QarmaQ is Hyundai's Advanced Technology Demonstration Vehicle (ATDV) that showcases over 30 different environmentally progressive technologies led by the innovative “Elastic Front™”, an innovative solution that can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) pedestrian collisions.

Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim and engineered in close cooperation with GE Plastics, QarmaQ develops and validates over 30 key technologies, which will be selectively incorporated into Hyundai’s new models to be rolled out from 2008-2014.

“At Hyundai, we believe in innovation for humanity, and QarmaQ demonstrates our commitment to safety innovation and our determination to bring more environmentally responsible technologies to the market,” said Dr. Kwon Moon-Shik, Hyundai Motor's vice president of advanced technology. “We chose to partner with GE Plastics because of their commitment to the environment and their wide range of innovative materials and technical capabilities. Technologies from QarmaQ will provide Hyundai owners with a safer, more environmentally responsible car and a better driving experience.”

The QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. It also offers significant recycling advantages both in construction and eventual disassembly. In short, it is a viable and realistic glimpse of the future potential of personal automotive transport.

Pedestrian Safety

The issue of pedestrian safety is a growing one. In the EU, one-fifth of all traffic fatalities – 7,000 people per year – are pedestrians hit by a vehicle. In densely populated Korea, the rate is as high as 39 percent. QarmaQ's Elastic Front™ safety system, which encompasses the whole front end of the vehicle, is arguably the world's first global pedestrian protection solution on a CUV. Three energy-absorbing structures are fully integrated underneath the futuristic styling of QarmaQ and this system takes advantage of several advanced materials that offer inherent energy absorbing properties. The QarmaQ's body panels have been designed to work in concert with energy-absorbing systems on the underside of these panels to manage and dissipate the force of a pedestrian/CUV collision. The Elastic Front™ has been engineered to meet EEVC WG17 Phase2, Euro NCAP, and JNCA pedestrian impact requirements and is currently undergoing testing for final validation.

A totally relevant concept

The Hyundai QarmaQ concept car is the result of the fusion of exceptional expertise and engineering foresight from Hyundai and GE Plastics. More than a design concept, QarmaQ illustrates that environmentally responsible solutions can be elegantly incorporated to enhance safety, design and performance.

"GE Plastics is committed to developing greener, lighter and aesthetically pleasing solutions to support our customers in creating vehicles with reduced environmental impact," said Gregory A. Adams, vice president and general manager, GE Plastics – Automotive. "We are delighted to have collaborated with Hyundai and we believe that working together we helped them develop an exciting new CUV that demonstrates greater environmental responsibility as well as improved safety, dramatic design, and high performance."

Firmly positioned as a crossover Coupe/CUV, the QarmaQ derives its name from traditional Inuit dwellings, constructed from earth, whalebone and animal skins. Like them, QarmaQ challenges conventional ideas on construction methods and materials. Also in common with the original structures, it boasts unusual strength, resilience and protection.

By combining leading edge design, advanced engineering techniques and the benefits of GE materials technology, QarmaQ demonstrates the ability to meet necessary, but problematic areas of legislation dealing with pedestrian safety and eco-responsibility.

The choice of a crossover coupe/CUV format for QarmaQ underlines the commitment of Hyundai to design innovation in this market sector. With Santa Fe, Tucson, and Veracruz, Hyundai created pioneering vehicles.

This 2+2 vehicle targets the important empty next baby boomers demographic, who are rediscovering a new-found freedom while remaining the wealthiest demographic in history. Today, this key group of consumers is beginning to spend their nest egg and enjoy the fruits of their labour, not on material possessions, but on experiences. The QarmaQ soulfully blends the driving experience of a Coupe with the ability to manage multi-terrain driving of a CUV, providing empty nesters with effortless access to their outdoor playground.

Design: Freedom of shape

As a joint project with GE Plastics, QarmaQ endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods and materials such as metal and glass.

"The powerful profile and stance of the design incorporates dynamic, sculptural qualities and elegant sportiness on one hand, with smooth refined surfaces on the other," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe. "Moreover, the various properties of the GE materials allowed more freedom in meeting or even exceeding safety requirements. The result is a uniquely balanced and harmonic design both inside and out," he added.

Departing from conventional car design that combines a lower body and a glass cabin on top, QarmaQ blazes a new trail with panoramic wrap-around glazing area using GE’s Lexan™ polycarbonate resin. This part sits between the two pronounced “muscles” above the front and rear wheels. The C-shaped side window enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology.

Exterior: Fluidity of line

Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.

The exterior contours and fluidity of line have been refined to give an immediate impression of movement frozen in motion. This aesthetic is mirrored in the interior, so that the fusion and merging of the perceptual boundaries between inside and out delivers a feeling of integration and synchronization to the overall appearance.

Although QarmaQ does not have a high waistline or small window area (conventional methods to convey a feeling of protection), the exterior design still communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants.

”The QarmaQ’s exterior design communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants,” said Robert Butterfield, global market director, GE Plastics. “ The twin domes on the sunroof, facilitated by the new glazing technology, increases the inner space for the rear passengers and creates a unique design feature.” The wrap-around windscreen, in combination with the elongated bonnet delivers dramatic, almost classic, proportions and gives the car a unique sporty feeling. Finally, the contrast of the strong dark coloured areas to the lighter tonal areas emphasizes QarmaQ’s off-road DNA.

Interior

In response to shrinking family sizes and emergent customer preferences, QarmaQ is specifically designed to carry four people in above average comfort. The extensive use of new materials and techniques has resulted in a more fluid, more unified interior, by allowing seamless integration of otherwise intrusive elements.

As the sporting exterior proportions suggest, QarmaQ is primarily a driver’s car. Within its unique interior architecture the cockpit is isolated in an active, yet protective pod structure. This helps promote a sensorial and highly self-indulgent driving experience.

One of the main aims of the interior design was to develop a practical and interactive space, which wraps around the occupants. The driver-oriented cockpit, which combines functionality with organic sculpted shapes, creates an attractive, fun-to-drive atmosphere. This is further underlined by:
• Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
• “Floating” elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting

The interior is brought alive by a variety of technologies, effects and surfaces, including:
• Thoughtful ambient LED lighting by Lumination, LLC glows through ceramic components
• Silicone applied next to leather, to give a pleasing tactile and visual experience

The colour harmony of the interior has been designed to enhance the feeling of serenity and spaciousness, which in turn relates directly to the high level of comfort enjoyed by the passengers. The mixed effects, textures and colours add sophistication to the dynamic forms and strong presence of the car. Functional elements made from aluminium emphasise the more technical aspects, contrasting with and highlighting the softness of the interior materials.

New materials, new directions in comfort and safety

Current composite technology is usually thought too expensive and too difficult to fabricate to be of use anywhere but the aerospace and motor racing industries. The QarmaQ is physical proof that this need not be so.

The wrap-around GE Lexan™ windscreen and extensive use of GE polycarbonate glazing materials provides a weight saving of up to 50 percent in relation to glass, while simultaneously allowing more adventurous shapes than flat glass. The glazing features a unique technology from Exatec™ which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan™ to add protection from scratching and the effects of weathering.

The QarmaQ also introduces new curved and moving side glazing in Lexan. As well as allowing such advanced applications, the impact resistance and other properties of this material also helps increase both occupant and pedestrian safety.

Exatec™ infrared coatings on the whole transparent areas reflect heat, helping cool the interior and reducing the power demands upon the infrared regulated air conditioning. Lighting is achieved by incorporating mood illumination into the actual material, delivering a unique interior ambience. The material also facilitates a perfectly flat, fully integrated fractal radio antenna within the roof structure.

Among other milestones in the construction of QarmaQ, the front wings were designed from the beginning to be one very large single injection moulded component. Together with the deformable bonnet and precise bumper mouldings, these also form a major addition to pedestrian impact safety. The sophistication of the material and manufacturing technique also played a major part in the ability to fully encapsulate the complex headlight shape into the whole frontal styling.

At the other end, the tailgate breaks new ground by bonding different materials, including the glazing and rear light assemblies, to create a one-piece component structure. This increases the integral strength, while at the same time simplifying vehicle assembly and reducing weight.

Another major safety advance is the use of sensors to detect vehicle presence in the blind spots of the rear view mirrors when pulling out or overtaking, and audio-visually alert the driver.

Euro5 diesel engine

The QarmaQ's 2-liter diesel engine is fully compliant with EURO5 emission regulations. It features the very latest technologies such as high pressure fuel injection and fine fuel spray atomization for higher torque and better power output. Regulated emissions such as CO, THC, NOx and PM, were reduced drastically while a Catalyzed Particulate Filter system, CPF, is capable of cleaning about 90 percent of the particulate matter from the diesel emissions. Furthermore, by switching the position of CPF from the under-floor area to a location more closely coupled to the exhaust manifold, it was possible to minimize the catalytic light-off time and to enhance the naturally regenerative characteristics of the CPF.

A greener future

Thanks to extensive use of advanced materials, QarmaQ is 60 kg lighter than a comparable vehicle made with traditional materials.

GreenOrder, an environmental strategy firm based in New York, N.Y. that audited QarmaQ estimated that the 60 kg. that have been taken out of the QarmaQ, means the vehicle would require about 80 fewer litres of diesel per year, and would cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 kg. Furthermore, if every new vehicle registered in the European Union (EU-15) in 2006 had reduced fuel consumption by the same amount, the result would have been an annual savings of more than 7.4 million barrels of diesel fuel -- or enough to sustain the European Union (EU-15) diesel demand for three days.

As a result, the greenhouse gas savings would equal approximately 3.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. According to Joseph Malcoun, an Associate with GreenOrder, cutting edge material technologies are expected to make a major contribution to increasing the fuel economy of tomorrow’s passenger vehicles. “As consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles continues to grow, we expect the use of advanced materials to play an increasing role in reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of the cars we drive.”

HPPC composites for horizontal body panels significantly reduce part weight - up to 50 percent per part - while maintaining strength equal to that of steel. This lighter-weight cladding contributes to better fuel efficiency and improved power-to-weight ratio for drivers and its energy absorbing qualities are harnessed to create the Elastic Front™ safety system.

The QarmaQ's body panels use an environmental responsible plastic, Xenoy iQ™ and Valox iQ developed as part of GEs ecomagination™ initiative to address three critical environmental concerns: conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and up-cycling or re-using materials such as PET plastic bottles. The QarmaQ re -uses approximately 900 PET bottles that would otherwise become landfill.

Another environmentally progressive aspect of QarmaQ’s design is the use of GE paint replacement technologies, including Visualfx™ resins with Lexan™ films, to replace painting operations that can release toxic and greenhouse gases.

To eliminate dependency on PVC in the wiring, GE’s Noryl™ resin technology was used for wire and cable coating. Replacing PVC, these ultra-thin coatings can reduce cable weight by up to 25 percent.

Posted by Frank at 8:10 AM

Jeep Brand Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's 'Soul2Soul Tour 2007'

- The North American 'Jeep presents Soul2Soul Tour 2007' kicks off on June 6 in Omaha, Neb.

- Country music's hottest couple first dated in a Jeep

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- One of country music's most celebrated love stories began with a date in a Jeep. So when reigning first couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were looking for a sponsor for their Soul2Soul Tour 2007, the Jeep brand was an obvious choice.

During a press conference today at the Country Music Hall of Fame with McGraw and Hill, the Jeep brand announced that it will be the official presenting sponsor of their new North American tour, "Jeep presents Soul2Soul Tour 2007." The 33-concert tour will kick off in Omaha, Neb., on June 6 and will conclude in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 10.

McGraw and Hill explained the story of the "date Jeep." "In 1996 in State College, Penn., we were doing a show together. We took a ride in a borrowed Jeep and that's where we decided that we were going to be together and build a life together," said Hill during the press conference.

"Faith tracked down that Jeep and gave it to me for my birthday a couple of years ago," said McGraw.

"Tim and Faith have a story about how the Jeep brand has been part of their lives that's not unlike the thousands of stories we hear every year from Jeep owners all over the world," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "As members of our Jeep family, it made perfect sense to blend our brands into a mutually beneficial partnership. We are very pleased to be associated with these two very talented artists who reach a broad audience much like the seven vehicles in the Jeep lineup."

Soul2Soul II made the history books as country music's highest grossing tour ever and was named Pollstar Magazine's "Major Tour of 2006," beating out nominees Madonna, Roger Waters, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones.

In addition to Jeep signage at every concert venue, McGraw and Hill's "Date Jeep," a red 1978 CJ-6, will travel with the tour along with a special "Soul2Soul" 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. While still in development, the next phases of the partnership will include online activities, special events and product placement.

About the Jeep brand

The Jeep brand's 66-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2007, the Jeep brand delivers on its promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive vehicles with seven vehicles that will "go anywhere and do anything," including the all-new Jeep Patriot, Compass, Liberty, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Commander.

Posted by Frank at 8:02 AM

Honda's Next–Generation Clean Diesel Engine

On display on the Honda stand in Geneva is an example of the company's recently announced, next-generation diesel engine that uses world-first technology to reduce emissions to a level equal to that of a petrol engine.

Its revolutionary catalytic converter achieves a reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) sufficient to meet the stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 emissions requirements.

The catalytic converter uses an innovative system that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to 'detoxify' NOx by turning them into harmless nitrogen. However, unlike Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems that use urea injection supplied from a storage tank, Honda's innovative technology uses ammonia generated directly within the catalytic converter.

It features a two-layer structure: one layer adsorbs NOx from the exhaust gas which, during periodic rich burn controlled by the engine management system, reacts with hydrogen obtained from the exhaust gas to produce ammonia; the latter is then adsorbed by the second layer. During lean burn operation, the ammonia is used to convert the remaining NOx in the exhaust, since ammonia is a highly effective reagent for reducing NOx into nitrogen in oxygen-rich, lean-burn atmospheres. The system also provides enhanced NOx reduction efficiency in the most critical temperature range of 200-300°C for diesel engine exhaust gas systems.

Petrol engines presently employ three-way catalytic converters that offer NOx reduction rates as high as 99 per cent, but this performance is possible only at the stoichiometric air fuel ratio. In the oxygen-rich environment of a lean-burn diesel engine, three-way catalytic converters only reduce NOx levels by approximately 10 per cent. Honda's new technology efficiently reduces NOx in a lean-burn atmosphere, enabling diesel engines to rival gasoline engines in cleanliness. The compact system is also easy to install in passenger vehicles. Installation is downstream of the standard diesel oxidation catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Alongside its development of exhaust gas cleaning technology, Honda also plans to address other technical challenges in developing clean diesel engines, such as handling diesel fuels with different cetane numbers (a problem in some markets) and meeting US On-Board Diagnostic System requirements.

Honda plans to introduce its next-generation diesel engine within the next three years.

Posted by Frank at 7:59 AM

17-Year-Old Actress Becomes World's Youngest Fuel Cell Vehicle Customer

Q'orianka Kilcher Becomes the Youngest Customer to Lease Honda's FCX Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

LOS ANGELES -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that it will further advance its real world fuel cell vehicle program by handing the keys to its next retail customer, 17-year-old Q'orianka Kilcher, who earned praise as the young star of the 2005 film "The New World."

As the ultimate expression of Honda's technological and environmental leadership, the zero-emissions Honda FCX is not simply a car of the future, but a real world vehicle on the road today that has met all applicable federal safety standards. A hydrogen-powered vehicle with zero emissions, the FCX represents one of the most important transportation solutions and the ultimate in clean mobility for the future.

"The best way to demonstrate the importance of next generation vehicles like the Honda FCX is to put the next generation of drivers behind the wheel," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Q'orianka Kilcher will be driving around Hollywood in the ultimate environmental status symbol, literally and figuratively driving the change toward a hydrogen future."

"As a young person today, I feel it is important to take initiative toward seeking positive solutions and stepping up the quest toward clean energy and environmental preservation," said Q'orianka Kilcher. "When I first started pursuing my dream of a zero emissions vehicle as my first car, it seemed like a pretty unrealistic dream. With Honda's innovation and support, my dream of helping the environment became a reality!"

Honda's advanced fuel cell technology program has been proven and tested through a successful fleet sales partnership over the last five years, including nearly two years with the Spallino family, the world's first fuel cell family. Honda has learned extensively from these experiences and plans to use these experiences toward the ultimate goal of achieving the mass market commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.

The FCX is powered by Honda's originally developed fuel cell stack (Honda FC Stack) with the breakthrough capability to start and operate in freezing temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, along with increased performance, range and fuel efficiency compared with earlier models.

The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX is the only fuel cell vehicle certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and U.S. EPA for everyday commercial use. CARB and EPA have also certified the FCX as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and the EPA has confirmed a range of 210 miles. With seating for four people, the FCX is practical for a wide range of real-world applications, placing over 20 vehicles on the road in the hands of customers, including the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chula Vista, Las Vegas, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the State of New York. Additionally, the Honda FCX is the only fuel cell vehicle fully certified to meet the applicable federal government crash safety standards. Honda undertook fuel cell research in 1989 and has been road testing vehicles in the United States since 1999. Honda has also been a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership based in Sacramento, California, since 1999.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Posted by Frank at 7:57 AM

Knowles Family Receives Award for Economic Empowerment at the Houston Hip-Hop Financial Summit

The 2007 National 'Get Your Money Right Tour' Kicked Off with Russell Simmons, Monica, LeToya Luckett, Solange Knowles, Chingo Bling, Slim Thug, Belly, Short Dawg, Mathew Knowles, Bun-B, Bryan-Michael Cox, Free and Dr. Benjamin Chavis

HOUSTON -- The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), along with title sponsor Chrysler Financial and presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch, Inc welcomed a capacity crowd of more than 2,700 people to kick off the third annual Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment National Tour at Houston's Texas Southern University. The "Get Your Money Right" tour features the powerful combination of hip-hop stars and Chrysler Financial financing experts to teach young people about personal finance.

The Houston tour stop included HSAN Co-Chairmen Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, R&B/pop stars Monica, LeToya Luckett, Solange Knowles, Lady Lux and "My Grammy Moment" winner Robyn Troup; hip-hop stars Chingo Bling, Slim Thug, Belly and Short Dawg; entrepreneurs Mathew Knowles, Bun-B, super producer Bryan-Michael Cox, Congressman Al Green (D-TX) and Chrysler Financial's Stephen Starks, Director -- Southeast Business Center. Hip-hop television personality, Free, co-moderated the Summit with Dr. Chavis.

The "Get Your Money Right" agenda features an interactive panel discussion on such topics as the basics of banking, repairing and understanding credit scores, asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership, and utilizes the "Get Your Money Right" workbook, produced and distributed by HSAN, in both English and Spanish. The workbook is free and is also downloadable at www.hsan.org.

Russell Simmons declared, "Be courageous enough to invest in yourselves! We are born into a cycle of giving, and I find when I get up every morning and think about what I can give, I'm happier and the giving comes around to getting. If you believe in yourself and do the work, it's impossible not to succeed."

Solange Knowles emphasized, "Whatever you do in life, finance and career, make sure it's based on happiness. Always think about the end result, which is loving what you do."

One of the highlights of the Houston Hip-Hip Summit, the Knowles Family and Music World Entertainment were presented with the inaugural Global Achievement Award for Economic Empowerment for the work founders Mathew and Tina Knowles and the company have done around the careers of its artists, including Destiny's Child, Beyonce and Michelle Williams, among others. In words of advice to the audience, Mathew Knowles emphasized, "Hang in there. The one thing youth needs is passion. If you have your dream, never give up on it. Tough times pass, but tough people last!"

The Houston Summit weekend began with a "Get Your Money Right" high school financial workshop for juniors and seniors at Jack Yates High School. Keiyana Wilson, the Yates student who received the "Get Your Money Right" workbook signed by special celebrity guest Free, was given the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the Houston Hip-Hop Summit the next day.

The 2007 "Get Your Money Right" tour will make six more stops including Detroit, Mich., April 14; Toronto, Ontario in August; Greensboro, N.C., September 8; Washington, D.C., September 29; Miami, Fla., October 20; and Atlanta, Ga., November 3.

Community partners included the Texas Southern University and TSU Student Organizations, the Houston Urban League, Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Houston NAACP and the Houston HSAN Youth Council.

Source: Chrysler Financial

Posted by Frank at 7:56 AM

The all-new Volvo XC70 - ongoing capable success in a refined package

* Ongoing "crossover" success, More luxury and added capability

* Target 40,000 cars per year

* U.S. the largest market, Sales start in August 2007

When the first XC model from Volvo Cars took to the roads in 1996, it was not only an immediate sales success; it also carved out an entirely new Cross Country segment. Now the third generation of the Volvo XC70 steps into the spotlight at the Geneva Motor Show. With its original recipe intact - but now with added luxury and in an even more capable package than ever.

At its debut just over ten years ago, Volvo Cars expected XC sales of 15,000 cars. That became 17,500 when American buyers, above all, discovered that they could have everything that an SUV could do, but in a true premium car with a distinct Volvo feel. The term "crossover" was born.

The Volvo XC70 has retained its power of attraction ever since and the current generation reached sales of around 40,000 in its best year. "We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have refined it continuously. The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. What is more, our design team has given the car a more elegant, more luxurious look," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Perfect for an active lifestyle

The all-new Volvo XC70 is equally at home outside that favourite downtown bistro or the opera house as it is on rough forest tracks, out in the wilderness or halfway up a mountain.

With an elevated feel in the comfortable, luxurious interior, the estate car's functional versatility and the XC model's All Wheel Drive and capacity, the all-new XC70 is the perfect tool for thrilling activities.

Many lifestyle cars are largely about perception and image. However, a large proportion of today's and tomorrow's XC70 owners choose their car because they intend to fully exploit its capabilities. "The XC70 has primarily been created to get you to the end of the road. But it has also shown its ability to take you further if you want to and dare to. A couple of years ago, we organised a test-drive in Mexico on Baja California's worst roads, as close to off-road as you could get. Even the most hardened adventurers were impressed by what the XC70 could handle," recalls Fredrik Arp.

The all-new XC70 flexes its muscles still further. The model is available with a six-cylinder petrol or five-cylinder turbodiesel engine. In the new model, the electronically controlled all wheel drive from Haldex of Sweden can be supplemented with the Four-C active chassis with three driving settings. Features such as Hill Descent Control and ventilated seats also contribute to a comfortable driving experience.

An American love affair

The XC70 will continue to be mainly a North American love affair. Alm ost half of the total annual volume of about 40,000 cars will be shipped over to North America, where the USA is naturally the largest single market.

However, the crossover model is also on the upswing in Europe, which will account for about 40 percent of total sales. Here it is Sweden that is the largest single market, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany.

The all-new XC70 will be unveiled together with the all-new V70 at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Sales will get under way at the end of August, starting in Scandinavia. Other markets will follow gradually during the rest of 2007.

Introduced in China too

Volvo is also planning to introduce the all-new XC70 in China, which is quickly expected to reach third place in the model's sales statistics. "There is a considerable appetite for cars with pronounced attitude on the fast-growing Chinese market. The Volvo XC90 is already very popular and we are convinced the all-new XC70 will play a significant role in our plans for continued fast sales growth in China," says Fredrik Arp, and adds: "Our successful XC range will soon be expanded with the new XC60. With three exciting XC models, we will cover even more of the growing number of car buyers who want the very best of two worlds - capable muscles and luxurious, comfortable passenger-car comfort. And it all began with the XC70, which has now become even more attractive than before."

Posted by Frank at 7:56 AM

AISI Selects Pontiac Solstice for its Inaugural Great Designs in Steel Automotive Excellence Award

DETROIT -- The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) announced today that it has selected the product engineering and manufacturing team of the Pontiac Solstice for its inaugural Great Designs in Steel Automotive Excellence Award for the innovative and cost-effective use of advanced high-strength steels.

The award recognizes individuals or teams from automaker, supplier and academic ranks who embrace innovation and make significant contributions to the advancement of steel in the automotive marketplace.

"The Pontiac Solstice redefines shape and styling with a crisp, sleek design that offers both outstanding appearance and engineering performance at a reasonable price," said Brian Aranha, vice president of Dofasco, Inc. and chairman of AISI's Automotive Applications Committee. "The fact that General Motors Corporation utilized advanced high-strength steels for a stylish, affordable, low-volume vehicle, clearly demonstrates how recent advances in material and processing technology enable steel to offer significant advantages in structural efficiency, quality and cost for new vehicle designs."

Award candidates were limited to presenters from AISI's Great Designs in Steel Seminar in 2006 and were rated in several categories, including implementation in production, overall contribution to the advancement of steel, challenges and benefits associated with cost and weight savings and performance, replacement of competitive material, and structure performance and efficiency. The Pontiac Solstice presentation was given by Warren Parsons and David Friddell of the General Motors Product and Manufacturing Engineering Operations Group.

According to AISI, new advanced high-strength steels offer significant weight savings and improved crash resistance. The Solstice uses several new steels and processing technologies, including sheet-hydroforming of outer body panels, to achieve class A surface quality and an eye-catching design at a lower cost than other materials. The Solstice roadster is the first vehicle to incorporate dual-phase steel -- a predominant advanced high-strength steel grade -- into its hydroformed structure, consisting of dual-phase 600 grade tubes. The vehicle's hydroformed tubular rails form the underbody structure extending from the front to the rear bumper and provide an efficient way of improving structural performance and stiffness. The hydroformed rails also significantly reduce the weight of the vehicle without incurring cost penalties.

The Saturn Sky and Opel GT, which share the underlying structure with the Solstice, also incorporate extensive use of advanced steels in their designs.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 32 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 125 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent approximately 75 percent of both U.S. and North American steel capacity.

The Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) is a subcommittee of the Market Development Committee of AISI and focuses on advancing the use of steel in the highly competitive automotive market. With offices and staff located in Detroit, cooperation between the automobile and steel industries has been key to its success. This industry cooperation resulted in the formation of the Auto/Steel Partnership, a consortium of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation and the member companies of the AAC. For more news or information, view the American Iron and Steel Institute/Automotive Applications Committee's website at www.autosteel.org. American Iron and Steel Institute/Automotive Applications Committee members include AK Steel Corporation, Dofasco Inc., Mittal Steel USA, Nucor Corporation, Severstal North America Inc., and United States Steel Corporation.

Source: The American Iron and Steel Institute

Posted by Frank at 7:52 AM

Carmakers Offer 'Live' Chat To Online Shoppers

WHEN SATURN WANTED TO GIVE online shoppers an assist last year, it added a feature to its consumer Web site that went beyond videos, animated graphics, pop-ups or other eye candy. It launched a program, "24/7 Chat," that lets consumers communicate anonymously with a Saturn rep. And Ford is using a chat program on its Lincoln Web site for the Lincoln Mkz sedan.

Now, Dodge is launching its own online chat program to engage site visitors in real-time conversations while they configure vehicles or browse.

The effort initially supports the Nitro vehicle, although the company has been running a pilot program for the service since last year.

Dodge gets 5 million visitors per month on its site, according to James Kenyon, a Chrysler Group representative. Since Dodge launched the pilot program, begun as a way to support the launch of Dodge Caliber and Ram, in the fourth quarter last year, the company has hosted about 1,500 chats per month. Kenyon says the chat function will launch on the microsite for the new Dodge Avenger "within the next few weeks."

Posted by Frank at 7:48 AM

Russel Automotive Announces Opening of Their New 34,000 Square Foot Toyota Showroom

ENDICOTT CITY -- The Russel Automotive Group, a privately held automotive company that currently owns and operates five car dealerships and seven manufacturer brands, in Baltimore, MD, announced today the launch of their new web site, and finalized the date for the Grand opening of their new 34,000 square foot Toyota showroom!

Russel's creed is simple. "We're changing the way you buy cars; one family at a time", states Melanie Russel, of Russel BMW. "We realize the needs of our customers, particularly their needs for convenience, selection, shopping alternatives and personalized service."

"In launching our new website (http://www.rcars.com/), consumers will have all their automotive shopping needs satisfied," states Andy Seidenman, the dealership's Marketing director. "Russel Automotive anticipates tremendous success with our new system. In addition to the ability to provide customers ease of navigation on our site, we will now have the ability to manage, market and sell our vehicle inventory faster than ever before."

Additionally, the system will include a way consumers can begin their price negotiation without physically coming to the dealership. "We need to make it easy for consumers," further explains Seidenman. "We will provide a way for consumers to save time and energy by initiating an offer electronically with us while simultaneously protecting their identity until they are ready to complete the transaction. In our partnership with the XI Group and Auto Bid Systems, we will be moving beyond our traditional way of doing business and creating a unique advertising and e-Commerce environment that assists us in finding customers, and helps them to complete their transaction before the buyer ever enters the showroom -- all by using our inventory and leveraging our web site. Customers are invited to our web site, to negotiate and lock in their deal on any vehicle we have in our inventory. We believe this new service offering can provide the customer real value, and improve many inefficiencies."

Wade Sterry, General Manager of Russel Toyota is convinced their customers will enjoy an entirely new shopping experience. "We are encouraged about our new beginning, and our history of providing the highest level of service will not waver. I am openly inviting everyone to shop us. You will be glad you did!"

About Russel Automotive Group

Russel Automotive is a privately held company that currently owns and operates five car dealerships offering seven manufacturer brands, in Baltimore, MD.

The Grand Opening of the new 34,000 square foot Toyota is scheduled for March 5, 2007.

Auto Bid Systems, Inc. owns and operates myLIVEoffer.com(TM), the first customizable Internet Advertising and eCommerce solution that allows Auto Dealers to present a specific car or group of cars anywhere that Internet buyers congregate. On the Dealer's web site, to search engines, via banner ads and CRM newsletters, myLIVEoffer.com(TM) gives car shoppers an anonymous, time and cost effective negotiation experience, which benefits the Dealer through lower advertising and transaction costs and a more satisfied customer. myLIVEoffer.com(TM) integrates with the dealership's DMS, allowing Dealers to easily control vehicle pricing, pictures and vehicle information details. Once the vehicles have been selected for Internet presentation and priced, the ads created by the Dealer enable buyers to bid, lock-in the purchase price of the vehicle they want before visiting the Dealer showroom to finalize their purchase.

Source: Russel Automotive Group

Posted by Frank at 7:46 AM

America's best car company

Two Tinny sedans left the port of Yokohama in August 1957, bound for California - the first exports from Toyota. The four-door clunkers flopped. The car, which looked like a brick with a roof on top, was prone to overheating and vibrated at speeds of more than 60 miles per hour. By late 1960, Toyota realized it had made a mistake and pulled the Toyopet Crown off the market.

A less determined company might never have returned after this humiliation. But Toyota (Charts) came back a few years later with a better car and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The world's most profitable automaker - and soon to be its biggest - now has a 15% market share in the U.S., where it sold 2.5 million cars and trucks last year. Because Toyota is already bigger than Chrysler in the U.S. and is about to pass Ford, Automotive News, the industry bible, has retired the "Big Three" moniker; GM, Ford, and Chrysler will henceforth be known as the Detroit Three.

Toyota's presence in the U.S. is now so routine that the 3,322 business leaders Fortune surveyed named Toyota one of America's Most Admired Companies for the second year in a row - boosting it to third place overall, behind two American perennials, General Electric and Starbucks. Toyota has returned the compliment, making an entrance into that most American of sports - we're talking NASCAR - and introducing a full-sized, Texas-built pickup truck, the Tundra.

As the story of the tarnished Crown hints, nothing was inevitable about Toyota's success. It has managed to survive discriminatory taxes, import restraints, and the occasional xenophobic hissy fit - U.S. workers taking sledgehammers to imported cars - to become something of a model citizen.

Posted by Frank at 7:43 AM

DaimlerChrysler Launches Lease Service for Small Business Owners

- CompleteLease addresses the needs of entrepreneurs who constantly strive to add value to their businesses and to improve customer service

- 'You handle your business, we'll handle the rest'

INDIANAPOLIS-- DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas today announced its entry into the trucking industry's full service leasing market. Its comprehensive Sterling Trucks CompleteLease and Chrysler Financial CompleteLease initiatives are aimed at small business owners in the vocational segment.

CompleteLease was announced to the news media here covering the National Truck Equipment Association's (NTEA) "Work Truck Show" at the RCA Dome.

CompleteLease offers the convenience of a single-source transportation package for busy entrepreneurs. It features sturdy, durable vehicles and includes tailored financing, like an operating lease, maintenance, repair and other value added time-saving options such as titling, registration, compliance services and a fuel card.

The announcement followed the product introductions here of the all-new Sterling Bullet and Dodge Sprinter Chassis Cab. CompleteLease will support these vehicles as well as the rest of the Sterling Trucks and Chrysler Group lineup. DaimlerChrysler is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world and DaimlerChrysler Financial Services is one of the largest financial services companies in the world.

"Based on the depth of our experience in both the commercial vehicle industry and the financial services industry, our customers and dealers have been asking us to develop a full service leasing package," said Geoff Robinson, Director Sales, DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial. "Our primary target market is the commercial vehicle customer with a small to mid-size fleet of fewer than 100 vehicles in the vocational segment."

CompleteLease is designed for customers whose core business focus is in areas such as the food service and beverage sector, furniture stores, fuel distribution, plumbing supply, landscaping and contracting.

Robinson said DaimlerChrysler recognizes the opportunity to reach out to small business owners utilizing medium to heavy duty trucks as well those in the light to mid-range truck classes.

"Our research shows there is an appetite for full service leasing in the United States which led us to develop and introduce an all-new full service leasing initiative supported by the depth and scope of DaimlerChrysler," Robinson continued. "All of that is framed by the needs of our dealers and those entrepreneurs who are running small businesses."

Currently, CompleteLease is being offered by a select number of Sterling Trucks dealers and Chrysler Group BusinessLink dealers. Expanding the number of dealers during the ramp-up phase, the program will be offered by most Sterling Trucks and Chrysler Group BusinessLink dealers by 2009.

"We provide a wide range of vehicle choices with one monthly payment that covers vehicle acquisition, tailored financing, fleet management, maintenance support and hassle-free disposal at the end of the term," Robinson said. "Essentially, we're saying to small business owners, 'You handle your business and we'll handle the rest.'"

About DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC

DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC provides brand-specific financing for automotive dealers' inventories and their retail consumers, and conducts business as Chrysler Financial and Mercedes-Benz Financial. As DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial, it also finances commercial vehicles for affiliate products such as Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star. The company serves as the headquarters for operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, and has approximately 5,600 employees who manage a portfolio of more than $106 billion with nearly five million contracts. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC is a company of the DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, which operates in more than 40 countries with an employee base of close to 11,000 and a global portfolio of approximately $149 billion. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services is one of the leading financial services organizations worldwide.

About Sterling Truck Corporation

Sterling Truck Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles to customers in a wide range of applications. As the only truck OEM in the industry to offer a full line of Class 3-8 commercial vehicles, Sterling trucks are used for everything from freight distribution to heavy vocational applications and are distinguished by outstanding dependability, performance, and customization. Sterling is a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC. Freightliner LLC produces and markets Class 3-8 vehicles and is part of DaimlerChrysler's Truck Group, the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. For more information, visit www.SterlingTrucks.com. For more information on Sterling CompleteLease please visit www.sterlingtruckscompletelease.com

About Dodge Commercial Vehicles

As part of DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Dodge continues to increase the breadth of its commercial products and offers a comprehensive array of vehicles and services designed with business customers in mind. Led by the recently introduced all-new Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs, and the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab -- the Class 3 segment's most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work truck, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan cargo vans complement a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models - utilized for a host of flat- bed, utility and service body applications - and the class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.dodge.com/commercial.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Financial Services

Posted by Frank at 7:40 AM

Jeff Burton Blog on the Wireless Racing Portal

Burton Gives Exclusive Insights on Topics on and off the Track

SAN ANTONIO -- One of motorsports' most talented drivers and insightful interviews is now sharing his views on this year's season in a new blog available only through the MEdia Net Racing Portal from the wireless unit of AT&T Inc.

Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet and 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, is launching the Burton Blog, a unique perspective on a variety of issues as varied as candid reviews of his race performances and light-hearted commentary on pop culture. Cingular, now AT&T, is making the unique content available to its more than 61 million customers exclusively on its MEdia Net Racing Portal.

Continuing through the end of the Cup season in November, new Burton Blog entries will be posted several times a week in the "Cingular Exclusives" section of the MEdia Net Racing Portal.

The Burton Blog will include race previews and recaps, a mailbag segment where Burton answers questions submitted by fans via text messaging; and "5 Spot," a top-five list compiled by Burton related to both on- and off-track topics, including his opinion on his favorite tracks and favorite musicians and movies.

Fans can participate in the Burton Blog mailbag by submitting a text message with a question to "JB31" (5-2-3-1). Burton will answer select questions throughout the season.

Other content available on the Racing Portal includes Jayski.com text alerts of news and in-race results, NASCAR.com To Go and racing-themed ringtones and wallpapers. Fans with 3G capable handsets can view weekly exclusive video insight on Burton and the No. 31 Chevrolet. Cingular video features pre- and post-race video analysis from Burton and team Cingular members, filmed on location at the Richard Childress Racing team shop.

Customers can access the Racing Portal and the Burton Blog on their wireless handset by launching the MEdia Net option and then visiting the main Sports home page.

Customers can access the Burton race reviews and previews on their 3G handsets by launching Cingular Video and visiting the Richard Childress Racing option on the main Sports page of MEdia(TM) Net. Standard MEdia(TM) Net data- usage charges and text-message charges apply.

About Jeff Burton
-- Finished third in the season-opening Daytona 500 and has two Top 5
finishes in 2007.
-- Ranks second in point standings in 2007.
-- 18 career victories.
-- Finished in the top-10 in the Cup point standings in 1997 - 2001 and
2006.
-- 1994 NASCAR Cup Rookie-of-the-Year.

Source: Cingular Wireless, now part of the new AT&T

Posted by Frank at 7:38 AM

March 7, 2007

Public Invited to Preview Nextel Cup Race Car at 'Autorama' at Detroit's' Cobo Center

DETROIT -- The public is invited to stop by AAA Michigan's Motorsports display at the Detroit Autorama at Cobo Center Friday through Sunday (March 9-11).

AAA will have the new #6 AAA Ford NEXTEL Cup race car on display, and fans will have the opportunity to race in the #6 AAA simulator in a virtual experience of roaring around Daytona International Speedway at more than 180 mph.

Everyone winning their race in the simulator will receive a certificate noting the speed they attained. The top speed in AAA's simulator will win a 1/24 die-cast model of the #6 AAA Ford.

Additionally, those stopping by the AAA Motorsports display can enter to win two tickets to the Michigan International Speedway June 17 NEXTEL Cup Race.

The public is welcome to stop by and pick up a "hero" card of David Ragan, the new full-time driver of the Roush Fenway Racing flagship #6 AAA Ford Fusion in 2007. Ragan, 21, began racing at age 11 in the Bandolero Series. He will compete for the title of Rookie of the Year in the NEXTEL Cup Series this year. AAA has partnered with Roush Fenway Racing to serve as the primary sponsor of the #6 AAA Ford Fusion.

AAA Michigan offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in Michigan. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 49 million members in the United States and Canada.

Source: AAA Michigan

Posted by Frank at 4:34 PM

DaimlerChrysler Partners with Actor Terrence Howard

DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Grants $38,000 to Settlement Music School in the Name of Actor Terrence Howard

Donation will benefit the nationally-recognized Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts Enrichment Program

PHILADELPHIA -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund announces its plan to once again join forces with Academy Award-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to donate a $38,000 grant to Settlement Music School to help fund their Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts Enrichment Program.

Howard, a long time musician, collaborated with DaimlerChrysler -- a huge supporter of the arts and youth initiatives -- to reach youth who often miss the opportunity to study arts through inner-city school programs. The announcement was made today by Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills), Chrysler Group at Settlement Music School's 'Mary Louise Curtis Branch' in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The donation to Settlement Music School's Kaleidoscope program resulted from a 2006 charitable project where Howard and one of Chrysler Group's lead designers, Ralph Gilles, customized a 2006 Jeep(R) Commander. The proceeds of the vehicle went to fund a minority automotive design scholarship at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. Additionally, Fountain and Howard agreed to establish another scholarship to fund an arts program in Pennsylvania, where Howard resides, to provide other opportunities to reach and encourage youth.

"This grant in the name of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and Terrence Howard reflects our commitment and understanding of how the arts empower our young people to develop and succeed despite any challenging circumstances," said Frank Fountain. "Settlement Music School, which will celebrate 100 years in 2008, has a history of enriching young minds and changing lives so DaimlerChrysler celebrates being a part of this legacy."

Settlement Music School has been a cornerstone for kids studying the arts in Pennsylvania for nearly 100 years. Specifically, its Kaleidoscope Pre- School Arts Enrichment Program is a nationally recognized model that uses the arts to prepare low-income, inner city pre-school students for academic success.

Kaleidoscope is among the 5% of early childhood programs in the United States to meet the rigorous standards for accreditation by the National Association for Education of Young Children. "My guitar is a solace and inspiration," said Howard. "Kids today need to know and appreciate music and the arts because it sparks an inner cord that can transform our children in so many ways. So, I see today as an opportunity to partner with DaimlerChrysler, Settlement Music School and the children of this great State to support a music genre that inspires our youth to greatness."

"We are delighted that DaimlerChrysler and Mr. Howard have chosen to recognize Settlement Music School's Kaleidoscope pre-school program with this generous contribution. Several studies have shown that Kaleidoscope is uniquely successful in developing school readiness skills in children and giving them an important introductory experience in music, dance and art" said Robert Capanna, Executive Director of Settlement Music School.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Posted by Frank at 4:29 PM

Goodyear Advances on 'Fortune' List of Most Admired Companies

AKRON, Ohio -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:GT) , North America's leading tiremaker, has been recognized as one of the most admired companies in America by Fortune magazine.

Goodyear was the highest-ranked tire company and ranked No. 2 overall in Fortune's America's Most Admired Companies' Motor Vehicle Parts category. In 2006, Goodyear was ranked fifth among Motor Vehicle Parts companies.

"This recognition, and the steady improvement in our ranking, is a demonstration of the outstanding work Goodyear associates have done the past four years to drive dramatic change and rebuild our company," said Robert J. Keegan, chairman and chief executive officer. "It validates our efforts in all aspects of performance and is particularly gratifying as it represents recognition from our peers."

Started in 1983, the Fortune Most Admired list is considered "the definitive report card on corporate reputations." It uses a rigorous assessment of more than 3,000 executives, board directors and securities analysts to determine a company's overall reputation, including measurements of innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment and quality of products and services.

Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Posted by Frank at 4:28 PM

Porsche to Open Ad Agency Review

Creative Incumbent Carmichael Lynch Invited to Pitch

DETROIT -- Porsche Cars North America is readying a review of its creative and media accounts and may bundle the two, according to the auotmaker's VP-marketing, David Pryor. He said he expects to pick a consultant to help with the agency search in the next two weeks and that the entire review will be completed by the end of July.

Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis, which won the carmaker's creative account in early 1999 after a review, has been invited to defend, said Mr. Pryor, who was promoted to his current post last December. He declined comment on whether media incumbent Kastner & Partners, Los Angeles, was invited. "We will discuss the inclusion of our other partners with our consultant."

He said Porsche is "very happy" with Carmichael Lynch's work and the upcoming review doesn't represent any dissatisfaction with the agency. "However, we feel that in the spirit of continuous improvement that is part of everything we do here at Porsche, we had the responsibility to see how the market has changed since our last review cycle."

Posted by Frank at 4:25 PM

GM Focusing on Design at 2007 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Detroit – Hundreds of elegant and extraordinary vehicles will be on display March 9 - 11 at the 2007 Amelia Island, Fla., Concours d’Elegance. GM Global Vice President of Design Ed Welburn will be on hand as an event judge and will continue emphasizing GM’s design renaissance.

“As one of only three Concours events in the country, this is a design experience like no other, and we are glad to be showcasing GM designs spanning the years,” said Welburn. “The historically significant cars and trucks at the Concours continue to be an inspiration to me and to other designers around the world.”

GM is displaying six concept vehicles at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in support of the event theme (Great Road Races) and the event organizer’s request for Corvair Concept cars:

* 1954 Cadillac Carrera Panamericana
* 1962 Corvair SuperSpyder Concept Car
* 1963 Corvair Monza SS Concept Car
* 1963 Corvair Monza GT Concept Car
* 1967 Corvair Astro I Concept Car
* 1969 Bill Mitchell Corvair

The rebuilt 1954 Cadillac Carrera Panamericana is being driven from North Carolina to the event by select media guests. The Saturn Aura, the North American Car of the Year, will be on display as will the Cadillac CTS-V Race Car.

The CTS-V, built in 2003, represents Cadillac's 21st century renaissance and return to American road racing. Team Cadillac began competing in SPEED World Challenge GT racing in 2004, and continues to this day. The CTS-V Race Car is 60 percent common to the CTS-V that Cadillac began selling to sports sedan enthusiasts in 2004, as a dramatic demonstration of the brand's revamped design and performance.

Additionally, GM is sponsoring Saturday’s Great Road Racing Seminar which celebrates the World’s “Great Road Races,” including the Targa Florio, Panamericana and the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. The event will feature drivers like Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees MBE and John Fitch, and the cars that ran in these thrilling and dangerous competitions.

Vehicle Descriptions

1954 Cadillac Carrera Panamericana
When Keith Andrews and Blu Plemons entered a 1954 Cadillac Series 62 coupe “borrowed” from a car dealer in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana (the Mexican Road Race), the independent racers faced enormous odds against the top factory-backed teams of the era.

Andrews and Plemons not only finished third in class and 11th overall in the grueling race – the sixth round of the 1954 FIA World Sports Car Championship – their Cadillac outran every other stock car on the final two high-speed stages of the eight-stage event. They completed the 1,907-mile race in less than 21 hours, averaging more than 115 miles per hour over the final 410 miles.

To celebrate the accomplishment, General Motors Performance Division

re-created the car with “frame-on” restoration of a vintage car discovered in GM’s vehicle inventory matching the original racer’s specs…even in color.

Updates were made to enhance vehicle and occupant safety, but the original design intent was maintained. “Their performance in 1954 was consistent with Cadillac’s DNA,” said Kevin Smith, Cadillac’s Communications manager. “This edition of that unforgettable car brings that fact to V8-powered life.”

The re-creation will be Cadillac’s featured vehicle at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The 1954 Cadillac will not arrive on a trailer like most concours vehicles, but is being driven from North Carolina to Amelia Island by several automotive journalists. It will be displayed complete with highway dirt and grime, re-creating its appearance at the finish line of the 1954 Carrera Panamericana.

1962 Corvair SuperSpyder Concept Car
The Chevrolet Corvair, introduced in 1960, presented very accommodating platform for designers to use to stretch their imaginations.

The platform, with its rear-mounted, horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine and transaxle combined with a four-wheel independent suspension system would provide the basis for four remarkable concept cars from the GM Design Studios, then under the direction of Bill Mitchell.

The earliest of the Corvair concepts shown at Amelia Island is the 1962 XP 785 Super Spyder. Built on a 1961 Corvair platform with its wheelbase shortened 15 inches, the Super Spyder had some of the original car’s appearance when viewed from the front…but it was a different story when viewed in profile.

In this pose, the close-coupled two-seater with its racing-inspired windscreen, extended fibreglass tonneau cover featuring a head rest that tapered into the engine cover and three chrome exhaust pipes exiting behind both rear wheels took on a look distinctly its own.

1963 Corvair Monza SS Concept Car
The 1963 Corvair Monza SS concept car was one of two Corvair Concepts to make their public debut at the 1963 New York Auto Show. Created in the GM Design studio under Bill Mitchell’s direction, this stunning SS roadster and the equally remarkable Monza GT coupe were showstoppers.

Like the GT, the SS was based on a shortened Corvair platform. But, unlike the GT, the engine was left in its stock location behind the transaxle. With a wheelbase of just 88 inches, the rear-mounted engine helped give this short wheelbase roadster a comfortable cockpit featuring fixed seats with adjustable pedals and the added benefit of a small luggage compartment.

When viewed today, with its 4-wheel disc brakes and magnesium wheels complimenting the Weber-carburetored air-cooled flat six, the 1963 Monza SS is a clearly a concept that demonstrates how heritage can influence the shape of the future.

1963 Corvair Monza GT Concept Car
An important part of GM Design history is represented by the Corvair Monza GT. Riding on a wheelbase 16 inches shorter than a standard Corvair, the Monza GT’s rear-engine was rotated 180° from its standard position to create a true mid-engine car.

With doors that opened forward like a canopy from the base of the windshield to the “B” pillars and a rear-opening engine cover, the low (42 inch) GT coupe established new benchmarks for contemporary design.

Powered by a turbocharged, 145 cubic inch, horizontally-opposed, aluminum six-cylinder engine, the GT delivered “go” that backed-up its “show.”

First presented to the public at the 1963 New York Auto Show, the Monza GT occupies a special place in concept car history.

1967 Corvair Astro I Concept Car
If the shape of the 1967 Corvair Astro I looks futuristic today, imagine the impact at its debut at the New York Auto Show forty years ago. Designed to investigate the “visual potential of automobile aerodynamic characteristics,” the Astro I dramatically demonstrated the harmony that could be achieved between aesthetics and aerodynamics.

To achieve the aero goals, a very small frontal area, extremely low roof line and a relatively high back were required. These design parameters led GM Design to the Corvair platform with its air-cooled rear-mounted engine and the absence of a space consuming radiator.

The Astro I’s body is fiberglass and the sleek bubble on the roof contains an intricate mirror system to provide the driver with unobstructed rearward vision. Riding on a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension, the Astro I utilized compact centrifugal blowers to cool the engine while keeping drag-inducing body openings to a minimum.

1969 Bill Mitchell Corvair
This vehicle is one of the last few Corvairs to roll off the line in 1969. It began life as a 1969 Corvair Monza, which came standard with a higher level of standard equipment than base models. It was a personal favorite of Bill Mitchell. He had the car painted a custom orange/pearl color, and added Dayton wire wheels with white wall tires. In typical Bill Mitchell fashion, he had a performance package added under the hood. The car has never been restored and is in its original condition with only 2,688 miles, just the way Bill left it.

Posted by Frank at 3:31 PM

First Race for the 2007 Audi R10 TDI

MUNICH, Germany - The 2007 Audi R10 TDI, which was unveiled to the world’s public on Monday evening in Munich, contests its first race on Saturday (17 March) at Sebring (USA). The 12-hour race in "Sunshine State” Florida is the opening race and one of the highlights of the American Le Mans Series, and also dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24 Hours for Audi Sport’s team.

It is not only the new design that distinguishes the further developed Audi R10 TDI from its successful predecessor that started its winning streak exactly one year ago and remains unbeaten since then. To ensure that it remains the car to beat in 2007, innumerable details were optimized on the LM P1 Prototype.

The Audi R10 TDI will certainly not have things all its own way its second year of competition. The 150 kilogram lighter LM P2 cars are allowed to race in the American Le Mans Series with more engine power than at Le Mans. At the same time, diesel powered cars must manage with a nine-liter smaller fuel tank in the future – as stipulated by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest (ACO) regulations.

Reducing the fuel-cell volume from 90 to 81 liters – realized by mounting a partition in the tank – was not the only modification made to the latest R10 TDI model by Audi Sport over the winter. The complex electronic system associated with the V12 TDI engine was optimized together with partner Bosch. The majority of the other modification targeted an improvement in efficiency, consumption, durability and drivability. The maximum power is unchanged at around 650 hp, but the power curve was noticeably improved.

The R10 TDI carbon-fiber monocoque is identical to last year’s design. Minor aerodynamic modifications, which are only visible to the trained eye, were made to the exterior surfaces.

The friction and weight levels of the entire powertrain were reduced. The two diesel particle filters are also now smaller and lighter. Tyre partner Michelin supplied new compounds and constructions to improve the balance between front and rear axles. The R10 TDI suspension and dampers were also refined.

The further developed R10 TDI completed the first tests in November 2006. Audi Sport tested at Sebring in February where the "new one” made a good impression.

Experienced drivers at the wheel of the two Audi R10 TDI cars

Taking turns at the wheel of the two cars at Sebring and Le Mans are the six drivers who were also instrumental in the development of the performance diesel: Frank Biela (Germany), Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark), Allan McNish (Scotland), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany).

The defending Champions Capello/McNish (R10 TDI number 1) and Pirro/Werner (R10 TDI number 2) are planned to be the drivers for the entire American Le Mans Series. Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen and Frank Biela bolster the driving squads at Sebring and Le Mans. Audi has entered a third R10 TDI for Le Mans. However the entry is subject to sufficient finance being found.

The pair of new Audi R10 TDI cars, which start at Sebring, were flown to the USA on Wednesday (7 March). Practice at Sebring starts on Monday (12 March). The race starts on Saturday (17 March) 10 a.m. local time (4 p.m. in Germany). Audi remains unbeaten in the American endurance classic since the year 2000.

Quotes before the race at Sebring

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "Sebring is traditionally a very important race for Audi. On the one side it is a dress rehearsal for Le Mans, and on the other the opening race of the American Le Mans Series, for which additional points are awarded because of the 12-hour distance. We are well prepared, but are also well aware just how tough the race will be due to the new regulations. Our R10 TDI must start with a smaller fuel tank for the first time, and the LM P2 will be on a par from the performance aspect. After seven Sebring wins in a row our target is nevertheless to fight for another victory.”

Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1): "Sebring is the only opportunity we have before Le Mans to race with the technology, the driver pairings and the team as it will be at Le Mans. I’ve always had a real soft spot for Sebring and have already won there twice. Sebring is one of the world’s toughest race tracks because of the bumps. When you find a good set-up for the track you don’t really have to worry about the rest of the year.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R10 TDI #1): "I’m looking forward to the first race of 2007. It’s become a small tradition for Audi and I that the season begins at this fantastic circuit. Sebring is a big event and a real challenge for man and machine. Apart from the bumps there are five different types of tarmac. We come from the European winter into the sun, and the race runs into the night. Sebring is stressful for the drivers and cars. It is the best test ground for the latest generation Audi R10 TDI.”

Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI #1): "It great to see that the season is about to start. It was a long winter break even though we tested. So, it’s high time that we got started with the real business. Sebring is a great start: The race is 12-hours long and difficult for driver and car. Tom, Dindo and I return to Florida as last year’s winners. However, Honda and Porsche will be very strong. Sebring is the first chance for everybody to relative performance of the new cars. It should be interesting.”

Frank Biela (Audi R10 TDI #2): "I only race twice this year: Sebring and Le Mans. So, Sebring is even more important than usual. The race is extremely prestigious and it would be fantastic to win there again. It’s also the only opportunity we have as a team to see whether everything functions perfectly. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Emanuele Pirro (Audi R10 TDI #2): "The winter was long, so the anticipation of the first race of the season is even greater. Sebring is one of the most important races of the year, and we have two jobs to d We have to test for Le Mans, but also want to win the race. We already tested at Sebring in February. The new car worked well there and the whole team is in top form.”

Marco Werner (Audi R10 TDI #2): "It goes without saying that I’m absolutely delighted to have a full season of racing to look forward to and can’t wait for Sebring. I can finally get down to the business of racing again. I hope that I find my rhythm quickly, since testing and racing are two different things.”

Posted by Frank at 2:20 PM

Avoid the costly long-term effects of a ticket

Cool it! It’s the fuzz! How to react if you get pulled over

The wailing siren. The flashing lights. The sense of impending doom. Is this bringing back unpleasant memories? Sorry about that.

If you’ve ever been pulled over by a police officer and experienced that sudden panic over how to conduct yourself, you’re likely to find this column useful.

And if you ever get a ticket at some point down the road, the tips provided here can help you avoid increases in your auto insurance premiums for years to come.

1. Don’t try anything funny. This isn’t the time to be argumentative — or, even worse, make the officer worry about whether or not you might be dangerous. Pull over promptly and carefully, turn your engine off, roll down your driver’s side window and keep your hands clearly visible on your steering wheel. Be excessively polite, and only go fumbling around for documents when you’re asked to do so.

Posted by Frank at 2:17 PM

GMC Renews Sponsorship of the Savannah International Boat Show

Charleston, South Carolina --- JBM & Associates, LLC, is pleased to announce GMC as the corporate sponsor and official tow vehicle of the 2007 Savannah International Boat Show. The Show will be held March 30-April 1, 2007, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and in-water on the Savannah River.

"GMC's partnership with the Show has proven to be an extremely successful marketing tool for GMC and our local dealers. We are pleased to be sponsoring the Show for the third consecutive year," said Dave Sickmeyer, Marketing Manager for GMC in the Southeast. This year's participating Georgia-South Carolina GMC dealers are; Critz, Franklin Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Hilton Head Automotive, Nesmith Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC, Roberson Pontiac Buick GMC and Woody Folsom Automotive.

The Savannah International Boat Show is the largest indoor and in-water Boat Show from North Carolina to North Florida. The Show will feature more than 90 boat lines as well as the latest in marine accessories, products and services.

The Show is presented by Mercury Mercruiser. Media partners include: Savannah Morning News, WTOC-TV and Adventure Radio Group.

Tickets: $8 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. $1 discount for seniors and military with ID. Tickets are $5 after 5pm on Friday and Saturday.

Show Hours:

Friday, March 30, 12-7pm
Saturday, March 31, 10am-7pm
Sunday, April 1, 11am-5pm

For more information please visit, www.SavannahInternationalBoatShow.com.

Posted by Frank at 2:16 PM

The BMW M3 Concept Car

The Vision of Ultimate Driving Pleasure: The BMW M3 Concept Car.

Its very name is a symbol for unique performance on the racetrack and in everyday traffic. For two decades, BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Its dominating role in motor sports and the ultimate driving experience it affords the driver on the road are inseparably intertwined. The qualities on which this synthesis is founded have given the BMW M3 the exceptional status it enjoys the world over.

At BMW M GmbH, engineers have persisted in continuing this success story with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid. In all other respects, the BMW M3 Concept Car, which is being presented in the Chrome Shadow finish characteristic of BMW M GmbH concept studies, is obviously an individualistic and athletic vehicle with technology at the focus of its engineering.

Individualistic body concept with emotional aesthetics.
In keeping with tradition, the engineers at BMW M GmbH developed the BMW M3 Concept Car as a fundamentally individualistic vehicle. The level of commitment to this approach is clearly demonstrated by its body. While it is based on the dimensions and the underlying form of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, virtually all body elements have been newly developed and designed from the ground up. Apart from the supporting vehicle structure, only the doors and the luggage compartment lid were taken over from the series model.

All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car, lending the vehicle exterior unique aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. Unmistakable features that make the BMW M3 Concept Car instantly recognisable are the special trim at the front and rear, the engine compartment lid with its bulging Powerdome and two air intakes, the lateral air slots in the front side walls, the side skirts and the exterior mirrors in a BMW M typical design.

Front with additional air intakes, engine compartment lid with Powerdome.
Faithful to the principle of "form follows function" in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

Wheel arches and side skirts communicate agility and stability.
The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle.Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle's wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

The opening behind the wheel arch on the front side wall, which the designers refer to as gills, has an elaborate three-dimensional form that is split by a discreet chrome bracket containing the direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Two arched surfaces form the pronounced side skirt, creating a purposefully designed contrast between light and shadow. By giving the side wall a lower appearance, the side skirt lends the car a lighter, sportier look from this angle. The incidence of light on the likewise sharply defined rear wing and wheel stresses the dynamic character of this vehicle and visually highlights its rear-wheel drive.

The design of the side skirt corresponds with the shape of the strongly pronounced contour line. The play of light and shadow between the parallel contours of the skirt and contour line brings about a tightness in design that emphasises the individual character of the BMW M3 Concept Car even more strongly.

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of "form follows function". With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel,
is advantageous to air resistance values.

Wide track, muscular stance - rear design emphasises dynamic performance.
The rear of the BMW M3 Concept Car picks up on the design of the car's front. The side lines gradually sink toward the rear and the wings end in a modelled hollow flute, emphasising the rear-wheel drive and visualising the superior dynamics of this vehicle. From any angle, the rear creates the impression of a pronounced wheel orientation and a muscular stance.

Its proportions lend it confidence and a calm yet powerful impression. A visually discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid, also called a Gurney flap, optimally channels the air at the rear and additionally reduces lift on the rear axle.

The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modelled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the double exhaust tailpipes positioned close to the vehicle's longitudinal axis appear to pull the rear together at the centre and build up a tension in conjunction with the horizontal lines of the bumper. The tailpipes have a round cross section and are cut off vertically, as is typical for BMW M GmbH engineering.

Exclusive roof with visible carbon fibre structure.
There is hardly a body element in the BMW M3 Concept Car that exhibits the level of advanced technology as clearly as the roof. It is constructed of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Specialists at the BMW Plant in Landshut, Germany, rely on an exclusive production method in which the structure of the Formula 1 material remains visible and the finely structured surface is only coated with a layer of clear finish.

As a highly visible advanced technology component, the CFRP roof dominates the technically innovative appearance of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Seen from the side, it lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height. Apart from the exclusive appearance, the CFRP roof also offers a real technical advantage: It is considerably lighter than a steel roof. This not only reduces the overall vehicle weight, but by reducing the weight of the highest element in the body, the centre of gravity is lowered as well. Thus, the reduction in weight at this location is particularly beneficial to the agility and dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The CFRP roof is a perfect example of how interlinking technical innovation with an individual design strategy was central to the development of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Following the tradition of the previous three generations of the BMW M3, this concept study represents a high performance sports car interpreted for use in everyday diving, with its every detail being yet another example of the objective pursued by the engineers. The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

Posted by Frank at 7:53 AM

Rare Look at the Exotic 2008 Maserati Quattroporte

'This is an Agile-Handling, Exotic Speed Machine,'

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Lead Auto Expert, Mark Perleberg recently got a rare test drive of the new 2008 Maserati Quattroporte (http://www.maserati.com/).

"The 2008 Maserati Quattroporte is a car designed specifically for the luxury sedan buyer who wants to break out of the norm," said Perleberg. "This is an agile-handling, exotic speed machine with interesting curb appeal."

Since its introduction at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, the new 2008 Maserati Quattroporte was designed to be a high-performance luxury sedan for the discriminating buyer. Equipped with a high-revving 4.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 400 horsepower (and a perfectly-proportioned balance of weight for optimum handling), the new 2008 Maserati Quattroporte is a perfect alternative for the BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyer, according to Perleberg.

Perleberg says that an often-criticized feature -- the "Duo-Select" sequential manual transmission (offered in all models) -- is being offered alongside a new six-speed automatic transmission in the 2008 version. The automatic transmission -- designed by ZF Friedrichshafen and one that has the ability to handle the car's V8 power while still retaining its 50/50 weight distribution -- was developed due to market demand.

"Although the racer in me prefers the Duo-Select, the new six-speed automatic transmission doesn't detract from the car's agile handling or the engine's ability to rev freely to redline," said Perleberg.

With annual sales of the 2007 model expected to reach only 2,300 units this year (of which 45% represents U.S. sales), the new six-speed automatic transmission should help place the new 2008 Maserati Quattroporte on the wish list of future buyers who may not have looked in this car's direction otherwise, Perleberg says. Maserati officials anticipate that 80% of U.S. buyers will opt for the $1,200 automatic option over the duo-select -- perhaps the sales boost Maserati representatives are looking for.

"Ferrari's ownership of Maserati has restored the honored marquee that saw tough times in the late 1980s," said Don Christy Jr., President and CEO, NADAguides.com.

MSRP of the new 2008 Maserati Quattroporte is estimated at $125,000, according to NADAguides.com. In addition to pricing and specification information for the Maserati Quattroporte, NADAguides.com offers blue book values, car buying reviews, car dealer pricing, car quotes, NADA book buying services, new car buying guides and used car buying guides. Additionally, visitors can access side-by-side comparisons, where they have the opportunity to compare new cars side-by-side in real time, as well as new car reviews to help them with their car buying research.

Source: NADAguides.com

Posted by Frank at 7:49 AM

Airstream Bambi Selected by Museum of Modern Art for Collection

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio -- Thor Industries, Inc., the largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and mid-size buses, announced today that The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York had acquired from Thor an Airstream Bambi travel trailer for the Museum's collection.

Airstream, Thor's flagship brand, is the world's most recognized recreation vehicle, and is an icon of American design. The restored 1963 Airstream Bambi, representing the first design iteration of a model line that continues today, over 40 years later, will go on public display at MoMA on March 7. The Airstream Bambi becomes only the seventh automotive design in MoMA's collection, joining famed designs such as the Volkswagen Beetle, the Jaguar E-Type, and the original Jeep.

"The selection of Airstream by MoMA for the collection reflects Airstream's status as a true American icon, and further enhances Airstream's already superior reputation for quality, innovation and design," said Richard Riegel, Thor Industries Group President. "Airstream is recognized worldwide as a metaphor for wanderlust, adventure and freedom and as an ideal of the American family experience. We are exceptionally proud of this accolade."

The Museum of Modern Art acquired the 1963 Bambi after an extensive review process leading to the final selection of this particular trailer that epitomizes the Airstream design.

"On The Road: Airstream Bambi Travel Trailer" will be on view to the public in the main lobby of The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., New York, NY on March 7 through November 12, 2007.

Thor is the world's largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses.

This release includes "forward looking statements" that involve uncertainties and risks. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from the Company's expectations. Factors which could cause materially different results include, among others, the success of new product introductions, the pace of acquisitions and cost structure improvements, competitive and general economic conditions, and the other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Thor Industries, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 7:45 AM

Volvo at the Geneva Motor Show: Two Global Debuts

All-New XC70, the next generation of Volvo's segment defining crossover and the All-New V70, staking claim as a segment leader take the stage in Europe's first major auto show

GENEVA -- The all-new Volvo XC70 is being introduced at the Geneva Motor Show with comprehensive changes inside and out. With new styling cues, improved driving dynamics, inspiring technological applications, added luxury and of course new developments in safety, Volvo ups the ante in taking its popular crossover to the next level.

"We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it," says Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. "The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."

As a leader in the wagon segment with 54 years of continuous refinement and improvement, Volvo is also introducing the all-new Volvo V70 in Geneva. With its perfect balance of luxury, versatility and safety, the all-new Volvo V70 sets the standard for premium wagons.

"This segment has been our specialty ever since we invented it back in the 1950s," said Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. "Our competitors can count on us remaining number one in the future, too. In the all-new V70, rear passengers and luggage both ride in first class."

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Posted by Frank at 7:42 AM

RollsRoyce Phantom Whispers into Geneva

The new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé will make its European debut at the Geneva motor show this week. Production of the new model will begin at the company’s UK manufacturing plant at Goodwood in the summer.

The two-door, four-seat convertible is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design than its four-door stable mate, the Phantom. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it marries modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body.

Hand-built using the finest quality materials to the exacting standards of Rolls-Royce, the new Phantom Drophead Coupé is exciting customers around the world.

Speaking ahead of the Geneva show, Graeme Grieve, Sales and Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “The reaction to the Drophead Coupé has been phenomenal. This year’s production has already been allocated and there are currently only a few build slots left in 2008. We are delighted that more than half of the orders are from customers who have never owned a Rolls-Royce before, so the new model is significantly expanding the appeal of our products.”

Some of the special design features of the Phantom Drophead Coupé are:

•Customers can specify a brushed steel bonnet and rear teak deck. The bonnet is machine brushed before being hand finished to ensure a uniform grain throughout.

•The Phantom Drophead Coupé is based on an advanced aluminium spaceframe. Lightweight and exceptionally strong, it requires over 120 metres of hand-welding.

•Luggage is housed within a picnic boot, a split tail compartment that opens in two parts giving easy access to 315 litres of space. The lower tailgate provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered.

•The fabric hood is the largest of any modern convertible car and uses five layers of material to insulate the interior.

•Power is supplied by a 6.75 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine giving brisk performance and a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Posted by Frank at 7:36 AM

Strong sales start for Volvo Cars in 2007

The two first months of 2007 shows a sales increase of 9.7 percent for Volvo Car Corporation globally compared with the same period 2006. In Europe the sales increase is up by 13.7 percent. The positive sales trend started already during the fourth quarter last year, with an increase of more than five percent, and then continued with strong global sales showings in January (+6.3%) and again in February (+13.5%).

"The strong upturn in sales is very encouraging and it is the result of our new-model launches in 2006. Sales of the new S80, C70 and C30 are now starting to show a strong demand from customers," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

It is Europe that is doing very well, in particular the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. Developing markets such as China and Russia are also continuing to show considerable growth at 83 and 127 percent respectively so far this year.

In the USA, sales are still weak but the expectations are high when the new S80 hits the market during the first quarter this year. Initial reactions from customers, dealer and the US media are very positive on the important American market which will sell almost 35 percent of the annual sales volume of about 50 000 units.
Strong sales start for Volvo Cars in 2007

The two first months of 2007 shows a sales increase of 9.7 percent for Volvo Car Corporation globally compared with the same period 2006. In Europe the sales increase is up by 13.7 percent. The positive sales trend started already during the fourth quarter last year, with an increase of more than five percent, and then continued with strong global sales showings in January (+6.3%) and again in February (+13.5%).

"The strong upturn in sales is very encouraging and it is the result of our new-model launches in 2006. Sales of the new S80, C70 and C30 are now starting to show a strong demand from customers," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

It is Europe that is doing very well, in particular the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. Developing markets such as China and Russia are also continuing to show considerable growth at 83 and 127 percent respectively so far this year.

In the USA, sales are still weak but the expectations are high when the new S80 hits the market during the first quarter this year. Initial reactions from customers, dealer and the US media are very positive on the important American market which will sell almost 35 percent of the annual sales volume of about 50 000 units.

"I am optimistic about Volvo Cars growth potential. We have ambitious plans for Volvo Cars and I believe we will see a significant increase in both production and sales," adds Fredrik Arp

Volvo Cars is in its most intensive product launch period in history and several new models will be launched during the spring of 2007 with the all-new V70 and XC70 launch at the motor show in Geneva this week.
"I am optimistic about Volvo Cars growth potential. We have ambitious plans for Volvo Cars and I believe we will see a significant increase in both production and sales," adds Fredrik Arp

Volvo Cars is in its most intensive product launch period in history and several new models will be launched during the spring of 2007 with the all-new V70 and XC70 launch at the motor show in Geneva this week.

Posted by Frank at 7:33 AM

Triple Premiere for the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz at the 77th Geneva Motor Show

GENEVA, Switzerland --The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is celebrating a triple premiere at the 77th Geneva Motor Show: in addition to the standard-production model, the "AMG-Mercedes C-Class DTM 2007" racing version and the highly economical and environmentally friendly Vision C 220 BLUETEC, which is powered by the first four-cylinder engine to feature this innovative emissions control technology, have their debut at the show.

With a fuel consumption of 5.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, this study demonstrates how the even more stringent EURO 6 exhaust emission standard coming into force throughout Europe from 2015 can be achieved. Clean and economical engines are also the hallmark of the new C-Class, which is available on the European market from March 31.

"Since the sales release date at the end of January, more than 55,000 customers in western Europe alone have decided in favour of the new C-Class," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group (NYSE: DCX), in his preliminary remarks at the Mercedes-Benz press conference in Geneva. "We are confident that the new C-Class will continue the success story of its predecessor, of which more than two million units were sold," Zetsche continued.

The fourth-generation C-Class has captured the enthusiasm of customers with its unique combination of safety, comfort and agility. The standard appointments of all variants include the innovative AGILITY CONTROL package with its situation-responsive shock-absorber control, which opens up new dimensions in handling refinement: it combines typical Mercedes comfort with extraordinarily agile driving characteristics.

The new C-Class is powered by state-of-the-art four and six-cylinder engines which consume up to six percent less fuel than the preceding models, accompanied by an increase in output of up to 13 percent. Despite a variety of technical innovations and even more generous standard appointments, and taking inflation into account, the price of the new C-Class remains at the same level as that of the preceding series. In Germany and other European countries, the entry-level price including tax is still below 30,000 EUR.

Exemplary safety and a versatile product concept

The C-Class also sets new standards in its segment where safety is concerned. Examples include the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE(R) system with its anticipatory occupant protection features. In addition, the new C-Class Saloon excels with a particularly versatile product concept which meets the expectations of different customer target groups. In the form of the AVANTGARDE, ELEGANCE and CLASSIC lines, Mercedes-Benz offers three individual model variants which place different emphases on comfort or agility.

The concept of two different product personalities within the same series is also given a visual emphasis in the new C-Class, as it is the first Mercedes saloon to appear with two different "faces": the AVANTGARDE models have the Mercedes star at the centre of the radiator grille and thereby follow the styling lead of the sporty Mercedes models, especially the coupés. The more traditional ELEGANCE and CLASSIC variants bear the star on the bonnet as before.

World premiere of the first BLUETEC four-cylinder engine in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC

In a study based on the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also presenting its innovative BLUETEC emissions control technology in combination with a highly fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine for the first time in Geneva. In terms of ensuring compliance with the even stricter EURO 6 emission standard, applicable to all new vehicles Europe-wide from 2015, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC shows the way ahead. Boasting an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC consumes a mere 5.5 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres.

"The sophisticated four-cylinder diesel engine with BLUETEC emission control is a prime example of leading-edge, future-compatible technology," explains Dr Dieter Zetsche. "Our diesel strategy is an effective answer to the question of how to save fuel and, therefore, CO2, how to further reduce all exhaust emissions including NOx and yet still ensure effortlessly superior driving enjoyment. In this respect, we believe our state-of-the-art diesel concept is currently the best and most efficient solution available." With the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is providing a taste of things to come as part of its BLUETEC initiative which was launched in the US last autumn. The initial impetus came from the market launch of the E 320 BLUETEC in North America in October 2006, which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur diesel in that part of the world. A fuel consumption figure of 6.7 litres per hundred kilometres makes the E 320 BLUETEC one of the most economical vehicles in its class in the US.

With the first four-cylinder BLUETEC model, Mercedes-Benz illustrates just how versatile this innovative technology can be. Following the US launch, the company will also introduce BLUETEC in other markets. The technology is currently being adapted to European market requirements and further Mercedes-Benz models, the aim being to also offer this environmentally friendly and highly economical technology for European customers as well from 2008, first of all in the E-Class.

New C-Class: CO2 emissions already reduced by 15 percent

The standard-production version of the new C-Class is testament to the successful work performed by Mercedes-Benz in its quest to consistently reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. A lifecycle assessment carried out on the new Saloon, certified by the German technical inspection authorities (TÜV), confirms that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for what is now the fourth-generation C-Class have been reduced by 15 percent. This corresponds to nine tonnes per vehicle. This makes the new C-Class the only car in its market segment to possess an environmental certificate.

Posted by Frank at 7:31 AM

American Suzuki to Unveil 2008 SX4 Sedan at New York Auto Show

North American Debut Slated for April 5 at 12:05 p.m.

BREA, Calif. -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced it will reveal the North American version of the all-new 2008 SX4 sedan at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

This exciting vehicle will join the dynamic XL7 midsize crossover SUV, award-winning SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover) and media-acclaimed Grand Vitara as an iconic vehicle that indicates the future direction of the Suzuki brand, and will deliver a sporty blend of driving excitement, comfort and performance.

With features and benefits derived from the highly acclaimed Suzuki Swift, Suzuki will debut the SX4 sedan during its 2007 NYIAS press conference on Thursday, April 5, at 12:05 p.m., in the Suzuki display (#1215, Level 1) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

ASMC introduces its all-new sedan on the heels of an impressive 2006, when the company enjoyed sales in excess of 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 22-year history. Through February of this year, Suzuki sales have continued to grow -- and the new SX4 sedan will help fuel further growth starting this fall.

"It'll be great to be back in a city with so much energy and vitality to unveil our latest vehicle to the North American market, especially since our future products themselves convey so much of that kind of energy and vitality," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. "The SX4 sedan continues to reflect the Suzuki DNA that was established in many markets by the popular Swift, and we're excited to have the SX4 sedan joining our wide-ranging line of versatile vehicles."

Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Introduced globally at the Geneva Motor Show earlier today, the Suzuki SX4 sedan will make its North American debut at the NYIAS in April. The all-new SX4 sedan being unveiled in New York will be built in Japan and features a versatile, four-door design along with a sophisticated 2.0-liter DOHC engine that delivers 143 horsepower.

With its contemporary styling, roomy interior and high-output engine, the all-new Suzuki SX4 sedan delivers stylish comfort with excellent driving dynamics designed for those who lead an adventurous life. The sedan's design incorporates a rounded dashboard with a high roofline to enhance interior space and visibility.

Many features of the SX4 sedan are inherited from the Suzuki Swift, including aspects of the suspension and brake systems. Like the SX4 X-over, the sedan features a rigid body structure and suspension settings designed for outstanding performance. Customers in the United States will have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission, and can buy the vehicle starting in the fall of this year. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation

Posted by Frank at 7:23 AM

Lunch May Not Be Free, But Parking Is On GM

GENERAL MOTORS' GMC DIVISION IS reaching out to women for the first time with its first crossover vehicle, Acadia, by launching a campaign this week offering free valet parking to shoppers in eight cities.

The program runs through April and also puts Acadia advertising on some 3 million hand- and machine-issued tickets, as well as on gate booms. A GMC release said the division expects to foot the bill for about 100,000 vehicles in Los Angeles, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa.

Posted by Frank at 7:17 AM

Honda's FCX Concept Now Ready For The Road

Fully functional next–generation fuel cell vehicle

Honda's fully driveable FCX Concept fuel cell car is making its European debut at this year's Geneva Show. Already displayed in its previous static guise at last year's Paris Show, this new version is fully functioning and fully equipped and is powered by Honda's next-generation FC Stack.

The FCX Concept offers practical driving performance with a range of 570 km (Honda calculations when driven in LA4 mode) and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept model is to begin in Japan and the US in a couple of years.

Despite the demanding packaging requirements of fuel cells, the FCX Concept features a striking design characterized by a short nose, a windscreen raked forward and a low roof line culminating in a sloping rear deck. Inside, the styling is equally futuristic, with a low-floored and comfortably large cabin.

The elegant, low-riding saloon form as well as its spacious interior dimensions are possible thanks to the V Flow fuel cell platform at the heart of the FCX Concept. Its compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack neatly arranged in an innovative centre tunnel layout brings significant gains in both environmental and driving performance.

Unlike previous fuel cell stacks in which the hydrogen and the water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally, the new FCX Concept features a vertical-flow design allowing gravity to assist in water drainage, key to high efficiency performance. The result is stable power generation under a broad range of conditions, and higher output from a 20 per cent smaller and 30 per cent lighter package than Honda's current FCX FC Stack, yet its power output is 14 kW greater.

The motor and gearbox have been positioned coaxially for a more compact design and motor output is increased by 15 kW to now 95 kW. Overall the power plant is 180 kg lighter and 40 per cent smaller.

Energy storage and auxiliary power are provided by a high-efficiency lithium ion battery which captures energy in regenerative braking. The improvements to major power plant components give the vehicle a travel range approximately 30 per cent greater than the current 2005 FCX.

The system's energy efficiency of around 60 per cent is about three times that of a gasoline-engined vehicle, twice that of a hybrid, and 10 per cent better than the previous FCX. Cold weather starting is now far better, too – from as low as -30°C.

Other improvements include a shift-by-wire transmission and a newly designed instrument panel with an easy-to-read display of hydrogen fuel consumption. In keeping with the FCX Concept's strong environmental credentials, the seat upholstery and door linings are made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant-based material that offers outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight damage.

Posted by Frank at 7:09 AM

Owners of Number One Saab Dealership in U.S. Buy Saab of Tampa Bay

Elder Automotive Group is pleased to announce the purchase of Saab of Tampa. Saab of Tampa is one of 14 franchises owned and operated by the Elder family in Michigan and Florida including Jaguar of Tampa and Aston Martin of Tampa. Elder Automotive Group, owners of the #1 Saab dealership in the U.S., doubled staff, added amenities and renovated the Florida Avenue location.

Tampa, FL -- Elder Automotive Group, www.elderautogroup.com , is pleased to announce the purchase of Saab of Tampa. Saab of Tampa is one of 14 franchises owned and operated by the Elder family in Michigan and Florida including Jaguar of Tampa and Aston Martin of Tampa.

Saab of Tampa, www.saaboftampa.com was purchased from General Motors. Since the sale of the property at 11608 N. Florida Ave., Elder Automotive Group has renovated the showroom, doubled the staff and now offers complimentary carwashes.

"This dealership is a reflection of how our family has done business for forty years. We emphasize customer service and building long- term relationships. In fact, we don't feel we have made a sale until the customer buys their second vehicle from us," said Rob Elder, president of Elder Automotive Group.

Elder Automotive Group credits that commitment to customer service to helping build the number one Jaguar (Jaguar of Troy) and Saab (Saab of Troy) dealerships in the United States in terms of sales volume. Saab of Tampa sold more than 400 new and used vehicles last year. Under the new ownership, sales are projected to more than double.

More about Elder Automotive Group

Irma B. Elder, C.E.O. of Elder Automotive Group, is a 2007 recipient of Ford Motor Companies Salute to Dealers. The Elder family has been in the auto industry since 1967 and has always been extremely involved in the communities where they do business. The company donates regularly to eighty charities including: Big Cat Rescue, Shelton Quarles Foundation, Florida Orchestra, Children's Museum of Tampa and St. Mary's Episcopal Day School. Rob Elder serves on the board of American Cancer Society is a former board member of The Spring.

For more information about Saab of Tampa, call 813-769-7222 or log on to www.saaboftampa.com

Posted by Frank at 7:05 AM

Honda Unveils "Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept" at The 2007 Geneva Motorshow

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 6, 2007–Honda has unveiled a concept model which represents its interpretation of how a future hybrid model might appear. Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, a design study model, demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, exciting styling and fun-to-drive characteristics. This is its world premiere for the model, which has been penned by the design studio at Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany.

The Small Hybrid Sports Concept is conceived around a front-wheel drive, small car platform and is powered by a Honda IMA 4-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system driving through a CVT transmission. It explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.

The aerodynamic design is characterised by curvaceous and contoured surfaces contrasting with sharp “folded” edges. The short front and rear overhangs, together with wheelarches that wrap tightly around large wheels, further enhance the dramatic looks of this sports coupe. An accentuated, arrow-like nose features a full width air intake with Civic family overtones. This sweeps forward into a distinct protruding centre section complete with ‘H’ logo.

The Concept model’s fluid lines are created by a steeply raked windscreen which extends back above the occupants’ heads where it meets a one piece glass roof. This in turn flows rearwards to give the car its fastback styling, terminating in a distinctive and futuristic 3D floating glass design – a concave element which forms an additional vertical window. At its base, further distinction is provided by a ‘floating’ LED tail light unit that stretches across the full width of the car. At its centre, the glass panel extends downwards and contains an illuminated ‘Small Hybrid Sports’ name plate.

The Hybrid Sports Concept is equipped with 165/60 section tyres mounted on 20-inch distinctive rims. Their dimension supports low rolling resistance without compromising sporty driving.

Compact external dimensions lend themselves to nimble, agile performance on the road and help to ensure a good power to weight ratio. 4000 mm in length, 1270 mm tall and 1760 mm wide, and the 2350 mm wheelbase, in conjunction with a sports suspension, delivers stable and predictable handling characteristics.

The body is particularly aerodynamically efficient and compact. Rear-facing digital cameras take the place of conventional door mirrors.

Posted by Frank at 7:04 AM

Honda Sets New Monthly Records for Worldwide and Overseas Auto Production

TOKYO – Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced its automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of January 2007.

Production
Due to an increase in both domestic and overseas production, worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the eighteenth consecutive month since August 2005. Honda also achieved a new monthly record for the month of January.

Due to increased production for the domestic market, domestic production experienced a year-on-year increase for the eighth consecutive month since June 2006.

Due mainly to increased production both in North America and Asia, overseas production experienced a year-on-year increase for the eighteenth consecutive month since August 2005. Honda also set a new monthly record for the month of January.

Honda also achieved a new all-time monthly record for production in Asia, and new records in North America and China for the month of January.

Japan Domestic Sales
Total Japan domestic sales experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in the last three months since October 2006.

Due to a decrease in sales of Step Wagon, new vehicle registrations in January experienced a year-on-year decline for the tenth consecutive month since April 2006.

Due mainly to increased sales of Zest, mini-vehicle sales experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month since November 2006.

Vehicle registrations - excluding mini vehicles
Fit was the industry’s sixth best selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of January, with sales of 5,360 units and ranked as Honda’s best selling car for the month of January. The sales result for Stream was 3,500 units.

Mini vehicles - under 660cc
Life was the industry’s ninth best selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of January, with sales of 3,866 units. The sales result for Zest was 2,500 units.

Exports from Japan
Due mainly to increased exports to North America, total exports experienced a year-on-year increase for the eighth consecutive month since June 2006.

Posted by Frank at 7:00 AM

Avis Offers One-Way Deals from Florida Starting at $12.95

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System, LLC today announced low one-way rates for Florida customers traveling to select destinations in the United States. This special limited-time offer gives customers the ability to rent a car in one place, return it in another, all with unlimited mileage and no drop fees.

The daily rate for a car rented from select Florida airport locations starts as low as $12.95 a day for a sub- compact, $13.95 a day for a compact, $14.95 a day for a intermediate, $16.95 a day for a standard, and $18.95 a day for a full-size. Minivans are also available for just $19.95 a day. Promotional rates are valid while supplies last on rentals beginning on April 9, 2007 for travel through June 15, 2007.

Airport pickup locations in Florida include: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami International, Orlando, Pensacola, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Sarasota, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee and Southwest Florida International.

Vehicles may be returned to locations throughout the Northeast, such as, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Albany; in the Midwest at Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland and Kansas City; and in the Southeast at Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston, Nashville, and New Orleans. Customers should check http://www.avis.com/ for information on all available drop-off cities.

Vehicles must be rented from select Florida airport locations only and dropped off outside of the state of Florida. For information on participating locations or to make a reservation customers can visit http://www.avis.com/ and access the promotion details through the "deals" section, or call 1-888-777- AVIS and mention AWD# G017900 or contact their local travel professional. Rates are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. For complete terms and conditions, visit http://www.avis.com/.

Source: Avis Rent A Car System, LLC

Posted by Frank at 6:56 AM

Continental Develops Modular Components for Hybrid Drives

The concept of a flexible modular system of power electronics is being expanded

Surveys show that one in four Germans is considering buying a car with hybrid drive

FRANKFURT, Germany and GENEVA -- With its modular concept for power electronics, Automotive Systems, a division of automotive supplier Continental AG, creates synergies between hybrid drive systems for different power classes.

This particular component concept will allow the automotive industry to rapidly bring to market hybrid vehicles of different sizes and power ratings at an attractive cost. Interest in hybrid drives is growing not just in North America and Asia, but in Europe as well; one in four German drivers surveyed recently by Continental in a sample, said they were considering buying a hybrid car.

Scaleable complete design solutions: one-stop hybrid drive technology

More and more vehicle manufacturers see hybrid drives as the answer to increasingly stringent emissions legislation world-wide, rising fuel costs and customer demand for greater vehicle dynamics and comfort while conserving resources. The demand for hybrid drive systems across a broad spread of power ratings and also for electric drives in plugin hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles is growing rapidly. "With our new component concept, we shall be better equipped than ever before to satisfy this development. We can meet the widest possible range of customer specifications with power ratings from 6 to more than 150 kW," explained Karlheinz Haupt, Head of Continental Automotive Systems Electric Drives business unit. Continental Automotive Systems, in cooperation with its strategic partner, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, is stepping up the development, production and marketing of hybrid drive systems and components.

These complete design solutions, scaleable for different vehicle layouts and sizes, consist of the energy storage unit, energy storage management and all the electromechanical elements for the various power classes. Standardizing these components and combining them flexibly produces quality advantages, shortens car manufacturers' development times and minimizes the cost of implementing new projects. The benefits of large production volumes reduce costs still further.

The inverter at the hybrid drive's heart represents the power electronics

A hybrid drive consists of an electric motor, a high-performance battery, an additional voltage converter and the power electronics. The electric motor replaces the starter and the alternator. It acts both as an electric drive system and as a generator for energy recovery the engine drag torque mode ("recuperation"). The recovered energy is temporarily stored in the battery, which then releases it either for subsequent acceleration (boost) or for purely electrical driving. Following very positive results, Continental Automotive Systems is concentrating on lithium-ion technology for the energy storage unit. The additional voltage converter powers the 14V vehicle power supply. It can either be integrated into the power electronics or installed separately.

The power electronics are the heart of any hybrid drive, acting as an inverter, controlling the flow of energy between the electric motor and the battery. Depending on the voltage level and the current, it is a defining factor for the performance of the whole system. The special Continental Automotive Systems power electronics modular system is based on the company's years of experience as a series production supplier. Solutions can be provided for high voltage and currents, and components for applications using less than 60V. Depending on the power generated, the electronics are either water or air-cooled.

Hybrid system designs: from start-stop to purely electric driving mode

Hybrid systems can be divided up into purely start-stop systems, mild hybrid systems for additional boost and recuperation, and full hybrid systems. A purely electric driving mode is also possible with the latter. In a parallel full hybrid the electric motor may be placed between the internal combustion engine and the transmission. A second clutch allows the internal combustion engine to be disconnected in the "electric driving" and "recuperation" modes. When accelerating, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together.

When braking or decelerating, part of the braking energy is fed back into the battery ("recuperation"). In addition, the internal combustion engine can be switched off when decelerating or at a standstill ("automatic start-stop"). Particularly in urban traffic, where speeding up and slowing down is often interspersed with long periods of idling, the hybrid drive demonstrates great savings potential. By positioning the electric motor on the rear axle for example, the hybrid system can in effect convert an essentially front-wheel drive vehicle into a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Tangible added value: lower consumption with improved drive dynamics

Fuel consumption savings of 25% and more are possible with the full hybrid system's start-stop mode, recuperation, brake energy regeneration and purely electric driving mode. In addition, the combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor produce significant drive dynamic benefits. "At typical medium engine speeds, the internal combustion engine produces high torque, ideally complementing the electric motor which develops its maximum torque at lower engine speeds. More than 400Nm are achievable, which corresponds to the power of a good 4-liter gasoline engine", is how Karlheinz Haupt regards the gain in drive dynamics. These aspects of the hybrid drive provide the motorist with tangible added value. Taking both emission and fuel consumption reductions and improved drive dynamics into account, the overall balance is clearly in favor of the hybrid drive.

Source: Continental AG

Posted by Frank at 6:55 AM

Honda fields huge response for Greensburg plant jobs

GREENSBURG, Ind. - Honda Motor Co. has received a deluge of applications for the first 19 job openings it posted online for a plant planned for Southeastern Indiana, the company said.

"We were very happy with the reaction," company spokesman David Iida said. "The interest was huge."

Honda did not specify how many applications it received for the jobs at a new facility planned for Greensburg, about 40 miles south of New Castle, but called the response "overwhelming." The 19 jobs were posted on Feb. 21, and the company is continuing to accept applications for four slots, according to the company's Web site.

The first wave of job recruitment included positions in engineering, information technology and skilled labor. Job descriptions were posted at http://www.indiana.honda.com, where applicants could upload their resumes.

Posted by Frank at 6:53 AM

U.S. Marshals Service Auctions 2001 Ferrari Spider on Bid4Assets.com

SILVER SPRING -- Bid4Assets, Inc. announced it is auctioning two big-ticket properties on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service: a 2001 Ferrari Spider and a boat mooring in the elite community of Avalon, Calif. on Santa Catalina Island.

Bidding opens at $72,000 for the Ferrari and at $115,000 for the boat mooring. Both properties will be auctioned the week of March 19 and are expected to sell for more than $100,000. The auction listings can be viewed and additional information on the properties is available at http://www.bid4assets.com/usms.

The white Ferrari Spider has a red leather interior with white piping, bucket seats, a black convertible soft top, an Alpine Radio/DVD, low profile Pirelli tires, a six-speed manual transmission, a rear mount engine that is viewable through a glass cover and mileage of 8,618. The car will be available for inspection by the public on March 13 in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the auction is March 20-22. The car was forfeited last year as a result of a money laundering case brought against the defendant by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Also for auction by the U.S. Marshals Service, March 19-21, is mooring #21 in Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island, Calif. Mooring #21 is among the row of boat moorings located closest to shore and can accommodate up to a 30- foot boat. The mooring previously was owned by Hubert Allen Jeffreys, the former president and chief executive of skateboard manufacturer Earthboard Sports USA Inc., who plead guilty to one count of securities fraud in 2005.

About U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service (http://www.usmarshals.gov/) administers the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program by managing and disposing of properties seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. attorneys nationwide. Currently the U.S. Marshals Service manages property worth more than $878 million. Proceeds from the sale of forfeited assets -- such as real property, vehicles, businesses, financial instruments, vessels, aircraft and jewelry -- are deposited into the Asset Forfeiture Fund and are used to support future law enforcement initiatives.

Source: Bid4Assets, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 6:48 AM

AAA Reaches 50 Million Membership Milestone

One in four drivers now belongs to nation's largest paid-membership group.

AURORA, Ill. -- AAA, founded 105 years ago by a handful of fledgling automobile clubs, retains its title as the largest public service, paid-membership organization in North America.

"AAA Chicago is honored and proud to be part of an organization that serves the largest group of consumers in North America," said Brad Roeber, regional president. "The benefits of AAA membership have expanded from a road service organization to include a first-class travel agency, a host of insurance offerings and advocacy for motorists safety."

AAA is larger than many other well-known and respected organizations such as AARP (37 million members); the National Geographic Society (20 million members); and the Parent Teacher Association (6.5 million members) and is proud of this membership milestone highlighting the club's growth and services for more than a century.

AAA's continuing membership growth can be attributed in part to its wide range of benefits and services that assist consumers with automobile ownership and use, leisure travel, safety, insurance, and in many other areas. Despite the expansion, AAA Chicago has seen in the scope of services provided to members over the past 100-plus years, AAA's most basic premise has remained the same: To assist members in the safe, responsible use and enjoyment of their automobiles.

To that end, AAA works continuously at the state and federal levels to ensure adequate funding for the nation's road system; more stringent laws governing roadway safety, including the licensing of novice drivers and child passenger safety; and providing motorists a voice in the development of sustainable energy policies that will ensure individual mobility.

AAA also has grown into the nation's largest leisure travel agency with more than $3.6 billion in sales annually. It is also the largest provider of roadside problem-solving, responding to approximately 30 million calls for help each year.

Publishing nearly 166 million copies of travel-related materials annually -- including AAA's authoritative Maps, TourBooks, CampBooks, TripTiks, Road Atlas and retail guide books -- AAA is one of the largest travel-related publishers in the world.

Reaching this amazing milestone attests to the value AAA provides its members through innovative new services like the new and enhanced Internet TripTik(R) available on AAA.com, the mobile automotive battery testing and installation service, and the widely-used Show Your Card(R) member discount program.

Through these and other member benefits, AAA continues to demonstrate quality and value that attracts new members and meets the changing needs of others who have belonged for many years.

As a member club, AAA Chicago serves nearly 900,000 members in Illinois and northern Indiana. AAA Chicago is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at http://www.aaa.com/.

AAA Chicago has represented roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues for more than a century.

Source: AAA Chicago

Posted by Frank at 6:47 AM

Promoting Green Power: Verizon Rolls Out Hybrid-Powered Van Pilot Project

Verizon Is First Major Company to Retrofit Vans With Hybrid Power; Company Will Conduct Trial of 13 Vans Serving FiOS Customers in Parts of D.C. Metro Area and Texas

HYATTSVILLE, Md. -- In a precedent-setting move, Verizon will soon begin a pilot project using 13 specially designed service vans with environmentally friendly hybrid-engine systems. Because no domestic motor vehicle manufacturer currently makes hybrid vehicles in the "van" category, Verizon worked closely with a company that specializes in hybrid- power systems, and it retrofitted the new vehicles to Verizon's specifications.

The vans, which have FiOS and green-energy markings on them, will serve some of Verizon's FiOS Internet and TV customers here and in Texas. They were unveiled at a news conference Tuesday (March 6) at the company's Hyattsville work center, and they are being put into service over the next several weeks.

The vans' gasoline- and electricity-powered engines could improve gas mileage by up to 50 percent over traditional internal-combustion engines, and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent to 90 percent.

Verizon is the first major company to retrofit service vehicles in the "van" class with hybrid-power technology. The retrofitting for the trial was done by hybrid-electric pioneer Enova Systems Inc., located in Torrance, Calif.

"These retrofitted FiOS vans will allow us to evaluate hybrid technology," said Kathryn Brown, senior vice president of public policy development and corporate responsibility for Verizon. "More importantly, as an operator of one of the largest private motor vehicle fleets in the U.S., we hope to send a message to automotive manufacturers that they should be manufacturing hybrid vehicles in all classes. There is a market here, especially for companies like Verizon that seek to minimize the environmental impact of their operations."

Verizon's hybrid vans will be used by technicians who install and maintain the company's digital all-fiber-optic FiOS services: FiOS Internet Service, which delivers download speeds of up to 50 megabits per second; and FiOS TV, which offers consumers tremendous capacity, extraordinary picture quality and theater-quality sound.

The new vans use both a traditional gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor. An onboard computer coordinates the use of either the internal-combustion engine or the electric motor, or both, depending on the driving conditions. When the internal-combustion engine is running, it charges the batteries for the electric motor. The net result is the vehicle uses less fuel and produces fewer harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon gas.

Chris Creager, general manager - Potomac region for Verizon, said, "These leading-edge hybrid vans complement our efforts to harness the most advanced technologies available for our customers, as we're doing with broadband and video services on our all-fiber-optic network. Verizon is a responsible company, and this van trial demonstrates that we are willing to promote innovative solutions to meet our country's energy and environmental challenges."

John Mizroch, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, said, "We congratulate Verizon for its efforts to reduce energy use by demonstrating these hybrid vans in their fleet operations. This sends a message to all concerned that successful business practices and energy efficiency are compatible and make good business sense."

Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler said, "It is great to see companies such as Verizon place Maryland at the forefront of technological advances that are environmentally friendly and help enrich people's lives. Through advances such as fiber optics into the home to hybrid-powered, cleaner-energy vehicles, Verizon is taking a leadership role and we're proud to see it happen right here."

Verizon is building the nation's largest digital all-fiber-optic network directly to customers, with more than 6 million homes passed at the end of 2006. Only Verizon's FiOS network has earned the certification of the independent Fiber to the Home Council for providing fiber all the way to customers' homes and businesses, ensuring that they are able to realize the full suite of next-generation services that only fiber can deliver.

Improving the Environment through Innovation

Verizon is a leader in using technology to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. For the past three years, the company has reduced emissions of carbon dioxide by hundreds of thousands of metric tons. Last year, Verizon developed a plan to further reduce electricity consumption by shutting down obsolete network equipment, upgrading the energy efficiency of buildings and selling or closing unneeded facilities.

"Today's announcement is just one example of how we are continually looking for ways to minimize our impact on the environment," Brown said.

Verizon has made key strides in alternative electricity generation technologies and will continue to find new ways to protect the environment. Examples include:

Micro turbine engines: In two California central offices, Verizon is using micro turbines fired by natural gas to generate electricity. The micro turbines, which were installed in the first quarter of 2006, provide approximately 50 percent of the electricity required in each central office. Combined, the systems will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 6.6 thousand metric tons per year, or the equivalent of taking 1,400 passenger cars off the road for one year.

Hypalon roofs: Verizon is reducing energy usage through Hypalon membrane roofing, which uses a highly reflective surface and increased insulation to improve energy efficiency. Hypalon roofs are EPA Energy Star approved and, when combined with increased insulation, reduce overall building heating and cooling requirements, compared with buildings with standard roofing materials. Verizon has installed more than 600 Hypalon roofs to date in company buildings in California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Texas, and is studying the value of expanding the program throughout the company's service territory.

Fuel cells: In 2005, Verizon launched the first major trial of this environmentally friendly technology at its switching center and office building in Garden City, N.Y. The project -- the largest of its kind in the country -- consists of seven fuel cells manufactured by UTC Power, each of which is capable of generating 200 kilowatts of electrical power per hour -- enough to supply the energy needs of about 400 single-family households.

By using electricity generated by the fuel cells as the primary power source at the Garden City facility and reclaiming the heat and water the cells produce to help heat and cool the building, Verizon will annually eliminate approximately 5,440 metric tons of carbon dioxide that otherwise would have been emitted into the atmosphere, or the equivalent of 1,200 passenger cars not driven during one year. In addition, during the first year of operation, Verizon saved more than $600,000 by not having to obtain power from the commercial power grid.

Verizon's Garden City project is unique because the existing commercial power grid, the new fuel cells and existing Verizon backup power generators work together to meet any set of operational needs required at the building. This includes electrical backup for commercial power outages, natural disasters and periods of peak commercial power demand.

Source: Verizon

Posted by Frank at 6:46 AM

Automakers, Michigan Health Plans Extend Enrollment for SEMI e-Prescribing Initiative

DETROIT -- The Southeast Michigan e- Prescribing Initiative (SEMI) today announced it is extending the enrollment period for the pilot program's second phase.

Physicians in Southeast Michigan who are interested in participating in SEMI -- a program that offers incentives to physicians to adopt e-Prescribing in their practices in an effort to reduce medication errors, decrease prescription drug costs and improve practice efficiency -- will now have until May 31, 2007 to enroll in the program.

Last July, the SEMI partners -- General Motors (NYSE:GM) , Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , DaimlerChrysler Corp. (NYSE:DCX) , Henry Ford Medical Group, Health Alliance Plan, BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan and Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MHS) -- announced the extension of SEMI for an additional year. Since the launch of SEMI in January 2005, nearly 2,000 physicians have enrolled in the program.

On Feb. 27, 2007, the State of Michigan received a Safe-Rx(TM) award from SureScripts, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association for its efforts in raising awareness and adoption of e-Prescribing. SEMI was cited as a critical factor contributing to the State's Top Ten Safe-Rx(TM) ranking.

To learn more about SEMI and the enrollment process, physicians should call toll-free 1-800-722-8979.

Source: SEMI Initiative

Posted by Frank at 4:57 AM

March 6, 2007

Finalists for Automotive Advertising Awards Announced

NEW YORK -- IAG Research, the ad effectiveness TV ratings company announced the finalists for the first IAG Automotive Advertising Awards. The awards will be handed out on April 4 at the opening breakfast of the New York International Auto Show.

The awards are based on viewer response data collected by IAG. IAG measures every ad, product placement, and program on more than 20 measured networks. The finalists and award categories are listed below:

Most Effective Overall Ad: Non-luxury

-- Ford Escape Hybrid: Kermit the Frog talks about being "green"
-- Volkswagen Jetta: African-American male asks white Jetta owner to teach
him how to dance
-- Volkswagen Passat: Women in the sedan are run into by another vehicle

Most Effective Overall Ad: Luxury

-- Lincoln Navigator: Basketball star Dwayne Wade helps build an inner
city court
-- Lexus LS 460: Demonstration of the sedan's no-hands parallel parking
option
-- Hummer H3: A man turns the SUV into a submarine

Most Liked Ad: Luxury or Non-luxury

-- Honda Pilot: A troll stops a family in the SUV
-- Jeep Wrangler: A lizard stares down the SUV
-- GM Warranty: Cars fly above the street

Most Effective TV Launch Campaign for an Established Nameplate

-- Nissan Sentra
-- Lexus LS
-- VW Passat wagon

Most Effective TV Launch Campaign for a New Nameplate

-- Dodge Nitro
-- Nissan Versa
-- Toyota Yaris

About IAG Research

IAG Research measures the effectiveness of television advertising, product placement as well as viewer engagement with TV. IAG Research's suite of measurement products are used by such industry leaders as American Express, Toyota, General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Verizon Wireless, Johnson & Johnson, Home Depot , VISA, Merck & Co., Paramount Pictures and major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and TNT/TBS.

For more information, please visit: www.iagr.net

Source: IAG

Posted by Frank at 4:27 PM

Crown Royal to Give Race Chance to Experience 'The Good Life' at Texas Motor Speedway April 15

Local Fan's Name to Be Incorporated Into the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion Paint Scheme as Part of Crown Royal's 'Your Name Here' Sweepstakes

NORWALK, Conn. -- Crown Royal Championship Racing today announced that it will give one Texas adult race fan the opportunity to have his / her name incorporated into the paint scheme of a race car during this spring's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series (NNCS) race at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) as part of Crown Royal's "Your Name Here" promotion.

From now until March 15, Texas residents 21 and over can enter the Crown Royal "Your Name Here" sweepstakes online at http://www.crownroyal.com/Texas.

The winner will be randomly selected and have his / her name painted on the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion driven by Jamie McMurray at TMS on April 15. The Joplin, MO, native has posted one top-five and three top-10 finishes in six starts at the Fort Worth racetrack.

As guest of honor at The Great American Speedway, the winner will also receive a pair of tickets and transportation to the race, a VIP pit tour and access to watch the race from the Crown Royal pit box.

"The Crown Royal 'Your Name Here' consumer program is designed to offer Texas residents a truly unique experience which allows one adult race fan to feel like a king for a day," said Jim Lorenz, Senior Brand Manager, Crown Royal. "Texas has been one of Crown Royal's biggest markets for some time, which is why we wanted to reward one adult consumer with a big Texas prize -- being the focal point of the No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion paint scheme that will be seen by more than 100,000 fans in attendance and viewed by many millions more at home on television."

This announcement comes on the heels of Crown Royal's landmark "Your Name Here 400" national promotion that recently awarded naming rights to the spring NNCS race at Richmond International Raceway to Jim Stewart of Houma, LA.

Stewart, 34, was randomly selected from nine finalists in a ceremony at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, marking the first time in history that a major sporting event will be named after a fan. The race will be held under the lights on May 5 and will be called the "Crown Royal presents the Jim Stewart 400."

For the second consecutive year, Crown Royal is the primary sponsor of the No. 26 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion team driven by Jamie McMurray. This includes primary paint scheme of the No. 26 car at 24 races during the 2007 season. Additionally, the Crown Royal Special Reserve brand is presenting sponsor of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and primary sponsor of Cheever Racing's No. 39 Porsche driven by Christian Fittipaldi and Harrison Brix. Crown Royal will also serve as title sponsor in 2007 of the Crown Royal 200 at Watkins Glen, N.Y., on August 9-10.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal, the number one selling whisky in the U.S. by value, has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. In addition to its motorsports sponsorships, the brand also sponsors The Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour, the Crown Royal American Turf stakes race at Churchill Downs and a number of other major regional and national events. For more information on Crown Royal, visit http://www.crownroyal.com/.

About Diageo

Crown Royal is proudly owned by Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 13 motorsports teams, five in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; five in the Busch Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Todd Kluever, Michel Jourdain Jr. and Danny O'Quinn Jr.; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Edwards, Peter Shepherd, Travis Kvapil and Erik Darnell. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto http://www.roushfenway.com/. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704-720-4645.

Source: Crown Royal

Posted by Frank at 4:25 PM

The New Killer on the Road: Distracted Drivers

ABI Continues its Negligent Driving Campaign With a Full-Page Ad in U.S. News and World Report

WASHINGTON, March -- Drunk driving deaths have plummeted over the past 20 years, yet total traffic fatalities have increased as a result of distracted and aggressive driving. That's why the American Beverage Institute (ABI) has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign about the dangers of distracted and negligent driving.

The ABI has been at the forefront in stopping drivers with high blood- alcohol concentrations from getting behind the wheel. But traffic safety needs a bigger fix than keeping abusive drinkers off the road.

The full-page advertisement in this week's edition of U.S. News and World Report shows a young woman talking on her cell phone, sending a text message, checking her email, eating, and speeding. The headline reads: "She would never drive drunk yet she's MORE dangerous than a drunk driver."

When done behind the wheel, many everyday activities can be lethal. In fact:

-- Distracted driving is the number one killer of American teens.
Alcohol-related accidents among teens have dropped, but because
distracted driving is on the rise, teenage traffic fatalities remain
unchanged.
-- While over 90% of teen drivers say they don't drive drunk, nine out
of 10 say they've seen drivers distracted by passengers or using cell
phones.
-- A drowsy driver, or even one going ten miles faster than others on the
road, is more dangerous than one who is legally intoxicated.
-- More than 80% of drivers admit to hazardous behavior while behind the
wheel including: reading, changing clothes, steering with feet,
painting nails, and shaving.
-- Drivers on cell phones are more impaired than drivers with a .08 BAC
level.

"Now that we've had such success in the war against drunk driving, we need to turn our attention to the dangers of distracted driving," said Sarah Longwell, spokeswoman for the ABI. "Most people would never drive drunk, yet people don't think twice before taking a call while driving, sending a text message, or eating, even though those actions are often as bad, if not worse than driving drunk."

The ABI has also run negligent driving PSAs on television stations and billboards across the country. To view the PSAs, go to http://www.negligentdriving.com/.

The American Beverage Institute is an association of restaurants committed to the responsible serving of adult beverages. To learn more visit: http://www.negligentdriving.com/.

Source: American Beverage Institute

Posted by Frank at 4:23 PM

BorgWarner to Supply Air Pump for Toyota Light Trucks

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- BorgWarner is providing its secondary air pump systems to a variety of Toyota light truck models in North America and Japan. Total volume is expected to exceed 500,000 annually.

"As a global leader in air pumps, BorgWarner contributes to our customers' ability to meet increasingly challenging standards for emissions and fuel economy," said Roger Wood, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems. "This particular product for Toyota has been proven to significantly reduce hydrocarbons and provides flexibility in engine and catalyst packaging."

BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems is a leading global producer of turbochargers and other engine air management systems for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. These systems are designed to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance vehicle performance.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 63 locations in 18 countries. Customers include Ford, VW/Audi, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, BMW, Caterpillar, Navistar International, and Peugeot. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/.

Source: BorgWarner Inc.

Posted by Frank at 1:14 PM

Next-Generation Telematics Provide Personalized In-Vehicle Content

Digital Music Will Soon Be Available at the Touch of a Button or Using Voice Commands Thanks to Telematics Solutions from Continental Automotive Systems

FRANKFURT, Germany and GENEVA -- Telematics solutions from the Automotive Systems Division of international automotive supplier Continental AG will make the wireless connection of portable devices, like MP3 players and PDAs, even easier and more convenient. Continental Automotive Systems, whose integrated Bluetooth and telematics systems have already been installed in more than twelve million vehicles, is designing intelligent electronics that will wirelessly connect portable devices and external digital content to the car enabling drivers to access their personal music collection in new ways while on the move.

Not only will drivers have the ability to conduct hands-free mobile phone calls but they also will be able to play digital music in their car and access songs using voice commands, controls in the steering wheel or instrument panel. The next- generation Continental Automotive Systems telematics products in development will be adaptable to future wireless technologies and standards by software updates, making it easier to stay connected to the latest devices.

Bluetooth and voice recognition: both hands on the wheel

The new Continental Automotive Systems telematics systems create an in- vehicle communications network that rapidly integrates portable devices and digital content into cars. For instance, in the case of digital music, hands stay on the steering wheel and eyes stay on the road. Digital music can be transferred via Bluetooth wireless technology or USB connection. The USB connection also can charge the device's battery simultaneously. The driver can navigate through the device's menu using voice commands or by pushbutton control in the same way he currently operates a permanently installed CD player. So, for example, he can navigate playback lists or specifically choose individual songs in the memory of the MP3 player, PDA or cell phone.

Greater comfort and convenience when phoning

Continental Automotive Systems' telematics systems also wirelessly download a mobile phone's address book into the car, support personalized ringtones and stored speed dialing numbers, use text-to-speech to read incoming short messages (SMS) aloud if desired and allows up to twelve Bluetooth phones to be connected to the system. If a mobile phone call is initiated outside the car and is to be continued in the car, the telematics unit automatically transfers the call without interruption to the car's hands- free system when the ignition is switched on. Alternatively, a phone module for service and assistance functions and mobile internet access can be built into the telematics unit.

"Continental Automotive Systems recognizes that development cycles in the field of consumer electronics are much shorter than in the automotive industry," comments Kieran O`Sullivan, Head of Continental Automotive Systems Telematics business unit. "Future portable devices can be supported by new software updates or new hardware components." The telematics solutions also recognize the needs of the car manufacturers in that these components can be combined into a wireless communications gateway which can be integrated into the car and connected up to its networks.

The Continental Corporation is a leading automotive supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers. In 2006 the corporation realized sales of euro 14.9 billion. At present it has a worldwide workforce of around 85,000.

As a worldwide leading technology partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG integrates extensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the fields of driving safety, embedded telematics and hands-free communication systems, powertrain and comfort. In 2006 the Division achieved sales of approximately euro 6 billion with a workforce of more than 30,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and chassis control systems, electronic air suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, cooling fan modules, body and security electronics and also is the industry leader of embedded telematics and communication systems in vehicles.

Source: Continental AG

Posted by Frank at 1:12 PM

Spartan Chassis Secures New Military Vehicle Orders

CHARLOTTE, Mich. -- Building on its growing expertise in specialty vehicles, Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., today announced it has received $16.4 million in subcontract orders for new military vehicles -- its second largest order announcement in 2007.

Under the new subcontracts, Spartan Chassis will supply and integrate key chassis components in the production of 155 advanced tactical wheeled vehicles under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, program. The vehicles, which will be used by U.S. Marines and soldiers, are being built under contracts with two leading U.S. defense manufacturers.

"We are again gratified to lend our expertise in helping to protect U.S. Marines and soldiers who are stationed in harm's way," said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis. "Spartan Chassis has been able to successfully translate the technology, performance and durability built in to each of our premium fire truck, specialty and RV chassis to the military vehicles we supply.

"The MRAP vehicles currently in service have a proven track record of performance. We are honored to be among the suppliers committed to providing products that safeguard the lives of our servicemen and women."

Spartan Chassis will provide chassis and components for 80 Category I 4x4 units and 75 Category II 6x6 units under the MRAP program, which is expected to build up to 4,100 vehicles at a total cost of $2 billion. To date, U.S. Marines are using more than 60 MRAP vehicles in Iraq. The vehicles are designed to protect their occupants from a combination of mines, rocket- propelled grenades, or RPGs, and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, through their V-shaped hull, raised chassis and improved armor.

About Spartan Chassis, Inc.

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR) , is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks and specialty vehicles. Spartan Motors, which also manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under the brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue, reported sales of $445 million in 2006 and is focused on becoming the premier manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis in North America.

Source: Spartan Chassis, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 1:09 PM

Win a Chance to Drive Like the Pros With the 'License to Speed' Game

Grand Prize Winner Receives Trip to Jeff Gordon's Racing School

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- Imagine racing down the speedway like the pros. Imagine being behind the wheel of an authentic stock car driven by a champion. One racing fan will win this ultimate driving experience with the Hostess(R) Race Divas "License to Speed" Instant Win Game. The Grand Prize winner will receive a three day, two night trip for two to Miami, Florida to experience the Jeff Gordon Racing School. The estimated value of the grand prize is $10,000. Fifty $100 cash prizes are also up for grabs.

Starting March 5 through April 6, in convenience stores across the country, specially marked snack packs of Hostess Twinkies(R), Hostess Cup Cakes and Hostess Donettes(R) will feature an in-pack promotion code. By text messaging the promotion code to "DIVAS" via mobile phone you will instantly find out if you are a potential winner. For additional information or to find out how to receive an instant-win game piece by mail visit www.hostesscakes.com.

"Watching your favorite professional drivers speeding around the track at over a hundred miles an hour is exciting -- but nothing can compare to the drivers' on-track experience," said Kevin Kaul, Hostess Marketing Director. "The Hostess Race Divas 'License to Speed' Instant Win Game offers fans of Hostess snacks the chance to experience the thrill of racing's elite events."

In November 2005, Hostess announced that three of professional racing's leading women drivers -- Danica Patrick (IRL), Melanie Troxel (NHRA) and Leilani Munter (NASCAR) -- signed on to become Hostess "Race Divas" under a new sponsorship agreement with the brand famous for many of America's all-time favorite snacks. The racing sponsorship program features a range of promotional activities that leverage the iconic Hostess brand with the enthusiasm surrounding racing and women's increasing prominence in the sport.

Source: Interstate Bakeries Corporation

Posted by Frank at 1:08 PM

Ford Racing Continues Drive to Top

* Four Fusion drivers claimed four spots in the top 10 in the Telcel-Motorola 200 NASCAR Busch Series race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

* Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 60 Fusion was the top-finishing Ford driver in fourth place. Edwards takes over the top spot in the point standings.

* Going into next weekend’s Busch race in Las Vegas, Fusion drivers occupy five of the top 10 spots in the series.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Racing’s NASCAR Busch Series drivers continued their consistent driving this weekend by claiming four of the top 10 spots in the Telcel-Motorola 200 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. As a result, five of the top 10 spots in the series’ point standings belong to Fusion drivers.

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 60 Fusion was the top-finishing Ford driver in fourth place and leaves Mexico City with the points lead. “I just had a blast out here,” said Edwards. “There was some excitement. That was wild with Juan [Montoya] and Scott [Pruett] and Boris [Said] and all of the guys. I just had fun racing with them.”

One Fusion driver overcame an early-race incident and fought his way up for a top finish. Mexican driver Jorge Goeters, driver of the No. 27 Fusion, wheeled his car to a seventh-place finish. “We came back very strong. We had to take care about some positions and be careful. At the end, I pushed hard to do better and to get better place. It was good for me.”

Finishing one spot behind Goeters was Australian rookie Marcos Ambrose. He earned his eighth place after getting spun around on lap 64. Ambrose recovered and charged through the field and the standings by moving up to sixth place overall. Ambrose is the top rookie in points.

“We learned so much here this weekend,” said Ambrose. “We were flat out holding sixth spot, and then when we had the spin, I guess it’s just restart type of deals. “

The NASCAR series heads to Las Vegas next weekend with the Busch race on Saturday and the Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday.

Posted by Frank at 12:58 PM

Volkswagen Presents Golf Variant and Passat BlueMotion as Geneva-Staged World Premieres

World premiere I: New Golf Variant to be introduced this summer

World premiere II: New Passat BlueMotion with fuel economy of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers

Technological highlight: Phaeton with first V6 TDI meets future Euro-5 standard

Wolfsburg, Germany - At the International 77th Geneva Motor Show held from March 8 to 18, Volkswagen is presenting an abundance of innovative new models. Presented as world premieres are the new Golf Variant and the Passat BlueMotion. Another technological highlight is the Phaeton featuring new technical details; the sedan with a new V6 TDI is the first car offered by the corporation that already fulfills the Euro-5 standard that goes into effect in 2009. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is in Geneva with two concept vans: The Caddy Life Edition and Multivan PanAmericana.

World premiere I: The new Golf Variant

* Debuting in a world premiere is the third generation of the Golf Variant, with more than 1.2 million units built since 1993. As a TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS it consumes just 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (CO2 = 137 g/km). The cargo space of the new Golf Variant is 1,550 liters. The first cars will be delivered in early summer. Engine power ranges from 75 kW / 102 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS.

World premiere II: The new Passat BlueMotion

* With the world premiere of the Passat BlueMotion Volkswagen is demonstrating in Geneva that minimalistic fuel consumption values are also feasible one car class higher (see separate press folder or www.volkswagen-media-services.com). Although it can go 193 km/h if necessary, this most economical of the Passat versions is also satisfied with 5.1 liters of diesel as a sedan (CO2 = 136 g/km); or 5.2 liters as the Passat BlueMotion Variant (CO2 = 137 g/km).

Technological highlight: New Phaeton V6 TDI

* Early this summer Volkswagen will already be introducing another technological highlight in the diesel area to the market: The Phaeton V6 TDI. This powerful 233 PS luxury sedan fulfills the Euro-5 standard that go into effect in 2009. This hurdle can only be cleared by diesel cars whose engines are capable of reducing particulate emissions to limits that are 80 percent lower than those of the current Euro-4 standard. Numerous new technical features were designed into all versions of the Phaeton, such as "Front Assist" stopping distance reduction, "Side Assist" for peripheral monitoring, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and a navigation system now with DVD support.

Concept cars: Caddy Life Edition and Multivan PanAmericana

* Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting two concept vans that are also powered by economical TDI engines: The Caddy Life Edition and the Multivan PanAmericana. While the Caddy sets the stage as the sportiest version of this model series, the Multivan PanAmericana was designed for life’s biggest adventures with its elevated ground clearance.

Exhibition highlight: Golf Variant in detail

* For 45 years now, Volkswagens with extra-large cargo areas have been called – unless they are a van – "Variant". To date, more than 6.1 million of them have been sold worldwide. Now there is a new one: The Golf Variant. Its market introduction will begin this summer, initially in Europe.

* Once again the Golf Variant is characterized by an ideal ratio of interior and exterior dimensions. When the cargo net is installed (standard starting with Comfortline), even with five occupants on board the Golf Variant can carry 690 liters of cargo; up to the load sill at window level this still amounts to 505 liters (without spare wheel well). When the rear bench seat is folded, the full interior height (0.83 meters) can be utilized to stow up to 1,550 liters of cargo.

* A synthesis of new and classic stylistic elements distinguishes the car design. The rear end of the Variant shows a completely new side of the Golf. While about half of each taillight is integral to the rear hatch on other body versions of the model series, on the Golf Variant they are integrated completely in the fender. Visually, the taillights emphasize the large load width of the hatch opening.

* At its market introduction Volkswagen is offering the Golf Variant with one gasoline and two diesel engine options. The gasoline engine outputs 75 kW / 102 PS. The two diesels of the Golf Variant deliver even more power with extraordinary economy: 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS, and they are among the most efficient engines ever. The smaller of these two TDIs is content with just 5.2 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. Moreover, the large TDI is as fuel efficient as it is environmentally friendly. The Golf Variant 2.0 TDI that can reach speeds of up to 205 km/h consumes just 5.6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: 148 g/km.

Note: All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.

Posted by Frank at 9:08 AM

BMW bringing 1941 328 Mile Miglia to Amelia Island

Woodcliff Lake, NJ -- BMW of North America, LLC and BMW Mobile Tradition will display two important pieces of the company’s endurance racing history at the March 9th - 11th Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island will host the event and the first-ever North American visit of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy-winning 1939 BMW RS 500 Supercharged Racing Motorcycle as well as the 1941 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Roadster.

BMW enthusiasts will also enjoy seeing two racing cars that found success at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition to the two prewar machines, BMW will bring an example of the 1999 Le Mans winning BMW V12 LMR and a 1996 BMW-powered McLaren F1 GTR.

1939 BMW RS 500 Supercharged Racing Bike
Since it was first held in 1907, the Isle of Man TT race was dominated by British motorcycles and riders. That ended in 1939 when BMW and its factory team rider Georg “Schorsch” Meier won the prestigious “Senior Tourist Trophy” road race. His BMW RS (Renn Sport) 500 combined telescopic rear wheel suspension (introduced the previous year), the lightest weight of all bikes entered, and a supercharged 500cc boxer engine to record an average speed of 89.38 miles per hour, a new course record.

1941 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Roadster
In the late 1930s the BMW 328 ruled the 2-liter sports car racing class. One of Europe’s toughest races was the grueling 1000-mile Mille Miglia and for the running of the 1940 Mille Miglia, BMW prepared a team of aluminum-bodied, streamlined roadsters and coupes based on the 328. In addition to increasing the power of the 1971 cc. six-cylinder engine to 135 hp (a sensational value for this time period), the coachbuilding firm Touring, of Milan, Italy, was hired to construct lightweight "Superleggera" aluminum bodies to take full advantage of the increasing understanding of aerodynamics. The lines of the roadsters were similar to the coupe that not only won the two-liter class, but the race overall.

The 328 Mille Miglia Touring roadster was a further development, designed to compete in 1941 in the proposed Berlin to Rome race and the 1941 Mille Miglia, but was never fielded after both races were cancelled due to the war.

61 years later, on the 75th anniversary of the Mille Miglia in 2002, the roadster fulfilled its mission. With husband and wife team of Giuliano and Lucia Canè this BMW Mobile Tradition-prepared 328 took the overall win at the Mille Miglia Historica.

1999 BMW V12 LMR
Jointly developed with Formula 1 partner WilliamsF1, the V12 LMR was built to challenge the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The V12 LMR on display at the concours debuted at the 12 Hours at Sebring in March of 1999 winning the race by the closest margin to-date. Three months later the V12 LMR of Yannick Dalmas (F), Pierluigi Martini (I) and Joachim Winkelhock (D) drove to the front of the field and gave BMW its first ever overall victory at Le Mans. The V12 LMR was the first racing car since 1987 to win both the Sebring and Le Mans classics in the same year.

The V12 LMR continued to compete in the American Le Mans Series, winning races in 1999 at Sears Point, Laguna Seca and Las Vegas – finishing second at Portland and Road Atlanta. In its second year of ALMS competition, the car won twice at Charlotte and Silverstone.

Retiring only twice for mechanical fault in eighteen races entered, the V12 LMR is a testament to BMW’s commitment to advanced automotive design and technology.

McLaren F1 GTR
The McLaren F1 was the world's fastest and most expensive production car, and no expense was spared in providing it with state of the art technology in every detail. McLaren turned to BMW to develop an engine worthy of this supercar and BMW responded with a 6.0-liter, V-12, developing 636 horsepower.

The F1 GTR was the racing version, which differs only slightly from the production car. Several F1 GTRs were entered in the grueling 24-hour race at Le Mans in 1995. At the end, it claimed victory as well as third, fourth and fifth overall, an unprecedented success for a first-time entry. In 1995, F1 GTRs also won the 1000 kilometer race at Suzuka and the 4-Hours of Silverstone.

In 1996-97-98, McLaren F1 GTRs again took on the challenge of Le Mans, finishing 4th, 2nd, and 4th overall in 1996, ‘97 and ‘98 respectively.

Posted by Frank at 7:24 AM

Mopar Outfits 2007 Jeep Wrangler With Authentic Accessories

Center Line, Mich. -- Mopar, DaimlerChrysler’s original equipment manufacturer, revealed its full line of Authentic Jeep Accessories for the all-new 2007 Jeep® Wrangler. The most capable off-road vehicle in the world, the Wrangler is offered in three models: Wrangler X; Wrangler Sahara; and Wrangler Rubicon®.

“Our Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar suit the Wrangler’s rugged, durable, capable, and adventurous nature — so our customers can enjoy the world’s most-demanding trails or their daily commute,” said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group. “Our factory-engineered accessories are designed as well as performance and safety tested to provide compatibility in function, fit and color.”

Unmatched Interior Functionality
The rugged Rubber Floor Covering for the passenger, cargo area and wheelhouse are easy to clean. Resistant to most liquids and chemicals, the covering features a textured surface with raised Jeep logo.

Bring on the slush. Featuring a custom design with unique tire-tread and mud graphics, the Front and Rear Slush Mats prevent water, snow and mud from doing a number on the Wrangler's carpet.

Dirt and moisture are no match for the custom-fit Water-resistant Seat Covers. Constructed of “wet suit” material and featuring the Jeep logo, the front and rear seat covers can be easily removed for cleaning.

Keep valuables out-of-sight and worries out-of-mind with Add-a-Trunk. It creates 3.1 feet in the Wrangler two-door model and 9.4 feet in the four-door model of lockable and accessible cargo space behind the rear seat. It’s large enough to hold outdoor gear and keep it secure. Easy to install and remove, it also works with the child-seat tether.

A modern twist to classic Jeep styling, the Interior Panel Appliqués add a personalized look to the tough interior. Following the contours of the door panels, instrument panel and center bezel, they’re available in a variety of finishes, including brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, Dark Bird’s-eye Maple and a unique “Red Rock” scene pattern.

Exterior That’s All Attitude and Style
For extreme off-roading, the Off-road Front and Rear Bumpers feature heavy-duty steel construction to withstand off-road abuse, compact dimensions and excellent ground clearance for off-road obstacles. The front bumper incorporates energy absorbers and works with the air bag system — a feature not necessarily found on other brands. It has an integrated universal winch mount and grille guard. It’s also available without the winch mount. The rear bumper is designed to clear the factory tow hook and trailer hitch and features tow eyes for off-road recovery. Both front and rear bumpers come with a laser-cut Jeep logo and textured satin black triple anti-chip coating that meets tough Jeep corrosion standards.

Need a little pull? The Warn® Winch gets the job done. Built to last with a range of capabilities and strengths, this winch features an automatic load brake, three-stage planetary gear set with Hawse fairlead and mounting hardware and heavy steel cable. A remote control with light is included with the lead. It’s compatible with the Off-road Bumper from Mopar.

Store and protect the Wrangler hard-top panels with the Freedom Top™ Panel Carrier and Hard Top Storage Dolly. The carrier mounts to the Wrangler’s spare tire and is designed for quick and secure on-vehicle storage of the Freedom Top panels, freeing interior space. For the ultimate in off-vehicle storage and convenience, the storage dolly holds a hard top, top panels and two doors in a compact 35-inch x 67-inch storage area. It features large caster wheels and zippered cover.

The Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect Kit replaces the production front sway bar and allows the driver to disengage the sway bar with the push of a button. This permits greater axle articulation while off road so the suspension flexes over obstacles.

Tow and go. The Tow Bar allows for safe and secure towing behind recreational vehicles and trucks with a 5,000 lb.-rated coupler. Collapsible for convenient vehicle or home storage, the bracket mounts to the vehicle frame. A convenient safety cable is included as well as wiring loops. An RV-to-Jeep wiring harness is also available to operate the taillamps.

All chromed up and so many places to go. The Black Tie Package features chrome enhancements providing a bright complement to any body color — sure to turn heads on the trail or the red carpet. Chrome features include 18-inch premium wheels, fuel filler door, front and rear bumpers, side steps, mirror covers, exhaust tip and taillamp guards. A Black-tie Decal proudly states this Wrangler is dressed to the nines.

See what’s left behind with a Mirror Mount Relocation Kit. The bracket allows this auxiliary side-view mirror to be mounted on the driver’s side. Easily folded away, it retains the outside mirror for doors-off driving.

Top it off with the weather-resistant Cab Cover or Combination Kit Top. Available in black or sun-reflective silver nylon, the cab cover protects the hard or soft top and interior. Elastic loops attach around the taillamps and mirrors while two integrated cords attach to the vehicle securing the cover under the door area. It folds into an included storage bag when not in use. The combination kit top includes rear-seat-area Tonneau Cover with snapless attachment system; Windscreen (including rear window); and durable, soft-top material sun bonnet. This kit top is available in black or khaki.

Light the way with Off-road Lights and Installation Kit. The lights are windshield-pillar mounted. The wiring kit features interior and exterior harnesses, switch, and relay for the pair of off-road lights.

Rock Rails provide lower body-side protection and can withstand world-class abuse over the toughest of trail conditions. The rails are constructed of heavy-gauge steel with easy bolt-on mounting at body height so they don’t reduce ground clearance. Available with or without an optional “rub bar” for maximum protection. The rock rails are painted in a satin black finish.

The epitome of practical, the Swing-away Tire Carrier ensures a spare is always at hand. The entire weight of the tire and carrier is mounted to the frame through mounting brackets on the rear bumper. It holds up to 35-inch tall tires preventing excess strain on the tailgate. This is compatible with the off-road rear bumper from Mopar.

To equip for towing, the Trailer Hitch and Wiring Kit is capable of carrying 3,500 lbs. of trailer load (class 2). A four- or seven-way plug-in trailer light wiring harness is also available.

No Wrangler is complete without a good-looking set of wheels. The 16-inch x 7-inch Wheels feature five-spoke, machine-finished aluminum with black vent pockets. The 17-inch x 7.5-inch Hulk Wheels feature five-spoke, mineral grey clearcoat finish. Both wheel sizes feature a Jeep logo center cap and are designed to match the Wrangler hubs so they’ll run true and balanced for a smooth ride in even the rockiest of places. They undergo stringent testing to prove their strength and durability and ensure a long-lasting sparkle. 18-inch x 7-inch Chrome Wheels are also available.

Customize the top with Complete Hard- and Soft-top Kits. The kits allow owners to install a black or khaki top. A full-range of window kits and hard or soft sun bonnets are also available as well as a hard top wiring kit for Jeeps not originally built with a hard top.

On Track When off the Beaten Path
Forge ahead to new adventures with the TrailGuide™ Navigation System. The portable GPS module includes a docking/charging station with dual speakers. The docking station permanently mounts to the top of the center bezel. Featuring full-mapping view, turn-by-turn directional voice prompts and color screen, it provides pre-programmed map coverage for North America. The system may be removed for hiking and biking, and remembers the route traveled.

Hit the Trail and Rock on
Bring music to the trail with the iPod® Integration Kit. The kit provides direct connectivity between the iPod and the vehicle’s audio sound system — offering optimal digital audio quality so all passengers can enjoy the iPod tracks. Using the audio system or steering wheel controls, drivers can browse their iPod music collection of playlists, song titles, and artists that are viewable on the radio display face. Specifically engineered to interface with select model year 2006 and newer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle electronics.

Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the country. Mopar accessories are covered under DaimlerChrysler’s 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships.

Visit www.mopar.com for a full line of authentic accessories from Mopar. Pricing is also available.

Posted by Frank at 7:20 AM

Saab BioPower 100 Concept: Bioethanol Performance Potential Unleashed

* First production-based turbo engine optimized for pure bioethanol (E100)
* 300 hp with greatly reduced CO2 impact
* Saab extends leadership of bioethanol engine technology
* World premiere at Geneva International Motor Show, North American debut scheduled for New York International Auto Show in April

The Saab BioPower 100 Concept, presented at the Geneva Motor Show, showcases the first production-based turbo e ngine to be optimized for pure, eco-friendly bioethanol (E100) fuel. The result is a level of performance never seen before from a road car using this fuel.

This exciting concept takes Saab BioPower technology to a new level by showing the true potential of combining turbocharging and sophisticated engine management with pure bioethanol fuel. And in demonstrating that greener motoring means even sportier driving, it also extends Saab’s technical leadership of Europe's emerging ‘flex-fuel’ segment.

At the heart of the Saab BioPower 100 Concept is a modified version of a 2.0-liter turbo production gasoline engine from the current Saab 9-5 range, which in standard specification gives peak power of 150 hp. A test and development program - involving modifications to the engine management system and internal components - now enables it to exploit the high octane benefits of E100 fuel by using a higher compression ratio, together with more boost pressure. The outcome of this work is peak power of 300 hp and a remarkably high specific power output of 150 hp per liter.

“This exciting concept shows the tremendous potential of bioethanol, in terms of both performance and future opportunities to ‘rightsize’ engines,” says Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan Åke Jonsson. “Bioethanol is already entering the market as E85 fuel and we look forward to seeing further supply infrastructure developments that will make it more widely available in the future.”

The Saab BioPower 100 Concept is presented as an evolution of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi. It is visually distinguished by styling features such as ‘ice block’ front and rear light units – extending a theme seen on the 9-3 SportCombi – and 19-inch ‘turbine’ alloy wheels inspired by those of the award-winning Saab Aero X concept, first shown at Geneva last year. The interior is upholstered in unique white leather, complemented by the main fascia and door trims, which are finished in black leather overlaid with a carbon fiber-effect pattern. The car is also equipped with Saab’s innovative AlcoKey, an easy to use, pocket-sized alco-lock device that helps drivers steer clear of drinking and driving.

Total BioPower

* Saab 9-5 BioPower, Europe's top-selling bioethanol (E85)-powered car
* 300 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque from concept’s production-based engine
* E100 enables high compression ratio with high boost pressure

Saab is already established as the leading player in Europe's emerging market for ‘flex-fuel’ vehicles able to run on gasoline and/or bioethanol (E85). Its current Saab 9-5 BioPower model is the best-selling flex-fuel car in Sweden , a title which also extends to the European continent. At Geneva this year, Saab also announces BioPower’s introduction throughout its 9-3 product range in Europe.

So far, Saab BioPower development has been focused on using E85 fuel, (85 percent bioethanol/15 percent gasoline). Now, with the announcement of the fully functioning BioPower 100 Concept, Saab confirms its leadership position by showing how bioethanol technology could be further extended. In combining pure bioethanol with Saab’s expertise in turbocharging, the BioPower 100 Concept offers drivers an exciting win/win proposition: greener motoring with dramatically enhanced power and performance.

Running on E100, the concept car’s engine delivers peak power of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and an exceptionally strong 295 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,000 and 5,100 rpm, with almost 85 percent available at just 2,000 rpm. This strong and flexible power delivery gives the Saab BioPower 100 Concept car zero to 62 mph acceleration in just 6.6 seconds and 50 – 75 mph (fifth gear) in an even more impressive 8.2 seconds. The standard 150 hp gasoline engine produces 177 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800-3,500 rpm, giving zero to 62 mph in 10.2 seconds and 50- 75 mph (fifth gear) in 16.3 seconds.

The secret behind such enhanced performance is the ability of E100 fuel to resist harmful self-ignition, or ‘knocking’, as the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the cylinder. This attribute is denoted by E100’s high 106 RON octane rating. It permits the use of an engine compression ratio that is higher than normally possible with turbocharging, giving more power and greater combustion efficiency without risk of knocking.

The BioPower 100 Concept’s engine operates with a compression ratio of 11.0:1, compared to 8.8:1 for the standard gasoline engine. This has been achieved by modifying the shape of the piston crowns to reduce the volume of the combustion chamber, thereby raising the engine’s compression ratio.

New software for Saab’s powerful Trionic engine management system, which controls the throttle setting, ignition timing, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure, looks after the different ignition timing and fuel/air mixture requirements of E100 fuel.

More durable valves and valve seats are fitted to the engine, together with bioethanol-compatible materials throughout the fuel system. The only other modification necessary is pre-heating of the fuel. This is required to achieve good cold-starting performance, which is the main reason why bioethanol is currently blended with gasoline and sold as E85 fuel.

In ambient temperatures below 60°F, the chemistry of E100 makes it resistant to vaporization and, as a result, it can be difficult to start the engine. To overcome this issue, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept has an experimental fuel heating system, using small heating elements in the inlet ports downstream of the injectors. When the engine is cold, these elements warm the incoming fuel sufficiently to allow it to vaporize. Shortly after start-up, the function is automatically deactivated.

On The Road

* Driver enjoys ‘on demand’ performance typical of 4-liter engine
* ‘Less is more’ turbo philosophy with E100 offers engine ‘rightsizing’ potential
* Future hybrid application for further energy savings
* Gasoline flex-fuel capability retained

In optimizing the potential of bioethanol fuel, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept turbo engine offers improved drivability as well as greater full power performance. The high compression ratio allows the engine to generate more torque more quickly, particularly from low engine speeds. On the road, the driver of the BioPower 100 Concept will immediately notice a sharper engine response, with a better low speed pick-up before the turbo is engaged.

On full throttle openings, the turbocharger packs up to 1.2 bar (17.4 psi) boost, without risk of ‘knocking’ from the high octane fuel. It gives the BioPower 100 Concept driver access to the sort of in-gear performance typical of a modern, naturally-aspirated engine of four liters or more. The smooth power delivery - without fossil fuel emissions - takes Saab’s traditional ‘less is more’ turbo philosophy to a new level.

That impressive 150 hp/liter specific power output also indicates considerable potential for engine ‘rightsizing’, giving the driver the performance characteristics of a ‘large’ engine without incurring its additional weight, greater complexity or higher fuel consumption. In this way, E100 offers significant potential to reduce the displacement of an engine - thereby reducing fuel consumption - while still achieving a desired power level.

The overall fuel consumption of the current Saab 9-5 BioPower engine using E85 is about 30 percent higher than on gasoline and the optimized BioPower 100 engine is expected to yield a near 10 percent gain against this. Bioethanol burns at a lower temperature than gasoline, which reduces thermal stresses on the engine and benefits fuel consumption at higher cruising speeds. With the future addition of direct injection and lean-burn technology, E100 fuel consumption can move even closer to gasoline levels.

For optimum energy saving, E100 applications could also be combined with electric hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions still further. This development has already been previewed in the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, the world's first such vehicle to use pure bioethanol.

While the BioPower 100 Concept is focused on performance, it still retains a ‘flex-fuel’ capability and the engine will also run on gasoline, or E85, although power levels are not so high. Trionic monitors fuel quality after every visit to the filling station and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E100/E85 and/or gasoline in any combination.

To handle the increased performance, the BioPower 100 show car is fitted with a limited-slip differential and larger front brake discs (13.6 inches) and calipers, while using the sport chassis settings of Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi. It also has a dual pipe rear exhaust system, with tailpipes similar to those of the Aero X Concept.

Superb Fuel

* High quality, clean burn fuel
* Single chemical compound allows more precise engine management control
* Modern fuel meets current environmental challenges
* Experience gained from Saab Variable Compression (SVC) engine

Bioethanol is a clean burning fuel that can be produced in many parts of the world from a wide range of agricultural crops and biomass. More efficient second-generation processes, using ligno-cellulose extracted from forestry and agricultural products, are also under development.

Bioethanol’s simple, fixed chemical composition opens up new possibilities in engine management and control. It consists of just one hydrocarbon molecule, whereas retail gasoline is a cocktail of several hundred different hydrocarbons as well as additives to prevent engine deposits which may not be necessary with bioethanol. It is also biodegradable and will dissolve in water.

As it is a single chemical compound, bioethanol allows engineers to exercise much greater precision in maximizing engine performance. For example, it is possible to maintain an ideal fuel/air mixture (Lambda 1) at all throttle openings without impairing the smooth running of the engine.

Saab’s experimental variable compression (SVC) engine, revealed at Geneva in 2000, has played an important role as a test bed for BioPower development work. It has been used to help determine the optimum relationship between compression ratio and boost pressure for the BioPower 100 application.

“Bioethanol is a potent, high quality fuel which opens up exciting possibilities in helping to meet the environmental challenges that face us,” says Kjell ac Bergström, GM Powertrain – Sweden president and CEO, who has led the Saab BioPower 100 engine development team.

He adds: “As the need to reduce energy consumption increases, we are exploring ways to run smaller engines that give relatively high power, with and without hybrid technology. Bioethanol can play a key role in this ‘rightsizing’ process, while also minimizing fossil fuel emissions.”

Helping to Prevent Drunk-Driving

The Saab BioPower 100 Concept incorporates Saab’s innovative AlcoKey, a vehicle ‘alcolock’ system designed to prevent the car being used if a driver is under the influence of alcohol.

The pocket-sized AlcoKey unit incorporates a cap covering a mouthpiece where the driver provides a breath sample before starting the car. Its radio transmitter then sends a signal to the engine’s electronic control unit. This will allow the car to be started or, if the breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted legal level, keep it immobilized.

AlcoKey recently won the Swedish Automobile Association’s annual award for innovation and it is currently on user field trials in Sweden , where car fleet operators and public service providers want an effective means of reassuring the public that drivers cannot get behind the wheel if their blood/alcohol level is over the limit.

The field trials are focused on verifying AlcoKey's convenience and ease of use. Its transmitter has a range of up to 32.8 feet and if a breath sample is provided before entering the car, its quick three to four second clearance process should not delay the driver. In everyday use, AlcoKey can provide a useful check if a driver has had a drink some time before intending to drive or has been drinking the night before. It could be offered as an option for Saab 9-5 and 9-3 models sold in the Swedish market, priced at around SEK 3,000 (about USD 425).

Note:
Bioethanol fuel is produced commercially from agricultural crops, such as corn and sugar cane, and other forms of biomass. Also under development are second-generation processes which offer greater energy efficiency by using ligno-cellulose extracted from forestry and agricultural products, such as wood, straw and grass. Unlike gasoline, bioethanol consumption does not raise atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main 'greenhouse' gas. This is because emissions during driving are balanced by the amount of CO2 that is removed from the atmosphere when crops for conversion are grown. In contrast, fossil-based fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, release new amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere which have been locked away underground in oil deposits.

Posted by Frank at 7:11 AM

Hyundai win Kiplinger's Best of 2007 Cars Award

2007 SONATA AND AZERA RECEIVE "BEST IN CLASS"

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. -- Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named the Hyundai Sonata GLS and Azera Limited “Best in Class” in the annual buyer’s guide “Best of 2007 Cars” awards.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance editors and analysts evaluated nearly 500 new models and selected winners in nine price categories from small economy cars to crossovers, large SUVs and luxury sedans. They also assessed sticker and dealer prices, projected resale values and fuel costs.

The Azera Limited beat the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima for “Best in Class” in the $25,000 – $30,000 sedan category, which included a cross-section of midsize and large sedans with premium features. According to Kiplinger’s editors’, “Entry-luxe features, such as heated leather seats, dual climate controls, power rear sunshade and 17-inch wheels, are standard, at a value price.

With the $2,500 Ultimate package, you also get a moonroof, ten-speaker Infinity audio system and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The comprehensive warranty is five years/60,000 miles.” Azera also offers standard safety technologies including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side and curtain airbags.

The Sonata GLS won “Best in Class” in the under $20,000 sedan category. Kiplinger’s editors stated, “A full array of standard safety features plus 16 cubic feet of cargo room push the Sonata to the head of its pack. With 162 horsepower, this fuel-thrifty four cylinder is no slouch. Speaking of slouching, long-legged drivers and passengers rejoice — no car in this class matches the Sonata’s 44 inches of front legroom and 37 inches in the rear.”

“The Azera and Sonata are both excellent examples of Hyundai’s commitment to outstanding quality, standard life-saving safety technologies and unbeatable value,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s rewarding that Kiplinger’s recognized both sedans for their segment leadership.”

KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE

Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine provides down-to-earth advice on managing your money and achieving financial security. Readers get trustworthy information and practical guidance on saving, investing, planning for retirement, paying for college, buying an automobile, home and other major purchases.

Posted by Frank at 7:08 AM

Special Edition 2008 Jaguar Portfolio

* New special edition XKR Portfolio offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe or convertible.

* Unique exterior styling revisions include 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, polished aluminium side power vents and Celestial Black paint.

* Advanced aluminium construction, 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine and six-speed Jaguar sequential shift transmission with paddleshift for superb dynamic performance.

* New high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.

* Choice of new interior veneer - Engine-Spun Alloy – or elegant Satin American Walnut.

* First production Jaguar to use new Bowers & Wilkins speaker system exclusively crafted for XKR Premium Sound system.

Jaguar Cars is adding even more appeal to the ‘must have’ XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).

The XKR’s already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR’s interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar’s engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

Now, to offer even greater braking ability, Jaguar’s Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar’s specialist engineering centre (which is based next to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.

400mm front brake discs – an increase of 45mm over the standard XKR – are retarded by powerful six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston calipers operate on 350mm discs. Innovative race-developed crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.

By allowing the heat created within the system to dissipate quickly and efficiently the XKR Portfolio’s brakes produce fade-free performance whilst maintaining Jaguar renowned blend of refinement and stopping power. Unique ‘R’ branding on the front brake calipers reveals the six-piston set-up beneath.

Surrounding the XKR Portfolio’s brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature ‘ingot’. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A unique, and quite beautiful, Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard on the Portfolio, while customers will also have the option of an elegant Satin American Walnut veneer. A new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills complete the effect.

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio special edition is available to order from the end of March 2007.

Posted by Frank at 7:05 AM

Mercedes Car Group Sells 82,000 Vehicles Worldwide in February 2007

* Mercedes-Benz with eight percent increase to 151,500 passenger vehicles in the first two months 2007

* Even before the official market launch, new C-Class and new smart fortwo post impressive numbers for incoming orders

* With more than one million deliveries, E-Class sedan celebrates new sales milestone

Stuttgart, Mar 06, 2007 -- The Mercedes Car Group sold 82,000 Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand passenger vehicles worldwide in February 2007, compared to 83,800 units sold in the same month last year. For the first two months of the year, sales amounted to 159,700 vehicles (156,500 units). Mercedes-Benz sold 78,000 passenger vehicles in February worldwide, posting an increase of three percent compared to the same month last year (76,100 units). The number of vehicles delivered to customers in the first two months of 2007 rose by eight percent to the total of 151,500 units (same period last year: 140,600 units).

The new C-Class sedan is registering an extremely positive reception in the market only a few weeks after its sales start. Even before its official market launch on March 31, 2007, already around 55.000 orders have been placed for the new model in Western Europe. Sales of the current C-Class sports coupe were particularly strong in February (1,900 units), a 26-percent increase from the result posted in the same month in 2006.

The E-Class also registered strong growth in February. Sales of the upper-range model series totaled 17,000 units, up 18 percent from the mark posted in the same period last year. The E-Class sedan also celebrated a significant sales milestone with more than one million units delivered since its market launch in March 2002.

The S-Class continues to expand its market-leading position in the luxury segment. In the first two months of this year, Mercedes-Benz delivered 16,900 vehicles in this segment. A particularly gratifying result is the success of the CL-Class, which has been the choice of 3,400 customers worldwide since its market launch at the end of September 2006.

Sales of the A-Class and B-Class models also continue to be robust, reaching a new record with 36,600 deliveries in the first two months of this year.

The increase in the first two months of this year was supported by growth in all regions. In the United States, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in January and February of this year were up 15 percent from the same period last year, reaching a record total of 34,400 units. Mercedes-Benz also set a sales record in the Asia/Pacific region, with sales there climbing by 11 percent to 20,200 units in the first two months of 2007. With outstanding results posted in all vehicle classes, sales in China (including Hong Kong), also developed especially well: 4,800 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles were delivered to customers by the end of February (plus 52 percent). In Western Europe, sales through February increased by four percent from the same period last year, to 81,600 units.

The smart brand delivered 4,000 vehicles to customers worldwide in February 2007, with the current fortwo model nearly sold out. Even in advance of the new smart fortwo’s official market launch in April, an impressive number of orders have been received for the car. Just seven weeks after the vehicle became available for ordering, more than 30,000 customers have already placed orders for the new two-seater.

Posted by Frank at 7:03 AM

Nissan Announces New Executive Position For Infiniti

Tokyo, Japan – Nissan today announced that Mark McNabb will join the company as head of its Infiniti global business operation. Effective April 1, 2007 McNabb will lead the company’s global expansion of the Infiniti brand, one of the business breakthroughs under the Nissan Value-Up business plan (2005-2007).

McNabb joins Nissan from Mercedes-Benz of America where he was Vice President of Marketing until March 2007, then Vice President of Sales Operations. McNabb joined Mercedes-Benz from Nissan in 2005. During his 20 year career at Nissan, McNabb served in numerous sales, marketing and business leadership roles in North America and Japan.

Further details of McNabb’s responsibilities and the Infiniti global business will be announced in March.

Posted by Frank at 7:01 AM

Mercedes USA reports 17,304 new sales in February

MONTVALE, N.J. –Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its February sales of 17,304 new vehicles, a marginal decrease from February 2006 (MBUSA’s highest February on record.) This brings MBUSA’s year-to-date total to 34,373 new vehicles, an increase of 15.2 percent over the same period in 2006.

Passenger car sales totaled 11,890 units, with the company’s volume model lines C-, and E-Class leading the pack for a combined 30.9 percent increase over February 2006 (6,921 v. 5,286). Highlights for the month also included a 12.8 percent increase in volume for the M-Class family of luxury light trucks (2,431 v. 2,155) and a 212.7 percent increase in sales of the unique luxury SUV G-Class (172 v. 55).

Sales for Mercedes vehicles in the luxury light truck segment continue to exhibit a strong performance as a group with a 15.7 percent increase over February 2006.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program reported sales of 3,910 units, an increase of 13 percent compared to last February, bringing the year-to-date total to 7,519 units, a 15.2 percent increase over the same period in 2006.

Posted by Frank at 7:00 AM

Scion Subcompact Drag Racing!

ONE…TWO…THREE YEARS STRONG FOR SCION DRAG RACING

Scion is gearing up for its third year of sport compact drag racing. Scion Racing teams will compete in the 2007 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and the 2007 Number One Parts Incorporated (NOPI) Drag Racing Association (NDRA) national series. This season kicks off on March 10th and 11th in Ennis, Texas at the Texas Motorplex NOPI event, where Scion expects competitive season debuts from drivers Brad Personett, Leslie Armendariz, and Kenny Tran.

Personett
Veteran Personett returns to the track after winning six races in 2006 – all in his copper-colored Titan Motorsports tC – and earning his second consecutive “National Champion” title in the Pro RWD class. Personett also set the national e.t. (6.41 seconds) and speed (220.15 mph) records during the 2006 NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing season. Personett, a two-time series champion, was also named by Modified Magazine as the Sport Compact Driver of 2005 and was recognized as 2004 NHRA Rookie of the Year.

Armendariz
Armendariz, from Long Beach, Calif., will compete in the Horizon Motorsports’ Scion tC All-Motor dragster with an all new graphics scheme for the second year in a row. She joined the ranks of drag racing’s professional drivers at the end of the 2002 season, and in just a few short years of competition has earned three first place finishes in NHRA Sport Compact competition, and was named Turbo Magazine NHRA Sport Compact Rookie of the Year in 2003. During that breakthrough season, Armendariz also became the first driver in NHRA Sport Compact history to break the All-Motor 10-second barrier and went on to hold the NHRA All-Motor e.t. world record with a 9.93-second run at 134.99 mph, making her the first female driver to hold a record in that series.

Tran
After building and sponsoring his first car, Tran, from Dallas, Texas began his drag racing career in 1997. Since entering the sport, Tran has become a crowd favorite and one of the most popular drivers in the NHRA Sport Compact and NOPI series. During his first year with Scion, Jotech Racing’s Tran had one second place finish in the 2006 season and finished fourth in the final point standings.

Rado
Joining the team later in the season will be Christian Rado as he returns to the drag strip with Scion Racing for a third year, running his radical Pro FWD 1,500 horsepower tC. A professional drag racer since 1998, Rado has won 32 races in both NHRA and NDRA competition. He was the first Pro FWD driver to get a car into the eight-second bracket.

Be sure to check out the Scion Racing webisode, an introduction to all four drivers, on http://scion.com/broadband/. The Scion Racing website, http://scion.com/scionracing, will launch soon with driver profiles, race schedule and more racing webisodes.

Posted by Frank at 6:54 AM

Cadillac to Debut GM's Powerful New V-6 Clean Diesel

- GM's First Production Application of innovative, Closed-Loop Combustion technology

- Cadillac CTS Adds Engine to its Portfolio in 2009

- Low Emissions, High Performance and Excellent Fuel Economy

- 184 kW/250 hp, 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) Torque, 2.9-Liter Displacement

- Compact Design Enables Transverse and Longitudinal Installation

GENEVA, March 6/PRNewswire/ -- General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) unveiled a new 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine that features state-of-the-art injection and combustion technology for minimum emissions and maximum performance.

The new engine (184 kW/250 hp) will be mainly sold in Europe and makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). Its first production application is scheduled for 2009 in the new Cadillac CTS.

"We expect the V-6 diesel to be highly competitive in the European luxury segment," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac General Manager. "With its excellent low-end torque and its high power output, it is a great fit with Cadillac's performance-oriented brand character."

The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring an innovative closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards. The engine can be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout and can be adapted to a wide range of two- or four-wheel drive vehicles.

GM's development of the new engine is being coordinated under the leadership of GM Powertrain's European operations in Turin, Italy, in cooperation with VM Motori based in Cento, Italy. GM Powertrain will focus on the development of the clean combustion process, electronic engine control and exhaust-gas after treatment, as well as calibration and integration into GM vehicles. VM Motori will build the new unit at its plant in Cento, Italy, and is responsible for the mechanical aspects of the engine's design, development and bench testing.

"The V-6 diesel integrates leading technologies and will deliver outstanding performance, fuel economy and low emissions," said Roger Johansson, GM Powertain Europe vice president.

The V-6 engine management system enables optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise by using a recently developed combustion control technology. Key enablers for the system are high speed piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensors that are integrated within the engine glow-plugs. These specialized sensors acquire real-time data from the combustion process, enabling instantaneous fine-tuning of the fuel injection process. In the future, this clean combustion control technology will be introduced in other GM Powertrain diesel engines.

The high-pressure, common-rail system provides up to 2000 bar (29,000 psi) injection pressure. The injectors are quick-firing piezo-electrically actuated, allowing up to eight injections per engine cycle. The after-treatment system includes an oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter that are close coupled to the engine to achieve future emissions standards.

An electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger generates boost pressure. The engine has a torque of 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) beginning at 2000 rpm, while providing effective fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The new, compact V-6 powerhouse features aluminum cylinder heads and a 60 degree bank angle, 83.0 mm bore and 90.4 mm stroke, which results in displacement of 2935 cubic centimeters. The engine block is made of stronger and lighter Compacted Graphite Iron (as compared to lower strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron) to optimize engine packaging, weight, refinement and performance.

Source: General Motors (GM Europe)

Posted by Frank at 6:50 AM

Geneva Reveal of Striking Opel GTC Concept

GENEVA, Switzerland -- On the eve of the 77th Geneva Motor Show, Opel illuminated the night. Supported by a dramatic light show, the Opel GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) made its spectacular debut at the "GM Premiere Night."

Heralding a new design era for the brand, the GTC Concept gives an insight into how Opel's design language will look in the future. Adding to progressive shapes and surfaces, the four-seat coupé features unique LED lighting concepts in the front and rear, providing a new signature lighting style for the brand.

The reveal's exciting light show highlighted the GTC Concept's signature illumination theme by utilizing state-of-the-art LED technology for the huge stage wall. The car then strutted down a long runway to its final resting spot on a turntable in the center of the room.

Visual effects of the evening were also part of the futuristic iBar concept: Items like mobile phones or drink glasses rested on the bar tops were connected by animation of the concept car and the Opel emblem. In addition, a common denominator of the show was the color red, reflecting the interior lighting theme of the concept car and the red line in its seats, steering wheel and tires.

Two live performances of the U.S. band "Pink Martini" and a fashion show of the hip Spanish label "Mango" rounded off the spectacular presentation of the GTC Concept.

"This evening's presentation perfectly highlighted the GTC Concept as the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explained Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The concept car's exciting lines, high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future."

"With the GTC Concept our team envisioned the new essence of Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a high-performance four-seat coupé," said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. "This style is what to expect of future Opel products."

Key elements of the GTC Concept (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements. Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing.

Echoing the exterior, the interior visually articulates a dynamic driving experience and reveals a new standard of Opel aesthetics. Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system. The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor.

The Opel GTC Concept is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system.

Source: Adam Opel GmbH

Posted by Frank at 6:47 AM

GM Committed to Energy Diversity

- All-New V6 Diesel for European Markets Unveiled

- Fuel Cell Demonstration Fleet and New Saab 9-3 BioPower Announced

- Further E-Flex Concepts to be Seen at Shanghai and Frankfurt Motor Shows

GENEVA, Switzerland -- General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner today reinforced GM's commitment to energy diversity through alternative sources of propulsion with the introduction of an all-new high-tech V6 diesel engine for Europe, and the announcement of a next-generation fuel cell demonstration fleet.

GM's multi-tiered strategy, which the company is showcasing at major motor shows around the world, includes accelerated development of electrically driven vehicles, intensified efforts to replace petroleum-based fuels, and enhanced efficiency of gasoline and diesel powertrains.

"The key as we see it at GM is energy diversity - being able to offer our customers vehicles that can be powered with many different sources of energy," Wagoner said at the Geneva Motor Show. "We must - as a business necessity - develop alternative sources of propulsion, based on alternative sources of energy, in order to meet the world's growing demand for our cars and trucks."

In parallel, GM will continue to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines, both gas and diesel. GM's new 250-horsepower, 2.9 liter diesel V6 for Europe offers a 40 percent increase in power, along with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today's V6 diesel.

Wagoner also noted that GM has significantly expanded and accelerated its commitment to the development of electrically driven vehicles, including fuel-cell vehicles like the drivable Sequel Concept making its European debut in Geneva.

"To help us understand the real-world potential for fuel cell technology, we'll introduce a test fleet of 100 hydrogen powered Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles in the U.S. later this year," he said. "Today, we're pleased to announce plans for an additional demonstration fleet of up to 10 fuel cell vehicles in Europe early next year."

In addition, GM is working on extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt concept powered by E-Flex - GM's new family of electrically driven propulsion systems specifically engineered for future small- and mid-sized vehicles. The E-Flex technology provides the flexibility to use electricity from a wide range of sources: a hydrogen fuel cell; a small internal combustion engine running on ethanol or bio-diesel; or the power grid itself, in which case the electricity can be generated by natural gas, wind, hydroelectric and so on. Wagoner announced that additional E-Flex concept applications tailored for local GM brands will be shown at the Shanghai and Frankfurt motor shows later this year.

Wagoner also discussed GM's intensified efforts to displace traditional petroleum-based fuels with alternatives like E85 ethanol and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and announced the extension of Saab's BioPower lineup to include the 9-3 range, with production expected to begin in April.

"We're big believers in bioethanol, the world's fastest growing alternative fuel, both as a renewable source of fuel, and for its potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions on a 'well to wheels' basis," he said, while also noting that GM already offers Europe's best-selling bioethanol flex-fuel vehicle, the Saab 9-5 BioPower.

In addition to Saab's BioPower range, Opel customers today have a wide choice of clean vehicles that emit between 120 and 140 grams per kilometer of CO2 - not only in small vehicles, but across all categories, in the Agila, Corsa, Tigra, Astra, Meriva, Combo and Zafira model ranges. The Opel Zafira CNG is another example of how GM has successfully introduced cars that use alternative fuels.

GM also affirmed its support for the European Commission's goal of reducing CO2 emissions, while recognizing these goals can best be accomplished with an integrated approach with fuel providers and governments. "The Commission's current proposal of 130 grams CO2 per kilometer is a significant stretch," Wagoner said, "and we're working hard to do our part to introduce new technologies that improve fuel economy and reduce vehicle emissions."

Source: General Motors (GM Europe)

Posted by Frank at 6:42 AM

It's the 'Battle of the Sexes' in 2007 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- An unprecedented number of female stars of film, television and sports will be donning their helmets and strapping their seatbelts in race-ready Toyota Scion tCs for this year's Toyota/Pro Celebrity Race on Saturday, April 14, as part of the 33rd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

For the first time ever, women dominate the field of 19 in this historic, 10-lap race for charity through a 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach in Southern California. The Pro/Celebrity race, one of six featured events during race weekend, gives fans a chance to see their favorite stars duke it out on the track during exciting action- packed competition.

Fans also can log onto Hollywagers.com to see how professional race handicappers think the celebrity drivers stack up. [The odds have been presented solely for entertainment purposes exclusively by Hollywagers.com , powered by Pregame.com , the country's largest bet-centric information site. There will be no actual wagering on the outcome of the race.]

All Will Get Behind the Wheel of Race-Ready Toyota Scion tCs on Saturday, April 14, for Charity
The expected field of 19 includes the following group of fiercely competitive entertainment personalities, internationally known celebrities, sports stars and media:

Robin Quivers, Kathryn Morris, Kelly Hu, Martina Navratilova, Emily Procter, Aisha Tyler Among the Stars Aiming to Prove to George Lucas and Chris Klein That 'Girls Rule'
-- Kathryn Morris (22-1) Actress; stars as Lily Rush in the CBS TV
drama Cold Case. Also appeared in the films
"Paycheck," "Hostage," "Minority Report,"
"As Good as it Gets."
-- Chris Klein (14-1) Katie Holmes' ex-boyfriend, actor, starred
as "Oz" in "American Pie" films
-- Emily Procter (16-1) Actress, best known for her role of Calleigh
Duquesne in CBS' CSI: Miami and recurring
guest role on NBC's The West Wing
-- Aisha Tyler (20-1) Actress, stand-up comedian and occasional
writer. NAACP Image Award winner. Former
host of Talk Soup. TV appearances include
Ghost Whisperer, CSI, 24, Friends. Film
work includes "The Santa Clause" 2 & 3 and
the upcoming feature comedy "Balls of Fury"
(April 2007).
-- Kendra Wilkinson (25-1) Model and TV personality best known as one
of the three live-in girlfriends of Playboy
founder Hugh Hefner in the E! reality TV
series The Girls Next Door
-- George Lucas (15-1) Four-time Academy Award nominated director,
producer, and screenwriter of the epic Star
Wars saga and collaborator on the Indiana
Jones films
-- Dave Mirra (7-1) Professional BMX rider, former host of MTV's
Real World/Road Rules Challenge; 14 medals
at the X Games
-- Martina Navratilova (6-1) Former World No. 1 woman tennis player,
International Tennis Hall of Famer
-- John Salley (18-1) Sportscaster, Best Damn Sports Show Period;
retired from NBA Detroit Pistons
-- Joshua Morrow (8-1) Emmy Award-nominated actor; plays Nicholas
Newman on The Young and the Restless. Plays
on the World Poker Tour.
-- Kelly Hu (10-1) Actress and former fashion model. First
Asian American to win Miss Teen USA (1985);
crowned Miss Hawaii USA in 1993 and a
finalist for Miss USA (1993). Currently
stars in the ABC-TV drama, In Case of
Emergency.
-- Robin Quivers (12-1) Radio personality; Howard Stern's primary
co-host on his morning satellite radio show.
Author of the autobiography, "Quivers: A
Life."

As the winner of the 2006 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, professional skateboarder and X Games Gold Medalist Bucky Lasek returns in the "Pro" category in 2007. "Last year was my first time out and it was a blast," said Lasek. "This year, being back with the pros, my strategy is to stick as close as I can, try to get through traffic quickly and just hold better lines than everybody else."

Lasek joins three other drivers in the "Pro" category including NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Pro Champions Mike Skinner and Todd Bodine and NHRA Champion Scott Kelley. The Southern California Toyota Dealer is being represented by Tustin Toyota General Manager RJ Romero.

Rounding out the field are two novice drivers, Jerry Westlund and Annamarie Dean, who each won places in the race for donations they made in two different charity auctions.

"This is sure to be one of the most unique races we've had in the three decades we've been conducting the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race," said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager. "Traditionally, we've found that women are some of the more competitive drivers, but -- win or lose -- this is a race that's exciting for all the celebrities and pros alike because it offers the high-speed challenge of real racing, combined with a worthwhile charitable endeavor."

Toyota will donate $5,000 to "Racing for Kids" in the name of each celebrity racer, and another $5,000 to the winning racer's charity of choice. Racing for Kids is a non-profit program benefiting children's hospitals in Long Beach and Orange County, Calif.

Finally, a $15,000 donation is made in conjunction with the annual "PEOPLE Pole Award." Sponsored by PEOPLE magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on Friday, April 13. On behalf of the race and its participants, Toyota has donated close to $1.5 million to various children's organizations since 1991.

Source: Toyota Motorsports, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 6:38 AM

Scion hosting handful of music events in Austin & Miami

This March, the music community descends upon Austin, Texas and Miami for two of its biggest annual industry events. As it has for the past few years, Scion, in its own unique effort to showcase and support breakout and established artists, will play host to its own five exciting invitation-only live performances and DJ sets.

“We are passionate about the opportunity to create a platform for emerging artists to join the stage with established, well-respected musicians and provide entertainment to the indie generation,” said Jeri Yoshizu, Scion sales promotions manager. “Our events in Miami and Austin have traditionally been marked as those ‘not-to-be-missed.’ Our stellar lineup this year will prove just as strong as previous shows.”

Back for its fourth year in a row in Austin, Scion will be teaming up with Vice Magazine to showcase not only hard rocking bands such as the unconventional and experimental The Melvins, but also a hip-hop lineup that will include such legendary and lyrical artists as Rakim and Ghostface Killah. Other acts in the Austin platform include Boris, Pelican, Panthers, The Rhythym Roots Allstars, and breakout sensation Mickey Avalon.

Directly following the events in Austin, Scion moves southeast to the sandy beaches of Miami, where it will present three unique DJ sets. Hosted at The Penthouse of The Raleigh Hotel, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Kraak & Smaak, Ben Watt, Justice, DJ Andy Smith, MSTRKRFT, Static Revenger and The Rub (DJ Eleven, Cosmo Baker & DJ Ayres) will preside over two events. At the final event, aboard the Catalina Yacht, guests will enjoy the sounds of Masters at Work (aka Little Louie Vega and Kenny “Dope” Gonzales), as well as the world famous DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Haul.

Posted by Frank at 6:33 AM

Victorville Motors Hosting 1st Annual 'High School 3-on-3 B-ball Tourney in Support of Local High Schools

VICTORVILLE, Calif. -- Victorville Motors Chrysler Jeep Dodge will host an all-day 3-on-3 Double-Elimination Basketball Tournament involving, and in direct support of, all local High Schools within the Hi-Desert community.

Competing student teams will go head to head in this 3-on-3 High-School basketball tournament that will be held at Victorville Motors Chrysler Jeep Dodge, located at 14617 Civic Drive, on Saturday, March 31st from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Victorville Motors welcomes and urges everyone to attend this free community event. Come and join the fun, and help cheer on your favorite High School! There is absolutely no cost to attend the event.

All High School teams that participate in Victorville Motors' High School 3-on-3 double elimination tournament will receive a prize donation of $200, and the winning team will receive $500, to go directly to their High School's Athletic Department. All proceeds generated from food and refreshments that will be available to event guests to purchase will also be directly donated to assist a local organization in need.

If you have questions about the event, or if you are interested in competing as a player representing your high school during the March 31st tournament, please pre-register with Victorville Motors by calling Jennifer Anderson at (760) 245-7991, ext. 127, or emailing Jennifer at janderson@vmotors.net. The all day 3-on-3 Double-Elimination Basketball Tournament will be held at Victorville Motors Chrysler Jeep Dodge, located at 14617 Civic Drive, just off the 15 freeway, exit Roy Rogers Drive. Visit anytime at www.victorvillemotors.com.

Source: Victorville Motors Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Posted by Frank at 6:30 AM

Scion Pre-Launches 2008 Model On Web

TOYOTA'S SCION DIVISION IS RUNNING a pre-launch campaign for its forthcoming 2008 xB, but it doesn't include TV or print. In some ways, it is as much about a multi-layer Web site as it is about the vehicle itself.

That's not unusual for Scion--which tends to rely more on viral and guerrilla, as well as grassroots, efforts more than traditional media. The new Web site is a waggish virtual world offering up an assortment of "places"--six in all, two more coming--that consumers can choose to visit, through which the xB roams and in which they can view ironic videos featuring people and animals with cubic heads.

The Torrance, Calif. company this week reported sales of 17,960 vehicles through February this year, and a 23% drop in sales, including a 29% drop in xB sales year-to-date through February.

Attik, San Francisco, which is Scion's agency, created the campaign--but did not shoot the 17 videos on the Web site. Rather, Attik says, the agency sent out a creative brief to more than 100 videographers, then culled the 17 from the 140 entries it received. The account has been with that shop from the get-go.

Posted by Frank at 6:19 AM

Hyundai Splits With Hispanic Ad Shop

Will Open Review for $30 Million Account

DETROIT (AdAge.com) -- Hyundai Motor America has terminated its contract with its U.S. Hispanic agency, Del Rivero Messianu DDB, Coral Gables, Fla., and will soon begin a search for a successor, according to executives close to the matter.

Del Rivero won the estimated $30 million account in February 2006 after a four-month review.

Posted by Frank at 6:02 AM

AutoNation Named Most Admired Auto Retailer 2007

Company Makes Retail History with Sale of 6 Millionth Vehicles

FORT LAUDERDALE -- AutoNation, Inc., America's largest automotive retailer, has once again been named by Fortune magazine as America's Most Admired Company in the automotive retail category. The award is based on a poll that includes executives, industry peers and analysts. This marks the fifth time in the past six years that AutoNation has earned the coveted designation. AutoNation is one of two companies in Florida to be named "Most Admired," in their industry.

"This award is especially satisfying because it's based on the assessment of our peers," said Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation. "We're under the scrutiny of the people who know our business better than anyone - other automotive retailers -- so it's a powerful indication that we have been able to put in place the systems and strategies to keep us at the forefront of our industry."

In fact, AutoNation has implemented a number of groundbreaking initiatives recently. Transparency has been the driving theme behind many of these, including the AutoNation Pledge, which is a company-wide commitment to delivering customer-friendly financing. And the newest effort, the SmartChoice program, which is based around a customer-friendly, easy to read sales menu, listing everything from the sale price to financing options to monthly payments -- information that in the past had often been difficult to discern and time-consuming to collect.

These efforts have been successful not only in the eyes of the company's peers." Customers have responded very positively, and AutoNation this month sold its 6 millionth vehicle," said Michael E. Maroone, AutoNation's president and chief operating officer. "When you consider these achievements, you get a sense of just how appealing initiatives like SmartChoice and the AutoNation Pledge really are to consumers."

In addition to sales, AutoNation serviced more than 5 million vehicles last year, making them the largest service company among automotive retailers. "The record sales and service volume that we have achieved helps to validate the goals we've set for ourselves," said Maroone. "We believe that by putting in place policies and programs that consumers want, we set customer expectations and show the way for other retailers to follow. We're grateful when these efforts are recognized by our peers, but we're even happier when they're noticed by consumers."

In addition to being named Most Admired, AutoNation is also ranked #115 on FORTUNE magazine's list of America's 500 largest corporations. More information is available online at www.autonation.com, where consumers can also find approximately 90,000 vehicles for sale.

ABOUT AUTONATION, INC.

AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is America's largest automotive retailer and a component of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index. AutoNation has approximately 26,000 full-time employees and owns and operates 331 new vehicle franchises in 16 states. For additional information, please visit http://corp.autonation.com/ or www.AutoNation.com, where more than 90,000 vehicles a day are available for sale.

Source: AutoNation, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 5:35 AM

Hyundai Launches Survey to Help Dealers Win Loyalty

Fountain Valley, Calif. -- Hyundai Motor America launched a new customer survey initiative today called Hyundai Voice of the Customer to help dealers improve customer loyalty and retention. Using a customized version of NADA-24, a customer survey program for automobile dealerships, Hyundai will now be able to deliver nearly instant feedback on the customer experience to its dealers, allowing dealership staff to immediately identify potential customer service issues, address concerns quickly and ultimately cultivate a more loyal, satisfied customer base.

Hyundai customers purchasing or servicing vehicles through any of the 750 Hyundai dealerships across the U.S. will be contacted via telephone regarding their likelihood of recommending the dealership to friends and family. Feedback will be recorded and made available to dealers via text and voice file within hours of the completed call.

While endorsement from a customer is one of the strongest predictors of loyalty, a negative experience can often be mitigated with immediate follow up. With traditional paper survey methods, turnaround time can be 30 days or longer, often well after the customer has already communicated his or her frustrations with friends and family. With more timely feedback, dealerships have an opportunity to address customer issues quickly and directly, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and earning higher customer loyalty.

“It’s important that we’re providing the best possible support for our dealers, combined with the best possible service to our customers,” said Steve Wilhite, Hyundai Motor America’s chief operating officer. “We will use the Hyundai Voice of the Customer, a customized version of the NADA-24, to provide quick feedback to our dealers. This information is critical to resolve customer issues when necessary, and to assist our dealers in improving their daily business processes. Our goals are to rapidly improve dealer loyalty and to encourage customers to recommend our dealers to their friends, family, and associates.”

Posted by Frank at 5:16 AM

North Carolina Educator Named National Toyota Literacy Teacher of the Year

Gretchen Conway of Caldwell County honored as 11th recipient of annual award

March 4, 2007 - Orlando – Toyota named Gretchen Conway the national 2007 Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year today at the National Conference on Family Literacy in Orlando.

Conway, who received the award before an audience of 1,500 people, serves as the early childhood coordinator/teacher for the Caldwell County Family Literacy Program in Lenoir, N.C.

"For me, teaching is about those ‘aha' moments – really listening to parents and helping them," Conway said. "The program is a big family where learning takes place together," she added. "Family literacy is more than just a Band-Aid. It makes a long-lasting impact on the entire family."

As the Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year, Conway will receive a grant of $5,000 for her family literacy program. In addition, she was awarded a scholarship and travel expenses to attend the annual conference presented by the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL).

This is the 11th year that Toyota has sponsored the Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year award in conjunction with NCFL. Conway was chosen by a panel of family literacy specialists at NCFL, who reviewed nominations for high-performing teachers from across the United States.

Conway has instituted many new initiatives as part of her literacy program, including a "Family of the Month" recognition that features one family in a celebration planned by other families; an incentive store, where vouchers are earned for outstanding achievement so families can obtain food staples and diapers; a "second chance" prom for parents who missed out on this experience as teenagers; and a referral/resource system to help families find social service agencies they need.

"When I think of Gretchen, I think of her laughter and her enthusiasm about work," said Paulette Davis, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher with the program. "She is constantly refining her work and the program. Her conversations very often begin with the words, ‘What if we started doing this' or ‘What if we tried it that way?' "

Conway has been instrumental in recruiting community members to donate their time and resources, and parents in the program also have taken the initiative to raise additional funding for special events.

But most importantly, Conway has a tremendous impact on the children.

"When she walks into my son's classroom, all the children's faces light up," said Rossie Peña, a GED student with a preschooler in the program. "She takes time and goes around to each child and plays with him or her as if she's one of the kids."

The results are paying off for Gretchen's program, which is composed of about two-thirds ESL and one-third GED participants:
• All adult students with a goal of obtaining a GED were successful;
• 100 percent of children enrolled showed developmental improvement 50 percent higher than normal gains;
• 95 percent of parents showed improvement in learning in the home environment; and
• 88 percent of parents showed improvement in interactive literacy activities and in supporting their child's learning in formal educational settings.

"The Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who are the unsung heroes of our society and who now, more than ever, have the daunting challenge of positioning children and families to succeed," said Sharon Darling, NCFL president and founder. "Educators like Gretchen are making meaningful and enduring changes for the participants in the program and the entire community."

Darling pointed out that the drop-out rate for Hispanic students is 16 percent for those who speak English well, compared to 59 percent for Hispanics who do not. This statistic becomes even more critical, Darling said, because Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority population.

"Gretchen is shaping the lives of immigrant families, improving the lives of future generations and helping the entire community through family literacy," said Patricia Pineda, group vice president, legal, philanthropy and administration at Toyota Motor North America. "She has created an environment where students are motivated to learn, and parents become full partners in their children's education. We are proud to honor her as the Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year."

Toyota and NCFL also recognized the Teacher of the Year runners-up, who received scholarships to the NCFL conference and a $500 grant for travel expenses:
• Mary Beth Morgan, Watertown Even Start Family Literacy Program at Hosmer Elementary School in Watertown, Mass.;
• Andrea Stridiron at School 8-Roberto Clemente in Rochester, N.Y.; and
• John Fullen, Blackwater Community School's Family and Child Education (FACE) Program in Coolidge, Ariz.

ABOUT NCFL
The National Center for Family Literacy is the worldwide leader in family literacy. More than one million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL's work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. For more information, contact 1-877-FAMLIT-1 or visit www.famlit.org.

Posted by Frank at 4:58 AM

Dollar Rent A Car Adds Four New Franchised Locations

TULSA, Okla. -- Dollar Rent A Car, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., continues to expand, recently adding four new franchised locations to its network of U.S. locations. To date, DOLLAR(R) has 255 locations in the U.S., 105 of which are franchise-owned and operated.

New locations are opening in markets that include Idaho Falls, Idaho; Buffalo, NY; Sanford, N. Carolina; and Wickliffe, Ohio.

"We are excited about the latest additions to our family of DOLLAR franchisees," said Jeff Cerefice, Vice President, U.S. Franchise Operations. "While Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. has a strategy of operating corporately in the larger U.S. markets, we continue to franchise in the mid to smaller markets. These latest additions are a stellar group of franchisees and will prove to be great operators in these markets."

Gary Lewis, a Thrifty Car Rental franchisee for almost eight years, recently purchased the DOLLAR franchise for Idaho Falls, Idaho. The off-airport location at 1495 Foote Drive will serve customers at Idaho Falls Regional Airport. He is also the franchise owner of DOLLAR and Thrifty Car Rental in Billings, Montana.

Westover Car Rental LLC, owned by Bill Mooar, Phill Mooar and six business partners, recently opened a DOLLAR location at 4646 Genesee Street in Buffalo, NY, serving Buffalo Airport.

Duran Johnson opened a new DOLLAR local market location in Sanford, N. Carolina located at 1915 Keller Andrews Road. Johnson owns several enterprises in Lee County, N. Carolina.

In Wickliffe, Ohio, franchisee Richard Entler opened a new local market store at 29647 Lakeland Blvd. For 11 years, Entler owned an independent car and truck rental company, one of the largest Penske dealers in the Cleveland area. He continues to operate a fleet of rental trucks, and will add car rental to the mix as a DOLLAR franchisee.

About Dollar Rent A Car

Dollar has more than 535 worldwide locations in 48 countries, with a significant presence in Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, including more than 250 in the United States. Dollar serves the value-conscious traveler and is a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company headquartered in Tulsa, Okla.

Source: Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.

Posted by Frank at 3:10 AM

March 5, 2007

Alan McLaren Appointed Vice President, Customer Services for Mercedes-Benz USA

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced the appointment of Alan McLaren to vice president of customer services, effective immediately. McLaren replaces Klaus Ulkann who is retiring from the company after more than 30 years of service with the DaimlerChrysler organization, the past seven with MBUSA.

In his new role, McLaren will be responsible for all customer service operations, engineering services, after-sales marketing & logistics, engineering services as well as MBUSA's award-winning customer assistance center.

McLaren comes to MBUSA with eight years experience with DaimlerChrysler abroad. Most recently, McLaren served as managing director for all DC-owned retail operations in the Australia/Pacific region with responsibility for the sales, service and parts operations of Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealerships, commercial vehicle dealerships and body shops. Prior to assuming his role as managing director there in 2005, McLaren spent three years as senior executive and general manager of the DaimlerChrysler Truck Group. He began his career with DaimlerChrysler in 1999 as senior manager for Freightliner Trucks for DC Australia/Pacific in Melbourne.

McLaren holds a diploma in sales and marketing from the Australian Institute of Management. A native of Australia, McLaren will relocate to Mahwah, New Jersey.

Mercedes-Benz USA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

Posted by Frank at 1:03 PM

Novelis Chosen as Aluminum Sheet Supplier for Audi R8 Sports Car

ATLANTA -- Novelis Inc. today announced that it has been selected as the lead supplier of aluminum sheet for the new Audi R8 sports car, produced at Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany.

Novelis' high-performance automotive sheet will be an integral part of Audi's "intelligent lightweight construction technology," which is deployed in this new model as well as the A8 sedan and TT roadster and coupe. Novelis material will be used in the hood, roof, fenders, doors and some internal components of the racing-inspired R8. Novelis also provides aluminum sheet for applications on the Audi Q7 SUV and all A6 models.

"The R8, which will be in the showroom this spring, uses technology ahead of its time to deliver supreme lightweight performance," said Heinrich Timm, Head of Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre. "Novelis has the technological know-how and flexible manufacturing system needed to meet our exacting requirements for this exciting new car."

"Novelis is delighted to be selected as the main supplier of aluminum sheet for this stunning vehicle," said Erwin Mayr, president of the Automotive, Painted and Specialities business unit for Novelis Europe. "We partnered with Audi to customize our materials for the R8, supplying laser-cut shapes as well as rectangular sheet from our specially-equipped automotive sheet production facilities in Nachterstedt, Germany, and Sierre, Switzerland."

The ability to offer a dual-sourcing route is a key feature of Novelis' European automotive production system. Both the Sierre and Nachterstedt plants are equipped with specialized heat- and surface-treatment lines as well as high-speed laser cutting systems for the production of customer-specific automotive stamping blanks. Novelis also produces automotive sheet in North America and is the only company capable of producing this demanding material on both continents.

Novelis Inc. is the global leader in aluminum rolled products. The Company operates in 11 countries, has approximately 12,900 employees, and reported revenue of $9.8 billion in 2006. Novelis offers the capability to provide its customers with a regional supply of technologically sophisticated rolled aluminum products throughout Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Through its advanced production capabilities, the Company supplies aluminum sheet and foil to the automotive and transportation, beverage and food packaging, construction and industrial, and printing markets. For more information, visit www.novelis.com.

Source: Novelis Inc.

Posted by Frank at 1:03 PM

Ford could sell Aston Martin quickly

Source: British automaker may fetch more the $865 million

LONDON - Ford Motor Co. could announce the sale of its Aston Martin luxury performance cars unit for more than 450 million pounds ($865 million) as early as this week, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Formula One team Prodrive, working with Egypt's Naeem investment bank, is frontrunner to buy the business although other bidders such as UK buyout firm Doughty Hanson are still in the process should talks fall through, the source said.

Posted by Frank at 12:48 PM

Booming Lexus ponders new niches

2 crossovers, hybrid could join lineup

High-flying Lexus is studying a plan to slot new vehicles in several key niches, which would fortify an already fast-growing lineup. "Lexus does not intend to stop growing," said Bob Carter, the division's general manager. "We have not reached our limit."

Posted by Frank at 12:47 PM

GM Extends its Warranty on Performance Parts

* 24-Month/50,000 Mile Warranty on Performance Parts Crate Engines

* 12-Month/12,000 Mile Warranty on Performance Parts Transmissions, Components and Short Block Assemblies

* New Coverage Demonstrates GMPP Durability and Quality

DETROIT -GM Performance Parts (GMPP) announced that it will extend the warranty offered on its Performance Parts crate engines* to 24-months/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and it will add a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty to its Performance Parts components, effective March 1.

"Now, whether you're buying a brand new GM vehicle, a GM Certified Used Vehicle, or a GM Performance Parts crate engine for your project vehicle, GM is letting everyone know that our products offer outstanding quality, durability and value," Executive Director of GM Accessories, Nancy Philippart said. "This new GM Performance Parts warranty demonstrates our confidence in our performance products and builds on the steps we've taken to deliver both product excellence and industry-leading value."

The new warranty periods will be applied to GMPP crate engines, transmissions and components installed in or purchased for street legal automotive applications after March 1, 2007, and is transferable to subsequent owners (by providing required documents to any purchaser of the vehicle in which the assembly/component was originally installed).

The new warranty covers thousands of GM Performance Parts, from spark plug wires to crate engines, and is important to enthusiasts who see hot rodding and car building as more than a hobby - it's a lifestyle and a commitment - where brand loyalties are based on a mechanical relationship that is bolted in by quality and value. Only the best will do for the serious car enthusiast, and that's what GMPP offers.

"When we develop crate engines, we put them through some of the most demanding durability testing on the planet," says Randy Leininger, engineering group manager, GM Performance Parts. "We're focused on exceeding the customer's expectation, so if they don't pass our tests, we don't sell them, it's that simple."

GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation; requiring that the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. And if that's not enough, GMPP installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement. It's that commitment to quality and durability that enabled GMPP to extend its warranty on some of the most powerful crate engines available today, like the ZZ572/620, pumping out 620 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft of torque - on pump gas!

GM Performance Parts continues to set the standard for performance and value. Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com or call 1-800-577-6888.

*Does not include any crate engines that are marketed and sold for race applications, including part numbers 88958602, 88958603, 88958604, 12498825, 12498826, and 12498827.

Posted by Frank at 11:23 AM

Worldwide Audi sales up 9%

BEST FEBRUARY IN THE COMPANY'S HISTORY

INGOLSTADT, Germany - Worldwide sales of Audi vehicles rose to more than 144,000 vehicles in the first two months of 2007, up 9 percent on the same period of last year. In February alone, the company equally recorded an increase of 9 percent.

“Audi is maintaining its successful course worldwide. We are delighted that we have achieved the best February in company history by selling in excess of 69,000 vehicles,” commented Ralph Weyler, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. Sales in Western Europe excluding Germany increased by 11 percent to 66,200 vehicles in the first two months of the year.

The best export market for Audi in the first two months was China, where the brand reported sales growth of 31 percent with 15,600 vehicles sold in total (excluding Hong Kong). In February itself, Audi also recorded a considerable rise of 29 percent to 7,200 units sold. The USA ranked as the second most successful export market. Vehicle sales for the first two months here went up by 19 percent to 13,000 units, while in February sales growth of 38 percent to 6,600 units was recorded.

Audi also achieved increases for the first two months of the year in other important markets, such as France (8,800, +17 percent), Great Britain (12,000, +12.2 percent) and Italy (10,600, +10 percent). Sales in Russia recorded a rise of 91 percent to 1,900 vehicles.

Posted by Frank at 11:20 AM

VW & Stanford field 2007 DARPA Urban Challenger

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Stanford University will participate in this year’s DARPA Urban Challenge on November 3, 2007 with a completely autonomous 2006 diesel-powered Passat wagon. The robotic Passat will compete on a 60-mile mock urban course that involves merging with traffic, crossing traffic circles and negotiating busy intersections while following traffic laws.

The Passat wagon – named ‘Junior’ in homage to Leland Stanford Jr., founder of Stanford University – is equipped with electromechanical power steering and electric throttle, gear shifter and parking brake. Volkswagen of America’s Electronics Research Laboratory modified these electric systems as well as the brakes to be completely computer-controllable. Custom mountings for the wide array of sophisticated sensors were also designed and built at the ERL. Intel Core 2 Duo processors, including multiple processing units per chip, make up the car’s “brains”; together with the software developed at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab—the car will be truly autonomous.

“After our victory at the last DARPA Grand Challenge, Volkswagen is excited to join the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. We see an opportunity to further advance intelligent technologies for use in passenger vehicles of the future. The features developed for the Urban Challenge will ultimately make driving safer and more enjoyable in today’s increasingly dense traffic,” said Dr. Carlo Rummel, executive director of Volkswagen of America’s Electronics Research Laboratory.

Rummel added, ”With the fuel efficient Passat, we have the perfect vehicle for the job; just like our Touareg ‘Stanley’ was for the desert race in 2005.”

Volkswagen brought home the two-million dollar grand prize at the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge with a diesel powered Touareg named Stanley. Stanley defeated 22 other unmanned vehicles in a rigorous, 132-mile championship race over rough desert roads, mountain trails, dry lake beds and tunnels, using only onboard sensors and navigation equipment. Stanley performed flawlessly and achieved victory after six hours 35 minutes.

About the Electronics Research Laboratory

Founded in 1998, the Volkswagen of America Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) focuses on providing customers with smarter cars, sooner. It aims to identify new technologies and accelerate their development into future production vehicles. Located in Palo Alto, California, the ERL is the only facility of its kind representing the Volkswagen Group in North America. Its presence in the heart of Silicon Valley allows the Volkswagen Group to work directly with the world's leading high-tech companies and start-ups. Working closely with these partners allows the ERL to design and develop innovative features and applications, which are then integrated with Group vehicles for evaluation and testing. More information about the Electronics Research Laboratory can be found at www.vwerl.com.

Posted by Frank at 11:09 AM

Mazda Puts Safety First Without Sacrificing Driving Excitement

CX-7 crossover and MAZDA6 sedan score big in recent government safety tests

IRVINE, Calif. -- Proving that safe doesn't always have to mean boring, Mazda North American Operations today announced that the 2007 CX-7 and 2007 MAZDA6 sedan are among the highest-rated vehicles in the latest safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The CX-7 achieved five-star frontal and side crash ratings, and a four-star rollover resistance rating -- the highest ratings awarded to any SUV. Similarly, the MAZDA6, with its standard side air bags and roof-mounted side air curtains, achieved five-star frontal crash ratings, four-star side impact crash ratings and a five-star rollover resistance rating -- ratings that are superior to the 2007 Honda Accord sedan.

"CX-7 and MAZDA6 are the latest vehicles in our expanding lineup to prove that we can put safety first and still build and sell fun-to-drive cars," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, "And, because we never want our customers to have to choose between driving excitement and safety, as we move into 2007, we'll offer more safety technologies as standard equipment than ever before."

To help drivers avoid accidents, all Mazda vehicles, including MAZDA3, MAZDA5, MAZDA6, MX-5, RX-8, CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute, are loaded with standard or optional active safety features including Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control Systems (TCS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TMPS). These systems are standard on every CX-7, CX-9, MAZDASPEED3 and 2008 Tribute. In addition, CX-9 and Tribute are both also equipped with standard Roll Stability Control (RSC), the world's only system with gyroscopic sensors to actively measure and help control both yaw and roll movements.

Should an accident occur, CX-7, CX-9, MAZDASPEED3 and Tribute also feature passive safety technologies including three-point seat belts for all seating positions, second row Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety restraints, seat belt reminding systems, advanced dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags and air curtains (front and rear) -- features that are also available as optional equipment on all Mazda vehicles. In addition, CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute's side air curtains feature standard rollover protection for all rows of seating.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Source: Mazda North American Operations

Posted by Frank at 10:55 AM

Nissan Establishes Dynamic Performance Facility in Germany

TRAPPES, France -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced it has established a dynamic performance facility in the town of Troisdorf near Bonn, its first such dedicated facility in the world.

The 1,260-square-meter facility is responsible for the dynamic performance target setting of Nissan vehicles in Europe, including the Infiniti luxury brand which be launched across Europe in 2008. The facility will also contribute to the target setting of both Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles globally.

"We selected Germany for our facility because the market represents the most challenging driving environment in terms of maximum speed and cornering," said Jerry Hardcastle, director of customer oriented engineering at Nissan Technical Centre Europe. "With this facility, we now have a dedicated team focused on ensuring that our cars meet the rigorous driving expectations of European customers," he added.

The facility will evaluate Nissan's vehicles in real world conditions on the Autobahn and nearby country roads, as well as the famous Nüburgring race track located 75 kilometers away. The vehicles will be evaluated for ride and handling, noise vibration and harshness, braking and acceleration.

The facility's workshop has space for about 10 vehicles while the secure parking area has space for 30 vehicles. The office space can accommodate up to 25 people. The Troisdorf facility is a branch of Nissan Technical Centre Europe located in Cranfield, UK.

Nissan sold a record 3.57 million vehicles worldwide in fiscal year 2005, with Infiniti sales accounting for 147,563 vehicles. The Infiniti brand, which was first launched in 1989 in the US, is also sold in Canada, Taiwan, the Middle East, Korea and Russia. The brand will go on sale in China and the Ukraine later this year before being sold across Europe in 2008.

Source: Nissan Europe

Posted by Frank at 10:52 AM

Siemens and Mobileye Supply Lane Departure Warning to BMW's 5-Series

REGENSBURG, Germany -- BMW's global launch of its new 5 series includes a new advanced driver assistance system: The advanced Lane Departure Warning. The company is the first European automotive manufacturer to provide an intelligent forward-looking camera technology for driver assistance -- warning motorists before they drift inattentively across a marked lane.

The intelligent Lane Departure Warning (LDW) technology was engineered for BMW through a partnership between the automotive supplier Siemens VDO and Mobileye N.V., a world leader in the development of vision-based driver assistance systems. The two companies have collaborated over the past few years in the development and testing of the LDW system on a wide range of weather conditions, road types and lane markings. The system consists of a high dynamic range digital CMOS camera and a high performance electronic control unit with advanced algorithm technology for video based lane marking recognition.

According to statistics from the U.S. Transportation Research Board approximately 40 percent of all road fatalities occur when a single vehicle departs from the road and crashes. Rumble strips have reduced lane departure fatalities by up to 90 percent, and at times even more. "By using tactile warnings, BMW's new lane departure warning system creates an intelligent rumble strip imitation that provides drivers with an advanced lane departure warning even when there are no physical strips on the shoulder of the road," explains Dr. Jurgen Goetz, CEO of the Chassis and Safety Division of Siemens VDO.

"The advanced LDW intelligence is superior to basic lane departure warning systems that tell you that you're crossing the lane marking," says Amnon Shashua, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Scientist of Mobileye N.V. "The BMW LDW prevents accidents by alerting drivers prior to lane change that they are edging close to the lane mark without using their turn signal. If you're already crossing the line, it may be too late for a warning." The BMW LDW vision system warns of potential lane departure by providing haptic warnings through simulated "rumble strip" vibration in the steering wheel. Lane marking availability is shown through a display in the instrument cluster and the head-up display if ordered by the customer. The LDW technology is one of the few systems that demonstrate "single lane marking availability" where a single lane marking is sufficient for detection, in contrast to systems that require lane markings on both sides. It can also detect construction areas or other situations where lane markings are ambiguous.

According to Dr. Shashua, LDW will help motorists stay safe in diverse driving conditions including monotonous highways, where driver inattention is commonplace, as well as on curved roads. The system's warning duration varies depending on the speed that the vehicle crosses the lane marking, providing a short warning of under one second for quick lane changes, and in the case of a very slow drift across the lane marking, the warning will be longer -- even up to several seconds.

The new feature can be ordered as an option in the new BMW 5 Series.

About Siemens VDO

Siemens VDO Automotive (Regensburg), a group of Siemens AG, is one of the world's leading suppliers of electronics and mechatronics for the automotive industry. With its products, it enables individual mobility and the efficient transportation of goods by road in modern societies. As development partner of the automotive industry, the company manufactures automotive electronics and mechatronics for reducing emissions, enhancing safety and driving comfort, and keeping drivers informed and in touch with the outside world. Siemens VDO generated sales of over EUR 10 billion and achieved results of EUR 669 million based on US-GAAP in the 2006 business year (30.9.2006).

About Mobileye

Mobileye N.V. is headquartered in The Netherlands, with R&D in Israel and satellite offices in the U.S., Cyprus and Japan. Mobileye is a technological leader in the area of advanced image sensing and processing technology for automotive applications, with a product offering covering the entire range of vision applications Mobileye's unique monocular vision platform works as a "third eye" to help drivers improve safety and avoid accidents, and has the potential to revolutionize the way we drive.

Further information on Mobileye can be found at http://www.mobileye.com/ .

Source: Mobileye N.V.

Posted by Frank at 10:33 AM

Toyota University Opens Admissions to Outsiders

Car Giant Preaches Its Mantra Of Continuous Improvement To Police, Military, Businesses

When Capt. Patrick Findley took over the Los Angeles Police Department's jails about two years ago, incoming prisoners stood in line for hours waiting to be booked, and officers spent valuable time heating up frozen dinners to feed them each evening.

So Capt. Findley turned to an unlikely place for a tune-up: Toyota Motor Corp.

The company isn't only one of the most efficient and profitable auto makers on the planet, it also has quietly become a kind of managerial guru. At times, it has opened the doors of its in-house training center, known as the University of Toyota, and welcomed students ranging from home builders to soldiers to city cops.

For Capt. Findley, a two-day class revealed the solution to his headaches: sandwiches. By cutting hot evening meals at the lockup, the LAPD could free more officers during one of the jail's busiest times.

"We had always done it that way," Capt. Findley says of serving dinner hot. "It never occurred to me to do something different."

Based in Gardena, Calif., the Toyota program was started in 1998 to train the company's employees in its distinctive business philosophy and "lean-thinking" approach to producing cars. For instance, Toyota's just-in-time production system orchestrates the building and delivery of parts so they arrive at the factory a few hours before needed instead of sitting in storage for days. That way, Toyota spends less on stocking unused parts and has fewer parts to fix or scrap if a quality problem arises.

The school occupies the Toyota Plaza building, and lean-thinking classes are taught on the eighth floor, a series of classrooms juxtaposed with open lounges. Students are encouraged to walk freely throughout the floor. Banners hang from walls displaying key Toyota principles like kaizen (continuous improvement) and genchi genbutsu (go look, go see).

The kaizen mantra says progress is made with a million incremental ideas, as opposed to one fix-it-all initiative. That runs counter to the American tendency toward bold moves and great leaps.

A few years ago, Toyota decided to start teaching its ideas to others. It charged most organizations, but it trained the police and the U.S. military as a public service.

In 2005, the Defense Department sent representatives from each military branch to Toyota to improve combat readiness. Participants learned how Toyota organizes its distribution centers and warehouses in ways that speed the shipment of parts. The military applied some of these ideas to the airports that handle materials headed for Iraq. One small change: The military now stacks packing material closer to loading docks, which saves personnel a few steps and a couple of minutes each time they pack up supplies for shipment. Over the course of a day, those small changes save hours.

Posted by Frank at 7:16 AM

Porsche touts VW takeover in shareholder letter

Porsche Group Shareholders’ Letter for the First Six Months of the 2006/07 Fiscal Year

Stuttgart.

Dear Shareholders,

Our involvement as the largest individual shareholder in Volkswagen AG provided the stock exchange with the makings of an impressive success story. Since the start of our investment in Europe’s biggest automotive group around a year and a half ago, Porsche’s share price has risen by 50 % and Volkswagen’s share price has doubled. Any initial doubtful voices in relation to our shareholding in VW have long since faded.

In the first half of the 2006/2007 fiscal year (August 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007) we reinforced our strategic and industrial partnership with VW by increasing our shareholding to 27.3% of the ordinary shares. As a result, our total capital expenditure for this equity investment has risen to over four billion euro taking account of hedging transactions. Our investment has increased in value by more than a billion euro since we first acquired a share.

With the outdated ‘VW law’ due to expire in the near future, our role as a long-term investor in Volkswagen will be strengthened substantially. On February 13, 2007, the advocate general presented a final ruling at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg in the negotiations concerning the VW law. In this final ruling he recommended that the lawsuit brought by the European Commission be upheld.

The lawsuit claimed for example that the cap on voting rights to 20% and the special rights of the state of Lower Saxony contravened European law. We expect that the Court will back up the advocate general’s recommendation. As a result, it is possible that we will be able to exercise our full shareholder rights in proportion to our shareholding before the end of the year.

Unit sales and sales revenue at a high level

The Porsche Group was able to maintain its successful course in the first six months of the current fiscal year. The 7.0% drop in unit sales to
39,265 vehicles is a result of the model change for the Cayenne. Production of the first generation of this model range was discontinued in November 2006, with the sale of the new Cayenne not commencing in Europe and Asia until February 24, 2007 and in America until March 3, 2007. We wanted to avoid having the predecessor model and the new Cayenne in dealers’
showrooms at the same time, and accepted the fact that unit sales of our sporty all-terrain car would fall as a result. The corresponding decrease totaled 41.4% to 9,940 vehicles. All in all our strategy was successful:
the predecessor model is more or less sold out and a healthy level of orders has been received for the launch of the second generation Cayenne.

The two sports car series were linked to sustained growth. 17,329 vehicles were sold from the 911 series, of which 3,461 were the top model, the 911 Turbo. Total growth for the 911 series amounted to 15.7%. The Boxster series even experienced growth of 19.6% to 11,979 vehicles; this figure included 7,687 Cayman and Cayman S models. After adjustment of the prior- year figures to account for the sale of CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen, sales revenue thus only declined marginally by 1.4 % to € 3.07 billion in the first six months of the fiscal year.

A closer look at the breakdown of unit sales by region shows just how difficult the market in the USA has become. Unit sales in the US fell by 19.3% to 14,545 vehicles, while Porsche increased unit sales in Germany by
0.2 % to 5,498 vehicles and in the rest of the world by 2.7% to 19,222 vehicles.

Earnings significantly higher

The large earnings power of the Porsche Group continued in the first half of the current fiscal year. The final half-year figures, determined on February 15, 2007, are even higher than the preliminary figures (as of the cut-off date January 13) published at our annual general meeting on January 26, 2007. Earnings before taxes rose to € 1.59 billion after a figure of €
277.8 million in the prior-year period. Earnings after taxes reached € 1.14 billion after € 169.8 million in the previous year.

The increase was principally attributable to special effects in connection with the involvement in Volkswagen. Income from hedging transactions in connection with the purchase of the VW shares was in the range of a substantial three digit million figure. In addition, a positive effect on earnings stemmed from the revaluation at € 520 million of the VW share package, which had increased to 27.3% of ordinary shares. This step became necessary because the value of the company increased considerably in line with the VW share price. Furthermore the result from operations increased thanks to an improved model mix in the vehicles division.

As far as the half-year result is concerned, it was only possible to consolidate the result for the third quarter of 2006 in terms of the VW shareholding. This was because the figures from VW containing the final quarter of 2006 were not yet available when Porsche’s half-year result was calculated. Consequently these figures will be included in Porsche’s group result for the second half of the 2006/2007 fiscal year.

More jobs created

Porsche created new jobs once again in the reporting period. The decline in the Group’s headcount by 4.3% to 11,393 employees was a result of the sale of CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen, and of Porsche Engineering Services (PES) in Wilmington, USA. These two companies together accounted for more than 1,000 employees. Adjusted to account for these disposals, the headcount in the Porsche Group actually increased by 4.5% or
493 employees. The additional staff were needed especially at the Leipzig plant, in the services area and in research and development at Porsche AG.

Increase in capital expenditures

Investments in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment climbed by 32.0% to € 227.0 million. The financial services companies accounted for capital expenditures of € 267.8 million. In the first six months of the
2006/2007 fiscal year, Porsche invested mainly in expanding the plant in Leipzig, the Porsche Museum currently under construction at the head office in Zuffenhausen and the preparation of future model projects such as the Gran Turismo Panamera.

Outlook

Porsche is more optimistic for the 2006/2007 fiscal year as a whole than it was at the beginning of the fiscal year. Even the difficult market environment in the USA does not overshadow this optimism. Porsche aims to match the high prior-year level of unit sales and sales revenue with the growth markets in eastern Europe and Asia contributing substantially to sales. In Russia, for example, the distribution network will encompass 16 dealers this fiscal year after just 10 in the previous year. Porsche will expand even more dramatically in China, increasing the number of dealers from 12 to 20. As a result, Porsche is confident that it can double unit sales in China this year by comparison with the previous year, during which roughly 1,920 vehicles were sold. The pace of development in these markets is restricted by the limited availability of qualified service and sales employees who have to be hired and trained accordingly.

The powerhouses behind Porsche’s success in the current fiscal year will be the two sports car series. We expect record unit sales of around 36,000 vehicles from the 911 series alone, and some 6,000 of these are expected to be the top model, the 911 Turbo. The Cayman S is also holding its own in the face of ever-increasing competition. Porsche’s model mix is thus influenced by a preference on the market for the models in the upper end of the price scale. Provided that there are no surprises at VW or in the development of the VW share price, Porsche is confident that it will exceed the prior-year earnings of € 2.1 billion in the current fiscal year. This figure takes account of burdens such as the development costs for the fourdoor Gran Turismo Panamera, which are expected to be in the three digit million euro range.

Sustained positive impetus from the Cayenne series is not expected to ensue until the coming 2007/2008 fiscal year, when it will have been present on the market for a first full fiscal year. Nevertheless we aim to match the unit sales figures for the predecessor models in the previous year before the end of the current 2006/2007 fiscal year, as the new Cayenne thanks to its direct fuel injection system uses up to 15% less fuel and the Turbo model up to 20% less fuel. The sporty all-terrain vehicle sold around 34,000 times in the previous year.

The next boost to growth is likely to be the market launch of the Panamera in 2009. On a global scale, we see substantial demand for four-door, four-seater sports cars, that offer excellent performance. This model series will provide material for a further chapter in Porsche’s success story.

With our very best regards,

Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking
Chief Executive Officer

Holger P. Härter
Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche
Aktiengesellschaft
Stuttgart, February 15, 2007

Posted by Frank at 6:58 AM

Shaker Heights Resident Wins the 2007 Saturn Sky Roadster at the Cleveland Auto Show

CLEVELAND -- Nine contestants returned to the 2007 Cleveland Auto Show today for their chance to win a 2007 Saturn Sky roadster.

Brett Himes, 48, of Shaker Heights, Ohio won the $28,000 prize. He wins the roadster outright. Himes will take delivery of the Sky from Saturn of Middleburg Heights, a suburb southwest of Cleveland.

"This is just another way America's franchised new-car and truck dealers are involved in their communities," said Kirt Frye, 2007 Cleveland Auto Show chairman and president of Sunnyside Auto Group, which sells Audi, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Scion and Saturn brand vehicles.

"A car giveaway like this at auto shows is unique," Frye added.

HERE'S HOW THE CONTEST WORKED. Over the nine day show, one winner was picked daily. Each contestant drew a key sealed in an envelope in the order they qualified for the final round. Himes was the winner from day four on Feb. 27, 2007.

Source: Cleveland Auto Show

Posted by Frank at 6:52 AM

New Chrysler Group Products Spark Sales Growth in Europe and Asia

- February 2007 sales outside North America increased 9 percent over 2006; year-to date sales were up 10 percent

- Dodge brand led international growth, and Caliber was Chrysler Group's top-selling vehicle year-to-date

- Chrysler 300C sales climbed 57 percent compared with February 2006

Chrysler Group celebrated 21 consecutive months of sales increases outside North America, as February closed with 9 percent growth (15,194 units) over the same month in 2006. Year-to-date, sales grew 10 percent over 2006, with much of the increase coming from higher sales in Europe and Asia.

The Dodge Caliber was the top-selling Chrysler Group vehicle outside North America year-to-date (4,834 units), and continued to be the Chrysler Group sales leader in Western Europe, the largest-volume region. Dodge brand sales led Chrysler Group's expansion efforts in international markets with sales up 278 percent.

"The global success of Dodge Caliber shows us that there is a significant group of customers in European and international markets who are attracted to the bold and unique characteristics of the Dodge brand," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing. "And we have more to come; later this year, the Dodge Nitro and Avenger will be available to customers all over the world."

For the month, Chrysler 300C led the product lineup in terms of both sales and overall growth with 2,629 units sold and a 57 percent increase. Local production of the Chrysler 300C began at the end of last year in Beijing; and in February, the vehicle outsold any other Chrysler Group vehicle in the Chinese market by more than five times. Growth in the Asia Pacific region as a whole was up 26 percent for the month.

Italy remained the Company's largest volume market with sales up 2 percent and 3,363 units sold so far in 2007. It is followed by Germany, which has seen double-digit growth of 13 percent in 2007, and a total of 2,372 units sold.

"The positive sales trend that we're seeing in these markets is showing that our vehicles, dealer network and marketing efforts are appealing to new customers. A direct result is increased profitability; 2006 was the most profitable year ever for Chrysler Group's International operations," said Hausch. "We have a strong dealer network in place with the right products in the market, and more on the way, to sustain this growth. And in the fast-growing markets, we are reaching out to new dealers to increase our network and ensure that the customer experience there is a positive one as well, in addition to increasing brand awareness and loyalty."

Expansion and sales growth in international markets has been a strategic goal for the Chrysler Group in recent years. As an example of commitment to this effort, last month the Company announced that the Dodge brand will join Chrysler and Jeep vehicles for sale in China. Starting this year, all three Chrysler Group brands will be sold there for the first time ever, laying the foundation for future growth and continued expansion outside North America.

Chrysler Group sells and services vehicles in more than 125 countries around the world, and Chrysler Group sales outside North America currently account for approximately eight percent of the Company's total global sales. Vehicles available range across all three Chrysler Group brands, with limited availability on some trucks and SUV models. The Company's operations outside North America have been experiencing year-over-year sales increases since 2004, and will continue to increase the number of product offerings, powertrain options and RHD availability through 2007.

Source: Chrysler Group

Posted by Frank at 6:50 AM

Wall St. king in hunt for Chrysler

The hottest buyout firm on Wall Street is seriously eyeing an acquisition of the Chrysler Group. Blackstone Group, a private-equity giant with stakes in more than 100 companies, has emerged as a leading contender to buy the troubled U.S. division of German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG, people familiar with the situation told The Detroit News.

Posted by Frank at 6:48 AM

Cars that make hybrids look like gas guzzlers

Toyota Prius owners tend to be a proud lot since they drive the fuel-efficient hybrid gas-electric car that's the darling of mainstream environmentalists and one of the hottest-selling vehicles in America. A few, however, felt that good was not good enough. They've made "improvements" even though the modifications voided parts of their warranties.

Ron Gremban of Corte Madera did it. So did Felix Kramer of Redwood City, and Sven Thesen of Palo Alto. Why? Five words: one hundred miles per gallon.

"We took the hybrid car to its logical conclusion," Kramer says, by adding more batteries and the ability to recharge by plugging into a regular electrical socket at night, making the car a plug-in hybrid.

Compared with the Prius' fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, plug-in hybrids use half as much gasoline by running more on cleaner, cheaper, domestic electricity. If owners forget to plug in overnight, it's no big deal -- the car runs like a regular hybrid.

These trendsetters monkeyed with the car for more than their own benefit. They did it to make a point: If they could make a plug-in hybrid, the major car companies could, too. And should.

Posted by Frank at 6:48 AM

Affluent Buyers Drive Strong Sales

Auto-sales figures from February show that car companies are facing a U.S. market driven by choosy consumers seeking well-made, technically innovative brands. Last month, auto sales were down 0.5% largely because blue collar brands such as Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Pontiac, and Buick weren't selling.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the brands that did well were mainly those aimed at affluent, city-living Americans. BMW, for example, said February sales rose nearly 12 percent. Audi sales jumped 37.5 percent. The Toyota and Lexus brands each set new February records.

In the wake of Al Gore's appearance at the Oscars and renewed Congressional interest in CAFE standards, environmentally friendly cars are also selling. Toyota said last week the company sold a total of 18,860 hybrid Toyota and Lexus vehicles in February, up 72% from the year before. Put another way, the "Hybrid Toyota" brand sold more cars than either Mercedes-Benz, or Buick, or Acura.

Posted by Frank at 4:06 AM

March 4, 2007

Audi Music Interface with iPod Integration

The Audi music interface offers a market-leading, unique and intelligent integration with the iPod. Any iPod Generation 4 and higher (iPod, iPod nano, iPod photo) equipped with the Dock Connector may be connected to the supplied adapter cable. The main iPod menu structure will be displayed on the MMI screen. The central control knob on the MMI panel, or the multifunction steering wheel controls, may be used to easily navigate through playlists, albums, artists, etc. The Audi music interface also charges the iPod battery while it is connected

New features that differentiate the Audi music interface system from other systems with MP3 compatibility include its adaptability with future generation devices. The Audi music interface uses a standardized 18-pin connector in the glovebox. The adapter cable with the iPod Dock Connector is just the beginning; various adapters, including USB, are under future consideration.

Overview:

• Available option in November 2006 on Audi A6, A8 and Audi Q7
• MSRP: $290.00US includes iPod Adapter Cable
• Integrates iPod menus into MMI and instrument cluster displays
• Displays Artist/Title information on MMI
• Fingertip control via MMI or multifunction steering wheel
• Installs in Glovebox (A6/A8) or under center armrest (Audi Q7) for easy access
• Standardized connector - accepts various music player adapter cables
• Additional Adapter Cables sold separately via Audi Accessories

Posted by Frank at 10:30 AM

How green is my valley -- start-ups mine alt-energy

The algae beneath Harrison Dillon's microscope could one day fuel your car.

Dillon's Menlo Park company, Solazyme, has tweaked the algae's genes, turning the microscopic plant into an oil-producing machine. If everything works the way Dillon wants, vats of algae could create substitutes for diesel and crude oil.

It's no accident he and his college friend Jonathan Wolfson founded their start-up in Silicon Valley. In the last few years, the region has become the world's premier locale for "green tech," an industry where engineers and entrepreneurs literally want to save the world. And, in the process, the nation's tech capital could once again be transforming itself, just as it did when the personal computer and the Internet gave birth to generations of start-up businesses with missions of their own.

But there's one big difference. Green tech is not about the digital ones and zeroes on which Silicon Valley was built. It's a major departure into the world of energy, largely foreign to the valley until now.

Green tech companies develop new energy sources, devise ways to use existing resources more efficiently or design products that help the environment. High oil prices and concern over global warming have fueled their rise.

Many green technologies so far exist only in the lab. But investors are betting that green companies will one day make serious money. Venture capitalists pumped an estimated $3 billion into the industry nationwide last year. More than 20 percent of that cash went to the Bay Area, the No. 1 destination. Other high-tech hubs such as Austin, Texas, and the Boston suburbs snagged much of the rest.

Green tech, also known as clean tech, is Silicon Valley's latest incarnation.

Posted by Frank at 8:08 AM

Porsche Reduces CO2 and Pollutant Emissions

Stuttgart -- Porsche has set out to further reduce the CO2 emissions of its cars by a significant margin. As the Company announced at the Geneva Motor Show, all Porsche models, starting as early as next year, will comply with the strict EU5 emission standards applicable as of September 2009, at the same time even fulfilling the currently defined limits of the EU6 standard not scheduled to take effect until September 2014.

A further point announced by the company is that all Porsche engines are already able today to run on fuel with an ethanol additive. This applies both to Porsche's sports cars designed for a 10 per cent share of ethanol and to the Cayenne sports utility vehicle able to run on a fuel mixture with up to 25 per cent ethanol.

With ethanol being a so-called bio-fuel recovered from regenerating raw materials, this improves the overall balance of CO2 by a corresponding figure of approximately 10 and, respectively, 25 per cent. Porsche's Development Centre is also working on a so-called Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) able to run on both gasoline alone and on a mixture of up to 85 per cent ethanol.

In its efforts to minimise fuel consumption and emissions, Porsche currently gives top priority to the introduction of a hybrid engine which the company is developing together with the Volkswagen Group and which is planned to enter the market in a further variant of the Cayenne before the end of this decade. This alternative drive concept will then reduce fuel consumption by another 30 per cent, the hybrid Cayenne thus consuming less than 9 litres of fuel on 100 kilometres (better than 31.4 mpg Imp).

Porsche plans to introduce a so-called "full hybrid" combining a gasoline combustion engine with an electric motor. Benefiting from this system, both power units can be run together and independently of one another, thus allowing three different operating modes. In this process the electric motor provides the power required not only when starting off at a moderate pace or when manoeuvring, but also when driving in, say, residential areas.

Apart from ongoing efforts to reduce fuel consumption through consistent lightweight technology and the use of innovative VarioCam Plus valve management and direct gasoline injection, the planned measures serve not only to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but also to cut back the share of nitric oxide in exhaust emissions by fulfilling the EU5 and EU6 standards ahead of time.

Posted by Frank at 7:57 AM