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ZAP to Carry Revived Detroit Electric Brand
Photo: Electric car executives Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP, and Detroit Electric Chairman Albert Lam celebrate the revival of Detroit Electric next to a 1918 Detroit Electric 75 Coupe, which will be on display February 9-12, 2008 at NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Conference and Expo in San Francisco.
In a joint announcement, US electric car pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) and China Youngman Automotive Group announced today they are reviving the 100- year-old electric car brand Detroit Electric for their automotive joint venture. Detroit Electric officials look forward to bringing new vehicle technologies to market by 2009, and beyond that the possibility of bringing new manufacturing and green collar jobs to California.
Detroit Electric plans to introduce its first electric cars and buses in 2009. The ZAP Alias, which is under development for the joint venture, will be one of several vehicles being planned to carry the Detroit Electric brand. ZAP is planning a presentation on Detroit Electric for North American auto dealers at NADA 2008, the world's largest auto show for dealers (National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting and exhibition, February 9-12, 2008, San Francisco).
Detroit Electric was an early 20th Century electric car. The Anderson Electric Car Company started building the cars under the Detroit Electric brand over 100 years ago. Anderson of Detroit, Michigan is the longest running electric car company in history, operating between 1907 and 1939. In its heyday, Detroit Electric was an American icon and the cars were very popular with customers like Thomas Edison, Charles Proteus Steinmetz, Henry Ford's Wife Clara, and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Detroit Electric plans to build a special edition electric vehicle based on the original Detroit Electric as a tribute for the new name of the joint venture.
While joint venture officials are reviving the Detroit Electric brand, the first offices and facilities are planned, not for Detroit, but California. Management will be opening offices in California and evaluating manufacturing opportunities for economic development within the state. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:13 AM | View the original post
High-Class Fashion Event and
World Premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC Coupé
The second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 27 to 31, 2008) made its stages and catwalks available for the creations of established fashion designers from Germany and abroad, as well as up-and-coming young design talent. Mercedes-Benz is a sponsor of the event which bears its name, and has created a remarkable key visual for this high-class fashion event. It shows top model Eva Padberg with the CLC Sports Coupé, which is celebrating its world premiere during the event.
In addition to its involvement in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, the Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer sponsors other international fashion events that include the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, which is immediately following the shows in Berlin from February 1 to 8. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:35 AM | View the original post
Photo: The Chevrolet Beat takes center stage with models wearing fashions by Kevan Hall at GM Style- General Motors' car studded music and fashion gala at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It's loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.
Built on GM's global mini architecture, this concept demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM's Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India.
According to GM, the Chevrolet Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM's Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.
As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.
Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette.
The Chevrolet Beat concept has the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet - already a beloved brand around the world - even further. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: General Motors
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:19 AM | View the original post
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram S70 in Houston, driving on the Red Line between South Park and Ride and the university of Houston-Downtown. January 23, 2008.
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram SD660 in Portland, driving on the Westside Line between Beaverton Creek and Merlo Road. January 24, 2008.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 AM | View the original post
On 21 January the British Airways revealed, in one of its 32 glass cabins, a glittering new Fiat 500. This highly-original initiative was organised by FIAT Group Automobiles UK Ltd to celebrate the launch of the new car on the UK market.
This performance could be followed via a live radio-television broadcast or from a specially dedicated area. It was here that the more than 2000 guests, together with a host of showbiz personalities including Kelly Osbourne, Jade Jagger, Eva Herzigova, Eddie Jordan and Leah Wood, enjoyed the show. But, according to Fiat, thousands of Londoners lined the banks of the Thames next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge to see the car fly into the sky over the City.
Andrew Humberstone, CEO of FIAT Group Automobiles UK Ltd, said: «We are really delighted to have been able to give thousands of people a party to remember and the chance to be at the launch of our Fiat 500. We are sure that this car will find a place in everyone's heart with its fascinating style, fuel efficiency, impressive range of safety equipment and its respect for the environment».
Created by the Fiat Style Centre, the new 500 is a small 3-door car. It is 355cm long, 163cm wide, 149cm high, and has a wheelbase of 230 cm. It has been describe as a "cute, playful compact with soft rounded styling." |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:15 AM | View the original post
Today's European Trading Scandal Highlights Need for Crisis Planning on Corporate Agenda
Just made announcement by European investment banker Societe Generale that a single employee allegedly committed a $7 billion case of trading fraud points to the need for employers to heighten safeguards against internal and external threats, according to a recently released book by the President of The American College.
"Stock option backdating, subprime losses and credit card theft represent market exposures that raise questions about Board governance and internal controls," notes Laurence Barton, Ph.D. "Where were the auditors? Who has accountability and where is the outcry," he notes.
Barton, a widely quoted analyst and professor at The College who is the former vice president of crisis management for Motorola worldwide noted: "Crisis management is more than safety awareness - what can companies do to prevent all kinds of threats, from workplace violence to structural failures and product recalls? We are witnessing a profound lack of quality assuredness in management oversight that extends across industries."
His new book, Crisis Leadership Now, was released by McGraw-Hill. In the book, Barton analyzes more than 400 scandals that impacted notable companies including jetBlue, Marsh, Virginia Tech, Hewlett-Packard and British Petroleum. He found that a lack of crisis auditing on risk exposures often contributes to a problem blossoming into an organizational crisis that can affect the financial condition, brand and recruiting power of an organization.
Photo: Societe Generale Loses $7 Billion to Fraudulent Trader: The Bank of France said on Thursday it would open an inquiry into a fraud at French bank Societe Generale which could have a 4.9 billion euros (3.7 billion pounds) negative impact on the group.
"Society Generale's credibility and potentially its future is on the line today," he adds. "A recommended roadmap is to admit to a profound lack of controls, the absence of detailed, daily oversight and the need for transparency. Offers of executive resignations are not enough. Winning back the confidence of the investment community requires a massive organizational commitment to detailed accounting forensics by external parties," he adds.
"You cannot rely solely on your insurance company to bail you out," Barton notes. "Senior executives must own risk and crisis planning, assess the preparedness of their human resources, security and legal teams to harness solutions quickly when a risk emerges, and they must be flawless at communicating real-time," he adds. "Whether it's Virginia Tech, a mall shooting or a product recall, we still come back to basics: What did you know? When did you know it? What did you do about it?" he asks. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: The American College
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:57 AM | View the original post
Photo: The Verizon Wireless FlipShot(TM) by Samsung is now available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide USA. The Verizon Wireless FlipShot by Samsung comes in either red or black and features a 3.0 megapixel built-in camera with Digital Zoom, a rotating display for optimal viewing while in camera mode,and more. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:36 AM | View the original post
Photo: PENTAX Announces K20D Digital SLR With 14.6 Megapixels, Custom Image Functions And Award Winning Technology.
PENTAX Imaging Company announced today two new digital SLR camera models including the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels and the PENTAX K200D digital SLR with 10.2 megapixels. Both cameras are equipped with advanced features including dust- proof and weather-resistant bodies, an improved PRIME image processor, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 24 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:25 AM | View the original post
COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 23 -- The exclusive Paris Hilton Footwear Collection USA national launch will take place at Macy's South Coast Plaza on February 8th from 3-6 pm, where Paris will personally unveil her new line of stylish, comfortable and affordable footwear.
Plus, from February 1st to the 8th, girls can not only get a sneak peak of the line at Macy's South Coast Plaza, but the first 200 customers to make a purchase from the Paris Hilton Footwear Collection during that time will also get the chance to meet Paris and receive an autographed photo at the February 8th launch event.
The Paris Hilton Footwear Collection features a range of styles that are chic and trendy -- from sexy stilettos and platforms to must-have flats, wedges and boots -- while boasting the highest-quality components and finishes. Paris -- a dedicated shoe aficionado -- has personally selected the styling, design, materials and colors for the line, while working with the collection's licensing company, Antebi Footwear, to bring her vision to life.
The Paris Hilton Footwear Collection will be available at Macy's, Kitson, Zappos.com, Endless.com, Bakers, Lord & Taylor and select specialty boutiques across the USA. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: Antebi Footwear Group
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:14 AM | View the original post
WOMENSWEAR COLLECTIONS
Brilliant colours, dynamic style, young glamour, international mood.
Four definitions which, in a harmonious whole, sum up the UCB collection for the next spring and summer season. A spontaneous style yet with fashion detailing, true to itself, while incorporating lifestyle changes.
New Woman, or formalwear from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening, with strictly classic items featuring low waists, ultra-narrow hems, basic colours and stripes in all widths and all directions. Outerwear, long or short, has trench details; the shirts, the current must-haves, also influence the cut of the t-shirts and minidresses which become shirt dresses.
Her like Him, basic men's styles with feminine charm. Neutral tones with a touch of rosewood. Slouchy trousers top the bill yet when it's the turn of skirts they must be fluid and floaty above the knee. A parenthesis of sprigged silk and a sparkle of sequins that are barely visible soften the raincoats and the striped shirts of the perfect executive.
Everything's Ethno, an unpredictable touch of folk; stateless fashion details tell of far-off lands: Peruvian stripes, Caribbean flowers, Japanese sleeves, African patterns, Indian jodhpurs and Nepalese layering.
Sweaters, or a world of knits. Soft tricots in every colour, every stitch and every size to be worn with multicoloured leggings and tape knit shrugs. Stripes are endearing and enchanting decorations - horizontal, vertical, floral, openwork, ruched and gathered. The rugby polo shirt is offered in multiple lengths, even as far as the ankle.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:07 AM | View the original post
Chrysler LLC unveiled the all-new 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept at the North American International Auto Show. With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is a sporty, minimized two-seater designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience'. Jeep Renegade concept's advanced propulsion system starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender - in Renegade's case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine - allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:13 AM | View the original post
LOS ANGELES -- Italian luxury footwear and accessories brand, Sergio Rossi celebrated the opening of its 1,500 sq. ft. store on Melrose Place with an intimate dinner at Bastide co-hosted by Sergio Rossi Creative Director Edmundo Castillo and Salma Hayek.
Guests were treated to a specially designed Italian inspired 5-course menu. After dinner, guests embarked on a spur-of-the-moment late night shopping spree. Accompanied by Didier Bonnin, Sergio Rossi CEO, guests walked down the street to the new boutique and shopped into the wee hours. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:35 AM | View the original post
Photo: The fleet line up on the start line of the Volvo Ocean Race In Port race in Portsmouth. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)
Portsmouth (England) - 18 January, 2008 - Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala, is confirmed as the host of the second stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race in December 2008. The Indian stopover will come at the end of the second leg of the race from Cape Town, South Africa. Kochi will be the first of three new ports in Asia.
The booming shipping port on the Malabar Coast is now one of India's foremost tourist destinations and the race stopover is sure to bring thousands of additional visitors to both Kochi and the State of Kerala. The Kerala State Tourism Department envisages the event will bring significant visibility as well as economic benefit to the region.
Photo: Race 2005-2006 In Port race Melbourne.Port Phillip Bay. Volvo Open 70 movistar and Ericsson round a mark during the In Port race. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)
Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race commented: "It has always been part of our vision to take the race to different and wider audiences and we are delighted that Kochi has become part of that vision. India not only presents huge opportunities for the development of the event, but this coupled with the daunting challenges the competitors will face when racing their grand prix yachts in unfamiliar waters, will make the visit to India even more exciting for everyone involved. India has hundreds of millions of enthusiastic sports fans and we know they will enjoy this challenging race, with its passion, teamwork, adventure and excitement."
The 2008-09 event will be the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2008, it will for the first time, take in ports in Asia. Spanning some 39,000 nautical miles, stopping at around 11 ports and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier yacht race for professional racing crews. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:06 PM | View the original post
The magazine's Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun
DETROIT -- The AutoWeek editorial staff announced Jan. 16 evening its Editors' Choice Award winners for the 2008 North American International Auto Show during the annual AutoWeek Design Forum, held in conjunction with the auto show.
For more than a decade, the editors of the weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine have scoured show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
The 2008 AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award winners for the Best of Detroit are:
Photo: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
BEST IN SHOW: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 -- "We award Best in Show to the vehicle that we feel will be best remembered five years down the road. Simply put, the Corvette ZR1 is the baddest of the bad. The 620-horsepower machine with carbon-fiber body rightfully takes its place as Best in Show," said AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel.
Photo: 2008 Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Sketch
BEST CONCEPT: Cadillac CTS Coupe -- "The vehicle named Best Concept is one we're most hopeful to see built. Almost unanimously, the AutoWeek editorial staff selected the CTS Coupe as most deserving of the award. It is the next iteration of the dramatic styling Cadillac has brought to the marketplace."
Photo: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
MOST SIGNIFICANT: Ford F-150 -- "Because Ford brought so many significant vehicles to this year's show, the decision of what vehicle to award Most Significant was a tough one. From the Explorer America, a unibody-constructed, friendlier sport/utility vehicle, to the Verve, the best-looking small car Ford has built for America in generations, the F-150 is Most Significant for what it means not only to the company but to the American ethic. The F-150 is Ford tough-and so was this decision among quite an impressive lineup of products Ford has on display."
Photo: Audi R8 TDI Concept
MOST FUN: Audi R8 TDI Concept -- "Who couldn't see themselves with a 6.0-liter V12-powered sex-mobile like this R8 supercar? With turbodiesel power and torque that could move not only houses but emotions, it's AutoWeek's choice as Most Fun."
The magazine's January 28 issue will take an in-depth look at the winners, and some of the finalists, from this year's Detroit show. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: AutoWeek
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:13 AM | View the original post
Photo: Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the first large luxury SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
General Motors will introduce several vehicles among its Cadillac, Saab and Saturn brands at the 2008 North American International Show. GM's NAIAS portfolio emphasizes design and technology that deliver capability and performance while reducing environmental impact. The show opens to the public on Jan. 19.
GM's auto show exhibit will feature several recently introduced models: Chevrolet's 2009 Silverado 2-Mode Hybrid, 2009 Aveo 5, Cadillac's 2009 Escalade Hybrid, 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum, Buick Riviera concept, Cadillac Provoq concept, Pontiac's 2009 Vibe, Saab's 2008 Turbo X, and Chevrolet's 2008 Malibu. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:47 AM | View the original post
Chrysler LLC unveiled the all-new 2008 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show January 14, 2008. One of three concept vehicles displayed by Chrysler LLC, Dodge ZEO is a four-passenger, all-electric, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like. The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Resting in a rear-wheel-drive layout, Dodge ZEO's 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds. (Source: Chrysler LLC) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:56 AM | View the original post
Four-door coupe provides sports car dynamics and sedan comfort
DETROIT -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. introduces the all-new CC, a new coupe with sedan access and functionality. The CC features a muscular shoulder line.
The Passat CC will come standard in the U.S. with the 2.0 TSI engine with 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Newly developed for the CC is an electrically actuated Panorama power vent sunroof. Volkswagen's attention to detail is shown off in the interior of the Passat CC with four ergonomically formed sport seats with available climate control, new instruments, new door trim, new radio and navigation systems spokes on the steering wheel. The rear sport seats offer ergonomically optimized lateral support on the sides of the seatbacks and seat surfaces and optional heated seats. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:16 PM | View the original post
Photo: Dr. Dieter Zetsche,Chairman of the Board Daimler AG and Dave Schembri, President smart USA Penske Automotive Group with the smart fortwo mhd at NAIAS January 13, 2008.
The smart fortwo is celebrating its launch to the world's largest automobile market in Detroit. The shortest and most compact automobile currently in production is scheduled to roll on the streets of America this month.
The smart fortwo is the right car, at the right time for U.S. Drivers. Americans are faced with volatile fuel prices, increased urban congestion and a mindset of environmental responsibility. The smart fortwo offers a high level of comfort, agility, safety and ecology. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:07 PM | View the original post
In the U.S., small-car sales are predicted to increase by more than 25 percent through 2012.
Small cars and crossovers are the only vehicles with projected near-term growth in the U.S.
Photo: North American Verve Concept Sedan.
DETROIT, Jan. 13 -- Ford Motor Company is revealing the Verve, a concept vehicle that makes clear the vision for the new small cars Ford soon will introduce in North America.
New Ford Verve small car concept showcases the style, technology, premium materials and more substantial content that will set it apart from other offerings when Ford's new small cars go on sale in North America in 2010.
Photo: Ford Verve Concept (European) Sketch
According to Ford, the Verve is bold and sophisticated -- to help it clearly stand out from other small cars on the road. Ford is building on decades of small car leadership in Europe as it develops new small cars for North America to appeal to increasingly savvy customers who value technology, design and fuel efficiency.
Both four- and three-door Verve body styles are being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as curtain-raisers to a new global family of small cars set to debut in Europe and Asia beginning later this year and in North America in 2010. The four-door is the basis for the production vehicle that will be sold in North America. The European three- door is being shown to test market reaction to the bodystyle -- as a possible additional small car for the North American market.
Photo: The Ford Verve Concept (European 3-Door) Design Team
The Verve concept has been developed with Ford's new global product development strategy that better leverages the company's global strengths. Globally, Ford is building on its European small-car expertise to stake a bigger claim in this critically important segment.
• Small Car Popularity Skyrockets in North America
Momentum in small-car sales is outpacing overall industry growth worldwide. Globally, small car sales would grow from 23 million units in 2002 to an estimated 38 million in 2012. That's nearly 45 percent of the total expected 85-million unit industry, a level never before achieved. In the U.S., sales of small cars likely will grow by 800,000, or 25 percent -- to a record 3.4 million units by 2012.
In fact, small cars and crossovers are the only vehicles with projected near-term growth in the U.S.
Driving the growth in the U.S. market is a group of young people aged 13 to 28 years -- dubbed "Millennials." Today, this group stands 1.7 billion strong worldwide and will represent 28 percent of the total U.S. population by 2010.
As a group, Millennials embrace eco-friendliness, stay in constant touch using modern technology and demand best-in-class products from around the world. This group will grow from representing 19 percent of the driving public in 2004 to amassing 28 percent in 2010.
Every day, 11,000 Millennials in the U.S. come of driving age. When it's time to buy their first car, nearly half of this group shops the small-car segment.
Ford Verve concept demonstrates that largesse is no longer the price of admission for a delivering a premium driving experience.
The North American Verve sedan, painted in Rouge Red, has been modified slightly from its European and Asian counterparts -- most notably in its front fascia. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: Ford Motor Company
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:08 PM | View the original post
Apple has introduced the new Mac Pro with eight processor cores and a new system architecture that delivers up to twice the performance of its predecessor. The new Mac Pro combines two of Intel's new 45 nanometer Quad-Core Xeon processors running up to 3.2 GHz, powerful new graphics and up to 4TB of internal storage to offer the ideal system for creative professionals, 3D digital content creators and scientists.
Every Mac Pro includes Leopard™, the sixth major release of the world's most advanced operating system. Leopard is packed with more than 300 new features and introduces a brand new desktop. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:33 AM | View the original post
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