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India’s largest WTA Tour Event will be held from February 12 - 18, 2007 at KSLTA, Bangalore.
Bangalore, India – After a successful second year of tennis sponsorship, Sony Ericsson increases its commitment to the sport by tying up with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to bring the Sony Ericsson International, a Sony Ericsson WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Tour event, to Bangalore. With the title sponsorship of the tournament in India, Sony Ericsson aims to further popularise and promote the sport of tennis in India, as it has been doing worldwide through the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. KSLTA is pleased to announce confirmed participation from Serena Williams and Sania Mirza for the tournament. This will be Serena’s first appearance in India and the talented player is set to enthral the Indian audience with her exciting power tennis.
Announced today at a press conference in Bangalore, Sony Ericsson International will sit alongside the company’s other tennis commitments: the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which culminates in the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid in November, the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, also in November, and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, to debut in March 2007.
According to Serena Williams, “I am very excited to be playing in the Sony Ericsson International in Bangalore, especially for the first time. Tennis as a sport has become more and more popular in India, and I hope many fans of all ages will come out and see us play. I always look forward to visiting a new country and playing in new good tournaments.”
Speaking at the press conference, Sania Mirza said, “Sony Ericsson has had a major impact on the WTA Tour. It has helped to make the sport cooler and more accessible because of its links with music, film and fashion. As a result tennis has broadened its appeal to new audiences. I look forward to the newly created Sony Ericsson International next February, in my country.”
Sony Ericsson is the global title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:31 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Detroit, Mich. -- General Motors Vice President Global Design Ed Welburn (left), and GM Vice Chairman Global Product Development Bob Lutz provide a sneak peek at the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, which will be fully revealed at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January. The performance luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in late-summer of 2007, with worldwide sales to follow in the fall. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin).
View Larger Picture of All-New Cadillac CTS Sneak Peek
Cadillac's first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels since its inception in 2002. Cadillac sold more than 60,000 copies in the U.S. in 2005, compared to roughly 38,000 in 2002, an increase of more than 50% over that period. There are roughly 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market. AutoPacific rated CTS as the top Entry Luxury Car in its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards in 2006.
Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Cadillac products include the CTS sport sedan, SRX luxury crossover, STS performance luxury sedan, DTS large luxury sedan, XLR luxury roadster, Escalade full-size SUVs (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT) and the high-performance V-Series (CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V) three cars that go 0-60 in under 5 seconds. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:31 AM | View the original post
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado accessorized with chrome grille, 20" wheels, tow hooks, roof mounted cross rails, tubular assist steps, bed rails, mirror covers and door handles. (United States)
DETROIT, Mich. - Today, Motor Trend magazine bestowed its prestigious "Truck of the Year" award on the all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado.
"We feel the new Silverado represents the best of the best in the competitive pickup truck segment," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Years of work have gone into every element of this vehicle. It's great to receive this recognition from such a respected publication. It provides great reinforcement and encouragement for our entire Chevy team, and our employees from our design studios to engineering centers, and assembly plants to dealerships - this is a great win."
Photo: 2007 Silverado LT Instrument panel.
This is the third time since 1999 the Silverado has received this coveted award, making it the only three-time winner in the 18-year history of the award.
"This firmly establishes Silverado in the leadership position among all pickups," Peper added.
Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States.
The all-new truck incorporates new exterior and interior designs, powertrain, chassis and safety systems. The fourth generation of the legendary small-block V-8 engine family is the power behind the new pickup, delivering segment-leading horsepower and fuel economy. This makes it the only full-size pickup with over 300 hp and a combined fuel economy rating of more than 20 mpg. Silverado also offers the widest range of truck configurations with three cab sizes, three bed lengths and two distinct interiors to fit every customer's needs.
Motor Trend Editor In Chief Angus MacKenzie praised the new Silverado for offering "...traditional values people want in a pick-up - it's rugged, durable and versatile, but it's also stylish and comfortable...and it's done a great job in maintaining the Silverado's reputation for value."
As the new truck hits the market, customers are responding. Silverado, already the top-selling Chevrolet model, saw its sales increase 18% in November over the same month last year, and that trend is expected to grow as the new trucks fully penetrate the market. This will keep Chevy's 4,100 dealers humming through the holiday season and into 2007.
The new truck is assembled with quality and pride by our United Auto Workers and Canadian Auto Workers partners at five North American locations: Fort Wayne, Indiana; Pontiac, Michigan; Flint, Michigan; Silao, Mexico and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:19 PM | View the original post
InComm Successfully Processes First POS Transaction.
PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 19 -- MasterCard Worldwide and InComm today announced the successful completion of the first cardholder point of sale transaction using the MasterCard rePower Load Network. MasterCard rePower at the point of sale is a new service that allows consumers to add money to eligible MasterCard or Maestro branded prepaid cards at participating merchant locations. InComm will begin offering the solution to the 145,000 stores that comprise its retail distribution network.
MasterCard rePower allows MasterCard-branded prepaid cardholders to easily add money to their eligible prepaid accounts at participating retail locations, bringing a valuable service to the millions of financially "underserved" individuals in the United States. Prepaid cards have emerged as a key enabler of allowing those without a banking history -- a segment that research firm Celent estimates to be 14 million households -- to forge a relationship with a financial institution and better manage their money.
Eligible cardholders need only to present a participating merchant with an eligible MasterCard or Maestro-branded reloadable prepaid card, along with the money they wish to add. The merchant uses standard transaction codes and transmits the load amount. The transaction is processed in real-time over the MasterCard network, giving the cardholder immediate access to his or her money.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:01 PM | View the original post
Get a New One from Saab - For Free.
Photo: Saab 9-3 SportCombi, MY 2007
DETROIT — Convinced of the jet-like performance and endurance of its products, Saab Automobile USA is announcing that it will offer a free new Saab to any U.S. customer who covers the distance of one million miles (or more) in a Saab that he or she originally purchased new. The new Saab will come with the 100,000 mile/5 years GM Powertrain limited warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance, standard with every model in the 2007 Saab Automobile USA portfolio.
Photo: Wisconsin resident and insurance salesman Peter Gilbert, left, and Saab USA General Manger Jay Spenchian, right, savor the moment as Gilbert's 1989 Saab 900 SPG, background, reaches the one million milestone at this year's North American Saab Owners Convention in Lake George, N.Y.
This announcement comes after Wisconsin resident and insurance salesman Peter Gilbert recently reached the one million milestone in a 1989 Edwardian Gray Saab 900 SPG, still with the original engine and turbo, at this year’s North American Saab Owners Convention in Lake George, N.Y. Saab Automobile USA General Manager Jay Spenchian was the very first to congratulate Gilbert and his 900 SPG on the occasion.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:18 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Spotlights lit up Chicago's first-ever tower of cars, a vertical showcase displaying seven Volvos in glass cases stacked on top of one another. The view from the glass tower will change and stay fresh as new Volvo models are displayed and lighting reflects the changes in the season. (PRNewsFoto/Volvo Cars of North America)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:10 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept Sketch. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:06 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: DETROIT, Mich. – General Motors offers a first look at the exterior of the next generation Chevrolet Malibu Monday, December 18, 2006. The 2008 Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The new Malibu features a dual-port grille that represents the "new face of Chevrolet." The mid-size Malibu will have a more upscale look and feature more premium materials. GM will invest $208 million in its Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant to prepare for the production of the Malibu. (General Motors Handout Photo) (USA)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:00 PM | View the original post
"tap & go(TM)" payment in New York City. Innovative Payment Trial to Use Near Field Communications Technology.
NEW YORK, NY - Citigroup, MasterCard Worldwide, Cingular Wireless and Nokia today announced a consumer technology trial of Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled mobile phones with MasterCard PayPass(TM) contactless payment capability in New York City. The goal of this trial is to evaluate the speed and convenience that "tap and go" payments made through mobile phones can provide to Citi credit cards and Cingular customers in the New York City area. The trial is expected to run three to six months.
Pre-selected Citi MasterCard cardholders with Cingular Wireless accounts are participating in the trial and will receive Nokia NFC-enabled mobile phones with MasterCard PayPass payment functionality. MasterCard PayPass is a "contactless" payment program that provides consumers with a fast and convenient way to pay.
"As a leader in innovative products and services, Citigroup continually looks for ways to make the lives of our customers easier," said Amy Radin, Chief Innovation Officer, Global Consumer Group, Citigroup. "We are confident that mobile phone technology with contactless payment will appeal to our customers' increasing demands for speed, convenience and security."
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States. Citigroup (NYSE: C), the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries. MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions and processes more than 16 billion payments each year. Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:30 PM | View the original post
Photo: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Argentina)
For more than 50 years, the name Chevrolet Corvette has been synonymous with the unique and spectacular experience of handling a sport automobile of first level and high performance. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 moves the soul of the fanatics of sport cars by its high performance during a daily trip as well as during a weekend in the circuit. After a great amount of important improvements in 2006, Chevrolet Corvette Argentina, 2007 model, now appears with numerous refinements.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:47 PM | View the original post
Next-generation high-performance 4WD sport sedan.
Tokyo, December 18, 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan (U.S. market model) its global premiere and will also unveil the Prototype X concept for a next-generation high-performance 4WD sport sedan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The 2007 NAIAS runs from January 7 to 21 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 13.
Photo: Prototype X image sketch1
The Prototype-X concept car on show is an advance development model for the new Lancer Evolution due to be launched in the 2007 fiscal year. Embodying Mitsubishi Motors' trademark "fun to drive" qualities throughout, Prototype-X features styling based on the current Lancer but was developed to project a visibly higher performance image. The concept model is fitted with Mitsu-bishi's S-AWC*1 (Super All-Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics system that delivers the ultimate in four-wheel drive traction and handling control together with a new turbocharged MIVEC*2 engine with an aluminum cylinder block and a high performance 6-speed manual transmission.
Photo: Prototype X image sketch2
In addition to the Lancer and Prototype-X, Mitsubishi Motors will be featuring the Outlander sport utility vehicle, which was released in the U.S. market this October. Outlander is powered by a new high-performance 3-liter V6 MIVEC*2 engine together with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver strong acceleration and ample power at cruising speeds. The Raider pick-up, winner of the 2006 Baja 1000 (Stock Mini class), will also be showcased along with other local production models.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:39 PM | View the original post
Do-it-yourself specialists no longer do it themselves.
Photo: In the future Siemens Business Services will operate the SAP system for the bauMax do-it-yourself retail chain in seven countries. More than 7,000 bauMax employees use the system in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Romania. The contract runs for eight years.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:46 PM | View the original post
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Spark (Venezuela)
GM Venezuela maintains a rate of solid advance in sales to end the year 2006 as the company leader of the national automotive market for 27 consecutive years.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:39 PM | View the original post
Photo: Prof. Dr. Hermann Requardt, head of Siemens Corporate Technology, at the ceremony handing over the 500th company experiment kit to a kindergarten in Munich's Hasenbergl district. In fiscal 2007, Siemens will substantially expand its commitment to promote early interest in the sciences, and will be donating 1,000 additional research kits to German kindergartens.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:34 PM | View the original post
Lisa Hutchinson, director of brand and product development for Saturn (right) and Automotive News Editor Edward Lapham discuss a 2007 Saturn Aura after it was announced as a finalist for the North American Car of the Year Award Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan. Lapham was a member of the jury that selected the finalists. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) (USA)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:30 PM | View the original post
PARK RIDGE, N.J. – Sony Electronics has introduced the F23 camera, which will support 4:4:4 1920 by 1080 RGB imaging.
“With this new system, content creators and program producers will have one more extremely versatile high-end production tool in their arsenal,” said Rob Willox, Sony’s director of marketing for professional content creation products. “Developed for cinematographers, this system will offer the technical and mechanical flexibility they need, as well as a compact and rugged design to withstand the challenging conditions often encountered on location.”
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:07 PM | View the original post
Lufthansa German Airlines is expanding its Airbus long-range fleet with an order for seven additional Airbus A340-600 aircraft. The new order raises the total number of A340s in Lufthansa's fleet to 52. With this order Airbus passes the milestone of 1000 aircraft sales of the A330/A340 Family.
The A340-600s will have about 300 seats in a three-class configuration and will be delivered from early 2008. Lufthansa plans to use the aircraft on high passenger demand long haul routes out of Frankfurt and Munich, to destinations like the US West Coast and Asia.
Lufthansa is one of the longest standing and largest Airbus customers worldwide, and one of the launch customers for the A340. Currently Lufthansa has nearly 140 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:16 PM | View the original post
Photo: To celebrate its second title in the F1 Constructors World Championship, Renault will offer a new version of the Mégane Renault Sport – the Mégane F1 Team R26. Its distinctive lines reinforce its positioning as a true sports car.
The special F1 Team R26 combines a Cup chassis with completely new settings and a limited slip differential for even crisper handling whether driving on open roads or round a circuit. Its enhanced 230hp 2.0 turbo engine and Brembo brakes make it one of the highest performance hatches on the market.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:28 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: KARL LAGERFELD launches a new Women's and Men's denim inspired collection K KARL LAGERFELD for Fall 2007.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:22 PM | View the original post
GM Showcases Its Brands In Style at its All-New Exhibit.
Photo: Rendering of the new entrance to GM's display at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007.
DETROIT – When hundreds of thousands of 2007 North American International Auto Show visitors step inside the 121,000-square-foot General Motors exhibit beginning Jan. 13, they’ll experience more than beautifully designed and executed cars and trucks. The all-new GM exhibit – the show’s largest – will be transformed into the auto show equivalent of an art gallery.
Photo: Rendering of GM's new Pontiac display at the North American International Auto Show 2007.
A more intuitive layout supported by enhanced, high-tech overhead and vehicle lighting; open spaces and clean lines; minimalist architecture and premium materials will allow visitors to experience GM’s eight distinctive brands in unique, gallery-type settings within a unified, GM-themed environment. The individual brand displays surround GM’s advanced technology-themed corporate display.
Photo: Rendering of GM's new Chevrolet Truck display at the North American International Auto Show 2007.
GM Design played a key role in the vision and execution of this year’s exhibit, taking an esthetic approach remarkably similar to its globally influenced vehicle design process.
Photo: Rendering of GM's new Cadillac display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.
The individual brand displays surround GM’s corporate exhibit, featuring LED screens and projected laser images on glass that demonstrate GM’s vision for reinventing the automobile. During the media preview, the space will be used for major vehicle launches. For the public, the space will be transformed into a dramatic vehicle design and technology display highlighting GM’s leadership in design, technology, safety, quality and fuel efficiency.
“While the stars of the show are the vehicles, we wanted the exhibit space to reflect the corporation’s design-driven direction in a way that complements the brand essence of each vehicle and the overall GM brand,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “The finest work deserves to be displayed in the best galleries, and I believe we’ve accomplished that with this exhibit.”
Visitors will know they’ve arrived at a special destination the moment they approach the exhibit, with its dramatic center entrance featuring a stainless steel ribbon 261 feet wide and 26 feet high, sporting a jeweled GM corporate logo. Five award-winning global concept vehicles will be positioned at the entrance to reinforce the strength of GM vehicle design and future products.
Throughout the exhibit, 615 linear feet of LED lighting will be suspended above visitors’ heads, complemented by additional lighting in the brand displays that bathes the vehicles in light. Each of the brand areas will have back wall video projection for product messages, as well as synchronized corporate messages.
Here’s a tour of GM’s 2007 North American International Auto Show exhibit:
Chevrolet: GM’s largest brand builds on a global auto show concept called “Chevy Moments.” The display consists of a series of graphic towers, feature vehicle displays and LED screens, along with unique flooring that defines specific vehicle areas. Chevrolet is unveiling the new 2008 Malibu at the Detroit show.
Cadillac: The display for GM’s luxury marque is inspired by the sharp lines and faceted architecture of its vehicles. It features an angular ceiling canopy, premium materials such as frosted glass and stainless steel surfaces, and high-tech lighting that befits Cadillac’s technology legacy. Cadillac is revealing the new 2008 CTS at the Detroit show.
GMC: Professional Grade goes decidedly upscale with an all-new space that features textured blue steel, precast concrete, and chrome, perforated metal that evokes the grille design of GMC’s premier Denali lineup. Mechanical elements abound, executed with style and precision.
HUMMER: Capability is the name of the game, and GM’s go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles are displayed against a deep orange backdrop complemented by architectural cues such as massive ID plinths, concrete and glass floor panels.
Saab: Very clean and open with crisp, white surfaces and glass flooring, the Saab display features unique LED technology as well as LED screens that create a special product environment.
Saturn: As refreshing as its brand-new product lineup, the Saturn display breaks convention with unique architectural elements and distinctive materials. The “Aura Box” features bright Obscura projection technology focusing on the 2007 Aura Green Line hybrid.
Buick: The Buick environment exudes the premium elegance associated with its new design direction. It features sophisticated materials such as wood, polished stone tile and gossamer lighted fabric back walls that underscore the display’s water theme, and illuminated ceiling coves. A Buick Lucerne will showcase OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation technology on a windshield-projected narrative.
Pontiac: Pontiac's all-new display evokes the energy and atmosphere of a hip club. Polished stainless steel surfaces, gloss black paint and glass convey the brand’s seductive performance theme. The space comes alive with carefully choreographed sound, light and the use of video presentations that create excitement.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:32 PM | View the original post
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