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October 31, 2007
Kia Unveils Spectra5 SX Concept at 2007 SEMA Show
Concept Displays Aspects of Future Design Language for Kia.
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31-- Kia Motors America (KMA) displayed its sporty new concept vehicle, the Spectra5 SX concept, at this year's SEMA Show today in Las Vegas.
The Spectra5 SX concept is finished in an edgy three-stage Amped Amber exterior color that changes shades and color depending on the vantage point.
Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:02 PM | View the original post
October 30, 2007
Siemens technology supplies ships in port with environmentally friendly electricity from the public network
An innovative solution to counter "harbor smog".
Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution (PTD) has developed a solution called "Siharbor" based on its DC transmission system Siplink, with which ships berthed in port can be connected to the medium voltage network of the local power supply company and supplied with electricity. The advantage is that ships can shut down their diesel generating sets which would otherwise be needed, and which not only produce electricity but exhaust gases, soot, fine dust and noise. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:16 AM | View the original post
October 29, 2007
NADA GUIDES Launch New Car Video Buying Guides : GlobalGiants.com
Interactive Video Technology Offers Consumers a Compelling Car Buying Experience.
Photo: NADAguides.com Screen Shot.
COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 29 -- N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides today announced the launch of New Car Video Buying Guides. The buying guides available at NADAguides.com feature interactive video technology to assist consumers with their new car buying research by offering educational information for all types of vehicles, including Hybrids, Convertibles, Sedans, SUVs, Minivans and Trucks -- in full-color video, complete with narration.
In addition to category-specific information, the video buying guides offer users insight into all types of new car subject matter, including Pricing, Passenger Capacity and Comfort, Fuel Economy, Safety Features and Ratings, Reliability, Styling and Design -- even Cargo Capacity. Included in this information are JDPower.com Power Circle Ratings which provide consumers with the ability to compare models across all segments.
The Video Buying Guide player is equipped with a Top Vehicles List so users can save and research their favorite vehicles from that list, including accessing new car reviews, comparing their favorites side-by-side with competitive makes and models, viewing interior and exterior photos and 360-degree views -- and the ability to submit a new car purchase request to a local dealer.
The New Car Video Buying Guides available at NADAguides.com are produced by Vehix, while the interactive video technology powering the NADAguides.com New Car Video Buying Guides comes from VIMATION.
Visitors to NADAguides.com can access these informative videos by clicking on the "New Car Buying Guide Videos" link in the "New Cars" section.
NADA stands for National Automobile Dealers Association. N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:54 PM | View the original post
Los Angeles Auto Show: Five Finalists Compete for 2008 Green Car of the Year Award
Photo: Chevy Malibu Hybrid -- The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan with an EPA rating of 24-mpg city and 32-mpg highway.
LOS ANGELES · October 29, 2007 -- The winner of the 2008 Green Car of the Year award has been narrowed to five nominees, according to an announcement by Green Car Journal, the leading automotive environmental magazine. The winner will be announced on Nov. 15 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Photo: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid -- The Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid not only offers functionality but also surprising efficiency for a full-size SUV.
This mainstreaming of hybrid technology is reflected in the five nominees for the 2008 Green Car of the Year award: The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Saturn Aura Hybrid.
Photo: Mazda Tribute Hybrid -- The Mazda Tribute Hybrid, a compact SUV, is Mazda's first hybrid vehicle.
Each of the nominees achieves "firsts" in specific ways. All, of course, feature fuel efficiency gains and offer extremely low emissions with advanced technologies used to further increase their environmental performance. The Chevrolet Tahoe, a popular larger SUV, is now much more fuel efficient through the use of an all-new two-mode hybrid technology. Mazda's Tribute Hybrid is this auto maker's first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid model and exemplifies the continuing evolution of fuel efficient hybrid technology shared with related brands. The Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura hybrids showcase affordable hybrid technology available in mass-market sedans. Nissan's Altima Hybrid represents this brand's first-ever use of hybrid technology to blend higher efficiencies and performance in its popular sport sedan.
Photo: Nissan Altima Hybrid -- The Nissan Altima Hybrid features a full hybrid powerplant that offers higher fuel economy and spirited driving.
Jurors include leaders of America's top environmental organizations, including Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Christopher Flavin, president of Worldwatch Institute; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; and Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. Also, Jay Leno noted auto enthusiast and host of the "Tonight Show" as well as automotive icon Carroll Shelby join four Green Car Journal editors to round out the 2008 jury.
Photo: Saturn Aura Hybrid -- The mid-size Aura Green Line Hybrid is Saturn's first hybrid sedan.
The Green Car of the Year award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles.
LA Auto Show opens for media only Nov. 14 and 15. Public days run from Nov. 16-25 including Thanksgiving Day. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:05 AM | View the original post
October 28, 2007
Energy-saving bulbs from Osram
Over its lifetime (15,000 operating hours), every energy-saving bulb from Osram saves several hundred dollars and around half a ton of CO2. A 30% switch to energy-saving products alone could reduce global CO2 emissions by 270 million tons per year. In February 2007, Osram was the first lighting manufacturer to receive approval from the United Nations for a so-called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) - the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving light bulbs in developing and emerging countries. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:57 AM | View the original post
October 27, 2007
Coca-Cola Company helps in the restoration of the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Photo: Athens, Greece, October, 24 2007 -- Dominique Reiniche (L), president of The Coca-Cola Company's European Union Group, presents a check for US $2 million to Minoas Kyriakou (R), president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, to aid in the restoration of its site in Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site was severely damaged by the forest fires in Greece this past summer. The Coca-Cola Company is the longest continuous supporter of the Olympic Games in a partnership that dates to 1928.
Photo: Forest area around the Pierre de Coubertin monument. Ancient Olympia, Greece -- A donation of US $2 million from The Coca-Cola Company will help restore the forest area around the Pierre de Coubertin monument, a tribute to the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The site, on the grounds of Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games were first held, was severely damaged by the forest fires that scorched Greece over the summer. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:48 AM | View the original post
Mercedes-Benz Introduces Sound Logo
Photo: Hans Tempel, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Japan and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars at the October 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
Acoustic logo to enhance new brand image:
Stuttgart - As part of its new brand image, Mercedes-Benz is, for the first time, introducing an "acoustic trademark": the new sound logo, which will be used in all ad broadcasts starting on November 1, 2007.
Combined with a new film fade-out, the distinctive sound serves to focus attention more sharply on the star as the Mercedes-Benz trademark.
Hear Audio/See Video
(Click and wait till the Video loads)
To view such videos you need Windows Media Player installed in your computer .
If you do not have it, download it For Free here: Windows Media Player Downloads
"Our new sound logo is going to make the Mercedes-Benz brand not only visually, but also acoustically distinctive, and thus more quickly recognizable," said Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:06 AM | View the original post
October 26, 2007
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 takes off
Photo: The CEOs from Singapore Airways, Airbus and Rolls-Royce visit the A380's spacious economy cabin.
Photos: Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 plane made its first commercial flight from Singapore to Sydney on October 25, 2007. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:16 AM | View the original post
October 25, 2007
AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
The magazine's Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
Photo: AutoWeek Cover: The Nissan GT-R, as highlighted on the October 29 issue of AutoWeek, was awarded the AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award for Best in Show during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
DETROIT, Oct. 25 -- The AutoWeek editorial staff will announce its Editors' Choice Award winners for the 2007 Tokyo International Motor Show in its November 12 issue.
The 2007 AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award winners for the Best of Tokyo are:
BEST IN SHOW: Nissan GT-R -- "This is the super car everyone has been
waiting for since Nissan officials announced in 2001 that they would re-
create the icon," said AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch
Mandel. "A twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 pushes this coupe to a top
speed of 193 mph and from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds. The great news for
the U.S. is that Nissan will finally bring this flagship to our shores."
BEST CONCEPT: Mazda Taiki -- "This aero-efficient sports car blends the
best of the last three Mazda show cars with the company's next-generation
Wankel rotary engine: a power plant that celebrates its 40th anniversary
this year. It sets the way for the future front-engine, rear-drive sports
car."
MOST SIGNIFICANT: Honda CR-Z -- "Here's a car that finally reintroduces
passion and emotion in a legendary vehicle that is also powered by
alternative sources. The CR-Z is very much the spiritual successor to
Honda's beloved CRX, a subcompact rocket from the past."
MOST FUN: Suzuki X-Head -- "It's every kid's Tonka toy come to life. It's
boxy, it's burly, it's bright yellow and looks as though it wants to haul
heavy loads through woods. It's what happens when Suzuki builds a Hummer."
The AutoWeek editorial staff will announce its 2008 Editors' Choice Awards for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January during the magazine's annual Design Forum. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:03 PM | View the original post
October 23, 2007
Nokia N81 8GB now shipping globally
Photo: Nokia N81
Photo: Nokia N81 8GB
Espoo, Finland, October 23, 2007 -- Nokia N81 and Nokia N81 8GB multimedia computers are now available globally. Designed for music and gaming, these devices come with dedicated music and game keys and are loaded with memory.
The 3D Multimedia Menu introduced in these devices is the first step to bringing a new user interface to the Nokia Nseries range. The new menu makes it easy to discover and enjoy your digital content and the Internet, and share your experiences with others.
The Nokia N81 and Nokia N81 8GB also offer the discovery of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store*. And, with their integrated Nokia Music Players, creating playlists. For enhanced sound quality, compatible high-quality headphones or speakers can be used with the standard 3.5mm headphone connector. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:40 AM | View the original post
October 22, 2007
Bob Dylan and XM Featured in Integrated Marketing Campaign for Cadillac
Cadillac Promotes Dylan's Exclusive XM Show and Highlights XM as Standard Feature.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 -- Music icon Bob Dylan will star in an innovative multi-platform marketing campaign for the 2008 Cadillac Escalade that integrates his XM Radio show, "Theme Time Radio Hour." The campaign, which begins today, highlights XM as a standard feature in the Escalade through TV, online and print. Cadillac has been a leading luxury automotive brand since 1902. Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE:GM).
XM (NASDAQ:XMSR) is America's leading satellite radio company with more than 8.2 million subscribers. XM is also a leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market. Through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, XM is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2007. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:28 PM | View the original post
October 21, 2007
Siemens Diesel Freight Locomotive with Powerful Traction
The first type ER 20 CF freight locomotive from Siemens Transportation Systems was officially received in Lithuania. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Gediminas Kirkilas, took the opportunity to embark on a first trial run. At 138 metric tons, the new freight locomotive is one of the heaviest locomotives in Europe and, in double-headed operation, can haul trains of up to 6,000 tons and transport 50 percent more freight per route than before. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:57 AM | View the original post
October 20, 2007
JCPenney and Charles & Colvard Announce USA National Contest Honoring the "Milestone Achievements in Every Woman's Life"
From Oct. 9, 2007 through Jan. 16, 2008, women across the USA will be encouraged to share their inspirational stories in the "Milestone Moments" contest by visiting www.Omagazine.info/moissanite . At the completion of the contest, one grand prize winner will be selected to share her story nationally and also receive a one-of-a-kind platinum pendant set with an approximate 5ct. round, brilliant-cut moissanite jewel surrounded and accented with micro-set diamonds valued at $10,500.
Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ:CTHR), based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, is a global source of lab-created moissanite, a near-colorless jewel, while JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,064 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:01 AM | View the original post
October 18, 2007
"Da Vinci... An Exhibition of Genius" organized by 'RYP Australia' Reveals Details about Mona Lisa
Photo: Da Vinci... An Exhibition of Genius presents "Mona Lisa Revealed": high-tech camera uncovers hidden images in world's most famous painting.
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 18 -- Since making its North American debut in San Francisco in August 2007, Da Vinci - an Exhibition of Genius has inspired thousands of visitors with the full scope of Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable genius as an artist, inventor, anatomist, sculptor, engineer and architect. In line with the exhibition's theme of discovery and invention, exhibition organizers RYP Australia announced a new installation unveiling 25 secrets about the most famous painting in the world: Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa."
"Mona Lisa Secrets Revealed" showcases the work of French engineer Pascal Cotte. His life-long passion for the study and preservation of the Mona Lisa led him to invent the cutting edge 240-megapixel Multi-spectral Imaging Camera, which uses patented infrared technology and intense illumination to scan the painting and virtually peel away layers of varnish applied over centuries. With his camera, Cotte was able to uncover how the Mona Lisa looked as she was originally painted, including layers of over-painting, restoration and attempts at preservation -- even identifying the individual pigments that da Vinci used.
Cotte used his camera to scientifically verify and visually recreate 25 secrets of the Mona Lisa that otherwise go unseen. Other discoveries include da Vinci's preparatory drawings, alterations, restorations, and historical events the painting has withstood. Using his Multi-spectral Imaging Camera, Cotte's work resulted in thirteen original photos of the masterpiece, with unequalled accuracy and resolution, showing how the Mona Lisa looked to Da Vinci's contemporaries: blue sky, pink face, brighter mountains, and green trees.
The exhibition now allows the public to see new details, including Mona Lisa's original gaze and smile, new findings regarding the mark on the corner of her eye, and the lace on her dress that has disappeared over time. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:31 PM | View the original post
October 17, 2007
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago named 'Best Hotel in the United States in 2007' at Conde Nast Traveler's 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards
Photo: The Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Chicago.
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) has been named "Best Hotel In The United States In 2007" at the Conde Nast Traveler magazine 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago was also named "Best Hotel In The United States" in 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996 and 1994.
The 435-room Ritz-Carlton Chicago is set atop Water Tower Place, high above prestigious North Michigan Avenue, steps from Oak Street Beach, and Chicago's bustling cultural community. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts acquired management of the luxury property in 1977.
Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Readers' Choice Awards are recognized as the predominant international benchmark of travel service. For the 20th year, the magazine tabulated surveys from over 28,000 readers. Hotels were judged on the quality of their service, guest-rooms, food/restaurants, design/layout and location. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:18 AM | View the original post
"smart fortwo" prepares for its US market launch in January 2008
Photo: The "smart house" showroom at Venice Beach, Los Angeles.
The new "smart fortwo" will be available in the USA beginning in the first quarter of 2008. "smart", like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. This vehicle concept is highly practical - especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. Since on most journeys a car carries just a single occupant, people make faster progress through the city in a "smart fortwo" and they do not even need to search for a parking space - the "smart fortwo" can easily fit between in very limited space they can find one right away. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:37 AM | View the original post
October 16, 2007
Maybelline New York Signs German Super Model, Julia Stegner : GlobalGiants.com
NEW YORK, Oct. 16 -- Maybelline New York Worldwide announced today that Julia Stegner, the German supermodel and media star, has become Maybelline's newest spokesperson. She joins Maybelline New York's prestigious roster of A-list celebrities including Christy Turlington, Erin Wasson, Adriana Lima, and Zhang Ziyi.
Julia has also appeared in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and many others. She has also collaborated with the world's renowned fashion photographers including Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindbergh, Craig McDean, Inez and Vinoodh, Steven Klein, Mert and Marcus, and David Sims.
Julia will make her television and print debut for Maybelline New York in February 2008. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:58 AM | View the original post
FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANT EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE 2008 FORD FOCUS PRODUCTION LAUNCH
Photo: Wayne, MI., October 15, 2007 - 2008 Ford Focus Employee Celebration. Alan Mulally President and CEO Ford Motor Company addresses Ford Employees at the employee celebration at Wayne Assembly Plant. (Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.)
WAYNE, Mich., Oct. 16 - Ford Motor Company employees at Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant yesterday celebrated the production launch of the all-new 2008 Ford Focus.
Photo: Wayne, MI., October 15, 2007 - 2008 Ford Focus Employee Celebration. Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company, President and CEO at the celebration of the new 2008 Ford Focus at Wayne Assembly Plant. (Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.)
Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally thanked plant employees for their part in building the company's new small car.
"The most important thing we can do at Ford Motor Company is create the products that people really want and value," Mulally said. "The team at Wayne Assembly is helping Ford address the demand for small, well-equipped cars as they build the new Ford Focus with an unwavering focus on quality and craftsmanship."
Photo: Wayne, MI., October 15, 2007 - 2008 Ford Focus Employee Celebration. Ford Employee Mark Pompa at the celebration of the new 2008 Ford Focus at Wayne Assembly Plant. (Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.)
Ford invested $130 million in Wayne Stamping and Assembly for new tooling and equipment to build the all-new two-door coupe and the four-door sedan Focus models. Upgrades include new robotics, more precise welding guns for improved exterior fit and finish and the addition of 130 new direct-current electric hand tools to ensure more ergonomically friendly and error-proof assembly. Vision cameras also have been installed to measure the dimensional integrity of every Focus built on the line and a new rough road track includes more varied surfaces to ensure each assembled unit adheres to strict noise-vibration-handling (NVH) targets.
Photo: Wayne, MI., October 15, 2007 -Ford Focus Employee Celebration. The newly redesigned 2008 Ford Focus rolls off the line at the employee celebration at Wayne Assembly Plant. (Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.)
"Everyone who works here understands the importance of small cars in the Ford Motor Company line-up," said Dale Wishnousky, plant manager, Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant. "The Wayne team is proud to be building the vehicle that will help strengthen Ford's position in the small-car market."
2008 Ford Focus, which is fun to drive, features industry-exclusive technology including ambient lighting and Ford SYNC™, the hands-free voice-activated in-car communication system that seamlessly integrates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital music players. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:23 AM | View the original post
October 15, 2007
First A380 delivered to Singapore Airlines
Photo: Singapore Airlines' first A380 was delivered at Airbus' Toulouse, France facility today. It will depart for Singapore tomorrow.
Photo: The A380's initial operational flight with Singapore Airlines will be a Singapore-Sydney charity trip on October 25-26, 2007, with scheduled services commencing daily from 28 October.
Airbus celebrated the first A380-Megaliner-handover to first customer Singapore Airlines today with a dedicated delivery ceremony. The exclusive event - hosted by Singapore Airlines, Rolls-Royce and Airbus - took place at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse (France). The spacious double-decker aircraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. The A380 provides more comfort in every class and more open space for relaxation. Customers enjoy a new way of flying while benefiting from the "quietest cabin in the sky." |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:25 PM | View the original post
MOTOR TREND names Mazda CX-9 'Sport/Utility Of The Year'
MOTOR TREND today named the Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV its 2007 Sport/Utility of the Year. Beating one of the toughest fields in recent memory, the CX-9 was, according to MOTOR TREND editor in chief, Angus MacKenzie, the judges' unanimous decision. It topped 11 other contenders.
To judge contenders for the award, MOTOR TREND's editorial staff conducted exhaustive off-road, street and track testing, and carefully considered essentials such as driving performance, safety and features. Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test. Each contender was evaluated against three simple criteria: superiority (engineering, design, utilization of resources); significance (its impact on the market), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition). |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:12 PM | View the original post
