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Automotive News
KLM Performance's Automotive News coverage is updated daily with news updates published as they are released to the media. These updates cover the latest developments in trucks, add-on components, racing, and the truck enthusiast lifestyle. Feel free to discuss any news releases in KLM's Discussion Forum.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Carfax Study Shows Demand for SUVs on the Rise
Carfax Study Shows Demand for SUVs on the Rise Fuel Efficiency, Clear Vehicle History Top Consumer Buying Needs CENTREVILLE, Va., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study by Carfax shows consumer interest in SUVs remains strong despite the seeming popularity of hybrids and other high fuel efficiency cars. There's been a dramatic increase in consumer activity at carfax.com over the past year for SUVs and crossover vehicles, some by as much as 3000 percent. Evidence shows that consumers are more interested in these cars if there is a clear history and the vehicle is priced right. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080507/CARFAXLOGO ) "People are definitely looking at SUVs again. They're safe, practical cars and smart shoppers are searching for great deals," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "The time is right for dealers to showcase their SUV inventory and make them stand out from the competition. Run a Carfax Vehicle History Report and leverage the information included to sell your cars faster. In addition to fuel efficiency, Carfax 1-Owner cars, low mileage and regular maintenance are all attributes that will turn casual SUV shoppers into serious buyers." According to the study, ten SUV and crossover vehicles had at least nine times more consumer activity at carfax.com than a year ago. Listed below are the top ten SUVs researched by consumers, based on their year-over-year increases: Kia Rondo - 3600% Saturn Outlook - 1116%
Jeep Patriot - 2477% Lincoln MKX - 1040%
Buick Enclave - 2242% Suzuki SX4 - 1001%
Mazda CX-9 - 1631% Hyundai Tucson - 910%
Land Rover LR2 - 1166% GMC Acadia - 906%
More than 32,000 dealers across North America subscribe to Carfax and millions of free reports are available online from participating dealers at places like AutoTrader.com, cars.com, AutoMart.com and Yahoo! Autos.
About Carfax (http://www.carfax.com/) Millions of consumers rely on the most trusted provider of vehicle history information, Carfax, each year. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports(TM) provide information that can impact a consumer's decision about a used car or truck. Carfax is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Co. For more information, visit www.carfax.com. Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Larry Gamache https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=60478 Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080507/CARFAXLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Carfax
CONTACT: Christopher Basso of Carfax Public Relations, +1-703-934-2664 Web site: http://www.carfax.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:04 PM
Subaru Reports Record Breaking Sales for August 2008
Subaru Reports Record Breaking Sales for August 2008 Subaru Forester hits an all-time sales record as does the Legacy Sedan - while the Impreza bests its August sales record CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported August sales of 18,932 total units -- a 14% increase over the same month in 2007 of 16,573 units. The company posted total year-to-date sales of 129,298 units, a 6% gain over YTD August 2007 of 122,165 units. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO ) The Subaru Forester hit an all-time sales record of 6,763 units resulting in an increase of over 73% from August 2007 sales as did the Subaru Legacy Sedan at 2,402 units -- a 24% increase over the same period last year. The Subaru Impreza posted its best August ever -- up an impressive 15% over the same period last year. Model 2008 August % v 2007 Total Impreza 5,071 +15%
Total Legacy 2,402 +24%
Total Outback 3,834 -15%
(incl. Legacy Wagon)
Total Forester 6,763 +73%
Total Tribeca 862 -53% Total 18,932 +14%
"Subaru is enjoying record sales due to the strength of our product line and the top-notch service provided by our dealerships," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for Subaru of America. "While the market is down 11 percent for the month of August and 8 percent on a year-to-date basis, we are growing with products that are not only fuel efficient, but also leaders in durability, capability, and safety."
"Subaru is proud to provide a safer, superior driving experience for its customers," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president for Subaru of America. "Equipped with unique symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology and the Subaru boxer engine, the Subaru product line, renowned for durability, reliability, traction and "active safety," represents one of the highest repurchase-loyalty ratings in the U.S. market," Doll added. For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at http://www.media.subaru.com/. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/. Contact:
Heather Ward
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093
hward@subaru.com Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
CONTACT: Heather Ward of Subaru of America, Inc., +1-856-488-5093,
hward@subaru.com Web site: http://www.subaru.com/
http://www.media.subaru.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 4:41 PM
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Chrysler, Behr Over Dayton Toxic Plume
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Chrysler, Behr Over Dayton Toxic Plume DAYTON, Ohio, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Columbus, Ohio law firm of Leeseberg & Valentine today announced the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of residents living near the Behr Dayton Thermal Plant. The suit demands that defendants Behr America, Inc., Behr Dayton Thermal Products, LLC and Behr Dayton Thermal Plant, LLC, current owners of the facility, and Chrysler, LLC, former owner, make financial restitution for damages to residents caused by the Behr VOC Plume. The class action lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the Court of Common Pleas, Montgomery County. The class includes all persons who live in, or who have spent significant time in, neighborhoods near the plant, located at 1600 Webster Street in Dayton. The suit defines these neighborhoods as bounded roughly by Stanley Ave., Deeds Ave., Herman Ave and Vermont Ave. to the southwest; and by McCook Ave. and Kettering Field Park, to the northwest. (See the map at http://www.myadvocates.com/McCookFieldLawsuit). At issue is a cloud of underground poisonous vapor, called a plume, that is rising from contaminated ground water. "The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the damage caused to residents living near the plant. Those who caused the damage need to be held accountable for the damages and injuries they caused. The time is now to provide these residents with relief and medical oversight, not tomorrow, when it may be too late for many of them," attorney Anne Valentine, a partner with Leeseberg & Valentine, said in announcing the suit today. "Our clients are angry and they are scared. This danger has been known about since 1998, yet a decade later major questions have yet to be answered. Those who created the problem have yet to assume full responsibility. Our lawsuit begins the process of holding the wrongdoers responsible for their disregard of the health and safety of these residents." Attorney Valentine said. The class action lawsuit seeks compensation for diminished property values, establishment of a medical monitoring fund, money to pay for installation and operation of air filtration systems, and punitive damages. Persons who think they may qualify as a member of the class may call toll-free, 1-877-692-3862, to speak to an attorney, or may find information on the web at http://www.myadvocates.com/McCookFieldLawsuit. The suit alleges trespass, nuisance, negligence, battery, and unjust enrichment, along with other claims. It seeks unspecified amounts. For more information contact Teresa Kelly at 512-328-4276.
Source: Leeseberg & Valentine
CONTACT: Teresa Kelly, +1-512-328-4276, for Leeseberg & Valentine Web site: http://www.myadvocates.com/McCookFieldLawsuit
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:57 PM
Chrysler LLC Reports August 2008 U.S. Sales; Continues 'Shop 'Til You Drive' Campaign With Up to 40 Percent Off MSRP
Chrysler LLC Reports August 2008 U.S. Sales; Continues 'Shop 'Til You Drive' Campaign With Up to 40 Percent Off MSRP - Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans have strong sales month, up 7 percent over last year - Dodge Ram light-duty truck and Jeep(R) Liberty performance improves versus July - Dodge Journey gains momentum; buyers coming out of larger SUVs - Dodge Charger sales continue to grow - Up to 40 percent off MSRP available in September AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported total August 2008 U.S. sales of 110,235 units, down 34 percent from the same period last year. Total August sales reflect an industry-wide slowdown, segment shifts and reduced fleet sales. Compared with July 2008, Chrysler's August sales increased 12 percent supported by enhanced financing offers, efforts to shift lease-oriented customers to purchasing, leasing availability from independent financial institutions and better demand for key vehicles. Although Chrysler Financial is no longer offering leasing options to Chrysler customers, customers are still able to lease Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products through independent financial institutions and qualify for available discounts. "The industry is changing rapidly in terms of what vehicles and features customers want and the leasing and financing options available to them," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "To help consumers, we are offering some of our most popular vehicles at significant savings. In August, we saw this formula generate new signs of momentum on vehicles like our Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Dodge Ram light-duty trucks and Jeep(R) Liberty. In September, we will continue to offer competitive values and showcase dynamic new vehicles like the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs." September Incentives Chrysler's 'Shop 'til You Drive Sales Event' continues through Sept. 30, offering up to 40 percent off MSRP on select vehicles, and zero percent APR for 72-months on the 2008 Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander. Especially strong values are available on Dodge Ram pickup trucks, with up to $9,000 discounts in select markets. In September, customers can continue to take advantage of consumer bonus cash of $2,000 on select retail purchases when financed through Chrysler Financial. For those customers who still wish to lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through an independent financial institution, they can take advantage of Chrysler's Customer Cash Allowance on select vehicles up to $2,000. Returning lease customers will receive a Lease Loyalty incentive up to $750 for use towards the retail purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. The disposition fee, up to $425, will be waived by Chrysler Financial. August Sales Highlights Total Chrysler LLC minivan sales were up 7 percent compared with a year ago. The Dodge Grand Caravan posted sales of 9,422 units, nearly flat when compared with August 2007 sales. However, when compared with July 2008, Grand Caravan sales were up 54 percent. The all-new Chrysler Town & Country posted increased sales of 10,182 units in August, up 15 percent compared with August 2007 sales, and up 26 percent when compared with July 2008 sales. Total Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales have doubled in the last 60 days, (June sales 9,172 units vs. August sales 18,774 units). Although sales were down 7 percent when compared with August 2007, sales increased 16 percent when compared with July 2008 sales. The 2009 model year Dodge Ram will begin arriving in Dodge dealerships in September. The all-new 2008 Dodge Journey continues to gain momentum in the expanding mid-size crossover segment by capturing more than 35 percent of its buyers from owners of larger SUVs who are looking for efficiency and versatility. More than half of all Dodge Journey sales were first-time customers to the Dodge Brand. Journey posted sales of 4,587 in August, a 33 percent increase when compared with July 2008 sales of 3,449 units. Chrysler LLC sold 4,654 units of the Jeep Liberty in August, a decrease of 14 percent when compared with August 2007. However, the vehicle picked up some momentum in August increasing sales 24 percent when compared with July 2008 sales. Sales for the Dodge Charger continue to grow. In August, 8,102 Dodge Chargers were sold, a 3 percent increase versus 2007 sales, and a 48 percent increase compared with July 2008 sales. The Company finished the month with 380,560 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing and capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with August 2007 when it totaled 446,249 units. About Chrysler LLC Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations. Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru August 2008 Month Sales Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 4,140 7,659 -46%
300 3,688 9,016 -59%
Crossfire 162 372 -56%
PT Cruiser 3,808 10,938 -65%
Aspen 1,922 3,599 -47%
Pacifica 435 3,228 -87%
Town & Country 10,182 8,838 15%
CHRYSLER BRAND 24,337 43,650 -44%
Compass 1,602 3,625 -56%
Patriot 4,019 5,081 -21%
Wrangler 6,469 9,464 -32%
Liberty 4,654 5,387 -14%
Grand Cherokee 4,736 12,265 -61%
Commander 1,996 5,890 -66%
JEEP BRAND 23,476 41,712 -44%
Caliber 4,022 9,320 -57%
Avenger 3,557 5,989 -41%
Charger 8,102 7,846 3%
Challenger 2,077 0 0%
Viper 104 1 N/A
Magnum 148 1,087 -86%
Dakota 1,032 4,620 -78%
Ram P/U 24,974 32,309 -23%
Journey 4,587 0 0%
Caravan 9,422 9,548 -1%
Durango 1,430 3,284 -56%
Nitro 1,991 6,931 -71%
Sprinter 976 1,906 -49%
DODGE BRAND 62,422 82,841 -25% TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 110,235 168,203 -34% TOTAL CAR 26,016 42,308 -39%
TOTAL TRUCK 84,219 125,895 -33%
Selling Days 27 27
Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
Sebring 55,978 62,220 -10%
300 47,520 81,020 -41%
Crossfire 1,453 7,789 -81%
PT Cruiser 39,935 71,243 -44%
Aspen 16,368 18,593 -12%
Pacifica 5,077 38,691 -87%
Town & Country 86,058 90,453 -5%
CHRYSLER BRAND 252,389 370,009 -32%
Compass 21,396 28,421 -25%
Patriot 44,154 23,367 89%
Wrangler 59,005 83,944 -30%
Liberty 49,330 62,035 -20%
Grand Cherokee 52,768 82,827 -36%
Commander 21,064 45,615 -54%
JEEP BRAND 247,717 326,209 -24%
Caliber 67,940 74,004 -8%
Avenger 49,328 50,830 -3%
Charger 72,102 80,225 -10%
Challenger 6,067 0 0%
Viper 786 324 143%
Magnum 6,742 18,714 -64%
Dakota 21,004 37,188 -44%
Ram P/U 175,246 246,878 -29%
Journey 30,767 0 0%
Caravan 91,342 120,055 -24%
Durango 16,723 34,661 -52%
Nitro 27,540 48,745 -44%
Sprinter 10,477 9,704 8%
DODGE BRAND 576,064 722,806 -20%
TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 1,076,170 1,419,024 -24% TOTAL CAR 309,002 386,195 -20%
TOTAL TRUCK 767,168 1,032,829 -26%
Selling Days 206 205 Source: Chrysler LLC
CONTACT: Beverly Thacker, +1-248-512-0019 (office), +1-248-420-8649
(cell), bt164@chrysler.com, or Stuart Schorr, +1-248-512-2700 (office),
+1-248-705-6594 (cell), ss509@chrysler.com, both of Chrysler LLC Web site: http://media.chrysler.com/
http://www.chrysler.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com. -------
Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:53 PM
Mitsubishi Motors Reports August Sales
Mitsubishi Motors Reports August Sales CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total August 2008 sales of 9,200. Galant sales were 2,976, which is the largest month for Galant since August 2007. August 2008 Lancer Evolution sales were up 228 percent over August 2007 sales. Mitsubishi's total August 2008 sales were down 29 percent, compared to August 2007 (13,020 sales), which was the largest August sales month in four years. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 480 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit http://media.mitsubishicars.com/.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
CONTACT: Dan Irvin of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.,
+1-309-888-8205, or Mitsubishi News Bureau, 1-888-560-6672,
newsbureau@mmsa.com Web site: http://media.mitsubishicars.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:29 PM
Red Cross Racing Roars into Richmond
Red Cross Racing Roars into Richmond BLOOD DONATIONS IMPORTANT AS HURRICANE SEASON PEAKS WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross will roar into Richmond this weekend with its Red Cross Racing exhibit so NASCAR fans can learn more about Red Cross services, including disaster preparedness and blood programs. There is always an ongoing need for blood donations, but it's critically important to have enough blood on hand as severe storms threaten the United States. It is the blood already on the shelves that helps in times of emergencies. Red Cross Racing appeals to NASCAR fans and encourages them to become dedicated blood donors. Red Cross Racing launched in April at Talladega in conjunction with 3M Company and Roush Fenway Racing. The traveling display encourages NASCAR fans to give blood, following the lead of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who is also a blood donor and member of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. Admission to the exhibit is free and visitors can enjoy several interactive activities. Fans will have the opportunity to join Red Cross Racing and its NASCAR-themed Donor Rewards Program right on premises. The exhibit will be on the midway on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. Throughout the weekend, several lucky fans will have the opportunity to win a spot at an autograph signing by Greg Biffle on Saturday, September 6. Nearly 21,000 people have already joined Red Cross Racing and together accrued over 28 million points toward NASCAR-themed prizes such as caps, tee shirts, jackets, and limited edition die-cast cars. Fans can join one of two ways, either at the track, or by visiting www.redcrossracing.com. Once registered, individuals are automatically entered for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Phoenix race in November, when the #16 Ford Fusion, driven by Biffle, will feature a full Red Cross paint scheme. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, two race tickets and pit and garage tours. To give blood, you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Red Cross urges everyone who can to join Red Cross Racing by visiting http://www.redcrossracing.com/ to schedule a blood donation appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure an adequate supply of blood is available when needed. About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. About 3M A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms -- often in combination -- to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com. About Roush Fenway Racing Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 13 motorsports teams. Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, John Wes Townley and Bobby East; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.
Source: American Red Cross
CONTACT: Stephanie Millian of the American Red Cross, +1-202-303-4488,
+1-202-439-0721, MillianSt@usa.redcross.org Web Site: http://www.3m.com/
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.redcrossracing.com/
http://www.roushfenway.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:24 PM
Audi Reports August Sales
Audi Reports August Sales - Audi reports tough month-over-month comparison; A4 selldown depletes inventory - Audi A6 sales up year over year, record A5 sales - Year to date, Audi sales outpace industry trends - CPO sales up again HERNDON, Va., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America announced today auto sales for the month of August totaling 6,406, a decrease of 16% from last year's figures. Despite strong economic headwinds, Audi new vehicle sales in the U.S. are down just 3.7% year-to-date. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued to grow with another record-setting month; compared with last year's August figures, CPO sales rose to 2,841 units, up 20.8%. "We have a strong portfolio of all-new models which has helped sustain interest in Audi and drive showroom traffic through this otherwise tough period," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "Our Audi dealers were so successful in selling down our 2008 model year A4s that our inventory came up a bit short to satisfy consumer demand. The all-new 2009 model year A4 vehicles are arriving now. Based on sold orders and consumer interest through our website and at local dealer launch events, we expect strong demand for this segment-leading sedan, and excellent sales for September." The Audi 2009 A4 models are arriving in dealer showrooms now and are all-new. Based on government data and independent test results, the 2009 A4 2.0T leads its key competitors in fuel economy and 0-to-60 miles per hour acceleration. Nationwide, several Audi models sold well. The Audi A6 model line sales increased significantly, up 88.4% over last August. Dealers recorded a record sales month for the all-new A5 due to improved availability, with 718 units sold. In addition, dealers in key markets noted strong sales, including the greater Atlanta and Los Angeles metropolitan areas and the Pacific Southwest region. Audi continues to impress industry analysts and other third-party industry watchers. J.D. Power and Associates, the respected industry organization that measures, among other things, quality within the auto industry, recently noted that Audi posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality during the 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. The Audi Q7, A3, A4 and A6 have also been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as Top Safety Picks in 2008, earning Audi the most Top Safety Pick designations for 2008 models of any luxury automaker this year. ABOUT AUDI Audi of America and its 272 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business issues. AUDI US SNAPSHOT -----YEAR TO DATE-----
Aug-08 Aug-07 Yr/Yr % Aug-08 Aug-07 Yr/Yr %
actual actual change YTD YTD change
actual actual A3 432 428 0.9% 3,447 4,369 -21.1%
A4/S4/RS 4 2,136 3,675 -41.9% 28,906 28,880 0.1%
A5/S5 718 n/a n/a 3,472 n/a n/a
A6/S6 1,520 807 88.4% 8,173 7,636 7.0%
A8/S8 274 324 -15.4% 1,907 2,443 -21.9%
TT 341 562 -39.3% 3,166 2,672 18.5%
R8 83 n/a n/a 448 n/a n/a
Audi Q7 902 1,824 -50.5% 8,714 14,458 -39.7%
Total Audi Sales 6,406 7,620 -15.9% 58,233 60,458 -3.7% Source: Audi of America
CONTACT: Jeff Kuhlman, Office: +1-703-364-7423, Mobile:
+1-248-622-3703, jeff.kuhlman@audi.com, or Andrew Lipman, +1-212-333-4647,
+1-917-691-8000, andrew.lipman@audi.com, both of Audi of America Web site: http://www.audiusa.com/
http://www.audiusanews.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/111330.html
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:19 PM
Mercedes-Benz Partners with Pangaea - The Global Sustainability Expedition of Mike Horn
Mercedes-Benz Partners with Pangaea - The Global Sustainability Expedition of Mike Horn Visionary Explorer Mike Horn Sails State-of-the-Art Pangaea Boat to New York's Battery Park to Promote Sustainable Mobility NEW YORK, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most remarkable voyages of exploration ever undertaken -- a four-year global trans-navigation by sea and land launched by South African adventurer-explorer Mike Horn -- makes its U.S. debut today in Pangaea, a 115-foot state-of-the-art sailboat currently moored in New York City's Battery Park from September 4-6, 2008*. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/NYW145 ) Mercedes-Benz is partner and main sponsor of the overall Pangaea Project, a campaign to educate young people about conserving natural resources. The Pangaea expedition's philosophy and objective fits with Mercedes-Benz's approach in developing pioneering technologies that will contribute towards emission-free mobility. In the course of the 4-year expedition, Mercedes-Benz will support the project teams at different land stations with vehicles including its M-, GL-, and R-Class BlueTEC vehicles that get 20-30 percent better fuel economy relative to comparable gasoline engines. Mercedes-Benz 2009 ML 320, GL 320 and R 320 BlueTEC luxury SUV models meet the demanding criteria specified in the U.S. BIN5 (50-state) emissions standards. About Mike Horn and Pangaea Explorer Mike Horn has undertaken exceptional feats of endurance and determination. Among his exploits include Latitude Zero, an 18-month circumnavigation of the Earth around the Equator, Arktos Expedition, a solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle lasting 27 months, and the North Pole Winter Expedition, the first ever night expedition to the North Pole. The Pangaea ship is purpose-built taking over 22,000 hours of design time and marine expertise to incorporate numerous state-of-the-art sustainable technologies and features the latest communication technology. Pangaea is the biggest polar exploration sailboat ever built and integrates solar panels to power its piloting and lighting systems, a recyclable aluminum hull, trawling nets for collecting bottles and plastics in open water, and several other ecologically sustainable elements. The Greek word PANGAEA means "all Earth," which is also an acronym for Horn's Pan Global Adventure for Environmental Action that will cover 62,140 miles, reaching the North and South Poles and crossing all the Earth's continents and oceans. Horn's mission is to unite cultures through the Young Explorers Program with a powerful message designed to create environmental solutions for future generations. Over 144 students aged 13 to 20 will join Mike Horn on this amazing odyssey and partake in environmental projects. During each leg of the expedition, educational specialists will join the students to share their knowledge about fauna and flora to help them understand the fragile, but necessary interaction between man and nature. The Pangaea Project will focus on the following activities: -- Water - emphasizing the need to study and monitor the oceans, their bio-diversity and the impact humans have on them while also engaging in ocean clean-ups and debris removal of coastlines and water sources. -- Biodiversity - studying and understanding flora and fauna with a focus on achieving a balanced ecosystem for future generations. -- Social Community - aiding and educating local communities on optimizing limited water supplies in local villages while improving sanitary and hygiene conditions to become self-sustainable. After leaving New York's Battery Park City, Mike Horn sets sail on the Pangaea Expedition towards Punta Arenas in Chile in the first stage of his epic journey to Antarctica, where Horn will trek to the South Pole. Pangaea's route will take Horn to Australasia, China and Russia, on his way to the North Pole and Greenland. Horn will sail to North and South America and back to Punta Arenas, Chile. About Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com. *Editor's Note: Pangaea is not open to the public Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/NYW145
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN23
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Mercedes-Benz USA
CONTACT: Adam Paige of Mercedes-Benz USA, +1-201-573-4367, or Toll-free,
888-MBNEWS-1 Web site: http://www.mbusa.com/
http://www.maybachusa.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:17 PM
Hertz Rent A Car and HotelPlanner.com Partner for Discounted Group Auto Rentals
Hertz Rent A Car and HotelPlanner.com Partner for Discounted Group Auto Rentals Providing Groups, Meeting and Conference Attendees discounted group car and van rental rates SAN DIEGO, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation and HotelPlanner.com have partnered to provide discounted car and van rental rates to group and meeting planners using HotelPlanner.com. As the exclusive car rental provider for HotelPlanner.com, Hertz provides site users with notable discounts, quality products and services, and convenient customer options, such as newly revised refueling policies. John Prince, CIO of HotelPlanner.com says, "This is a great promotion for our clients because 80% of our groups travel by car to their destination. Not only does Hertz allow them to save up to 50% on their car or van rental, but they also have many flexible options to offer such as online check-in, one-way rentals, and discounted refueling." HotelPlanner.com now also offers complimentary rental certificates exclusively for its groups. Groups can receive $250 in Hertz Rental Certificates, redeemable for two years, for every 20 completed rentals. Hertz allows customers three refueling options. First, for optimal convenience, renters can forget refueling on their own and let Hertz do it for them; Hertz charges a nominal refueling fee along with a rate based on the local area pump prices. Secondly, at time of rental, customers can purchase a full tank of gas at a rate based on the pump price minus $.15 per gallon (in Canada, 5 cents per liter less). Third, travelers can stop and refuel the tank themselves immediately prior to returning the vehicle. Other Hertz products and services such as NeverLost customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Nick on the Go portable entertainment system, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Hertz's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set the Company apart from the competition. Hertz is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,100 locations in 147 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 69 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. HotelPlanner.com is the leading provider of online group travel services to the estimated $30-45 billion global group sales market. Currently, HotelPlanner's system processes over 15,000 group leads per month completely online. Over 25,000 hotel members worldwide have guaranteed HotelPlanner.com the lowest group hotel rates. HotelPlanner.com has increased sales over 300% in 2007 versus 2006 and is showing the same rapid lead and revenue growth in 2008. For more information about this topic, please contact Katie Teixeira by calling 888-300-3647 x 150 or E-mail Katie Teixeira at Katie@hotelplanner.com Katie Teixeira
HotelPlanner.com
PH: 888-300-3647 x 150
FX: 619-330-2022
Katie@hotelplanner.com
Source: HotelPlanner.com
CONTACT: Katie Teixeira of HotelPlanner.com, 1-888-300-3647, ext. 150,
fax, +1-619-330-2022, Katie@hotelplanner.com Web site: http://www.hotelplanner.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:05 PM
Transportation Solutions to America's Oil Addiction Focus of National Conference
Transportation Solutions to America's Oil Addiction Focus of National Conference SEATTLE, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two days in Seattle won't solve the nation's addiction to foreign oil but might be enough to give national leaders the ideas needed for an eventual cure. That's what Seattle-based Cascadia Center of Discovery Institute has in mind for its conference on September 4-5 on Microsoft's campus in Redmond, Wash., "Beyond Oil: Transforming Transportation." Cascadia Center is encouraging the development of demonstration projects to show how technology and policy can merge to help the country move beyond oil in transportation. Cascadia Center has pushed the idea that one of the best solutions for reducing dependence on foreign oil and cutting greenhouse gas emissions is the acceleration and integration of flexible fuel, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The issue has now moved from concept to reality. "Most major automakers have announced they'll produce PHEVs in the next two years," says Bruce Agnew, Cascadia's director. "Next, the public and private sectors should work together as both new technologies and political will converge to set the stage for a transportation transformation." In the fifth year of its conference series, co-hosted with Microsoft, Idaho National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Transportation and others, Cascadia is joined by the top thinkers on vehicle technology, foreign oil dependence and the environment. Shai Agassi, founder of Project Better Place, will give Friday's keynote address. Mr. Agassi and the Israeli government have agreed to test concepts for moving the entire country away from oil in transportation through wide-scale implementation of electric cars. Former CIA director James Woolsey will discuss the national security implications of foreign oil dependence, while Andy Frank -- father of the plug-in hybrid -- will discuss how to move from oil to electricity in transportation. "The United States should take a cue from Shai Agassi, who is proving that government and the private sector can come together to rapidly and smartly address what is a universal, collective addiction to oil," says Agnew. "The numbers are sobering. We import over 60 percent of and have a transportation system that is 97 percent dependent on oil. We can overcome this addiction. Getting everyone to the table is the right first step." More information: www.cascadiaproject.org
Source: Cascadia Center of Discovery Institute
CONTACT: Mike Wussow for the Cascadia Center of Discovery Institute,
+1-206-292-0401 x158, mikew@discovery.org Web Site: www.cascadiaproject.org
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:03 PM
3rd Annual Global Week of Caring Brings Out Thousands of Ford Volunteers Worldwide
3rd Annual Global Week of Caring Brings Out Thousands of Ford Volunteers Worldwide
WHAT: Global Week of Caring is a worldwide effort by the Ford
Volunteer Corps to make a difference for people in communities
from North and South America to Europe and Asia. Thousands of
Ford volunteers will put their hands and their hearts to work on
a range of projects, including building homes, renovating
shelters and schools, feeding the hungry and more.
In 2007, nearly 14,000 Ford volunteers worked more than 34,000
hours on six continents to help make the world a better place. WHEN: September 6 - 14, 2008 WHERE: Habitat for Humanity Detroit Blitz Build 2008 - Kick off event
Saturday, September 6 - Detroit's east side -- Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community
Services and Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity
International will be on-site.
-- 7:45am - Opening ceremony, hospitality tent, corner of
Lakepointe & Waveney (two blocks north of Mack and three
blocks east of Alter Road).·
-- 8:20am - Vella and Reckford will tour neighborhood and visit
with family.
-- 8:45am - Construction begins, 3685 Lakepointe.
SUMMARY: Caring knows no boundaries. The Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build
begins a nine-day effort to focus Ford's people power on areas
of need throughout the world. Each day, volunteers in different
countries will tackle projects to support their local
communities.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers in the
U.S. will pick up the pace with an Accelerated Action Day that
targets urgent building projects at non-profit agency locations
in their communities. There will be plenty of opportunities to get good photos and/or
video, along with great people stories during the events on
Saturday, Sept. 6 and Thursday, Sept. 11. Go to http://media.ford.com/ for news releases and high-resolution photographs. Contact: Tom Hoyt Eric Mitchell
313-322-1524 313-755-2347
thoyt@ford.comemitch15@ford.com PRNewswire -- Sept. 3
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Ford Motor Company
Web site: http://www.ford.com/
http://media.ford.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:02 PM
Chrysler LLC Announces Leadership Appointments in Finance and Diversity Offices
Chrysler LLC Announces Leadership Appointments in Finance and Diversity Offices AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- -- Kim Harris Jones Appointed Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller
and Auditor
-- Laurie A. Macaddino Named Vice President - Finance Operations
-- Steven E. Bell Appointed Director - Corporate Audit and Compliance
-- Monica E. Emerson to Retire after 33 years
-- Lisa J. Wicker Appointed Director - Corporate Diversity
Chrysler LLC today announced a series of leadership appointments in the Company's Finance and Diversity Offices.
Kim Harris Jones is appointed Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller and Auditor as part of an on-going initiative to streamline functions for greater organizational efficiency and drive corporate strategy. Chrysler also has named Laurie A. Macaddino Vice President - Finance Operations. Under this structure, Harris Jones will oversee the consolidation of the Corporate Controller's office and Audit operations. She is responsible for the Company's corporate financial activities, including business planning, short- and medium-term financial forecasting as well as all internal and external audit functions. Harris Jones was most recently Vice President and Chief Controller. She was recently named to the list of "25 Women to Watch" by CFO Magazine. In 2006, she was named the "African American Executive of the Year" by On Wheels, Inc. and in 2005 was named to the Automotive News list of "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry." She joined Chrysler in 1992. In her new role, Macaddino is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles produced and sold by Chrysler meet financial requirements, including cost, investment and profitability. Macaddino is also responsible for overseeing Manufacturing, Engineering, Research and Development budgets. Macaddino formerly was Vice President - Corporate Audit and Compliance. She joined the Company in 1986. Also in the Finance organization, Steven E. Bell was appointed Director - Corporate Audit and Compliance. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day internal and external audit functions, including financial, operational, and process audits, dealer and supplier audits, business ethics, compliance operations and fraud and forensic investigations. Bell joined the Company in 1988. "Today's announcement allows us to maximize the talents of our management team," said Ronald E. Kolka, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chrysler LLC. "Both Kim and Laurie are strong leaders who have made valuable contributions to this Company. Both are strategic thinkers with a keen sense of financial control. In their new roles they will bring a laser focus to their respective areas." Chrysler LLC also announced today that Monica E. Emerson, Executive Director - Corporate Diversity Office has decided to retire after 33 years with the Company. With Emerson's departure, Chrysler has named Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Corporate Diversity. "Monica has been a true leader and champion in developing Chrysler's diversity and inclusion in the workplace strategy," said Nancy Rae, Executive Vice President - Human Recourses and Communications, Chrysler LLC. "Through Monica's efforts, the Company has been honored at the highest level -- we thank her for her contributions and wish her the best in her retirement; and, have every confidence that Lisa will continue this legacy." Emerson has received several honors including the Leadership in Diversity Award by the Career Communication Group. Recently, she was named to Savoy Professional Magazine's "Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America." As Director - Corporate Diversity, Wicker will be responsible for the overall design, development and deployment of Chrysler's corporate diversity strategies. This includes facilitating short and long term strategies for implementing cultural change in all aspects of how the Company leverages diversity for a competitive advantage throughout its entire business enterprise. In addition, she will be responsible for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Compliance and Governance and Work/Life Policies and Programs. Wicker joined the Company in 2001 and most recently was Senior Manager - Manufacturing Group HR, Stamping and Components. Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the Company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.
Source: Chrysler LLC
CONTACT: Shawn Morgan, +1-248-512-2692 (office), +1-248-760-2621 (cell),
sm718@chrysler.com, or David Elshoff, +1-248-512-2690 (office),
+1-248-797-2300 (cell), dte@chrysler.com, both of Chrysler LLC Web site: http://media.chrysler.com/
http://www.chrysler.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com . -------
Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:52 PM
Hyundai Collaborates With HKS USA to Unveil Genesis Coupe at SEMA Show
Hyundai Collaborates With HKS USA to Unveil Genesis Coupe at SEMA Show FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced that HKS USA, Inc. will create a high-performance Genesis Coupe 2.0t for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The all-new, rear-wheel drive Hyundai model will make its SEMA debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 4 - Nov. 7, 2008. HKS, the leading manufacturer of premium performance parts, is the second company to join Hyundai for this year's SEMA show. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/LAW109) "Genesis Coupe has the basic DNA that HKS looks for -- an excellent chassis, rear-wheel drive, aggressive styling and a new generation turbo-charged engine. These attributes provide the opportunity for HKS to maximize the Genesis Coupe driving performance capabilities for the serious driving enthusiast," said Rick Lafferty, president, HKS USA, Inc. "HKS is allocating R&D, engineering and prototyping resources to lay the groundwork for HKS-brand Genesis Coupe performance parts. We are looking forward to working with Hyundai to realize the full performance potential of the Genesis Coupe." The HKS plan for the Genesis Coupe includes a HKS GT Turbo upgrade to maximize horsepower and torque, HKS engine internals, HKS limited-edition turbo exhaust system, HKS Super Mega Flow Intake System, HKS Engine Management and HKS Hipermax III fully-adjustable suspension. "We've designed Genesis Coupe from the start to be tuner-friendly," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Partnering with an industry leader like HKS is a terrific way for us to stretch the performance envelope of Genesis Coupe." The HKS Genesis Coupe will also showcase functional ground effects designed by Ken Style, HKS Time-Attack cars' aerodynamic partner. The interior will emphasize driver comfort and control with HKS electronics including CAMP2 that monitors up to 24 data signals from the Genesis OBD2 and programmable calculations for fuel costs, average fuel consumption and fuel efficiency in real time. HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS -- Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports car
-- 306 horsepower (est.) from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
-- Standard 210 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four
cylinder
-- Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model
HKS USA, INC.
HKS USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium automotive aftermarket performance systems, parts and accessories. Delivering its products to both the import and domestic car markets, HKS has been recognized for its engineering and performance excellence in the automotive industry since 1973. Established in 1982, HKS USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HKS Company, Ltd. Japan and distributes its products through its worldwide dealer network. For more information about HKS USA, Inc., visit their website at http://www.hksusa.com/.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 800 dealerships nationwide. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/LAW109
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN22
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hyundai Motor America
CONTACT: Miles Johnson of Hyundai Motor America, +1-714-965-3366,
milesjohnson@hmausa.com Web site: http://www.hyundainews.com/
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/
http://www.hksusa.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Journalists are invited to visit our news media web site, http://www.hyundainews.com -------
Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:41 PM
ArvinMeritor Appoints Bill Fisher Vice President of Human Resources for Light Vehicle Systems
ArvinMeritor Appoints Bill Fisher Vice President of Human Resources for Light Vehicle Systems Appointment Positions Business Unit for Organizational Success as ARVIN Innovation TROY, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- ArvinMeritor, Inc. (NYSE:ARM) announced today that Bill Fisher is appointed vice president of Human Resources (HR) for the company's Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business unit. He will be responsible for leading the business unit's HR strategy, including the overall organizational transition and cultural development as LVS continues its transformation into becoming ARVIN Innovation, an independent, standalone company, as announced May 6. Fisher will also have oversight responsibility for implementing employee training and leadership development programs. Upon completion of the spinoff from ArvinMeritor, Fisher will become senior vice president, Human Resources for ARVIN Innovation where he will lead global human resource initiatives. "Bill's prior experience in change management and organizational development make him a great addition to our team," said Phil Martens, president and CEO designate, ARVIN Innovation and president, LVS. "He will be extremely valuable in establishing a robust Human Resources function to support ARVIN Innovation's goals as a nontraditional Tier One supplier. To deliver on our goals as a technology-driven company, we will rely on Bill's expertise to recruit top talent." Fisher has held several human resource management roles at General Electric since 1995. Most recently, he served as senior manager, Human Resources - Legal, Environmental Health and Safety, and Business Development for the company. In this role, he led all human resource functions for General Electric's legal, compliance, environmental, health, safety, business development, tax and government relations organizations, supporting more than 10,000 employees. Prior to joining General Electric in 1994, Fisher held training and HR positions at the State of Indiana (Bloomington, Ind.); Buffet Holdings, Inc. (Eden Prairie, Minn.); and Wyatt, Inc. (Dallas, Tex.). He holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Cornell University, a master of business administration degree in human resources from Indiana University and a master of organizational development degree from Eastern Michigan University. About Light Vehicle Systems ArvinMeritor's LVS business group is a market leader in the product categories it serves, supplying integrated systems and modules to the world's leading passenger car and light truck OEMs. Through smart systems(TM) technologies, the intelligent application of controls and electronics, ArvinMeritor's traditional mechanical products are taking on new form and function at both the component and system levels. With advanced technology and systems design expertise in body systems, chassis and wheels, LVS combines high-quality components into cost-effective, performance-based solutions for virtually every car and light truck on the road today. About ArvinMeritor ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 18,000 people in 24 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements relating to future results of the company (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward- looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "are likely to be," "will" and similar expressions. There are risks and uncertainties relating to the planned spin-off of ArvinMeritor's LVS business, including the timing and certainty of completion of the transition. In addition, actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to global economic and market cycles and conditions; the demand for commercial, specialty and light vehicles for which the company supplies products; risks inherent in operating abroad (including foreign currency exchange rates and potential disruption of production and supply due to terrorist attacks or acts of aggression); availability and sharply rising cost of raw materials, including steel and oil; OEM program delays; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; reliance on major OEM customers; labor relations of the company, its suppliers and customers, including potential disruptions in supply of parts to our facilities or demand for our products due to work stoppages; the financial condition of the company's suppliers and customers, including potential bankruptcies; possible adverse effects of any future suspension of normal trade credit terms by our suppliers; potential difficulties competing with companies that have avoided their existing contracts in bankruptcy and reorganization proceedings; successful integration of acquired or merged businesses; the ability to achieve the expected annual savings and synergies from past and future business combinations and the ability to achieve the expected benefits of restructuring actions; success and timing of potential divestitures; potential impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill; potential adjustment of the value of deferred tax assets; competitive product and pricing pressures; the amount of the company's debt; the ability of the company to continue to comply with covenants in its financing agreements; the ability of the company to access capital markets; credit ratings of the company's debt; the outcome of existing and any future legal proceedings, including any litigation with respect to environmental or asbestos-related matters; the outcome of actual and potential product liability and warranty and recall claims; rising costs of pension and other post-retirement benefits and possible changes in pension and other accounting rules; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in filings of the company with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. All earnings per share amounts are on a diluted basis. The company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest Sept. 30, and its fiscal quarters end on the Sundays nearest Dec. 31, March 31 and June 30. All year and quarter references relate to the company's fiscal year and fiscal quarters, unless otherwise stated. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010524/ARVINLOGO ) Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010524/ARVINLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: ArvinMeritor, Inc.
CONTACT: Media, Kim Adler of Light Vehicle Systems, +1-313-551-2573,
kimberly.adler@arvinmeritor.com, for ArvinMeritor, Inc; Investor Relations,
Terry Huch of ArvinMeritor, Inc., +1-248-435-9426,
terry.huch@arvinmeritor.com Web site: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/762401.html
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:17 PM
Kia Motors America Announces August Sales
Kia Motors America Announces August Sales Passenger Cars Up 22.2 Percent Year-To-Date IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced August sales of 25,065 units. Year-to-date sales are up 1.3 percent with 210,705 units sold. Passenger cars are up 4.9 percent for August and 22.2 percent year-to-date. Leading August passenger car sales is Optima with 3,807 units, up 25.2 percent over the same period last year. Rio and Rondo also both had increases of 19 percent and 15.2 percent respectively over the same period last year with 3,590 and 3,508 units sold. Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise." Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site -- http://www.kia.com/. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/. MONTH OF AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE
Model 2008 2007 2008 2007
Rio 3,590 3,017 28,258 22,292
Spectra 6,170 6,834 55,037 49,761
Optima 3,807 3,040 38,873 28,017
Amanti 214 249 2,643 4,837
Sportage 2,845 4,109 26,132 32,067
Sorento 3,041 3,557 17,473 26,438
Sedona 886 3,023 19,210 29,281
Rondo 3,508 3,045 22,038 15,263
Borrego 1,004 n/a 1,041 n/a Total 25,065 26,874 210,705 207,956 Source: Kia Motors America
CONTACT: Alex Fedorak of Kia Motors America, +1-949-468-4813,
Afedorak@kiausa.com Web site: http://www.kia.com/
http://www.kiamedia.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:12 PM
Hyundai Motor America Reports August Sales
Hyundai Motor America Reports August Sales FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 41,130 for the month of August, an 8.8 percent decrease from the all-time August sales record set in 2007. "Once again the fuel-efficient Accent, Sonata and Elantra, despite restricted availability, continued their upward sales trend with increases of 73 percent, 17 percent and 13 percent, respectively, over the same month last year," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "As illustrated by our August sales, the small to midsize segments continue to be where the market is and we believe Hyundai is extremely well positioned to capitalize on this." "Additionally, we just finished our first full month of sales of our new rear-wheel drive Genesis and we are thrilled with the results of 1,177 units. Genesis is changing the way American buyers think about the Hyundai brand and is attracting an entirely new type of prospect to our showrooms." All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 800 dealerships nationwide. CARLINE AUG/2008 AUG/2007 CY2008 CY2007 ACCENT 6,455 3,731 41,379 26,092
SONATA 11,477 10,348 88,813 92,808
ELANTRA 10,031 8,812 82,463 66,726
TIBURON 984 1,646 7,053 10,614
SANTA FE 7,675 10,570 51,953 62,509
AZERA 703 1,992 12,954 15,938
TUCSON 1,685 4,954 14,953 28,756
ENTOURAGE 391 1,295 3,905 14,785
VERACRUZ 552 1,739 7,600 6,965
GENESIS 1,177 0 1,826 0 TOTAL 41,130 45,087 312,899 325,193 Source: Hyundai Motor America
CONTACT: Lori Scholz of Hyundai Motor America, +1-714-965-3890, cell,
+1-714-457-2170, lscholz@hmausa.com Web site: http://www.hyundainews.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 2:00 PM
Acura Announces August Sales Results
Acura Announces August Sales Results TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The MDX luxury SUV was Acura's top-selling model with August sales of 5,180 units. Acura sales for August tallied 15,089 units, down 8.2 percent compared to August 2007*. Acura's year-to-date** vehicle sales totaled 105,831 units, down 13.9 percent compared to 2007. "As we prepare for the arrival of the all-new 2009 TL later this month, we anticipate strong Acura car sales throughout the remainder of 2008," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "The all-new TL embodies dramatic styling, driving excitement, refinement and connectivity, raising the bar in the highly competitive luxury market." August 2008 sales for Acura sedans were led by the TL performance luxury sedan with 5,000 units, up 0.2 percent from August 2007, followed by the TSX sports sedan which posted sales of 2,837 units, and the RL luxury performance sedan, with 316 units sold. In addition, the RDX turbocharged crossover SUV sold 1,756 units. For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.acuranews.com/. For consumer information, please visit http://www.acura.com/. * The daily selling rate is calculated with 27 selling days for August
2008 and 27 selling days for August 2007.
** Year-to-date sales based on 206 days for 2008 versus 205 days for 2007. American Honda Vehicle Sales For August 2008
Month-to-Date
August August DSR**
2008 2007 % Chg. Acura Division Total 15,089 16,436 -8.2%
RSX 0 1
TL * 5,000 4,992 0.2%
TSX 2,837 3,245 -12.6%
RL 316 522 -39.5%
MDX * 5,180 5,816 -10.9%
RDX * 1,756 1,860 -5.6%
Selling Days 27 27
Year-to-Date
August August DSR**
2008 2007 % Chg.
Acura Division Total 105,831 122,357 -13.9%
RSX 1 294 -99.7%
TL * 32,642 40,748 -20.3%
TSX 23,994 23,433 1.9%
RL 3,507 4,562 -23.5%
MDX * 33,219 37,792 -12.5%
RDX * 12,468 15,526 -20.1%
Selling Days 206 205
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
parts.
** Daily Selling Rate
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
CONTACT: Mike Spencer - Torrance, +1-310-783-3165, or Chuck Schifsky -
Detroit, +1-313-202-3150, or Chris Naughton - New York, +1-212-707-9920, or
Sara Pines - Atlanta, +1-678-339-1385, all of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Web site: http://www.honda.com/
http://www.acura.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:58 PM
American Honda Reports August Sales
American Honda Reports August Sales All-new Pilot sales increase 18.6 percent; Civic Sales up by 5.3 percent TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted August total vehicle sales of 146,855, a decline of 7.3 percent compared to record-setting August 2007 results. Year-to-date sales of 1,083,957 represent a 1.2 percent increase on a daily-selling-rate basis* compared to last year. Honda Division posted August sales of 131,766, a decline of 7.1 percent versus August 2007. Honda models showing increased sales included the all-new Pilot, up 18.6 percent to 11,276; Civic, up 5.3 percent to 30,052; the Civic Hybrid, up 47.7 percent to 3,105. "Meeting the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles remains a priority," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "In addition to the Civic and Civic Hybrid, the sales increase of the all-new Pilot shows that fuel-efficient technologies such as our variable cylinder management system are being well-received in Honda's light truck segment." Honda total car sales decreased by 4.9 percent to 78,674. Honda light truck sales saw a decrease of 10.3 percent to 53,092. The Acura Division posted sales of 15,089, a decrease of 8.2 percent compared to August 2007. The MDX was Acura's top-selling model, posting 5,180 units while sales of the TL sedan increased 0.2 percent to 5,000. *The daily selling rate is calculated with 27 days for August 2008 and 27 days for August 2007. The year-to-date daily selling rate is calculated with 206 days for 2008 and 205 days for 2007. All percentages reflect the daily selling rate. For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda and Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.hondanews.com/. Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com/. American Honda Vehicle Sales For August 2008
Month-to-Date
August August DSR**
2008 2007 % Chg.
American Honda Total 146,855 158,342 -7.3%
Total Car Sales 86,827 91,448 -5.1%
Total Truck Sales 60,028 66,894 -10.3%
Honda Total Car Sales 78,674 82,688 -4.9%
Honda Total Truck Sales 53,092 59,218 -10.3%
Acura Total Car Sales 8,153 8,760 -6.9%
Acura Total Truck Sales 6,936 7,676 -9.6%
Domestic Car Sales * 70,081 78,135 -10.3%
Honda Division 65,081 73,143 -11.0%
Acura Division 5,000 4,992 0.2%
Domestic Truck Sales * 50,234 48,001 4.7%
Honda Division 43,298 40,325 7.4%
Acura Division 6,936 7,676 -9.6%
Import Car Sales 16,746 13,313 25.8%
Honda Division 13,593 9,545 42.4%
Acura Division 3,153 3,768 -16.3%
Import Truck Sales 9,794 18,893 -48.2%
Honda Division 9,794 18,893 -48.2%
MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
Honda Division Total 131,766 141,906 -7.1%
Fit 4,800 6,408 -25.1%
Accord * 43,613 47,360 -7.9%
Memo: Accord Hybrid 2 275 -99.3%
Civic * 30,052 28,551 5.3%
Memo: Civic Hybrid 3,105 2,102 47.7%
S2000 208 369 -43.6%
Insight 0 0
FCX 0 0
FCX Clarity 1
Odyssey * 15,546 19,324 -19.6%
Pilot * 11,276 9,504 18.6%
CR-V * 19,866 23,192 -14.3%
Element * 2,606 2,759 -5.5%
Ridgeline 3,798 4,439 -14.4%
Acura Division Total 15,089 16,436 -8.2%
RSX 0 1
TL * 5,000 4,992 0.2%
TSX 2,837 3,245 -12.6%
RL 316 522 -39.5%
MDX * 5,180 5,816 -10.9%
RDX * 1,756 1,860 -5.6%
Selling Days 27 27
Year-to-Date
August August DSR**
2008 2007 % Chg.
American Honda Total 1,083,957 1,066,320 1.2%
Total Car Sales 674,129 605,812 10.7%
Total Truck Sales 409,828 460,508 -11.4%
Honda Total Car Sales 613,985 536,773 13.8%
Honda Total Truck Sales 364,141 407,190 -11.0%
Acura Total Car Sales 60,144 69,039 -13.3%
Acura Total Truck Sales 45,687 53,318 -14.7%
Domestic Car Sales * 502,452 494,795 1.1%
Honda Division 469,810 454,047 3.0%
Acura Division 32,642 40,748 -20.3%
Domestic Truck Sales * 323,140 326,526 -1.5%
Honda Division 277,453 273,208 1.1%
Acura Division 45,687 53,318 -14.7%
Import Car Sales 171,677 111,017 53.9%
Honda Division 144,175 82,726 73.4%
Acura Division 27,502 28,291 -3.3%
Import Truck Sales 86,688 133,982 -35.6%
Honda Division 86,688 133,982 -35.6%
MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
Honda Division Total 978,126 943,963 3.1%
Fit 56,853 36,520 54.9%
Accord * 290,857 266,848 8.5%
Memo: Accord Hybrid 196 2,579 -92.4%
Civic * 264,138 230,203 14.2%
Memo: Civic Hybrid 25,577 21,736 17.1%
S2000 2,128 3,189 -33.6%
Insight 0 3
FCX 6 10 -40.3%
FCX Clarity 3
Odyssey * 101,258 113,803 -11.5%
Pilot * 74,238 89,272 -17.2%
CR-V * 142,096 147,454 -4.1%
Element * 20,690 25,562 -19.5%
Ridgeline 25,859 31,099 -17.3%
Acura Division Total 105,831 122,357 -13.9%
RSX 1 294 -99.7%
TL * 32,642 40,748 -20.3%
TSX 23,994 23,433 1.9%
RL 3,507 4,562 -23.5%
MDX * 33,219 37,792 -12.5%
RDX * 12,468 15,526 -20.1%
Selling Days 206 205
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
parts.
** Daily Selling Rate
Month-to-Date Year-to-Date
August August DSR** August August DSR**
2008 2007 % Chg. 2008 2007 % Chg. Hybrid 3,107 2,377 30.7% 25,773 24,318 5.5% Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,
CONTACT: Sage Marie of Honda, +1-310-783-3163, or Mike Spencer of Acura,
+1-310-783-3165, or Chuck Schifsky, Detroit, +1-313-202-3150 Web site: http://www.honda.com/
http://www.hondanews.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:57 PM
Couple Sets Out To Break Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption Across the Continental United States
Couple Sets Out To Break Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption Across the Continental United States 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel selected as vehicle of choice HERNDON, Va., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the world's most fuel- efficient drivers, John and Helen Taylor, will embark today on the "Taylors' Diesel Inspiration" tour -- an attempt to break the current world record for lowest fuel consumption on a drive across the 48 contiguous United States. To help meet this goal, the Taylors will be behind the wheel of an all-new, 50- state-compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI employing simple "FuelStretch" fuel-saving driving tips they developed with Shell. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/CLW116 ) The Taylors are an Australian husband and wife team who set a Guinness World Record for driving around the globe on 24 tanks of fuel behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf in 2006, and as always, Guinness World Records rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to on this challenge. Approximately 12 official check-in and refueling stops across the country are included throughout the duration of the drive, which is slated to conclude September 26 in W.Va. The current world record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive is 51.8 miles per gallon. "It will be a great challenge and adventure to drive through the 48 U.S. mainland states," said Helen Taylor. "We want to educate the American public that by choosing the right car, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, everyone in the U.S. can save money, fuel and reduce carbon emissions." Kicking off their more than 8,000-mile drive at a Shell station in Chantilly, Va. followed by a "flag-off" ceremony at the Volkswagen of America, Inc. headquarters in nearby Herndon, Va., the Taylors are setting out on this challenge in their vehicle of choice -- Volkswagen's all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI-powered by the fuel of their choice -- Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. "We're thrilled that the Taylors have chosen our all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI in their attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no-compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customers the best of both worlds -- excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience. We're excited to see the tremendous fuel efficiency that the Taylors will get as they set a new world record. We wish the Taylors the best of luck and a safe journey," added Jacoby. It's just good, clean diesel fun. Volkswagen has more than 30 years of experience selling diesel passenger cars in the United States, and they're the first manufacturer to market with an affordable 50-state compliant clean diesel passenger vehicle that meets the strictest emission standards of California and the world. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 miles per gallon city and 40 miles per gallon highway. Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real-world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway.* Using fuel-saving driving techniques and vehicle maintenance tips from Shell, the Taylors hope to push their fuel efficiency even further. The couple will drive on a counter-clockwise route including stops in Va., N.H., Ohio, Iowa, S.D., Mont., Nev., Calif., Colo., Okla., Ill., La. and W.Va. Some of the fuel-maximizing tactics the Taylors will employ on the road include actions such as avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance. "With everyone focused on stretching their fuel dollars, the Taylors' world record-breaking attempt will demonstrate to American drivers that a little modification to vehicle maintenance and driving habits can help maximize fuel economy," said Jens Mueller-Belau, U.S. Retail Fuels Marketing, Shell Oil Products U.S. "Like the Taylors, we have a passion for fuel economy, and we're glad both Shell fuel and "FuelStretch" tips will power this exciting event." The Taylors have made a 26-year career out of driving economically and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. Along the way, they have collected 36 world fuel economy world records from drives around the globe in Australia, Asia, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Via their Web site, the Taylors will be sharing their personal experiences on the road. For more information and regular reports from the road, visit www.fuelacademy.com . For a complete list of fuel-saving driving tips, visit http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch Link to information on the Taylors' 2006 Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency: http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/aboutshell/media_center/news_and_press_re leases/archive/2006/fuel_challenge_record.html *29 city / 40 highway EPA estimates; 38 city / 44 highway real-world fuel economy based on AMCI testing. Actual mileage may vary. For more information on Volkswagen, go to www.vw.com Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/CLW116
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN19
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Volkswagen; Shell
CONTACT: Jim Gill, Volkswagen, +1-703-364-7621, mobile, +1-248-882-6309,
jim.gill@vw.com; or Shell Media Line, +1-713-241-4544; or Devlin Riggs,
Edelman, +1-323-202-1454, devlin.riggs@edelman.com Web site: http://www.vw.com/
http://www.fuelacademy.com/
http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/948250.html
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:55 PM
BMW Group Reports August Sales
BMW Group Reports August Sales BMW Group US sales (BMW and MINI combined) up 1.0 percent in August WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 30,931 vehicles, an increase of 1.0 percent over the 30,639 vehicles sold in August 2007. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 217,821 vehicles, down 2.5 percent, compared to 223,341 vehicles in the same period of 2007. BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 4.1 percent in August for a total of 25,462 compared to 26,562 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW brand sales were down 7.4 percent, to 180,889 vehicles compared to 195,436 vehicles sold in the same period in 2007. "In the last six months in a tough economy we have seen premium brand sales largely supported by the Northeast region," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "In August however the Southeast and West came back as a strong contributor to our BMW sales. A trend? Don't know, but a good sign." Contributing to BMW sales in August was a good balance between retail financing and leasing. "We are strong believers that the premium market deserves a choice of both retail financing and leasing," said Jim O'Donnell. "We knew working our APR programs to add a bit more value to the ownership equation would get us a better balance with leasing. This month it's been exactly like this." BMW Automobile Sales BMW's automobile sales are down 5.6 percent in August to 19,653 versus 20,825 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also decreased 7.1 percent, to 142,436 automobiles compared to 153,303 in the same period of 2007. BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles increased by 1.3 percent in August to 5,809 vehicles over the 5,737 sold last August. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 8.7 percent, to 38,453 vehicles compared to the 42,133 sold in the first eight months of 2007. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported August sales of 5,469 automobiles, up 34.1 percent from the 4,077 cars sold in August 2007. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 36,932 automobiles, an increase of 32.3 percent, compared to the 27,905 cars reported in the first eight months of 2007. "MINI continued to see strong demand in August and one that again lowered our inventory even more," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President MINI USA. "But good news is on the way as we have increased our allocation for the remainder of the year starting in September." McDowell noted that 75 percent of all MINI customers will likely build their vehicles to order. "This trend shows that MINI costumers continue to be those choosing more for lifestyle and individualization rather than just downsizing for fuel economy." Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, August 2008 August August % YTD YTD %
2008 2007 2008 2007 BMW brand 25,462 26,562 -4.1 180,889 195,436 -7.4
BMW passenger cars 19,6536 20,8256 -5.6 142,433 153,303 -7.1
BMW light trucks
(SAVs) 5,809 5,737 1.3 38,453 42,133 -8.7
MINI brand 5,469 4,077 34.1 36,932 27,905 32.3
TOTAL Group 30,931 30,639 1.0 217,821 223,341 -2.5 BMW Certified Pre-Owned
Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 26.7 percent, to 9,453 CPO vehicles versus 7,462 vehicles reported last August. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 21.8 percent, to 69,437 over the 57,024 reported in the same period in 2007.
Sales BMW of North America, LLC, August 2008 August August YTD YTD
08 07 % August 08 August 07 % 1 Series 1,190 0 8,617 0
3 Series 10,756 12,470 -13.7% 81,967 97,041 -15.5%
Z4 Roadster and Coupe 556 1,127 -50.7% 4,672 6,547 -28.6%
5 Series 5,287 5,173 2.2% 32,908 33,840 -2.8%
6 Series 663 761 -12.9% 4,881 5,951 -18.0%
7 Series 1,201 1,294 -7.2% 9,391 9,924 -5.4%
BMW passenger cars 19,653 20,825 -5.6% 142,436 153,303 -7.1%
X3 1,963 3,181 -38.3% 13,220 20,107 -34.3%
X5 3,380 2,556 32.2% 22,347 22,026 1.5%
X6 466 0 2,886 0
BMW light trucks (SAVs) 5,809 5,737 1.3% 38,453 42,133 -8.7%
BMW brand 25,462 26,562 -4.1% 180,889 195,436 -7.4%
Cooper /S Hardtop 3,631 3,233 12.3% 24,966 22,249 12.2%
Cooper /S Convertible 505 844 -40.2% 4,545 5,656 -19.6%
Cooper /S Clubman 1,333 0 7,421 0
MINI brand 5,469 4,077 34.1% 36,932 27,905 32.3%
TOTAL BMW of North
America, LLC 30,931 30,639 1.0% 217,821 223,341 -2.5% BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwgroup.com. Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.
Source: BMW of North America, LLC
CONTACT: Jan Ehlen, Business Communications Manager, BMW of North
America, LLC, +1-201-307-3789, jan.ehlen@bmwna.com Web site: http://www.bmwusa.com/
http://www.bmwgroupna.com/
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/
http://www.miniusa.com/
http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:52 PM
Mercedes-Benz Reports August Sales of 18,507
Mercedes-Benz Reports August Sales of 18,507 Year-To-Date Sales of 158,519 Continue to Outpace 2007 MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported August sales of 18,507 new vehicles, an 11.8 percent decrease compared to August 2007. On a year-to-date basis, MBUSA continued to outpace its 2007 performance with sales of 158,519 new vehicles (versus 157,806). Demand for the company's volume-leading C-Class boosted that model line's sales performance by 53.1 percent (6,990 vs. 4,565) for the month. On a year-to-date basis, the C-Class posted a gain of 39.8 percent (50,593 in 2008 vs. 36,184 in 2007). While down for the month of August (2,430 vs. 3,062), the popular M-Class sport utility vehicles continued to hold their gain on a year-to-date basis with a 7.2 percent increase (22,517 in 2008 vs. 21,012 in 2007). Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked a 46.8 percent increase in August sales with 6,440 vehicles sold compared to 4,388 in August 2007, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 42,973 units, an increase of 23.3 percent over the same period in 2007. Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history. Model August '08 August '07 Monthly % YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly % C-CLASS 6,990 4,565 53.1% 50,593 36,184 39.8% E-CLASS 2,681 3,718 -27.9% 27,782 29,191 -4.8% S-CLASS 1,700 2,467 -31.1% 12,916 17,537 -26.4% CL-CLASS 232 352 -34.1% 1,955 2,395 -18.4% SL-CLASS 477 485 -1.6% 4,379 4,403 -0.5% CLK-CLASS 613 1,372 -55.3% 7,778 10,381 -25.1% SLK-CLASS 356 526 -32.3% 3,864 5,671 -31.9% CLS-CLASS 313 713 -56.1% 4,493 5,458 -17.7% R-CLASS 469 1,033 -54.6% 6,003 8,899 -32.5% M-CLASS 2,430 3,062 -20.6% 22,517 21,012 7.2% GL-CLASS 2,184 2,615 -16.5% 15,623 15,957 -2.1% G-CLASS 62 72 -13.9% 616 718 -14.2% GRAND
TOTAL 18,507 20,980 -11.8% 158,519 157,806 0.5% Source: Mercedes-Benz USA
CONTACT: Donna Boland of Mercedes-Benz USA, +1-201-573-6893, Toll-Free
+888-MBNEWS-1 Web site: http://www.mbusa.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:25 PM
Aptera(TM) Hires Seasoned Auto Executive Paul Wilbur as Its New President and CEO
Aptera(TM) Hires Seasoned Auto Executive Paul Wilbur as Its New President and CEO Automotive Expert to Lead Growth Strategy as Company Prepares for a 2009 Rollout CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptera Motors announced today that, after a thorough search, the company has hired Paul Wilbur as its president and chief executive officer. Wilbur is an automotive industry veteran who brings 26 years of extensive automotive experience, ranging from product planning and finance to marketing and product development for leading car companies such as Ford and Chrysler. Most recently, Wilbur was the president and CEO of Detroit-based American Specialty Cars, a tier-1 supplier of open air and convertible roof systems and Saleen, a leading manufacturer of high performance specialty cars and trucks. "We have searched long and hard for exactly the right leader to help us fulfill the promise of this vehicle," stated Steve Fambro, co-founder and chief technical officer of Aptera. "Paul Wilbur is that leader. His hands-on style and wide-ranging automotive experience will be invaluable as we move from design and development into the manufacturing and distribution phase. His reputation as a consummate car guy and a leading-edge automotive thinker are also qualities we wanted in our new CEO." Wilbur joined Aptera effective August 25, 2008 at their technical center in Carlsbad, California. Near term production and distribution will be predominantly based in California, although long term plans for high volume assembly locations have not been finalized. Aptera is starting to work with a few southern U.S. states for a high volume assembly plant location. "The chance to join the Aptera team at a time like this is a wonderful opportunity," stated Wilbur. "Aptera Motors is a company built on the belief that dramatically rising energy costs, combined with escalating global environmental concerns, will challenge the automotive industry and create an unprecedented opportunity for a revolutionary new kind of vehicle. I don't know of any vehicle currently in development, world-wide, that matches the game-changing possibilities of Aptera." After closing its series C funding round, Aptera is now in the process of building a high powered, laser-focused product team to not only develop new products, but to also change the world's mindset towards automotive efficiency. About Aptera Motors, Inc. Aptera's goal is to revolutionize the way a vehicle moves through the air and dramatically reduces the energy needed to move people from point A to point B. The Company is currently developing an ultra-efficient, passenger vehicle combining the lowest possible aerodynamic drag, super strong and light weight composites combined with highly-efficient propulsion systems and will begin initial production before the end of 2008. The first vehicle is an all-electric, two-seat passenger version with a range of up to 120 miles per charge. Future variants will be capable of delivering up to 300 mpg. California residents can reserve a vehicle now by placing a fully refundable $500 deposit at our website. The company is backed by Idealab and Google, Inc., among others. To join our efficiency revolution, please visit us at http://www.aptera.com/.
Source: Aptera Motors, Inc.
CONTACT: Steve Fiore, +1-858-427-1667, fiore@szpr.com, for Aptera
Motors, Inc. Web site: http://www.aptera.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:20 PM
Mazda Reports August 2008 Sales
Mazda Reports August 2008 Sales CX-9 Leads the Way with Its Best Month Ever, MAZDA3 Reports Its Best August IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported August 2008 sales of 23,680 vehicles, a slight decrease over last August of 4.4 percent. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 199,239 vehicles, down 2.0 percent. "August sales showed that customers' focus on smaller, smarter, more efficient vehicles is sharper than ever, in the face of still-steep fuel prices and continued monetary uncertainties," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "At Mazda, with record sales for MAZDA3, MAZDA5 and CX-9 this month, we continue to hammer away at the basics: the right car at the right price, sold through the right dealer network." The highly acclaimed CX-9, reigning North American Truck of the Year, had a very solid August, selling 3,173, up 41.4 percent compared to last August, and its best month ever. Competing in one of the most popular and competitive automotive segments, the Mazda CX-9 is a clear class leader with its three-row, seven-passenger interior and powerful V6 engine. Not to be outdone, the popular and fuel-efficient MAZDA3 had its best August sales month ever and continues to be Mazda's sales leader. MAZDA3 reported a 4.4 percent increase in sales, totaling 10,970. The MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 39.7 percent increase versus last August, with 1,324 sales, its best August since launch. Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 43.3 percent, proof-positive that the MAZDA5 is the right vehicle for today's market. The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 is arriving at dealerships across the country now. With a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and more fuel efficient -- engine choices, the 2009 MAZDA6 is sure to be a hit. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever August with sales of 1,768 vehicles, up 22 percent versus last year. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 13,525 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase versus last year. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported August sales of 7,705 units, down 10.8 percent. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan. Mazda North American Operations - August
2008 Month-To-Date Year-To-Date August August % % MTD August August % % YTD
2008 2007 Change DSR 2008 2007 Change DSR Mazda3 10,970 10,511 4.4% 0.6% 84,227 84,707 (0.6)% (1.5)%
Mazda5 1,324 948 39.7% 25.7% 14,637 10,213 43.3% 29.6%
Mazda6 3,010 3,830 (21.4)% (32.0)% 38,543 40,186 (4.1)% (5.3)%
MX-5
Miata 1,052 926 13.6% 8.7% 9,383 11,716 (19.9)% (26.1)%
RX-8 355 463 (23.3)% (35.3)% 2,591 4,417 (41.3)% (72.1)%
CX-7 2,917 4,072 (28.4)% (44.8)% 21,247 28,395 (25.2)% (34.9)%
CX-9 3,173 2,244 41.4% 26.7% 18,361 13,720 33.8% 24.6%
Tribute 795 1,542 (48.4)% (101.1)% 9,250 7,763 19.2% 15.3%
B-Series
Truck 84 226 (62.8)% (179.0)% 1,000 2,063 (51.5)% (108.3)%
MPV - - N/A N/A - 122 (100.0)% N/A Total
Vehicles CARS 16,711 16,678 0.2% (3.5)% 149,381 151,239 (1.2)% (2.2)%
TRUCKS 6,969 8,084 (13.8)% (20.3)% 49,858 52,063 (4.2)% (5.4)% TOTAL 23,680 24,762 (4.4)% (8.4)% 199,239 203,302 (2.0)% (3.0)%
MEMO:
IMPORT
CAR 13,701 12,848 6.6% 110,838 111,053 (0.2)%
IMPORT
TRUCK 6,090 6,316 (3.6)% 39,608 42,237 (6.2)%
IMPORT
TOTAL 19,791 19,164 3.3% 150,446 153,290 (1.9)% DOMESTIC
CAR 3,010 3,830 (21.4)% 38,543 40,186 (4.1)%
DOMESTIC
TRUCK 879 1,768 (50.3)% 10,250 9,826 4.3%
DOMESTIC
TOTALS 3,889 5,598 (30.5)% 48,793 50,012 (2.4)% Selling
Days 28 27 209 207 Note: MPV is a discontinued vehicle. Source: Mazda North American Operations
CONTACT: Jeremy Barnes of Mazda North American Operations,
+1-949-727-6844, or Tim Gilman of Mazda Information Bureau, +1-949-223-2313 Web site: http://www.mazdausa.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:10 PM
The NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive Asks Fans to Roll up Their Sleeves
The NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive Asks Fans to Roll up Their Sleeves Local Events At 28 Racetracks Highlight 3rd Annual Event CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- NASCAR fans can save lives by rolling up their sleeves this September 11th. The NASCAR Foundation, Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Hendrick Marrow Program and the Nationwide Foundation together are urging fans across the country to make a difference in thousands of lives. Local fans can participate in The NASCAR Foundation Third Annual Blood and Marrow Drive Presented by Nationwide Insurance, which will hold events at 28 participating NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and local NASCAR Home Track venues across the nation. Racetracks from 24 states will participate in the annual event providing an opportunity for fans to donate blood and volunteer their names for the National Marrow Donor Program(R) Registry. The following racetracks will participate in events in September (All events will occur on September 11, 2008 unless otherwise noted): Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway (Sept 21), Elko Speedway, Gateway International Raceway (Sept 6), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Iowa Speedway, Kansas Speedway (Sept 9), Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Memphis Motorsports Park, Michigan International Speedway, The Milwaukee Mile, New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Dec 2), Phoenix International Raceway, Pocono Raceway (Sept 12-13), Talladega Superspeedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International. Events have already taken place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway and Rockford Speedway as part of the effort. As part of this day of giving back, many tracks are planning fan events to go along with the drive. At Daytona International Speedway, there will be live music, a Richard Petty Driving Experience, food and drinks and a t-shirt giveaway. In Atlanta, donors are eligible for a free pace car ride around the track and will be entered into a drawing for tickets to the Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in October. At Michigan International Speedway, which has been running a blood drive since 2002, there will be ceremonies remembering those who died on September 11, 2001. With the addition of NASCAR Official Partner Nationwide Insurance, the company will hold drives at two of their corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio and Des Moines, Iowa. To find out more information on participating tracks and dates and times of events, please go to WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation . The largest effort of its kind within the motorsports industry, The NASCAR Foundation Blood & Marrow Drive has collected enough pints of blood to potentially save more than 17,000 lives since its launch in 2006. More than 1,500 members were added to the National Marrow Donor Program(R) Registry giving hope to the 6,000 patients searching the Registry every day. "It has been incredible to watch the drive grow over the past two years," said Jimmie Johnson, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. "Each year, we have been able to add more tracks to the program. This will be our biggest drive yet. It is amazing how everyone is able to come together on one day to make such a huge impact." Those unable to make one of the many events can still make a difference by going to WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation to find out how to give blood and join the NMDP Registry via an online do-it-yourself kit. Kits will be available to interested donors from September 7-22, 2008 free of charge. About The NASCAR Foundation The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation . About Nationwide Insurance/ Nationwide Foundation The Nationwide Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from Nationwide companies. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Foundation has committed more than $190 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work. Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $161 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #108 on the Fortune 500 list. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com . About Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the two-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS in NASCAR's top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $1.7 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org . About Hendrick Marrow Program Rick Hendrick established the Hendrick Marrow Program as a fund of The Marrow Foundation in 1997 following his diagnosis with leukemia. Although Hendrick never required a marrow transplant, he is committed to supporting the thousands of Americans who search the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry every day in hope of finding a lifesaving marrow donor. The Hendrick Marrow Program's goals are to raise funds to support donor recruitment drives across the country and to assist patients with uninsured transplant-related expenses.
Source: NASCAR
CONTACT: Tom Sullivan, NASCAR, +1-704-348-9613, tsullivan@nascar.com, or
Sarah Newman, The NASCAR Foundation, +1-704-348-9656,
snewman@nascarfoundation.com Web site: http://www.nascar.com/
http://www.nascar.com/foundation
http://www.nationwide.com/
http://www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:08 PM
Volkswagen Reports August 2008 Sales
Volkswagen Reports August 2008 Sales Best Jetta month since May 2006 HERNDON, Va., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced August 2008 sales of 22,292 units, a 2.9 percent increase over the August 2007 sales of 21,655 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 1.3 percent ahead of 2007 sales through August. "We're extremely pleased with our August sales results," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "This is a tough economy and for Volkswagen to be ahead of last year's sales is a true testament to the strength of our brand. With our recent launch of all-new 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan and our other exciting new product offerings, like the CC and Routan arriving late September, we're looking forward to continued success." August represents the best Jetta month for Volkswagen since May 2006. With fuel economy becoming a key purchase criterion, consumers are looking at more economical vehicles, which positions Volkswagen very well. Volkswagen's all-new 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta TDI is selling about as fast as the dealers can get them into their showrooms, with a turn rate of close to 75 percent. About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 model year vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stabilization control system on its entire product line -- ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring stabilization systems in the 2012 model year vehicles. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control, rollovers and other types of crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all vehicles had stabilization systems as standard equipment. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com. VW-US Snapshot ------ YEAR-TO-DATE ------ August- August- August- August-
08 07 Yr/Yr % 08 YTD 07 YTD Yr/Yr %
Actual Actual change Actual Actual change New Beetle - Coupe 1,549 1,627 -4.8% 11,296 11,093 1.8%
- Convertible 995 1,330 -25.2% 9,047 9,861 -8.3%
Total New Beetle 2,544 2,957 -14.0% 20,343 20,954 -2.9%
Jetta Sdn 10,350 8,714 18.8% 65,369 66,744 -2.1%
SportWagen 867 - 0.0% 1,481 -
Total Jetta 11,217 8,714 28.7% 66,850 66,744 0.2%
Eos 1,163 1,161 0.2% 10,792 8,975 20.2%
Golf - N/A - 21 -100.0%
Rabbit 1,971 3,074 -35.9% 15,802 17,753 -11.0%
GTI 1,431 1,204 18.9% 9,422 10,206 -7.7%
R32 201 654 -69.3% 2,638 693 280.7%
Total Golf/
Rabbit/GTI/R32 3,603 4,932 27,862 28,673 -2.8%
Passat Sdn 1,719 2,665 -35.5% 19,399 20,770 -6.6%
Wgn 488 527 -7.4% 4,577 4,748 -3.6%
Total Passat 2,207 3,192 -30.9% 23,976 25,518 -6.0%
Phaeton - - N/A - 17 -100.0%
Touareg 527 699 -24.6% 4,835 5,307 -8.9%
Tiguan 1,031 - N/A 3,600 - N/A
TOTAL 22,292 21,655 2.9% 158,258 156,188 1.3% Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
CONTACT: Steve Keyes of Volkswagen of America, Inc., +1-703-364-7650, or
+1-703-939-1535, Steve.Keyes@vw.com Web site: http://www.vw.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/948250.html
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 1:07 PM
Nissan North America Announces August Sales
Nissan North America Announces August Sales FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported August 2008 sales of 108,493 units versus 95,527 units a year ago, an increase of 13.6 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles increased 14.2 percent, while sales of Infiniti Division vehicles increased by 8.0 percent. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO ) NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
-- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 97,417 units in August compared with August 2007's 85,275 units sold, a 14.2 percent increase.
-- The Xterra SUV and Frontier midsize pickup led a strong month for truck sales, with increases of 76.9 percent and 55.5 percent, respectively, over year-ago levels. -- With the introduction of the seventh-generation Maxima, sales for the model were strong, reaching 5,484 units, exceeding prior year by 15.5 percent. -- The all-new Nissan GT-R enjoyed a strong launch with sales of 484 units in August. -- Sales of Nissan cars combined for 49,394 units, an increase of 0.6 percent from the prior year, while truck sales increased 32.7 percent to 48,023 units. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS -- Infiniti sales for August grew to 11,076 units from 10,252 units, an increase of 8.0 percent. -- Sales of the EX totaled 1,645 units, the strongest posting for the new nameplate since its launch in December 2007. -- Sales of the FX sport crossover reached 1,581 units, an increase of 27.3 percent compared with August 2007. NNA INFORMATION -- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 108,493 units, compared with last August's sales of 95,527 units, marking an increase of 13.6 percent. -- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This August had 27 selling days, as did August 2007. In North America, NNA's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com. NISSAN DIVISION
SALES
August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
Nissan Division
Total 97,417 85,275 14.2 643,939 635,210 1.4
Versa 8,015 8,454 -5.2 62,341 53,865 15.7
Sentra 9,207 9,076 1.4 79,288 75,616 4.9
Altima 25,298 25,434 -0.5 207,733 190,151 9.2
Maxima 5,484 4,748 15.5 31,618 34,758 -9.0
350Z 906 1,380 -34.3 8,278 13,916 -40.5
GT-R 484 NA NA 631 NA NA
Total Car 49,394 49,092 0.6 389,889 368,306 5.9
Frontier 9,140 5,878 55.5 39,339 45,257 -13.1
Titan 5,871 6,985 -15.9 27,028 45,766 -40.9
Xterra 8,208 4,639 76.9 28,345 34,596 -18.1
Pathfinder 6,792 6,633 2.4 28,569 41,811 -31.7
Armada 2,178 2,959 -26.4 12,506 21,257 -41.2
Rogue 6,639 NA NA 49,998 NA NA
Murano 5,071 6,580 -22.9 51,610 57,448 -10.2
Quest 4,124 2,509 64.4 16,655 20,769 -19.8
Total Truck 48,023 36,183 32.7 254,050 266,904 -4.8
North American
Produced 84,317 77,315 9.1 533,422 563,846 -5.4
Car 48,004 47,712 0.6 380,980 354,390 7.5
Truck 36,313 29,603 22.7 152,442 209,456 -27.2
Import 13,100 7,960 64.6 110,517 71,364 54.9
Car 1,390 1,380 0.7 8,909 13,916 -36.0
Truck 11,710 6,580 78.0 101,608 57,448 76.9 INFINITI DIVISION
SALES
August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
Infiniti Division
Total 11,076 10,252 8.0 82,194 83,574 -1.7
G Sedan 4,014 4,349 -7.7 32,222 37,640 -14.4
G Coupe 1,847 1,826 1.2 15,086 9,492 58.9
M 1,221 1,658 -26.4 10,968 15,034 -27.0
Q45 0 0 NA 0 21 -100.0
QX56 768 1,176 -34.7 5,914 7,633 -22.5
EX 1,645 NA NA 9,010 NA NA
FX 1,581 1,242 27.3 8,995 13,752 -34.6
Total Car 7,082 7,833 -9.6 58,275 62,187 -6.3
Total Truck 3,994 2,419 65.1 23,919 21,387 11.8 COMBINED NISSAN AND
INFINITI SALES
August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
TOTAL VEHICLE 108,493 95,527 13.6 726,133 718,784 1.0
Total Car 56,476 56,925 -0.8 448,164 430,493 4.1
Total Truck 52,017 38,602 34.8 277,969 288,291 -3.6
Selling Days 27 27 206 205 *All numbers include Hawaii. * One QX4 was sold in August 2007.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Nissan North America, Inc.
CONTACT: Katherine Zachary, Nissan North America, +1-615-725-1447 Web site: http://nissannews.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
Innovative Marketing Campaign Puts Ford Flex in Front of Millions of Potential Customers
Innovative Marketing Campaign Puts Ford Flex in Front of Millions of Potential Customers DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Exciting and provocative marketing campaign for Flex begins this week - Using both traditional and innovative marketing techniques, Ford will
reach millions of consumers through a variety of mediums - Ford partners with Esquire for the world's first electronic magazine
front cover - Opportunities with Apple iPhone and Microsoft's Xbox take the campaign
to a new audience
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and JWT Team Detroit are launching the new Ford Flex marketing campaign this week. Backed by a robust, multi-tiered media plan and a distinctive creative approach, the Flex campaign was developed with a singular and precise focus -- to excite, stimulate and surprise the current crossover audience.
"The Ford Flex is electric. When you see it, it provokes a reaction," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "So the approach we're taking to launch the vehicle is unconventional and quite unexpected." "A unique vehicle warranted a unique approach," said George S. Rogers, president and CEO of JWT Team Detroit. "For the Flex launch, we employed three new processes during our developmental cycle. Beyond just developing a brief, we also established a robust 30-page brand book which went far beyond the traditional style guide. The brand book served as the 'Holy Grail' for all of our creative to be measured against." The campaign kicks off nationally this week with two television spots that celebrate Flex's individuality. The provocative 30-second ads were directed by Mark Romanek, an accomplished music video and feature film director. Romanek has won more than 20 MTV awards, three Grammys, a Country Music Award and three Billboard Music Awards. "Romanek helped us create a set of commercials which brought fictitious worlds to life in a vibrant and impactful way," said Usha Raghavachari, Ford crossover marketing communications manager. "We deliberately created ads that are unlike anything Ford has done in the past." Both spots ("Grid" and "Lights") offer a sophisticated, computer-generated tour of the Flex's design and technological features, and are backed by the music of DJ Squeek E. Clean and the vocals of Santogold -- an emerging singer/songwriter hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 10 artists to watch. The two new spots will begin airing today in regular rotation. Beyond traditional print and outdoor billboard executions, Team Detroit also developed 360-degree CGI animations that show almost every angle of the vehicle's features. Esquire Partnership The Ford Flex will be featured digitally in Esquire's 75th anniversary edition. The October issue will be the first mass-produced print product to use electronic paper display technology. The front cover of the magazine and the double-page advertisement for the Flex inside the front flap feature moving words and images created using flexible electronic display technology produced by E Ink, the same company that developed the technology used in Amazon.com's electronic reader, Kindle. "The whole team is very excited about the opportunity to be part of this campaign," Raghavachari said. "This execution is a great example of how we're introducing the Flex to the world in a non-conformist manner. We're hoping that the issue jumps off the shelves." Digital Animations From a digital perspective, Ford and Team Detroit have created a series of CGI animated mini movies, which were designed to entertain viewers, while informing them about the vehicles. The vignettes focus on the key elements of the Flex: design, interior packaging, safety features and engineering strengths. The movies can be found at www.fordflex.com . Emerging Media In the ever-increasing realm of emerging media, Ford and Team Detroit focused its efforts on creating four new applications for iPhone, Xbox, Dish and Yahoo. The iPhone application, which allows users to digitally manipulate photos they've taken on their iPhone, also will allow users to view Flex features and information, including exterior and interior 360-degree animations, photo galleries, and a dealer locator using the iPhone mapping application. The creators developed the Flex Xbox Live Branded Destination Experience and Xbox Marketplace Downloads, which gamers can use to download exclusive Flex Theme Packs and Picture Packs to their console, view Flex videos, photo galleries and get vehicle information. The group will also be launching the Flex Dish Showcase, which allows users to link out from Flex commercials or access the showcase through their interactive program guide. This showcase will allow viewers to look at Flex photos and videos. Ford also partnered with Yahoo! for their Yahoo! Go Beta 3.0 mobile media launch. The program creates instant brand engagement on smart phones with pre- and post-roll rich media featuring the new 2009 Ford Flex. Users will be able to click and view a mobile-hosted Flex video through targeted banners running within the Yahoo! Go application. Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Ford also has partnered with World Wide Pants to create branded content on the "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." Beginning Thursday, Sept 4, eight original episodes (with one repeat) will air every Thursday featuring Flex-branded content. The skits will focus on Ferguson's cousin Angus and his band the Highlanderz as they journey from LAX to the CBS Studio. With bagpipe virtuoso Philip McGrade in tow, the group will encounter hilarious situations as they travel across America. About the Vehicle With its signature side grooves, all-black glass area and distinctive multi-panel Vista Roof(TM), the Ford Flex is like no other vehicle on the road. Flex offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers and a host of class-leading technologies, such as an integrated refrigerator between the second-row seats; SYNC, an advanced in-car system developed by Ford and Microsoft that voice-activates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and MP3 players; EasyFuel(TM) capless fuel filler; ambient lighting and a reverse camera system. SIRIUS(R) Travel Link(TM) is available as part of the vehicle's voice-activated navigation system. It provides users with a suite of data services including continuously updated fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. Flex ranks among the best in its class for fuel economy, delivering 24 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the vehicle starts at $28,895, including destination. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com .
Source: Ford Motor Company
CONTACT: Jay Ward of Ford, +1-313-845-2387, jward35@ford.com; or Brad
Bobenmoyer of JTW Team Detroit, +1-313-615-3195,
brad.bobenmoyer@jwt.teamdetroit.com Web site: http://www.ford.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs. -------
Profile: automotive-news
Toyota Reports August Sales
Toyota Reports August Sales TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August sales of 211,533 vehicles, a decrease of 9.4 percent from last August, on a daily selling rate basis. The Toyota Division posted August sales of 182,252 units, a decrease of 9.4 percent from last August. The Lexus Division reported August sales of 29,281 units, a decrease of 9.1 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded August sales of 111,778 units, down 3.4 percent from the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined sales of 44,064 units, up 3.3 percent over August 2007. Camry Hybrid reported August sales of 3,456 units. Corolla recorded sales of 29,443 units for the month. With limited availability, the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted August sales of 13,463 units. Yaris reported sales of 9,474 units for the month, up 20.5 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division light trucks posted August sales of 70,474 units, down 17.6 percent from August 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tundra full-size pickup with August sales of 17,401 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 12,407 units for the month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 8,070 units in August. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported August sales of 1,277 units, up 225 percent over last August. Sequoia posted sales of 3,195 units for the month, up 86.1 percent over the same period last year. Scion posted August sales of 11,867 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with August sales 4,626 units. The tC sports coupe posted August sales of 4,484 units. The xD reported best-ever August sales of 2,757 units for the month, up 3.5 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars reported August sales of 17,844 units, a decrease of 9.8 percent from August 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with August sales of 7,881 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported best-ever combined sales of 6,318 units, up 17.4 percent over last August. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,772 units. The GS luxury sport sedan reported combined August sales of 1,686 units. Lexus Division light trucks recorded August sales of 11,437 units, down 7.8 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined August sales of 8,969 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported August sales of 1,277 units, up nine percent over August 2007. The LX 570 reported sales of 748 units, an increase of 238.5 percent over the same period last year. TMS Hybrids TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 185,051 units. TMS posted August sales of 19,529 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 18,146 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported August sales of 1,383 hybrids. There were 27 selling days this month and last August. TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
August, 2008 ----- CURRENT MONTH ----- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
DSR % DSR %
2008 2007 CHG 2008 2007 CHG
YARIS 9,474 7,861 20.5 82,774 62,509 31.8
COROLLA 29,443 30,491 -3.4 258,369 262,431 -2.0
CAMRY 44,064 42,658 3.3 326,076 324,702 -0.1
AVALON 3,467 5,880 -41.0 30,905 48,494 -36.6
PRIUS 13,463 14,055 -4.2 119,688 124,620 -4.4
SCION xA 0 190 -100.0 39 9,394 -99.6
SCION xB 4,626 5,329 -13.2 35,633 28,990 22.3
SCION tC 4,484 6,590 -32.0 33,001 46,369 -29.2
SCION xD 2,757 2,664 3.5 20,974 2,664 683.5
TOTAL TOYOTA
DIV. PASS. CAR 111,778 115,718 -3.4 907,460 910,177 -0.8 ES 7,881 8,646 -8.8 46,600 55,953 -17.1
LS 1,772 3,164 -44.0 14,792 23,432 -37.2
SC 187 298 -37.2 1,560 2,698 -42.5
GS 1,686 2,300 -26.7 12,042 15,422 -22.3
IS 6,318 5,381 17.4 37,328 37,949 -2.1
TOTAL LEXUS
PASS. CAR 17,844 19,789 -9.8 112,322 135,454 -17.5 TOTAL TOYOTA
PASS. CAR 129,622 135,507 -4.3 1,019,782 1,045,631 -2.9 SIENNA 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7
RAV4 12,911 15,916 -18.9 96,433 117,534 -18.4
FJ CRUISER 1,886 4,802 -60.7 20,125 38,684 -48.2
4RUNNER 4,115 8,312 -50.5 34,343 59,182 -42.3
HIGHLANDER 8,070 9,514 -15.2 76,222 83,121 -8.7
LAND CRUISER 245 181 35.4 3,017 1,589 88.9
SEQUOIA 3,195 1,717 86.1 22,562 16,299 37.8
TOTAL SUV 30,422 40,442 -24.8 252,702 316,409 -20.5 4X2 TACOMA 6,508 9,060 -28.2 60,867 72,119 -16.0
4X4 TACOMA 5,899 6,034 -2.2 47,270 49,400 -4.8
TOTAL TACOMA 12,407 15,094 -17.8 108,137 121,519 -11.4
TUNDRA 17,401 18,919 -8.0 107,330 124,909 -14.5
TOTAL PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0
TOTAL TOYOTA
DIV. LT TRUCK 70,474 85,554 -17.6 553,409 658,884 -16.4
LX 748 221 238.5 5,769 1,972 191.1
GX 1,720 2,157 -20.3 11,503 14,430 -20.7
RX 8,969 10,032 -10.6 58,580 67,686 -13.9
TOTAL LEXUS
LIGHT TRUCK 11,437 12,410 -7.8 75,852 84,088 -10.2 TOTAL TOYOTA
LIGHT TRUCK 81,911 97,964 -16.4 629,261 742,972 -15.7 TOTAL TOYOTA
DIV. 182,252 201,272 -9.4 1,460,869 1,569,061 -7.3
TOTAL LEXUS 29,281 32,199 -9.1 188,174 219,542 -14.7 TOTAL TOYOTA 211,533 233,471 -9.4 1,649,043 1,788,603 -8.3
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA 21,060 29,840 -29.4 209,554 239,186 -12.8
DOM. CAMRY 43,544 39,823 9.3 319,870 275,247 15.6
DOM. PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0
DOM. RX 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9 SELLING DAYS 27 27 206 205 TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT CAR 43,707 40,175 8.8 347,131 347,250 -0.5
LEXUS IMPORT CAR 17,844 19,789 -9.8 112,322 135,454 -17.5
TOYOTA DIV NA
BUILT CARS 68,071 75,543 -9.9 560,329 562,927 -0.9
TOTAL TOYOTA
CARS 129,622 135,507 -4.3 1,019,782 1,045,631 -2.9 TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT LT
TRUCK 27,227 38,725 -29.7 230,140 300,110 -23.7
LEXUS IMPORT
LT TRUCK 4,149 4,803 -13.6 33,362 34,983 -5.1
TOYOTA DIV NA
BUILT LT TRUCK 43,247 46,829 -7.6 323,269 358,774 -10.3
LEXUS NA BUILT
LT TRUCK 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9
TOTAL TOYOTA
LT TRUCK 81,911 97,964 -16.4 629,261 742,972 -15.7 SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES 39,973 48,050 -16.8 308,429 361,813 -15.2
Memo: Lexus
Sport
Utility 11,437 12,410 -7.8 75,852 84,088 -10.2 SMALL VANS 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7
PICKUPS 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0 * NORTH AMERICAN
BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 21,060 29,840 -29.4 209,554 239,186 -12.8
CAMRY 43,544 39,823 9.3 319,870 275,247 15.6
AVALON 3,467 5,880 -41.0 30,905 48,494 -36.6
SIENNA 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7
PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0
SEQUOIA 3,195 1,717 86.1 22,562 16,299 37.8
RX 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9
TOTAL 118,606 129,979 -8.7 926,088 970,806 -5.1
N.A. VEHICLES
% OF TOTAL 56.1% 55.7% 56.2% 54.3% SELLING DAYS 27 27 206 205
DSR = DAILY
SELLING RATE (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
CONTACT: Xavier Dominicis, +1-310-468-5084, or Sona Iliffe-Moon,
+1-310-468-6721, or Zoe Zeigler, +1-310-468-4868, all of Toyota Media
Relations; or Ming-Jou Chen of Scion Public Relations, +1-310-468-4782; or
Greg Thome, +1-310-468-3279, or Nancy Hubbell, +1-310-468-7633, both of Lexus
Public Relations Web site: http://www.toyota.com/
http://www.lexus.com/
http://www.scion.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Media website at http://pressroom.toyota.com -------
Profile: automotive-news
High School Teachers Say Students Need More Preparation for Financial Decisions
High School Teachers Say Students Need More Preparation for Financial Decisions Money Management Should be Taught In the Classroom WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a new school year begins, a new public opinion survey shows that 72 percent of high school educators say that students old enough to buy a car are ill-prepared to navigate the process due to a poor understanding of personal finances, and an overwhelming majority (97 percent) believe that it is important for schools to teach vehicle financing and other financial literacy topics in the classroom to help prepare students for future financial decisions. The survey, conducted by AWARE, a nonprofit auto financing education group, asked high school educators about the role of the education system in promoting financial literacy among youth. With close to unanimous agreement, high school educators say that it is vitally important for schools to teach personal finances in the classroom, covering a variety of issues such as budgeting and maintaining bank accounts, investing and saving for retirement, and acquiring medical insurance. Other personal finance topics teachers identified as particularly important for high school students included: -- Acquiring a student loan (97 percent rate as important),
-- Negotiating and financing for a vehicle (92 percent), and
-- Negotiating and acquiring financing for a home (91 percent). "A recent survey by the Jump$tart Coalition shows that financial literacy scores among high school youth have actually declined in the past two years, and with so many of these students eager to get their first set of wheels it isn't surprising that more than nine out of 10 of teachers feel that vehicle financing is an important subject to teach in the classroom," said Eric Hoffman, spokesperson of AWARE. "Teaching personal finance topics in school is a great way to ensure bright financial futures for these young adults." Hoffman said that high school educators working with AWARE say that auto financing has served as an important "teachable moment" to educate students about all personal finance topics from budgeting to calculating interest. AWARE encourages all entities teaching personal finance to high school-aged students to build an auto financing module in their curriculum. AWARE offers free, easy-to-use "teach the teacher" materials in English and Spanish at http://www.autofinancing101.org/learningsuite/roadmap.asp Below are a few auto financing tips provided by AWARE that will help teachers educate students about the car buying process: Start with an exercise in budgeting: Help students determine what they can afford by building a sample budget. Remind them that a monthly payment won't be their only vehicle related cost, so be sure they factor in other expenses like insurance and maintenance. See AWARE's "Affordability Gauge" at www.AutoFinancing101.org/LearningSuite for a sample budget worksheet. Teach a lesson in history: Because credit history affects the APR, it's always a good idea to see what finance companies will see when judging creditworthiness. Make sure students know that they are entitled to receive a free copy of their credit report annually through www.annualcreditreport.com, and that their parents can help them understand the content or correct errors. Go shopping after class: There are thousands of sources of financing for automobile purchases, such as dealerships, banks, credit unions, and other financing companies. In this highly competitive marketplace it's smart to check annual percentage rates and other financing terms from multiple sources. Brush up on vocabulary: Help students learn the lingo so they can "talk the talk and walk the walk" when making this important financing decision. Many of these terms can be found in AWARE's glossary at www.AutoFinancing101.org/LearningSuite. Don't be tardy: Late or missed payments incur late fees and can even cause the vehicle to be repossessed, permanently. A bad payment record can also be reported to credit bureaus, which can make it more difficult to obtain credit in the future. This is a note they may actually want their parents to sign: Securing financing can be more challenging for first-time car buyers than it is for those who have more established credit histories. Talk with students about the pros and cons of a parent or guardian serving as a co-applicant, whose credit histories could help secure a lower financing rate. Also, many finance companies offer first-time car buyer programs through dealerships that take into account other good credit behaviors such as rent and utilities payments, which don't always appear in credit reports. AWARE was formed by the vehicle financing industry to build a greater understanding among consumers about how auto financing works. The group's Web site can be found at www.AutoFinancing101.org and is available in both English and Spanish. AWARE's membership includes the following:
American Financial Services Lithia Motors
Association
National Automobile Dealers Mazda American Credit
Association
National Association of Minority National Auto Finance Company
Automobile Dealers
American International Automobile Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation
Dealers Association
American Honda Finance Corporation Nuvell Financial Services
American Suzuki Financial Services Saab Financial Services Corp.
AutoNation Sixth Gear Solutions Corp.
Ford Motor Credit Company Sonic Automotive, Inc.
GMAC Toyota Financial Services
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. United Auto Group, Inc.
Jaguar Credit Volvo Car Finance North America
Land Rover Capital Group Wells Fargo Auto Finance
Contact: Eric Hoffman
202-585-2808 or
eric.hoffman@AutoFinancing101.org
Source: AWARE
CONTACT: Eric Hoffman of AWARE, +1-202-585-2808,
eric.hoffman@AutoFinancing101.org Web Site: http://www.autofinancing101.org/
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Profile: automotive-news
Aging Pre-Owned Truck and SUV Inventory Growing at Dramatic Levels as Peak Selling Season Winds Down
Aging Pre-Owned Truck and SUV Inventory Growing at Dramatic Levels as Peak Selling Season Winds Down FirstLook Offers Workshop on Most Effective Tactics to Reduce Aged Inventories CHICAGO, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A large inventory overhang of aging Pre-Owned Trucks and SUVs in dealer stocks threatens potential major wholesale losses as the traditional selling season winds down according to a study by FirstLook Analytics, the analytics arm of FirstLook, the pioneer in automotive retail performance solutions. FirstLook's analysis of nearly 200,000 pre-owned vehicles from a national sample of franchises across all major brands and regions shows that the SUVs and Trucks in stock have aged to dramatic levels as dealers enter the closing weeks of the traditional peak selling season. Specifically, FirstLook's analysis shows that the average Pre-Owned Truck in dealer stock on August 15 was 25 days older versus the same time in 2007 while the average Pre-Owned SUV was 21 days older based on the same year over year comparison. In addition, 38% of Pre-Owned Trucks and 35% of Pre-Owned SUVs have been in dealers' inventory more than 60 days. This trend is exacerbated by the general decline in retail and wholesale demand, leaving dealers with a glut of vehicles which have already dramatically declined in value since they were initially acquired. "With the end of the traditional peak selling season approaching, there appear to be storm clouds on the horizon for aging Pre-Owned Trucks and SUVs in dealer inventories," FirstLook CEO Pat Ryan stated. "Unless dealers are able to take advantage of recent signs of increasing Truck and SUV demand and retail through their aging gas guzzler inventory, the overhang of aging Pre-Owned Trucks and SUVs will likely turn to aged wholesale loss as we move out of the traditional peak selling season," Ryan continued. In order to assist dealers committed to retailing their aging Truck and SUV inventory before the peak selling season ends, First Look has collected some of the most effective practices from across the country into one of FirstLook's cutting-edge FirstLook ELITE Workshops: "Out-Retailing the Competition on Trucks and SUVs in Today's Market". FirstLook will be offering this special workshop on-line to dealers twice each week through the end of September. For information on Workshop pricing and eligibility to participate contact FirstLook at 800-730-5665. About FirstLook FirstLook is the pioneer in Automotive Retail Performance Solutions and the #4 fastest-growing software firm in the United States, according to the INC 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. FirstLook provides industry-leading tools to manage Pre-Owned Operations, Internet Marketing and Retail Performance Training & Best Practices. FirstLook technology is in over 1,600 automotive franchises in 45 states. FirstLook helps dealers sell more pre-owned vehicles, more profitably, by empowering pre-owned departments to improve their Pre-Owned Operations -- by: Closing More Appraisals, Managing Inventory to Sell More Cars Faster and More Profitably, and Finding More of the Fastest-Turning Most Profitable Vehicles to adapt to today's rapidly-changing market demand. For more information, visit http://www.driveyournumbers.com/ or call (800) 730-5665. Media Contact:
Amy Smolensky
(312) 485-0053
Press@FirstLook.biz
Source: FirstLook Analytics
CONTACT: Amy Smolensky, +1-312-485-0053, Press@FirstLook.biz, for
FirstLook Analytics Web site: http://www.driveyournumbers.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
Daimler AG Reports August Sales of 20,927 New Vehicles for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S.
Daimler AG Reports August Sales of 20,927 New Vehicles for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. - Total of 20,927 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S. - Mercedes-Benz USA Records August Sales of 18,507 - smart USA Records 2,420 Sales in August NEW YORK, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,927 units in the U.S. for August 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020212/DCXLOGO ) Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 18,507 new vehicles, bringing the year-to-date total to 158,519, a .5 percent increase over 2007 year-to-date sales. Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,420 for the month of August. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 16,378 units in a just over seven months of being offered in the U.S. market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 71 smart centers open in 33 states. Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. Sales Summary Through August 2008 Month Sales % Sales CYTD %
Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Mercedes-Benz USA 18,507 20,980 -11.8 158,519 157,806 0.5
smart USA 2,420 n/a* n/a* 16,378 n/a* n/a* Mercedes-Benz USA/
smart USA combined 20,927 * * 174,897 * * * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008 Further information on Daimler is available on the internet at www.media.daimler.com About Daimler Daimler AG, Stuttgart, with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses, is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world. The Daimler Financial Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management. Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, continued to make automotive history following their invention of the automobile in 1886. As an automotive pioneer, Daimler and its employees willingly accept an obligation to act responsibly towards society and the environment and to shape the future of safe and sustainable mobility with groundbreaking technologies and high-quality products. The current brand portfolio includes the world's most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart (NYSE:DAI). In 2007, the Group sold 2.1 million vehicles and employed a workforce of over 270,000 people; revenue totaled euro 99.4 billion and EBIT amounted to euro 8.7 billion. Daimler is an automotive Group with a commitment to excellence, and aims to achieve sustainable growth and industry-leading profitability. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020212/DCXLOGO
Source: Daimler AG
CONTACT: Han Tjan of Daimler, +1-212-909-9063; or Donna Boland of
Mercedes-Benz USA, +1-201-573-6893; or Ken Kettenbeil of smart USA,
+1-248-648-2582 Web site: http://www.media.daimler.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
Ford Reports August Sales; Ford Focus, Escape Remain Standouts in a Challenging Market
Ford Reports August Sales; Ford Focus, Escape Remain Standouts in a Challenging Market - Ford Focus sales were up 23 percent and Ford Escape sales were up 17 percent versus year ago. - Lower demand for trucks and SUVs drives total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales down 26 percent. - Ford updates second-half production plans. DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Higher demand for the fuel-efficient Ford Focus and Ford Escape continued in August, as consumers continued moving to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford Focus sales were up 23 percent and Escape sales were up 17 percent versus a year ago, while the impact of a weak economy and lower demand for large trucks and SUVs resulted in double-digit sales declines for Ford and the auto industry. "The Focus and Escape offer the features and fuel economy today's consumer's want," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. The 2009 Escape, with its new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, delivers class-leading highway fuel economy of 28 mpg -- matching the 2009 Toyota RAV4 and topping the Honda CR-V. The 2009 Escape Hybrid delivers 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle available. The 2009 Focus has similarly impressive fuel economy with an EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg -- equal to the Toyota Corolla and the smaller 2009 Honda Fit. Overall, during August, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 151,021, down 26 percent. The decline primarily reflects lower demand for SUVs (down 53 percent) and trucks (down 39 percent) and lower sales to fleet customers (down 31 percent). "We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half, as weak economic conditions and the consumer credit crunch continues," said Farley. North American Production Ford now plans to produce 890,000 vehicles in the second half of 2008 (420,000 vehicles in the third quarter and 470,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter). The second-half plan is 50,000 vehicles lower than the previous plan (20,000 vehicles in the third quarter and 30,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter). The reduction primarily reflects lower sales to daily rental companies, lower production associated with the transfer of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator from Michigan Truck Plant to Kentucky Truck Plant, and a downward revision to the company's U.S. industry sales forecast (to the low end of the previously provided range of 14.0 to 14.5 million). Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit our website at www.ford.com. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AUGUST 2008 U.S. SALES
----------------------------------------- August % Year-To-Date %
------ ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Sales By Brand
Ford 133,088 180,282 -26.2 1,250,834 1,465,888 -14.7
Lincoln 9,540 10,423 -8.5 75,253 92,685 -18.8
Mercury 8,393 12,296 -31.7 90,400 118,340 -23.6
----- ------ ------ -------
Total Ford,
Lincoln and
Mercury 151,021 203,001 -25.6 1,416,487 1,676,913 -15.5
Volvo 4,669 9,119 -48.8 55,974 72,476 -22.8
----- ----- ------ ------
Total Ford
Motor
Company 155,690 212,120 -26.6 1,472,461 1,749,389 -15.8 Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury Sales By
Type
Cars 52,677 57,812 -8.9 510,299 537,789 -5.1
Crossover Utility
Vehicles 32,927 33,348 -1.3 273,320 270,291 1.1
Sport Utility
Vehicles 10,852 23,087 -53.0 119,773 196,044 -38.9
Trucks and Vans 54,565 88,754 -38.5 513,095 672,789 -23.7
------ ------ ------- -------
Total Trucks 98,344 145,189 -32.3 906,188 1,139,124 -20.4
------ ------- ------- ---------
Total
Vehicles 151,021 203,001 -25.6 1,416,487 1,676,913 -15.5 FORD BRAND AUGUST 2008 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------- August % Year-To-Date %
------ ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ Crown Victoria 3,930 3,340 17.7 35,695 42,668 -16.3
Taurus 4,462 5,851 -23.7 40,478 48,284 -16.2
Fusion 9,073 12,511 -27.5 107,603 100,553 7.0
Focus 16,387 13,282 23.4 155,036 123,158 25.9
Mustang 8,197 11,512 -28.8 73,961 99,537 -25.7
GT 0 0 NA 0 231 -100.0
- - - ---
Ford Cars 42,049 46,496 -9.6 412,773 414,431 -0.4 Flex 2,010 0 NA 5,593 0 NA
Edge 9,962 10,165 -2.0 87,197 78,044 11.7
Escape 14,025 11,960 17.3 116,511 116,605 -0.1
Taurus X 1,670 4,863 -65.7 18,473 27,346 -32.4
----- ----- ------ ------
Ford Crossover
Utility
Vehicles 27,667 26,988 2.5 227,774 221,995 2.6 Expedition 3,867 6,883 -43.8 39,627 65,386 -39.4
Explorer 5,502 11,929 -53.9 60,841 97,845 -37.8
----- ------ ------ ------
Ford Sport
Utility
Vehicles 9,369 18,812 -50.2 100,468 163,231 -38.5 F-Series 40,429 69,220 -41.6 359,971 481,146 -25.2
Ranger 4,920 4,783 2.9 50,900 53,415 -4.7
Econoline/Club
Wagon 8,081 12,821 -37.0 93,802 118,866 -21.1
Freestar 0 0 NA 0 2,390 -100.0
Low Cab Forward 55 266 -79.3 690 2,114 -67.4
Heavy Trucks 518 896 -42.2 4,456 8,300 -46.3
--- --- ----- -----
Ford Trucks and
Vans 54,003 87,986 -38.6 509,819 666,231 -23.5
------ ------ ------- ------- Ford Brand 133,088 180,282 -26.2 1,250,834 1,465,888 -14.7 LINCOLN BRAND AUGUST 2008 U.S. SALES
------------------------------------ August % Year-To-Date %
------ ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ MKS 2,374 0 NA 5,038 0 NA
MKZ 2,358 3,216 -26.7 23,336 22,948 1.7
Town Car 672 855 -21.4 10,654 24,969 -57.3
MKX 2,651 3,421 -22.5 22,224 23,145 -4.0
Navigator 923 2,163 -57.3 10,725 15,765 -32.0
Mark LT 562 768 -26.8 3,276 5,858 -44.1
--- --- ----- ----- Lincoln Brand 9,540 10,423 -8.5 75,253 92,685 -18.8 MERCURY BRAND AUGUST 2008 U.S. SALES
------------------------------------ August % Year-To-Date %
------ ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ Grand Marquis 2,182 2,245 -2.8 21,492 35,543 -39.5
Sable 1,226 1,987 -38.3 12,928 14,814 -12.7
Milan 1,816 3,013 -39.7 24,078 25,084 -4.0
Mariner 2,609 2,939 -11.2 23,322 25,151 -7.3
Mountaineer 560 2,112 -73.5 8,580 17,048 -49.7
Monterey 0 0 NA 0 700 -100.0
- - - --- Mercury Brand 8,393 12,296 -31.7 90,400 118,340 -23.6 VOLVO BRAND AUGUST 2008 U.S. SALES
---------------------------------- August % Year-To-Date %
------ ------------
2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ S40 512 1,463 -65.0 7,715 13,513 -42.9
V50 100 211 -52.6 1,251 1,961 -36.2
S60 467 1,950 -76.1 7,187 13,529 -46.9
S80 576 1,320 -56.4 8,233 8,650 -4.8
V70 195 430 -54.7 2,531 2,512 0.8
XC70 772 870 -11.3 7,074 8,036 -12.0
XC90 1,175 2,556 -54.0 14,186 21,011 -32.5
C70 462 293 57.7 4,606 3,213 43.4
C30 410 26 1,476.9 3,191 51 6156.9
--- -- ----- -- Volvo Brand 4,669 9,119 -48.8 55,974 72,476 -22.8 Source: Ford Motor Company
CONTACT: George Pipas of Ford Motor Company, +1-313-323-9216,
gpipas@ford.com Web site: http://www.ford.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high- resolution photographs. -------
Profile: automotive-news
RouteOne Integrates With Hitachi Capital America
RouteOne Integrates With Hitachi Capital America Hitachi is the first Commercial Truck Finance source to join the RouteOne platform FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- RouteOne LLC announced today that Hitachi Capital America Corp. is now integrated with its web-based credit application management system. Hitachi Capital America Corp. is the first Commercial Finance source to join the RouteOne platform, and as such will accept business applications on vehicles classified as "trucks" through the RouteOne credit application management system. Hitachi Capital America Corp. was formed in the United States in 1989 to provide a variety of finance and leasing services to corporate clients. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Capital Corporation and Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi's Automotive Division serves the U.S. commercial truck marketplace. Their programs and services are available through participating truck dealerships nationwide. Hitachi offers commercial finance loans for new and used vehicles, and Trac leases on new vehicles with a variety of monthly term options. Prime, near prime, and sub prime financing is available on light, medium, and heavy duty trucks and trailers. Manufacturer rate subvention programs are also available through Hitachi's partnerships with Nissan Diesel America (UD), Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks of America and Isuzu Commercial Trucks of America (GMC, Chevrolet, and Isuzu). In addition to the manufacturer programs, Hitachi's dealer enrollment, which is now up to 1400 signed dealers, also includes truck makes such as Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, International, Hino, Freightliner, Sterling, Peterbilt, Toyota, Volvo and Mack. "With the addition of Hitachi Capital of America, who provides lending specifically to commercial businesses, RouteOne has dramatically increased its value to our dealers that participate in the commercial space," said Mike Jurecki, RouteOne CEO. "Hitachi's integration to our portal is well suited, as our franchised stores account for over 75 percent of the commercial business in the United States." "We are excited to be aligned with RouteOne, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow our dealer base and gain exposure to new customers," said Robert C. Otto, Hitachi Capital America Corp.'s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Division. "We feel that with Hitachi's broad spectrum of financial product offerings and RouteOne's system capabilities, this partnership will only expedite the credit application process for our dealers, which will result in faster approvals and faster fundings. New dealers will find that the Hitachi staff are not only finance people, but first and foremost truck people. We speak the dealer's language and strive to support them with their business needs." ABOUT ROUTEONE RouteOne was formed in 2002 by Chrysler Financial, Ford Motor Credit Company, GMAC, and Toyota Financial Services to create a more streamlined credit application for automobile dealers and their customers. Providing access to more than 21,500 dealers in North America, RouteOne's web-based system allows automotive dealers to submit credit applications to the largest indirect lenders, request credit reports, and increase profitability with RouteOne's free Dealer Reporting Suite. RouteOne's open integration business model also allows the dealer to integrate with their choice of a wide variety of best in class providers, including DSPs, CRM systems, F&I modules and menu providers. RouteOne offers dealers a common platform for all their credit application financing needs. More information is available at www.routeone.com . ABOUT HITACHI CAPITAL AMERICA Hitachi Capital America Corp. is an independent, diversified leasing and financial services company providing financing to Hitachi group companies and the commercial business sector in the United States. They offer a variety of asset based financing solutions with a business focus on vendor finance, truck finance, construction equipment finance, medical equipment finance, lease discounting and software financing. Hitachi Capital America Corp. was incorporated in October 1989 and commenced business operations in April 1990. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Hitachi is wholly owned by Hitachi Capital Corporation. Our parent was founded in 1957 as a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., and has become one of the leading financial institutions in Japan. Through our sister companies located in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong, Hitachi Capital has established a presence in the global market place to better serve our customers and our Hitachi group companies worldwide. CONTACT: Suzi Straffon
RouteOne LLC
248.862.7074 Source: RouteOne LLC
CONTACT: Suzi Straffon of RouteOne LLC, +1-248-862-7074 Web site: http://www.routeone.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
Greener Monroe Receives Boost With Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore Support
Greener Monroe Receives Boost With Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore Support City Parks, Recreation Center Recycling Programs And 'Green' Auto Checkup Part of Effort For Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Green Checkup Saves Auto Owners Money And Environment Carbon Emissions MONROE, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Efforts to create a "greener" Monroe, Michigan, are receiving a big boost thanks to the efforts of Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore. The hometown dealer is part of a citywide effort that places additional recycling bins in city parks, recreation centers, and its own showroom to collect soda cans, water bottles and other items that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and part of a national effort to promote September as "Green Checkup" month. The free "Green Checkup" provides a service evaluation of a vehicle's oil, air filters, engine performance, tire pressure and emission controls -- all of the things that most affect fuel economy. The goal is to highlight simple measures that car owners can take to save money at the gas pump and cut greenhouse gas emissions through proper vehicle maintenance. "We're proud to be a part of an effort that helps our community's children and families enjoy clean spaces to play, while promoting recycling and other practices that can help us all," said Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstores President and Owner Ralph Mahalak, Jr. "We've got a long history of hometown support, and showing area residents easy things they can do to save money and boost their fuel economy falls right in line with that history." The Green Checkup is part of a national effort by the McLean, Virginia-based National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore is a member of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association, which is made up of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Website: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com . For more information about Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Superstore's "Green Checkup," call 800-542-4735, or visit www.monroedodge.com .
Source: Chrysler Jeep Superstores
CONTACT: Michelle Martinez Bassett or Leland K. Bassett, both of Bassett
& Bassett, Incorporated, +1-313-965-3010 [24-7-365] Web site: http://www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com/
http://www.monroedodge.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
LyondellBasell Launches New HDPE Resins With Improved Resistance to Bio-Diesel Fuels
LyondellBasell Launches New HDPE Resins With Improved Resistance to Bio-Diesel Fuels ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell Industries has commercialized a family of newly patented Lupolen high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins that offer improved resistance to bio-diesel and may therefore be of interest to manufacturers of automotive plastic fuel tanks. The new resin, addressed to the needs of fuel tank producers facing bio-based product challenges, is available for use in blow molding (Lupolen 4261 AG BD) and injection molding (Lupolen 4261A IM BD) processes. "With this new resin, we have improved chemical resistance that should allow manufacturers to produce fuel tanks that can accommodate fuels containing higher levels of bio-diesel," said Thomas Lindner, Technical Manager of LyondellBasell's Automotive Fluid Systems Business. Lupolen HDPE test data using blow molded and injection molded parts have shown a significant increase in chemical resistance to bio-diesel fuels compared to current HDPE grades on the market. After 1500 hours of contact with fuel consisting of 100 percent bio-diesel, the grade changed its intrinsic viscosity by 1.7 percent, which corresponds to a nearly thirty-fold improvement in resistance compared to standard HDPE grades previously used by customers in fuel tank applications. Physical properties maintained "Of particular importance to customers is that with improved chemical resistance to bio-diesel, Lupolen 4261 AG BD and Lupolen 4261A IM BD maintain their physical and chemical properties at the same level when compared to our conventional Lupolen 4261A product family," said Lindner. "This also applies to the melt viscosity during processing, so previous molds and machinery are expected to require no modifications." Lindner added, "The effects of high bio-diesel-content fuels on HDPE have not been recognized for many years because of the conventional test methods used. In our enhanced test method, fuels with high bio-diesel-content are maintained in an HDPE container over a long period at elevated temperatures. Hence, the fuel and the HDPE are exposed to atmospheric oxygen and moisture and it was found that the combination of these can attack the HDPE. This can result in changes to the typical material properties of the polymer, which should be avoided from a crash performance point of view." LyondellBasell's test method subjected fuel tank samples to temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, with an exposure time of 11 years using 100 percent bio-diesel samples. EU Directive on bio-fuel "Our new bio-diesel grades will address automotive industry demands for resins that meet alternative fuel technology needs. The relevant EU Directive on the use of bio-fuels or other renewable fuels for transport is expected to require bio-fuels to attain a higher percent share of the total fuel market by 2010. This is something that we should be prepared for," said Richard Roudeix, Vice President of LyondellBasell's Automotive Fluid Systems Business. LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world's largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including bio-fuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (http://www.lyondellbasell.com/) is privately owned by Access Industries.
Source: LyondellBasell Industries
CONTACT: Waldemar Oldenburger of LyondellBasell Industries, +49 69 305
854 59, waldemar.oldenburger@lyondellbasell.com Web site: http://www.lyondellbasell.com/ NOTE TO EDITORS: Press photographs can be also downloaded from http://lyondellbasell.mediaroom.com/file.php/133/auto_ft_0007_0.jpg . Photo Caption: LyondellBasell's new family of Lupolen high density polyethylene resins offers improved resistance to bio-diesel. The new resin, addressed to the needs of fuel tank producers facing bio-based product challenges, is available for use in blow molding (Lupolen 4261 AG BD) and injection molding (Lupolen 4261A IM BD) processes. -------
Profile: automotive-news
Reynolds Teams with Callbright to Offer Seamless Lead Management and Telephony Integration for Automotive Dealerships
Reynolds Teams with Callbright to Offer Seamless Lead Management and Telephony Integration for Automotive Dealerships HOUSTON, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Callbright announced new integration between the ERA(R) Contact Management (CM) application from Reynolds and Reynolds and Callbright's Total Call Management solution, resulting in improved lead management and call tracking functionalities for automotive dealerships. Callbright, which offers a Web-based system for managing telephone traffic in real time, is ideal for dealerships who use a Reynolds DMS, and who want to measure advertising and marketing efforts, increase sales efficiency, and create a single source for customer contact information from multiple sources. Integration between Callbright and ERA Contact Management means Callbright phone leads automatically filter and enter into the dealership's Contact Management program. In addition, call information, such as the caller's name and address, a tracking number, and the name of the agent, is available within Contact Management upon completion of the call. From this information, Contact Management is able to automatically schedule appropriate follow-up on the inbound phone lead, and the customer data is available via data mining for future campaigns or follow-up. "Callbright's integration with Contact Management provides dealers with a clean and simple interface between two key dealership products and achieves important efficiencies within their CRM system," said Jim Wright, vice president of Sales for Callbright. "And in a dealership, these efficiencies equate into real dollars and real profit." Callbright's Click-to-Call feature is also available through ERA's Contact Management application, enabling salespeople to place outbound calls to the customer with the click of a button. This feature makes it easy for salespeople to complete required phone contacts and provides management confirmation of completed activities. When outbound calls are made using Click-to-Call, a call record is generated, which makes it easy for the dealership to verify which employees are calling customers. The ability to review calls and call reports also helps identify areas that need improvement. Wright concluded, "Every dealer wants to improve customer relationships, measure their advertising and marketing more effectively, and increase return on every investment they make. Callbright and CM working seamlessly together make these improvements a reality today." About Callbright Callbright provides complete, real-time telephone communication management via web-based tools to help businesses optimize marketing investments and enhance customer relationships. Callbright clients can track advertising effectiveness through telephone responses, record and monitor inbound calls, track outbound calls, and send broadcast messages. Additionally, training features help establish accountability and improve the performance of personnel, leading to increased profitability. (www.Callbright.com) About Reynolds Reynolds and Reynolds is the automotive industry's largest and most trusted provider of automobile dealership software, services, and forms to help dealerships maximize sales and profits and improve business results. The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, and Celina, Ohio. (www.reyrey.com)
Source: Callbright
CONTACT: Steve Henning of Callbright, +1-877-GO-CALLBRIGHT,
Marketing@Callbright.com ; Tom Schwartz for Reynolds and Reynolds,
+1-937-485-8109, Thomas_Schwartz@reyrey.com Web site: http://www.callbright.com/
http://www.reyrey.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
MARK IV Successfully Demonstrates Toll and Parking Applications Using 5.9GHz DSRC
MARK IV Successfully Demonstrates Toll and Parking Applications Using 5.9GHz DSRC MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- MARK IV Industries, developer of 5.9GHz toll and parking applications, has successfully completed formal testing under the Vehicle Infrastructure Integration Consortium (VIIC) Proof of Concept (POC) program. The toll and parking applications use 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), a wireless communication method that uses radio spectrum established by the Federal Communications Commission in 2003. The system works in conjunction with vehicle positioning systems, vehicle human/machine interfaces, security methods and surrogate payment services to conduct real-time, end-to-end, secure transactions with the vehicle. The developed applications made use of MARK IV's latest JANUS reader, which supports current 915MHz band and next generation 5.9GHz band Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems. The development of these applications and the JANUS reader is part of MARK IV's ongoing commitment to ensuring its products are ready for integration with new technologies. Developed to be compatible with North American ETC systems, for which MARK IV is the major supplier, the toll application provides simultaneous, multiple-vehicle, real-time transactions at speeds up to, and more than, 100 MPH for any DSRC-compliant vehicle, achieving high-performance and direct financial payment. In the tests, toll points were set up in a variety of configurations including all lanes of a highway, a single lane (typical of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes), on an overpass and on ramps. A paper on aspects of the testing will be presented at the ITS World Congress in New York during November 2008. The parking application, representative of any access control application, notified the driver about the availability of parking spaces. Secure payments were demonstrated using driver selection from a variety of payment cards. The VIIC was established in 2004 to support the U.S. Department of Transportation's Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) initiative on crash prevention and congestion relief through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communication. The VIIC was formed to determine the feasibility of nationwide deployment of a VII program and to establish a strategy for implementation. VII information is available at: http://www.its.dot.gov/vii/index.htm. To operationally test the VII concept, the VIIC and its partners established a test environment in Detroit, Michigan where they are conducting POC tests involving secure two-way communication between vehicles, and between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure. Equipment and applications were developed by industry suppliers including MARK IV. POC information is available at: http://www.vehicle-infrastructure.org/tests-demonstrations/. About MARK IV Industries MARK IV IVHS supplies the majority of electronic toll collection equipment in the northeastern United States. With more than 17 million toll transponders on the road and more than 3,000 lanes equipped, MARK IV is the largest supplier of its kind in North America. Known for its innovations, MARK IV technology has enabled many landmark intelligent transportation system deployments, including: Canada's Highway 407 ETR, the world's first, non-stop, all-electronic toll road; interoperability between truck electronic preclearance systems and toll collection, numerous border crossing projects; and, the E-ZPass(R) system of the Interagency Group of 24 toll authorities. MARK IV information is available at: http://www.ivhs.com/.
Source: MARK IV Industries
CONTACT: Margaret Nathan, +1-801-209-5485,
margaret.nathan@strategiccommunication.com, for MARK IV Industries Web site: http://www.ivhs.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
DCH Auto Group Sponsors Creation of Local SADD Chapters at Four High Schools
DCH Auto Group Sponsors Creation of Local SADD Chapters at Four High Schools NEW YORK, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- DCH Auto Group has teamed up with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for an unprecedented sponsorship deal to fund the creation and support of local SADD chapters at four high schools in California and New Jersey. With DCH Auto Group's support, SADD chapters will be introduced or reinforced at Santa Clara and Rio Mesa High Schools, both in Oxnard, California, and Freehold Township and Sayreville War Memorial High Schools in New Jersey. SADD is the leading student-run organization empowering young people to develop education and prevention initiatives in their schools and communities. On board with SADD's mission to prevent destructive behavior, DCH Auto Group identified communities where local schools have had recent exposure to the types of problems SADD addresses-particularly risky and impaired driving. Together, SADD and DCH Auto Group hope to help reduce auto tragedies through education, action and advocacy. "DCH Auto Group is committed to the communities in which our businesses operate, so our partnership with SADD is a natural fit," said DCH Auto Group President and CEO Susan Scarola. "We hope that our work with SADD will ensure that these four high schools have functional chapters as well as set the precedent for other businesses to get involved in their local communities. It is our goal to use these pilot programs as examples of success and to expand to other schools in the future." In an effort to equip students and advisors with the tools necessary for creating sustainable local SADD chapters, DCH Auto Group sponsored their attendance at the annual SADD convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Their work with these high schools will continue by developing additional SADD chapters, sponsoring local educational events, and providing information about the program for teens and adults in each of their dealerships. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with DCH to help young people make safer decisions," said Penny Wells, SADD's President and Executive Director. "By investing in local teens who are working on a daily basis to help their peers, DCH is modeling the type of hands-on, in-depth commitment necessary to tackle these tough issues. We are particularly pleased to be working with a company knowledgeable about automobiles, since traffic crashes remain the number one cause of death for teens." "This is so incredible. I have been a part of many groups where there is a lot of talking and nothing ever gets done, but DCH and SADD have made it possible for us to reach out to people in our county to spread the word about making good driving choices," said Nicole Tower, a member of the Freehold Township High School SADD chapter who helped distribute information about the organization at the Lakewood, NJ Blue Claws game last week. "This is an opportunity that would not have happened without help from the adults. We wouldn't have gotten here without your help." "I enjoy being in SADD because it reinforces my good decisions," said Christa Macagnone, President of Sayreville War Memorial High School SADD Chapter. "Our partnership shows that we can all come together to help others make better decisions. It's not always the popular decision, but it's the right decision." About DCH Auto Group DCH Auto Group is a group of 34 auto dealerships in the New York Tri-State area and in Southern California. The company is highly invested in principles for success that value customers and employees. DCH Auto has made a commitment to invest in teen safety and education, through deeper commitments to the communities in which its dealerships exist and employees and customers live. About SADD For over 25 years, SADD has been committed to empowering young people to lead education and prevention initiatives in their schools and communities. Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, SADD has grown to become the nation's dominant peer-to-peer youth education, prevention and activism organization with thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges. In 1997, SADD expanded its mission and name and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions. With its expanded focus, SADD now highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired and risky driving, violence, and suicide.
Source: DCH Auto Group
CONTACT: Charlotte Wray, +1-212-751-3405, cwray@rxmedyn.com, or Melody
Serafino, +1-212-751-3486, mserafino@groupsjr.com, both for DCH Auto Group; or
Stacey Hart of SADD, +1-508-481-3568, shart@sadd.org
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Profile: automotive-news
BorgWarner Introduces Innovation in Variable Cam Timing Technology for 2009 Ford Escape
BorgWarner Introduces Innovation in Variable Cam Timing Technology for 2009 Ford Escape BorgWarner's Industry-First Technology Improves Performance and Fuel Economy, Reduces Emissions AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA) will supply Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) variable cam timing technology for the upgraded Ford Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 engine, debuting in the 2009 Ford Escape. BorgWarner's industry-first, patented technology improves engine performance and fuel economy while reducing emissions. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/CLW019 ) "As car makers strive to meet drivers' demands for performance and fuel economy while complying with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the new BorgWarner CTA technology for variable cam timing has emerged as an important option for optimizing the method of achieving variable cam timing. The CTA technology is a great growth opportunity for BorgWarner," said Alfred Weber, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse TEC. "We are pleased to introduce it on Ford's Duratec engine." Unlike traditional cam phasing methods which typically use engine oil pressure to rotate the camshaft, BorgWarner's CTA technology captures the existing torsional energy in the valve train to accomplish this event, similar to a hydraulic ratchet. CTA cam phasers operate more quickly and under a wider range of engine speeds and temperatures than traditional oil pressure actuated cam phasers. These factors allow CTA variable cam timing to more efficiently improve fuel economy, increase horsepower and reduce emissions. BorgWarner Morse TEC manufactures complete engine timing systems that are quiet, durable, precise and cost effective. Engines equipped with BorgWarner CTA technology operate independently of oil pressure to deliver more horsepower, better performance and improved fuel economy. Morse TEC HY-VO(R) chain systems, which are available for both front wheel drive transmissions and 4WD transfer cases, transmit power between shafts efficiently, quietly and economically with considerable weight savings over gear technology. Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 64 locations in 17 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/ . Statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as "outlook", "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: fluctuations in domestic or foreign vehicle production, the continued use of outside suppliers, fluctuations in demand for vehicles containing our products, changes in general economic conditions, and other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors, identified in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/CLW019
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: BorgWarner Inc.
CONTACT: Mary Brevard, BorgWarner Inc., +1-248-754-0881 Web site: http://www.borgwarner.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:11 AM
Tongxin International Ltd. Meeting with Investors at Susquehanna Financial Group's Second Annual Beijing Management Summit on September 10-12, 2008
Tongxin International Ltd. Meeting with Investors at Susquehanna Financial Group's Second Annual Beijing Management Summit on September 10-12, 2008 NEW YORK and CHANGSHA, China, Sept. 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tongxin International Ltd. (NASDAQ:TXIC), a China-based manufacturer of engineered vehicle body structures (EVBS) for China's domestic and export commercial truck and SUV industry, today announced that the Company will participate in Susquehanna Financial Group's (SFG) Second Annual Beijing Management Summit on Wednesday, September 10th and 11th, 2008. The Conference will be held on September 10-12, 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Beijing. The management will participate in meetings with analysts and investors throughout the three-day event. The interim CFO, Mr. William Zielke, and the VP of Planning, Chun Hao, will attend the Summit. The management will discuss the Company's performance to date, the current product line, its customer base, sales channel segments in the PRC, and also detail its growth and acquisition plans for the balance of the year. Participation in the Summit is by invitation only. For more information on the conference, please contact your SFG representative or visit http://www.sig.com/ . About Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP. Susquehanna International Group, LLP (SIG) is comprised of affiliated entities, including SFG. SFG operates as an institutional sale, research, and market making firm. SFG is a member of FINRA. The company offers solutions in listed, NASDAQ, exchange traded funds, options, program trading, and American depositary receipts. It is an institutional brokerage affiliate of SIG, and publishes and distributes SIG's research. The company is based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. About Tongxin International Ltd. Tongxin International Ltd., is the largest independent supplier of EVBS in China, is capable of providing EVBS for both the commercial truck and light vehicle market segments, in addition to designing, fabricating and testing dies used in the manufacturing process. EVBS consists of exterior body panels including doors, floor pans, hoods, side panels and fenders. Forward-looking Statements Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical fact, including the anticipated date of listing of the Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Market, constitute "Forward-Looking Statements." Actual results may differ materially due to numerous important factors that are described in Tongxin International's most recent report to the SEC on Form 6-K, which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports to the SEC. Such factors include, among others, the cost and timing of implementing restructuring actions, the Company's ability to generate cost savings or manufacturing efficiencies to offset or exceed contractually or competitively required price reductions or price reductions to obtain new business, conditions in the automotive industry, and certain global and regional economic conditions. Tongxin International does not intend or assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. For more information, please contact: Investor Relations Contact: John Mattio
SVP, HC International, Inc.
Tel: +1-914-669-5340
Email: john.mattio@hcinternational.net
Source: Tongxin International Ltd.
CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: John Mattio, SVP, HC International,
Inc., +1-914-669-5340, or john.mattio@hcinternational.net Web Site: http://www.sig.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 9:05 AM
LoJack Corporation Wins Approval From FCC That Enables Diversification
LoJack Corporation Wins Approval From FCC That Enables Diversification Network Can Now Be Used for New Recovery Products and Services that Enhance Public Safety, Health and Welfare, and National Security WESTWOOD, Mass., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LoJack Corporation (NASDAQ:LOJN), the leading global provider of recovery systems for stolen mobile assets, today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted LoJack's 2005 petition allowing the company to use the nationwide frequency, which was previously limited to stolen vehicle recovery, for diverse tracking and recovery applications including missing people at risk, individuals of interest to law enforcement, lost or stolen cargo, and hazardous materials. Additionally, the FCC has granted requests that will facilitate the transition of LoJack's network from wideband to narrowband, which will be completed by 2019. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080512/NEM054LOGO ) As a result of this ruling, LoJack can now work to extend its integration with law enforcement beyond stolen vehicle recovery to include these other diverse applications all operating on a single network that uses the same nationwide frequency. "Petitioning the FCC was an early step in our diversification strategy," said Ronald V. Waters, LoJack President and Chief Operating Officer. "We have been putting the pieces in place -- including our acquisition of Locator Systems and an expanded stake in Supply Chain Integrity -- that are allowing us to enter markets such as tracking and recovering individuals at risk and lost or stolen cargo, for example. Having our petition approved is another milestone in our diversification initiative and, most importantly, it enables us to leverage our proprietary network and unique relationship with law enforcement." In April 2008, LoJack acquired the assets of Locator Systems, which designs, manufactures, markets and sells products to help police locate and rescue missing persons with Alzheimer's, Autism and other similar disabilities. This acquisition brings together Locator Systems' assets along with LoJack's technological expertise and relationships with law enforcement to provide a comprehensive solution to the growing problem of people at risk -- which today in the United States includes more than five million people with Alzheimer's disease and almost two million people with Autism or Down syndrome. In August 2008, LoJack increased its ownership stake to 60 percent in Supply Chain Integrity (SCI), a company that develops an innovative, integrated protection solution that reduces and manages risk throughout the supply chain. As part of its original investment, LoJack licensed the LoJack brand name to SCI, which is marketing its current tracking and recovery service as LoJack inTransit. SCI has developed the industry's only supply chain Information Sharing Analysis Center (ISAC) sanctioned by the government that helps the supply chain community protect itself from illegal and disruptive activities such as theft, terrorism and natural disasters. "As a Commissioner of the FCC mentioned, the permission LoJack received is the 'type of public interest item that gets little attention but has the potential to do much good,'" added Waters. "LoJack is poised to expand its business in ways that can augment the safety of the public on a local and national level. We are very excited to continue to bring this strategic plan to life." About LoJack Corporation LoJack Corporation, the company that invented the stolen vehicle recovery market, leverages its superior technology, direct connection with law enforcement and proven processes to be the global leader in tracking and recovering valuable mobile assets. The company's Stolen Vehicle Recovery System delivers a 90 percent success rate in tracking and recovering stolen cars and trucks and has helped recover more than $4 billion worldwide in stolen LoJack-equipped assets. The system is uniquely integrated into law enforcement agencies in the United States that use LoJack's in-vehicle tracking equipment to recover stolen assets, including cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, construction equipment and motorcycles. Today, LoJack operates in 26 states and the District of Columbia, and in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. CONTACT:
LoJack Corporation Tier One Partners Tier One Partners
Paul McMahon Laura Feng Jeanne Bock
781-251-4130 978-975-1414 781-861-5249
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080512/NEM054LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: LoJack Corporation
CONTACT: Paul McMahon of LoJack Corporation, +1-781-251-4130; or Laura
Feng, +1-978-975-1414, Jeanne Bock, +1-781-861-5249, both of Tier One
Partners, for LoJack Corporation Web site: http://www.lojack.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:47 AM
Mitsubishi Motors North America Retains Moffett Productions, Inc. to Write, Produce and Develop Their 2009 Mitsubishi Sales Training Program
Mitsubishi Motors North America Retains Moffett Productions, Inc. to Write, Produce and Develop Their 2009 Mitsubishi Sales Training Program HOUSTON, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Moffett Productions, Inc., one of the nation's leading producers of broadcast and Internet-based Radio/TV/Cable commercials for the Automotive Industry, has been given the green light to develop and produce "Phase 1" of a new sales training technique that will be utilized by Mitsubishi Motors North America and their network of dealers nationwide. "I'm excited about our new relationship with Moffett Productions which comes with a new charged and dynamic way of presenting training for our sales force," said John Nakamoto, Manager, National Sales Training, Mitsubishi Motors North America. Bill Moffett, President/CEO, Moffett Productions, Inc., has named Chris War, MPI VP/Art Director, as project manager. Mr. War said, "I'm really excited to work with John and his sales training team. They're dedicated to the task at hand and we are adamant about producing the most effective training tool they have ever had." Moffett Productions, Inc. will be working closely with Mitsubishi Motors' new ad agency, Traffic, to ensure production values and message coincide with the current campaign. Moffett Productions, Inc. thanks John Nakamoto, Lenard Posner and the entire MMNA team for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. CONTACT: Chris War - Vice President/Art Director
1-800-HOTT-ADS
http://www.moffett.com/ This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: Moffett Productions, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris War, Vice President-Art Director of Moffett Productions,
Inc., +1-800-HOTT-ADS Web site: http://www.moffett.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:40 AM
Finance Express Adds Major Credit Union Group to Growing List of Lender Partners
Finance Express Adds Major Credit Union Group to Growing List of Lender Partners OAG Indirect Signs Agreement with Finance Express RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Finance Express, the leading provider of web-based financial services and technology for independent auto dealerships, today announced that OAG Indirect has entered an agreement to join the Finance Express web-based Dealer Management System. OAG Indirect offers retail financing through a network of Credit Unions in 48 of the United States. In response to the agreement with OAG Indirect, Dave Huber, President of Finance Express, offers the following: "In the midst of an uncertain market, where Lenders are scaling back programs, deactivating dealers or simply going out of business, Finance Express has succeeded in increasing profits and dealer loyalty. We have achieved this by enhancing and developing our ancillary products within the Finance Express Dealer Management System. Over the past several months we have introduced an exclusive and powerful lead program, integrated Route 66 Vehicle Service Contracts, expanded our Dealer Web-site products and added Manheim Market Reports to our existing vehicle valuation services. In addition, because we know the tools are only useful if our dealers know how to use them, we have created a comprehensive web-based Dealer Training Center. Dealers have the opportunity to participate in nearly a dozen different 'Live' courses from 'Understanding Sub-prime Finance' to 'Selling Techniques for Extended Service Contracts,' all free of charge to Finance Express dealers." Huber adds, "Finance Express also continues to research and explore new lending sources and programs and this exclusive agreement with OAG serves as a gratifying reward for those efforts. Credit Unions have established themselves as the model of stability in the lending world. We are very excited to bring OAG's powerful network of credit unions exclusively to our Finance Express Dealers." Jared Kasper, President and CEO of OAG Indirect, states, "The Finance Express platform is a great fit for our ongoing expansion and an obvious choice for OAG Indirect to deliver its cutting-edge finance products nationwide. We are excited about the relationship and look forward to reaching out to Finance Express dealers." About Finance Express Finance Express is the leading provider of online services and web-based technology for the independent dealer market including a comprehensive DMS with functions such as dealer inventory management, credit application processing, electronic contracting, links to lending sources, dealer management tools, loan servicing and accounting systems and licensed escrow services. The comprehensive program provides dealers online access to a single, seamless solution and insures a safe and secure environment for participating lenders. Website address: http://www.financeexpress.com/ About OAG Indirect OAG Indirect is a leader in full-spectrum Credit Union based indirect lending programs for franchise and independent dealers. Offering instant credit decisions and underwriting tools on a wide variety of credit profiles, OAG Indirect gives dealers the ability to deliver more vehicles on the spot without the funding delays and processes of traditional indirect lending. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the OAG Indirect support staff has extensive dealership experience, which provides professional and superior service on demand. Website address: http://www.oagindirect.com/ CONTACT: David L. Huber
Finance Express
949.635.5892
dhuber@financeexpress.com Jared Kasper
OAG Indirect
918.622.0056
jkasper@oagindirect.com This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: Finance Express
CONTACT: David L. Huber of Finance Express, +1-949-635-5892,
dhuber@financeexpress.com; or Jared Kasper of OAG Indirect, +1-918-622-0056,
jkasper@oagindirect.com Web site: http://www.financeexpress.com/
http://www.oagindirect.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:35 AM
Latitude(R) Tour Tire Is Michelin's Smartest Tire Ever, Designed Specifically for Crossover Vehicles and Increased Fuel-Efficiency
Latitude(R) Tour Tire Is Michelin's Smartest Tire Ever, Designed Specifically for Crossover Vehicles and Increased Fuel-Efficiency GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Growing popularity, increased fuel efficiency and versatility all combine to make the crossover sport utility vehicle (CUV) a popular choice for today's consumer. Crossover SUVs are unlike any other vehicle and demand a tire unlike any other. The new MICHELIN(R) Latitude(R) Tour tire is uniquely designed for CUVs and accentuates the features that make these vehicles so popular, providing the strength and confidence of a truck tire with the ride and comfort of a passenger car tire. Now available, the Latitude(R) Tour tire is the longest lasting, most fuel efficient tire in its class, offering greater comfort in wet conditions* and a quiet, comfortable ride. "Designing a tire to match the unique characteristics of a crossover vehicle was a welcomed challenge," said John M. Soule, light-truck brand category manager, Michelin Americas Small Tires. "Many people buy these vehicles because they are typically more fuel efficient and comfortable than an SUV, yet they still demand truck-like strength and versatility. The Latitude Tour tire compliments these features perfectly and also adds fuel-efficiency benefits and class-leading performance in other key areas, including tread life." Advanced technology and obsessive engineering make the MICHELIN Latitude Tour tire the longest lasting, most fuel-efficient crossover tire in its class*. Michelin utilized its advanced MaxTouch Construction(TM), combined with special tread compounds, to allow the Latitude Tour tire to deliver 33 percent more miles than the nearest competitive tire in its class*, making it a true eco-friendly tire. The MaxTouch Construction technology also affords a tire design innovation that delivers dramatically improved tread life without sacrificing performance and is backed by a 65,000-mile manufacturer's limited warranty. MaxTouch Construction optimizes the way a tire comes into contact with the surface, helping to reduce unnecessary friction. The result is better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions**. Extensive wet-road testing led to the advanced water evacuating tread pattern featuring open circumferential grooves and two-dimensional (2D) interlocking sipes. The sipes are special tread features that lock together during braking or turning maneuvers for more strength, while leaving open channels for water to pass through. In addition, a newly developed silica-based compound works together with the 2D sipes to deliver shorter braking distances on wet roads. Crossovers offer the ride and handling of a passenger car without sacrificing the utility and convenience of an SUV. MICHELIN Latitude Tour tires take that ride to a new level. Michelin Comfort Control Technology combines several tire features to deliver the quietest, most comfortable ride available from Michelin. Precision manufacturing and unparalleled quality control help insure tires are masterfully formed, greatly reducing vibration at highway speed. Even the tread pattern is acoustically tuned, offering a tire that's literally in harmony with the road. Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (http://www.michelinman.com/) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations. * Wear and rolling resistance tests using P265/70R17 on Chevrolet Tahoe
versus Bridgestone Dueler Hl Alenza and Goodyear Fortera SA ** Compared to Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza and Goodyear Fortera SA For more information, visit http://www.michelinmedia.com/ or contact: Lynne Slovick Tim Gilman
Michelin North America, Inc. Hill & Knowlton
office: 1 864 458 6365 office: 1 949 223 2313
mobile: 1 864 561.9914 mobile: 1 562 708.7893
lynne.slovick@us.michelin.comtim.gilman@hillandknowlton.com Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/LAW045
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Michelin North America
CONTACT: Lynne Slovick of Michelin North America, +1-864-458-6365,
+1-864-561-9914, mobile, lynne.slovick@us.michelin.com; or Tim Gilman of Hill
& Knowlton, +1-949-223-2313, +1-562-708-7893, mobile,
tim.gilman@hillandknowlton.com, for Michelin North America Web site: http://www.michelinman.com/
http://www.michelinmedia.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:24 AM
Introducing the Future of Energy to Tomorrow's Scientists
Introducing the Future of Energy to Tomorrow's Scientists Horizon Fuel Cell Launches Cleantech Education Kits SINGAPORE, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies is preparing the scientists of tomorrow with a unique line of educational products designed to explore the science behind clean energy technologies. Horizon, known for introducing the H-racer, an award-winning miniature hydrogen fuel cell car is now launching a complete range of new products to inspire students and encourage the development of new jobs in the fast-growing Cleantech industry. "As governments look to encourage scientific careers and reduce the dependence on expensive foreign oil, school districts nationwide are encouraged to build clean technology topics into the science curriculum," said Taras Wankewycz, co-founder of Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. "Step by step, society must invent its way out of oil dependence. We encourage the search for solutions by introducing technology to a wide range of potential innovators." Designed as chemistry sets of the future, Horizon's science education kits provide a fun, interactive way to introduce the principles and importance of carbon-free energy systems. These kits promote the search for alternative energy, which is needed as the demand for energy continues to rise and fossil fuels become increasingly costly and damaging to the environment. The new educational kits include the long-awaited next-generation H-racer 2.0 featuring cool functionalities and a sleek design, the new Wind Energy and Renewable Energy Experiment Set, the Bio-Energy Kit and the H2GO -- a real-working hybrid hydrogen electric car that functions just like the real thing. Each of these educational kits can be plugged into a PC with the Software Adaptor Kit allowing people to conduct simple laboratory experiments on the computer to help them better visualize and understand how the technologies work. "Our first breakthrough products were so innovative that they ignited science fans of all ages in over 40 countries," said Wankewycz. "Technically we have already overcome many cost and infrastructure barriers enabling us to bring carbon-free energy into a growing number of commercial applications. It's time for us to introduce the scientific possibilities at the grassroots level, so everyone can participate in bringing clean energy to society." Horizon's clean energy science kits are available for purchase now online, at select retail outlets and science education kit suppliers around the world. For more information on these kits, their pricing and availability, please visit http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/store.htm. Horizon's New Education Kits -- H-racer 2.0 the Next Generation -- Construct, fuel up and control a hydrogen fuel cell car The H-racer 2.0 is a model hydrogen fuel cell car that can be built, refueled and fully controlled. Designed as a next-generation version of its award-winning predecessor, the new H-racer 2.0 set includes a water-activated solar hydrogen refueling station and new features such as infrared controllable steering, light effects and longer runtimes. The fuel cell in the car combines hydrogen from water with oxygen from the air to generate a DC current that powers all of its electronic functions. Unlike a gas-powered engine, the only byproducts of this process are electricity and trace amounts of pure water. -- Hydro-Wind Power Kit -- Store and distribute energy using wind energy and fuel cells The Hydro-Wind Power Kit allows students to build their own applications using wind power to create hydrogen fuel from water. Hydrogen collected using wind power can supply a fuel cell, which then powers a small motor included in the kit that will run any application students dream up, at home or in a classroom setting. The Hydro-Wind kit offers hands-on experimentation with transport of zero-carbon energy from renewable wind-power sources to everyday electrical applications using fuel cells. -- Bio Energy Kit -- Ethanol to electricity without combustion The Bio-Energy Kit demonstrates the workings of a small-scale ethanol fuel cell technology, which is able to generate power from ethanol and water without combustion. Showcasing a world-first in liquid fuel cell technology, the system demonstrates the potential for using fuel cells to power small consumer electronic devices for long periods of time. -- H2GO Hybrid Electric Hydrogen Vehicle (RC) -- A fun radio-controlled hybrid car The H2GO is the most technologically advanced toy-scale car available on the market today. It is a true hybrid car, combining super-capacitors and long endurance fuel cell technology in a revolutionary design, with faster speed and non-stop fun. The H2GO car battery-free set comes with a hydrogen refueling station, a solar power plant and a remote control. Students simply add plain water to the hydrogen station, which instantly refuels the car using a new pump system. Powered by solar energy, the refueling station uses electrolysis to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The car uses both hydrogen refueling and a 5 second capacitor charge to deliver both endurance and acceleration performance. -- Renewable Energy Education Set -- The chemistry set of the future The Renewable Energy Education Set combines electronics, chemistry and physics principles in one science set. Developed by Horizon's creative design team, this modular experiment set is designed to demonstrate clean energy technologies on a miniature scale. Using component configurations, students learn how renewable energy can be harnessed, stored and re-used in a number of applications using sun, wind, water, as well as new fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies. -- Software Adaptor Kit -- Connect clean energy science experiments to the computer Horizon takes experiments a step further with on-screen visualization of clean technologies during operation. The software measures a number of variables and provides detailed insight into how solar, wind or hydrogen fuel cell technology works. About Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte Ltd Thinking big, yet starting small, Horizon pioneered the sales of next-generation fuel cell power products in small consumer products, while developing larger-scale clean power solutions for practical applications in portable remote power, light-duty transportation and aerospace. With comprehensive technological developments focused on enabling fuel cell commercialization, Horizon is the first company to bring advanced fuel cell technology out of the laboratories and into the mass market today. For more information, visit http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/.
Source: Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte Ltd
CONTACT: Helen Allrich of Weber Shandwick, +1-425-452-5402,
hallrich@webershandwick.com, for Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte Ltd Web site: http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 8:19 AM
John Deere establishes Technology & Innovation Center in Europe
John Deere establishes Technology & Innovation Center in Europe MANNHEIM, Germany, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) announced today it plans to establish a European Technology & Innovation Center (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Deere plans to have the center operational in the spring of 2010. The facility will accommodate up to 200 engineers to further enhance Deere's advanced engineering capabilities in Europe with a focus on developing and applying technological advances to serve customers in the region. "Our customers expect John Deere products and services to increase their productivity by integrating technology with machinery," said Mark Von Pentz, President, Agricultural Division -- Europe, Africa and South America. "This center allows John Deere the opportunity to provide even more focus to our industry-leading research and technology efforts." In addition, the new center will provide engineering support for Deere's work in intelligent mobile equipment technologies and agricultural management solutions. "The new European Technology & Innovation Center will be both an integral part and extension of our existing technology and engineering network in support of Deere's global growth strategy," says Klaus Hoehn, Vice President, Advanced Technology and Engineering. "The ETIC will allow us to develop and leverage critical technologies in order to meet the requirements of our growing customer base throughout the world." Deere said Kaiserslautern provides an excellent environment with such activities as the highly specialized research operations at the University of Kaiserslautern, providing John Deere excellent opportunities to recruit talented employees. Deere said the ETIC location also is beneficial because it is located between the product engineering centers at John Deere factories in Mannheim and Zweibruecken.
Source: Deere & Company
CONTACT: Ken Golden, Director, Strategic Public Relations, Deere &
Company, +1-309-765-5678 Web site: http://www.deere.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:33 AM
WABCO Premieres Breakthrough Technology for Driver Assistance at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008
WABCO Premieres Breakthrough Technology for Driver Assistance at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 New Autonomous Emergency Braking System Assists Driver in Reducing Risks of Collisions BRUSSELS, September 3/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WBC) (http://www.wabco-auto.com/), one of the
world's leading providers of electronic braking, stability, suspension and
transmission automation systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles, will
present the industry's first autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system at
IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 in Hanover, Germany. WABCO's revolutionary system minimizes the response time for a vehicle to
brake in collision imminent situations with moving or stopped vehicles
because the AEB system reacts faster than the driver. It ensures the most
effective deceleration and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Integrating diverse data about road traffic from video and laser distance
sensors, WABCO's new AEB system processes this complex information using its
state-of-the-art algorithm to significantly enhance object dimensioning and
anticipate imminent danger. WABCO's breakthrough AEB technology detects, analyzes and reacts to
moving as well as stopped vehicles as the system simultaneously interfaces
with braking and other systems in the truck such as engine, transmission and
stability control to assist the driver. "With rear-end and junction collisions accounting for nearly half of all
commercial vehicle accidents, we are passionate about breaking new ground to
continuously improve vehicle and road safety," said Jean-Christophe Figueroa,
WABCO Vice President, Vehicle Dynamics and Control. "In our leadership
position as an integrator of commercial vehicle electronic architecture and
control systems, we continue to demonstrate our ability to pioneer innovative
driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, OnGuard(TM)
collision mitigation system and now autonomous emergency braking." WABCO's new AEB system will be available worldwide to truck and bus
original equipment manufacturers in 2010. In February 2008, WABCO introduced OnGuard(TM), the first collision
mitigation system (CMS) with active braking for commercial vehicles in North
America. A radar-based adaptive cruise control system, OnGuard's active
braking improves vehicle safety by applying foundation brakes to alert the
driver when a pre-set, forward-looking distance is compromised, optimizing
reaction time. Introduced in 2004, WABCO's adaptive cruise control (ACC) monitors
distances in front of a commercial vehicle and improves braking reaction time
through an algorithm-enhanced system that combines a radar sensor, yaw rate
sensor and electronic control unit in a single housing. DAS technology: CEO keynote and live demonstration at IAA Commercial
Vehicles At IAA's "Hazardous Goods Day" symposium on September 26, WABCO CEO
Jacques Esculier will highlight industry developments in driver assistance
systems in the Convention Center from 12:00 to 12:30. Following this keynote
speech, a truck equipped with WABCO's new AEB system will perform emergency
braking during a live demonstration from 13:30 to 14:00 outside the
Convention Center.
WABCO at IAA 2008: Hall 26, Booth B14 Where: Hanover, Germany - Exhibition Center Hanover When: September 23 through October 2
About WABCO
WABCO Vehicle Control Systems is one of the world's leading providers of
electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems
for heavy duty commercial vehicles. Customers include the world's leading
commercial truck, trailer and bus manufacturers. Founded in the U.S. in 1869
as Westinghouse Air Brake Company, WABCO was acquired by American Standard in
1968 and spun off in 2007. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, WABCO employs
more than 7,700 people in 31 countries worldwide. In 2007, WABCO's total
sales were $2.4 billion. WABCO is a publicly traded company and is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange with the stock symbol WBC. Website:
http://www.wabco-auto.com
Media contact
Tobias Mueller, +49-69-7191-6834, tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de Investors and financial analysts contact Mike Thompson, +32(2)663-9854, mike.thompson@wabco-auto.com Jason Campbell, +1-732-369-7477, jason.campbell@wabco-auto.com Source: WABCO Holdings Inc. Media contact: Tobias Mueller, +49-69-7191-6834, tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de; Investors and financial analysts contact; Mike Thompson, +32(2)663-9854, mike.thompson@wabco-auto.com; Jason Campbell, +1-732-369-7477, jason.campbell@wabco-auto.com
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:20 AM
Johnson Controls Announces 2008 Fourth-Quarter Restructuring Charge
Johnson Controls Announces 2008 Fourth-Quarter Restructuring Charge MILWAUKEE, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To better align its resources with its growth strategies while reducing the cost structure of its global operations, Johnson Controls, Inc. today announced it plans to initiate restructuring activities which will result in an estimated pre-tax charge of $450 to $500 million in its 2008 fourth quarter. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070930/AQSU001LOGO) The restructuring charge relates to cost reduction initiatives in its automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions businesses and includes workforce reductions and plant consolidations. The company expects to substantially complete the initiatives by early 2010. The automotive-related restructuring is in response to the fundamentals of the European and North American automotive markets. The actions target reductions in the company's cost base by decreasing excess manufacturing capacity due to lower industry production and the continued movement of vehicle production to low-cost countries, especially in Europe. The restructuring actions in Building Efficiency are primarily in Europe where the company is centralizing certain functions and rebalancing its resources to target the geographic markets with the greatest potential growth. Power Solutions actions are focused on optimizing its regional manufacturing capacity. Johnson Controls said it expects the restructuring plan will improve its long-term growth prospects in its highly competitive global markets. The company's fourth quarter ends on September 30, 2008. Johnson Controls will report earnings on October 23, 2008. The company will hold an analyst conference call to discuss the restructuring plan on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. A live webcast of the call, as well as a recorded archive, can be accessed at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/. Johnson Controls, Inc. ("the Company") has made forward-looking statements in this document pertaining to its financial results for fiscal 2008 and beyond that are based on preliminary data and are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that are or could be deemed forward-looking statements and include terms such as "outlook," "expectations," "estimates," or "forecasts." For those statements, the Company cautions that numerous important factors, such as automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, financial distress of key customers, energy prices, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, currency exchange rates, cancellation of commercial contracts, the ability to execute on restructuring actions according to anticipated timelines and costs as well as other factors discussed in Item 1A of Part II of the Company's most recent Form 10-Q filing (filed August 8, 2008) could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070930/AQSU001LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Johnson Controls, Inc.
CONTACT: investors, Glen L. Ponczak, +1-414-524-2375, or media, Monica
Levy, +1-414-524-2695, both for Johnson Controls, Inc. Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:17 AM
DOLLAR(R) and Thrifty Car Rental Launch Daily Dividends
DOLLAR(R) and Thrifty Car Rental Launch Daily Dividends Travel Agents Rewarded with Points Toward AmEx Gift Cards TULSA, Okla., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental, subsidiaries of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTG), are joining forces to launch a new travel agent loyalty program that will give travel agents the power to earn cash with every rental at DOLLAR(R) or Thrifty. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020412/DTGLOGO) Daily Dividends -- the new combined program for both brands -- is available free of charge and will reward travel agents based upon the length of car rental booked with DOLLAR or Thrifty. Once agents have earned 25 points (1 point = $1), they will receive a personalized American Express branded reward card that can be used anywhere the American Express card is accepted. The card may be used for dining, entertainment, gifts... whatever the agent desires. "Daily Dividends is all about magnifying travel agents' ability to earn rewards quickly for reservations they make with DOLLAR or Thrifty Car Rental," said Greg Billingsley, Director, Consortia Development and Travel Industry Sales. "By putting the power of both brands into a single program, travel agents can accumulate points faster than ever before. It's our way of saying 'thank you' to our friends in the travel agency community." Here's how Daily Dividends works. Qualifying travel agents will earn: -- 3-4 day rentals = 1 point
-- 5-6 day rentals = 2 points
-- 7+ day rentals = 5 points
One point is equivalent to $1 of purchasing power. Points are converted into dollars and will be added to the card balance on a daily basis, with points accrued upon the completion of qualifying rentals of three days or more.
Once the card is earned, DOLLAR and Thrifty will provide instant gratification with this great re-loadable AmEx reward card that grows daily with every completed rental. How to Enroll Enrollment in the program is easy -- and it's free. Agents are asked to visit http://www.travelagent.dollar.com/ or http://www.agent.thrifty.com/ and click on the "Daily Dividends" link to enroll by answering a few brief questions. (Agents currently enrolled in Dollar Dividends have been automatically enrolled in the new program). Once they have completed the enrollment process, agents will receive a personal identification number (PID). A PID is necessary for agents to: -- Book qualified Daily Dividends reservations;
-- Keep track of their earnings on the statement page that is updated
daily; and
-- Change their enrollment profile.
Once the American Express rewards card is issued, point balances will be updated daily with new transactions. To check their Daily Dividends point balance, agents can simply visit http://www.encompasscard.com/ or call 1-888-262-0390.
How to Book a Daily Dividends Reservation Agents booking via the GDS will simply add their PID number in the AG field (example: /SI-AG-PID12). For travel agents who prefer to book online, visit http://www.travelagent.dollar.com/ for DOLLAR reservations and provide your PID in the space provided. Travel agents may also make reservations by phone by calling DOLLAR at 1-800-800-4000 or Thrifty Car Rental at 1-800-THRIFTY. The Daily Dividends program is open to travel agents, 18 years of age and older, employed by travel agencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico who book rentals with Dollar Rent A Car or Thrifty Car Rental. The company reserves the right to reject any application for enrollment in the program. Transactions eligible for Daily Dividends are defined as completed rental transactions that were originally booked by a travel agent member for rental at DOLLAR or Thrifty Car Rental locations worldwide. Members must earn the American Express reward card within 12 months of enrollment. If the member has not earned 25 points within the first twelve months after enrollment or if the account has no activity for six (6) consecutive months, all earned points in the account will be forfeited and enrollment in the program will be suspended pending re-enrollment in the program. No reward points will be earned on reservations in which the qualifying PID number is missing, incomplete or incorrect. The company reserves the right to suspend or terminate the program at any time. Other restrictions may apply. For complete "Terms and Conditions," visit http://www.travelagent.dollar.com/ or http://www.agent.thrifty.com/. About Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental DOLLAR has more than 535 worldwide locations in 48 countries, with a significant presence in Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, including more than 250 in the United States. Thrifty Car Rental serves value-conscious travelers from more than 1,028 locations in 68 countries. Both brands are subsidiaries of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company headquartered in Tulsa, Okla. For additional information, visit http://www.dtag.com/ or http://www.dollar.com/ or http://www.thrifty.com/. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020412/DTGLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris Payne of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.,
+1-918-669-2236, chris.payne@dtag.com Web site: http://www.dtag.com/
http://www.dollar.com/
http://www.thrifty.com/
http://www.encompasscard.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 7:06 AM
INRIX Expands Management Team and Establishes INRIX European Headquarters
INRIX Expands Management Team and Establishes INRIX European Headquarters Hires GM Europe and Vice President of Marketing KIRKLAND, Wash. and DUSSELDORF, Germany, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- INRIX(R), the leading provider of traffic information, today announced two significant additions to its executive management team and the opening of its European headquarters. Hans-Hendrik Puvogel, formerly CEO of Jentro Technologies, is joining INRIX as general manager Europe and is responsible for establishing the company's European headquarters in Dusseldorf, Germany. Chris Hamer, a seasoned marketing executive at OnStar, Cadillac and priceline.com, is joining INRIX as vice president of marketing. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/AQW095)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060424/SFM077LOGO-b)
Hans-Hendrik Puvogel (41) is responsible for INRIX operations and business development activity in Europe. Prior to joining INRIX, Hans was the CEO of Jentro Technologies, a leading navigation platform company based in Germany. He transformed Jentro from a small phone application development company into an international platform provider for location-based services. Hans established innovative business models and drove the development of connected navigation by integrating key players in local search, traffic information, weather, parking, events and m-commerce. Hans has over 13 years of experience in navigation, telecommunications and consumer media including executive roles at Handelsblatt Group and Bertelsmann AG.
Chris Hamer (47) is responsible for overall marketing, brand management and public relations at INRIX. Chris is a senior marketing executive and brand strategist with over 20 years of demonstrated business to consumer and business to business experience. He was most recently senior vice president, sales and marketing for SpeedShape, a leader in advanced 3D and CGI animation technology. Previously, Chris held senior advertising and marketing roles for Sony, Cadillac, OnStar and priceline.com, including creating the award-winning radio campaign for OnStar called 'Real Stories' based on real subscriber events, that resulted in increasing subscription revenue by over $100 million annually. "The addition of Hans and Chris to the INRIX executive team showcases the commitment to our international expansion and strategic marketing initiatives," said Bryan Mistele, president and CEO of INRIX. "Their deep industry and consumer experience will further accelerate our efforts in bringing connected in-car traffic, navigation and related location-based content to market." About INRIX INRIX(R) is the leading provider of accurate real-time, historical and predictive traffic information in North America and Europe, with over 55 customers and industry partners including TomTom, MapQuest, Microsoft, Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network, TeleNav, I-95 Corridor Coalition, Tele Atlas, deCarta, ITIS Holdings, Mio, Navigon, TCS, Telmap, ANWB, ARC Transistance, and TNO. INRIX delivers the highest quality data and broadest coverage available for personal navigation, mapping, telematics and other location-based service applications in the car, online and on mobile devices. INRIX Traffic Services leverage sophisticated statistical analysis techniques, originally developed by Microsoft Research, to aggregate and enhance traffic-related information from hundreds of public and private sources, including traditional road sensors and the company's unique network of over 800,000 GPS-enabled vehicles and cellular probes. INRIX delivers traffic information today for over 100 markets in North America and via ARC Transistance for 16 European countries. To experience the traffic technology revolution behind the next generation of navigation and location-based service applications, visit http://www.inrix.com/. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080903/AQW095
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060424/SFM077LOGO-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: INRIX
CONTACT: Maggie Miller of Weber Shandwick, +1-310-854-8385,
mmiller@webershandwick.com, for INRIX Web site: http://www.inrix.com/
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Profile: automotive-news
posted by automotive-news # 3:05 AM
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