Volkswagen team departs after talks  
THE visiting team from Volkswagen AG, the German automotive major, has tied up loose ends for the detailed project report (DPR) for its India car plant. It plans to submit the report to the company board later this month.

A team from the State Government will be invited for further negotiations to the company's German headquarters once the DPR is finalised.

While expressing its intent to locate an Rs 8,000-crore manufacturing plant in India, the company team, however, indicated that providing a facility in a special economic zone, deferring central sales tax for 10 years and removing Central excise would make the project financially viable.

The team comprising the company head of finance, Mr Patrick Mayer, their legal head, Mr Alfred Strohlein, and Mr Peter Walters and Mr Webers, held detailed parleys and left without interacting with the media.

However, during the discussions all the open-ended points have been tied up, according to Government sources.

The Government negotiations were headed by the State Principal Secretary for Industries, Ms Lakshmi Parthasarathy.

The officials indicated that they would like to set up a base for manufacture of 60,000 cars in the first year and then ramp it up to 1,00,000 during the second year. It aims to bring in a small car that suits the Indian market that would be priced in the Rs 3-4 lakh range, it is learnt.

Given the financial pressures the company was facing in its China plant, unless these incentives were given the project viability would be stretched, they maintained. Therefore, they wanted a 16 per cent Central excise waiver. The State said this was beyond their purview.

From the State's side, they assured that the company would be provided 350 acres of developed land, and extend eight years of sales tax deferment, power at Rs 1 per unit and water at Rs 10 per kilolitre.

While indicating that they would prefer to locate their centre near the auto ancillary base, the company favoured an alternative site or wanted the Vizag site to be made a special economic zone. The Government side said that since the car would also be sold in India, SEZ is not possible and cited Ford and Hyundai plants based near Chennai.

Given the inherent advantage of Chennai as automotive hub, and the current thinking of the German carmaker, will Volkswagen drive to Chennai to locate their plant? This is something which comes up to one's mind, courtesy the cluster theory. It may be recalled that yet another German major BMW recently agreed to locate a plant near Chennai.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

Car Buyers Start to Think Small, Avoid Large SUVs  
Nearly half the consumers recently surveyed by Maritz Research said they are thinking about or have bought a smaller vehicle in reaction to high gas prices.

Forty-five percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement, "I think about buying or have bought a smaller vehicle," according to Maritz's Automotive Research Group. The survey queried 1,009 adults in an August online poll.

Significantly more people said they are reducing unnecessary driving — 79 percent in 2005, compared with 65 percent in 2004 — according to the research firm. Of those surveyed, 52 percent said they are not driving on long trips or vacations and 73 percent said they are driving more conservatively.

More than 94 percent of consumers said they drive less when gas prices reach $2.76 per gallon; 93 percent would shop for a more fuel-efficient vehicle as soon as possible when prices hit $3.22 per gallon. Still, 59 percent of respondents said they would not consider buying a diesel.

"The breaking point at which those surveyed said they would begin changing their buying and driving habits is upon us," said David Ensing, director of research and development for the pollster.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

See How Alfa Romeo is Contributing to the Revenues of Fiat Auto in 2005  
Research and Markets has announced the addition of Alfa Romeo 2005 company profile edition 2 to their offering.

Alfa Romeo is one of the business units of Fiat Auto, which in itself is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The Fiat Group is headquartered in Turin, Italy. The Alfa Romeo brand, which boasts of a strong tradition of high performance, includes models such as the compact/intermediate Alfa 156, Alfa 147, the full size Alfa 166, as well as the Alpha Sportwagon in the intermediate segment.

In 2004, the total revenues of Fiat Group declined by 1.2%, or EUR 568 million, to EUR 46,703 million, with Fiat Auto's revenues improving by 5.5% to EUR 20.5 billion.

Topics covered in the report include:

-- Company Dossier

-- Worldwide Locations

-- Financial Analysis

-- Competitor Analysis

-- Key Events

-- SWOT Analysis

-- Customers

-- Products

-- Product Development

-- Prospects

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Liddell Puts Porsche On Top Early in SCCA SPEED GT at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca  
Robin Liddell, of Edinburgh, Scotland, paced early-morning practice Friday during the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT portion of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, taking the top spot with a 1:31.492 (88.060 mph) in the No. 66 AXA Financial/PFAFF Porsche 911 Cup.

Cadillac, which trails Porsche 57-54 in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Manufacturers' Championship Presented by RACER Magazine, was second in practice as Max "The Ax" Angelelli, of Monte Carlo, turned a time of 1:31.679 in the No. 12 XM/Mobil 1/Motorola/Bose Cadillac CTS-V. Defending SPEED GT Drivers' Champion Tommy Archer, of Duluth, Minn., was third with a 1:31.686 in his No. 1 c3controls/3R-Racing Dodge Viper.

The first practice was bathed in perfect conditions as sunny skies warmed temperatures into the 60s by the session's start and winds never raised above calm.

Taking advantage of the pristine setting, Liddell nailed down his time on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn track on his third lap. Though most of the field, including Liddell, ran nine or 10 laps in all, no one was able to catch him.

Cadillac's "Mad" Max Papis, of Miami, Fla., was fourth (1:31.689), and Mike McCann, of North Canton, Ohio, was fifth (1:31.725).

The second and final practice session is scheduled for 5:25 p.m. Friday. Qualifying for is set for Saturday at 9:55 a.m., and the final round race is \on tap for 2 p.m. Sunday, live on SPEED Channel. All times are Pacific.

To follow all SCCA SPEED World Challenge action from the Monterey Sports Car Championships live via timing and scoring, visit www.world-challenge.com

MONTEREY, Calif. - First practice session times for this weekend's SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT season finale, part of the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with position, car number in parentheses, driver, hometown, car, fastest lap time, and speed in miles per hour.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Honda Tunes 2006 Civic Si, Ridgeline for SEMA  
Inside Line has learned that Honda will debut tuner versions of the 2006 Civic Si and the 2006 Ridgeline pickup to serve as centerpieces of the company's high-profile appearance at November's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

A Honda insider said the event, widely considered to be the premier automotive specialty performance-parts trade event, is seen by the company as a way to polish Civic's somewhat tarnished reputation with tuners.

The 2006 Civic is the "vehicle of the show" for the 2005 event — the Si model makes its public debut there. Honda is the "vehicle manufacturer of the show," a major milestone because the domestic manufacturers traditionally have passed that title back and forth.

Details still are sketchy about what modifications will be done to the Civic Si and the Ridgeline. The vehicles are not expected to be finished until October 30, just two days before the show kicks off. The base Civic Si includes a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine; a six-speed manual transmission; limited-slip differential; 17-inch alloy wheels; and a rear wing spoiler.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

Toyota Recalls 75,000 Prius Hybrid Cars  
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it is recalling about 75,000 Prius hybrid cars as the gasoline engine may stall due to a software problem in the electric motor control system. The cars subject to the recall are from the 2004 and 2005 models.

Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to help increase fuel efficiency and are considered environmentally friendly as compared with conventional cars that run on gasoline alone.

Even if the gasoline engine of the Prius cars in question stalls, the electric motor in them will have enough power to allow drivers to steer to the side of the road, Toyota said.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

India domestic car sales up 9.8 pct in September  
NEW DELHI- India's domestic passenger car sales rose 9.8 percent on year in September, an industry body said on Friday.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said 77,411 passenger cars were sold in the past month compared with 70,507 units in September 2004.

Sales of commercial vehicles, such as buses and trucks, rose 14.3 percent at 31,737 units in September.

Motorcycle sales in the world's biggest bike market after China surged 26 percent to 538,889 units in the past month as festival buying and discounts perked up demand.

Source : Reuters (10/14/2005)

Baja Auto Finance to raise share capital  
BAJAJ Auto Finance Ltd has informed BSE that its board of directors has approved the increase in the authorised share capital of the company to Rs 50 crore from the existing Rs 20 crore.

The decision to raise funds through various means would be taken up in the next board meeting, the company said.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

'Green' Toyota Dealership to Be Built in McKinney  
Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney, which broke ground Oct. 14, 2005 at S. Central Expressway and El Dorado Parkway, is going to be "green." It is being designed from the ground up to maximize all environmentally sensitive possibilities. The exterior and interior features will conserve energy and water and will incorporate approximately 75 percent recycled materials such as aluminum, steel, tile, carpet and more.

The dealership, designed by the Dallas office of Gensler and constructed by Turner Construction's Dallas Business Unit, will have 53,000 square feet and will sit on 14 acres. It is set to be completed in June 2006.

"There are some things you do just because it's the right thing to do. This is one of those," said Pat Lobb, dealer principal. "Also, it is a great location in a great city, and we are looking forward to serving the McKinney area."

Pat Lobb Toyota is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council, and it will be the first auto dealership in the nation to seek official LEED (Leadership of Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED is a system for rating buildings that are designed to be sensitive to the environment. It was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington D.C. To receive the LEED certification, green buildings are evaluated in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.

Many of the newer Toyota dealerships have varying degrees of environmental features, but Pat Lobb Toyota is the first all-environmental dealership to be designed with the LEED standards in mind. Toyota buildings such as the South Campus of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, in Torrance, Calif., and the processing center in Portland, Ore., meet the LEED standards, but this is the first dealership.

McKinney has become a prime location for construction of green buildings and is living up to its slogan, "Unique by Nature." Pat Lobb Toyota will join the green office building owned by West World Holding Company, a green Wal- Mart and the Roy Lee Walker Elementary School -- all in McKinney -- in the leading edge for green development.

"One of the reasons people choose to work and do business in McKinney is because our rolling hills, trees and creeks," said McKinney Mayor Bill Whitfield. "Stewardship of our unique environment is important to the people of McKinney and we're happy to welcome a company like Pat Lobb Toyota that shares our values."

Taking a step further in caring about nature, Pat Lobb is personally donating five historically significant Texas trees to The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. The five trees are: a descendent of the Texas Treaty Live Oak Tree (where Stephen F. Austin made an agreement with the native Texas Indians), a Dwight D. Eisenhower Green Ash (from Denison, Texas, where Ike grew up), an Alamo Red Oak (from the Alamo), a Jim Bowie Live Oak and a Texas Champion Burr Oak. The purpose of Lobb's tree donation is to set aside a place for the historic trees that are significant to the growth of Texas. The museum will subsequently add to these trees.

Pat Lobb Toyota will be serviced by Gulf States Toyota, the independent distributor serving 145 dealers in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

BMW, Suzuki launch recycling schemes  
BMW and Suzuki have both announced environmentally sound disposal processes for their cars that ensure 85 per cent of the vehicle is recycled.

Both firms are running their schemes through Autogreen, and the move will bring BMW and Suzuki in line with European legislation that makes manufacturers responsible for disposing of all qualifying cars free of charge.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (10/14/2005)

Meijer Media Alert: Fuel Mixups - Dayton, Ohio  
Englewood, Ohio, our fuel distributor crossed fuels that effected Diesel and PremiumUnleaded grade fuels. The problem was quickly discovered and the contaminated fuel has been pumped out and new fuel has beendelivered. If you experienced a rough running or rough idling engine after purchase of fuel at the Englewood gas station,please report the incident to the store. Approximately 600 gallons of diesel and 80 gallons of premium were pumped duringthe timeframe. The only fuel that was impacted is Diesel or Premium fuel purchased on Friday, October 14th.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Lexus LF-A concept  
Lexus will unveil a new flagship saloon concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, which begins next week.

The flagship concept will be exhibited alongside the GS 450h, a hybrid power version of the newly-launched GS premium saloon range that is set for production in 2006. Combining a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, it delivers performance comparable to a conventional 4.5-litre power unit, while returning fuel economy comparable to a standard 2.0-litre saloon. The combined power output of the GS 450h hybrid system will be around 340bhp.

Also on view will be the radical Lexus LF-A concept, a two-seater supercar powered by a high-output V10 engine.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co (10/14/2005)

TVS Motor mulls interim dividend  
TVS Motor Company Ltd has informed BSE that a meeting of the BoDs of the company will be held on October 27, 2005, inter alia, to consider declaration of interim dividend to the shareholders of the company for the financial year ending March 31, 2006.

Further the company has informed that November 03, 2005 has been fixed as the Record Date for the purpose of interim dividend, if declared. The dividend if declared, at this meeting will be paid to shareholders on or after November 08, 2005.

Source : sify.com (10/14/2005)

Tata Motors may hike car prices  
New Delhi: Tata Motors hinted on Friday that price of its passenger cars may be revised upwards due to rise in input costs.

"For last two years cost of inputs has been on an increase... Don't be surprised at price hikes," Tata Motors' Senior Vice President (Passenger Cars) Rajiv Dubey told reporters here.

Source : sify.com (10/14/2005)

GM and DCX Approve Use of New Protein-Based Interior Surface Material From Canadian General - Tower  
Canadian General - Tower Ltd. (CGT), North America's leading supplier of automotive interior cover stocks, today announced that its latest protein-based product has been approved for use at DaimlerChrysler. This latest achievement expands upon a ground breaking market introduction, launched with General Motors 14 months ago.

With these "construction approvals" product planners at General Motors and DaimlerChrysler can select CGT protein-based formulations from their menu of approved interior materials. The decision allows use of the innovative material on areas beyond the seats, such as interior door trim, steering wheel covers and shift knobs -- anywhere the consumer will touch inside the vehicle.

Protein-enhanced formulations from CGT are the most leather-like synthetic products available to auto designers and material engineers. The technology provides the most desirable characteristics through the synthesis of organic and plastic materials to deliver a dry, smooth feel, moisture absorption and release properties, excellent cleanabilty, increased utilization and superior durability.

The material also provides ultra-low-gloss capability, a requirement to produce a look of elegance and luxury. With a growing number of drivers seeking premium interiors in their vehicles, CGT's protein-based products provide an interior trim selection that is cost-effective, easy to work with, and contributes to increased interior appearance harmony.

Several GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, Buick LaCrosse, Lucerne and Terraza, Cadillac DTS, Saturn Relay, Montana SV6, and GMC Uplander, currently use CGT Protein Enhanced products in seating applications. With this latest announcement, expect vehicles to begin sprouting protein-based material all over the interior.

Canadian General - Tower Limited, a provider of innovative polymer products, designs, and technical solutions is headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. They are North America's leading supplier of polymeric cover stocks for soft interior trim, with content on an estimated 80 percent of vehicles produced in the region. In addition to its automotive portfolio, the company manufactures flexible plastic film for use in pool liners, roofing and containment membranes, and stationary binders. CGT produces approximately 100 million meters of flexible film per year.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Toyota Recalls Hybrid Prius for Engine Problems  
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it is recalling some 2004 and early-2005 Prius cars to fix a software problem that could cause the gasoline engine to shut off.

The recall comes at a time when U.S. sales of the Prius are booming. For the first nine months of this year, U.S. sales more than doubled the same period last year, to 81,042.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 68 reports of Prius engines stalling. The defect reportedly has not caused injuries. NHTSA closed its investigation after Toyota said it would recall the vehicles voluntarily, according to the Associated Press.

In affected vehicles, dashboard warning lights may come on and the gasoline engine shuts down. Toyota said the vehicle's electric motor will continue operating in a limited capacity, enabling drivers to steer to the side of the road. The engine then can be restarted.

The Prius has a gas engine and a battery-powered electric motor that can run separately or together to save fuel.

Owners will be notified about the recall this month. The Prius was the world's first commercially mass-produced hybrid.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

October is 'Michigan Car-Deer Crash Safety AwarenessMonth'  
DEARBORN, Mich., -- October and November are two of the most dangerous months in Michigan, especially for the state's 1.75 million whitetail deer and the 62,707 motorists who crash into them. Car-deer crashes in Michigan cause at least $130 million in damage each year,or an average of $2,000 per vehicle. Recognizing this fact, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October as "MichiganCar-Deer Crash Safety Awareness Month."

As part of its annual public awareness campaign, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) joins Gov. Granholm in asking motorists to be extra alert when driving this fall.

The MDCC -- a broad affiliation of groups representing law enforcement, traffic safety, insurance, natural resources, higher education and strategic regional planning in both the public and private sectors -- seeks to increase awareness of the proble mamongst the driving public and reduce the number of deaths and injuries occurring each year on state roads. The theme of this year's campaign is: "Don't Veer for Deer!"

"Statistics show that most motorist deaths and injuries occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting the deer and strike a fixed object, such as a tree or another vehicle," said coalition Chairman Richard J. Miller of AAA Michigan. "No one wants to see a deer destroyed, but striking the animal is often the safest action."

In 2004, Michigan experienced a reduction in the number of total car-deer crashes, which are at their lowest level since 1995.According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, there were 62,707 deer-vehicle crashes in 2004,down approximately 7.4 percent from the 67,760 crashes reported in 2003. Miller said that a very high number of crashes al sogo unreported.

More than 17 percent of all crashes in Michigan involve deer. Last year, three motorists were killed and 1,647 were injured as the result of a car-deer crash.

Nearly half of all car-deer crashes occur in the October-to-December mating season when deer are very active, and crashes spike again in spring when the season's first grass appears along highway rights-of-way. Car-deer crashes peaked in 1996,but have stabilized at slightly lower levels in recent years.

On average, there are 185 crashes involving deer every day of the year in Michigan. That's approximately one every eight minutes, and they occur in every county, including metropolitan areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids.

All motorists should "think deer" whenever they are behind the wheel, and drive defensively, as if a deer can appear at any moment, because they can! And all motorists should remember to always fasten their safety belts. Safety belts often maket he difference in surviving a serious crash.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Honda Insight Most Fuel-efficient In U.S.  
The Honda Insight, a gas-electric hybrid car, edged the Toyota Prius as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the United States, new ratings show.

Among SUVs, the Ford Escape hybrid is the most efficient. It gets 36 mpg in city driving and 31 on the highway.

Two diesel-powered Volkswagen products, the Beetle and Golf, tied for third in overall mileage rankings from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy and available on the Energy Department's Web site.

Both the Insight and the Prius get an estimated 60 miles per gallon in city driving, the Insight, a two-seat car, gets an estimated 66 miles a gallon on the highway, though, while the Prius gets 55 miles per gallon.

The diesel VW Beetle with manual transmission is the most efficient sub-compact and the VW Golf diesel is the most efficient compact. Both get an estimated 44 mpg on the highway and 37 in the city.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Calif. Commissioner Praises Signing of New Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program  
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced Wednesday that SB 20, designed to expand the geographic availability of the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, has been signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger. The passage of SB 20 reportedly moves the state one step closer to ignificantly reducing the number of uninsured drivers on California roads.

The legislation, introduced by State Senator Martha Escutia and sponsored by the commissioner, addresses one of the most difficult problems facing low-income communities and California drivers in general - the 14.2% of all drivers who have no insurance coverage.

"Insurance prices are simply out of reach for many of our residents who earn lower than average wages in our state," said Garamendi. "Yet many find that improving their employment situation is dependent upon having a car and driving to work. This new law gives them a chance to afford the insurance that can lead them and their families to a better quality of life."

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance program was created in 1999 to provide low-income good drivers with access to affordable liability automobile insurance.

The program was originally established for residents of the County of Los Angeles and the City and County of San Francisco with 21,796 policies sold to date. Eighty-five percent of all Low Cost Auto policyholders were uninsured when they purchased the policy and a like amount of policyholders had incomes less than $20,000 a year.

SB 20 extends the program's sunset date to 2011, eliminates two barriers that currently deny many applicants eligibility for the coverage, and expands the program statewide at the discretion of the commissioner.

Effective April 1, 2006 the program will become available to low-income good drivers in Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

The program's policies are issued by California licensed insurance companies and the program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan; it is not subsidized or otherwise supported by government funding.

For $347 in L.A. County and $314 in San Francisco (subject to change) the policy covers liability only and at reduced limits of $10,000 for bodily injury or death per person; $20,000 maximum per accident; and $3,000 for damage to property of others.

California statute allows the lower liability limits to satisfy the state's financial responsibility laws. Optional coverages for uninsured motorists and medical payments are also available at additional charge.

Source : http://www.insurancejournal.com (10/14/2005)

German machine tool industry woos India  
CHENNAI: With the Indian economy racing ahead, the German machine tool industry, which exported 77.4 million euros worth of goods to India in 2004, is eyeing the country's fast-emerging automobile and manufacturing sector.

India imports about 65 percent of new or second hand machine tools from Germany and Japan, the two largest tool-producing countries in the world.

"The German machine tool industry is the ideal partner for the Indian automobile, automobile supplier and mechanical engineering industries, which together constitute our most important customers in India," said Carl Martin Welcker, chairman of the German Machnine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).

He was speaking at a symposium organised by the 270-member VDW in cooperation with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. Some 17 German and 220 Indian companies are participating in the two-day event that began here on Thursday.

German engineering conglomerate Siemens is also present at the symposium. Siemens has been one of India's oldest partners, helping build the Indo-European Telegraph line between London and Kolkata in 1867.

Today, the firm is India's biggest technology provider, Satish Godbole, Siemens chief manager, told IANS.

"Though we don't have a very big presence in Asia Pacific, but in India even Suzuki and Hyundai buy our precision tools," he said.

"We, therefore, urge the Indian government to reduce import duties on machine tools so that we can help scale up India's growth in the industrial sector," Godbole said.

The German firms made presentations showcasing the enormous variety in the machine tool industry in Germany. Tools and solutions for rolling, turning, milling, boring, honing, gear cutting and laser welding were exhibited.

"Though Japan has the biggest machine tool industry, the technology we offer is superior and we are taking our customers' need as priority," Welcker, who is leading the German delegation, said.

The German experts noted that "India was the fastest growing automobile market in the world in 2004 and production had broken through the one million mark".

"For the German machine tool industry, India has developed into an exceptionally dynamic market", Welcker said.

"German export of machine tools to India in 2004 totalled 77.4 million euros, with the share of metal cutting tools at around 72 percent of the total tools import by India," he added.

In the first six months of 2005, "the growth rate of German exports to India was as high as 123 percent over the same period in the previous year," the VDW chairman said.

As much as 60 percent of the 9.6 billion euros machine tool industry in Germany was meant for export, Welcker said, explaining that much of Japan's production was for domestic use.

On complaints by Indian customers that German tools were very expensive, Welcker said: "It is important to take into account that the purchase price is not the only decisive factor. A cheap machine can end up being expensive in the long run while an expensive machine can be value for money."

He said compared to others, German machines had a longer life span and were more reliable.

A similar symposium will be held Oct 17 in Pune, Maharashtra.

Source : newindpress.com (10/15/2005)

UGS, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and CAD Potential Team Up to Deliver Automotive Certification  
UGS Corp., a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, announced today an agreement with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and CAD Potential to provide PLM-related training and testing components for the SAE Automotive Certification. The certification program will provide automotive OEM's and suppliers a tangible method to first provide, and then validate user's knowledge, skills and proficiencies at utilizing PLM technologies in context of specific automotive processes, thereby ensuring a maximum return on PLM investments.

The SAE Automotive Certification Program, in addition to validating the abilities of design engineers through skill and knowledge based tests in automotive best practices, automotive theory and industry application, will also test for proficiency in the use of NX(TM) software, UGS' digital product development system. The examinations and training are designed by global industry subject matter experts who combine existing and evolving processes, based on years of experience working directly with virtually every OEM in the industry.

"UGS is pleased to be a part of this important program with SAE and CAD Potential. SAE is recognized as a leading professional organization that provides great value to UGS customers in the Automotive Industry," said Eric Sterling, vice president of automotive marketing for UGS. "As UGS customers expand the implementation of our products, they want to measure the knowledge and skills of their users. Industry specific certification, such as the SAE Automotive Design Certification, fits well in today's fast paced economy because it complements the user's existing industry knowledge, commercial training and/or university education."

Certification allows employers to develop more effective personal development programs for existing employees, quantify the effectiveness of training investments, and more effectively screen potential employees and contractors to make more educated hiring decisions. This common industry certification also allows OEMs to qualify suppliers based on a single standard.

"We are extremely pleased that UGS is partnering with SAE and CAD Potential on this program," said Kevin Perry, manager, professional development, SAE. "Given their existing expertise in training and certification along with their extensive reach across the industry, automotive designers will quickly realize the value of having UGS deliver the SAE Automotive CAD certification program."

"The automotive market will be well served through this new partnership," said Kevin Noe, president, CAD Potential. "We are very excited to be partnered with UGS and SAE to delivery the first Automotive CAD Industry Certification."

The SAE Automotive Certification is the first deliverable for the new UGS Global Certification Program. UGS(R) is committed to provide consistent global certification testing in the use and implementation of UGS software. The primary goal of the program is to improve user productivity, not only in the automotive industry but for all of our customers.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Honda begins building new Civic  
Honda has started production of the next-generation Civic at its Swindon factory.

The new Civic goes on sale in the UK in January 2006, and Honda expects the car's sharp styling to help boost sales by 50 per cent.

Shigeru Takagi, president of Honda Motor Europe, said: "The British-built Civic has a key role to play and we expect to sell 120,000 Civics in 2007, a 50 per cent increase on current sales."

Prices for the eight-generation Civic have yet to be announced.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (10/14/2005)

Jaguar Chooses Novelis as Aluminum Supplier for New XK  
Novelis Inc. announced today that it has been selected by Jaguar Cars Limited as the sole supplier of aluminum sheet for the new Jaguar XK sports car to be launched in early 2006. The all-new XK features an advanced aluminum body structure constructed with the aid of technology from Novelis.

Novelis automotive specialists worked alongside Jaguar engineers and designers to provide expertise in materials technology from initial design of the new XK, through prototype development, right up to vehicle manufacturing. High-strength aluminum sheet from Novelis will be used for the outer skin of the new car as well as complex structural parts. The company's Aluminum Vehicle Technology (AVT) will also be a feature of the production of the new XK, as it is for the XJ. The major innovation of the system is the adhesive bonding of sheet panels in combination with self-piercing rivets.

Novelis is the world's leading supplier of aluminum automotive sheet. Material for Jaguar is produced through the company's European rolling system. Hot-rolled coils from the Norf rolling complex at Neuss, Germany, and the Novelis facility in Sierre, Switzerland, are further processed at the company's specially-equipped operations in Sierre and Nachterstedt, Germany. As part of Novelis' double-sourcing strategy, the material can be processed at either of these plants, given a special heat and surface treatment and cut to the customer's required shape - be it the traditional rectangular and curved sheet or more complex laser-cut shapes. The Nachterstedt plant features a euro 15 million (US$18 million) laser blanking centre and Novelis intends to expand the Sierre plant with a similar centre by mid 2006.

Novelis also provides closed-loop recycling for Jaguar and will take the aluminum off-cuts from XK production back to its Warrington (UK) recycling centre, as it does currently for the XJ. As part of a shared drive towards sustainability by Jaguar and Novelis, the metal is recycled directly into new automotive sheet, thus saving resources and up to 95% of energy that would be required to produce primary aluminum.

Novelis, which was spun-off by Alcan on January 6, 2005, is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The Company has 36 operating facilities in 11 countries and more than 13,000 dedicated employees. Novelis has the unparalleled capability to provide its customers with a regional supply of high-end rolled aluminum products throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Through its advanced production capabilities, the Company supplies aluminum sheet and foil to the automotive and transportation, beverage and food packaging, construction and industrial, and printing markets.

Each Jaguar XK will contain some 330 lbs (150 kg) of Novelis aluminum sheet, helping to deliver a vehicle with excellent stiffness and rigidity while minimizing weight. The new XK provides significant improvements in performance, dynamics, safety and fuel economy. The power-to-weight ratio of the new car is superior to its predecessor despite the addition of advanced electronics and other luxury features.

The XK program continues the close cooperation between Novelis and Jaguar, which began with development of the aluminum-bodied Jaguar XJ sedan, launched in 2002.

"We were delighted when Jaguar announced that aluminum would be part of its lightweight materials technology strategy, which will be a hallmark of Jaguar's performance cars in the future," said Brian Sturgell, president and CEO of Novelis. "We are proud to support the lightweighting strategy and to supply all of the aluminum sheet for both the XJ and now the XK."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Tiredness causes motorway pile-ups  
Falling asleep at the wheel accounts for as many as 20 per cent of all motorway crashes and one in 10 of all accidents on British roads.

These are the stark findings of Roadsafe, the motor industry safety body.

Roadsafe states that drivers are at the greatest risk of falling asleep from midnight to 6am, but also between 2pm and 4pm.

Roadsafe director Adrian Walsh said: "Care should be taken to plan journeys and to make sure you are not too tired."

A campaign to combat falling asleep at the wheel recommends driver take a 15-minute break every two hours and to share the driving wherever possible.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (10/14/2005)

Canadian Autoparts Toyota Breaks Ground  
Canadian Autoparts Toyota, Inc. (CAPTIN), a Toyota manufacturing affiliate that engineers and produces aluminum wheels, broke ground today for a C$39 million/US$31.6 million expansion -- the company's sixth expansion in 22 years.

The expansion, announced in June, will boost wheel capacity at the facility by nearly 17 percent to 1.68 million units per year, starting in July 2007. Cumulative investment at CAPTIN will reach C$232.2 million/US$188.1 million.

CAPTIN was incorporated in 1983 by Toyota Motor Corporation and was the first manufacturing investment by a Japanese automaker in Canada. The plant produces 22 wheel models for Toyota's vehicles globally, employing approximately 230 team members. Following the expansion, CAPTIN will employ more than 260 team members.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Masanao Tomozoe said CAPTIN's growth and a new Toyota vehicle plant under construction in Ontario are direct results of the company's strategy to build vehicles where they are sold.

"These two Canadian milestones are further evidence of our intention to localize production. And we intend to sell more in North America, which is good news for CAPTIN," Tomozoe said.

Government officials were equally excited.

"This CAPTIN expansion is exactly the result we have hoped and planned for - and proves that a strong assembly sector creates spin-off benefits in other industries and regions," said David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry. "We expect to hear many more good news stories in other regions of the country."

Added Rick Thorpe, British Columbia Minister of Small Business and Revenue: "CAPTIN is an extraordinary company that many businesses across British Columbia seek to emulate. The sixth expansion of this world-class facility in Delta demonstrates Toyota's commitment to the province of British Columbia and our future."

Gary Smallenberg, president of CAPTIN, pointed to the dedication of the plant's team members for the expansion: "We appreciate the confidence Toyota Motor Corporation has shown in approving the expansion of this plant. The credit needs to go to our team members; this is a result of their commitment and effort to produce the best aluminum wheels on the market."

Toyota currently has five vehicle-manufacturing plants and six power train and component plants in North America. In addition to the new plant under construction in Woodstock, Ontario, two others are being built in Texas and Tennessee.

By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build 1.81 million cars and trucks, 1.44 million engines, and 600,000 automatic transmissions in North America. The company's direct employment is 38,000, with direct investment of nearly US$16.3 billion. In addition, Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than US$26 billion.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

'Green' Toyota Dealership to Be Built in McKinney  
Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney, which broke ground Oct. 14 at S. Central Expressway and El Dorado Parkway, is going to be "green." It is being designed from the ground up to maximize all environmentally sensitive possibilities. The exterior and interior features will conserve energy and water and will incorporate approximately 75 percent recycled materials such as aluminum, steel, tile, carpet and more.

The dealership, designed by the Dallas office of Gensler and constructed by Turner Construction's Dallas Business Unit, will have 53,000 square feet and will sit on 14 acres. It is set to be completed in June 2006.

"There are some things you do just because it's the right thing to do. This is one of those," said Pat Lobb, dealer principal. "Also, it is a great location in a great city, and we are looking forward to serving the McKinney area."

Pat Lobb Toyota is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council, and it will be the first auto dealership in the nation to seek official LEED (Leadership of Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED is a system for rating buildings that are designed to be sensitive to the environment. It was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington D.C. To receive the LEED certification, green buildings are evaluated in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.

Many of the newer Toyota dealerships have varying degrees of environmental features, but Pat Lobb Toyota is the first all-environmental dealership to be designed with the LEED standards in mind. Toyota buildings such as the South Campus of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, in Torrance, Calif., and the processing center in Portland, Ore., meet the LEED standards, but this is the first dealership.

McKinney has become a prime location for construction of green buildings and is living up to its slogan, "Unique by Nature." Pat Lobb Toyota will join the green office building owned by West World Holding Company, a green Wal- Mart and the Roy Lee Walker Elementary School -- all in McKinney -- in the leading edge for green development.

"One of the reasons people choose to work and do business in McKinney is because our rolling hills, trees and creeks," said McKinney Mayor Bill Whitfield. "Stewardship of our unique environment is important to the people of McKinney and we're happy to welcome a company like Pat Lobb Toyota that shares our values."

Taking a step further in caring about nature, Pat Lobb is personally donating five historically significant Texas trees to The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. The five trees are: a descendent of the Texas Treaty Live Oak Tree (where Stephen F. Austin made an agreement with the native Texas Indians), a Dwight D. Eisenhower Green Ash (from Denison, Texas, where Ike grew up), an Alamo Red Oak (from the Alamo), a Jim Bowie Live Oak and a Texas Champion Burr Oak. The purpose of Lobb's tree donation is to set aside a place for the historic trees that are significant to the growth of Texas. The museum will subsequently add to these trees.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Group 1 Automotive cuts full-year profit forecast  
DETROIT, - Auto dealership Group 1 Automotive cut its full-year profit forecast on Friday, citing hurricane-related losses and an expectation that vehicle sales would slow during the remainder of 2005.

The Houston-based company cut its full-year earnings per share outlook to a range of $2.75 to $2.80 from a previous range of $2.95 to $3.05.

Group 1 also said its quarterly results for the period ending Sept. 30 would include costs of 16 cents per share, mostly due to damages to dealerships stemming from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf Coast.

Source : Reuters (10/14/2005)

Volvo sells service unit, to book $57.6 mln gain  
STOCKHOLM, - Volvo, the world's number-two truckmaker, said on Friday it would sell its service company Celero Support to Coor Service Management making a capital gain of around 450 million Swedish crowns ($57.6 million).

Celero provides Volvo with various office and workplace services as well as maintenance of industrial plants and properties.

Volvo is selling Celero for 680 million crowns minus net debt of around 130 million crowns.

Celero has 1,100 employees and had sales of 1.4 billion crowns in 2004.

Source : Reuters (10/14/2005)

Firestone Pays $240 Mil. To Ford For Defective Tires  
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC will pay $240 million to Ford Motor Co. to settle all outstanding financial issues associated with Firestone's August 2000 voluntary safety recall and Ford's May 2001 tire replacement program, Bridgestone Corp. said Wednesday.

"We're pleased to have reached a satisfactory settlement with Ford Motor," said Saul Solomon, Firestone's vice president and general counsel, in a statement.

Firestone is a North American subsidiary of the Japanese tire manufacturer.

Ford had cut off its near 100-year-old business ties with Firestone after a number of Ford sport-utility vehicles equipped with Firestone tires caused accidents.

The U.S. automaker blamed the accidents on tire defects, while Firestone said the SUVs may have had safety problems.

The two companies have been trying to mend their ties after top Ford executives were replaced in 2001.

Shoshi Arakawa, Bridgestone's executive vice president in charge of international operations, said the settlement will "allow Firestone to put this matter behind it and focus on its future business opportunities."

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Dramatic slump seen in vehicle sales  
DETROIT - U.S. sales of new cars and trucks at the retail level appear to have fallen off the cliff in October, led by steep declines at General Motors Corp. ,J.D. Power and Associates said on Friday.

A report from the industry tracking firm's closely watched Power Information Network cited a lack of high-impact incentives from major automakers, high U.S. gasoline prices, low inventory levels and an apparent pullback by consumers after exceptionally strong sales over the summer for the dramatic slowdown.

Retail new-vehicle sales were down 33 percent across the industry in the first nine days of October compared with the same period a year ago, the Power Information Network said.

It said results were down at nine major automakers, but GM led the pack with a 57 percent decline followed by Ford, which saw its retail sales drop 45 percent over the first nine days of the month.

The Chrysler arm of Germany's DaimlerChrysler posted a 32 percent drop over the same nine-day period compared with year-ago results.

The U.S. arm of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. posted the smallest drop, with retail sales down just 8 percent, followed by Toyota Motor Corp. ,with sales down 14 percent.

Of Japan's Big Three automakers, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. was the worst performer in the early days of October, with retail sales down 21 percent year-over-year.

"A lot could happen between now and the end of the month," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "But at this point, we're on track for an October like we haven't seen sine the early 1990s."

Slowing sales of fuel-thristy sport utility vehicles were a leading factor behind GM's overall sales decline of 24 percent last month. Ford's September sales fell 20 percent.

Both companies are heavily reliant on sales of traditional truck-based SUVs, which are heavier and get poorer fuel economy than smaller, car-based SUVs known as crossover vehicles.

Source : Reuters (10/14/2005)

‘Swivel’ car runs on electric power  
TOKYO - Motorists are seeing more hybrids and even some zero-emission fuel-cell vehicles on the road, making it tougher for auto makers to put the “wow” in their green products. But it’s certainly not stopping them from trying.

At the Tokyo Motor Show this year, many carmakers will twin futuristic technologies like advanced fuel cells and drive-by-wire with head-turning designs and quirky concepts to upstage rivals at one of the world’s five biggest auto shows, opening from Oct. 22 to Nov. 6.

Among the concept cars from Toyota, Japan’s top car maker and a leader in clean-vehicle technology, is the gull-winged Fine-X, a new fuel-cell car that has four independently steered wheels which enable it to rotate on the spot.

With no noted output or driving range improvement over its existing fuel-cell vehicle, Toyota is playing up the car for other eco-friendly features such as a body and interior that use biodegradable fibers and plastics.

The maker of the popular Prius hybrid car will also show off a one-seater “mobility machine” called the i-swing, which runs on three wheels at high speeds and upright on two wheels in slow mode. The vehicle is an evolved version of the PM, which stole the limelight at the Tokyo Motor Show two years ago.

Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com (10/14/2005)

Chennai, B`lore likely to emerge as industrial hubs  
The South, especially Chennai and Bangalore, is most likely to emerge as an industrial hub in the country, specialising in the production of machine tools, according to Carl Martin Welcker, chairman of the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).

Addressing mediapersons on the sidelines of a two-day symposium on 'Machine Tools and Production Technology from Germany' conducted here in association with Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), Welcker said that VDW is working on implementing better services and providing training to the manufacturing firms in the south with stress on customer-driven engineering.

Pointing out that India was the fastest growing automobile market in the world in 2004 with a growth rate of 30 per cent, Welcker said, "In the first six months of 2005, the growth rate of our exports was in fact as high as 123 per cent more than that of the same period in the previous year."

The major part of the exports in the field of machine tools consisted of cutting, honing, lapping and polishing machines, gear cutting machines, lathes and milling machines, he added.

According to Helmut von Monschaw, the incoming orders for the first half of the current year are 65 per cent more than the figures for the same period last year.

The two-day symposium will focus

Source : Business Standard (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

Retail New-Vehicle Sales Drop Dramatically in Early October  
Retail new-vehicle sales in the first nine days of October were down 33 percent versus the same period a year ago, and down 44 percent versus the first nine days of September, according to the Power Information Network (PIN), the industry's premier source for real-time automotive monthly retail sales data.

The key drivers of this trend include a lack of high-impact incentives from the major automakers, higher gas prices, low inventory levels and a possible market adjustment due to exceptionally strong sales during the summer months, according to Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at PIN.

Every one of the nine major new-vehicle manufacturers suffered a retail sales decline in early October versus a year ago, with the two traditional domestics down the most. Retail sales of General Motors and Ford Motor Company new vehicles were down 57 percent and 45 percent, respectively, compared to early October of 2004.

American Honda had the smallest decline at 8 percent, followed by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. at 14 percent. DaimlerChrysler was off 32 percent and Nissan North America recorded a 21 percent decline.

"The aftermath of the employee pricing programs is having a dramatic impact on automotive retail sales in October," Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "A lot could happen between now and the end of the month, but at this point, we're on track for an October like we haven't seen since the early 1990s."

The retail market share leader for the first nine days of October was Toyota Motor Sales with 18.2 percent of the retail market (compared to 14.2% a year ago). Ford Motor Company followed with 15.6 percent (versus 18.8%) and GM was third with 14.6 percent (versus 23%). DaimlerChrysler followed with 13.8 percent (versus 13.5%) and American Honda captured 13.6 percent (versus 9.9%). Nissan North America had an 8.4 percent share (versus 7.1%).

"It will be interesting to see if the automakers, particularly GM and Ford, can hold back on incentives if their sales and share continue to slip," Libby said. "I expect they will find a way to boost sales. I doubt that they will just sit back and let this trend continue."

The average price customers paid for a new vehicle in the first nine days of October was $26,123 -- about the same as a year ago. The average new-vehicle transaction price actually rose slightly for eight of the nine major manufacturers, but prices have dropped 2.9 percent for GM vehicles, suggesting GM's value pricing strategy is providing prices very competitive with incentive-driven prices of a year ago, according to Libby.

Since the successful employee discount incentive programs cleared out much of the 2005-model inventories, the new vehicles being sold in October are relatively fresh. The average number of days the typical new vehicle sat on dealer lots in early October before being sold was 54, down from 74 a year ago. The days on the lot for domestic vehicles for the first nine days of October was down 20 days versus a year ago, while Asian-branded vehicles were down 10 days and European-branded vehicles were down 12 days. The typical GM vehicle sat for 61 days -- down an industry-leading 35 days from October of 2004.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Hyundai to Focus on Four-Cylinder Engines to Combat Gas Prices  
In response to rising demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, Hyundai Motor Corp. said Thursday it plans to build more cars with four-cylinder engines at its new Alabama plant.

"The fuel price is really resonating," Robert Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, told The Detroit News at the formal opening of the $48 million Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center here.

About 60 percent of the midsize Sonata sedans built at the company's Birmingham, Alabama, plant now have six-cylinder engines, but cars with four-cylinder engines will grow to "at least 50 percent," Cosmai said.

This is the second announcement in as many weeks by an Asian automaker to switch engine output because of high gas prices. Two weeks ago, Nissan Motor Co. said it had stepped up North American production of cars and slowed output of light trucks.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

Tower Automotive to close two US plants  
Tower Automotive, which earlier this week announced a new plant to supply Mercedes-Benz in Germany, has now announced that it will consolidate the operations of its Granite City, Illinois and Milan, Tennessee facilities into other Tower facilities to reduce excess manufacturing capacity there. Tower's Granite City facility currently produces stampings, control arms, and subassemblies for Ford, Nissan, and General Motors; the Milan facility produces stampings and subassemblies for Nissan, Toyota and other Tower business units.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/14/2005)

Iranian components suppliers sign new JV agreements with French counterparts  
Iranian and French automotive components manufacturers have recently signed a number of joint venture contracts, and 50 Iranian companies have joined Renault’s global chain of part makers in line with Renault’s plans to assemble cars in Iran, the Iranian Students News Agency reported this week.

European suppliers Bosch and several other German, Italian and French companies have so far signed 17 joint venture contracts with their Iranian counterparts. Peugeot and VW are said to be considering assembly investments in Iran, ISNA indicated, notwithstanding tensions in European-Iranian relations created by the conflict in Iraq and Iran’s determination to develop its own nuclear technology against the wishes of the IAEA, the EU and the US. Iran is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets outside China and India.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/14/2005)

3 Series coupe-cabriolet on the way  
Folding metal roof for 3 Series drop-top Expect on sale next autumn Audi will keep cloth roof for A4

BMW is tipped to combine coupe and cabriolet in one car with the arrival of the new 3 Series convertible next year.

Expected next autumn, the new 3 Series coupe-cabriolet will use a folding metal roof. Rival Audi says it will stick to a soft top, however, when it replaces the face-lifted A4 in the next few years.

Audi hasn't given any idea of what it might have up its sleeve for the next TT coupe and roadster that are due next year, however. The recently unveiled Shooting Brake concept gives an idea of what the front end of the TT will look like.

Mercedes has already said that its two-seater convertible models, currently the SL and SLK, will continue to use a metal roof while four-seaters like the CLK will retain distinct cloth-roofed convertibles and traditional tin-topped coupes.

Cloth roofs are more vulnerable than metal designs, but they can keep the weight of the cars down and leave more room in the boot when folded away.

The previous-generation Mercedes SLK popularised folding metal roofs which are now used on a host of current and future models. The Mercedes wasn't the first to use the design, however, Peugeot taking that honour with the 1930s 402 Eclipse.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (10/14/2005)

VW Considers Reviving Scirocco Name for New Coupe  
A famous nameplate from Volkswagen's past could be revived in 2008. A new coupe based on the high-performance Golf R32's running gear could be called Scirocco, reviving a name last seen in the mid-1980s on a previous Golf-based coupe.

The new coupe, whose top-line model would have the R32's 247-horsepower, V6 engine and all-wheel drive, will take its styling from the Concept R coupe at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show but not the Concept R's midengined layout. The new Scirocco will have a standard Golf-style, front-engined layout.

The new car is being designed by VW design boss Murat Gunak, creator of the Mercedes-Benz SLR, and by Peter Schreyer, VW head of advanced design, who formerly headed Audi's design team. The car will be a 2+2 rather than a four-seater — that job already is handled by VW's new Eos model. In addition to the V6 version of the new Scirocco, it will get a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter version using the Golf GTI's powertrain.

If VW doesn't call the new car Scirocco, it could get a new name — Rivo — according to AutoWeek magazine.

Volkswagen is considering reviving another name, Corrado, for its planned Passat-based four-door coupe. The original Corrado, which was killed off in the late 1990s, was a two-door coupe that replaced the Scirocco.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

ISSYS & KEM to Present Methanol Concentration Sensor Posters at Two Upcoming Fuel Cell Conferences  
The posters will cover the small methanol concentration sensors under development, targeting the active Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) market. ISSYS is working with Japanese based, Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Company (KEM) on this project. These small sensors can also be utilized in a variety of other industrial and analytical applications for the need of a low-cost, accurate, small, inline density or chemical concentration sensors.

ISSYS' sensors are based on Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) technology. This microfluidic technology offers advantages in system and sample size, cost and reliability over current approaches to fluidic density, methanol concentration and chemical concentration measurement,

The use of a methanol concentration sensor is essential for the practical application of a variety of DMFC technologies. Currently ISSYS' technology offers the only efficient solution for the DMFC application, particularly due to its outstanding accuracy, stability and potential low cost. Furthermore, unlike previous methanol concentration sensors, ISSYS' products operate over a wide temperature range and are not sensitive to chemical impurities.

Fuel cells offer a big improvement in portability over conventional battery packs. Applications for DFMC technology include laptop computers, PDAs, camcorders and other portable consumer electronics.

Company Background: ISSYS is a leader in advanced micromachining technologies for medical devices, microfluidic and scientific analytical sensing applications. Founded in 1995 by world-renowned leaders in MEMS technology, ISSYS is one of the oldest independent MEMS companies in the US and has been offering MEMS services longer than any other company in the US. ISSYS operates a "full manufacturing under one roof," multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication facility located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. An ISO 9000:2001 certified organization, ISSYS is a vertically integrated company dedicated to developing and manufacturing system-level products based on MEMS technology. ISSYS is currently undertaking a round B fund-raising effort to raise capital for new medical and fuel-cell sensor product launches. For more company, product and service information,

Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing, Co. Ltd ("KEM") is a specialized manufacturer of scientific instruments since 1961, introducing a broad product line of analyzers of high quality and reliability including Analytical and Measuring Instruments that addressed laboratory needs and Continuous Monitoring Systems. Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, KEM has a world-wide network of sales offices and distributors.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Ward's Reports Estimated North American Weekly Vehicle Production  
Vehicle production this week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is expected to hit an estimated 326,626 units, down 3.3 percent from the 337,853 cars and trucks built last week, according to WardsAuto.com.

Including this week's estimates, calendar year North American output now totals 12,997,945 vehicles, down 0.1 percent from like-2004's pace.

In the U.S., automakers are expected to produce 243,053 vehicles this week, down 2.5 percent from the 249,314 cars and trucks built last week. To date, calendar 2005 U.S. vehicle output totals an estimated 9,636,911 units, up 0.1 percent compared to the 9,629,752 vehicles built in like-2004.

This week's Canadian vehicle production is estimated at 50,336, an increase of 5.5 percent from the 47,709 units assembled last week. Estimated calendar 2005 Canadian vehicle production now stands at 2,087,888 units, down 2.9 percent compared to the 2,149,921 vehicles produced in like-2004.

Of the cars and trucks slated for production this week in the U.S., General Motors Corp. accounted for 29.3 percent; Ford Motor Co., 23.8 percent; Chrysler of DaimlerChrysler, 11.2 percent; Honda of America Mfg. Inc., 7.3 percent; Toyota Motor Mfg. Inc., 7.3 percent; Nissan Motor Mfg. Corp., 7.0 percent; New United Motor Mfg. Inc., 4.0 percent; AutoAlliance International Inc., 2.0 percent; Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc., 1.2 percent; BMW of North America Inc., 1.0 percent; Mitsubishi Motor Mfg. of America Inc., 0.9 percent; Mercedes-Benz U.S. of DaimlerChrysler, 0.8 percent; and other manufacturers, 4.2 percent.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

BMW to Build Coupe-Cabriolet Version of New 3 Series  
BMW is poised to join the growing trend of combined coupe-cabriolets with retractable metal roofs when it unveils its next-generation 3 Series convertible in fall 2006.

The new 3 Series coupe-cabrio will replace the 3 Series coupe and the 3 Series convertible. Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Renault all have launched four-seater coupe-cabrios, but prestigious manufacturers have shied away from the concept, preferring separate traditional convertibles and coupes of their sedan-derived models.

So BMW's decision could give the Bavarian carmaker an advantage over rivals such as Audi and Mercedes, which have said they are sticking with traditional soft-top and coupe versions of their next A4 and CLK models, respectively. Paradoxically, Mercedes' two-seater sports cars, the SLK and the SL, have retractable metal roofs, while BMW's Z4 is a traditional ragtop.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

Ford Appoints First Female Executive VP  
Ford Motor Co. has named its first female executive vice president in its 102-year history as part of a series of moves intended to boost Ford's flagging North American operations, the company said Thursday.

Anne Stevens, 56, was named executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas, a new position that makes her one of the highest ranking women in the auto industry. Stevens previously served as Ford's group vice president of Canada, Mexico and South America. She joined the company in 1990.

Stevens will be in charge of product development, manufacturing and purchasing in the Americas. She will report to Mark Fields, who recently was named executive vice president of Ford and president for the Americas.

"Anne is an exceptionally focused and proven leader in this industry," Fields said. He said Stevens has made significant improvements in vehicle quality and oversaw a profit resurgence in South America and Mexico and increased market share in Canada.

Ford also named Derrick Kuzak group vice president of product development for the Americas. Kuzak, 54, replaces Phil Martens, who has left the company. Kuzak is currently vice president of engineering for North America.

Ford also named Dave Szczupak group vice president of engineering, replacing Roman Krygier, who is retiring. Szczupak, 50, is currently group vice president of powertrain operations.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Hybrid Bus Transit Now Available in Springfield  
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) today announced the addition of a hybrid bus to its mass transit fleet. PVTA and the city of Springfield join the growing ranks of communities investing in transit buses powered by General Motors' hybrid technology, which offers greater fuel economy and cleaner emissions than conventional diesel buses.

In a media event today at the future site of the Holyoke Multimodal Transportation Center in Holyoke, Mass., the PVTA unveiled the bus. On hand for the festivities were Congressman John W. Olver, who was instrumental in securing the funding for the bus, and representatives from the PVTA and General Motors.

"As individuals and as a society we must make a greater effort to promote energy conservation and efficiency," said Congressman Olver. "I am glad to have contributed to a first step in this effort and hope to see many more of these vehicles on the road in the near future."

Transit buses with GM's hybrid propulsion system provide a significant fuel economy improvement over conventional diesel buses, with a range of 25 to 55 percent fuel economy improvement depending on the route and driving conditions.

"The GM diesel-electric drive system for buses uses the most efficient parallel hybrid architecture available in the world today and is manufactured by GM Allison in Indianapolis," said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. "We think it is an excellent investment for urban transit bus fleets and applaud PVTA for its efforts."

In addition, the hybrid buses provide dramatically lower emissions, including up to 90 percent fewer particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Other benefits include reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake, engine oil and transmission oil life; superior torque and better acceleration than conventional diesel buses and operation sound levels equal to passenger cars even in tunnels.

"The timing of the introduction of this vehicle to our fleet could not be better," said Gary Shepard, PVTA administrator. "With skyrocketing fuel prices impacting our operating budgets, we are the fortunate beneficiaries of Congressman Olver's dedicated effort to bring this new technology to the Pioneer Valley."

The clean hybrid technology is manufactured by GM Allison Transmission, maker of transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems for commercial trucks, buses, off-highway equipment and military vehicles, headquartered in Indianapolis. Gillig Corp. of Hayward, Calif., manufactured the bus.

The technology in these buses has served as the starting point for GM's co-development with DaimlerChrysler and BMW of a two-mode hybrid system that GM will launch first in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in 2007.

General Motors Corp. , the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 317,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Fleetwood RV Releases 2006 GearBox  
Fleetwood RV, a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles, today announced the nationwide launch of the 2006 GearBox, boasting significant upgrades as well as two new special editions, further enriching Fleetwood's robust line of toy haulers.

The GearBox will continue to offer its standard features made specifically for outdoor enthusiasts who like to travel in style. Each unit will include all new furniture designs including a fold-down sofa, which converts into a comfortable sleeping area. Centralized controls, flush floor cargo tie-downs, a queen-size sleeping bed and a full featured bathroom area are just a few of the amenities GearBox owners will continue to enjoy. Additionally, the 2006 GearBox offers a new optional "Alloy" interior decor package, giving the GearBox a sleek, modern durable look featuring a color palette of grey, pewter and orange.

Fleetwood is introducing two new editions to its GearBox line which target two key segments in the toy hauler market. The Motorsports Edition, which appeals to the "gear head," features unique graphics, an interior and exterior work bench, riding gear storage shelf, optional power winch, air compressor and fueling station, and a ramp door extension, allowing for proper toy storage and convenient use. The Sportsman Edition caters to the outdoor enthusiast, boasting a camouflage interior decor and features such as heavy duty outerwear hangers to store waders, an integrated fishing rod holder and a game cleaning station, designed to enhance any fishing or hunting adventure.

Designed with simplicity and function, the 2006 GearBox line-up features floor plans ranging in length from 18 to 39 feet. All GearBox products provide reconfigurable living space and a rear full-width access ramp for transporting motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and a variety of other hobby-related equipment. These trailers can accommodate comfortable sleeping arrangements for four to eight occupants.

"The 2006 GearBox has evolved to be even more cross-functional while streamlining design and comfort," said Chris Braun, Executive Vice President of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. "It appeals to a broad range of outdoor enthusiasts at all price points without sacrificing their wants or needs."

The 2006 GearBox is available in both standard and fifth wheel trailer floor plans with an MSRP range of $21,742-$53,740. For more information on this exciting new offering or any other Fleetwood RV product, please call 877-308-7644 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

DaimlerChrysler Marks Diversity Week With Employee Events  
To celebrate the different talents, backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles of its employees, DaimlerChrysler has designated the week of October 17-21, 2005, Diversity Week. Under the theme of "Diversity. It's The Way We Do Business," the company will host a week-long series of activities at its Auburn Hills, Mich. facility.

"During the week-long celebration, we hope to educate employees on our company's commitment to diversity by showcasing its impact on all aspects of our business," said Monica Emerson, Executive Director - Corporate Diversity Office. "Diversity is integrated across the company -- from our supplier and dealer base to our community support to our internal business processes and talent recruitment. An inclusive workforce contributes to great products that meet the needs of a diverse customer base."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Toyota unveils Fine-X, other concepts  
This time, that privilege will probably go to archrival Nissan’s Pivo concept. The egg-shaped cabin-on-wheels is an all-electric vehicle and uses drive-by-wire technology to allow the cabin to spin around — perfect for exiting a parking space.

Drive-by-wire eliminates the mechanical linkages between cabin and chassis to enable steering, braking and shifting through electronic signals.

The system is not new to the industry, however, having been put prominently on the map by General Motors sleek Hy-wire concept car at the Paris Motor Show in 2002.

“With the Pivo concept, we want to demonstrate the myriad possibilities that drive-by-wire could achieve,” Pivo’s chief designer, Masato Inoue, said at a preview of the car last month.

Pivo uses lithium-ion batteries, which last much longer than those now used in gas-electric hybrid vehicles. Lithium-ion still costs more, but several automakers are working with the batteries in expectations of further cost reductions.

Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com (10/14/2005)

Mitsubishi Motors North America Invites Car Enthusiasts toFirst-Ever Mitsubishi Owners Day at Illinois Plant  
NORMAL, Ill., -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is driven to thrill like never before, announcing its first-ever Factory MitsubishiOwners Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the company's Normal, Ill., manufacturing facility. The event, which is free and opento the public, welcomes "home" any current owner of a Mitsubishi vehicle, including many unique, customized Mitsubishi automobilesand their owners.

Known as FACTORY MOD'05, the outdoor event is expected to draw hundreds of Mitsubishi owners from throughout the Midwest whowill display their vehicles. Visitors can roam freely to capture the excitement of new Mitsubishi models that will also beon the grounds, including the fourth-generation, all-new 2006 Eclipse; the just-launched Raider pickup truck; and a numberof Mitsubishi concept vehicles appearing for the first time in Central Illinois.

In addition, Mitsubishi's "Raider Tailgate Tour" will feature a unique tailgate party with a J. Cool twist. MOD'05 attendeeswill be entertained by Japanese-style Taiko drummers as seen in the new "Driven to Thrill" television advertisements, playingfrom the beds of Raider trucks.

"It's a great time to be in the automobile business, and we want to share the excitement with our loyal Mitsubishi customers,as well as others who want to check out the cool vehicles we'll have on display at MOD '05," said Jerry Berwanger, MMNA ExecutiveVice President and Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Division.

"We have heard from hundreds of Mitsubishi owners who want to make the drive to Normal to show their vehicles, coming fromall points of the compass," Berwanger added. "It's a great opportunity for the public to get up-close and personal with theseuniquely customized Mitsubishi vehicles and their owners, who share a special pride of ownership."

That pride in Mitsubishi ownership is also reflected in recent retail sales for September, including the Normal-built 2006Eclipse. The all-new Eclipse had its best sales month so far this year, up 193 percent from September 2004 and 7 percentfrom last month. The Endeavor also fared well in September, with sales up 29 percent from last September and 17 percent from last month.

In addition, Mitsubishi's new Gas Comes Standard program has been so well received by customers that the program is beingextended to select 2006 models, including the Normal-built Galant and Endeavor.

Along with a variety of performance parts suppliers, on-site food vendors, music, and special giveaways, tours of the MMNAplant will be offered during the event, which is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is free at the MMNA plantsite, located at 100 North Mitsubishi Motorway in Normal, Ill., just a few minutes west of the Market Street/Route 9 Exit#160 off Interstate 55, and just south of Exit #125 from Interstate 74.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 570 dealers.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

New Honda Civic on the line  
Production of the new Civic began yesterday at Honda's £1.33 billion production plant in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Mass production begins just seven months after the concept version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, underlining what the company describes as its '…long term commitment to building cars in the UK'.

The new car is scheduled to go on sale in January 2006, with other new models in the Civic range to be launched during the following 12 months. It is expected to boost European sales of the Civic series by as much as 50 per cent within the next two years. In Britain Honda expects to sell more than 35,000 Civics in 2006.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co (10/14/2005)

Even an old 5 Series can be disposed of for free  
From 1 January 2006 all owners of BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI vehicles will be entitled to free disposal.

This means that owners of BMW Group vehicles, regardless of where they were bought, the age of the vehicle or whether they have been serviced outside of the BMW and MINI dealer networks, will benefit from the peace of mind that their vehicle will be subject to an environmentally sound disposal process. The process ensures that 85 per cent of the vehicle by weight will be recovered and recycled.

The service provider for the BMW Vehicle Recycling Network is autogreen. autogreen has established itself nationally as one of the leading companies in the field of vehicle dismantling and has a wide-reaching network of vehicle dismantlers. In addition, autogreen will also be able to offer a vehicle collection service to BMW Group vehicle owners.

Steve Nash, director of aftersales for BMW (UK) Ltd said, "Since the early 1990s, the BMW Group has been involved in the recycling of cars. In fact, the BMW Group was the first car manufacturer in the world to create a vehicle recycling network. In the UK, we view our Vehicle Recycling Network as a third and equally important network within our business after the vehicle sales and repair networks. I would encourage all owners of BMW Group vehicles to use the recycling network."

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co (10/14/2005)

Toyota recalling Prius  
DETROIT - Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will notify about 160,000 Prius owners around the world about a potential software problem that may cause the popular hybrid cars to suddenly stall or shut down.

Japan's top auto maker said the fault may cause warning lights in the cars to illuminate. That can prompt the vehicles to enter a "fail safe" mode that may cause their gasoline engines to stall.

Hybrid vehicles twin a gasoline engine with an electric motor and batteries to boost fuel economy. In addition to powering the car, the gasoline engine also charges batteries for the electric motor which also provides power to the wheels.

Toyota spokeswoman Allison Takahashi said that, if the gasoline engine stalls, the electric motor will have enough power to allow the driver to pull the vehicle over and away from the traffic.

The vehicles involved in the Toyota service action are from the 2004 and 2005 model years. About 75,000 of them are in the United States and 70,000 in Japan.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had received a number of complaints about the hybrid vehicles stalling or stopping unexpectedly, often on highways.

Toyota will be sending out letters asking customers to take the cars to a dealership for free repairs, Takahashi said. Toyota is calling this a "special service campaign."

"It is something we've done proactively for the safety of customers," said Mira Sleilati, a Toyota spokeswoman.

Toyota sold 53,991 Prius cars in 2004 and 81,042 so far this year. There is usually a waiting list to buy the vehicle, which have the second-highest government mileage ratings of any passenger vehicles.

Source : http://www.cnn.com (10/14/2005)

Ford Gets New Product Development Chief in Major Exec Shakeup  
In the sequel to Monday's unexpected departure of Phil Martens, Ford's group vice president of product creation, the automaker on Thursday named Derrick Kuzak to head its top product development job.

Kuzak, 54, most recently was vice president of North American engineering for the Dearborn automaker. He is a research engineer who led the development of the Ford Focus' European version in 2000. He also led the development of the Ford Escape from 1997 to 1999, the company said in a statement.

Kuzak's appointment was part of a series of executive changes announced by the automaker Thursday. They included the milestone announcement that Anne Stevens, Ford group vice president of Canada, Mexico and South America, was named Ford executive vice president and COO, the highest post ever held by a woman at a Detroit automaker.

Bill Ford Jr., Ford chairman and CEO, said the shakeup was designed to "drive a turnaround and return a critical part of our business to a sustained level of profitability."

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/15/2005)

Hybrids & Diesel Cars Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles For 2006  
The manual version of the hybrid Honda Insight tops the latest U.S. government auto fuel economy list, with 60 miles per gallon (26 kilometers per liter) in the city and 66 mpg (28 kpl) on the highway. The competitor hybrid Toyota Prius was second with 60 mpg (26 kpl) in the city and 51 (22 kpl) on the highway, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy said Wednesday.

Ford Motor Co., with its hybrid SUVs, was the only American carmaker to crack the top-10 list for 2006 vehicles.

Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG make eight of the top 10 cars, mostly hybrid electric-gas or diesel-powered. Ford Escape hybrid SUVs, two-wheel and four-wheel drive, round out the list.

The only gas-only vehicle to make the top 10 is the manual Toyota Corolla.

By classes of vehicles, the most fuel efficient SUV is the Ford Escape, with 36 mpg (15 kpl) in the city and 31 (13 kpl) on the highway. The most fuel efficient pickup is the Ford Ranger, 24 mpg (10 kpl) in the city and 29 (12 kpl) on the highway.

Among station wagons, the manual Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla Matrix are tops, each with 30 mpg (13 kpl) in the city and 36 (15 kpl) on the highway. The most fuel efficient minivan is the Honda Odyssey, 20 mpg (9 kpl) in the city and 28 (12 kpl) on the highway.

Cargo and passenger vans are led by General Motor Corp.'s Chevrolet and GMC, each with 15 mpg (6 kpl) in the city and 20 (9 kpl) on the highway.

The automatic version of the Dodge Ram pickup, which gets 9 mpg (4 kpl) in the city and 12 mpg (5 kpl) on the highway, was the least fuel efficient vehicle in this year's survey. Luxury cars, including models from Bentley and Ferrari, completed the list of the 10 least fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Dodge Durango, which gets 12 mpg (5 kpl) in the city and 15 mpg (6 kpl) on the highway, had the worst fuel economy among SUVs.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Car cos drive away Shradh blues, sales rise 9.7 per cent in sept  
NEW DELHI: In the end, the Shradh month of September did not turn out too badly for car companies, which recorded a monthly growth just short of 10 per cent. According to sales statistics released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), car sales grew 9.7 per cent in September at 77,411 units compared to 70,507 units in the year-ago month.

With a strong navratra, car makers expect the festival season to wipe out stock pileup at the dealer end and take overall growth for the industry to a respectable, albeit single digit figure.

Part of the September recovery was fuelled by the decent growth recorded by top volume players. Market leader Maruti, grew nearly 16% at 40,047 units while arch rival Hyundai was up 22% at 14,283 units. The first six months, though, continued to be lacklustre with cars clocking a just-over 6% growth (4.09 lakh units), while UVs registering an 12.4% (89,362 units) increase. Total passenger vehicles, at 5.31 lakh units, were up 7% in the April-September period. After a negative June-July period, car sales have recovered somewhat though not enough to propel the industry growth graph into double digit territory.

Source : Economic Times (10/15/2005)

Infiniti Announces Entry Into Ukrainian Market  
Nissan Motor Ukraine announced plans to launch its luxury Infiniti brand in the Ukrainian market, starting at the end of 2007. Ukraine is the second country selected for Infiniti expansion in Eastern Europe, following the entry into Russia in 2006.

Nissan Motor Ukraine, which was established in April 2005, is currently seeking Infiniti dealer candidates, with the first dealer appointment planned for the Kiev area. The independently owned and operated Infiniti dealers will offer complete services, including new and pre-owned vehicle sales, vehicle service and parts and accessories support.

Infiniti's entry into the Ukraine market is part of the global expansion of the brand set forth in Nissan's latest comprehensive three-year business plan, NISSAN Value-Up, which was announced in April 2005.

Sales of Infiniti originated in the United States in 1989, where it has become one of the fastest growing luxury brands in recent years. Taiwan and the Middle East began selling Infiniti vehicles in the past few years, followed by Korea in August 2005. Along with Ukraine, Infiniti will launch sales organizations in Russia, China and ultimately Japan.

Located in Kiev, Nissan Motor Ukraine's operations currently include Sales, Marketing and after sales activities through 9 official Nissan dealer outlets.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Toyota Recalling 160,000 Prius Hybrids for Possible Engine Problem  
The AP reported that Toyota is recalling 160,000 Prius gasoline-electric hybrid cars worldwide because their engines can stop due to an electrical problem, Japan's top automaker said Friday.

No accidents or injuries have been reported linked to the problem, in which engines in some Prius cars have stalled while driving, causing the vehicles to run just on the electric motor, Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Hideki Fujii said. A glitch in the computer programming controlling the electronic units is believed to be behind the problem, he said.

The recall covers 75,000 Prius cars in the United States, 70,000 in Japan and the remainder in Europe, Australia and other markets, manufactured from August 2003 through February 2005.

Toyota is not disclosing the costs for the recall, Fujii said. Toyota dealers will repair affected vehicles for free.

Toyota, which started selling the Prius in 1997, has led the global auto market with hybrids, which switch back and forth between a gasoline engine and battery-powered electric motor to deliver the most efficient and ecological ride, depending on the driving conditions and speed of the car. Toyota sold 125,700 Prius vehicles globally last year.

The company began investigating the problem after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of Prius engines stalling. But the problem is not an immediately safety problem because drivers can count on the hybrid's electric motor to steer to the side of the road, Fujii said.

NHTSA closed its investigation after Toyota said it would voluntarily recall the vehicles.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Toyota Considers Building Scion in U.S.  
Toyota is thinking about building Scion vehicles in the United States, according to a story in a Japanese newspaper.

The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reported Toyota could use spare capacity at Subaru's underused Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Indiana to build the Scion, the super-successful Toyota youth brand that sold 100,000 units in 2004.

The paper said Toyota originally planned to build the Scion at its second, $650 million Canadian plant, in Cambridge, Ontario, which will start to build the new RAV4 in 2008. But the automaker has since calculated that it could go into SIA with less initial investment and could make ends meet even with small cars that have low profit margins, the paper reported.

Things evidently are moving fast with the Toyota-Subaru tie-up, announced October 5. Toyota now has bought an 8.7-percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company, for about $315 million. And already the Japanese media has reported Toyota wants to build 100,000 extra cars a year in the United States using SIA production lines. Subaru, in turn, is looking to reduce costs by tapping into Toyota's supplier base, and reportedly has already asked Toyota to supply it with a new small car to sell in Europe.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (10/14/2005)

Garini Group Places Order for 2,255 Electric Powered Scooter Units  
Bellevue-Washington based Evader, Inc. (www.evader.us) (Pink Sheets:EVDR), the maker of electric high-performance vehicles powered by their leading-edge EPIC technology is pleased to announce that the Garini Group of Brazil has placed their initial order for 2,255 units for shipment to the Evader/Garini assembly plant in Manaus, Brazil.

The bikes, which represent revenues of BRL 12,269,500 (Brazilian Reais) (US$5,112,000) and which will be shipped in CKD (Complete Knockdown) form, are expected to start to ship to Manaus before the end of October or early November. The scooters will be assembled within the free zone in Manaus to take advantage of huge government incentives that significantly reduce their import duty.

"This is very exciting news for us and our shareholders," said Julio de Almeida, Evader's President of the Latin American Region. "This is only the first of many major orders now being scheduled for Brazil. Evader is proud to be one of Garini's leading suppliers."

"We are ready to go! Our assembly plant will be up and running by November 30, 2005," said Alceu Aragao, the President and CEO of the Garini Group of companies. "Garini offers the highest quality and best value to the Brazilian consumer. Our partnership with Evader will allow us to rely on high quality products for the years to come."

This first order of bikes is intended for distribution in the Brazilian market only and is secured by a letter of credit from Garini. The Garini Group is expecting orders to begin materializing for the rest of South America within the next 90-120 days.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Car sales rise 10 pc in Sept; CVs up 14.3 pc  
DESPITE being a slack month for car sales due to the inauspicious shradh period in northern India, car sales were riding steadily on the recovery path in September.

Car sales increased 9.7 per cent in the month to 77,411 units against 70,507 units in the same month last year, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Car sales, which have been on a roller-coaster ride this fiscal, moved up for the second consecutive month with major players like Maruti and Hyundai realising higher sales.

While Maruti saw sales jump 15.8 per cent to 40,047 units, the growth for Hyundai was 22 per cent at 14,283 units.

Industry officials said the various discounts and promotion schemes announced by several car manufacturers helped maintain consumer interest in the category.

Car sales in the first half of this fiscal were, however, subdued at 4,09,570 units, a growth of 6.14 per cent over 3,85,877 units in the corresponding period last fiscal. The sales were down in June and July, though they picked up in the last two months.

Motorcycles continued to witness high double-digit growth with sales rising 25.9 per cent to 5,38,889 units in September compared to 4,28,036 units in the same month last year.

In the first half of the fiscal, bike sales saw a healthy 20.49-per cent growth at 27,04,418 units against 22,44,596 units in the same period last fiscal.

Overall two-wheeler sales, including scooters and mopeds, were up by 20.4 per cent in September at 6,55,210 units(5,44,124).

While moped sales declined to 26,455 units (27,532), scooters just about managed to stay positive, rising 1.5 per cent to 89,866 units (88,556).

On the commercial vehicles side, sales were up 14.3 per cent in September at 31,737 units against 27,766 units in the year-ago period.

While the sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) were subdued, light commercial vehicles contributed to the growth as sales grew 32.5 per cent to 13,188 units. M&HCV numbers in September stood at 18,549 units, growing by 4.12 per cent.

Sales of commercial vehicles in the first half of this fiscal have gone up by 7.06 per cent to 1,50,531 units. Notably, sales of M&HCV were down 0.34 per cent at 86,474 units (86,765).

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

Fiat CEO addresses MEP forum on CARS 21 achievements  
Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the ACEA delivered an address on behalf of ACEA board member and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to a European Parliamentary Forum last week on the work of the CARS 21 commission in addressing the Automotive Regulatory

Framework of the Next 10 Years.

Mr Marchionne regretted that the word ˜competitiveâ had been dropped off the CARS 21 objective of building a "Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Centuryâ. I

Among other challenges ot the European car industry, Mr Marchionne mentioned regulations inimical to competitiveness among European OEMs: “Yet another challenge of major concern to this industry is the regulatory environment in which our business operates. Indeed, European policy strategies were and are not focused to improve competitiveness in a global economy. Instead, industry has to face costly and ill-adapted rules and procedures, a

fragmented market and a lack of level playing field with competitors outside Europe.

These inefficiencies mean that, overall, the European automotive

industry is not profitable enough in its home market, slowing down the

uptake of more advanced technologies necessary to compete effectively at the global level- and by the same token- challenging its potential for investment in both capital and human resources.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/14/2005)

Honda begins volume production of new Civic at Swindon  
On 13 October, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) reached a milestone as mass production of the 8th generation Civic, the 5 door hatchback for Europe began at its £1.33 billion, 4,000 employee production operation in Swindon, seven months after the concept version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Yesterday also saw production of the 1½ millionth car at Honda Swindon plant.

The new Civic is scheduled to go on sale in January 2006, with other new models in the Civic range to be launched over the next 12 months. It is expected to boost European sales of the Civic series by as much as 50% within the next two years. In Britain Honda expects to sell more than 35,000 Civics in 2006. The model currently accounts for over 30% of sales. The start of volume production of the new Civic at Swindon will be the first time that the plant has progressed a new model to mass production in the UK, without the car being produced in a Japanese parent plant.

Mr Shigeru Takagi, President of Honda Motor Europe, commented, "The British-built Civic has a key role to play in our model line-up as we expect to be selling 120,000 Civics in 2007; a 50 per cent increase on current sales. For Honda’s European operation, this is the most important launch in its history."

Speaking at the ceremony in Swindon, Trade Minister Ian Pearson said: "The launch of new technology in the UK is something we can all be proud of and I am delighted to be here in Swindon today to join in the celebration of the launch of the new Honda Civic and for the start up of production of diesel engines on the same line as petrol engines - a first in the UK.

"We owe companies like Honda a huge vote of thanks as their investment and commitment to the UK has bought us new manufacturing technologies, innovation, skills and a commitment to quality.�

Honda in Swindon started building cars in 1992.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/15/2005)

BMW and Suzuki GB choose Autogreen for ELV take-back schemes  
From 1 January 2006 all owners of BMW, Rolls-Royce and BMW Group-built MINI vehicles will be entitled to free take-back of their cars once they have reached the end of their serviceable life. The service provider for the BMW Vehicle Recycling Network and for Suzuki official importer is autogreen, with which Toyota GB also announced an ELV contract this week.

Steve Nash, director of aftersales for BMW (UK) Ltd says the BMW Group was the first car manufacturer in the world to create a vehicle recycling network. Autogreen so far has 150 approved treatment facilities with a further increase scheduled before the year-end.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/14/2005)

Tata launches Indica V2 Turbo  
TATA Motors Ltd today introduced the new model of its flagship car Indica in an effort to boost its sales in the hatchback market.

The new model called the Indica V2 Turbo has a 1.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine and its two variants will cost Rs 4,10,000 and Rs 4,30,000 respectively, Mr Rajiv Dube, Senior Vice-President (passenger vehicle division), Tata Motors said. The Indica V2 Turbo is already available in the European markets.

In the first six months ending September 30, Tata Motors sold 68,559 cars, a 4.3 per cent decline from the 71,622 units sold in the same period last year.

Mr Dube said the company would be "able to cover" this loss in numbers in the second half of this fiscal. "We are hopeful of covering the fall in numbers in the remaining six months. Further, there has been a slowdown in sales in the entry level mid size segment," he said.

He said apart from the new Indica, sales were expected to come from the new variants of the SUV Safari and the mid-size Indigo. Asked how the company was looking at synergising operations with Fiat Auto, with whom it recently signed a MoU, he said a roadmap was being drawn for cooperation not only in India but also foreign markets.

When asked whether the company plans to increase prices of its vehicles, Mr Dube said an announcement would be made at an appropriate time.

In addition to the Indica, Tata Motors also sells the Indigo sedan, stationwagon Indigo Marina and the Sumo and Safari utility vehicles.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

Rare Harley Earl 1954 Pontiac Concept Car at Auction  
One lucky bidder at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction will drive away with one of the most unique concept cars ever designed, Harley Earl's 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special. This car, one of only two built, was created to tour on the West Coast to help spread the excitement of General Motors' latest conceptual offerings. The car will be auctioned at no reserve during the January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. running from January 14-22.

The renowned GM designer Harley Earl was inspired by a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The car was never intended for production; the idea was to show the public that Pontiac lead the industry in innovative thinking. Designed as Pontiac's answer to the Chevrolet Corvette, the flashy Bonneville Special conveys a look of speed. The Bonneville features a distinctive aircraft-style Plexiglas bubble top with gull-wing glass door tops over the cockpit and the world's most radical looking continental kit, designed to look like a jet turbine.

"One discriminating car aficionado is going to have the opportunity to purchase a true piece of Americana here in Scottsdale," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "In the 1950s, people would come from all over the nation just to catch a glimpse of the Bonneville Special. In January, bidders, attendees and television viewers will get to see, with the opportunity to bid on this stunning car for themselves, in addition to an unprecedented collection of high-quality, desirable and rare automobiles."

At last year's Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, another Harley Earl creation, a 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 concept car grabbed an all-time record at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction with a winning bid of US$3,240,000, including bidder's fees.

The Barrett-Jackson Auction is being aired on the SPEED Channel Network live for 32 hours of coverage.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

Cummins and Dongfeng Motor Co. to Develop New Heavy-Duty Engine Platform in China  
Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company (DCEC), a 50-50 joint venture of Cummins Inc. and Dongfeng Motor Company, has begun development of a 13-liter heavy-duty truck engine designed to serve the high-end of the truck market in China.

The fully electronic engine, which is expected to be ready for production in 2009, will feature a power range from 400 to 545 horsepower and is designed to be used in heavy-duty trucks above 40 tons gross weight. The engine will take advantage of Cummins industry-leading technology that will make it capable of meeting future emission standards in global Heavy Duty markets.

The development agreement is a further expansion of the longstanding Cummins-Dongfeng partnership. It also marks a departure from the traditional joint venture model in China. Typically, Chinese joint venture partners have imported existing product technology from their international partners and used that technology as the basis for manufacturing products to meet the China market.

This is the first time that a Cummins heavy-duty engine platform has been developed outside the United States. Likewise, it is the first time that Dongfeng has worked with an international partner to design a new engine platform.

Initial development work on the engine platform has started at the Cummins Technical Center in Columbus, Ind. Development will be shared with the Cummins East Asia Research and Development Center in Wuhan, China, when the center opens in the third quarter of 2006. The Cummins East Asia center is a joint venture between Cummins and DCEC.

"This announcement is another example of the strength of our growing partnership with Dongfeng Motor Company," said Cummins Engine Business President Jim Kelly. "This engine platform will expand the breadth of our product offerings in China, and help position both Cummins and Dongfeng for future success in a growing segment of the heavy-duty truck market."

Cummins does not currently have a product in this displacement range, and this new platform is designed to take advantage of the expected strong growth in demand at the higher end of the heavy-duty tuck market in China over the next several years. The engine platform also is being designed so that it can be readily modified to meet future U.S. EPA and Euro IV/V emission standards.

China is in the midst of the largest highway-building effort in its history and is expected to have an interstate highway system second only to the United States by 2010. The expansion of the interstate system will allow larger trucks to carry more goods across more of China, fueling the demand for increasingly powerful heavy-duty trucks.

The Cummins-Dongfeng relationship dates back nearly 20 years and the two companies have been joint venture partners since DCEC was formed in 1996. DCEC currently makes Cummins ISB, ISC and ISL mid-range engines (3.9 - 9.0 liters) and is in the midst of an expansion that will increase capacity from 160,000 to 200,000 engines a year in 2007. The two companies also are partners in a filter manufacturing plant in Shanghai.

"DFM and Cummins' strategic cooperation has undergone four major steps since the mid-1980s when it started as a licensee agreement for the B series engine to today's announcement of the development of a 13-liter engine," said Zhu Fushou, General Manager of Dongfeng Automobile Co. Ltd., the Dongfeng Motors subsidiary that owns a 50 percent stake in DCEC. "This latest agreement shows once again that our partnership with Cummins is a healthy one for both companies."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)

On-Vehicle Bone Scanner To Control Airbags  
A group of car makers, Tier One safety systems suppliers and academic centres of excellence are collaborating to develop onvehicle bone-scanning to improve the protection of occupants in accidents.

Nissan clearly has a big role in the project with one of its European technical centres on the same site at Cranfield in the UK as the project leader, the Cranfield Impact Centre (part of the University of Cranfield). The other partners are Jaguar Cars, TRW Automotive, Autoliv, Johnson Controls and the Vehicle Safety Research Centre at Loughborough University.

The aim of the BOSCOS (Bone Scanning for Occupant Safety) project is to develop a system that adjusts the deployment of safety systems to account for the density of the occupants' bone structure.

Research has shown that injuries such as fractured ribs and sternum result from the deployment of airbags and the high forces that are applied when seatbelts are used in realworld accidents. In particular, older drivers and passengers with weaker bones or medical conditions such as osteoporosis can suffer from fractures as a result of airbag or seatbelt deployments.

The bone-scanning system uses ultrasound to analyse the bone density of the occupants then optimises the force of airbag inflation and seatbelt pretensioners.

Occupants place a finger in an aperture upon starting or entering the car and an ultrasound reader measures their bone density. A prototype calliper is being developed for this task.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Automobile sector needs more investments  
Chennai, The Indian automobile industry needs more investments, particularly in the component manufacturing sector, to meet increasing global competition, Dr V Krishnamurthy, Chairman of the National Manufacuring Competitiveness Council, said here today.

He told reporters here that the global automobile industry had started taking note of India's capabilities. In this context, the country should start innovations in designing automobiles. With an abundant number of personnel in the knowledge industry, the country needed investment on 'human capital' to compete effectively in the global market, he said.

Expressing concern over the slow growth in the commercial vehicle sector, he said more emphasis should be placed on the public transport system, which has a major role to play, as there has been an improvement in road infrastructure.

Endorsing Krishnamurthy's view, R Seshasayee, Managing director, Ashok Leyland, said public transport had an effective role to play, in view of increasing fuel prices.

He suggested a separate lane for public transport in National Highways, like in London. This would lead to faster movement of vehicles, he added.

Source : chennaionline.com (10/15/2005)

Buyers See More Value in Brand Than Incentives  
Strong anticipated resale value, reliability, and durability helped propel Japanese brands to top spots on 12 of 23 segments on Strategic Vision's 2005 Total Value Index(TM) (TVI). The San-Diego based research firm has announced results of its value calculations that factor economic issues against the quality of the complete ownership experience.

Toyota Motor Sales repeated as the corporation with the most winners, four for Lexus (one a tie), one for Toyota and two for upstart Scion, which was the top-rated brand. General Motors won four segments, as did Honda/Acura (one a tie) and BMW/Mini. Nissan scored two wins, while Audi, Ford, Kia and Subaru had one apiece.

"A strong brand reputation equates in owners' minds to value," says Strategic Vision CEO Darrel Edwards, Ph.D. "The expected economic issues of reliability, durability and resale value can carry more weight than incentives since buyers define value not just by price paid, but what they get for their money."

"For 2005," continues Strategic Vision Vice-President Daniel Gorrell, "we're seeing brands, such as Honda, Lexus and BMW, winning many segments on the strength of their reputations in long-term economic issues. In some cases they offered attractive leases on soon-to-be replaced models, and those soared to the head of their class. Incentives on less respected brands do not have the same effect."

Scion showed major gains for 2005, unseating sister brand Lexus as highest scoring in Total Value. Two of its three models (xA and xB) led their segments, scoring well in value for the money, economical to own, extremely affordable, standard equipment and fuel economy.

Source : http://motortrend.com (10/14/2005)

Cadillac and Corvette importer to add Hummer H3 to UK model line-up  
Cadillac and Corvette Europe Limited, part of the Dutch Kroymans Group and GM’s official importer for European markets, is to introduce the Hummer 4x4 brand to the UK in January 2007 with South African-built H3 models available in right hand drive form and with diesel engines.

Malcolm Wade, Managing Director UK of Cadillac and Corvette Europe, which liaises with Pendragon plc, the brands’ sole UK retailer deploying so far eight of its Stratstone dealerships for these brands, anticipates sales of up to 7,000 units a years by 2008 with 80 per cent of sales being accounted for by the Cadillac BLS, yet to be introduced to the range. This model will be built in Sweden specifically for the European market and will share the GM platform and much of the running gear used by GM’s Saab and Vectra models.

Wade says, “We look on this as being a long-term venture. It might take 10 years to get Cadillac on the map in Europe. It has taken Lexus 14 years and they have only just got round to introducing diesel models to their range."

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (10/14/2005)

Big Americans head to Britain  
The Americans are coming, and this time they're armed with some of the biggest names.

Not Stallone, Schwarznegger or Eastwood, but Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer.

The Cadillac CTS small executive and the SRX SUV will be sold in right-hand drive alongside the left-hooker Corvette.

Prices for the CTS start at £24,850, with the SRX kicking off at £29,850.

Corvette customers will need to find £45,850 for the coupe and £51,850 for the convertible.

A fourth model, the BLS small saloon, will join the range. Built at Saab's Swedish factory, the BLS comes with 2.0- and 2.8-litre petrol engines and a 1.9 turbodiesel, with prices expected to start at £20,000.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (10/14/2005)

Mitsubishi Motors North America Invites Car Enthusiasts to First-Ever Mitsubishi Owners Day at Illinois Plant  
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is driven to thrill like never before, announcing its first-ever Factory Mitsubishi Owners Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the company's Normal, Ill., manufacturing facility. The event, which is free and open to the public, welcomes "home" any current owner of a Mitsubishi vehicle, including many unique, customized Mitsubishi automobiles and their owners.

Known as FACTORY MOD'05, the outdoor event is expected to draw hundreds of Mitsubishi owners from throughout the Midwest who will display their vehicles. Visitors can roam freely to capture the excitement of new Mitsubishi models that will also be on the grounds, including the fourth-generation, all-new 2006 Eclipse; the just-launched Raider pickup truck; and a number of Mitsubishi concept vehicles appearing for the first time in Central Illinois.

In addition, Mitsubishi's "Raider Tailgate Tour" will feature a unique tailgate party with a J. Cool twist. MOD'05 attendees will be entertained by Japanese-style Taiko drummers as seen in the new "Driven to Thrill" television advertisements, playing from the beds of Raider trucks.

"It's a great time to be in the automobile business, and we want to share the excitement with our loyal Mitsubishi customers, as well as others who want to check out the cool vehicles we'll have on display at MOD '05," said Jerry Berwanger, MMNA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Division.

"We have heard from hundreds of Mitsubishi owners who want to make the drive to Normal to show their vehicles, coming from all points of the compass," Berwanger added. "It's a great opportunity for the public to get up-close and personal with these uniquely customized Mitsubishi vehicles and their owners, who share a special pride of ownership."

That pride in Mitsubishi ownership is also reflected in recent retail sales for September, including the Normal-built 2006 Eclipse. The all-new Eclipse had its best sales month so far this year, up 193 percent from September 2004 and 7 percent from last month. The Endeavor also fared well in September, with sales up 29 percent from last September and 17 percent from last month.

In addition, Mitsubishi's new Gas Comes Standard program has been so well received by customers that the program is being extended to select 2006 models, including the Normal-built Galant and Endeavor.

Along with a variety of performance parts suppliers, on-site food vendors, music, and special giveaways, tours of the MMNA plant will be offered during the event, which is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is free at the MMNA plant site, located at 100 North Mitsubishi Motorway in Normal, Ill., just a few minutes west of the Market Street/Route 9 Exit #160 off Interstate 55, and just south of Exit #125 from Interstate 74.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (10/14/2005)

Bridgestone Opens Guangzhou Urethane Foam Plant  
Bridgestone Corporation has officially opened a plant that produces urethane foam for automobile seats in China. The operator of the plant is Guangzhou Bridgestone Chemical Products Co., Ltd., a joint venture company for the manufacture and sale of urethane foam for automobile seats located in Guangzhou City. Bridgestone set this facility up together with the automotive components arm of Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group Co, Ltd on 5 July 2004.

Source : http://www.reifenpresse.de (10/15/2005)

1,00,000 passenger vehicles sold in Sept  
NEW DELHI, Domestic passenger vehicle sales crossed the one-lakh units a month mark for the first time in September. Sales rose 9.17% as volumes surged on traditional festival season demand, hefty discounts and corporate purchases. Companies buying vehicles before the end of the first half of the financial year enjoy depreciation benefits for the full year

Source : Financial Express (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

2 Rane group cos win Deming Prize  
TWO companies of the Chennai-based Rane group — Rane Engine Valves Ltd and Rane TRW Steering Systems Ltd — have received the Deming Prize, awarded by the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers.

Rane Engine Valves is a listed company that produces automotive valves. Rane TRW Steering is an equal joint venture between the Rane group and TRW Automotive of US. The award has been given to the steering gear division of the company.

Last year, another group company Rane Brake Linings, had received the award.

The Deming Prize is reputed to be one of the highest awards on TQM (Total Quality Management) in the world. It was established in 1951 in commemoration of the late Dr William Edwards Deming who taught the basic principles of statistical quality control to executives, managers and engineers of Japanese industries.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (10/15/2005)

Jaguar Chooses Novelis as Aluminum Supplier for New XK  
Novelis Inc. announced today that it has been selected by Jaguar Cars Limited as the sole supplier of aluminum sheet for the new Jaguar XK sports car to be launched in early 2006. The all-new XK features an advanced aluminum body structure constructed with the aid of technology from Novelis.

Each Jaguar XK will contain some 330 lbs (150 kg) of Novelis aluminum sheet, helping to deliver a vehicle with excellent stiffness and rigidity while minimizing weight. The new XK provides significant improvements in performance, dynamics, safety and fuel economy. The power-to-weight ratio of the new car is superior to its predecessor despite the addition of advanced electronics and other luxury features.

The XK program continues the close cooperation between Novelis and Jaguar, which began with development of the aluminum-bodied Jaguar XJ sedan, launched in 2002.

"We were delighted when Jaguar announced that aluminum would be part of its lightweight materials technology strategy, which will be a hallmark of Jaguar's performance cars in the future," said Brian Sturgell, president and CEO of Novelis. "We are proud to support the lightweighting strategy and to supply all of the aluminum sheet for both the XJ and now the XK."

Novelis automotive specialists worked alongside Jaguar engineers and designers to provide expertise in materials technology from initial design of the new XK, through prototype development, right up to vehicle manufacturing. High-strength aluminum sheet from Novelis will be used for the outer skin of the new car as well as complex structural parts. The company's Aluminum Vehicle Technology (AVT) will also be a feature of the production of the new XK, as it is for the XJ. The major innovation of the system is the adhesive bonding of sheet panels in combination with self-piercing rivets.

Novelis is the world's leading supplier of aluminum automotive sheet. Material for Jaguar is produced through the company's European rolling system. Hot-rolled coils from the Norf rolling complex at Neuss, Germany, and the Novelis facility in Sierre, Switzerland, are further processed at the company's specially-equipped operations in Sierre and Nachterstedt, Germany. As part of Novelis' double-sourcing strategy, the material can be processed at either of these plants, given a special heat and surface treatment and cut to the customer's required shape - be it the traditional rectangular and curved sheet or more complex laser-cut shapes. The Nachterstedt plant features a euro 15 million (US$18 million) laser blanking centre and Novelis intends to expand the Sierre plant with a similar centre by mid 2006.

Novelis also provides closed-loop recycling for Jaguar and will take the aluminum off-cuts from XK production back to its Warrington (UK) recycling centre, as it does currently for the XJ. As part of a shared drive towards sustainability by Jaguar and Novelis, the metal is recycled directly into new automotive sheet, thus saving resources and up to 95% of energy that would be required to produce primary aluminum.

Novelis, which was spun-off by Alcan on January 6, 2005, is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The Company has 36 operating facilities in 11 countries and more than 13,000 dedicated employees. Novelis has the unparalleled capability to provide its customers with a regional supply of high-end rolled aluminum products throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Through its advanced production capabilities, the Company supplies aluminum sheet and foil to the automotive and transportation, beverage and food packaging, construction and industrial, and printing markets.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (10/14/2005)