LGB to acquire MM Gears  
COIMBATORE: Coimbatore-based Roller chain manufacturer, LG Balakrishnan & Bros (LGB) is acquiring a local gear and gear boxes maker, MM Gears promoted by two first-generation entrepreneurs.

LGB signed an agreement with the promoters of MM Gears on Thursday, to acquire 100% shares of the firm subject to satisfactory due diligence. Started in 1995, MM Gears has an annual turnover of Rs 10 crore.

A senior official in LGB said the acquisition is in tune with its plan to enter gear and gear parts manufacturing. " We see this a good opportunity coming at the right time since MM Gears already has an established production facility as well as market for the products"he said.

LGB is now manufacturing automotive chains, sprockets, tensioners and belts including fine blanking. components machining and horse shoe.

Promoters of MM Gears, R Mylsamy and P Mohanraj told ET that they decided to sell their stake since the venture required infusion of large capex to grow the business. However, Mr Mylsamy added that he would continue to run the company as chief of operations.

The gear and gear parts is industry growing fast and foreign orders are expected to flow. This would call for pumping in Rs 10 to Rs 20 crore. As they find it hard to mobilise funds, they have decided to sell it.

LGB’s net sales stood at Rs 507.6 crore in 2008-09. It reported a net profit of Rs 39.14 crore net profit based on the profit realised from the sale of the the industrial chain division.

Source : Economic Times (7/2/2009)

India Inc on way to recovery: Economic Survey  
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Indian industry is recovering from the economic slowdown, but the sector has to maintain its cost advantage in the emerging new global industrial order, the pre-Budget Economic Survey said on Thursday.

India's industrial output grew 2.4 per cent in the year to March, compared with 8.5 percent in the previous year, hit by the global slowdown and a decline in domestic demand.

It rose an annual 1.4 per cent in April after contracting three times in four months, the survey said.

It also pointed out that 2007-08 was marked by substantial growth in the revenue of IT-ITeS industry, BPO, software and services exports and software and services employment.

However, the expected growth in 2008-09 is significantly lower when compared to 2007-08.

The economic survey said more than 6,00,000 Indians, many employed in the gems and jewellery sector, lost jobs in just four months from October 2008 owing to the global economic crisis.

About 5,00,000 people lost their jobs in the October- December 2008 period, while over 1,00,000 were shed in January this year. However, a more recent survey by the Labour Bureau for the January-March period showed improvement in the employment scenario in selected sectors, it added.

The survey put IT-BPO sector among the sectors registering increased employment along with gems and jewellery, textiles, handloom-powerloom and automobile.

It observed that India needs to use smart cards to plug leakages in subsidies, especially those aimed at feeding the poor.

The government had last week appointed Nandan Nilekani, former co-chairman of Infosys Technologies Ltd, to head the unique identification project, UID Authority of India.

To bring transparency to the disbursement of funds and prevent leakages, the government needs to have an Internet- accessible public accountability information system for each of its programs, the survey said.

"This system should be accompanied by an integrated smart card system which empowers the citizen to demand approved/budget entitlements as right," the survey said.

Another observation is that the country's tax system continues to be complex and the survey asked the Government to undertake further reforms, including implementation of a uniform tax structure

"In spite of the improvements made in the tax design and administration over the past few years, the systems at both Central and state levels still remain complex," stated the survey.

Source : www.ciol.com (7/2/2009)

U.S. Swimming In Gasoline Supplies  
At the start of July, the U.S. has plenty of gasoline and diesel fuel on hand, which should continue to put downward pressure on prices at the pump.

On Thursday the average price of gasoline is $2.629 a gallon, down every day since peaking at $2.70 11 days ago. The average price of diesel is also $2.629 a gallon.

On Wednesday the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that, for the week ending June 26, gasoline inventories rose 2.3 million barrels. That took industry analysts by surprise, since they anticipated an increase in summer driving would draw inventories down by two million barrels.

But that increased demand hasn't materialized. On a weekly basis, the EIA numbers show that demand for both gasoline and distillate actually declined. The drop was all the more surprising, coming just before the July 4th holiday, when driving nears its peak.

The declines were felt on the mercantile markets, which ultimately impacts the prices consumers pay. Traders backed away from crude, sending the price below $70 a barrel. Gasoline and heating oil futures prices decline in the wake of the report, as traders hedged their bets.

Source : www.consumeraffairs.com (7/2/2009)

Hyundai Motor America/  
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- After months of debate and rounds of legislation, the wait has ended. Consumers can finally take advantage of the government's "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS), and Hyundai is leading the way. Katherine Michon of Arlington, Virginia was the first to trade-in an eligible clunker for a new Hyundai, replacing her 15 mile-per-gallon 1995 Ford Explorer with a 26 mile-per-gallon Hyundai Elantra Touring, at Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hyundai buyers will receive the full rebate allocated under the CARS program (also known as "cash for clunkers") when an eligible trade-in is exchanged for a qualifying Hyundai model. Hyundai is the first automaker to extend the government incentive to consumers, accelerating its implementation by several weeks by backing dealerships with short-term cash advances as the government organizes the rollout of the program industry-wide.

In May, Hyundai research showed that 11 percent of car buyers delayed their purchases until the CARS legislation was resolved. "We appreciate what Washington has done getting the program completed, but it's clear that the wait has left many potential car-buyers on the sidelines," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We thought it was imperative to get funding to our dealers so that they could implement the program right away and satisfy the demand they've been hearing from consumers."

Under the CARS program, consumers qualify for a $4,500 rebate on the purchase or lease of new vehicles that achieve 10 miles per gallon more than a trade-in car or five miles per gallon or more than a trade-in light truck. New vehicles that achieve between 4 to 9 mpg more than a trade-in car, or 2 to 4 mpg more than a trade-in light truck qualify for a $3,500 incentive. See www.cars.gov for complete details.

Thirteen Hyundai models and engine combinations qualify for the CARS incentive program, which requires passenger cars achieve 22 mpg or more combined fuel economy, and light trucks achieve 18 mpg or better combined fuel economy.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Dodges to be rebranded as Alfa Romeos in Europe  
With the ink still wet on the Fiat/Chrysler deal, many auto sites (including Autoblog) have had a bit of fun prognosticating which Fiat/Alfa models would be rebadged as Chrysler products. U.K. site Autocar is reporting that Fiat is exploring bringing in Dodge models to Europe to be rebadged at Alfa Romeos. CEO Sergio Marchionne is said to be considering the move, saying that the two brands share the same core identity.

Autocar quotes Marchionne as saying that Dodge is the muscle car of the U.S. while Alfa is the muscle car of Europe, the latter being an interesting bit of positioning that we Statesiders don't normally associate with the brand. If the right Dodge-branded products were to make their way to Europe, the theory is that the Auburn Hills marque could actually bolster the products already offered by Alfa. The problem is, though, that there are few (if any) Dodge models that could reasonably be expected to perform well in Europe. The only models that are likely to be of interest are the Charger, Viper and Challenger, and the there is a chance that the Viper could soon find itself outside of the Chrysler portfolio altogether. The Charger and Challenger are likely too big for Europe as well, and would probably only sell in small numbers.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

2011 BMW 5-Series mule caught in the desert  
A year ago, we showed you pics of the next-generation BMW 5-Series doing some high-speed testing on the Nürburgring, but that was pretty much the last we heard about this midsize bahnstormer. Well, intrepid spy photographer Rich Truesdell spotted a similar mule out in the desert last week, and he has filled us in on some additional details. The car he spotted appears to be a 2011 BMW 540i sedan. Rich relates that the car was big enough to have him thinking 7-Series at first, but BMW helped out by having a clearly larger current 7 on hand for comparison purposes. How thoughtful of them.

While not a lot of final detail shows through, Truesdell points out that the heavy rear quarter cladding could be a tip that something is brewing in the recently revamped styling department in Munich. In particular, around the C-pillar, there was a lot of camo, indicating that perhaps there's something worth hiding. Beyond that, the sedan looks like a shortened 7-Series from most angles, and the dual exhausts suggest that this is likely the V8-powered 540i. Follow the source link to read what Rich thought of the vehicle and to see all of the photos in high-res.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars  
Ford knows better than most that the way into an American car buyer's heart is through motor racing, so the latest step in Ford's North American "Fiesta Movement" is the deployment of the compact hatchback which we've driven and enjoyed on several occasions on America's most popular rally circuits.

Following its entry in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Ford will be fielding a team of rally-prepped Fiestas in the upcoming X Games, the 15th running of the famous stunt competition and the first time Ford will participate. Piloting a trio of Fiestas prepared by the same Swedish MSE outfit that created Marcus Gronholm's rallycross car will be a star-studded line-up comprised of drift champion Tanner Foust, ten-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan and former Indy champion Kenny Brack. With that much talent behind the wheel, we'll look forward to the Fiesta Movement getting into motion at the games running in Los Angeles from July 30 to August 2.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony  
We love Ford Mustangs of all shapes and sizes, and the age-old adage of "the more power the better" definitely applies. Scott Vanderschoor, a regular on Bang Shift forums, is working on one hell of a pony car; one that carries the panache of a 'Stang and the power of a Dodge Viper – with a pair of turbochargers providing a little additional motivation. Unsurprisingly, Vanderschoor reportedly needed to move back the firewall a half foot to make room for the massive 8.4L V10 engine, but we're guessing the labor will pay off with some absolutely incredible power numbers.

Hit the jump to see Vanderschoor's big beast as it turns over on camera for the first time. The sound is a bit different than you'd expect from a typical Mustang V8 growl and we're guessing that it has a little more oomph under the hood than most pony cars on the road – even before Vanderschoor tuning gets sorted out. This is one Mustang project we're looking forward to seeing more of! Check out the gallery below in addition to the video after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Brian L!

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Plans for Mega-Motorcade for Michael Jackson's Funeral Appear To Fizzle Out  
Michael Jackson's funeral cortege from Los Angeles to his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County on Thursday appear to have fizzled out, according to media reports.

CNN on Thursday said there will be no public or private viewing of Jackson's body at the Neverland Ranch. TMZ.com reported that Jackson's funeral now will not be held until next week and will not be at Neverland. A Jackson family spokesman said in a written statement to CNN that "plans are under way regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly."

Earlier, the California Highway Patrol and members of Michael Jackson's family were said to be in discussions for a massive motorcade that would stretch for 125 miles between Los Angeles and the Santa Ynez Valley, where Neverland is located.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Cars.com: American-Made Index Crowns Toyota the Most 'American' Manufacturer  
CHICAGO, -- With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Cars.com has announced the rankings in its annual American-Made Index, which ranks the most-American vehicles based on percentage (by cost) of their parts that are made domestically, where they're built and how popular they are among U.S. buyers. This year, the Toyota Camry shot to the top of the list, dethroning the five-time winner, the Ford F-150.

In addition to grabbing the No. 1 rank, Toyota sees its Sienna (No. 6), Tundra (No. 7) and Venza (No. 10) also make their way onto the list, lifting the Japanese automaker's count above all other manufacturers. This year, Detroit automakers claimed five of the 10 spots, a record low on Cars.com's index.

"This year was unique for our index, to say the least," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor in chief. "The difficult sales environment and changes in cars' domestic-parts content -- both important factors in our index's equation -- played a huge role in how the rankings changed from last year."

In keeping with American-Made Index methodology, Cars.com excluded any models scheduled to be discontinued without a clear successor. That carried stronger implications this year, as most Pontiac models - including the G6, a longtime index mainstay - became ineligible. Another GM mainstay, the Ohio-built Chevrolet Cobalt, saw its domestic-parts content rating drop significantly, ending its three-year run on the list.

General Motors still takes three slots, with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups showing strong domestic-parts content ratings. The popular Chevrolet Malibu ranked third, thanks in part to its 80 percent domestic-parts content and steady sales.

The Alabama-built Honda Odyssey increased slightly in domestic-parts content, up to 80 percent this year, which played a large role in its elevation to the No. 4 spot. Another newcomer, the Ford Taurus, boasts an impressive 90 percent domestic-parts content, the highest of any vehicle on the list.

"In today's global economy, there's not an easy way to determine just how American a car is," Olsen said. "Most cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using at least some parts that come from somewhere else. Cars.com's American-Made Index helps consumers identify the most-American vehicles based on production location, percentage of domestic-parts content, and American sales volume for each vehicle."

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

BMW X1 Confirmed For US in 2011  
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey July 1, 2009; It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.

The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one gasoline and three diesels - and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Skoda Auto - Main Partner of Tour de France for Sixth Consecutive Year  
MLADA BOLESLAV – CZECh REPUBLIC –: The 96th Tour de France, the world's most famous cycling competition, is again going to be supported by Škoda Auto. With 20 teams on the start line, this legendary race starts on Saturday, 4 July, in Monaco and, as usual, is going to end on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

This year Škoda Auto is going to stage a French market premiere of the Yeti, its latest model. Ten Yetis are going to be part of the Tour de France advertising convoy, an integral part of each stage of the event. In total, this year’s Tour de France is going to see about 350 Škoda vehicles in action, most of which (about 250) are going to be used by the competition organisers as the TdF official vehicles.

Eight professional teams are going to use Škoda vehicles during the event - Silence-Lotto (Belgium), Saxo Bank – IT Factory (Denmark), Rabobank (Netherlands), Euskaltel-Euskadi (Spain), Cofidis (France), Franæaise des JEUX (France), Cervelo (Switzerland) and Milram (Germany), plus Shimano and Mavic, two neutral teams to provide technical support.

Commenting on the strategy of the Company's partnership with the Tour de France, Head of Corporate Communications Martin Lauer says: “Basically, there are two pillars on which Škoda builds its international corporate sponsorship communication strategies – ice-hockey and cycling, two sports that efficiently complement each other in terms of covering the respective European markets and are seen as very powerful tools employed to enhance brand awareness, the product image, as well as brand and product visibility. Cycling offers great opportunities of presenting Škoda vehicles in the very heart of the competition where they are in close contact with racers, fans and potential buyers. Continuity in this aspect is very important, and we also appreciate the organisers' efforts to expand the Tour de France to other countries, such as Spain and Switzerland where the Tour is also going to appear this year“.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Ford Exceeds 12,000 Scrappage Orders  
BRENTWOOD, Essex,– Ford dealers have taken over 12,000 orders for new cars under the Government's scrappage scheme – rising by about 300 a day.

More than 75 per cent of Ford's 'scrappage' orders are for its small car range, with over 47 per cent of the 12,000 new Fords replacing blue oval-branded vehicles aged 10 years or over, and the balance being delivered to customers new to Ford.

As of yesterday, Ford had received 12,000 'scrappage' vehicles, each with a minimum £2,000 discount against mostly Ford Fiesta, Ka and Fusion models.

Ford of Britain managing director Nigel Sharp said: "New vehicle sales have been boosted by the scrappage scheme and, in doing so, helped secure UK jobs at Ford and our dealer partners. Ford has taken a healthy share of scrappage business considering the limited number of models we have in the budget area, which represents the vast majority of these sales."

Independent analysis of Ford's registrations by www.cleangreencars.co.uk shows that the average CO2 of a new Ford sold under the scrappage scheme is 134.9g/km, while the average for a 10-year-old car was 188.4g/km . These figures mean that each new Ford is emitting 53.5g/km less than the car it is replacing. Assuming national average mileage of 8,400 miles for private motorists , that equates to 8,736 tonnes of CO2 saved annually by the 12,000 new Fords registered. In reality, savings will be higher as the scrapped car would have emitted more CO2 today than when new, given engine wear and tear.

The most popular car ordered by Ford customers is the new Ford Fiesta, costing from £8,595 to scrappage customers, followed by the all-new Ford Ka available from £6,595.

Star buys and top sales staff

A top of the range Ford S-MAX Titanium replaced a 1997 Ford Escort Encore and a former 1997 Ford Galaxy owner bought a Ford Kuga Titanium after logging 250,000 miles in the seven-seater.

Father and son Andrew and Billy Humphrey, from Kent, kept scrappage in the family by buying Focus and Fiesta Zetec models respectively. Both traded in R-reg models – dad Andrew an Astra and Billy his Saxo – at Dagenham Motors Strood who delivered the new cars within the family's 24-day deadline.

Star sales staff in the Ford dealer network include Sumit Kanwar who has secured 40 scrappage deals at Dagenham Motors Alperton.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Top 5 Summer Road Trip Tech Tips  
BENICIA, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- Research conducted by AAA shows that the July 4th weekend is consistently the busiest time of year for road travel in the United States, and 37.1 million Americas will hit the road this coming weekend. Weather forecasts show much of the county will experience high humidity and triple-digit temperatures, creating a potentially dangerous combination for unprepared vehicles. With that in mind, the experts at Red Line Oil have created a Road Trip Checklist to make sure your car is ready for the long haul.

1. Inspect your tires. Tires should be properly inflated to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, sidewalls should be clear without checking or cracks, and there should be at least 1/16-inch of tread left. Also make sure your spare is inflated.

2. Check your cooling system. Many modern cars often have long-life coolant engineered to last up to 100,000 miles; older cars and RVs need to have the coolant changed more frequently. Make sure the radiator is full (check while engine is cold), and the overflow tank should be filled to its indicator line. All hoses should be firm and dry. If the level is low, try using distilled water to prevent scale and mineral buildup.

3. For added insurance, try a bottle of Red Line's WatterWetter(R), designed to keep the coolant temperature from climbing when challenged. This product can lower temps as much as 20 degrees F by increasing the "wetting ability" of the water that comes in contact with your engine. Think of it as "road trip insurance" for cars on road trips, tow vehicles and RVs.

4. Check your oil. Many owners forget to check the level between oil changes. Make sure your oil level is full, and for longer drain intervals switch to a top-quality, ester-based synthetic. Red Line's fully-synthetic motor oils provide the highest protection, cleanliness and superior drain intervals with the lowest friction for your gasoline or diesel engine. Also note that you can add a quart of synthetic to conventional oils without issue.

5. Check your transmission fluid level. Most automatics have a dipstick clearly labeled in the engine compartment. Fluid should be full and clean (clear red, not brown or black). Manual transmissions should be serviced at intervals recommended in your owner's manual. When having your transmission serviced, consider using a fully-synthetic fluid like Red Line for increased durability and wear protection. Also ensure that the fluid you select is just right for your vehicle.

Source : www.consumeraffairs.com (7/2/2009)

ICL and Volkswagen Have Reached an Agreement; Volkswagen Transferred its Shares in...  
TEL-AVIV, Israel, PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ICL, the Israel-based fertilizers and specialty chemicals company, and Volkswagen, the German-based automotive Group, have reached an agreement.

Volkswagen is no longer a shareholder in Dead Sea Magnesium (DSM).

DSM, a magnesium producing company at the Dead Sea is part of the chemical production complex owned and operated by ICL.

DSM began operations in 1996, developing into the second largest western magnesium producer by 2008.

Volkswagen stated that it ended its shareholding in DSM in order to concentrate on its core business.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Saturn of Raleigh and Saturn of Cary to Participate in $4,500 'Cash for Clunkers'...  
RALEIGH, N.C., PRNewswire/ -- Saturn of Raleigh (www.saturnofraleigh.com) and Saturn of Cary (www.saturnofcary.com) are participating in the Customer Assistance to Recycle and Save program, a new program from the federal government that will help consumers pay for new, more fuel efficient cars or trucks from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. More commonly called "Cash for Clunkers," the program will provide U.S. Government vouchers valued from $3,500 to $4,500 when consumers trade in eligible vehicles and purchase new ones before Nov. 1, 2009 that meet or exceed specified fuel economy improvement standards.

"Cash for Clunkers is a great program that will help take old, inefficient vehicles off the road and replace them with new, more fuel-efficient cars," said Bill Shotwell, general manager and owner of Saturn of Raleigh and Saturn of Cary. "Consumers should keep in mind that the window of time to participate in this program is only through November 1 or until the funds run out. Our team is happy to help the local community understand the details of the program and whether their cars qualify as clunkers in this program."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Ford, The Suburban Collection, Food Agencies Join Forces to Deliver 575,000 Meals...  
DEARBORN, Mich., PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services announced today it is teaming up with local dealers and food agencies to deliver 575,000 meals this summer to the hungry in southeastern Michigan, where a tough economy is contributing to a rise in families struggling to meet basic food needs.

Teaming up with Ford to deliver meals to the hungry this summer are two Ford franchises of The Suburban Collection (Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights and Suburban Ford of Waterford), Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Through the team effort, Ford will bolster Gleaners' and Forgotten Harvest's food distribution with additional vehicles from The Suburban Collection. Additionally, United Way's "211" help line will direct people in need to meal distribution locations operated by Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest.

Also, Ford Fund and Ford Motor Company are donating $50,000 to Gleaners for food purchases and $100,000 to Forgotten Harvest for short-term leases of refrigerated trucks and fresh food acquisition.

"Because hunger is a community-wide issue, Ford is focused on forging relationships and collaborations with community partners that are going to result in people being fed," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Helping families escape hunger is our goal, and to succeed, we are inviting more organizations and community leaders to get involved in this cause."

U.S. Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan lent his support to the meal delivery effort at a kick-off event this morning at SuburbanFord of Sterling Heights.

"These are tough times for Michigan families," said Rep. Levin. "The work of this coalition on a very basic issue - food and nutrition - will make a tremendous difference for hundreds of thousands of people this summer."

An estimated 600,000 people in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties are believed to face the prospect of suffering from hunger - a population that may grow to as high as 1.1 million people by 2013, depending on employment trends. An estimated 800 million to 1.2 billion pounds of food will be needed to serve this population by 2013. Though at least half of that food supply is expected to come from government-subsidized sources, there is concern that a food supply shortfall for the hungry could emerge that could number in the hundreds of millions of pounds.

"We're pleased to see community leaders and non-profits working together to come to the aid of families who face real hunger because of their economic hardships," said DeWayne Wells, president, Gleaners Community Food Bank. "This is help that will make a difference this summer in people's lives."

Added Jason Vines, senior advancement director, Forgotten Harvest: "Hunger is a real by-product of the economic turmoil we've experienced in southeastern Michigan, and it's affecting thousands of households in our region. This team effort brings resources together in a creative way to save needy families from the harmful affects of hunger."

When the meal delivery drive begins later this month, about 575,000 meals will be delivered via distribution routes established by Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest. Many of the meals will be targeted at the thousands of children who could face hunger this summer, simply because they do not have access to school free-lunch programs.

"We're proud that our presence in the community, our resources and our relationship with Ford Motor Company are being leveraged to help expand our community's capacity to feed the hungry," said David T. Fischer, chairman and CEO, The Suburban Collection. "We hope this initiative inspires others to join us in supporting the social service agencies in southeastern Michigan that are working so hard to save families from hunger."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Striking paintwork for Nissan 370Z  
The appropriately named Nissan 370Z Yellow is a limited edition version with a striking paint job.

It comes with forged alloys, race car cues, a black leather and suede interior but most importantly, it's yellow.

To be exact, Ultimate Yellow is the paint job for a potent visual impact that takes the 370Z's muscular looks to new heights.

It has design cues that nod at the racing 370Zs from the European GT4 series.

The wheels are 19-inch RAYS forged alloys and along the flanks are special 370Z graphics, both of which set off the gleaming yellow body.

Inside there's an integrated satellite navigation system, illuminated entry plates, special mats and a BOSE audio with eight speakers and a six-CD autochanger.

The sophistication continues with heated seats, cruise control, speed limiter and all the other features from the 370Z GT Pack on which the special Yellow model is based.

It's powered by an enthusiastic V6 engine, pumping out 331PS at 7000rpm backed up by a meaty 270lb ft of pulling power.

With a six-speed manual box (a seven-speed automatic is optional), the Yellow sprints from rest to 62mph in 5.3sec and goes on to a restricted top speed of 155mph.

The Nissan 370Z Yellow will be available from September with prices from £31,650 (manual gears) or £33,050 (automatic).

Source : www.newcarnet.co.uk (7/2/2009)

Massive Audi monument at Goodwood  
The tradition of erecting a spectacular monument for the Goodwood Festival of Speed continues in 2009, with a sculpture that celebrates Audi.

Every year since 1997, Lord March has surprised visitors with ever more vast and spectacular centrepieces at his home, Goodwood House in West Sussex.

The latest 35 metre high 'monument' will be unveiled for the start of the three day Festival, which expects to draw a record crowd of some 130,000 visitors.

Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March's evergreen creative collaborator, it features two Audi cars.

The legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner and the just launched R8 V10 sports car are suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic 'swoosh' of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky.

"I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi's 100th anniversary," explained Judah.

"I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn't have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration.

"It's made entirely of steel and although the design looks simple, it's actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props."

The total weight of the structure is 40 tonnes - the equivalent of 40 small family cars.

It took two 100 tonne cranes to erect the structure and four weeks for 12 men to fabricate, build and install the structure.

Source : www.newcarnet.co.uk (7/2/2009)

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy  
The new-car sales figures for June must be a cause for concern for fans of hybrids. But at the same time they're very encouraging for diesel proponents. You don't want to read too much into one month's sales numbers, but the numbers do tell a story.

Ever since gasoline prices tumbled from their highs of last year, sales of hybrids have tumbled along with them. And while most automakers are shunning diesel engines right now, Volkswagen turned in sales numbers in June that should make everybody sit up and pay attention.

So, are we going to see a battle royale between hybrids and diesels? It's too early to tell, but here's what's going on in the market at this snapshot in time.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Automaker Optimism Prevails Despite Still-Weak June Car Sales  
DETROIT — Automakers expressed optimism about the U.S. car market despite the fact that overall sales in June fell by 28 percent compared with a year ago.

"If nothing else, things are not getting any worse, although things are not getting that much better either," said Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com. "There was a lot of volatility, but there were signs of life." One of those signs of life was retail demand that was at its highest level for the year during June.

June vehicle sales totaled 859,420 units, for a Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) that fell short of the hoped-for 10-million mark at 9.7 million units. Still, the closely watched SAAR was better than it had been in recent months. Auto execs are hopeful the second half of the year will be markedly improved from the first, helped along by the federal government's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), also known as cash for clunkers.

Ford broke out from the pack, posting just an 11-percent sales decline compared with a year ago — the lowest drop of the Big 7 automakers. Ford's market share soared to more than 16 percent. The rest of the Big Six automakers reported June drop-offs in line with their dismal performances so far in 2009: GM sales fell by 34 percent, Toyota's by 32 percent, Chrysler's by 42 percent, Honda's by 30 percent and Nissan's by 23 percent. Hyundai/Kia, however, fell by only 16 percent.

Automakers were quick to point out bright spots. GM sold 9,300 Chevrolet Camaro models, about double what it expected. Subaru set a new June sales record; its Legacy and Impreza posted individual sales records as well. Audi had its best month this year and gained market share, with the Q5 and Q7 TDI leading the charge and helped by the A4 Cabriolet and A5. Volkswagen's diesel models posted their best sales month since the German automaker re-launched them in the U.S.

But there were miserably weak spots as well. Daimler's Smart sales nosedived 56 percent from a year ago when the Fortwo was in its first year. Porsche sold a scant 902 vehicles, a plummet of 66 percent from last June. Suzuki sold an average of five vehicles per dealer; sales dropped 78 percent from a year ago.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Driving Pleasure at Your Fingertips: the BMW X1  
MUNICH, GERMANY –: For the first time the features and qualities so typical of a BMW X model are also available in a premium vehicle in the compact segment. Indeed, the BMW X1 is entering the market with the assignment to offer the Sheer Driving Pleasure so characteristic of BMW with a new standard of quality also in this segment of the market. The latest member in the family of BMW X models therefore stands for versatile, sporting performance and supreme agility in an urban environment and beyond. In its style and appearance, the BMW X1 is the epitome of self-confident elegance, sophisticated function, and stylish, modern character.

With its superior drivetrain technology also comprising BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and its both modern and variable interior, the BMW X1 offers ideal qualities for truly versatile mobility ensuring a genuine driving experience.

The elevated seating position and the driver-oriented design of the cockpit enhance the emotional driving experience. Sophisticated materials, strikingly contoured surfaces and BMW iDrive fitted in conjunction with one of the optional navigation systems accentuate the premium character of the BMW X1 right from the start.

At the rear, the spacious compartment offers three full-sized seats. Folding down the rear-seat backrest split into three sections and adjustable also for angle, the driver and passengers are able to increase luggage compartment capacity from 420 litres or 14.7 cubic feet all the way to 1,350 litres or 47.3 cu ft. Numerous storage facilities and boxes add even greater function and practical value, while the optional Panorama glass roof ensures an even more generous feeling of space.

The BMW X1 sets new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. Benefiting from BMW EfficientDynamics, it also offers the most favourable balance of performance and fuel economy within the segment of BMW X models.

The BMW X1 is entering the market with a choice of one six-cylinder gasoline engine and three four-cylinder diesels. The straight-six gasoline power unit featured in the BMW X1 xDrive28i boasts a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC valve management and dual-VANOS, and delivers maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp. The BMW X1 xDrive23d comes with a 150 kW/204 hp diesel featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo and common-rail fuel injection. The diesel engines in the BMW X1 xDrive20d delivering 130 kW/177 hp and in the BMW X1 xDrive 18d with 105 kW/143 hp, finally, also come with common-rail fuel injection as well as a turbocharger with variable intake geometry. These engines are also featured in the BMW X1 sDrive20d and the BMW X1 sDrive18d with the latter, equipped with rear-wheel drive, offering average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of only 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (54.3 mpg) and a CO2 rating of 136 grams per kilometre as the most efficient and economical option for spontaneous driving pleasure.

Body design: versatile sportiness, self-confident elegance.

The driving characteristics of the BMW X1 combine superior agility with versatile sportiness – and precisely these features also come out in the design of the new model. At the same time the self-confident elegance so typical of the BMW X1 forms a perfect match with modern function all round. The front end, the side and the rear end flow smoothly into one another, striking and powerful lines creating a sleek and stylish connection between the various body elements. Measuring 4.45 metres or 175.2” in length, this unique five-door stands out clearly from every angle as a fully-fledged BMW X model, despite its body dimensions smaler than on the BMW X6, the BMW X5, and the BMW X3. Square-contoured wheel arches, greater ground clearance, the slender protection cover on the lower part and the upright BMW kidney grille clearly symbolise the robust qualities of the new model, while long wheelbase of 2.76 metres/108.7” and the low-slung rear window create sleek and stretched proportions testifying to the sporting character of the BMW X1. This sporting character is also borne out by the excellent aerodynamic qualities of the new model resulting, not least, in a drag coefficient of 0.32 on the BMW X1 sDrive20d, the BMW X1 xDrive18d, and the BMW X1 sDrive18d.

Through its strong and muscular bumper and the BMW kidney grille merging smoothly with all surrounding elements, the front end spells out powerful presence right from the start. The widely flared wheel arches and the strongly contoured engine lid with its contour lines stretching towards the kidney grille give the BMW X1 a particularly powerful and muscular appearance. Cut off sharply at the top, the dual round headlights again so typical of BMW, together with the lights band emphasising the sheer width of the vehicle, create a particularly powerful and focused look. A three-dimensional surround serves to additionally emphasise the contours of the headlights.

The foglamps positioned high up and far to the outside are embedded deep within the bumper. Beneath the large air intake, finally, a silver-coloured underfloor protection cover again confirms that this is a genuine BMW X model in every respect. The side view of the BMW X1 is characterised by three striking lines. The contour line on the level of the door openers rising sharply towards the rear end interacts with the sill-line moving up only slightly to create a dynamic wedge shape. In between, a highly expressive character line adds a special touch through its progressive flow, first moving down, then moving up slightly and finally rising dynamically up front of the rear wheel arch. This character line continues in the graphic surround of the “Hofmeister kick” so typical of BMW on the base of the C-pillar, the character line and window graphics thus forming one optical unit to give the BMW X1 a particularly agile and compact look. Powerful wheel arches and horizontal lines emphasise the width of the elaborately chiselled rear end. The individual surfaces and body sections are characterised by smooth rounded edges, while the rear light clusters in typical L-shape are re-interpreted by sharp, almost jagged lines. Like the headlights at the front and the rear section of the side window graphics, the rear light clusters boast a special surround at the outside adding further flair to their contours. And finally, a silver-coloured underfloor protection plate bears testimony to the robust character so typical of a BMW X model also at the rear.

The optional X Line available for the BMW X1 offers a particular touch of style and class, featuring inserts in the front and rear bumpers finished in body colour, similar inlays in the side-sills and a painted trim bar separating the lower air intake in a horizontal line. Likewise available as an option, the roof railing comes in this case in a special silver colour.

Interior design: sophisticated, modern, functional, generous.

Graphic elements full of powerful expression, generous trim surfaces and dynamic lines give the interior of the BMW X1 a truly sporting and youthful appearance. The instrument panel is subdivided by horizontal lines creating a special structure continuing into the door panels which, by accentuating the sheer width of the vehicle, heightens the generous feeling of space. The Control Display on the optional iDrive control system is also finished in innovative style, blending smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard. The elevated seating position so typical of the BMW X models ensures comfortable and convenient access at all times. Optimised all-round visibility of traffic conditions around the car, in turn, gives the driver an even greater and more convincing feeling of supremacy. This feeling is further enhanced by his eyes looking down from above at the dashboard curved slightly to the front. The special design of the centre console and the dashboard area around the cockpit offers an appropriate reinterpretation of the driver orientation so typical of a BMW. The first point is that through its special look and configuration, the centre console clearly separates the driver’s and front passenger’s areas. The controls for air conditioning and the audio system are inclined slightly towards the driver, while a trim bar in contrasting colour flowing out of the lower section of the dashboard surrounds the instrument cluster including the binnacle at the top to form one complete unit, safely and reliably guiding the driver’s eyes to the road ahead. The BMW X1 comes with a choice of seven body colours. The interior, in turn, is finished in both powerful and natural colours, the wide range of colours available giving the customer free rein in customising the car to his own individual style. As an alternative to the seat upholstery finished as standard in Elektra cloth, there is also Median cloth in sporting striped design as well as Nevada leather. Then the customer also has the choice of no less than seven trim colours and five variants of trim bars giving the car either a particularly sporting, modern, extroverted or elegant touch. Yet a further special feature is the Cool Elegance Design Package available on the BMW X1, incorporating highlights such as sports seats in Oyster-coloured leather upholstery and black/yellow piping on the backrest as well as trim bars in Bright Wave wood. In this case the lower section of the instrument panel and the centre console likewise come in Oyster.

A wide range of open storage boxes, trays and cupholders on the centre console as well as large open door compartments with integrated holders for bottles underline the functional character of the BMW X1. Through its generous dimensions, the rear-seat bench offers comfortable space for up to three passengers. As a further advantage the interior of the BMW X1 may be re-configured easily and quickly whenever required to meet all kinds of transport requirements. Loading is easy and convenient through the large tailgate, the wide opening for the luggage compartment and the low loading sill, even when taking along bulky objects. The backrest angle at the rear may be adjusted in numerous stages by up to 31o – and when the backrests are set to a vertical angle (Cargo Position), luggage compartment capacity increases from 420 to 490 litres (14.7 to 17.2 cu ft). Split at a ratio of 40/20/40, the rear backrest also offers many other options and variable loading configurations: Folding down only the centre section, for example, the driver and his passengers enjoy the benefits of a large through-loading able to accommodate two 46-inch golf bags, four pairs of skis or two snowboards. Folding down the rear-seat backrest completely, on the other hand, luggage capacity increases to an enormous 1,350 litres or 47.3 cubic feet. A further amenity is the separate storage compartment beneath the floor of the luggage compartment as such. Folding down the centre rear-seat backrest alone provides a generous through-loading facility interacting perfectly with the transport bag available as an option. And last but certainly not least, a rear luggage rack preparation kit is also available in addition to the roof railing.

The engines: unparalleled efficiency and dynamics in their segment.

BMW X models offer a particular highlight in Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand. The BMW X1, in turn, combines this experience with a level of efficiency quite unparalleled in its segment. The BMW X1 sDrive20d and the BMW sDrive18d, for example, are the first vehicles of their kind to emit less than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre in the EU test cycle, and the other model variants also stand out through an unusually good balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy ensured by engines featuring the most efficient technology and, of course, by the wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics using breakthroughs in technology combined appropriately with one another on each model. Examples in this context are Brake Energy Regeneration, optimised aerodynamics, tyres with low roll resistance, intelligent lightweight engineering, the final drive with optimised warm-up behaviour as well as ancillary units operating and controlled on demand such as the electrical fuel pump and the detachable a/c compressor. The manual models come with Auto Start Stop and a gearshift point indicator. The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system features a new power divider with optimised efficiency, and the engine of the BMW X1 xDrive28i also boasts a map-controlled oil pump. Last but definitely not least, all variants of the BMW X1 fulfil the EU5 emission standard. The top performer in its segment is of course the BMW X1 xDrive28i with its straight-six gasoline engine delivering maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm. Peak torque from this 3.0-litre, in turn, is 310 Newton-metres or 228 lb-ft maintained consistently between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm. Featuring a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control and infinite dual-VANOS camshaft adjustment, this power unit stands out through its low weight, the running smoothness and fast-revving performance characteristic of a BMW six-cylinder, as well as optimised performance at low engine speeds.

The BMW X1 xDrive28i accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h or 127 mph (230 km/h or 143 mph with optional high-speed set-up). The efficiency of the six-cylinder, together with a wide range of technologies reducing both fuel consumption and emissions, provides average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 9.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 30.0 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 219 grams per kilometre.

The four-cylinder diesel with BMW TwinPower Turbo and fourth-generation common-rail direct fuel injection in the BMW X1 xDrive23d combines truly impressive torque and pulling force with superior efficiency. Displacing 2.0 litres, this all-aluminium power unit develops maximum output of 150 kW/204 hp at an engine speed of 4,400 rpm and offers maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm. Variable Twin Turbo technology activating a small turbocharger right from the start when just slightly “stroking” the gas pedal and a second, larger turbocharger cutting in under higher load, ensures truly fascinating response and a smooth surge of power whenever required. Piezo-injectors operating at a pressure of up to 2,000 bar make the injection of fuel particularly precise.

The BMW X1 xDrive23d accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h or 127 mph (223 km/h or 138 mph with its optional high-speed set-up). This sporting performance comes together perfectly with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of only 6.3 litres/ 100 kilometres (equal to 44.8 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 167 grams per kilometre.

A turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail fuel injection with piezo-injectors generating maximum pressure of 1,800 bar give the second four-cylinder diesel engine featured in the BMW X1 maximum output of 130 kW/177 hp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 350 Newton-metres/258 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. Likewise displacing 2.0 litres, the all-aluminium diesel engine in the BMW X1 xDrive20d ensures acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, with the BMW X1 sDrive20d reaching the same mark in an even faster 8.1 seconds. Top speed in each case is 205 km/h or 127 mph. On models featuring the optional high-speed set-up, top speed increases to 213 km/h or 132 mph on the BMW X1 xDrive20d and, respectively, 218 km/h or 135 mph on the BMW X1 sDrive20d.

Fuel economy and emission management are truly outstanding on both models: Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 5.8 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 51.4 mpg imp) with the BMW X1 xDrive20d and an even more remarkable 5.3 litres/100 km (53.3 mpg imp) on the BMW X1 sDrive20d. The corresponding CO2 ratings are 153 and, respectively, 139 grams per kilometre.

The 105 kW/143 hp version of the four-cylinder diesel in the BMW X1 xDrive18d and the BMW X1 sDrive18d offers an even more economical entry into the fascinating world of the BMW X models. Again, this power unit also comes with common-rail direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with variable intake geometry delivering peak torque of 320 Newton-metres or 236 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm and reaching its maximum output at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm. The BMW X1 xDrive18d accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds, the BMW X1 sDrive18d completes the same exercise in 9.6 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is 195 and, respectively, 200 km/h (121 and, respectively, 124 mph).

The BMW X1 xDrive18d averages fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.7 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 49.6 mpg imp) and has a CO2 emission rating of 150 grams per kilometre. The BMW X1 sDrive18d, finally, marks the record in terms of emission management, with average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of just 136 grams per kilometre.

Both the BMW X1 xDrive28i and the BMW X1 xDrive23d come as standard with six-speed automatic transmission. This automatic power transmission also available as an option on the BMW X1 xDrive20d instead of the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard not only promotes driving comfort, but also enhances the agile driving behaviour of the most compact X model.

The sporting characteristics of the transmission are attributable in particular to the direct connection with the engine closing the clutch immediately after setting off. The transmission therefore follows even the slightest movement of the gas pedal, with short reaction and gearshift times. Shifting back more than one gear, in turn, does not take any longer than a direct gearshift to the next gear, thanks to the transmission directly moving into the right gear path. And last but certainly not least, the Steptronic function of the automatic transmission enables the driver to shift gears manually whenever he wishes.

BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive for the first time in the compact segment.

Offering variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels, BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive improves both the car’s agility and superior traction on rough surfaces. Thanks to the supreme qualities of this system, BMW is indeed the world’s most successful manufacturer of all-wheel-drive vehicles in the premium segment. And now this intelligent all-wheel drive is available for the first time in a compact vehicle.

Working through a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple- plate clutch, xDrive distributes drive forces appropriately and in exactly the right dose to the axle offering the best wheel grip on the road below.

All-wheel drive is naturally connected to DSC Dynamic Stability Control and the engine management also on the BMW X1, with sensors on the wheels immediately detecting even the slightest tendency to spin. Within fractions of a second, therefore, the system is able to vary the ratio of power distribution even before a wheel starts to spin, thus effectively countering even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer in good time.

In bends more drive power is fed to the rear axle in order to make the vehicle even more agile and again to avoid understeer. Then, when leaving the bend, BMW xDrive immediately returns to the basic setting in the interest of optimum torque and drive power.

Even under the most demanding conditions, the distribution of drive power through xDrive always ensures optimum driving stability. Only when the appropriate change in drive force distribution is no longer sufficient will DSC Dynamic Stability Control cut in to regain driving stability by intervening on the individual wheel brakes and reducing engine power appropriately.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control in the BMW X1 comprises not only the ABS anti-lock brake function, Dynamic Brake Control and CBC Cornering Brake Control, but also DTC Dynamic Traction Control. This latter function raises the stability control thresholds to a higher level, making it easier for the driver to set off on snow and sand with the wheels allowed to spin slightly.

On the BMW X1 xDrive28i DSC comes additionally with Dry Braking in the wet, Fading Compensation and a Start-Off Assistant.

Available as an option in conjunction with the sports set-up likewise coming as an optional extra, Performance Control on the all-wheel-drive versions of the BMW X1 allows even more precise dosage of the brakes and maintains a superior balance of torque effectively countering even the slightest tendency to understeer right from the start on slippery surfaces and in particularly dynamic bends. As soon as the front wheels start to “push” out of a bend excessively, the inner rear wheel is slowed down as required by DSC control, any loss of drive power suffered in the process being set off by an increase in the flow of power going to the wheels.

Supreme agility and all-round safety ensured by modern suspension technology and the strong body structure.

Characterised by superior agility, precision and supremacy, the driving behaviour and performance of the BMW X1 results directly from its high standard of suspension technology as well as the particularly strong and stable body structure. At the front the all-wheel-drive models come with a double-joint thrust bar axle, the BMW X1 sDrive20d and the BMW X1 sDrive18d featuring an aluminium double-joint tiebar axle. In conjunction with the five-arm rear axle featured on all models, this ensures an optimum balance of sporting performance and driving comfort at all times.

The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering comes complete with ultra-precise power assistance. Speed-related Servotronic available as an option on all the all-wheel-drive models, in turn, allows an even higher standard of smooth and effortless handling.

The extra-powerful brakes on the BMW X1 ensure outstanding brake power and stopping forces under all conditions. Depending on the engine, the disc brakes on all four wheels come in various dimensions and, in accordance with the individual models, in swing-calliper or frame-calliper configuration at the front.

All versions of the BMW X1 come as standard on 17-inch wheels in either steel or aluminium. Another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, while runflat tyres enabling the driver to continue to the nearest workshop even after a complete loss of pressure come as an option.

The extremely stiff and torsionally rigid bodyshell of the BMW X1 is based on BMW’s intelligent lightweight technology using, together with other materials, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel wherever appropriate. Both the choice of materials and the arrangement and geometry of the various support bars, load-bearing elements and reinforcements serve from the start to ensure maximum safety in a collision together with minimum weight and the highest possible standard of agility on the road. Forces acting on the bodyshell in the event of an accident are diverted through the engine supports and the suspension along several load paths in order to avoid extreme loads acting on individual structural elements and a possible impairment of the stable passenger cell.

Within the BMW X1 not only frontal and side airbags, but also curtain head airbags at the side offer superior safety on both the front and rear seats. At the same time the BMW X1 comes with three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, featuring belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners at the front. ISOFIX child seat fastenings on the rear seats come as standard. All restraint systems are masterminded by a central electronic safety unit.

Daytime driving lights featured as standard, bi-xenon headlights coming as an option.

Featured as standard on the BMW X1, the dual round headlights also come with a daytime lights function. Bi-xenon headlights including positioning and daytime driving lights featuring the corona rings so typical of BMW are available as an option combined with LED light conductors on the rear lights providing a particularly powerful impression of the L-design rear light clusters.

Apart from a High-Beam Assistant and a rain sensor, the BMW X1 is also available as an option with Adaptive Headlights illuminating the road ahead in the appropriate angle, following the steering and the position of the front wheels. Adaptive Brake Lights, in turn, give motorists following from behind a particularly clear warning when applying the brakes in an emergency.

Optional extras: functional, innovative, sophisticated.

The everyday driving qualities, driving pleasure and travel comfort offered by the BMW X1 may be further enhanced by sophisticated optional extras of the highest standard. The roof railing, a special storage package and a towing unit with a removable ball head offer additional transport capacities. Maximum trailer load of the BMW X1 is 2,000 kg or 4,410 lb (BMW X1 sDrive20d, BMW X1 xDrive 18d, and BMW X1 sDrive18d: 1,800 kg/3,969 lb).

Features such as sports seats, seat heating, automatic air conditioning, a lights package and the large Panorama glass roof offer optimum qualities for customising the interior and creating a unique, highly individual ambience. The audio system featured as standard, in turn, comes not only with six loudspeakers and a CD player, but also with an AUX-In port for connecting external sources of music, with the option to integrate an MP3 player and other data media through a USB interface into the car’s entertainment system. Supreme sound quality, finally, is provided by the professional Pro Logic 7 HiFi system.

In conjunction with the Business and, respectively, Professional navigation system, the BMW X1 comes with the latest generation of BMW iDrive including a Controller and direct selection buttons on the centre console, favourite buttons beneath the radio control unit, and a Control Display measuring either 6.5 or 8.8 inches. This Display also presents images from the back-up camera available as an option and serving, in addition to the likewise optional Park Distance Control with its precise sensors, to facilitate parking and similar manoeuvres in the BMW X1.

Drivers of a BMW X1 equipped with a navigation system also have the option to use voice entry and a Bluetooth interface for mobile phones or for the enhanced connection of Smartphones with their music and communication functions. Yet another option is to use the wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive services comprising features such as BMW Assist, BMW Online, and unrestricted use of the internet in the car.

Unique driving experience, unparalleled efficiency.

The BMW X1 is the first premium vehicle of its kind in the compact segment. In a unique manner, the concept of the BMW X1 combines the many requirements made of a modern compact car in terms of superior function with the benefits of outstanding quality and the pleasure of an emotional driving experience.

Once again, therefore, BMW, through strong innovative power and a good feeling for all kinds of customer wishes, is taking on a leading role in the market. “Like every BMW X model, the BMW X1 again marks the breakthrough into a new, clearly defined market segment”, states Dr. Klaus Draeger, Board Member Development of BMW AG. “Throughout the entire development process, our ultimate objective with the BMW X1 was to offer a unique driving experience in the compact class and unparalleled efficiency throughout the entire segment of BMW X models.”

The BMW X1 is built at BMW Plant Leipzig where the new X model is produced on the same line as the three-door Sedan, the Coupé and the Convertible versions of the BMW 1 Series. This ultra-modern plant which also builds the BMW 3 Series Sedan stands out in particular through superior flexibility, innovative methods of quality assurance and environmentally friendly production technologies.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

IXYS Announces Taking Delivery of the Tesla Electric Car  
BIEL, Switzerland & MILPITAS, CA -: IXYS Corporation announced that it has taken delivery of a Tesla electric vehicle (“EV”). As part of IXYS’s global initiative to support the “Cleantech” industry and reduce its CO2 footprint, IXYS ordered the Tesla EV. IXYS’s power MOSFETs, IGBTs and bipolar power products have been used for the last 20 years in the power trains of worldwide, state-of-the-art, electric mass transportation applications, including electric trains, electric locomotives, electric hybrid trains, electric driven fork lifts and power substations for electric trains. Most notably, IXYS’s power semiconductors were part of the technological development of General Motors’ (“GM”) EV1 zero emissions vehicle “Impact” that was introduced by GM in the early 1990s. With the recent resurgence of the EV industry, both in California and globally, and the confidence in the quality of the new generation of these EVs, IXYS decided to support this industry by ordering and taking delivery of the Tesla Roadster EV.

“It is important for us to support local companies by buying their products which will reduce our CO2 emissions and our dependence on foreign oil. We want to see more Silicon Valley based Hi-Tech companies supporting the local EV industry, which will then expand worldwide,” commented Uzi Sasson, IXYS’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. “If each Silicon Valley CEO purchases an EV, we can blaze the trail for a better environment and create the demand that is critical to making the cars and the technology more affordable.”

Dr. Nathan Zommer, Chief Executive Officer of IXYS Corporation, added, “We have been active participants in the development of the EV technology, as we did for GM during our collaboration in the 1989-90 time frame. IXYS GmbH had been part of the demonstration of EV technology more than 20 years ago in Germany. We assisted with our power MOSFETs and IGBTs in the development of solar powered EVs that achieved range and durability records in 1992. We have been active in the developments of advanced power semiconductors and packaging for this industry worldwide, especially in Europe, Korea, North America and China.”

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

NADAguides.com Partners With AutoTrader.com to Support Nationwide Launch of 'Cash...  
COSTA MESA, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- With the Cash for Clunkers program now called CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System) nearing its launch, new car shoppers will soon have the opportunity to receive a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher towards the purchase or lease of a new vehicle if their trade-in vehicle meets specific program criteria (see list below). This government-funded program is meant to incentivize car shoppers to purchase or lease a new and more fuel efficient vehicle when they trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle.

To make this program easier and better understood by the consumer, AutoTrader.com and NADAguides.com have collaborated on a website tool located on both sites that allows car shoppers to enter their used "clunker" to not only see if it qualifies, but to see a large list of qualifying new vehicles and voucher amounts that may be applied towards the purchase. The trade-in vouchers range from $3,500 to $4,500 depending on the type of vehicle purchased and the difference in fuel economy (mpg) between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in vehicle.

"The Car Allowance Rebate System will work to not only get high polluting vehicles off the road, but will also help stimulate new vehicle sales. This is a win-win for consumers and auto dealers by helping car shoppers with new vehicle purchases," said Michael Caudill, automotive expert, NADAguides.com. "This is a great break for consumers who are either in the market for or considering the purchase of a new vehicle."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Online Voting Begins for Ford Customer Service Division's Second Annual Funny Car...  
DEARBORN, Mich., PRNewswire/ -- It's okay to vote early and vote often ... at least when the voting helps out a good cause.

Starting today, and running through August 14, the public is invited to visit www.jdrf.org/ford, view more than 200 paint scheme designs and vote for their favorite children's design by making a monetary donation to JDRF, all as part of Ford Customer Service Division's second annual Funny Car Design Contest.

The top five donation-earning designs will go in front of a panel of judges and narrowed down to one. The winning design will be featured on Motorcraft/Quick Lane sponsored Mustang Shelby driven by Bob Tasca III during the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC, on Sept. 18-20.

For the past month, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) children have taken their crayons, markers and paintbrushes to a blank canvas in the shape of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car. Their goal - see their design come to life on Tasca's Shelby Mustang Nitro funny car in September.

"We had some amazing designs last year and I think the JDRF children have really raised the bar for this year's contest," said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division president. "All of us at Ford are really excited for this year's program and are ready to go online to vote. We are honored to have this partnership with JDRF to help them raise awareness and a cure for Type 1 diabetes."

The winning designer will be selected on August 17, 2009. They will be invited to the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC, with his or her parents for an official unveiling of their paint scheme, and a chance to spend time with the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team and see their design run during qualifying sessions for the race.

Last year's winner was Samuel Millard, a six-year-old resident of Greenville, Texas, and member of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Millard and his family were special guests at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis where his design appeared on Tasca's Ford Shelby MustangNitro Funny Car. Last year's contest drew 306 designs and help raise awareness and more than $84,000 for JDRF.

Diabetes affects more Ford families than any other disease. Ford Motor Company has raised more than $27 million for JDRF since the grassroots campaign started in 1998.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

AAA Joins Roadway Infrastructure Safety Coalition  
WASHINGTON, PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Roadway Infrastructure Safety Coalition (RISC) is pleased to announce the addition of AAA to its quickly growing ranks. RISC was created in late 2008 to raise awareness on the need for increased attention and investment in roadway safety infrastructure. Through doing so, RISC works to reduce the staggering number of lives lost on our nation's roadways. Evidence suggests that roadway infrastructure plays a significant role in as many as one third of the deaths that occur annually on America's roadways.

RISC is currently composed of the following organizations all committed to reducing the number of deaths on highways through investments in roadway safety infrastructure: the American Highway Users Alliance, American Public Works Association, American Society of Highway Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Traffic Safety Services Association, National Association of Counties, National Association of County Engineers, and the National Association of Development Organizations.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

"AAA is excited to join RISC and its existing members in continuing our role as an advocate for roadway safety improvements that have been proven to save lives," said Kathleen Marvaso, AAA vice president of public affairs.

AAA is a welcome addition to RISC. The Coalition is excited about AAA's willingness to join in the fight to advance roadway safety.

Thus far this Congress, RISC has been actively involved in highlighting roadway safety infrastructure issues to members of both the U.S. House and Senate and working to ensure traffic safety is a top national priority. RISC looks forward to continuing this work with AAA's involvement.

Last year, more than 38,000 individuals lost their lives on America's roadways. RISC will continue efforts to raise awareness concerning the need to focus on roadway safety and to invest the funds necessary to make everyone's journey safer.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Hyundai Takes First Trade-In for the Government's 'Car Allowance Rebate System'  
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- After months of debate and rounds of legislation, the wait has ended. Consumers can finally take advantage of the government's "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS), and Hyundai is leading the way. Katherine Michon of Arlington, Virginia was the first to trade-in an eligible clunker for a new Hyundai, replacing her 15 mile-per-gallon 1995 Ford Explorer with a 26 mile-per-gallon Hyundai Elantra Touring, at Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hyundai buyers will receive the full rebate allocated under the CARS program (also known as "cash for clunkers") when an eligible trade-in is exchanged for a qualifying Hyundai model. Hyundai is the first automaker to extend the government incentive to consumers, accelerating its implementation by several weeks by backing dealerships with short-term cash advances as the government organizes the rollout of the program industry-wide.

In May, Hyundai research showed that 11 percent of car buyers delayed their purchases until the CARS legislation was resolved. "We appreciate what Washington has done getting the program completed, but it's clear that the wait has left many potential car-buyers on the sidelines," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We thought it was imperative to get funding to our dealers so that they could implement the program right away and satisfy the demand they've been hearing from consumers."

Under the CARS program, consumers qualify for a $4,500 rebate on the purchase or lease of new vehicles that achieve 10 miles per gallon more than a trade-in car or five miles per gallon or more than a trade-in light truck. New vehicles that achieve between 4 to 9 mpg more than a trade-in car, or 2 to 4 mpg more than a trade-in light truck qualify for a $3,500 incentive. See www.cars.gov for complete details.

Thirteen Hyundai models and engine combinations qualify for the CARS incentive program, which requires passenger cars achieve 22 mpg or more combined fuel economy, and light trucks achieve 18 mpg or better combined fuel economy.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs  
Boutique Dutch carmaker Spyker unveiled its elongated and streamlined C8 Aileron back in March in Geneva, and we saw its North American debut in New York a month later. Those were show car versions of the upcoming production model based on the concept car we had seen in Geneva and Pebble Beach the year before. We've seen the imposing coupes from every possible angle, inside and out. They are finely crafted, uniquely engineered, rolling works of art, like a plutocrat's timepiece on wheels. What we haven't seen is a production-spec Aileron in red.

A new batch of photos has just begun circulating out onto the 'net, showing a stunning red Aileron driving around Europe. A reliable source tells us this is the first pre-production car to hit the streets, so it is only a matter of time before we see one of these 400 horsepower, Audi 4.2-liter V8-powered rocketships in private hands.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe?  
Since it first came to the market in 2000, Ford's Focus has been consistently lauded for its crisp "European handling," and thanks to a Ford of Europe press release yesterday, that bromide sounded like it was about to become truer than ever. The release in question announced that the next all-new Focus is to be sourced from a single location – the Blue Oval's Saarlouis Plant in Germany. Quite understandably, that proclamation caused a bit of consternation here in the States, with some news outlets reporting that North American Focus models will also originate from the German facility. Not so.

Autoblog spoke with Lincoln, Mercury communications manager Mark Schirmer this morning (despite his title, Schirmer has been tasked with preparing for the U.S. launch of the 2010 car) and he has re-confirmed that all North American Focus models will originate from a freshly renovated Wayne Assembly Plant in Michigan (something that Ford officials initially promised back in May).

The intention of FoE's confusingly worded statement was to note that Saarlouis is to be the single point of origin for all European Focus models. In addition to Saarlouis and Wayne, Ford will also likely produce the next Focus at a plant somewhere in Asia, but a location announcement has not yet been made.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

International Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales  
ALEXANDRIA, Va., PRNewswire/ -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released June 2009 sales figures for the international automobile industry. AIADA represents over 11,000 international franchises, which so far this year account for 54.6 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States. Overall sales, including domestics and unadjusted for business days, were down 27.7 percent compared to June 2008 and 35.1 percent year to date.

Analysts had predicted that June would be a turning point for the industry, forecasting that the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate (SAAR) would break the 10 million mark for the first time this year. Instead, the SAAR slipped from 9.9 million in May to 9.7 million. "Auto dealers had high hopes for June's sales," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Unfortunately, we didn't see the movement we were hoping for. Our focus is now on the second half of the year, which should be positively impacted by the recovering housing market and the incentivizing Cash for Clunkers program."

According to numbers from Autodata Corp., international brands sold 469,713 vehicles in June, down from 501,096 vehicles in May, and 644,832 in June 2008. Asian brands accounted for 45.8 percent of the market, down from 46.2 percent in June 2008, and Europeans had an 8.8 percent share, up from 8 percent. Domestic brands finished the month with 45.4 percent of the market.

June's dismal sales could be attributed to a number of factors, including an average rise in gas prices of 36 cents from May, a consumer confidence index that fell to 49.3 from 54.8 in May, and an unemployment rate of 9.5 percent, the highest since August, 1983. None the less, there are signs that support dealers' optimism. Sales in June were the second best of 2009, behind May, which some analysts see as a sign of stabilization. In addition, three brands - Rolls Royce, Subaru, and Volvo - actually surpassed their June 2008 sales by 3.6, 3.4, and 0.6 percent, respectively.

Source : sev.prnewswire.com (7/2/2009)

Sting Like a Bumblebee: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Is Early Sales Champ  
DETROIT — Fueled in part by its starring role in the Hollywood hit Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, General Motors' new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is an early hit with enthusiasts. In only its third month on the market, the 2010 Camaro outsold its nearest domestic competitor, the Ford Mustang, by a comfortable margin in June.

GM said Chevy dealers sold 9,320 Camaros during the month. Ford dealers sold 7,632 Mustangs, down 30 percent from a year ago. The third domestic rival, the Dodge Challenger, tallied a paltry 1,369 sales in June, up 34 percent from last year.

Product placement in the hit movie and considerable online buzz have driven interest in the Camaro at surprisingly little expense to GM, which is in the throes of Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

On the automaker's Twitter page, sales boss Mark LaNeve bragged, "Other than Transformers 2 , we've spent 0$ on Camaro advertising and incentives."

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Construction Begins at Landmark Mercedes-Benz Sydney Dealership  
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA –: Construction began today on what will become the harbour city’s flagship luxury car dealership.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz Sydney dealership, located on O’Riordan Street in Alexandria, is a $20 million dollar project commissioned by the German car brand’s Australian importer, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd.

Speaking at a brief ceremony held to mark the start of construction at the new facility’s site, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, Mr Wolfgang D. Schrempp, was excited about the commencement of these building works.

“This is a major investment for our customers, our brand and the New South Wales economy,” said Schrempp.

“Even in these challenging economic times, we see it as a priority to provide only the best for our customers.

“Once complete this landmark dealership will be the ultimate environment for our customers to interact with our brand, our people, and our fascinating products, and will help ensure our customers’ experience with Mercedes-Benz is of the highest order,” said Schrempp.

The facility, which has a planned completion of early 2010, will boast a 17,000 square metres footprint, a stunning Autohaus showroom, luxurious customer facilities, and a state-of-the-art workshop with more than 30 workbays.

The undertaking of the new premiere dealership is another symbol of the increasing presence of Mercedes-Benz in Sydney and New South Wales. In the previous two years, Mercedes-Benz and its dealer network in NSW have invested in excess of $58 million dollars in retail facility developments.

“April saw the addition of Northside Star to the network, a new authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership to serve Sydney's north. And now this new facility will serve the heart of the harbour city,” said Schrempp.

“It’s abundantly evident that we don’t just seek to build the best cars in the world; we also seek to set the standard when it comes to the ultimate customer experience,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz sales continue to grow, with 1,437 new passenger cars and SUVs sold in May. This represented an increase of ten percent compared to the same month last year, an impressive result considering the Australian new vehicle market fell almost 15 percent. The positive sales trend for Mercedes-Benz is expected to continue with the August arrival of the highly anticipated all-new E-Class saloon and coupé.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz Sydney is situated at 43-47 O’Riordan Street Alexandria and is expected to be completed by mid-next year.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Some Optimism for US Auto Market with June 2009 Sales  
DETROIT; Tom Krisher writinfg for the AP reported that after a yearlong free fall in the American car market, the decline of sales slowed in June, offering hope to automakers that the bottom has been reached and more shoppers may slowly start returning to showrooms soon.

Still, sales were down 7.1 percent from May, which generally is a stronger sales month.

Overall, automakers sold 859,847 vehicles in June, a 28 percent drop from the same month last year, according to Autodata Corp.

Sales declines slowed for four of the six major carmakers, with Ford Motor Co. reporting the smallest drop of 10.7 percent. For many months, Ford and other companies have been reporting year-over-year declines of 40 percent or more.

Even Chrysler, which emerged from bankruptcy protection early in June, saw its decline shrink.

Analysts say that's among the signs that the auto industry's slump that began with $4 per gallon gasoline last summer could be leveling off.

"It is unlikely things will get any worse," said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the auto Web site Edmunds.com.

The slowly improving economy and government incentives of up to $4,500 to trade in inefficient clunkers for new vehicles could lead to modest improvements in the second half of the year, he said.

In anticipation of heightened traffic at dealers and higher sales later this year, Ford has increased its production order by 25,000 vehicles for the third quarter.

"We're making steady progress," Jim Farley, Ford's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "We remain grounded, however, given challenging industry and economic conditions."

And while Chrysler's sales results were dismal -- only 68,297 cars and trucks, many sold due to incentives of more than $4,800 per car -- that's about what analysts expected.

"At a time when they are emerging from bankruptcy and trying to reinvent themselves, it is not a huge surprise," Toprak said.

Affordability and rising gas prices -- from $2.28 per gallon in May to $2.64 in June -- boosted sales of sales of compact cars, some hybrids and larger crossover vehicles, which have the seating and cargo space of a sport utility but are built on car underpinnings so they are more efficient and maneuverable.

For instance, GM's Buick Enclave, which seats eight, saw sales rise 26 percent, and Honda's Pilot had a 12 percent increase even in a declining market.

Sales of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles that run on gasoline and electricity were mixed. Toyota's Prius, the top-selling hybrid, saw a 10.5 percent increase, but Honda's Civic hybrid dropped 42 percent as the company introduced a new low-cost hybrid called the Insight.

Ford's brand-new Fusion midsize car posted a big sales increase of 26 percent. The revamped 2010 model also has a hybrid version.

At General Motors Corp., sales slid 33.4 percent despite incentives and discounts on its Pontiac brand, while Toyota Motor Corp. sales were off 32 percent. Honda Motor Co. saw a 30 percent decline because of extremely strong small-car sales last June when gasoline was above $4 per gallon. Nissan Motor Co. reported a narrower decline than in previous months, down only 23 percent.

GM's decline improved when compared with previous months even though it entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1. GM plans to sell or close Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab to focus on four core brands -- Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick.

Analysts had speculated that June sales, when adjusted for seasonal variances and multiplied to calculate an annual selling rate, would exceed 10 million for the first time this year. But sales once again fell just shy of that mark at 9.7 million for June. That's a huge reduction from more than 16 million as recently as 2007.

June sales were helped by fire-sale prices at 789 Chrysler dealers that were fired by the company told to get rid of their inventory by June 9. Also, with GM dropping its Pontiac brand, incentives rose on those models.

Ford beat Toyota for the third straight month to retain its long-held title of the No. 2 U.S. automaker. Ford sold 154,873 vehicles in June to Toyota's 131,654. GM is No. 1 in sales.

Toyota's top-selling Camry midsize sedan saw sales fall 37 percent while Corolla compact sales plunged 53 percent.

One bright spot for Toyota was its recently released third-generation Prius, which saw sales rise 10 percent. Prius sales had suffered in recent months as gas prices plunged from more than $4 per gallon last summer to below $2 a gallon in the winter.

Nissan's decline narrowed despite weaker sales of its top-selling Altima midsize sedan. The automaker sold 2,137 units of its boxy Nissan Cube in its first month of sales.

Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford sold 154,873 cars and light trucks last month, with strength in its midsize Fusion and the Flex crossover vehicle. That was still less than the 161,197 sold in May, traditionally a stronger sales month than June.

Ford is the sole U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy protection and is not receiving government loans. GM and Chrysler are receiving billions in loans, and GM inching its way closer to emerging from Chapter 11.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Ford Takes Four of Top Five Spots in AutoTrader.com's June Most-Viewed New Vehicles...  
ATLANTA, PRNewswire/ -- A record 16.12 million unique monthly visitors to AutoTrader.com in June pushed Ford vehicles to claim four of the top 5 slots on the site's list of top 20 most-viewed new cars in June of this year. The Ford F-150 claimed the No. 2 spot, followed by the Mustang at No. 3, the Focus at No. 4 and the Escape at No. 5. The recently redesigned Ford Fusion, riding a wave of good reviews, ranked as the No. 8 most-viewed new vehicle on AutoTrader.com in June, down from No. 7 in May of this year but up a whopping 22 spots from No. 30 in June of last year. All this activity with Ford vehicles pushed Ford to the top-ranked position among all automotive nameplates viewed on AutoTrader.com in June.

"Without the worries of a bankruptcy filing, Ford has been able to focus on telling its product story and promoting individual vehicles," said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry.

For a second consecutive month, the Chevrolet Camaro took the top spot on AutoTrader.com's list of most-viewed new vehicles in June. The redesigned Camaro continues to benefit from enormous buzz and, with the first models now hitting the streets, should continue to enjoy interest from car shoppers for some time.

Another big story in new vehicles is the dramatic rise in views of some larger automobiles in June compared to June of last year, including the new Chevrolet Tahoe (up 60.77%), the new Ford F-150 (up 44.93%) and the new Jeep Wrangler (up 42.05%). These vehicles were hit hard by high gas prices around this time last year. While prices remain largely stable on new larger vehicles, this increase in views suggests more of these larger automobiles may be moving off dealer lots soon.

New car shopping activity and price stabilization on AutoTrader.com correspond with the new vehicle sales decline in June of 28% compared to a year earlier, the smallest decline since 2009 began, and may indicate that the new-car market has hit bottom.

On the used car list, the Ford F-150 came in at No. 1 in June, up from No. 2 in May of this year and up from No. 5 in June of last year. Views of the Ford F-150 were up almost 45% compared to June of last year and the average price has increased 9% compared to last year. Other large used vehicles saw similar increases in views and prices, including the Chevy Silverado, which saw a 43% increase in views and a 5% increase in price compared to June of last year, and the Dodge Ram 1500, which saw a 36% increase in views and a 7% increase in price compared to June of last year. Similar to the experience in new cars, interest in and prices of larger vehicles like these plunged last year when gas prices spiked but continue to rebound this year.

"With interest in these larger used vehicles growing, I think you'll continue to see these price increases as these vehicles get more scarce," said Perry. "If you're considering purchasing a used truck or SUV, you may want to jump on the deals while there are still well-priced models on the lots."

In Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) views during June, the BMW 3 series retained the No. 1 spot, a position it also held in May of this year and in June of 2008. The Honda Accord retained the No. 2 spot in CPO views in June, a spot it held in May of this year and last June. These perennial favorites and other CPO vehicles listed for sale on AutoTrader.com continue to benefit from consumers' growing interest in CPO vehicles as an avenue for acquitting a newer, high-quality car at a price lower than a similar new car.

"As price-conscious consumers concerned about the state of the economy cross-shop new, used and CPO vehicles against each other, we continue to see record traffic," said Perry. "AutoTrader.com distinguishes itself among automotive inventory sites by being the only one where consumers can opt to shop all three categories of vehicles simultaneously. I get a sense looking at shopping activity on our site, and our record site traffic that consumers are looking for quality, reliability and affordability as they get ready to make their next new or used car purchase. Given the state of the economy, it's understandable that many consumers are sitting on the fence, researching cars, doing the math and waiting for the right piece of news or the right economic figure to get them off the fence and onto the dealer lot to make a purchase."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

99 years of Alfa Romeo  
Italian luxury marque Alfa Romeo is enjoying a milestone in 2009, as it celebrates 99 years in business.

The company is preparing for next year's Centenary with a historic hill climb at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 8C Spider will be joined on the hill by iconic motor racing cars from Alfa Romeo's historic museum collection in Arese, Italy.

These include the 1924 P2 Gran Premio which won the first World Championship in 1925 driven by Gastone Brilli-Peri.

Also on the climb will be the 8C 2300 tipo Le Mans which was purchased by Sir Henry Birkin in 1931.

Onlookers will watch the 6C 3000 CM driven to second place by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1953 Mille Miglia.

Finally on the climb will be the 33 TT 12 which brought the 1975 World Manufacturer's title to Alfa Romeo.

Two Alfa Romeo concept cars have also been entered in the Cartier Style et Luxe in the "Serious Wedge - Studies in Angular Sports Car Design 1965-1980" category, both of which were designed by Bertone.

The 1968 Alfa Carabo concept marks a revolutionary stage in supercar design, with its hydropneumatic-powered gull-wing doors and multi-coloured one way glass windows.

Yet another demonstration of Bertone's experimental forward thinking design is the 1978 Najavo.

Source : www.newcarnet.co.uk (7/2/2009)

McLaren planning hybrid supercar  
McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. As far as rumors go, this one seems pretty solid. According to an unnamed spokesperson quoted by Autocar:

It (hybrid technology) is something we want as a forward-thinking, technology-driven company. We have been considering it for future projects. All the advert means is that we are looking for a senior engineer in powertrain hybrid technology. Read into it what you will.

One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed upon that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

NHTSA may mandate amber turn signals  
Some cars have red turn signal lamps, while others have an amber hue. Big deal, right? The National Highway Traffic Safety Association thinks it is, after finding that amber lights are 5.3% more effective at preventing crashes than the red blinkers. NHTSA came to that conclusion after comparing crash data of vehicles that switched from one color to another. Europe already mandates the amber turn signal, and NHTSA says that data from other agencies supports their findings. As it is, American cars sold in Europe already receive legal turn signal units – even if they aren't sold that way in America (see Chevrolet's C6 Corvette as an example).

NHTSA is now asking the public whether it should mandate amber turn signals for all vehicles sold in the States. Unfortunately for automakers, amber turn signals aren't exactly high fashion here in the U.S., as the vast majority of the signals are of the red blinking variety, likely because of cost considerations. While it's true that the auto industry is probably suffering from a case of far too many regulations, anything that can improve safety by up to 5.3% without costing an arm and a leg is probably worth considering. If NHTSA gives automakers a reasonable amount of time to implement the changes, automakers may be able to fit the change into the next design cycle.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Rolls-Royce’s new flagship  
In all the fuss over the new 'baby Rolls-Royce' – the Ghost/200EX – don’t ignore this new very-big-Rolls: the PJ World Yacht.

OK, it’s not strictly a Rolls-Royce – in fact, it’s a Ice Class mega-yacht from shipbuilder Palmer Johnson – but the World Yacht has been built in collaboration with Goodwood-and-Crewe’s favourite luxo-merchants… which means it’s deeply, deeply plush.

The World Yacht measures 82 metres from bow to stern, and is packed with all the stuff a discerning billionaire requires for a jaunt across the Arctic: swimming pool, gym, spa, cinema… and even a helicopter pad with elevator access.

In total there are six floors of leather-clad, immaculately polished goodness, and it’s all powered by a Rolls-Royce engine: a giant six-cylinder diesel, which draws from a 260,000-litre fuel tank and is capable of hauling the World Yacht along at a heady 16.5 knots. A bit more sedate than the Phantom Coupe, then.

Our favourite feature? The pirate-repelling water cannons. You know those icy Arctic pirates. They do hate to get wet…

Source : www.topgear.com (7/2/2009)

Karl Malden, Star of The Streets of San Francisco, Dies at 97  
LOS ANGELES — Karl Malden, an Oscar-winning actor who starred in TV's The Streets of San Francisco and may be best known in recent years for his "Don't leave home without it" commercials for American Express, died Wednesday at age 97.

No cause of death was disclosed. Malden is the latest in a rapid succession of Hollywood mainstays to die. They include Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Malden won a supporting-actor Oscar in 1951 for his role as Blanche DuBois's suitor, Mitch, in A Streetcar Named Desire. He was nominated again as a supporting actor in 1954 for his role as Father Corrigan, a working man's priest, in On the Waterfront.

He stood out among the Hollywood glitterati for his ordinary looks, including a bulbous nose. Malden's extensive body of work includes One-Eyed Jacks, The Cincinnati Kid, Birdman of Alcatraz and Patton.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Dacia's Adventurer - Sandero Stepway - Now Available in France  
PARIS, FRANCE –: Dacia Sandero Stepway – a variant of Sandero immediately recognizable by its adventurer looks – is to be released in France, with order books opening across the network on July 15, 2009.

Dacia Sandero Stepway will be powered by a dCi 70 diesel engine and will feature muscular styling, as well as a comprehensive list of standard equipment for the attractive tax-paid price of €11,900.

Thanks to its raised ground clearance, satin-finish chrome front/rear skidplates and sills, longitudinal roof bars, chrome exhaust tailpipe and 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, Dacia Sandero Stepway oozes character. In addition to these distinguishing features, Dacia Sandero Stepway comes as standard with comfortrelated equipment such as manual climate control, electric front windows and a radio-CD with mp3 playback. Three body colours are available: Platine Grey, Comète Grey and Feu Red.

Dacia Sandero Stepway naturally carries over the same strengths which helped forged the success of its elder sibling Sandero, i.e. unrivalled cabin space for its price (it comfortably seats five tall adults, plus 320dm3 VDA of boot space), as well as impeccable reliability underpinned by a three-year or 100,000km warranty. With CO2 emissions of just 140g/km, Dacia Sandero Stepway qualifies for the French state's €1,000 rebate for buyers of vehicles which emit less than 160g of CO2/km and who trade in a vehicle aged 10 years or more for scrappage.

Dacia has taken this scheme a step further by extending it to cover vehicles aged between 8 and 10 years which are traded in when ordering3 a Dacia Sandero Stepway. Taking this rebate into account, the tax-paid price tag for Dacia Sandero Stepway is €10,900. Dacia Sandero Stepway is manufactured at the ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania, while more than five per cent of the plastics it contains are sourced from recycling. It is also 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable. In addition, Dacia Sandero Stepway dCi 70 emits just 140g of CO2/km, making it eligible for the Dacia eco signature.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

LeaseTrader.com Sees Rate of Vehicle Downsizing Easing  
MIAMI, PRNewswire/ -- LeaseTrader.com, the nation's most popular online marketplace for car lease transfers, announces a shift in customer demand for vehicles that may shed light on the economic recovery. LeaseTrader.com's Q2 customer activity report shows a modest rise in people assuming mid-size and luxury vehicles.

Beginning with the gas crunch in the spring of 2008, LeaseTrader.com customers downsized into a smaller, less expensive vehicle at a nationwide increase of 25-30 percent. Since the beginning of Q2 (April 2009) this percentage increase has slowed to 10-15 percent.

"There seems to be more confidence in the American economy drawing more people back to the mid-size and luxury leases," said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. "Consumers are still exercising their option to escape a car lease by transferring it to someone else, but they're also more willing to shop for a vehicle that is in a similar monthly payment category rather than drastically downsizing their payment."

The LeaseTrader.com trend coincides with the automotive industry which may be seeing a small light at the end of the tunnel for car sales. According to media reports, new car sales in June saw its smallest decline in any month so far this year (28%) suggesting further evidence of a possible bottom in the market. Low inventories, incentive programs and rising consumer confidence are all playing into this shifting automotive trend.

LeaseTrader.com is seeing an uptick in lease takeover demand for entry-level luxury vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class, in addition to crossover vehicles like the Buick Enclave and Mazda CX-9.

LeaseTrader.com's Lease Takeover program allows people to adopt the remaining portion of someone else's lease to avoid a down payment at a dealer and lengthy lease terms. Lease shoppers pay a $39 membership for with credit check and $149 to begin the transfer process.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Accessories and Lifestyle for the New Polo  
DREIEICH, GERMANY –: In time for the launch of the new Polo, Volkswagen Accessories presents a wide range of Genuine Accessories and the Polo collection. The products with which the company allows you to experience the Polo feeling on the road and in everyday life are trendy and sporty, precision-fitting, quality tested and premium. Just like the new Polo, the focus is on the expression of your own personality and lifestyle in the accessory and lifestyle products.

iPods are particularly popular with Polo drivers. Volkswagen Accessories offers the right adapter to allow you to use your iPod to listen to your favourite songs while driving. The Volkswagen Genuine iPod adapter connects the iPod with either the Volkswagen Genuine car radio or radio-navigation system, which are then used for control or audio output. The new Genuine hands-free retrofitting set Bluetooth Touch Phone-Kit is available for the new Polo. It allows you to make telephone calls conveniently while driving. Thanks to the Bluetooth function, you can keep the mobile phone safely in your pocket, so that you, the driver, can concentrate on the road.

The carbon-look mirror trim is both a real eye-catcher and an effective protection. It is easy and quick to install on the standard wing mirrors.

The central console ornament kit allows you to add the discreet yet sporty carbon look to the interior also. The chrome-design rear strip makes it quick and easy to add a personal touch to your car, while also protecting the edge of the tailgate.

The titanium metallic coloured roof box, available in three different sizes, provides plenty of space for additional luggage. The quick-release fastening system makes it quick and user-friendly to install. Also, the practical "DuoLift-System" allows the roof box to be opened and packed conveniently from both sides. The washable plastic luggage compartment loadliner with dividers is an ideal addition to the roof box. It makes sliding luggage a thing of the past. The raised edges of the luggage compartment loadliner also prevent liquids leaking onto the vehicle floor. The organising system fits the luggage compartment perfectly and protects it against dirt.

The Optimat textile floor mat with Polo lettering is another top accessory for the new Polo. It combines the properties of a rubber floor mat with the elegance of a textile floor mat. The U-shaped edge of these perfectly fitted textile footmats safely retains the dirt and moisture and prevents the mats from slipping.

The varied Polo Lifestyle Collection is an ideal companion, whether you are at home or travelling. Just like the Polo itself: top-quality finishing, made of best materials, sporty, elegant and original. For example, the sporty ladies’ and gents’ Polo shirts in black, white or blue are an ideal couple. The large Polo lettering decorates the shirt at the side of its front. For trips to the beach or lake, the Polo collection includes both a large beach towel with woven Polo lettering and Polo beach sandals. An aerodynamic aerobie Frisbee and a stunt kite guarantee some dynamic fun. The Polo Collection also includes a neoprene laptop case, the iPod nano in a range of different colours, baseball caps and model cars in a range of scales.

The brilliant silver "Sima" complete winter wheel carries the new Polo through the winter safely yet with a sporty and dynamic touch. The winter expert "Semperit Speed Grip" guarantees safety, while the easy-to-clean five spoke design of the snow chain compatible complete wheel provides the looks.

And the company gave Polo drivers something to look forward to: In September 2009, the "Motorsport" alloy rim will be available for the new Polo. It is associated with sportiness, speed and driving fun. The narrow spokes are arranged in a V shape around the low-lying centre of the weight-optimised ten star alloy wheel and allow a clear view of the vehicle brake system. They are available in black, anthracite and white. The "Motorsport" alloy rim will also be available as a complete wheel in black, fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres.

The aerodynamics products, which will delight Polo fans from November 2009 on, give the new Polo an even sportier look. Consisting of the front skirt, rear skirt, rear wing and side skirt set, they emphasise the sporty silhouette, improve the aerodynamic features of the vehicle and highlight the characteristic exterior.

The Volkswagen Genuine Accessories for the new Polo and Volkswagen Polo Lifestyle Collection are available from any Volkswagen Partner.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Cars.com's American-Made Index Crowns Toyota the Most 'American' Manufacturer  
CHICAGO, PRNewswire/ -- With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Cars.com has announced the rankings in its annual American-Made Index, which ranks the most-American vehicles based on percentage (by cost) of their parts that are made domestically, where they're built and how popular they are among U.S. buyers. This year, the Toyota Camry shot to the top of the list, dethroning the five-time winner, the Ford F-150.

In addition to grabbing the No. 1 rank, Toyota sees its Sienna (No. 6), Tundra (No. 7) and Venza (No. 10) also make their way onto the list, lifting the Japanese automaker's count above all other manufacturers. This year, Detroit automakers claimed five of the 10 spots, a record low on Cars.com's index.

"This year was unique for our index, to say the least," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor in chief. "The difficult sales environment and changes in cars' domestic-parts content -- both important factors in our index's equation -- played a huge role in how the rankings changed from last year."

In keeping with American-Made Index methodology, Cars.com excluded any models scheduled to be discontinued without a clear successor. That carried stronger implications this year, as most Pontiac models - including the G6, a longtime index mainstay - became ineligible. Another GM mainstay, the Ohio-built Chevrolet Cobalt, saw its domestic-parts content rating drop significantly, ending its three-year run on the list.

General Motors still takes three slots, with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups showing strong domestic-parts content ratings. The popular Chevrolet Malibu ranked third, thanks in part to its 80 percent domestic-parts content and steady sales.

The Alabama-built Honda Odyssey increased slightly in domestic-parts content, up to 80 percent this year, which played a large role in its elevation to the No. 4 spot. Another newcomer, the Ford Taurus, boasts an impressive 90 percent domestic-parts content, the highest of any vehicle on the list.

"In today's global economy, there's not an easy way to determine just how American a car is," Olsen said. "Most cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using at least some parts that come from somewhere else. Cars.com's American-Made Index helps consumers identify the most-American vehicles based on production location, percentage of domestic-parts content, and American sales volume for each vehicle."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

kbb.com Launches 'Cash for Clunkers' Calculator  
IRVINE, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new-car and used-car information, today announces the launch of its Cash for Clunkers Calculator on its top-rated Web site, kbb.com. Using the Cash for Clunkers Calculator, consumers can gain important details to assist them in determining if their current vehicle might be eligible for up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient new car, research new-car options, and reach a dealer -- all in one place.

Kbb.com provides a simple, interactive Cash for Clunkers Calculator to help consumers determine whether they may be eligible for a credit under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), the official government name of the Cash for Clunkers program. The calculator helps consumers evaluate vehicles with model years between 1989 and 2009 based on make, model, condition, and mileage. The age of the vehicle, its fuel economy and the fuel efficiency rating of the new car are key factors to determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a 'Cash for Clunkers' credit toward the purchase of a new vehicle. The calculator also displays the Kelley Blue Book(R) Trade-In Value, to help consumers determine whether their vehicle is worth more or less than the possible credit they could receive from the CARS program.

Under this groundbreaking, government-sponsored program, a consumer can receive instant credit toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle upon trade-in of an old, gas-guzzling ride that has a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles-per-gallon or less, is in drivable condition and has been insured and registered for the past year by the same owner.

"While the conditions of the new Cash for Clunkers program can be confusing, kbb.com provides a means of assisting consumers to determine eligibility and help get them into their next new car quickly and easily," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Ford will be the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers program on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Ford has been on the forefront of this new federal program and is dedicated to providing consumers the information they need. Ford also recently launched its 'Let Ford Recycle Your Ride' campaign to help take the confusion out of the Cash for Clunkers program. With an impressive line-up of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and utility vehicles, Ford can offer a variety of gas-sipping models to fit the needs of any consumer.

"Kelley Blue Book is pleased to have Ford as the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers Calculator on kbb.com," said Justin Yaros, executive vice president of product design and development for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Together, we have the ability to further educate the consumer on the new government program and assist in all stages of the shopping process."

The CARS programs runs through November 1, 2009, or until government funds are exhausted. For more information about the Cash for Clunkers program, visit www.kbb.com/cashforclunkers to view program details, articles and a detailed video.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series  
American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.

Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.

Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)

for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD – as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early  
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't plan to release its final rules and regulations for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), otherwise known as Cash-for-Clunkers program, until July 23rd, Hyundai has decided that its customers don't have to wait. Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, VA has already accepted the first trade-in and doled out its first rebate. The clunker is a 15-mpg 1995 Ford Explorer, and Katherine Michon of Arlington, VA traded it in for a $4,500 credit on a brand new 26-mpg Hyundai Elantra Touring.

How can Hyundai get away with accepting clunkers early? The automaker is giving dealers short-term cash advances to cover the cost of its rebates until the CARS program officially kicks off later this month. Hyundai has 13 models with particular engine combinations that qualify for CARS, and the NHTSA has already confirmed that transactions on or after July 1, 2009 are eligible.

This could be a brilliant move on Hyundai's part, since its own internal research shows that 11 percent of car shoppers have delayed their purchase to take advantage of the rebates. If Hyundai is the only game in town that's accepting trade-ins and giving rebates early, it could steal a few sales away from other brands that are waiting patiently for the program to officially begin.

On the other hand, the NHTSA warns on the CARS official website that "interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued." By that time, however, you'll be driving around in a new car and getting reimbursed for the rebate will by Hyundai's problem.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi  
The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, and every year the Earl of March, who manages the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate that hosts the event, commissions a giant art piece honoring that year's featured marque. Audi is the featured marque this year, which is timely since the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also celebrating its centennial.

This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union streamliner and new Audi R8 V10 suspended at either end. Standing 135-feet tall and weighing 40 tonnes, as they say in Britain, the piece is made entirely of steel to support itself without braces or cables. Gerry Judah is the designer, as he has been for Goodwood's featured art installations since 1997 when he first designed one for Ferrari. This is also the second time he's produced a piece for Audi, the first one being back in 1999.

It goes without saying that we all want to stick this in the flower bed in our front yard, but unfortunately you'll only be able to see it if you're in West Sussex this weekend to enjoy the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

BMW 335i Gran Turismo dialed in for 2011  
According to a report by InsideLine, BMW is set to expand its wagonesque line-up by one in 2011 with the introduction of the 335i Gran Turismo. The 3 series-based crossover takes its inspiration from the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, with a sloping X6-like hatch that will feature the same two-stage tailgate on the 5 series GT, allowing owners to open either the small trunk or complete hatch.

IL's sources say that two-, four- and five-seat configurations will be available, along with a range of diesel and gasoline engines, including at least one petrol-powered turbo version. If the 3 series GT comes to fruition, that would bring BMW's entry-level line-up to five models – coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and five-door – and provide another competitor to the Audi A4 Avant and Q3, but could cannibalize X1 and X3 sales in the process.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Norton Commando Transformer is more than meets the eye  
We didn't much care for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen when we went out and saw it on opening night, but we're still smitten by the concept of robots that transform into all manner of vehicular machinery. In Michael Bay's new flick, motorcycles may have taken a more prominent role than in the past, but we prefer the classic Norton Commando in the short clip after the break to the two-wheeled robotic movie machines.

Composed and rendered by Steve Twist, a student from Bournemouth University gunning for his undergraduate degree in Computer Visualisation and Animation, this eight-month project looks to be time well spent to our eyes. Better still, in our heads, this is exactly what an old Norton motorcycle would sound like if it could talk.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent  
First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Mammoth 1930s Hariss steam-powered split-window prototype  
Now here's just the thing to mix up with a heated-up Flattie, or better yet, a Rajo Model T powerplant, which would be perfectly authentic for the vintage. Oh sure, purists will argue that this artifact, which apparently started life as a Hariss Steam Car prototype carrying a Stanley Steamer power unit, should be returned to its original state. Good luck figuring out exactly what that was.

With a deft enough touch, you could pay homage to the 1930s craftsmanship in this vehicle without ruining it. Either way, if you're determined enough to buy this obviously Stout Scarab-inspired vehicle (it currently has one bid at $8,500) it will be yours to do whatever you choose, critics be damned. Going all Travels With Charley with this split-window behemoth, especially towing a homebuilt teardrop trailer, would be a fantastic summer diversion, and if you did go all external-combustion-engine on it, you'd always have a fire to sit around at night.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Wife plows into husband's new Chevy Corvette Z06... in her Hyundai Genesis  
We can only imagine how exciting a day it would be to bring home a brand spanking new Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Genesis Owners forum member zedbuyers was feeling that love as he and his wife left a Massachusetts Chevy dealer with a spanking new Cyber Gray Metallic Z06. Zedbuyers was driving from the dealer in the rain with his wife following behind in the couples' nine-month-old Genesis Sedan when disaster struck.

As traffic slowed from 60 mph to 30 mph in the exit lane, zedbuyers applied the brakes, but his wife evidently didn't. The Genesis slammed into the hours-old Z06, thrusting the $80,000 supercar into the vehicle in front of it. Oddly, the Genesis took the brunt of the blow, and a local Hyundai dealer estimated the damage at $16,000, including nearly $2,000 for the HID headlamps alone. The Z06 damage was $10,000, including $2,000 for a carbon fiber bumper.

Luckily, nobody was seriously injured in the accident, but we're sure the owner is smarting none the less. We're guessing the insurance company is not going to react kindly to a combined $26,000 in damages only hours after the purchase of what is likely a very expensive vehicle to insure in the first place. Peruse the gallery below to check out the carnage, and click on the link below for zedbuyers' damage estimates.

Source : www.autoblog.com (7/2/2009)

Toyota Recalls 2009 Lexus GX 470, 2006-'09 Toyota Sienna  
WASHINGTON — Toyota is recalling 1,281 vehicles, including the 2009 Lexus GX 470, 2006-'09 Toyota Sienna and the 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser. Mislabeling on the driver-door jamb could cause them to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"The vehicle capacity weight on the tire and loading information label and the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the certification label is insufficient for certain vehicles," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "Some vehicles were accessorized through vehicle processing centers and had accessories installed that caused the vehicle to exceed the GVWR value.

"Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash."

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

2010 Subaru Outback Rated 24 City/29 Highway  
CHERRY HILL, New Jersey — Subarus have never been known for top EPA fuel economy ratings, but that's changing with the redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback. When equipped with the base 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and Subaru's new continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2010 Outback wagon earns a 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway EPA rating. The 2010 Outback goes on sale at the end of August.

For comparison, a 2009 Subaru Outback with the base 2.5-liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission was rated only 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway by the EPA. The CVT-equipped 2010 Outback 2.5i starts at $24,690, including destination.

For $1,000 less you can get into an Outback 2.5i with the company's new six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed 2010 Outback 2.5i has a 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway fuel economy rating. This is slightly lower than a manual-shift 2009 Outback 2.5i, which had a 20/27 EPA rating.

If you want a six-cylinder engine in your Outback, the 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R is rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Though only a modest improvement over the 2009 Outback 3.0R, rated at 17/24, it's important to note that the redesigned wagon has a larger, more powerful, 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine good for 256 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission choice in the 2010 Outback 3.6R, which starts at $28,690.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

NASCAR's Jeremy Mayfield Cleared To Race at Daytona  
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Moments after resuming the case Wednesday, a judge issued a temporary injunction that lifts NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield's drug suspension and permits him to race at Daytona this weekend.

In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen said that the "likelihood of a false positive in this case is quite substantial." This decision came after Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines and NASCAR deemed him a danger to the sport, suspending him indefinitely on May 9.

"This is huge for us. This means more to me probably than any race I've ever won or anything. To come out here and do what we did [Wednesday]... All the attorneys worked tirelessly and endlessly," Mayfield said. "It all paid off for us."

Mayfield is still unsure if he will be able to put together the money needed to take his car to Daytona. Although the deadline to enter the race was June 23, Mayfield can join as a late entry up until when the garage opens at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. No championship points will be awarded if he makes it into the race.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France said there are no plans to file an appeal, but the option hasn't been ruled out. "We're disappointed, but we'll honor the court's wishes. That's where we stand. I'm not going to comment on what we're going to do yet on the next legal process."

Mayfield will continue to be tested on a regular basis, beginning at Daytona if he decides to race.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Automotive sector seeks new stimulus  
ISTANBUL - Turkey’s auto industry has been hit hard by the crisis, but is ’still on its feet,’ says Cengiz Kabatepe, president of the Automobile Industry Promotion Committee. He adds that a ’permanent stimulus’ is needed to achieve sustainable competitiveness.

Automotive sector seeks new stimulus Speaking about the destructive effects of the global crisis on the automobile sector, a top representative of the industry said now is the time to "heal wounds."

At a press conference in Istanbul Thursday, Cengiz Kabatepe, president of Turkey’s Automobile Industry Promotion Committee, or OETK, said the sector should be ready for "the great match to start in the aftermath of the crisis."

"We are living through a non-desirable break in the industry, but we will definitely play the second half," Kabatepe said.

Due to the global crisis, automobile exports in the first half of the year fell 48.9 percent while employment dropped 15 percent, he noted, adding that despite all odds, the sector will overcome this formidable challenge.

"The temporary private consumption tax relief from the government has stimulated the domestic market, raising morale in all sectors," he said. "But such measures have short-term and limited effects on production. For a sustainable competitiveness, permanent stimulus packages should be enacted."

Government aid that is delivered "as part of a long-term strategic plan" may turn Turkey into a production center, contributing to the country’s development, Kabatepe said. "The crisis wounded us, but we are on our feet. Now is the time to heal wounds and prepare for the big match that is to start in the aftermath of the crisis. The automobile industry, despite all its current problems, is the way out for Turkey."

A locomotive sector

"The automobile sector is the locomotive of Turkey," he added. "Factories in Turkey are the best, the most productive and the most qualified factories of global brands. It is a way to sell cars [abroad] that are produced in Turkey."

The auto sector is also a serious supplier for high-added value segments, he reminded, noting that Turkey has a very successful sub-industry.

"In commercial vehicles, Turkey has attained astounding success," he said. "If Turkey can grab the logistical opportunities that its geographical location creates, it can be extremely competitive."

Noting that Istanbul is vying to be a "global city," Kabatepe suggested that Istanbul and other Turkish cities may be "design heavens" if the necessary incentives are implemented. "Let us make Turkey a new base for global design, research and development in automotive, fashion, medicines, health equipment and electronics."

Speaking at the press conference, Ferit Sünneli, president of the Uludað Exporters Union of Vehicles and Sub-Industry, or UTAYSÝB, said exports in the sector dipped in January.

"Despite the deep crisis, automobile sector representatives raised their share of exports among the top 1,000 exporters 16.5 percent to $21.8 billion," Sünneli said.

Source : www.hurriyet.com.tr (7/2/2009)

Hurst To Build Limited-Edition Pontiac G8 H.O.  
IRVINE, California — Hurst Performance Vehicles, better known for its long involvement with Oldsmobile and such muscle cars as the Hurst/Olds 4-4-2, has turned its attention to another moribund General Motors brand. The hot-rod builder said it will market two limited-edition products, a Hurst/Pontiac G8 H.O. (high output) and a Hurst/Pontiac G6 Convertible.

Working with Hurst on the Pontiac project is Jack "Doc" Watson, the longtime Hurst executive and performance guru, known to muscle-car cognoscenti as The Shifty Doctor.

HPV said it plans to "hand-build" 52 copies of the Hurst/Pontiac G8 H.O., which will get a supercharged engine, suspension modifications, a Hurst shifter, Hurst forged alloy wheels, special interior trim and a choice of white/gold or black/gold exterior paint.

In addition, the company will build 10 Hurst/Pontiac G6 Convertibles, which it said can be used as parade and special-event cars.

GM is discontinuing the Pontiac brand as part of its broader bankruptcy filing and reorganization, and both the G6 and G8 are being taken out of production.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Auto sector registers growth despite slowdown  
NEW DELHI: Despite economic slowdown that has affected the automobile industry, production and exports of the sector went up last fiscal, said the Economic Survey 2008-09, and underlined that the industry employs over one crore people. While the overall automobile production went up by 3 per cent to reach 1.11-crore, exports increased by over 23 per cent to over 15-lakh. The domestic turnover of the sector stood at Rs. 2.19-lakh crore, while exports totalled at Rs. 31,782 crore, taking the total size of the industry to Rs. 2.50-lakh crore during 2008-09.

The survey also pointed out that although auto industry production grew at a CAGR of 11.5 per cent over the last five years, in 2007-08 it fell into the negative territory (-2.3 per cent), after witnessing a high growth rate of 13.6 per cent in 2006-07. “However, in 2008-09, the industry has witnessed a modest growth of three per cent,” it said. However, it was the utility and commercial vehicle segment that remained an area of concern with negative growth rates of (-)11.9 per cent and (-)24 per cent.The survey said the automobile sector has a strong multiplier effect on the economy due to its deep forward and backward linkages with several key segments of the economy.

Source : The Hindu (Online Edition) (7/2/2009)

Auto industry logs 11.5 pc growth  
NEW DELHI: The automotive industry in India grew at a computed annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5 per cent over the past five years, the Economic Survey 2008-09 tabled in parliament Thursday said.

"The industry has a strong multiplier effect on the economy due to its deep forward and backward linkages with several key segments of the economy," a finance ministry statement said.

The automobile industry, which was plagued by the economic downturn amidst a credit crisis, managed a growth of 0.7 per cent in 2008-09 with passenger car sales registering 1.31 per cent growth while the commercial vehicles segment slumped 21.7 per cent.

Source : Economic Times (7/2/2009)

U.S. Automakers Look to Crossover Car Segment to Energize Sales  
DETROIT -: As automobile manufacturers move through the reorganization process, companies are banking on the Crossover category to energize car sales and bring consumers back into showrooms. Due to its rising popularity, General Motors is expecting a growth of about 60% in this category by 2013. In fact, their first vehicle introduced since the reorganization is a completely re-designed crossover SUV called the Equinox. The Equinox will get over 32 miles per gallon on the highway and provide a range of nearly 550 miles. It will also have 5-star safety and six airbags, delivering the best in each of those categories.

The all-new 2010 Equinox blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps this great-looking compact crossover deliver expected best-in-segment EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg – a 33-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly three-quarters of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

kbb.com and Ford Launches (Not Quite Accurate) 'Cash for Clunkers' Calculator  
IRVINE, Calif., Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new-car and used-car information, today announces the launch of its Cash for Clunkers Calculator on its top-rated Web site, kbb.com. Using the Cash for Clunkers Calculator, consumers can gain important details to assist them in determining if their current vehicle might be eligible for up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient new car, research new-car options, and reach a dealer -- all in one place.

Kbb.com provides a simple, interactive Cash for Clunkers Calculator to help consumers determine whether they may be eligible for a credit under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), the official government name of the Cash for Clunkers program. The calculator helps consumers evaluate vehicles with model years between 1989 and 2009 based on make, model, condition, and mileage. The age of the vehicle, its fuel economy and the fuel efficiency rating of the new car are key factors to determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a 'Cash for Clunkers' credit toward the purchase of a new vehicle. The calculator also displays the Kelley Blue Book(R) Trade-In Value, to help consumers determine whether their vehicle is worth more or less than the possible credit they could receive from the CARS program.

Under this groundbreaking, government-sponsored program, a consumer can receive instant credit toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle upon trade-in of an old, gas-guzzling ride that has a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles-per-gallon or less, is in drivable condition and has been insured and registered for the past year by the same owner.

"While the conditions of the new Cash for Clunkers program can be confusing, kbb.com provides a means of assisting consumers to determine eligibility and help get them into their next new car quickly and easily," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Ford will be the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers program on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Ford has been on the forefront of this new federal program and is dedicated to providing consumers the information they need. Ford also recently launched its 'Let Ford Recycle Your Ride' campaign to help take the confusion out of the Cash for Clunkers program. With an impressive line-up of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and utility vehicles, Ford can offer a variety of gas-sipping models to fit the needs of any consumer.

"Kelley Blue Book is pleased to have Ford as the official sponsor of the Cash for Clunkers Calculator on kbb.com," said Justin Yaros, executive vice president of product design and development for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Together, we have the ability to further educate the consumer on the new government program and assist in all stages of the shopping process."

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Farmers Insurance Acquisition of 21st Century Insurance Finalized  
LOS ANGELES -: The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of AIG's U.S. Personal Auto Group, which includes 21st Century Insurance. In addition to 21st Century Insurance, the acquisition includes the former AIG Direct business and Agency Auto business. The purchase price amounts to approximately $1.9 billion.

Under the agreement, AIG's U.S. personal auto insurance business is being sold to Farmers Group, Inc., a Los Angeles-based subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services Group. Farmers Group, Inc. will sell the underlying insurance entities to the Farmers Exchanges, which Farmers Group, Inc. manages but does not own, for approximately $1.4 billion.

This acquisition by the Farmers Exchanges strengthens Farmers' place as the 3rd largest personal lines insurer in the US. And, the acquisition positions the Farmers Exchanges as the largest auto insurer in several states, including California. The acquisition is the largest in the 81-year history of Farmers.

The acquired companies operate in 49 states and Washington, D.C.; have more that 2.4 million customers; and insure more than 4 million vehicles in the US. Further, 21st Century Insurance is the nation's 3rd largest traditional "direct" writer of insurance. Without including 21st Century customers, Farmers already provides auto, home, business, specialty, life insurance and financial services to 10.5 million US households.

Farmers Group, Inc. CEO F. Robert Woudstra described the acquisition as a "positive and historic milestone for Farmers, 21st Century, Farmers agents, and, most importantly, insurance consumers across the United States."

"We welcome 21st Century CEO Tony DeSantis and his highly professional and accomplished management team and employees into the Farmers family," Mr. Woudstra said. "This acquisition represents a perfect strategic business fit and will dramatically transform the insurance landscape by positioning Farmers as the leading multi-line, multi-channel insurer in the United States. Most importantly, this acquisition enables us to accommodate the shopping needs of all insurance consumers."

In addition to the positive impact on consumers, Mr. Woudstra explained, that Farmers' vast national network of insurance agents also will benefit from the acquisition. "This acquisition will enable 21st Century customers to have access to Farmers agents, who can help them with their other insurance needs, such as homeowners, business, specialty products, life insurance and financial service products," Mr. Woudstra said.

"Since our founding in 1928, Farmers has been built by thousands of loyal, passionate, customer-focused Farmers agents, district managers and employees," Mr. Woudstra said. "Farmers is strongly committed to growth, success and expansion, all of which include a strong, vibrant agency distribution system. The acquisition of 21st Century is an extension of that commitment to our agents, raising their visibility and access to the rapidly expanding network of internet shoppers."

"Research clearly shows that more and more insurance consumers are shopping, quoting and purchasing insurance products online," Mr. Woudstra said. "This addition of 21st Century will provide Farmers with a geographically broader and more diverse market presence across the country, including the eastern seaboard - a key target market for future Farmers growth." Mr. Woudstra added.

Commenting on the historical significance of the acquisition, Mr. Woudstra said, the 21 st Century acquisition, which is the largest in the 81-year history of Farmers, demonstrates the company's commitment to growth.

"When you combine this acquisition with the our other, successful, recent acquisitions and integrations of the Foremost Insurance Group in 2000 and the Bristol West Insurance Group in 2007, it's quite obvious we are committed to growing our business when it makes strategic sense to do so for the benefit of our customers, our agents and our prospective customers," concluded Mr. Woudstra.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

CT&T Announces Plans for U.S. Electric Vehicle Production  
SEOUL, South Korea, CT&T Company, Ltd., a global leader in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, announced plans today for e-Zone and c-Zone electric vehicle production in the United States with plans to employ 2,600, including production workers and managers, over the next five years.

CT&T United, the U.S. subsidiary of CT&T Korea, Ltd. is investing significantly to maintain its global position in the move towards consumer use of electric vehicles by establishing its North American headquarters, a research and development center and several manufacturing facilities to produce and market an entire product line of EVs and batteries. Company officials are considering potential sites in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and California.

In making the announcement, CT&T President and CEO Young Gi Lee said, "While we are reviewing a number of locations for our operations, we are committed to having a major presence in the Southeastern and West Coast regions."

CT&T United will produce and market City Drive Electrical Vehicles (EVs), Mid-speed Electric Vehicles, High-speed Electric Vehicles, Utility Electric Vehicles, as well as batteries in the Lead Acid, Advanced Lead Acid, Lithium Polymer and Lithium Ion categories for domestic and export markets.

"We are accelerating our plans to become a major investor in zero emissions vehicle technologies in the U.S.," said Lee. "CT&T has become a category leader because of our advanced technology, plus we offer a solution to the primary barrier to consumer adoption of electric vehicles by offering EVs at affordable prices."

By the fourth quarter of 2009, the company expects to begin selling c-Zone utility EVs for commercial and government applications as well the e-Zone City Drive EVs. Vehicles will range in price from $8,000 US dollars to $16,000 fully equipped.

CT&T United recently submitted proposals to work with the Department of Energy to accelerate the implementation of battery, electric motor drive and electric vehicle technologies. DOE is expected to announce their plans regarding these proposals later this summer.

CT&T works in four battery platforms by co-operatively manufacturing with Korean partners SK Energy, Sebang, EIG Corporation, LG Chemical Corporation, FCP, and Samsung. Specifically, the company works in Lead Acid, Lithium Polymer, Fuel Cell (FCP) and Lithium-ion battery systems.

The company has also announced a joint venture with PUES Corporation of Tokyo Japan for the development and production of inverters and new technology In-Wheel Motors.

"We have an aggressive market development plan, and our innovative Regional Assembly and Sales (RAS) system will enable us to reach our employment predictions of more than 10,000 people in the U.S. by 2014," said Lee. The RAS system is characterized by a network of regional joint ventures that will facilitate manufacturing, assembly and sales activities in specific geographic market areas throughout the U.S.

In addition to its manufacturing and distribution initiatives, CT&T United will partner with Research and Development teams in the U.S. to supplement and expand upon the company's activities in Korea. Currently, CT&T Korea, Ltd. works closely with Korea's leading technology research universities - Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Polytechnic University, Ajou Motor College, and Soongsil to develop new cost and energy efficient Battery Platform, Drivetrain System, and Electric Vehicle technologies.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

More than Half of Highway Fatalities Are Related to Deficient Roadway Conditions  
WASHINGTON, More than half of U.S. highway fatalities are related to deficient roadway conditions - a substantially more lethal factor than drunk driving, speeding or non-use of safety belts - according to a landmark study released today. Ten roadway-related crashes occur every minute (5.3 million a year) and also contribute to 38 percent of non-fatal injuries, the report found.

In revealing that deficiencies in the roadway environment contributed to more than 22,000 fatalities and cost the nation more than $217 billion annually, the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) concluded that making the roadway environment more protective and forgiving is essential to reducing highway fatalities and costs.

"If we put as much focus on improving road safety conditions as we do in urging people not to drink and drive, we'd save thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year," principal study author Dr. Ted Miller said. Miller, an internationally-recognized safety economist with PIRE added, "Safer drivers and safer cars remain vitally important, but safer roadways are critical to saving lives, preventing injuries and reducing costs."

Titled "On a Crash Course: The Dangers and Health Costs of Deficient Roadways," the study found the $217 billion cost of deficient roadway conditions dwarfs the costs of other safety factors, including: $130 billion for alcohol, $97 billion for speeding, or $60 billion for failing to wear a safety belt. Indeed, the $217 billion figure is more than three-and-one-half times the amount of money government at all levels is investing annually in roadway capital improvements - $59 billion, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The report concluded that roadway related crashes impose $20 billion in medical costs; $46 billion in productivity costs; $52 billion in property damage and other resource costs; and $99 billion in quality of life costs which measure the value of pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life by those injured or killed in crashes and their families. The report also found that crashes linked to road conditions cost American businesses an estimated $22 billion at a time when many firms are struggling. According to the report, crashes linked to road conditions cost taxpayers over $12 billion every year.

"Recent concerns about swine flu pale in comparison to the number of crash victims I treat," said Dr. Jared Goldberg, an emergency room physician in Alexandria, VA. "In medical terms, highway fatalities and injuries have reached epidemic proportions, and efforts to prevent further spread of this plague are essential. In the absence of a true vaccine to defend ourselves, fixing dangerous roads would help prevent traffic crashes from occurring in the first place."

On a Crash Course identifies ways transportation officials can improve road conditions to save lives and reduce injuries. For example, immediate solutions for problem spots include: replacing non-forgiving poles with breakaway poles, using brighter and more durable pavement markings, adding rumble strips to shoulders, mounting more guardrails or safety barriers, and installing better signs with easier-to-read legends. The report also suggested more significant road improvements, including: adding or widening shoulders, improving roadway alignment, replacing or widening narrow bridges, reducing pavement edges and abrupt drop offs, and clearing more space adjacent to roadways.

"Although behavioral factors are involved in most crashes, avoiding those crashes through driver improvement requires reaching millions of individuals and getting them to sustain best safety practices," continued Miller. "It is far more practical to make the roadway environment more forgiving and protective."

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Volkswagen Named a Full-Line Corporate Leader in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index  
HERNDON, VA -: Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that they have been named a corporate leader in Strategic Vision Inc.'s Total Quality Index(R) (TQI). This marks the fourth consecutive year in a row that Volkswagen of America has been honored as a leader in the TQI rankings. For 2009, Volkswagen has the most models across the segments being measured than any other brand -- New Beetle, Rabbit, Jetta, CC, and Tiguan are all TQI leaders for their respective segments.

"We're excited that Volkswagen continues to do so well in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "It reiterates that our vehicles provide a high standard of quality, are fun to drive, and that our owners are some of the most passionate brand advocates in the market."

The Strategic Vision Total Quality Index offers a complete measure of new vehicle owner satisfaction. It asks customers to evaluate all aspects of their ownership experience, from purchasing and owning to performance and handling. It is much more than just counting problems, rather it provides an overall impression of how customers evaluate their new vehicle ownership experience.

"In today's difficult market, the difference between products that generate consideration, build brands and increase sales versus those that do not is often how much delight and love the product generates with its customers," said Dr. Darrel Edwards, Chairman of Strategic Vision.

To calculate TQI, Strategic Vision asks owners to evaluate their new car experience by measuring: The initial perception of quality, the overall perception of satisfaction, the willingness to be an advocate for the brand, emotional attachment to vehicle, future purchase intention associated with the brand and overall experience with the vehicle. Strategic Vision also asks the customers to evaluate the experience based on product attributes and their dealership experience as well.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Porsche at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed  
With an unbeaten record of 16 victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, the reputation of Porsche has been founded on success in the high speed, high pressure motor sport environment. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Porsche 917, the first Porsche to win Le Mans outright, and it is therefore appropriate that the theme of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) is ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’.

To commemorate this birthday occasion in style, a stunning selection of examples of the 917 – many on loan from the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany - will be present at Goodwood, including the 1970 Le Mans winner and the distinctively-liveried 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’.

A novel feature of the Festival of Speed is that it seeks to reunite famous race drivers with cars of the type they raced in period. Porsche enthusiasts visiting Goodwood will be able to see Richard Attwood, former F1 driver and 1970 Le Mans winner for Porsche, driving a 917; sports car racing legend Brian Redman will be behind the wheel of the 917/30 CanAm racer; David Piper, who bought a 917 new from the factory in 1969, will be driving his own car; and Jackie Oliver, who won Le Mans in 1969, will be reunited with an evocative Gulf-liveried 917.

Naturally, there will be many other examples of the Porsche marque in action at Goodwood, and there are in fact two exclusive UK debuts in the Sunday Times Supercar Run, a renowned showcase of the fastest and most exclusive road-going sports cars. The latest Porsche 911 GT3 – ten years since the now-legendary GT3 series began – will be making its first UK appearance, and also guaranteed to draw attention will be the first public unveiling of the new Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo.

Visitors to the Festival of Speed will also be able to experience Porsche power personally courtesy of driving consultants from the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, who will be demonstrating the performance and handling of the Porsche Cayenne on a specially designed dynamics course at the Porsche Driving Experience area.

For visitors wishing to refuel themselves, the Porsche Café Le Mans will be once more situated on the outside of the track near the footbridge, offering meals and refreshments.

The Porsche Café Le Mans will also host the UK debut of a remarkable 1/6th scale model of the Porsche 917. Produced by Dynamic Concept of Paris, this model offers such outstanding levels of detail that it would not look out of place alongside the legendary 917 examples in the paddock.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will this year provide the backdrop to a remarkable demonstration of grit and determination when Porsche aims to break a Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered in 48 hours by a team of 12 runners using treadmills.

Organised by the sports scientists from the Porsche Human Performance Centre at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, this gruelling athletic exercise - supported by Technogym and Adidas - will take place live at the Porsche exhibition area over the Festival weekend. Starting at 12 noon on Friday July 3, the runners are seeking to break the former distance record of 495.76 miles set in April 2008 – which means maintaining an average speed of over 10mph!

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Safety Advocates Warn: U.S. Road Death Reduction Largely Due to Economic Recession,...  
WASHINGTON, PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is a statement of Judith Lee Stone, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), www.saferoads.org, on today's release of the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Data for 2008 by the U.S. Department of Transportation:

"The release of 2008 fatality data today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates a significant drop in motor vehicle crash deaths over the same time period in 2007 (9.7%). The overall number of traffic fatalities reported in 2008 was 37,261, compared to 41,259 in 2007. This is no great surprise, given the economic recession the entire nation was, and is experiencing. In previous recessions - the early 1980s and early 1990s - a similar dramatic drop in car crash fatalities was evident, due to greatly reduced exposure and many fewer discretionary trips taken by motorists.

"Although it is always heartening to know fewer people died and suffered injuries in motor vehicle crashes, we cannot rely on poor economic conditions to ensure major progress in traffic safety, especially because historical trends tell us the numbers will reverse as the economy improves. There are still nearly 40,000 people dying on the nation's roads, and hundreds of thousands more sustain life-changing and debilitating injuries on an annual basis.

"Advocates is dedicated to achieving permanent, substantial reductions in the number of annual deaths and injuries by adopting key policy improvements at the federal and state levels, and strongly urges Congress to adopt the following initiatives in the ongoing transportation reauthorization, or as stand-alone bills:

--H.R. 1895, Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act, sponsored by Reps. Tim Bishop (D-NY), Michael Castle (R-DE) and Chris Van Hollen, Jr. (D-MD).The 2007 FARS data shows that at least 7,500 people died in teen-related crashes, the majority of them teens.These tragedies often happen one or two at a time, so the outrage about the public epidemic these numbers represent is muted.Every death, especially of a child, is a terrible waste, particularly when we know that there are proven solutions in comprehensive graduated driver licensing programs that can prevent many of these tragedies.H.R. 1895 would go a long way toward reducing these staggering figures that represent incalculable harm in the lives of very real people.

--Primary Enforcement Seat Belt Laws in Every State.The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 2009, currently proceeding through the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, wisely includes a provision that would encourage every state to pass a primary enforcement seat belt use law, allowing police enforcement officials to stop motorists for not using a seat belt without first having to ticket them for another violation.These laws have proven effective in raising seat belt use rates and saving lives.States that do not enact such a law in three years would be sanctioned a portion of their federal-aid highway fundsuntil they enact the belt law upgrade.30 states and DC currently have primary enforcement authority in their laws; this provision would result in all 50 states enforcing optimal safety belt laws and higher use rates across the nation.Advocates worked for adoption of this key safety measure in the STAA of 2009 and strongly urges the full committee to keep it in the bill.

--Electronic On-Board Recorders in All Commercial Vehicles in Interstate Commerce.The STAA of 2009 also requires that interstate trucks (at or above 10,000 pounds) and buses (that carry eight or more passengers for compensation) be equipped with electronic on-board recordersthat will reduce driver fatigue by improving enforcement of the current lax hours-of-service reporting system.This is a crucial reform that Advocates and other safety groups have petitioned the Department of Transportation to implement for many years.

--Stronger State Ignition Interlock Impaired Driving Laws.The STAA 2009 also provides that states adopt impaired driving laws that require the use of ignition interlock devices on vehicles of drivers convicted of impaired driving, upon first offense and thereafter.This provision will accelerate the pace of adoption of important laws that will deter drunk and drugged driving in every state, reducing the toll of nearly 12,000 people who die annually in alcohol-involved auto crashes.

"Congress has the responsibility to provide leadership and to be pro-active in saving lives and avoiding costly injuries. Congress has a unique opportunity to act on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are killed and seriously injured unnecessarily in preventable motor vehicle crashes each year. This is the time to put in place proven, inexpensive, and long-term solutions that will save lives and taxpayer dollars."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

BMW reveals X1 in full  
As buyers continue to downsize from large off-roaders and SUVs, the X1 scores thanks to the upright, commanding driving position with compact dimensions.

Most frugal model in the X1 range is the rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18d, which is powered by an diesel inline four producing 143 hp.

It accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, averages 54.3 mpg combined fuel consumption, with CO2 emissions of just 136 g/km.

The range-topper will be the 4x4 xDrive28i, which manages the sprint in only 6.8 seconds thanks to a straight-six petrol. It averages 30 mpg and 219 g/km of CO2.

The X1 features a wide range of storage options, and the variable interior offers an attractive proposition for both the urban environment and beyond.

There are three full-sized seats at the rear, and the rear-seat backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split.

In conjunction with the optional Business and Professional navigation systems, the BMW X1 is equipped with the latest generation of BMW iDrive.

Prices for the brand new BMW X1 will be announced nearer the car's on-sale date.

Source : www.newcarnet.co.uk (7/2/2009)

Honda backs Tour of Britain cycle race  
Honda has become the official car partner for the Tour of Britain, a professional cycle race attracting over a million spectators each year.

The company will provide over 40 support cars to race organisers, to deliver the largest free-to-attend national cycle stage race in Britain.

The fleet will be used for routing, planning, marketing and during the actual cycling event.

And it will comprise of British-built Civics and CR-Vs, as well as Honda's new Insight hybrid car.

The Tour of Britain's Commercial Manager, Alastair Grant said: "We are thrilled to have Honda on board and look forward to working with them closely."

Ken Keir, Managing Director, Honda (UK) said: "The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity, the majority of our race support cars are built in Britain and all are low emission.

"So what better shop window could we have than the huge crowds drawn to this amazing countrywide spectacle."

World-class riders will compete in the event which starts in Yorkshire on 12 September and ends in central London on 19 September, 2009.

Source : www.newcarnet.co.uk (7/2/2009)

Six lakh jobs lost in four months: Survey  
More than 6,00,000 Indians, many employed in the gems and jewellery sector, lost jobs in just four months from October 2008 as the impact of the global economic crisis hit the country's shores.

About 5,00,000 people lost their jobs in the October-December 2008 period, while over 1,00,000 were shed in January this year, the Economic Survey said.

In September, the crisis turned severe following the bankruptcy of American financial services major Lehman Brothers. Since then, millions of jobs have been shed worldwide, as companies resorted to massive layoffs as part of their cost cutting measures.

Attributing to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the report said that during the three months from October to December 2008, there was a decline in employment of about half a million workers.

Among the sectors, the most hit by the financial turmoil are gems and jewellery, transport and automobiles.

"The most affected sectors were gems and jewellery, transport and automobiles where employment has declined by 8.58 per cent, 4.03 per cent and 2.42 per cent, respectively during the period (October to December 2008)," it said.

Another "thin sample survey" by the Ministry of Labour and Employment indicated that in January about 1,00,000 jobs were lost.

Another sample survey carried out by the Department of Commerce for 402 exporting units showed that 1,09,000 jobs were shed during August 2008 to mid-January 2009 period.

"Two other surveys (by Department of Commerce) for the period August 2008 to February 9, 2009 and August 2008 to February 28, 2009 revealed job losses (direct and indirect) of 1,17,602 and 1,19,159 persons, respectively," the Economic Survey said.

However, there is a reason to be optimistic since yet another survey conducted by the Labour Bureau for the January-March period showed improvement in the employment scenario in selected sectors.

The Labour Bureau survey, which covered 3,192 units, indicated improvement in the selected sectors with employment rising by a "quarter million".

"Sectors registering increased employment were gems and jewellery (3.08 per cent), textiles (0.96 per cent), IT-BPO (0.82 per cent), handloom-powerloom (0.56 per cent) and automobile (0.10 per cent)," the Survey said quoting the Labour Bureau.

In the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12), about 58 million employment opportunities are projected to be created and the unemployment rate is anticipated to fall below five per cent.

Source : Business Standard (Online Edition) (7/2/2009)

RNCOS Releases a New Report - Indian Automobile Sector Analysis  
PRLog (Press Release) –– RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, “Indian Automobile Sector Analysis” to its report gallery. De-licensing in 1991 put the Indian automobile industry on a new growth trajectory, which attracted foreign auto giants to set up their production facilities in the country to take advantage of various benefits it offers. Large middle class population, growing earning power and strong technological capability have been boosting automobile demand for past few years. Despite economic slowdown, the Indian automobile sector is expected to see high growth in coming years, especially in passenger cars segment, said our new research report, "Indian Automobile Sector Analysis”.

The passenger vehicle market, which constitutes around 80% of automobile sales, has immense growth potential as passenger car stock stood at around 11 per 1,000 people in 2008. Anticipating the future market potential, the production of passenger vehicle is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of around 10% from 2009-10 to 2012-13.

The recent launch of Tata Nano has brought about a new revolution in the country’s small car segment. Seeing the good initial response from consumers, many other players in the industry are chalking out their plans to launch cars in this segment in the next few years. Our research foresees a CAGR growth of around 14.5% in domestic volume sales of passenger vehicles during the forecast period. Other segments, such as two-wheelers, multi-purpose vehicle and light commercial vehicle, are also expected to witness fast growth in coming years.

The report covers various aspects of the Indian automobile market and gives detailed analysis of its various segments such as passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, utility vehicles, multi-purpose, two wheelers and three wheelers. Each section succinctly explains the current and future market trends, and developments in the Indian automobile market. There are immense opportunities for various industry players including automobile manufacturers and players of automobile components.

Besides, we have also comprehensively analyzed the auto component industry and its future outlook. The study has evaluated growth avenues available for the automobile market, which include automotive design market, non-conventional vehicle market, domestic tyre industry, India as global manufacturing hub, green car market etc.

Source : www.prlog.org (7/2/2009)

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: 2011 BMW X1  
MUNICH, Germany — BMW has finally ended its striptease for the X1, releasing official images and details of the new compact crossover ahead of its formal launch in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The BMW X1, however, won't make the Atlantic crossing until calendar year 2011.

Joining a rapidly expanding lineup of CUVs that includes the X3, X5 and X6, the new X1 goes on sale this fall in Europe. It will compete with such entries as the Volkswagen Tiguan and the upcoming Audi Q3. Another potential competitor is the upcoming 2011 BMW 335i GT hatchback.

The X1 will be offered in Europe in both rear-wheel-drive (sDrive) and all-wheel-drive (xDrive) configurations, with a choice of one gasoline and three diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. The most frugal diesel variant, fitted with auto stop-start, will deliver up to 45 mpg on the European test cycle, BMW says.

U.K. pricing already has been released, and British buyers can expect a range from $37,000-$40,750.

Source : www.edmunds.com (7/2/2009)

Vast 35-Metre Audi 'Monument' Takes Centre Stage at Goodwood  
MILTON KEYNES – UNITED KINGDOM –: Every year since 1997, Lord March has surprised us all with ever more vast and spectacular centrepieces for the Festival of Speed at his home, Goodwood House in West Sussex. For 2009 the latest sculptural ‘monument’ will be unveiled for the start of the three day Festival (3 to 5 July), which is likely to entertain a record number of 130,000 visitors for this year.

The Festival’s work of art is the focus of Audi's global centenary celebrations - a truly breathtaking 35 metre high automotive ‘monument'. The Audi ‘central feature' art installation is one of the most ambitious and stunning sculptures ever constructed for Lord March’s unique and world leading annual Festival, representing the unique style of one of the world's most progressive automotive brands.

The jaw-dropping 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature actually marks the second occasion that Audi has chosen to celebrate a significant anniversary at Goodwood. In 1999, Audi was honoured with one of the most striking and memorable Goodwood central features to date for its 90th anniversary. The famous Avus race track banking was recalled in an astonishing installation that also included the iconic Auto Union Streamliner and a stunning Audi Avus quattro concept car perched high on the banking.

Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March’s evergreen creative collaborator, the sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as the just launched R8 V10 sports car suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic ‘swoosh’ of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky. The sculpture is the latest in a grand tradition of central displays at the Festival. Each year Judah honours the featured marque with its own central display but this year’s is something very special.

“I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi’s 100th anniversary,” explains Judah. “The sculpture had to have a celebratory theme and it also had to encompass the qualities of the Audi brand: sporty, prestigious and progressive.

“I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn’t have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration and designed this ‘swoosh’ with a car at either end to represent Audi’s 100-year history.

“It’s made entirely of steel and although the design looks simple, it’s actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props.”

The total weight of the structure is 40 tonnes – the equivalent of 40 small family cars. It took two 100 tonne cranes to erect the structure and four weeks for 12 men to fabricate, build and install the structure.

As well as the Audi sculpture, the Festival will showcase Audi’s most important cars and drivers from its illustrious century – from the days of the Grand Prix Auto Union ‘Silver Arrows’ of the thirties, through the ‘quattro years’ of the Eighties, right up to the present day.

Ten years on from its Goodwood debut, the Audi marque has progressed to become an even more significant player in the global premium car market, combining an enviable image for innovation and quality, and exhibiting consistent worldwide sales growth breaking the million global the widest and most comprehensive product programmes in the premium car sector, ranging from the hugely successful A3, right through to the pioneering R8, and including the Q7 V12TDI, with an engine directly developed from Audi's all-conquering turbo diesel sales barrier last year.

The Festival is famously held on the hill climb course and the grounds of Goodwood House on Lord March’s 12,000-acre West Sussex estate.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Volvo: Investment in Volvo's Fuel-Cell Technology to Create 100 New Positions (And The U.S. Has Stopped Funding H2 Cars-Hmmmm?)  
In partnership with international corporations Midroc and OCAS, the Swedish Energy Agency and the Volvo Group are investing SEK 200 M in Volvo’s development of fuel cells. The investment will create around 100 new positions in the Gothenburg region within the next three years.

To accelerate the introduction of fuel cells into the market, the Volvo Group, through its company Volvo Technology Transfer, will receive investment from the companies Midroc New Technology and OCAS, as well as from the Swedish Energy Agency. The parties make a joint investment of SEK 200 M in Powercell Sweden AB in Gothenburg. Powercell Sweden is currently owned by Volvo Technology Transfer but following the investment, Volvo will be a minority owner.

In the autumn of 2009, Powercell Sweden will need to hire around 60 people in an entirely new plant in the Gothenburg region. Per Wassén, who is Investment Director at Volvo Technology Transfer and chairman of Powercell Sweden AB, foresees that the company will create around 100 new jobs within the next three years.

“We are immediately going to start hiring qualified people for production, product development, marketing and sales”, says Per Wassén.

A fuel cell resembles a small battery. It is charged with hydrogen gas and converts this into electricity, water and carbon dioxide through a chemical reaction. The areas of use can be power supply units for households, trucks, boats, radio masts in remote locations and electric hybrid vehicles. Compared with normal diesel or gas-powered engines, fuel cells produce significantly less carbon dioxide and no emissions at all of particulates and nitrogen oxides. In addition, they are more efficient, smaller and lighter.

“I am immensely proud that we are building this company on a technology that has been developed by Volvo for 15 years”, says Per Ekdunge, CEO of Powercell Sweden.

The company Powercell Sweden AB is based on two patented components: a fuel converter (reformer) and a PEM fuel cell – the type of fuel cell most often used in transport applications. The fuel converter produces hydrogen gas from bio fuels such as ethanol, DME (Dimethyl ether), biogas, methanol and biodiesel, but also from regular diesel or gasoline. The PEM fuel cell then converts the hydrogen gas into electricity.

“Thanks to our reformer technology we are now ready to start our production without having to wait for an infrastructure for the distribution of hydrogen gas. This is truly a major step in the development of fuel cells”, says Per Wassén.

Volvo Technology Transfer is a subsidiary of the Volvo Group. Volvo Technology Transfer develops and supports new business that is relevant to the Volvo Group. This comprises investing in companies and projects that are of strategic, technical and commercial interest.

Midroc New Technology, a part of Midroc Europe, develops and invests in future technologies within Clean Tech and BioMed. Midroc is owned by Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi who among other companies owns Preem Petroleum, Swedish Petroleum Exploration and Västra Hamnen Funds.

OCAS is an advanced market-driven material research center based in Belgium. OCAS’ part in the investment is taken up by its sister company, the investment fund Finindus. OCAS will support Powercell Sweden with the development and optimizing of materials and their implementations.

The Swedish Energy Agency’s portion of the investment comprises a loan of SEK 30 M for three years.

July 2, 2009

The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 100,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. In 2008 annual sales of the Volvo Group amounted to about SEK 300 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Panamera Launch in the Growth Markets Under new Management  
STUTTGART, GERMANY –: Right in time for the market introduction of Porsche's four-dour Gran Turismo Panamera starting in September, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is changing the management in three growth regions. Starting 1 August 2009, the sales companies in Canada, Russia and the regional office in Miami, Florida responsible for Latin America will be under new management.

Dr. Thomas Stärtzel, 49, who founded the regional office for Latin America in 2000 and increased sales in the region ten-fold from 264 to 2,712 vehicles as of the business year 2007/08, will be subsequent in charge of the sale of Porsche's four model ranges in Russia. Stärtzel, who started his career at Porsche in Germany in 1995, will therefore be continuing his successful work as President and Managing Director of Porsche Russia in Moscow.

Matthias Brück, 38, will be serving as the new President and Managing Director of Porsche Latin America starting in August. In the past, Brück was located in Germany as the regional sales director for the region Canada, USA, Latin America. He brings along 13 years of experience in the automobile industry to his new position in Miami and has been with Porsche since 2002. Joe Lawrence, 42, will be filling the position of President and Managing Director at the sales company in Canada in the future. Lawrence has held various positions in the automobile industry in Germany and North America since 1996.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Gearing up for an Ideal Start: The MINI One D. New Entry-Level Model Combines Pulling Power with Enhanced Economy.  
MUNICH, GERMANY –: The MINI model family is set to welcome another new arrival. A new entry-level diesel model will be launched in September 2009 and promises to deliver exceptionally economical driving fun. The MINI One D showcases the qualities of its state-of-the-art diesel engine as part of an attractive entry-level package. The drive system is based on the 1.6-litre diesel engine from the MINI Cooper D. Featuring a turbocharger and common rail direct injection, the new version of this four-cylinder unit develops peak output of 66 kW/90 hp and maximum torque of 215 Nm. Like the petrol-driven MINI One, the new MINI One D provides a particularly economical entry point into the world of the MINI brand, which is defined by driving fun and premium quality.

Instantaneous pulling power and impressively low fuel consumption are also keynote attributes of the MINI One D. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine features common rail direct injection technology and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, which ensures optimum power development through the entire engine speed range. Boasting an exceptionally lightweight aluminium construction, this four-cylinder diesel powerplant develops 66 kW/90 hp at 4,000 rpm and sources its peak torque of 215 Nm from as low down as 1, 750 rpm. The MINI One D completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 182 km/h. The new MINI One D is also fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and numerous efficiency-enhancing measures, which make an effective contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These include Brake Energy Regeneration – which concentrates power generation for the on-board power supply on periods when the car is braking and coasting – and the Auto Start Stop Function, which switches off the engine when the car stops at traffic lights or a junction. The MINI One D also comes with a Shift Point Display, which advises the driver of a good time to change gear to ensure efficient driving. The average fuel consumption of the MINI One D in the EU test cycle is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions stand at 104 grams per kilometre.

A precise six-speed manual gearbox makes every burst of acceleration in the new diesel model a genuine pleasure. As with all the brand’s models, the drive is sent to the front wheels of the MINI One D and – like its siblings – a central feature of its character is the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. This delightfully agile handling is underpinned by a combination of a McPherson spring-strut front axle construction, multi-link rear suspension and Electrical Power Steering (EPS). Speed-sensitive steering assistance guarantees both low steering forces when parking and precise responses at motorway speeds. In addition, EPS also enhances the efficiency of the car; the electric motor is only active, and therefore only uses energy, when steering assistance is required or desired by the driver. Among the safety features on board the MINI One D are front airbags and side head/thorax airbags, and all four seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts. All restraint systems are controlled by a central safety electronics system complete with sensors, and are applied as required by the type and intensity of the collision.

The standard equipment of the new entry-level diesel MINI matches that of the MINI One and its appearance likewise shows parallels with its petrol-driven equivalent. The MINI One D also has its roof in body colour, while its model-specific take on the typically MINI hexagonal radiator grille stands out from the other model variants with a chrome surround and black cross louvres. Like the MINI One, the MINI One D also has black mirror caps and a black boot lid handle, and the chromed tailpipe is the same as that on the exhaust system of the MINI Cooper D.

The market launch of the new entry-level diesel variant adds further to the variety of the MINI model range. In addition to the two diesel models – the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D – customers can also choose from the petrol-driven MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, and the particularly sports-oriented MINI John Cooper Works. All models are built according to the strict quality standards of the BMW Group at the MINI plant in Oxford. The MINI One D is also available with the extensive selection of optional extras and accessories which allow every MINI to become a personalised one-off example of its kind.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Hillsboro, Oregon Announces Plans to Rollout Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint Charging Station Infrastructure for Plug-In Vehicles  
HILLSBORO, Ore.; Coulomb Technologies, the leader in charging station infrastructure, today announced that the City of Hillsboro is the first in the State of Oregon to announce plans to deploy ChargePoint™ Networked Charging Stations for plug-in and electric vehicles. The 16 charging stations will be installed in downtown Hillsboro including their new “green” intermodal transit facility to be built in 2009. The charging stations, available for public use, are part of the city’s large-scale sustainability and green movement, designed to showcase conservation, environmentalism and eco-friendly design. Long known as the “Silicon Forest,” for its high-tech roots, Hillsboro is located 15 miles outside of Portland and is the home to more than 90,000 residents.

“Our city is progressive and aggressive in implementing sustainable solutions to environmental and economic challenges,” said David Robinson, director of Facilities and Fleet, City of Hillsboro. “We have a large forward-thinking population ready to embrace electric vehicle technology and the City is committed to providing the facilities to meet the public’s demand. These charging stations will be conveniently located in the heart of downtown, only one block from our train station, one block from our hospital and a short walk from Pacific University. We selected Coulomb’s charging stations because of the integrated advanced technology features; Coulomb is the only company we have found that has examined every facet of EV charging technology and developed the comprehensive solution. We are proud to be the first in the state to showcase this advanced technology; we hope other cities will follow and help us make Oregon the national leader in EV technology delivery.”

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Getting Back on the Road  
NEW YORK, PRNewswire/ -- As automobile manufacturers move through the reorganization process, American car buyers are waiting to see what comes next. With changing tastes and climbing fuel prices, companies are banking on the Crossover category to energize car sales and bring consumers back into showrooms.

The compact Crossover is a car-based vehicle that has the look and feel of an SUV, but the refinement of a car. Due to its rising popularity, General Motors is expecting a growth of about 60% in this category by 2013. In fact, their first vehicle introduced since the reorganization is a completely re-designed crossover SUV called the Equinox.

Expected to lead its competitors in fuel economy, the Equinox will get over 32 miles per gallon on the highway and provide a range of nearly 550 miles. It will also have 5-star safety and six airbags, delivering the best in each of those categories.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Suzuki Announces 'Free Gas for Summer' Sales Event  
BREA, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- To help motorists at the pump this summer driving season and generate additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models. In addition, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission. The Suzuki "Free Gas for Summer" sales program, which kicked off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31, is expected to further build brand interest and bolster summer sales of its versatile SX4 lineup.

"Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Working through our U.S. dealer network, we're happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season."

Customers will receive a stored value debit card that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car's EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration's estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

International Automobile Dealers Announce Monthly Sales  
ALEXANDRIA, Va., PRNewswire/ -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released June 2009 sales figures for the international automobile industry. AIADA represents over 11,000 international franchises, which so far this year account for 54.6 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States. Overall sales, including domestics and unadjusted for business days, were down 27.7 percent compared to June 2008 and 35.1 percent year to date.

Analysts had predicted that June would be a turning point for the industry, forecasting that the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate (SAAR) would break the 10 million mark for the first time this year. Instead, the SAAR slipped from 9.9 million in May to 9.7 million. "Auto dealers had high hopes for June's sales," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "Unfortunately, we didn't see the movement we were hoping for. Our focus is now on the second half of the year, which should be positively impacted by the recovering housing market and the incentivizing Cash for Clunkers program."

According to numbers from Autodata Corp., international brands sold 469,713 vehicles in June, down from 501,096 vehicles in May, and 644,832 in June 2008. Asian brands accounted for 45.8 percent of the market, down from 46.2 percent in June 2008, and Europeans had an 8.8 percent share, up from 8 percent. Domestic brands finished the month with 45.4 percent of the market.

June's dismal sales could be attributed to a number of factors, including an average rise in gas prices of 36 cents from May, a consumer confidence index that fell to 49.3 from 54.8 in May, and an unemployment rate of 9.5 percent, the highest since August, 1983. None the less, there are signs that support dealers' optimism. Sales in June were the second best of 2009, behind May, which some analysts see as a sign of stabilization. In addition, three brands - Rolls Royce, Subaru, and Volvo - actually surpassed their June 2008 sales by 3.6, 3.4, and 0.6 percent, respectively.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Continental Tire The Americas Announces Investment to Strengthen Presence in Latin...  
FORT MILL, S.C., PRNewswire/ -- Continental Tire North America (CTNA) today announced it has acquired the majority ownership of a leading passenger, light truck and commercial tire company in Latin America, Compania Ecuatoriana del Caucho S.A. (ERCO). The acquisition will give Continental a significantly improved competitive position in Latin America, through ERCO's strong distribution network in Ecuador and the Andean region, which includes the countries of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela and Ecuador. The ERCO Group is a vertically integrated tire business operated out of Ecuador and includes a tire plant in Cuenca, as well as associated operations including a rubber plantation, retreading plant, tire import businesses and various retail chains in the Andean region.

"Majority ownership of ERCO provides Continental with the ability to improve our entire value chain -- from the rubber plantation to the retail stores -- throughout the Americas region through ERCO's strong competence in the tire business," said Matthias Schoenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Continental Tire The Americas. "Our plan is to have ERCO manage the six countries of the Andean region so that we can expand our business in these critical growth markets which, together, have a larger population size than that of Mexico, but with faster growth."

"Continental will enable ERCO to dramatically improve its product portfolio, as well as its visibility throughout the region. In turn, Continental can expand our business and fully utilize the opportunities in these growth markets, through a complete footprint in the Andean region," Schoenberg said.

Currently, ERCO sells Continental, General, and Barum brands. The tire plant in Cuenca produces both passenger/light truck tires as well as commercial truck tires, and is the only plant in the region capable of producing radial truck tires. ERCO's Share of market is 11 percent in the Andean countries with about 45 percent share in the local Ecuadorian market.

"We are pleased to have this strengthened association with a global brand like Continental," said Jose Cuesta Vasconez, President of the Supervisory Board of ERCO. "The access to the products and systems of Continental will enable us to continue our positive trend of growth throughout the region."

ERCO Group has experienced a 15-20 percent growth rate over the last four years and expanded its associated retail chain to 120 retail stores. ERCO Group employs 1600 people in its businesses.

Continental has held a 42 percent stake in ERCO since 1987, when the company purchased General Tire, which originally held the ERCO stock.

"This action is a logical evolution to a successful, long-term relationship between ERCO and Continental," Schoenberg said. "The strong reputation that ERCO has earned as a major employer, manufacturer and, most importantly, a good corporate citizen in Ecuador and the region fits well into our corporate culture. Continental is proud to be able to continue this outstanding level of performance for employees, customers and the communities of the Andean Region."

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

New Fiat 500 C in the UK  
SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM –: Having made its international public debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Fiat 500 C, a convertible version of the iconic Fiat 500, goes on sale in the UK on Thursday 2 July – with the UK being the first market in the world to receive the vehicle.

The stylish new Fiat 500 C pays homage to the original 1957 fabric roof Fiat 500, but today’s thoroughly modern interpretation offers customers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, engines and comfort.

The Fiat 500 C’s introduction is thus absolutely in line with the authentic Fiat tradition of giving customers access to segment firsts in terms of content and technology, and comes just 18 months after the UK launch of the Fiat 500.

Fiat’s Centro Stile created the 500 C by interacting with the many international communities of Cinquecento enthusiasts – notably the 500 Wants You website – thus reinforcing the position of the model as a car for the people, by the people.

Starting from the basis of the highly successful hatchback, the introduction of a soft top version does not change the winning characteristics of the model, such as its four comfortable seats and its comprehensive safety equipment, but it does add new functions that heighten enjoyment, including easy access to the boot even when the soft top is fully open, thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges.

Another strong point of this original convertible version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that turbulence experienced on the move with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.

The decision to re-interpret the original design in a modern idiom, with an electric sliding roof that retains the shape of this classic vehicle, makes the Fiat 500 C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city car segment.

The Fiat 500 C soft top stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), the clever soft top is matched with various paint finishes, including three new creations: a pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, a Tech House Grey typical of high performance supercars, and Goth-Metal Blue.

The new Fiat 500 C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality desirable fabrics, including optional Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of market-dependent standard and optional features: from automatic climate control to its innovative Interscope HiFi System, from the Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit to a smart wind-stop, and a new collection of customisable options.

New Fiat 500 C retains the same dimensions as the hatchback (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm high) and shares all three of its lively, economical, low emissions power units: the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, together with the 69 bhp 1.2 litre and 100 bhp 1.4 litre petrol engines, both available with manual or Dualogic semi-automatic robotised gearboxes. Each Euro5-compliant engine offers different qualities, but all three are defined by a lively yet sophisticated feel.

The commercial launch of Fiat’s latest convertible ensures that the Fiat 500 continues to be much discussed, and confirms its status as an Italian style icon, able to win over the public and critics worldwide. Clear evidence of its success are the 30 awards it has won worldwide, the 11 million internet users who have visited its website (viewing a total of 200 million pages) and more than 360,000 customer orders for the vehicle received in the 59 markets where it is now on sale.

This is all the more impressive when it’s appreciated that more than half this vehicle’s sales have been recorded outside Italy, (50 per cent elsewhere in Europe and 8 per cent in the rest of the world). In each country where it has been launched, the Fiat 500 has generated enormous interest: in Japan, for example, there have been more than 5,000 orders. It should also be recognised that 80 per cent of Fiat 500 customers select the most expensive features and 90 per cent ask for the Blue&Me system.

In short, as an expression of Italy's pre-eminent automotive design, the Fiat 500 is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Group Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and great attention to detail. The new Fiat 500 C represents another step forward in this direction.

Alluring shape and innovative design

"The Fiat 500 C is not merely the open version of the 500," explains Roberto Giolito, Fiat & Abarth Style Director. "In fact, thanks to the wide range of available versions, this new model is really a whole new car in its own right, with a strong personality inherited from the original 1957 model and an undoubted sentimental value brought to it by so many fans over the years. If, on the one hand, the Fiat 500 C respects the original version, on the other it enriches it with new features which, thanks to stylistic choices, afford each one of us maximum freedom of use."

The Fiat 500 C uses a deeper windscreen than the Fiat 500. This is needed to resize the upper cross member; and affords a better view for the rear passengers, increases torsional rigidity and facilitates clean lines. These are also enhanced by the continuity of the windscreen, which extends to the fabric roof without exposing any part of the bodywork (an elegant and technologically sophisticated solution in keeping with the spirit of the 500 C).

If the soft top is down and the boot release is activated, an electronic system automatically lifts the hood a few centimetres to allow the boot to be fully opened. This functional and neat solution contributes to the fact that the Fiat 500 C is best in class for ease and versatility of loading and unloading. The luggage compartment itself, (with a capacity of 182 litres – just three litres less than the saloon version), together with a traditional upwards-opening boot and wide access, is spacious and easy to load.

The soft top is available in three colours (ivory, red and black) to match the numerous body colours (six pastel, three metallic and two pearlescent). Some of these are inspired by the vintage colours of its forerunner, while others are modern and boast a deliberately contemporary look. Among these, three were created specifically for the Fiat 500 C: pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, Tech House Grey (typical of high performance supercars) and elegant Goth-Metal Blue.

The interior of the Fiat 500 C boasts top quality materials. In particular, the new sporty seats are upholstered in a high quality durable fabric. The backrest and cushions of the rear seats keep passengers well located. As an option, the interior of the Fiat 500 C can be upholstered in black, beige or red Frau leather.

An innovative soft top for a unique style

The Fiat 500 C soft top is characterised by sophisticated electrically controlled movements and innovative technical solutions. In particular, a colour-coded moulding of the same colour as the soft top acts as a spoiler and houses a third brake light, creating similar aerodynamics to the saloon version – a class-leading Cx of 0.33.

In addition, when the soft top is down, the spoiler is arranged so that the third brake light is always visible. The double-layered roof fabric ensures the best possible insulation from the elements, and along with the fabric covered pillars, completes an attractive finish from the inside.

The electrically operated soft top can be controlled either by buttons next to the interior roof light, or from the car’s remote control unit. In addition, the soft top can be operated at any speed under 37 mph (60 km/h).

The soft top is designed to be easy to use: to open it, just press the button for at least half a second to trigger the movement that then continues automatically up to the spoiler position (a midway point can of course be chosen by pressing the button again). Press the button again for at least half-a-second to fully open the roof. When using the remote control, the roof can be opened only as far as the spoiler. For safety reasons, the roof stops at around 25 cm from complete closure; (just press and hold the button to complete the movement).

When the boot is open, the soft top can only be closed (the opening function is de-activated). However, if the roof is fully open and the boot needs to be opened, the soft top automatically moves to a midway point to avoid obstructing loading operations.

Finally, an optional wind-stop can easily be positioned behind the rear headrests (attached to the parcel shelf). This wind tunnel-tested accessory has been designed specifically for the Fiat 500 C. It offers a notable reduction in turbulence for all passengers, at all speeds, and there is no need to remove the wind-stop to open or close the soft top (another unique feature for this vehicle segment).

Environmentally friendly engines

The Fiat 500 C offers a comprehensive range of proven, widely acclaimed engines: two are petrol (a 1.2 litre, 69 bhp 8v and a 1.4 litre, 100 bhp 16v). The third is Fiat’s award-winning 1.3 litre, 75 bhp 16v MultiJet turbodiesel with DPF. Each one offers different qualities, but all are combined with five or six speed manual gearboxes. A Dualogic semi-automatic sequential robotised gearbox is also available for the petrol engines, complete with steering wheel paddle shift on the 1.4 version.

All engines boast sophisticated technology, and are characterised by their lively and flexible feel. Among their common qualities are proven reliability and notable respect for the environment. They all conform to tough Euro5 emissions standards, and the 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel is fitted with a diesel particulate filter as standard.

The Fiat 500's power units are produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the division of the Fiat Group that is wholly responsible for the innovation, research, design and production of engines and gearboxes for all types of vehicle: from cars to trucks, boats and agricultural equipment. With around 20,000 employees, 16 factories and 11 research centres across nine countries, this division is one of the most important global players in powertrain manufacturing. At FPT, around 3,000 highly specialised technicians are dedicated to developing and engineering innovative technologies. More than 40 patents filed every year is proof of the quality and seriousness of this commitment, making FPT a centre of excellence for technology and continuous innovation.

Specifically, Fiat’s proven and reliable 1,242 cm3 (1.2) Fire engine develops 69 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and torque of 102 Nm at 3,000 rpm, giving the Fiat 500 C a maximum speed of 99 mph. This 8v engine and manual gearbox in the Fiat 500 C offers outstandingly low fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. 0-62 mph acceleration is achieved in 12.9 seconds, a figure that is all the more impressive given the car's low fuel consumption. Intelligent engine tuning is the key, as the power unit supplies high torque at low engine speeds (maximising driving pleasure and engine flexibility) combined with gear ratios carefully chosen to reduce consumption.

Fiat’s 1.4 litre 16v engine delivers 100 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4,250 rpm. Developed with strong performance and low consumption in mind, this engine puts the Fiat 500 C at the top of its class, with a top speed of 113mph and 0-62 mph acceleration in just 10.5 seconds. Fuel economy is impressive too: in the combined cycle, this version achieves 46.3 mpg (with a manual gearbox). With 100 bhp available, this compact car is capable of lively performance and quick responses in city traffic.

Fiat’s new convertible is also available with a 1.3 litre, 16v MultiJet diesel – the smallest and most advanced second-generation common rail direct injection diesel engine. Equipped with a fixed geometry turbocharger and intercooler, this engine develops 75 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm. It gives the Fiat 500 C strong performance: a top speed of 103 mph and acceleration from 0-62 mph in 12.5 seconds. Fuel consumption and emissions levels are also among the best in the segment: 67.3 mpg in the combined cycle and 110 g/km of CO2. This compact and technologically sophisticated power unit is also environmentally friendly and comes with a DPF as standard.

Class-leading safety

Structurally derived from the Fiat 500 hatchback (the first car under four metres to receive a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating), the Fiat 500 C retains all the safety components and features (active and passive) that justifiably place it among the market's best-in-class.

For example, with seven airbags offered as standard equipment, (two front, two window, two side and one knee bag) the Fiat 500 C is unrivalled in its segment in terms of passive safety. Furthermore, the new car’s stable and efficient braking system combined with its responsive acceleration and reliable handling allows it to emerge unscathed from emergency situations.

The Fiat 500 C uses sophisticated technical solutions to ensure that the driver is in control of the car (active safety): such as ABS anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution (EBD); an advanced electronic stability program (ESP); anti-slip regulation (ASR), a Hill Holder system – which helps the driver with hill starts – and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.

Moreover, to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the Fiat 500 C has a body designed according to the latest crash resistance criteria. This is the first super-compact car equipped with a front-end structure specifically designed to improve inter-vehicle compatibility in head-on collisions, with a rigid cabin to protect the occupants and high-absorption zones on the outside.

All four seat belts are three-point type – while both front belts have dual pretensioners and load limiters. The front and rear seats are equipped with an anti-submarining system that stops the wearer from sliding underneath the seatbelt during an impact. Isofix attachments for child car seats are fitted as standard across the range.

The Fiat 500 C also boasts modern and sophisticated components for preventive safety, especially when visibility is reduced; for example, at night or when in a tunnel. Thus, the Fiat 500 C is the first in its segment to offer, as an option, Xenon headlights with dipping and full-beam functions for better visibility and excellent light output in all weather conditions. The filaments of conventional gas-discharge bulbs have been replaced in Xenon units by two electrodes – just a few millimetres apart – that generate an electro-voltaic discharge in an atmosphere of low-pressure Xenon. Made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, these bulbs give three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen bulbs.

The Fiat 500 C has all the dynamic and comfort features that allow users to embark comfortably and safely on any journey. The suspension system plays a fundamental role in this: front suspension is provided by independent MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension is semi-independent with a torsion beam axle. The semi-independent torsion-axle rear suspension system also features an anti-roll bar derived from the Abarth 500 to improve handling and comfort.

Standard and optional features

Customers have every opportunity to create a Fiat 500 C that best suits their individual preferences, thanks to an extensive range distinguished by 11 paint finishes, two equipment versions (Lounge and Pop) and three interior trims with different fabrics or leather, as well as over 100 accessory combinations created specially for the 500.

The UK range starts with the Pop version, which has a comprehensive standard equipment specification. In terms of safety, for example, there are seven airbags (two at the front, two window bags, two at the side and one to protect the knees), ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD and headlights with DRL (daytime running lights) function. The new 500 C Pop is available with all three engine configurations, and the 1.4-litre, 100 HP 16v engine also includes as standard the sophisticated ESP system and a sporty instrument panel.

For maximum comfort, the Fiat 500 C Pop offers the most advanced features on the market today: Dualdrive electric power steering, manual climate control, radio/CD/MP3 player, height-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable front seat, central locking and electric windows, ignition key with customisable remote control, and an ‘active’ boot handle.

The Lounge version stands out for its Chrome kit, which includes chrome trim on the side windows, exhaust tail pipe, the interior door handle inserts, gear lever and the front and rear bumpers. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, ESP, fog lights and parking sensors. The 185/55 R15 alloy wheels and electric wing mirrors painted to match the body also come as standard.

Xenon headlights with integrated headlamp washers, Frau leather interior, leather gear knob, Hi-Fi Interscope sound system and special 16-inch spoked alloy wheels are options on both Pop and Lounge versions.

Customers can also choose an important item of equipment developed in partnership with Magneti Marelli: the multifunctional portable navigation system Blue&Me MAP, while every Fiat 500 C is eco:Drive enabled.

Always looking to make the most sophisticated technology available to all, the Fiat 500 C has an innovative Interscope Hi-Fi system, which was designed and created specifically for the Fiat 500 and comes with a radio/CD/MP3 player. The Interscope Hi-Fi system is unique in the way it simultaneously uses three different signal processing methods to produce evocative in-car sound.

Lastly, to make each convertible unique, a new collection of Fiat 500 customisations is available. Noticeable for its attention to graphic detail, the new range is fresh in terms of original designs and the choice of a chrome finish. There is new sticker creativity, and fresh ideas for the car interior too: there are recreational items, such as the blackboard-style panel on the dashboard, but also everyday items, such as a make-up holder. In addition, the key fob lights up and can be further embellished with a key cover made from crystallised Swarovski elements.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Continental Develops AutoLinQ - Infotainment and Internet Services  
HANOVER, GERAMY –: You have flown off on vacation, are sitting in the sun and suddenly something pops into your head: “Did I shut my car window?” If you didn’t, all you can do is hope that a burglar or vandal doesn’t notice the open window and that your car is safe and sound where you left it when your return home.

The savior in such situations will be AutoLinQ, which comprises the developments of the latest car hardware and software solutions from the automotive supplier Continental. For instance, with AutoLinQ the car owner can control and operate his car from afar by cell phone, PC or laptop. In this case, the vacationer can simply enter the command “close window” by cell phone, while at the same time checking to see whether the car is still in its parking space – and then sit back and enjoy his vacation.

But AutoLinQ provides much more, as the motorist is “Always On” when on the go: In the car, he can operate the system by voice so that his hands don’t have to leave the wheel. While on the road, webcam images of the planned route, appointment organizers, music files or videos can be downloaded. From the computer in the living room, the car owner will be able to check the gas level in the tank, the battery charge or the tire pressure. It will even be possible to adjust the stiffness of the shock absorber via the home PC.

Engineer Herbert Halamek, a part of the think tank behind AutoLinQ in the Continental Interior division: “Thanks to DSL, it is now nearly standard that the home PC has a permanent Internet connection. And this is something we would like to have as well in the car. The big difference here is that in the car, the focus is not on constant browsing. Instead, Continental has its sights on practical driving and comfort functions.” That includes webcam images of the traffic load on the planned route, and what is called a buddy function. With this function, the driver can determine where his friends are at on a road map in the car, using his infotainment system networked with other online services. He can call them directly and drive the shortest route to where they are, making use of current traffic information.

AutoLinQ could go into series production in some two to three years. Thilo Koslowski, Vice President and Automotive Practice Leader of Gartner, Inc. (US market research company for the technology industry): “By 2016, the networking of a vehicle and access to current relevant information will be just as important for the majority of consumers as traditional characteristics such as a high degree of safety or low fuel consumption.”

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Hyundai Takes First Trade-In for the Government's 'Car Allowance Rebate System'  
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., After months of debate and rounds of legislation, the wait has ended. Consumers can finally take advantage of the government's "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS), and Hyundai is leading the way. Katherine Michon of Arlington, Virginia was the first to trade-in an eligible clunker for a new Hyundai, replacing her 15 mile-per-gallon 1995 Ford Explorer with a 26 mile-per-gallon Hyundai Elantra Touring, at Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hyundai buyers will receive the full rebate allocated under the CARS program (also known as "cash for clunkers") when an eligible trade-in is exchanged for a qualifying Hyundai model. Hyundai is the first automaker to extend the government incentive to consumers, accelerating its implementation by several weeks by backing dealerships with short-term cash advances as the government organizes the rollout of the program industry-wide.

In May, Hyundai research showed that 11 percent of car buyers delayed their purchases until the CARS legislation was resolved. "We appreciate what Washington has done getting the program completed, but it's clear that the wait has left many potential car-buyers on the sidelines," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We thought it was imperative to get funding to our dealers so that they could implement the program right away and satisfy the demand they've been hearing from consumers."

Under the CARS program, consumers qualify for a $4,500 rebate on the purchase or lease of new vehicles that achieve 10 miles per gallon more than a trade-in car or five miles per gallon or more than a trade-in light truck. New vehicles that achieve between 4 to 9 mpg more than a trade-in car, or 2 to 4 mpg more than a trade-in light truck qualify for a $3,500 incentive. See www.cars.gov for complete details.

Thirteen Hyundai models and engine combinations qualify for the CARS incentive program, which requires passenger cars achieve 22 mpg or more combined fuel economy, and light trucks achieve 18 mpg or better combined fuel economy.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and A2A are Collaborating on the Mass Marketing of Electric Vehicles  
PARIS, FRANCE –: A memorandum of understanding to develop “zero emission” mobility has been signed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Italy’s A2A, an energy company that is the main electricity supplier in Lombardy. For the Renault- Nissan Alliance, this project is part of a strategy to market a full range of electric vehicles. For A2A, it is part of efforts to promote sustainable development. Through this cooperation, Renault-Nissan Alliance and A2A aim to create conditions that will promote the marketing and sale of electric vehicles. The project, for which the pilot phase (2010) will concern the cities of Milan and Brescia in the first instance, makes provision for a partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and A2A to:

# build recharging infrastructure. To this end, A2A is discussing agreements with technology partners to provide recharging points or terminals in public places, company car parks, homes, etc.;

# define and trial innovative electronic payment services in order to provide easy access to the recharging service;

# train and educate consumers on the use of electric vehicles and their benefits in terms of environmental protection, low fuel consumption and operating costs for the customer;

# work with the authorities on implementing incentive measures that will encourage consumers to buy and use electric vehicles.

The first field trials will take place in 2010 with a fleet of electric vehicles that will gradually be made available.

Electric vehicles, zero emissions in operation and silent, represent a breakthrough environmental solution affordable to the greatest number. Marking its tenth anniversary this year, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is leading a collaborative approach with both business and governments and has signed nearly 30 agreements worldwide with partners to launch its first electric vehicle starting in 2010 and to mass market a full range of electrical vehicles in 2012.

“The partnership with A2A is a major step forward in two ways. First for the launch of Renault electric vehicles in the immediate future, and second for the concrete implementation of zero-emissions mobility in Italy,” says Jacques Bousquet, Managing Director of Renault Italy. “Milan, and Lombardy in general, are the ideal place to trial electric vehicles, given that local government offices and consumers are very much aware of issues relating to the environment and sustainable development. We are delighted to be working with A2A on the development of technological and market solutions that will establish electric cars as a revolutionary mobility solution delivering benefits both for the environment and for motorists.”

“Sustainable development is part of the brief of A2A,” explains Giuliano Zuccoli, Chairman of the Management Board at A2A. “Electric cars will be one of the breakthrough solutions for the post-crisis period. As an energy company, we must pave the way for this technological leap by equipping cities with the infrastructure necessary for this new mobility.”

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

ZoomSafer Acquires Important Safe Driving Technology Patent  
RESTON, Va.--Today, ZoomSafer Inc., completed the acquisition of a patent portfolio formerly developed and owned by Melvin A. Barbera. With this transaction, ZoomSafer acquired one issued U.S. patent and a number of U.S. and foreign pending patent applications related to safe driving technology.

“This acquisition augments ZoomSafer’s existing IP portfolio and further strengthens our ability to develop innovative safe driving solutions based on highly differentiated technology and intellectual property rights,” said Michael Riemer, Co-Founder and CEO of ZoomSafer.

ZoomSafer’s patented technology activates automatically when driving, reminds users to be safe, and applies preferences to manage communications including suppressing unwanted calls, messages, and alerts as well as automatically notifying friends, family, co-workers, and social networks of their status and location.

“I am personally very excited to be working with ZoomSafer,” said Mr. Barbera, a retired engineer from Procter and Gamble. “The application and furtherance of my patent portfolio will enable ZoomSafer to bring clearly differentiated products and services to market to address the global issue of distracted driving.”

A recent study by the University of Kansas Transportation Research Institute claims that cell phone users are 5.36 times more likely to get in an accident than undistracted drivers. Evidence of this behavior is everywhere from the recent MBTA trolley crash in Boston to yesterday’s news about the University of Texas football player who was texting when he crashed into an apartment building. With limited means to ensure compliance and enforcement of legislation and corporate mandates, distracted driving continues to grow.

“As a company based in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where new safe driving laws go into effect today, our technology will enable our neighbors, here and around the world, to drive less distracted,” added Mr. Riemer.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Maserati: Open Air Emotions  
MODERNA, Italy -: Maserati open-top models have been the main attraction at two events paying tribute to Maserati's heritage that took place, within a few days, on different continents.

They are the fourteenth edition of the prestigious international event "Vernasca Silver Flag", held in the hills near Piacenza, Italy, and the equally famous event "Le Belle Macchine d'Italia" which took place on the race track in Pocono, in Pennsylvania. The renowned Italian race and the spectacular reunion in the United States were dedicated this year to Maserati on the 70th anniversary of the first of Maserati's two wins at the Indianapolis 500 and the 80th anniversary of the first world record set by Maserati.

A unique and unparalleled passion on the part of Maserati collectors in Europe and in the United States was on display on these two weekends.

Younger generations of collectors, clients and friends of the marque have been enthralled by such a passion, which is precisely the winning recipe of Maserati today: never let its glorious past be covered by dust, invest in it and take inspiration from it to build the future.

For a manufacturer who chose to gain fame on the race track and has, over the years, continued to produce only high performance sports cars, open-top models represent a synthesis of passion, elegance and total driver involvement. Driving a Maserati convertible - spyder or cabriolet - is both a way of experiencing the excitement of driving an open-air barchetta in the guise of the drivers of the golden days of racing, as well as being able to slip along the streets of the world's most fashionable locations, and feel at one with the power being transmitted to the road, the sound of the engine blowing free on the wind.

Absolute protagonist of the Vernasca Silver Flag was the 8CM, once owned by Tazio Nuvolari and now property of the Donington Museum in the United Kingdom. Among the other extraordinary Maserati vehicles featured, a special mention goes to two single-seaters 4CM and two 250F, the car that Juan Manuel Fangio drove to clinch the Formula One world championship for Maserati in 1957.

Taking the wheel of these stunning classic cars were legends

such as Sir Stirling Moss, the uncrowned motor racing king of the 1950s and 1960s responsible for extraordinary victories at the helm of Maserati vehicles, as well as the legendary Maria Teresa de Filippis, who in 1958 became the first woman driver to compete in Formula One at the wheel of a Maserati.

In Pocono, the focus of everybody's attention was the 8-cylinder Maserati known as "Boyle Special", which won the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940, courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, together with the evolution of an unique V16-engine car which, on September 28th 1929, established the flying 10 km land speed record, Maserati's first world record.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Avoid Fireworks Under the Hood This Fourth of July  
BLOOMINGTON, Ill., PRNewswire/ -- Americans...start your engines! As many prepare for holiday travel this Fourth of July weekend, State Farm reminds motorists to make sure they are ready for the challenges of summer heat, construction zones and heavy traffic.

State Farm urges motorists to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before heading out on the open road. Five simple steps can help keep your trip from becoming a holiday travel nightmare.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

Battle of the Sexes Boosts Kwik Fit Insurance Sales  
GLASGOW, Scotland, PRNewswire/ -- Kwik Fit Insurance (KFI) played host to a battle of the sexes on Monday as they undertook their second major sales day of 2009.

The day, which saw the firm negotiate discounts for its customers, was a huge success as KFI enjoyed some of its strongest sales figures since it began trading in 1995.

Numbers of car insurance policies rocketed with almost 1300 new policies sold, resulting in the intermediary's fifth strongest sales day for car insurance on record. In addition to strong car insurance figures, KFI also benefited from a surge in home insurance policy sales as the company continues to make a concerted effort to build its presence in the home insurance market. The sales day proved to be the second strongest day for home insurance policy sales on record.

In order to install some competitive spirit into the business on the day, staff were pitched into a battle of the sexes as boys competed against girls in a series of physical and mental activities. In addition, the challenge was set to see who would take in the most sales on the day and it was the boys who eventually triumphed after the twelve hour contest.

Alan Brown, Director of Operations at Kwik Fit Insurance, was delighted with the success of the day: "The success of our sales day does not happen by chance. There is an enormous amount of work that goes into ensuring our customers receive the full benefit of these events, from the discounts negotiated by our Insurer Development team, through the marketing and promotion of the day and onto the dedication and hard work of everyone within our sales team."

As well as car and home insurance, Kwik Fit Insurance provides an extensive range of business insurance products aimed at small to medium sized enterprises, breakdown cover, motorcycle and van insurance, as well as travel and pet insurance.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Kwik Fit Insurance.

Note To Editors

Kwik Fit Financial Services was launched in 1995 and has grown to become one of the UK's leading car insurance distributors, as well as a major presence in home insurance and other insurance markets.

Since its launch in 1995, Kwik Fit Insurance services has grown and developed into one of Scotland's most dynamic and award winning contact centres.

We are an insurance intermediary specialising in general insurance, car and home insurance services.

Source : www.automotive.com (7/2/2009)

X1 is out  
After all the blurred teaser shots and industry gossip, BMW has released pictures and info on the new X1.

Ignore the girl in the bikini for a moment (still with us?) and take a look at the car. It’s visually similar to the X3 and about the same size. In fact, when the X1 arrives, the X3 will gain a few pounds and shift up a segment. Which means the X1 – loosely based on a 3-Series – will become BMW’s new baby SUV.

The jacked-up suspension means you get an elevated driving position to look down on poor people. Further back, there are three proper seats with adjustable backrests. And overhead there’s an optional panoramic sunroof. So the interior doesn’t do anything innovative, but will inevitably be the usual high-class BMW affair.

As ever, though, the most impressive stuff lies underneath. You’ll be able to choose from rear- or four-wheel drive and take your pick from the usual roster of brilliant BMW engines. For the eco-minded, we recommend the sDrive18d that manages 136g/km of C02 and 54.3mpg – figures that should be stamped all over the car to appease anyone who thinks SUV is a byword for Screw the Planet.

Prices range from £22,660 to £29,055, and the X1 will hit showrooms in October.

Source : www.topgear.com (7/2/2009)

Porsche at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed  
With an unbeaten record of 16 victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, the reputation of Porsche has been founded on success in the high speed, high pressure motor sport environment. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Porsche 917, the first Porsche to win Le Mans outright, and it is therefore appropriate that the theme of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) is ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’.

To commemorate this birthday occasion in style, a stunning selection of examples of the 917 – many on loan from the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany - will be present at Goodwood, including the 1970 Le Mans winner and the distinctively-liveried 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’.

A novel feature of the Festival of Speed is that it seeks to reunite famous race drivers with cars of the type they raced in period. Porsche enthusiasts visiting Goodwood will be able to see Richard Attwood, former F1 driver and 1970 Le Mans winner for Porsche, driving a 917; sports car racing legend Brian Redman will be behind the wheel of the 917/30 CanAm racer; David Piper, who bought a 917 new from the factory in 1969, will be driving his own car; and Jackie Oliver, who won Le Mans in 1969, will be reunited with an evocative Gulf-liveried 917.

Naturally, there will be many other examples of the Porsche marque in action at Goodwood, and there are in fact two exclusive UK debuts in the Sunday Times Supercar Run, a renowned showcase of the fastest and most exclusive road-going sports cars. The latest Porsche 911 GT3 – ten years since the now-legendary GT3 series began – will be making its first UK appearance, and also guaranteed to draw attention will be the first public unveiling of the new Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo.

Visitors to the Festival of Speed will also be able to experience Porsche power personally courtesy of driving consultants from the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, who will be demonstrating the performance and handling of the Porsche Cayenne on a specially designed dynamics course at the Porsche Driving Experience area.

For visitors wishing to refuel themselves, the Porsche Café Le Mans will be once more situated on the outside of the track near the footbridge, offering meals and refreshments.

The Porsche Café Le Mans will also host the UK debut of a remarkable 1/6th scale model of the Porsche 917. Produced by Dynamic Concept of Paris, this model offers such outstanding levels of detail that it would not look out of place alongside the legendary 917 examples in the paddock.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will this year provide the backdrop to a remarkable demonstration of grit and determination when Porsche aims to break a Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered in 48 hours by a team of 12 runners using treadmills.

Organised by the sports scientists from the Porsche Human Performance Centre at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, this gruelling athletic exercise - supported by Technogym and Adidas - will take place live at the Porsche exhibition area over the Festival weekend. Starting at 12 noon on Friday July 3, the runners are seeking to break the former distance record of 495.76 miles set in April 2008 – which means maintaining an average speed of over 10mph!

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Top 5 Summer Road Trip Tech Tips  
BENICIA, CA -: Research conducted by AAA shows that the July 4th weekend is consistently the busiest time of year for road travel in the United States, and 37.1 million Americas will hit the road this coming weekend. Weather forecasts show much of the county will experience high humidity and triple-digit temperatures, creating a potentially dangerous combination for unprepared vehicles. With that in mind, the experts at Red Line Oil have created a Road Trip Checklist to make sure your car is ready for the long haul.

1. Inspect your tires. Tires should be properly inflated to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, sidewalls should be clear without checking or cracks, and there should be at least 1/16-inch of tread left. Also make sure your spare is inflated.

2. Check your cooling system. Many modern cars often have long-life coolant engineered to last up to 100,000 miles; older cars and RVs need to have the coolant changed more frequently. Make sure the radiator is full (check while engine is cold), and the overflow tank should be filled to its indicator line. All hoses should be firm and dry. If the level is low, try using distilled water to prevent scale and mineral buildup.

3. For added insurance, try a bottle of Red Line's WatterWetter(R), designed to keep the coolant temperature from climbing when challenged. This product can lower temps as much as 20 degrees F by increasing the "wetting ability" of the water that comes in contact with your engine. Think of it as "road trip insurance" for cars on road trips, tow vehicles and RVs.

4. Check your oil. Many owners forget to check the level between oil changes. Make sure your oil level is full, and for longer drain intervals switch to a top-quality, ester-based synthetic. Red Line's fully-synthetic motor oils provide the highest protection, cleanliness and superior drain intervals with the lowest friction for your gasoline or diesel engine. Also note that you can add a quart of synthetic to conventional oils without issue.

5. Check your transmission fluid level. Most automatics have a dipstick clearly labeled in the engine compartment. Fluid should be full and clean (clear red, not brown or black). Manual transmissions should be serviced at intervals recommended in your owner's manual. When having your transmission serviced, consider using a fully-synthetic fluid like Red Line for increased durability and wear protection. Also ensure that the fluid you select is just right for your vehicle.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp. manufactures more than 100 quality products for the automotive, racing, motorcycle, marine and industrial markets. Its complete line includes a wide variety of motor oils, gear oils, additives, and greases. For more information, please visit www.RedLineOil.com or contact Red Line Synthetic Oil Corp., 6100 Egret Court, Benicia, CA 94510.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

The Seat Ibiza Is the Most Secure Vehicle in its Segment In Great Britain  
MARTOREL, SPAIN –: In both its 5-door and SC version, the SEAT Ibiza is still racking up distinctions. This time, the popular Spanish model has been singled out as the most secure in the ‘City Car/Supermini’ category with the prestigious British Insurance Vehicle Security (BIVS) Award, presented by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre located in the county of Berkshire, England.

This is the first time a SEAT vehicle has been chosen for this significant award. It places the Ibiza in an enviable position compared to its rivals in terms of security.

The BIVS Awards were established in 2004 to recognise those manufacturers who have produced the most secure cars, and to make consumers aware that the selected models offer the highest levels of security.

The SEAT Ibiza ranked an impressive 5 stars (out of a possible 5) in Thatcham’s New Vehicle Security Register (NVSR) ‘theft of’ category and 4 stars (out of 5) for ‘theft from’, taking into account several aspects such as an electronic security system, the car’s interior and exterior security features, peripheral locks and mechanisms, vehicle code information and glazing, among others.

The Ibiza range is currently expanding. The new Ibiza FR and CUPRA, and the new 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine will be in the official SEAT dealerships this month, while the concept-car inspired Bocanegra version is going on sale in September. This attractive line-up will be joined next year by the launch of the Ibiza ST.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Car Industry Committed to Further CO2 Reductions  
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA –: The peak body representing the Australian automotive industry, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), supports the COAG decision to conduct an evaluation of options to lower carbon emissions from vehicles.

“The automotive industry is committed to reducing vehicle emissions and increasing fuel efficiency,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

“We support a comprehensive review and it is important that all options are on the table,” he said.

“The COAG decision demonstrates a clear commitment to achieve better outcomes for the environment and consumers,” Mr McKellar said.

“Vehicle brands will be active and constructive participants during this review process,” he said.

The Australian automotive industry has proposed a cooperative strategy to develop an ambitious new target for reducing vehicle CO2 emissions.

“This strategy should be consistent with the targets established by the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme,” Mr McKellar said.

“It also fits well with the positive incentive provided by the new Green Car Innovation Fund which will encourage the production of more fuel efficient vehicles in Australia,” he said.

“The industry has a positive track record of reducing emissions and we have achieved our current target of 222 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre more than a year ahead of schedule,” Mr McKellar said.

“The time is right to set a new target and the industry agrees this should be consistent with leading international standards,” he said.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Summer Driving Tips for a Safe Traveling Season  
SACRAMENTO, Calif., -- With the official start of summer underway and the Fourth of July holiday coming up, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) remind motorists to do their part to keep the roads safe this summer.

"During the summer months many families hit the roads for long weekends, holiday celebrations and summer vacations," said Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy. "Having a well maintained vehicle, planning ahead, and following traffic safety laws is the key to roadway safety for drivers and their passengers."

Hot weather can be rough on cars. Higher temperatures speed up a car's wear and tear, as fluids and lubricants break down more quickly. But by following your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule (see your car's owner's manual) and taking the following precautions, your car will be ready for a long, hot summer:

--Consider a pre-trip inspection by a qualified technician before you leave on a long trip.

--Operationally, check the air conditioning, and inspect the belts and hoses. You may want to have a service professional inspect the entire system.

--Inspect batteries and battery cables for corrosion, cracks and dirt. Hot weather can shorten a battery's life, so have it tested if it's near the end of its warranty.

--Have a licensed brake adjuster inspect your brake pads and linings for wear.

--Change the engine oil and filter according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications. The service technician should also check the coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids.

--Replace ragged wiper blades.

--Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare, to make sure they are properly inflated. Uneven or excessive treadwear are signs that it may be time for rotation or even replacement.

--Test your car's interior and exterior lights, including turn signals and high beams, to make sure they work. This is also a good time to clean the lenses to get maximum visibility.

"While summer is a time for fun, travel and relaxation, we can never relax from our responsibilities on the road whether riding on two, four or eighteen wheels," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

OTS and CHP also recommend that you prepare for your trip by having the right resources on hand. This includes packing a flashlight, jumper cables, and flares, and having food, water, any needed medications and a cell phone in your vehicle.

Preparation also means planning your travel route and allowing plenty of time to get to your destination. Be familiar with the maps/directions and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (7/2/2009)

Bajaj Auto sales drop 4.52% in June  
Bajaj Auto today reported a 4.52% fall in motorcycle sales at 167,945 units in June against 1,75,903 units in the same month last year.

Total two-wheeler sales during the month stood at 168,471 units, a decrease of 4.88% over the same month last year.

The company sold 177,112 units of two-wheelers in the same period a year ago.

Bajaj Auto`s exports, however, went up by 4.39% to 67,726 units in June from 64,878 units a year ago.

The company`s total vehicle sales stood at 193,202 units last month compared to 196,741 units in the same period a year ago, down 1.80%.

With the launch of the new Pulsar 220 DTS-i in June, Bajaj expects Pulsar sales to rise further beyond 48,062 units it sold in June.

The company expects to record double digit growth in motorcycle sales from August after the coming launch of its new large volume motorcycle this month.

Domestic commercial vehicle sales have begun to grow on the back of marketing initiatives focused on the in-city segment, the company said.

``Exports have normalised after the dip in January-March 2009 and are expected to gradually exhibit positive year-on- year growth,`` it added.

Shares of the company declined Rs 31.2, or 3.09%, to trade at Rs 977. The total volume of shares traded was 66,904 at the BSE (2.47 p.m., Thursday).

Source : Myiris.com (7/2/2009)