November 1, 2007
VOLKSWAGEN SHOWCASING CLEAN DIESEL AND PERSONALIZED PERFORMANCE AT SEMA
Photo: 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen
LAS VEGAS -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its commitment to clean diesel performance and unique vehicle personalization with three new concepts on display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
Volkswagen's Dieselution Tour, a mobile marketing exhibit showcasing clean diesel, will be staged outdoors in the plaza.
For the 2007 SEMA show, Volkswagen blends concept car design, aftermarket tuning and creativity to illustrate how their already exciting line-up can be transformed into unique high-performance, one-of-a-kind vehicles -- 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:18 AM | Link to this Post
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 Editor | 1:02 PM | Link to this 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 Editor | 1:54 PM | Link to this 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 Editor | 7:05 AM | Link to this Post
October 27, 2007
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 Editor | 7:06 AM | Link to this 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 Editor | 8:03 PM | Link to this 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 Editor | 12:28 PM | Link to this Post
October 17, 2007
"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 Editor | 7:37 AM | Link to this Post
October 16, 2007
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 Editor | 6:23 AM | Link to this Post
October 15, 2007
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 Editor | 1:12 PM | Link to this Post
Living smart: 'smart' bolsters market launch in the US with a unique concept in L.A.
Venice Beach/Los Angeles, CA., October 15, 2007 -- An exclusive studio building on Abbot Kinney Boulevard has been transformed into the "smart house", serving as the springboard for the US market launch of the 'smart' car in January 2008.
'smart' has begun preparations in the heart of the hip Venice Beach district, setting up a temporary showroom to demonstrate to customers, journalists and VIPs that the "smart fortwo" is much more than just an "economical, compact, and safe automobile."
"The 'smart' house will present the world and lifestyle of a typical 'smart' driver and convey the intrinsic values of this unique city car, showing visitors that bigger is not always better," says Anders Sundt Jensen, responsible for brand management at 'smart'. "We are putting forward a very personalized brand image, from the interior design to the presentation of the favorite leisure activities of 'smart' drivers and their attitudes to topics like the environment," continues Jensen.
While portraying the vibe of the 'smart' generation, the 'smart house' will also provide product information. Prospective buyers can receive consultation, configure their own 'smart' and take a test drive. Four 'smart fortwos' are on display inside the house. Visitors can reserve their very own 'smart fortwo' on the spot. According to the exhibitors, over 30,000 Americans have already reserved a fortwo on the company's website.
Events relating to the areas of environment and climate protection, music, fashion, fine arts and zeitgeist will fill the 'smart house'. Since 1998, 'smart' has worked in close collaboration with musicians, fashion designers and artists and has been linking itself with innovation, the development of new ideas and unconventional ways of thinking. It is these principles that 'smart' is looking to export to the US before the official sales launch in January 2008.
The 'smart house' on Abbot Kinney Boulevard 1319, Venice Beach, Los Angeles California would remain open from 11 October 2007 to 25 January 2008; Tuesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:19 AM | Link to this Post
October 13, 2007
Automakers Envision the Melding of Robotics and Cars
Southern California Automotive Design Studios Predict How Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Transportation in 50 Years.
LOS ANGELES · Oct. 13, 2007 -- Today's vehicles feature artificial intelligence that allow hands-free parking and electronic stability control, but in 50 years vehicles might be able to move in any direction, drive and navigate robotically and have structures that morph and adapt to passengers' needs.
This is according to auto designers as part of the fourth annual Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge. Eight automotive design studios based in Southern California, including Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen created design concepts that envision the RoboCar of 2057. These futuristic designs adapt to a variety of environmental conditions and consumer needs, from battling LA's traffic vertically to turning pollutants extracted out of the air into fuel and even picking the kids up after soccer practice without the need for a human driver.
The designers entered two dimensional renderings and concept descriptions predicting how the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence will integrate into the automobile to make life safer, more convenient and more attractive to consumers 50 years from now.
Entries will be judged by Tom Matano of San Francisco's Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of Detroit's College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena's Art Center College of Design. Special guest judge this year is robotics expert Chris Myers.
Entries in this year's RoboCar 2057 Design Challenge include:
• Audi of America Design Center California: The Audi Virtuea Quattro is a hydrogen-powered vehicle that functions as a solid unit at its core, while providing a myriad of possible holographic exteriors.
• General Motors Advanced Design: The GM-Onstar ANT features vehicle-to-vehicle communication to optimize traffic flow along with omni-directional propulsion provided by three independent Nanorb wheel systems.
• Honda Research and Development, North America: The 14 - One to the Power of Four is a solar-hybrid powered robotic commuter that allows carpoolers to use HOV lanes and once near final destinations, transforms from one into four separate vehicles.
• Mazda R&D of North America: The Motonari RX integrates the driver with the vehicle allowing the driver to experience the road psycho-somatically and also has 360 degree movement capability.
• Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America: The Silverflow utilizes micro-metallic particles that can be arranged via magnetic fields in many different forms based on pre-selected models and then be completely dissembled into a pool of ferromagnetic material.
• Nissan Design America: The Nissan OneOne is guided by a real-time GPS network and acts as both transportation and personal assistant with the ability to run errands or take children safely to school. It also adapts from performance car to city car by lying down for speed or standing up for better visibility.
• Toyota's Calty Design Research: The Biomobile Mecha can extract pollutants in the air and utilize it as an energy source. Nanotechnology also enables the structure of the vehicle to expand and contract horizontally and vertically for multiple uses.
• Volkswagen of America Design Center: The Slipstream adapts for city and freeway driving. These two-wheeled, teardrop shaped pods travel in an upright orientation that occupies one-fifth the size of a traditional vehicle and when on the freeway, tilts horizontally to be more aerodynamic.
The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference that has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:17 AM | Link to this Post
October 12, 2007
Mercedes-Benz: From Benz Velo and Study A to A-Class : GlobalGiants.com
Fascinating innovation and ingenious disregard for convention: using modern technology to produce such a groundbreaking vehicle has always been the engineer's desire. In the history of Mercedes-Benz this vision has been realized time and again.
The Benz Velo initiated a paradigm change:
Photo: The world's first production car and the first small car: The Benz Velo of 1894.
Carl Benz wanted to develop an inexpensive and preferably lightweight motor car. To do this the design engineer looked beyond current automobile design which was still influenced by coach construction and borrowed from the bicycle. The Velo took its name from the latter as well as its wire spoke wheels. The modern Ackermann steering however came from the luxury-class Benz Victoria car, launched in 1893. The filigree Velo, launched in 1894, weighed barely 280 kilograms and was thus much lighter than the Benz Victoria. In its first version with a 1045 cubic centimeter displacement, its single-cylinder engine developed as much as 1.5 hp (1.1 kW) at 450 rpm and accelerated the car to a top speed of 20 km/h. Three forwards gears and one reverse gear provided distribution of the engine power.
Photo: Small, light and trendsetting: The Benz Velo of 1894 was one of the most popular cars of its day and age.
It worked extremely well, as we now know. Carl Benz (and also independently of him Gottlieb Daimler) managed to have their idea and finally also the Velo accepted - the 1200 units produced thus testified to the paradigm change from the horse-drawn carriage to the automobile. The appearance alone clearly illustrated this: next to horse-drawn carriages the Benz Velo appeared extremely light and agile with its filigree steel construction.
Photo: Modern production and large unit figures: The 8/20 hp Benz, shown here as a taxi with landaulet bodywork (1914).
Photo: Mercedes-Benz 130 sedan, 1933.
In February 1934, at the Berlin Automobile Show, Mercedes-Benz presented the 130 model. This car was a sensation and with various innovative designs it showed the way of the future: the sedan, known in-house as W 23, was the first Mercedes-Benz with a rear-mounted engine as standard and the first Mercedes-Benz of the small-car class. The model stood out with its aerodynamically optimized bodywork and small exterior dimensions.
1993 - Vision A 93 and Study A:
Photo: Motoring pleasure in a compact format: Vision A 93, a forerunner of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1993)
Mercedes-Benz gave the public a foretaste of the A-Class in September 1993 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Here the Stuttgart-based company presented their Vision A 93, a car with front-wheel drive and a novel bodywork concept, in which the engine, transmission, tank and axles were situated beneath the passenger compartment.
Photo: Christina Aguilera celebrating the glamorous finale of the "Star Tour" for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Milan Sep 21, 2007.
In 1994 Mercedes-Benz showed the concept car, modified in details, under the name ' Study A' at the Geneva Motor Show. The American magazine "Motor Week" awarded the Study A the title "Best Concept Car 1994". The concept of intelligent lightweight design was developed later on for the A-Class. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:34 AM | Link to this Post
October 5, 2007
The Future is Electric for Nissan : GlobalGiants.com
TOKYO, October 5 -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required - the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.
Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally friendly electric urban commuter vehicle and delivers fun, functionality and a unique relationship between the car and driver. Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs 'by-wire' technologies for braking and steering.
Where the first Pivo, with its fully rotating cabin design, made reversing obsolete, the Pivo 2 takes that easy mobility concept to a new level. Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan's advanced electric In-wheel 3D Motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.
Thanks to the innovative Robotic Agent, you are never alone in the Pivo 2. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, the Robotic Agent has been created to work with Pivo 2 to make every journey less stressful. It provides a unique interface through which to communicate with Pivo 2 on everything from basic vehicle functions through to the nearest available parking.
Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show. Pivo 2 will then be exhibited - together with four other exciting production and concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 27. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:40 AM | Link to this Post
October 3, 2007
Customers Enjoy the Benefits of Mahindra's 24/7 Customer Care Powered by 4CS iSupport
EAST MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 3 -- 4CS, Inc., a leading provider of Customer Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions has announced that Mahindra USA, Inc. has rolled out 24/7 Owner Customer Care program using 4CS iSupport software.
4CS iSupport software helps increase retention of customers, partners, and suppliers by providing a single point of access to all relevant information and applications in a personalized environment. iSupport is made up of four modules consisting of a Contact Center, Service Dispatch, Service Knowledge Base, Support Center, and Reporting & Analysis.
Mr. Jim Ramsdail, Sr. Manager of Product & Service, Mahindra USA, noted "We were looking to establish a 24/7 Owner Care System which would allow Mahindra Owners to have 'live' contact to voice their concerns and obtain basic information about their products. The iSupport Package includes a Customer Management System and Searchable Database that were key requirements for our system."
Mahindra USA, Inc., established in 1994, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), Mumbai, India.
M&M assembled the famous Willys Jeep for American GI's beginning in the 1940s. In 1963, M&M entered into a joint venture with International Harvester to manufacturer tractors. In India, one of the world's largest tractor markets, M&M has been the market share leader for 21 straight years and today ranks among the four largest tractor companies in the world. In 2003, the Farm Equipment Sector of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. received the coveted Deming Application Prize -- considered the Nobel Prize for manufacturing -- for establishing Total Quality Management in all business operations. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. is the only tractor company in the world to achieve this honor. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group in its Top 200 list of the World's Most Reputable Companies.|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:16 PM | Link to this Post
September 30, 2007
Dodge Heats Up this Year's State Fair of Texas with the Durango Tango
Dodge Durango Tango endurance dance contest lasts 27.16 hours.
Photo: Jordan Hall of Irving, Texas, shows off some fancy dance moves for the other participants of the Dodge Durango Tango endurance dance contest on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Thirty contestants were paired with life-sized dolls to dance until they drop for the chance to win an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango.
Photo: Angela Vanhoose of Dallas and Ron Glass of Carrollton, Texas, strain to keep dancing in the Dodge Durango Tango endurance dance contest at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on Friday, Sept. 28 after more than 27 hours. After more than 27 hours of cutting a rug, Angela Vanhoose of Dallas, TX was the only contestant still on the dance floor and was crowned the "Durango Tango" champion, winning an all-new 2008 Dodge Durango.
Photo: The 2008 Dodge Durango comes with a choice of three engines - two with fuel-saving technologies - plus three rows of seating and more cargo room. The 2008 Dodge Durango is offered with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. Inside, there's seating for up to eight, and amenities including an industry-first heated cloth seats, available power rear liftgate, remote start, YES Essentials stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric and dual-zone automatic temperature control. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:12 AM | Link to this Post
September 28, 2007
SUZUKI reveals BaseCamp XL7 midsize crossover SUV concept
Based on the SUZUKI XL7 midsize crossover SUV, the BaseCamp concept offers cutting-edge design and technology to fulfill the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.
The BaseCamp's exterior is blanketed with liquid metal body paint and finished with titanium cladding around the perimeter of the vehicle, which also is easily converted to a catwalk for unprecedented upper vehicle access and storage.
The concept features a unique gullwing passenger side door that when opened, reveals a warm, inviting, modern interior room and attachable peninsula bar work station with full media connectivity, including Wi-Fi Internet access, Bluetooth integration and iPod1/MP3 capabilities. The BaseCamp also features a custom roof rack system with an integrated dual slot bike rack and Santa Cruz mountain bikes, eight high-intensity LED light clusters, including a unique "down" lighting system, an enclosed cargo/luggage area and forward-mounted miniature camera. After arriving at a campsite, a modern canopy with carbon fiber frame can be attached to the roof rack, keeping adventurers dry in inclement weather or protecting against the sun, and creating a welcoming ambiance for visitors.
The BaseCamp's interior reflects a similar high-tech design and feel with mica-hued light-toned seating and titanium accents throughout the inside of the vehicle. In the rear cargo area, the vehicle features a utility storage pack and access system.
Additionally, the XL7 concept is equipped with in-dash CD/DVD and GPS/Navigation system with real-time traffic.
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 187 countries. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:08 AM | Link to this Post
September 27, 2007
2008 Ford Focus Launched
Photos: The 2008 Ford Focus was introduced to media from across the USA in Seattle Washington. (Photos by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.)
The new 2008 Ford Focus goes on sale this fall with a long list of improvements that make it better than ever, including 35 miles per gallon highway fuel economy.
The new Focus is redesigned from the inside out, is available as a sedan or new coupe body style, is 30 pounds lighter, 10 percent quieter, has 3 percent more horsepower, more safety features, exceptional driving dynamics and fuel economy better than many smaller vehicles.
The 2008 Focus is the first vehicle to offer the company's industry-exclusive Ford Sync technology this year. Sync - a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system - fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. It seamlessly integrates the Focus with the popular portable electronic devices of today and is updatable to support the devices and services of tomorrow. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:59 AM | Link to this Post
September 24, 2007
What's New from Renault at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
Renault unveils the show cars Laguna Coupé Concept, Kangoo Compact Concept and New Kangoo.
LAGUNA COUPÉ CONCEPT: Elegance, driving pleasure and peace of mind. Renault has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil Laguna Coupé Concept, its vision of a top-of-the-range grand tourer Coupé. Intended for the motorist who understands performance, driving pleasure, and refinement, Laguna Coupé Concept marries high-tech with high cool. Underpinned by the Four-wheel Active Drive chassis, its boasts a brand new powertrain developed as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Built on the same platform as New Laguna, Laguna Coupé Concept is a powerful, elegant affirmation of the long tradition of classic coupés. Rooted in its grand touring heritage, Laguna Coupé Concept embodies Renault's vision of the sports Coupé.
KANGOO COMPACT CONCEPT: Light, airy, and in pursuit of leisure. Renault takes the wraps off Kangoo Compact Concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Kangoo Compact Concept sets the tone for the new, wider Kangoo line-up. It targets young, active town- and city-dwellers who are into sport and are looking for a compact car that matches their life-style. Its expressive, robust lines are emphasized by its special two-tone colour scheme that blends Fireball Orange and Brushed Aluminium. The cabin, which floods with light, is made to be shared with friends. Roomy and fun, Kangoo Compact Concept focuses firmly on the pursuit of leisure and this sporting life. Built around a roller-skating theme, the car was developed in partnership with Rollerblade, and inspired by the shared values of mobility, togetherness, and lust for life.
NEW KANGOO: More practical, more comfortable. On its launch in 1997 Kangoo's affable, expressive style revolutionised the leisure utility vehicle sector. Roomy and versatile Kangoo has been a success, selling over 2,200,000 units since it was launched. New Kangoo matches family expectations more closely. It draws on Kangoo fundamentals, turning them into an optimised blend of quality, comfort, and practicality. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:47 PM | Link to this Post
September 23, 2007
FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW (IAA) 2007 IMPRESSIONS
"This IAA for sustainable mobility is also on a sustainable course for growth. On each of the four Public Days so far more visitors have come to the world's most important trade fair for mobility than in 2005. Our IAA half-time result is certainly positive: over 520,000 auto fans have so far visited the IAA - a rise of a good 2 per cent. The 88 fascinating world premieres of the manufacturers have been the major focus of attention, but also the stands of the suppliers and all the outdoor activities - such as the Eco-training, the go-cart track, the off-road circuit and the test-drives - have enjoyed great public demand". -- Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:17 AM | Link to this Post
