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Photo: Lands' End FeelGood Cardigan. The FeelGood collection includes a variety of sweater styles, such as the cabled sweater vest, striped turtleneck or cabled cardigan, all in rich seasonal colors like Winter Violet, Rich Red and Iris. Lands' End is one of the world's largest retailers of casual and tailored clothing for women, men, children.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:31 AM | View the original post
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 the Editor | 8:16 AM | View the original post
Moynahan will be the face of the Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift product collection.
Global skincare company Garnier Nutritioniste is introducing actress Bridget Moynahan as the latest spokesmodel for the brand. Moynahan will appear in print and TV campaigns for the brand's top-selling Ultra-Lift skincare collection, set to debut July 2010.
Moynahan joins an impressive roster of Garnier spokesmodels, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Bar Rafaeli and Alana de la Garza.
"We are thrilled to partner with the beautiful Bridget Moynahan," says Maybelline New York-Garnier President David Greenberg. "Her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand. Most importantly, she exhibits a likeable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way."
Moynahan is an all-American girl raised in the East Coast town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Before earning international recognition in films and TV, she had a successful modeling career, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines including Glamour, Vogue, Elle and Self. Moynahan has since appeared in a number of major films, such as Serendipity, The Sum of All Fears, The Recruit, I, Robot, and Lord of War. She is the star of the upcoming 2010 film Ramona and Beezus and is currently shooting the film Battle: Los Angeles.
Source: Garnier
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:11 AM | View the original post
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 the Editor | 10:26 PM | View the original post
• 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 the Editor | 10:02 PM | View the original post
Photo: President Obama recognizes IBM and its Blue Gene family of supercomputers with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the most prestigious award of its kind. IBM CEO Sam Palmisano is shown here accepting the award on IBM's behalf on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. IBM Blue Gene is one of the world's fastest, most energy-efficient computers, solving challenges in science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, defense and finance. (Photo Credit: IBM).
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:59 PM | View the original post
• 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 the Editor | 12:22 PM | View the original post
• 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 the Editor | 9:30 PM | View the original post
• GM Launches 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
• 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee covers 2009 and 2010 Model Year vehicles.
• Covers all vehicles sold by Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.
• Program runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 30.
• Offer covers 2009 and 2010 Model Year Chevys, Buicks, GMCs and Cadillacs (except medium duty trucks).
• Customers (one per household) can return their vehicle between 31 and 60 days with less than 4,000 miles.
Photo: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.
Photo: 2009 Buick Lucerne CXL Special Edition.
General Motors has announced that it will offer a Satisfaction Guarantee to eligible buyers of new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The guarantee allows customers to return their vehicle to their dealer between 31 and 60 days of purchase and receive a refund of the purchase price for the vehicle.
The announcement is part of a larger "May the Best Car Win" marketing campaign.
• GM says that it is demonstrating its confidence in its vehicles when compared head-to-head with the most competitive vehicles in each vehicle segment.
Photo: 2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ.
Photo: 2010 GMC Terrain SLE.
"We think if consumers give us a fair chance and look at the facts on the things that matter most to them, like design, fuel economy, warranty and safety, our vehicles are the best choices - that's what makes an offer like this possible," said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman, Marketing and Communications. "The Cadillac SRX and CTS Wagon, the Buick LaCrosse, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, for instance, are all outstanding new products. This new marketing effort should help us communicate these facts to consumers.
"We know that we'll need to work very hard to get people's attention and encourage them to give Chevy, Buick, Cadillac and GMC a try. We think the 'May the Best Car Win' campaign and the Satisfaction Guarantee offer should help re-instill confidence in the excellence of our products. We're putting our money down that if people buy one of our vehicles and don't absolutely love it, we'll take it back. We will stand behind them both in the short-term and over the long haul," Lutz said.
Source: General Motors Company
|GlobalGiants.com|
"This Sunday, General Motors launched a new marketing campaign, 'May the Best Car Win,' and will offer car buyers a 60-day money-back guarantee. Perhaps a more fitting slogan is 'Taxpayers, You Lose.'
Normally a strategy like this would be a bold move to compete in the marketplace - one that consumers and shareholders ultimately decide to reward or punish. Unfortunately, with this 60 percent government-owned company, taxpayers don't have the option of 'pulling out' of GM and putting their investments elsewhere; unless, of course, they'd like to be prosecuted by the IRS and spend a few years in jail. As a pro-market organization, we would applaud GM's gutsy approach - if only GM hadn't rigged the market in the first place.
Given that rigged market, it's no wonder GM can afford to offer money-back guarantees. After all, it's got $50 billion in bailout money. And it's probably not going to pay it back, according to a report last week from a Congressional Oversight Panel.
Since the federal government owns 60 percent of GM, maybe it ought to consider offering a money-back guarantee to the taxpayers as well. Instead, with this money-back guarantee GM continues to flaunt the enormous taxpayer investment in it.
According to the State of New York Banking Department, a new car loses up to 20 percent of its value the second it drives off a dealer's lot. Should taxpayers be footing this bill for GM's Zipcar-like incentive program?
If GM has money to burn on this type of program, perhaps it doesn't really need the $50 billion it received from the Treasury."
-- NATIONAL TAXPAYERS UNION, 108 North Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, USA.
Money-Back Guarantee from a Car Manufacturer?
Most Amusing!
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:05 PM | View the original post
Leading Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin has signed on with advocate, entrepreneur and model Christy Turlington Burns for a second time to shoot his upcoming advertising campaign for 2009-2010. Turlington Burns has graced the covers of over 1,000 top fashion magazines.
For 2009-2010, the Roberto Coin campaign will support CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. According to Roberto Coin, Chairman & Co-Founder of Roberto Coin Inc., "Our previous campaign with Christy was so successful and widely received. We are so pleased to be working with her again. We are proud to be in partnership with an organization such as CARE for all their extraordinary work they have done to empower women worldwide through education, healthcare, increased economic opportunities and human rights."
CARE fights root causes of poverty in the world's poorest communities. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. In nearly 70 countries, women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity.
"At Roberto Coin, we believe that a cause related campaign has much more impact than straight consumer advertising," said Peter Webster, President & Co-Founder. "This campaign recognizes both the work of Christy Turlington Burns and that of CARE."
The campaign was shot by photography duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, whose past credits include advertising campaigns for Gucci, Givenchy, Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein and editorial spreads for the pages of American, French, and Italian Vogue, W, and the New York Times.
The advertisements will appear in October 2009 fashion publications that include Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Architectural Digest, Gourmet, and Town & Country.
Roberto Coin's jewelry designs include his signature Appassionata Collection. According to Coin, his designs have also been worn by celebrities such as Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek, Brooke Shields, Jennie Garth, Jenna Fischer, Demi Moore, Melissa Etheridge, and Jennifer Hudson.
The company, Roberto Coin, is headquartered in Vicenza, Italy.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:38 PM | View the original post
• Begins Construction at Solar Monosilanes Facility.
• Unveils Solar Array and Education Center.
Photo: Dow Corning installed solar panels at its corporate headquarters in Michigan that also serve as a testing site for its silicone-based solar materials.
"Autumn may be approaching, but the sun is shining brightly at Dow Corning. And it is waiting for us," said Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning's chairman, president and CEO. "There is still much work to do to make solar energy a sustainable energy option for everyone, everywhere. These investments represent our continued commitment to both innovating and using alternative energy technologies."
At an event the company is calling "Solar Day," Dow Corning will announce the start of construction in Thomas Twp., Michigan of a manufacturing plant that will manufacture monosilane gas-a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells.
Dow Corning will also unveil a solar panel installation and Solar Discovery Center at its corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan.
Photo: Dow Corning Solar Solutions Researchers.
The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility will manufacture high purity monosilane, a key specialty gas used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays. The Dow Corning Monosilanes facility is expected to be completed in 2011.
"This significant investment to become a leading supplier of monosilane for thin film solar technology will expand our feedstock offering and will further reinforce Dow Corning's position as a material supplier across multiple solar technologies," said Eric Peeters, global executive director, Dow Corning Solar Solutions.
The solar installation at Dow Corning headquarters features 136 solar panels and will produce approximately 30 kilowatt-hours of power--the amount of electricity consumed by approximately seven to 10 homes in a year.
Photo: A Dow Corning lab technician conducting a product performance test.
"It is important for everyone in our community, especially students, to understand both how solar technology works and the opportunity it represents for the world," said Marie N. Eckstein, Dow Corning's vice president and chief administrative officer. "We would like to invite community and student groups to contact us if they're interested in seeing the solar panels and solar education center."
Dow Corning's silicon-based materials are used in solar cell manufacturing, solar module assembly and installation. In the past five years, Dow Corning and its joint ventures, the Hemlock Semiconductor Group, have announced investments of more than $5 billion to research and develop as well as to expand production of materials critical to the solar industry.
A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.
Source: Dow Corning Corporation
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:48 PM | View the original post
Nestlé Chocolate Center to combine artistic creativity and cutting-edge science.
Photo © Nestlé S.A.
Nestlé today inaugurated the Chocolate Center of Excellence in Broc, Switzerland, in the presence of Doris Leuthard, Swiss Minister of Economic Affairs, Beat Vonlanthen, Minister of Canton Fribourg, and Stéphane Sudan, Mayor of Broc.
Photo: Nestlé Chocolate Center of Excellence, Broc, Switzerland. Photo © Nestlé S.A.
The Chocolate Center of Excellence builds on Nestlé's chocolate-making heritage and will spearhead its drive in the premium and luxury chocolate segment, which in turn will influence the company's entire chocolate range. The Center combines a team of Nestlé specialists, from fine cocoa bean scientists, sensory experts and chocolatiers to packaging designers and consumer specialists, with the artistic inspiration of a panel of independent chocolatiers.
This spirit of open innovation is further illustrated by the Center's partnership with prestigious external design institutions such as the California Art Center and the ECAL University of Art and Design in Lausanne.
Photo: Nestlé Chocolate Center of Excellence, Broc, Switzerland. Photo © Nestlé S.A.
The investment of CHF 25 million underlines the strategic importance Nestlé attributes to its chocolate business, especially in the premium and luxury segment. In 2008 the chocolate business reached sales of CHF 9.8 billion, with an organic growth of 7.6%.
While global brands such as Kit Kat reached sales of over CHF 1 billion, 70% of Nestlé's chocolate business comes from local brands. In the premium and luxury segment, which grows above the category average, Nestlé is leader in dark chocolate and is well known for premium brands such as Nestlé Noir, Perugina, Cailler and Nespresso luxury chocolate.
The Chocolate Center of Excellence is part of Nestlé's research and development network, which comprises 28 Centers and employs around 5,000 people worldwide.
Source: Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:38 AM | View the original post
Photo: Mark Fields, Executive Vice President, Ford Motor Company Showcases 2010 Ford Taurus at New York Stop of 100-City Tour.
Mark Fields, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company, is in New York Friday, August 28, to showcase the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus for one stop of the company's 100-City Taurus Tour.
Mr. Fields kicks off the Taurus publicity tour in New York by giving a speech at the New York Press Club at in the Associated Press Conference Center.
"The new Taurus sets the pace for Ford's growing new car launch momentum," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "This sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for - and helps further define what Ford is capable of delivering - quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design."
Mr. Fields is responsible for all operations involved in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America.
Source: Ford Motor Company
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:00 AM | View the original post
Photo: Maria Sharapova unveils her new advertising campaign for Cole Haan.
Just days before taking the court for the US Open Championships, tennis star Maria Sharapova unveiled her Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan collection of handbags and footwear - at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
Fans, tourists, and onlookers burst into cheers as Sharapova was introduced by celebrity MC Quddus on a specially constructed stage where Maria unveiled her new advertising campaign for Cole Haan.
"Everyone loves Maria. It's great to be working with her and adding a new dimension to Cole Haan's history," states Jim Seuss, Chief Executive Officer.
"It's my hope that other young women will embrace the spirit of the collection; it's fun, chic, fashionable and most importantly, able to take you from day to night," says Sharapova.
The Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan footwear collection, featuring Nike Air technology, includes a ballet flat, an ankle-wrapped stiletto, a flat over-the-knee boot, an ankle bootie and a strappy platform sandal.
Cole Haan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike, Inc., is a style and luxury brand offering handcrafted men's and women's footwear, accessories and outerwear.
Source: Cole Haan
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:53 AM | View the original post
• Nokia is bringing its rich mobility heritage and knowledge to the PC world with the new, Windows based, Nokia Booklet 3G. This was announced by Nokia at its headquarters in Espoo, Finland.
"Powered by the efficient Intel Atom processor," says Nokia, "The Nokia Booklet 3G delivers impressive performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling people to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive."
Delivering the rich experience of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminum chassis, the new mini-laptop weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimeters thin, and has the features one would expect from the world's leading mobile device manufacturer. A broad range of connectivity options - including 3G/ HSPA and Wi-Fi - gives consumers high speed access to the Internet, including Nokia's broad suite of Ovi services.
"A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility," said Kai Oistamo, Nokia's Executive Vice President for Devices. "We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all day, always on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal."
The mini-laptop also comes with an HDMI port for HD video out, a front facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth and an easily accessible SD card reader. Other premium features include the 10-inch glass HD ready display and integrated A-GPS which, working with the Ovi Maps gadget, can pinpoint your position in seconds and open up access for a truly personal maps experience. The Nokia Booklet 3G also brings a number of other rich Ovi experiences to life, whether its access and playback of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store, or using Ovi Suite to sync seamlessly from your Nokia smartphone, to your mini-laptop, to the cloud.
While the Nokia Booklet 3G would widen the Nokia portfolio in its move towards becoming a mobile solutions company, further information, including detailed specifications, market availability and pricing, will be announced by Nokia at 'Nokia World, Stuttgart' on September 2.
• On August 12, Microsoft and Nokia announced that they will collaborate to bring Microsoft Office Mobile and related communications and collaboration software and services to Nokia smartphones.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will begin collaborating immediately on the design, development and marketing of productivity solutions for the mobile professional, bringing Microsoft Office Mobile and Microsoft business communications, collaboration and device management software to Nokia's Symbian devices. These solutions will be available for a broad range of Nokia smartphones starting with the company's business-optimized range, Nokia Eseries. The two companies will also market these solutions to businesses, carriers and individuals.
"With more than 200 million smartphone customers globally, Nokia is the world's largest smartphone manufacturer and a natural partner for us," said Microsoft Business Division President Stephen Elop. "Today's announcement will enable us to expand Microsoft Office Mobile to Nokia smartphone owners worldwide and allow them to collaborate on Office documents from anywhere, as part of our strategy to provide the best productivity experience across the PC, phone and browser."
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:15 AM | View the original post
Apple has announced that Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard(TM) will go on sale Friday, August 28 at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers, and that Apple's online store is now accepting pre-orders.
"Snow Leopard builds on our most successful operating system ever and we're happy to get it to users earlier than expected," said Bertrand Serlet, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "For just $29, Leopard users get a smooth upgrade to the world's most advanced operating system and the only system with built in Exchange support."
"To create Snow Leopard," says Apple, "Apple engineers refined 90 percent of the more than 1,000 projects that make up Mac OS X. Users will notice refinements including a more responsive Finder(TM); Mail that loads messages up to twice as fast; Time Machine with an up to 80 percent faster initial backup; a Dock with Expose integration; QuickTime X with a redesigned player that allows users to easily view, record, trim and share video; and a 64-bit version of Safari 4 that is up to 50 percent faster and resistant to crashes caused by plug-ins. Snow Leopard is half the size of the previous version and frees up to 7GB of drive space once installed."
Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:25 AM | View the original post
Photo: Helen & John Taylor (of Melbourne, Australia), holders of more than 80 fuel economy and driving world records, finish the Goodyear Fuel Max Challenge journey through the United States by crossing the ceremonial finish line at Virginia Tire & Auto in Ashburn, VA. After a three week, 9,505 mile drive touching all 48 contiguous U.S. states, the Taylors arrived Tuesday, August 18, having set a new Fuel Efficiency Guinness World Record of 67.9 mpg, shattering the 58.8 mpg they set last year.
In a display of fuel economy, two drivers from Australia have broken the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record," driving a car equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. This three-week, 9,000+ mile drive through all 48 contiguous states in the U.S., showcased the potential fuel savings from the breakthrough fuel-efficient tread compound found in the new tires.
The couple refueled the car at Shell-branded stations along the way. Shell, a global leader in diesel technology, was the fuel sponsor of the Taylor's 2009 Guinness World Record attempt. In the U.S., Shell is the best-selling fuel brand and has the widest availability of diesel.
"While our own testing shows just how fuel-efficient these new tires are, we wanted to provide a real-world example of the difference Fuel Max Technology can make," said Mark Cherveny, Goodyear brand manager, passenger tires. "Helen and John Taylor broke their own world record set last year, using the same car, the same fuel, and traveling the same route. We believe the difference this year is the set of Assurance Fuel Max tires."
Photo: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Blimp. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been recognized as America's most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. RI's Global Pulse consumer opinion survey measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world's largest companies.
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:01 AM | View the original post
Photo: A short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II takes on fuel from a KC-130 tanker near Fort Worth on Aug. 13. The fuel transfer marked the first time an F-35 has used the Navy- and Marines-style probe-and-drogue refueling system. (Foto: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Liz Kaszynski).
Lockheed Martin announced today that short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has become "The first F-35 to complete an aerial refueling test using the Navy- and Marine Corps-style probe-and-drogue refueling system". [F-35 and Lightning II are trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation.]
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
"The F-35 program is on the cusp of a tremendous expansion in flight test as a large number of new aircraft enter the test fleet this year and early next year," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. "This milestone will help ensure that we fill the pipeline between Fort Worth and Pax River with F-35s and maintain our flight-test tempo."
During Thursday's flight, the F-35B designated BF-2 (the second STOVL flight test aircraft), began a series of tests in which fuel is uploaded into the aircraft at 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 feet, at speeds ranging from 200 to 250 knots.
The refueling mission also marked the first time a Lockheed Martin KC-130J tanker has been used to refuel an F-35.
As the company explains, probe-and-drogue refueling employs a flexible hose that trails from the tanker aircraft. The basketlike drogue at the end of the hose connects to the receiving aircraft's probe, which, in the case of the F-35, resides on the right side of the forward fuselage and retracts when not in use. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and the air forces of many other countries use the probe/drogue system, while the U.S. Air Force refuels its aircraft via a rigid flying boom that inserts into a receptacle on the receiving airplane.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 and F-22 are 5th generation fighters, characterized by a combination of advanced stealth with supersonic speed and high agility, sensor fusion, network-enabled capabilities and advanced sustainment. The three F-35 variants are derived from a common design, are being developed together and will use the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, bringing economies of commonality and scale.
Lockheed Martin informs that it is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.
Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:24 PM | View the original post
Photo: Chicago Assembly Plant Celebrates New 2010 Ford Taurus Aug. 4, 2009; (left to right) Jan Allman, Chicago Assembly plant manager, Bob King, UAW vice president, Joe Hinrichs, group vice president, global manufacturing and labor affairs, Ford Motor Company, Pat Quinn, Governor, State of Illinois and Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company at Chicago Assembly Plant during the 2010 Ford Taurus celebration. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.
• Ford is increasing North American production by another 10,000 units to 495,000 units in the third quarter as it builds more fuel-efficient vehicles to meet "Cash for Clunkers" demand. Ford's planned third quarter production now exceeds year-ago production levels by 18 percent.
• Ford, the UAW and suppliers are working together to ramp up production of the Escape small utility vehicle at Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant and the Focus compact car at Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant through additional production shifts and increased overtime.
• Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, a 33 percent increase versus year-ago levels and 15 percent above planned third quarter 2009 levels. The increase represents higher production across a range of cars, crossovers and trucks.
• After gaining U.S. market share in nine of the past 10 months and posting a year-over-year sales increase in July, Ford is off to a fast start in August due to continued strong demand for popular new products and the extended "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Photo: The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Mile Challenge car in Alexandria, VA. 27, April, 2009. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen, Ford Motor Co.
At its Dearborn Michigan headquarters, Ford Motor Company announced on Aug. 13, 2009 that it is increasing North American production in the third and fourth quarters to respond to growing demand for new Ford products and to ensure dealers are well stocked with fuel-efficient vehicles eligible for the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Ford is increasing third quarter production by another 10,000 units to 495,000 units primarily to build additional Escape small utility vehicles and Focus small cars, the two most popular Ford vehicles under the federal government's "Cash for Clunkers" program. Ford's planned third quarter production is now 18 percent above third quarter 2008 production levels.
Ford also announced plans to produce 570,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, 33 percent higher than year-ago levels and 15 percent above the third quarter production plan. The increase represents higher production across a range of cars, crossovers and trucks.
Photo: Ford Focus
"Under the 'Cash for Clunkers' program, the Ford Escape and Focus are flying off dealer lots, and we're doing all we can to ensure our dealers are well stocked with the fuel-efficient vehicles that customers really want [and need]," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "We also are planning a significant increase in fourth quarter production compared with last year, continuing to match production to the real demand. We'll need this additional production as even more people are drawn to our high-quality, fuel-efficient lineup, including our newest entries such as the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKT."
Ford is working closely with the UAW and its suppliers to ramp up production of the Escape and Focus. At the Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant, for example, employees agreed to work Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22, during what was a planned shutdown week. In August and September, Ford will build approximately 3,500 additional Escapes.
Photo: 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Sonoma, California , USA, June 20, 2009. Bobby Labonte's Ford Fusion glides through turn 10. ©2009, autostock, USA.
At Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant, Ford is increasing Focus production by more than 6,000 units in the third quarter through increased overtime Monday through Friday and adding Saturday production shifts.
"This is a team effort with the UAW and our suppliers to meet the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. "We asked our union partners to pull out all the stops - overtime, Saturday shifts, working during the shutdown - and they have delivered."
Photo: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid: For 2010, Ford Escape Hybrid adds five new features that improve safety, reduce driver distractions and aid drivers. Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey™, a Rear View Camera System and Active Park Assist are all now available to Escape Hybrid owners, and Escape Hybrid is one of the first Ford vehicles to feature the latest-generation hands-free SYNC system - now with Traffic, Directions & Information - helping reducedistractions while accessing important route and safety information.
The effort to meet "Cash for Clunkers" demand has required close coordination among Ford's sales and marketing, purchasing, manufacturing and material planning and logistics divisions. While increasing production, Ford also is "reprioritizing" vehicle shipments to ensure that vehicles in high demand, such as the Focus, Escape and Fusion, arrive at dealerships quickly.
Photo: Chicago Assembly Plant Celebrates New 2010 Ford Taurus August 4, 2009. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen/Ford Motor Co.
"Our carriers have been instructed to load Focus, Escapes and Fusions first," said Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "We want to ensure that dealers have an uninterrupted flow of product, because in many cases, they are selling them as soon as they arrive on the lot."
The fourth quarter production plan represents an increase of 75,000 vehicles versus the third quarter. The increase, which includes several Ford cars, crossovers and trucks, will help Ford rebuild inventories of key products.
"As we gain momentum with strong new products - with top fuel economy, quality, technology and safety - we are in a position to increase our production and deliver profitable growth over time," Fields said.
Source: Ford Motor Company
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:34 AM | View the original post
Photo: EASYSHARE C190 Digital Camera.
Photo: EASYSHARE C182 Digital Camera.
Eastman Kodak Company has introduced an array of new products that include the KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera and additions to Kodak's popular digital still camera. This was announced at Kodak headquarters in Rochester, NY.
"Consumers place high value on their images and video to strengthen and improve relationships, and have consistently relied on Kodak to help them make their personal content a part of their daily lives," says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "These new KODAK Products deliver unsurpassed ease of use and quality, and also let consumers experience and share moments they love in fun and engaging ways."
• KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera:
An exciting new entry to its popular line of Digital Video Cameras, the KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera features a sleek design, high-quality full 1080p High Definition video capture, and built-in electronic image stabilization.
"More and more consumers are enjoying the ease of capturing fun and spontaneous video and sharing it with friends and family, on the family HDTV or via social networking websites," says Blake. "With the new KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera, consumers can capture life on the go in vivid HD, and then quickly and easily share it."
The slim and stylish KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is designed to meet these needs with a range of advanced features that includes:
• Take full HD 1080p video wherever you go;
• Built-in electronic image stabilization that produces sharper videos and less blur;
• Large 2.5" color LCD;
• Swing-out USB arm for fast uploading, sharing, and charging;
• 5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures;
• Easy upload to Facebook and YouTube;
• External microphone jack;
• Available in aqua, raspberry and black from September, 2009 for US $179.95 MSRP.
• KODAK EASYSHARE Z950 Digital Camera:
The newest addition to Kodak's Z-Series digital camera line delivers outstanding control and Kodak's Smart Capture technology to consistently produce high quality images.
The KODAK EASYSHARE Z950 Digital Camera offers a 10X image stabilized SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON optical zoom lens, providing maximum versatility for avid photographers to easily handle both distant and close-up shots. It also incorporates Kodak's Smart Capture feature, which "automatically adjusts focus, flash, and exposure for great, no-hassle pictures in virtually any setting".
"The combination of these features plus a 12 MP sensor makes the Z950 a compact digital capture powerhouse, with outstanding image quality and ease of use at an affordable price," says Blake.
The full feature set of the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z950 Digital Camera includes:
• 12 MP sensor (for prints up to 30"x40");
• 10X image stabilized SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON optical zoom lens;
• Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature, which automatically identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for beautiful pictures in virtually any environment;
• Capture challenging action shots without delay with fast click-to-capture speed (<0.3 seconds);
• Available for US$279.99 MSRP from August, 2009.
• KODAK EASYSHARE M381 Digital Camera:
New to Kodak's popular M Series camera line, the KODAK EASYSHARE M381 Digital Camera boasts sleek style, a 5X optical zoom lens, and an advanced feature set that includes:
• 12 MP sensor for prints up to 30" x 40";
• Bright and vivid 3.0" LCD;
• Stunning HD still picture capture;
• Easy upload to Facebook, YouTube or Kodak Gallery;
• Face detection that recognizes up to five faces and automatically adjusts settings;
• Blur reduction technology that reduces blur caused by camera shake or moving subjects;
• Available in Black Olive, Light Steel Blue, and Wine Red for US$179.99 MSRP from September, 2009.
Source: Eastman Kodak Company
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:23 AM | View the original post
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