« April 2008 | Main | June 2008 »
May 28, 2008
4-Door Sports Car Nissan Maxima 2009 -- Production Begins
Photo: Members of the Maxima launch team hold the banner as the first all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima rolls off the line at the Nissan Vehicle Assembly Plant in Smyrna, Tenn., May 27. 2008.
The first production model of the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima rolled off the assembly line at Nissan North America's Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant on May 27, 2008, signaling the return of Nissan's flagship to its roots as a 4-door sports car.
Sporting a bold new look, as well as a more powerful V6 under the hood, the "Job 1" 2009 Maxima was driven off the assembly line during a midday celebration attended by Nissan employees and executives.
"The Maxima is an important car for Smyrna and for Nissan," said Greg Daniels, senior vice president, U.S. Manufacturing, Nissan North America. "It's our responsibility to build a high quality vehicle each and every time. Our customers deserve it and expect no less."
Changes were made in three key areas of the seventh generation Maxima. The exterior took on a more aggressive look that imparts a strong, premium presence. A "super" cockpit feel was integrated creating an interior that combines a driver orientation with high quality, roominess and user-friendly technology.
"We set out to create one of the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive sedans in the world," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan division, Nissan North America. "The Maxima delivers on all levels offering the value, quality, and exhilarating performance consumers have come to expect from Nissan."
In calendar year 2007, Nissan North America sold 52,574 Maximas. The vehicles are also exported to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. In fiscal year 2008, Nissan will export approximately 3,600 Maximas.
Since production of the Maxima moved to Smyrna from Japan on Jan. 21, 2003, the plant has produced 384,303 units as of May 15, 2008.
Source: Nissan North America, Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:14 AM | View the original post
May 25, 2008
The Longines Master Collection Retrograde in Rose Gold
In order to honour its 175th anniversary, Longines has launched last year a timepiece bearing reflecting its horological heritage: This year the enhanced model of The Longines Master Collection Retrograde is also proposed in a 18 carat rose gold version. These watches, enclosing an automatic mechanical calibre developed especially for Longines, become the flagship model of a collection devoted to highlighting the horological traditions of the brand.
Over the years, Longines has dedicated numerous efforts to perfecting the mechanical measurement of time. A creator of horological movements, the Saint-Imier-based firm has nevertheless also assured that a touch of added refinement always forms a part of its creations. Longines has always regarded elegance as being the fundamental underlying principle in both the arrangement of the watch calibre and in the aesthetics of the final watch. Faithful to the 175 years of its watchmaking tradition, Longines has today realised a synthesis between its technical and aesthetic heritage in the creation of a new flagship timepiece representing its collection of horological tradition: The Longines Master Collection Retrograde.
Photo: The Longines Master Collection Retrograde in rose gold provides this model with 46 hours of power reserve. With 16 1/2 lines in diameter, 25 jewels and a 28,800 vibrations per hour beat, this first-class movement possesses more than enough resources to keep this retrograde model indicating the day, date, seconds and a second time zone on a 24-hour scale running smoothly.
The Longines Master Collection Retrograde forms part of a collection of sober, elegant timepieces, offering retrograde functions (day, date, seconds, second time zone on a 24-hour scale) in a movement with automatic rewinding,
The Longines Master Collection Retrograde combines a mechanical horological complication with simple usage. Apart from showing the time, its functions include a display of the day, set at 12 o'clock, a calendar on the right of the dial, a second time zone on a 24-hour scale to the left and a subsidiary seconds hand at 6 o'clock. These four functions are retrograde: that is, the hands indicating the information instantly fly back to regain their starting position once they have reached the end of their travel.
Source: Longines
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:11 PM | View the original post
May 20, 2008
Jennifer Hudson Steps Into the 'Spotlight' With New Single on Arista Records
After her critically-acclaimed performance in Dreamgirls, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson makes her long-awaited foray into the music scene with "Spotlight," her official first single from her self-titled debut album, set for release in September on Arista Records. "Spotlight" impacts radio June 9 and will be digitally available at iTunes on June 10. An all-star team of writers and producers have been assembled to contribute their talents to Hudson's highly-anticipated debut album, including Timbaland, Robin Thicke, The Underdogs, Diane Warren, Tricky Stewart and more.
"I'm beyond ecstatic about my new album," says Hudson. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised, because it shows a side of my work that no one has heard before. This album has a huge variety of sounds and one of my favorite songs is 'Spotlight' because it has this great infectious groove. This is completely new territory for me and I can't wait for people to hear it."
Source: Arista Records
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:59 AM | View the original post
May 18, 2008
Tissot Officially Presents Danica Patrick With Her New Limited Edition Watch
Photo: President of Tissot Worldwide Francois Thiebaud, right, presented Indy Racing League driver Danica Patrick with a Tissot PRC100 2008 Danica Patrick limited-edition watch during a press conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Premier Swiss watch brand Tissot announced the partnership renewal of its brand ambassador racing star Danica Patrick in Indianapolis Friday, May 16, 2008.
Premier Swiss watch brand Tissot has announced the partnership renewal of its brand ambassador racing star Danica Patrick. She endeared herself to the world when she made history by becoming the first woman ever to win a race in the sport of U.S. open-wheeled racing by clinching her victory in the Japan 300. In 2005, Patrick is the first female U.S. "Ambassador" for Tissot. In anticipation of the Indy 500 and to pay homage to Danica, the watch company signed a two year contract extension with the IndyCar(R) Series Star on Friday May 16, 2008.
Photo: Danica Patrick T-Touch Limited Edition by Tissot. Only 500 available worldwide.
IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway), home of the historic Indianapolis 500 served as a fitting backdrop for this unique occasion. Francois Thiebaud, President of Tissot Worldwide journeyed to the United States from Switzerland to jointly sign the extension of the contact with Danica. At that time, he personally presented Danica with her new Tissot PRC 100 Limited Edition watch that bears her name. The watch includes 27 glittering diamonds on a mother-of-pearl dial.
Photo: Danica Patrick joined forces with Swiss watchmaker, Tissot, as the new face of the brand. As the first female U.S. "Ambassador" for the 153-year-old brand, Patrick has been appearing in marketing and advertising. The first ad (pictured above), features Patrick wearing a Tissot T-Touch watch.
"Danica is an exceptional race car driver, athlete and a fantastic role model for both men and women around the globe. We are happy and proud to have her represent our brand in addition to being an integral part of the Tissot family. Danica's determination led to her historic first win and she fits perfectly with the brand's values of innovation, quest for performance and stretching oneself to the limits. It is these common features that produce a truly successful collaboration between Danica and Tissot," said Francois Thiebaud, President of Tissot Worldwide.
The relationship with Danica highlight's Tissot products and the brand. The marketing campaign will continue to feature Danica's image in all stores that carry Tissot products, print ads and billboards.
Source: Tissot
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:42 AM | View the original post
May 14, 2008
Mercedes-Benz offers limited edition model in cooperation with IWC Schaffhausen
Photos: Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC.
Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Studio has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface. In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle's interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual highlights. In addition, the vehicle features the AMG Performance package to ensure high class handling. All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite "Grosser Ingenieur" (Great Engineer) watch from the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
Photo: All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite "Grosser Ingenieur" (Great Engineer) watch from the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.
Mercedes-AMG has been collaborating with the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen since 2004.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:17 PM | View the original post
May 9, 2008
Toby Keith's 35 Biggest Hits, All in One Release from Universal Music Enterprises
"Toby Keith 35 Biggest Hits" spans the singer, songwriter, entertainer, and multi-platinum performer's entire career. This new release of Toby Keith's latest hits collection is in two discs that are filled with smash singles.
Released on his own Show Dog Nashville label and Universal Music Enterprises, "35 Biggest Hits" opens with his first No. 1 hit, 1993's "Should've Been A Cowboy," and runs all the way through his 2006 chart-topper "A Little Too Late." In between, the compilation serves up favorites including "Who's That Man" (1994), "How Do You Like Me Now ?!" (1999), "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" (2002), "Who's Your Daddy?" (2002), "I Love This Bar" (2003), "American Soldier" (2003) and "As Good I Once Was" (2005). Incidentally, Keith is currently filming the major motion picture "Beer For My Horses" (which is the same title as his 2002 hit that will also be included) in New Mexico.
The hits collection is punctuated by a new single, "She's A Hottie," that is roaring up the charts. And with the two-disc set's availability, music fans will have the chance to see some of the high points of a career. Keith has sold more than 30 million albums, he's been deluged with critical praise and peer approval in the form of awards, and he's consistently been one of the top-drawing live performers. A track listing is below.
Toby Keith 35 Biggest Hits
Disc One:
1. Should've Been A Cowboy
2. He Ain't Worth Missing
3. A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action
4. Wish I Didn't Know Now
5. Who's That Man
6. Upstairs Downtown
7. You Ain't Much Fun
8. Big Ol' Truck
9. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You
10. A Woman's Touch
11. Me Too
12. We Were In Love
13. I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying
14. Dream Walkin'
15. Getcha Some
16. How Do You Like Me Now ?!
17. Country Comes To Town
18. You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This
Disc Two:
1. I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight
2. I Wanna Talk About Me
3. My List
4. Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
5. Who's Your Daddy?
6. Beer For My Horses
7. I Love This Bar
8. American Soldier
9. Whiskey Girl
10. Stays In Mexico
11. Mockingbird
12. Honkytonk U
13. As Good As I Once Was
14. Big Blue Note
15. Get Drunk And Be Somebody
16. A Little Too Late
17. She's A Hottie
Source: Universal Music Enterprises
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:13 AM | View the original post
Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Honors Best Beauty Products of the Year
The beauty industry came out to celebrate its finest as Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) honored the most innovative beauty products of the year. The CEW Beauty Awards are determined by those in the know -- over 4,000 beauty professionals. Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc. (CEW) is a nonprofit professional organization with over 4,000 executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance, and related industries. CEW is based in NYC, and has associated organizations in France and the United Kingdom.
For manufacturers, an "Insider's Choice Award," is the industry's highest honor. For consumers, it's a foolproof way of knowing the best new products on the market today. "When shoppers see a product with the CEW Winner's seal they know it's been vetted by a professional. It's like having a friend in the industry give you their honest opinion," noted CEW President Carlotta Jacobson. "These are the products people are talking about -- and the ones we all want to own."
This year's list of Winners were announced at a Gala Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.
• Nearly 600 products nominated
• 280 brands represented
• 27 categories
• Industry celebrities and TV personalities were on-hand, including Star
of HBO's Sex and the City Mario Cantone who hosted the event, Star of
NBC's Lipstick Jungle Lindsay Price, Supermodel Marcus Schenkenberg,
Co-star of the upcoming Coen brothers movie, "Burn After Reading" Matt
Walton, Actress on Emmy Award-Winning show 30 Rock on NBC Katrina
Bowden, Supermodel Kylie Bax, and Winner of "America's Next Top Model"
CariDee English.
Photo: L-R: Matt Walton, Katrina Bowden, Marcus Schenkenberg, CariDee English, Mario Cantone, CEW President Carlotta Jacobson, Allure Editor-in-Chief Linda Wells, Lindsay Price, Kylie Bax.
BATH & BODY
Body Treatment - Mass
Olay Thermal Pedicure
Body Treatment - Prestige
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins (TM) The Way of the Bath(TM) Matcha Tea Body Scrub
Scented Bath and Body - Mass
JOHNSONS(R) Softoil(TM) Melt Away Stress Massaging Moisturizer
Scented Bath and Body - Prestige
Tom Ford Beauty Black Orchid Finishing Oil Spray
FACIAL SKINCARE
Acne Treatment
Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy
Anti-Aging - Mass
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Anti-Aging - Prestige
Shiseido Cosmetics (America) Ltd. Bio-Performance Intensive Skin Corrective Program
Cleanser and Scrub - Mass
Dove SkinVitalizer
Cleanser and Scrub - Prestige
philosophy The Microdelivery Micro-massage Exfoliating Wash
Eye Treatment - Mass
Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System
Eye Treatment - Prestige
Estee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Eye Creme
Moisturizer - Mass
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX
Moisturizer - Prestige
Estee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer
HAIR CARE & COLORING
Hair Care and Coloring Product - Mass
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray
Hair Care and Coloring Product - Prestige
Frederic Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm
MAKEUP
Eye Product - Mass
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara
Eye Product - Prestige
Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara
Face Product - Mass
Almay Smart Shade(R) Blush and Bronzer
Face Product - Prestige
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Makeup SPF 15
Lip Product - Mass
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour
Lip Product - Prestige
YSL Beaute Lip Twins
MEN'S SKINCARE
Men's Grooming
Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Cover
SCENT
Men's Scent
Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol Silver Factory
Women's Scent - Prestige
Marc Jacobs Fragrances Daisy Marc Jacobs
SUN
Sun Product - Mass
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70
Sun Product - Prestige
Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Towelettes for Body SPF 15
INDIE BEAUTY AWARD
bettybeauty, inc (tie)
Clark's Botanicals (tie)
The 2008 CEW Beauty Awards are sponsored by Allure, Givaudan, CVS/pharmacy, Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection, ACUVUE(R) Brand Contact Lenses, WWD Beauty Biz, The Royal Promotion Group, Restylane, KraftWorks, Arcade Marketing, MaCher, HBA Global Expo, Beilis Development, VEET, Vidicom, NeoStrata, Rpr Marketing Communications, Suite K, Digital Plus, and Raw Media. Categories defined by NPD Group. Ballots tabulated by Ernst & Young.
Source: Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:00 AM | View the original post
May 3, 2008
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid introduced in China
Photo: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.
At Auto China 2008, this year's leading auto show in China, which ran from April 20 through April 28 in Beijing, General Motors introduced the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (the world's first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV).
"Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac General Manager. "The arrival of the Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV."
No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably. And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with the Escalade, said Taylor.
According to GM, the key to the Escalade's 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.
The Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables the Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.
Photo: Chevrolet Camaro Bumble Bee takes the stage with models wearing fashions.
Before the opening of Auto China 2008, GM introduced its lineup of E-Flex concept vehicles at GM Premiere Night on April 19. The unique products that were shown include Chevrolet Volt and Opel Flextreme, as well as the Chevrolet Camaro, which played the role of Bumblebee in the movie "Transformers."
Photo: The new Buick Invicta show car made its world debut at a special event prior to the start of Auto China 2008 in Beijing, China on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets - the United States and China. (Photo by Natalie Behring for General Motors) (China)
General Motors Corp. and its Chinese joint ventures highlighted their achievements in design and technology at Auto China 2008. In this context, the GM China family displayed a selection of models that are currently being sold by GM and its joint ventures in China or will soon enter the market.
Photo: 2008 Buick Enclave CXL. (China)
Buick showcased its freshened lineup, led by the new LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid, which will go on sale in advance of this summer's Beijing Olympic Games, and the Buick Enclave luxury crossover from North America. Buick's auto show lineup also includes the Park Avenue and non-hybrid LaCrosse premium sedans, the brand's best-selling Excelle lower-medium sedan, the HRV sport hatchback and the popular GL8 executive wagon.
Cadillac was represented by its full lineup of luxury models, starting with the all-new CTS luxury sedan and the China-made SLS luxury business sedan. Making its domestic debut at Auto China 2008 was the Escalade 2-Mode Hybrid. The non-hybrid Escalade SUV, SRX luxury utility vehicle and XLR luxury roadster round out the Cadillac display.
Making its debut from Chevrolet on the GM stand was the new Aveo hatchback, which is powered by an S-TEC II 1.2-liter engine. It is joined by its Chevrolet siblings, the latest edition of the Spark mini-car, the Lova compact sedan, the Captiva SUV and the new Epica intermediate sedan.
Opel had brought to China its new Astra notchback, which was launched at Auto China 2008, along with the Astra TwinTop convertible, Astra GTC Panorama sedan and Zafira MTA. Saab, GM's premium brand from Sweden, is showcasing its Turbo X, 900, 9-5 Aero and three 9-3 family members: the 9-3 Convertible, 9-3 Sporthatch and 9-3 Aero.
Among the vehicles of the future shown on the GM family's stand was the Buick Invicta. Designed collaboratively by GM's design centers in Warren, Michigan, and Shanghai, the Invicta presents a bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles to be built in the United States and China, the world's two largest vehicle markets.
Source: GM
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:22 AM | View the original post
