May 24, 2010
NASCAR Sprint Cup 2010
Photo: Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, drives ahead of Joey Logano, driver of the #20 The Home Depot Toyota, and a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot / Old Spice Chevrolet, leads the field at the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 19, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, races Joey Logano, driver of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, and Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 Aaron's 55th Anniversary Toyota, side by side ahead of Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet, and Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the #77 Penske Truck Rental/AAA Dodge, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2010 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #20 Z-Line Designs / Operations Helmet Toyota, leads the field at the start of the NASCAR Nationwide series Royal Purple 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts at Darlington Raceway on May 7, 2010 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Combos Toyota, takes a celebratory bow after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Heluva Good! 200 at Dover International Speedway on May 15, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, signs autographs after practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Dover International Speedway on May 14, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 US Census Ford, races Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Scotts Ford, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21, 2010 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #22 Discount Tire Dodge, and Joey Logano, driver of the #20 GameStop Toyota, lead the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 20, 2010 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: A young fan and her father watch on during the NASCAR Hall of Fame Grand Opening at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on May 11, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR Hall of Fame. © 2010 Getty Images)
Photo: Kyle Busch drives the #18 Toyota Tundra Toyota ahead of Elliott Sadler, driver of the 2 Insignia TV/Best Buy Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Dover 200 at Dover International Speedway on May 14, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR. © 2010 Getty Images)
• The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport - holding 17 of the top 20 highest attended sporting events in the USA. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages.
• NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more large corporations participate in NASCAR than in any other sport.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:15 AM | Link to this Post
May 21, 2010
JEEP: GRAND CHEROKEE 2011
Chrysler Group LLC today released images of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"Offering timeless design and innovative engineering, the all-new Grand Cherokee redefines the SUV industry, delivering true duality: ultimate Jeep off-road capability and on-road refinement for a premium driving experience," said the company. "Capability highlights include a choice of three 4x4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift™ Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain™ systems and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness."
Completely reengineered and redesigned for 2011, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:43 AM | Link to this Post
April 19, 2010
City Traffic Management: IBM Helps Stockholm, Sweden, Predict Better Commuting Options
Photo: IBM SMARTER ROADWAYS: IBM is creating smarter roadways for cities around the world using streaming analytics. While streaming analytics may seem highly complex, in reality, it is just a way for people to make sense of all the data in the world in real-time. In the case of traffic congestion, this means better commuting and travel options and better traffic management.
• IBM has announced a new collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology to give city of Stockholm residents and officials a smarter way to manage and use transportation.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden are using IBM's streaming analytics technology, to gather real-time information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) devices on nearly 1500 taxi cabs in the city and will soon expand to gather data from delivery trucks, traffic sensors, transit systems, pollution monitors and weather information. The data is processed using IBM's streaming analytics software, InfoSphere Streams, giving the city and residents real-time information on traffic flow, travel times and the best commuting options.
For example, a resident could send a text message listing their location and desired destination. The technology would instantly process the real-time traffic, rail and weather information and provide anticipated travel times via car and public transportation, giving people an accurate and instant view of the fastest way to get to their destination.
For the past year, IBM has worked with the city of Stockholm to monitor traffic flow during peak hours. The congestion management system has reduced traffic in the Swedish capital by 20 percent, reduced average travel times by almost 50 percent, decreased the amount of emissions by 10 percent and the proportion of green, tax-exempt vehicles has risen to 9 percent.
The value of InfoSphere Streams is its ability to analyze and integrate any type of data input continuously: text, voice, images, video, databases, weather reports, news, sounds, market feeds and application data in real time. The software automatically determines what information is relevant to solving a particularly problem and continually refines results as new data "streams" in giving organizations instant insights.
Harnessing the power of information with real-time analytics is going mainstream. This year alone, more than 1200 exabyles of digital information will be created. Just one exabyte is equal to one trillion novels. From predicting and managing traffic congestion to determine faster routes for commuters -- people are seeking ways to turn this explosion of data from a problem into an opportunity.
Additionally, IBM announced a new version of its streaming analytics software that includes enhanced processing speeds of up to three times faster and real-time Predictive Analysis for Data in Motion.
Photo: Dr. Greg Richards, professor of performance management at University of Ottawa Telfer School of Management, discusses the importance of business analytics for the 21st century workforce, Thursday, April 15, 2010, in Ottawa, at the launch of a new international centre of excellence for business analytics announced by IBM and the University of Ottawa.
• Streaming analytics software is a part of IBM's more than $10 billion investment in business analytics which includes organic innovation and acquisitions. In addition, IBM has assembled 4,000 analytics consultants with industry expertise, and opened a network of seven analytics centers of excellence.
• Annual Time Wasted by a Commuter in Traffic Jams: INRIX Traffic Scorecard for USA's Top 10 Most Congested Cities
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:00 AM | Link to this Post
April 7, 2010
Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan Alliance announce Strategic Cooperation
Photo: April 07, 2010: Brussels, Belgium: Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault-Nissan Alliance and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman and CEO of Daimler AG, at the joint press conference after signing the contract.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG have announced a broad strategic cooperation.
The two groups also announced an equity exchange that will give the Renault-Nissan Alliance a 3.1% stake in Daimler and Daimler a 3.1% in Renault and a 3.1% stake in Nissan.
Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, said: "The Renault-Nissan Alliance knows how to work successfully in collaborative partnerships, and this experience is extremely valuable in today's and even more tomorrow's global auto industry. This agreement will extend our strategic collaboration and create lasting value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler as we work on broadening and strengthening our product offering, efficiently utilizing all available resources and developing the innovative technologies required in the coming decade."
"Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperations," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our skills complement each other very well. Right away, we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint - both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected."
Highlights of the Cooperation:
Following intensive and productive talks, specific projects have been agreed upon and will be implemented with immediate effect.
Photo: Renault Twingo 2010
• New common architecture for small vehicles
The successor to the current smart fortwo, a new smart four-seater and the next-generation Renault Twingo will be engineered on the basis of a jointly developed architecture. All vehicles will clearly differ from each other in terms of product design. One main characteristic of the new architecture will be the unique rear wheel drive concept used by current smart vehicles.
The launches of the jointly developed models are planned for 2013 onwards. The smart plant in Hambach, France will be the production location for the two-seater versions, while the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia will be the production location for the four-seater versions. Right from its market launch, the jointly developed future models will also be available with an electric drive.
Photo: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
• Powertrains
The focus of the cooperation in the powertrain area is on the sharing of highly fuel-efficient, diesel and gasoline engines between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide 3 and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines out of its portfolio to Daimler, which will then be adapted and modified to reflect Mercedes' characteristics.
Daimler, Renault and Nissan will also cooperate on future gasoline and diesel engines.
A key objective is to increase competitiveness of all partners through a substantial increase in volumes, leading to economies of scale and cost sharing in development.
• Collaboration on light commercial vehicles:
The companies have also agreed on a close cooperation in the light commercial vehicle segment. Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand its portfolio to offer an all-new entry-level, intended for commercial usage, from 2012 onwards. The technical basis of this van will come from Renault and will be produced at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France. Both partners will benefit from higher unit sales, better capacity utilization, shared investment burden, resulting in a better overall cost basis.
• Equity Exchanges:
This strategic cooperation is underscored through a one-time cross-shareholding structure which enables the three companies to exchange, benchmark and create synergies on the basis of a long-term mutually beneficial relationship. The overall construction of the deal is based on the principle of a 3.1/3.1/3.1 percentage cross-holding between Renault, Nissan and Daimler.
• Further opportunities for collaboration:
Both groups intend to create a long-term framework to work closely on future areas of cooperation between Renault, Nissan and Daimler.
Photo: Nissan LEAF
• Formed in 1999, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is the world's fourth largest automotive group. The Alliance is present in over 190 countries around the world. The Alliance is managed between two distinct and separate companies (Renault SA and Nissan Motor Company Ltd.), each with their own stock market listings (Paris and Tokyo respectively), Board of Directors and governance systems. During the past 11 years, the Alliance has formed strategic ventures with major companies including Dong Feng in China, AvtoVAZ in Russia and Mahindra, Ashok Leyland and Bajaj Auto in India. In late 2010, the Alliance will launch the Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable all-electric car for the mass-market.
• With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, Daimler AG is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886.
Sources: Renault SA, Nissan Motor Company Ltd., Daimler AG.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"Stepping stone to small car specialization -- that's what this cooperation means to Daimler AG.
Renault is a small car specialist. Daimler is not.
And a quality affordable small car is the key to cracking the mass markets and remaining afloat."
© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:53 PM | Link to this Post
March 30, 2010
BorgWarner Opens New Manufacturing Facility in India
Photo: BorgWarner Thermal Systems has opened a new manufacturing facility near Chennai, India. Dan CasaSanta, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Thermal Systems; Andrew Simkin, Consul General of the United States Consulate, Chennai Office; Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO; Roger Wood, BorgWarner Executive Vice President and Engine Group President; and V.D. Umashanker, Managing Director, BorgWarner Thermal Systems Chennai, attended the opening ceremonies at the company's new facility in India.
BorgWarner Thermal Systems has opened a new manufacturing facility near Chennai, India. The new 65,000-square-foot (6,000-square-meter) facility is located in a high-tech business park. The environmentally friendly building will provide manufacturing, engineering, sales, and administrative space as well as room for future expansion.
"In India, growing demand for mobility and adoption of global emissions standards is driving growth for BorgWarner's advanced technologies," said Dan CasaSanta, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Thermal Systems. "With our new facility, BorgWarner will have the ability to expand existing product lines and introduce new technologies and products."
Designed as a "green building," the facility is seeking silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, a set of standards for environmentally sustainable construction developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Over 30% of the grounds around the new facility are reserved for green space and shaded with trees and plants watered with recycled waste water. In addition, several water- and energy-saving devices have been installed throughout the building.
BorgWarner Thermal Systems in India produces viscous fans and fan drives for customers including Tata Motors, Tata Cummins, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra, and others.
BorgWarner Thermal Systems is a leading designer and supplier of components and systems for thermal management, designed to improve engine cooling, increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, based BorgWarner Inc. is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 59 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW, Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault, Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN.
Source: BorgWarner Inc.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:11 PM | Link to this Post
March 28, 2010
Porsche in New York City
Photo: Year: 1950. The classic sports car Porsche in New York City. Model: Porsche 550 Spyder.
Photo: Year: 2010. The classic sports car Porsche in New York City. Model: Porsche 2011 Boxster Spyder.
Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:31 AM | Link to this Post
March 24, 2010
Creative Play of Colors: smart fortwo Sprinkle by Rolf Sachs
Photos: An unconventional elegant eye-catcher: smart fortwo as a designer piece.
The world-famous Swiss designer Rolf Sachs has taken the smart slogan "open your mind" literally and has come up with his own ideas to design a smart fortwo for the Geneva Motor Show.
He used his unique splashing and marking technique as an unusual means of expression to create an enthusiastic and lively look with fine splashes of color.
Rolf Sachs is the son of wealthy industrialist and photographer Gunter Sachs and has lived and worked in London since 1994. Rolf Sachs is regarded as one of the big names in the creative design scene.
"smart and Rolf Sachs are a great team as both the young car brand and the work of the unconventional designer are characterised by new ideas, joie de vivre and responsibility towards the environment," explained Daimler AG. "This is why Rolf Sachs was commissioned to design the smart lounge at the Geneva Motor Show and give it a special ambience with his own personal style."
Source: Daimler AG, Stuttgart, Germany
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:26 AM | Link to this Post
March 8, 2010
Cars.com Consumer Search Index: Toyota and GM Lose Ground With Consumers in February
Hyundai, Kia and Ford Accelerate on Cars.com as Longtime Market Leaders See Declining Interest.
Amidst concerns over the Toyota recall, interest in several of the brand's popular models declined sharply in February on Cars.com. According to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index, which tracks the fluctuation of consumer contact with dealers originating from the site, 6 of the top 10 decreases were for Toyota models including Rav4, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, Prius and FJ Cruiser.
GM rounded out the top ten decreases, with four models experiencing sharp declines in consumer interest - Sierra 1500, Corvette, Tahoe and Equinox.
The Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia benefited directly from Toyota's troubles. Interest in the new Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sorento skyrocketed in the month of February according to Cars.com.
In addition to the two Korean manufacturers, Ford continued its strong performance on the site which has helped propel the manufacturer past GM in terms of total sales for the first time since 1998.
The Hyundai Sonata topped Cars.com's list of new cars experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers, with a whopping 106 percent increase. The Sonata was followed by the Hyundai Tucson at 83 percent and the Kia Sorento at 69 percent. Ford also had three cars in the top 10. The new Fusion, Escape and F-150 ranked 6th, 7th and 8th respectively.
The Toyota Sienna, which wasn't part of the recall, bucked the trend and ranked 4th out of the 10 vehicles experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers.
"The aggressive marketing efforts on the part of Hyundai and Kia are working when it comes to generating interest among car shoppers," said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. "It's nothing short of surprising to see the activity that the new Toyota Sienna has generated, considering all the turmoil surrounding the automaker's recalls."
Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by some media companies, including Belo, Gannett Co., Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company.
Cars.com Consumer Search Index - February 2010:
• Consumer Contacts to Dealers:
February Movers ------ % Increase
-------------------------------------------
Hyundai Sonata ------ 106%
Hyundai Tucson ------ 83%
Kia Sorento ------ 69%
Toyota Sienna ------ 30%
Honda Odyssey ------ 19%
Ford Fusion ------ 15%
Ford Escape ------ 11%
Ford F150 ------ 10%
Honda Civic ------ 9%
Chevrolet Camaro ------ 7%
------------------------------------------
February Losers ------ % Decrease
------------------------------------------
GMC Sierra 1500 ------ 51%
Toyota RAV4 ------ 50%
Toyota Camry ------ 38%
Toyota Corolla ------ 37%
Toyota Highlander ------ 37%
Chevrolet Corvette ------ 35%
Toyota Prius ------ 34%
Chevrolet Tahoe ------ 33%
Chevrolet Equinox ------ 28%
Toyota FJ Cruiser ------ 25%
------------------------------------------
Source: Cars.com
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"The news from the car sales front corroborates that the marketing and communications structure of a big automobile company is flawed without the following two distinct specialist divisions working in conjunction:
• One that specializes in long term advertising & marketing strategy, studies the genuine needs of diverse auto consumers, and keeps itself abreast of the trends and developments in the auto industry.
• One that specializes in short term advertising & marketing strategy, remains alert, monitors the changes and fluctuations in the wants and preferences of various categories of car buyers, watches the movements of the competitors, and looks after the situation."
© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:09 AM | Link to this Post
March 3, 2010
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car Unveiled in Geneva
Efficient and Fast Plug-in Hybrid Super Sports Car.
Photo: Porsche debuts three advanced hybrids at this year's Geneva Auto Show: the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept (front center); the 911 GT3 R Hybrid (left); and the Cayenne S Hybrid (back).
On the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has unveiled an ultra-efficient, low-emission, mid-engine super sports car featuring hybrid and electric drive technology.
Photo: Michael Macht, President and CEO of Porsche AG, presents the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car in Geneva.
The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
In addition to this two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology, the other two models on display are:
1. Porsche's new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive
2. 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery
Photo: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept.
The 918 Spyder concept combines high-tech racing features with electric-mobility.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes:
1. The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles.
2. In the Hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.
3. The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels.
4. In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the high standard of driving dynamics on the track.
According to Porsche, with the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car, or the extremely low emissions and high fuel economy figures of a plug-in hybrid.
Porsche 918 Spyder has lightweight body structure.
Photo: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept.
"The driver and passenger are not only embedded in contoured sports bucket seats but also form part of the cockpit, which provides a synthesis of efficient functionality and ergonomic high-tech operation," explains the company.
The center console rises up towards the front in the 918 Spyder and houses a touch screen for intuitive control of the car's functions, serving to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.
The control units relevant to the driver are mainly concentrated on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes are supplemented by a switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs.
Photo: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept.
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance.
In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.
Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.
Source: Porsche AG
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:22 AM | Link to this Post
January 11, 2010
Toyota Unveils Compact Dedicated Hybrid Concept in Detroit
Advanced Battery R&D and Manufacturing Capacity will Rise with Scheduled Roll-out of Plug-in Hybrids, Fuel Cells and Battery Electric Vehicles.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota's stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.
"Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply," said Jim Lentz, TMS president. "A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid."
The CH stands for compact hybrid. According to Toyota, the FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.
"It's a package Toyota dealers and customers have been asking for," added Lentz.
The FT-CH was styled at Toyota's European Design and Development (ED2) center in Nice, France.
In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years. These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models.
The heart of hybrid technology is its battery. According to Toyota, it has systematically reduced size, weight and cost of the battery while improving its energy density, quality and reliability.
Like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery electrics will require the creation of infrastructure for recharging on the go. This issue of range is also a challenge to overcome. Toyota believes these are hurdles that will be cleared.
Source: Toyota
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:27 PM | Link to this Post
December 23, 2009
Volvo XC90 Makes its First Appearance in Bollywood
• Volvo XC90 R-Design makes its first appearance in Bollywood with "3 Idiots" starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The film will be released on December 25.
"We are delighted to be a part of a big banner Bollywood movie. Bollywood is a cult in India," says Paul De Voijs, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India.
For the first time in India, Volvo Cars gets associated with Bollywood with the debut of its red XC90 R-Design in the much awaited releases of 2009 - 3 Idiots. Produced by Vinod Chopra Films and directed by Raj Kumar Hirani, the film's cast includes Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.
Aamir Khan has scored successes in all the movies in which he has been involved since the start of the 2000s. Today he is somewhat more restrained in his on-screen output and performs in no more than two movies a year. The female co-star Kareena Kapoor is also immensely popular. The other two stars R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, are also among Bollywood's acting elite.
"The movie and its lead characters emanate vibrancy, energy and sportiness; exactly the qualities represented by our XC90 R-Design. Hence the ideal integration of our brand and the movie," says Paul De Voijs.
"Artistic integrity is crucial for successful brand placements and the utility of the product has to be woven properly into the script. The placement should be a natural fit," Paul de Voijs further adds.
The film is about the journey two friends undertake in their search for a third compatriot, played by Aamir Khan. The backdrop of the movie is along the length and breadth of India, covering the scenic beauty of the mountainous region of Ladakh. The film has been shot along the world's highest-altitude road, at 5,590 metres or 18,340 feet above sea level. The landscape is dramatic and breathtaking.
Volvo Auto India is a new operator in India, a gigantic, fast-growing market and one of the most competitive in the world. Volvo established a presence in India just over two years ago and has since then worked intensively to market the Swedish brand.
With a corporate office in Gurgaon, Volvo Cars opened its first dealership in Chandigarh in March 2008 and currently market's its products through its dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Pune.
So far Volvo Auto India has chosen to launch two models, the Volvo XC90 and Volvo S80 but the coming years they are lining up more new models. The first one to be launched during 2010 is the Volvo XC60. The focus is on positioning the brand in the luxury car segment.
• In 2012, India is expected to be the world's fifth or sixth largest car market.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:43 AM | Link to this Post
December 20, 2009
Electric Drive: First Electric 'smart fortwo' Handed Over to Customers in Berlin
The first smart fortwo electric drive vehicles were handed over to customers in Berlin on December 17.
• The compact two-seater is the first emission-free vehicle in the world with state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology and an intelligent charging management system on board. This makes the smart fortwo electric drive the first environmentally and customer-friendly electric vehicle.
The very first drivers of the electric smart will be Rolf Bauer (artist and owner of a film dubbing studio) and Lutz Tamaschke (owner of a dental technology company). "I've always been a fan of smart and am proud to be able to set a new trend once again by driving the electric smart. Thanks to the smart fortwo electric drive, I can make my own contribution to preserving the environment," commented Rolf Bauer.
With the smart fortwo electric drive, these two men now own a vehicle that is suited to urban mobility and offers driving pleasure, while being locally emission-free at the same time. "I allow myself and my car a rest for the night, so that we can both recharge our batteries. After a few hours sleep, we're both good to go," said Lutz Tamaschke.
The first two vehicles were handed over on December 17 in Berlin by Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, and Harald Schuff, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Sales and Marketing Organization.
"Environmental compatibility and latest functionalities have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then, its innovative concept has combined pioneering technology with individual, urban mobility. The smart fortwo electric drive is just as convincing as its siblings with conventional drive when it comes to suitability for everyday use, safety and driving pleasure. In terms of environmental compatibility it sets a new benchmark with its emission-free electric drive. In addition, with just 12 kwH consumption and its purely electric drive system, it is the most economical and environmentally-friendly way of driving," stated Dr. Thomas Weber.
The electric smart will be delivered to selected fleet, business and private customers around the world as part of various "e-mobility" projects. These customers will receive a complete service package for their vehicle. "Beside state-of-the-art vehicle technology, we also want to provide our customers the best service possible - for us, this is an integral part of the concept of groundbreaking mobility," commented Harald Schuff.
• Key objective of these projects is to evaluate customer behavior and specific support services. In addition to Germany, the electric smart will also be made available to customers in Italy, Spain, England, France, Switzerland, as well as the USA and Canada.
A 30 kW electric motor operates in the rear of the smart fortwo electric drive, which ensures good acceleration as soon as the car is started. When fully charged, the highly-efficient lithium-ion battery guarantees a range of 135 kilometers. In order to charge the battery if required, the smart can either be hooked up to a public charging station, a wall box in the garage or simply to any standard household socket.
The smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an intelligent charging management system. The on-board electronics allow for the permanent exchange of information with the grid. As such, electricity billing, for example, can be arranged in a very convenient, simple and secure way. Irrespective of where and from whom the smart fortwo electric drive has obtained electricity, the customer will only receive one electricity bill from his own energy supplier. By using a smartphone or other internet interfaces, he can also check the charging status and the current range of his electric smart in any place and at any time.
• With the smart fortwo electric drive, smart is continuing its success story as the founder of the intelligent city vehicle. The new electric smart has redefined urban mobility by focusing on a purely emission-free way of driving.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
• Hybrid/Plug-In/Electric Battery Development for Detroit.
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC) is seeking Requests For Proposal information (RFPIs) for four projects related to advanced battery development for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and electric vehicles.
USABC (United States Advanced Battery Consortium) is a consortium of USCAR (United States Council for Automotive Research). Enabled by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, USABC's mission is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support commercialization of fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles.
USABC's four RFPIs, for consideration of contracts that will include a 50 percent minimum cost share by developers, are for:
1. Development of advanced high performance batteries for electric vehicle (EV) applications;
2. Development of advanced energy storage systems for high-power, lower energy-energy storage system (LEESS) for power-assist hybrid electric vehicle (PAHEV) applications;
3. Development of advanced high-performance batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications; and
4. A technology assessment of proposed advanced battery technologies for EV applications.
--- Statement issued on December 23, 2009 by USCAR (United States Council for Automotive Research). [USCAR is the collaborative automotive technology organization for Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company.]
GM Announces Battery Assembly Production:
"On Thursday, January 7, 2010, exactly three years to the day the Chevrolet Volt concept car was revealed, General Motors takes another historic step in mass production of the vehicle and a giant leap for the auto industry from a petroleum-filled past to a potentially gas-free future.
At 10:00 a.m., GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre, along with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, leading government officials and honored guests will witness the start of battery production at the GM Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant. The plant, located in Brownstown Township, Michigan, is the first lithium ion battery pack manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker."
-- General Motors (January 5, 2010).
Batteries for Electric Cars: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Outlook to 2020. (New Study by The Boston Consulting Group).
"For years, people have been saying that one of the keys to reducing our dependency on fossil fuels is the electrification of the vehicle fleet. The reality is, electric-car batteries are both too expensive and too technologically limited for this to happen in the foreseeable future..."
"Although electric-car battery costs are expected to fall sharply over the coming decade, they are unlikely to drop enough to spark widespread adoption of fully electric vehicles without a major breakthrough in battery technology..."
"The long-term cost target used by many carmakers in planning their future fleets of electric cars--$250 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)--is unlikely to be achieved unless there is a major breakthrough in battery chemistry that substantially increases the energy a battery can store without significantly increasing the cost of either battery materials or the manufacturing process..."
(Despite this cost challenge, the report projects steady growth for electric cars and batteries.)
"Under the most likely scenario of the industry's evolution, it is estimated that 26 percent of the new cars sold in 2020 in the major developed markets (China, Japan, the United States, and Western Europe)--or approximately 14 million cars--will have electric or hybrid power trains. That same year, the market for electric-car batteries in those regions will reach $25 billion..."
"This burgeoning market will be about triple the size of today's entire lithium-ion-battery market for consumer applications such as laptop computers and cell phones..."
"Beyond costs, other key challenges facing the electric-car battery market are energy storage capacity, charging time, and infrastructure needs..."
(Of the roughly 14 million electric cars forecast to be sold in 2020 in China, Japan, the United States, and Western Europe, the report projects that some 1.5 million will be fully electric, 1.5 million will be range extenders, and 11 million will be a mix of hybrids.)
--- The Boston Consulting Group. (The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global management consulting firm and is an advisor on business strategy. Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 67 offices in 39 countries.)
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:11 AM | Link to this Post
December 10, 2009
Many Automotive Brands are Losing Buyers to Competitors Due to Poor Customer Treatment though they have High Customer Satisfaction with the New-Vehicle Sales Process: J.D. Power
Overall satisfaction with the new-vehicle purchase experience has improved from 2008, but automakers are losing 12 percent of new-vehicle sales to other brands, on average, as a result of poor customer treatment at dealerships, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study.
The study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience. Overall customer satisfaction is measured for five factors:
Dealership Facility;
Salesperson;
Paperwork, Finance Process;
Delivery process; and
Vehicle Price.
Overall satisfaction averages 836 points on a 1,000-point scale in 2009, up by 11 points from 2008. Satisfaction with each of the five factors improves from 2008, with the greatest improvements in the two areas that are most within the dealer's control -- the salesperson and delivery process factors.
According to J.D. Power, salespeople have improved most notably from 2008 in helping buyers stay within their budgets and in negotiating prices quickly. Within the delivery process, dealerships have improved considerably in providing complete explanations of the owner's manual and explaining vehicle features.
"In this difficult economy, dealerships are working particularly hard to close sales, but need to be attentive to customers without exerting unwanted sales pressure," said Jon Osborn, director of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Nearly one in four buyers in 2009 reports experiencing sales pressure from their selling dealer."
The study finds that more than one in five shoppers who leave a dealership without purchasing a vehicle do so because they experienced poor treatment or dealer performance issues such as pricing games, sales pressure tactics or discourteous treatment. While 43 percent of these buyers ultimately purchased from a different dealer of the same brand, 57 percent decided to purchase from a different brand altogether. For the industry as a whole, this equals a 12 percent loss of retail sales to other brands.
"With the billions of dollars that automakers spend designing, producing and marketing new vehicles, as well as in driving customers to showrooms, it is critical that potential buyers are not pushed out the dealer's door because of a poor customer experience," said Osborn. "Manufacturers and dealers should be concerned with the experiences of all shoppers, whether they purchase or not. From a buyer's perspective, recollections of their shopping experience include not only the selling dealer, but also all of the other dealers they visited."
The 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on responses from approximately 48,000 new-vehicle buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicles in May or June 2009. The study was fielded between August and October 2009.
Sales Satisfaction Index Ranking --------- J.D. Power Circle Rating
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
• Luxury Brands
Jaguar ---------------------- 898 ---------------- 5
Cadillac ---------------------- 893 --------------- 5
Lexus ----------------------- 877 ---------------- 4
Mercedes-Benz ------------ 877 ---------------- 4
Land Rover ------------------ 872 --------------- 4
(Average) ------------------- 864 ---------------- 3
Lincoln ----------------------- 863 --------------- 3
BMW ------------------------ 861 ---------------- 3
Porsche ---------------------- 861 --------------- 3
SAAB ------------------------- 857 --------------- 3
Acura ------------------------ 856 ---------------- 3
Infiniti ------------------------ 845 --------------- 2
Volvo ------------------------- 842 --------------- 2
Audi -------------------------- 828 --------------- 2
• Mass Market Brands
Mercury ---------------------- 867 --------------- 5
smart ------------------------- 865 --------------- 5
Buick ------------------------- 864 --------------- 5
Pontiac ----------------------- 864 --------------- 5
Chevrolet -------------------- 863 --------------- 5
MINI -------------------------- 862 --------------- 5
Saturn ------------------------ 858 --------------- 4
HUMMER --------------------- 856 --------------- 4
GMC -------------------------- 853 ---------------- 4
Ford --------------------------- 847 --------------- 4
Subaru ------------------------ 834 -------------- 3
Suzuki ------------------------ 832 --------------- 3
(Average) -------------------- 832 --------------- 3
Honda ------------------------ 830 --------------- 3
Volkswagen ------------------ 828 --------------- 3
Scion -------------------------- 826 --------------- 3
Kia ----------------------------- 823 -------------- 3
Toyota ------------------------ 823 --------------- 3
Chrysler ---------------------- 822 --------------- 3
Hyundai ---------------------- 819 --------------- 3
Nissan ------------------------ 815 --------------- 3
Mazda ------------------------- 809 --------------- 2
Dodge ------------------------ 805 ---------------- 2
Jeep -------------------------- 805 ---------------- 2
Mitsubishi ------------------- 778 ---------------- 2
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"A typical car buyer trusts others' advice rather than any traditional advertising.
Hence, the Word of Mouth is the forgotten most powerful publicity tool that an automobile manufacturer may explore and employ to advertise its products as well as to promote its dealer showrooms."
© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:58 AM | Link to this Post
December 6, 2009
Volvo Ocean Race: Legs 9 & 10: From Marstrand to Stockholm, From Stockholm to St Petersburg
• The Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 was the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain, on 4 October 2008, it took in Cochin, India, Singapore and Qingdao, China before finishing in St Petersburg, Russia for the first time in the history of the race. Spanning some 37,000 nautical miles, visiting 11 ports over nine months, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier ocean yacht race for professional racing crews.
Photo: Telefonica Black, skippered by Fernando Echavarri (ESP) finish first on leg 10 in St Petersburg. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Telefonica Black, skippered by Fernando Echavarri (ESP) finish first on leg 10 in St Petersburg. © jiang yongtao / Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: A Swedish Navy ship accelerates on front of Green Dragon at the start of leg 10 from Stockholm to St Petersburg. © Sander Pluijm/Team Delta Lloyd/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Spinnakers up for the downwind leg of the in-port race in Stockholm. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: PUMA Ocean Racing at dawn on leg 9 from Marstrand to Stockholm. © Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Delta lloyd passes the finish in IJmuiden --- It took skipper Bouwe Bekking just 5 hours 23 minutes and 18 seconds to sail the Delya Lloyd 105 miles from Lowestoft to IJmuiden. © Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: The fleet get under way at the start of leg 10 from Stockholm to St Petersburg. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: PUMA Ocean Racing, skippered by Ken Read (USA) at the start of leg 9 from Marstrand to Stockholm. © Sally Collison/PUMA Ocean Racing.
Photo: Ericsson 3 chasing Telefonica Black at dawn, as the fleet pass the Orsund Bridge on the way to Stockholm. © Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race.
Volvo Ocean Race was run for the first time in 2001-02.
During the nine months of the 2008-09 Volvo, which started in Alicante, Spain and concluded in St. Petersburg, Russia, the teams sailed over 37,000 nautical miles of the world's most treacherous seas via Cape Town, Kochi, Singapore, Qingdao, around Cape Horn to Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway, Goteborg and Stockholm.
Each of the seven entries had a sailing team of 11 professional crew, and the race required their utmost skills, physical endurance and competitive spirit as they raced day and night for more than 30 days at a time on some of the legs. They each took on different jobs onboard the boat. About two sailors in each team had medical training. Also, each team consisted of a sailor trained as a sailmaker, a sailor trained as an engineer, and a sailor trained as a media specialist.
During the race the crews experience life at the extreme: no fresh food is taken onboard and they go through temperature variations from -5 to +40 degrees Celsius.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:35 AM | Link to this Post
December 2, 2009
Los Angeles International Auto Show: Porsche Boxster Spyder Makes World Debut
Photo: Porsche Launched the New Boxster Spyder to World Media in Los Angeles.
Today, at a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche took the wraps off one of its most nimble and sportiest mid-engine cars: the 2011 Boxster Spyder.
• Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG.
Photos: Porsche rolled out its new Boxster Spyder for the first time at a press conference at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Helping usher in the sports car for this world debut was Austria's freestyle rock drummer Alfred Vogel. (Porsche Cars North America, Inc., Axel Koester)
"The new Boxster Spyder looks distinctly different from its Boxster siblings," said Klaus Berning, Porsche's executive board member responsible for worldwide sales and marketing, speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show press conference today. "Our designers borrowed from the rich history of our mid-engine sports and race cars of the '50s, but under the skin it has our most advanced technology so that its performance matches the Spyder's looks, making it the quintessential purist Porsche."
"When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph -- with the roof open."
Weighing only 2,811 lbs. and delivering 320 horsepower, it goes on sale in February 2010 and will join the Boxster and Boxster S that made their world debut here last year.
Source: Porsche
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:20 PM | Link to this Post
November 20, 2009
Every GM Vehicle Sold Costs Taxpayers $12,200, Says National Taxpayers Union
The American taxpayer has put up $12,200 for every General Motors vehicle sold through the beginning of 2011, and $7,600 for every Chrysler vehicle sold as well, according to a new report issued by the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU).
The report, The Auto Bailout - A Taxpayer Quagmire, is authored by NTU Adjunct Scholar Thomas D. Hopkins, Professor of Economics at Rochester Institute of Technology. Hopkins held senior management positions in two White House agencies during the Ford, Carter and Reagan Administrations. In the early 1980's, he served as Deputy Administrator, Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs, in the Office of Management & Budget.
Photo: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Extended Cab.
"Every time someone in your neighborhood drives home in a shiny new Chevy Silverado, remember that it cost American taxpayers more than $12,000," said Pete Sepp, NTU Vice President for Policy and Communications.
The study found that the average American taxpaying family has invested roughly $800 in the auto bailouts so far. Moreover, the study found, the government support poured into General Motors, Chrysler, and GMAC - the financing subsidiary that supports sales at both - now stands at $78.9 billion. Given that figure, and an estimate of how many vehicles GM and Chrysler will sell through the end of 2010, the study finds that each vehicle one of the bailed-out companies sells costs taxpayers $10,700.
Finally, breaking down the costs by company, the study reports that every Chrysler vehicle sold costs taxpayers $7,600, and every GM vehicle sold costs taxpayers $12,200.
The research is based upon a November study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled "Continued Stewardship Needed as Treasury Develops Strategies for Monitoring and Divesting Financial Interests in Chrysler and GM," a follow-up report on the "Troubled Asset Relief Program," as well as statements and reports released from the U.S. Treasury.
The study also found that during the first ten months of 2009, GM and Chrysler sales fell further than other major auto producers, down 33.4 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively.
Photo: US Treasury Department, Washington, DC, USA.
"While the prospect of repayment of GM and Chrysler loans might be expected, after bankruptcy the vast majority of the bailout funds are no longer legal obligations of the newly-structured GM and Chrysler," the study concludes. "If Americans are to believe public officials' claims that the government will eventually reprivatize the auto industry, the necessity of a thoughtful exit plan is essential. However, at this time no such plan exists, making it likely that the Treasury will not recover its investment."
Source: National Taxpayers Union, 108 North Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, USA.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"The names 'GM' and 'General Motors' continue to take a beating.
But the value of the name 'Chevrolet' (as well as that of 'Cadillac' and 'Buick') remains unaffected. It is the same it was 20 or 30 years ago.
If GM had projected 'Chevrolet' as its flagship brand (it may do so even today!), it would have boosted the buyers' confidence in all its brands and nameplates and would have restored the investors' confidence in the company."
© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:16 AM | Link to this Post
November 12, 2009
Volkswagen Group of America Invests $125 Million for New Dealer Storefronts in New York City
Flagship Audi and Volkswagen dealerships reinforce commitment to U.S. market.
Photo: Volkswagen Group of America Invests $125 Million for New Dealer Storefronts in New York City.
• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it is investing in flagship Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in New York City, as part of its strategic plan to grow business in the U.S. market.
The $125 million deal is for the 265,000 square-foot building formerly housing Potamkin General Motors. The building is strategically sited in the highest traffic area of 11th Ave., making it a convenient location for Volkswagen and Audi customers.
• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen.
"As Volkswagen and Audi move forward on our aggressive plan to increase sales in the U.S., there is no better place to demonstrate our commitment than in Manhattan -- a town synonymous for bold actions and big thinking," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "New York has always been a leading market for the Volkswagen and Audi brands, and these new store fronts will serve to strengthen our business even more. We are proud to be investing in the New York economy, excited to showcase our brands and look forward to seeing more Volkswagens and Audis on the streets of New York."
The new dealerships will showcase Volkswagen and Audi's new showroom concepts, known respectively as "white frame" and "terminal." The dealerships will be part of one of the largest dealers in the area, the Open Road Auto Group. The Group will target to begin selling vehicles in early 2010.
Source: Volkswagen Group of America
|GlobalGiants.com|
AN AUTOMAKER SHOULD MAKE A POTENTIAL CAR BUYER POSITIVELY LOOK UPON ITS MARKETING.
Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from an Established, Confident Car Company that believes that its products are very much in demand and that trusts that when someone buys its new car, he or she is already in love with it?
Or, Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from a Struggling, Jittery Car Company that believes that its products are not in demand and that is why it is forcing the consumers to become artificially interested in them by saying, "If you buy a new car from us and you don't love it, you can bring it back within a specified time, and we we'll refund your money, though, of course, we would do it after a frightening refunding process you would never dare to undergo!"?
© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:26 PM | Link to this Post
October 21, 2009
Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CR-Z Concept 2009 Makes World Debut
• Stylish hybrid coupe will arrive in North America in 2010 as 2-seat model.
Honda today debuted CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the stylish, sporty hybrid coupe, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. While the vehicle displayed at the show is a global concept with a rear seat, the production version that will be introduced to North America in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid that provides a personal driving experience for North American customers.
"The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand," said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle."
The production version of the Honda CR-Z will make its world debut at the January 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:02 PM | Link to this Post
October 3, 2009
Renault Twizy Z.E. Concept: Electric, Practical, Innovative
• Renault Twizy Z.E. Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four-wheel chassis, Twizy Z.E. Concept offers the driver and passenger - seated one behind the other - an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions.
Twizy Z.E. Concept is compact, nimble and practical - everything you need in city traffic. The wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first class protection for both the driver and the passenger.
Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making Twizy Z.E. Concept versatile and easy to drive. The acceleration performance of Twizy Z.E. Concept in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.
• Technical data
• Motor
Type : Electric
Transmission type : Direct drive with reducer and forward/reverse inverter
Maximum power EEC (kW / hp) : 15 / 20
Maximum torque EEC (Nm) : 70
• Battery
Type : Lithium-ion
Range : 100km
• Dimensions
Rims (inches) : 13
Length (mm) : 2,303
Width (mm) : 1,132
Height (mm) : 1,476
Wheelbase (mm) : 1,695
Front / rear track (mm) : 944 / 944
Front / rear overhang (mm) : 304 / 304
Unladen weight (kg) : 420
Tyres : 135/80 R13
• Performance
Aerodynamic performance (CdA) : 0.63
Top speed (kph) : 75
Source: Renault, France
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:22 PM | Link to this Post
September 30, 2009
All-Electric Navistar Truck Unveiled on Capitol Hill
• Navistar Developing Clean Transportation Technologies.
Photo: At the U.S. Capitol today, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), on right, inspects Navistar Inc.'s zero emissions, all-electric delivery truck designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments. With help from a $39 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Navistar Inc. initially will build 400 of these clean technology trucks at its facility in Elkhart, Indiana, and expects to be producing several thousand trucks annually within a few years.
Today, members of the U.S. Congress were shown an all-electric commercial truck from Navistar, Inc. that does not depend on oil.
With the help of a $39 million U.S. Department of Energy grant announced by President Obama in August, Navistar will build these high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments.
Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, and expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows.
"The all-electric commercial truck is a concrete example of advanced technology that will be swiftly brought to market with government incentives, just like diesel-hybrid trucks and school buses," said Greg Elliott, senior vice president, Navistar. "We must continue to invest together for the next generation of advanced vehicles with innovative aerodynamic design and greater hybrid and electric market penetration across the nation."
This zero tailpipe emission electric commercial truck is the latest of Navistar's green vehicle advancements.
Navistar International Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:30 PM | Link to this Post
