First drive: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback  
With so many great small hatchbacks around, any new model needs a unique selling point. Mitsubishi reckons that its new Lancer Sportback has a couple.

For a start, it's not actually that small - in fact, it's longer than a BMW 3 Series saloon. Mitsubishi also suggests that it has a sportier image than its big-name rivals, hence the name.

The reality, however, is that value for money is central to the Lancer's appeal. At £12,499, the entry-level 1.5 GS certainly gives you a lot of metal for the money.

There's plenty of cabin space and the interior feels solid, too, but there's not a lot else to recommend it. The 1.5-litre engine gives adequate pace, but it's boomy when you work it hard.

Overall, the driving experience is nothing more than acceptable. The numb steering and bouncy ride mean that the Lancer is nowhere near as polished as the best small family cars.

You don't get as much kit as some rivals, either. Air-conditioning and four electric windows are standard on the entry-level models, but you need to upgrade to the GS1 trim to add alloys, and GS2 for curtain airbags.

The Ralliart version is more likely to capture the imagination - think of it as an Evo Lite and you get the picture.

Okay, so the power output, electronic gadgetry and wild bodywork add-ons are toned down, but you still get a clever four-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged engine with 237bhp.

Mitsubishi's semi-auto SST transmission also comes as standard, but that's a mixed blessing.

It works well enough, but we can't help thinking that a manual version would be more appealing to the market it's aimed at and drop the price to below the £20,000 barrier.

The Lancer Sportback goes on sale in January.


Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (7/1/2008)

Ford Motor Company Names Ken Czubay Head of U.S. Sales and Marketing  
DEARBORN, Mich., -- Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of veteran auto industry executive and retailer Ken Czubay as vice president of U.S. Sales and Marketing.

Czubay, who has 38 years of automotive experience and served in a variety of management and executive roles at Ford from 1970 to 1983, rejoins the company from his current positions as president of Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, executive vice president of parent company JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and president of JM Lexus, the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

Czubay, 59, joins Ford effective July 16 and will oversee the day-to-day sales and marketing of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the U.S. He will report to Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications.

"Having worked closely with Ken over the years, I can tell you that he's truly one of the top sales executives in the auto industry with a long track record of success," Farley said. "Ken knows Ford, he knows the auto industry, and has a deep understanding of dealers and all facets of the retailing side of the business. We are fortunate to be bringing in someone with Ken's unique experience and talent to run U.S. Sales and Marketing."

Czubay's day-to-day leadership of U.S. Sales and Marketing will allow Farley to work more closely with Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development, to accelerate the company's "One Ford" global product vision. In addition, Farley will concentrate on enhancing and clarifying the Blue Oval's brand image across all markets and oversee the marketing and communications for a host of new vehicles coming soon to showrooms. In the U.S., Farley and Czubay will work together closely on advertising, sales strategies and product introductions.

"The addition of Ken Czubay will strengthen Ford's leadership team at a key time for Ford and its dealers," said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas. "With Ken joining Jim Farley and the rest of the team, Ford is well positioned to tackle the current market challenges and flourish in the future with the great new vehicles we are bringing to market."

Reporting to Czubay will be:

-- John Felice, who becomes general marketing manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury. Felice, who had been general market manager for Ford, is adding Lincoln Mercury marketing to his duties.

-- Randy Ortiz, general sales manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury;

-- Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Re-marketing Organization; and

-- David Thomas, who was named to an expanded role of director, North American Order Management and Sales Planning

"I am joining Ford for the chance to work with a group of committed, energized colleagues who are really embracing the challenge of restoring a great American icon," Czubay said. "Once you have been at Ford, it's always in your blood. I couldn't be more excited to be coming home."

Czubay joined Ford in 1970 as a financial analyst with Ford Motor Credit Company and went on to work in several positions for Ford Division and Lincoln Mercury.

In 1983, he joined Nissan North America in California, where he worked in sales and marketing until 1987, when he took a position as an executive with the Suburban Collection, a group of auto dealerships based in Troy, Mich. In 1990, Czubay joined Deerfield, Fla.-based Southeast Toyota Distributors, the largest independent distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles in the world, where he has held several executive positions.

Born in Hamtramck, Mich., and raised in the Detroit area, Czubay graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He and his wife, Jane, have two children.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

A Best-in-Class Fuel Economy Among 4-Cylinder Compact SUVs  
The 2009 Ford Escape, equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, delivers best-in-class fuel economy in the small SUV segment with 28 highway/20 city mpg.

The 2009 Escape Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, delivering 34 city mpg and an improved highway rating of 31 mpg - a 1 mpg increase versus the 2008 model.

Both the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder and available 3.0-liter V-6 engines produce more power and better fuel economy, thanks in part to a new six-speed transmission.

The optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine debuts the industry's first application of cam torque actuated (CTA) variable cam timing (VCT) technology, allowing for a smaller displacement oil pump, improved fuel economy and increased performance.

DEARBORN, MI - : The 2009 Ford Escape, equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, is the coveted fuel economy leader among all small SUVs.

With fuel prices at record highs, the 2009 Ford Escape with front-wheel drive is the smart choice for SUV customers, thanks to its 28 highway/20 city mpg, fun-to-drive performance.

"With gas prices rising, we want to offer our customers even more fuel-efficient vehicles," says David Finnegan, Escape marketing manager. "At the same time, we don't want to compromise performance. The 2009 Escape proves that we can provide customers best-in-class fuel economy without asking them to sacrifice."

"Escape has it all -- more horsepower, a smoother, more refined ride and class-leading fuel economy," Finnegan added. "Coupled with the fact that we offer the Escape Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, the story can't get much better for small SUV customers."

Power of the Powertrain

The Escape's new 2.5-liter I-4 engine produces 171 hp, an 11 percent increase in power output versus the 2.3-liter version it replaces. The engine uses intake variable cam timing (iVCT) technology to optimize valve timing, creating a broad torque curve that helps deliver the increased power along with the improved efficiency.

The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC), dual-mode crankshaft damping and new intake and exhaust manifolds, which refine performance and contribute to greater fuel efficiency.

Pairing the engine with the new optional six-speed automatic transmission further drives Escape's competitive advantage, contributing up to a 6 percent increase in fuel efficiency. Gearing efficiencies and calibration changes help drive the significant gains as well, said Derek Bier, Escape Vehicle Engineering supervisor.

The new six-speed transmission, for example, is calibrated for fuel efficiency while cruising in sixth gear -- without sacrificing launch feel and performance feel in lower gears. It also has an adaptive shift feature that learns shift patterns and optimizes for each vehicle and driver style.

In addition, the six-speed has an integral cold-weather bypass for quicker warm-ups, lubricating the engine faster at each turn of the ignition key. This delivers real-world fuel economy gains.

"Typically, you have to choose performance or fuel economy. With the new Escape, it's an 'and' proposition, not an 'or,'" Bier said of the new powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission package. "A 2009 I-4 is as fast as a 2008 Escape V-6. In turn, a 2009 Escape V-6 delivers the same fuel economy as a 2008 Escape I-4."

Aero and More

Two seemingly subtle aerodynamic changes also play a part in the Escape's fuel economy story.

A new front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers help reduce wind drag. These modifications account for a 17-count aero improvement, said Bier. This means customers gain 0.75 mpg when travelling at 70 mph.

Escape also features new low-rolling-resistance tires. Developed in cooperation with Michelin, the 16-inch Latitude Tour tires have a unique mold design, reduced weight and a new tread pattern that all work together to produce less friction with the road, reducing fuel consumption.

The tires also contribute to Escape's refined performance. "The tires improve braking, deliver more precise handling, responsive steering and reduce noise," said Bier.

The 3.0-liter V-6

The improved 3.0-liter V-6 available on the 2009 Escape is writing its own important chapter in Ford's fuel economy story.

The V-6 delivers 40 more horsepower than its 2008 predecessor for a total of 240 horsepower, and paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, this more powerful engine is producing a 2 mpg improvement on the highway for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations -- delivering 26 mpg and 24 mpg, respectively.

The 3.0-liter debuts an industry-first Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) iVCT technology that uses available camshaft torsional energy rather than pressurized oil to phase the camshafts. This allows for a smaller displacement oil pump over traditional hydraulic VCT systems for improved fuel economy.

"With this technology, we are taking energy that is in your engine today -- energy that was previously wasted -- and using it to make an engine more efficient," said Steve Wilkie, supervisor of Cam Drive/VCT Design.

"As we launch the Escape, we are touting performance and fuel economy," he added. "The cam torque actuated technology is a significant player in the 3.0-liter's ability to provide customers both."

This innovative method uses torsional energy to move the camshafts similar to the way a hydraulic ratchet works. The system takes oil from one side of the phaser and channels it to the other side, rather than draining one side and filling the other as with a traditional hydraulic system. This allows the CTA system to work more efficiently at all engine speeds and it requires a smaller oil pump, which equates to lower parasitic energy loss.

CTA, in this case, reduces oil pump flow requirements by 25 percent, producing a fuel economy benefit up to 0.4 percent.

In addition, the CTA-based system responds more quickly than a traditional hydraulic oil actuated VCT system, improving tip-in performance feel and contributing to horsepower gains.

Hybrids

Ford Escape Hybrid

Escape Hybrid continues to deliver fuel economy gains as well, strengthening its title as the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SUV on the planet. For 2009, the Hybrid achieved a 1 mpg improvement on the highway, for 34 city/31 highway mpg.

The upgraded Hybrid model will use the new 2.5-liter I-4 designed to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle. A new engine processor enables nearly imperceptible transitions between gas and electric vehicle mode. Plus, control system enhancements offer customers more electric mode driving, switching over from gas at 35 mph rather than 25 mph with the previous model.

The Escape Hybrid also features a new powertrain damping system to reduce vibrations and feedback to the driver and other occupants.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Johnson Controls Forms Joint Venture for North America Interiors Business  
PLYMOUTH, Mich., -- Johnson Controls announced today that it has formed a joint venture to acquire the interior product assets of Plastech Engineered Products of Dearborn, Michigan. Plastech filed for bankruptcy in February 2008.

Johnson Controls owns 70% of the joint venture. Certain Plastech term lenders hold the minority position. Johnson Controls said it contributed $135 million in cash and five injection molding plants to the joint venture. The lenders contributed their rights to receive Plastech's interiors assets obtained in exchange for certain Plastech debt.

Johnson Controls said the transaction is expected to negatively impact Johnson Controls 2008 fourth-quarter earnings by approximately $0.03 per share. The joint venture is expected to break even in 2009 and be accretive to earnings by fiscal 2010.

The joint venture includes 29 plants in North America. The products the joint venture manufactures include injection molded components and assemblies such as door panels and floor consoles.

Johnson Controls is the largest customer of the joint venture. Annual sales are expected to total $1.2 billion, of which $500-600 million will be incremental to its parent company. Johnson Controls said that it has negotiated multi-year production contracts with the joint venture's key automotive customers.

"Through this new joint venture we are better able to leverage our scale and operational excellence to improve quality and profitability. It also creates a strong and reliable supplier for our customers who have been very supportive of our plans," said Jeff Williams, Group Vice President and General Manager, North America for the Automotive Experience business of Johnson Controls. "Johnson Controls has consistently expressed its commitment to growth in the automotive interiors business and we believe today's transaction will help us achieve that goal."

Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

Johnson Controls, Inc. ("the Company") has made forward-looking statements in this document pertaining to its financial results for fiscal 2008 and beyond that are based on preliminary data and are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that are or could be deemed forward-looking statements. For those statements, the Company cautions that numerous important factors, such as automotive vehicle production levels and schedules, energy prices, the ability to mitigate the impact of higher raw material costs, cancellation of commercial contracts, changes to domestic tax rates as well as other factors discussed in the Company's most recent Form 10-K filing (dated November 29, 2007) could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company.


Source : http://www.automotive.com (7/1/2008)

Daimler AG Reports a 13 Percent Increase for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for June 2008  
NEW YORK, -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,121 units in the U.S. for June 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 19,576 new vehicles for June 2008, bringing the year-to-date total to 119,279 units, marking the best first-half sales in the company's history.

Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,545 for the month of June. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 11,399 units in less than six months of being offered in the US market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31 states.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Oil Change Revs Up Savings with Mobile Coupons  
SAN JOSE, Calif., -- Cellfire Inc. announced today that its mobile coupons will be accepted at all 107 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers in Cleveland, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Mobile phone users can save money with exclusive offers on oil change or preventative service.

"We're tapping into the emerging mobile channel to create compelling marketing campaigns that engage consumers," said Laura Carpenter, marketing manager of Valvoline Instant Oil Change. "Cellfire will enable us to attract new customers and bring in repeat visits by presenting promotional offers to mobile-savvy consumers who seek value and convenience."

Cellfire users receive $7 off a full-service oil change or a $10 discount off any preventative service. To access these exclusive savings from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, along with discounts from other local, regional and national merchants, consumers can subscribe to the Cellfire mobile coupon service at : www.cellfire.com/ or by texting "V" to 22888.

"Cellfire continues to partner with well-known brands such as Valvoline to help consumers save money on the products and services they need and want," said Brent Dusing, CEO of Cellfire. "Mobile coupons are a win-win solution for consumers who are searching for innovative ways to save money amidst rising fuel and food prices, and merchants looking for creative channels through which to reach consumers who are becoming more discriminatory in their spending."

Consumers access the Cellfire service through an easy-to-use mobile application that resides on their cell phone or through a mobile Web browser. New offers are added frequently, and users can access the Cellfire service at their convenience to discover and use discounts specific to their geographic area. Coupons are displayed in an organized manner, allowing consumers to navigate through coupons by category, save the offers they want to use later, or select the offer they want to use immediately. Cellfire users are provided with a unique redemption code that is shown at the time of a transaction. Users simply click on the coupon they want to use and show it to the sales clerk for redemption at the point of purchase.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

GM, Ford debt protection costs hit records  
NEW YORK - The cost to insure the debt of General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Ford Motor Co (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) hit record highs on Thursday on concerns about the liquidity of the sector.

Stock options protecting against a drop in GM's share price were also actively traded.

Automakers have been burning through cash as they restructure their operations, while plummeting sales of vehicles is delaying their recovery.

Goldman Sachs on Thursday downgraded GM to "sell" from "neutral," saying cash flow burn may cause it to look to raise capital. Goldman also cut its price target on Ford to $5 from $8.

"It appears that everything has gone wrong: High fuel prices, rising steel prices and the consumer cutting back," said Jon Najarian, founder of Web information site optionmonster.com.

The cost to insure GM's debt with credit default swaps rose to a record 31.5 percent upfront, or $3.15 million per year for five years to insure $10 million in debt, plus annual payments of 500 basis points, according to Markit.

Ford's swaps increased to 29.5 percent upfront, plus 500 basis points annually.

More than 75,000 puts have already traded in GM during the first 1-1/2 hours of trading on Thursday, said Najarian. That is more than double the average daily put volume in May of 37,000 contracts.


Source : http://www.reuters.com (7/1/2008)

Shamed: car makers that don't fit ESC  
Car manufacturers still aren't fitting enough electronic stability control (ESC) systems to their cars as standard, even though the technology is cheap and widely available, according to car safety group Euro NCAP.

Euro NCAP's latest stability control availability survey also showed disparities in the availability of the system across Europe - so having a system in your car that could save your life depends on where you live.

The survey shows that, although some manufacturers, such as Ford, Hyundai, Mazda and Mitsubishi, have increased the amount of vehicles they sell with stability control fitted as standard, others have done poorly.

Euro NCAP singles out Vauxhall for not improving enough, even though stability control is optional on an increased number of its range, and Kia.

Because Kia has increased the number of models it is selling, many without standard ESC, it has effectively lowered the average standard fitment of ESC on its cars.

However, Kia has refuted Euro NCAP's claim that it's not keeping up with the pace on ESC. A Kia spokesman said: 'That's simply not the case. We look at it where it's appropriate in our ranges either as an option or as standard, but, at the moment, people don't want it. The uptake on ESC on new Kias is just 2% at the moment'.

The survey also reveals that some cars are sold with stability control as standard on all variants in some countries, while it's completely unavailable in other EU member states. It's most often unavailable in Ireland, Malta and Greece, but most likely to be fitted as standard in Denmark, Germany and Sweden.

Euro NCAP wants the system to be fitted as standard across Europe, because it says it could save 4000 lives every year. When it's available as an option, people aren't specifying it because it's expensive.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP's secretary-general, said: 'Considering that ESC is the most effective safety device since the seatbelt, no car buyer should have to bargain over it. A greater effort to make ESC fitment standard across the board is needed.'

What is stability control?

Stability control recognises when a skid is beginning to happen and, using an electronic control unit that controls the anti-lock braking system, brakes individual wheels, helping to control the car before the skid develops.

The control unit processes information and applies the brakes much faster than the driver can, and can cost as little as £200 for car manufacturers to fit.


Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (7/1/2008)

GM Extends Zero-Percent Financing on 2008 Models  
DETROIT General Motors on Tuesday said it will be extending its zero-percent financing deals through Monday, July 7, as Detroit automakers continue to grapple with a continuing slide in domestic auto sales.

GM spokesman John M. McDonald confirmed for Inside Line that the program will continue. The so-called 72-hour sale kicked off on June 24 and offered zero-percent financing for 72 months on many GM vehicles, including such premium models as the 2008 Cadillac Escalade and STS. The program excludes all 2007 model year and 2009 model year vehicles, all of GM's hybrids, and such vehicles as the 2008 Buick Enclave, 2008 Cadillac CTS and 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. It had been slated to end June 30.

GM in a separate move on Tuesday said it plans to offer a nationwide rate incentive program on some GM certified used vehicles. The new offer, effective through September 30, provides qualified GM buyers with 2.9 percent APR financing for terms up to 48 months or 3.9 percent APR financing for terms up to 60 months on 2003-'08 models of the Chevrolet Impala and Malibu, GM said in a statement.

Qualified buyers also can get 4.9 percent APR financing for terms up to 60 months on 2003-'08 models of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Envoy, Yukon and Yukon XL; Pontiac G6 and Buick Lacrosse at participating dealers.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (7/1/2008)

Light-Truck Bumper Standard Is an Ongoing Crusade for IIHS  
ARLINGTON, Virginia Armed with a series of crash tests that dramatically show what happens when the bumpers of cars and SUVs don't line up, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on Tuesday asked the federal government to rewrite its bumper standard. The consumer watchdog wants to extend the federal bumper standard for cars to SUVs, pickups and vans, which aren't covered under the current rules.

The IIHS's new crash tests involved four SUVs crashing into the rear of a 2008 Hyundai Sonata at 10 mph. Damage to the sedan ranged from $1,520 when it was hit by the 2008 Ford Explorer to $4,737 when it was hit by the 2008 Hummer H3.

"Crash test results and data from insurance claims demonstrate the safety and property damage consequences of allowing inadequate bumpers, or none at all, on [light trucks and vans]," said the IIHS in its letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The bumper bars on such vehicles as the H3, the Mitsubishi Endeavor and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are "considerably taller than the car bumper zone specified in the federal standard," contends the institute. It noted that the bumpers on the Ford Explorer are more compatible with cars. To meet current rules, cars must have bumpers 16-20 inches off the ground. There is no such requirement for SUVs, crossovers, pickups or vans.

NHTSA has turned down two other, similar petitions. On its Web site, NHTSA says it decided "not to regulate bumper performance or elevation for these vehicle classes [minivans, utility vehicles and light trucks] because of potential compromise to the vehicle utility in operating on loading ramps and off-road situations."


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (7/1/2008)

Worlds first hi-speed clean emissions Grand Prix for Isle of Man TT circuit  
A new chapter in racing history begins today as the doors open to the worlds first Clean Emissions Grand Prix race. The TTxGP will be held on the 101 year old legendary Isle of Man TT circuit.

The Grand Prix will provide an exciting opportunity for leading global innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow.

The planned TTxGP will showcase a diverse range of clean emission vehicles capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds. Racing teams are likely to be backed by international corporations, universities and high tech institutions, all eager to prove their credentials in the brave new world of clean emission transportation.

As part of the TTxGP there will also be an Open class race for innovative cottage teams who are interested in experimenting with alternative energy sources. These teams will be required to build their vehicle to a set budget using off-the-shelf power sources only.


Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (7/1/2008)

Green Motion supports the Green Car Guide Live Show 2008  
Thursday 22nd May saw the UKs largest dedicated green vehicle motor show arrive in Liverpool. The event promoted by the Green Car Guide saw motor manufacturers and environmentally focused automotive operations present their latest innovations and services.

Exhibiting were motor manufacturers including BMW with their EfficientDynamic range, Volkswagen with their Polo and Golf Bluemotion models and Citroen with their low CO2/stop and start C1, C2, C3 and C4.

The show welcomed many large organisations including Tesco and British Telecom who are focused on reducing their companys carbon footprint.

Green Motion Europes first fully environmentally friendly vehicle rental company - took the opportunity to promote its latest eco initiative you rent a car, we plant a tree. Not satisfied with offering its customers a choice of vehicles that boast the latest in low CO2 and fuel saving technologies and adhering to its own all embracing environmental policy, Green Motion has taken a further step in its environmental evolution.

To promote its new tree planting initiative, each visitor to the Green Car Guide Live 2008 show was presented with a live evergreen oak sapling which offset the emissions associated to each journey made to the show.

Green Motion also featured its flagship eco vehicle, the Polo Bluemotion, which boasts the lowest CO2 of any standard vehicle of 99g/km.


Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (7/1/2008)

Audi of America Reports Increased June Sales and Market Share  
HERNDON, VA - : New data added below Audi's "Total Sales" on table -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of June totaling 8,203, an increase of 5.3% from last year's figures; the brand also experienced a 1.8 percent increase in market share for the month within the luxury segment to reach 7.8%. Audi was the only luxury brand to record a year over year increase in sales. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales also continued their record-setting trend; compared with last year's June figures, CPO sales rose to 2,787 units, an increase of 23.6%.

"Audi of America's strong June sales demonstrate our quality and strong fuel economy offerings," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "Consumers looking for style, power and efficiency are continuing to respond positively to Audi's progressive brand of luxury."

Nationwide, Audi sales of the A4 jumped 34.3%, demonstrating excitement around the brand, which has seen consistent movement throughout 2008: Audi has reported strong car (sedan and sports car) sales throughout the year, citing high dealer traffic amid rising levels of brand awareness and consideration. In June, Audi posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality in the results from J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 industry-wide study.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Mazda Reports June 2008 Sales  
IRVINE, Calif., -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June 2008 sales of 23,771 vehicles, a 7.7 percent decrease over last year, but an increase of 3.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. There were 24 selling days in June 2008, 27 in June 2007. Despite a tough economic state in the automotive industry, Mazda's year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent with 153,141 vehicles sold (up 0.9 percent on a DSR basis).

"Small, stylish, fuel-efficient -- those are the buzz words of the car business these days," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "As always, customers want the right vehicle at the right price, and never has this been so true as today, as MAZDA5 and MAZDA3 sales are proving."

Leading the way yet again, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 29.2 percent increase versus last June, with 1,416 units sold. Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5 is a spirited vehicle that targets a very specific driver, with three rows, room for six passengers and up to 28 mpg (highway). Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 44.1 percent.

MAZDA3 also had a great month, recording its best June sales ever, up 8.9 percent with sales of 12,346.

Additionally, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever June with sales of 1,586 vehicles, up 30 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door and MAZDA6 both had their best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 9,961 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Ford Reports June 2008, First Half Sales  
DEARBORN, Mich., -- In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago. Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford's first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

"In the first half, Ford outperformed the industry in both the car and crossover segments," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "This performance is crucial to creating an exciting viable Ford delivering profitable growth for all."

Ford's new Focus paced the increase in car sales. In the first half, Focus retail sales increased 53 percent versus a year ago, and Focus was the top-selling domestic car to retail customers. In the recently released J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 APEAL study, the Focus improved 88 index points -- the largest improvement in the industry.

Mid-size cars also posted retail sales increases in the first half with Ford Fusion up 7 percent, Mercury Milan up 2 percent and Lincoln MKZ up 10 percent.

The Ford Edge paced crossovers with first half retail sales up 19 percent.

Gasoline prices increased a dollar (from $3 to $4 a gallon) during the first half and this accelerated the decline in SUV and truck sales. In the first half, retail sales for the company's SUVs declined 40 percent versus a year ago and retail sales for trucks and vans declined 31 percent.

First half fleet sales declined 11 percent (including a 20 percent decline in daily rental sales).

Overall, June sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles totaled 167,090, down 28 percent versus a year ago. First half sales totaled 1.1 million, down 14 percent.

"Consumer fundamentals and consumer confidence deteriorated as the first half unfolded," said Farley. "The economy enters the second half of the year with a notable absence of momentum and a high degree of uncertainty."

He added, "Clearly, the rapid rise in gasoline prices, and the resulting shift toward fuel efficient vehicles, has been challenging, but it also provides an opportunity. In addition to adjusting our capacity and production plans to produce more cars and crossovers, we are introducing several new vehicles with class-leading fuel economy."

In June, Ford introduced a new crossover, the Flex, with best-in-class highway fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon and Lincoln introduced the MKS. In 2009, the MKS will be the first vehicle equipped with Ford's new EcoBoost engine technology.

The 2009 model Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner started production in June. Equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, the Escape and Mariner deliver best-in-class fuel economy in the small utility segment with 28 highway miles per gallon. The Escape and Mariner Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle on the planet, delivering 34 city mpg and improved highway rating of 31 mpg -- up from 30 mpg.

Later this year, production of the redesigned Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will begin, including new Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid versions.

In addition, Ford has announced plans to bring the European Transit Connect to North America in 2009 -- the most fuel-efficient commercial van on the market.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

A Welcome Progress Made With ESC Safety Technology  
BRUSSELS - : The European automobile manufacturers welcome the progress made in increasing consumer awareness and market take-up of ESC (electronic stability control), as highlighted today at the Choose ESC campaign evaluation event in Brussels. Improving road safety is one of the automotive manufacturers key priorities and the industry is an active participant in the ChooseESC campaign of the European Commission to explain the benefits of this life-saving technology.

Motor vehicles are today much safer that they were ten to fifteen years ago thanks to improved crash test standards, crumple zones, seatbelts, air bags, and the introduction of safety technologies like ABS and ESC. ESC is a safety technology that identifies the risk of a skid at an early stage even before the driver does. It uses the vehicles brakes to steer the vehicle safely back on track. Whether the skid is the result of an emergency avoidance manoeuvre or a simple error of judgement, ESC helps the driver maintain control. Of course, overall driving style, infrastructure conditions, the use of other safety equipment, such as seatbelts, and vehicle maintenance all play an essential role as well in ensuring safety on the road.

ESC is an application that offers important additional safety benefits and it is extremely important that consumers understand fully how this technology can support them, said secretary general Ivan Hodac of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association ACEA. A greater awareness will help increase demand for ESC. As is the case with all innovations, time is needed for new applications to arrive in all new cars. This is a consequence of the long vehicle development and production cycles (both take up to 7 years) and the consequent complex and continuous process of manufacturers portfolio changes.

ESC, however, is being introduced relatively quickly. Today, already 50% of all new cars are produced with ESC and this percentage is rising progressively. The take-up of ESC is clearly related to the awareness and promotion campaigns by the media, the car clubs, the car manufacturers and their suppliers. However, ESC is not the only life-saving product developed in the last years. Many other innovations like multiple airbags, seatbelt strengtheners and reminders, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane driving support and others are coming to market and would need similar attention.

To further increase road safety, car drivers should be encouraged to embrace the available safety applications at an early stage, in combination with a responsible driving attitude, preferably before and during training for their driving licenses.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Supermini world debuts at UK Motor Show  
Two superminis will make their first-ever public appearances at the British Motor Show next month.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo will make its debut at the show, which runs from July 23 to August 3. The new car takes its styling cues from the 8C Competizione supercar, and goes on sale in January.

The other supermini to make its world debut is the Seat Ibiza SportCoupe, the three-door version of the new Ibiza.

The five-door version goes on sale on July 16 from £8995, but there's no word yet on when the SportCoupe will be ready or how much it will cost.

Seat will also reveal for the first time greener versions of its Leon small family car and Alhambra MPV, using the Ecomotive tag already employed for the low-CO2 version of the current Ibiza.

We'll have all the news from the show as it happens, so come back to us then for more on these and all the other new cars expected to be at the show.


Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (7/1/2008)

Roush Technologies' Latest Gives New Meaning to the Term "Horsepower"  
ESSEX, England Undoubtedly, viewers will do a double-take when they get a look at Roush Technologies' new vehicle, which brings together a horse and a postmodern horseless carriage. The automotive supplier issued a raft of s of its new "mobile race trainer," a three-passenger vehicle not counting the horse that is designed to help turn racehorses into champions.

The bulky-looking vehicle surrounds the horse and controls the animal via electronically controlled reins. Hence, both driver and horse are moving in the same direction. The mobile race trainer's suspension is derived from a Ford F-150 pickup, while power is provided by a Volvo 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine. "Speed is precisely controlled from walking pace up to race conditions, up to a maximum of 60 km/h [37.2 mph]," said Roush Technologies in a statement.

The vehicle was build for Turkey-based Kurt Systems, maker of racehorse and camel training equipment.

The cabin gets a centrally mounted driver seat and accommodations for a trainer and a veterinary specialist. There's also a silicone saddle to "simulate jockey weights."


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (7/1/2008)

2009 Dodge Challenger Brochures Hit the Web  
DETROIT The fever seems to be building for the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Chrysler is providing free access to an eight-page brochure on the '09 Challenger; it can be downloaded from the official Web site.

In the meantime, an enterprising member of the Flickr community has uploaded all 28 pages of another 2009 Challenger brochure that isn't supposed to be officially released until August.

The new brochures flesh out some of the details color, trim, wheels and the like on the expanded Challenger lineup for 2009, including a hot B5 blue paint scheme, the new Challenger R/T Classic Edition and even an R/T Track Pack. Also available this fall is a new entry-level Challenger SE, priced from $21,995.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (7/1/2008)

Extreme Motorsports Receives Large Manufacturing Contract &Updates on Progress  
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., -- Extreme Motorsports of California, Inc. (Pink Sheets: EMOC) ("Xtreme" or the "Company"), has received a large manufacturing contract from Senatore Trailers LLC.

At the beginning of this 2008 year, Extreme Motorsports of California, Inc. began negotiating an agreement for use of the patent rights with Senatore Trailers from New York State. Senatore Trailers approached the Company about building a patented utility trailer that they owned and manufactured. An agreement was negotiated to allow their patent rights to be re-engineered and trailers manufactured to meet the needs of the existing dealer base started by Senatore Trailers. The agreement consists of the following points:

1) To re-engineer the trailer to provide for a hydraulic load-unload capability from a full-size pick-up truck bed, expanding from 4'x6' to 6'x10' once unloaded. Construction is to be all-aluminum and it is to be mass-produced through advanced manufacturing methods, similar to the sandcars, already built through Xtreme Motorsports.

2) To create and control a worldwide website to conduct the sales, tracking, shipping and payment of the product for consumers and dealers. This new website will have video demonstrations of how the trailer operates and how it is manufactured.

3) To start manufacturing immediately upon completion of engineering to provide trailers to the existing dealer base. Manufacturing to begin early in July and will be limited to 50 units per month for the first three months to allow the Company to "tool up" to meet the planned 2000 -- 2500 trailers per year requirement within the first 12 months.

4) To assist in the retail cost structure of the trailers to meet the needs of the clients and the consumers.

5) To create additional dealerships in selected states on the West Coast and overseas.

The Company is excited to announce the tremendous progress of this agreement! Around July 8th, manufacturing of the first unit(s) to allow for the final filming of the website videos will begin. Around the middle of July our website is expected to be operational to allow the existing registered distributors and dealers to begin ordering and pre-paying by a selection of online payment options. The trailers will be competitively priced at a retail price of $4,995 each for the base model and options such as a trailer dump bed, a variety of powder-coated finished and dual-axle, heavy-duty models are being considered that would generate additional revenues. Since all orders are pre-paid we are planning that the first week in August, with the distributors and dealers that are already in place (in excess of 45 dealers across the US), our first month should generate approximately $250,000 in revenues and grow steadily to a conservative estimate of $829,000 per month through the rest of the year. These revenues do not include consumers being able to order the trailer directly online and pre-pay with a selection of online payment options and also do not include additional dealers that the Company is lining up now. Our conservative estimate plans on sales to reach 3,000 trailer units per year within 18 months, generating revenues of almost $15,000,000 per year.

In order to properly manage the manufacturing of the trailers, Extreme Fabrication LLC, was formed with Extreme Motorsports of California, Inc. as one of the owners. This entity will handle the management of the website, sales, shipping and delivery to the customers for a smooth flow of products without interfering with Xtreme Motorsports' existing projects. The agreement also accommodates approximately $1.8 million in new, state-of-the-art equipment, which will allow for lights out operation and robotic welding, as well as additional factory space to facilitate the production numbers. Watch for the new website being uploaded soon so the public can get its first look at this magnificent product.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

AGR Pre-Race Quotes - The Glen  
Danica Patrick, #7 Motorola Dallara/Honda/Firestone "I like going to Watkins Glen. It is a challenging course to drive, and has helped me evolve as a road course driver. I think this is going to be a very competitive race. I hope the Motorola car gets some good practice laps in and we do well in qualifying."

Tony Kanaan, #11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone "The Team 7-Eleven guys are really anticipating a great race at Watkins Glen. Like the Honda Grand Prix, there will 12 or 13 drivers fighting to get into the Firestone Fast Six qualifying session. There will be a lot of different strategies but I'm sure the 7-Eleven car will be strong and we'll be running up front."

Marco Andretti, #26 oso*fresh Dallara/Honda/Firestone "Watkins Glen is a great track. It's very flowing and is a rhythm track with many different types of corners. It's a track where you have to keep your momentum up in order to do well."

Hideki Mutoh, #27 Formula Dream Dallara/Honda/Firestone "I've raced twice at Watkins Glen International in the Firestone Indy Lights series last year, so I am excited to go back there and race in the IndyCar Series. It's a long course. It's been a few months since we raced at St. Petersburg, so I am looking forward to getting back to that type of course. I hope the Formula Dream team can have another strong finish this weekend."

Raphael Matos, #27 AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing Dallara/Firestone "After the off week, I think that we are ready to get back to the track. With our only win this season coming on a road/street course, I'm really looking forward to getting back to that type of track. I hope that we can get another win for the AFS/Andretti Green team and make up some points in the championship."

Arie Luyendyk Jr., #26 Targus/AGR/AFS Dallara/Firestone "The last race at Iowa was disappointing for the Targus/Andretti Green/AFS team. We've made so much progress this season and I would really like to get that first win for my new sponsor and the AGR/AFS team."


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

BMW Group USA Reports June 2008 Sales  
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) today reported June vehicle sales of 26,155, a decline of 11 percent from the 29,394 vehicles sold in the same month of 2007. For the first six months of 2008, BMW Group sales are down 3.9 percent to 157,913 vehicles versus the 164,338 sold in the first half of 2007.

BMW Brand Sales

BMW brand sales declined 17 percent, to 20,944 vehicles compared to 25,220 vehicles sold in June 2007. Year-to-date, BMW reported sales of 131,513 vehicles compared to the 144,579 reported in the same period a year ago, a decline of 9 percent.

"Internet leads and consumer traffic in our dealerships remain good, showing a premium brand such as BMW has the ability to better weather these turbulent times," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "Even in this segment however, we see a desire for increased efficiency and that is providing a natural impetus for strong sales of our new 1 Series and the 3 Series 328i models, but also for other vehicles such as the new X6 where consumers see the combination of efficiency, performance and luxury that's right for their unique needs. Within this overall environment, we are determined to remain profitable and help our corporation. We will do this by exercising disciplined volume management matched to demand, and make a small number of vehicles available to other markets where exchange rates are more beneficial for the company."

BMW Automobile Sales

BMW's automobile sales are down 17.5 percent in June to 16,555 versus 20,068 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales are down 8.7 percent, to 103,522 automobiles compared to 113,396 in the first half of 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 14.8 percent in June to 4,389 vehicles over the 5,152 sold last June. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 10.2 percent, to 27,991 vehicles compared to the 31,184 sold in the same period of 2007.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported sales of 5,211 cars, a 24.8 percent increase compared to 4,174 cars sold in the same period a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 percent over the 19,759 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

"The last three months have been the best in our history as the significant structural shift to small cars has brought into our dealerships a diverse range of vehicle owners that currently drive large cars, SUVs and trucks. Our retailers tell us these people recognize the combination of efficiency, great dynamics and premium values MINI provides and it allows them to downsize their vehicle without downsizing their aspirations," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President MINI USA. "With very few cars remaining in inventory, our dealers are focusing on taking orders for custom-built cars that will be delivered to MINI drivers in July through September."

Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, June 2008

JuneJune%YTDYTD%

2008200720082007

BMW brand20,94425,220-17 131,513144,579-9

BMW passenger cars16,55520,068-17.5103,522113,395-8.7

BMW light trucks(SAVs)4,3895,152-14.827,99131,184-10.2

MINI brand5,2114,17424.826,40019,75933.6

TOTAL Group26,15529,394-11157,913164,338-3.9

BMW Certified Pre-Owned

BMW Certified Pre-Owned reported 7,909 CPO vehicles sold in June 2008 versus 7,540 vehicles reported last June, an increase of 4.9 percent. Year-to- date, CPO sales are up 22.7 percent, to 51,986 over the 42,384 reported in the same period in 2007.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

American Honda Reports Record Sales in June 2008  
TORRANCE, Calif., -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced total June sales of 142,539, up 13.8 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis(1), setting a new record for the month. Reflecting a shifting automotive marketplace, total car sales set a new June record for the first time since 1990 at 97,639, up 34.2 percent versus last year. Year-to-date American Honda sales are up 4.8 percent to 798,358.

"Staying true to our core values is allowing Honda to weather the storm of rising gas prices and help consumers find shelter in our products," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Our factories are doing everything they can to produce the fuel-efficient models consumers are desperately in need of."

Honda Division sales rose 17.9 percent over last year to a new June record of 130,083, driven by record car sales which increased 41.4 percent to 89,947. The fuel-efficient Fit posted its best month ever with sales of 10,003, up 100.5 percent, while Civic hit a new June record, up 23.1 percent to 39,967, and Accord rose 54.5 percent to 39,704. Honda Division light-truck sales of 40,136 reflect a decrease of 14.2 percent. Honda Division sales are up 7.4 percent to 720,444, year-to-date.

Acura Division sales totaled 12,456. Sales of the completely redesigned 2009 TSX sports sedan increased 27.5 percent and set a new June record of 3,869.

(1) All percentages in this release reflect the daily selling rate as calculated with 24 days for June 2008, versus 27 for 2007. Year to date, the daily selling rate is calculated with 153 days for 2008, versus 154 for 2007.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

AAA and Hertz Announce Campaign to Help Keep Vacationing Children in Car and Booster Seats  
WASHINGTON, -- AAA, America's leading advocate for child passenger safety, and Hertz, the world's largest car rental company, have joined forces to help keep America's youngest passengers safe and secure while traveling.

The campaign, called "Don't Take a Vacation from Your Car Seat," is a first-ever, combined effort to build awareness that parents must put their children in child safety seats and booster seats when they rent a vehicle. Child seats saved 392 lives in 2006 and AAA has been advocating for state laws that increase their usage for more than 20 years.

Regardless of where you travel in the U.S. there are state laws requiring the use of child safety seats. While laws vary from state to state regarding booster seat usage, AAA urges travelers to keep children in car and booster seats until the lap/shoulder safety belts fit them properly, usually around age eight.

"Family travelers want and need to protect their children when they ride in a rented automobile," said Mark H. Brown, Executive Vice President of AAA. He noted a recent AAA-Hertz survey found that 95 percent of parents who travel with a child six years of age or younger reported that their child needed to be in a child safety or booster seat. "Hertz and AAA want to make it easier for parents who may worry about the inconvenience of bringing a child safety seat while travelling."

Renting a safety seat has become increasingly simple because travelers can now reserve a seat when they book through their travel agent or online at www.AAA.com/hertz and www.hertz.com. According to the Hertz/AAA survey of parents who travel with young children, of those travelers who rent a child safety seat at their location, 81 percent say they book their seat at the time of reservation.

"The safety of all our customers, including young travelers, is of paramount concern to Hertz," commented Joseph R. Nothwang, President of North America and Pacific Rent A Car for Hertz. "Hertz has been aggressively reengineering itself to be more customer centric and we're pleased to work with AAA to make the use of safety seats while traveling more convenient and less expensive for our customers."

Hertz is AAA's exclusive national car rental partner, and this summer AAA members need only provide the agent with their membership card and they can rent up to two complimentary child safety or booster seats from Hertz.

In addition to the free child safety seats, Hertz and AAA will also be posting more than 3,000 "Don't Take a Vacation from Your Car Seat" posters in AAA's 1,100 travel agency locations and 2,000 Hertz locations in the U.S. and Canada.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

To Promote Financial Literacy for Community Service 2008  
DETROIT, -- In an effort to provide Americans with a better understanding of money management and financial literacy, GMAC Financial Services is proud to announce its participation in the financial services industry's Community Service 2008 by hosting GMAC SmartEdge seminars and participating in events with non-profit partners to promote financial education throughout the summer.

"GMAC embraces the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we live and work by sharing our knowledge of financial literacy," said GMAC CEO Al de Molina. "As we engage people across the country, increasing their awareness and understanding of personal finance, we will make strides in strengthening our communities by providing people with the tools they need to make smart financial decisions."

GMAC's commitment is part of a larger effort being conducted by The Financial Services Roundtable and its member companies to help improve communities and strengthen partnerships with non-profit partners and public policymakers in hundreds of cities across the United States. This year's Community Service 2008 (formerly known as Community Build Day) will focus on financial education, with increased visibility of financial education programs in communities.

"Community Service 2008 demonstrates how the financial services industry works 365 days a year to improve the communities they serve," said Steve Bartlett, president and CEO of The Financial Services Roundtable. "With this year's events focusing on financial education, these volunteers will be spreading their knowledge to be used as a stepping stone in life."

GMAC offers a comprehensive financial education program, GMAC SmartEdge, that aims to help consumers make informed financial decisions by improving people's understanding of credit, budgeting, vehicle and home financing, banking, and insurance. GMAC promotes financial literacy through the SmartEdge Web site, www.SmartEdgebyGMAC.com, and seminars.

GMAC will participate in more than 16 events across the country, most of which will be conducted in conjunction with non-profit partners. GMAC will participate in events hosted by Junior Achievement in Waterloo, Iowa; Costa Mesa, Calif.; and, Winston-Salem, N.C. GMAC SmartEdge sessions will be completed at Team Focus events in Riverside, Calif.; Birmingham, Ala.; Washington, DC; Ashland, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; and, Mobile, Ala. GMAC and the Urban League will collaborate for events in Minneapolis and Philadelphia. GMAC will also participate in events in Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago and New York City.

This year marks the seventh annual Community Service 2008. Richard Davis, president and CEO of U.S. Bancorp, and Don McGrath, chairman and CEO of BancWest Corporation, are the Community Service 2008 co-chairs. The national sponsors are: AEGON USA, Inc., The Allstate Corporation, American General Financial Services, AXA Equitable, Bank of America Corporation, BancWest Corporation, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, Barclays Capital, Inc., Capital One Financial Corporation, Charles Schwab Corporation, Edward Jones, GMAC Financial Services, HSBC - North America, ING, MasterCard Worldwide, The NASDAQ OMG Group, Inc., Nationwide, The PMI Group, Inc., Principal Financial Group, Protective Life Corporation, Raymond James Financial, Inc., Regions Financial Corporation, State Farm Insurance Companies, Toyota Financial Services, UnionBanCal Corporation, Unum, U.S. Bancorp, Visa, Inc., Washington Mutual, Inc., and Wells Fargo & Company. (As of May 29, 2008)


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

A Brumos Porsche 250 Preview  
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. A brand new race car signals a new beginning for the No 10 SunTrust Pontiac Dallara team of Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) as it kicks off the second half of the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season with Thursday nights Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The first seven stops on the 14-race campaign have been eventful, to say the least, for SunTrust Racing and WTR. They kicked things off on this very track with a star-studded two-car effort at the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona. Regular co-driver Max Angelelli and team-owner Wayne Taylor introduced new full-time co-driver Michael Valiante to the SunTrust Racing family and Taylors 18-year-old son Ricky to the world of big-time racing, and the SunTrust quartet drove its way through various mechanical and electrical predicaments for a top-five finish.

Alongside the No. 10 SunTrust team for the Rolex 24 was the No. 9 Toshiba Pontiac Riley of Penske-Taylor Racing, featuring none other than Helio Castroneves, Kurt Busch and Ryan Briscoe behind the wheel. Under the tutelage of Roger Penske and Wayne Taylor, that high-profile driving trio brought home a podium finish despite overheating and other issues of their own.

In the days, weeks and months since, SunTrust Racing has endured a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows that its doing everything in its power to smooth out considerably over the latter half of the 2008 Rolex Series season. Among the highs was the stellar debut of the all-new Dallara chassis, which sported a striking, new tangerine-based SunTrust paint scheme and which Valiante qualified on the front row at Homestead (Fla.) Miami Speedway. Even though the new-from-the-ground-up race car arrived on the scene with virtually no meaningful on-track testing, it showed its tremendous potential by leading laps at three of its first four events and starting from the pole in only its third race at Virginia International Speedway (VIR) near Alton. It seemed the only thing that could slow or stop the new cars rapid emergence was an eerie series of on-track incidents, none of which were Angelellis or Valiantes doing, at Homestead, Mexico City and VIR.

The lowest of the lows came May 19 when, on its way back to WTRs Indianapolis race shop from Monterey, Calif., the team transporter and all of its contents, including the original Dallara chassis, burned to the ground on I-40 in Texas. Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support from the Grand-Am community, the team was re-equipped with tools, a transport trailer and spare parts that enabled it to dust off the Riley chassis that finished fifth at Daytona and make it to the very next race just 19 days later at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Angelelli surprisingly qualified on the pole at Watkins Glen, and he and Valiante and the team powered their way to a podium finish in the six-hour endurance marathon.

On Monday of race week at Mid-Ohio two weekends ago, where Angelelli and Valiante had to settle for a top-10 in the Riley after flirting with their second-consecutive podium in the rain-soaked event, the new Dallara arrived at the WTR shop and the process of outfitting it for Thursday nights debut immediately began in earnest.

Thursday, the second coming of the SunTrust Dallara comes at a track where SunTrust has enjoyed some of its most shining moments since joining the Rolex Series in 2004. Taylor and Angelelli co-drove to victory in July of that inaugural season, and they followed with a dominating drive to victory in the 2005 Rolex 24, kicking off a dominating season that culminated in the Rolex Series championship with five wins, 10 podiums and three poles in 14 events. In nine total starts at Daytona, SunTrust Racing has scored two victories, five podium finishes and eight top-fives, including the runner-up finish from the pole in the 2005 Brumos Porsche 250.

Thursdays Brumos Porsche 250 is a one-day show. Practice begins at 10 a.m. and qualifying is set for 1:45 p.m. Race time is 8 p.m. with SPEED-TV providing live coverage. The detailed event schedule, as well as live timing and scoring during all on-track sessions, can be found at www.grand-am.com.

Max Angelelli, co-driver of the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Dallara:

Youre back in a Dallara at Grand-Ams most high-profile track and one where youve had great success. Are you excited?

I feel ready to go. We always go to Daytona with a lot of expectations because weve always done well there. I feel the same about this weekend. We believe in the Dallara more than ever. We believe its a good car, a fast car. Our new Dallara looks even better than the first one because weve had more time to learn about it and we could put all the updates right on the car while we were building it. So the car looks really good, and Im looking forward to Thursday nights race a lot.

Being that its a one-day show and, once again you are debuting a brand new car without any substantial testing, are you concerned about the time crunch on Thursday?

Its really not as bad as you might think because we still have over two hours of practice before qualifying. Thats almost as much as we have on a normal race weekend, and its plenty of time to make changes. I personally believe that we can be as fast as the fastest cars out there. Im not sure exactly what part of the track we will have an advantage and where we will be at a disadvantage. The important thing is we are equipped, once again, to make changes on the car. People dont realize that in our last two races with the Riley, we couldnt change shocks, we couldnt change springs, even something as simple as changing a gurney, we couldnt do because we did not have those pieces that we needed. We just put fuel in the car, we put tires on the car, and we cleaned the car. And, still, we had two races where everyone definitely knew we were there. It will be a great feeling to be more like a normal race effort with different options in our set-up. Im really looking forward to it.

Michael Valiante, co-driver of the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Dallara:

Youve strung together a couple of relatively strong race weekends, albeit not with the Dallara. Are you feeling pretty good about heading to Daytona this week with the new car?

Im really looking forward to it now that we have another Dallara and weve had back-to-back races where, as a team, weve gotten some pretty good rhythm going. Were gradually building our inventory back up again, which will make us better and better as we go along things like shocks and springs and spare components. The new car should be good, again. Theyve beefed up some things to make it stronger for the longer duration events. Otherwise, theres not much that can be done because once the car is approved, you have to stick to the guidelines that were set.

Knowing what you know about the previous Dallara at the four tracks you raced it, what might you expect from it at Daytona?

Probably the main thing to go off of is how the other two Dallaras in the series (the Nos. 77 and 47) have been doing. Theyve been getting quicker and quicker each race, so thats very encouraging. I think, overall, well be solid at Daytona. The Dallara hasnt been the quickest out there in terms of straight-line speed, so it will be a challenge on the long straights. But I do feel well be very strong in the infield road course segments.

How quickly do you think you and Max will be able to get up to speed in the new car?

Believe it or not, before we even get to the performance of the car, one of the toughest things will be redoing the seat to get both of us comfortable, again. The process involves molding the seat and then shaping it and working with it until its just right. I stopped by the shop to work on this after the Mid-Ohio race. Theres a lot to it, like making sure the headrest is just right, the belts, the steering height, the pedals. Its a long, involved process. Well continue to do some fine-tuning on it as we go along.

Wayne Taylor, owner of the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Dallara team:

What kind of feelings are you experiencing as you prepare to go to Daytona with a brand new race car?

Obviously, well be debuting the new car, and theres a lot of emotion that goes with that. Kind of like we experienced at Homestead the first time around, but perhaps a lot more because of all that has gone on since then. Were starting with a clean sheet of paper and hopefully all the bad stuff is behind us, now. Im not sure, performance-wise, what to expect, really. Clearly, theres been an incredible amount of attention to detail on the new car. We learned a lot during the first four races we ran the Dallara, and we learned a lot about it especially as a result of the accident in Mexico. Its just so nice to have a brand new car, really. And its nice to debut it at Daytona because its my home race, and its an important market for SunTrust. And itll be good to see how it does on that track because, in a lot of ways, the 24-hour race is just around the corner, again.

Do you have any idea of how it will do at Daytona this weekend?

We really dont know what to expect. I dont want to speculate on this one. So far, the one thing we found about the car is it really likes high-speed corners. So we think it should be pretty good at Daytona. A key factor will be how fast it can go down the straightaways. At some tracks with the previous car, it definitely wasnt the fastest on the straights. But, were going to be okay. I dont want to say too much, really. The guys, as Ive been saying for so long, now, have been working incredibly hard to get us ready for this next race. Once again, they deserve a great result.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Sat-navs to show most dangerous roads  
Satellite-navigation systems could tell drivers if they're about to use the most dangerous roads in Britain.

EuroRAP, the European Road Assessment Programme, a non-profit-making road safety group, is in discussion with sat-nav manufacturers about allowing them to use its latest risk map.

Included in the map is the most lethal road in Britain, an eight-mile section of the A537 between Macclesfield in Cheshire and Buxton in Derbyshire. There were 21 fatal collisions there between 2004 and 2006, many or them motorcyclists.

For car users, the most dangerous road is a six-mile part of the A61 in Yorkshire between Barnsley and Wakefield. There were 17 fatal collisions there in the past three years.

The hope is that satellite-navigation systems with information on roads like these will help dissuade drivers from using them, or to take greater care if they do.

According to EuroRAP, they will carry a warning that says 'You are entering a high-risk area. Please be careful. 'The systems will be tested this year and could be on sale by next summer.

The information from EuroRAP's map will also appear in Collins road atlases in future.

EuroRAP 2008 findings: the UK's highest-risk roads

Road Length Fatal collisions

1. A537 Macclesfield-Buxton 8 miles 21

2. A683 M6 J34 - Kirkby Lonsdale 15 miles 22

3. A61 Barnsley-Wakefield 6 miles 22

4. A54 Congleton-Buxton 14 miles 20

5. A84 M9 J10 - Lochearnhead 27 miles 29

6. A5 Daventry-Rugby (A428) 10 miles 12

7. A726 M77 J3 to Paisley 4 miles 23.

8. A570 St Helens-M58 J3 6 miles 17

9. A53 Leek-Buxton 12 miles 16

10. A671 Burnley-A59 Whalley 6 miles 24


Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (7/1/2008)

New look traffic radio to benefit motorists  
The Highways Agency today (1st July) launched an updated version of its digital radio station, Traffic Radio.

The updated version, with a new more dynamic sound, will now be broadcast live 24 hours a day from the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre in Birmingham.

Available on digital radio and via a new look website at : www.trafficradio.org.uk, "Traffic Radio" lets drivers hear the latest:

* Traffic conditions on motorways and major A roads in England

* Emergency incidents

* Roadworks

The Agency's Director of Information, Denise Plumpton said:

"I'm delighted to be able to launch a new version of Traffic Radio.

Traffic Radio provides helpful information to enable people to make choices about their journey, whether they're driving for work, visiting relatives or going on holiday. The radio format allows people to check traffic conditions easily before they leave the house or office.

"Those with DAB radios in their cars can also make informed decisions about alternative routes, should conditions change when they are en route. People with mobile internet access can check the latest conditions when they take a break from their journeys."

Traffic Radio is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and is updated every 10 minutes at busy times.

It offers regional traffic news, linked into the part of the country where people are listening, as well as national headlines. There are also infomercials, for example explaining our Traffic Officer Service or giving safety advice and tips about planning your journey.

The Highways Agency initially trialled Traffic Radio through the internet and via a number of short-term licences around major events. Feedback from drivers was extremely positive with people reporting that the information had influenced their journeys.

The updated service, now provided by Global Traffic Network, will be broadcast 24/7 from the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre in Birmingham where presenters have access to information from 3,750 road sensors and over 1,000 CCTV cameras. This will be supplemented by reports from Highways Agency staff out on the roads, the police and Global Traffic Network's own network of planes and helicopters.

The service is available on DAB digital radio to an area covering potentially 80% of the population of England. The service will become more widely available over the next two years as more local licences become available. Traffic Radio is also available over the internet at : www.trafficradio.org.uk

The service is run by the Highways Agency in partnership with Transport for London. The Agency is also speaking to partners at Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales and DRDNI (Northern Ireland) about joining the service in the future. The aim is to provide a joined-up service across the country.

To tune in to the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".


Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (7/1/2008)

European Drive Train Integrator Selects Maxwell Technologies to Supply Ultracapacitor Modules for Emission-Free Electric Buses for Milan  
SAN DIEGO, -- Maxwell Technologies Inc. announced today that Vossloh Kiepe GmbH, a leading producer of heavy vehicle drive systems, has selected Maxwell's 125-volt BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor modules for braking energy recuperation and torque assist in emission-free electric buses it is producing in collaboration with Van Hool NV for the Milan, Italy, municipal transit system.

The Vossloh-Van Hool buses for Milan are low-floor articulated vehicles equipped with ultracapacitor-based energy storage systems that absorb and store energy from recuperative braking for reuse in powering zero-emission electric motors. The basic drive system can be augmented with energy supplied via overhead lines or a 100-kilowat diesel generator set that is certified in compliance with the Euro-5 emission standard. The city of Milan recently announced that it is taking delivery of the first 15 of a total of 70 vehicles it has ordered from Vossloh Kiepe and Van Hool.

"Incorporating supercapacitor technology in our equipment fits well into Vossloh Kiepe's company policy of providing environmentally friendly public transport solutions," said Bernd Flaskamp, Vossloh Kiepe's Executive Vice President for Commercial Services. "Using supercapacitors for energy storage to recuperate braking energy reduces energy consumption significantly and Vossloh Kiepe is proud to be a leader in the transportation industry in delivering this technology to the customer."

David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer, said that shipments are scheduled to begin during the current quarter on Vossloh's order for a total of 300 BOOSTCAP HTM125 heavy duty transportation modules to be delivered by the end of the year.

"The HTM125 is the result of extensive work with Vossloh Kiepe and other leading transportation OEMs to develop a robust multi-cell module to withstand the harsh environments and extremely demanding duty cycles that are typical in heavy transportation applications," Schramm said. "The HTM125 meets transportation industry requirements for watt-hours of energy storage and watts of power delivery per kilogram, and is designed to perform reliably through one million or more deep discharge cycles, or about 15 years of operational life for most vehicles. This is the first of what we expect to be several series production orders for heavy vehicles in Europe."

The HTM125 is encased in a rugged, splash-proof, IP 65-compliant, aluminum chassis, weighs less than 60kg and measures 315x425x744mm. Integrated monitoring capabilities and a highly efficient cooling configuration enable it to sustain continuous current of up to 150 amps with minimal temperature increase in high-temperature environments. Up to 12 125-volt modules may be linked in series to deliver a total of as much as 1,500 volts. Maxwell also offers a complete line of standard 15- to 75-volt multi-cell modules.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

A Global Manufacturing  
ANN ARBOR, Mich., -- Affinia Group Inc., a global leader in the on- and off-highway replacement products and services industry, has announced plans to acquire 85 percent of HBM Investment Limited, owner of one of the world's largest drum and rotor manufacturing companies, Longkou Haimeng Machining Company Limited "Haimeng."

Haimeng significantly expands Affinia's worldwide manufacturing capacity for high-quality brake components. The new partnership also provides Affinia with a strategic opportunity for continued market expansion through Haimeng's current OEM and aftermarket customer base in Asia and Europe.

"This new business venture clearly reinforces our commitment to excelling as a major global manufacturer of aftermarket products," said Terry McCormack, President and CEO of Affinia. "We have purchased products from Haimeng for a number of years and can attest to the quality of its manufacturing assets and the talent of its staff and management team. The combination of Affinia and Haimeng gives us world-class manufacturing in China, while enhancing our market access for growth around the world. We will be able to offer our global customer base a significant opportunity to improve their inventory turns and Gross Margin Return on Investment (GMROI)."

Haimeng was founded in 1997 and operates more than 1 million square feet of manufacturing facilities in Longkou City, Shandong, China. The privately- held company employs approximately 2,300 in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, complete with extensive research and development capabilities. Haimeng serves both aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

"Our joining forces with Affinia is a win-win," said Zhang Haibo, President of Haimeng. "We offer manufacturing facilities and technical expertise with a proven track record, while Affinia offers a family of brands recognized the world over. Affinia customers will benefit most of all with expanded access to the quality products, comprehensive services and trusted brands they need."

Affinia anticipates that the Haimeng agreement will be completed by the end of the third quarter of this year.

"We have been implementing a strategic business plan for Affinia over the past three years to assure the highest-quality products for our customers," McCormack said. "This new venture with Haimeng is a key element in our continued transformation from a North American-based manufacturing company to a global producer with plants in Europe, Asia, North and South America."

Affinia Group Inc. is a global leader in the on- and off-highway replacement products and services industry. In North America the Affinia family of brands includes WIX(R) filters, Raybestos(R), AIMCO(R) and BrakePro(R) brake products, and McQuay-Norris(R) and Spicer(R) Chassis parts. South American and European brands include Nakata(R), Filtron(R), Urba(R) and Quinton Hazell(R).


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Valvoline Instant Oil Change Revs Up Savings with Mobile Coupons  
SAN JOSE, Calif., -- Cellfire Inc. announced today that its mobile coupons will be accepted at all 107 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers in Cleveland, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Mobile phone users can save money with exclusive offers on oil change or preventative service.

"We're tapping into the emerging mobile channel to create compelling marketing campaigns that engage consumers," said Laura Carpenter, marketing manager of Valvoline Instant Oil Change. "Cellfire will enable us to attract new customers and bring in repeat visits by presenting promotional offers to mobile-savvy consumers who seek value and convenience."

Cellfire users receive $7 off a full-service oil change or a $10 discount off any preventative service. To access these exclusive savings from Valvoline Instant Oil Change, along with discounts from other local, regional and national merchants, consumers can subscribe to the Cellfire mobile coupon service at : www.cellfire.com/ or by texting "V" to 22888.

"Cellfire continues to partner with well-known brands such as Valvoline to help consumers save money on the products and services they need and want," said Brent Dusing, CEO of Cellfire. "Mobile coupons are a win-win solution for consumers who are searching for innovative ways to save money amidst rising fuel and food prices, and merchants looking for creative channels through which to reach consumers who are becoming more discriminatory in their spending."

Consumers access the Cellfire service through an easy-to-use mobile application that resides on their cell phone or through a mobile Web browser. New offers are added frequently, and users can access the Cellfire service at their convenience to discover and use discounts specific to their geographic area. Coupons are displayed in an organized manner, allowing consumers to navigate through coupons by category, save the offers they want to use later, or select the offer they want to use immediately. Cellfire users are provided with a unique redemption code that is shown at the time of a transaction. Users simply click on the coupon they want to use and show it to the sales clerk for redemption at the point of purchase.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

An Announces Preliminary 2008 Second Quarter Financial Results  
JINZHOU CITY, Liaoning, China, -- Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. ("Wonder Auto" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of automotive electrical and suspension parts in China, today announced its preliminary results for the second quarter of 2008, with sales revenues expected to be over US$36.0 million versus US$24.0 million in the second quarter of 2007. Net income is expected to be over US$5.0 million compared with US$3.8 million in the same period last year.

"Wonder Auto is currently operating in an environment of higher oil and steel prices. However, we are focused on the more favorable and faster growing small- and medium-sized car market. With our strict internal control, we are confident we will achieve our business objectives for the year," commented Mr. Qingjie Zhao, the Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Auto Technology.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Accelerates Onto the InFormation Superhighway With the Launch of Its Press Website  
SLOUGH - : Citroën UK has today launched its official press website, www.citroenpress.co.uk, the number one destination for the UKs media to discover all things Citroën.

Easy to navigate and with up to the minute content, the Citroën UK Press website is a dedicated resource providing journalists with downloadable information such as press releases and hi-res images of the latest Citroën models and concepts, as well as direct links to the world of Citroën motor sport.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (7/1/2008)

Nano manufacturing at Singur to start in Q4  
MUMBAI/Kolkata: Tata Motors expects to start manufacturing of its much-hyped mini car Nano at Singur in the fourth quarter of this calendar year. The high volumes of Nano is expected to dramatically change Tata Motors’ market position, reach and visibility, said company chairman Ratan Tata in the latest annual report. The Singur manufacturing facilities would be expanded to meet domestic and global demand in the future.

Mr Tata’s expectation comes amidst the widespread concern about the performance of commercial vehicles and passenger cars in the near future due to higher fuel prices, increased raw material costs and rising interest rates.

Tata Motors, the country’s largest truck maker, is working on new variants of the world’s cheapest car Nano to overcome challenges posed by high fuel prices, which could negatively impact vehicle sales, Mr Tata said.

Tata Motors has also started developing new variants of Nano to meet environmental and fuel price challenges, as also market requirements of several international markets. The move comes in the run-up to the scheduled roll out of the gasoline-powered Nano from Singur.

According to Tata Motors spokesperson Debasish Ray: “Variants mean technologies other than gasoline engine which is being currently used in the Rs 1-lakh car that is slated to be rolled out of the Singur factory during the later part of 2008. He, however, declined to divulge more details on Nano variants.

“New variants of Nano are under development to meet the new environmental and fuel price challenges, as also the market requirement of several international markets,” Ratan Tata said in a statement made in the 63rd annual report of Tata Motors.

In the commercial vehicle segment, Tata Motors had registered a 5.5% growth over the previous year, but lost marketshare.

Although the company launched several new models and variants of commercial vehicles last year, it was unable to exploit its full market potential due to inadequate deliveries of powertrains and components from major suppliers. In passenger car segment, delays of the main streamline of the new Indica and Indigo passenger cars contributed to decline in sales and marketshare of the company.

Mr Tata said these challenges appeared daunting, but the year ahead will be no more daunting than the challenges they have faced in difficult years in the past. “The people in Tata Motors who have faced adversity and major crisis have delivered products which were not considered possible and found solutions for situations which have thwarted many an organisation,” Mr Tata added.

Mr Tata also said the acquisition of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands will add “global scale, profits and visibility to Tata Motors, enabling it to take its place in the global auto industry as a credible international automobile company”.

It completed the acquisition of the two iconic car brands from Ford Motor in June for $2.3 billion. To fund the acquisition, Tata Motors is raising Rs 7,200 crore via three separate rights issues, and an additional $500-600 million through an international offering of securities. Mr Tata also said it has to absorb the cost of acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover and deal with their integration during the year.

The company mentioned in the annual report that it had invested Rs 600 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary Tata Motors Finance and Rs 601 crore in Fiat India in FY08. The company had also invested Rs 179 crore by subscribing to the rights issue of Tata Steel last year that was launched to part finance the steel company’s acquisition of Corus for $12.9 billion.


Source : Economic Times (7/2/2008)

Tata Motors sales up 6.61% in June  
NEW DELHI: Domestic auto major Tata Motors on Tuesday said it has sold 47,245 vehicles in June this year, a 6.61 per cent increase over the corresponding period year ago.

It had reported sales of 44,317 units in the same period last year.

The passenger vehicle business achieved total sales of 17,017 units in the domestic market in June, a decline of 2.30 per cent over the same month last year, the firm said in a statement.

Indica reported sales of 8,560 units, a decline of 27 per cent, compared to the same month last year. However, the Indigo family recorded sales of 4,747 units, a strong 102 per cent growth over June last year.

Sumo and Safari accounted for sales of 3,710 units, a growth of 11 per cent compared to June last year, it added.

The company said sales of commercial vehicles in June 2008 in the domestic market were at 26,797 units, up 25.12 per cent, compared to 21,417 units in corresponding month a year ago. M&HCV sales stood at 12,845 units, a growth of 9 per cent, while LCV sales were 13,952 units, up 45 per cent.

Tata Motors said cumulative sales of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 51,094 units, a marginal decline of 1 per cent over the same period last year.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal stood at 71,480 units, up 16 per cent over last year.

Cumulative M&HCV sales stood at 35,835 units, up 10 per cent over last year, while LCV sales for the fiscal were 35,645 units, a growth of 23 per cent over last year, it added.


Source : Economic Times (7/1/2008)

High fuel cost may impact CV, car sales: Ratan Tata  
Mumbai, Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors, has cautioned that higher fuel prices could negatively impact both commercial vehicles and passenger car sales in India during the current year.

“The year ahead will be a year of major challenges. There will be enormous and unprecedented increase in material costs in steel, tyres and the like, and there will be the impact of tighter money supply with higher interest rates,” he said in the company’s annual report.

In addition, he pointed out the company will have to manage the completion of the Singur plant and introduction of the Nano in the market. Further, while dealing with these challenges in India, Tata Motors’ operations will also have to absorb the cost of the Jaguar-Land Rover acquisition and deal with its integration.

Indeed, the commercial vehicle industry, including exports, witnessed a moderation in growth in the last fiscal.

The domestic market, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of total commercial vehicle sales, was impacted by reduction in economic activity, poor credit availability, hardening of interest rates and increase in fuel prices. It grew by 6.9 per cent as compared to 33 per cent growth in the previous year.

Tata Motors reported a total sale of 3.52 lakh commercial vehicles in the domestic and overseas markets, representing a growth of 5.5 per cent over last fiscal. However, the company’s share in the domestic commercial vehicle market declined by 1.3 percentage points to 62.7 per cent due to non availability of certain components/parts in the earlier part of the year and constraints in the availability of vehicle finance from banks and NBFCs.

In the passenger vehicle segment, the company’s sales declined by 5.4 per cent over the previous year, after six consecutive years of growth.

It recorded a sale of 2,32,864 vehicles (including 3,297 Fiat cars) in the domestic and overseas markets. Its market share also declined from 16.6 per cent to 14.2 per cent during the year mainly on account of launch of several new introductions by rival car makers and the delays in the introduction of its new Indica and Indigo.

The company hopes to regain its market share with the launch of the new Indica later this year.

Mr Tata said new variants of the Nano were currently under development to meet the new environmental and fuel price challenges, as also the requirement of several international markets. The new plant for Nano in Singur in West Bengal is expected to go into operation in the last quarter of 2008. “These manufacturing facilities would be expanded to meet the demand in the domestic and international markets in the future,” he said.

He expects that the high volumes of the Nano range will change Tata Motors’ market position, reach and visibility.

On the Jaguar and Land Rover acquisition, Mr. Tata said in these brands Tata Motors had acquired impressive engineering capabilities and substantial manufacturing facilities.

To fund the acquisition, the company is raising Rs 7,200 crore on a rights basis and $500 million to $600 million through an international offering of equity or cost effective quasi equity instruments.


Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (7/1/2008)

Tata Motors hikes CV prices by 3%  
Mumbai, Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has further hiked the CV prices by three per cent in less than three months.

“We have hiked the prices across the entire range of commercial vehicles. The price rise varies according to the models but the average hike is three per cent,” said a Tata Motors spokesperson.

The company has not given much details about the fresh round of price hike other than saying that this is on account of the escalating input cost. The new prices came to effect on July 1.

Tata Motors had earlier hiked the commercial vehicle prices by 3.5 per cent in the first week of April. Prior to that, the company had slashed the prices of CVs by two per cent following the excise duty cut and Cenvat reduction announced in the budget. The company increased the price of passenger and utility vehicles between one and three per cent in June.

The latest price hike comes at a time when the CV industry was facing challenges due to increasing cost of finance and fuel price rise. According to the new pricing, the high-end Novus tractor may cross Rs 32 lakh, the Rs 16 lakh multi-axle truck would become costlier by Rs 50,000.

Sales up 5.5%

Tata Motors reported 5.5 per cent growth in the CV segment.

“Price rise happens across the world. Since the cost of finance and running cost also have been hiked, the CV market may witness a flat growth this year also. But situation should not be worse, given the economic activity on the ground,” said an analyst with Dolat Capital Market Private Ltd.

Tata Motors share price was 4.23 per cent down at Rs 408.43 on the BSE on Tuesday.


Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (7/1/2008)

A Gemballa GT650 Aero 3  
LEONBURG, Germany The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a pretty formidable piece of machinery right out of the box, with 500 horses leaping from its twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8. The new 2009 Cayenne Turbo S hikes that further, to 550 hp still not enough for the fun-loving folks at Gemballa.

The tuner boys from Leonburg have kicked things up yet another notch, to 650 PS that's 641 American-style ponies thanks to the usual engine-compartment tweaks.

Gemballa would never let a Porsche out of the shop without a full aero body kit, and the GT650 Aero 3 is no exception. Add-ons include front skirt, hood, fender extensions, side skirts and rear skirt.

A customized cabin gets the full Gemballa treatment as well, with custom leather upholstery and trim, floor mats and door sills.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (7/1/2008)

Government Transport Agency commended by international 'green' award judges  
The agency which keeps Britain's government on the road is celebrating an outstanding performance in the first European-wide Green Fleet Awards.

The Government Car and Despatch Agency's manager Ben Davis was the only UK entrant commended by judges of the public sector European Fleet Manager of the Year award.

At the ceremony in Brussels earlier this month (June) the agency was also among seven public service organisations from across the EC whose efforts to cut both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions earned them a place among the runners-up for the prestigious title of European Public Sector Fleet of the Year.

"We have always known we h