Auto News Archives dated 5/9/2007

Archives 9 May'2007

Which Cars are Really American?
Washington DC; The AIADA newsletter reported that the ambiguity that exists between 'American' and 'Foreign' autos is growing as globalization increases, and it has some consumers confused.

The world is no longer as simple as us vs. them, Detroit against the Asians and Europeans. It's a global industry now, in which all manufacturers are touching their auto making toes on the shores of just about every industrialized nation.

According to USA Today, Even GM, long the icon of American industry, hedges its bets. "We're very proud for the economic role we play in this country," says GM spokesman Greg Martin. "However, we're a global car company that happens to be based in the United States."

Consider the possibilities: Foreign cars made in the USA, such as Honda's Ohio-built Accord competing with American cars made abroad, like Ford's hit Fusion sedan, competing with famous American names with foreign owners, such as Dodge's new Nitro SUV, owned by Germany's DaimlerChrysler.

The confusion pains Joe Luehrmann, 48. Hoping to reach a decision soon about his next car, he's looking at everything. He's a believer in American cars, but, says with a tinge of regret, "I don't feel any great loyalty anymore." Click Here to view USA Today's "How American is that Car?" Chart.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (5/8/2007)

BMW Tweaks 5 Series for 2008
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. - BMW has updated its 2008 5 Series with mild interior and exterior changes, powertrain improvements for six-cylinder models and a few assorted technology upgrades. The 5 Series goes on sale this month, starting at $45,075 for the 528i sedan. Price includes a $775 destination charge.

The '08 face-lift includes a revised front fascia, new taillights, a new rear air diffuser on sedan models and a freshened cabin with more leather and wood trim. The standard iDrive adds six programmable memory buttons that can be used for radio station presets or navigation destinations.

BMW said the 5 Series lineup will include five six-cylinder models and one V8 model. The 528i sedan gets a 3.0-liter N52 inline-6 engine that makes 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm. That is an increase of 15 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing 525i. The 535i sedan has a new optional sport automatic transmission that includes steering-wheel paddle shifters plus a sport button for quicker, more dynamic shifting. A sport package on the 535i includes 18-inch wheels and tires in staggered width, marking the first time such a feature has been offered on six-cylinder models, the automaker said.

A top-of-the line 2008 BMW 550i sedan starts at $59,275, including destination. BMW said it sold 56,756 5 Series vehicles in the U.S. in 2006.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

R. L. Polk & Co. Announces 2007 Inventory Efficiency Award Winners
CHICAGO, PRNewswire/ -- R. L. Polk & Co., the automotive aftermarket's source of automotive information, presented Dayco Products LLC and NAPA Auto Parts with the 2007 Polk Inventory Efficiency Awards today. The awards were presented during the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago.

The Polk Inventory Efficiency Award recognizes and rewards outstanding aftermarket companies for process improvements relative to inventory efficiency. In the Manufacturer category, Dayco Products, LLC, based in Tulsa, Okla. was recognized for its achievements in implementing data and technology standards across its entire enterprise resulting in significant reductions in inventory and vastly improved fill rates. The award was accepted by Dennis Welvaert, president of Dayco's North American Aftermarket Division.

In the Retailer / Distributor category, Atlanta-based NAPA Auto Parts received the honors for creating a best-in-class inventory classification system aimed at making daily stock adjustments in company stores that led to substantial increases in top-line revenues and provided an exceptional return on investment. Larry Samuelson, president of U.S. Automotive Parts Group accepted the award on the company's behalf.

"Both NAPA and Dayco demonstrate an outstanding commitment to improving their inventory efficiency," said Mike Gingell, vice president of Strategic Markets at Polk. "Their efforts not only impact their companies, but everyone in the distribution channel down to the end user. Congratulations to both companies for their achievements."

The awards were presented by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Stephen Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co.

In addition to receiving the Polk Inventory Efficiency Award, both companies received the honor of having a $1,000 donation given in their name by Polk to the Global Aftermarket Scholarship fund which assists students who are looking to begin their career in the automotive aftermarket.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Seat and Chevrolet win in Zandvoort
Chevrolet scored its best ever finish in the WTCC with a one-two at Zandvoort in the Netherlands at the weekend.

Alain Menu led the way, with team-mate Nicola Larini finishing just 0.6 seconds behind in second.

Reigning champ Andy Priaulx finished 8th after a strong drive despite a weight handicap.

Privateer Luca Rangoni finished third in a BMW, while former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro came fourth in his first race for Seat.

Race Two saw Gabriele Tarquini charge to an impressive race win in the Seat, holding off the BMWs of Augusto Farfus Jr and Jorg Muller.

Nicola Larini's good weekend continued with a fourth in the Chevrolet, while Priaulx brought his BMW home fifth. Just 1.7 seconds separated the top five at the finish of Race Two.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

Tina turner
The Rally Argentina started with a Super Special event in Buenos Aires, but the rally proper began 440 miles away in Cordoba. At least it would have done had many of the cars and drivers had not been stranded in Buenos Aires because of bad weather.

Seven stages on Friday were cancelled, but when the rally got underway it was the familiar faces of Citroen's Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm in the Ford Focus up front.

Loeb looked like his old self, with a run of dominant stage times that the Ford drivers had no answer to.

Petter Solberg, celebrating his 100th rally for Subaru, was also running strongly until a mechanical problem brought his rally to a halt on the penultimate stage on Saturday. He was gutted; the Impreza was looking strong, and Petter was comfortable in third.

With Solberg's retirement, Gronholm's team-mate Mikko Hirvonen assumed third place, while Jari-Matti Latvala continued his strong 2007 season with fourth in the Stobart Focus. Latvala is looking increasingly like WRC's next superstar.

So, Loeb won Rally Argentina - his third in a row. Ford and Gronholm will need to re-group before the next round in Sardinia to stop the Citroen boy running away with the 2007 crown.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

Vaux on top at Thruxton
Vauxhall's Fabrizio Giovanardi is getting closer to BTCC championship leader Jason Plato after two wins in the Vectra at Thruxton.

Despite carrying a weight penalty after his double win in the last round at Rockingham, the Italian grabbed pole position and won the first two races at Thruxton.

Seat's Plato came back strongly, and made the most of the reversed grid, to win race three.

BTCC champion Matt Neal is looking increasingly like his old self in the new Honda Civic.

Despite a lack of testing, Neal finished 5th in Race One and Race Three, and second in Race Two.

Plato now leads the BTCC by just nine points from Giovanardi.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

A rolling Stoner...
He's just 21, but Australian Casey Stoner is looking like one of the most complete riders in motorcycle racing at present with a stunning win in the China Grand Prix.

Scoring his third win out of four MotoGPs this year, Stoner was dominant in Shanghai.

Sure, his Ducati was around 6mph quicker in a straight line, but Stoner rode with composure and confidence, enduring constant pressure from Valentino Rossi's Yamaha.

Pole-sitter Rossi was clearly faster through the turns, but when Stoner's Ducati blasted onto the 1,200m straight - the longest in the MotoGP calendar - it simply f'd off.

Suzuki's John Hopkins finished just 3.6 seconds behind Rossi to grab his first podium - and to make it three constructors in the top three - while Dani Pedrosa on the works Honda came fourth.

The next two months will be crucial for Stoner and Rossi, MotoGP's championship protagonists.

Rossi's Yamaha will be suited to the twists of Le Mans, Donington, Assen and Laguna Seca, while Stoner's Ducati will be a rocket at the faster Mugello and Catalunya tracks.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

Ford, General Motors and JC Russian Machines bid for Automobile Craiova
Ford, General Motors and JC Russian Machines bid for Automobile Craiova Finanzamarcello ha scritto "American carmakers Ford and General Motors and Russian company JC submitted to the Authority for State Asset Resolution (AVAS) non-binding tenders for the privatisation of Automobile Craiova, by the bidding deadline on Wednesday, april 25th, Finance Ministry informs.

The JC Russian Machines company is a division of the Russian group Basic Element, controlled by Oleg Deripaska, one of the richest men in the world - ranking 62nd in the Forbes list - crowned Russia´s “aluminum king”. The Automobile Craiova privatisation strategy stipulates the sale of the entire stake held by AVAS (72.4 per cent) along with the stakes held by SIF Oltenia (22.06 per cent) and by other minor shareholders having expressed their intention to sell out, under a memorandum passed by the Government.

In the Cabinet meeting on april, 25th, AVAS President Teodor Atanasiu announced Cabinet members that an invitation to tender will be launched in June. Stock will be sold through negotiation based on final, improved and binding tenders, in two stages, with an initial tender with common terms of all bidders, followed by the improved final tender. The Commission assigned with privatising Automobile Craiova will set a timetable regarding the transfer into private property of the company´s majority share package, a process which is to be finalized this year, Sebastian Vladescu, head of the commission, told Mediafax. “We will meet next week to decide on an agenda and a privatisation method. (…) The privatisation process will be finalised by the end of this year,” declared Vladescu, State Secretary with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Source : http://www.portalino.it (5/8/2007)

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers vs. Vermont: “Cutting CO2 by 30% can’t be done until 2020”
The US auto industry would be unable to comply with the U.S. state of Vermont’s proposed O2 emissions standards, according to an expert witness called in the final week of a trial in which the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (including General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler), and local car dealers and trade associations, are suing Vermont to try to block a mandatory 30% reduction in the CO2 emitted by vehicles, starting in 2009 and becoming stricter through 2016.

Thomas Austin, an automotive industry expert at Sierra Research Inc., testified that, "We still need 12 years from now, we're talking model year 2020," to develop full lines of compliant vehicles.

Vermont is one of 10 U.S. states to call for the sharp reduction in CO2 emissions, following a lead established by California, whose governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently threatened to sue the Environmental Protection Agency if it does not soon approve a waiver from federal legislation for California’s CO2 reduction legislation.

Source : http://www.eemsonline.co.uk (5/8/2007)

UK 'dreadfully' behind with vital safety
The UK is seriously lagging behind its European counterparts as far as the fitting of electronic stability control (ESC) to new cars is concerned, a new survey has revealed.

The Euro NCAP study shows that out of the 25 member states, the UK finished 21st, with only 56% of new cars sold here having ESC fitted as standard. Studies have shown that the safety system can reduce the number of accidents by 20%.

In Britain, it could save up to 240 lives and prevent around 3000 serious injuries every year. Now Euro NCAP is calling on manufacturers to fit ESC as standard on all new cars.

ESC is an anti-skid safety system that recognises when a car is going out of control. In a fraction of a second an electronic control unit applies the brakes on individual wheels to help keep the car under control before a skid develops.

The secretary general of Euro NCAP Adrian Hobbs said: 'The UK has a dreadfully low fitment rate, which is surprising because historically it places great importance on road safety.

Denmark has the highest numbers of new cars fitted with ESC as standard, at 77%. FIA president Max Mosley claimed that this is because tax incentives are offered to motorists who pay to have the system fitted to their cars.

In the UK only 11% of superminis have ESC as standard. Conversely, 98% of luxury cars have ESC as standard. Adrian Hobbs said, 'It seems money buys safety.'

ESC compulsory by 2009?

As a special launch to raise awareness of ESC, the European Commission said it is considering introducing legislation to make ESC mandatory on all new cars in 2009. However Ivan Hadoc of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association said the main reason manufacturers don't fit ESC on all new cars is down to price.

He explained that in poor EU countries such as Romania, car buyers couldn't afford the £200 to pay for the extra cost of ESC. He also said he did not believe European legislation was the way forward because it needed worldwide consensus.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (5/8/2007)

First pics of Hyundai's new estate
Hyundai has revealed an estate version of its forthcoming i30 small family car.

The i30 Estate is longer, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the five-door hatch on which it is based. It will be powered by either a 1.6 petrol or 1.6 diesel engine.

While the hatch will be in UK showrooms this summer, we'll get to see the estate version for the first time in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The car is due on sale here early next year.

The i30 is built on the same platform as the Kia Cee'd. We'll have more news about the estate version of the Cee'd, the Cee'd Wagon, later on this month, ahead of its launch this summer.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (5/8/2007)

Corsa comes with cleaner diesel
Vauxhall's Corsa supermini is now available with a revised 1.3-litre diesel engine that drops the car into a lower road tax band.

Carbon dioxide emissions in the revised engine drop from 124g/km to 119g/km, meaning models attract a VED Group B rating. Owners will pay £35 a year in road tax, as opposed to the £115 the current engine in Group C attracts.

Should London's Congestion Charge change to be based on CO2 emissions, as proposed by Mayor Ken Livingstone, the new engine would be exempt from the toll.

The car is on sale now, starting at £9810 for a Corsa Life 1.3 CDTi three-door.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (5/8/2007)

Aygo now Black and Blue
Toyota has tweaked its Aygo supermini range, adding a new Blue trim, while dropping its Sport trim.

The Aygo Blue costs £7995 for the three-door version and £8245 for the five-door – the same as Aygo Black models. However, Aygo Blue comes in its unique Lagoon Blue paint job and has air-con and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

Black, previously a special edition, is now a permanent addition to the range.

A £600 Style Pack, available on Blue and Aygo+ models, includes front fog lamps, 14-inch alloy wheels and chrome-effect front scuff plate.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (5/8/2007)

Drop-top 911 Turbo on its way
Porsche will launch a soft-top version of its 911 Turbo sportscar this September with a price of £106,180.

The drop-top 911 Turbo has the same 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine that's in the coupe and can accelerate from 0-62mph in four seconds when fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Opt for the tiptronic gearbox and it can rattle off the 0-62mph dash in 3.8 seconds. Like the coupe, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet has a top speed of 193mph. All this despite being 70kgs heavier than the Coupe.

Final vital stat? The automatic soft-top roof can open or close in 20 seconds.

As you would expect in a £100k car, there's plenty of standard kit, including leather upholstery, colour sat-nav, Bose sound system, Porsche's Vehicle Tracking System and a Porsche Driving Experience programme.

There's still plenty to tempt you on the options list, however, including a £5800 carbon-ceramic brake system that's available in the Coupe and a £1015 Sport Chrono Turbo Package that ups the car's pulling power to 502lb ft on overboost.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (5/8/2007)

NHRA (Englishtown) - Records Fall In Perfect Conditions At Nhra Sport Compact Springnationals
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Old Bridge Township Raceway Park was the setting for a number of national record runs during the NHRA Sport Compact Springnationals of the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series.

A total of six national records were set in four of the five categories in the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series this weekend.

Winners of the race were Marty Ladwig (Hot Rod), Brent Rau (Modified), Stephanie Eggum (Hot Rod), Norris Prayoonto (Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor) and Brad Personett (Pro RWD).

Ladwig had the biggest weekend of his career. He came out knowing that he would need a huge performance from his Lucas Oil Chevy Cobalt. In order to achieve his successful weekend he had three consecutive runs over 200 mph, set the national record for time at 7.27 seconds and won the event. While winning the event, and his 15th career Wally, Ladwig ran a time of 7.30 mph at 200.77 mph to outrun rival Ed Bergenholtz. His speed of 201.55 mph in the semifinals was enough for the national speed record.

“That’s awesome,” said Ladwig. “We went 200 (mph) two years ago as a factory team, but to do it as our own team is awesome. To get to where we’re at we had a lot of help from Chevrolet, and awesome engine help from GM Racing and Garrett Turbos. I really want to thank Lucas Oil. For them to sponsor me from the beginning of last year was a huge help. And now for them to believe in me and step up for this year was tremendous.”

Rau had the run of his short three race NHRA career in his Mitsubishi Eclipse. He shattered the national record when he ran 7.06 seconds in the semifinals. Earlier in the weekend he ran a speed of 199.17 mph, but was unable to back this up for a national record. In the final he defeated Paul Efantis with a time of 7.09 seconds at 173.14 mph. Efantis ran 7.38 seconds at 189.10 mph.

Even though Efantis had to settle for runner-up, he did come away with the national record for speed at 192.36 mph.

Eggum was able to stop Kenny Tran from winning three events in a row by defeating him in the final. She drove her Blaze Motorsport Honda Civic to her fourth career win with a time of 8.12 seconds at 181.91 mph to Tran’s 8.28 seconds at 174.26. She almost didn’t make it to the final when her car was having trouble doing the burnout and staging in the semifinals when she had a bye run. She eventually was able to stage and take the tree to set up the final with Tran.

“I needed that,” said Eggum. “I really want to thank NRG Tech from Newark. They brought me a clutch Saturday night. I had to drive hard this weekend. The car was all over, even in the final. I want to thank Omni Power, Vibrant, Precision Turbo and Oakley.”

Prayoonto and his Clutchmasters Honda Insight went to the starting line against his teammate Saul Salceda. It turned out to not be very much though, since Salceda merely staged his car and Prayoonto drove away with the victory. His winning numbers were 10.59 seconds at 83.27 mph. This was his fifth career win.

“It was my best weekend ever,” said Prayoonto. “I couldn’t ask for more. I had all four of my cars (Prayoonto, Salceda, Loan Nguyen (BFGoodrich Tires Street Stock) and Jonathan Reynolds (UrbanRacer.Com Sport FWD). Then three of my four cars were in the winner’s circle.”

Jeremy Lookofsky came away with the national record for time in the Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor category at 9.33 seconds.

Personett, in his Titan Motorsport Scion tC, was able to gain the NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series record for most national event win with his 16th career win by defeating his teammate Gary White. He ran 6.65 seconds at 201.31 mph to White’s 6.96 seconds at 205.88 mph. Personett also had a national record for time at 6.64 seconds.

“The weather was phenomenal,” said Personett. “It was great having all the people in the stands. We had problems with the black car (White’s) when it dropped a cylinder. The data told us it’s a parts failure. It is too bad for Gary. We were looking to have a good side-by-side race.”

The NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series will next be at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kan., with the Pro RWD cars, June 1-3, for the third annual NHRA Sport Compact Nationals. The next full event will be the Northeast NHRA Sport Compact Nationals at Atco Raceway in Atco, N.J., June 9-10.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (5/8/2007)

NASCAR BCS (DARLINGTON) - Busch Series News and Notes
It’s taken 25 years, 47 wins, 30 poles and over 220 starts but Mark Martin (No. 5 Hendrick Autoguard/ Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet) and owner Rick Hendrick (24 years, 22 wins, 35 poles) have finally teamed up in NASCAR Busch Series competition.

Martin, the series’ all-time leader in wins and poles – who was voted No. 1 among the 25 Greatest NASCAR Busch Series Drivers by media and fans last year – is also the series’ best at Darlington Raceway with eight wins and eight poles.

So the partnership – the first of three events at which the NASCAR icons will work together – has the potential to be a successful debut.

“That No. 5 means something to me,” Martin said. “I remember the No. 5 when it was first getting started –when it was All-Star Racing on the side and Rick was a car dealer getting into NASCAR. It’s cool. This is stuff that’s history. And the older you get, the more history means to you.”

Hendrick’s NASCAR Busch Series driver list that contains such names as Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Tim Richmond and Kyle Busch, can now include Martin.

“When I look back at the end of the day and we look at the wins we have and the people that have been part of it,” Hendrick said, “I think it’s going to be really neat to have Mark’s name on that list.”

Keller Returns To NASCAR Busch Series At His ‘Home’ Track

South Carolina native Jason Keller (No. 11 Force Protection Chevrolet) is back in the NASCAR Busch Series, fittingly at Darlington Raceway.

Keller, the series’ all-time leader in earnings with over $10 million and one of only two drivers with 400 starts, returns to race for CJM Racing and owners Tony and Bryan Mullet for the organization’s debut in the NASCAR Busch Series.

The team is under the direction of Greg Pollex, who won the series championship in 2000 with Jeff Green – Keller finished second in the points that year as Green’s teammate.

During their tenure together, Keller and Pollex combined for nine wins, seven Busch Poles, 67 top-five and 112 top-10 finishes.

Keller also will be reunited with crew chief Todd Gordon. The event marks the first of several races the 36-year-old from Greenville, S.C., is scheduled to run for CJM this year.

In The Loop: Recent Results Show Kenseth Is The One To Watch At Darlington

Matt Kenseth (No. 17 Dish Network Ford) is one driver who will relish the last NASCAR Busch Series race at Darlington Raceway before the historic track gets resurfaced.

Kenseth has been brilliant at the South Carolina mainstay, grabbing a win in 2005 and a runner-up finish last season. He already has two wins this season and almost picked up a second at Richmond International Raceway last Friday night.

This weekend, if recent history is any indication, look for Kenseth to make a charge during the Diamond Hill Plywood 200.

Kenseth has by far the best pre-race Driver Rating at Darlington – 131.7. The second-best Driver Rating belongs to Jeff Burton (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet) at 117.1.

His Average Running Position is 4.296, which is second-best in the series, but tops among those drivers who have run each of the past two races at Darlington.

Kenseth also has the most Fastest Laps Run (37), the fastest Speed in Traffic, the third-most Laps in the Top 15 (268) and the second-fastest Green Flag Speed.

With a win in last year’s race at Darlington, Denny Hamlin (No. 20 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet) is another driver to watch. Hamlin, who earned a 128.1 Driver Rating in his win last year at Darlington, has an average Driver Rating of 110.9 (sixth-best).

Hamlin’s Average Running Position of 6.558 is third-best of any driver who has run in each of the last two races here. His 294 Laps in the Top 15 are most of any driver.

Then there’s the all-time NASCAR Busch Series leader in wins and poles, Mark Martin, who will drive for Hendrick Motorsports this weekend in the No. 5 Chevrolet. Martin has run two NASCAR Busch Series races this season – finishing fifth and 12th, respectively, in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford – and amassed impressive numbers in his series start at Darlington last season.

In his fourth-place finish, Martin had an Average Running Position of 6.429, a Driver Rating of 111.1 and 13 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green flag conditions).

NBS ETC.

* Twice As Nice: For Shane Huffman (No. 88 U.S. NAVY Chevrolet), things are better in twos. The JR Motorsports team will be taking chassis No. 022 to Darlington. It’s been run twice thus far in 2007 and Huffman posted two top-10 finishes in it. * Sponsor Helped Start Mother’s Day: Braun Racing drivers Dave Blaney (No. 10 Camping World Toyota) and Jason Leffler (No. 38 Great Clips Toyota) will sport associate sponsorship from the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) this weekend. An idea by a member of that group over 100 years ago led to Mother’s Day. Frank Hering had the idea for a special day that would provide formal recognition for mothers. In 1904, he verbalized publicly his idea of a "national day of honor for Mothers” but it would take 10 years for it to become a reality. Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress in 1914, requesting a presidential proclamation making the second Sunday in May Mother's Day throughout the country. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed May 10, 1914 the first official Mother's Day. * Big Week For Owen: Keeping with the Braun Racing Mother’s Day theme, Trent Owen, Blaney’s crew chief and nephew of the great Richard Petty, is preparing to become a father for the second time. His wife is scheduled to give birth to a boy on May 8th. It adds to the big weekend for Owen, who is from Darlington, S.C. This is his first fulltime season as crew chief, but he also acted as crew chief last year for Blaney for seven races, including the fall race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway where both got their first series win. * Final Test Of Season Upcoming: The NASCAR Busch Series will have an open week next weekend before resuming racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 26, but the series’ last of four scheduled test sessions for 2007 will be held at Lowe’s May 14-15. The test will be the second on a 1.5-mile track – teams tested at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in early February. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams will also be testing the Car of Tomorrow at Dover International Speedway those same days. * Bowyer Makes Big Leap: Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet) collected his second win in the last three races with his victory at Richmond last Friday night. The win allowed him to make a 10-place jump in the points to 15th; he’s now 77 points out of 10th place. Standings leader Carl Edwards (No. 60 Scotts Ford) finished 13th at Richmond, the first time this season he did not register a top-10 finish.

The Director’s Take: Darlington

WHAT TO WATCH FOR AT DARLINGTON: FROM JOE BALASH, NASCAR BUSCH SERIES DIRECTOR

“Darlington is an egg-shaped track. Because of the differences in its shape as opposed to an oval, teams will have to compromise on their setups. If both ends are identical, you’re setting the car up for one type of track.

“But here, teams and crews will try to get a balance on the car based upon the differences on both ends of the race track. You may see some cars handle better in Turns 1 and 2 as opposed to Turns 3 and 4.

“The teams that are able to capitalize and nail the set up should be those competing for the win.”

Rookie Spotlight: Ragan Takes Slight Edge Over Montoya To Darlington

• Ragan Rules: David Ragan (No. 6 Discount Tire Ford) has maintained his lead in the NASCAR Busch Series Raybestos Rookie standings for the second week in succession but it’s precarious at best as the series heads to Darlington. Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge) is second, just one point behind Ragan. The largest lead between first and second was six points following Bristol.

• Montoya Surging: Ragan hasn’t given any quarter to Montoya as far as his slim lead is concerned, but the Colombian star has been slightly better over the last couple of races to creep closer to the top spot. Ragan had a 35th-place finish at Phoenix three races ago, rebounded with a fourth at Talladega and had a respectable 14th last Friday at Richmond. Montoya, however, has been a tick more consistent, bettering Ragan with a 21st at Phoenix, a seventh at Talladega and an 11th at Richmond, his best back-to-back finishes of the year.

• Santos With The Program: Bobby Santos made his series debut and his debut in the Raybestos Rookie program last week at Richmond. He sat on the provisional pole for a length of time before being bumped to seventh on the starting grid. He finished 30th for the Bill Davis Racing/Riley-D’Hondt Motorsports effort.

2007 NASCAR BUSCH SERIES RAYBESTOS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR STANDINGS

Driver Points 1. David Ragan 111 2. Juan Pablo Montoya 910 3. Marcos Ambrose 104 4. Kyle Krisiloff 94 5. Brad Keselowski 57 6. Brad Coleman 50 7. Justin Diercks 39 8. Sam Hornish Jr. 35 9. Robert Richardson Jr. 23 10. Alex Garcia 7 11. Bobby Santos 6

ESPN/ABC

ESPN2 will have live primetime coverage of Friday night’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 from the 1.366-mile Darlington Raceway beginning at 8 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown. The race will start at 8:30 p.m.

Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion and one of the charter members of the NASCAR Busch Series, will join two-time NASCAR champion crew chief Andy Petree in the ESPN booth for analysis. Jarrett is filling in for ESPN’s lead auto racing analyst and his former on-track foe, Rusty Wallace, who will rejoin NASCAR coverage in June. Dr. Jerry Punch returns to handle play-by-play duties for ESPN while Dave Burns, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake will report the action from the pits.

Allen Bestwick will again host NASCAR Countdown from the ESPN Pit Studio where he’ll be joined by analyst Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will report from the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car.

In addition to the telecast on ESPN2, ESPN’s signature broadband service, ESPN360.com, will deliver a live online simulcast of the event, and a Spanish-language version of the race will be televised on ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s domestic Spanish-language network.

2007 At-A-Glance: NASCAR Busch Series Leaders After 11 Of 35 Races:

Traditional Statistics: Driver points – Edwards (1793) Victories – Bowyer, J. Burton, Edwards, Kenseth (2) Races led – Edwards (8) Laps led – Ky. Busch (532) Top-five finishes – Edwards (8) Top-10 finishes – Edwards (10) Owner points – Roush (No. 60) - (1793) Money Won – Edwards ($497,400) Miles led – Ky. Busch (760.03) Busch Poles – Ky. Busch (2) Closing in on Top 10–Smith 10th (1106 pts), Ambrose (-12), Biffle (-38) Consecutive Weeks in Top 10 – Blaney, Edwards, Harvick (11)

Loop Data Statistics: Driver Rating – Edwards (115.0) Average Running Position – Edwards (6.598) Fastest Laps Run–Ky. Busch (237 fastest laps) Quality Passes – Edwards (555) Laps In Top 15 – Edwards (1958)

Ford Can Make Up Ground At Darlington

With its win last Friday night at Richmond courtesy of Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet has put together the first three-race winning streak of the season and in the process has been able to build a 10-point distance between its first-place ranking and that of second-place Ford in the Bill France Performance Cup standings.

The two manufacturers are beginning to pull away from third-place Dodge and fourth-place Toyota; however, they remain separated by only four points heading to Darlington.

Ford should be favored to make up some ground this week if its performance at Darlington is any indication. Ford has 16 wins at the “Lady in Black,” most of any manufacturer and from 1999-2002, won seven consecutive races. Ford has also won two of the last three series races at Darlington.

But Chevy captured this race last year while Dodge had a win in 2004, giving three different manufacturers wins in the last three races at the track.

NASCAR Busch Series Manufacturers' Championship

Chevrolet 82 Ford 72 Dodge 46 Toyota 42

Up Next: CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 At Lowe’s Motor Speedway

Following the final scheduled test session for the NASCAR Busch Series at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, teams will be able to take their notes to task for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on May 26.

The NASCAR Busch Series’ all-time wins leader, Mark Martin, is also the series’ best at Lowe’s with six wins.

Matt Kenseth is tied for the lead in Busch Poles at Lowe’s with three – Harry Gant and Tim Richmond also collected three poles during their series careers at the track.

Carl Edwards is the defending race champion, while Kenseth captured the pole for this event last spring.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (5/8/2007)

Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis) - Rookie Giebler Clears Final Hurdle; Andretti Leads Final Day Of Rop At Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS,– Rookie Phil Giebler completed the final two phases of the Rookie Orientation Program as IndyCar Series teams geared up for the first official practice day for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500. Giebler, driving teammate Jaques Lazier’s No. 21 Playa Del Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone, quickly completed the final high-speed phases shortly after the track opened for the day. “I went through my ROP segments quite quickly and easily,” said Giebler, who is attempting to become the 10th driver to graduate from the Indy Pro Series to the Indianapolis 500. “It's just part of the process that we had to do. It was a little frustrating. As a racing driver, you always want to go quicker.” Giebler, who recorded 52 laps on the day, lapped the 2.5-mile oval in 41.4572 seconds, 217.091 mph. He was satisfied with the work done by the Playa Del Racing team. “Today, we were just trying out some different things for the engineers, went through our programs and everything went pretty smoothly,” Giebler said. “Overall, it was a really good day to get up to full speed, and it's an amazing feeling being here." Rookie Milka Duno, who completed rookie testing on May 6 and veterans Michael Andretti, Ryan Briscoe, Jon Herb, Jaques Lazier and Davey Hamilton turned laps on the second day of track activity. Andretti led all drivers with a fast lap of 40.6176, 221.579 mph – fastest of the month, to date. The first practice open to all veterans of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 8.

FASTEST SPEEDS OF DAY Pos. Car Name C/E/T Speed 1 39 Michael Andretti D/H/F 221.579 mph 2 12 Ryan Briscoe D/H/F 221.427 mph 3 02 Davey Hamilton D/H/F 220.214 mph 4 21 Phil Giebler P/H/F 217.091 mph 5 19 Jon Herb D/H/F 216.763 mph 6 23 Milka Duno D/H/F 215.949 mph 7 21 Jaques Lazier P/H/F 215.235 mph

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (5/8/2007)

NASCAR NNCS (Daytona) - Biffle Hopes Lowe's Motor Speedway Test Kicks Off a Winning Month of May
He's a two-time defending race champion at Darlington Raceway on a team determined to master NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow.

But on Monday, Greg Biffle (No. 16 Ameriquest Ford) sank in a chair, grabbed a microphone and discussed, among other topics, his most pressing business - a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series test at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The track is hosting 52 teams for a two-day session ahead of the non-points NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge on Saturday, May 19, and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 27. Monday marked the first test day, and Biffle visited the media center prior to heading to work.

"The second day is when we really, really feel like we get a chance to see what our car set up is like," Biffle said, citing the track's tendency to increase speed as it absorbs tire rubber, especially at night.

"And we're going to be testing two cars; one brand new car that's the best in the wind tunnel to date, and those are things you like to hear because we're constantly trying to build a better mouse trap."

That fast, new Roush Fenway Racing car just happens to be one of Biffle's. He and crew chief Pat Tryson planned to spend most of the two-day test comparing it against a proven car - the one Biffle drove to a sixth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

"So we're going to compare the two cars," he added, "pick a car for the All-Star race, pick a car for the 600 out of this test, and then, you know, we'll go to those races the best prepared, the best setup that we can possibly come up with in these two days of testing."

This week's test is the fifth of seven NASCAR-scheduled series tests in 2007. Teams will run the current race car at Lowe's and other 1.5-mile tracks while phasing in the Car of Tomorrow - the next-generation race car and the culmination of a seven-year project by NASCAR's Research & Development Center - in 16 of 36 series events this season.

A feeling of unfinished business - a good run gone sour 24 hours before - had Biffle waxing philosophic Monday before he embarked on testing. He consistently ran in the top 10 in Sunday's rain-delayed event at Richmond International Raceway before late contact with Jeff Green (No. 66 Best Buy Chevrolet) limited him to a 19th-place finish. And he feels he was just as fast as the front-running trio from Hendrick Mototsports - winner Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet), second-place finisher Kyle Busch (No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet) and fourth-place finisher Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet).

"I tell you, to be honest with you, I was a little bit better than the 48 this weekend at times," Biffle said. "I don't know if they worked on their chassis or not, but, you know, I was as good as the 5. The 24 was right in front of me for the whole run, and I caught the 48 and passed him at one run. And then we had a couple bad pit stops in a row and I got cycled back a little bit and then got spun out by the 66. So I don't think we were that far off at Richmond."

Enter this Saturday's sold-out Dodge Avenger 500 at Darlington, a place where Biffle has dominated for the past two seasons. This week's event is the fifth for the Car of Tomorrow this season and the first at Darlington. Biffle hopes to snare his third consecutive victory there - a feat accomplished only by Gordon and seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt - at the track 'Too Tough To Tame.'

"People talk over and over again about how difficult that racetrack is," Biffle said of Darlington's 1.366-mile, egg-shaped surface, "and that's one of the things that I like about it."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (5/8/2007)

Got Money to Burn? Cars.com Picks Top Cars Priced Higher Than $100,000
CHICAGO, PRNewswire/ -- While most car buyers might scoff at the notion of spending more than $100,000 on a new car, exotic cars are a rapidly growing segment. According to Cars.com the trend doesn't look to be ending anytime soon; new $100,000-plus entries from Porsche and Aston Martin are on the way, and BMW and Mercedes-Benz are expected to produce new, rarified models.

"With continued growth in the exotic cars category, Cars.com decided to compile a list of the top cars for buyers in the luxury market," said Cars.com editor David Thomas. "The selection process for these cars was fairly straightforward. Cars on the list all have a sticker price between $100,000 and $200,000 and go above and beyond pedestrian luxury cars in terms of style, performance and attitude."

1. Bentley Continental Flying Spur - The two-door Bentley Continental GT broke things open for the British coach builder with its most famous owner -- Paris Hilton -- getting them plenty of free publicity. But it's the four-door Flying Spur that is the epitome of how much exotic luxury you can get for your money -- about $170,000 of your money. Even though Bentley is churning out more Continentals than any other model, they're still hand-built and can be custom ordered, down to the wood grain and leather pigmentation

2. Aston Martin V8 Vantage/Vantage Roadster - The V8 Vantage coupe and convertible are sultry, British and fast. For a mere $110,000, the coupe is a major head-turner that will stand out in a crowd of Porsches and even Ferraris. The Aston has subtle elegance with a ton of performance squeezed out of its V-8 engine.

3. Audi R8 - This new kid on the block is Audi's first take on the semi-exotic sports car. Its modern styling and impressive performance, about on par with the Porsche 911 Turbo, make a value statement at $109,000. The huge grille, mid-engine layout and sporty cockpit scream business; the bold stripe on the side shouts eccentricity.

4. Porsche 911 Turbo - It may look like Porsches of the past, but the new 911 turbo is the highest attainment of Porsche-ness ever built. $122,000 might seem like a major investment, but a 911 Turbo never goes out of style; unless Porsche goes against almost 50 years of tradition, a 911 will look like a 911 for decades to come. Even if the next-generation Turbo outdoes this one in performance, passers-by will never know.

5. Bentley Continental GTC - The GTC's motorized canvas roof might seem like something from your grandpa's old Buick, but it's the look with the top down that seals the deal. If you think an average convertible is an impractical buy, what does that say about this one, at $189,990? How, then, did it make the list? You just can't have too many Bentleys in your stable.

6. Ferrari F430 - Yes, you too can own Ferrari's "entry-level" F430 for under $200,000. It'll probably hold its value -- it starts at $168,005 -- better than most of the cars on this list, and some say this might be the easiest Ferrari ever to drive like a pro. You can't put a price tag on that.

7. Mercedes-Benz S600 - This one almost didn't make the list, but we've seen too many of this $139,900 sedan on the streets and parked in front of fancy restaurants to let it slip out of the top 10. Plus, it has a powerful V-12 engine and a very upscale cabin, complete with mood lighting. That's why it comes in at No. 7, even if it looks like its less-stellar S550 sibling.

8. BMW M6 Convertible - Its style might not be for everyone, but the M6 convertible hits 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. That means it'll only take a minute to dry your hair after you leave the beach. Of course, we wouldn't recommend tracking sand in a new, $104,900, V-10-powered BMW, unless your detailer is on speed dial. This is probably the least attractive car on the list, but we've run into more than one luxury owner who covets the 6 Series above all else. Loyalty -- and the engine -- put it in at No. 8.

9. Lamborghini Gallardo - Lamborghinis are brutish and powerful, and they look like nothing else. At $175,000 for the hardtop and $195,000 for the roadster, the Gallardo stretches the $200,000 budget. They're native Italians, but are most often seen in high-profile areas like South Beach and Hollywood. As those areas suggest, it's all about the looks; the cabin is sparse, the ride is harsh and the exhaust is more than boastful. Good thing it has the performance credibility, or it would be all show.

10. Maserati Quattroporte - The Quattroporte holds the No. 10 spot on the list because it was one of the first near-$100,000 cars to really sell in significant quantities, leading other automakers to believe they could get away with attaching six-figure price tags to fancy cars. It's still one of the most inexpensive Italian exotic cars you can buy, at $110,600, and this year it sports a traditional automatic transmission. Plus, you can feel like one of the guys from "Entourage."

Not sure if you can afford one of these cars? Check out Cars.com's affordability calculator and see for yourself. For more information on the top 10 cars priced more than $100,000, visit Cars.com.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Land Rover Donates Four Millionth Vehicle to Born Free
IRVINE, Calif., PRNewswire/ -- Land Rover today passed a historic milestone when the four millionth vehicle rolled off the production line, 59 years after production began at the company's factory in Solihull.

The vehicle, a Land Rover LR3, was donated to the Born Free Foundation, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. It was collected by the actress Joanna Lumley, Born Free's Founder patron, and will become a 'Rapid Response Rescue' vehicle for deployment across the UK and Europe.

Will Travers, Born Free chief executive, said, "This important vehicle will enable us to carry out important frontline conservation and animal welfare missions at will. Without Land Rover's support we simply would not be able to reach some of the off-road remote destinations or tackle some of the rescues that are a vital part of our work."

This summer is likely to see the Born Free Rapid Response Rescue Discovery 3 extensively used by Born Free's partner, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, rescuing, treating and releasing stranded or abandoned marine mammals, especially Common and Grey seals, who frequently get into trouble along Britain's shores during the breeding season.

Born Free has been one of Land Rover's Global Sponsorship Partners since 2002. The sponsorship includes financial and vehicle support in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. In 2006 Land Rover's support contributed to the rescue and relocation of three lions from a circus in France to Shamwari in South Africa.

Land Rover has pioneered responsible off-roading through its 'Fragile Earth' policy globally and Tread Lightly support in North America for many years and currently works with Earthwatch, Royal Geographical Society (RGS), China Exploration and Research Society (CERS), and Biosphere Expeditions.

Land Rover helps sustain over 50,000 jobs and exports 78 percent of all production, generating substantial wealth for Britain. Since the production of the 3 millionth Land Rover in 2001, an average of 700 cars have rolled off the production lines per day.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, said, "We are delighted to hand this car over to Born Free. The production of the four millionth Land Rover is a major milestone and it is only fitting that it goes to such a worthy cause. I'm proud of our support for the charity and the company's contribution to both the local and national economy over the past 59 years."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Tenneco Launches Electronic Suspension System on the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class
LAKE FOREST, Ill. and BRUSSELS, Belgium, PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tenneco Inc. announced that its Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) system is featured on the new Mercedes-Benz C- Class launched in Stuttgart earlier this year.

"We are very pleased to supply the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class with our electronic suspension technology," said Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO, Tenneco. "Our commitment to customer collaboration -- from development through systems integration, ride tuning, program management and launch -- helps ensure that each vehicle equipped with our advanced suspension technology has unique ride and handling characteristics."

The electronically controlled suspension system continuously adjusts to road conditions and driver actions, resulting in enhanced ride comfort and improved stability. The system enables Tenneco to tune vehicles to adapt to different driving factors such as braking, accelerating, steering and vehicle load, which increases the range of ride comfort and handling capability.

According to DaimlerChrysler, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses innovative high-performance technologies to provide new levels of safety, comfort and agility. Technical innovations cited include the company's Agility Control System, based on the Tenneco Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension system. "The new C-Class sets new standards when it comes to providing the most sophisticated driving experience in its segment," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for DaimlerChrysler AG, at the press conference to launch the C-Class.

Tenneco's CES system continuously adjusts damping levels according to road conditions and vehicle dynamics. At the heart of the system is an electronic control unit (ECU) that processes driver inputs and data from sensors placed at key locations on the vehicle. The sensors include three accelerometers mounted on the vehicle body and four suspension position sensors, which provide data on steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, brake pressure and other chassis control factors. The ECU utilizes control software that processes the sensor information in real time and sends signals that adjust independently the damping level of each shock absorber valve. Electronic dampers allow a large range between maximum and minimum damping levels and adjust instantaneously to ensure ride comfort and firm vehicle control.

Tenneco's electronic shock absorbers for this system are manufactured at the company's facility in Ermua, Spain.

Tenneco is a $4.7 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 19,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe(R), Walker(R), Gillet(TM) and Clevite(R)Elastomer brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac and Monroe Reflex(R) shocks and struts, Rancho shock absorbers, Walker Quiet-Flow(R) mufflers, Dynomax performance exhaust products, and Clevite(R)Elastomer noise, vibration and harshness control components.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: (i) changes in automobile manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products; (ii) the overall highly competitive nature of the automobile parts industry; (iii) the cyclical nature of automobile production and sales of commercial vehicles; and (iv) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Maruti rules out diesel version of 'SX4' for now
BANGALORE: Despite a high demand for a diesel version of its global car 'Swift', Maruti Udyog Ltd Managing Director Jagdish Khattar today said the company had no plans to roll out a diesel version of the newly-launched SX4 sedan.

"We do not have any plans to introduce a diesel version of it," Khattar told reporters here on Tuesday while announcing the introduction of its new model SX4 in the A-3 segment.

"There is already a high demand for the diesel version of Swift, so we rather concentrate on the model we have rather than spread ourselves too much," he said.

Khattar said the company has never been in the diesel category. Moreover, it was just mastering the process of diesel technology. "All this will take time," he said.

"We are betting big on this sedan. It plays an important role in Maruti's plan," he said of the sedan, which is seen as a replacement for Baleno, which was withdrawn in December.

The experience with Baleno had been mixed, he said, adding with the introduction of SX4, Maruti plans to reinforce its presence in the A-3 segment and enhance its leadership.

The new car had 79 per cent localistion. The new M series of engine fitted in the car had a little over 40 per cent localisation. The total investment for the model was Rs 340 crore, he said.

Maruti had planned an investment of Rs 9,000 crore till 2010, according to Shashank Srivastav, commercial business head, south. There were also plans to ramp up the new facility at Manesar from the existing one lakh capacity to three lakh, he said.

Source : Economic Times (5/8/2007)

Harley still keen to enter India
NEW DELHI: American cult bike maker Harley Davidson, which last week criticised the "daunting trade barriers" imposed by India, on Tuesday said it was still keen on entering the country but wanted some tax concessions.

"We remain very much interested in entering India and have not scrapped India plans," Harley Davidson Motor Co (HDMC) Vice-President - Government Affairs Tim Hoelter told reporters here.

However, India's 60 per cent rate of custom duty on heavyweight motorcycles coupled with 30 per cent taxes would double the price of its product in the domestic market, he said.

"We are looking for some concessions from the government ...We want to enter India as it is a key market but we don't know when will it be," he said.

He said the company would continue to work toward having a presence in India and welcomed the government's decision to harmonise technical standards for high-powered bikes with global norms.

Earlier, in an interview with PTI, Hoelter had accused the government of maintaining "daunting trade barrier to dissuade firms like Harley-Davidson from entering the market".

Source : Economic Times (5/8/2007)

Annual Asian American Consumer Behavior Study Reveals Key Findings In Retail, Automobile, Insurance And Telecom Industries
Long Beach, California DiversityBusiness.com /-- The third annual Consumer Research Study conducted by interTrend's Knowledge Center reveals relevant findings and insightful views into brand loyalty, lifestyle habits, purchase drivers, as well as media consumption of Asian Americans. This year's study increased the sample size to include the Asian Indian segment as well as added questions relating to cell phone usage to gain insights into the U.S. Asian telecom market. The findings will lay a foundation that will present not only the significant potential for marketers to enter this market, but also the fact that this market can no longer be ignored in the multicultural marketing strategies of Fortune 500 companies.

The study surveyed 1,380 Asians including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino and Asian Indian sub-segments, both in-language and in English, nation-wide across four major DMAs to examine their consumer behavior patterns and attitudes in various industry categories. The 2006 findings demonstrate that Asian Americans are highly receptive to culturally relevant messaging and targeted marketing.

interTrend's Knowledge Center is committed to conducting this study annually so marketers can take away key data and have a platform to build their business case and ultimately reap the success from entering this market. With an estimated $454 billion buying power in 2007, it is important that marketers not only realize the potential in the Asian American market, but also the specific insights and opportunities this study presents.

Internet Usage

The findings reveal that the Internet plays a critical role in the life of Asian Americans with nearly ninety percent (90%) of respondents online and seventy percent (70%) visiting ethnic websites/portals. In fact, more than half the respondents shop online, which has doubled from last year. Web surfing online also moved up from 8th in ranking in 2005 to 5th in 2006. Asian Indians and Chinese spend the most hours on the Internet and young Asian Americans between the ages of 25 and 34 are the heaviest Internet users. The average online shopping expenditure in the last 12 months is $138. The average online spending amongst the Vietnamese segment increased dramatically from an average of $180 in 2005 to $230 in 2006. The top products purchased online amongst Asian Americans remains as apparel and books.

Media Consumption

The study also examines media consumption amongst Asian Americans. The study revealed that eighty percent (80%) of the respondents consume ethnic media with print having the highest penetration followed by TV and radio. The study also revealed that Asians prefer to be reached and targeted through in-language advertising. Only seventeen percent (17%) of the respondents prefer English only advertising with the majority preferring either in-language or bi-lingual advertisements.

Source : http://www.diversitybusiness.com (5/8/2007)

Auto manufacturers launch many new models
VietNamNet Bridge – Local automobile manufacturers are trying to launch a series of new models in an effort to compete with imported cars, which are considered superior to locally made products.

At the end of 2006, Toyota Vietnam introduced two models of Camry 2007: 3.5Q ($65,900) and 2.4G ($50,600). Despite the high prices, the two models are selling very well. The manufacturer previously planned to sell 120 units a month; in fact, it has been selling 150-190 units. It takes buyers two months at least to place an order and receive delivery.

The other recent success is Chevrolet-Captiva by GM Daewoo, an SUV, which is priced at around $30,000.

Most recently, Ford Vietnam launched two new versions of Everest with many improvements. The price of the 4X2 (2WD), 2.6L is $34,200, and the 4x2, 2.5L is $33,200, which are both $400 more expensive than the previous version. Ford Vietnam said that it would stop producing Transit and Ranger models, while trying to introduce new versions in order to improve competitiveness.

Honda Vietnam has stopped producing Civic 1.8MT and AT, while launching two new versions. Civic 1.8 AT – The Elegant is a model upgraded from Civic 1.8AT, which has the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of VND534,200,000 ($33,387), up by VND19mil ($1,187) compared to the 1.8 AT. The manufacturer has also introduced Civic 1.8MT – The Playful, which is priced at VND480mil ($30,000), down by VND15mil compared to Civic 1.8 MT.

Meanwhile, Toyota Vietnam is moving ahead with its plan to launch a new model slated for early in the third quarter of the year. The new model is described as looking like the Yaris, which is being imported into Vietnam.

Vidamco, which has been successful with Chevrolet-Captiva, said that it was going to launch several new models in the coming time. The models have been developed by the parent company, targeting the Asian market.

Lifan, a manufacturer of low cost cars, is also planning to launch new versions of Lifan 502.

Analysts said that local automobile manufacturers do not have any other choice than launching new models and offering more reasonable prices as they now have to compete fiercely with many redoubtable rivals.

In related news, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) announced an increase in car sales in April over the previous month. 4,682 car units were sold in April, or 213 units more than March, an increase of 83% over the same month last year.

Commercial vehicles proved to be the best sellers in April with 2,346 sold units, (210 more than March), including 1,955 pick ups and vans, and 391 buses. Cars also sold very well: 1,029 units were sold, up by 124 units compared to March. The Honda Civic, Camry 2.4 were listed among the best sellers. In addition, KIA models also proved to attract buyers.

Last month witnessed the decrease in sales of 4WD and multi-purpose vehicles, with 1,307 units sold, down by 121 units compared to March.

Toyota Motor Vietnam lead in sales with 1,349 units sold in April, including 849 units of Innova, followed by Truong Hai with 858 sold units. Vidamco (459 units) surpassed Vinaxuki (422 units) to rank the third in sales as it had ‘hot models’ Captiva (171 units) and Matiz (156 units).

In the first four months of the year, VAMA’s members sold 16,865 units, an increase of 95% over the same period last year. The commercial vehicle and MPV segments saw the growth rate of 74% and 79%, respectively, while cars saw the impressive growth rate of 208%.

Source : http://english.vietnamnet.vn (5/8/2007)

ZAP to Present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co....
SANTA ROSA, Calif., PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZAP , a leader in advanced automotive technologies, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Schneider will present at the 3rd Annual Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. Next-Generation Energy Conference (NGE) on May 15, 2007 at 1:00 PM. This event will be held at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, 118 W. 57th Street.

Schneider plans to talk about the advance in electric automobile acceptance and ZAP's position in the sector. ZAP introduced the XEBRA, an innovative electric city-car and truck last year. ZAP has a strategic business plan in collaboration with Lotus Engineering to create a line of advanced technology vehicles to meet the demand for energy efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, including a high performance electric vehicle called ZAP-X.

More information about the conference can be found at: www.merrimanco.com.

As a premier investment bank with a dedicated NGE practice, Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. initiated equity research coverage three years ago on fast- growing companies that develop and commercialize key NGE technology areas for a cleaner economy -- such as solar power, alternative fuels, fuel cells, energy storage, grid optimization, efficient lighting and environmental technologies.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Protect Your Family From Breathing Dirty Air Inside the Car
BROADVIEW, Ill., PRNewswire/ -- Did you know that children are more sensitive to the effects of air pollution than adults? And, did you know the air quality inside a car when you are driving them to school or soccer practice with the windows rolled up is worse than the air outside, especially in heavy traffic?

"To ensure that the air entering the passenger compartment through your vehicle's heating, air conditioning and vent system is uncontaminated, your vehicle's cabin air filter must be clean and functioning well," says Ramon C. Nunez, Director of Filtration for Robert Bosch, LLC, supplier of automotive parts and systems to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket here in the United States and abroad.

Roadside air - especially along busy roads and highways - contains pollen, dust, soot and smog whose harmful effects are well-documented. Much like the filter in your home's heating system, your vehicle's cabin air filter traps the dust, dirt and grime from the road and pumps clean air into the passenger compartment.

However, over time, like any other filter in your car or home, it can get clogged and actually multiply the dangers associated with these pollutants when the vehicle's heating and air conditioning system blows them into the closed interior with no avenue for escape.

According to the American Lung Association's 2006 State of the Air Report, children are more likely to suffer from the effects of air pollution than adults because their lungs are still growing and because their bodies' ability to fight off infections is still developing.

Bosch's Nunez recommends you change your vehicle's cabin filter annually or every 12 to 15,000 miles or more often if you live in an area with higher pollution levels.

Bosch manufactures two types of automotive cabin filters - particulate cabin filters which, screen out road dust, bacteria, mold spores, pollens and other pollutants and activated charcoal filters which, also absorb harmful gases and odors. Like the home furnace filter, the automotive cabin filter features a pleated design which provides greater surface area for higher filtration capacity. The more the pleats the greater the capacity for filtration. Most vehicles, 2001 and newer, are equipped with cabin air filters.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Microsoft Earns Best Corporate Reputation in the Media, According to Delahaye Index
CHICAGO, PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. benefited most greatly from the nation's opinion-leading media during the first quarter of 2007, according to the Delahaye Index, a quarterly assessment of how news coverage reflects and helps to shape the corporate reputation of the 100 largest U.S. companies. The Index is conducted by Cision, formerly known as Delahaye, a leading provider of media research and analysis services for communications, public relations, and marketing professionals.

Cisco Systems, Inc. secured second place on the Index as a result of high-profile coverage derived from Cisco's negotiations with Apple over the name of the iPhone, and news of its recent acquisitions resulting in expansion of its business beyond networking hardware.

Despite several quarters of high-profile negative coverage, General Motors Corp. made a complete turnaround from a year ago, when the automaker ranked in last place. Elevated by news of strong earnings and honors won at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, GM's news coverage improved dramatically, capping a high volume of favorable news that boosted the auto giant 97 spots to third place.

"Corporate reputation is uniquely measurable through the media, as news affects and reflects public sentiment," stated Steve Newman, CEO of Cision North America. "This quarter's Index results reinforce the dynamic nature of media coverage as evidenced by General Motors who ranked among the lowest just a year ago, and now finds themselves among the highest."

"That being said," added Newman, "the companies that recover most quickly are those that generate sufficient positive visibility and effectively manage their reputations through the media."

Positive news in the first quarter also benefited Verizon with coverage of upward growth in its wireless and Internet businesses, moving them up two places to fourth. Cision found that overall coverage of news improved for Intel Corporation on the announcement of a major chip redesign and plans to open a $2.5 billion chip factory in China.

Strong financial coverage of record profits offset negative stories of sky-high gasoline prices and unfavorable environmental coverage as Exxon Mobil Corporation advanced ten spots to number six. Newman stated, "Financial performance proves to be a strong driver of both corporate reputation and volatility in the media as Exxon Mobil benefited most greatly from this phenomenon."

The Boeing Company fell three spots on the Index to seventh place as a result of reported analyst warnings in the first quarter that jet orders may have peaked.

Index results revealed that Wal-Mart Inc. dropped from second to eighth place in the first quarter with news of reported lackluster holiday sales and a court ordered settlement of $33 million in an overtime case. Despite favorable coverage of its fourth quarter profit report and its push for wider health care coverage for workers, the media continued to report negative news for Wal-Mart during the quarter. This included a lost appeal in a job bias case and the dissolution of Wal-Mart's plans to open industrial banks.

AT&T Inc. slipped three spots to tenth place during the first quarter after a fourth quarter boost from its acquisition of BellSouth.

2007 Q1 Index: Top Ten Companies:

1. Microsoft Corporation

2. Cisco Systems

3. General Motors

4. Verizon

5. Intel Corporation

6. Exxon Mobil Corporation

7. The Boeing Company

8. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

9. The Walt Disney Company

10. AT&T Inc.

Methodology of the 2007 Delahaye Index

The 2007 Delahaye Index includes analysis of different print and Internet news items to measure the reputations of the top 100 U.S. companies in the media. Cision, formerly known as Delahaye, begins by gathering news from America's most prominent national dailies, top business and news magazines ranging from the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to Fortune and Forbes. Each company is assigned a score based on how many positive and negative reputation-driving attributes are found within each story. These attributes are classified into five dimensions: stakeholder relations, financial management, products and services, organizational integrity and organizational strength.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

Image Sensing Systems Develops Advanced Video Detection Solutions With Texas...
ST. PAUL, Minn. and HOUSTON, PRNewswire/ -- Improving traffic flow and promoting roadway safety, Image Sensing Systems (ISS) and partner Econolite Control Products has introduced its Autoscope(R) Terra(TM) products, a new generation of video detection solutions that leverages Texas Instruments Incorporated's (TI) DaVinci(TM) technology to generate high performance digital video processing and provide accurate, real-time vehicle and incident detection. ISS was able to create this new generation of advanced, intelligent Autoscope products for use in transportation systems with the DaVinci technology portfolio of products, including the processors, software and development tools.

The Autoscope Terra family of products, which includes the Autoscope Solo Terra and Autoscope RackVision Terra systems, utilizes TI's TMS320DM6446 DSP- based system-on-chip (SoC) and targets Intelligent Transportation Systems markets, which include intersection control, highway monitoring and tunnel safety. Autoscope Terra products instantly generate high-quality video output made possible through the DM6446, which is optimized for video encode and decode applications with its integrated video accelerators, peripherals, complementary software and development tools.

"Our product development team recognized immediately that TI's DSP-based SoC would provide the power and sophistication we required to develop our new generation product with enhanced processing, new capabilities and native video streaming," said Craig Anderson, VP Marketing and Technical Services, ISS. "By using DaVinci technology and toolkits, we were able to release a complete product line within one year. It is already providing multiple benefits to our customers, one being the ability to stream MPEG-4 digital video from each Autoscope Terra processor."

By harnessing the performance of TI's DM6446 processor with ISS' proprietary detection algorithms in the Autoscope Terra systems, ISS offers multi-threaded software that processes video images in real-time to monitor traffic, extract data and transmit detector outputs while simultaneously streaming MPEG-4 digital video. Each Autoscope Terra product includes MPEG-4 streaming, allowing video output to be viewed over the internet by transportation personnel. As a result, incidents such as traffic accidents or a fire within a tunnel can be easily detected by Autoscope Terra systems to alert the appropriate emergency responder as needed. Transportation operations that utilize the Autoscope Terra products are provided real-time data and alarm notification to allow for quicker response time.

"The use of DaVinci technology has given ISS the ability to quickly add new processing capability for new applications, provide MPEG-4 streaming video, and web browser connectivity," said Greg Mar, Catalog SoC marketing manager, TI. "This has reduced development time and allowed for more sophisticated, real-time video processing to the benefit of commuters and traffic control operators."

Additionally, to increase efficiency in product development, ISS relied on TI's DM644x Digital Video Evaluation Module (DVEVM), which includes highly optimized multimedia codecs, application programming interfaces (APIs) and frameworks. ISS also utilized the Digital Video Software Development Kit (DVSDK), an innovative tool set that helps designers decrease basic system design from months to weeks, allowing them to direct resources to product differentiation.

The Autoscope Solo Terra and Autoscope RackVision Terra products are distributed in the Americas by Econolite, in Asia Pacific by Flow Traffic Ltd., and in Europe by Image Sensing Systems Europe Ltd. For more information on Autoscope Terra products, visit www.autoscope.com .

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

New Renault Laguna
Renault has announced the new Laguna for 2007, releasing few details about the new model.

Ambitiously Renault is committed to making the new Laguna rank in the top 3 in its segment in terms of product and service quality.

Detailed close-up images of the new car have been released, but whole shots of the car have yet to surface.

The new Laguna will be fully revealed on June 4, 2007 by way of a press release accompanied by comprehensive photos of the vehicle.

In the meantime however, Renault suggests that anyone interested should sign up for the online discovery program where the secrets of the new Laguna's development will gradually be revealed.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (5/8/2007)

You've been 'Stang-oed
Carroll Shelby said: 'I wanted to build a vehicle that could blow the doors off almost anything on the planet.'

Lo, and it was done.

The Super Snake, a Shelby-modified Mustang, has a supercharger that boosts power to 600bhp and keeps the Ford warranty. Or you can go whole hog with the 725bhp version that does without factory cover.

Guess which one we'd have?

The brakes and suspension are upgraded to cope with twice the standard Mustang V8's power, and Shelby reckons the 600bhp version is good for 170mph.

Sitting on 20in alloy wheels, the Super Snake also has a carbon fibre bonnet with black stripe down the centre.

No prices have been announced yet and the Super Snake is likely to go on sale later this year from Shelby's Las Vegas factory.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

For art's sake
We know Audi has been matching BMW at every turn over the past few years, but this could be a step too far.

BMW is well known for its Art Cars, but now Audi has muscled in on the art action with a hand-painted RS4.

The car was unveiled at Art Chicago in the US, with Brazilian artist Romero Britto on hand to show off his latest project.

Pop artist Britto has come up with a depiction of a woman on the bonnet.

The RS4 will tour the US during the coming months before being auctioned for charity.

BMW has a tradition of Art Cars going back to 1976 when Alexander Calder first painted a CSL racer. He was followed by the likes of Andy Warhol and David Hockney, among others.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (5/8/2007)

Maruti Suzuki to unveil new version of SUV
CHENNAI: Maruti Suzuki will soon unveil the refurbished version of its SUV - the Grand Vitara - in India, a top official of Maruti Udyog Ltd said on Tuesday.

"We have launched five new models in two-and-a-half years. We plan to launch the Grand Vitara in the next few months," MUL Chief General Manager Mayank Pareek told reporters during the launch of the company's new A3 segment car, the SX4 Sedan here.

The SX4 is priced between Rs 6.31 lakh and Rs 7.37 lakh (ex-showroom) in Chennai.

Pareek said the Sedan had 79 per cent localisation and was powered by the M-Series engine.

To a query, he said the company did not have any plans to launch the diesel version of the car.

The SX4 will be launched in the USA later this year, the CGM said. PTI ROH BNruti Suzuki will soon unveil the refurbished version of its SUV - the Grand Vitara - in India, a top official of Maruti Udyog Ltd said on Tuesday.

"We have launched five new models in two-and-a-half years. We plan to launch the Grand Vitara in the next few months," MUL Chief General Manager Mayank Pareek told reporters during the launch of the company's new A3 segment car, the SX4 Sedan here.

Source : Economic Times (5/8/2007)

Vertigo: Average Gas Prices Climb to a New Record
DETROIT - Gas prices have spiked to a record nationwide average of $3.07 per gallon, according to the Lundberg Survey of 7,000 stations nationwide.

The nationwide average for midgrade gas was $3.18, and premium was $3.28. Analysts blame the rise on higher consumption coupled with reduced output by American refineries; they also note that there are signs that rising pump prices may be peaking.

There is some discrepancy among the groups that track gas prices. Lundberg, an independent and well-respected market research company, said prices have reached a record. But the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report pegged the average U.S. price of gasoline at $3.03 per gallon on Monday morning, 3 cents short of the all-time high reached in September 2005, after Hurricane Katrina.

Meanwhile, crude oil futures are declining. They ended last week at $61.93 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, about $4.50 lower than their eight-month peak a week earlier. Retail prices generally lag the futures market, so consumers often end up paying more for gas as futures prices drop.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

2008 Porsche Turbo Cabrio
STUTTGART, Germany - Porsche has released official images and data on the latest 911 Turbo Cabriolet, which goes on sale in September in Europe and is expected to join the U.S. lineup as a 2008 model.

Like its hardtop counterpart, the Turbo Cabrio features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6 engine delivering 480 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque; an overboost function on the optional Sport Chrono Turbo package kicks torque up to 505 lb-ft under full throttle.

While the cabriolet weighs 154 pounds more than the coupe, 0-60-mph acceleration is still respectable: less than 3.8 seconds with the Tiptronic S transmission and just under 4 seconds with the manual gearbox. Top speed on both variants is 193 mph.

Porsche says the automatic three-layer soft top can be opened or closed in 20 seconds. With the top up, the coefficient of drag is a remarkable 0.31. Six airbags and an automatic rollover protection system are standard.

U.S. pricing hasn't yet been announced.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

Extreme Shelby Mustang Churns Out 725 Horses
LAS VEGAS - We watched as Carroll Shelby held court in Dearborn, Michigan, last year, boldly predicting that future sports cars would be powered by engines in the 600-700-horsepower range. The automotive icon's prognostications are about to hit the street with new "Super Snake" performance packages for the 2007 and 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 coupes.

The latest Super Snake models make their debut 40 years after Shelby built one GT500 Super Snake powered by a 427-cubic-inch V8 for Mel Burns Ford. As part of a tire marketing campaign, it easily reached lap speeds of 150 mph on an oval racetrack and could attain a top speed of 170 mph. Ford says the new one will be "equally potent."

Shelby puts it in more raw terms. "I told them I wanted to build a vehicle that could blow the doors off most anything on the planet," he said.

The Super Snake upgrades include a supercharger kit that jacks up the output of the 5.4-liter V8 to 600 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque, while retaining the factory engine warranty. A more extreme version makes 725 hp, although it has to do without a warranty. Other features include a six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shift linkage, a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and a high-performance exhaust system. Shelby-designed, Alcoa-built 20-inch wheels are matched with Baer six-piston brakes that feature Shelby-signature calipers and larger rotors. Naturally there's a hood made from carbon composite with a classic Shelby design.

Shelby Automobiles will begin building a limited number of the Super Snake later this year at its facility in Las Vegas. Some of the car's hardware will also be rolled out individually in June from Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing.

Ford spokesperson Whitney Drake said the automaker has not yet released target volume for the car or pricing information on the kits.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

Weepy Paris Hilton Calls Jail Time for Driving Offense "Cruel"
LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton, the club-hopping heiress, told photographers this weekend that her 45-day jail sentence for a driving-related offense is "cruel and unwarranted," according to Reuters.

The 26-year-old celebrity was sentenced on Friday after a judge ruled she violated her probation for a previous traffic offense by driving without a valid license. Her woes began last September when she was arrested for drunk driving. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years' probation and had her license suspended. In February, Hilton was stopped again for driving without headlights while she was behind the wheel of her blue Bentley.

One veteran Hollywood publicist described her pending jail stint as a "career move" that "fuels the fascination," according to the Associated Press.

In the meantime, a Brooklyn art gallery is featuring "The Paris Hilton Autopsy," which shows a tiara-wearing corpse on a coroner's table as part of an effort to warn teens about the hazards of underage drinking. The display also features Tinkerbell, Hilton's pet chihuahua, in a matching tiara. Capla Kesting Fine Art is hosting a contest for teens ages 13-18 to write an obituary for Paris Hilton based on the art display and submit it to a writing contest Web site. The winner will be announced May 21. The New Zealand Herald described the effort as "a bizarre art campaign to warn against the dangers" of drunk driving.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

Isuzu Lives!
LONDON - Isuzu Motors, which has all but disappeared from the U.S. retail scene, appears to be alive and sputtering along in Europe.

From England comes word that Prodrive, the performance expert, has gussied up an Isuzu Rodeo pickup. The new Rodeo Denver Max goes on sale in June in the U.K., priced from $39,900.

The Rodeo Denver Max features the Prodrive Performance Pack, plus 18-inch shadow-chrome alloy wheels shod with 60-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, a bedliner, a hard top, chrome side steps, rear step bumper, brushed-steel door entry guards and leather seats.

The performance pack boosts output on the truck's 2.5-liter turbodiesel from 136 to 167 horsepower, while torque climbs from 217 to 293 pound-feet. Its 0-60-mph acceleration time is trimmed from 12.8 to 11.7 seconds.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (5/8/2007)

Europe-wide 'Choose ESC!' campaign starts today
A Europe-wide 'Choose ESC!' campaign is being launched at the Bridgestone European Testing ground near Rome today, 8th May. Every year more than 40,000 people die and over one million are injured in road crashes in the EU. Loss of control (e.g. skidding) has been identified as the main cause of traffic accidents involving serious injury or death. As a result Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is becoming the most promising eSafety technology on the market. ESC is an important active safety device, which can help Europe meet its goal of halving road fatalities by 2010 as set out by the EU in 2001.

Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry Policy, said: "The benefits of ESC are undisputed. In line with the CARS 21 programme, we are preparing the obligatory installation of ESC into new passenger cars via international harmonisation. Until it becomes mandatory, the voluntary choice of ESC is more than welcome."

European Commissioner Viviane Reding, responsible for Information Society, said: "It's proven, ESC saves lifes! Over 80 percent of drivers who know about ESC say they will choose it for their next car. The Commission sees 'Choose ESC!' as the first step towards all new cars fitted with ESC by 2012.''

FIA President Max Mosley said: "There is no doubt that ESC could contribute significantly to the European Union's goal to halve the number of road traffic fatalities by 2010. But to achieve this, much more needs to be done to inform the consumer about why they must choose ESC when buying a new car."

ESC senses when the driver loses control and automatically applies breaking pressure to individual wheels to help stabilise the vehicle and avoid skidding. This technology could reduce the risk of accidents by as much as 20% especially in wet or icy conditions. However, there is a relatively low take-up rate of this life-saving technology across Europe and consumer awareness of its safety benefits should be improved (as shown in a recent Commission Eurobarometer study).

The introduction of ESC is part of the package of measures proposed by the Commission in its recent Communication on the CARS 21 High Level Group to improve safety on European roads through an integrated approach involving all stakeholders.

Today's Rome launch will feature the release by the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) of an EU-wide ESC availability survey. The event will also include live demonstrations comparing the performance of a car with and without the system engaged.

The launch will also feature an international workshop with high level participation from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and representatives of Australia's State of Victoria. The NHTSA has recently proposed an international standard for ESC systems at the United Nations World Forum for Harmonisation Vehicle Regulations (WP29), while a similar ESC awareness campaign was recently launched in Victoria.

Participants at the event will include all the major stakeholders in intelligent vehicle safety systems such as motoring organisations, consumer groups, motor industry and related service suppliers, national authorities from EU member states and representatives of the news media.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (5/8/2007)

Reality Racing Now Showing Video Updates at Realityracingtv.com
BOCA RATON, Fla., PRNewswire/ -- Reality Racing, Inc. announced today that video blog updates for Reality Racing - the Rookie Challenge are now available for viewing at realityracingtv.com as part of the build up for the show's much anticipated airing at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 19, 2007 on SpikeTV.

Reality Racing -- The Rookie Challenge is part of SpikeTV's high-revving Saturday morning "PowerBlock". Spike TV's telecast of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge will reach the United States and its territories, as well as Canada.

Reality Racing, Inc. President, Lee F. Schaefer said, "The phones have been ringing off the hook with calls from people who are excited about our shows airing in less than two weeks. We decided to give a sneak peek on our website, realityracingtv.com."

Reality Racing -- The Rookie Challenge combines reality television and stockcar racing, featuring amateur contestants vying for the "Bobby Allison Cup" in a thirteen-episode series of races and challenges with the winner taking all, including a cash prize and a contract with a professional race team, in addition to the Cup.

Reality Racing, Inc. is currently featured at Audio Stocks, where a profile and other information may be obtained by visiting www.audiostocks.com

Forward-looking statements made in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements made by Reality Racing Incorporated are not a guarantee of future performance. This news release includes forward-looking statements, including with respect to the future level of business for the parties. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward- looking statements as a result of certain risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from estimated results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to procure, properly price, retain and successfully complete projects, and changes in products and competition.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (5/8/2007)

International Speedway Forms Joint Venture With The Cordish Company to Explore...
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Speedway Corporation ("ISC") today announced its wholly owned subsidiary, ISC Properties Inc., has entered into a 50/50 joint venture ("the Joint Venture") with The Cordish Company ("Cordish"), one of the largest and most respected developers in the country, to explore a mixed-use entertainment destination development to be named Daytona Live!, on the 71 acres ISC owns across from the Daytona International Speedway.

Preliminary conceptual designs call for a 200,000 square foot mixed-use retail/dining/entertainment area as well as a 2,500-seat multi-screen movie theater, a residential component and a 160-room hotel. Featuring the country's and region's leading entertainment and retail concepts, Daytona Live! will transform from a thriving lunch and retail destination during the day to a unique and exciting dining and entertainment experience in the evening hours. The potential redevelopment could also include approximately 200,000 square feet of office space to house the headquarters of ISC, NASCAR, Grand-Am and their related businesses, and an additional 22,000 square feet for other tenants.

Cordish is the leading developer of large-scale urban revitalization projects and entertainment districts. Notable developments include Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, Maryland; the Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos, Hollywood and Tampa, FL; Fourth Street Live! in Louisville, Kentucky; and Bayou Place in Houston, Texas. Cordish also recently unveiled its new NASCAR Sports Grille concept in Orlando, Florida.

"We're thrilled to partner with such an experienced and renowned developer to explore this important opportunity," said ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. "Cordish has seen tremendous success in o