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January 6, 2007
New Ford Fusion Pursuit (UK) : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: New Ford Fusion Pursuit (UK) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:24 PM | View the original post
NYSE OPENING BELL RUNG BY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL MEMORIAL SUPPORTERS : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: Executives, supporters and sponsors of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial rang the NYSE Opening Bell to kick off the inaugural year of construction of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. From left Kerry-Ann Powell, Memorial Foundation; Steven R. Gursky, Esq. Dreier LLP; Rod Gillum, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity, GM; Richard Marshall, CFO, Memorial Foundation; John Thain, CEO, NYSE Exchange; Harry Johnson, President and CEO Memorial Foundation, Inc.; Gary Cowger, Global Group Vice President of General Motors; Russell Simmons (back with hat); Henry Schleiff, CEO, The Hallmark Channel; Richard S. Fuld, Jr., CEO, Lehman Brothers; Ron Parker (back), Senior Vice President Human Resources, PepsiCo., North America; Anne Erni, Chief Diversity Officer and Managing Director, Lehman Brothers; Guy Vickers, VP Community Relations, President Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation; Amy George, VP Global Diversity and Inclusion, PepsiCo. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:13 PM | View the original post
January 5, 2007
Robb Report Editors Name Bentley Continental GTC 2007 Car of the Year : GlobalGiants.com
Maybach 57S, Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Porsche 911 Turbo, and Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Place in Top Five.
MALIBU, Calif., Jan. 5 -- The editors of Robb Report have selected the Bentley Continental GTC as the magazine's 2007 Car of the Year, citing "remarkable drivability, superb handling, a clean and well-executed design, and minimal performance concessions in the interest of open-air driving."
The award is presented annually to an automobile, formally introduced in the previous year, whose technical designs, styling, and performance position it as the world's preeminent sports or luxury car. The February issue of Robb Report, on stands January 23, announces the 2007 Car of the Year and offers automotive aficionados detailed analyses of each of the new models.
Robb Report editors and staff members, along with 41 car experts and enthusiasts, formed the panel of judges. They put 13 magnificent machines through two rigorous days of driving, rated them, and selected the one car they believed best combines elegance, style, and exquisite detailing with performance equal to the challenge of any mountain road or track.
Finalists in Robb Report's 2007 Car of the Year were: #13 Cadillac XLR-V; #12 Lotus Exige S; #11 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640; #10 Ford Shelby GT500; #9 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB; #7 (tie) Jaguar XKR Convertible and BMW M6; #6 Audi S8; #5 Maybach 57S; #4 Bugatti Veyron 16.4; #3 Porsche 911 Turbo; and #2 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.
Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. Each month, the magazine reports on issues and trends affecting the affluent market, with coverage of exclusive events and features on exceptional automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, art, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:02 PM | View the original post
2007 Chevrolet Camaro Concept : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Camaro Concept. [GlobalGiants.com]
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Camaro Concept. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:07 PM | View the original post
January 4, 2007
Mercedes-Benz sets new milestones in BLUETEC initiative : GlobalGiants.com
Presentation of another concept vehicle at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.
Stuttgart, Germany -- Mercedes-Benz is continuing its US diesel initiative with the presentation of another concept vehicle at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The Vision GL 420 BLUETEC demonstrates that, thanks to BLUETEC technology, even large, high-performance SUVs can offer economical fuel consumption and extremely low emissions. Boasting a powerful V8 diesel engine, which develops 216 kW (290 hp) and 700 Nm (515 lb ft) of torque, the anticipated fuel efficiency for the new SUV is just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (24 mpg). This impressive combination of high power, torque, fuel economy and operating range ensures that Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC vehicles offer an ideal drive concept for the American market.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz Vision GL 420 BLUETEC
The unique styling of the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC adds visual emphasis to the special status of this model and also addresses the Mercedes-Benz USA customers' wish for vehicles with an even greater degree of exclusivity and a strong, individual identity. The revised, distinctively sculpted front with the dominant radiator grille serves as a visual idiom for the exceptional performance of the V8 diesel engine and lends the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC a sense of dynamic forward movement – even when stationary. This assertive look is complemented by the flared wings, imposing 21 inch wheels and running boards.
BLUETEC has met with an extremely positive response in USA: respected American science and technology magazines recognised the Mercedes-Benz-developed BLUETEC technology at the end of 2006. Scientific American selected BLUETEC as one of the top 50 scientific and technological innovations of 2006. Popular Science, the oldest and best-known American science magazine included BLUETEC in its annual "Best of What's New" list. And Ward's Automotive Group, a leading publisher of a number of media and trade magazines for the automotive industry, has nominated the E 320 BLUETEC engine for its list of ten best drive systems in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:49 PM | View the original post
Lincoln MKR Concept : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Lincoln MKR concept marks the rebirth of Lincoln with this romantic four-door coupe delivering elegant simplicity and modern refinement for the premium buyer. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:49 PM | View the original post
Asiana celebrates 100th aircraft delivery with another A330 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Asiana Airlines of South Korea celebrated the 100th aircraft to join its fleet by taking delivery of an A330-300 at Airbus’ base in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the fifth A330 to be delivered to Asiana and the first to appear in the airline’s bold, new livery. A further A330 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:40 PM | View the original post
January 3, 2007
NICKELODEON THE WONDER PETS : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Nickelodeon's The Wonder Pets! takes the top ratings spot for 2006 with preschoolers (kids 2-5).
Nickelodeon, now in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:03 PM | View the original post
All-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible : GlobalGiants.com
• Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America’s favorite convertible company with all-new Sebring Convertible.
• Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top, can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.
• Spacious interior makes comfortable room for four adults; exceptional cargo room easily fits four golf bags, two golf bags when top is dropped.
• Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg and Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability.
View Larger Picture of 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
View Another Larger Picture of 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.
Photo: Joe Eberhardt, ÂChrysler Group Executive Vice President - Global Sales, Marketing and Service, and Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt introduce the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible to media at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show.
In markets outside North America, Sebring Convertible will be the first D-segment cabriolet for the Chrysler Group to offer both a diesel engine and right-hand-drive availability, thereby equipping the vehicle to become a stronger competitor in the segment.
Photo: Chrysler Sebring Convertible features class-leading innovations like the MyGIG™multi-media information center, a heated / cooled cupholder and room for two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. A retractable hard top that can drop with the press of a button on the key fob is one of three automatically latching convertible top offerings. Sebring Convertible also offers exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg. A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) engine and, for the first time, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine also are available.
“America’s favorite convertible is now better than ever,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, athletic handling, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the only convertible in the segment that can pass the two-golf-bag test. The sky’s the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in the marketplace.” [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:29 PM | View the original post
Boeing, Jet Airways Announce Order for 10 787 Dreamliners : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2007 The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai-based Jet Airways today announced an order for 10 787-8 Dreamliners.
Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 46 Classic and Next-Generation Boeing 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline will take delivery of its first of 10 777-300ERs in April.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner.
Jet Airways, with an average fleet age of 5.3 years, has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world. The airline operates more than 330 daily flights to 49 destinations that span the length and breadth of India and beyond including London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Kathmandu. The airline plans to extend its international operations to North America, Europe, Africa, China and Asia in the coming years with the introduction of twin-aisle aircraft into its fleet in 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:43 PM | View the original post
ALL-NEW 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU : GlobalGiants.com
DELIVERS SEGMENT-TOPPING COMBINATION OF STYLE, PERFORMANCE AND FUEL ECONOMY.
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT
View Larger Picture of 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT
DETROIT – The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. The new Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It arrives at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Front View
“The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet’s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods – both tangible and intangible – to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet’s commitment to expressive cars.”
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT Rear View
The 2008 Malibu brings a fresh perspective and new proportions to the midsize segment. It is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase that delivers a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance and helps provide a smoother, more direct driving experience. In fact, Malibu's wheelbase is three inches (76 mm) longer than Toyota Camry.
“ Malibu is the car our customers have been looking for,” said Peper. “There is more style and content on the new Malibu than any other competitor in the segment.”
The new Malibu is offered in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ – all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models. [GlobalGiants.com]
Highlights of the redesigned 2008 Malibu include:
• All-new refined and contemporary exterior with new dual-port grille design that represents the new face of Chevrolet
• Twin round taillamps
• Upscale interior design with available two-tone trim; gauges with Chevrolet blue backlighting
• Standard head-curtain side air bags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Available 110-volt household-type AC power outlet
• Refined and technically advanced family of economic DOHC powertrains, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing
• Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission available with both four-cylinder and V-6 engines – a segment exclusive for four-cylinder engines
• Five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Four-wheel independent suspension and longer wheelbase that deliver a more controlled, satisfying and confident driving experience
• Family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright polished wheels on LTZ
• Available large, panoramic sunroof
• Standard tire pressure monitoring system
Design details
With its strong stance and bold proportions, the 2008 Malibu has a profile that reinforces its substantial feel. Clean, pure lines and wheels pushed to the corners, as well as a visually lower yet longer greenhouse and a shorter deck suggest motion, agility and attitude. The body sides are clean and elegant, interrupted only by distinctive, wheel-oriented forms that communicate an aggressive, stable stance and a rear profile that connects to Chevrolet’s rich performance heritage.
The Malibu's dual-port grille is characteristic of the new face of Chevrolet cars and the twin round taillamps are Chevrolet cues, too, with LTZ models distinguished by front fog lamps and LED-lit taillamps. The design elements are complemented with precise details, including minimized panel gaps, a tight wheel-to-body relationship and select use of chrome trim. V-6 models also receive dual chrome exhaust outlets.
The interior’s attention to detail matches the Malibu's exterior, with an ergonomic design using premium materials that convey quality and value, including a cast skin material on the instrument panel. The integrated, flowing instrument panel features a Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit design, with prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metallic or wood grain accents.
The new Malibu has greater storage, too, with thoughtful features that maximize utility, including a deep center console with a sliding cover that opens to accommodate larger items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash storage compartment on the instrument panel for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An available rear power center provides a household-style 110-volt AC power outlet.
Safe and secure
The 2008 Malibu has a comprehensive roster of standard and available features that helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. They include:
• Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
• Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• LATCH child safety seat anchors
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Traction control
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with panic brake assistance (LT and LTZ models)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
All 2008 Malibu models come with OnStar Gen 7, which features standard automatic crash notification service and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation – the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:02 AM | View the original post
January 2, 2007
Detroit Auto Show Preparations: GM Adds To Celebrity Line-Up for Style Event : GlobalGiants.com
Preparations Continue As The Detroit Auto Show Nears.
Photo: A worker vacuums the floor at the Saab display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: A worker assists with the lighting at the Cadillac display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: Workers cover a Chevrolet Corvette to keep the dust off of it as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: Workers assemble the Buick Enclave display in the General Motors exhibit as preparations for the North American International Auto Show continue Tuesday, January 2, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public on January 13. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Detroit – Just days away from one of the largest gatherings of stars and cars Detroit has ever seen, GM has confirmed three celebrity additions to its runway for the Saturday, Jan. 6, GM Style event.
Widely touted for her breakout performance in the film “Dreamgirls” and an “American Idol” favorite, Jennifer Hudson will strut the catwalk at GM Style as one of the featured celebrity models.
Famed film and television star Christian Slater will also grace the runway at the unique event.
Late night television host Jimmy Kimmel of ABC-TV’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will act as emcee of the GM Style red carpet providing up-to-the-minute interviews and commentary from the moment they walk through the door.
Other talent slated to participate in GM Style include actress Carmen Electra, “Dancing with the Stars” favorite Mario Lopez, Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines, supermodel Petra Nemcova and actress Vivica A. Fox. DJ Momjeans – aka “That 70’s Show’s” Danny Masterson -- is on board as guest DJ. A final list of celebrities is slated for release this week.
The first-ever invitation only GM Style will showcase 17 GM vehicles paired with celebrities and the latest fashions. GM is finishing a pavilion just east of the Renaissance Center on the Detroit Riverfront to host this salute to style. The pavilion, the first of its kind, will be longer than a football field, climate controlled and able to accommodate a runway for cars and stars. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:27 PM | View the original post
NEW YORKERS RING IN THE NEW YEAR : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: An image of revelers embracing at the stroke of midnight, as confetti rains down, is projected on the News Astrovision by Panasonic in New York's Times Square, Monday, January 1, 2007. More than 1 million revelers gathered in Times Square to ring in 2007 beneath a veil of 3.5 tons of confetti. (Feature Photo Service) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:52 PM | View the original post
Nokia New Year's Eve celebrates the start of 2007 in global style : GlobalGiants.com
World's largest New Year's Eve celebration draws more than 2 million music lovers to 5 "party capitals" of the world.
More than 150 million viewers tune into global TV and Internet broadcast.
Performances by The Black Eyed Peas, Scissor Sisters, Nelly Furtado, John Legend, Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, Ludacris, Rihanna, KT Tunstall, Sergio Mendes, among others.
Photo: Firework effects mesmerized the audience after countdown in Hong Kong
Espoo, Finland - On December 31st, Nokia New Year's Eve delivered on its promise to connect millions of people around the world through five spectacular events being held as part of the biggest New Year's party of 2006. Five party capitals -- Hong Kong, Mumbai, Berlin, Rio and New York -- all played their part to celebrate the beginning of 2007. Those in attendance at the live show, or watching the global broadcast on television or online saw some of the biggest names in music celebrating a truly unforgettable night.
Photo: Grammy-Award winning artist Nelly Furtado performs at Nokia New Year's Eve in Mumbai.
Nokia New Year's Eve began at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal with Atomic Kitten topping the bill and making their first international appearance since splitting in 2004. They performed hits such as Whole Again and Tide Is High after an impressive roster of local stars including DJ Jamaster A, Eason Chan, Grasshopper, Hacken Lee, Joey Yung, Josie Ho, Jun Kung, Paul Wong, Soler and Twins entertained the crowd throughout the evening. Despite the massive Internet challenges created by the recent earthquake in Taiwan, Hong Kong music fans were also able to stream the live concert footage directly to their mobile thanks to a select group of local operators.
Photo: Nokia New Year's Eve party in Berlin.
Moving west, Mumbai's Andheri Stadium played host to a star-studded celebration that featured performances by Grammy Award-winning Nelly Furtado, Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman, and Bollywood superstars Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Koena Mitra, among others.
Photo: The Black Eyed Peas and Sergio Mendes at Nokia New Year's Eve party in Rio
The night rounded off in New York with performances from Rihanna, Ludacris and KT Tunstall appearing in "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007". [GlobalGiants.com]
Furtado, a Canadian performing in India for the first time, captivated the crowd by singing two Hindi ballads, Kabhi Kabhi and Yeh Sama, in addition to her international hits Powerless, Maneater and I Am Like A Bird. Nokia New Year's Eve also marked the public debut of the first English language composition by Indian musical legend A.R. Rahman - Pray For Me, Brother - an anthem dedicated toward the eradication of world poverty. As the clock closed on midnight, Rahman, also known as the "Mozart from Madras", got the crowd into the party spirit with his all-time hit Humma Humma as well as his Oscar-nominated single Khalbali.
"Thank you Nokia for making this happen. I have wanted to come to India all my life," said Nelly Furtado after the show. "The crowd was amazing and it was so much fun to perform on the same bill as so many talented Indian artists."
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate was the largest Nokia New Year's Eve celebration with an estimated 1.2 million party-goers in attendance. In front of this massive audience, headline act Scissor Sisters played their hit singles I Don't Feel Like Dancin' and Comfortably Numb in a ninety-minute set that wowed the audience before a spectacular 10-minute pyrotechnics display erupted at midnight. Sugababes then took to the stage to carry on the party well in to the night.
"This will be the biggest audience we've ever played to so we were really excited! We love coming to Berlin simply because nobody parties harder and longer than the Berliners," said Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters before they took the stage. "After the show we plan on having an excessively fun and ridiculous evening which we hope will set the tone for the rest of 2007! Happy New Year everyone!"
In Rio, Brazilians showed that a bit of rain would not stand in the way of an amazing night. More than one million people celebrated Nokia New Year's Eve in a nine hour concert on Ipanema beach. The crowd was treated to unforgettable performances by the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes as well as local artists Funk'n Lata and DJ Marlboro, amongst others.
The Black Eyed Peas played all of their hits including Where Is The Love? and Pump It as well as an unforgettable collaboration with Sérgio Mendes for the hit song Mas que Nada. Sergio Mendes was making his first Brazilian live performance for 28 years and treated the crowd to a host of hits from his country's musical history. Speaking after the show, Mendes said "This was a night of magic. Sharing my music with the Brazilian audience was emotional and unforgettable. This was without a doubt one of the happiest days in my life".
"With more than 2 million music lovers celebrating with us in person, and more than 150 million television and Internet viewers, Nokia New Year's Eve was certainly the biggest New Year's party of 2006," said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Nokia. "Nokia New Year's Eve clearly lived up to our mission of "Connecting People" and delivered on our promise of leveraging the power of television, the internet, live events and the world's most exciting music artists to get people talking, sharing and celebrating on one incredible night. Our thanks to the artists who performed -- and the millions of people who celebrated with us in person and around the world." [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 AM | View the original post
January 1, 2007
Airbus delivers first VIP A340-600 to SAAD Air : GlobalGiants.com
Airbus has delivered the first VIP version of its ultra long-haul A340-600, the world's longest airliner, to the private business group SAAD Air Ltd of Saudi Arabia, the first customer for the type.
The Airbus A340-600, which has yet to be outfitted with its VIP cabin, will seat around 80 passengers and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines.
SAAD Air is both global and growing, and is an established corporate jet user - it already has an Airbus A320 Prestige - so the move to a larger Airbus widebody was a natural step. SAAD Air will benefit from a more spacious cabin, ultra-long range and four-engined flexibility, giving it the freedom to transport VIPs in style, where they want, when they want. SAAD Air is also in negotiations to double its fleet in the near future, with a wide range of aircraft types for its private aviation business with VIP clientele. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:37 PM | View the original post
AT&T and BellSouth Join to Create a Premier Global Communications Company : GlobalGiants.com
Deal Consolidates Ownership of Cingular Wireless.
BellSouth and Cingular Brand Transition to Begin Soon.
PHOTO: New Year, New Company -- Workers install the new AT&T logo at the former BellSouth Atlanta headquarters over the weekend. BellSouth and Cingular came together Friday to form a premier global communications company. (AT&T photo by Michael Pugh).
San Antonio, Texas, -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has closed its acquisition of BellSouth Corporation, creating a premier global communications company committed to driving convergence, continued innovation, and competition in the communications and entertainment market.
The transaction consolidates ownership and management of Cingular Wireless, the USA's leading provider of wireless voice and data services, and YELLOWPAGES.COM, a leading Internet Yellow Pages and local search site.
PHOTO: Wireless home networking lets families share their AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet connection.
AT&T will immediately start to implement a carefully planned integration process to converge the AT&T, BellSouth, and Cingular wireless and wireline Internet Protocol (IP) networks, combine product portfolios and integrate customer care capabilities. The new company will be able to accelerate the introduction of innovative broadband services, such as IP-based services, while expanding the reach of broadband access in remote and rural locations in the traditional BellSouth region.
PHOTO: A Cingular store employee demonstrates the simplicity of recording up to four programs simultaneously with AT&T U-verse TV. The red dots next to the program titles indicate that the program will be recorded.
With the merger complete, AT&T enhances its U.S. leadership position in broadband, wireless services, voice services for consumers and businesses, and data services to Fortune 1000 companies.
In the coming days, AT&T will launch extensive new advertising, which will begin the transition of the BellSouth brand name to AT&T. AT&T will re-brand Cingular through a co-branded transition, which is scheduled to start in 2007.
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company in the United States and worldwide, with operating subsidiaries providing services under the AT&T brand. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:47 AM | View the original post
