M&M to acquire 90 pc stake in German co  
MUMBAI: Leading utility vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra & Mahindra will acquire 90 per cent stake in Germany-based forging company, Schoneweiss & Co GmbH.

Mahindra & Mahindra through its subsidiaries has agreed to acquire 90.47 per cent stake in Schoneweiss, a leading company in the forgings sector in Germany, M&M informed the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The company, however, did not disclose any financial details of the said acquisition.

Schoneweiss is one of the top five axle beam manufacturers in the world and specialises in suspension, power train and engine parts.

Source : Economic Times (12/22/2006)

GM launches Chevrolet Aveo U-VA  
NEW DELHI: Auto major General Motors India on Friday launched its premium hatchback car, the 1.2 litre petrol 'Chevrolet Aveo U-VA' at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

To be pitted against Maruti's Swift and Hyundai's Getz, the car comes in three variants, the other two being priced at Rs 4.39 lakh and Rs 4.79 lakh respectively, both ex-showroom Delhi.

General Motors India President and Managing Director Rajiv Chaba said the company had made certain changes in the car, to be available at retail outlets from next week, to suit Indian conditions

Source : Economic Times (12/22/2006)

Saab AlcoKey commended  
As the perennial problem of drink-driving rears its ugly head all over Europe again this Christmas time, Swedish premium car maker Saab has been awarded a coveted prize for its contribution to tackling the issue.

The Swedish Automobile Association's "Årets Hjulklapp" award (meaning "this year's Christmas present") has been given to Saab in recognition of its AlcoKey device, which is now being trialled on a widespread basis in Sweden.

Smaller than a mobile phone, the slim Saab AlcoKey module incorporates a flip-top cover with a mouthpiece where the driver provides a breath sample before starting the car. A radio transmitter then sends a signal to the car's electronic control unit. This will either allow the car to be started, or keep it immobilised if the breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted legal level.

In the UK, after more than two decades of success in lowering drink-driving rates, the number of road deaths involving excessive consumption of alcohol began to rise again in the first half of this decade. The UK Government's Department for Transport (DfT) is currently running a pilot alco-lock programme for repeat drink drivers, whilst alco-locks are already enforced in many US states and Canadian provinces.

Announcing the award, a spokesperson for the Swedish Automobile Association acknowledged the innovation: "One of the most efficient measures to reduce the number of traffic accidents is the incorporation of alco-lock devices as standard in newly-produced cars."

This is the seventh year that the Swedish Automobile Association has given its annual award, which is designed to encourage individuals, organisations or companies that are innovative and outstanding within the fields of traffic safety, car safety and the environment.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Jeffrey Shen Appointed President of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd.  
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Ford Mazda Automobile) board of directors announced today that Mr. Jeffrey Shen is appointed president of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., effective January 1, 2007.

Phil Spender, the current president of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile will undertake a new assignment as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ford Motor (China), Ltd.

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile is a joint venture of Changan Automotive Group of China, Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation.

"Mr. Spender joined Changan Ford Mazda Automobile in May, 2005. Under his leadership, the company has been undergoing unprecedented business expansion. In the first 11 months of 2006, the company achieved an over -140 per cent year-on-year sales growth to become the fastest growing auto maker in China. Mr. Spender led the successful launch of Ford Focus, which is one of the top selling products in China's C-segment car market. He also played a key role in the production of Mazda3 and Volvo S40 at CFMA. In representing the board I would like extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Spender and wish him all the best for his new position at Ford Motor China" said Yin Jiaxu, Chairman of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile.

"In the mean time, we are very pleased to have Mr. Shen take over the president position. His experiences in the automotive industry expand across manufacturing, product development, service, sales & marketing, and overall management. Mr. Shen has outstanding results with his leadership on these positions. We believe he is the right person to take lead of the fast growing Changan Ford Mazda Automobile." said Yin Jiaxu.

"Jeffrey has been leading the Ford Lio Ho since December, 2001. He has made great contribution to the continuous development of Ford Lio Ho. We believe, with his rich experience at Ford Lio Ho, Jeffrey will lead Changan Ford Mazda Automobile team to achieve its aggressive business objectives." said Mei Wei Cheng, Vice Chairman of Changan Ford Mazda.

Kiyoshi Ozaki, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation, one of the parent companies of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, expressed his welcome to Jeffrey Shen as well. "Jeffrey used to be the managing director of Mazda Taiwan. His experience of working with different partners, including Mazda Motor Corporation, will enable him to play a good management and coordination role on his new assignment." said Ozaki.

Jeffrey Shen was born in Taiwan in 1951. He received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Cheng Kong University, and an EMBA certificate of the Executive Program from the University of Michigan in 1996.

Jeffrey Shen has been the President of Ford Lio Ho located in Chung Li, Taiwan, starting December 1, 2001. Prior to the current position, he was the Marketing & Sales Vice President of Ford Lio Ho. He joined the company as an Engine Engineering Supervisor in 1976 and held a variety of manufacturing and product development management positions before being promoted to Product Development Vice President in May 1990. In June 1997, he moved from the technical affairs to the field of customer services as the Vice President of Ford Customer Service Division.

Source : http://www.autospectator.com (12/22/2006)

Jeffrey Shen appointed President of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd.  
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Ford Mazda Automobile) board of directors announced today that Mr. Jeffrey Shen is appointed president of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., effective January 1, 2007 21 Dec 2006 , Chongqing : Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Ford Mazda Automobile) board of directors announced today that Mr. Jeffrey Shen is appointed president of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., effective January 1, 2007.

Phil Spender, the current president of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile will undertake a new assignment as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ford Motor (China), Ltd.

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile is a joint venture of Changan Automotive Group of China, Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation.

"Mr. Spender joined Changan Ford Mazda Automobile in May, 2005. Under his leadership, the company has been undergoing unprecedented business expansion. In the first 11 months of 2006, the company achieved an over -140 per cent year-on-year sales growth to become the fastest growing auto maker in China. Mr. Spender led the successful launch of Ford Focus, which is one of the top selling products in China's C-segment car market. He also played a key role in the production of Mazda3 and Volvo S40 at CFMA. In representing the board I would like extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Spender and wish him all the best for his new position at Ford Motor China" said Yin Jiaxu, Chairman of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile.

"In the mean time, we are very pleased to have Mr. Shen take over the president position. His experiences in the automotive industry expand across manufacturing, product development, service, sales & marketing, and overall management. Mr. Shen has outstanding results with his leadership on these positions. We believe he is the right person to take lead of the fast growing Changan Ford Mazda Automobile." said Yin Jiaxu.

"Jeffrey has been leading the Ford Lio Ho since December, 2001. He has made great contribution to the continuous development of Ford Lio Ho. We believe, with his rich experience at Ford Lio Ho, Jeffrey will lead Changan Ford Mazda Automobile team to achieve its aggressive business objectives." said Mei Wei Cheng, Vice Chairman of Changan Ford Mazda.

Kiyoshi Ozaki, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation, one of the parent companies of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, expressed his welcome to Jeffrey Shen as well. "Jeffrey used to be the managing director of Mazda Taiwan. His experience of working with different partners, including Mazda Motor Corporation, will enable him to play a good management and coordination role on his new assignment." said Ozaki.

Jeffrey Shen was born in Taiwan in 1951. He received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Cheng Kong University, and an EMBA certificate of the Executive Program from the University of Michigan in 1996.

Jeffrey Shen has been the President of Ford Lio Ho located in Chung Li, Taiwan, starting December 1, 2001. Prior to the current position, he was the Marketing & Sales Vice President of Ford Lio Ho. He joined the company as an Engine Engineering Supervisor in 1976 and held a variety of manufacturing and product development management positions before being promoted to Product Development Vice President in May 1990. In June 1997, he moved from the technical affairs to the field of customer services as the Vice President of Ford Customer Service Division.

Source : http://www.prdomain.com (12/22/2006)

RAC tops at the roadside  
The RAC ranks highest in satisfying emergency roadside assistance customers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates UK Roadside Assistance StudySM.

The study, which evaluates 16 different aspects of the roadside assistance experience, is based on the evaluations of nearly 3,000 UK motorists who required emergency assistance. Now in its ninth year as the UK's leading barometer of roadside assistance, 2006 marks the first time respondents were surveyed online.

With an overall customer satisfaction score of 766 based on a 1,000-point scale, the RAC leads the AA by just two index points. The RAC receives the highest ratings for all three factors driving customer satisfaction: timing (time taken for help to arrive and time taken at the scene), operator/dispatcher (includes friendliness, reassurance, and time taken to answer the phone) and mechanic/vehicle driver (includes appearance, courtesy and the ability to do what was needed).

As in previous years, satisfaction ratings are higher when a motorist is assisted by a mechanic belonging to the roadside assistance organisation, rather than one employed by a subcontractor.

"The use of subcontractors by the AA and RAC is substantially lower than other providers, which is one of the reasons these providers record the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the study year after year," said Karen Gibbs, research manager at J.D. Power and Associates. "Both the AA and RAC rely heavily on their own fully branded, in-house fleets of vehicles, whereas most other providers operate through a network of subcontractors."

The study finds that 44 percent of respondents were attended to at the roadside (not a motorway), compared with 22 percent at home, 14 percent on a motorway, 12 percent at another location and 8 percent at work. Satisfaction with roadside assistance is greatest when provided at home and lowest when required on a motorway.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (12/22/2006)

ICOP Reports Fourth Quarter Revenue Expected To Exceed $2.5 Million  
LENEXA, Kan., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dave Owen, Chairman and CEO of ICOP Digital, Inc. , an industry-leading company engaged in advancing digital surveillance solutions, today formally commented on anticipated revenue results for the current fourth quarter, key 2006 accomplishments and primary goals and objectives for 2007.

"As we fast approach the end of 2006, I wanted to take the opportunity to express the thanks and appreciation of the entire ICOP team for the strong support we've received from our shareholders, customers, Company supporters and friends -- all of whom have helped to make this past year the most exciting, productive year ever for ICOP Digital. Moreover, the progress we've achieved over the past 12 months has helped to propel our Company into the forefront of the advanced surveillance industry, and has well positioned us to pursue a number of extraordinary growth opportunities in the coming year.

"On reflection, 2006 was indeed a year defined by our success in establishing the ICOP Model 20/20 as the preferred in-car digital video solution for U.S. law enforcement. Recognized by Law Enforcement Technology and Law Enforcement Product News (LEPN) as the winner of the 2006 INNOVATION Award, the ICOP Model 20/20 has continued to withstand rigorous customer testing and evaluation going head-to-head with peer competitive offerings, and routinely prevailing as the solution of choice. As a consequence, 2006 sales growth on a sequential quarter-over-quarter basis has been steady and strong, culminating in fourth quarter sales that we expect will exceed $2.5 million, representing our best quarter yet.

"ICOP has seen a marked escalation in the number of mid-sized and metropolitan agencies moving to adopt digital in-car video solutions in fleet- wide deployments, driven in part by the recent publication of the proposed minimum specifications by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the largest industry association serving law enforcement. In light of the fact that the ICOP Model 20/20 is the only solution that currently meets virtually all of the IACP's proposed minimum specifications for digital in-car video, we believe we hold a distinct market advantage over others competing for these new customer wins. This bodes exceedingly well for ICOP and should provide for continued robust revenue growth in the coming year.

"Looking to 2007, there is no question that ICOP will continue to increase its share of the digital in-car video market for law enforcement. Our current pipeline of prospective new customers is at an all-time high, helping to inspire a great deal of enthusiasm and pro-activity among our sales teams. Moreover, with the anticipated first quarter launch of our new ICOP Guardian stationary IP camera, coupled with the availability of our new live streaming video solution at approximately the same time, we are poised to realize ICOP's vision of providing entire communities with a comprehensive 'veil of protection' -- an initiative that is quickly winning support from a number of prospective industry partners.

"In this regard, ICOP intends to build a strategic coalition of world class companies who share our vision for materially advancing community response to crisis situations in cities nationwide. In the coming year, ICOP will be undertaking a series of important initiatives associated with this exciting endeavor. As this program gains momentum and greater definition, we look forward to sharing related details through news announcements, quarterly conference calls and other ICOP-sponsored events.

"In closing, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and encourage you to pay close attention to ICOP in the coming year. By our assessment, 2007 promises to be a very exciting year," concluded Owen.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

China's auto sales expected to exceed 8 mln in 2007  
China's auto sales will exceed eight million in 2007, continuing its rapid growth this year, Jiang Lei, an official with China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said on Friday.

The CAAM, an important source of industry information, earlier predicted that both China's auto production and sales would exceed seven million this year.

By the end of the year, China will overtake Germany to become the world's third largest auto manufacturer after the United States and Japan, according to the association.

Jiang attributed the constant expansion of auto-making industry to the booming economy, improvement of the industry's production capacity and fast development of home-brand manufacturers.

Meanwhile, auto manufacturers will work to improve product quality and services to expand the market, instead of counting on lowering prices in the next year, Jiang said.

During the first 11 months this year, China's auto production reached 6.59 million, a year-on-year increase of 27.92 percent, while sales scored a growth of 25.49 percent to 6.45 million, statistics from the CAAM showed.

Source : http://news.xinhuanet.com (12/22/2006)

SVOX Shows the Future of Next Generation Automotive and Mobile Speech Applications  
ZURICH, Switzerland, /PRNewswire/ -- The SVOX Forum 06 was a full success and showed the importance of a well-integrated TTS-based HMI for nomadic devices and embedded systems. At the SVOX event held on November 16/17, 2006 in Zurich, Intel and SVOX announced their cooperation on next generation speech output services for advanced portable and embedded in-car navigation devices.

Intel, the premier sponsor of the conference, underlined the importance of premium TTS solutions for in-car navigation and infotainment devices: "SVOX is one of the frontrunners in the development and optimization of TTS solutions for the mobile environment," said Arndt Christl, Director Strategic Initiatives. "The combination of SVOX TTS technology and Intel's next generation application processors is an ideal foundation for creating compelling mobile applications that are intuitive and safe to use in the car."

SVOX technology is easier and faster to implement than any other solution, the company says. SVOX described the three factors that will determine the future of speech applications. First, speed to market is critical, which requires flexibility, and the SVOX SpeechCreate tool is a solution to this challenge. Second is the need to overcome language barriers, including, as an example, providing German interpretations of French street names or vice versa. Third is the importance of differentiating products based on the voice experience, which is a reference to the voice branding of mobile products.

The capability of next generation devices will go beyond pure navigation functionality to various multimedia functions such as email, SMS, audio and video applications. SVOX technology will contribute to significantly increase the ease of use and safety of mobile devices for in-car navigation and infotainment systems.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Honeywell to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Earnings and Hold Its...  
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Honeywell will issue its fourth quarter and full year earnings before the opening of The New York Stock Exchange on Friday, January 26. The company will also hold a conference call with investors at 8:00 a.m. EST.

Presentation Materials

Related presentation materials will be posted to the "Investor Relations" section of the company's Website prior to the investor call. The presentation materials will be in Adobe Acrobat format.

Conference Call Details

To participate on the conference call, please dial (706) 643-7681 a few minutes before the 8:00 a.m. EST start. Please mention to the operator that you are dialing in for Honeywell's investor conference call. You can hear a replay of the conference call from 11:00 a.m. EST, January 26, until midnight, February 2, by dialing (706) 645-9291. The access code is 5029474.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Saab AlcoKey Wins Award from the Swedish Automobile Association  
Saab Automobile AB has received the Swedish Automobile Association’s award ”Årets Hjulklapp” (This year’s Christmas Present) for making a major contribution to the development of alco-lock devices with its Saab AlcoKey.

Sweden is in the forefront in Europe when it comes to traffic safety. Despite this fact, drink driving is still a serious problem, which last year (2005) accounted for approximately 35 percent of all fatalities in traffic accidents in Sweden.

During a lengthy development program, Saab Automobile AB has worked with solutions to the problems surrounding alcohol consumption and car driving. Saab AlcoKey is a product that, thanks to its user-friendly operation, has the potential to become the first such device in mass production for everyday use. In its award citation the Swedish Automobile Association states:

"One of the most efficient measures to reduce the number of traffic accidents is the incorporation of alco-lock devices as standard in newly produced cars. To achieve reasonable cost levels, create optimal user friendliness and provide technical quality, the car industry must push forward the development process of this safety installation. Saab’s development of – and ongoing field trials with – Saab AlcoKey, will have strategic importance for safer traffic conditions and will, at the same time, contribute to a beneficial development of competition in the car market as a whole."

Smaller than a mobile phone, the slim Saab AlcoKey module incorporates a flip-top cover with a mouth piece where the driver provides a breath sample before starting the car. A radio transmitter then sends a signal to the car’s electronic control unit. This will either allow the car to be started, or keep it immobilized if the breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted legal level. Saab AlcoKey Size comparison Saab AlcoKey and a mobile phone

This is the seventh year that the Swedish Automobile Association has given its annual award, which is designed to encourage individuals, organisations or companies that are innovative and outstanding within the fields of traffic safety, car safety and the environment. This year’s ”Årets Hjulklapp” consists of a diploma and a sum of money amounting to 5000 Swedish kronor.

Last year’s “Årets Hjulklapp” was awarded to a campaigner for environmentally-friendly cars, Mattias Goldmann, in recognition of his successful work in generating awareness of environmentally-friendly cars. Previous recipients of “Årets Hjulklapp” are: the whiplash researcher Maria Krafft (2000); children-in-car safety researcher Thomas Thurbell (2001); a team of teachers in Kristianstad who developed road-user training in elementary school (2002); the car consumer TV show “Trafikmagasinet” at SVT in Falun (2003); and traffic police in the Örebro region for the prioritizing of a police presence on roads before the installation of speeding cameras (2004).

Source : http://www.autospectator.com (12/22/2006)

Kinetic Motor to issue pref shares to Kinetic Engg  
MUMBAI: Two-wheeler manufacturer, Kinetic Motor Company, will issue preferential shares to Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL), as part payment for the transfer of Supa undertaking to itself.

Kinetic Motor would allot upto 15.30 lakh convertible cumulative preference shares, around 23.15 lakh optionally convertible cumulative preference shares and upto 7.70 lakh redeemable cumulative preference shares of Rs 65 each, to Kinetic Engineering, subject to necessary approvals, the company said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The Board of Directors of Kinetic Engineering, earlier approved the transfer of facilities at Supa in Maharashtra to Kinetic Motor for a consideration of Rs 53.5 crore.

As per the deal, Kinetic Motor had agreed to issue preference shares for upto Rs 30 crore and pay the balance in cash to Kinetic Engineering.

Kinetic Engineering is a part of the Kinetic group of companies, a leading manufacturer of two wheelers in India.

Source : Economic Times (12/22/2006)

George Lucas Takes Delivery of First Mosler MT900S  
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Noted American film director, producer and screenwriter George Lucas, an avowed high-performance auto aficionado, could buy any car on the planet. He chose the car Darth Vader would drive -- a stunning black-on-black Mosler MT900S from Mosler Automotive.

In mid-December at his ranch in San Rafael, California, Lucas, who created American Graffiti and the epic Star Wars saga, took delivery of the first street-legal production Mosler MT900S. He first became interested in the Mosler six months ago when his 13-year-old son brought a car magazine into his office. The boy was fascinated by the car and it caught Lucas' eye as well. After a few calls, an order was placed.

"I was drawn to its looks, its power, its use of high-tech materials, and, of course, its speed," said Lucas, who also owns a Ferrari F360.

The filmmaker ordered his car with an all-black interior and exterior, rear wing delete option and an Alpine 12-disc CD changer/stereo with a lightweight carbon fiber subwoofer enclosure. In addition, Mosler Automotive custom fit the seats and interior to Lucas' personal dimensions. Final sales price was $203,000.

Lucas' car was delivered personally by Mike Vietro, owner of Mosler Mike Motorsports, the exclusive North American distributor for Mosler Automotive.

"We designed the MT900S to be the extreme performance vehicle," said company founder Warren Mosler. "The MT900S is intended as the ultimate road-going street car for a discriminating group of enthusiasts, collectors and investors capable of appreciating its performance to the fullest."

The Mosler MT900S utilizes lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar(TM) composites in its body panels, floor, and door structures. The result is a 2400-pound, fully certified street car powered by a 435-hp, all-aluminum V8 that delivers class-leading performance with 0-60 times 3.1 seconds. Final assembly is completed in Riviera Beach, Florida. A stunning example of cutting-edge technology and beauty, the MT900S features 18- and 20-inch magnesium and carbon-fiber wheels (Mosler was the first to adopt carbon rims).

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Launches Tire Safety Campaign  
This Is A Multivu Special Report Brought To You By The Alliance Of Automobile Manufacturers. With The Holiday Driving Season Approaching, The Alliance Of Automobile Manufacturers Reminds Drivers About The Importance Of Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure.

By 2008, All New Vehicles Will Come Equipped With Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Some Vehicles On The Road Today Already Have The Tire Pressure Monitoring System But Many Drivers Do Not Know What The New Symbol Means. Proper Tire Pressure Is Important For The Safety And Fuel Efficiency Of The Vehicle

Fred Webber, The Alliance Of Automobile Manufacturers:

"Before packing up the family and heading out to visit relatives this holiday season, we hope everyone will check the tire pressure in their vehicles. Colder temperatures can change the pressure of your tires, and low tire pressure can really affect your gas mileage and your safety on the road."

Source : http://sev.prnewswire.com (12/22/2006)

MAXXAM Inc. Files Response to FDIC Appeal  
NEW ORLEANS, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today, MAXXAM Inc. rejected the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) recent appeal as an attempt to prolong the inevitable and avoid paying $72 million in court- ordered sanctions to the Company and its Chairman, Charles Hurwitz.

The FDIC's appeal flies in the face of three prior conclusions -- by a Federal Judge, an Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) Administrative Law Judge, and a U.S. Congressional Task Force -- which have found that the FDIC's decade-long claims against MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz were meritless and were improperly brought for political purpose.

"The FDIC continues to disregard its numerous rebukes for wasting taxpayer dollars in pursuit of its politically motivated and meritless litigation against a private citizen," said J. Kent Friedman, General Counsel of MAXXAM. "We are confident that the end result of this appeal will be complete exoneration for both Charles Hurwitz and MAXXAM with full recognition that the FDIC has squandered its public trust by pursuing a political claim while abandoning any semblance of fairness or responsibility."

A Decade-Long Battle

The ongoing legal battle results from a well-documented series of events in the mid-1990's. Environmental groups, Clinton administration officials and the FDIC concocted a scheme to create a more than $1 billion dollar lawsuit as leverage to force the Company to trade to the government 4,000 acres of old growth redwoods in Northern California owned by a subsidiary -- a "debt for nature" swap. Using frivolous claims, and despite warnings from its internal legal counsel, the FDIC and the OTS sued Mr. Hurwitz and the Company in two separate legal proceedings, seeking in excess of $1 billion.

OTS Administrative Law Judge Arthur Shipe issued a decision in September 2001 in which he recommended that all charges against MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz be dismissed. In the wake of Judge Shipe's opinion, the OTS settled with MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz in October 2002 for $206,000; MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz made no admission of wrongdoing. The OTS settlement caused the FDIC to drop its related lawsuit against Mr. Hurwitz in November 2002.

In August 2005, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes issued a scathing rebuke of the FDIC's case, ordering the FDIC to pay MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz $72 million in legal fees. Judge Hughes found that MAXXAM and Mr. Hurwitz "will recover their costs because the record reveals corrupt individuals within a corrupt agency with corrupt influences on it, bringing this litigation." "This is the final stage in a suit that should have never happened," added Hughes.

"The FDIC Board and Inspector General need to take a hard look at the FDIC's past conduct as well as its current practices to make certain that it is not abusing its power in an attempt to cover up its misdeeds," concluded Friedman.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

XM Canada commands No.1 position in automobile factory installations  
XM Canada, the number one satellite radio service in North America, announced today details regarding the tremendous success it has achieved in 2006 with its automotive partners. General Motors (GM), Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Suzuki, Hyundai, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hummer, Saab, Saturn, Pontiac and Harley Davidson will offer XM satellite radios in more than 115 different models of vehicles for model year 2007. Collectively, XM Canada's partners represent over 60 per cent of the new vehicles being sold in Canada. With these long term partnerships, XM Canada has set a benchmark for the industry by securing a dominant 80 per cent share in factory installed satellite radios for the 2007 model year. A recent highlight was the October announcement from General Motors stating that more than 100,000 vehicles with factory installed XM Canada satellite radios had been ordered in less than a year, and more than 50,000 had already been sold to customers. In the past two months GM has seen a spike in sales and a further 15,000 vehicles with factory installed XM Canada satellite radios have been sold. As of today, GM has sold more than 65,000 vehicles with factory installed XM Canada satellite radios out of 125,000 vehicle orders. "2006 was an unbelievable year for XM Canada, especially in terms of the number of automotive deals that we completed," said Stephen Tapp, XM Canada President and COO. "These partnerships represent a win-win scenario: they ensure XM Canada's success in the long run and they provide our automotive partners with a quality value-added service for their customers.

Source : http://www.cnw.ca (12/22/2006)

New Year, Old Myths, New Fatalities  
ROCKVILLE, Md., /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some New Year's predictions are, tragically, very reliable. For example, significantly more people are likely to die in alcohol-related traffic crashes on New Year's Eve than on other mid-week winter evenings.

Just look at the numbers. A recent analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics shows that, by the time our country finished ringing in the year 2005 (the last year for which data are available), 135 people had died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in the 12-hour span between 6:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 5:59 a.m. the next morning. Two weeks later, on the same night of the week, the death toll dropped dramatically to 59.

Myths Persist

Even though many of us are aware of the higher rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities on New Year's Eve, myths about drinking and driving persist -- myths that, for some, can prove fatal. Scientific studies supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) on how alcohol affects our brains and bodies provide important information that challenges these commonly-held -- but incorrect -- beliefs. These myths are related to how quickly alcohol affects the body and how long these effects can last.

Sobering Up -- Myths and Facts

Myth: You can drive as long as you are not slurring words or acting erratically.

Fact: The skills and coordination needed for driving are compromised long before the obvious signs of intoxication are visible. In addition, the sedative effects of alcohol, combined with the late night hours, place you at much greater risk of nodding off or losing attention behind the wheel.

Myth: Drink coffee. Caffeine will sober you up.

Fact: Caffeine may help with drowsiness, but it doesn't counteract the effect of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and even more time to return to normal. There are no quick cures -- only time will help.

Alcohol's Effects Begin Quickly

Many New Year's revelers get into trouble because they generally do not recognize that critical driving-related skills and decision-making abilities are diminished long before they begin to show the obvious physical signs of intoxication.

Initially, alcohol acts as a stimulant and if you drink you may temporarily feel upbeat and excited. But don't be fooled. Inhibitions and judgment are soon affected, increasing the chance of making reckless decisions behind the wheel. As more alcohol is consumed, fine motor skills and reaction time begin to suffer and behavior becomes poorly controlled and sometimes aggressive, compromising driving abilities even further. Continued drinking can lead to the slurred speech and loss of coordination and balance that we typically associate with being "drunk." At higher levels alcohol acts as a depressant, which causes people to become sleepy and sometimes pass out.

Even When Drinking Stops -- Alcohol's Effects Do Not

During a night of drinking, it's also easy to misjudge alcohol's lasting effects. Many revelers believe that they can drive safely once they have stopped drinking for the night and have had a strong cup of coffee. The truth is that alcohol continues to affect the brain and body long after the last drink has been downed. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body. As a result, judgment and coordination can be impaired for hours after drinking.

Driving home late at night is especially hazardous because natural drowsiness is magnified by the depressant action of alcohol. Driving abilities may even be impaired the next day, when any alcohol remaining in the system, or the general headache and disorientation associated with hangovers, contributes to the general feelings of sluggishness, even though the person no longer feels "drunk."

Before You Celebrate -- Plan Ahead

No one intends to harm anyone when they get behind the wheel on New Year's Eve. Yet traffic fatalities persist and myths about drinking live on -- even though scientific studies have documented how alcohol affects the brain and body. Because individuals are so different, it is difficult to give specific advice about drinking. But certain facts are clear -- there's no way to speed up the brain's recovery from alcohol and no way to make good decisions when you are drinking too much, too fast. On an evening like New Year's Eve (or any other evening, for that matter), rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol is especially dangerous.

So this New Year's Eve, do not underestimate the effects of alcohol. Don't believe you can beat them. Pace yourself and be aware of how much you've consumed throughout the night. And as you think about the consequences of an arrest or a potentially fatal traffic crash, make alternative plans to get home safely.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Chery plans IPO in 2008  
The Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., China's noted home-brand carmaker, plans its initial public offering (IPO) in 2008, possibly choosing both the mainland A-share market and the Hong Kong market.

Chery, which was established nine years ago in eastern China's Anhui Province, is now one of the few successful auto companies in China producing cars with Chinese brands.

Some analysts had predicted Chery to launch IPO next year, but the company's unsatisfactory profit made the decision-makers delay it to 2008.

Due to huge outlay in research and expansion, Chery's profit in 2005 was below 100 million yuan (13 million U.S. dollars).

Chery's profit-earning capacity is expected to be greatly enhanced from 2006 to 2008, said Yin Tongyao, board chairman of Chery.

Chery is also afraid of being controlled by other capitals after its public offering. Some international funds having negotiations with Chery expressed their wish to hold the majority shares.

"Chery is still like a fast growing piggy," said Yin. "We're patient enough to wait for IPO until it is fully grown."

Unlike many joint ventures in the Chinese auto industry that depend on foreign technology and sell home-made cars with overseas brands, Chery relies its own research and development to turn out products with proprietary intellectual property right (IPR).

Chery has been ranked among the ten biggest automakers in China for years.

Statistics show Chery's current annual production capacity is about 350,000 cars, expected to rise to 600,000 cars in 2008.

Chery's share will sell a good price due to its high-speed expansion and concept of home-brand automaker, said Wang Zhihui, an auto analyst with the Shenyin and Wanguo Securities Research Institute.

Auto sales in China has been booming since its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. About 3.41 million cars were sold in between January and November this year, an increase of 40 percent year on year, according to figures from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The country's top 10 sedan manufacturers in the 11-month period this year are: Shanghai GM, FAW Volkswagen, Shanghai Volkswagen, Chery, Beijing Hyundai, Guangzhou Honda, FAW Toyota, FAW Xiali, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen and Geely.

Only Chery, FAW Xiali and Geely are Chinese companies, the others are joint ventures.

Source : http://news.xinhuanet.com (12/22/2006)

Euro NCAP award Auris 5 Stars  
The new Toyota Auris has been awarded a best possible 5-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The strong body structure, which allows minimal cabin intrusion, and the fitment of up to nine airbags add up to excellent passenger safety. In particular, the combination of a driver knee airbag and a collapsible steering column led to the 35 point, 5-star result for adult occupant protection.

A key benefit to Auris customers with young children is the standard ISOFIX anchorage points on the outer rear seats. These helped gain a four-star rating for child occupant protection. Euro NCAP also awarded the Toyota Auris a class-leading three out of four-star rating for pedestrian protection.

The Auris also recorded top results in the side impact and pole impact tests, plus an overall 94 per cent score in the frontal impact test. Andrea Formica, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing and After Sales, Toyota Motor Europe: "We are very confident that the new Auris will impress customers with its safety performance combined with the distinctive design and engaging driving dynamics."

The detailed Euro NCAP results show that the Toyota Auris scored 35 points out of a maximum 37 for passenger protection, 37 out of 48 for child protection and 21 points out of 27 for pedestrian protection.

The new Toyota Auris is on sale in the UK from 1 February, 2007.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (12/22/2006)

2007 North American International Auto Show to Provide Easy Parking and...  
DETROIT, /PRNewswire/ -- The 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is partnering for the second consecutive year with Click and Park to provide an easy and efficient parking system during NAIAS 2007 Public Days, Jan. 13-21. Also, the NAIAS is pleased to announce new shuttle services from the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village.

Designed to make NAIAS parking simpler for attendees, the Click and Park online parking system, spaces are now on sale, allows show attendees the convenience of purchasing an advance parking space in select lots near the NAIAS.

"Our goal is to make transportation for attendees to Cobo as fast and efficient as possible," said NAIAS 2007 senior co-chairman Robert Thibodeau. "Click and Park is an excellent system that has been used at college bowl games, NASCAR race events and Super Bowls. We are happy to partner with this organization for the second year in a row and hope that it will make traveling to the NAIAS more convenient for our attendees."

Parking spaces can be purchased through www.ClickandPark.com . The Web site provides access to select Olympia, Sterling Group, Miller Parking, Central Parking, AMPCO and Park-Rite lots up to 24 hours before each show day and offers personalized directions and various routes to each lot. As each route reaches its anticipated capacity, alternate routes are sent via e-mail to help disperse the traffic going to Cobo Center. This results in a more efficient, time-saving flow of traffic. Users will receive an email confirmation and ePermit to print along with customized directions within eight hours of their purchase. Availability of parking spaces at each lot can be found at www.ClickandPark.com .

"We are excited to partner with the NAIAS again and provide show attendees with an easy and efficient parking system," said Tony Vitrano, Owner of Click and Park. "This new parking system will strengthen the overall NAIAS experience."

To purchase a space through Click and Park, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to www.naias.com
2. Click on "Travel and Directions," select "parking" and then select "pre-purchase a parking spot"
3. Select "NAIAS" and click "look for parking"
4. Select day of event you plan to attend at the NAIAS
5. Select lot from various parking areas
6. Create a free account
7. Enter credit card number and personal information
8. Receive ePermit, parking permit and customized directions via email
9. Print ePermit and bring with you for selected lot access

The new shuttle services will be available to NAIAS Public Day attendees at the Detroit Zoo, Greenfield Village, Greektown and Joe Louis Arena. Guests can park at the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village for $5 (parking at the Greenfield Village is free for Henry Ford members) and take a shuttle bus for $4 per person round trip directly to Cobo Center. The shuttle service will be available at these two locations on Jan. 13-15, 20 and 21. A map with more information on parking locations will be available in local newspapers such as the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News.

* Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village to Cobo Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

* Shuttles will run from Cobo Center to the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

* Last departures on Jan. 21 from the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village will be at 5 p.m.

* Last departures from Cobo Center will be 9 p.m.

* Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village.

There will also be shuttle services downtown at Greektown and Joe Louis Arena that will also run Jan. 13-15, 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. every 15 minutes.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Call SoberRide to Get Home Safely During the Holiday Season  
WASHINGTON, /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, SoberRide delivered more than 2,600 Washington area passengers safely home during the holiday celebration season. This year GEICO joins WRAP (Washington Regional Alcohol Program), several area employers and local cab companies to again sponsor WRAP's free cab ride program for impaired drivers.

WRAP's 2006 Holiday SoberRide program began Dec. 8 and will continue through Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each evening. "We really want everyone to be safe during the holiday season," said GEICO's Janice Minshall, "and SoberRide is a great way to get people home safely from their celebrations."

Metro area residents, 21 or older, can receive a free cab ride home, up to a $50 fare. Residents can call 1-800-200-8294 (TAXI) or text #8294 (TAXI) on their Cingular phones for the free ride home if they need one.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 12 million vehicles. GEICO, a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

M&M to acquire Schoneweiss & Co., Germany  
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) decided to acquire 90.47% stake in Schoneweiss & Co., a leading company in the forgings sector in Germany, through M&M`s subsidiary(ies) .

Schoneweiss is one of the top five axle beam manufacturers in the world and specializes in suspension, power train and engine parts.

Mahindra & Mahindra, established in 1945, is a well-diversified company having its presence in the auto, auto components, farm equipment, infrastructure development, telecom and software and trade and financial services sectors.

The company is a leading name in the general-purpose utility vehicles market in India. The company also manufactures agricultural tractors and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Source : myiris.com (12/22/2006)

Are your kids safe this Christmas?  
With thousands of cars transporting excited children around this festive season, What Car? has revealed that a huge number of child seats are wrongly fitted or are not being used at all.

What Car?’s research team found that 65% of parents had not fitted their child seats correctly, while only 35% of parents knew the specifics of new child seat laws that aim to prevent more than 2000 child fatalities or injuries a year.

The law about children and car seats changed on the 18th September. All children must use a child seat up to their 12th birthday or when they reach 135cms height, whichever comes first.

What Car? editor and father of three, Steve Fowler said: ‘Nobody would knowingly put their children at risk, which is why we find it hard to believe how ill-informed parents are about how to fit child seats correctly. Parents need to take more responsibility for the safety of their children in cars.’

In the summer the Government spent £600,000 on a publicity campaign to tell parents about the new laws but What Car?’s research shows that many still haven’t got the message.

‘If the Government is serious about its new legislation it should step up its publicity with television advertising so all parents are clear about the new laws,’ added Steve Fowler.

Under the new laws the driver of the vehicle is the person responsible for the safety of their infant passengers and could be liable for a £30 fixed penalty or face a £500 fine if the case goes to court.

Steve Fowler explained: ‘You can buy a booster seat for as little as £10. Many shops have trained advisers who can help you choose the right seat for your car. So take your child along and explain why it’s such an important buy for the Christmas Holidays. It could be the best £10 you ever spend.’

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Police cameras face legal challenge  
According to Auto Express, Police who use Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPRs) to catch crooks and road-tax dodgers could face a legal challenge. The magazine has reported that the Home Office is reviewing the status of ANPRs after the Chief Surveillance Commissioner advised that they could be operating unlawfully.

It is also believed that ANPRs must be properly signed, warning motorists of their use, or the information they collect should not be used in court. Sir Andrew Leggatt, the Chief Surveillance Commissioner, says some ANPRs could qualify as covert surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, and would be illegal if the police do not have permission to use them in such a way.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Employers to be given say over training  
Employers are to gain greater influence over skills development following proposals made by a report into UK skills. The report, published by HM Treasury, is the final report in a series called the Leitch Review of Skills. It examines the long term skills needs of the UK and signals the need for major changes in the education and skills system.

The report recommends a move towards the skills and education system becoming more responsive to the requirements of employers. This is seen as particularly key by the sector skills council ‘Automotive Skills’ when developing a higher skilled workforce for the automotive service and repair sector’s future. Automotive Skills will participate in the Skills Zone, held at the Birmingham NEC from 24-26 April 2007.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Johnson Controls Named 'Corporation of the Year' for Its Successful Efforts in...  
PLYMOUTH, Mich., /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls recently was selected as "Corporation of the Year" for 2006 by the Central and South Texas Minority Business Council (CSTMBC) for its outstanding achievements in developing diverse supplier companies.

Representatives from CSTMBC presented Johnson Controls with the top honors at the group's 2006 Awards Banquet earlier this month. Kenneth Gardner, diversity business development manager for the Automotive Experience business of Johnson Controls, accepted the award. The event, attended by more than 300 people, was held at the Marriott Rivercenter hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Johnson Controls -- a global diversified conglomerate -- has operated an innovative program to recruit and develop diverse suppliers since the early 1990s. In fiscal-year 2006, the company purchased approximately $1.004 billion in goods and services from diverse firms, making it a member of the "Billion Dollar Roundtable" that includes just 12 companies that spend $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers.

CSTMBC, a voluntary organization with more than 400 members, works to create links between major corporations and minority businesses.

This year marks the first time in which Johnson Controls has gained Corporation of the Year recognition from the CSTMBC.

"Embracing diversity, and the positive results that it generates, is an important part of our company's corporate mission, values and business strategy," said Keith Wandell, president and chief operating officer of Johnson Controls. "We are pleased to be recognized by the CSTMBC for our minority supplier development activities in Texas."

The Corporation of the Year recognition earned by Johnson Controls was for companies that actively include certified minority suppliers in their procurement opportunities; assist in the development of minority suppliers; and promote supplier diversity and business development within their corporation and to their vendors and other businesses and organizations.

Also at the event, Reginald Layton, diversity business development director at Johnson Controls, received the 2006 Presidents Award for his service as chairman of the CSTMBC board of directors and his leadership in the launch of successful new CSTMBC programs in 2006. And Thomas Shipps, operations buyer at Johnson Controls, was selected as a finalist for the CSTMBC's 2006 Advocate of the Year Award.

Within the Diversity Business Development model at Johnson Controls, "diverse" suppliers include companies that are owned by minorities, women or veterans -- and those designated by government agencies as small businesses or disadvantaged businesses.

Here are highlights of Johnson Controls' recent activities and achievements in support of diverse suppliers and minority-owned firms:

The company...

-- Integrates "diversity business development" as a key component of its strategic business plan. Purchases from diverse suppliers, including those owned by minorities and women, are targeted to grow each year.

-- Requires its vendors to develop and implement their own diversity business development programs.

-- Pledges to include diverse suppliers in divestitures, lead supplier arrangements, joint ventures and strategic alliances.

-- Creates successful partnerships in support of diverse businesses. For example, Johnson Controls is a joint-venture partner with SAT Auto Technologies, Ltd. in Avanzar Interior Technologies, LLC, in San Antonio, Texas. Avanzar supplies seat systems and other interior parts for 2007 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup trucks at the automaker's new San Antonio plant.

-- Sponsors educational fellowships for officials from minority-owned companies. Each year since 1998, Johnson Controls has funded fellowships that enable executives to attend continuing-education programs at the Tuck Graduate Business School of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Johnson Controls also has funded fellowships for minority executives at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

-- Convenes trade shows and other events to promote purchases of goods and services from diverse firms. Recently, Johnson Controls hosted CSTMBC's Construction Forum to enhance business opportunities for diverse firms on construction projects at the University of Texas System and with the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.

-- Implemented standardized internal processes throughout the company for recruiting, training and using diverse suppliers nationwide.

-- Launched a special mentoring and training process for corporations and diverse suppliers in California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

-- Adopted web-based systems to provide business opportunities for diverse suppliers, measure performance, and promote diversity-oriented business solutions to customers.

-- Has provided significant support to the leadership and mission of CSTMBC.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Active Stock: M&M surges 2.66% on plans to acquire German firm  
The shares of Mahindra & Mahindra are trading up 2.66% at the BSE (10.44 a.m) on news of its plans to acquire the German firm.

Currently, the shares are trading at Rs 871 at the BSE compared to the previous day`s close of Rs 848.4 (Friday). A total of 153,438 shares have changed hands at the bourses.

The company said Friday that it will acquire 90.47% stake in Germany based forging company, Schoneweiss, through its subsidiaries.

Schoneweiss is one of the top five axle beam manufacturers in the world and specializes in suspension, power train and engine parts.

Mahindra & Mahindra, established in 1945, is a well-diversified company having its presence in the auto, auto components, farm equipment, infrastructure development, telecom and software and trade and financial services sectors.

Source : myiris.com (12/22/2006)

Govt to drive out of Maruti  
The government has decided to completely exit auto major, Maruti Udyog through the sale of its remaining 10.27% stake. The disinvestment is expected to fetch proceeds to the tune of Rs 27 billion at the current market price.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs gave the go-ahead to the sale of the government`s remaining 2,96,79,689 shares in Maruti as on Sept 2006, the second such exercise this year. Japanese car giant, Suzuki has a majority 54.2% stake in the company.

The government had mopped up Rs 15.67 billion from the sale of eight percent equity in the car major to banks and financial institutions at an average price of Rs 678.24 share, in January this year. In June 2003, the government sold a 27.5% stake in Maruti to the public at a price of Rs 125 per share, to garner Rs 9.93 billion.

Earlier this month, the centre decided to throw open the bidding process to private mutual funds. The proposal to bring in local private mutual funds also into the bidding ring has been prompted by considerations of a higher price realisation for the stake, which the government is selling down.

The shares of the company were last trading at 924.50, down by Rs 1.50 or 0.16%. The total volume of shares traded was 247726.

Source : myiris.com (12/22/2006)

GM launches hatchback Chevrolet U-VA  
General Motors on Friday launched its premium hatchback `Chevrolet Aveo U-VA,' as part of its strategy to achieve annual sales of 2,00,000 units by 2010.

The 1.2-litre Aveo U-VA, which will be pitted against segment leader Maruti's `Swift' and Hyundai's `Getz,' would be available in three variants with the base model being priced at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), matching the entry-level price offered by rivals.

The other two variants of the model have been priced at Rs 4.39 lakh and Rs 4.79 lakh respectively (ex-showroom Delhi) and the company offers the option of ABS on the top-end and airbags (after the next three months) for additional costs.

The General Motors India President and Managing Director, Mr Rajeev Chaba, said the company was banking on the success of the new model as well as the yet-to-be-launched Spark (a new avtaar of the erstwhile Daewoo Matiz) for garnering volumes. The Spark is likely to be rolled out by the second quarter of the next year.

Speaking on the new Aveo U-VA, Mr Chaba said, "We have re-engineered the car to suit Indian conditions and it carries a local content of less than 50 per cent, which we plan to take up to about 55 per cent in the coming time."

This is the second attempt by the company in the premium hatchback segment, after the `Corsa Sail.' "We have learnt our lessons and have tuned our strategies accordingly," Mr Chaba said.

Meanwhile, the company is also considering to introduce some of its premium offerings in India, including the Cadillac. It also plans to launch the `Captiva' SUV in the next year.

General Motors, which is increasing capacity at its Halol plant in Gujarat to 85,000 units, is setting up a second facility at Talegaon in Maharashtra, which is expected to be operational by 2008 and have a capacity of about 1,40,000 units.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (12/23/2006)

Racer Bobby Hamilton Teams With AutoVantage: Smart Holiday Hybrid Shopping from  
NORWALK, Conn., /PRNewswire/ -- With today's rising gas prices, Americans are looking for ways to conserve fuel and stay in the driver's seat for the longest time possible.

According to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices in the U.S. have risen 15 cents since December 2005 and $1.21 in the past five years.

"While I burn plenty of rubber on the track, I'm always looking for ways to not burn all my cash on gas -- especially during the holidays," said NASCAR legend and AutoVantage spokesman Bobby Hamilton.

There are several alternatives to burning fuel on the road, including walking, biking, using public transportation or carpooling. But when you have to be behind the wheel, you may want to consider a hybrid vehicle -- which could make the perfect holiday gift for that special person on your list.

Hybrid vehicles combine two or more sources of power, such as a rechargeable battery and gasoline, to get better fuel economy and lower emissions. Hybrid motors are built smaller and use battery power to provide extra acceleration power when needed. Hybrid gas motors can shut off and run off the electric motor and battery when stopped, and also recover braking energy to charge the battery.

"Hybrid vehicles are a good, environmentally friendly alternative to today's gas models," said Mike Wain, vice president of AutoVantage. "Without sacrificing power or comfort, hybrids are a unique choice for today's auto consumers."

But is a hybrid right for you? Here are a few facts to clear up some common misconceptions about hybrids and help you decide if it's right to go green next time you buy a car:

* Better gas mileage. The most obvious advantage of hybrid vehicles is their typically higher gas mileage than standard gas models. For example, the 2007 Toyota Prius averages 55 mpg and the Honda Civic Hybrid averages 50 mpg. Comparable gas models the 2007 Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic get on average 34 and 35 mpg respectively. But if small to mid-sized sedans don't fit your family or career, there are several truck and SUV options with more models from most brands in the development stages.

* Higher price. More incentive. While hybrid models are generally more expensive than their gas-run counterparts, there are many incentives that in most cases will help outweigh the price of buying green. If you are the proud owner of one of the first 60,000 units of a brand's hybrid line, you can tap into a federal tax credit. On top of that, several states also offer tax incentives on qualifying hybrids. Colorado offers credits up to about $4,500. In addition, shop around for the lowest insurance premium. Some insurers are giving discounts of as much as 10 percent to hybrid owners.

* Cost of repairs. The common fear of hybrids is that finding parts or a qualified repair shop to fix your eco-friendly vehicle will be difficult or expensive. While the unique hybrid battery pack is estimated at about $3,000 or more, rest assured it will be a long time before you replace it. Most manufacturers will cover the cost of hybrid parts, including the battery pack, for the first eight years or 80,000 miles. And independent industry hybrid battery tests have shown that 160,000 miles of use had no effect on fuel economy. Where the costs of parts may become an issue is buying a used hybrid where warranties have expired. Routine maintenance for hybrids is very similar in cost to gas models as well, and in some cases, such as brake pad replacement, less frequent.

* Now who's going to fix it? Dealerships that sell hybrids are also required to have technicians who are trained to repair them. And if you don't live close to the dealership, there are nearly 1,000 independent technicians trained to maintain and repair hybrids across the country. Hybrids are still a growing market though, so before you drive five hours to buy a clean, green machine make sure there is a technician close to you.

* Rest assured. It's a good investment. Consumer Reports magazine recently gave the Toyota Prius, a popular hybrid model, the best depreciation rating among all currently sold models -- gas or hybrid. The Prius beat out popular gas models -- the Mini Cooper, Scion xB, BMW M3 and Lexus RX -- for the illustrious honor.

Hybrid cars are not right for everyone, but they are a viable alternative to our gas models and their variety and efficiency continue to increase, just as gas prices continue to rise.

Bobby Hamilton, a spokesman for AutoVantage, is the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion after achieving four career NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories. He founded Bobby Hamilton Racing, which owns and operates two trucks in the NASCAR circuit.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Mercedes-Benz Agrees to Pay $1.2 Million Civil Penalty to Settle Clean Air Act...  
WASHINGTON, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA and its parent corporation, DaimlerChrysler AG (Mercedes), have agreed to pay $1.2 million in civil penalties to resolve allegations that they violated the Clean Air Act by failing to promptly notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about defects in the air pollution controls installed on numerous 1998 to 2006 Mercedes model vehicles, the Justice Department and the EPA announced today.

The Clean Air Act requires auto manufacturers to promptly inform the EPA of defects in emission-related components so that the government can consider whether the defect will cause emission standards to be exceeded and whether a recall is necessary. Both the complaint and the settlement were filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

In response to the EPA's investigation into the matter, Mercedes began voluntary recalls for two of the defects at issue and notified owners that it would extend the warranty coverage to address a third defect, at an estimated cost of about $59 million. Under the terms of the consent decree, Mercedes will also be required to improve its emissions defect investigation and reporting system to ensure future compliance, at an estimated cost of approximately $1 million per year.

"Reliable and effective automobile pollution control systems are essential to protect human health and the environment from harmful automobile emissions," said Sue Ellen Wooldridge, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Mercedes' failure to alert EPA to a number of defects in emission-related components over a multi-year period is a serious violation because it deprived EPA of the opportunity to promptly determine whether emission standards would be exceeded and whether to order a recall of any of these vehicles."

"These defect reporting requirements are a critical part of EPA's program to reduce air pollution by ensuring that vehicles on the road comply with the Clean Air Act's emissions standards," said Catherine R. McCabe, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

The vehicles subject to the voluntary recalls and extended warranties have defective catalytic converters or defective air pumps. The voluntary recalls and extended warranty will reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants caused by the defects by over 500 tons cumulatively. These pollutants include nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). NMHC and NOx are key ingredients in the production of ozone, a major contributor to cancer-causing smog. CO impairs breathing and is especially harmful to children, people with asthma and the elderly.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

ROCK'EM SOCK'EM ROBOTS(TM) Do Battle in New TV Spot for the 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup...  
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Two brand heavyweights -- Dodge and Rock'em Sock'em Robots(TM) -- have teamed up in a new television ad for the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. The 30-second spot, titled "Street," features Mattel's robots, Red Rocker(R) and Blue Bomber(R). This is the first time that the famous red and blue boxing robots have been paired with Dodge.

"Street" begins airing Christmas Day on network and cable stations. A second, all-new 30-second spot with the robots debuts early next year. Both ads are part of a larger campaign for the Dodge Ram 1500 that will be announced in 2007.

"The Rock'em Sock'em robots are a symbol of toughness and the ability to out-last the competition, which are among the key attributes of the Dodge Ram pickup truck," said Mark Spencer, Senior Manager - Dodge Marketing and Global Communications. "By presenting the Rock'em Sock'em Robots with the Dodge Ram in a fun and exciting television campaign, we can effectively capture the attention, but more importantly, the hearts and imaginations of truck buyers everywhere."

"For 40 years, Rock'em Sock'em Robots has been a part of pop culture -- from appearances in feature films to parodies on popular television shows," said Cynthia Neiman, vice president of marketing, Mattel Games. "This classic game spans generations and we are excited to team up with Dodge for this ad campaign featuring the original battling robots."

"Street" opens with animated versions of the Rock'em Sock'em Robots(TM) trading blows inside a boxing ring. Blue Bomber(R) wins after a hard right hand pops the head of Red Rocker(R) upward. Searching for a new opponent, Blue Bomber(R) tears through the ropes, bursts through the door of the building, and spots a red Dodge Ram 1500 parked on the street. The man-size robot walks to the vehicle and furiously punches the grille with both fists. The Dodge Ram doesn't even suffer a scratch. The final blow is another hard right hand from Blue Bomber(R). Only this time, the head of Blue Bomber(R) pops up, signaling his defeat to the unmovable Dodge Ram. The spot closes with a voice-over: "Dodge Ram. The longest lasting, most durable line of full-size pickups."

Dodge Brand

Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of 7 per cent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs. In calendar year 2005, Dodge sold 10,772 units in limited markets outside North America, an increase of 19 per cent over 2004. Dodge Ram 1500 leads the way by offering all the performance, capability and reliability for truck buyers who live life on their own terms. Ram also supplies a level of innovation not found in any other pickup truck on the market.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

Serbia offers auto tech  
Serbia and India can co-operate in the fields of automobile, machinery, food processing and textile to widen bilateral business between both the countries, Vuk Zugic ambassador of the Republic of Serbia said.

"Serbia and India can explore joint ventures in automobile, machinery, food processing and textile sectors," Zugic said.

The other potential areas that can be explored were IT, agriculture machinery and light vehicles, he said.

Trade between India and Serbia stood at 50 million US dollars in the last 10 months.

Serbia exports machine parts and grinding machinery to India. India exports coffee, granite, antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products to Serbia. Zugic said Serbia recorded 6.5 per cent GDP growth last year, with the services sector contributing a major part of the growth. He said the country attracted FDI worth five billion dollars last year mainly from the US and European countries.

When pointed that there was no direct air connectivity between India and Serbia the diplomat refused to comment.

He indicated that the matter would be taken up by the respective governments only if trade increases and there is demand from both the governments.

India and Serbia presently has an economic and trade agreement and an agreement on double taxation.

The countries also have a bilateral trade promotion agreement.

Source : Business Standard (Online Edition) (12/23/2006)

Asia MotorWorks rolls out new truck models  
Asia MotorWorks Ltd (AMW), a new entrant into commercial vehicle market, plans three models to cater to a diverse set of users in the country.

The company, established in 2002, specialises in design and manufacture of high tonnage vehicles on a hybrid platform. The company base located in a 300-acre site in Bhuj assembles high tonnage trucks through partnership with Cummins, ZF, Valeo and Meritor among others.

AMW launched two models series 4923 TR and 2523 TP here today.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMW, Mr Anirudh Bhuwalka, said that the company has planned investment of about Rs 500 crore. It has a capacity to assemble about 10,000 vehicles a year.

Announcing the launch of a higher tonnage vehicle of 49 tonnes and a distribution network in Andhra Pradesh and DRD Trucks India, as their partner, Mr Bhuwalka said that these trucks are based on amalgamation of some of the advanced automotive technologies.

Referring to the Indian market for trucks, he said that the rapid industrialisation, sustained growth in the gross domestic product and the Government's focus on creating new highways, would mean a significant leap in transporting freight through road.

The truck segment in which the company operates requires about 1,75,000 vehicles per annum and as per estimates, Andhra Pradesh contributes to about 25 per cent of the Tipper market. The potential is there to be tapped, he said.

The company has set up sales and service operations in Tamil Nadu and in Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad and Vijaywada and sees significant potential in the southern market. The company is also in the process of establishing warehouses in South and North for automobile parts.

The company sold 500 vehicles in the market and sees it expanding reach with the launch of some more models.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (12/23/2006)

Tuner Special: Ruf RGT 911 Gets to 60 MPH in 4.2 Seconds  
PFAFFENHAUSEN, Germany — The Ruf Porsche RGT is the tuner's latest spin on the classic 911.

Tuner Ruf says it went back to the 1973 Carrera RS for inspiration for the RGT. It hiked the compression ratio on the normally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-6 engine to 12.0:1, boosting output to 445 horsepower. The RGT rockets from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.2 seconds and from rest to 124 mph in less than 13.5 seconds. Top speed is 196 mph.

The RGT package includes a six-speed gearbox with short-shift kit, as well as a limited-slip differential. Bilstein shocks and new springs have been fitted to provide the car with better road manners, although it is really aimed at the track.

To that end, the RGT comes with an integrated roll cage covered in Alcantara.

Ruf introduced the Porsche RGT at the recent Essen Motor Show in Germany.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

Detroit Preview: Smart Fortwo To Make U.S. Debut  
STUTTGART, Germany — The Smart Fortwo that you'll see on the stand at the Detroit auto show in January will not be the version bound for the United States in 2008.

Smart said on Wednesday that the car to be shown in Detroit is a European version of the new Smart Fortwo. The model lines for the U.S. market will be announced later in 2007.

Smart also said that Smart USA has not yet picked its U.S. dealers. Dealer organizations will be announced during the second half of 2007.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

Detroit Preview: GM's Global Concepts To Debut in Motown  
DETROIT — General Motors has announced that four of its global concept cars will make their North American debuts during the upcoming Detroit auto show.

The automaker will also host a celebrity-studded event starring such personalities as Carmen Electra and Mario Lopez at a new venue called GM Style.

The concepts include the Holden EFIJY, a pillarless custom coupe with a V8, which was unveiled at the 2006 Australian International Motor Show. GM says the car is a reinterpretation of the 1953 FJ Holden.

The Chevrolet T2X, a cross between a compact SUV and a sport coupe, was originally shown at the 2006 Seoul Motor Show.

The three-door Opel Antara GTC crossover will also be unveiled in Detroit, along with the Chevrolet WTCC racing-car concept, which was shown earlier in Paris.

GM Style, slated for January 6 in Detroit, will feature 17 GM vehicles paired with celebrities and fashions. Other celebrities in attendance at the event will include Vivica A. Fox, Petra Nemcova and Rachel Zoe.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

Tech Watch: Audi Lights Up R8's Engine Compartment  
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi this week showed off its new R8 with LED illumination of the engine compartment.

The R8 is equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 that churns out 420 horses and 317 pound-feet of torque. The R8 goes from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph.

The new optional light package bathes the engine compartment in LED light, which draws attention to the eight-cylinder unit through the clear glass "bonnet." The car also has 210 exterior LED lights. The German automaker did not announce pricing on the package yet, but said the four-wheel-drive R8 will start in Europe at around $150,000.

Audi said it started taking deposits for the R8 after its world debut in Paris in late September and said, "These have already accounted for all right-hand-drive production slots allocated through to mid-2008."

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/22/2006)

Alfa To Race 8C Competizione in '08  
MILAN, Italy — Alfa Romeo executive Antonio Baravalle confirmed that the company, a subsidiary of the Fiat group, will prepare its new 8C Competizione for endurance racing at Le Mans, Daytona and the Nürburgring in 2008.

According to European press reports, the car will compete against Ferrari and Porsche in GT2 after being homologated by Italian chassis constructor Dallara and the Maserati Corse racing team, with assistance from Pirelli.

The racing version of the 8C reportedly will be developed in 2007 at the Maserati facility in Modena, where MC12 development is also based. According to Italiaspeed.com, "The existing Maserati Corse team will turn its attention to the 8C Competizione once the ongoing MC12 activities are wrapped up at the end of next year."

The original Alfa 8C swept Le Mans four consecutive years, from 1931-'34.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/22/2006)

M&M to acquire German forgings co  
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has said that it has agreed to acquire 90.47 per cent stake in German forging company Schoneweiss & Co GmbH of Germany for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will be made through one of its subsidiaries.

Schoneweiss is one of the top five axle beam manufacturers in the world and specialises in suspension, power train and engine parts, said M&M in a statement to the stock exchanges on Friday.

M&M has already made acquisitions in this auto parts segment this year.

Early this year it acquired 98.6 per cent stake in Stokes Group, the largest automotive forgings company in the UK with customers such as Koyo Bearings, Land Rover, ZF, Bosch, Visteon, Ford and Jaguar.

In September this year M&M said that it would acquire through its subsidiary 67.9 per cent stake in Jeco Holding, one of the top five forging companies in Germany.

Jeco Holding is a 120-year-old company with primary focus on the truck, bus and trailer market.

Its major products are gearboxes, engine and axle parts, hubs, gears and piston heads.

The company has a forging capacity of one lakh tonnes annually and a turnover of 180 million euros.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (12/23/2006)

iPod Nano for MX-5 Roadster Coupe  
Mazda Motors UK has announced that all six models in the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range will feature an equipment upgrade for 2007, with both iPod connectivity and an Apple iPod Nano as standard.

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is the first vehicle in the Mazda range to benefit from this new iPod technology as standard equipment. The connection is located in the glovebox and the iPod can be operated using the steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

Owners can play their favourite tunes from their iPod playlist through the car's audio system, though the audio display will not show the artist or track name. The system is compatible with Apple iPods only, not with other MP3 players.

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe's six-strong model range is priced from £18,500 on-the-road.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Nissan develops grape seed filter  
Nissan has developed a new type of filter using the anti-allergenic properties of natural grape seed polyphenol. The new filter is significantly more efficient in eliminating allergens that are the cause of pollen allergy. The filters will be introduced into Nissan's range of compact cars in Japan beginning December this month.

Conventional filters are designed to block mainly dust and pollen particles with a minimum size of 10 micron. This allows adequate removal of pollen in particle form, but it is not very efficient in blocking smaller particles such as diesel particulates or other allergens. Polyphenol has the ability to neutralise allergens of cedar pollen and dust mites, and Nissan’s researchers have taken advantage of this unique property to create a high performance filter using fibre impregnated with natural grape seed polyphenol.

Another important characteristic of the new filter is the fact that each fibre carries an electrostatic charge. As a result, the filter is capable of trapping other particles of similar size through its electrostatic property in addition to the removal and binding of allergens.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/21/2006)

First global recall for Chinese manufacturer  
The Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., a home-grown carmaker based in eastern China's Anhui Province, has announced it will recall 1,875 defective cars sold globally. This is the first time for a Chinese local automaker to recall cars in the world range. The recall involved off-road vehicles with automatic gearshifts, branded Tiggo and manufactured between March 27, 2006 and Oct. 25, 2006. Chery said that there was a fault with the fan controller, which may overheat the engine. These cars will be recalled between Dec. 20, 2006 and March 31,2007.

Chery said it had exported over 25,000 cars this year to more than thirty countries and regions including Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Russia and Iran. From November 2005, Chery began recalling its faulty Eastar series in China, making it the first home-brand automaker to recall cars in the country. China launched its first auto recall regulations with detailed implementation rules in October 2004. Analysts said that there would be more vehicle recalls in China and the recall was good for the healthy development of the auto industry.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Hertfordshire University centre launches with green cars  
A centre to build the world’s "greenest" cars is being launched at the University of Hertfordshire. A building at the University’s College Lane campus will house the Sustainable Energy Technologies Centre (SETCE), an operation which will bring very significant advances in the global quest to move to zero carbon fuels.

As a result of this drive to minimise overall emissions of carbon dioxide by vehicles in the future, the University has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) with ITM Power Plc in developing the use of electrolytic hydrogen in vehicle engines, which will be developed at SETCE. The aim of the joint development programme is to improve internal combustion engine emissions; with the potential to bring very significant advances in the global quest to move to zero carbon fuels. ITM will own all the intellectual property rights, including any new discoveries made during the development carried out under this programme.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Monopoly threat to independent parts producers  
The Body Shop magazine has reported that ECAR (European Campaign for the Freedom of the Automotive Parts and Repair Market) is concerned about the future of independent parts producers. ECAR has stated that a monopoly period for carmakers on visible spare parts would ‘destroy’ independent parts producers.

The comments come after the release of the EU Commission’s proposal not to extend design rights on visible spare parts (body panels, lighting, automotive glass), but look at alternative solutions instead. In a forthcoming report, Alexander Radwan of the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) suggests vehicle manufacturers should be given a spare parts monopoly over a period that lasts as long as the car model is in production. Countries could also opt for liberalising the market from the day new car model goes on sale by imposing an ‘equitable remuneration’ fee on independent producers of spare parts.

ECAR’s position is that a monopoly period for the car industry would destroy an efficient SME structure and criminalise businesses which operate legally in many Member States. It would also jeopardise thousands of EU jobs in the parts and repair sector and make 260 million EU vehicle owners captive customers.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Big things planned for 2007 Grand National Roadster Show  
In its 58th year, Grand National Roadster Show is the oldest running indoor hot rod show in the nation. The show is coming back to the Pomona Fairplex for the fourth year in a row, taking place January 26-28, 2007. The festivities will feature numerous exhibits on display, awards, and celebrity appearances.

America's Most Beautiful Roadster trophy

The highlight of the show will be an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford. Titled "The 75 Most Significant '32 Fords of All Time," the exhibit will be hosting Edsel Ford as the guest of honor. Another large exhibit is planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Chevy.

A number of awards will be given out, including the "Builder of the Year" award. This year's recipient is Eric Peratt, owner and founder of Pinkee's Rod Shop in Windsor, Colorado. Other awards include "America's Most Beautiful Roadster," "America's Most Beautiful Motorcycle," the Chip Foose Design Excellence award and the Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Preservation Award.

Eric Peratt, 2007 Builder of the Year

Making an appareance at the show will be Chip Foose and Charlie Hutton of "Overhaulin" fame, Tim Allen, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Metallica's James Hetfield and many others.

Source : http://www.motortrend.com (12/22/2006)

3 Series Convertible world premiere at Detroit  
BMW's new 3 Series Convertible makes its world debut at the 100th North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 7 January 2007.

The Convertible is differentiated in design at the front, back and side from the Saloon and Touring variants with its visually elongated lines and wide stance.

The new Convertible also features the first electronically-operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW and is the world's first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather.

Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

BMW claim that visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible due to the larger rear glass windscreen and side windows.

A choice of two petrol engines are available at launch, the 325i and 335i, both featuring High-Precision Direct Injection technology. The latter will propel the Convertible to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

Further four-and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are to be added during the model's life cycle.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Indian Automobile Industry on a Fast Track  
Automotive The Indian automobile industry is glistening and zooming ahead. Indian enterprises are ruling the automobile sector and India is penning down a new success story everyday.

Indian automotive sector has carved its niche in the global market. Major European and US automotive honchos, like BMW and Daimler Chrysler, are recognizing and accepting the Indian vehicles and components.

The rising level of disposable income, especially that of young adults, and low EMI values are making the vehicles more affordable. As overseas players' main focus is on passenger vehicles, their domestic counterparts are trying hard to catch up and strife by investing largely in R&D and working to improve their overall efficiency.

Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh emphasized that the government would take all the necessary measures to make India world's manufacturing workshop.

Ministry of Heavy Vehicles is preparing a mission plan for automotive sector for the period 2006-2016 to raise its turnover by four times. The mission plan would take into consideration all the strata of the society, particularly the lower section in rural locales.

As per a Research Analyst's view at RNCOS, who has recently researched a report on "Asian Automotive Industry (2007)", Indian automobile is currently one of the top auto industries in Asia. The sector will see a further growth with the government support.

The research report addresses some interesting issues relevant in the existing business environment.

Source : http://www.mediasyndicate.com (12/22/2006)

Auto sector seeks tax sops  
The auto industry has sought tax sops for automobile facilities that attract an investment of over Rs 500 crore. In a proposal to the Government, the industry has pointed out that the move would help to increase investments and make India a favoured destination for setting up of fresh capacity for vehicles.

Similar tax sops are already in place in Thailand. The industry feels that the tax incentives would be in line with the Government's stated objective of making India a hub for small cars.

Another demand from the industry is for a uniform tax structure for all cars at 16%. At present, small cars enjoy an excise duty of 16%, while the duty is 24% for all other cars. A few automobile manufacturers have also urged for more clarity on the definition of a small car.

Source : moneycontrol.com (12/22/2006)

China's auto sales to touch 8 mn in 2007  
Continuing with its rapid growth in 2006, China's automobile sales will exceed eight million in 2007, overtaking Germany to become the world's third largest automobile manufacturer after the US and Japan, an official with China's automobile association said Friday.

Jiang Lei, an official with China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), attributed the expansion of the automobile industry to the booming economy, improvement in the industry's production capacity and fast development of home-brand manufacturers.

Auto manufacturers will focus on improving product quality and services to expand the market, instead of just counting on lowering prices, Jiang said.

During the first 11 months this year, China's automobile production touched 6.59 million, a year-on-year increase of 27.92 percent, while sales saw a growth of 25.49 percent to touch 6.45 million, CAAM's statistics said.

Source : dailyindia.com (12/22/2006)

Johnson Controls - with the Theme 'Making It Better ... for You' - Is Set to Shine...  
DETROIT, /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to the vehicles of today and tomorrow, Johnson Controls is committed to making them better. And the company -- a leading global supplier of automotive seating, interiors, electronics and batteries -- has adopted the "Making It Better ... for You" theme as its key message at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The event -- at Detroit's Cobo Center -- officially begins with a press conference on January 7, 2007. It will be open to the public from January 13 through January 21, 2007.

For the 13th consecutive year, Johnson Controls will have a major NAIAS presence, serving as an event sponsor and exhibitor. The company will showcase its latest products and technologies within a 9,000-square-foot exhibit in room D2-15 of Cobo Center. Johnson Controls also will convene two press conferences, and serve as the host sponsor of the AutoWeek Design Forum, which will be held on January 10, 2007.

The Johnson Controls exhibit will be open to invited guests from the auto industry and news media from January 7 through January 11, 2007. Company press conferences will be held at the same site on Sunday, January 7, 2007 at 8:30 a.m., and on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 12:00 p.m.

At the first press conference, officials from Johnson Controls will unveil the firm's latest, production-ready innovations in flexible seating; advanced consoles and overhead systems; cargo-storage solutions; and electronics.

The Tuesday press conference will focus on additional product and technology introductions; the unveiling of an all-new, environmentally- friendly seat foam; enhancements in headrest systems; and power solutions for plug-in, hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs).

"Continuous improvement is a deeply held value throughout Johnson Controls, and the 'Making It Better' theme at this year's North American International Auto Show exemplifies that," said Jeff Williams, group vice president and general manager, North America for the automotive experience business of Johnson Controls. "We're strongly committed to delivering innovation and improvements -- on an ongoing basis -- that benefit both automakers and automotive consumers."

Products and technologies being displayed by Johnson Controls at the 2007 NAIAS event include:

-- The Slim Seat, a vehicle front-seat concept featuring an ultra-thin seatback that significantly expands available knee room for second-row occupants.

-- Active-headrest solutions that will enable automakers to comply with new, anti-whiplash safety standards.

-- The Access Floor Console, which offers a unique design theme, expanded storage, additional feature content, improved ergonomics, and a highly appealing finish.

-- The Mobile Device Gateway, a technology that changes the paradigm of complex, embedded automotive electronics to a dramatically different systems approach. With this technology, the latest consumer electronics

- including cell phones, MP3 players, personal navigation devices, and more - can be seamlessly connected to automotive controls and displays.

-- The HomeLink(R) Wireless Control System, that enables remote operation of garage doors, estate gates, locks, home-security and lighting systems, and other convenience and safety devices. In the near future, HomeLink will feature voice-prompted training technology that will make it easier for consumers to program the device.

-- Battery power solutions, encompassing the widest portfolio of products and technologies for conventional vehicles, as well as current-generation HEVs, and near-future PHEVs.

For the 11th year in a row, Johnson Controls will serve as the host sponsor of the AutoWeek Design Forum. The one-day event, scheduled for January 10, 2007 at Cobo Center, brings together people from various backgrounds and disciplines who embrace design as the ultimate factor that distinguishes products. Last year's AutoWeek Design Forum attracted more than 700 participants, including students, car design professionals, and designers from other industries.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (12/22/2006)

The best of whatcar.com, 2006  
Whatcar.com has been hard at work through 2006 to bring you the best in video with car reviews, news, motor show reports and special features.

So, click on the link below, sit back and enjoy our highlights of the year.

Our video team will be back in 2007 to bring you even more ground-breaking content. Look out for our feature on drug driving and the first motor show report of the year from snowy Detroit in January.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Cabinet refers insurance FDI to GoM  
The government is planning to sell off its remaining 10.27% stake in Maruti Udyog (MUL), reports Economic Times.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) has also given its approval for the sale of the government stake in MUL, in which the majority stake is held by Suzuki.

However, retail investors cannot participate in it. Instead, public and private sector banks and FIs, mutual funds and public sector companies will only be eligible to participate in the book-building process.

The CCEA has also re-appointed SBI Caps and Kotak Mahindra Capital as advisers for the sell off.

The government has also called for a meeting of chief ministers to decide whether 5% of the existing pension funds could be invested in stock markets and referred the Bill to raise FDI in insurance sector to 49% from the current 26% to a group of ministers.

The GoM`s decision on the Bill is expected within a month. The Cabinet has to take a decision to introduce the Bill in the Parliament before discussions are held, said finance minister P Chidambaram.

In the first week of the budget session of the Parliament, the comprehensive insurance amendment Bill could be introduced. The Bill is crucial because it includes amendments to the Insurance Act, 1999, which among other things will notify the hike in FDI cap to 49% from 26% in the sector.

Among other changes, the Bill proposes changes to the Insurance Act (1938), LIC Act (1956), General Insurance Business Nationalisation (GIBNA) Act and the Irda Act (1999).

Source : myiris.com (12/22/2006)

Hammond's first TV interview  
Richard Hammond will be back on the telly tonight to talk about his jet car crash - and his amazing recovery.

He'll tell Jonathan Ross how memory loss meant the two weeks immediately after the accident were a complete blank.

Despite fears that he was facing a 15-month recovery in hospital, he says he's "completely fixed" and looking forward to Top Gear returning next month.

"They'll just be trusting me with sofas to test," he joked. "Jeremy has been gushingly kind to me; it would embarrass him to read about it. Next series we're doing a polar race - I'm really looking forward to it."

See the interview on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, tonight at 10.35pm on BBC One. Top Gear returns to BBC Two on January 28.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (12/23/2006)

National Farmers’ Union grow their own fuel  
Ford has delivered the 150th Ford Focus Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) registered in Britain to the National Farmers' Union (NFU). Vice president Paul Temple is using the car, which can run on bioethanol made from UK-grown crops such as wheat and sugar beet.

Over one million hectares of arable land in the UK could be turned over to biofuel crops without affecting food production. Bioethanol processing plants are under construction in Somerset, handling wheat, and in Norfolk, using sugar beet. Bioethanol is currently sold on 13 Morrisons forecourts as an E85 blend, referring to its 85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent petrol mix. E85 pumps are in Somerset, Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, Northants and South Wales.

The NFU believes that agriculture can play a key role in the fight against climate change through the production of biofuels, which reduce carbon emissions and help provide a clean and secure source of energy. Research by Imperial College, London, puts Ford FFV emissions at 99.6g/km when CO2 absorption by crops grown to make bio-ethanol is factored in – lower than comparable vehicles using hybrid technology.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/21/2006)

Watch out Vauxhall Belmont owners  
The Vauxhall Belmont is the most likely car to be stolen, according to new figures released by the Home Office today.

The Home Office Car Theft Index covers thefts from 2005 and shows the Belmont carries the highest risk of being targeted by criminals.

The risk of theft has been calculated according to the number of each particular model that are on the roads, so with just 5729 Belmonts still in circulation, the 436 recorded thefts send it straight to the top of the list. That means 73 are stolen for every 1000 registered.

The Belmont was a saloon version of the MkII Vauxhall Astra, and was on sale between 1984-1991.

In the same way, the Austin/Morris Montego is the ninth most likely car to be stolen, even though thieves targeted just 76 cars in 2005.

The mark 1, 2 and 3 Ford Fiesta show the highest number of thefts in the top 10 with 16,195 stolen altogether. However, with 400,782 still on the roads the supermini is only in 10th place, with 40 stolen for every 1000 registered.

The Home Office hasn't given a list of the cars that are least likely to be stolen because it would be populated by a string of rare cars that saw no thefts in 2005.

Overall, 38,394 fewer cars were stolen last year with the grand total standing at 199,531. The latest index also continues to show that the newer a car is, car the less likely it is to be stolen. Cars up to three years old are 10% less likely to be stolen.

Visit the Home Office to see the full report and theft risk of hundreds of models.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (12/22/2006)

J.D. Power report ranks RAC highest  
According to the J.D. Power and Associates UK Roadside Assistance Study, the RAC ranks highest in satisfying emergency roadside assistance customers. The study, which evaluates 16 different aspects of the roadside assistance experience, is based on the opinions of nearly 3,000 UK motorists who required emergency assistance.

The study finds that 66 percent of respondents purchased their roadside assistance coverage independently, as opposed to those who were covered through the original programme that came with the vehicle or were covered through their bank/motor insurance policy. Amongst respondents who actively chose their assistance provider, price was the top reason for selecting a particular organisation, followed by reputation for good service, brand recognition and previous experience with the company. As in previous years, satisfaction ratings are higher when a motorist is assisted by a mechanic belonging to the roadside assistance organisation, rather than one employed by a subcontractor.

The study finds that 44 percent of respondents were attended to at the roadside (not a motorway), compared with 22 percent at home, 14 percent on a motorway, 12 percent at another location and 8 percent at work. Satisfaction with roadside assistance is greatest when provided at home and lowest when required on a motorway.

Engine and other mechanical problems are the most common causes of roadside assistance callouts (23% each), followed by flat battery (19%) and flat tyres (15%). Flat batteries (94%) and flat tyres (92%) are the problems most often fixed at the roadside. Problems with low fix rates are mechanical problems (52%), engine problems (65%) and electrical problems (67%).

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Drink drivers ride to heaven  
Auto Trader has launched a multi-media anti-drink driving campaign with two-page adverts in the magazine featuring pictures of hearses for sale. On closer examination it is revealed that each one carries a story of a drink-drive tragedy.

TV viewers will get to see a series of shorts including one featuring a selection of homeward-bound party-goers embarrassing themselves in black cabs. The message, however, is that those who choose to drink and drive are even more foolish. Other adverts carried by Auto Trader feature ambulances and taxis.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

RMIF marketing director moves on  
Gary Elliott, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), is leaving the Federation at the end of December after nearly two years in the role. He had been brought in to develop and implement an extensive relaunch of the RMIF’s marketing, recruitment and communications programmes.

Source : http://www.autoindustry.co.uk (12/22/2006)

Toyota Blade Aimed at Japanese Baby Boomers  
TOKYO — Toyota has unveiled an upmarket hatchback, the Blade, aimed at Japanese Baby Boomers and priced from under $20,000.

At the car's introduction here, President Katsuaki Watanabe declined to say whether the Blade will also be marketed in the U.S., but suggested it may be reserved exclusively for the home market.

The sporty compact features a sloping nose and trapezoidal headlamps, with massive air intakes on either side of the grille. The face is more distinctive than the ones on such Toyota family cars as the Camry, and has some cues reminiscent of recent Volkswagen designs.

The Blade is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Well-equipped versions will sell in Japan for around $24,000.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

Nissan Versa Sedan Priced at $13,165  
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan said the latest variant in the 2007 Versa lineup — a sedan — will range from $13,165, including a $615 destination charge for its base 1.8 S model to $16,165 for the top-of-the-line Versa 1.8 SL.

The Versa sedan has a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Versa 1.8 SL adds a continuously variable transmission, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, in-dash six-disc CD changer, remote keyless entry, cruise control and 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Pricing for the base model is identical to pricing for the Versa hatchback, the company noted.

Options for the Versa sedan include a $600 sunroof, $250 antilock brakes and $300 for XM Satellite or Sirius Satellite radio.

Nissan said dealer inventory for the Versa is running at around a 15-day supply or less. It said it will add additional Versa production at its Cuernavaca, Mexico plant in January to catch up with demand for the small car. The Versa, one of the newest, fuel-efficient small cars on the market returns 30 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

Daihatsu Materia: A Scion xB Look-Alike for Europe  
BOLOGNA, Italy — Japanese automaker Daihatsu, an affiliate of the Toyota group, has announced a European version of its home-market Coo, a boxy compact based on the Toyota bB.

In Europe, the car will be rebadged as the Daihatsu Materia and will go on sale in mid-2007.

The Materia will share a 103-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Daihatsu Terios crossover. Prices are expected to start at just over $21,000.

Toyota meanwhile is planning to replace its Scion xB next spring in the U.S., but has said the next-generation model won't be a clone of the Japanese-market bB.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

One of Us: Seidl Goes Mainstream With Audi A3 Tune  
SIMBACH/LANDAN, Germany — Seidl Tuning normally tweaks high-performance products from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. But its latest effort focuses on the more prosaic Audi A3 compact.

Seidl focuses primarily on aero body add-ons, starting with new front and rear bumpers. The front bumper has massive air-intake cutouts flanking a new matte-black grille insert. The rear bumper incorporates a skirt and a diffuser for the dual exhaust.

Side skirts are a bit more subtle. But the custom alloy wheels are distinctive, and are shod with ultra-low-profile performance rubber.

Seidl has left the A3 cabin virtually intact, but the tuner has a full catalog of accessories to dress up the five-door hatchback and its performance-oriented sibling, the S3.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (12/21/2006)

OptiTex Nest++2 for textile & automobile accessory industries  
Israeli based OptiTex, a leading provider of software for the textile and fashion industry, recently announced the completion of its network version for Nest++2, the advanced automatic nesting application for the textile and automobile accessory industries.

The application incorporates the most sophisticated algorithm for nesting, thus enabling patterns in the textile and automobile accessory industries (car upholstery, for example) to be put together in the most optimal way to achieve maximum utilization of fabric and to significantly reduce costs.

The upgraded version of the application is innovative in that it enables the work to be done on a few computers simultaneously, allowing for markers to be optimized in overnight processes while being queued and executed in any batch or way specified by the user.The Nest++2 solution delivers better results than those achieved manually.

The application takes all the existing technical constraints into consideration, obtains fast results, enables precise cost proposals regarding the amount of fabric required, increases fabric utilization, elevates nesting standards, and reduces time and labor. Nest++2 is an independent software application that operates with OptiTex Marker Making software and/or other advanced CAD programs (computer-aided design programs) on the market.

OptiTex CEO, Ran Machtinger: “The development of the Nest++2, together with an application we have recently launched to flatten3D objects, positions our company as a leading international provider of software solutions for the automobile industry as well as the textile and other industries.”

The 'Nesting Queue' generates complete, multiple nests, automatically using unattended, overnight processing. Data from the queue is organized in spreadsheet format to allow easy comparison of efficiency, nest lengths, widths and process time. All piece information is easily displayed on the left table. Cost calculation reports can be seen on the lower right hand side table.

Source : http://www.fibre2fashion.com (12/22/2006)