Shell fuel strike suspended  
The tanker drivers' planned strike for this weekend is now suspended after negotiations reached a deal.

The dispute was over pay, with tanker drivers working for Hoyer UK and Suckling Transport, which is contracted to supply fuel to Shell fuel stations, seeking a basic pay of around £36,000.

Although no details of the new deal have been released, the Unite union representing the drivers will recommend the deal to the drivers, who will be balloted soon.

Plans for this weekend's strike have been abandoned, along with a ban on overtime which would have affected the firm's ability to supply Shell's filling stations.

Last weekend's strikes had a nationwide effect, with some 600 of the UK's filling stations running dry.

Shell's UK chairman, James Smith, said: 'We're delighted that Hoyer and Unite have reached this stage in their negotiations. We are pleased that the industrial action has now been suspended.'

Union officials said that the settlement represented a benchmark for the oil industry.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Drivers Test Green Driving Skills with Ford and Save on Fuel  
BRENTWOOD –: Drivers eager to limit the impact of rising fuel prices have flooded Ford with applications for its summer Smart Driving Challenge. The strong response to the Ford Focus ECOnetic eco driving competition, launched in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, has led to the challenge being extended to run throughout the British International Motor Show in London from July 23. Smart driving techniques deliver environmental, financial and safety benefits by reducing fuel consumption thanks to a smoother driving style aimed at eliminating wasteful acceleration and braking.

Eco driving will be taught at six venues, including the British International Motor Show, as part of Ford's nationwide challenge to find the UK's greenest motorist. On the first day of registration alone, over 50 people signed up. Candidates will tackle a three-part test: the first to establish existing eco driving skills among the 200 participants, with fuel consumption/CO2 output recorded. Next comes a session of eco driving instruction from the Energy Saving Trust before a second mpg/CO2 measure is produced –expressed as an annual fuel saving. Fuel consumption is typically reduced by 15 per cent and savings can be as much as 25 per cent.

The driver with the most improvement at each event will win the loan of a new Ford Focus ECOnetic and a £1,000 eco home makeover, which looks at the fuel efficiency of a property and its appliances to deliver lower utility bills. Britain's top eco driver will win £10,000 worth of free advice and appliances for the home. The Focus ECOnetic has a combined fuel consumption figure of almost 66mpg – resulting in a class-leading 114g CO2/km.

Andy Taylor, Ford's sustainability director, said: "Designing and manufacturing fuel efficient cars such as the Ford ECOnetic range becomes even more meaningful when linked to other measures to reduce emissions. Smooth and smart driving plays a huge but often unrecognised part in motoring – both financial as well as environmental." Nigel Underdown, Energy Saving Trust head of transport advice, said: "The Energy Saving Trust believes that typical savings of 15 per cent – in litres, pounds and CO2 – are achievable and realistic by adopting smarter driving techniques. Drivers will welcome the savings as fuel prices reach record levels and will also help address climate change by reducing CO2 emissions."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Set to...  
SANTA ANA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Advanstar Communications -- a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road, and powersports industries -- today announced the schedule for the 28th annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota. This nationwide show series allows motorcycle fans from California to New York to get an up-close look at more than 600 new model motorcycles including street bikes, dirt bikes, fuel efficient bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and watercraft from 19 major manufacturers; check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories; and enjoy demo rides, new rider programs, interactive entertainment for all ages and more.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

France to pump taxpayers' money into auto research  
France has secured EU approval for a proposition to fund private research into more fuel-efficient cars – to the tune of €61-million (about R757-million).

The research is aimed at developing electromagnetic engine valve controls to replace mechanical camshafts and mild hybrid systems that would recover energy generated during braking and use that power again on startup

Eight companies, headed by component maker Valeo, are running a €211-million (R2

More efficient engines will save up to 30 percent of fuel when vehicles brake .6-billion) research programme to develop components for more efficient engines that would save up to 30 percent of fuel when vehicles brake and stop.

The European Commission said it could allow the French government to support the project because it compensates for the failure of the market to invest in a high-risk area with no guarantee of success.

It said the largest payment - €54.8 million (R680-million) to Valeo in direct grants and repayable advances - was unlikely to give the company an unfair advantage over rivals because it was limited by the power its customers – the automakers - have over the supply chain.

Source : http://www.motoring.co.za (6/18/2008)

Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of INR331,525 million (approximately $7,346.6 million)  
Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of INR331,525 million (approximately $7,346.6 million). The company’s goal is to strengthen its position in the Indian market, maintain operational excellence, and expand its international business in select countries through organic as well as inorganic growth initiatives.

Scope

Contains corporate strategy, value chain presence and SWOT Analysis Provides detailed business description, segment analysis, 5-year financial trends, key products and key competitors Includes information on suppliers/ partners, shareholding structure and key employees with biographies

Highlights

Tata Motors, formerly known as Tata Engineering & Locomotive Company (TELCO), is engaged in the design and manufacture of commercial and passenger vehicles, spare parts, components and accessories.

The company sold 454,129 and 580,280 vehicles in fiscal 2006 and 2007 respectively, of which, 403,906 and 526,806 vehicles were sold in India. In addition, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle TDCV (a subsidiary of Tata Motors and former Daewoo Motor's truck manufacturing unit) sold 5,734 vehicles and 8,588 vehicles in fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively.

The company recorded strong financial performance during the last five year period. During 2003–2007, the revenues of the company grew at a CAGR of 36.4%, to reach INR331,525 million (approximately $7,347 million) in 2007 from INR95,731 million (approximately $2,121 million) in 2003.

Reasons to Purchase

Access all the important information and analysis on the company in a single report Understand company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats along with business strategy and value chain Gain access to company’s adjusted five year financial data along with key ratios and market capitalization

Source : http://www.pr-inside.com (6/18/2008)

Lithium Technology Corporation Speeds Ahead With Advanced Race Car Battery  
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Apollo supercar passed the finish line at the Nurburgring 24 hour race on May 24, 2008, running on electrical energy alone in front of 200,000 spectators, proving that hybrid technology does have a future in motor racing. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Apollo made by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") that was powered by Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") battery is owned by Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer and champion, and was piloted by Mr. Dirk Muller and Mr. Frentzen.

The hybrid Apollo used a 3.3 liter V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor. LTC's 9kWh GAIA(R) battery included an advanced battery management system (BMS) that transmitted battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhance performance control of the technical team. Gumpert supplied the basic vehicle, a Gumpert Apollo, while Switzerland's BRUSA gave provided the electrical motor.

Mr. Muller commented "I'm proud to have been a driver for this innovative and forward-thinking project. I was fascinated at how simple and trouble-free it was to handle the hybrid system."

LTC is involved with several PHEV projects and previously introduced its own Toyota Prius with retrofitted GAIA Lithium Iron Phosphate cells in 2007, demonstrating the Company's leading technology. The company is currently supplying both cells and batteries for several other hybrid vehicle projects including buses, trucks, unmanned vehicles and motorcycles.

"LTC's battery technology has more than proven its worth in racing, providing impressive evidence that lithium-ion technology is already fit for use in hybrid vehicles," commented LTC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Klaus Brandt. "The race was an amazing experience for everyone involved, and we're already focusing on how to bring this battery concept to the next level.

From racetracks to highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries, iron-phosphate and nickel-cobalt. Both chemistries coupled with the company's innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells and batteries unmatched by any other product.

About Lithium Technology Corporation: Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) is a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions for diverse applications, and offers the largest lithium-ion cells with the highest power of any standard commercial lithium ion cell produced in the western hemisphere. With more than 20 years of experience, LTC leverages its extensive expertise in high power and large battery assemblies to commercialize advanced lithium batteries as a new power source in the military and national security systems, transportation and stationary power markets.

LTC manufactures the GAIA(R) product line of large, high power hermetically sealed rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries. The Company's product portfolio includes large cells and batteries from 10 times the capacity of a standard laptop computer battery to 100,000 times greater. LTC manufactures a variety of standard cells that are assembled into custom large batteries complete with electronics (battery management systems) and electronics to communicate with other components of the system for performance monitoring.

LTC headquarters are located in Plymouth Meeting, PA and R&D in Nordhausen, Germany. LTC sales for the U.S. and European markets are managed out of each of the offices.

About Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen: Heinz-Harald Frentzen is a German racing driver most famous for his career in Formula One. At various times driving for Williams, Jordan, Sauber, Prost, and Arrows, he achieved three race wins before his retirement from F1 in 2003.

About Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH: Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH (Gumpert) is a German-based company building supercars. The first model produced is the Apollo. Founder and owner of Gumpert is Roland Gumpert, former head of Audi Sport. Audi scored 2 drivers and 2 constructors World Rally Championship titles during his time there. The company is based at Altenburg, Thuringia.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

New Report Examines Alarming Increase in Motorcycle Rider  
WASHINGTON, -- Friday marks the official start of summer, and millions of Americans will hit the roads to head to their summer vacations. Unfortunately, for too many motorcyclists, this may also mark the beginning of another deadly summer. The Governors Highway Safety Association's (GHSA) new report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, examines the dramatic increase in motorcycle rider deaths and looks at programs states have undertaken to keep motorcyclists safe.

In the report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, GHSA notes that motorcycle fatalities in 2006 increased for the ninth straight year -- more than doubling from 2,110 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. In fact, GHSA's analysis of federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities increased in 27 states and Puerto Rico between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, 67 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in 15 states. Also noteworthy is the fact that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 nearly one third of all fatalities occurred in California, Texas and Florida alone.

In 2007, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing motorcycle safety activities designed to mitigate or reverse the annual increase in motorcycle crashes. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico completed surveys. The report found that:

--A patchwork of helmet laws, scant enforcement and a lack of helmet promotion Hidden List exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have universal motorcycle helmet laws.Twenty-seven states and Guam have laws that cover certain riders, and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws.In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets. Only nine states and Puerto Rico indicated special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets that don't meet safety standards.Although it is widely accepted that proper helmet use dramatically reduces the likelihood of a fatality in a crash, only 17 states reported special efforts to promote the benefits of helmet use and other protective gear.

--An explosion in motorcycle ownership has left states with training and education shortfalls. Motorcycle sales almost quadrupled from 1997 to 2006, from 356,000 to almost 1.1 million.As a result, 29 states and D.C. indicated they have capacity problems with delays ranging from one day to 12 weeks for training classes.Only threestates, Florida, Maine and Rhode Island require rider education for all riders, regardless of age.

--Motorcycle licensing requirements vary widely. Across the country, the minimum age for a motorcycle license/endorsement ranges from 14 to 18. Unlike automobile drivers, motorcyclists in at least 33 states may have licensing tests waived for completion of a rider training course.

--Many motorcyclists drive without valid licenses.In 2006, 25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license, compared to 13 percent of drivers of passenger vehicles.

--Road construction issues are addressed in only a few states. Although motorcycle riders and their passengers are vulnerable to hazardous road conditions, only 21 states and Puerto Rico currently consider motorcycle issues in road construction projects.

--Funding shortfalls are commonplace. Only 24 states reported that user fees alone support their motorcycle safety/education efforts. In 18 states, programs are supported by a combination of one or more of the following: user fees, dedicated state funding and federal grants. Three states only use federal money.

According to GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy, "This report is the most complete effort to date that examines how states are dealing with the problem of motorcycle safety. Clearly, more work must be done." Murphy adds that the timing of the report is key given that Congress will soon be reauthorizing surface transportation programs, including those funding motorcycle safety. "We know that we need more funding and also greater flexibility with those funds to promote countermeasures that clearly work, such as helmet use."

Murphy also says this report serves as a reminder to share the road, particularly as we start the summer driving season. "While the large majority of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle, other vehicles are a factor in 40 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes, so this is an issue that impacts us all."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Series 11 countdown: GT-R v Bullet Train  
The Nissan GT-R is clearly quite a car.

The kind of car that's built with such obsession that its tyres are filled with nitrogen so they don't suffer excessive pressure change when they get hot.

The kind of car that has an engine hand-built in a hermetically sealed room to ensure absolute precision and cleanliness.

The kind of car that got Jeremy so excited he was prepared to fly all the way to Japan to drive it.

Unfortunately, Richard and James insisted on tagging along too, so the Top Gear office came up with a very special race.

Could Clarkson in his technofest Nissan get from one side of Japan to the other before Hammond and May could do the same trip using public transport?

But not just any public transport. Japanese public transport: the most reliable and, thanks to the famous 186mph Bullet Train, the fastest mass transit network in the world.

As we said, the Nissan GT-R is clearly quite a car. But then, against that sort of adversary, it needs to be.

The new series of Top Gear kicks off at 8pm on Sunday June 22 on BBC Two.

Five days to go: Audi RS6 v skier

Six days to go: the Alfa Romeo Challenge

Read Andy Wilman's series preview blog: Part One

Read Andy Wilman's series preview blog: Part Deux

Watch the Series 11 TV teaser

Source : http://www.topgear.com (6/18/2008)

Lithium Technology Corporation Speeds Ahead With Advanced Race Car Battery  
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., -- The Apollo supercar passed the finish line at the Nurburgring 24 hour race on May 24, 2008, running on electrical energy alone in front of 200,000 spectators, proving that hybrid technology does have a future in motor racing. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Apollo made by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") that was powered by Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (Pink Sheets: LTHU) battery is owned by Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer and champion, and was piloted by Mr. Dirk Muller and Mr. Frentzen.

The hybrid Apollo used a 3.3 liter V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor. LTC's 9kWh GAIA(R) battery included an advanced battery management system (BMS) that transmitted battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhance performance control of the technical team. Gumpert supplied the basic vehicle, a Gumpert Apollo, while Switzerland's BRUSA gave provided the electrical motor.

Mr. Muller commented "I'm proud to have been a driver for this innovative and forward-thinking project. I was fascinated at how simple and trouble-free it was to handle the hybrid system."

LTC is involved with several PHEV projects and previously introduced its own Toyota Prius with retrofitted GAIA Lithium Iron Phosphate cells in 2007, demonstrating the Company's leading technology. The company is currently supplying both cells and batteries for several other hybrid vehicle projects including buses, trucks, unmanned vehicles and motorcycles.

"LTC's battery technology has more than proven its worth in racing, providing impressive evidence that lithium-ion technology is already fit for use in hybrid vehicles," commented LTC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Klaus Brandt. "The race was an amazing experience for everyone involved, and we're already focusing on how to bring this battery concept to the next level.

From racetracks to highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries, iron-phosphate and nickel-cobalt. Both chemistries coupled with the company's innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells and batteries unmatched by any other product.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Fiat Announces Launch Plan for Fiorino Qubo Minivan  
TURIN, Italy — Fiat has announced that the production model of its Fiorino people carrier will be called the Fiorino Qubo and is scheduled to hit European dealerships by the end of the month.

The five-seater Qubo is classified in Europe as an MPV (Americans might consider it a microvan if it were available here) and features two different engines, either a lively 75-horsepower 1.3-liter Multijet diesel or a 73-hp 1.4-liter gasoline engine. Either engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. It has a range of up to 621 miles and can hit the highway with a maximum speed of just above 96 mph.

The Fiorino Qubo is barely 157 inches long and has a very spacious interior, with more than 88 cubic feet of available cargo room. Nine body colors will be available, along with two trim types: Active and Dynamic. Active will feature the more basic amenities, while the Dynamic trim will have a longer list of equipment. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and leather interior add-ons are also offered.

The vehicle was created as a joint manufacturing project between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroën, and is made at the Tofas factory in Bursa, Turkey, along with the Peugeot Bipper and the Citroën Nemo. The launch will start in Europe at the end of June, and it will be priced at the equivalent of about $20,120.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Jaguar Land Rover Unveils New Training Centre of Excellence  
SOLIHULL, UNITED KINGDOM –: Today, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled its new Education and Training Centre for associates on site at its production facilities in Lode Lane, Solihull.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor David Stewart Bell, officially opened the new facility, which will act as the centre for the plant's education and training programmes, the first of which focuses on a management development programme. This will then be cascaded throughout the organisation as part of the strategy to sustain world class manufacturing performance.

Peter Little, Manager of the programme, said: "We are under constant pressure to sustain world class performance in order to survive tough competition. This new Education and Training centre confirms our commitment of investing in our employees and the plant as we look forward to continued success and growth."

"The new facility creates a professional learning environment for all our employees who are encouraged to be a positive coach at every opportunity."

The Mayor of Solihull added: "I was delighted to be asked to open the facility and have the opportunity to see first-hand the plant and meet the employees. It is reassuring to see that Jaguar Land Rover is continually investing in the longevity of the business and I am proud to support these British manufacturing brands which greatly enrich the economy of the region."

Following the opening of the education and training facilities, the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Mrs Sally Bell, took the opportunity to drive off-road on Land Rover's famous Jungle Track to experience the capabilities of one of the world's most versatile vehicles.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Hit By Fuel Prices, Which Way Will Consumers Turn?  
LONDON; Gerard Wynn writing for Reuters reported that with oil prices near $140 a barrel, motorists are starting to look seriously at both alternative fuels and electric vehicles as a way to be able to keep driving their cars.

But experts say it will take five to 10 years for these alternatives to take root, given the capacity challenge for an auto industry that is adding 65 million new cars a year to a fleet of 1 billion.

In the meantime, car and parts makers, oil companies and even electricity generators are left guessing which way motorists will turn and what technology will win.

"We don't know at the moment whether it's battery-based electricity technology or sustainable biofuels that will be successful," said James Smith, chairman of Shell UK Ltd, speaking at a climate change seminar hosted by Reuters.

"The strategic issues confronting us are very significant."

A range of options will emerge as motorists pick between "plug-in" electric cars, longer-range gasoline-electric "hybrids," or simply downsized, more efficient gasoline and diesel models, and as governments, worried by global warming and energy security, give more or less support for biofuels.

Hybrid vehicles, which have both a conventional internal combustion engine and electric motor and battery, are already popular. Toyota Motor Corp has sold 1.5 million Prius hybrids since 1997 and it wants hybrids to reach one tenth of its total sales by 2011.

In a hybrid, the electric battery and motor aid stop-start city driving, while the gasoline engine allows longer trips, together cutting energy use and carbon emissions.

Hybrids accounted for 3 percent of U.S. car sales in 2007. Makers absorb most of the extra $5,000 engine cost, leaving the street price only $1000 to $2000 higher.

Hybrids could be "broadly present" in the auto industry in five years, said Vlatko Vlatkovic, head of electrification research at GE, which has much to gain from widespread electrification of road transport.

Paul Nieuwenhuis, automotive researcher at Cardiff University in Wales, said that hybrids like the Prius are soon likely to be overtaken by plug-in hybrids, which will have the extra option to charge from the grid.

General Motors Corp wants its plug-in hybrid, the Chevy Volt, to reach showrooms in 2010. European brands including Mercedes, Volkswagen and BMW and Japan's Honda plan rivals.

Pure plug-in electric cars, meanwhile, have no combustion engine at all and have struggled to shake off a quirky image -- with tiny sales of fabulous cars at prohibitive prices or else economy-sized "golf carts," both with limited range.

Tesla Motors of San Carlos, California, advertises a Roadster with a top speed of 125 miles per hour (200 kmh) and a range of 220 miles. But Linda Nicholes, president of electric car pressure group "Plug in America," is still awaiting delivery two years after ordering hers at a price of $100,000.

"We've been waiting eagerly ever since. I've been told September (2008)," said Nicholes, who is nonetheless still excited. "It's sleek, snazzy. All will be forgiven."

For those who can't wait, Monaco's privately held Venturi is marketing a 297,000 euros ($460,900) electric car with a top speed of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph), called 'Fetish'.

"It's the pleasure to drive which will make it someone's favorite object," a spokeswoman said, explaining the name and adding it had sold five models on an expected 25-unit run.

Meanwhile, specialist car producer Think, based in Oslo, plans a run of 8,000 full electric cars in 2009 at 20,000 euros ($30,860) each.

And a Renault-Nissan alliance plans to start deploying full electric cars from 2010.

Electric car developments hinge on batteries which are light but pack enough power to travel more than 100 miles (160 km). Aggressive conversion of the global fleet to electric alternatives may take 30 years, said Charles Gassenheimer, chairman of lithium-ion battery supplier Ener1, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Alternatively, you can keep your car but switch the fuel, up to a point. Sugar-based biofuels are making serious headway against gasoline in Brazil, where nearly 90 percent of new cars have flex-fuel engines, which burn any combination of the two.

In the United States, tax breaks help biofuels made from corn supply about 2 percent of the domestic fuel mix.

But biofuels made from crops such as corn aren't the near-term replacement for gasoline, either. A finite supply of farm land has pitted them against food, inflating grain prices.

A tank of standard, U.S. corn biofuel blend, called E10, contains enough calories to sustain an adult man for 11 days. That underlines the problem of using food to make car fuel while 850 million people in the world are hungry.

Limited scope for global crop yields improvements will limit such "first generation" biofuels. Further off, sustainable biofuels which come from algae or woodchips and don't compete with food, may reach 10 percent of U.S. road fuel by 2022.

While some experts say that cars fueled by hydrogen fuel cells, which rely on the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen into water and which don't have harmful emissions, are promising, the technology is still in its infancy.

Honda Motor Co, began production on June 16 of a new fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, but has plans to sell only 200 in the United States and Japan in the next three years. The biggest hurdles for proliferation of hydrogen cell vehicles are a lack of fuelling stations and the high cost of development.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Orbital Expands Into Australian Alternative Fuel Market With New Acquisition  
PERTH, Australia, PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International clean energy technology group Orbital Corporation Limited , is pleased to announce the addition to its existing portfolio through the acquisition of leading Australian LPG fuel systems supplier, Boral Alternative Fuel Systems ("BAFS").

BAFS is Australia's leading supplier of original equipment LPG fuel systems and is a Tier One supplier to the global automotive group, Ford Motor Corporation.

The acquisition provides Orbital with a low-risk entry into the rapidly growing Australian and New Zealand alternative fuel system markets, and represents a first step in a broader intent to offer 'next generation' greenhouse friendly alternative fuel systems that meet the requirements of fleet operators and private buyers.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Orbital will make an investment of approximately $1.6 million to assume BAFS's working capital (excluding debtors and creditors) including a small component of goodwill. Subject to satisfaction of all conditions precedent transfer of the business is expected to occur prior to June 30th, 2008.

BAFS, which is based in Sydney NSW, currently generates annual revenue of approximately A$6 million, and is expected to be earnings per share accretive for Orbital from the date of acquisition. Key management and operating personnel will transfer across to Orbital with the business.

In summary, the BAFS business:

-- assembles and distributes original equipment products in Australia and New Zealand manufactured by Vialle, a leading Netherlands-based international manufacturer of LPG automotive fuel systems;

-- sells LPG systems into the aftermarket for retrofitting to existing vehicles;

-- has over 20 years' experience in the LPG systems supply business; and

-- has access to Vialle's next generation, greenhouse-friendly LPG systems.

Commenting on the acquisition, Orbital's CEO, Dr Rod Houston, said, "We are very pleased to add the BAFS LPG systems supply business to our portfolio, in keeping with our strategy of growing and enhancing the Orbital business organically and through targeted acquisitions. We expect BAFS to contribute to the Orbital business in a similar way to our international Synerject Joint Venture business, which generates a strong ongoing revenue stream."

"There is a strong future for genuinely greenhouse friendly LPG systems. The next generation LPG systems, if properly implemented and supported, have the ability to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas whilst retaining the economic benefits of operating vehicles on LPG," Dr Houston continued.

"This is a first step in our overall strategy to leverage our existing skills and know how and to grow an alternative fuel systems business and develop strategic partnerships with world class organisations such as Vialle. Orbital is well placed to secure a significant position in the alternative fuels market, where we see increasing opportunities as the price of oil continues to rise significantly," he added.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth  
NEW YORK, -- Everyone knows you need to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, right? Well, maybe not. The traditional oil change recommendation was based on decades-old engine and oil technologies. Today's engines are built using advanced technology, reducing or eliminating contaminants and increasing the recommended time between oil changes.

According to organizations like the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the need to reduce waste oil is significant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 185 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of each year, dumped onto the ground, thrown in the trash, or poured down the drain. And the CIWMB says that just one gallon of used motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of drinking water.

New in-vehicle technologies, like GM Oil Life System, can reduce the frequency between oil changes by calculating each engine's oil "life." The system is a sophisticated technology that determines the optimum oil change interval for each vehicle, based upon how individual drivers have used it. This can add up to two or three less oil changes a year, saving more than 100 million gallons of oil annually. Less motor oil consumed helps to reduce environmental impact and saves drivers money.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Goodyear to Webcast June 26 Investor Meeting  
AKRON, Ohio, -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it will host a live web cast of its June 26 investor meeting in New York. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. (EDT) and is expected to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Participating in the meeting will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan and W. Mark Schmitz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, along with leaders of the company's strategic business units.

Attendance in person at the investor meeting in New York is by invitation only. For further information regarding the event, please contact Goodyear Investor Relations at goodyear.investor.relations@goodyear.com.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Fortune magazine named Goodyear the World's Most Admired Motor Vehicle Parts Company in its 2008 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. The publication ranked Goodyear No. 1 in innovation, people management, use of assets and global orientation. The company is also listed on Forbes magazine's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and CRO magazine's ranking of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Green challenge in high demand  
Drivers eager to limit the impact of rising fuel prices have flooded Ford with applications for its summer Smart Driving Challenge.

The Ford Focus ECOnetic eco driving competition was launched in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust. On the first day of registration alone, over 50 people signed up.

That high demand has led to the challenge being extended to run throughout the British International Motor Show in London from July 23.

Smart driving techniques deliver environmental, financial and safety benefits by reducing fuel consumption thanks to a smoother driving style aimed at eliminating wasteful acceleration and braking.

Eco driving will be taught at six venues, including the British International Motor Show, as part of Ford's nationwide challenge to find the UK's greenest motorist.

Candidates will tackle a three-part test: the first to establish existing eco driving skills among the 200 participants, with fuel consumption/CO2 output recorded.

Next comes a session of eco driving instruction from the Energy Saving Trust before a second mpg/CO2 measure is produced -expressed as an annual fuel saving.

Fuel consumption is typically reduced by 15 per cent and savings can be as much as 25 per cent.

The driver with the most improvement at each event will win the loan of a new Ford Focus ECOnetic and a £1,000 eco home makeover.

Nigel Underdown, Energy Saving Trust head of transport advice, said: "The Energy Saving Trust believes that typical savings of 15 per cent - in litres, pounds and CO2 - are achievable and realistic by adopting smarter driving techniques."

Source : http://www.topgear.com (6/18/2008)

Royal Enfield to launch four new models by 2010-11  
CHENNAI: Motorcycle company Royal Enfield, a division of Eicher Motors, has proposed to launch four new models by 2010-11.

Addressing a press conference to mark the official launch of 350cc Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorcycle, here today, the company's CEO R L Ravichandran said "out of the four, two models will be for International market while two will be for domestic market", he said.

The company was planning to showcase the new model for the International market in October 2008, he said.

"We have also planned to increase the production capacity in our Thiruvottiyur plant from the existing 40,000 units to 60,000 units in the next two years", Ravichandran said.

In the last two years alone, the company's volume has increased 25 per cent and this year it was expected to grow 15 per cent,he said.

The company, which sold around 39,000 units including both 350cc and 500cc motorcycles last year, has also set a target of selling 45,000 units this year, Eicher Motors CEO and MD Siddhartha Lal said.

On the new Thunderbird Twinspark motorcycle, which costs a whopping Rs 1,03,000 on road, the Managing Director said "it will mainly cater to the domestic market".

The company is expecting to sell around 5,000 units of the new model alone and for the overseas market, the company also unveiled a 500cc Royal Enfield Electra motorcycle embedded with Fuel Injection technology.

The 500 cc motorcycle is exclusively for the international market, Siddhartha Lal said.

Commenting on the new Twinspark technology, which is expected to improve fuel efficiency, he said "we have been working on twinspark technology for our type of motorcycle architecture since late-90s" he said.

Since the launch of Thunderbird model in 2001, the company has sold 20,000 units, he said.

The Managing Director told reporters that in future, they might incorporate the EFI technology (which is currently incorporated only in 500cc motorcycles) in 350cc segment as well. "There is possibility to introduce EFI technology in Thunderbird model as well but for that we have to wait and see" he said.

On the 500cc Electra, which has been launched with EFI technology, he said they hoped to sell around 3,000-4,000 units this year.

In this category, last year alone the company has sold 2,600 units, he added.

Source : Economic Times (6/18/2008)

'Cash for crash' trials begin  
Around 40 people accused of 'cash for crash' fraud are due in court this week.

They are said to have deliberately caused accidents by braking hard in front of innocent drivers, who are then deemed to be at fault.

The fraudulent gang then submit invoices for vehicle damages and make personal injury claims to insurance companies.

Most of the cons are said to have taken place around Luton.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), which was set up by insurers last year to deal with fraud cases, says that bogus and inflated claims like those from deliberate accidents cost the industry more than £1.5 billion a year.

They say this adds 5% to the average insurance premium.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Schaeffler Group Successful in NoAE Innovation Competition with Two Products  
TROY, Mich., -- Schaeffler Group Automotive's INA and FAG brands were successful with two products in the Innovation Competition of the NoAE (Network of Automotive Excellence) recently held during the Wuerzburg Automotive Summit. INA's lightweight balancer shaft with rolling bearing supports and FAG's twin tandem wheel bearings were nominated for participation in the Innovation Vernissage in the "CO2 Reduction, Lightweight Design and New Materials" category.

"As a supplier, it is our obligation to offer our automotive customers optimized products for the drivetrain, where our ambitious goals of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved," said Dr. Peter Gutzmer, executive vice president of Schaeffler KG Technical Product Development and acting vice president of Schaeffler Group Automotive. "With the nominations, the jury has honored the efforts that Schaeffler has undertaken as a large international supplier."

Dr. Gutzmer explained how Schaeffler Group Automotive intends to increase efficiency in the systems with further "innovative components for the drivetrain of tomorrow" during his presentation. He also emphasized the importance of efficiency increases as the key to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. He outlined the product range of the Schaeffler Group, which includes concepts for fully variable hydraulic valvetrains in engines, as well as high-performance dual clutch systems in transmissions, that contribute to economical fuel consumption.

The NoAE Innovation Competition was first held in 2007. This is the first year that the Schaeffler Group has taken part in the competition, which is again under the auspices of the Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. Out of several hundred submissions, 30 products were nominated for presentation to selected technical experts from the automotive and supplier industry at the Innovation Vernissage.

A brief description of the Schaeffler Group products that were nominated for the Innovation Vernissage is below.

INA Lightweight Balancer Shaft

Replacing the conventional plain bearings on the balancer shaft with rolling bearings reduces friction and allows consistent optimization of the mass distribution on these shafts. A reduction in mass of approximately 20 percent to more than 40 percent is possible, which can amount to as much as 2.2 pounds in a 4-cylinder engine. In addition to the associated minimization of the shaft's rotational inertia that is implemented in the design of the partial drivetrain and reduces noise generation, the oil mist supply of the bearing is improved and a pressurized oil supply is often no longer necessary. All these measures lead to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to two percent.

FAG Twin Tandem Wheel Bearings

The concept of the twin tandem wheel bearing is based on substituting rows of tapered rollers with two rows of balls each. This means that a double row tapered roller bearing becomes a four row ball bearing. Substituting the line contact of the tapered rollers with the point contacts of balls and eliminating rib friction reduces bearing friction significantly. At the same time, a higher cornering rigidity is achieved compared to the tapered roller bearing.

This innovative wheel bearing is particularly suitable for use in vans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. These vehicle types are characterized by high axial loads and are usually fitted with wheel bearings with a tapered roller design. Twin tandem bearings can also be used in other vehicle types. With the use of twin tandem wheel bearings, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 1.5 percent per vehicle on average.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Audi Range Ranked the UK's Most Secure - Again  
THATCHAM –: For the third successive year Audi has stolen the show in the 2008 British Insurance Car Security Awards, not only scoring three category wins but also taking away the overall Manufacturer of the Year Award for the widest range of cars offering five star security.

The Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s commitment to anti-theft protection across its range was acknowledged by experts at a ceremony held on June 18th at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire.

The top BICSA award goes to the manufacturer producing the widest range of models that satisfy stringent criteria laid down by Thatcham, including the achievement of a five star rating for ‘theft of’ security and a rating of at least four stars for ‘theft from’ security.

In addition to this all-encompassing award, Audi models were also voted best-in-class in 3 of the specific model categories assessed by the experts. The all-new A4 Saloon and Avant, S8 Saloon and TT Roadster models all outclassed rivals in their considered opinion.

Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks welcomed the very positive result for Audi: “I am delighted that the huge investment we have channelled into protective measures for all our cars has proved its worth yet again in Thatcham. To be acknowledged as number one for car security for a third consecutive year is an achievement which Audi AG’s security team can take considerable pride in,” he said.

Award-winning security protection is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts, anti-tow tilt sensors, visible Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and extensive marked parts.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Land Cruiser V8 Wins Security Award  
LONDON –: The new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 has been voted number one in the large 4x4 category at the British Insurance Car Awards. Held today at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham Berkshire, the awards which have been running since 2004, are designed to raise consumer awareness of what is best in vehicle security.

The Toyota Land Cruiser V8, which went on sale earlier this year, is the eighth generation of this iconic model. Powered by a new 4.5-litre V8 D-4D engine it is Toyota’s first eight-cylinder unit with diesel common rail injection technology.

Based on the New Vehicle Security Rating Scheme (NVSR), participating vehicles are assessed on points awarded under the categories of ‘theft of’ and ‘theft from’ the vehicle, the winner achieving the highest combined points score.

“Manufacturers are continuing to keep ahead of the criminal fraternity – committing resources to the development of highly sophisticated systems to keep cars secure,” said Peter Roberts, Chief Executive of insurer funded research centre - Thatcham.

“Many car thieves are just having to give up – thanks to the industry’s continued quest to drive down car crime.”

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Honda launches first hybrid car in India  
New Delhi: Japanese car major Honda on Wednesday launched the first hybrid car in India, Civic Hybrid, priced at Rs 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The car is powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine and electric motor. India is the 33rd country where Honda has launched its Civic Hybrid.

"This is yet another step to strengthen Honda's presence in India in line with our long term goal of bringing eco friendly vehicles," Honda CL's car India President and CEO Masahiro Takedawa said here.

Source : Economic Times (6/18/2008)

Ford Mondeo wins What Car? towcar title  
The Ford Mondeo Estate has come out on top in this year's What Car? Towcar Awards 2008, beating a field of no fewer than 53 cars.

The awards are co-hosted with Practical Caravan and the Camping and Caravanning Club.

All areas of a car's performance are assessed, including practicality, low- and high-speed stability, braking and acceleration and hill-starting, and the cars were separated into categories by their kerbweight.

The cars' running costs and buying and owning attributes were also taken into consideration.

There was one clear winner - the Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi Titanium auto. It was praised especially highly for its stability and its ability to tackle the steep 1-in-6 hill-start test - even though it's a front-wheel-drive car.

Its immense interior space, low running costs (39.8mpg, even with an automatic transmission) and five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for occupant protection also helped the car take top spot.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Priced: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI  
HERNDON, Virginia — Volkswagen of America said the 2009 Jetta TDI sedan will start at $21,990, while the 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI will be priced from $23,590. Both models go on sale in August and are rated by the EPA at 29 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway.

The TDI's clean diesel meets stringent emissions standards in all 50 states. But diesel advocates had expected much higher EPA mileage ratings on the VW turbodiesel, due in part to the automaker's own aggressive positioning. On its Web site, VW says the TDI engine has "an anticipated fuel efficiency of mid-50s highway (and) mid-40s city."

But even the company's own testing, conducted by an outside firm, fell well short of that mark.

In part to blunt some of the negative feedback generated by the lower-than-expected EPA numbers, VW hired a third-party company, AMCI, to conduct what it calls "real-world testing" on the '09 Jetta TDI. The automaker said the AMCI tests showed the TDI achieved significantly better results — 38 mpg in the city and 44 on the highway — than the official EPA ratings.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Schaeffler Group Successful in NoAE Innovation Competition with Two Products  
TROY, Mich., -- Schaeffler Group Automotive's INA and FAG brands were successful with two products in the Innovation Competition of the NoAE (Network of Automotive Excellence) recently held during the Wuerzburg Automotive Summit. INA's lightweight balancer shaft with rolling bearing supports and FAG's twin tandem wheel bearings were nominated for participation in the Innovation Vernissage in the "CO2 Reduction, Lightweight Design and New Materials" category.

"As a supplier, it is our obligation to offer our automotive customers optimized products for the drivetrain, where our ambitious goals of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved," said Dr. Peter Gutzmer, executive vice president of Schaeffler KG Technical Product Development and acting vice president of Schaeffler Group Automotive. "With the nominations, the jury has honored the efforts that Schaeffler has undertaken as a large international supplier."

Dr. Gutzmer explained how Schaeffler Group Automotive intends to increase efficiency in the systems with further "innovative components for the drivetrain of tomorrow" during his presentation. He also emphasized the importance of efficiency increases as the key to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. He outlined the product range of the Schaeffler Group, which includes concepts for fully variable hydraulic valvetrains in engines, as well as high-performance dual clutch systems in transmissions, that contribute to economical fuel consumption.

The NoAE Innovation Competition was first held in 2007. This is the first year that the Schaeffler Group has taken part in the competition, which is again under the auspices of the Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. Out of several hundred submissions, 30 products were nominated for presentation to selected technical experts from the automotive and supplier industry at the Innovation Vernissage.

A brief description of the Schaeffler Group products that were nominated for the Innovation Vernissage is below.

INA Lightweight Balancer Shaft

Replacing the conventional plain bearings on the balancer shaft with rolling bearings reduces friction and allows consistent optimization of the mass distribution on these shafts. A reduction in mass of approximately 20 percent to more than 40 percent is possible, which can amount to as much as 2.2 pounds in a 4-cylinder engine. In addition to the associated minimization of the shaft's rotational inertia that is implemented in the design of the partial drivetrain and reduces noise generation, the oil mist supply of the bearing is improved and a pressurized oil supply is often no longer necessary. All these measures lead to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to two percent.

FAG Twin Tandem Wheel Bearings

The concept of the twin tandem wheel bearing is based on substituting rows of tapered rollers with two rows of balls each. This means that a double row tapered roller bearing becomes a four row ball bearing. Substituting the line contact of the tapered rollers with the point contacts of balls and eliminating rib friction reduces bearing friction significantly. At the same time, a higher cornering rigidity is achieved compared to the tapered roller bearing.

This innovative wheel bearing is particularly suitable for use in vans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. These vehicle types are characterized by high axial loads and are usually fitted with wheel bearings with a tapered roller design. Twin tandem bearings can also be used in other vehicle types. With the use of twin tandem wheel bearings, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 1.5 percent per vehicle on average.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

DOLLAR(R) Launches New Service for Mobile Devices  
TULSA, Okla., -- Dollar Rent A Car, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. , has unveiled a new mobile service that allows travelers to make a reservation with DOLLAR.com, the company's award-winning Web site, anywhere using a cell phone or other Web-enabled mobile device.

Optimized for viewing on a Web-enabled mobile phone, DOLLAR.com continues to deliver the best car rental value available in a format that is easy-to-use and easy on the eyes. The new mobile site retains virtually all of the features and functionality of the DOLLAR.com desktop website. Users of mobile devices will be automatically redirected to the mobile site when they visit www.dollar.com.

Using the enhanced mobile service, travelers may:

-- Make a reservation at any one of Dollar Rent A Car's convenient worldwide locations;

-- Cancel or modify an existing reservation with DOLLAR(R);

-- Display all car types available or only those desired;

-- Log in as a Dollar Express member, expediting the rental process by using the information contained in your profile;

-- Get the benefit of special offers with promotional codes or get the benefits associated with your corporate account ID number; and

-- Earn Dollar Express Rewards points toward free future rental days or frequent flyer points with participating airline and hotel partners.

"As many of our customers are road warriors on the go, Dollar Rent A Car wants to be as convenient as possible and minimize hassle," said Charlie Coniglio, vice president of E-commerce and Global Distribution for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. "With this new Web-enabled product from DOLLAR.com, we are combining functionality with the strong value proposition customers have come to expect from DOLLAR. Usablenet has delivered a product that we can be very proud of."

The new service will be powered by New York-based Usablenet, Inc. Specializing in helping organizations to support users of mobile and assistive technologies for Web access, Usablenet was founded in 2000. The company has unmatched experience and expertise in addressing the limitations of multiple, disparate devices, browsers, formats, and technologies and providing seamless access to all types of web content and services. Today, Usablenet's core platforms are being relied on at over 300 organizations, with clients that include Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels, Northwest Airlines, Marriott Hotels, Amtrak, US Airways, NYC, City of Miami, Amtrak, NJ Transit, the State of Oregon, 1800Flowers and many others.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Donington Park boss: DVLA lost my motorcycle licence  
The boss of Donington Park says he had to retake his test after DVLA lost all record of his motorcycle licence.

Simon Gillett – who has 20 years’s riding experience – had to take a last minute test on Friday ahead the British MotoGP round at Donington this weekend.

Failure would have stopped him joining race stars on a ride to the circuit on Thursday to raise money for African aid charity Riders for Health.

“The good news is I passed,” he said.

A DVLA spokesman said he could not comment on individual cases.

Gillett is the latest of scores of motorcyclists to claim DVLA lost their motorcycle licence. Riders say they sent their licence to the agency to have details amended only to get it back with motorcycle entitlement missing.

The DVLA has then claimed to have no record of their ever having held a motorcycle licence.

To read why riding instructors think the problem is getting worse, get MCN, on sale June 18.

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

Top Chinese rally driver killed  
China's top rally driver Xu Lang, a veteran of two Dakar rallies, has died after being hit in the face by a tow hook while taking part in an endurance race in Russia

His team said Xu stopped to help another driver during the fourth leg of the 2008 Transoriental rally on June 16 and was injured when the tow cable on the recovery vehicle snapped.

A medical team arrived by helicopter 10 minutes later but Xu died in a local hospital in Orenburg, Russia on June 17.

The statement said: "The team are all deeply affected by this tragedy and extend their sincere condolences to his family and friends

'I am very sad about the accident, but this is a lesson for us'

. Xu was not wearing his helmet when struck, according to Chinese Federation of Automobile Sports director Yan Jianchang

Yan said: "I am very sad about the accident, but this is a lesson for us. Rallying is the most dangerous sport in the world; awareness will be on the top of our agenda in the future to enhance the drivers' safety"

French motorcyclist Philippe Tonin died during the sixth stage of the rally on June 17 when he collided with one of the competing trucks.

The Transoriental rally started in St Petersburg on June 12 and will travel through Kazakhstan before arriving in Beijing on June 28.

Source : http://www.motoring.co.za (6/18/2008)

Porsche Hikes Prices on 2009 Cayenne  
ATLANTA — When the new top-of-the-line 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S hits showrooms on August 8, it will have a starting price of $124,495, including an $895 destination charge.

The Turbo S, which made its world premiere at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, gets a slight bump in horsepower, along with minor mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The twin-turbo 4.8-liter in the Turbo S produces 550 horsepower, a 50-hp bump from the standard Turbo. Torque is up to 553 pound-feet.

Porsche said on Tuesday that the 2009 Cayenne will see price increases throughout the lineup. "We find ourselves getting severely punished by declining margins for serving our customers in the United States," said Detlev von Platen, Porsche Cars North America president and CEO, in a statement. "Despite our prudent hedging strategy over the past few years, we were forced to reassess our traditionally conservative pricing policy."

The rest of the '09 Cayenne models get an earlier debut than the Turbo S, arriving in showrooms on July 14, according to the automaker.

The base 2009 Cayenne starts at $45,495, including shipping, a nearly 3 percent increase over the 2008 model. The 2009 Cayenne Turbo starts at $98,595, versus $94,595 for the 2008 Cayenne Turbo.

Porsche said as a result of larger disc brakes, the 2009 Cayenne Turbo will have standard 19-inch wheels. All V8-powered Cayennes can be ordered with optional Porsche Ceramic Composite brakes.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Ford S-MAX Steals Top UK Security Award  
BRENTWOOD –: Ford S-MAX has been named winner in the large MPV category at the British Insurance Car Security Awards for the second year running. The Awards rate vehicles according to their resistance to theft and break-ins and are backed by Thatcham, the Department for Transport, UK Insurers and supported by the Home Office. The S-MAX achieved the highest score with Galaxy a close second - scooping the key awards in the highly competitive large MPV category.

Standard security features on the S-MAX include Thatcham Category 1 alarms, remote-control deadlocks, engine immobiliser and visible VIN numbers. The inclination (tilt) sensor was also a key factor in the overall result. John Cooper, Director of Customer Service Division said: “Our security engineers continue to design the best features to support crime prevention - and again it's our customer that benefits."

“Ford knows what’s important to buyers when it comes to security and the S-MAX delivers – it’s a worthy winner once again,” said Steve Fowler, Group Editor, What Car? Magazine.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Lombard Invests US$15 Million in San Shing Fastech Corporation, a Leading Taiwanese Automotive Parts Manufacturer  
SAN FRANCISCO, -- Lombard Investments, Inc. announced a $15 million investment in Taiwan-based San Shing Fastech Corporation ("San Shing" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading manufacturers of high quality automotive fastener systems. The transaction closed on May 28, 2008. The Company will use the proceeds to expand its product line and enter new markets. Lombard will join the Company's board of directors.

Mr. Thomas J. Smith, Managing Director of Lombard, said, "Lombard is very pleased to become a long-term investor in San Shing. The Company enjoys an extraordinary reputation for high quality and creative engineering, and is very well positioned for growth in the global automotive parts industry. We look forward to many years of fruitful co-operation with San Shing." Mr. Ko Chi-Yuan, Chairman of San Shing said, "San Shing also looks forward very much to a long term partnership with Lombard."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth  
NEW YORK, -- Everyone knows you need to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, right? Well, maybe not. The traditional oil change recommendation was based on decades-old engine and oil technologies. Today's engines are built using advanced technology, reducing or eliminating contaminants and increasing the recommended time between oil changes.

According to organizations like the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the need to reduce waste oil is significant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 185 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of each year, dumped onto the ground, thrown in the trash, or poured down the drain. And the CIWMB says that just one gallon of used motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of drinking water.

New in-vehicle technologies, like GM Oil Life System, can reduce the frequency between oil changes by calculating each engine's oil "life." The system is a sophisticated technology that determines the optimum oil change interval for each vehicle, based upon how individual drivers have used it. This can add up to two or three less oil changes a year, saving more than 100 million gallons of oil annually. Less motor oil consumed helps to reduce environmental impact and saves drivers money.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

LG and Actor Erik Estrada Unite to Give Away Bluetooth Headsets to Help Los Angeles...  
LOS ANGELES, June -- On July 1, California and Washington will be the newest states to implement a law requiring drivers to use hands-free devices while behind the wheel to avoid being issued a ticket. In an effort to raise awareness about convenient hands-free options available to consumers which enable safer driving, LG Mobile Phones will be hosting an event titled "Red, White & Bluetooth" on June 19, 2008 at the Petersen Automotive Museum which is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax Boulevard) in Los Angeles.

LG has partnered with pop icon / actor Erik Estrada a tireless supporter of law enforcement, who will conduct a press briefing and provide interviews regarding the significance of this new law. The press briefing will occur at 11:30 a.m. followed by a free giveaway, which is open to the public until 1:30 p.m. More than 1,000 LG Bluetooth headsets will be given away while supplies last. LG product specialists will be available to answer questions about pairing headsets and handsets.

"LG is committed to creating products that are of real value to our consumers and hands-free devices are more than just convenient - they are also critical in keeping our roads safe," said Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president of product strategy and marketing for LG Mobile Phones.

LG recently launched three new headsets to further expand its current product line-up. The HFB 500 is equipped with speaker phone, allows for up to 16 hours of talk time, and has the ability to cancel out excess background noise. The HBM 310 permits up to 6 hours of talk time and features an E-clip movable ear bud that users can adjust for a more comfortable fit. The HBS 250 supports ten hours of talk time and is loaded with entertainment capabilities that include ten hours of music listening time.

In addition to these new headsets, LG launched the Decoy(TM), the world's fist mobile phone with a detachable Bluetooth wireless headset. This new phone features a discreet built-in headset that is Bluetooth version 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), and boasts entertainment capabilities that include a music player and 2.0 megapixel camera and camcorder.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Lithium Technology Corporation Speeds Ahead With Advanced Race Car Battery  
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., -- The Apollo supercar passed the finish line at the Nurburgring 24 hour race on May 24, 2008, running on electrical energy alone in front of 200,000 spectators, proving that hybrid technology does have a future in motor racing. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Apollo made by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") that was powered by Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") battery is owned by Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer and champion, and was piloted by Mr. Dirk Muller and Mr. Frentzen.

The hybrid Apollo used a 3.3 liter V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor. LTC's 9kWh GAIA(R) battery included an advanced battery management system (BMS) that transmitted battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhance performance control of the technical team. Gumpert supplied the basic vehicle, a Gumpert Apollo, while Switzerland's BRUSA gave provided the electrical motor.

Mr. Muller commented "I'm proud to have been a driver for this innovative and forward-thinking project. I was fascinated at how simple and trouble-free it was to handle the hybrid system."

LTC is involved with several PHEV projects and previously introduced its own Toyota Prius with retrofitted GAIA Lithium Iron Phosphate cells in 2007, demonstrating the Company's leading technology. The company is currently supplying both cells and batteries for several other hybrid vehicle projects including buses, trucks, unmanned vehicles and motorcycles.

"LTC's battery technology has more than proven its worth in racing, providing impressive evidence that lithium-ion technology is already fit for use in hybrid vehicles," commented LTC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Klaus Brandt. "The race was an amazing experience for everyone involved, and we're already focusing on how to bring this battery concept to the next level.

From racetracks to highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries, iron-phosphate and nickel-cobalt. Both chemistries coupled with the company's innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells and batteries unmatched by any other product. Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Toyota Linked to Human Trafficking and Sweatshop Abuses  
NEW YORK, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the National Labor Committee (NLC) is releasing a 65-page report, "The Toyota You Don't Know" documenting serious human rights violations by the Toyota Motor Company, which will disturb most Americans.

"Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pit, Bill Maher and others have led the way in turning Toyota's Prius into a symbol of concern for our environment," said Charles Kernaghan, director of the NLC, "We hope that these same celebrities will now also challenge Toyota to improve its respect for human and worker rights. As a start, Toyota should cut its ties to the Burmese dictators and end the exploitation of foreign guest workers trafficked to Japan."

* Toyota linked to human trafficking and sweatshop abuse: Toyota's much admired "Just in Time" auto parts supply chain is riddled with sweatshop abuse, including the trafficking of foreign guest workers, mostly from China and Vietnam to Japan, who are stripped of their passports and often forced to work--including at subcontract plants supplying Toyota--16 hours a day, seven days a week, while being paid less than half the legal minimum wage. Guest workers who complain about abusive conditions are deported.

* Prius made by low-wage temps: Fully one-third--10,000--of all Toyota assembly line workers in Japan are low-wage temps who have few rights and earn less than 60% of what full time workers do.

* Unpaid overtime and "overworked" to death: Mr. Kenichi Uchino was just 30 years old when he died of overwork on an assembly line at Toyota's Prius plant, leaving behind his young wife and two children. Mr. Uchino routinely worked 13 to 14 hours a day, putting in 106 1/2 to 155 hours of overtime--depending on whether work taken home was counted--in the 30 days leading up to his death. Toyota claimed that he had only worked 45 hours of overtime and that the other 61 1/2 to 110 hours were "voluntary" and unpaid. His wife had to go to court -- which ruled that Mr. Uchino was overworked to death -- to win a pension for their children.

* Ties to Burmese dictators: Toyota, through the Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which is part of the Toyota Group of Companies, is involved in several joint business ventures with the ruthless military regime in Burma. The dictators use these revenues to repress and torture the people of Burma.

* Toyota and the race to the bottom: Toyota is imposing its two-tier, low wage model at its non-union plants in the south of the United States, which will result in wages and benefits being slashed across the entire auto industry.

The National Labor Committee recently documented how the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement descended into human trafficking with tens of thousands of foreign guest workers held under conditions of involuntary servitude.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Ace Cafe Racer unveiled  
MCN was invited to take a sneak peak at the completed Ace Cafe Racer before it is shipped to the United States and we have some video footage of it running.

Mark Wilsmore, Managing Director of the Ace Cafe, unveiled the bike to a select group of family and friends. Upon its arrival in America it will be part of the 50th anniversary party of engine manufacturer S&S and at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August.

Watch the motorcycle running below and read the full article in MCN,

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

Tech Watch: Opel Eye Warns Drivers About Speed Limits  
RUSSELSHEIM, Germany — The Opel Eye, an in-vehicle camera that can read speed limit and no-passing signs, was introduced on Wednesday. Opel said the system will be available in early 2009 on the Opel Insignia, with other models to follow shortly.

The high-tech system, which was developed by GM/Opel and auto supplier Hella, bundles two functions. The Traffic Sign Recognition function reads the speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them on the instrument panel. A lane departure warning system alerts drivers when they veer out of the lane. "These two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets," Opel said in a statement.

Opel says the system uses a camera that is not much bigger than a mobile phone and takes 30 pictures per second. It is located between the windshield and the rearview mirror. Two signal processors and computer software filter and read the photos. "The system always displays the most relevant information for safe driving, filtering out many signs that may overwhelm drivers," Opel said. "If two signs are recognized in close proximity to one another, then special notice signs, like a 'no passing' restriction, would take precedence over a speed limit sign."

The notices show up on the instrument panel for just a few seconds between the gauges. Opel says the new system is better than a portable navigation system with stored speed limits because it works in "real time."

"If a speed limit changes, due to road construction for instance, the Opel Eye detects it," it said.

GM has not yet announced pricing on the Opel Eye or said if it will end up on GM vehicles in the U.S. GM Europe's Web site includes a short video of how Opel Eye works.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Opel Cars Can See: Opel Eye Camera Reads Signs, Improves Safety  
RÜSSELSHEIM –: Opel introduces a first: A camera that aids drivers in two different ways. The Traffic Sign Recognition function reads speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Together, these two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.

“These new features follow Opel’s philosophy of enhancing driving excitement by assisting drivers without reducing their level of control.” explains Hans Demant, managing director of Opel. “That means the system gives drivers information, but it doesn’t intervene.”

Known as the Opel Eye, the wide-angle, high-resolution camera and processors were jointly developed by GM/Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim and specialists from supplier Hella. The camera, located between the windshield and the rear-view mirror, detects road signs and lane markings. It is not much bigger than a mobile phone yet can take 30 pictures per second. Two signal processors, with the help of proprietary GM software, filter and read the photos.

Attention: This is the new speed limit!

The Traffic Sign Detection can read speed limit and no-passing signs and even notify drivers when speed restrictions have been lifted. Depending on light conditions, the system begins to recognize and repeatedly read signs at 100 meters. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. If a picture matches an image of a road sign in the car’s software, the sign is displayed in the instruments panel..

The system always displays the most relevant information for safe driving, filtering out many signs that may overwhelm drivers. If two signs are recognized in close proximity to one another, then special notice signs, like “no passing” restriction would take precedence over a speed limit sign.

The notices are displayed for a few seconds as a symbol in the center of the instrument panel between the main round dials. In addition, drivers can recall the image any time by pressing a button on the steering wheel. Traffic Sign Detection can be activated via a sub-page in the car’s onboard computer menu.

The Opel Eye gives more accurate information than portable navigation systems with stored speed limits because the camera works in real time. If a speed limit changes, due to road construction for instance, the Opel Eye detects it.

The processors are able to recognize traffic signs because most are designed uniformly in line with the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Established in 1968, this agreement standardizes road signs throughout more than 80 countries (for more information see Spotlight chapter).

“As we were working with the Opel Eye, we enhanced the systems’ capabilities to impressive levels. On German highways, for example, lanes sometimes have different speed limits. The Opel Eye is able to correctly register the relevant one every time,” says Dr. Christoph Schmidt, Engineering Group Manager of GME Electronics. .

Lane Departure Warning: Alarm indicates unintentional lane change

The Opel Eye camera also checks whether drivers stay in their chosen lane on the highway. This helps prevent a dangerous situation, such as a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Lane Departure Warning can be switched on or off via a button. When active, it warns the driver with a gong sound and a blinking signal on the instrument panel.

Lane Departure Warning uses a second signal processor and software to filter lines and longitudinal patterns at speeds above 50 km/h. This enables the system to recognize the traffic lane. By using specific algorithms that define the conditions in which alerts are given and by noticing steering wheel and turn-indicator movements – signaling an intentional lane change – the system is designed only to intervene at the appropriate moment.

“A car that can see and warn the driver well in advance of potential hazards is another important step in our long-term accident prevention strategy,” Demant says, adding that GM Europe also is working on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, where cars can exchange information like position and speed. (see V2V)

Drivers can be warned in advance if another car is traveling in a blind spot, stopped in an area that is difficult or impossible to see, or about to enter the same intersection. A pilot project is currently underway in the German state of Hessen in collaboration with the state government.

The Opel Eye, featuring the Traffic Sign Detection and Lane Departure Warning will be available as an option in the new Opel Insignia. Other models will offer the systems in the future, in line with Opel’s philosophy of democratizing technology.

In 2003, Opel was the first automaker to introduce the innovative Adaptive Forward Lighting system with dynamic curve lighting and 90-degree cornering light to the mid-size car class. That same year, Opel made electronic Continuous Damping Control available to Astra drivers. Prior to that, this feature usually was found only in luxury class and exclusive sports cars.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

DOLLAR(R) Launches New Service for Mobile Devices  
TULSA, Okla., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dollar Rent A Car, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. , has unveiled a new mobile service that allows travelers to make a reservation with DOLLAR.com, the company's award-winning Web site, anywhere using a cell phone or other Web-enabled mobile device.

Optimized for viewing on a Web-enabled mobile phone, DOLLAR.com continues to deliver the best car rental value available in a format that is easy-to-use and easy on the eyes. The new mobile site retains virtually all of the features and functionality of the DOLLAR.com desktop website.

Using the enhanced mobile service, travelers may:

-- Make a reservation at any one of Dollar Rent A Car's convenient worldwide locations;

-- Cancel or modify an existing reservation with DOLLAR(R);

-- Display all car types available or only those desired;

-- Log in as a Dollar Express member, expediting the rental process by using the information contained in your profile;

-- Get the benefit of special offers with promotional codes or get the benefits associated with your corporate account ID number; and

-- Earn Dollar Express Rewards points toward free future rental days or frequent flyer points with participating airline and hotel partners.

"As many of our customers are road warriors on the go, Dollar Rent A Car wants to be as convenient as possible and minimize hassle," said Charlie Coniglio, vice president of E-commerce and Global Distribution for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. "With this new Web-enabled product from DOLLAR.com, we are combining functionality with the strong value proposition customers have come to expect from DOLLAR. Usablenet has delivered a product that we can be very proud of."

The new service will be powered by New York-based Usablenet, Inc. Specializing in helping organizations to support users of mobile and assistive technologies for Web access, Usablenet was founded in 2000. The company has unmatched experience and expertise in addressing the limitations of multiple, disparate devices, browsers, formats, and technologies and providing seamless access to all types of web content and services. Today, Usablenet's core platforms are being relied on at over 300 organizations, with clients that include Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels, Northwest Airlines, Marriott Hotels, Amtrak, US Airways, NYC, City of Miami, Amtrak, NJ Transit, the State of Oregon, 1800Flowers and many others. Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Wonder Auto Joins Russell 3000 and MicroCap Index  
JINZHOU CITY, China, /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of automotive electrical and suspension parts in China, today announced that it is set to join the Russell 3000 Index and Russell MicroCap Index when Russell Investments reconstitutes its indexes on June 27, 2008, according to a preliminary list of additions posted June 13, 2008 on www.russell.com .

The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. These indexes are value-weighted and include only common stocks belonging to corporations incorporated in the United States and its territories. The 2008 reconstitution of the Russell Indexes will take place after the markets close on June 27, 2008. The new indexes will be effective for one year.

"We are very excited to join the Russell 3000 and Russell MicroCap. Our inclusion in the Russell Indexes will expand our visibility to the investment community as we continue to grow in the future," commented Mr. Qingjie Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Auto Technology. "We remain committed to building a highly respected auto parts brand recognized not only domestically but also internationally."

The reconstitution is usually one of the most highly-anticipated and heaviest trading days in the US equity markets, since buying and selling activities of asset managers are influenced by index component changes. As a result, being added to or deleted from the Russell Indexes, as well as variations in the weightings in the indexes, affect the market demand for the stocks of component companies.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth  
NEW YORK, PRNewswire/ -- Everyone knows you need to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, right? Well, maybe not. The traditional oil change recommendation was based on decades-old engine and oil technologies. Today's engines are built using advanced technology, reducing or eliminating contaminants and increasing the recommended time between oil changes.

According to organizations like the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the need to reduce waste oil is significant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 185 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of each year, dumped onto the ground, thrown in the trash, or poured down the drain. And the CIWMB says that just one gallon of used motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of drinking water.

New in-vehicle technologies, like GM Oil Life System, can reduce the frequency between oil changes by calculating each engine's oil "life." The system is a sophisticated technology that determines the optimum oil change interval for each vehicle, based upon how individual drivers have used it. This can add up to two or three less oil changes a year, saving more than 100 million gallons of oil annually. Less motor oil consumed helps to reduce environmental impact and saves drivers money.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Free parts offered with GSX-R1000  
Suzuki is looking to tempt buyers towards its GSX-R1000 by offering them £700-worth of free accessories if they purchase the motorcycle before September 30.

Buyers would be given a choice of 195 official Suzuki accessories, which include exhaust systems from Yoshimura, leathers by Dainese, helmets from Shoei, and clothing.

If a customer chooses an item costing more than £700, they can pay the difference.

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

India for battery-operated vehicles  
NEW DELHI: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Secretary V. Subramanian stressed the need for rigorous marketing and opening of dealers network in major cities for battery-operated vehicles by the manufacturers.

In a meeting with the major battery-operated vehicle manufacturers in the Ministry, Subramanian said that the Government was keen to work out a conducive policy for large use of battery-operated vehicles in the country. Several battery-operated models of two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers are manufactured by a number of industries. However the number of such vehicles is quite small in comparison to conventional fuel vehicles.

During the discussion, it was felt that while the running cost of battery-operated vehicles is cheaper than the petrol/diesel run vehicles, the replacement of batteries of battery-operated vehicles is quite costly. Leasing of batteries and central charging facility of batteries of battery-operated vehicles were also considered as a step-forward for promotion of battery-operated vehicles.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy through its research and development and demonstration programmes has made successful efforts for using bio fuels in automobiles and stationary engines and development and production of battery-operated vehicles during past 20 years or so. Battery-operated vehicle manufacturers have assured all efforts by them for expanding their marketing network and creating awareness about these vehicles.

The leading battery-operated vehicle manufacturers Mahendra, Bajaj Auto Limited, Honda Motors, Reva Electrics, Electrothurps, Eco Vehicles, Yo-Bikes and E-Bikes participated in the meeting. Representatives from Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Tata Motors also attended the meeting.

Source : Economic Times (6/18/2008)

2009 Subaru Exiga Makes Formal Debut  
TOKYO, Japan — The 2009 Subaru Exiga, a minivan-ish seven-passenger crossover wagon, made its formal debut on Tuesday here. The Exiga was unveiled last fall as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.

Prior to the production Exiga's formal presentation, Subaru had only showed off partial images of the vehicle.

The base Exiga gets a 2.0-liter DOHC boxer-4 that delivers 146 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 141 pound-feet of torque. The uplevel Exiga 2.0 GT with all-wheel drive gets a turbocharged version of that engine, boosting horsepower to 222 and torque to 240 pound-feet. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on 2.0-liter models; a five-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift is standard on the 2.0-liter turbo models.

The Nikkei says the vehicle will be priced between $18,400 and $25,700 in Japan.

The Exiga gets an optional panoramic glass roof that is available on all models except the 2.0i. The cabin gets three rows of seats that are laid out at different heights to allow better exterior visibility for all passengers. The Exiga is sized between the Legacy wagon and the Tribeca MPV.

In late May, a Subaru of America spokesman told Inside Line that there are no immediate plans to sell the Exiga in the U.S.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Ashok Leyland to sell part stake in Nissan JV to shareholders  
Ashok Leyland is planning to sell part of its stake in its joint venture (JV) with Nissan to its shareholders, reports Economic Times.

Last year, the company formed a joint venture with Nissan Motor to form three companies in light commercial vehicle business.

Both the companies would invest Rs 24 billion in the joint venture with a debt-equity ratio of 1:1. The equity of Rs 12 billion would be invested by both the players equally. Of the Rs 6 billion that Ashok Leyland plans to invest, it may give a stake to its shareholders.

Source : myiris.com (6/19/2008)

LG and Actor Erik Estrada Unite to Give Away Bluetooth Headsets to Help Los Angeles...  
LOS ANGELES, /PRNewswire/ -- On July 1, California and Washington will be the newest states to implement a law requiring drivers to use hands-free devices while behind the wheel to avoid being issued a ticket. In an effort to raise awareness about convenient hands-free options available to consumers which enable safer driving, LG Mobile Phones will be hosting an event titled "Red, White & Bluetooth" on June 19, 2008 at the Petersen Automotive Museum which is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax Boulevard) in Los Angeles.

LG has partnered with pop icon / actor Erik Estrada a tireless supporter of law enforcement, who will conduct a press briefing and provide interviews regarding the significance of this new law. The press briefing will occur at 11:30 a.m. followed by a free giveaway, which is open to the public until 1:30 p.m. More than 1,000 LG Bluetooth headsets will be given away while supplies last. LG product specialists will be available to answer questions about pairing headsets and handsets.

"LG is committed to creating products that are of real value to our consumers and hands-free devices are more than just convenient - they are also critical in keeping our roads safe," said Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president of product strategy and marketing for LG Mobile Phones.

LG recently launched three new headsets to further expand its current product line-up. The HFB 500 is equipped with speaker phone, allows for up to 16 hours of talk time, and has the ability to cancel out excess background noise. The HBM 310 permits up to 6 hours of talk time and features an E-clip movable ear bud that users can adjust for a more comfortable fit. The HBS 250 supports ten hours of talk time and is loaded with entertainment capabilities that include ten hours of music listening time.

In addition to these new headsets, LG launched the Decoy(TM), the world's fist mobile phone with a detachable Bluetooth wireless headset. This new phone features a discreet built-in headset that is Bluetooth version 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), and boasts entertainment capabilities that include a music player and 2.0 megapixel camera and camcorder.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Wonder Auto Joins Russell 3000 and MicroCap Index  
JINZHOU CITY, China, June 18 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of automotive electrical and suspension parts in China, today announced that it is set to join the Russell 3000 Index and Russell MicroCap Index when Russell Investments reconstitutes its indexes on June 27, 2008, according to a preliminary list of additions posted June 13, 2008 on www.russell.com .

The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. These indexes are value-weighted and include only common stocks belonging to corporations incorporated in the United States and its territories. The 2008 reconstitution of the Russell Indexes will take place after the markets close on June 27, 2008. The new indexes will be effective for one year.

"We are very excited to join the Russell 3000 and Russell MicroCap. Our inclusion in the Russell Indexes will expand our visibility to the investment community as we continue to grow in the future," commented Mr. Qingjie Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Auto Technology. "We remain committed to building a highly respected auto parts brand recognized not only domestically but also internationally."

The reconstitution is usually one of the most highly-anticipated and heaviest trading days in the US equity markets, since buying and selling activities of asset managers are influenced by index component changes. As a result, being added to or deleted from the Russell Indexes, as well as variations in the weightings in the indexes, affect the market demand for the stocks of component companies.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Royal Enfield to expand two-wheeler capacity  
Chennai, June 18 Royal Enfield plans to expand its two-wheeler production capacity to 60,000 units a year, with an investment of Rs 25 crore, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr R.L. Ravichandran.

Addressing the launch of a new model, a 350-cc four-stroke Thunderbird Twinspark with twin spark plugs and unit construction engine (UCE) developed in-house, he said sales have been growing steadily and the company is now expanding its production capacity. In 2007-08, the company manufactured over 39,000 units.

The expanded production capacity would be in place by 2010-11, and by the time, it would have launched at least four more models — two for the domestic market and two for international markets — with the UCE.

UCE means the engine, clutch and gear box are in a single compact unit. In the current models, the clutch assembly and gear box are separate and bolted on to the engine. This engine has been developed in house using elements of the AVL, lean burn engine introduced a few years back.

UCE plus

The UCE means that the bike has 20 per cent less moving parts, better combustion, more mileage and better lubrication with a high volume pump in place, company officials said.

For the company, UCE represents the next level of growth, Mr Ravichandran said. It would introduce a series of variants for the domestic and international markets. The company has introduced a 500-cc UCE with an electronic fuel ignition in the international markets. The new models would be introduced at the international auto shows in Europe later this year.

On the need to deliver new models for a company that cannot afford to lose touch with a reputation for offering bikes with the classic look and feel of the World War II era, Mr Ravichandran said Royal Enfield has taken care not to meddle with the machine’s overall look and feel.

‘Bullet’ issues

The UCE in the Thunderbird Twinspark means that customers will no longer have to deal with the chronic issues of owning a Bullet — the vintage version that has given the company the reputation it basks in today — which means no more push rod adjustment to stop tappet noise, no more oil leaks, no more checking oil level with a dipstick (a glass window now allows an instant check). The company has addressed the features that its customers may “not like but live with.”

Mr Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and CEO, Eicher Motors, of which Royal Enfield is a division, said the company has been working on the twin spark plug technology since the late 1990s. After the launch of the Thunderbird with the AVL engine in 2001, the UCE builds on the features that made the previous version a success. The 500-cc version targets the export market and the 350-cc the domestic market.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (6/19/2008)

Seat Freshens Its Appeal This Summer  
LONDON -: The arrival of a tranche of exciting new models, the addition of innovative new options and a particularly modest price list tweak – that’s SEAT’s recipe for summer success.

With the imminent showroom debut of the all-new SEAT Ibiza five-door just around the corner – it officially lands on dealer doorsteps in precisely 28 days’ time – you might be forgiven for thinking the Spanish car maker would be focusing exclusively on its super new supermini.

Not so. While the newcomer is sure to grab the lion’s share of the limelight with its enticing mix of quality, style and engineering excellence, there’s every reason to believe that important additions to the Leon line-up, plus enhanced options on Altea, Altea XL and Alhambra, are set to boost sales across the board.

The perennially-popular Leon line-up receives a real shot in the arm with the arrival of two carefully tailored new models, both calculated to add fresh impetus to the family five-door’s model mix.

First comes the Leon Emoción, a keenly-priced creation based on the entry-level Leon Reference but boasting subtle styling and equipment upgrades designed to lift it comfortably above the crowd.

Powered by either SEAT’s slick 1.6-litre, 102 PS petrol or frugal 1.9-litre 105 PS TDI diesel, the new Emoción model adds sporty 16” ‘Badia’ alloy wheels and front fog lights, plus the convenience and safety boost which springs from steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The newcomer costs from just £13,250 RRP (for the 1.6 petrol) rising to £14,350 RRP for the 1.9 TDI.

Alternatively, Leon buyers after an even more exhilarating motoring experience can now consider the appeal of the new Leon Sport. Powered by either SEAT’s new, state-of-the-art 125 PS 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine or frugal yet fiery 140 PS 2.0-litre TDI, the Stylance-based Sport offers air conditioning, 17” ‘Aquila’ alloys, grippy sports seats and dynamic sports suspension among its unique selling points.

Capable of hustling from 0 to 62 mph in a crisp 9.3 seconds (2.0 TDI) or 9.8 seconds (1.4 TSI), and offering up to 50.4 mpg on the combined cycle (2.0 TDI) the new Leon Sport firmly ticks the box marked ‘environmentally responsible’ courtesy of official CO2 emissions set at just 147 g/km (2.0 TDI) or a particularly modest 155 g/km for the new 1.4 TSI petrol engine.

The price? £14,795 RRP for the 1.4 TSI Sport, £16,995 RRP for the 2.0 TDI Sport, and £17,995 RRP for the 2.0 TDI Sport with ultra quick-shifting DSG auto/sequential manual gearbox in place of the standard six-speed manual.

Away from Leon, SEAT is extending the availability of its popular rear seat entertainment system – pioneered on the capable Altea Freetrack 4 – to the rest of the Altea family.

The roof-mounted 7” rear seat screen, which is offered with a flexible RCA connection perfect for hooking up everything from an iPod to a portable DVD player or games console, is now available as a £300 RRP factory option across the Altea and Altea XL line ups.

Finally, SEAT’s family-sized Alhambra MPV is now available with a real touch of luxury in the shape of opulent leather/Alcantara upholstery on all of its seven individual seats. Offered on top spec’ Stylance variants of the Spaniards’ full size people carrier, the upholstery upgrade comes with a price tag of £2,185 RRP.

Meanwhile, revisions across the SEAT price list see several models actually reduced, while increases are limited to an average of just a fraction over one per cent – comfortably below May’s official Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 3.3%. The new RRPs, effective from Tuesday 1st July, are listed in full below.

Discussing the range revisions, additions and price changes, Director of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny, said: ‘While much attention is naturally, and rightly, focused on our forthcoming new Ibiza 5dr, we haven’t taken our eye off the other strong models in our range.

‘I’m particularly looking forward to the response to our new Leon Sport 1.4 TSI which, with the benefit of that frugal yet sporty turbocharged petrol engine, really does offer style-conscious drivers the best of all worlds.’

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Goodyear to Webcast June 26 Investor Meeting  
AKRON, Ohio, -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it will host a live web cast of its June 26 investor meeting in New York. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. (EDT) and is expected to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Participating in the meeting will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan and W. Mark Schmitz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, along with leaders of the company's strategic business units.

Attendance in person at the investor meeting in New York is by invitation only. For further information regarding the event, please contact Goodyear Investor Relations at goodyear.investor.relations@goodyear.com.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Fortune magazine named Goodyear the World's Most Admired Motor Vehicle Parts Company in its 2008 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. The publication ranked Goodyear No. 1 in innovation, people management, use of assets and global orientation. The company is also listed on Forbes magazine's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and CRO magazine's ranking of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

M'bishi, Peugeot strike electric car alliance -report  
TOKYO, - Mitsubishi Motors Corp will tie up with France's PSA Peugeot Citroen in the production of electric vehicles, supplying technology and next-generation batteries, a newspaper reported on Monday.

The report in the Nikkei business daily boosted Mitsubishi Motors stock 2.5 percent, while shares in its partner for lithium-ion batteries GS Yuasa Corp (6674.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) surged 10.4 percent.

The two automakers may also look at forming a joint venture to build electric vehicles, the paper said.

Electric vehicles are moving into the mainstream as consumers try to economise on fuel amid record-high oil prices. Mitsubishi Motors has been at the forefront of this movement and is planning to commercialise a pure electric vehicle by 2010.

A spokesman for Mitsubishi Motors said the automaker was looking at wide range of potential tie-ups in various fields, but that no decisions had been made.

Mitsubishi will supply Peugeot with technology relating to the conversion of electricity into drive power and the prevention of batteries from overheating, the paper said.

It will also supply lithium-ion batteries, which can store more energy in smaller packages and are seen as crucial for extending the cruising distance of purely electric vehicles. Source : http://www.reuters.com (6/18/2008)

New Report Examines Alarming Increase in Motorcycle Rider Deaths  
WASHINGTON, PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Friday marks the official start of summer, and millions of Americans will hit the roads to head to their summer vacations. Unfortunately, for too many motorcyclists, this may also mark the beginning of another deadly summer. The Governors Highway Safety Association's (GHSA) new report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, examines the dramatic increase in motorcycle rider deaths and looks at programs states have undertaken to keep motorcyclists safe.

In the report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, GHSA notes that motorcycle fatalities in 2006 increased for the ninth straight year -- more than doubling from 2,110 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. In fact, GHSA's analysis of federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities increased in 27 states and Puerto Rico between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, 67 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in 15 states. Also noteworthy is the fact that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 nearly one third of all fatalities occurred in California, Texas and Florida alone.

In 2007, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing motorcycle safety activities designed to mitigate or reverse the annual increase in motorcycle crashes. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico completed surveys. The report found that:

--A patchwork of helmet laws, scant enforcement and a lack of helmet promotion Hidden exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have universal motorcycle helmet laws.Twenty-seven states and Guam have laws that cover certain riders, and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws.In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets. Only nine states and Puerto Rico indicated special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets that don't meet safety standards.Although it is widely accepted that proper helmet use dramatically reduces the likelihood of a fatality in a crash, only 17 states reported special efforts to promote the benefits of helmet use and other protective gear.

--An explosion in motorcycle ownership has left states with training and education shortfalls. Motorcycle sales almost quadrupled from 1997 to 2006, from 356,000 to almost 1.1 million.As a result, 29 states and D.C. indicated they have capacity problems with delays ranging from one day to 12 weeks for training classes.Only threestates, Florida, Maine and Rhode Island require rider education for all riders, regardless of age.

--Motorcycle licensing requirements vary widely. Across the country, the minimum age for a motorcycle license/endorsement ranges from 14 to 18. Unlike automobile drivers, motorcyclists in at least 33 states may have licensing tests waived for completion of a rider training course.

--Many motorcyclists drive without valid licenses.In 2006, 25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license, compared to 13 percent of drivers of passenger vehicles.

--Road construction issues are addressed in only a few states. Although motorcycle riders and their passengers are vulnerable to hazardous road conditions, only 21 states and Puerto Rico currently consider motorcycle issues in road construction projects.

--Funding shortfalls are commonplace. Only 24 states reported that user fees alone support their motorcycle safety/education efforts. In 18 states, programs are supported by a combination of one or more of the following: user fees, dedicated state funding and federal grants. Three states only use federal money.

According to GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy, "This report is the most complete effort to date that examines how states are dealing with the problem of motorcycle safety. Clearly, more work must be done." Murphy adds that the timing of the report is key given that Congress will soon be reauthorizing surface transportation programs, including those funding motorcycle safety. "We know that we need more funding and also greater flexibility with those funds to promote countermeasures that clearly work, such as helmet use."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Goodyear to Webcast June 26 Investor Meeting  
AKRON, Ohio, -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced today that it will host a live web cast of its June 26 investor meeting in New York. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. (EDT) and is expected to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Participating in the meeting will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan and W. Mark Schmitz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, along with leaders of the company's strategic business units.

Attendance in person at the investor meeting in New York is by invitation only. For further information regarding the event, please contact Goodyear Investor Relations at goodyear.investor.relations@goodyear.com.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Fortune magazine named Goodyear the World's Most Admired Motor Vehicle Parts Company in its 2008 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. The publication ranked Goodyear No. 1 in innovation, people management, use of assets and global orientation. The company is also listed on Forbes magazine's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and CRO magazine's ranking of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

NSK One of Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations  
ANN ARBOR, Mich., /PRNewswire/ -- NSK Corporation, a member of the NSK Ltd. Group of Companies, proudly announces NSK's selection as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. The Global 100 is a list compiled and released annually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

NSK is one of the world's largest manufacturers of bearings and related linear-motion and automotive products. Based in Tokyo, Japan, the organization operates over 150 locations around the world.

The company is an industry leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR). All of its facilities will be certified ISO 14001 by the end of 2009, and all follow a comprehensive CSR strategy that emphasizes recycling, green procurement and company-wide environmental education.

NSK has advanced the bearing production process considerably, refining its manufacturing operations and taking significant steps to, among other things, reduce scrap waste, lower CO2 emissions, increase energy efficiency and cut down on the use of harmful chemicals. In its 2007 CSR Report, the company outlines current goals for 2010. They include achieving a waste-recycling rate of 98 percent or greater, reducing the number of liquid coolants with chlorine-based additives by 85 percent and reducing CO2 emissions per production unit annually by one percent.

The company has actively propelled environmental innovation through technologies such as a hybrid solar cogeneration system that uses excess heat from electricity generation to warm production facilities. More recently, NSK has implemented systems for managing waste and chemical substances and in 2007, it rolled out an information-sharing system to improve collection and analysis of environmental data gathered from its plants worldwide.

NSK also maintains a 'zero emission policy'. Zero emission is a concept spearheaded by the United Nations University (through its Zero Emissions Forum) by which businesses emulate the sustainable cycles found in nature.

NSK's efforts around CSR and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) have earned the company recognition by a number of international SRI indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the FTSE4Good Global Benchmark Index, the Ethibel Sustainability Index and the Morningstar Japan SRI Index.

For the Global 100 ranking, NSK was selected from among approximately 1,800 firms listed on the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) world- stocks index. Candidates are assessed based on their abilities, compared with industry peers, to manage environmental, social and governmental (ESG) risks.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Mid-Wales gets new Kawasaki dealership  
Kawasaki has expanded the number of official dealerships in the UK, with the addition of GT Superbikes in Talbot Green, Mid-Glamorgan, now added to its dealer list.

The outlet is owned by Gareth Gill and Terry Donovan, who have a combined experience of 30 years in the motorcycle trade. The pair opened GT Superbikes four years ago, and said they are delighted to become an official Kawasaki dealer.

“Kawasaki is a brand on the move and with a good reputation, which we felt reflected our own business ideals,” Gill said.

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

Eliott Bachelart to Drive for the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium National Team at Spa  
Eliott Bachelart has been chosen to represent his native country of Belgium in the highly-competitive Formul’Academy Euro Series rounds at Spa during the weekend of the 24 Hours of Spa later this summer. Bachelart, the son of Conquest Racing team owner Eric Bachelart, will drive for the RACB (Royal Automobile Club of Belgium) National Team on what many call the world’s nicest race track.

Every year, a few hours before the start of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, the Formul’Academy Euro Series race takes place in front of thousands of spectators. This year, two rounds of the single-seater spec-series will be contested August 1 and 2. With his participation in the double-header weekend, young Bachelart will join the likes of four-time Champ Car Champion Sebastien Bourdais and Frenchman Franck Montagny as drivers who have competed in the Formul’Academy Euro Series.Euro Series

"Eliott is the perfect kind of driver that we are looking for for this program," said Geoffroy Theunis, a representative for the RACB Sport. "At only 16, without a lot of single-seater experience, he has already demonstrated his talent."

Last season, Eliott Bachelart surprised many with his two outstanding performances in the Formula Renault 1.6 Series the weekend of the 24 Hours of Zolder. Bachelart finished third in the first race and second in the race number two. Making his performance even more remarkable was the fact that he sat in a Formula Renault car for the first time only a few days before hand and had to compete against more experienced drivers than him.

Getting Ready

Bachelart chose to concentrate more on his studies at the start of the year rather than his racing career choosing to participate in only two Skip Barber events a few months ago. But now that the school year is over, it’s all about racing and getting ready for August. In the coming weeks, Bachelart will be in North Carolina for a three week "boot camp" to get physically and mentally prepared. Then at the beginning of July, the teenager will continue his physical training with a personal trainer and will take part in two days of testing a Formula BMW car with Apex Racing July 16 and 17.

Once his Formula BMW test is over, Bachelart will leave for Europe and join the Formul’Academy at Le Mans for two days of testing on July 22 and 23. After which he will head to Spa.

"The only thing I know about Spa is what I have heard about it," explained Bachelart. "Since testing is limited, I will familiarize myself with it by walking and biking the 4.35-mile track that my father so often spoke about. I’ll also watch as much video footage as I can and of course video games are always a good help.

"This is an incredible opportunity for me. Representing Belgium , on one of the nicest race tracks in the world, just before one of the biggest races in Belgium is a chance of a lifetime and I want to take advantage of it."

Source : http://www.paddocktalk.com (6/18/2008)

Orbital Expands Into Australian Alternative Fuel Market With New Acquisition  
PERTH, Australia, -- International clean energy technology group Orbital Corporation Limited , is pleased to announce the addition to its existing portfolio through the acquisition of leading Australian LPG fuel systems supplier, Boral Alternative Fuel Systems ("BAFS").

BAFS is Australia's leading supplier of original equipment LPG fuel systems and is a Tier One supplier to the global automotive group, Ford Motor Corporation.

The acquisition provides Orbital with a low-risk entry into the rapidly growing Australian and New Zealand alternative fuel system markets, and represents a first step in a broader intent to offer 'next generation' greenhouse friendly alternative fuel systems that meet the requirements of fleet operators and private buyers.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Orbital will make an investment of approximately $1.6 million to assume BAFS's working capital (excluding debtors and creditors) including a small component of goodwill. Subject to satisfaction of all conditions precedent transfer of the business is expected to occur prior to June 30th, 2008.

BAFS, which is based in Sydney NSW, currently generates annual revenue of approximately A$6 million, and is expected to be earnings per share accretive for Orbital from the date of acquisition. Key management and operating personnel will transfer across to Orbital with the business.

In summary, the BAFS business:

-- assembles and distributes original equipment products in Australia and New Zealand manufactured by Vialle, a leading Netherlands-based international manufacturer of LPG automotive fuel systems;

-- sells LPG systems into the aftermarket for retrofitting to existing vehicles;

-- has over 20 years' experience in the LPG systems supply business; and

-- has access to Vialle's next generation, greenhouse-friendly LPG systems.

Commenting on the acquisition, Orbital's CEO, Dr Rod Houston, said, "We are very pleased to add the BAFS LPG systems supply business to our portfolio, in keeping with our strategy of growing and enhancing the Orbital business organically and through targeted acquisitions. We expect BAFS to contribute to the Orbital business in a similar way to our international Synerject Joint Venture business, which generates a strong ongoing revenue stream."

"There is a strong future for genuinely greenhouse friendly LPG systems. The next generation LPG systems, if properly implemented and supported, have the ability to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas whilst retaining the economic benefits of operating vehicles on LPG," Dr Houston continued.

"This is a first step in our overall strategy to leverage our existing skills and know how and to grow an alternative fuel systems business and develop strategic partnerships with world class organisations such as Vialle. Orbital is well placed to secure a significant position in the alternative fuels market, where we see increasing opportunities as the price of oil continues to rise significantly," he added.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Chrysler LLC Prices New Hybrids Thousands Below Competition  
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Chrysler announced today that it is pricing its full-size 4x4 sport-utility vehicle (SUV) hybrid electric vehicles nearly $8,000 below the competition.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI(R) Hybrid is $45,340, including $800 for destination. The MSRP for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is $45,570, including $800 for destination. Additionally, customers are expected to receive an estimated tax credit of $1,800.

"The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid deliver fuel economy up to 20 miles per gallon - a 40 percent improvement in the city and 25 percent overall - best-in-class cargo room, and are priced nearly $8,000 below the competition," said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Chrysler LLC. "Offering the unique combination of value, fuel economy, performance and capability, Chrysler's hybrid vehicles deliver exactly what SUV owners are demanding in today's marketplace."

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler's first entries in the hybrid market.

Capable of towing 6,000 lbs., the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles deliver seamless, dependable power and performance on demand, in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission - featuring the best characteristics of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive - and two different hybrid modes of operation, the drive system dramatically improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid are coupled with Chrysler's renowned 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Total output, when combined with the advanced two-mode hybrid system, is 385 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. In hybrid form, the HEMI continues to feature Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode system provides assistance from electric motors, allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.

The result: In typical use, Chrysler expects customers will reduce fuel consumption by several hundred gallons of gas per year.

Built at the Newark Assembly Plant in Delaware, the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles arrive in showrooms this August.

2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid

Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that offers elegant styling, premium amenities and innovative engineering with the room and capability of a sport-utility vehicle. Bigger than its full-size SUV competitors, yet smaller than large SUV competitors, Chrysler Aspen offers unique benefits as a luxury SUV in a class all its own.

Chrysler Aspen exudes styling elegance with clean, angular front and rear fenders, rear doors and rear-quarter panels creating a seamless profile. Individual chromed "Chrysler" lettering adorns the bodyside on each of the front doors. Premium touches also include chromed accents on body-side moldings, door handles and side mirrors, as well as 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Chrysler Aspen's broad, chromed grille is crowned by a sculpted hood, a signature of Chrysler vehicles.

Standard interior appointments include wood-accented door panels and instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning, overhead console with HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear LED lamps that may be individually aimed, uconnect gps, floor console with rear power accessory outlet, and a 60/40 third-row bench seat.

Standard equipment also includes premium leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated front-row seats, and a second-row bench seat, providing seating for eight.

Chrysler Aspen rides on a torsionally stiff, hydroformed frame with an independent torsion-bar front suspension setup featuring rack-and-pinion steering that helps provide a smooth and quiet ride and precise handling. An isolated torsion bar crossmember helps minimize road noise. Suspension and steering are tuned to deliver optimum comfort and driveability.

In the rear is a unique suspension setup with coil springs and a solid rear axle that delivers durability and strength. A Watt's linkage system is fitted to the rear axle, centering the axle and reducing rear-end skate over rough surfaces.

Standard safety features include Chrysler's exclusive Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System and next-generation front air bags, ParkSense(R) Rear Park Assist System, ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and three-row side-curtain air bags with roll sensing.

2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid Dodge

Durango offers style, comfort, convenience and superior versatility in a real SUV, with three rows of seating and room for eight.

The Dodge Durango's styling is enhanced with a high beltline emphasizing its bold appearance, while short front and rear overhangs contribute to the vehicle's expression of concentrated power. Crisp angles and chiseled surfaces highlight a strong and confident front-end design. Dodge Durango's signature crosshair grille stands out prominently, flanked by rectangular headlamps with dual-halogen bulbs wrapped around the corners of the fenders. The rear design of the Dodge Durango is marked by "afterburner" taillamps, and a chromed applique accentuating the rear liftgate.

Standard interior appointments include premium two-tone door panels and satin silver finish instrument-panel center stack, air conditioning, overhead console with HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and Electronic Vehicle Information Center, front and rear LED lamps that may be individually aimed, uconnect gps, and a floor console with rear power accessory outlet.

Standard equipment also includes premium leather-trimmed bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, heated front-row seats, a second-row bench seat and a 60/40 third-row bench seat, providing seating for eight.

Dodge Durango rides on a torsionally stiff, fully hydroformed frame with an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, providing a turning radius of 37.5 ft. - shorter than a Honda Pilot. Suspension and steering are finely tuned to deliver superior ride and precise steering. Dodge Durango's rear suspension features coil springs and a solid rear axle secured with a Watt's linkage system, resulting in refined ride and handling characteristics.

Advanced safety and security features include standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program with Electronic Roll Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, ParkSense(R) Rear Park Assist System, Tire Pressure Monitoring system, Sentry Key(R) engine immobilizer, and ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera System.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Ashok Leyland looks at derisking its business model  
MUMBAI: The country's second biggest truck maker, Ashok Leyland, is looking at de-risking its business model in the face of "many uncertainities in global scenario."

"We are prepared to face any worst case scenario, which could be an economic slowdown percipitated by global slowdown, which is percipitated by soaring oil prices," Ashok Leyland Managing Director Seshasayee said.

The world is facing this kind of a situation (soaring oil prices) for the first time, he said, so no one has an idea on how to tackle the situation.

About 68 per cent of the companies portfolio is dominated by trucks, which is a cyclical business. The remaining portfolio is filled with buses, engines, logistic vehicles for defence and genset applications.

Last year the company sold 84,000 vehicles and looks to sell 1.84 lakh units by 2010.

"We see a robust demand from our non-cyclical business model, especially from the defence," Ashok Leyland CFO K Sridharan said.

As of now, the non-cyclical business model of the company contributes 32 per cent to the revenues. "We want to take it to 45 per cent in the next two years," Sridharan said.

Source : Economic Times (6/18/2008)

2009 Porsche 911 Turns Fast Times on the 'Ring  
STUTTGART, Germany — Nissan's 2009 GT-R supercar showed its mettle on the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife race circuit with a 7 minute, 29 second lap time, and GM was eager to boast about the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V's recent 7:59 run, too. But Porsche has kept a lower profile, only now posting new 2009 911 lap times at a media event in Germany.

According to a Porsche display, the German automaker timed three different 911s for comparison. The fastest was a 2009 911 Carrera S outfitted with Porsche's new twin-clutch automated manual Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) Sport, and "sports tires," turning a 7:50 lap time.

Next was a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S (presumably with manual transmission) turning a 7:58. Four seconds slower was a current 911 Carrera S (presumably equipped comparably to the 2009 manual car), turning an 8:02.

Porsche says the PDK shifts 60 percent faster than the former Tiptronic S automatic, and offers a small improvement in fuel economy over the six-speed manual-equipped 911.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/17/2008)

Land Rover Discovery 3 Hauls Off the Competition at the Towcar Awards 2008  
GAYDON –: For the second year running, the Land Rover Discovery 3 has scooped the 'Best Towcar over 1900kgs' award at the Practical Caravan, What Car? and the Camping & Caravanning Club Towcar Awards 2008.

The Discovery 3 has a class-leading towing capacity of 3500kgs and combined with permanent four-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), rear park distance control, air suspension, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Assist, and Terrain Response™ it proved unbeatable amongst other competition.

John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director commented: "We are very proud to have scooped this award for the second year, beating off tough new rivals such as the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes ML. The Discovery 3 is one of the most awarded cars ever, which is testament not only to this vehicle’s versatility but also to the continued strength of British engineering."

Judges of the 2008 awards added: "Last year the Discovery 3 was a clear winner in this class. In 2008, some very tough competition ran the Land Rover close, but it has held on to the heavyweight class for a second year. Other cars can’t match the Discovery’s broad blend of talents. In particular, the cabin is exceptionally spacious and versatile. In fact, the Discovery barely dropped a point in our practicality tests."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Mercedes-Benz Extends Its Model Range of Premium Compact Cars  
Stuttgart –: Mercedes-Benz will have an even stronger presence in the compact-car segment in the future, with a product line-up of four instead of today’s two vehicles. Investments of €600 Million in the Rastatt plant will secure the long-term capacity utilization of the plant. In order to sustainably boost its competitiveness, as well as to access new markets and create additional production capacities, Mercedes-Benz has also decided to built a new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Today, Mercedes-Benz is already the most successful premium manufacturer of compact vehicles with its A and B-Class. The successor generation will include product characteristics that are already popular with customers today – such as generous interior space and an elevated seating position. In addition, new vehicle variants will win additional target groups for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

"Mercedes-Benz is going to offer an even wider range of exciting premium cars – with the high levels of comfort, safety and overall quality that are characteristic for the brand – in the particularly fuel-efficient compact-car segment. Moreover, our expanded product range will allow us to tap into new customer groups and open up new market regions," commented Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"We are continuously investing in vehicle manufacturing in Germany: in addition to the recently announced expansion of the Sprinter van production in Düsseldorf und Ludwigsfelde, we will now invest some €600 million in Rastatt for our new generation of compact cars," said Dr Zetsche. "At the same time, we are planning a new plant in Hungary to boost our competitiveness and to gain access to the potential of the Eastern European markets," Dr Zetsche added.

The long-term cost-effectiveness of the expanded product range will be safeguarded by the continuous progress made in the areas of vehicle efficiency and structural design. There will be a high level of technical integration among the four new vehicles which will are also going to benefit from the modular system used by the other Mercedes passenger-car model series. A case in point is the new generation of Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder diesel engines which is having its market premiere in 2008 and which will also be available for use in the new vehicles.

In the context of the expansion of its product portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Cars has also decided on the manufacturing strategy for the new generation of vehicles. In addition to using the existing capacity of the Rastatt plant, the company will built a new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. The production network between the two plants will contribute significantly to the company's efficiency and competitiveness.

"Rastatt is an important and proven part of our Mercedes-Benz production network; production of the next generation of premium compact cars from Mercedes-Benz will see the plant working at its full capacity," said Rainer Schmückle, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "In terms of all business aspects, the future plant in Kecskemét clearly offers the best perspectives. The site meets all the high quantitative and qualitative requirements for the successful establishment of a Mercedes-Benz production," added Mr Schmückle.

"Of course," he continued, "both sites have to contribute to the cost-effectiveness of our involvement in this vehicle segment which is the subject of very intense competition." Kecskemétis located approximately 80 km from the outskirts of Budapest. In order to build the additional facility, Mercedes-Benz is planning to invest some €800 million locally in Kecskemét and to create up to 2,500 new jobs for people in the region. Representatives of Daimler AG and the country of Hungary as well as the city of Kecskemét intend to sign a memorandum of understanding concerning this project in the coming weeks.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Set to...  
SANTA ANA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Advanstar Communications -- a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road, and powersports industries -- today announced the schedule for the 28th annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota. This nationwide show series allows motorcycle fans from California to New York to get an up-close look at more than 600 new model motorcycles including street bikes, dirt bikes, fuel efficient bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and watercraft from 19 major manufacturers; check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories; and enjoy demo rides, new rider programs, interactive entertainment for all ages and more.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Exiga. Not Exige  
If you're less than convinced by the, erm, contrived aesthetics of the new Subaru Impreza, how does a minivan version grab you?

No? Really? This is the Subaru Exiga, a seven-seater MPV-type-thing aiming to cash in on Japan's booming minivan market.

It's not exactly a stretched Impreza, but it's not far off - the Exiga sits on an extended version of the Impreza's platform and carries over a good few of the styling cues... check out that fat bonnet scoop for confirmation.

The Exiga is powered by Subaru's two-litre boxer engine in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form - producing 146bhp and 222bhp respectively - with Scooby's clever four-wheel drive as an option.

Sadly, it doesn't seem likely to get the Impreza STI's 295bhp 2.5-litre boxer engine. Which is a pity - we rather like the idea of a seven-seater STI. It'd keep the grandparents quiet on the airport run, anyhow.

Equally sadly - or perhaps thankfully, depending on your point of view - we won't officially see the Exiga in the UK.

However, word is that some Subaru dealers might smuggle a few units into the country. In hand luggage, hidden under a Stephen King novel. Or something.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (6/18/2008)

Batteries flat? No sun? Just pedal!  
The prototype for a new Hungarian car that can reach 140km/h on less than two litres/100km of bioethanol was unveiled on June 17 at Budapest's Museum of Transport.

The smooth, oval-shaped Solo was developed by Hungarian company Antro; it's little more than three metres long, less than two metres wide and can carry three people with the driver sitting between the two passengers.

The frame and body are carbon-fibre composite and the vehicle weighs only 270kg; there's a small electric motor behind each wheel.

The glass roof is covered with solar panels, enabling the Solo to travel 15-25km on solar energy alone

'For longer trips it uses a flex-fuel engine'

. Antro director Zsolt Hegedus said: "The Solo is a hybrid car with two modes of functioning: moving in the city using electric motorspowered by batteries, solar energy or even human power thanks to pedals attached to a generator.

"For longer trips it uses a flex-fuel engine running on petrol or bioethanol."

The interior is trimmed in wood and leather, including the steering wheel, and additional pedals allow passengers to help move the car along.

It's expected to cost about €12 000 (R150 000) but its developers say its carbon-dioxide emissions are only a quarter of those released by its non-hybrid rivals.

Hegedus said Antro was hoping to begin mass-production in 2012, promising a big sister for Solo by then.

That will be the Duo, will take six people and its owners will even be able to go their separate ways if need be: according to Hegedus it will be possible to transform the Duo into two Solos in 10 minutes.

Source : http://www.motoring.co.za (6/18/2008)

MG production in UK to resume – again  
China's top automaker will resume building MG sports cars in Britain in August 2008.

SAIC president Chen Hong told a June 17 shareholders meeting the company would start selling British-made MG TF sports cars in the United Kingdom via more than 40 dealers at the end of August or in early September.

"We will do it step by step," Chen said. "We will start with Britain and consider selling to other markets eventually."

SAIC also runs car ventures with GM and VW and is among a growing army of Chinese automakers aiming to make a name globally. Chen said it would roll out more MG variants and new models in the coming years in an effort to revive the failed British car brand

Nanjing restarted MG production at Longbrigde in May 2007 but ran into financial difficulty.

It became the latest owner of MG Rover's 10 000-unit Longbridge plant in Birmingham after a buying out its much smaller rival Nanjing late in 2007.

The facility was acquired by Nanjing in 2005; it re-started MG TF production there in May 2007 but ran into financial difficulty.

"Capacity is not an issue for us at the UK plant," Chen added. "We need to develop new models while keeping the original flavour of the MG brand."

SAIC rolled out its first self-developed car, the Roewe 750, based on acquired technology, in March 2007 and sold about 16 000 in its frost year.

Chen said SAIC aimed to more than triple sales of its own-brand cars to 50 000 in 2008 as it rolled out more new models, including a Roewe 550, catering to various market segments. The company plans to add more assembly lines to build 30 new models by 2010.

Chairman Hu Maoyuan did not rule out exporting Roewe cars to Europe or elsewhere eventually.

"We are currently focused on reviving and improving the image of MG globally," he said. "But we will not rule out selling Roewe overseas in the future if there is a demand." Source : http://www.motoring.co.za (6/18/2008)

CV project: Sunil Munjal meets TN CM  
Chennai, June 18 Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Managing Director, Hero Corporate Services Ltd, today met the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr M. Karunanidhi, in connection with the setting up of a commercial vehicles plant in the State.

The Hero group and Daimler AG of Germany intend to jointly put up a plant that would produce heavy commercial vehicles, at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. The industrial township of Oragadam, near Chennai, is one of the locations under consideration for putting up the plant.

Hero and Daimler have more or less decided on Oragadam, sources in the know say.

When it happens, it would be the second major investment in the commercial vehicles space in Tamil Nadu in the last few years.

Recently, Ashok Leyland and Nissan, the Japanese automobile major, formed a joint venture to manufacture 100,000 light commercial vehicles at Sriperumbudur, also near Chennai, at an investment of Rs 2,300 crore.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (6/19/2008)

Honda launches Civic Hybrid; to cost Rs 21.5 lakh  
New Delhi, June 18 Japanese car maker Honda Motor Co on Wednesday introduced the first hybrid vehicle in the country by launching its sedan Civic, equipped with a petrol engine and an electric battery.

Honda said that the Civic Hybrid would cost Rs 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The import duty on a completely built unit (CBU) is 104 per cent. The company will import the CBU from Japan, where it produces the hybrid car for its global markets. However, it is also exploring alternatives through which it can import the engines and parts and bring the car as a semi-knocked down unit.

“Currently, we cannot import the engine and components and assemble it as a semi-knocked down unit. But it is a difficulty that we want to overcome as it is always better to bring a car as a semi-knocked down unit than a fully imported car. This is because the duty is less,” Mr Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India, told Business Line at the sidelines of the launch.

The company said that it did not expect to sell high volumes, but wanted to make a statement of its technology and commitment to the environment. Honda has imported around 130 units and expects to sell around 300 during the year, said Mr Jnaneswar Sen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (6/19/2008)

Beware of Drivers Whose Cars Wear Bumper Stickers, New Study Says  
FORT COLLINS, Colorado — Watch out for that driver in the next lane with the bumper sticker that reads: "My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student" or even one that says "Ask me about my Schnauzer." A new study says that people who personalize their vehicles with special license plates, bumper stickers or decals are more likely to engage in road rage.

Writing in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, social psychologist William Szlemko and his colleagues found that people who personalize their cars tend to act out on their anger behind the wheel. Such venom takes the form of honking, tailgating or other aggressive behavior.

Bumper stickers and such are apparently a form of marking territory — just as animals do to ward off enemies. The more "territorial markers" the vehicle has, the more aggressively the person tends to drive when provoked, according to this study.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Car That Walks - Make That "Runs" - on Water? Japanese Company Making the Claim  
TOKYO — Genepax, a Japanese company, showed Reuters news service its water-powered prototype car. According to the company's claim, the car can run at speeds up to 80 km/h (49 mph) for an hour on 1 liter of any kind of water.

Reuters published the video online and reported, "Genepax may well have the solution" that consumers are looking for in an era of spiraling gas prices. The company's invention reportedly works by extracting hydrogen from the water in the car's tank, using what Genepax calls its Water Energy System, or WES. The hydrogen then releases electrons that produce the electrical power that the car runs on.

The political punditry site Huffington Post was highly skeptical. "It is actually possible to make a car look like it runs on water...with metal hydrides. These react with water to produce hydrogen," the Huffington Post story says. "But since these hydrides will deplete with time, they need to be replaced and so they are actually the fuel, not the water. And you can be sure that more energy will go into producing them than will be taken out, making them an energy carrier, just like a battery."

The company hopes to go into mass production with a Japanese manufacturer, according to Reuters. Among those plans are a presentation and demonstration in English for the world's media, to be held "soon" in Tokyo. At it, Genepax promises to display its electricity-generation module, prototype generator system and an all-electric car with onboard Water Energy System for continuous battery charging.

Company information can be found at the Genepax Web site, although most of the pages currently say "coming soon."

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Lamborghini Selects New Diamond Black Zircotec Coating for Reventón  
DIDCOT, UNITED KINGDOM –: Leading automotive coating specialist Zircotec has been selected by Automobili Lamborghini to supply a new thermal barrier for its one million Euro Reventón car. Zircotec’s plasma-sprayed Diamond Black coating is applied to the exhaust and inhibits heat transfer from the tailpipe protecting heat sensitive components from damage.

“Lamborghini needed a durable solution that protected the composite bodywork and components at the rear of the car,” says Zircotec’s sales manager Peter Whyman. “Paint finishes were unable to meet the stringent quality and durability requirements set by Lamborghini. Our coating is plasma-sprayed, in effect welding it to the base material, making it more resilient during heat cycling, life testing and abrasion tests. Together with the new black finish, Zircotec was able to deliver not only a highly durable coating but one that satisfied the requirements of Lamborghini’s Styling Department”. “The Zircotec coating was the only coating that satisfied all our requirements,” adds Luca Meschiari, Head of Exhausts at Lamborghini. “It is durable and offers significantly better performance than any other solution we have seen.”

Lamborghini is the first application for the Diamond Black surface, for which a patent has been applied for. “Up until now, black was only available using high temperature paints,” continues Whyman. “Only using paint is less durable and is therefore not appropriate for OEM applications. We developed this finish as part of an increasing range of individual coatings that can be adjusted to the application and customer requirements. It provides an extremely hard and durable surface that is highly resistant to vibration, mechanical damage and thermal shock.”

As packaging restrictions increase, together with a requirement to reduce weight, the Zircotec coating offers OEMs a robust, easily packaged solution that can dramatically inhibit the transfer of heat from exhausts, turbos and catalysts, protecting heat sensitive components. Proven in Formula One and World Rally, Lamborghini joins other prestige vehicle manufacturers and top level motorsport competitors to benefit from a technology that was originally developed for the nuclear industry. “The technology allows OEMs to quickly resolve heat management, even on existing platforms.”

Zircotec’s zirconia-based ceramics have a thermal efficiency of less than 1.7 W/m K, so provide an excellent thermal barrier. When applied to an exhaust system, the Zircotec coating inhibits the radiation of heat from the surface of the material, holding the heat inside. The coating can also be applied to other metal components including heat shields.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Wonder Auto Joins Russell 3000 and MicroCap Index  
JINZHOU CITY, China, -- Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of automotive electrical and suspension parts in China, today announced that it is set to join the Russell 3000 Index and Russell MicroCap Index when Russell Investments reconstitutes its indexes on June 27, 2008, according to a preliminary list of additions posted June 13, 2008.

The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. These indexes are value-weighted and include only common stocks belonging to corporations incorporated in the United States and its territories. The 2008 reconstitution of the Russell Indexes will take place after the markets close on June 27, 2008. The new indexes will be effective for one year.

"We are very excited to join the Russell 3000 and Russell MicroCap. Our inclusion in the Russell Indexes will expand our visibility to the investment community as we continue to grow in the future," commented Mr. Qingjie Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Auto Technology. "We remain committed to building a highly respected auto parts brand recognized not only domestically but also internationally."

The reconstitution is usually one of the most highly-anticipated and heaviest trading days in the US equity markets, since buying and selling activities of asset managers are influenced by index component changes. As a result, being added to or deleted from the Russell Indexes, as well as variations in the weightings in the indexes, affect the market demand for the stocks of component companies.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

IntelliChoice.com's Best New Car Deals for June Show Rebates Moving from SUVs and Trucks to Cars  
CAMPBELL, Calif. "Our Best Deals of this month are a clear indication that large vehicles, especially Sport Utility Vehicles and trucks, are in crisis mode," said James Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com. "Truck makers continue to offer rebates of more than $3,000 and $4,000 dollars, and for the second month in a row, the Isuzu Ascender is offering one of the highest rebates we've seen all year: $7,000. That's a number that would have been unheard of just a few months ago. All of this cash on the hood is a Catch-22 for buyers, because while they can get an amazing deal on a gas guzzler, they could well feel a squeeze on their wallets when they go to the pump."

Bell is quick to point out that all vehicle classes are feeling the impact of the auto market downturn. "A higher rebate is the deciding factor behind more than half of the winners' classes. The Toyota Yaris Hatchback beat out the MINI Cooper Hatchback in the subcompact class, and the Corolla beat the popular Civic purely due to rebate numbers. This month it should be mentioned that the Lincoln Town Car beat the Infiniti M35 in the luxury class, based on the strength of a $5,000 rebate. That will come as a surprise to many consumers."

One consistent Best Deal winner not yet impacted by rebates - the Toyota Tacoma. "The Tacoma has long been a mainstay on IntelliChoice.com's Best Deals list. I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that the Tacoma is a compact pickup truck and people still want utility without the burden of high fuel prices."

IntelliChoice.com's "Best Deals of the Month" identify new cars, trucks, and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 33 respective classes. Selections are based on current car pricing, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate. In addition, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own and operate each new model-year trim line over a five-year basis.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Dodge Brings 'Grab Life' Experience to the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest June 27-29  
What: Michigan residents have the chance get in the driver's seat when the Dodge brand's "Grab Life" tour comes to the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, one of the premier summertime events in the state, June 27-29 in Howell, Mich., at the Howell High School complex.

One of the highlights of the "Grab Life" tour will be the test track experience where consumers can get behind the wheel to put Dodge vehicles through real world driving situations, such as a slalom test, ABS brake zone, and speed bump and pothole suspension tests, designed to showcase the vehicles' performance and handling attributes. The 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's all-new crossover, will be the featured vehicle. Consumers will also have the chance to drive a Dodge Nitro and Dodge Charger. The Dodge Ram and Dakota pickup trucks will be put through their paces on a special track that will include water fording and hill climbing.

In addition to getting behind the wheel, event attendees can visit the Dodge "Grab Life" trailer to learn more about the full-line of Dodge products as well as visit the SIRIUS Listening Station, play video games, surf the Web for more information about Dodge at the Internet Cafe and peruse the Dodge Goods showcase.

The "Grab Life" tour will also include displays of some of the brand's newest models, including the highly anticipated all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R), Dodge Caliber SRT4 and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Consumers will also be able to test their knowledge in a Dodge trivia game and play Plinko to win prizes. Event attendees can leave with a souvenir of their day by posing for a photo in front of a backdrop of NASCAR drivers or the 2009 Dodge Challenger.

Anyone interested in participating in the test drive experience must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Budget hatch on sale in Europe  
Renault's budget brand Dacia has rolled out an all-new economy hatchback in the emerging markets of Europe.

The Sandero builds on the success of the Logan, Logan MCV, Logan Van and Logan Pick-up.

The company has now broadened the range thanks to the generously-dimensioned, five-door Sandero.

Like the other models, the Sandero seems to represent unrivalled value for money which is backed up by a three-year or 100,000 km warranty.

It will retail in the majority of European markets at an entry level on-the-road price of less than 8,000 euros (approximately £6,300).

The Dacia brand is expected to arrive in the UK in the first part of 2009.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Mazda recycles wood to make plastic  
Mazda hopes to recycle waste materials for use in its cars from 2013.

It hopes to use waste wood and other plant materials to develop a material strong enough to be used in vehicle bumpers and dashboards.

Waste plant material, such as wood shavings, can be turned into ethanol which will then be converted into ethylene and polypropylene.

Mazda claims this process is carbon neutral and, unlike alternative materials made from soy or cornstarch, does not remove food resources.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Jaguar launches green recruitment drive  
Jaguar launches green recruitment drive

Jaguar and Land Rover is recruiting up to 600 new employees, with many of them being brought in to develop green technology.

The announcement comes weeks after new owners Tata Motors completed the acquisition of the companies, and signals its intent to grow the brands.

Jaguar Land Rover has previously announced it is investing £700 million to improve the environmental performance of its vehicles, with many of the new employees being brought in to work on what the company describes as 'ground-breaking' projects.

Announcing the scheme, newly appointed Jaguar Land Rover CEO David Smith said: 'This recruitment drive demonstrates Jaguar Land Rover's confidence in our future. With our new owners, we have entered an exciting era, with stunning new models and ambitious technologies.'

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Acura Upgrades RDX for 2009  
TORRANCE, California — Acura has made some minor upgrades to its 2009 RDX. The changes should make it an even bigger threat to the entry-level premium SUV segment, of which it captured 38 percent in its first full year of sales.

For 2009, the four-way adjustable power front seat is standard for the passenger, which is a big addition for the turbocharged 240-horsepower Acura crossover. Four new exterior colors are now available: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. Acura's real-time traffic system also gets another metropolitan area to make 77 total covered cities.

The sleek 2009 RDX already comes stacked with options like a 10-speaker premium sound system and advanced navigation, and the few additional features cause a slight price increase compared to the 2008 RDX. The base model is up $500 to $34,455, and the Technology Package trim level is up $300 to $37,755. It will soon be on the lot at your local dealer and is currently available for order.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Exide buys controlling stake in Leadage Alloys  
Kolkata, June 18 Exide Industries on Wednesday announced acquisition of 51 per cent interest in Bangalore-based lead smelter Leadage Alloys India Ltd for an undisclosed sum. The board of directors of Exide had previously approved a maximum investment of Rs 35 crore towards such acquisition.

Having acquired Tandon Metals Ltd in October 2007, this is the second lead smelting unit in which Exide Industries has taken a controlling interest in. Lead constitutes approximately 70 per cent of the material cost of lead-acid batteries manufactured by Exide.

While a press release issued on Wednesday is silent on details of the latest acquisition, company sources said that together the smelters are expected to have a combined lead production capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes a month, nearly half of Exide’s average monthly requirement of 11,000-12,000 tonnes.

While plans are afoot to expand the capacity of Tandon Metals from 2,000 tonnes to 3,000 tonnes a month, a similar project may be taken up in Leadage Alloys in due course.

Price control

Since a larger part of the smelter capacity would be used for recycling the lead in used batteries, the acquisitions will help Exide achieve greater control over the price of its critical raw material.

Recycling of lead would also help Exide conform to the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules better. The rules make it mandatory on the lead-acid battery makers to collect used batteries to prevent environmental pollution.

“Our own lead smelting units will not only help us achieve greater self sufficiency in this critical raw material in the long run, it will also help us have greater control over recycling used batteries that we buyback from the market as part of a regulatory framework for storage battery manufacturing,” said the press release, quoting Mr T.V. Ramanathan, Managing Director and CEO.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (6/19/2008)

Policy boost for battery-run 2-wheelers  
NEW DELHI: Good news for all those planning to buy a battery-operated vehicle. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is planning to work-out a policy to support manufacturers and users of battery-operated vehicles. The ministry has plans to extend the present subsidy scheme to battery-operated two-wheelers and companies manufacturing battery-operated vehicles and engaged in establishing network of charging stations.

“At this moment, with a view to work out a conducive policy for large use of batteryoperated vehicles in the country, the existing scheme will be changed to accommodate two-wheelers,” the MNRE secretary V Subramanian said after a meeting with manufacturers of battery-operated vehicles on Tuesday. Under the present subsidy scheme, owners of only three-wheelers and fourwheelers are eligible to avail of 33% subsidy benefit on the cost of the vehicle.

However, according to a official of the New Technology Division of the MNRE, the ministry is working on a new policy to increase the subsidy as well as extend the benefits to owners of two-wheelers and network of charging stations established by companies.

Companies can also apply with the MNRE for support in research and development or for funding of the same, the official said.

Source : Economic Times (6/19/2008)

New Investigations Create New and Exciting Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese Automobile Industry  
DUBLIN, IrelandResearch and Markets has announced the addition of the "Car Electronics Policies in China and Emerging Market Opportunities" report to their offering.

China is currently a major country of automobile production and consumption. Due to an increase in China's automobile production capacity, and the Chinese governments efforts to stimulate car electronics demand and improve related technologies through industry policies, the Chinese car electronics market has grown dramatically. This report discusses Chinas policies and regulations on car electronics such as car safety systems, audiovisual devices, and navigation systems. Interviews with companies mentioned in this report were a major source of information for this research. The report will show that low energy consumption and environmental friendliness will play critical roles in the future development of Chinas car electronics market.

Source : http://www.businesswire.com (6/18/2008)

Hyundai To Launch Hybrid Without Government Won  
Washington DC The AIADA newsletter reported that Hyundai Motor Co. plans to launch a hybrid electric version of the Elantra sedan next year, and will do so on its own.

Some media reports this week closely linked Korean government efforts and financial support in lithium battery research to Hyundai's hybrid, but Hyundai says that's not the case. "We don't get any subsidies to that effect," Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz told Automotive News.

Hyundai plans to launch the hybrid Elantra in Korea, where the small car is known as the Avante. Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo told South Korea's new President Lee Myung-bak in March that Hyundai plans to begin producing hybrid electric vehicles in 2009.

Other company-supplied information on Hyundai's hybrid r&d program indicates the automaker does not expect strong sales soon. Hyundai tentatively predicts hybrid electric vehicle sales of at least 50,000 in 2011, but only if it has launched hybrid electric vehicles in the United States by then.

The automaker cites a lack of local tax benefits for purchasing hybrids as a barrier to its hybrid development program. But Hyundai expects the tax situation to change next year.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

600 new jobs at Jaguar Land Rover  
Freshly under new ownership, Jaguar Land Rover is now launching a major recruitment drive to attract up to 600 new employees.

The focus of the campaign will be to recruit engineers to work on exciting new technology and product development programmes.

There are also a significant number of key vacancies in purchasing, finance and human resources.

Jaguar Land Rover is investing £700m in sustainable technologies to improve the environmental performance of its vehicles.

The group is looking for experienced, degree educated engineers to work within the product development function on a variety of ground-breaking projects.

In addition, Jaguar Land Rover is launching a brand new graduate programme for over 80 graduates who will join the business in September.

Graduates will participate in a number of activities and events over their two year development period while at the same time integrating themselves into their chosen department.

Jaguar is experiencing a surge in worldwide sales thanks in part to the award winning XF saloon.

Meanwhile Land Rover, which has achieved three successive years of record sales, has recently revealed the futuristic and well-received LRX Concept.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Roc out  
The two-decade wait for a new Scirocco is nearly over. VW has confirmed that the Golf-derived coupe will go on sale in the UK this November, and has even announced prices and specifications and useful things like that.

The most important of which, unquestionably, is that you'll be able to order your Scirocco in 'Viper Green', the lurid shade that graced the Iroc concept back in Paris in 2006. What more do you need to know?

Prices? OK then. The Scirocco will start at £20,500 for the 120bhp 1.4-litre TSI version with the six-speed manual 'box. The other engine available at launch will be the two-litre, 197bhp turbo petrol engine from the Golf GTI, with a 138bhp turbodiesel and 120bhp TSI arriving shortly after.

Fuel economy will range from a healthy 37mpg for the most powerful petrol engine to 53mpg for the smallest diesel. With the exception of the base-spec petrol and diesel units, all the engines will be available with VW's ubiquitous six-speed DSG gearbox - though the 158bhp petrol engine will be the first to get the seven-speed DSG.

Any other exciting details? The Scirocco will get adaptive chassis control with three driver-controllable modes - normal, comfort and sport - but will also adapt suspension and damper settings automatically and on the fly. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys and bit o' leather, but if you want the big panoramic sunroof you'll have to pay a bit more.

We're getting our hands on the Scirocco very soon, and we'll let you know what we think as soon as we do.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (6/18/2008)

Bharat Stage III norms in 2 years  
New Delhi, June 18 All four-wheelers in the country may have to adhere to cleaner emission norms by 2010. The Government has said that it wants to implement Bharat Stage-III for cars across the country from April 2010, while rules in 11 major cities will be even tougher (Bharat Stage-IV), Mr T.R. Baalu, Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, said in a consultative committee meeting here.

Bharat Stage-IV norms, the Indian version of Euro-IV norms, would be extended to 11 major cities from April 2010, said an official release.

“The Department of Road Transport and Highways is in the process of notifying the rules very soon,” Mr Baalu stated.

Mr Baalu said that the Government would take all possible steps expeditiously to improve road safety scenario in the country. He also said the Ministry is in the process of designing suitable model of inspection and maintenance centres to be set up by the State Governments for rigorous inspection of motor vehicles. Central Government will provide financial assistance to the States for setting up of inspection and maintenance centres through capital grant.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (6/19/2008)

Oil prices climb despite US drilling debate  
The US oil drilling debate is having little effect on oil prices, which have headed back up overnight.

The spot price for West Texas crude has jumped $US2.55 a barrel overnight to $US136.54.

The latest weekly measure shows a dip in US stockpiles of crude.

And there are fresh worries about a strike in the key African oil-producing nation of Nigeria.

In Australia, petrol prices hit record highs yesterday, and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria's David Cumming says there could be more pain to come for motorists.

"We still haven't peaked, the Singapore wholesale price is still higher than what our wholesale prices are in Australia, there's a bit more to flow through," he said.

The price of unleaded petrol has hit 171.9 cents a litre in a number of capitals.

Source : http://www.abc.net.au (6/19/2008)

Mercedes-Benz To Alter and Extend Its A- and B-Class  
STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz Chairman Dieter Zetsche has officially confirmed plans that will see the company's entry-level A- and B-Class models relaunched in 2011 with a range of four body styles. The move should provide a much broader reach and a more competitive lineup to go up against the likes of the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series.

The new models have been thoroughly re-engineered with new four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines and a new front-wheel-drive platform. With the change, Mercedes will reduce production complexity and lead to greater profitability than is possible with today's expensive-to-produce A- and B-Class. Mercedes-Benz is also establishing a new low-cost factory in Hungary in which to build them that will supplement the existing site in Germany.

In describing Mercedes-Benz's future small-car lineup, Zetsche says: "The successor [to the A- and B-Class] will include characteristics that are already popular with customers today, such as generous interior space and an elevated seating position. In addition, new variants will win additional target groups for the Mercedes-Benz brand."

Mercedes-Benz is not revealing what format the new models will take. However, insiders contacted by Inside Line confirm styling proposals for both three- and five-door hatchback models have already been signed off. They are planned to go up against the popular Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, they say.

Accompanying them will be a roomy MPV that will replace today's B-Class. It is expected to closely resemble the strong-selling Volkswagen Touran in dimensions, offering the choice of a five- or seven-seat interior layout. Also planned is a new entry-level off-roader to lock horns with the upcoming Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Known internally by the code name X170, it will likely offer the choice of front-wheel or four-wheel drive.

"Mercedes-Benz is going to offer a wider range of cars with the high levels of comfort, safety and quality that are characteristic for the brand in the particularly fuel-efficient compact-car segment," commented Zetsche.

Also under consideration but not yet officially part of the new lineup is an entry-level cabriolet based around the three-door hatchback, along with a four-door sedan.

Mercedes-Benz has decided to ditch the front-wheel-drive sandwich platform, in use since the A-Class first came out in 1996. That change is a crucial component of the decision to build a broader range of small cars in place of the existing entry-level lineup.

The sandwich structure, originally designed to accept batteries within its flat floor, will be replaced by a more conventional front-wheel-drive platform that has been developed in-house — and is also said to be cheaper to produce.

"The advantage of the new platform is it allows a lower seating position," says an insider privy to Mercedes-Benz's small-car plans. "Until now, we have been compromised in terms of the number of models we could base on the structure, owing to the height of the floor."

The decision to go with a new platform also heralds the end of Mercedes-Benz's four-cylinder M266 (gasoline) and OM640 (diesel) engines. Produced expressly for the A- and B-Class, their unique design allows them to be mounted below the floor for improved crash protection. Instead, the new models are set to run new four-cylinder M270 (gasoline) and OM651 (diesel) engines closely related to those found in the C-Class.

It's a move that Mercedes-Benz says will provide greater production flexibility and much improved economies of scale, says our source. "There will be a high level of technical integration among the four new vehicles, which will are also going to benefit from the modular system used by the other Mercedes passenger-car model series. A case in point is the new-generation of Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine, which is having its market premiere in 2008 and which will also be available for use in the new vehicles."

Other driveline developments include plans to equip each of the new models with fuel- and emission-saving features such as start/stop and brake regeneration. Internal documents viewed by Inside Line suggest Mercedes-Benz is already well advanced on plans to provide its new small cars with a hybrid drive option using the lithium-ion battery technology to be launched in the S400 hybrid next year.

Despite the decision to base its new models on a new front-wheel-drive platform, Mercedes-Benz does not rule out the sandwich structure's use on electric vehicles in the future. "There is no better basis for an electric car," says Thomas Weber, head of research and development, adding, "I don't think you have heard the last of it yet."

To provide sufficient production capacity for its new price-leading models, Mercedes-Benz says it has earmarked a further €600 million ($932 million) to upgrade its existing Rastatt manufacturing plant in southern Germany. In a landmark move, the German carmaker also plans to establish a new low-cost plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, that it says will "boost competitiveness" and provide "access to new markets."

Intriguingly, Mercedes is not ruling out sending the A- and B-Class to the U.S. if fuel prices remain high. "Why not," Weber mused when asked the question.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Schaeffler Group Successful in NoAE Innovation Competition with Two Products  
TROY, Mich., /PRNewswire/ -- Schaeffler Group Automotive's INA and FAG brands were successful with two products in the Innovation Competition of the NoAE (Network of Automotive Excellence) recently held during the Wuerzburg Automotive Summit. INA's lightweight balancer shaft with rolling bearing supports and FAG's twin tandem wheel bearings were nominated for participation in the Innovation Vernissage in the "CO2 Reduction, Lightweight Design and New Materials" category.

"As a supplier, it is our obligation to offer our automotive customers optimized products for the drivetrain, where our ambitious goals of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved," said Dr. Peter Gutzmer, executive vice president of Schaeffler KG Technical Product Development and acting vice president of Schaeffler Group Automotive. "With the nominations, the jury has honored the efforts that Schaeffler has undertaken as a large international supplier."

Dr. Gutzmer explained how Schaeffler Group Automotive intends to increase efficiency in the systems with further "innovative components for the drivetrain of tomorrow" during his presentation. He also emphasized the importance of efficiency increases as the key to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. He outlined the product range of the Schaeffler Group, which includes concepts for fully variable hydraulic valvetrains in engines, as well as high-performance dual clutch systems in transmissions, that contribute to economical fuel consumption.

The NoAE Innovation Competition was first held in 2007. This is the first year that the Schaeffler Group has taken part in the competition, which is again under the auspices of the Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. Out of several hundred submissions, 30 products were nominated for presentation to selected technical experts from the automotive and supplier industry at the Innovation Vernissage.

A brief description of the Schaeffler Group products that were nominated for the Innovation Vernissage is below.

INA Lightweight Balancer Shaft

Replacing the conventional plain bearings on the balancer shaft with rolling bearings reduces friction and allows consistent optimization of the mass distribution on these shafts. A reduction in mass of approximately 20 percent to more than 40 percent is possible, which can amount to as much as 2.2 pounds in a 4-cylinder engine. In addition to the associated minimization of the shaft's rotational inertia that is implemented in the design of the partial drivetrain and reduces noise generation, the oil mist supply of the bearing is improved and a pressurized oil supply is often no longer necessary. All these measures lead to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to two percent.

FAG Twin Tandem Wheel Bearings

The concept of the twin tandem wheel bearing is based on substituting rows of tapered rollers with two rows of balls each. This means that a double row tapered roller bearing becomes a four row ball bearing. Substituting the line contact of the tapered rollers with the point contacts of balls and eliminating rib friction reduces bearing friction significantly. At the same time, a higher cornering rigidity is achieved compared to the tapered roller bearing.

This innovative wheel bearing is particularly suitable for use in vans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. These vehicle types are characterized by high axial loads and are usually fitted with wheel bearings with a tapered roller design. Twin tandem bearings can also be used in other vehicle types. With the use of twin tandem wheel bearings, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 1.5 percent per vehicle on average.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Honda moves with a Clarity into fuel-cell car production  
Honda Motor has started production of its "next-generation" fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, that it hopes will propel zero-emission cars running on hydrogen closer to the mainstream.

Japanese automakers are in a race to produce fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles as fuel prices soar and are spreading their bets on an array of technology that includes hybrid, electric and fuel-cell propulsion.

Honda said it would set up the first network of fuel-cell vehicle dealers in the United States and is planning to deliver about 200 Clarity units on lease in the US and Japan in the first three years of production

First network of dealers will be set up in the US .

The Japanese automaker already has 35 previous-generation fuel-cell vehicles on leases, mostly with Japanese and US public institutions. It hopes the new version will have more widespread appeal.

"With the Clarity, we are shifting our focus to individual customers," Honda said. "This will be a real stepping-stone to the consumer market."

Fuel-cell vehicles produce no greenhouse gases but their high cost and a lack of hydrogen refuelling stations are obstacles to mainstream use.

Honda said the Clarity four-seat sedan was three times more fuel-efficient than modern petrol vehicles and had a 30 percent greater range than its predecessor.

The cars are being assembled at "the world's first dedicated fuel-cell vehicle manufacturing facility" in Takanezawa, 100km north of Tokyo

'With the Clarity, we are shifting our focus to individual customers' .

The first five will be delivered to celebrities, including film producer Ron Yerxa and actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Canadian actress Laura Harris was at the factory on Monday to take delivery of her car.

Honda executive John Mendel said at a ceremony to mark the start of production: "It's an especially significant day for American Honda as we plant firm footsteps toward the mainstreaming of fuel-cell cars."

Source : http://www.motoring.co.za (6/18/2008)

LoJack Helps Las Vegas Police & Auto Theft Task Force Break Up Two Motorcycle Theft Rings in Less Than 48 Hours  
WESTWOOD, Mass., -- In less than 48 hours, LoJack Corporation's LoJack For Motorcycles was instrumental in helping Las Vegas police and the Southern Nevada Auto Theft Task Force break up two theft rings June 14-16. The operations led to the recovery of four Honda CBR motorcycles, a Yamaha ATV and the arrest of 10 suspects. The LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System once again proved its effectiveness in recovering stolen assets and helped police apprehend the criminals behind these crimes.

"Motorcycle riders need to do everything in their power to protect their valuable assets, because professional thieves can steal a bike right out of your garage and hide it in theirs," said Patrick Clancy, Vice President of Law Enforcement, LoJack Corporation. "That's why a recovery system like LoJack that uses Radio Frequency (RF) technology is so critical to install. These recent recoveries highlight the effectiveness of LoJack's proven technology, which was able to lead law enforcement to the specific garages where the stolen bikes were located."

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Decrease font Decrease font  
TAKANEZAWA, Japan (AP) -- Honda Motor Co. has begun commercial production of its new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car, called the FCX Clarity.

The midsize four-seat sedan, which runs on hydrogen and electricity, emits only water vapor and none of the gases believed to be responsible for global warming.

Honda says the vehicle offers two times better fuel efficiency than a gas-electric hybrid and three times that of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.

The car will initially be available for lease starting July to a limited number of customers in southern California and then in Japan later this year.

Honda says it expects to lease a few dozen units in the U.S. and Japan within a year, and about 200 units within three years.

One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles is cost and the lack of hydrogen fueling stations.

Source : http://edition.cnn.com (6/18/2008)

New Report Examines Alarming Increase in Motorcycle Rider Deaths  
Explosion in motorcycle sales, training shortfalls, licensing issues, decline in helmet use are key issues

WASHINGTON, -- Friday marks the official start of summer, and millions of Americans will hit the roads to head to their summer vacations. Unfortunately, for too many motorcyclists, this may also mark the beginning of another deadly summer. The Governors Highway Safety Association's (GHSA) new report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, examines the dramatic increase in motorcycle rider deaths and looks at programs states have undertaken to keep motorcyclists safe.

In the report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, GHSA notes that motorcycle fatalities in 2006 increased for the ninth straight year -- more than doubling from 2,110 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. In fact, GHSA's analysis of federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities increased in 27 states and Puerto Rico between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, 67 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in 15 states. Also noteworthy is the fact that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 nearly one third of all fatalities occurred in California, Texas and Florida alone.

In 2007, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing motorcycle safety activities designed to mitigate or reverse the annual increase in motorcycle crashes. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico completed surveys. The report found that:

--A patchwork of helmet laws, scant enforcement and a lack of helmet promotion Hidden List exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have universal motorcycle helmet laws.Twenty-seven states and Guam have laws that cover certain riders, and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws.In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets. Only nine states and Puerto Rico indicated special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets that don't meet safety standards.Although it is widely accepted that proper helmet use dramatically reduces the likelihood of a fatality in a crash, only 17 states reported special efforts to promote the benefits of helmet use and other protective gear.

--An explosion in motorcycle ownership has left states with training and education shortfalls. Motorcycle sales almost quadrupled from 1997 to 2006, from 356,000 to almost 1.1 million.As a result, 29 states and D.C. indicated they have capacity problems with delays ranging from one day to 12 weeks for training classes.Only threestates, Florida, Maine and Rhode Island require rider education for all riders, regardless of age.

--Motorcycle licensing requirements vary widely. Across the country, the minimum age for a motorcycle license/endorsement ranges from 14 to 18. Unlike automobile drivers, motorcyclists in at least 33 states may have licensing tests waived for completion of a rider training course.

--Many motorcyclists drive without valid licenses.In 2006, 25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license, compared to 13 percent of drivers of passenger vehicles.

--Road construction issues are addressed in only a few states. Although motorcycle riders and their passengers are vulnerable to hazardous road conditions, only 21 states and Puerto Rico currently consider motorcycle issues in road construction projects.

--Funding shortfalls are commonplace. Only 24 states reported that user fees alone support their motorcycle safety/education efforts. In 18 states, programs are supported by a combination of one or more of the following: user fees, dedicated state funding and federal grants. Three states only use federal money.

According to GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy, "This report is the most complete effort to date that examines how states are dealing with the problem of motorcycle safety. Clearly, more work must be done." Murphy adds that the timing of the report is key given that Congress will soon be reauthorizing surface transportation programs, including those funding motorcycle safety. "We know that we need more funding and also greater flexibility with those funds to promote countermeasures that clearly work, such as helmet use."

Murphy also says this report serves as a reminder to share the road, particularly as we start the summer driving season. "While the large majority of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle, other vehicles are a factor in 40 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes, so this is an issue that impacts us all."

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Fleetwood Announces New Retail Program for Its Fuel-Efficient Icon and Pulse Motor...  
RIVERSIDE, Calif., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group, a leading producer of recreational vehicles, today announced the launch of a new retail program for its Icon and Pulse Class C diesel motor homes. The program, which launches this month, offers qualifying customers a $7,000 cash rebate when they purchase a new, unused 2008 or 2009 Icon or Pulse from a participating Fleetwood RV dealer.

"We have created this program to assist families that may be interested in purchasing a more fuel-efficient motor home to enjoy the RV lifestyle," said Paul Eskritt, President of Fleetwood's RV Group. "Both Icon and Pulse average 15-18 miles per gallon(1), so they are the perfect RVs to combine with this rebate program. At Fleetwood, we understand the pressure climbing fuel prices have put on the RV consumer's budget, and this is one way to help them go on the road this summer at an affordable cost."

Featuring the new Dodge(R) Sprinter chassis, exterior highlights on Icon and Pulse motor homes include the Mercedes-Benz(R) 6-cylinder, 3.0L turbo-diesel engine for increased fuel-efficiency; pass-through storage; up to 138" long slide-outs for increased living space; highly styled front cap; and standard DuPont (R) full-body paint.

Interior highlights include contoured, European-style cabinetry; Corian(R) countertops; Jensen(R) 19" LCD HDTV; and contemporary interior decor options.

The rebate program is available for a limited time on products registered in the United States only.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Hybrid supercar finishes Nurburgring race  
The first hybrid to enter the gruelling Nurburgring 24 hour race crossed the line on electric power alone.

Although the Gumpert Apollo supercar finished outside the top 150 teams, more than 200,000 spectators were at the 'Ring to watch the proceedings.

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Apollo is made by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH of Germany.

This version was powered by li-ion batteries from Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC).

The team is owned by Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer and champion, and was piloted by Dirk Muller and Frentzen himself.

The hybrid Apollo used a 3.3 litre V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor.

LTC's 9kWh pack included an advanced battery management system (BMS) that transmitted battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhanced performance control of the technical team.

Mr. Muller commented, "I'm proud to have been a driver for this innovative and forward-thinking project.

"I was fascinated at how simple and trouble-free it was to handle the hybrid system."

LTC is involved with several PHEV projects and previously introduced its own Toyota Prius with retrofitted GAIA Lithium Iron Phosphate cells in 2007.

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (6/18/2008)

New Yamaha motocrossers unveiled  
Yamaha has just unveiled its revised 2009 motocross motorcycle range. The four-stroke YZ250F and YZ450F gain a new lighter swingarm and rear wheel hub, a larger and more rigid rear wheel spindle and redesigned spokes.

The 450 has a revised ignition curve and a matt black cylinder head cover, and the 250 motor benefits from lighter clutch actuation.

Base suspension setup has also been revised on both motorcycles and the top yoke now has the option of two mounting positions for the bar clamps. The seat is made from a new material claimed to trap less dirt in the seams and crevices on the surface.

The clutch lever is now a shorty design with a span adjuster. Colours are blue speed block or white speed block with black wheel rims.

The two-stroke YZ125 and YZ250 keep the same engine for the 2009 season, with only minor changes carried across from the four-strokes.

New lighter wheel rims, the newer seat material, new graphics, a gold chain and a new brake hose bracket are the extent of the changes – the overall design stays the same as development slows on the two-strokes.

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

New MCN June 18: Get your free 16-page British MotoGP preview  
It's all about the British MotoGP this week as we bring you an exclusive free 16-page preview with all you need to know ahead of the clash of the big guns at Donington Park on Sunday.

The guide includes the Valentino Rossi festival factor, Jorge Lorenzo's toil to get to the top plus we speak to all the British riders with James Toseland heading in to the biggest weekend of his career and Bradley Smith looks for his first 125GP win.

Also in MCN this week, out Wednesday, June 18, 2008, Trevor Franklin tries the world's first ABS motorcycle as Honda test the anti-lock brake system on the CBR600RR.

Source : http://www.motorcyclenews.com (6/18/2008)

Speed humps.. or a mirage?  
Officials in the U.S. city of Philadelphia are trialling a new kind of speed hump - one that's painted onto the road in a 3D fashion.

According to KYW1060.com, the scheme is to be called "Drive CarePhilly", seeking to fool speeding drivers into slowing down.

The illusionary speed humps are being deployed at over 100 junctions in the metropolitan Philadelphia area.

At the same time, a public awareness campaign of the dangers of speeding is getting underway in the city's media outlets.

A representative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said they would be watching the experiment very carefully.

However, traffic seems to have slowed down already.

Mr Al Hoffman, a local who lives near to the fake speed humps, reportedly said leaving his driveway was now "a pleasure."

Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (6/18/2008)

Electrovaya to Take Part in Advanced Automobile Battery Investment Summit in Chicago and the Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York City  
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, ----Electrovaya Inc. (TSX: EFL) ("Electrovaya") today announced that the Company will participate at the Advanced Automobile Battery Investment Summit in Chicago, Illinois on June 17, 2008 and at the Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York City from June 17 to 19, 2008.

At the Advanced Automobile Battery Investment Summit, Electrovaya has been invited to participate in a panel entitled, "Lithium Battery Technologies for Automobiles - Opportunities and Challenges". This panel will showcase a number of companies that are actively marketing advanced battery solutions in the transportation sector. Panelists will discuss the different approaches being taken by these companies to maximizing energy storage and minimizing safety hazards in lithium-based technologies. The presenting companies represent different sectors within the lithium battery supply chain, including companies focused on advanced materials, battery cells, battery packs and finished vehicles.

The Investment Summit will take place at The Standard Club located at 320 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois.

The Renewable Energy Finance forum - Wall Street, organized by The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) and Euromoney Energy Events, is a premier event taking place at the Waldorf Astoria, New York City from June 17 to 19, 2008. Electrovaya will be exhibiting its technology on Advanced Lithium Ion Polymer batteries for Clean Transportation and other Applications.

Renewable Energy Finance Forum-Wall Street is renowned throughout the industry as the meeting place for financiers, investors and renewable energy project developers to network, strike deals and drive forward the future of the industry. For 2008, REFF Wall Street has a completely revised and updated agenda, bringing together over 40 of the most high profile industry leaders and big name Wall Street financiers, who will share their thoughts on the future of finance for the US renewable energy industry - where money will be made, overcoming constraints on raising capital, and the sectors that financiers are reviewing with most interest in the current economic and policy environment. The conference will focus on the latest technological developments across the major renewable energy sectors, the most likely sectors to attract finance in a credit constrained economy, carbon finance and policy.

Source : http://www.foxbusiness.com (6/19/2008)

German Fiat Dealership Wins the ADAC EuroTest  
TURIN -: The De Graef Fiat dealership in Cologne has won first place at European level for customer service. It is the result of the latest ADAC EuroTest on ‘EDC in automotive applications’ during which the German Automobile Club examined European car dealers. During the study, the examiners simulated 500 sales transactions, in 50 European cities, at the dealerships of ten different car manufacturers. As well as ability to provide promotional information and advice on ESP, the judges looked at detailed technical knowledge, and general knowledge on safety and car safety systems.

According to the examiners, the De Graef dealership provided the most thorough explanations regarding ESP functions. In particular, the Cologne Fiat dealer gained the highest score in Europe with 96.1%, due to the importance placed on certain factors, such as perfect knowledge of details, advice, recommendations and, above all, safety.

As well as offering services for Alfa Romeo and Lancia, the De Graef concessionary has been a sole agent for Fiat since 1983. The company’s biggest asset is the great attention it gives to safety, both in terms of providing customers with simple, comprehensive explanations of the latest developments in this area, and in terms of explaining the strategic importance of safety for any civilised society.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Goodyear to Webcast June 26 Investor Meeting  
AKRON, Ohio, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Goodyear Tire Rubber Company announced today that it will host a live web cast of its June 26 investor meeting in New York. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. (EDT) and is expected to conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Participating in the meeting will be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Keegan and W. Mark Schmitz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, along with leaders of the company's strategic business units.

The web cast, along with presentation material, will be available on the company's investor relations web site: http://investor.goodyear.com. A replay will be available the same day.

Attendance in person at the investor meeting in New York is by invitation only. For further information regarding the event, please contact Goodyear Investor Relations at goodyear.investor.relations@goodyear.com.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. Fortune magazine named Goodyear the World's Most Admired Motor Vehicle Parts Company in its 2008 list of the World's Most Admired Companies. The publication ranked Goodyear No. 1 in innovation, people management, use of assets and global orientation. The company is also listed on Forbes magazine's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and CRO magazine's ranking of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Orbital Expands Into Australian Alternative Fuel Market With New Acquisition  
PERTH, Australia, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International clean energy technology group Orbital Corporation Limited , is pleased to announce the addition to its existing portfolio through the acquisition of leading Australian LPG fuel systems supplier, Boral Alternative Fuel Systems ("BAFS").

BAFS is Australia's leading supplier of original equipment LPG fuel systems and is a Tier One supplier to the global automotive group, Ford Motor Corporation.

The acquisition provides Orbital with a low-risk entry into the rapidly growing Australian and New Zealand alternative fuel system markets, and represents a first step in a broader intent to offer 'next generation' greenhouse friendly alternative fuel systems that meet the requirements of fleet operators and private buyers.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Orbital will make an investment of approximately $1.6 million to assume BAFS's working capital (excluding debtors and creditors) including a small component of goodwill. Subject to satisfaction of all conditions precedent transfer of the business is expected to occur prior to June 30th, 2008.

BAFS, which is based in Sydney NSW, currently generates annual revenue of approximately A$6 million, and is expected to be earnings per share accretive for Orbital from the date of acquisition. Key management and operating personnel will transfer across to Orbital with the business.

In summary, the BAFS business:

-- assembles and distributes original equipment products in Australia and New Zealand manufactured by Vialle, a leading Netherlands-based international manufacturer of LPG automotive fuel systems;

-- sells LPG systems into the aftermarket for retrofitting to existing vehicles;

-- has over 20 years' experience in the LPG systems supply business; and

-- has access to Vialle's next generation, greenhouse-friendly LPG systems.

Commenting on the acquisition, Orbital's CEO, Dr Rod Houston, said, "We are very pleased to add the BAFS LPG systems supply business to our portfolio, in keeping with our strategy of growing and enhancing the Orbital business organically and through targeted acquisitions. We expect BAFS to contribute to the Orbital business in a similar way to our international Synerject Joint Venture business, which generates a strong ongoing revenue stream."

"There is a strong future for genuinely greenhouse friendly LPG systems. The next generation LPG systems, if properly implemented and supported, have the ability to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas whilst retaining the economic benefits of operating vehicles on LPG," Dr Houston continued.

"This is a first step in our overall strategy to leverage our existing skills and know how and to grow an alternative fuel systems business and develop strategic partnerships with world class organisations such as Vialle. Orbital is well placed to secure a significant position in the alternative fuels market, where we see increasing opportunities as the price of oil continues to rise significantly," he added.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Set to...  
SANTA ANA, Calif.,-- Advanstar Communications -- a leading provider of integrated media solutions to the automotive aftermarket, off-road, and powersports industries -- today announced the schedule for the 28th annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota. This nationwide show series allows motorcycle fans from California to New York to get an up-close look at more than 600 new model motorcycles including street bikes, dirt bikes, fuel efficient bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and watercraft from 19 major manufacturers; check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories; and enjoy demo rides, new rider programs, interactive entertainment for all ages and more.

The 2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota schedule is as follows:

October 31-November 2, 2008University of Phoenix StadiumPhoenix, AZ

November 14-16, 2008 Dallas Convention Center Dallas, TX

November 21-23, 2008 Reliant CenterHouston, TX

December 5-7, 2008Long Beach Convention CenterLong Beach, CA

December 12-14, 2008Qwest Field Event CenterSeattle, WA

December 19-21, 2008San Mateo County Event CenterSan Mateo, CA

January 2-4, 2009Rock Financial ShowplaceNovi, MI

January 9-11, 2009 Washington Convention CenterWashington D.C.

January 16-18, 2009Jacob K. Javits ConventionNew York, NY Center

January 30-February 1, 2009I-X CenterCleveland, OH

February 6-8, 2009Donald E. Stephens ConventionChicago, IL Center

February 13-15, 2009Minneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolis, MN

February 20-22, 2009Carolina First CenterGreenville, SC

"Whether you are an avid motorcycle rider or a potential new rider, each show stop is bursting with the latest bikes, gear, safety equipment and information to get your motor running," said Show Director Jeff D'Entremont. "With gas prices on the rise, motorcycles make an excellent fuel efficient transportation choice and the show is the best place to see these bikes up-close and talk to the industry experts about the options."

For the 16th consecutive year, Cycle World is the title sponsor for the series and Toyota will return for the 11th year as presenting sponsor. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) presented by Toyota is the world's largest motorcycle show series.

Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

2nd car buyers overtake first-timers in Nano race  
Ganesh Gaikwad (name changed on request) has been working at a Tata Motors outlet in the central suburbs of Mumbai for more than two years now.

But none of the company's models during this period excited him as much as the Nano, which is targeted at the first-time car buyers.

But Gaikwad, who plans to buy a Nano himself, is surprised by the sheer number of second-time car buyers making him calls and personal visits for purchasing the people's car. About 900 customers express their desire to own a Nano every month. On some days, he even gets as many as 150 prospective buyers.

"Most people who visit the showroom are people who want to book as many as four to five Nanos. These people come with cheque books in hand," says Gaikwad.

Surprisingly, the demand from second-time car buyers outstrips the demand from those seeking to upgrade themselves from two-wheelers.

Tata Motors' city dealers say about 60 per cent of all Nano buyers are those who already own a car and the rest 40 per cent are those who either own a two-wheeler or have never owned a vehicle earlier.

The car maker's official Web site for inquiries on Nano has received 22.2 million hits as of June 13, more than four-fold jump from five million hits the page got six months earlier. Tata Motors' plant in Singur will have a capacity of 250,000 units a year in the first phase of expansion, which will be gradually raised to 350,000 units in the second phase.

Auto analysts suggest that Tata Motors may not be able to generate more than three to four per cent on net profit margin and five to six per cent on EBIDTA margin on the model. The car may take four years to break even. Source : rediff.com (6/19/2008)

Geely Automobile higher in Hong Kong on stake acquisition news  
HONG KONG, -- Shares of Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd were higher after the mainland automaker said it will acquire additional stakes in its operating associates.

At 10.12 am, the stock was trading up 0.01 hkd or 1.09 pct at 0.93 while the Hang Seng index was down 411.34 points or 1.77 pct at 22,912.15.

The automaker said it will acquire an additional 44.19 pct of each of the group's five operating associates for a total of 1.61 bln yuan, raising its stake in all five to 91 pct.

Geely said it will pay for the purchase by issuing 1.29 mln new shares at 1.25 hkd per share, a 36 pct premium to its last closing price.

By raising its holdings in the five operating associates -- the key earnings contributors to Geely -- the automaker will be able to consolidate their financial results into its own.

Source : http://www.tradingmarkets.com (6/19/2008)

Peugeot, Citroen and Mitsubishi team up  
PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi have joined forces to investigate building an electric powertrain.

The three companies already work closely together, with the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 4x4s based on the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mitsubishi has an electric city car close to production, called the MiEV. It is a modified i city car and is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in 2009.

Citroen and Peugeot, meanwhile, recently announced plans to develop electric-powered versions of their Berlingo and Partner vans for use by the French postal service.

Source : http://www.whatcar.co.uk (6/18/2008)

2010 Saab 9-4X Will Look "97 Percent" Like Detroit Concept  
SHERMAN OAKS, California — Spy photos of the 2010 Saab 9-4X making time on the Nürburgring were snapped on the same day that Saab Automobile USA General Manager Steve Shannon was discussing the future Swedish crossover with a group of journalists at the Saab of Sherman Oaks dealership in Southern California.

Although the latest spy shots show a heavily camouflaged 9-4X prototype, Shannon confirmed the SUV will look "97 percent the same as the concept that was shown at the Detroit show" earlier this year.

"Priced like a BMW X3 and sized like an X5," Shannon said, "the 2010 Saab 9-4X will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2009."

Based on the same global GM architecture as the 2010 Cadillac SRX, Shannon said that the 9-4X is still "every bit a Saab."

Shannon also confirmed that the 9-4X will make its production debut at an auto show next spring.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Tuner Special: Wald Lexus IS-F  
TOKYO — Wald International, the Japanese tuner known for its Black Bison, has introduced a tuning program for the recently launched Lexus IS-F.

To match the powerful 417-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 under the IS-F's hood, Wald is offering an aggressive exterior package that completely revamps the performance car's appearance. Large, more angular front intakes and a dual lower splitter help give the sporty sedan a look fit for the track.

The package is completed by Wald's trademark air vents behind the rear wheels, a custom rear diffuser and rear wing. The extractor behind the front wheels perfectly blends with the side skirts to help give the IS-F a new style to match its horsepower.

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Th!nk - The Electric Car Lives  
Washington DC The AIADA newsletter reported that clean, quiet, and relatively profitable to produce, electric vehicles have yet to gain a hold in the U.S.

But now BusinessWeek says that could soon change.

Think Global, a Norwegian upstart plotting a U.S. invasion via pint-size, affordable electric cars is about to enter the picture. Think has been selling gas-free city cars in Europe and will start peddling them to fuel-crunched Americans in 2009.

The Th!nk Ox, a concept unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier this year, is a preview of Think's next-generation production vehicle, due out in 2011.

Roughly the size of a Toyota Prius, the Ox can travel between 125 and 155 miles before needing a recharge.

Still, the American market for electric vehicles "is virtually nonexistent," says John O'Dell, a senior editor for car-buying site Edmunds.com. None the less, Think is betting that its focus on innovative manufacturing may ultimately set the company apart from previous attempts—and finally help jump-start the U.S. market for electric cars.

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)

Schaeffler Group Successful in NoAE Innovation Competition with Two Products  
TROY, Mich., -- Schaeffler Group Automotive's INA and FAG brands were successful with two products in the Innovation Competition of the NoAE (Network of Automotive Excellence) recently held during the Wuerzburg Automotive Summit. INA's lightweight balancer shaft with rolling bearing supports and FAG's twin tandem wheel bearings were nominated for participation in the Innovation Vernissage in the "CO2 Reduction, Lightweight Design and New Materials" category.

"As a supplier, it is our obligation to offer our automotive customers optimized products for the drivetrain, where our ambitious goals of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved," said Dr. Peter Gutzmer, executive vice president of Schaeffler KG Technical Product Development and acting vice president of Schaeffler Group Automotive. "With the nominations, the jury has honored the efforts that Schaeffler has undertaken as a large international supplier."

Dr. Gutzmer explained how Schaeffler Group Automotive intends to increase efficiency in the systems with further "innovative components for the drivetrain of tomorrow" during his presentation. He also emphasized the importance of efficiency increases as the key to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. He outlined the product range of the Schaeffler Group, which includes concepts for fully variable hydraulic valvetrains in engines, as well as high-performance dual clutch systems in transmissions, that contribute to economical fuel consumption.

The NoAE Innovation Competition was first held in 2007. This is the first year that the Schaeffler Group has taken part in the competition, which is again under the auspices of the Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. Out of several hundred submissions, 30 products were nominated for presentation to selected technical experts from the automotive and supplier industry at the Innovation Vernissage.

A brief description of the Schaeffler Group products that were nominated for the Innovation Vernissage is below.

INA Lightweight Balancer Shaft

Replacing the conventional plain bearings on the balancer shaft with rolling bearings reduces friction and allows consistent optimization of the mass distribution on these shafts. A reduction in mass of approximately 20 percent to more than 40 percent is possible, which can amount to as much as 2.2 pounds in a 4-cylinder engine. In addition to the associated minimization of the shaft's rotational inertia that is implemented in the design of the partial drivetrain and reduces noise generation, the oil mist supply of the bearing is improved and a pressurized oil supply is often no longer necessary. All these measures lead to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to two percent.

FAG Twin Tandem Wheel Bearings

The concept of the twin tandem wheel bearing is based on substituting rows of tapered rollers with two rows of balls each. This means that a double row tapered roller bearing becomes a four row ball bearing. Substituting the line contact of the tapered rollers with the point contacts of balls and eliminating rib friction reduces bearing friction significantly. At the same time, a higher cornering rigidity is achieved compared to the tapered roller bearing.

This innovative wheel bearing is particularly suitable for use in vans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. These vehicle types are characterized by high axial loads and are usually fitted with wheel bearings with a tapered roller design. Twin tandem bearings can also be used in other vehicle types. With the use of twin tandem wheel bearings, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 1.5 percent per vehicle on average. Source : http://www.automotive.com (6/18/2008)

Brno chance?  
With all the Le Mans hoo-hah dominating the weekend news, this one nearly slipped under the radar.

But we're pleased to report that TG legend and all-round good bloke Alessandro Zanardi has won a WTCC race and finished second in his best race weekend since he lost his legs back in 2001.

BMW 320s-driving Zanardi took the Race One victory after starting from pole and thoroughly out-driving team-mate Porteiro.

In Race Two the Italian was just pipped to the win by Tarquini's SEAT. However, Zanardi claimed the fastest lap by half a second. Half a second in the WTCC is a massive margin…

Tarquini heads the WTCC standings on 58 points, with Zanardi back in 12th. Recent MBE recipient Andy Priaulx is the highest placed Brit on 34 points.

Source : http://www.topgear.com (6/18/2008)

Twin spark technology not patentable: Eicher  
CHENNAI: Eicher Motors managing director and chief executive Siddhartha Lal says the twin-spark technology, the issue behind a court battle between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor, is not a patentable know-how.

Lal told mediapersons after launching the Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc bike here Wednesday that the technology has been available for several years. "We have been working on this engine since the 1990s. We don't expect any legal issues," he said.

Eicher's Thunderbird, priced at Rs 130,000, is powered by an engine that the company has developed on a spend of around Rs 250 million.

Bajaj Auto has taken took TVS Motors to court, charging it with infringing on its patent for digital twin spark ignition. TVS Motor had launched a new model 125cc Flame with variable timing ignition technology.

Bajaj says TVS Motor has used the digital twin-spark ignition technology, for which it holds the Indian patent. TVS Motor has since then withdrawn the model, and in turn, has filed a defamation case against Bajaj.

Source : Economic Times (6/18/2008)

New Transformers Spotted on Set  
PHILADELPHIA — For all the toy-robot fanatics out there, new hints, rumors and spy photos of the upcoming Transformers sequel have been dropping like rain on the Internet this week. There are a few more GM Autobots, some German Decepticons and one mystery ride.

With screenwriter Robert Orci saying there could possibly be 20 robots in the film, it's now every enthusiast's quest to find out the new additions to the Transformers lineup. General Motors sponsored the previous film, most memorably the bright-yellow concept Camaro that was the film's hero, and it's also supplying new models for the sequel.

Among those rumored to appear, SaabHistory.com is saying that the Aero X concept is set to morph into the Autobot Wheeljack, a weaponized Hummer HX has been photographed on set, and even the Chevrolet Beat has been glimpsed from afar in a few spy shots. Non-GM additions to the Autobot team are Arcee, a robot reportedly made out of multiple Can-Am Spyders, and an ice cream truck that breaks apart into two robots called The Twins.

And as for those dastardly Decepticons? There's plenty of new info on them as well. Confirmed is a Blackbird SR-71 warplane that's acting as the vehicle form for Jetfire, and a leaked call sheet from the set of the film references an Audi R8 and a Porsche several times during a chase scene. But like the Ford Saleen Mustang that played Barricade in the first film, it's quite possible these non-GM autos will be debadged and highly modified for their appearance in the film.

Finally, the Internet has been buzzing about a car shown being loaded into a trailer on set. Only about two-thirds of the car can be seen, but it appears to be some sort of silver exotic and is reported to have Lamborghini-style doors. Even the Web's best sleuths haven't been able to unearth its identity, but some are speculating it's some kind of concept Corvette. Could GM really be unveiling a new concept car in a film, rather than at an auto show? It certainly would be effective in garnering wide publicity.

GM isn't officially confirming the Beat or the HX in the film yet, despite their being photographed on set, but Saab spokesman Jan-Willem Vester had this to say about the prospect of the Aero X appearing. "The Aero X is an amazing car that obviously anyone would want to have in their film.... It appears, however, that there are scheduling conflicts with its appearances on the auto-show circuit, and no resolution has been found yet."

Source : http://www.edmunds.com (6/18/2008)

Volkswagen Claims Top Awards at 2008 BICSA Security Awards  
THATCHAM - Volkswagen’s newly-launched Tiguan compact MPV and Phaeton luxury saloon have scooped top honours at the British Insurance Car Security Awards (BICSA), which are presented today by Thatcham, the Motor Industry Repair Research Centre, in Berkshire.

The Tiguan was declared the outright winner of the Compact 4x4 category, while the Phaeton was awarded first place in the Luxury Car sector. Elsewhere the Touran compact MPV and Eos convertible came second in their respective classes. The Polo, Golf, Passat, Touareg and Golf Plus were also commended in the judging. Overall Volkswagen was placed second in the manufacturer league table, up one place from last year.

Vehicles were judged on a number of criteria identified by the creators of the New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) scheme. Those that had a maximum five stars for ‘theft from’, had double locking and an ‘E’ insurance suffix (indicating they had a feature that exceeds the required standard) were shortlisted for final evaluation and ranking.

Franco Iannotta, Insurance Ratings and Vehicle Security Manager for the Volkswagen Group commented: ‘It’s a great result for Volkswagen that so many of its products have been recognised by Thatcham. We’re particularly proud that the Tiguan has claimed first place in its inaugural awards. It’s proof that our colleagues in the factory and we in the UK are working tirelessly to produce new cars for our customers that are both safe and secure.’

Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (6/18/2008)