Friday, November 7, 2003

Chrysler Recalling Jeep Liberty Vehicles

Chrysler Recalling 318,000 Jeep Liberty Because of Problems With Suspension WASHINGTON November 7, 2003; The AP reported that Chrysler Group said Friday it is recalling 318,000 Jeep Liberties because of a problem with the suspension that could cause drivers to lose control. The company also is recalling 10,000 2004 Chr ... Continue reading

Consumer Reports Sells New-Car Buying Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONSUMER REPORTS' LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE NEW-CAR BUYING KIT GIVING CAR SHOPPERS COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION PACKAGE Unlimited price reports and exclusive in-depth expert reports are key tools for car buyers YONKERS, NY - To better prepare consumers for the often-intimidating process of buying a new ca ... Continue reading

Ward's Reports Estimated North American Vehicle Production Nov 7, 2003

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 7 -- Vehicle production this week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is expected to hit an estimated 343,689 units, down 0.3 percent from the 344,603 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward's Automotive Reports. Including this week's estimates, calendar year North American output now tota ... Continue reading

Public Invited to 'Electric' Weekend in Long Beach Hosted by Electric Drive Transportation Association

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 7 -- The public is invited to test drive more than 60 clean, cutting-edge electric drive products at the Public Days for EVS-20: Powering Sustainable Transportation, taking place in Long Beach on November 15 and 16, 2003. Attendees at either one of the two "electric" Public Days will get the ch ... Continue reading

W. J. Timken, Jr. Elected President of Timken's Steel Group

Bill J. Bowling to Retire as Steel President CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 7 -- The Timken Company board of directors today elected W. J. (Tim) Timken, Jr., 36, executive vice president and president - Steel Group, reporting to James W. Griffith, president and CEO. http://www.timken.com/media/kits/steel.asp Mr. Timken, who is cur ... Continue reading

UAW International Executive Board Will Make No Recommendation In Democratic Presidential Primaries

DETROIT, Nov. 7 -- The UAW International Executive Board, meeting in St. Louis yesterday, has taken the position of "no recommendation" in the Democratic presidential primaries. The "no recommendation" position frees up the UAW's 11 regions to work through their respective Community Action Program (CAP) structures to e ... Continue reading

Students' Automotive Designs Honored in Miami

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 7 -- Automotive executives, members of the regional press, friends and families were on hand last night to recognize the winning designs in the Dream Rides -- Student Concept Car Design Competition. Presented by the South Florida International Auto Show, Miami's Community Newspapers, and the Sou ... Continue reading

Prestolite Electric Reports Third Quarter 2003 Results

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--Nov. 7, 2003--Prestolite Electric Incorporated and its parent, Prestolite Electric Holding, Inc., today announced financial results for the period ended September 27, 2003. Third quarter sales of $50.9 million generated adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and c ... Continue reading

AMERCO Reaches Agreement in Principle With Wells Fargo Foothill on Terms For $550 Million in Chapter 11 Exit Financing

RENO, Nev., Nov. 7 -- AMERCO today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., part of Wells Fargo & Company , on the terms for $550 million in exit financing to support the Company's emergence from Chapter 11, pending the execution of a definitive agreement at a future date ... Continue reading

Aura Systems Posts SEC Data on Web Site

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 7 -- Aura Systems, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AURA) today announced the availability of financial information for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2003, the quarter ending May 31, 2003 and quarter ending August 31, 2003. The information for these periods is now available on the Aura Systems Web s ... Continue reading

Ofek Capital Announces A Pending $5,000,000 Credit Facility To Its Subsidiary AJM Leasing; Increases Access To Capital Offers Potential Of 240% Increase In Income

TORONTO--Nov. 7, 2003--Ofek Capital Corp. (PinkSheet:OFCC) announces that its wholly owned operating subsidiary, AJM Leasing, is currently going through the due diligence phase on its way to finalize a new CDN$5,000,000 (US$3,850,000) credit facility. This facility is expected to lower AJM Leasing's direct interest exp ... Continue reading

PA Morning Bulletin: Friday, November 7

LONDON, UK, November 7 -- From THE PRESS ASSOCIATION at 0820. Visit www.pamediapoint.press.net for our picture diary and more. COMING UP The Prince of Wales was visiting Oman today after he dramatically named himself as the senior Royal accused of involvement in an allegedly compromising incident witnessed by a servant ... Continue reading

U-Haul Adds Trucks to Meet Growing Demand

PHOENIX, Nov. 7 -- U-Haul International, Inc., announced today the addition of 3,000 10-foot moving trucks to its existing rental fleet. These new trucks represent a second installment that completes a $90 million truck purchase to help the Company keep pace with growing demand. "Financing for these new trucks is in ad ... Continue reading

Green Bay Packers and Partners 'TEAM' Up to Ensure Safety at Games and on Area Roadways Throughout the Football Season

Designated Driver Program Offers Responsible Alternative GREEN BAY, Wis., Nov. 7 -- "Responsibility Has Its Rewards" is the message to Green Bay fans as the Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, Coca-Cola, the NFL, and the TEAM Coalition join forces to get the word out to fans about the importance of responsible drinking a ... Continue reading

MPA to Present at The Wall Street Analyst Forum's 50th NYC Analyst Conference

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 7, 2003--Motorcar Parts of America ("MPA") (OTC:MPAA), a leading provider of remanufactured starters and alternators for the automotive aftermarket, today announced that MPA's Chairman and CEO Selwyn Joffe will make a presentation to analysts and portfolio managers at The Wall Street Analyst Forum's 5 ... Continue reading

GM China Mini-car Spark Joins Fray

SHANGHAI November 7, 2003; Dow Jones reported that General Motors Corp. said today that its first mini- car for China, the Spark, will roll off the assembly line Saturday. The U.S. automaker said pricing of the 51-horsepower Spark will be announced in early December, when it is delivered to dealers in China. The car is ... Continue reading

German Auto Giants October 2003 Scorecard

FRANKFURT, Nov 7, 2003; Reuters reported that German automaker DaimlerChrysler said on Friday sales of its Mercedes and small Smart cars slipped slightly in October while arch rival BMW reported a sharp rise in sales. Sales of luxury Mercedes cars and smart cars totalled 107,700 units in October, down almost one percen ... Continue reading

Judge To Rule In DaimlerChrysler Merger Suit

FRANKFURT, Nov 7, 2003; Reuters reported that DaimlerChrysler said on Friday a U.S. judge, rather than a jury, would decide on the lawsuit between the automaker and billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian about the 1998 merger. "The judge has decided he and not a jury will rule on the case," a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler ... Continue reading

Isuzu Direct-Injection Gasoline V6 Wins POPULAR SCIENCE 'Best of What's New' Award

Honored for 'More Power, Lower Emissions' NEW YORK, Nov. 7 -- The editors of POPULAR SCIENCE magazine have honored Isuzu with a prestigious 2003 "Best of What's New" Award for its 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine. The engine -- introduced earlier this fall as standard equipment on the 2004 Isuzu Axiom and ... Continue reading

LA Auto Club: Ten Straight Weeks of Gasoline Price Declines; Prices Expected to Level Off Soon

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 7, 2003--The downward slide of gasoline prices continued last week for the tenth consecutive week. But conditions point to a leveling off of pump prices in the next few weeks, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch. Currently, the average price of self-serve regula ... Continue reading

BMW X3 Makes Official North American Auto Show Debut at South Florida International Auto Show

Prices start at $30,995 WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Nov. 7 -- The all-new BMW X3 makes its official North American debut at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami today. With the introduction of the X3, BMW expands its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The new BMW X3 combines the versatility of a ... Continue reading

AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Prices in Austin Fall -- Most of Texas Is Stable

HOUSTON--Nov. 7, 2003--While the price of gasoline remained stable throughout Texas, prices in Austin declined substantially over the past week, according to the Weekend Gas Watch by AAA Texas. The Texas average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $1.41 -- a penny less than last week's average and only a pen ... Continue reading

Volvo Takes Safety to the Next Level

... 'Drive for Life - Owner Experience' A Thrilling Drive Program Designed to Improve Awareness MIAMI, Nov. 7 -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced today the launch of the "Drive for Life -- Owner Experience," an innovative new approach to improving driver behavior through the use of an exciting and inte ... Continue reading

Kia Announces Pricing for 2004 Amanti

Amanti Enters Large, Premium Sedan Segment With MSRP of $24,995 MIAMI, Nov. 7 -- At the South Florida International Auto Show today, Kia Motors America announced pricing for the all-new 2004 Kia Amanti large, premium sedan with a suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $24,995. The Amanti, Kia's first large, premium ... Continue reading

Porsche Carrera GT Wins Popular Science Magazine's Best of What's New Award

ATLANTA, Nov. 7 -- The Porsche Carrera GT was awarded the Best of What's New in the cars category in Popular Science Magazine's 2003 16th Annual "Best of What's New" awards. This award will be featured in the December issue and will be on newsstands November 12. The Porsche Carrera GT -- which will go on sale in Decemb ... Continue reading

Car Loans and Lease Payments - "The Survey Says"

ISLANDIA, N.Y., Nov. 7 -- More than half (55%) of all Americans making monthly payments on car leases or loans say these loans are burdensome enough to prevent them making major purchases, such as for homes, appliances or furniture, according to the Cambridge Consumer Credit Index. Of all Americans surveyed, 46% have o ... Continue reading

TRW Automotive Inc. Reports 2003 Third Quarter Results

Financial Performance In-Line With Expectations Following Decline In Industry Production Volumes LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 7 -- TRW Automotive Inc. today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2003. Consolidated net losses were $23 million compared to predecessor third quarter combined net earn ... Continue reading

Motorcar Parts & Accessories, Inc. Board Approves Name Change to Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 7, 2003--Motorcar Parts & Accessories, Inc. ("MPA") (OTC:MPAA), a leading provider of remanufactured starters and alternators for the automotive aftermarket, today announced that the Company intends to change its name to Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. The name change proposal was approved by the Boar ... Continue reading

Rockwell Automation Announces Selection of James Gelly as Senior VP and CFO

MILWAUKEE-- Rockwell Automation today announced that James Gelly will become Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 5, 2004. Gelly will succeed Michael A. Bless who, earlier this year, announced his intention to leave Rockwell Automation. Bless will remain with the company and work closely ... Continue reading

Smith & Wesson Teams up with Kerry Earnhardt for NASCAR Event; Horsepower Meets Firepower at Target House 200 BGN Rockingham Race

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Nov. 7, 2003--Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX: SWB), parent company of the legendary 151-year-old handgun maker, Smith & Wesson Corp., announced today its sponsorship of Kerry Earnhardt for the upcoming Target House 200 NASCAR(R) Busch Series Race on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at Rockingham. ... Continue reading

The Fast and The Furious: At SEMA Show 2003 It's More Than a Movie Title, It's Business; Big Business

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6 -- America loves car movies. The world loves American car movies; and like scores of Hollywood titles before it, the hit movie The Fast and the Furious(TM) and its sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious(TM) recognized an automotive sub-culture and its pursuit of life in the fast lane. It also took notice of the spor ... Continue reading

GM Hybrid Plan: Focus on Large Vehicles

DETROIT November 6, 2003; John Porretto writing for the AP reported thatGeneral Motors Corp. will focus its most advanced hybrid technology on its largest, least-fuel-efficient models first. It also has scrapped plans to place a full-hybrid engine in a future compact sport utility vehicle, the automaker said. Tom Steph ... Continue reading

Winnebago Industries to Receive 8th Consecutive RVDA Quality Circle Award

FOREST CITY, Iowa--Nov. 6, 2003--Winnebago Industries, Inc. , the nation's leading motor home manufacturer, received notification that the Company will be awarded the prestigious Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers' Association (RVDA) for the eighth consecutive year at the upcoming 41st Annual Nati ... Continue reading

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Post-Season Report

ARIE LUYENDYK, JR. POST-SEASON REPORT For Immediate Release November 6, 2003 INDY RACING LEAGUE MENARDS INFINITI PRO SERIES DRIVER: ARIE LUYENDYK, JR. #5 SINDEN RACING SERVICE DALLARA / INFINITI / FIRESTONE ARIE LUYENDYK, JR. POST-SEASON QUOTES After some time away from the race in Texas, tell me what you are feeling a ... Continue reading

NHRA Thursday: The First Day of Qualifying in Pomona Finds Warren Johnson in Second

Contact: Jon G. Knapp TMG Sports Marketing Phone: (704) 662-3121 jgknapp@tmgsports.net Thursday Qualifying Results The First Day of Qualifying in Pomona Finds Warren Johnson in Second Event: 39th annual Auto Club of Southern California Finals Location: Pomona Raceway Pomona, California Day/Date: Thursday November 6, 20 ... Continue reading

Carmaker Adds Full-Size SUVs And Pick-up Trucks To Advanced Technology Portfolio

DETROIT November 6, 2003; Dow Jones reports that General Motors Corp. confirmed that it will add a strong hybrid powertrain to the next-generation of its full-size sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, which will debut in 2007. ,the automaker also confirmed earlier reports which said it will scrap its plan to devel ... Continue reading