September 22, 2007
AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best of the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
The magazine's Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
Photo: AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award: Lamborghini Reventon, Best in Show, 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Photo by Motor Forecast.
The AutoWeek editorial staff will announce its Editors' Choice Award winners for the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show in its September 24 issue.
For more than a decade, the editors of the weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine have scoured show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
The 2007 Best of Frankfurt winners include:
BEST IN SHOW: Lamborghini Reventon - "The sexy, brutal look of this ultra-sonic Lamborghini is something that will mesmerize car enthusiasts for generations," said AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel. "Our Best-in-Show award is bestowed on the car we all will remember years from now. That's clearly the case with this near $1.4 million Lamborghini, all 20 of which are sold out."
BEST CONCEPT: Mercedes-Benz F700 - "With so many slick-tech tricks in the F700, this was an easy choice as Best Concept."
MOST SIGNIFICANT: Ford Verve Concept - "As the next generation Fiesta sub-compact hatchback, the slightly bigger and bulkier Verve allows space for higher hood and rooflines and raised seating. With concern that the small car will be too expensive to engineer in the United States and South America, how Ford resolves the dilemma is what makes an already significant car even more so."
MOST FUN: BMW 1 Series Coupe - "We can't wait to get behind the wheel of what will be, if the car holds true to its promise and its pedigree, one of the most fun products from BMW since it recreated the Mini Copper. Only this time, the fun comes in rear-wheel drive," said Mandel.
The AutoWeek editorial staff will announce its 2007 Editors' Choice Awards for the Tokyo Motor Show next month and will continue the circuit in January by selecting the best of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:59 AM | Link to this Post
September 21, 2007
ZAP Signs Electric Car Joint Venture with China's Largest Luxury Bus Manufacturer : GlobalGiants.com
Youngman Auto Group to Make Electric and Hybrid Cars, Trucks and Buses for Joint Venture.
Photo: JINHUA CITY, Zhejiang, China -- Youngman Auto Group Chairman Pang Qingnian and Steve Schneider, CEO of US electric car pioneer ZAP, have agreed to a joint venture to manufacture, market and distribute electric and hybrid cars, trucks and buses.
JINHUA CITY, China and SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 21 -- In a joint statement released today, USA electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) and Youngman Automotive Group, China's number one luxury motor coach and high-quality commercial truck manufacturer, have signed a joint venture agreement to manufacture, market and distribute electric and hybrid vehicles for the passenger car, truck and bus markets. The new joint venture company will also focus on the development and manufacturing of electric charging infrastructure.
Youngman Automotive Group is a private holding company with 12 subsidiaries. Youngman's partnership with Germany's NEOPLAN controls more than 70 percent of the luxury motor coach market in China. Youngman is the supplier to NEOPLAN and MAN, two of Europe's top brands for luxury motor coaches and high-quality commercial trucking. Over the past few years Youngman has also expanded sales in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia), The Middle East, Europe and the USA, enjoying significant market growth.
In 2004, with the support of the Chinese government, Youngman was awarded a license to manufacture automobiles. Earlier this year Youngman made auto industry headlines by awarding Lotus Engineering a number of vehicle development projects, and more recently by signing a vehicle distribution and technology licensing agreement with Proton (the Malaysian national car company), estimated to be worth several billion US dollars. The strategic partnership with ZAP will allow the joint venture company to bring highway capable electric and hybrid vehicles to the market like the ZAP-X crossover SUV.
"I applaud ZAP and Youngman for bringing the next generation of mass-produced electric vehicles to California. Our state is leading the nation and world in opening the market for alternative fuel vehicles and this move is another example of bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs to California," said Governor Schwarzenegger. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:03 AM | Link to this Post
September 19, 2007
ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INC. & GILLETT EVERNHAM MOTORSPORTS NASCAR
Photo: NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, Tim Schoen and Tony Ponturo of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and George Gillett and Ray Evernham of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, announce Kasey Kahne as the new driver of the No. 9 Budweiser Dodge in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:40 PM | Link to this Post
September 18, 2007
BMW Hydrogen 7 On U.S. Roadways : GlobalGiants.com
Jay Leno joins Actor Will Ferrell and Other High Profile Individuals as One of the First to be given a BMW Hydrogen 7.
Photo: Jay Leno drives a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.
WOODCLIFF, N.J., Sept. 18 -- BMW has announced that Jay Leno became the latest person to receive keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 -- the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. The Emmy-winning comedian and host of The Tonight Show received his BMW Hydrogen 7 at his famed car garage in Burbank, California, which is fittingly a "green garage" that receives a great deal of its energy from steam power.
"As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future."
Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process. While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation.
BMW believes that hydrogen will replace petroleum as the long-term alternative to fossil fuel, and hopes the Hydrogen 7 will play a pioneering role in driving forward the hydrogen technologies that will ensure our mobility in the future. Through a program dubbed the Hydrogen 7 Pioneers Program, BMW is giving industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.
While Leno and BMW's hydrogen pioneers will be the first group to be given access to the BMW Hydrogen 7 in the U.S. for a longer period of use, a number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice. Those who have recently chosen the vehicle include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the "Ocean's 13" premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and "An Inconvenient Truth" producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar(R) for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar(R) winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards; among others. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Gunter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others covering more than 1.3 million miles worldwide till now. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:07 AM | Link to this Post
September 16, 2007
FRANKFURT 62nd INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2007
Photo: Dr. Anahid Rickmann of the German Association of the Automotive Industry VDA (center) presents to the winner of the FFH-VIP-Shuttle Timo Menger (left) and his mother (right) an International Motor Show (IAA) package.
Photo: Volkswagen: Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor (left), Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Board, Volkswagen AG (right).
Photo: General Motors (GM Europe) at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Photo: Porsche at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Photo: Audi at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Photo: Suzuki at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
"This 62nd IAA Cars shows one thing with the greatest clarity: the German automotive industry is going on the offensive when it comes to climate protection.....Good ecology and the pleasure of driving: these aspects are not contradictory, but are certainly compatible - that is what this IAA is demonstrating," emphasized Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), speaking to over 1,300 high-ranking international guests from politics and business at the opening ceremony of the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) Cars in Frankfurt.
Turning to the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel, who officially opened the IAA, Wissmann stressed, "In Brussels you are supporting a policy that sets differentiated CO2 requirements for every vehicle. We welcome this explicitly; this is the right path to follow. A family van does have a different consumption than a small car. The EU should not make the mistake of treating all vehicles in the same way..."
Photo: Toyota at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
The IAA is one of the world's most important trade fairs for mobility. It showcases the technological capabilities and the strengths of the brands. 1,081 exhibitors from 40 countries - including 525 suppliers - are demonstrating their innovations, which include 88 world premieres from the manufacturers alone. Almost 14,000 media representatives from over 90 countries have been accredited. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:05 AM | Link to this Post
September 13, 2007
Aristotle and Jackie Onassis' 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith to be auctioned by Red Baron, Atlanta : GlobalGiants.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 13 -- The excitement is here with Red Baron's Fall Auction. This time Red Baron will auction off Jackie and Aristotle Onassis' personal car. Their custom-made 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith is on the block at Red Baron's Auction 75, October 13-14 in Atlanta, GA.
With Jackie O.'s style and grace one can only imagine the elegance and class of their automobile. This 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith is a two passenger, chauffer driven, left-hand drive, bullet-proof car, with all of the luxuries of its time. It is a one off production and speaks of sovereignty all the way to the hood emblem of the kneeling lady, which was only placed on the cars of royalty. It was used exclusively for their trips between Paris and Monte Carlo, and belonged to Aristotle and Jackie until his death in 1975.
"Never have we been graced with a such a presence," said Bob Brown, owner of Red Baron, "as that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She embodies the style, grace, character and history that we seek in each of our pieces. We are privileged to have this car, as will be its new owner." |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:58 AM | Link to this Post
Dodge expands outside North America with the world premiere of the all-new Dodge Journey at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt : GlobalGiants.com
Chrysler LLC introduced the all-new Dodge Journey for media at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt today. Dodge Journey offers segment-defining versatility, safety, child friendliness, loads of storage, cargo and seating flexibility, as well as all-weather driving capability. With a bold, sporty design, the new fun-to-drive Journey continues the Dodge brand's global expansion. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:32 AM | Link to this Post
September 12, 2007
Subaru Rally Concept Car Debuts as 5-door at 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show
Debuting at the Frankfurt International Motor Show is the Subaru World Rally Championship Concept Car which in its 5-door form points to the future direction of the Subaru WRC competition car design.
Boasting a striking all-new Subaru World Rally Team livery, muscular, widened fenders and twin exhausts, the World Rally Championship Concept car's body type is in line with the continuing growth in world demand for sporting 5-door models and has been designed to further improve the Subaru World Rally Team's performance in future rally series.
Another feature of rally racing, the 'tail slide' is also positively affected by the 5-door design which allows the car to power through corners on a variety of surfaces in a more controlled way.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:41 AM | Link to this Post
September 10, 2007
New smart fortwo BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive
30 percent more power than before with fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres.
Photos: smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive Coupé
Stuttgart, Germany -- A combination of sportiness and exclusiveness: The BRABUS models of the new smart fortwo are ready to hit the road. With a reengineered 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo engine the smart fortwo BRABUS and the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive continue to boast low fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres, yet they have 30 percent more power than the predecessor model. CO2 emissions stand at 124 grams per kilometre. The sporty two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/h. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:42 AM | Link to this Post
September 9, 2007
FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER
Photo: 2007 Ford Kuga
COLOGNE, Germany, September 9, 2007 - Ford is releasing the first details of its new Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th.
The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief:
• Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show
• Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design'.
• Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability.
• Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems.
• Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.
• Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage.
• First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe.
• To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:08 PM | Link to this Post
September 7, 2007
Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show
Photo: World Premiere: MITSUBISHI i MiEV SPORT. i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) SPORT maximizes the sporty possibilities of the zero-emissions electric vehicle. The high power and environmental performance of its electric motors make it an exhilarating drive that delivers superior environmental performance.
Photo: World Premiere: MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT2. The Concept-ZT showcases an advanced level of driving pleasure, safety and environmental responsibility reflecting Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy wrapped in a realistic package. Under the hood, a newly developed fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine is mated to the new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Concept-ZT also features advanced active safety as well as passive safety technology, such as its pop-up hood.
Tokyo, September 7, 2007 -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is introducing concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Each car is a different expression of the three pillars of Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy: driving pleasure, reassuring safety and environmental responsibility. Held at Makuhari Messe, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 27 through November 11, with press and media days October 24, 25 and 26. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:12 PM | Link to this Post
September 5, 2007
Fisker Automotive -- A New Green American Premium Car Company : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Fisker Automotive Logo.
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5 -- Quantum Technologies (NASDAQ:QTWW) and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. -- a green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars -- with the first production car to make its Worldwide North American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug-in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:29 AM | Link to this Post
September 4, 2007
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 Shows : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Tracy Reese, "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer at Mercedes Benz FashionWeek's Spring 2008 shows. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
NEW YORK, Sept. 4 -- Mercedes-Benz USA has set the stage for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 Shows at Bryant Park. On the runway, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the Tracy Reese Spring 2008 Collection. Tracy Reese is an American Designer whose collection of feminine apparel and accessories have cultivated an international following. Tracy Reese is available at the Tracy Reese Flagship Boutique in New York City, nationwide USA at fine top department stores and specialty boutiques, including Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Scoop, Intermix and Anthropologie and at select retailers throughout Europe and Asia.
Backstage, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Architectural Digest and superstar designer of interiors, S. Russell Groves, for this season's Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.
Photo: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, on display at Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek's Spring 2008 shows. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
And in grand lobby at Bryant Park, Mercedes-Benz is showcasing a classic 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster and its modern-day counterpart, the spectacular 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.
Photo: 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster on display at Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek's Spring 2008 shows. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:23 AM | Link to this Post
August 31, 2007
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA TO UNVEIL I-BLUE AT FRANKFURT
Photo: Hyundai Motor Corporation will unveil the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle seen here at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show which opens on September 13. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:15 PM | Link to this Post
August 30, 2007
"Project 2000: The Rise and Fall of Oldsmobile." GM Insider's Book Reveals Secret Project Leading to Crumbling of GM's Empire : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: 2003 Oldsmobile Alero.
MIAMI, Aug. 30 -- As General Motors' empire started to crumble, automotive expert Bob Horvath was hardly surprised.
"In fact, Detroit's Big Three forgot how to satisfy customers and dealers back in the eighties," says Horvath, a 40-year GM veteran, who details one of the carmaker's notable missteps in "Project 2000: The Rise and Fall of Oldsmobile."
In the mid-80's, when GM had Oldsmobile, their world market share was 54 percent. In 2007, it has declined to 13 percent, according to Automotive News.
The key to success in the car industry is simple. Keep customers happy by giving them the products they want, and keep your dealers happy too. Horvath says GM forgot about all that and squandered its market dominance in the process.
Horvath continues, "GM's attitude and regime change in the mid-80's allowed Japan to make significant inroads in the U.S. and world-wide auto industry."
Failure to recognize consumer demand for a Toyota Camry-type or Honda Accord-type car, and failure to compete in this market, partly led Toyota to becoming the world's number-one auto manufacturer through June of 2007, Horvath says.
Tatsuya Mizuno, a Fitch Ratings auto analyst, said it was inevitable that GM would hand over its crown to Toyota at the end of 2007, ending its 76-year reign as the world's best-selling automaker.
"One key element in GM's demise was the closing of the Oldsmobile Division. From 1970 to 1985, the Olds Cutlass was the number-one selling car in America and Oldsmobile was the most sought-after franchise in the world. Oldsmobile went from best to worst in 20 years and became a dinosaur in October 2005," says Horvath.
Horvath said another key element contributing to GM's declining share was a secret project that GM called "Project 2000" which was the systematic elimination of dealers to take place by the year 2000. This benefited GM's upper management at the expense of the dealers who were betrayed.
Horvath, who had a front seat to the "Project 2000" scheme hatched by GM, offers an insider's viewpoint in his book why GM has lost its spot as the perennial number-one carmaker to Japan's Toyota, and backs it up by hundreds of documents contained in the book. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:10 PM | Link to this Post
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. SPONSORS EVENTS
Photo: Subaru is the official vehicle and sponsor of the 2007 West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium, The 2nd Annual Whitewater Festival, and Gauley Fest in September. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:28 AM | Link to this Post
August 29, 2007
NISSAN MIXIM AT THE FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2007
Photo: London, 29 August 2007. TRAPPES, France - Nissan Mixim 3/4 Rear. (Nissan Europe) |GlobalGiants.com|
Mixim Concept Car
The Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers.
Powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor' electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive.
Mixim takes the most up-to-date electric vehicle (EV) technology and clothes it in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance unexpected from an electric vehicle.
Despite being a concept car with no guarantee of being turned into a series production model, Mixim's development is in line with the Nissan Green Program, the company's publicly stated desire to create a more sustainable mobile society.
Throughout the show, the Mixim will be driving from a low stage via a ramp to an elevated display platform on the Nissan stand. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:59 PM | Link to this Post
August 26, 2007
FORD VERVE CONCEPT HINTS AT FORD'S FUTURE SMALL-CAR DESIGN VISION
FRANKFURT, August 2007 - Ford Verve Concept - a bold and colourful concept car to be revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show - gives the first hints of Ford's future small-car design vision.
The significance of the Ford Verve Concept is that it's the first physical evidence of the design direction for an all-new small Ford since it was announced earlier this year that the European arm of the company's global Product Development group is taking the design and engineering lead in creating a new small-car portfolio for major world markets. The Ford Verve Concept is the first of three concept vehicles which will debut in key regions - Europe, Asia and North America.
Photo: The Ford Verve Concept Design Team (2007)
Finished in rich colours and distinctive materials inspired by the world of fashion and cosmetics, the Ford Verve Concept was created by a team of designers from Ford's studios in Dunton, England, and Cologne, Germany.
The concept's face is bold and sporty, yet friendly and engaging. The front of the vehicle is dominated by a large, inverted trapezoidal lower grille and a large Ford oval badge centred in the compact upper grille opening.
At the rear, the lower diffuser with integrated centre exhaust outlet are central elements of a cohesive design that incorporates the encapsulated rear bumper and design accessories, like brushed aluminium accents on the lower edges of the fog lamps.
The Ford Verve Concept was designed for the generation that grew up with mobile phones. Every button and switch was crafted with the kind of minute attention to detail that characterises good mobile phone designs. This system philosophy gives the Ford Verve Concept instrument panel centre stack a different feel than that of traditional automotive switchgear.
As product development of a new generation of Ford small cars continues behind the scenes, Ford of Europe is hoping to gauge public reaction to the Ford Verve Concept during the Frankfurt Motor Show.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:35 PM | Link to this Post
August 25, 2007
Volkswagen is the Official Pace Car of SCCA and SCCA Pro Racing : GlobalGiants.com
Volkswagen and Sports Car Club of America announced today an official partnership naming Volkswagen the Official Pace Car of SCCA and SCCA Pro Racing. As part of its official sponsorship, Volkswagen will provide pace vehicles for the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships and the SCCA National Championship Runoffs(R) Presented by AT&T as well as course vehicles for The Tire Rack(R) SCCA Solo National Championships.
Founded in 1944, Sports Car Club of America, Inc. is a 55,000-member motor-sports organization that, along with subsidiary SCCA Pro Racing, incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. 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 | 5:07 PM | Link to this Post
August 23, 2007
Gooding and Company Announces $60 Million Record-Breaking Results from Pebble Beach Classic Car Auction : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: This 1956 Ferrari 250 GT sold for $1,100,000. It was one of many classic vintage cars that sold for over one million dollars at the Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auction.
Gooding and Company announced its top results from the company's first-ever two-night Pebble Beach Auction event this weekend, held annually following the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. A high-energy atmosphere set the tone for a capacity filled crowd of bidders at both Saturday and Sunday's auctions that garnered a record breaking more than $60 million dollars in sales. The multiple record-breaking sales included the 1931 Blower Bentley from the E. Ann Klein Estate for $4.51 million dollars along with a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, which sold for $4,455,000.00.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:17 AM | Link to this Post
