Daihatsu subsidiary's new factory starts operations
OITA December 21, 2004; Japan Today reported that Daihatsu Motor Co said Monday its subsidiary's new factory in Oita Prefecture has started full production, with a planned annual output of 120,000 vehicles. Daihatsu Motor took the wraps off two new Hijet commercial vehicle models at a ceremony at the factory of its who ... Continue reading
American Idol(R) Superstar Drives Home in New Ford Mustang; To Reveal Convertible at LA Auto Show
- American Idol(R) superstar Diana DeGarmo takes delivery of her new black 2005 Mustang GT from hometown dealer World Ford Stone Mountain in Snellville, GA. - DeGarmo to join the world debut of the 2005 Ford Mustang convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jan. 5, 2005. - Ford begins its sponsorship of the fourth all- ... Continue reading
A. O. Smith Elects Jones to Board of Directors
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 20 -- A. O. Smith Corporation today announced that President and Chief Operating Officer Paul W. Jones has been elected to its Board of Directors. Jones was named president of the Milwaukee-based manufacturer of electric motors and water heaters in January 2004 with responsibility for its Electrical Pro ... Continue reading
Applied Dynamics International Launches the AMD Opteron-based rtX-DX Real-Time Simulator
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--Dec. 20, 2004--Applied Dynamics International (ADI) announced the release of its latest real-time simulation technology, the rtX-PX. The AMD Opteron-based rtX-PX offers Automotive, Aerospace, and Defense engineers a computational performance boost for the development and test of embedded control syste ... Continue reading
What: What do the movie Horror of the Blood Monsters, a MINI Cooper and Kemps Ice Cream have in common? Milwaukee resident Bob Brimmer! Brimmer, a second-generation Hollywood actor who has appeared in films like Horror of the Blood Monsters, is the lucky winner of a 2004 MINI Cooper in the Kemps Ice Cream national "Cow ... Continue reading
O2Diesel Gains Additional DOE, DoD Funding for FY05
NEWARK, DE 12/20/2004; O2Diesel Corporation announced today that the company has received an additional $1.7 million in federal appropriations to continue the testing and demonstration of its cleaner-burning O2Diesel™ in a variety of civilian and military applications, thanks to the support and hard work of U.S. ... Continue reading
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Dec. 20, 2004-- "Optical Smart Card" Based on the Company's One-Megabyte LaserCard(R) Optical Memory Card LaserCard Corporation today announced that it has shipped approximately 100,000 LaserCard(R) optical memory cards over the last three months for use as secure vehicle registration documents i ... Continue reading
2005 400 HP GTO Pricing, Fuel Economy(?) Announced
DETROIT December 20, 2004 - General Motor's Pontiac division today announced pricing for the 2005 GTO. The new model represents the most powerful production GTO ever built, sporting 400 horsepower, enhanced brakes, new styling options and zero-to-sixty performance in 4.6 seconds. It begins arriving at dealerships in li ... Continue reading
Petersen/ White Lightning Takes Two Spots in Porsche Cup Top-5
Petersen/ White Lightning Takes Two Spots in Porsche Cup Top-5 LAS VEGAS, Nev., December 20, 2004 – Petersen Motorsports/ White Lightning Racing was well represented on Saturday evening at the Porsche Motorsports Banquet in Weissach, Germany. The highlight of the evening was the awarding of this year’s Pors ... Continue reading
IIHS FRONTAL OFFSET CRASH TEST RESULTS: ONLY 2 OF 5 SMALL CARS EARN GOOD RATINGS; 1 IS POOR
ARLINGTON, VA -- The Mazda 3 is the best performer and the Kia Spectra is the worst in a recent series of frontal offset crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Mazda 3 earned a good rating and the added designation of "best pick" for frontal crash protection. The Hyundai Elantra also e ... Continue reading
Bentley Motors to produce the worlds most exclusive limousine
Bentley Motors is delighted to confirm that the unique Arnage Limousine concept, created by its Bentley Mulliner coachbuilding division for the 2004 Geneva International Salon is to be put into a limited production run. Such has been the demand following its unveiling, 20 individually numbered, bespoke Arnage Limousine ... Continue reading
Party Responsibly with Nonalcoholic Drinks from AA(A)
BURNSVILLE, Minn., Dec. 20 -- What might your holiday party guests prefer as a nonalcoholic drink option? Perhaps something light with a touch of tartness such as the Schumacher's Sun Splash, served in Schumacher's Hotel and Restaurant in New Prague, Minn. Or maybe something a little more on the creamy side such as the ... Continue reading
Hyundai Ranked #4 in Customer Retention by J.D. Power and Associates
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 20 -- In customer retention, the measurement of what percentage of vehicle owners purchase the same brand again, Hyundai vehicles were ranked by those surveyed as fourth in a recent study. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Customer Retention study, the overall industry averag ... Continue reading
2005 NAIAS: Nissan AZEAL Concept Stays Close to Home in Detroit Debut
GARDENA, Calif.--Dec. 20, 2004--Nissan's AZEAL Coupe, the first concept car created at the new Nissan Design America, Inc. studios in Farmington Hills, Mich., is set to debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January. The AZEAL Coupe Concept is a fresh interpretation of the "pocket ... Continue reading
Federal-Mogul to Give Away Classic Chevrolet El Camino SS Through 2005 Training Promo
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--Dec. 20, 2004--The Federal-Mogul (OTCBB:FDMLQ) Technical Education Center (TEC) will award a 1966 Chevrolet El Camino SS with a "numbers-matching" engine and rare package of factory options to an engine rebuilder, professional technician or parts counterperson through the 2005 Federal-Mogul Training ... Continue reading
SALEM, Ohio--Dec. 20, 2004--Giant Motorsports, Inc. (OTCBB:GMOS), implementing the destination retailer business model in the motorcycle and powersports industry, today announced revenue guidance for calendar year 2005. The announcement was made by Greg Haehn, President of Giant Motorsports. Giant Motorsports is projec ... Continue reading
A.M. Best Special Report: Then and Now; A Retrospective Look at the Nonstandard Auto Market
OLDWICK, N.J.--Dec. 20, 2004--The nonstandard automobile insurance sector is cyclical in nature, characterized by periods of severe price competition and excess capacity followed by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity, according to the A.M. Best Co. In the late 1990s, many nonstandard a ... Continue reading
NEW YORK--Dec. 20, 2004--Newstream Digest Accelerating Retirement Savings With An IRA Do you have enough money saved up for your retirement dreams? If not, there is good news -- current tax law gives retirees investing in IRAs a shot in the arm that will accelerate their savings. Here's how to help make your money keep ... Continue reading
KleenAir Announces Start of London Taxi Program
IRVINE, Calif.--Dec. 20, 2004--KleenAir Systems Inc. (OTCBB:KAIR) announced today that London Mayor Ken Livingstone and the Public Carriage Office have released the long anticipated announcement regarding the upgrading of London's 20,000 Taxicabs. Starting July 1, 2005, older London Taxicabs will have to upgrade to the ... Continue reading
Tires-Easy.com Discount Tire Merchant Makes U.S. Debut
HANOVER, Germany, December 20 -- Delticom has made the jump over the big pond. For a few weeks now the No. 1 European Online tire dealer has been poised at the starting line in the US. Now, at www.tires-easy.com, drivers can easily find the right tires at the tiniest prices. With more than 70 tire brands and around 15, ... Continue reading
Court of Appeals Victory for Subaru of New England, Inc.
Legality Of Selling Practices Upheld NORWOOD, Mass., Dec. 20 -- Subaru of New England, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Subaru products throughout New England, announced today that the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld the legality of its practices in selling automobile accessories to its de ... Continue reading
HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 20 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that the latest edition to its Specialty License Plate Program, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) plate, is now available to Pennsylvania registered vehicle owners. "With NASCAR being a popular ... Continue reading
Alcoa Announces Executive Appointments
NEW YORK--Dec. 20, 2004--Alcoa Inc. announced today several executive appointments as part of its continuing effort to better serve our markets and customers globally. Effective immediately, Robert S. Wetherbee, 45, has been named president of Alcoa's Rigid Packaging business based in Knoxville, Tenn. He replaces Mike ... Continue reading
DETROIT, Dec. 20 -- Santa's got eight tiny reindeer to carry his load, but this week, TheCarConnection.com has its own, high-horsepower list of cars to park under your Christmas tree for that special loved one. Choose the right car, truck or crossover for a very lucky loved one this holiday season in TCC's Shopper's se ... Continue reading
MetLife Auto & Home Offers Auto and Home Tips for Surviving Winter Weather
WARWICK, R.I.--Dec. 20, 2004--The weather outside's expected to be frightful this winter, at least for much of the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which reports a great likelihood of cooler-than-average temperatures in much of the East, Middle Atlantic, and South. Bitte ... Continue reading
Alcoa Wheels Drive New Ford Designs
CLEVELAND--Dec. 20, 2004--Ford Motor Company will now offer a new line of 20-inch Alcoa wheels as Genuine Ford Accessories for Super Duty trucks. Referred to as Super Duty Dubs, customers may now choose from five styles of the strong, hot-forged aluminum wheels - from a flared 6-spoke to a wide 5-spoke design. Each is ... Continue reading
ARCA RE/MAX Daytona Test Speeds & more
Record 49 ARCA RE/MAX Series Drivers Test At Daytona; AJ Fike Quickest DAYTONA BEACH FL (12-20-04) ARCA RE/MAX Series teams capped off a two-day open test at Daytona Int'l Speedway over the weekend with resounding success in preparation for the season-opening Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 on February 12th. In all, a ... Continue reading
Chrysler Group's Customer Demand of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Soars
- Volumes of over 100,000 SIRIUS-equipped vehicles expected; on pace for over 500,000 Subscribers - Best value in the industry: MSRP of $195 with one year of SIRIUS service included AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20 -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the Chrysler Group today announced the completion of the launch of the 2005 mod ... Continue reading
Connecticut Based ESP Wins Contract to Build Vehicle Test Lanes in India
Indian Government Escalates National Campaign to Target Unsafe or Polluting Vehicles EAST GRANBY, Conn., Dec. 20 -- The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has issued a letter of intent to award a contract to Connecticut-based Environmental Systems Products (ESP) to develop the country's first automated veh ... Continue reading
AccelRate Inks Letter of Intent with World Leader: Hawker Powersource
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Dec. 20, 2004--AccelRate Power Systems Inc. (TSX VENTURE:APS)(DAX:KCG) and Hawker Powersource Inc., have signed a letter of intent for manufacturing and marketing of battery chargers throughout North America, incorporating AccelRate's patented technology. The Hawker brand-name of industrial ... Continue reading
Activplant Corporation Appoints Chuck Frosst Chief Operating Officer
LONDON, Ontario, Dec. 20 -- Activplant Corporation, the leading provider of enterprise manufacturing intelligence software, today announced the appointment of Chuck Frosst to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). "We are extremely pleased to have Chuck Frosst join our team at a time when Activplant is experien ... Continue reading
HONG KONG, Dec. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The following was released today by Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited : APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS The Board announces the appointment of Moores Rowland Mazars as auditors of the Group effective 20th December, 2004. Further to the announcement made by the Comp ... Continue reading
Chrysler Group Executives Support Local Colleges with Commencement Addresses
Executives Urge Graduates to Embrace Substance, Diversity and Social Responsibility to Achieve Success in the Global Marketplace - Eric R. Ridenour, Executive Vice President - Product Development, shares keys to success in the global marketplace with graduates at Oakland University - W. Frank Fountain, Senior Vice Pres ... Continue reading
Circuit City to Offer KICKER Car Stereo Products in Stores Nationwide
STILLWATER, Okla., Dec. 20 -- Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc. announced today that Circuit City Stores, Inc. will become the first national consumer electronics retailer to offer their KICKER brand of car audio components. KICKER speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers will be available in all Circuit City Superstores a ... Continue reading
Continental Advances Case for Active Safety Technology at Washington Auto Show Press Conference
Active Safety Technologies Built on Foundation of Electronic Stability Control Will Make Cars Safer and More Fun to Drive AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Continental continued its technology leadership position today with a presentation -- showcasing the company's roadmap for total safety that will integrate active and ... Continue reading
Fabio Perini North America Files Lawsuit against Chan Li Machinery
GREEN BAY, Wisc.--Dec. 20, 2004--Fabio Perini North America Inc. a subsidiary of Fabio Perini S.p.A., which is a worldwide leader in the production of tissue converting machinery, announced today that it has filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Long Island, New York against Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd. The c ... Continue reading
Ford Motor Company - December 2004 U.S. Sales Conference Call
You are invited to participate in Ford Motor Company's December 2004 U.S. sales conference call hosted by George Pipas, U.S. Sales Analysis Manager. The conference call will begin at 1:00 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 and last 45 minutes. To access the call, please dial 800-299-0433 about 10 minutes prior to t ... Continue reading
Freudenberg-NOK Names O'Hare Vice President of Human Resources
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Freudenberg-NOK has named Sarah A. O'Hare as vice president of human resources (HR). The announcement was made by Dr. Mohsen Sohi, president and chief executive officer for the company. In her new position, O'Hare will drive the strategic direction of the HR function, including compensation, ... Continue reading
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Dec. 20, 2004--MBA Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: MBAH) and Solveras Payment Systems announced a new partnership to provide the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) with a complete suite of electronic payment services. The program provides nationwide group discounts on MasterCard(R) and Visa(R) proc ... Continue reading
Nistevo Named to Food Logistics Top 100 Technology Solution Providers
MINNEAPOLIS--Dec. 20, 2004-- Publication addresses technology for the food supply chain in recent special report Nistevo Corp., the leading Collaborative Logistics Network(SM) for transportation management, today announced it was listed as one of the top 100 technology solution providers by Food Logistics magazine. The ... Continue reading
First Major OEM Program Awarded HILLSBORO, N.H., Dec. 20 -- OSRAM Global Automotive Lighting has become the first supplier in the world to win a program award for a complete mercury-free high intensity discharge (HID) lamp and ballast system, fulfilling the growing demand for HID lighting systems and environmentally fr ... Continue reading
Spartan Motors Introduces First-of-its-Kind 'Life-Like Digital Roadshow' for Investors
CHARLOTTE, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Investors interested in Spartan Motors, Inc. can now get a visit from management with a click of a mouse. The Charlotte, Mich.-based manufacturer of custom motorhome chassis, fire truck chassis and emergency-rescue vehicles said it has teamed with PDB Connect (http://www.pdbconnect.com/ ) t ... Continue reading
COLUMBUS, Ohio--Dec. 20, 2004--Worthington Industries, Inc. today announced that it has issued $100 million of ten year unsecured Senior Notes due 2014 through a private placement arranged by Wachovia Securities and Scotia Capital. The Notes bear interest at a variable rate spread over six-month LIBOR of 80 basis point ... Continue reading
Society of Automotive Analysts Finalizes Speaker Lineup for its 2005 Automotive Outlook Conference
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 20 -- The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) -- in partnership with WJR Radio (760AM) -- will present its 17th annual Automotive Outlook Conference Tuesday, January 11, 2005 in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The theme of this year's conference is "Survival ... Continue reading
Durakon Receives Frost & Sullivan Award For Best Aftermarket Brand Of Drop-In Bedliners
Duraliner Bedliners Recognized for Durability and Satisfaction LAPEER, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Durakon Industries, a leading provider of thermoformed products and paint film technology to the automotive industry, announced today that its Duraliner bedliner has received recognition from Frost & Sullivan as the best aftermarke ... Continue reading
Satellite Security Systems to Help Track Engine Usage in Sacramento Area Vehicles
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Contracts With Tracking and Monitoring Company SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20 -- In order to measure reduced emissions from on-road diesel trucks and off-road vehicles, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) signed a five year contract for instal ... Continue reading
Dana Corporation Announces Consolidation of Off-Highway Axle and Transmission Production
TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 20 -- Dana Corporation today announced that it will consolidate the manufacturing of its off-highway transmissions and axles. This consolidation will result in the closure of Dana's Statesville, N.C., facility, a work force reduction in Brugge, Belgium, and the realignment of machining and assembly o ... Continue reading
The Auto Channel Now Available in EZ Lube Waiting Rooms With Secure, Free Wireless Web Access
Fast Lube Company Leverages SonicWALL VPN Technology to Maintain Customer Loyalty and Generate Add-on Service Revenues SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 20 -- EZ Lube(R) Inc., the Southern California-based fast oil change company, is making waiting time productive by providing free, secure wireless guest access for its customers ... Continue reading
Lear to Provide Interior Trim for the 2007 Toyota Tundra
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Lear Corporation today announced that it has been awarded interior trim business for the 2007 Toyota Tundra pickup truck and plans to form a Minority Business Enterprise joint venture to supply the automaker from a new facility on Toyota's site in San Antonio, Texas. Financial terms of the ... Continue reading
SAN DIEGO--Dec. 20, 2004--Air-Trak, Inc., a developer of the Cloudberry GPS tracking and communications system, announced today that Greg White has been named president and CEO. White, who has been serving as interim CEO since August, brings experience in all aspects of early-stage company growth, including strategic p ... Continue reading
ZAP Announces Orders of $4.98 Million for SMART Car
Receives Second $2 Million Purchase for Smart Americanized by ZAP SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 20 -- Automotive technology pioneer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) announced today it has received a second 100-unit wholesale purchase order for the SMART Car, bringing the total in wholesale fleet orders in hand to $4.98 million. Z ... Continue reading
Texans Expected to Celebrate the Holidays with Increased Travel, Says AAA Texas
HOUSTON--Dec. 20, 2004--Nearly 5.1 million Texans will celebrate this Christmas-New Year's holiday period with a vacation or getaway -- a 1.8 percent increase over the number traveling last year, according to AAA Texas. Of those taking holiday trips of 50 miles or more, nearly 86 percent -- or almost 4.36 million trave ... Continue reading
Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience Develop "Senso" Concept Car
Monday - December 20, 2004 Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience work together to develop a new vehicle concept "Rinspeed Senso", the most sensuous car in the world World premiere at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March 2005 Set to make its world premiere at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show: the "Senso" concept car, ... Continue reading
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--Dec. 20, 2004--AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE, America's leading automotive lifestyle publication, today announced the winners of the 2005 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All-Stars awards, recognizing outstanding performance in 13 categories. The recipients are featured in the 2005 February issue, on newsstands January 11, ... Continue reading
AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES 2005 ALL STARS
Editors Award Outstanding Performance in 13 Categories ANN ARBOR, MI – December 20, 2004) – AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE, America’s leading automotive lifestyle publication, today announced the winners of the 2005 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All-Stars awards, recognizing outstanding performance in 13 categories. The r ... Continue reading
Honda Foresees Growing Global Sales Next Year
TOKYO December 20, 2004; The AP reported that Honda is forecasting an 8 percent surge in global auto sales next year as demand for its cars grows in all key markets, the Japanese automaker's chief executive said Monday. Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co. expects its global sales to grow to a record 3.4 million vehicles in 200 ... Continue reading
Wildlife Crossing: The Great Outdoors Presents a Growing Challenge for Motorists
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 20 -- The number of fatal vehicle- animal collisions, particularly with deer, is on the rise -- a trend highlighting the heightened dangers of driving during the fall deer-mating season. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040116/NYFNSM01LOGO ) "Since the 1990s, vehicle-animal collisions ... Continue reading
Northeast Auto Acceptance Corp's. Third Quarter Revenue Surge
MERRICK, N.Y.--Dec. 20, 2004--Northeast Auto Acceptance Corp. (OTC: NAAC) announced today that the company's third quarter 2004 revenue rose sharply to $13,720,450, a 74% increase over the $7,896,416 the company reported in the third quarter of 2003. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004, the company poste ... Continue reading
LOS ANGELES--Dec. 20, 2004--More than 8.6 million California residents - 5.4 million from Southern California - will take advantage of two possible three-day weekends at the end of this year to make holiday getaways, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. This year's Christmas-New Year's travel volume ... Continue reading
FORD AND PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR EXPANSION OF DIESEL ENGINE PRODUCTION
December 18, 2004 – Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën are planning to expand production capacity for the 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 litre high technology diesel engines from the ongoing cooperative agreement between the two companies. This cooperative agreement is enabling both companies to be world leaders in di ... Continue reading
FORD HONOURS SIR JACKIE STEWART AS THEIR 40-YEAR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION DRAWS TO A CLOSE
DETROIT, December 17, 2004 – Ford Motor Company is celebrating its 40-year relationship with the legendary Grand Prix racer-turned-businessman, Sir Jackie Stewart, which draws to a close at the end of the year. Stewart and Ford have agreed to conclude their formal association which began in 1964 when the up-and-c ... Continue reading
UAW-FORD LOUISVILLE EMPLOYEES SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER TO LESS FORTUNATE
* Employees at Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant spent more than $225,000 to provide a brighter Christmas season to more than 1,000 children from surrounding counties. LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 17, 2004 - UAW Local 862 and Ford Motor Company are teaming up with Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) and Louisville Ass ... Continue reading
John Larson Named To Lead Buick, Pontiac-GMC
DETROIT - John Larson will become general manager of Buick, Pontiac-GMC and divisional marketing general manager of Buick, effective Jan. 1, John Smith, GM group vice president of North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, announced today. Larson has served as executive director, finance, for North America VSS ... Continue reading
Honda to expand areas where fuel-cell vehicle leased
TOKYO December 18, 2004; Honda Motor Co said that next year it will expand the areas where it leases its next-generation FCX vehicle equipped with a cold-resistant fuel-cell stack, in addition to its current limited leasing service in Japan and the United States. The announcement follows its acquisition of certificatio ... Continue reading
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