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Automotive News
KLM Performance's Automotive News coverage is updated daily with news updates published as they are released to the media. These updates cover the latest developments in trucks, add-on components, racing, and the truck enthusiast lifestyle. Feel free to discuss any news releases in KLM's Discussion Forum.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Toyota Motor Sales Announces Management Changes
Toyota Motor Sales Announces Management Changes TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced management changes for its Toyota and Lexus divisions, and Toyota Financial Services (TFS). The following executive assignments are effective immediately: David Nordstrom, vice president, TFS product and marketing, is appointed vice president, Lexus marketing, filling the position previously held by Deborah Wahl Meyer. Nordstrom will be responsible for all marketing activities for the Lexus Division. Nordstrom will report to Jim Farley, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. Since joining TFS in 1990, Nordstrom has held numerous key management positions including corporate manager of product, remarketing and brand, and regional manager of TFS' Western Region. Mike Wells, vice president and general manager, San Francisco Region, is appointed vice president, TFS product and marketing, replacing David Nordstrom. Wells will oversee the product development and marketing for TFS' insurance and finance products. Wells will report to David Pelliccioni, senior vice president, TFS sales and marketing. Since joining Toyota in 1986, Wells has held numerous key management positions including vice president of sales and dealer development, Lexus, and vice president of marketing, Lexus. He also held the positions of corporate and general manager of Toyota Financial Services, Insurance, and corporate manager and dean of dealer education and development, University of Toyota. Tom Devany, corporate manager, sales operations, is appointed general manager, San Francisco Region, replacing Mike Wells. Devany will be responsible for directing sales, service and parts, marketing, customer service, market representation and distribution for Toyota Division dealers in the San Francisco Region. Devany will report to Bill Fay, vice president of sales, Toyota Division. Devany joined TMS in 1991 and worked most recently as corporate manager, sales operations, where he served as the sales department liaison with regional and private distributor offices. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicle brands in the United States, celebrating its 50th anniversary in America this year. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 33,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in 2006. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
CONTACT: Mike Michels, +1-310-468-7730, Mike_Michels@toyota.com, or Xavier Dominicis, +1-310-468-5084, Xavier_Dominicis@toyota.com, or Karen Ideno, +1-310-468-3646, Karen_Ideno@toyota.com, all of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Web site: http://www.toyota.com/ http://www.lexus.com/ http://www.scion.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional corporate information and executive biographies for members of the news media are available at http://pressroom.toyota.com ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:08 PM
Stillwater Mining Company Signs New PGM Supply Agreements
Stillwater Mining Company Signs New PGM Supply Agreements BILLINGS, Mont., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stillwater Mining Company (NYSE:SWC) announced today that it has amended the provisions of an existing PGM supply agreement and has signed a new agreement with one of its existing automotive industry customers extending a portion of Stillwater's sales commitments through 2012. The terms of the new agreements include: -- Stipulated monthly delivery commitments for palladium and rhodium; -- Some sourcing flexibility for Stillwater on palladium and rhodium deliveries; -- A guaranteed minimum floor price on all sales of palladium under the agreement; and -- A customer discount off the prevailing market price on all sales above the floor price. The agreement also provides the customer with an opportunity to elect increased delivery volumes of palladium and rhodium after 2010.
Stillwater Mining Company is the only U.S. producer of palladium and platinum and is the largest primary producer of platinum group metals outside of the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWC. Information on Stillwater Mining can be found at its Website: http://www.stillwatermining.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Stillwater Mining Company
CONTACT: Dawn McCurtain of Stillwater Mining Company, +1-406-373-8700 Web site: http://www.stillwatermining.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 6:35 PM
Nissan's Hydrogen-Free DLC Coating Wins METI Award
Nissan's Hydrogen-Free DLC Coating Wins METI Award - Excellence Award in the second Monozukuri Nippon Grand Awards - TOKYO, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating has won the Excellence Award in the Products and Technology Development Category of the second Monozukuri Nippon Grand Awards from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The awards ceremony will take place on August 29 at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo. Nissan and its technology development partners, Riken Corp., Hitachi Ltd. and Nippon ITF Inc., received the coveted award category for creating a revolutionary product -- component or production technology that contributes to sustain the Japanese industry and society. The award-winning technology is the hydrogen-free DLC valve lifter that delivers improved fuel-efficiency. Nissan's DLC coating is a low-friction, highly abrasion-resistant non-crystalline carbon film with diamond-like properties, that does not contain hydrogen in its molecule structure. It significantly reduces the friction drag under oil lubricated condition. Nissan began applying the coating to its VQ35HR and VQ25HR valve lifters on the new Skyline and Infiniti G35, reducing friction between the cam and valve lifter by about 40%. The Monozukuri Nippon Grand Awards by METI aims to promote the Japanese tradition of monozukuri. The Ministry recognizes people and groups for excellence and leadership in the various fields of monozukuri, from traditional crafts to state-of-the-art technology. This breakthrough invention also won the Technology Development Award in the 57th Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan Awards*1, as well as the 2006 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for New Technology*2. *1: 57th (2007) Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan Awards Winning entry: Hydrogen-free DLC valve lifter and 5W30GF4 fuel- efficient oil. *2: 2006 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal (New Technology) Winning entry: Hydrogen-free DLC-coated engine valve lifter First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
CONTACT: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Communications CSR Department, Global Communications CSR and IR Division, +81-(0)3-5565-2141; or Tony Pearson of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., +1-615-725-6928 ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 5:28 PM
U. S. Steel Marks First Year of Mercury Switch Recovery Program
U. S. Steel Marks First Year of Mercury Switch Recovery Program PITTSBURGH, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) recently marked the one-year anniversary of its participation in the national mercury reduction program known as the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP). U. S. Steel has been part of the program since it was launched on Aug. 11, 2006. The company began implementing its plan for participation in the NVMSRP in March 2007 and has asked all of its shredded scrap suppliers to register with End of Life Vehicle Services and to develop their own compliance programs. Supplier audits to ensure compliance are currently being conducted. The purpose of the NVMSRP is to prevent mercury pollution by removing mercury switches from automobiles and trucks before the vehicles are shredded and recycled into new steel. U. S. Steel supports the program and is participating fully in it as a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Other parties to the agreement include the AISI, the Steel Manufacturers Association, auto manufacturers, vehicle dismantlers and shredders, environmental organizations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information about U. S. Steel, visit http://www.ussteel.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: United States Steel Corporation
CONTACT: John Armstrong, +1-412-433-6792; or Erin DiPietro, +1-412-433-6845, both of United States Steel Corporation Web site: http://www.ussteel.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/929150.html ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 4:37 PM
SUVOA: John Edwards Tells You to Give Up Your SUV
SUVOA: John Edwards Tells You to Give Up Your SUV Asked specifically if Americans should give up their SUV, Edwards says, "Yes" WHO: Ron DeFore, Communications Director, SUV Owners of America WHAT: Long-time transportation expert available to discuss Edward's edict Americans to live without their SUVs. Millions of Americans -- in both of Edward's Americas -- need and use Light Trucks (SUVs, pickups, vans and minivans) for everyday life and work. PUNCHLINE: SUVOA supports the rights of all Americans -- unlike Washington politicians like Edwards -- to choose the vehicles they need for their lifestyle. Over 80 million Americans drive Light Trucks. From farmers and ranchers to builders and boaters, SUVs and Light Trucks play a vital role in the success of America's economy. WHEN: August 29, 2007 MORE: Americans can choose for themselves, since they know what they need better than Washington politicians. What they don't need is the owner of the largest home in his North Carolina county to tell them they must give up their larger vehicles to reduce energy consumption. -- There are 20 million things that need to be towed in the United States. -- 54% of new vehicles sold in Edward's home state are Light Trucks. -- Vehicle safety would also be sacrificed by forcing many consumers to buy smaller vehicles. A recent USA Today article noted that smaller cars are twice as deadly as larger ones.(1) -- The U.S. Senate already passed a fuel economy mandate that Lehman Brothers (global financial experts) predicts would mean 60% fewer SUVs and pickup trucks. -- That Senate action would raise sticker prices for larger vehicles by an estimated average of $7,000. We all want better fuel economy and reduced dependence on imported oil. SUVOA strongly supports these goals. But it must be done in a reasonable way that increases fuel economy AND preserves the kinds of vehicles that consumers need for family, work and recreation. IT CAN BE DONE THE RIGHT WAY. The Hill- Terry House of Representatives bill does just that. John Edwards should take a look at his "Two Americas" and realize that larger vehicles serve a real purpose. SUVOA is a non-profit consumer organization dedicated to supporting the rights and serving the interests of more than 80 million SUV, Pickup and Van Owners of America. Founded in 1999, SUVOA strives to ensure balanced media reporting of Light Truck issues and represents supporters by educating federal and state policymakers. CONTACT: Kirk Sims, for SUVOA, +1-877-447-8862, +1-601-209-4095 (1) Healy, James. "The number of small-car owners is growing even though ... more drivers die in small cars" USA Today, 20 Aug. 2007: 1B. PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Aug. 29 First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: SUVOA
------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 4:27 PM
Mercedes-Benz USA Offers a First for U.S. Drivers: Destinations Straight From Internet to Car
Mercedes-Benz USA Offers a First for U.S. Drivers: Destinations Straight From Internet to Car Partnership with Google and Yahoo! Maps Enables New Telematics Innovation MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced a first for U.S. drivers: the ability to send directions directly from their computers to their vehicles. The new technology, called Search & Send, which will be available September 5, has been developed in partnership with Google, Yahoo! and DaimlerChrysler Research, Engineering and Design North America (Palo Alto, CA). It is being phased into the Mercedes-Benz model line starting with select vehicles equipped with Tele Aid, the company's telematics and emergency response system. The Search & Send feature allows drivers to plot destinations, addresses and points of interest through the highly popular map sections of the Google or Yahoo! Maps websites and then simply click on a newly introduced "Send to Car" icon. The information is then sent directly to the vehicle's GPS navigation unit. When the driver gets into the vehicle, pushing the i-button of the Tele Aid system downloads the destination directly to the vehicle's navigation system and prompts the driver as to whether to start route guidance immediately or save the information for later use. "Given the increasing amount of time people spend in their vehicles, we're always looking for ways to make that time more productive, efficient and enjoyable," said Sascha Simon, manager of telematics for MBUSA. "The advantage to Search & Send is that customers can surf the Internet from their home computers -- or from any Internet-connected device such as a PDA or cell phone -- pick out where they want to go, utilize Google or Yahoo! Maps to get the directions and then send the information to their vehicle. Then they get in the car and go, without having to input addresses into the GPS system. They can also have friends or family pull down a destination and send the information to them in the car. We think this will be an extremely well- received progression in our telematics service. It's this type of convenience that customers are looking for, delivered in an intelligent and simple way." The Search & Send feature debuts not only on high-end Mercedes-Benz models -- the S-Class sedan and CL-Class coupe -- but also on the much-anticipated new-generation C-Class model line which is currently arriving at dealer showrooms across the country. Search & Send will be phased in on additional Mercedes-Benz models during the coming year. The Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system, pioneered in 1998 and provided through Texas-based ATX Group, provides information and location-specific roadside assistance, stolen vehicle recovery and emergency assistance to subscribing Mercedes-Benz owners at the touch of a button. Additional information on Search & Send is available at www.mbusa.com/searchandsend. About Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com. About Yahoo Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo!'s mission is to connect people to their passions, their communities, and the world's knowledge. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. About ATX Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Dusseldorf, Germany, ATX Group is the world's largest provider of personalized telematics services for the automobile industry, serving both North America and Europe. ATX telematics services are designed to provide enhanced safety, security and driving convenience to vehicle owners. These services include location-specific emergency and roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle recovery, remote diagnostics and real-time traffic and navigation assistance. ATX also customizes telematics services designed to help automobile manufacturers and their affiliated dealerships to use telematics data to reduce costs, enhance vehicle servicing, and more closely manage customer relationships. For more information, visit www.atxg.com. Source: Mercedes-Benz USA CONTACT: Donna Boland, +1-201-573-6893, 1-888-MBNEWS-1, for Mercedes-Benz USA Web site: http://www.mbusa.com/ http://www.mbusa.com/searchandsend http://www.atxg.com/ EDITORS' ADVISORY: Accredited journalists and editors can access this story, high-resolution photos and other press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com. ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:52 PM
L2 Auto Schedules August 29th Grand Opening
L2 Auto Schedules August 29th Grand Opening Sid DeBoer, Lithia Chairman and CEO, to host Loveland event LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- L2 Auto (www.L2.com), the customer-centric web-based used car offering from Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) is hosting its grand opening Wednesday, August 29th at 12:30 PM at its first location in Loveland at 3870 Byrd Drive. Sid DeBoer, Chairman and CEO of L2 Auto's parent, Lithia Motors, is hosting the event. L2 facility and process tours are offered beginning at 10:00 AM and also immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony. "For Lithia, L2 Auto represents both the culmination of our past experience and a catapult to the future," said Sid DeBoer. "It's a culmination of everything we've learned through our 60 years of experience in the retail automotive business. We took our experience and combined it with our market research to get here. L2 catapults us into the future with a process driven used car sales system that addresses customer concerns one by one, and answers all the issues that used car buyers have told us are most important to them." Sid DeBoer is highly regarded as a leader and visionary in the auto retail industry. Lithia Motors went public in 1996 and has since built a network of 108 stores in 15 states with annual revenue of $3.2 billion in 2006. Grand opening attendees will hear from Mr. DeBoer on the L2 Auto process, business model and growth plans. The Loveland store is the first location to open this year, with two more stores slated for opening by the end of the year in Texas. Each of the stores sits on six to nine acres of land, and the total investment in land and buildings is between $6 and $8 million dollars, of which 75-80% will be financed by various financial institutions. Each of the first three L2 stores will be between 28,000 and 30,000 square feet, and will carry approximately 250 fully reconditioned used cars and trucks. Lithia anticipates that each of the L2 stores will employ between 50 and 60 people. Some of the vehicles in the L2 inventory will look familiar to the residents of Loveland. That's because L2 Auto will buy any vehicle from anyone in the community at fair market value prices and with no strings attached. By keeping its focus on the customer, L2 will be a draw for those looking to sell their vehicle quickly and easily. L2 Auto uses an internet-based process that leads the industry in technology to vastly improve all customer experiences. In addition, all L2 vehicles complete a rigorous 240-point inspection and come with both a 60 day "if it breaks we fix it" warranty, as well as a three day, no-questions-asked return program that includes a hassle-free return of any trade in and down payment a customer may have had. "Customer peace-of-mind and transaction transparency are L2's mantras," said Marty Mindling, L2's Vice President of Operations. "The process is simple, but is also absolutely state-of-the-art. There are no hidden charges, no surprises. L2's process is based on educating customers and helping them make intelligent decisions to fulfill their individual transportation needs. That's what we are all about." Even before L2 Auto opened its doors in Loveland, the company was already making a contribution to the community. L2 teamed up with Project Self- Sufficiency to provide much needed vehicle service to low income families in the area. The program, which began in early May, has provided complimentary automotive service on more than a dozen cars to help area families meet their critical transportation needs. The work has ranged from oil changes and tune ups to more significant transmission and engine work. All work has been completed free of charge In addition to Sid DeBoer, many Lithia and L2 Auto senior executives will be on hand for the grand opening. To learn more about L2, visit www.L2.com. About L2: L2, a Lithia company, is an innovative, right-for-the-times, web-based concept that will provide a new and improved experience for consumers in the used car market. L2 represents an entirely new process of online shopping and buying to provide a whole new level of catering to the used car customer. It offers unprecedented transparency in every transaction including availability of a broad selection of popular late model used vehicles, clearly marked "negotiation-free" prices based on current market values, a 240 point inspection plan, a 60 day "if it breaks, we fix it" warranty, and a three day "no questions asked" return policy. About Lithia Motors, Inc.: Lithia Motors, Inc. is a Fortune 700 and Russell 2000 Company. Lithia sells 30 brands of new vehicles at 108 stores which are located in 46 markets within 15 states. Internet sales are centralized at www.Lithia.com. Lithia also sells used vehicles; arranges finance, warranty, and credit insurance contracts; and provides vehicle parts, maintenance, and repair services at all of its locations. Lithia retailed 109,648 new and used vehicles and had $3.17 billion in total revenue in 2006. This press release includes forward looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe-Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which management believes are a benefit to shareholders. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially due to certain risk factors including, without limitation, economic conditions, acquisition risk factors and others set forth from time to time in the company's filings with the SEC. Specific risks in this press release include future locations and the timing of opening, total investment, inventory levels, store acreage, square footage, ability to finance, and the customer experience. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: L2 Auto
CONTACT: Don Schrader, Assistant Vice-President of Marketing, +1-541-261-3917, or Jeff DeBoer, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, +1-541-776-6868, both of Lithia Motors, Inc. Web site: http://www.l2.com/ http://www.lithia.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:32 PM
2007 Chicago Auto Show : Purdy Report - VIDEO ENHANCED
2007 Chicago Auto Show : Purdy Report - VIDEO ENHANCEDThe Auto Chanel - Back at the show early on day two we breakfasted with Porsche who introduced a fresh RS Spyder race car, successor to the full-on race car that took honors in the American LeMans Series season in ’06. Also on the Porsche plate is the second Road America: Andretti Green Racing race reportMotorsport.com - ALMS & LEMANS Bryan Herta, #26 XM Satellite Radio Acura "It was okay and we actually timed the tire change right on time. The problem WGI to honor John Watson at US Vintage GPMotorsport.com - He also competed in the 24 Hours at LeMans seven times over the course of his career, finishing 11th, a career best, in 1990. BMW has a long and storied history at The Glen that dates back to the original street race in 1948. A BMW driven by Paul Fellows honoured by Mosport International KartingMotorsport.com - ALMS & LEMANS Fellows honoured by Mosport International Karting Canadian racer honoured with corner naming BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO Viewpoint ArticlesNotre Dame & Saint Mary Observer - It's a very pretty part of the campus, it sits in between LeMans Hall and Madaleva and directly in front of Hagar Hall. There's a fountain that spouts out of it, and in the winter, there is usually a giant ice block around the fountain from all the Opinion Column: The diesels are coming, and Jeep gets there first with Texarkana Gazette - Or tune into the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio, where Audi will be running its R10 TDI, the the terror on the GT circuit which took the 24 Hours of LeMans in France two years in a row. Off the track, the world leader in diesel production
posted by automotive-news # 2:15 PM
SVOX Powers In-car Speech Output for the Infiniti Vehicle Lineup
SVOX Powers In-car Speech Output for the Infiniti Vehicle Lineup SVOX designs the voice experience for the new Infiniti navigation system. ZURICH, Switzerland, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- SVOX, the leading provider of embedded speech output solutions, today announced that Infiniti leverages SVOX speech solutions to provide drivers with enhanced convenience when using the in-vehicle navigation system. Using the SVOX voice-activated user interface, the Infiniti Navigation System helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and contributes to safely reaching their destinations. Infiniti will offer the SVOX-enabled Infiniti Navigation System on five models in the 2008 model year and the entire Infiniti lineup by the 2009 model year. Powered by SVOX Automotive, the industry's leading embedded speech solution, the system interacts with the driver in a natural and intuitive way. Martin Reber, COO of SVOX, said: "As traffic volumes continue to increase and car infotainment systems become more sophisticated, speech technology provides the most convenient interface with a car's navigation system. The Infiniti navigation system includes one of the most comprehensive installations of voice features we have seen to date." About SVOX Automotive: As a leading supplier of speech components to automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers, SVOX offers an integrated suite of technologies and services to voice-activate navigation systems and in-car multimedia systems. The company's text-to-speech technology delivers state-of-the-art performance. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: SVOX
CONTACT: Phil Lichtenberg of SVOX AG, +41 43 544 0613, or Fax, +41 43 544 0601, lichtenberg@svox.com Web site: http://www.svox.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:03 PM
TRW to Webcast Presentation at the Credit Suisse Global Automotive Conference on September 6, 2007
TRW to Webcast Presentation at the Credit Suisse Global Automotive Conference on September 6, 2007 LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) will simultaneously webcast its upcoming presentation at the Credit Suisse Global Automotive Conference in New York, NY, on Thursday, September 6, 2007. The presentation is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:05 a.m. (EDT) and is expected to last approximately forty minutes. During the presentation, the Company will provide a business overview and discuss other related matters, followed by a brief question and answer period. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO ) To access the live webcast along with the presentation and other related material, please visit the investor information section of the Company's web site at http://www.trw.com/. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately one week following the event. About TRW With 2006 sales of $13.1 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 28 countries and employs approximately 63,800 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at http://www.trw.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: Patrick R. Stobb, +1-734-855-3140, or Media Contact: Manley Ford, +1-734-855-2616, both of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Web site: http://www.trwauto.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:02 PM
Nissan Announces Pricing on 2008 Frontier and Xterra
Nissan Announces Pricing on 2008 Frontier and Xterra NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2008 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup and 2008 Nissan Xterra SUV, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The Frontier lineup include a new addition for 2008 - a King Cab SE I4 model, which provides the visual content of an SE model while offering the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine. The 2008 Frontier is available in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations for 2008. Frontier also features Crew Cab Long Wheelbase models with beds more than 13 inches longer than standard models. The 2008 Nissan Frontier King Cab pricing starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $16,150 for the Frontier King Cab XE 4x2 with manual transmission and goes up to $26,100 for the Frontier King Cab NISMO 4x4. The new King Cab SE I4 4x2 is priced at $18,250 with manual transmission and $19,300 with the automatic transmission. 2008 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab models range from a starting MSRP of $20,900 for the Frontier Crew Cab SE 4x2 with manual transmission to $27,950 for the Frontier Crew Cab LE LWB 4x4 with 5-speed automatic transmission. For 2008, Xterra adds significant levels of standard equipment to Xterra X, S and SE models. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $21,130 for the Xterra 4x2 X with 6-speed manual transmission and goes up to $28,630 for the Xterra 4x4 SE with 5-speed automatic transmission. The popular Xterra 4x4 Off-Road model with 5-speed automatic transmission and standard Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) is priced at $27,330. About the 2008 Nissan Frontier For 2008, Frontier again offers tough, bold styling, an available Utility Bed system that features the Utili-track C-channel tie-down system and an available factory-applied spray-in bedliner. In addition to the new King Cab SE I4 model, enhancements for 2008 include a new Technology Package offering an upgraded sound system with an auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, XM(R) satellite radio, Nissan Immobilizer and Vehicle Security System. Also added are an available XE Preferred Package, a standard Appearance Package for King Cab SE 4-cylinder models, a standard Utility Bed Package on NISMO models and a new finish for the 16-inch NISMO model wheels. In addition, a power cloth driver's seat is now added to LE trims and a new Beige interior color replaces the previous Desert interior. Frontier is built on Nissan's F-Alpha platform and is available with a choice of a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (4x2 only) or an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6, which produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. About the 2008 Nissan Xterra All 2008 Xterras continue to offer an unmatched combination of unique styling, flexible interior and outstanding performance - making Xterra the ultimate off-road adventure vehicle. Every Xterra features a rugged "F-Alpha" platform and an advanced 261- horsepower 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine. Xterra is offered in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations with both manual and automatic transmissions and in four trim levels - X, S, SE (automatic transmission only) and Off-Road. All 2008 Xterra X grade models receive standard power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control, while Xterra S models now include standard step rails, first aid kit, cargo net, microfilter and splash guards (4x4 only). 2008 Xterra SE offers standard Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone system, XM(R) Satellite Radio pre-wiring (automatic transmission models only), auto-dimming mirror with compass and an upgraded eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate(R) audio system with subwoofer - equipment that is also available on Xterra Off-Road models with the new optional Technology Package. One new exterior color is available for 2008 - Red Alert, along with a new interior color - Sandstone. In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Nissan North America, Inc.
CONTACT: John Schilling, +1-615-725-5264, or Darryll Harrison, +1-615-725-5644, both of Nissan North America, Inc. Web Site: http://www.nissannews.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:39 PM
Mopar(R) Introduces New Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram Heavy-duty Pickups
Mopar(R) Introduces New Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram Heavy-duty Pickups -- Mounting securely in the pickup directly to the frame rails under the bed, the gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar(R) installs in just one hour and requires limited drilling and no welding -- The trailer hitch ball can be converted from hitch to flat bed floor in just seconds with a quick release handle CENTER LINE, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Mopar(R), The New Chrysler's original equipment parts manufacturer, announced it offers an all-new Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram Heavy-duty Pickups. The gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar is an Authentic Dodge Accessory and mounts securely in the pickup bed using an installation kit that attaches directly to the frame rails under the bed. The trailer hitch installs in just one hour and requires limited drilling and no welding. The trailer hitch ball can be converted from hitch to flat bed floor in just seconds with a quick release handle. Powder coated for a durable and long-lasting finish, the hitch also meets all Chrysler O.E. corrosion specifications. "The new gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar makes the dependable and durable Dodge Ram an even more capable work truck to handle our customers' toughest trailer towing and hauling needs," said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President - Global Service & Parts, The New Chrysler. Cortez added, "Our authentic Dodge accessories are factory-engineered and designed to provide compatibility in function and fit." Designed for 2005 model year and later Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad Cab and 2006 model year and later Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Mega Cab, Ram customers may refer to the vehicle's owner's manual for complete trailer towing specifications. The gooseneck trailer hitch is compatible with Mopar's bedliners, BedRugs and wheel well liners. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Regular/Quad trailer hitch (#82211326) is $205. The installation kit (#82211327) has an MSRP of $205. The MSRP for the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Mega Cab trailer hitch (#82211324) is $240. The installation kit (#82211325) has an MSRP of $205. The installation kits are necessary for both trailer hitches. The gooseneck trailer hitch from Mopar is available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealerships across the country and is covered under Mopar's 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty. This warranty is serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships. 70 Years of Mopar When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929. Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use. Today, The New Chrysler's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Chrysler LLC
CONTACT: Patricia Georgevich of Chrysler, +1-248-512-4889, cell, +1-248-514-1313, pg572@chrysler.com Web site: http://www.chrysler.com/ http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the Gooseneck Trailer Hitch from Mopar are available for download at http://www.media.chrysler.com . For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com . For more information about 2007 labor negotiations, please visit http://www.chryslerlabortalks07.com ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:38 PM
Mazda Launches Largest-Ever NASA Club Racing Championship Prize Program
Mazda Launches Largest-Ever NASA Club Racing Championship Prize Program Mazda Racers Chase $90,000 in MAZDASPEED Prize Money and a New MX-5 IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 13-16, 2007, racers from across the country will gather at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to crown season-end champions at the Second Annual National Auto Sport Association (NASA) National Championships Presented by Toyo Tires. The grand prize for those racing a Mazda -- and only those racing a Mazda -- will be the opportunity to vie for more than $90,000 in contingency prizes, as well as win a brand new 2008 Mazda MX-5 and all of the MAZDASPEED parts to build an MX- 5Cup car for the 2008 race season. To prove the strength of Mazda's motorsports programs, run under the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development banner, there will be more Mazda vehicles competing at this event than any other brand of vehicle. Over four days of furious competition, NASA will conduct races for more than 24 vehicle classes, with the largest being Spec Miata, a one-make class for identically prepared first -- and second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miatas. Following Mazda in popularity in NASA club racing are the venerable brands of Porsche and BMW. To underscore its dominance at this level of the sport, there will be more Mazdas competing than Toyota (including Lexus and Scion), Honda (including Acura), and Nissan (including Infiniti and Datsun) combined. "The cornerstone of MAZDASPEED is the hardcore enthusiast, and there is no better place to see this than a club race where Mazda is the vehicle of choice," noted Steve Sanders, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Competition Manager. Regarding Mazda's considerable contingency support in NASA club racing, Sanders continued, "We have committed $90,000 in contingency prize money to all NASA classes where Mazdas are eligible to compete. Win in Spec Miata and Mazda will pay you $5,000. Win in a Performance Touring Class with a Mazda, and again, we'll pay you $5,000. After the season is completed, Mazda will then host a shootout among all eligible national champions, with the prize being a brand new Mazda MX-5 and the necessary MAZDASPEED parts to build an MX-5 Cup car. Last year, SCCA Spec Miata National Champion Andrew Caddell won the shootout, and he has spent 2007 racing in the SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio MX-5 Cup -- with impressive results. This year, NASA champions will have the same opportunity." The Mazda payout is as follows: 1st -- $5,000, 2nd -- $2,500, 3rd -- $1,250. Eligible classes are Spec Miata, all Performance Touring Classes, Super Touring 1 & 2, and Super Unlimited Classes. In addition, Mazda will pay $300 for a Mazda win in any Time Trial class. More information on the various NASA Classes can be found at http://www.nasachampionships.com/ Information about the range of Mazda contingency programs and program requirements can be found at http://www.mazdaspeedmotorsports.com/ Among the Mazda racers looking to score a check will be 2006 NASA Spec Miata champion Gregory Stasiowski, from Canonsburg, Penn, seeking to repeat his historic win at the Inaugural NASA Championships. With entries still being accepted by NASA, it looks like Gregory will need to beat at least 58 other Miata racers to score the win. On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle. At the track, you'll see MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models competing, because every Mazda has the Soul of a Sports Car. In fact, the largest road-racing class in the world is Spec Miata, with more than 1,500 first -- and second-generation Miatas tearing up America's racetracks, making it the most-raced production car in the world. Mazda's involvement in motorsports extends to its relationship with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, one of the world's premier road-racing circuits, and the Skip Barber Schools for driving and racing. 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. For more information on Mazda products, visit the online Mazda media center at http://www.mazdausamedia.com/ For more information on MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, visit http://www.mazdaspeedmotorsports.com/ First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Mazda North American Operations
CONTACT: Dean Case, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Communications, +1-310-318-4582, dean@RWB-LLC.com; or Jeremy Barnes of Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6844, jbarnes5@mazdausa.com Web site: http://www.mazdausa.com/ http://www.mazdaspeedmotorsports.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:07 PM
EMC Rainfinity Global File Virtualization Wins Communications Week 2007 Editor's Choice Award for Performance and Ease of Operation
EMC Rainfinity Global File Virtualization Wins Communications Week 2007 Editor's Choice Award for Performance and Ease of Operation EMC Rainfinity Recognized for Ability to Help IT Organizations Optimize Information Access While Reducing Storage Management Overhead HOPKINTON, Mass., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC), the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, today announced that the EMC Rainfinity(R) Global File Virtualization(TM) (GFV) solution recently received a 2007 Editor's Choice Award from Communications Week magazine. Lauded by Communications Week for its unparalleled performance and ease of operation, the EMC Rainfinity GFV solution brings seamless file virtualization to an IT infrastructure for optimization of network-attached storage (NAS), Content Addressed Storage (CAS) and file server environments. Rainfinity's non-disruptive file movement and virtualization features were also cited as valuable to enterprises because they enable IT staff to manage storage and relocate data without affecting end-user access to data. According to the article appearing in the Aug. 13, 2007 issue of Communications Week, "Rainfinity along with EMC's Centera(TM) products offer unique solutions to data storage that can be quite beneficial in reducing management overhead while speeding up access to information within the environment." Rainfinity virtualizes unstructured data environments and moves data according to policy, including active and open files, without disruption. These features are designed to help IT organizations optimize disk utilization, improve storage performance and system responsiveness, while lowering capital expenditures and reducing total cost of ownership of heterogeneous NAS, CAS and server environments. "This editor's choice award validates EMC Rainfinity's value to IT organizations as a safe, scalable and effective solution to help manage rapidly growing file systems and we're honored to receive this recognition from Communications Week," said Sean Lanagan, EMC Corp. Vice President and General Manager, Rainfinity Business Unit. "Organizations are struggling to fully maximize networked storage capacity while keeping pace with massive enterprise data growth. EMC Rainfinity simplifies these challenges through tiered storage optimization and automated file management and archiving." The review of EMC Rainfinity GFV is featured on page 27 of Communications Week magazine's August 13, 2007 issue that can be found online at: http://www.communicationsweekmag.com/issues/issue233.pdf EMC Rainfinity is the leading file virtualization solution in use on the market according to the Wave 9 F1000 Storage Management Report, a study conducted by TheInfoPro (http://www.brainshark.com/theinfopro/W9_filevirt), a leading independent research network and supplier of market intelligence for the Information Technology (IT) industry. EMC Rainfinity file virtualization solutions are deployed at global customer sites in major industries including automotive, aerospace, biotech, education, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and financial services -- including four of the top five U.S. banks. More information can be found at: http://www.emc.com/rainfinity. About EMC EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC) is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.emc.com/. EMC and Rainfinity are registered trademarks of EMC Corporation; Centera and Global File Virtualization are trademarks of EMC Corporation and its subsidiaries. VMware is a registered trademark of VMware, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CONTACT: Kevin Kempskie 508-293-6278 kempskie_kevin@emc.com First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: EMC Corporation
CONTACT: Kevin Kempskie of EMC Corporation, +1-508-293-6278, kempskie_kevin@emc.com Web site: http://www.emc.com/ http://www.emc.com/rainfinity http://www.communicationsweekmag.com/issues/issue233.pdf ------- Profile: automotive-news
AAA Michigan Execs Polish and Prep for Grand Prix
AAA Michigan Execs Polish and Prep for Grand Prix DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 40 AAA Michigan vice presidents, district managers, and directors shed those titles today for that of crew member when they joined the Downtown Detroit Partnership's Clean Downtown project to help put finishing touches on the city in time for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, scheduled over Labor Day weekend. Members of AAA's executive leadership team started their "day of service" by sprucing up Mt. Elliott and Gabriel Richard parks -- picking up trash and doing touch-up painting. Following lunch and a presentation by Ann Lang, President & CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership, the group moved on to the waterfront to empty trash containers and wipe down and shine all of the railings and public seating along the three-mile long RiverWalk. "It's important for us to step out from behind our desks and computers and remember we can, and should, also work as a team in our communities as well as in the workplace," said Steve Wagner, President and COO of AAA Michigan and The Auto Club Group Field Operations. "We're proud of our history of volunteer service at AAA, and this is just one more way to demonstrate that commitment. We want to stress this and other core corporate values in the communities where our employees and members live and work." AAA is the volunteer sponsor for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and more than 125 AAA Michigan employees will volunteer as courtesy shuttle workers during Grand Prix weekend. If you would like to find out more about AAA, or to find an office near you, visit AAA.com. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: AAA Michigan
CONTACT: Jim Rink, +1-313-336-1513, or Nancy Cain, +1-313-336-1514, both of AAA Michigan Web site: http://www.aaa.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
AfterSoft's VAST Point of Sale System Receives American Car Care Centers Endorsement for its Dealer Members
AfterSoft's VAST Point of Sale System Receives American Car Care Centers Endorsement for its Dealer Members DANA POINT, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Aftersoft Group, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ASFG.OB) , a provider of software to the automotive aftermarket, announced that its VAST Point of Sale (POS) system received endorsement by American Car Care Centers (ACCC) for its network of 1,000 independent tire dealers. This endorsement enables the VAST POS system to become an official resource to ACCC members, which can be purchased by members through a special pricing arrangement. Dave Crawford, ACCC's Director of Marketing stated, "We are extremely pleased to be able to put this relationship together. Through VAST's range of functionality for single and multi-location dealers we believe that the VAST Point of Sale system can potentially help our dealers become more profitable and efficient. We are pleased that VAST has the ability to electronically connect our members to their tire and parts suppliers for electronic ordering." The VAST system has been installed at 35 ACCC dealer locations. Bill Jarvis, owner of Midwest Tire, an ACCC 4 location dealer in Indiana commented, "We chose VAST over other POS systems because of its ability to handle both tires and automotive service in one system. Of all of the systems we looked at, the VAST system was the only system that integrated electronic parts and tire ordering, labor estimating and automatic service interval quotes, while providing all the tools necessary to help sell the right tires." John Fischer, AfterSoft's VP of Sales, Midwest region stated, "We are very pleased to be partnering with American Car Care Centers. Our VAST POS system will enable ACCC members to electronically connect to their respective tire distributors as well as the national parts partners for both product and price downloads as well as stock and hot shot ordering." The VAST POS system is used in over 2,500 locations in the US and is used at major independent tire dealers like Monro/ Mr. Tire, Sullivan Tire, Tire One Group, and over 200 Goodyear independents, as well as auto service chains including Midas, Meineke, Tuffy and CarX. About AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc. AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc. is a software product provider serving both the automotive aftermarket retail and wholesale business segments covering hard parts, tires, electrical rebuilding and body panels. With its suite of modern supply chain and business management solutions, ranging from warehouse distribution, jobber store POS and operations, tire and auto service, and ecommerce applications, AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc. is situated to provide the capabilities to help companies build and maintain their own secure supply chain solutions. Our products include industry specific point-of-sale, inventory control and accounting. It also includes a comprehensive ecommerce suite to connect partners within the supply chain through its connected application products. AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc. allows for real time communications between all levels in the automotive aftermarket supply chain. For further information, visit www.AfterSoftNA.com About Aftersoft Group, Inc. Aftersoft Group, Inc. is a supplier of ERP supply chain management solutions to automotive parts manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Aftersoft Group provides the automotive aftermarket with a combination of business management systems, information products, and online services that combine to deliver benefits for all parties involved in the timely repair of a vehicle. For further information, visit www.aftersoftgroup.com About American Car Care Centers American Car Care Centers is headquartered in Memphis Tennessee and is the largest marketing group in the tire industry with over 1,100 locations in 44 states. It was established in 1989 and offers its dealers marketing, training, purchasing and overall support programs to improve their efforts in the market. This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties impacting the company's business including, increased competition; the ability of the company to expand its operations through either acquisitions or internal growth, to attract and retain qualified professionals, and to expand commercial relationships; technological obsolescence; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: AfterSoft Network N.A., Inc.
CONTACT: Company, Jim French of AfterSoft Network NA Inc., +1-949-488-8860 Ext 115, jfrench@aftersoftna.com; or Investors, Joe Zappulla of Grannus Financial Consultants Corp., +1-212-681-4100, jzappulla@grannusfinancial.com Web Site: http://www.aftersoftna.com/ http://www.aftersoftgroup.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
How to Tell if Water Has Damaged Your Car
How to Tell if Water Has Damaged Your Car BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With heavy rain pounding many parts of the country and hurricane season in full swing, there's a good chance that you'll drive through high water that could damage your vehicle. Even though your vehicle may not have been flooded or completely covered in water, the Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow these guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination: -- Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then the vehicle will need professional attention. If you simply let the carpet dry, it will quickly grow mildew and give off nasty odors. Seat brackets, motors and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation. -- Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. The vehicle should be towed to your ASE-certified technician or repair shop. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. The council reminds motorists that some new synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky but are not water contaminated. When in doubt, a professional automotive technician should make the evaluation. -- Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil. -- Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris and rust. If any of these are present, the vehicle should be washed and cleaned as soon as possible. -- Have the brake system checked by a professional automotive technician. -- Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water. -- Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a professional automotive technician as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner and wheel bearings. -- Inspect the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust. "It all comes down to how much water the vehicle took in and where it reached," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "By being car care aware and following these simple guidelines, you can help minimize the potential for damage to your vehicle." 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 a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Car Care Council
CONTACT: Rich White, +1-301-654-6664, rich.white@aftermarket.org, or Lynn Konsbruck, +1-312-768-7362, lkonsbruck@maxmarketing.com, for the Car Care Council Web Site: http://www.carcare.org/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Hickok Incorporated/
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Hickok Incorporated/ In the news release, California Certifies New Vehicle Emissions Test Equipment, issued Monday, Aug. 27, by Hickok Incorporated (OTC Bulletin Board: HICKA.OB) over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the third paragraph, first sentence, should read "that all vehicles from 1976 through 1995 be tested every other year" rather than "be tested yearly" as originally issued inadvertently. Complete corrected release follows: California Certifies New Vehicle Emissions Test Equipment CLEVELAND, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hickok Incorporated (OTC Bulletin Board: HICKA.OB), a Cleveland based supplier of products and services for the automotive emissions, automotive diagnostic, locomotive, and aircraft industries, today announced that it received certification from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) on its Low Pressure Evaporative Emissions tester product for the State of California. The product, which has been in development for a number of years, provides an accurate method of testing vehicle evaporative emission systems for leaks that exceed federal guidelines. The Company is partnered with Environmental Systems Products (ESP) of East Granby, Connecticut. ESP is a veteran of emissions testing over the past 28 years and has an excellent reputation for top quality equipment and service. Hickok who also has an excellent industry reputation has offered emissions testing equipment under the Waekon brand since 1998. Hickok designed and is manufacturing the equipment and ESP is marketing and servicing the combined ESP/Waekon branded product offering. The Company currently has orders for approximately $8,000,000 of the EVAP Tester and is optimistic that the orders will increase now that certification is in place. The Company recently began delivery to customers. Bob Bauman, President and CEO, said this project is expected to add significantly to the revenues and profitability of our last quarter fiscal 2007 and the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and could have long term implications for the Company. Other states have similar requirements in their State Implementation Plans (SIP) and are watching the progress of California's program. The California program mandates that all vehicles from 1976 through 1995 be tested every other year. The resulting reduction in pollution is estimated at over 14 tons per day by 2010 in the State of California. In excess of 10 million vehicles will be subject to the test program that begins November 1, 2007 and over 8,000 Smog Check Stations are expected to participate. Only one other vendor is participating in the program. Other states have similar requirements to California's in their State Implementation Plan (SIP) which is submitted to the Federal Government. Hickok is optimistic that other states will consider adding to their programs once they see the effectiveness of the California program. Hickok provides products and services primarily for the automotive emissions, automotive diagnostic, locomotive, and aircraft industries. Offerings include the development, manufacture and marketing of electronic and non-electronic automotive diagnostic products used for repair, emission testing, and nut-running electronic controls used in manufacturing processes. The Company also develops and manufactures indicating instruments for aircraft, locomotive and general industrial applications. Certain statements in this news release, including discussions of management's expectations for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ from those anticipated as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, but are not limited to, Hickok's ability to effectively develop and market new products serving customers in the automotive aftermarket, overall market and industry conditions, the Company's ability to capitalize on market opportunities as well as the risks described from time to time in Hickok's reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Hickok Incorporated
CONTACT: Robert L. Bauman of Hickok Incorporated, +1-216-541-8060 Web site: http://www.hickok-inc.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
Leading German Consulting Firm Brunel Selects HyperWorks Engineering Framework
Leading German Consulting Firm Brunel Selects HyperWorks Engineering Framework Advanced CAE software suite accelerates delivery of innovation projects TROY, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services that empower client innovation and decision-making, announced today that Germany's Brunel, a leading engineering consulting firm specializing in project development and innovation, has included the use of HyperWorks into its tool sets employed for service offerings. Starting with service and consultancy projects within the automotive industry, the engineering service provider will use the software framework both on site at their customers and within their competence centers. To date, HyperWorks results have shown great potential in automotive applications. As a result, Brunel sees the need for HyperWorks also within other industries, such as the aerospace industry. Primarily, Brunel is using OptiStruct for topology optimization especially within the first development phases. HyperMesh will be used for the meshing of finite-element models within its competence centers and on site at different customers for consulting projects. Brunel will extend the use of HyperWorks to other areas and industries, as requested. "We have been using HyperWorks for the optimization of components since February 2007, following a customer request coming from an automotive OEM," said Peter Mikolaj, manager of Numerical Simulation, at Brunel, Germany. "We are very pleased with the results we have from HyperWorks, and plan to apply especially HyperMesh and OptiStruct in upcoming projects for our aerospace and automotive customers. HyperWorks offers us the possibility to work very closely with our customers, as well as react quickly to any request within the areas of optimization and meshing. As an integrated solution, HyperWorks provides a smooth development process and has put the powerful tools our engineers need within easy reach. For the future, I see a high need for the HyperWorks framework coming from all of our customers and from any industry." "Simulation tools such as HyperWorks provide the answer to many engineering challenges for today's industries. Especially within the area of optimization, we expect more requests from customers such as we have had from Brunel in the engineering service area," said Dr. Detlef Schneider, managing director of Altair Engineering, Germany. "All industries have to frontload their development processes and will need to optimize their products as early as possible. The HyperWorks framework is an integrated solution, offering all the tools needed to deal with engineering tasks within this area. I am very happy that Brunel has chosen HyperWorks, and I am sure that the Brunel engineers and their customers will soon benefit from the excellent results achieved with HyperWorks." Altair HyperMesh is a user-friendly, high-performance finite-element pre- and post-processor for popular finite-element solvers. It allows engineers to analyze product design performance in a highly interactive and visual environment. It also contains a morphing capability that permits users to quickly parameterize models and stretch finite-element meshes, while keeping mesh distortion at a minimum. Altair OptiStruct is a highly advanced finite element-based software for both structural analysis and design optimization. OptiStruct is used to design, evaluate and improve performance of mechanical structures. Unlike classical finite-element solvers, OptiStruct software proposes new and better solutions throughout the entire design process. Powerful optimization routines are deeply integrated with popular analysis types, including linear statics, buckling and frequency analysis - making design optimization easy, robust and accurate. About Brunel Brunel specializes in the support of development and innovation projects for industry, with an interdisciplinary team of engineering and management experts. One of the focal points of the globally active company is the processing of technology and management issues as a project. Depending on the customer's requirements, the corresponding Brunel specialists become active and supplement the existing project team within the customer's company with their expertise. In Germany, Brunel offers the engineering and management expertise of 1,700 experienced engineers from 50 locations. In so doing, the company is primarily active in the automotive; IT; electronics; telecommunications; aerospace; mechanical engineering and plant constructions; railway technology and shipbuilding sectors. To learn more, please visit: http://www.brunel.de/ About Altair Engineering Altair Engineering, Inc. strengthens client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held with more than 1,200 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 20-year-plus track record for product design, advanced engineering software and grid computing technologies, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Altair Engineering, Inc.
CONTACT: Evelyn Gebhardt of Blue Gecko Marketing, +49 6421 4870435, gebhardt@bluegecko-marketing.de, for Altair Engineering, Inc.; or Diane Forbes of Altair Engineering, Inc., +1-248-614-2400, ext. 464, media@altair.com Web site: http://www.altair.com/ http://www.brunel.de/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
AAA Chicago: Labor Day Travel Remains Steady Amid Concerns about Affordability
AAA Chicago: Labor Day Travel Remains Steady Amid Concerns about Affordability AURORA, Ill., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite falling fuel prices, now around $2.76 per gallon nationally, Americans are still very concerned about the affordability of travel and so AAA expects travel over the Labor Day holiday weekend to be flat as the number of travelers holds steady from last year (with 0.2 percent growth). AAA estimates that 34.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, almost the exact same number that traveled last Labor Day. According to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), travelers' perception of higher costs for fuel, lodging and airfares have resulted in the small growth in Labor Day travelers from 2006. "Labor Day weekend travel often slows down as kids head back to school," said Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for AAA Chicago. "This year, families appear to be concerned about the travel costs associated with an end of summer vacation, which may mean Americans aren't canceling previously planned trips but are not planning to travel more than they did last year." Approximately 28.9 million travelers (83.5 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle, just under the 29 million who drove a year ago. Although prices may vary by the weekend, currently in Illinois, the price of regular unleaded is $2.98 per gallon, which is one-cent lower than a year ago. In Indiana, a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline costs $2.86 per gallon, a decrease of 13 cents from last year. Although this summer airlines have endured negative press about service and flight delays, 4.1 million (12 percent of holiday travelers) plan to travel by airplane, up 2.5 percent from the 4.0 million that flew over the last Labor Day holiday. Between Labor Day 2005 and 2006 we saw a decrease of 2.5 percent in the number of Americans traveling by air. A projected 1.6 million vacationers (4.6 percent) will go by train, bus, or other mode of transportation, the same as a year ago. AAA's Leisure Travel Index shows vacation costs remaining steady from this time last year. Hotel rates have increased, averaging 3 percent higher for a moderately-priced hotel room for the 20 top destinations used in the comparison. However, airfares have remained constant, while car rental rates have come down a welcome average of 3 percent from last year's prices. "In order to make holiday traveling more affordable, American travelers should, as always, plan ahead in order to find the best airfares and hotel rates," said Mosher. "And even though gasoline prices have fallen over the past year, drivers will find that it's well worth identifying the cheapest gas stations along their route ahead of time." AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator (FuelCostCalculator.com) helps travelers determine how much their drive trip will cost by factoring in the make and model of their car, and the distance to the final destination. Another tip for travelers this weekend is to book hotels online, but know where to go to get the best deals. In a recent assessment of online travel-booking sites, AAA.com offered the best daily hotel rate on initial searches 64 percent of the time, compared to five of the top online travel agencies in North America. The most recent study, conducted in June, found hotel sites offered the lowest rate 61 percent of the time, followed by AARP, 25 percent; Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, 6 percent. The study tracked rates at 36 AAA Two, Three and Four Diamond properties throughout the U.S. and Canada. The most Labor Day travelers will originate in the West with 9.1 million, followed by the Southeast with 8.1 million; Midwest, 6.4 million; Northeast, 6 million; and Great Lakes, 5.1 million. The West is expected to produce the most holiday travelers by auto, truck or RV, with 7.4 million, followed by the Southeast with 6.6 million; the Midwest with 5.6 million; the Northeast with 4.8 million; and the Great Lakes with 4.5 million. The West is also expected to produce the largest number of air travelers with 1.5 million, followed by the Southeast at 1.3 million; the Northeast will produce 500,000 air travelers, the Great Lakes 400,000 and the Midwest 300,000. Cities and urban areas top the list of preferred destinations this holiday with 30.4 percent of travel volume. Oceans and beaches rank next, with 19.8 percent, followed by small towns/rural areas, with 16.5 percent. Theme and amusement parks can expect to see 11.1 percent of holiday travelers; followed by mountain areas, 9.2 percent; lakes, 4.5 percent; and state/national parks, 3.6 percent. Another 5 percent responded with other. Research for holiday travel is based on a national telephone survey of 1,950 adults by the Travel Industry Association, which conducts special research for AAA. 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. For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222). First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: AAA Chicago
CONTACT: Beth Mosher, +1-630-328-7234, or Nicole Niemi, +1-630-328-7237, both of AAA Chicago Web site: http://www.aaa.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
MADD Tennessee and Tennessee Law Enforcement Remind Public: Law Enforcement Doesn't Take Labor Day Off
MADD Tennessee and Tennessee Law Enforcement Remind Public: Law Enforcement Doesn't Take Labor Day Off Tennessee 'Booze It and Lose It.' Effort in Full Force, Cracking Down on Drunk Driving NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Tennessee and Tennessee law enforcement agencies today kicked off Booze It and Lose It., a local drunk driving crackdown as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) national crackdown: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. MADD Tennessee is working with Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Governor's Highway Safety Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to implement tough enforcement of drunk driving laws throughout the Labor Day holiday. The timing for the crackdown is significant because Labor Day, a holiday celebrated throughout the nation with parties and parades, has unfortunately become notorious as a day when thousands of drivers make the deadly decision to drive drunk. "Last year in Tennessee, there were 23 alcohol-related crashes over the Labor Day weekend," warned Colonel Mike Walker of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "It is imperative that we use all the tools and resources available to prevent these deadly crashes and to send a clear reminder to drivers: If you drive impaired this Labor Day, you will be arrested. No exceptions. No excuses." According to Director Kendell Poole of the Governor's Highway Safety Office, the costs of drunk driving go far beyond the crash. "If you drive drunk, not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant," said Poole. "Violators often face jail time, the loss of their drivers' licenses, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses." Alcohol-related traffic deaths are higher than at any time since 1997. In Tennessee alone, 408 people were killed in 2006 in crashes where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This past year, nearly 13,500 people across the nation were killed in drunk driving crashes in which the driver had a BAC of .08 or higher, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from NHTSA. Research has shown that highly publicized, highly visible and frequent sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by an average of 20 percent. The national Labor Day crackdown combines the mobilization of thousands of law enforcement agencies in all 50 states with an $11 million national advertising campaign to deliver the message that if you drive drunk, you will be arrested. High visibility enforcement, a proven method to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by drunk driving, is one of the four components of MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The other elements include: mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, development of advanced vehicle technology to detect and stop drunk drivers, and mobilization of grassroots support. MADD's goal is to make it literally impossible for people to drive drunk. The vision behind the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is to use new technology, enforcement, and community involvement to ultimately prevent a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher from operating a vehicle. "There's just no excuse for driving drunk," said Glynn Birch, National President of MADD. "Together with Tennessee law enforcement, we are diligently working toward a future without drunk driving crimes." Traci Hughes Jungkurth's life was changed forever by a drunk driver. On May 31, 1996, while driving home after attending a concert in Nashville, Jungkurth's SUV was struck from behind by a drunk driver. The SUV rolled three times, killing her husband, Joseph and eight-year-old son, Christopher. She and her five-year-old son, Peter, survived the crash but live every day with the devastating loss of their husband, father, son and brother. "Situations like mine are so unfortunate because they are completely preventable," Jungkurth said. Jungkurth hopes that her story will serve as a reminder when party plans are being made this Labor Day weekend. "It's clear that aggressive drunk driving enforcement reduces the number of injuries and deaths on our neighborhood streets and highways," said Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas. "Beginning Friday and continuing through Monday night, more than 20 additional Metro officers funded through the Governor's Highway Safety Office will be on Nashville's roadways each day carefully looking for impaired and aggressive drivers. In fact, our extra enforcement efforts will begin tomorrow night with an additional 11 officers to complement our DUI squad." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), among those killed in traffic crashes, diverse populations -- including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans -- are more likely to drive while impaired than the general population. They are also less often validly licensed and less likely to be wearing safety belts than the general population. "Drunk driving does not discriminate and too many families of all cultures are devastated each year by this preventable crime. However, the devastation within ethnic communities is disproportionately high," Birch added. "MADD is committed to reaching out to diverse communities to prevent the tragic consequences of drunk driving and underage drinking." NHTSA's national crackdown is conducted in partnership with MADD, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). About MADD Founded in 1980, MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501c(3) non-profit, grassroots organization with approximately 400 affiliates and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. The organization's trained victim advocates served more than 46,000 victims/survivors last year and has helped save more than 330,000 lives since its founding. For more information, please visit http://www.madd.org/ or call (800) GET-MADD. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving
CONTACT: Annmarie Edwards, +1-301-871-5852, annmarie.edwards@gmmb.com, for Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Laura McPherson of Tennessee Highway Patrol, Media line: +1-615-251-5131, Cell: +1-615-969-2094, laura.mcpherson@state.tn.us; Julie Oaks of the Governor's Highway Safety Office, +1-615-741-2331, julie.a.oaks@state.tn.us Web site: http://www.madd.org/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group Signs Contract to Provide Metro Mitsubishi With Text Messaging Services
Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group Signs Contract to Provide Metro Mitsubishi With Text Messaging Services Company's technology will allow auto dealership to send customers text message service notices, end-of-lease reminders LAS VEGAS, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Las Vegas-based Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group (MSKG), a SellingSource.com company and a leading provider of mobile marketing communications, announced that it signed an agreement with Metro Mitsubishi of Omaha, Neb. to provide SMS text messages and alerts to help the auto dealership capitalize on lease returns while enhancing its customer service. "We are absolutely thrilled to be the first auto dealership in the country to use this type of technology to provide better service to our customers while at the same time generate increased traffic into the dealership," said Robert Terp, General Manager and Owner of Metro Mitsubishi. MSKG will provide SMS text messages to Metro Mitsubishi's customer base that have supplied their mobile phone numbers and opted-in to receive text messages from the dealer on their wireless phones. Initially, the Company will broadcast reminders to Metro's customers about recommended car maintenance service checks. MSKG will also send messages 90 days before a car leaseholders' lease is scheduled to expire, inviting them to visit the dealership and purchase their vehicle or consider another auto lease or purchase. "We are confident that Metro Mitsubishi will find our SMS mobile messaging services to be an inexpensive, yet highly effective marketing and customer-service tool," said Derek LaFavor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SellingSource.com, MSKG's parent company. "MSKG's mobile technology will allow Metro Mitsubishi to provide customers with an added-value service and convenience while also continually reinforcing Metro's strong brand." Once MSKG's initial program is implemented, Metro Mitsubishi will consider expanding its program to notify vehicle owners that their vehicle is ready for pickup after service or maintenance. "Metro Mitsubishi is making a cutting-edge move by adding text-messaging to its marketing program," said Robert Lee, Director of Business Development for MSKG. "We are very excited to provide them this solution and believe they will find it a simple, yet highly effective and innovative way to reach customers. Right now, at least 65 percent of Americans have mobile phones and 95 percent of text messages are read. Metro Mitsubishi will be able to instantaneously reach their customers without intruding on their day in the manner of the more traditional methods of communication -- phone calls and direct mail." About Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group (MSKG), a SellingSource.com company, is leading the industry in mobile marketing solutions. Its innovative mobile applications offer interactive and comprehensive solutions to build highly responsive and profitable mobile marketing campaigns. MSKG is dedicated to the development of technology, including short message service (SMS) marketing applications, mobile commerce, enterprise solutions and wireless application protocol (WAP) applications. For more information, please visit http://www.mskg.com/ or contact Laura Olson-Reyes, Marketing Communications Director, at 702-835-8040. About SellingSource.com Founded in 1997, SellingSource.com develops technology and marketing solutions for the specialty finance industry. The privately held business is listed on the 2007 Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing companies. Its affiliated companies offer turnkey lender solutions, data solutions, consumer communication services, prepaid and stored-value marketing solutions, consumer acquisition services, payment processing, and infrastructure solutions including co-location and disaster recovery hot sites. For more information, please visit http://www.sellingsource.com/ or contact Laura Olson-Reyes, Director of Marketing Communications, at 702-835-8040. Contact: Laura Olson-Reyes Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group Phone: 702-835-8040 Mobile: 702-883-1779 Laura.olsonreyes@sellingsource.com First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group
CONTACT: Laura Olson-Reyes of Mobile Sciences Knowledge Group, +1-702-835-8040, mobile, +1-702-883-1779, Laura.olsonreyes@sellingsource.com Web site: http://www.mskg.com/ http://www.sellingsource.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
Sign Up Now for Project Management Essentials - Three Days of Training in IT Project Management Fundamentals
Sign Up Now for Project Management Essentials - Three Days of Training in IT Project Management Fundamentals - September 25-27, 2007 - MILWAUKEE, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Trissential's Project Management Essentials training builds and enhances the foundation for success in all five areas of project management -- initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing. Intensive training over three days is designed to improve implementation, lower rework, enhance communication, and enable delivery of projects on time and within budget. Course participants gain insights into the alignment of tools and techniques within the 44 processes of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and will see how theory is applied to the actual practice of project management. The course is based on Trissential's Projecy(C) framework, a first-of-its-kind tool for helping IT project managers operationalize the body of knowledge. During the three-day training session, participants take a simulated case-study project through its lifecycle from initiation to close and in the process will earn 24 professional development units (PDUs) from the Project Management Institute. Training will be led by senior project management instructor Barb Schrage, PMP. The course covers: -- Framing the IT initiative -- Creating an effective plan -- Performing cost estimating and budgeting -- Negotiating time, budget, and deliverables -- Tracking progress and forecasting completion -- Monitoring and control work through earned value, change, and issue management -- Closing an IT project by gaining acceptance Trissential's Project Management Essentials training costs $1,500 per participant, with a $300 discount for each member of a group of three or more from the same company. Daily lunches and course materials are included. Training will be held at Trissential's office in Hartland, Wisconsin, 1120 James Drive, Suite 104. Register by September 10th at http://www.regonline.com/PMEtraining or contact Erin Yearneau for more information at eyearneau@trissential.com or 1-888-595-7970.
About Trissential Trissential, http://www.trissential.com/, specializes in business improvement and IT project management and implementation. Trissential Essentialists help companies achieve desired results through the alignment of strategy with efficient management and exceptional IT project implementation. Trissential, with offices in Minneapolis, MN, and Hartland, WI, develops Projecy brand project-management maturity tools. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Trissential
CONTACT: Erin Yearneau of Trissential, +1-952-595-7970; or Steve Sterling of Sterling Public Relations, +1-952-935-0078, for Trissential Web site: http://www.trissential.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
Nissan at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007
Nissan at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007 TRAPPES, France, August 29/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Mixim, an Electric-Powered Concept Car - Micra Colour + Concept, a Showcase for "Liquid Metal" Paint Effect - Newly Revised Micra At this year's 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, Nissan will be showing an all new concept car, a one-off show car based on an existing model and a heavily revised production car. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070829/271053-a ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070829/271053-b ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070829/271053-c ) Mixim Concept Car The Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers. Powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor' electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive. Mixim takes the most up-to-date electric vehicle (EV) technology and clothes it in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance unexpected from an electric vehicle. Diamond-shaped styling cues feature inside and out, notably on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the front LED driving lights, while an upper triangular side window links the gentle slope of the roof with the dramatic angular slash that runs through the centre of the doors. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk area behind the three seats. An occasional fourth seat is also housed behind the front seat module. Sitting on a 2530mm wheelbase, Mixim is 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high, the Mixim is shorter and lower than Micra, though slightly wider. It weighs just 950kgs. Despite being a concept car with no guarantee of being turned into a series production model, Mixim's development is in line with the Nissan Green Program, the company's publicly stated desire to create a more sustainable mobile society. Throughout the show, the Mixim will be driving from a low stage via a ramp to an elevated display platform on the Nissan stand. Micra Colour + Concept show car The Micra Colour + Concept show car has been designed and conceived at Nissan Design Europe, the company's European design headquarters in London, to showcase the latest colour and paint technology and to highlight the changes that have been made to the entire Micra range. The biggest visual impact, however, is the paint effect. Micra Colour + Concept has been given a two-tone treatment with a Liquid Metal gold paint effect running over the top of the car and contrasting with the three coat pearlescent white finish on the car's flanks. The gold finish has an intense depth that makes it appear liquid to the touch. The extreme metallic look is the result of a special-effect pigment added to the paint. Inside the Colour + Concept theme continues with a high contrast between the upper and lower portions of the interior. Re-upholstered in sumptuous white leather, the seats have accented detailing and stitching. Carpets and lower internal panels are a darker acid yellow to contrast with the pale upper portion of the dashboard. New Micra A more mature Micra will be one of the stars of Nissan's stand at the Frankfurt motor show. Micra celebrates its upcoming fifth birthday with subtle changes to its external appearance, interior trim, as well as the addition of new items of user-friendly equipment. Thanks to clever use of visual features such as subtle chrome touches, darkened headlamp surrounds and blackened 'B' pillars, Micra enters a new phase of its life looking more sophisticated, more modern and more mature. Inside, new materials and revised colour treatments again provide a more mature and sophisticated ambience. The model line up has been simplified, now with four main grades: Visia, Acenta, Tekna and the premium Active Luxury grade. The philosophy of providing "Friendly Technology" on the Micra continues. One example is the new double DIN radio/CD player. Incorporating Bluetooth(R) technology, it enables calls from a compatible mobile phone to be channelled through the audio system. With a control switch neatly incorporated on the steering wheel, calls can be placed and received hands-free. An additional feature is an auxiliary input jack socket that allows music from personal MP3 players to be heard through the car's stereo system. Another new piece of equipment offering greater safety and convenience in equal measure is a speed limit warning. Activated by a switch on the leather-bound steering wheel, a warning chime sounds when a pre-set speed limit is breached. Nissan can be found in Hall 3.1, on Stand A01 For more photos of MIXIM, go to : MIXIM photos. http://www.nissaneurope-newsbureau.com For further information, please contact: Neil Reeve, Product Communications, Nissan Europe T : +33-130-13-6757 E : nreeve@nissan-europe.com Mia Nielsen, Design & Technology Communications: T: +33-130-13-6644 mnielsen@nissan-europe.com Source: Nissan Europe For further information, please contact: Neil Reeve, Product Communications, Nissan Europe, T : +33-130-13-6757, E : nreeve@nissan-europe.com; Mia Nielsen, Design & Technology Communications, T: +33-130-13-6644, mnielsen@nissan-europe.com ------- Profile: automotive-news
TRW Supplies Full Lineup of Active and Passive Safety to The New Chrysler's All New 2008 Minivans
TRW Supplies Full Lineup of Active and Passive Safety to The New Chrysler's All New 2008 Minivans LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) - the global leader in active and passive safety systems, announced today that it is supplying a full spectrum of its active and passive safety systems to the exciting new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO ) "TRW has worked in concert with our partners at The New Chrysler to help design and develop and now coordinate the supply of a wide range of components for the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country," said Peter Lake, executive vice president for Sales and Business Development. "We look forward to helping put one of the world's premier minivans on the road with world- class safety and security systems from TRW." Engineers from TRW and The New Chrysler worked closely to develop the advanced occupant safety system that includes front and rear seat belts, frontal advanced multistage airbags for driver and front-seat passengers, and standard all-row supplemental side curtain airbags designed to help protect for side impact and offers additional protection in certain rollover scenarios for three rows of outboard occupants. The new minivans also feature an innovative second-row swivel seat which offers an available booster seat. This minivan-first seat system uses a specialized TRW seat belt retractor. It functions like a standard seat belt load limiting retractor, but has been tailored to manage the energy for the full range of occupants. TRW is also supplying the disc brake system including calipers and rotors as well as the brake actuation system including the booster and master cylinder. The rear calipers include TRW's integral park brake, a lightweight and compact design that incorporates TRW's high efficiency, patented ball in ramp actuation system to provide park brake functionality while offering superior value and quality. These braking components will be a part of corner module assemblies that will be delivered to The New Chrysler's assembly plants in Windsor, Ontario and St Louis, Missouri. In addition, TRW will be supplying steering and suspension modules to the new minivans including the front and rear cradle modules, front spring/shock modules and the power rack and pinion steering gears. The Company will also supply interior components including HVAC controls and infrared sensors and steering wheel switches. When combined the systems, modules and components for the new minivans make these the highest content vehicles for TRW in North America, and will be delivered in sequence as full assemblies to The New Chrysler's assembly plants. About TRW With 2006 sales of $13.1 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 28 countries and employs approximately 63,800. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive," "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the Internet at http://www.trw.com/. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this release. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (the "10-K"), and Report on form Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2007, and include: production cuts or restructuring by our major customers; work stoppages or other labor issues at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; non-performance by, or insolvency of, our suppliers and customers, which may be exacerbated by recent bankruptcies and other pressures within the automotive industry; the inability of our suppliers to deliver products at the scheduled rate and disruptions arising in connection therewith; interest rate risk arising from our variable rate indebtedness (which constitutes a majority of the company's indebtedness); loss of market share by domestic vehicle manufacturers; efforts by our customers to consolidate their supply base; severe inflationary pressures impacting the market for commodities; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; our dependence on our largest customers; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; our substantial leverage; product liability and warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to alter terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; limitations on flexibility in operating our business contained in our debt agreements; the possibility that our owners' interests will conflict with ours and other risks and uncertainties set forth under "Risk Factors" in the 10-K and in our other SEC filings. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010824/TRWLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. CONTACT: Manley Ford, TRW Automotive, +1-734-855-2616, or John Wilkerson, TRW Automotive-North America, +1-734-855-3864 Web site: http://www.trwauto.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
Masternaut Helps Drive a Greener Future for Vehicle Fleets
Masternaut Helps Drive a Greener Future for Vehicle Fleets LEEDS, England, August 29/PRNewswire/ -- Vehicle tracking company Masternaut has launched a new campaign to help fleet operators reduce their carbon footprint. The company's GreenerFleet initiative encompasses a range of technical developments to help UK business run more efficient fleets and reduce emissions. Masternaut's real-time tracking already helps to reduce emissions by allowing businesses to monitor excess engine idling, identify poor driving practices and reduce unnecessary road miles. Masternaut's satellite navigation also greatly reduces the likelihood of drivers getting lost, eliminating unnecessary fuel usage. With GreenerFleet, Masternaut has developed a range of special tools that will provide a powerful measurement and management solution designed specifically to lower carbon emissions. Environmental reports display the performance of individual vehicles, drivers and routes, allowing managers to take proactive steps to run more efficiently including selecting the shortest and most cost effective routes. Features also include text alerts that can be sent automatically to drivers who have been idling for a long time. These fuel savings add up over time for an entire fleet equating to potentially huge carbon emission reductions. One important GreenerFleet tool under development is a live 'carbon calculator'. Masternaut already captures accurate vehicle mileage and by linking this information to the known carbon output per km for each vehicle, Masternaut will be able to provide daily, weekly or monthly carbon footprint figures for each vehicle and driver. Masternaut GreenerFleet will also help companies meet the requirements for ISO 14001 accreditation which recognises companies who show a commitment to improving their environmental performance. "We are committed to continuous innovation to meet the ever changing needs of our customers and we have had significant interest from existing customers who have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint. We all need to do our bit for the environment, and our new GreenerFleet tools give industry an easy to implement solution that will enable real reductions in CO2," says Martin Port, Managing Director of Masternaut. http://www.masternaut.co.uk Source: Masternaut UK Ltd Contacts: Martin Port, Managing Director, Masternaut UK, +44-(0)-113-281-4000 ------- Profile: automotive-news
Honda's Newest ASIMO Humanoid Robot Runs onto Disneyland Stage
Honda's Newest ASIMO Humanoid Robot Runs onto Disneyland Stage New Robot Capabilities Featured in Stage Show in 'Innoventions' ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- With the ability to run nearly 4 miles per hour, the all-new ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot is advancing closer to in-home applications. Beginning today, Disneyland park guests can experience the latest version of ASIMO at the Honda ASIMO Theater inside the Innoventions attraction. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070829/LAW900) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/LATU140LOGO) In the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO show, park guests can see the newest ASIMO interact with a live host in a 15-minute science show. The show demonstrates ASIMO's latest technological advancements including several new mobility and artificial intelligence capabilities for enhanced human interaction, in addition to the ability to run.
Originally opened in June 2005 as part of the theme park's 50th Anniversary celebration, the Honda ASIMO Theatre gives visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant future when humanoid robots, like ASIMO, will assist humans in their homes. Park guests see ASIMO operate in a modern home environment by using all of its unique technological capabilities, such as running, walking forward and backward, climbing and descending a flight of stairs and taking direction from a person. The only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America, Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO demonstrations take place several times daily in Innoventions. More information about ASIMO and the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO show is available at asimo.honda.com. About ASIMO ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, with the ability to run, walk forward and backward, climb stairs, turn smoothly without pausing, and maintain balance, even while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986 for the purpose of someday helping people in need. After years of research and development, they created an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments. ASIMO originally made its U.S. debut February 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and the latest version of ASIMO, which includes the ability to run, debuted in North America at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 2007, in Las Vegas. Learn more about ASIMO at asimo.honda.com. About Honda Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines and personal watercraft. Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production(1) of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations, with employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. About Innoventions Located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, "Innoventions" offers hands-on experience of current technologies, enabling people of all ages to experiment with an array of interactive devices, games and exhibits demonstrating how today's innovations can improve life for all of us. "Innoventions" combines Disney's storytelling abilities with the expertise of technology companies in a partnership that meets everyone's needs. The result is hands-on exhibits from leading companies in the field that tell the stories of today's technology in an interactive way. About Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks - Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney's California Adventure - plus the Downtown Disney district comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. Resort hotels include the luxurious 745-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the magical 990-room Disneyland Hotel and the "day at the beach" fun of the 502-room Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. (1) Honda products are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070829/LAW900 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/LATU140LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Honda CONTACT: Alicia Jones, Honda, +1-310-781-5542, or Disneyland Resort Public Relations, +1-714-781-4500 Web site: http://asimo.honda.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
BorgWarner Recognized as Top Nissan Supplier
BorgWarner Recognized as Top Nissan Supplier AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA) was recognized by Nissan North America as one of three suppliers to earn its highest honor, the Regional Supplier Quality Award. The award was presented jointly to BorgWarner Morse TEC in Ithaca, New York, which supplies timing chains, and BorgWarner Thermal Systems in Fletcher, North Carolina, which produces fan assemblies. "At BorgWarner, we share Nissan's core values of commitment to quality and customer satisfaction," said Alfred Weber, President and General Manager, Morse TEC and BorgWarner Thermal Systems. "We are pleased to contribute to Nissan's success. Congratulations to our employees in Ithaca and Fletcher for their hard work and dedication." The Nissan Supplier Quality Awards are based on year-long evaluations of the suppliers' systems, incoming quality, response time, pricing, design support, timely shipments, product performance and complexity, warranty and Nissan's own vehicle evaluation system. 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 64 locations in 17 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Renault/Nissan, Chrysler, Navistar International, Fiat, BMW, Honda, Peugeot, and Caterpillar. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/. Source: BorgWarner Inc. CONTACT: David Peterson of BorgWarner Inc., +1-248-754-0883 Web site: http://www.borgwarner.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:56 AM
DaimlerChrysler Approves Share Buyback Program of Up to 7.5 Billion Euros Within One Year
DaimlerChrysler Approves Share Buyback Program of Up to 7.5 Billion Euros Within One Year STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler (NYSE:DAI) today decided on a share buyback program. In exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 4, 2007, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board approved a program for the company to acquire its own shares. This is a logical step to take in view of the high net liquidity in the Industrial business as well as the good prospects for earnings and cash flows in all divisions. Following the structural and strategic realignment of the core business, this decision will also optimize the company's capital structure and make it more efficient. The share buyback program will be executed through the stock exchange. Nearly 10% of the outstanding shares will be acquired for an amount of up to euro 7.5 billion in exercise of the authorization granted by the Annual Meeting of April 4, 2007. This will fully utilize the volume authorized by the Annual Meeting. By the end of this year, treasury shares are to be acquired in a volume of approximately euro 3.5 billion. By the end of August 2008, the acquisition of additional shares in a volume of up to approximately euro 4 billion is planned, provided that the earnings situation is in line with expectations for full-year 2007. The period of the buyback program is limited until the end of August 2008. The shares bought back are to be cancelled at a later date without any reduction in the capital stock. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group: "By taking this step, we are underscoring the positive perspective for the company and all of its divisions. Both the earnings trend and the cash-flow development are very promising and give us additional scope to shape our future successfully. We also intend to let our shareholders participate in this positive development." On April 4, 2007, the Annual Meeting of DaimlerChrysler AG authorized the Board of Management to acquire the company's own shares with an allocable portion of capital stock of up to euro 267 million, which is nearly 10% of the capital stock, and to cancel such shares without any further resolution by the Annual Meeting. The authorization is valid until October 4, 2008. The price paid by DaimlerChrysler AG for shares bought via the stock exchange (excluding transaction costs) may not be more than 5% higher or lower than the price determined in the opening auction of Xetra trading at the Stock Exchange in Frankfurt am Main on the day when the shares are bought. The buyback will take place under the management of a bank, which will make its decision on the times of purchase independently and without being influenced by DaimlerChrysler AG. Information on the share buyback program will be published on the Internet at www.daimlerchrysler.com/ir. This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an economic downturn or slow economic growth, especially in Europe or North America; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates; introduction of competing products and possible lack of acceptance of our products or services; competitive pressures which may limit our ability to raise prices and reduce sales incentives; price increases in fuel, raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production or delivery of new vehicles due to shortages of materials, labor strikes, or supplier insolvencies; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the business outlook of Chrysler in which we hold an equity interest, including the ability to successfully implement its Recovery and Transformation Plan; the business outlook for our Truck Group, which may experience a stronger than originally expected decline in demand as a result of accelerated purchases in 2006 made in advance of the effectiveness of stricter emission regulations; effective implementation of cost reduction and efficiency optimization programs, including our new management model; the business outlook of our equity investee EADS, including the financial effects of delays in and potentially lower volume of future aircraft deliveries; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety, the resolution of pending governmental investigations and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe under the heading "Risk Report" in DaimlerChrysler's most recent Annual Report and under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Legal Proceedings" in DaimlerChrysler's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove incorrect, then our actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. FCMN Contact: andrea.a.berg@daimlerchrysler.com Source: DaimlerChrysler
CONTACT: Han Tjan, +1-212-909-9063, or Silke Walters, +49-711-17-40624, both for DaimlerChrysler Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:46 AM
BorgWarner Takes Partner Role in SAE 2008 World Congress
BorgWarner Takes Partner Role in SAE 2008 World Congress WARRENDALE, Pa., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BorgWarner Inc. of Auburn Hills, Mich., will serve as the Strategic Tier One Partner to Chrysler for the SAE 2008 World Congress. "The SAE World Congress always has benefited from the strategic leadership of a host company, and one of the leading Original Equipment Manufacturers has served in that capacity annually. To further foster relationships within the worldwide automotive community, however, a global Tier One supplier offers similar opportunities to provide support, advice and guidance to the host company for the SAE World Congress. We are pleased that BorgWarner will provide the supplier leadership perspective for 2008," David L. Amati, Director of Global Automotive Business and Automotive Headquarters for SAE International, explained. "BorgWarner is proud to sponsor the SAE World Congress along side Chrysler," said Timothy Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "As a global, technology-driven Fortune 500 Tier One supplier, BorgWarner will strive to add value to this premier automotive event." In 2008, Chrysler will be the host company for the SAE World Congress, set April 14-17 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President, Product Development for Chrysler Corporation, is the General Chairperson. The SAE 2008 World Congress will offer the global automotive industry's most comprehensive technical program, featuring technical papers, SAE seminars, exhibits, the AVL Technology Theater and the FEV Powertrain Innovation Forum. For more information, please visit http://www.sae.org/congress/. Contact: Nancy Lewis or Shawn Andreassi, both of SAE International, via phone 1-248-273-4092 or email pr@sae.org Source: SAE International
CONTACT: Nancy Lewis or Shawn Andreassi of SAE International, +1-248-273-4092, pr@sae.org Web site: http://www.sae.org/congress ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:33 AM
Toyota Awards Foundation Contract to Local Firm
Toyota Awards Foundation Contract to Local Firm ERLANGER, Ky., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota announced today that it has awarded two construction contracts for its new Highlander vehicle assembly plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Harrell Contracting Group, based in Ridgeland, Madison County, has formed a partnership with Homewood, Illinois-based Graycor Industrial Contractors Inc., for the foundation project for the plant's stamping and paint buildings. Work for his project will begin in September. Harrell employs 150 people in the state of Mississippi. "We continue to receive many competitive bids from Mississippi companies and are thrilled to see such high interest in doing business with Toyota," said Jeff Caldwell, Assistant General Manager of Production Engineering at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. "Great progress has been made at the Blue Springs site and we're confident that we'll remain on schedule, but we still have many challenges ahead of us." Toyota also selected Midwest Steel, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan, for the structural steel project for the plant's stamping and paint buildings. This project will coincide with the foundation project in September. Site preparation will continue through this fall and Toyota will select general contractors for the project in October. At peak construction in summer 2008, approximately 2,000 workers will be on site and the majority of them will be from the local area. In February, Toyota announced that it had chosen a 1,700-acre site in Blue Springs to build 150,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs annually. The new plant represents a $1.3 billion investment by Toyota that is expected to hire around 2,000 team members. Vehicle production is scheduled to start by 2010. Contractors, subcontractors and vendors interested in doing business at TMMMS can visit www.ToyotaSupplier.com. About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. Toyota currently produces 11 vehicles in North America, including the Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and the Lexus RX 350. By 2010, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build approximately 2.2 million cars and trucks, 1.45 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: victor.vanov@tema.toyota.com
Source: Toyota
CONTACT: Victor Vanov of Toyota, +1-859-746-4358; or Tom Black of Harrell, +1-601-206-7550 Web site: http://www.toyota.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:31 AM
Every Minute Counts When it Comes to Education
Every Minute Counts When it Comes to Education CARQUEST Auto Parts Teams Up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Offer Educational Program ATLANTA, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the school bell tolls this back-to-school season, 10 Boys & Girls Clubs will be better prepared to help end educational disparities, thanks to a new partnership between CARQUEST Auto Parts and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). As a supporting sponsor of Power Hour: Every Minutes Counts, CARQUEST will provide funding for an interactive after-school program that provides high-yield learning opportunities for Club members. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050921/CLW030LOGO ) Power Hour: Every Minute Counts is an interactive homework assistance program offered during after-school hours for children ages 6 to 18. The program is designed to motivate and improve students' homework skills, and feel good about their accomplishments. Students also can receive tutoring as necessary. "More than 14 million children in the U.S. are unsupervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, leaving them in danger of becoming victims or perpetrators of crime or delinquent behavior," noted Carter J. Savage, vice president Program & Youth Development Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Power Hour is a critical program that not only increases learning opportunities; it also reduces the risk of those children participating in destructive behavior. We are grateful to CARQUEST for the funds that will enable us to continue to fulfill our promise of providing hope and opportunity to all youth." Studies have shown that quality after-school programs result in long-term, life-changing lessons that include improved social skills, increased academic performance and a more positive attitude towards learning. With support and additional funding from CARQUEST, select Clubs will receive grants to conduct Power Hour sessions during the 2007-2008 school year. "We are pleased to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs to assist youth in the communities in which we are located, with this quality after-school program," Dorothy Brown Smith, vice president Communications said. The following Clubs will benefit from CARQUEST's funding of the program by receiving program materials, technical assistance and training: Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Metro Houston Boys and Girls Club of Wake County Boys and Girls Clubs of Trenton Renton Skyway Boys & Girls Club Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield Boys & Girls Club of Oakland Additionally, CARQUEST works with local Clubs to promote education through fun learning activities. Most recently, CARQUEST sponsored its first Technology Camp at the Corporate Headquarters in Raleigh, offering 24 scholarships to aspiring young people so they could experience and explore today's technology in a real world setting. CARQUEST also planned an interactive tour of the Hendrick Motorsports facility in Charlotte for 20 Club members, opening their worlds to potential career opportunities in racing. About Boys & Girls Clubs of America Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.bgca.org/) comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.8 million young people, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. About CARQUEST CARQUEST Auto Parts has more than 3,400 locations throughout North America. It is the premier supplier of replacement products, accessories, supplies and equipment for virtually all makes and models of automobiles, as well as light and heavy-duty trucks, off-road equipment, buses, recreational vehicles and agricultural equipment. Additionally, CARQUEST distributes and sells tools, equipment, chemicals, paint and accessories. For more information, please visit http://www.carquest.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050921/CLW030LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America CONTACT: Angela Richmond of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, +1-404-487-5813,arichmond@bgca.org; or Dorothy Brown Smith of CARQUEST Auto Parts, +1-919-573-3323,Dorothy.smith@carquest.com Web Site: http://www.bgca.org/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:12 AM
Dodge Introduces All-New 2008 Grand Caravan Cargo Van
Dodge Introduces All-New 2008 Grand Caravan Cargo Van All-new Van Raises the Bar and Provides 'Garagable' Solution for Small Business and Commercial Needs -- New cargo van continues Dodge's commitment to the commercial vehicle market -- All-new exterior and interior design offers ideal balance of utility, functionality and visibility -- Enhanced commercial suspension for heavier cargo without sacrificing ride quality -- Rear hatch convenience and dual sliding doors for ease of loading and unloading -- Abundant upfitter and storage capability -- Outstanding interior cargo volume space (143.8 cubic feet), flexibility and durability to handle the most demanding commercial jobs -- Standard features include a 3.3-liter V-6 flex-fuel capable engine, front and rear power outlets, industrial cargo floor, sunscreen glass, dual sliding doors, security alarm, Sentry Key(R) engine immobilizer, and YES Essentials(R) stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric -- More than 15 standard safety features including advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), tire pressure monitoring system and energy-absorbing steering column -- All-new cargo van arrives in dealerships this fall AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Designed for commercial use, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is a "garagable" solution that provides an optimum balance of utility, functionality and visibility for small business and commercial needs. Showcasing a spacious, yet compact interior, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van provides business customers superior space and durability to handle the most demanding commercial jobs while continuing Dodge's commitment to the commercial minivan market. "With the introduction of our all-new Grand Caravan cargo van, Dodge continues to offer innovative solutions to the commercial vehicle market," said Michael Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand SRT Marketing and Communications. "An ideal solution for a variety of businesses, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van's efficiency, flexibility and versatility make it the perfect work-vehicle for commercial customers who simply don't need the massive power of a Dodge Ram or the cavernous interior of the Dodge Sprinter." The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is powered by an efficient 3.3-liter V-6 engine with flex-fuel capability mated to a four-speed automatic transmission delivering 175 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain provides fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 24 mpg highway. The drivetrain is bolstered by a special commercial-tuned heavy-duty front and rear suspension allowing for heavier cargo and added capability without sacrificing ride quality. The suspension, combined with hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, front anti-roll bar and twist beam rear suspension with coil springs provides enhanced handling and driver comfort. Packing plenty of comfort and convenience, Dodge Grand Caravan cargo vans provide business customers both a comfortable and utilitarian 143.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 58.9 cubic feet of front compartment volume, maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,050 lbs., Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 7,000 lbs., payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. and impressive towing capacity of 1,800 lbs. The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo vans are designed to meet specialized small business and commercial customer needs, while offering exceptional occupant protection to ensure a safe and secure driving experience. In addition to outstanding interior space, rear hatch convenience and dual sliding doors provide ease of loading and unloading. Rear seats are not included to provide ultimate storage capacity. For increased protection, an industrial cargo floor covers the cargo area and front rubber floor covering is standard. The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van features abundant upfitter and storage capability. Comfort and convenience features include dual glove boxes and multiple storage bins and cup holders. With superior space and versatility to handle the most demanding commercial jobs, dark sunscreen glass panels provide a pleasing aesthetic and improved visibility. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, a 20-gallon fuel tank, power front windows and locks, front and rear power outlets, no intermediate or rear seats, industrial cargo floor and front rubber floor covering, sunscreen glass, dual manual-sliding doors, sliding door alert system, halogen headlamps, manual liftgate with single floodlamp, 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim, tire pressure monitoring system, and intermittent front and rear wipers. An interior delete option is offered which removes the second- and third-row interior trim. Additional standard comfort and convenience features include front bottle holders, dual glove boxes, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, and YES Essentials(R) stain- resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric. More than 15 standard safety features include advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags (with option to delete), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, BeltAlert, brake/park interlock, constant-force retractors, Door Alert, dual-folding exterior mirrors, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), front crush sensors, halogen headlamps, loose fuel cap message on instrument cluster, pretensioners, side door alert warning, three-point lap/shoulder belt with height adjusters, tire pressure monitoring system, and a patented energy-absorbing steering column. The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is available in six exterior colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Light Sandstone Metallic, Modern Blue Pearl Coat and Stone White. Covering a broad spectrum of demographics, the typical customer for the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van includes entrepreneurial small- business customers such as "mom and pop" type businesses, operators of small fleets of 10 vehicles or less, and service and delivery vocations such as florist, dry cleaner and package/parcel operators. Target audience also includes small fleet customers with anywhere from 10 to 49 vehicles. The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van is manufactured at the Chrysler St. Louis South Assembly Plant in Fenton, Mo. and arrives in dealerships this fall. Dodge 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. Along with the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Box-Off models and the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs -- the Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work trucks - the Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van complements a growing Dodge commercial lineup that includes the class-leading Dodge Sprinter, which continues its legacy and leadership as the top-performing commercial van in the marketplace. Dodge also maintains a collaborative partnership with DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles. Dodge BusinessLink Launched in 1999 and offering no-cost enrollment, Dodge BusinessLink is a full-service commercial program comprised of a select network of Dodge dealers who know and understand the unique vehicle needs of small businesses, fleet managers and other commercial vehicle customers. Providing exclusive benefits, BusinessLink dealers offer unprecedented business assistance including dedicated commercial account managers and sales teams, dealer inventories representing a higher mix of work-truck and other commercial vehicles, next in-bay service and technicians, extended hours to minimize downtime, free loaner vehicles and more. BusinessLink also includes our "On The Job" program which offers discounts on upfits and direct cash incentives and savings on almost all Dodge commercial vehicles. Dodge Brand With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is Chrysler's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. Source: Chrysler LLC
CONTACT: Randy Jones, +1-248-512-5061, cell, +1-248-961-4960, rj159@chrysler.com; or Bryan Zvibleman, +1-248-512-2686, cell, +1-248-761-9829, bz@chrysler.com, both of Chrysler LLC Web site: http://media.chrysler.com/ http://www.chrysler.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com. For more information about 2007 labor negotiations, please visit http://www.chryslerlabortalks07.com ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:09 AM
Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) Ranks in the Top 250 on the 2007 Inc. 500 With Three-Year Sales Growth of More Than 1,000%
Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) Ranks in the Top 250 on the 2007 Inc. 500 With Three-Year Sales Growth of More Than 1,000% NEW YORK, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. magazine today ranked Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) No. 232 on its 26th annual Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. "If you want to find out which companies are going to change the world, look at the Inc. 500," said Inc. Editor Jane Berentson. "These are the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growth companies in the nation, the ones coming up with solutions to some of our most intractable ills, creating systems that let us conduct business faster and easier, and manufacturing products we soon discover we can't live without. The Inc. 500 list is Inc. magazine's tribute to American business ingenuity and ambition," continued Berentson. Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) provides end-to-end mobile resource management solutions via GPS and All-Satellite technology. The company has more than 400 customers in 50 countries with fleets ranging from 10 assets to more than 1,000. Customers of FMS include DHL Worldwide, Alcoa, Exelon, Mastec, Wackenhut, PEMEX, Holland America, Department of Defense, Pioneer Natural Resources and Halliburton. "FMS is honored to be recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the USA. Obtaining a rank in the top 50% of the 2007 Inc. 500 came as a very pleasant surprise," stated Cliff Henley, CEO of FMS. "Like most honorees, FMS did not set out to make a list such as this one, as we were, and still are focused on growing the business and executing on our model 24/7/365. This type of recognition and reward is simply a result of a dedicated team, all of which are champions in their field and true evangelists of FMS," continued Henley. The 2007 Inc. 500, as revealed in the September issue of Inc. magazine reported aggregate revenue of $16 billion and median three-year growth of 939 percent. Most important, the 2007 Inc. 500 companies were engines of job growth, having created more than 64,064 jobs since those companies were founded. Complete information on this year's Inc. 500, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies that can be sorted by industry and region can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000. About Fleet Management Solutions: Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) provides complete fixed and mobile asset tracking and management solutions to Oil and Gas, Government and Military, Service and Delivery, Marine and Offshore, Trucking and Transportation, Heavy Equipment, and Bus and Motorcoach industries. Combining GPS technology with two-way satellite communications, FMS delivers turnkey solutions which provide customers with measurable improvements in asset utilization, safety and security, and labor productivity while reducing the risk of theft and cost of recovery. Founded in 2002, FMS is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and has customers and distribution partners in more than 50 countries worldwide. For more information, visit the FMS website at http://www.fmsgps.com/. About Inc. magazine: Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, LLC, Inc. magazine (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 681,421, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Press Contacts: Fleet Management Solutions Sasha Dressler Marketing Manager Phone: 805-787-0508 Email: sashad@fmsgps.com Mansueto Ventures, LLC Inc. magazine Christina Duffney Director, Public Relations Phone: 212.389.5485 Email: cduffney@mvpub.com This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.
CONTACT: Sasha Dressler, Marketing Manager of Fleet Management Solutions, +1-805-787-0508, sashad@fmsgps.com; or Christina Duffney, Director, Public Relations for Inc. magazine, +1-212-389-5485, cduffney@mvpub.com Web site: http://www.fmsgps.com/ http://www.inc.com/inc5000 ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:50 AM
DriversEd.com Launches DriversEd Espanol: Industry Leader Addresses Needs of Hispanic California Teens
DriversEd.com Launches DriversEd Espanol: Industry Leader Addresses Needs of Hispanic California Teens OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- DriversEd.com (http://driversed.com/) the nation's leader in online drivers education has added a Spanish language version of their signature DriversEd.com course for the state of California. The DriversEd.com Espanol course provides teens seeking their first license in the state of California a DMV recognized certificate-of-completion of drivers education. "We recognize that Hispanic youth are the fastest growing segment of the teen population in California," says DriversEd.com founder Gary Tsifrin. "As licensing requirements for teen drivers have become tougher and high schools have unilaterally cut back on drivers education courses, the DriversEd.com Espanol course is designed to appeal to a percentage of Hispanic teens who are more comfortable learning in Spanish." The Spanish language course like the English language course is designed to help students become safe, confident and defensive drivers. Teens can take the course on their own computer at their own pace. The curriculum uses interactive video and animations about real on-the-road scenarios to make learning easy. New drivers can prepare for the written test by taking up to 50 online practice tests and can re-take the final test until they pass. Course link: driversed.com/courses/drivers-ed/california-drivers-education-spanish.aspx DriversEd.com is in the process of creating a Spanish language course for every state and is set to launch the DriversEd.com Espanol course for the state of Texas in the fall. "Our mandate is to eventually have a fully integrated bilingual website that will service predominantly bilingual and bicultural Hispanic teens," says Tsifrin. DriversEd.com was the first to bring drivers education online with the DriversEd.com course for the state of California in 2003. Since that time, the course has had over a million users: "click" enroll in DriversEd.com, "learn" do your drivers ed, "drive" get behind-the-wheel. In addition to California, the DriversEd.com English language course is available to first time drivers in Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. DriversEd.com Espanol course link: driversed.com/courses/drivers-ed/california-drivers-education-spanish.aspx DriversEd.com website: http://driversed.com First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: DriversEd.com
CONTACT: Barbara Franzoia Consults, +1-415-291-0243, barbara@franzoia.com, for DriversEd.com Web site: http://driversed.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Gary Tsifrin is available for interview. Contact Barbara Franzoia Consults: 415-291-0243;barbara@franzoia.com. ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:32 AM
DaimlerChrysler Achieves Group EBIT of US$2.9 Billion in Second Quarter of 2007
DaimlerChrysler Achieves Group EBIT of US$2.9 Billion in Second Quarter of 2007 - New structure for the Daimler Group - Net profit of US$2,500 million (Q2 2006: US$2,901 million) - Net profit from continuing operations of US$1,951 million (Q2 2006: US$2,440 million) - Group revenues of US$32.3 billion (Q2 2006: US$33.3 billion) - EBIT in the magnitude of US$11.5 billion anticipated for the new DaimlerChrysler Group in full-year 2007 (2006: US$6.76 billion) STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler (NYSE:DAI) today publishes its interim report on the second quarter of 2007 as well as Q2 results for the Group, the Financial Services division (excluding Chrysler Financial NAFTA) and the discontinued operations of the Chrysler Group and Chrysler Financial (NAFTA). Second-quarter results for the Mercedes Car Group and the Truck Group as well as for the Van, Bus, Other segment had already been disclosed on July 25, 2007. The present reporting structure now reflects the new structure of the DaimlerChrysler Group. Due to the disposal of the North American financial services business related to Chrysler, which took effect with the closing of the transaction on August 3, 2007, the figures for the Financial Services division are shown for the first time without Chrysler Financial (NAFTA); the prior-year figures have been adjusted accordingly. DaimlerChrysler achieved EBIT of US$2,885 million in the second quarter (Q2 2006: US$3,210 million). The earnings trend was positively affected primarily by the Mercedes Car Group, which once again achieved a strong increase in its operating results, mainly due to quality and efficiency improvements, and a positive development of its sales structure. Despite the expected strong decline in unit sales in the NAFTA region, the Truck Group's EBIT was also above the prior-year quarter. The EBIT of Financial Services was at the prior-year level. The decrease in Group EBIT is mainly due to the lower profit contribution from Van, Bus, Other; this segment's earnings in the prior-year period were positively affected by gains totaling US$1,101 million on the valuation of derivative financial instruments related to the transfer of interest in EADS. However, lower expenses for the implementation of the new management model (Q2 2007: US$57 million; Q2 2006: US$185 million) were recorded in the current reporting period. Within the context of efficiency-improving programs, measures were defined to further improve the utilization of the Group's production facilities. As a result, the depreciation of property, plant and equipment was adjusted to the longer useful lives. In the second quarter of 2007, this led to a positive effect on Group EBIT in an amount of US$306 million. Of that total, US$206 million is attributable to the Mercedes Car Group, US$46 million to the Truck Group and US$54 million to Van, Bus, Other. Second quarter net profit amounted to US$2,500 million (Q2 2006: US$2,901 million), equivalent to earnings per share of US$2.36 (Q2 2006: US$2.80). Net profit from continuing operations was US$1,951 million (Q2 2006: US$2,440 million); representing earnings per share of US$1.83 (Q2 2006: US$2.36). Unit sales and revenues The Mercedes Car Group and Truck Group divisions and the Vans and Buses units sold a total of 516,400 vehicles in the second quarter of this year (Q2 2006: 536,600). The Group's second-quarter revenues decreased by 3% to US$32.2 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects and changes in the consolidated group, revenues were at the same level of the previous year. At the end of the second quarter of 2007, 271,486 people were employed in the Group's continuing operations (end of Q2 2006: 279,018). Of this total, 166,581 were employed in Germany and 24,559 were employed in the United States (end of Q2 2006: 169,582 and 28,598 respectively). Effects of closing and discontinued operations in detail Net profit from discontinued operations includes the operating loss of both the Chrysler Group and the related financial services business in North America, as well as the net interest result and income taxes connected with these activities. The operating results no longer include scheduled depreciation and amortization of non-current assets as of May 16, 2007. As a result, the operating results were positively impacted by US$0.95 billion after taxes. In the second quarter, net profit from discontinued operations amounted to US$549 million (Q2 2006: US$462 million). Therein included is an extinguishment loss after tax of US$0.41 billion resulting from the early redemption of long-term financing liabilities of the Chrysler Group. DaimlerChrysler anticipates a charge against earnings of US$3.38 billion in full-year 2007 as a consequence of transferring a majority interest in the Chrysler activities and the closing of the transaction on August 3, 2007. This charge is lower than the estimate of US$4-5 billion disclosed in May. It results from the positive result of the discontinued operations in the second quarter as well as a charge against earnings in the magnitude of euro 4 billion in the third quarter of 2007. The charge in the third quarter results primarily from the valuation of deferred tax assets which are recognized at DaimlerChrysler. It will be necessary to assess the recoverability of these deferred tax assets is affected due to the Chrysler-transaction. In June, DaimlerChrysler redeemed three long-term bonds ahead of schedule in accordance with the contractual conditions and announced a redemption offer for an additional bond. This resulted in a prepayment penalty of approximately US$0.54 billion. There are no changes to the other bonds issued and guaranteed by DaimlerChrysler AG. In the financial services business of the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands, Cerberus took over the financing from DaimlerChrysler AG when the transaction was closed; this led to a cash inflow of US$34.6 billion. In light of highly volatile US loan markets, DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus have agreed to support the financing of the majority takeover of Chrysler by Cerberus. Both companies subscribed US$2 billion of second lien loan for Chrysler's automotive business, to be drawn within 12 months. DaimlerChrysler's portion will be US$1.5 billion. The debt will be priced at market conditions. The maturity of this loan is 7 years. As of August 3, 2008, DaimlerChrysler has the right to sell this loan in the credit market. Details of the divisions The Mercedes Car Group sold 320,200 vehicles in the second quarter of 2007 (Q2 2006: 325,500). The division's revenues of US$17 billion reached the prior year level. The Mercedes Car Group achieved EBIT of US$1,628 million in the quarter under review, a significant increase compared to the second quarter of last year (US$933 million). The improvement in earnings resulted from a positive development of the sales structure as well as from quality and efficiency improvements achieved as a part of the CORE program. However, second-quarter EBIT was reduced by exchange-rate effects. The Truck Group sold 112,100 vehicles in the second quarter of this year, which as expected was lower than the high prior-year figure (Q2 2006: 132,400). The figure reported in the 2006 included an additional 6,200 Sprinter vans produced by Trucks NAFTA. The sales decrease was primarily due to a drop in demand caused by stricter emission regulations in the United States, Canada and Japan. Revenues of US$9.4 billion were 19% below the figure for the second quarter of last year. The Truck Group posted second-quarter EBIT of US$813 million (Q2 2006: US$791 million). Earnings were impacted by an increase in unit sales in Europe and Latin America, improved product positioning and further efficiency improvements. On the other hand, there were negative effects from lower truck sales in the NAFTA region and in Japan. The measures initiated for the management of market cycles and the other initiatives of the Global Excellence program had a positive effect. The sale of real estate properties in Japan resulted in a gain of US$92 million in the second quarter of 2007. The business development of Financial Services was generally stable in the second quarter of 2007. The Financial Services division posted EBIT of US$297 million (Q2 2006: US$297 million). Despite rising interest rates in Europe, earnings were of the same magnitude as the high level of the prior-year period, partially due to the release of certain valuation allowances in the non-automotive financial services business. Contract volume increased by 8% to US$78.6 billion; adjusted for exchange- rate effects there was an increase of 10%. New business decreased slightly from US$10.1 billion to US$9.9 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects there was a slight increase of 1%. Contract volume in the region Europe, Africa & Asia/Pacific of US$44.9 billion surpassed the high prior-year figure by 6%. In Germany, DaimlerChrysler Bank's portfolio grew to US$21.8 billion (end of Q2 2006: US$20.8 billion). The total deposit volume increased significantly over the previous year to US$5.1 billion (+17%). Contract volume in the Americas region amounted to US$28.3 billion at the end of the quarter (end of Q2 2006: US$26.5 billion). Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, the portfolio grew by 12%. The Van, Bus, Other segment posted second-quarter EBIT of US$347 million (Q2 2006: US$1,516 million). In the second quarter of 2006, a gain of US$1,101 million resulting from the valuation of derivative financial instruments entered into in connection with the transfer of interest in EADS positively impacted EBIT of the Van, Bus, Other segment; most of this valuation gain was accounted for by a derivative transaction that was finally executed in the first quarter of 2007. In total, income from the participation in EADS was US$76 million (Q2 2006: US$1,271 million). Outlook In the second half of this year, DaimlerChrysler expects the expansion of global automotive markets -- for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles -- to slow down compared to the same period of 2006. This is primarily due to developments in the triad markets. In full-year 2007, demand for passenger cars in the markets of North America, Western Europe and Japan is likely to fall slightly. However, significant increases in demand are anticipated for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America, as well as in Eastern Europe. Demand for trucks in North America is expected to fall sharply. The market volume for trucks in Japan should also be significantly lower than in the prior year. In view of the positive economic conditions in Western Europe, slightly positive market developments are anticipated. Total global demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles should increase by approximately 3% in 2007 (2006: 4%). For full-year 2007, DaimlerChrysler anticipates unit sales in a similar magnitude to the prior year (2006: 2.1 million vehicles). The Mercedes Car Group continues to assume that its unit sales in the year 2007 will at least be equal to the record level of the prior year. Following the launch of two high-volume models in spring -- the new C-Class sedan and the new smart fortwo -- the station-wagon version of the C-Class will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will be available for sale by the end of the year. The division will continue to implement the CORE efficiency-improvement program in order to achieve profitable growth and create sustained value. For full-year 2007, the Mercedes Car Group expects to achieve a return on sales of significantly more than 7%. Despite increased expenditure for more efficient and alternative drive systems, the Mercedes Car Group aims to increase its return on sales to 10% by the year 2010. The Truck Group anticipates significantly lower unit sales in 2007 than in the prior year. This is primarily due to a sharp drop in demand caused by stricter emission regulations in the United States, Canada and Japan. However, there will be positive effects from rising unit sales in Europe and Latin America and from the implementation of the Global Excellence Program. Earnings are expected to be in the magnitude of the level achieved in 2006 despite market decline in the United States and Japan. The Financial Services division anticipates a stable development of business and earnings during the rest of the year. The separation of the financial services business in the NAFTA region will cause additional expenses. Financial Services, however, assumes that it will achieve a return on equity of more than 14% once again in full-year 2007. As a result of strong demand for the Sprinter and the very positive development of the Vito/Viano models, unit sales of vans are expected to increase compared to the year 2006. And despite cyclical market downturns in some key bus markets, unit sales of buses are anticipated at the high level of the prior year due to very positive market developments in Latin America. For the Group, total revenues are expected to be in the same magnitude as in 2006 (US$134 billion). In its new structure, the Group expects to achieve EBIT in the magnitude of US$11.5 billion in full-year 2007 (2006: US$6.76 billion). Significant special factors affecting earnings in 2007 are the gain of US$1.9 billion realized on the transfer of interest in EADS and charges of US$0.4 billion resulting from the implementation of the new management model. The substantial special items shown in the following table influenced EBIT in the second quarters of the years 2007 and 2006: Special items effecting EBIT Amounts in million of US$ Q2 2007 Q2 2006 Truck Group Sale of real estate properties in Japan 92 - Van, Bus, Other Income/expense related to the transfer of interest in EADS (53) 1,101 Reconciliation/elimination New management model (57) (185) For the reader's convenience, the financial information has been translated from Euros into U.S. dollars at an assumed rate of euro 1 = $1.3520 (noon buying rate on June 29, 2007). The convenience translation does not mean that the Euro amounts actually represent the corresponding Dollar amount stated or could be converted into Dollars at the assumed rate.
This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an economic downturn or slow economic growth, especially in Europe or North America; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates; introduction of competing products and possible lack of acceptance of our products or services; competitive pressures which may limit our ability to raise prices and reduce sales incentives; price increases in fuel, raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production or delivery of new vehicles due to shortages of materials, labor strikes, or supplier insolvencies; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the business outlook of Chrysler in which we hold an equity interest, including the ability to successfully implement its Recovery and Transformation Plan; the business outlook for our Truck Group, which may experience a stronger than originally expected decline in demand as a result of accelerated purchases in 2006 made in advance of the effectiveness of stricter emission regulations; effective implementation of cost reduction and efficiency optimization programs, including our new management model; the business outlook of our equity investee EADS, including the financial effects of delays in and potentially lower volume of future aircraft deliveries; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety, the resolution of pending governmental investigations and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe under the heading "Risk Report" in DaimlerChrysler's most recent Annual Report and under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Legal Proceedings" in DaimlerChrysler's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove incorrect, then our actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Figures for the 2nd Quarter 2007/First Half-Year 2007(in US-$) All values, including the 2006 figures, are converted from Euro figures with the exchange rate of euro 1 = US-$ 1.3520 (based on the noon buying rate on June 29, 2007) DaimlerChrysler Group, Continuing operations Q2 Q2 Change Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change values in $ 2007 2006 07/06 2007 2006 07/06 Revenues, in millions 32,237 33,262 -3%(1) 63,833 64,847 -2%(2) EBIT, in millions 2,885 3,210 -10% 7,336 3,541 +107% Net profits, in millions 2,500 2,901 -14% 5,166 3,957 +31% Net profits continuing operations, in millions 1,951 2,440 -20% 5,622 2,712 +107% Net profits discontinued operations, in millions 549 462 +19% -456 1,245 - Earnings Per Share (EPS) 2.36 2.80 -16% 4.92 3.84 +28% Employees (June 30) 271,486 279,018 -3% 271,486 279,018 -3% EBIT by Divisions Q2 Q2 Change Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change in millions of $ 2007 2006 07/06 2007 2006 07/06
Mercedes Car Group 1,628 933 +74% 2,699 -61 - Truck Group 813 791 +3% 1,526 1,361 +12% Financial Services 297 297 +0% 587 594 -1% Van, Bus, Other 347 1,516 -77% 2,878 2,010 +43% Revenues by Divisions Q2 Q2 Change Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change in millions of $ 2007 2006 07/06 2007 2006 07/06
Mercedes Car Group 16,978 16,896 +0% 33,297 33,035 +1% Truck Group 9,369 11,503 -19% 19,225 21,455 -10% Financial Services 2,832 2,770 +2% 5,742 5,445 +5% Van, Bus, Other 4,564 4,424 +3% 8,461 8,688 -3% Unit Sales Q2 Q2 Change Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change (in units) 2007 2006 07/06 2007 2006 07/06
DaimlerChrysler Group(3) 516,366 536,639 -4% 976,647 1,002,087 -3% Mercedes Car Group 320,151 325,501 -2% 591,209 606,959 -3% Truck Group 112,054 132,406(4) -15% 231,272 245,783(4) -6% Vans 73,823 65,574 +13% 135,526 125,298 +8% Buses 10,338 10,295 +0% 18,640 18,135 +3% 1) Adjusted for the effects of currency translation and changes in the consolidated Group, revenues at previous year's level. 2) Adjusted for the effects of currency translation and changes in the consolidated Group, increase of 1%. 3) Since Q1/2007 Mitsubishi L200 pickup and Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles manufactured in South Africa are included at Mercedes Car Group; for prior periods, these vehicles were included only at Group level. 4) The figure reported for unit sales in Q2 2006 included an additional 6,154 Sprinter (Q2), respectively 12,120 Sprinter (Jan-Jun) produced by Trucks NAFTA. FCMN Contact: andrea.a.berg@daimlerchrysler.com
Source: DaimlerChrysler
CONTACT: Han Tjan, +1-212-909-9063, or Silke Walters, +49-711-17-41348, both of DaimlerChrysler Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:18 AM
Volvo Announces New Butterfly Award Category, Opens Search for America's Youth Heroes
Volvo Announces New Butterfly Award Category, Opens Search for America's Youth Heroes Youth Winner in Volvo for life Awards will receive $25,000 Charitable Contribution, Runners Up Receive $10,000 Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com by Oct. 15, 2007 to nominate your hometown hero IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling America's youth heroes. Volvo announced today the addition of a "kids only" category to its annual nationwide search for hometown heroes. Nominations for the Butterfly Award, open to kids 16 and under, are accepted now through Oct. 15 at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. The category, part of the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards, the nation's largest annual search for -- and celebration of -- everyday American heroes, will honor one outstanding kid with a $25,000 charitable donation and two runners up with $10,000 each. "With the Butterfly Award category, Volvo will recognize the country's top kids, already proven heroes, who recognize the value of helping others at young age," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer for Volvo Cars of North America. "This award was inspired by Alexandra Scott, one of our first Volvo for life Awards heroes, and at 6 years old, our youngest. Alex raised awareness and money for childhood cancer while courageously fighting her own deadly battle. That's a true testimony that heroism can begin at any age. We're privileged to continue her heroic tradition through the Butterfly Award." Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 17,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes. Every hero celebrated in the program has one thing in common: they are ordinary people who are making a positive difference in the lives of others. When the nomination period closes on Oct. 15, 2007, the American public will be invited to vote for their favorite heroes online in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award. A panel of distinguished judges will then select one winner for each of the three adult categories. Liz and Jay Scott, Alex's parents, will serve as the Butterfly Award judges. The three adult winners will be given a $100,000 charitable donation, up this year from $50,000, and the youth winner will receive a $25,000 charitable prize. A Grand Award Winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and will be presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008. "As a judge, I like it when kids see a problem and figure out a unique way to help fix it," said Jay Scott, Butterfly Award category judge. "I am looking for children who go above and beyond what is normally expected of them." In addition to the Butterfly Award category creation, Volvo and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation have formed a partnership that names Volvo a founding sponsor of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "Volvo has always been a great supporter of our daughter and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation," said Jay Scott. "We think it is great that Volvo has created this opportunity for a partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. We're proud to be affiliated with such a great hero recognition program like the Volvo for life Awards." About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, headquartered in Wynnewood, Pa., was founded by Alexandra Scott to help doctors find a cure for childhood cancer, the disease that took her life in 2004. Alex began raising money by setting up lemonade stands in her front yard. Her parents, Liz and Jay Scott, and supporters have continued her legacy through their work with the foundation. As of July 1, 2007, the Foundation has raised over $12 million for childhood cancer research. For more information, please visit http://www.alexslemonade.org/. To learn more or to nominate a hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Volvo
CONTACT: Kim McMartin of Haberman & Associates, +1-612-372-6464, kim@modernstorytellers.com, for Volvo Web site: http://www.volvocars.com/ http://www.alexslemonade.org/ NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards: http://www.volvocars-pr.com and http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:46 AM
Los Angeles Auto Show Hosts World Premieres for Nine Global Auto Manufacturers
Los Angeles Auto Show Hosts World Premieres for Nine Global Auto Manufacturers New Fall Dates (Nov. 14-25) Continue to Draw Attention From Automakers Worldwide LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening in less than 90 days, the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show will feature at least a dozen world premieres of production and/or concept vehicles from nine top automakers during the show's media days Nov. 14 and 15. Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen are all confirmed to unveil one or more production and/or concept vehicles at this year's show. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO ) Last year, for the first time in more than 30 years, the LA Auto Show ran in the fall rather than early January, attracting more exhibitors and more worldwide and North American vehicle debuts. This year, with nine leading automakers already confirmed for world premieres, the emphasis on the LA Auto Show continues. "Putting more distance between our show and Detroit has allowed manufacturers more time and resources to focus on both and gives the LA Auto Show its own place on the international auto show calendar," said Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show. While often recognized for its auto design innovation and a strong luxury market, Southern California has also become a key region for alternative fuel vehicles. This year's show will continue its focus on the latest "green" auto technology and anticipates significant alternative fuel vehicle news as well as the announcement of the 2008 Green Car of the Year. About the LA Auto Show For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. The show opens for media only Nov. 14 and 15 with media registration starting Sept. 1. Public days run from Nov. 16-25. Last year, new fall timing prompted a record 36 world and North American vehicle debuts and record media attendance and news coverage from around the globe. For general information visit online at http://www.laautoshow.com/. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Los Angeles Auto Show CONTACT: Jessica Schmidt of The Rogers Group, +1-310-552-4177, LAautoshow@rogerspr.com, for the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show Web site: http://www.laautoshow.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:35 AM
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Announces Participation in Two Upcoming Investor Conferences
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Announces Participation in Two Upcoming Investor Conferences ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. (NASDAQ:MNRO), a leading provider of automotive undercar repair and tire services, today announced that the Company will participate in the following upcoming investor conferences. Conference: Morgan Keegan Equity Conference Date/Time: September 6, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. Central Daylight Time Location: Memphis, TN Webcast: http://www.wsw.com/webcast/mk15/mnro/ Archive Time: 90 days Conference: CL King Best Ideas Conference Date/Time: September 18, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. - 12:40 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Location: New York, NY Presentation: http://www.monro.com/site/corporate_investor.html About Monro Muffler Brake Monro Muffler Brake operates a chain of stores providing automotive undercar repair and tire services in the United States, operating under the brand names of Monro Muffler Brake and Service, Mr. Tire and Tread Quarters Discount Tires. The Company currently operates 714 stores and has 14 dealer locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine and Michigan. Monro's stores provide a full range of services for exhaust systems, brake systems, steering and suspension systems, tires and many vehicle maintenance services.
Source: Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
CONTACT: Robert Gross, President and Chief Executive Officer, or Catherine D'Amico, EVP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, both of Monro Muffler Brake, Inc., +1-585-647-6400; or Leigh Parrish or Caren Barbara, both of FD, +1-212-850-5600, for Monro Web site: http://www.monro.com/site/corporate_investor.html http://www.wsw.com/webcast/mk15/mnro ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:34 AM
Energy Conversion Devices Reports Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2007 Results
Energy Conversion Devices Reports Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2007 Results * Company achieved its fourth quarter sales targets as revenues grew 29 percent to $36.0 million. Fiscal year 2007 revenues grew 11 percent to $113.6 million * Ramp up of solar production capacity at Auburn Hills 2 facility progressing according to plan. Current aggregate nameplate capacity has reached 58MW * Construction of Greenville solar cell facilities (120MW) on schedule and on budget; Tijuana solar module assembly facility on schedule and on budget * Phase 1 of restructuring plan substantially complete as of June 30, 2007; Phase 2 underway and expected to be substantially complete by the end of the calendar year 2007 ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (NASDAQ:ENER) today reported financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended June 30, 2007. The company's revenues grew 29 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to $36.0 million from $27.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Fiscal year 2007 revenues rose to $113.6 million, an 11 percent increase from the $102.4 million reported in fiscal 2006. Product sales at United Solar Ovonic, the company's wholly owned subsidiary, drove revenue growth, principally due to increases in international sales. For the fourth quarter, the company reported a net loss of $13.1 million (or $0.33 per share), compared to a net loss of $769,000 (or $0.02 per share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The company also reported a net loss of $25.2 million (or $0.64 per share) for the fiscal year 2007, as compared to a net loss of $18.6 million (or $0.57 per share) last year. The net loss for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2007 includes $5.4 million (or $0.14 per share) related to ECD's restructuring charges and $1.0 million (or $0.03 per share) accrual related to the retirement of its co-founder. The increase in the company's net loss for the year was impacted by ECD's aggressive capacity expansion efforts and restructuring program. The company ended the fiscal year with cash and short-term investments of $205.8 million. "Our results reflect the solid progress we have made toward our previously announced operating objectives of (1) enhancing our sales and marketing function at United Solar Ovonic to increase sales to existing customers and add new customers; (2) rapidly growing international markets and adding new products to our portfolio; (3) aggressively expanding our solar production capacity, and (4) implementing our restructuring plan to simplify our business model and direct our resources on actions that accelerate our move toward sustainable profitability," said James R. Metzger, chief operating officer and interim president of ECD, who will resume the responsibility of Executive Vice President effective September 1, 2007. Metzger continued, "In conjunction with our manufacturing capacity expansion, United Solar Ovonic has added new sales people as well as new customers. In European markets, we have seen an increase in commercial activity, particularly in Italy. Solar production capacity is on the upswing, and the restructuring program is on track. We are pleased with the progress we have achieved so far on all these fronts, setting the stage for continued growth in 2008." United Solar Ovonic Segment ECD's revenue performance in the fourth quarter was led by the company's United Solar Ovonic segment, where product sales grew 36 percent to $29.5 million compared to $21.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, reflecting increased demand for UNI-SOLAR(R) thin-film photovoltaic products, particularly in growing European markets, like Germany, Italy and Spain. For the full year, United Solar Ovonic's product sales totaled $91.2 million, an 11 percent increase over fiscal year 2006. United Solar Ovonic reported gross margins of 15.8 percent and 17.6 percent for the fourth quarter and for the full year, respectively, compared to 23.6 percent and 21.8 percent, respectively, for the comparable periods a year ago. As previously disclosed, the company's aggressive production capacity expansion at United Solar Ovonic affected gross margins in the fourth quarter and is expected to impact fiscal 2008 results as well. Mr. Metzger added, "Going forward, improvements in the energy-conversion efficiency of our products and our cost-reduction initiatives will drive gross margin improvement. The recent $19 million cooperative agreement awarded to us by the Department of Energy under the Solar America Initiative program will provide significant funding, and enable us to accelerate these improvements as part of our technology development roadmap and cost reduction strategy." United Solar Ovonic reported an operating loss of $908,000 for the fourth quarter compared to operating income of $2.5 million during the prior year. For the full year 2007, United Solar Ovonic had operating income of $2.0 million compared to $8.2 million in fiscal 2006. Operating income in 2007 was impacted primarily by costs associated with preproduction activities and capacity ramp up at the new Auburn Hills 2 facility, which became operational in December 2006. Key Operating Milestones at United Solar Ovonic -- United Solar Ovonic continues to bolster the sales and marketing functions, adding 11 new sales people in the last four months. -- During the fourth quarter, United Solar Ovonic added six important new customers, mostly in Italy and Germany. These additions contributed to the company's strong sales growth in Europe during the quarter. -- The company recently announced an agreement with Advanced Green Roofing Technologies, Inc. for $108 million over the next three years. This is United Solar Ovonic's largest ever distributor agreement, which will further the successful installations of building integrated solar power systems and demonstrate the use of UNI-SOLAR(R) products for improved energy self-reliance in both commercial and residential applications. -- The company expanded its product offerings by introducing a new ground mounted system design. A 1.1-megawatt system at Paramount Farm in California showcases the new robust, cost effective ground mounted system. United Solar Ovonic also recently unveiled a new soon-to-be introduced residential system to address this rapidly growing market. -- The company's ramp up of solar production capacity is on track. During 2007, nameplate capacity increased from 28MW to 58MW, and the company plans to increase its nameplate capacity to 178MW by the end of fiscal 2008, as the new Greenville 1 and 2 solar cell manufacturing facilities and the new China joint venture and Mexican solar module assembly facilities all come on stream. Ovonic Materials Segment
The Ovonic Materials segment recorded a decreased operating loss for the fourth quarter of $2.7 million in fiscal 2007 compared to an operating loss of $3.9 million for the same period in 2006. For the full year 2007, the operating loss totaled $13.7 million compared to a loss of $14.8 million in 2006, due principally to improved margins on increased product sales and a warranty accrual adjustment. Revenues in the fourth quarter increased to $4.4 million compared to $2.9 million in the same period last year. For the full year, revenues totaled $14.6 million compared to $13.5 million the prior year led by an increase in positive electrode nickel hydroxide sales to $4.8 million in 2007 from $1.9 million in 2006 due primarily to an increase in demand in 2007 from the company's principal customer. "As a result of the restructuring plan, Ovonic Materials now focuses principally on self-funded R&D projects with a clear path to commercialization," noted Mr. Metzger. "This focus -- and the shift away from unfunded projects -- will continue to improve this segment's financial performance and ECD's technology roadmap." Corporate Activities The Ovonyx joint venture, which specializes in high-performance nonvolatile semiconductor memory and information process devices, is seeing acceleration in the commercialization activities of products based on OUM technology. "Ovonyx has extended phase-change memory throughout the entire semiconductor eco-system using licenses and joint development programs," said Mr. Metzger. "We continue to be excited about the opportunities for Ovonyx." The company, along with its joint venture partner Chevron, continues to explore strategic alternatives for its Cobasys joint venture to further capitalize on global opportunities for integrated energy storage systems solutions in the growing hybrid electric vehicle and stationary power industries. Restructuring The company substantially completed the initial phase of its restructuring plan during fiscal 2007, generating annual cost savings of approximately $17 million that will be fully realized beginning in fiscal year 2008. In connection with this phase, the company incurred restructuring costs of $5.4 million, due principally to severance costs associated with a reduction-in- force of approximately 110 positions in the Ovonic Materials segment and Corporate Activities. The second phase will be completed by the end of fiscal 2008, and the company expects to incur additional restructuring costs of $3-5 million in fiscal year 2008 related to this phase. Succession Planning The company recently named Mark D. Morelli as its president and chief executive officer, succeeding Robert Stempel effective September 1, 2007. The executive management changes are part of the company's announced succession planning activities, which are nearing completion. Over the past 18 months, the company has taken steps to strengthen its management team with the addition of a new chief financial officer, general counsel and vice president of manufacturing, among others. "We look to the future with confidence, particularly as we transition the company's leadership to our new president and chief executive officer, Mark Morelli," said Robert Stempel, chairman of the board and outgoing CEO. "Mark has a record of impressive performance in bringing technology products to market, from concept to customer. With a new structure and emerging new leadership, ECD is poised to enter a new chapter focused on sustainable profitability based on the company's leadership in the solar business." Stempel continued, "Stan Ovshinsky, our co-founder and principal inventor, is retiring from ECD effective August 31, 2007. Words cannot do justice to the pioneering work and lasting contribution of Stan that have resulted in ECD's growth over these many years. Stan's passion and vision to use science and technology to solve important societal problems and create new industries are remarkable. Fortunately for us and the world, he will now fully focus in research and development activities, concentrating on future advances in the energy and information fields. All of us at ECD wish him the very best." Looking Ahead The company expects that its consolidated revenues for the first fiscal quarter of 2008 will be between $40 million and $45 million, and United Solar Ovonic product sales will be between $35 million and $40 million. Consolidated revenues for the fiscal year 2008 are expected to be between $220 million and $245 million. The company expects United Solar Ovonic 2008 product sales between $205 million and $225 million. Preproduction costs for the year will be between $6 million and $9 million, and restructuring costs for 2008 will be between $3 million and $5 million. Conference Call Information ECD will discuss these results in a conference call scheduled for today, Wednesday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). To participate in the conference call, please call (877) 858-2512 or (706) 634-1291. Investors may also access a live audio webcast of this conference call at http://investor.shareholder.com/ovonics/events.cfm or through the company's website at www.ovonic.com. An audio replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, September 1, 2007 and can be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291. Callers should use conference ID 12383445 to access the conference call and the replay. About Energy Conversion Devices Energy Conversion Devices is the leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of advanced production technology and innovative alternative energy products and solutions. The company's portfolio of alternative energy solutions and proprietary information processing technologies features the latest advances in solar electric power generation, NiMH batteries, and fuel cell, solid hydride storage and phase-change memory technologies. ECD designs and builds manufacturing machinery that incorporates its proprietary production processes, maintains ongoing research and development programs to continually improve its products and develops new applications for its technologies. ECD holds the basic patents in its fields. More information on the Company is available at www.ovonic.com. This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, which ECD, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based. The risk factors identified in the ECD filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, could impact any forward- looking statements contained in this release. ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended June 30, Quarter Ended June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 (Unaudited) Revenues Product Sales $96,014 $84,431 $31,284 $22,082 Royalties 3,323 4,246 926 1,028 Revenue from Product Development Agreements 11,934 10,045 3,184 2,597 Revenue from License Agreements 1,047 1,322 313 538 Other 1,249 2,375 302 1,684 Total Revenues 113,567 102,419 36,009 27,929 Expenses Cost of Product Sales 81,241 67,271 27,119 17,182 Product Development and Research Expenses (combined) 27,430 27,619 6,366 7,749 Preproduction Costs 3,614 427 2,019 196 Operating, General and Administrative (including patents) 38,399 34,323 11,422 8,722 Restructuring Charges 5,385 - 5,385 - Total Expenses 156,069 129,640 52,311 33,849 Loss from Operations (42,502) (27,221) (16,302) (5,920) Other Income (Expense) Interest Income 17,543 8,671 3,168 5,141 Other (2) (197) (2) - Equity Loss in Joint Ventures - (150) - - Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) (270) (13) (9) 10 Total Other Income 17,271 8,311 3,157 5,151 Net Loss from Continuing Operations (25,231) (18,910) (13,145) (769) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (including gain on disposition of discontinued operations of $739,602 in 2006) - 314 - - Net Loss $(25,231) $(18,596) $(13,145) $(769) Basic Net Loss Per Share Continuing Operations $(.64) $(.58) $(.33) $(.02) Discontinued Operations - .01 - - Basic Net Loss Per Share $(.64) $(.57) $(.33) $(.02) Diluted Net Loss Per Share Continuing Operations $(.64) $(.58) $(.33) $(.02) Discontinued Operations - .01 - - Diluted Net Loss Per Share $(.64) $(.57) $(.33) $(.02) Shares used in calculation of net loss per share: Basic 39,389 32,496 39,655 39,015 Diluted 39,389 32,496 39,655 39,015 ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) Year Ended June 30, 2007 2006 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $80,770 $164,962 Short-term investments 125,004 239,505 Accounts receivable (net) 36,498 27,885 Inventories 38,692 21,527 Assets held for sale 1,524 - Property, plant and equipment (net) 311,369 138,231 Other 6,822 4,232 TOTAL ASSETS $600,679 $596,342 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable and other liabilities $49,376 $33,727 Long-term liabilities 25,796 25,594 Total Liabilities 75,172 59,321 Stockholders' equity 525,507 537,021 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $600,679 $596,342 ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) Year Ended June 30, 2007 2006 (Unaudited) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $(25,231) $(18,596) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 12,170 7,627 Bad debt expense 10 290 Amortization of premium (discount) on investments 529 (912) Stock and stock options issued for services rendered 1,763 2,382 Other 16 (1,395) Changes in working capital (11,071) (10,815) NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (21,814) (21,419) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (including construction in progress) (net) (186,988) (67,979) Purchase (proceeds from sale) of investments 113,975 (226,788) Investment in Ovonyx, Other Investment (200) (300) NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (73,213) (295,067) NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 11,016 397,448 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (181) (296) NET CASH FLOW (84,192) 80,666 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 164,962 84,296 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $80,770 $164,962 ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SEGMENT REVENUE AND OPERATING INCOME/(LOSS) (In Thousands) Quarter Ended June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 (Unaudited) Revenues Income (Loss) from Operations United Solar Ovonic $31,468 $23,439 $(908) $2,517 Ovonic Materials(1) 4,372 2,984 (2,748) ( 3,895) Corporate Activities 257(2) 1,611(2) (12,241) (3,991) Consolidating Entries (88) (105) (405) (551) Consolidated $36,009 $27,929 $(16,302) $(5,920) Year Ended June 30, 2007 2006 2007 2006 Revenues Income (Loss) from Operations United Solar Ovonic $98,363 $87,508 $1,962 $8,187 Ovonic Materials(1) 14,635 13,451 (13,706) (14,819) Corporate Activities 1,147(2) 1,920(2) (28,769) (19,798) Consolidating Entries (578) (460) (1,989) (791) Consolidated $113,567 $102,419 $(42,502) $(27,221) (1) Excludes discontinued operations. (2) Revenues consist primarily of services, facilities and miscellaneous administrative and laboratory and machine shop services provided to certain affiliates; expense primarily includes corporate operations, including facilities, human resources, legal, finance, information technology, business development, purchasing and restructuring. The loss from operations for 2007 includes restructuring costs of $5.4 million associated with the first phase of the Company's restructuring plan. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: gkoefod@ovonic.com
Source: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
CONTACT: Sanjeev Kumar, Vice President and CFO, or Ghazaleh Koefod, Investor Relations, both of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., +1-248-293-0440 Web site: http://www.ovonic.com/ http://investor.shareholder.com/ovonics/events.cfm ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:05 AM
Kelley Blue Book Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Edsel
Kelley Blue Book Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Edsel Kbb.com Collector Car Market Editor and Automotive Historian Names Top 10 'Orphan' Cars IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/) celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the day Ford Motor Company released the Edsel for sale to the general public, September 4, 2007. On November 19, 1959, just two years, two months and 15 days after the first Edsel was introduced to the American driver, it disappeared from the landscape. On that day, it joined more than 2,000 other vehicle brands that met with an abrupt demise. "For years, the Edsel was the brunt of cheap jokes on television, in the magazines and even as part of some off-color jokes; but out of those ashes, people who own an Edsel have seen interest in the vehicle and its values rise like the Phoenix," said Phil Skinner, collector car market editor and automotive historian at Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Today Edsel owners are very proud of their cars and some have even been financially rewarded." While original prices for a new Edsel back in 1957 ranged between $2,500 -- $3,800, some Edsels have traded in collector circles for well above the $100,000 mark. In fact, a number of other American post-World War II "orphan" makes have also seen large increases in values due to their scarcity. Names that were once highly respected like Hudson, Nash or Desoto that lost their following and were discontinued, have seen their fortunes turn. Even a few cars that were barely able to get their feet off the ground, like the Kaiser, Fraser and Tucker, have today become crown jewels of the collector car market. Some of the most desirable models are those produced at the very end of their lives. KELLEY BLUE BOOK'S TOP 10 "ORPHAN" VEHICLES (All Kelley Blue Book vehicle values and ranges for collector care values are based on perfect condition). 1948 Tucker '48 Torpedo Sedan Original MSRP $2,450 Value 2007: $250,000 -- $450,000 Hailed as the most revolutionary car of the post-war era, it was surrounded by controversy from its very start. After a lengthy and costly court-battle, founder Preston Tucker was cleared on any criminal charges related to stock investment fraud. However, all of the millions he had raised to produce the car had been eaten away by legal fees. As a result, just 51 of these cars were produced and are today considered icons of the era and by many the ultimate orphan car to own. 1957 Desoto Adventurer Convertible Original MSRP $4,272 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $130,000 -- $180,000 With huge fins, flashy colors, bright trim and 345 cubic inches producing 345 horsepower under the hood, it was the epitome of the space-age-future America was looking for. Within four years, the Desoto brand was gone, but these cars remain a solid inspiration of a generation aiming for the moon. An estimated 500 of these cars were built that year and today are the most sought-after car of 1957. 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible Original MSRP $3,800 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $64,000 - $100,000 When Ford Motor Company brought out the Edsel in September 1957, it was to be a bright new future for those who sold the vehicle as well as for those who owned it. Besieged with quality issues, the name was tainted and it became an albatross for Ford. However, 50 years after its release, its unique styling and features, innovative for the time, have made this flagship of the marque, 'the' car to own. 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster Original MSRP $4,063 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $56,100 In the early 1950s, American car companies were looking to Europe for inspiration and the Nash-Healey was just that, with solid performance from an American in-line eight. Produced as a traffic-builder for dealerships and patterned after a class-winning Le Mans race car, there was limited appeal and only 506 built when production ceased in 1954. 1958 Packard Hawk Coupe Original MSRP $3,995 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $53,900 For many, the Packard died in 1956, but the name lived on for two more years in the form of gussied-up Studebakers. But there was one outstanding performer in the crowd, the Hawk, powered by a big V8 engine with a supercharger. Despite its power, its unique looks didn't appeal to buyers and with just 558 produced, it was the end of another prestigious American luxury automobile. Today, the Packard Hawk's power, Raymond Lowey-inspired design and legacy make it a very desirable car with values sure to continue in an upward trend. 1981 Delorean DMC-12 Gullwing Coupe Original MSRP $29,500 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $26,000 As with the first car on the list, the founder of this company was mired by a legal battle as well. While he was eventually cleared of all charges, he came to find that expensive legal bills and a loss of interest by the public had left many of his cars unsold. With unique styling, a stainless steel body, peppy performance and quality construction, these cars had appeal long after the three years they were produced. Recently, a prototype Delorean sold for $110,000, and collectors are starting to realize that these performers are more than just a prop to go 'Back to the Future' in, but are also a lot of fun to own and drive. 1964 Studebaker Avanti Coupe Original MSRP $4,740 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $24,100 Considered one of the most important styles ever, the Avanti was a beautiful example of a last gasp effort. Styled by Raymond Lowey and company, this car's every line was perfect. While the company was hitting the skids, Avanti was on the Salt Flats setting record speeds. Current values put these cars at about a 40 percent increase just in the last five years. As more people turn to these original Avanti coupes, values should be ahead of the rest of the collector-car pack. 1957 Hudson Hollywood Hardtop Original MSRP $3,030 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $17,500 Lots of chrome and tri-tone pastel paint schemes were the hallmarks of the Hollywood Hardtops, but it was a little bit too much, too late. This would mark the last year of this long-standing and well-respected name, but that didn't mean these last cars were short-changed. A new modern V8 engine could be found under the hood, and the Hudson had the highest percentage of cars equipped with factory air-conditioning in the industry. Today's value of $17,500 is still a bargain compared to convertibles, as more people discover the stylish designs for this era, prices can easily double in the very near future. 1953 Kaiser Dragon Sedan Original MSRP $3,924 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $15,100 Born in 1947, Kaiser was known for style, both inside and out. When the new 1951 models started to look a little dated and funds were too low to produce a new model, the use of exotic materials, such as bamboo vinyl roof coverings and simulated "dragon" skin interiors, were applied with ample amounts of chrome in an attempt to woo new customers. Unfortunately, all of America's independents were hurting and this last ditch effort wasn't enough. With collectors looking for something new and different, this model fills that bill, which is sure to drive prices up in a hurry. 1960 AMC Metropolitan convertible Original MSRP $1,749 Kelley Blue Book Value 2007: $12,300 This is another example of a marriage between the American and British automotive worlds. Produced in England by Austin, these cars carried the basic styling theme of the American Nash, by which it was originally marketed. However, by the early 1960s, other imports were achieving more sales at a lower price, forcing the Metropolitan out of the marketplace. As more and more people look to early compact and economy vehicles, these are sure to go up in value, possibly doubling in price within the next five years. Kelley Blue Book produces the biannual Official Guide for Early Model Cars, which includes the values of collector vehicles from 1946 to 1987. For more information on collector car values, call 1-800-BLUE-BOOK. About Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/sitemap) Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on http://www.kbb.com/. Media Contacts: Robyn Eckard Joanna McNally 949-268-3049 949-268-3079 reckard@kbb.comjmcnally@kbb.com First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Kelley Blue Book
CONTACT: Robyn Eckard, +1-949-268-3049, reckard@kbb.com, or Joanna McNally, +1-949-268-3079, jmcnally@kbb.com, both of Kelley Blue Book Web site: http://www.kbb.com/ ------- Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 5:03 AM
FIA reveals 18-race calendar for 2008
Formula 1 - Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed the calendar for the 2008 world championship. The addition of races in Singapore and Valencia in Spain, combined with the omission of a US Grand Prix, makes for 18 rounds - one more than [read more]IC Essex - The 19-year-old, who has been studying manufacturing engineering at South East Essex College, said he has always had a strong passion for Formula One racing. He said: “I practically live and breathe F1 so getting the opportunity to study for five [read more]Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - SPEED: Formula One Racing -- Turkish Grand Prix Practice. 9 a.m. GOLF: European PGA Golf -- KLM Open. 10 a.m. SPEED: NASCAR Racing -- Busch Series -- Food City 250 Practice. 11:30 a.m. SPEED: NASCAR Racing -- Nextel Cup -- Sharpie 500 Practice. Noon ESPN2: [read more]Formula 1 - The news that Spyker reserve driver Markus Winkelhock will occupy the team’s vacant race seat at the European Grand Prix this weekend heralds the return of one of Germany’s most famous racing names to Formula One racing. Following in the [read more]ABS-CBN - SILVERSTONE, England (AFP) - The future of Formula One racing at Silverstone hangs in the balance after the circuit's poor facilities have once again been criticized by leading figures in the sport ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix. Formula One [read more]Formula 1 - Not only was he swiftly promoted to a race drive after the departure of former champion Jacques Villeneuve, but he has also celebrated a podium finish and walked away from the most spectacular crash Formula One racing has seen in years. It’s no [read more]
posted by automotive-news # 4:15 AM
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