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September 2008

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Monday, September 22, 2008

Oil spikes nearly 16% on banking rescue plan

Oil spikes nearly 16% on banking rescue plan

LONDON, UK. Sept 22, 2008 - According to Reuters, Oil prices today soared nearly 16 percent to over $120 a barrel -- the biggest one-day gain on record -- in a rally sparked by the expiry of the front-month futures contract and weakness in the U.S. dollar. The gains extend oil's climb from a low near $90 last week afte ... Continue reading

BMW to Cut Volume and Jobs in U.S.

BMW to Cut Volume and Jobs in U.S.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. Sept. 22, 2008 — According to Automotive New's Diana Kurylko, BMW's new North American chief wants to stop pushing for maximum sales volume in a declining market — even if it means bringing 16 years of U.S. sales increases to a halt. BMW Group's U.S. operations will not take 44,000 new BM ... Continue reading

New Renault Symbol: Renault Symbol Eco-C Gets 74.67 MPG (3.15 litres/100km)

New Renault Symbol: Renault Symbol Eco-C Gets 74.67 MPG (3.15 litres/100km)

Renault's commitment to the development of ecological, economical cars for markets across the world has led to low running costs being built into New Renault Symbol's DNA. This was showcased particularly eloquently by the recent Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge in Turkey which saw New Renault Symbol 1.5 dCi 85 return fuel ... Continue reading

Ford Fiesta Diesel, the 65 MPG Car the U.S. Can't Have

Ford Fiesta Diesel, the 65 MPG Car the U.S. Can't Have

by David Kiley Friday, September 19, 2008 provided by If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system, and gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon. Oh yes, and the car is made by Ford Motor, known widely for lumbering gas hogs. The ECO ... Continue reading

Safe Kids USA Unveils Vehicle Safety Program for Preteens

Safe Kids USA Unveils Vehicle Safety Program for Preteens

Research shows families understand safe behavior but don't always practice what they preach WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Safe Kids USA is unveiling a new vehicle safety program for preteens called the Safest Generation during Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21 to 27. The program, available in loca ... Continue reading

The Chrysler Foundation Announces $200,000 Donation in Food and Supplies to the Houston Food Bank

The Chrysler Foundation Announces $200,000 Donation in Food and Supplies to the Houston Food Bank

-- Local Dodge dealers drive 50 new 2008 Dodge Ram pickup trucks in a hurricane-relief convoy -- The $200,000 is used to provide food and supplies to victims of Hurricane Ike -- The Chrysler Foundation, Chrysler LLC Southwest Business Center and local dealers present the Houston Food Bank with three new 2008 Dodge Ram ... Continue reading

Ferro and Nanofilm Form Partnership for Sales of Nano-Coatings into Glass and Ceramic Industries

Ferro and Nanofilm Form Partnership for Sales of Nano-Coatings into Glass and Ceramic Industries

CLEVELAND--Ferro Corporation and Nanofilm today announced that they have reached an agreement whereby Ferro will market Nanofilm’s unique range of nano-coatings to the global glass and ceramic markets. This new relationship combines Ferro’s extensive sales network and leading performance materials supplier po ... Continue reading

General Automotive Announces $2 Million Credit Line from Presidential Financial Corporation

General Automotive Announces $2 Million Credit Line from Presidential Financial Corporation

ORLANDO, Fla.--General Automotive Company (OTCBB:GNAU), a North American provider of parts, accessories and advanced technology for the automotive industry, is pleased to announce that OE Source, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has obtained a revolving credit line from Presidential Financial Corporation in th ... Continue reading

Force Protection, Inc. Receives Nasdaq Extension for Continued Listing until September 30, 2008

Force Protection, Inc. Receives Nasdaq Extension for Continued Listing until September 30, 2008

LADSON, S.C.--Force Protection, Inc. today announced it received an extension from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel to file its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the first and second quarters of 2008 on or before September 30, 2008. The Company stated that it intends to file separate amended Quarterly Reports o ... Continue reading

Linear Technology Product Eases Design of Hybrid Vehicle Battery Systems

Linear Technology Product Eases Design of Hybrid Vehicle Battery Systems

MILPITAS, Calif.--A new, highly integrated battery stack monitor from Linear Technology Corporation significantly eases the design of battery monitoring systems for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles and a range of battery backup systems. The new product unveiled today, the LTC6802 Battery Stack Monitor, is a ... Continue reading

Strategy Analytics: Consumer Bluetooth Interest Robust

Strategy Analytics: Consumer Bluetooth Interest Robust

BOSTON--The latest Strategy Analytics report on buyer behavior, “Interest in Owning a Bluetooth Headset is Up but Users Only Willing to Pay $50,” looks at consumer interest in purchasing both mono and stereo Bluetooth headsets in the US and Western Europe. Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Lab survey data sh ... Continue reading

Octillion Appoints Director to Develop New Technologies for Generating Electricity from Moving Vehicles

Octillion Appoints Director to Develop New Technologies for Generating Electricity from Moving Vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--Octillion Corp. (OTCBB: OCTL), a next-generation alternative and renewable energy technology incubator, today announced the appointment of Mr. Meetesh V. Patel, Esq. to the Company’s Board of Directors, and as the new President of Kinetic Power Corp., a recently formed wholly-owned subsidiary ... Continue reading

Children in Crashes Are Better Protected Than Ever

Children in Crashes Are Better Protected Than Ever

Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (R), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia release decade-long child passenger safety report PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Child restraint use is higher than ever, according to a report released today by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia ... Continue reading

Schreiner ProTech Applies Innovative Laser Sealing Technology to Production of Airbag Covers

Schreiner ProTech Applies Innovative Laser Sealing Technology to Production of Airbag Covers

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--Schreiner ProTech today announced it is applying a revolutionary laser technology-based manufacturing process to the production of automotive airbag wraps, improving airbag reliability and production efficiency. To ensure the reliable deployment of side and head airbags in case of an accident, even y ... Continue reading

CarMax Reports Second Quarter Results

CarMax Reports Second Quarter Results

RICHMOND, Va.--CarMax, Inc. today reported results for the second quarter ended August 31, 2008. -- Total sales decreased 13% to $1.84 billion from $2.12 billion in the second quarter of last year. -- Comparable store used unit sales declined 17% for the quarter. -- Total used unit sales decreased 7% in the second quar ... Continue reading

Reaction Design Launches ENERGICO

Reaction Design Launches ENERGICO

SAN DIEGO--Reaction Design, the clean technology chemistry leader, today announced the release of ENERGICO™, a revolutionary new simulation package for the gas turbine industry that uses the power of detailed chemistry to accurately model combustion in a virtual environment. By using ENERGICO to model and test new ... Continue reading

Intermap Technologies Opens Michigan Office to Further Drive Automotive Safety and Fuel Enhancement Initiatives

Intermap Technologies Opens Michigan Office to Further Drive Automotive Safety and Fuel Enhancement Initiatives

DENVER & AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--Intermap Technologies, a leading 3D digital mapping company, today announced they have opened a Detroit-area office to support and accelerate advanced automotive technologies in the industry. The new office expands the Company’s commitment to the industry beyond its Munich, Germany of ... Continue reading

Maserati At Goodwood Revival 2008

Maserati At Goodwood Revival 2008

Maserati GB were once again present at the tenth anniversary running of the Goodwood Revival meeting, this year celebrating 60 years of the Goodwood Motor Circuit in front of a record-breaking crowd of 124,000 spectators over the course of the weekend. ... Continue reading

Stockinger For Bentley Safes

Stockinger For Bentley Safes

Featuring sleek luxury in design and polished perfection in technology, Bentley's new partnership with Stockinger Safety First Class exemplifies a singular level of commitment to engineering and craftsmanship. ... Continue reading

Piaggio Porter Delivers

Piaggio Porter Delivers

Piaggio Commercial Vehicles will be exhibiting at the Post-Expo show to be held at ExCel in London, an international show held for the postal, parcel and courier industry. Piaggio Commercial Vehicles will form part of the Piaggio Group stand and will be displaying a zero emission Piaggio Porter electric van. ... Continue reading

SAIC opens 150,000-unit plant with Roewe 550

SAIC opens 150,000-unit plant with Roewe 550

SAIC opens 150,000-unit plant with Roewe 550 http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007821/SAIC-opens-150-000-unit-plant-w ith-R oewe-550.html Shanghai, September 22 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC)'s new 150,000-unit production facility in Shanghai went into operation last Friday, with the ... Continue reading

Lifan Motorcycle Says It's Not Affected by Lehman Bankruptcy

Lifan Motorcycle Says It's Not Affected by Lehman Bankruptcy

Lifan says not affected by Lehman bankruptcy http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007822/Lifan-says-not-affected-by-Lehm an-ba nkruptcy.html Shanghai, September 22 (Gasgoo.com) Chongqing Lifan Group, China's largest motorcycle maker, says its operations and IPO plan will not affected by the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in th ... Continue reading

China works with Canada on hydrogen fuel cell tech

China works with Canada on hydrogen fuel cell tech

China works with Canada on hydrogen fuel cell tech http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007827/China-works-with-Canada-on-hydr ogen- fuel-cell-tech.html Shanghai, September 22 (Gasgoo.com) China¡¯s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of four-year validation on ... Continue reading

Peugeot 207 Van Available In a Range of New Colours

Peugeot 207 Van Available In a Range of New Colours

The Peugeot 207 Van, first launched in the UK in September 2007, can now be ordered in five new exciting exterior colours. ... Continue reading

Used-Vehicle Pricing in Volatile Wholesale Market

Used-Vehicle Pricing in Volatile Wholesale Market

In today’s volatile wholesale market, dealers need more information and tools for assessing used-vehicle values to sustain and drive profitability. Increasing gas prices are driving many customers away from new-car purchases and structurally changing the vehicle pricing mix. The result is a more complex trade-in e ... Continue reading

Comprehensive Industry Report Details U.S. New Car Dealers

Comprehensive Industry Report Details U.S. New Car Dealers

DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/727969/2008_u_s_new_car) has announced the addition of the "2008 U.S. New Car Dealers Industry Report" report to their offering. The New Car Dealers Industry report features 2008 current and 2009 forecast estimates on the size of the indu ... Continue reading

TMW Systems Formally Launches TMT ServiceCenter

TMW Systems Formally Launches TMT ServiceCenter

ORLANDO, Fla.--Assisting retail repair and maintenance service centers across North America to improve operations and win profitable fleet business, TMW Systems, Inc., today announced the availability of TMT ServiceCenter. The software is designed to support service centers performing both contracted outsourced fleet m ... Continue reading

Personnel Changes in Continental AG's Passenger and Light Truck Tires Division

Personnel Changes in Continental AG's Passenger and Light Truck Tires Division

On 1 September, Nikolai Setzer (37) took over management of the replacement passenger and light truck tire market for Europe and Africa. He is also responsible for worldwide marketing of the Passenger and Light Truck Tire division. ... Continue reading

Philippe Bourguignon Joins Zipcar Board of Directors

Philippe Bourguignon Joins Zipcar Board of Directors

Former CEO of Euro Disney and Club Med Joins Zipcar At Time of Unprecedented Membership Growth CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 22 -- Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, announced today that Philippe Bourguignon, international business leader and market visionary, will join Zipcar's Board ... Continue reading

International Speedway Corporation to Host 2008 Third Quarter Results Conference Call

International Speedway Corporation to Host 2008 Third Quarter Results Conference Call

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 22 -- International Speedway Corporation (OTC:ISCB) (BULLETIN BOARD: ISCB) ("ISC") will host a conference call to discuss the Company's fiscal 2008 third quarter financial results on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate, dial (888) 694-4641 five to ten minutes p ... Continue reading

Saab Case Settled With ACCC

Saab Case Settled With ACCC

GM Holden Ltd and the ACCC have agreed to settle the ACCC's legal action regarding an advertisement for Saab's carbon offset program which was published last year. ... Continue reading

Celerant Manufacturing Executive Cites Biggest Opportunities/Challenges for Sector in 2009

Celerant Manufacturing Executive Cites Biggest Opportunities/Challenges for Sector in 2009

LEXINGTON, Mass., Sept. 22 -- Celerant's new Manufacturing vice president, Mitch Schrudder, sees manufacturing sector growth in 2009 stemming from several areas, specifically: -- continued market consolidation and acquisition activity, -- increased global competitiveness, and -- new in-shoring of critical professional ... Continue reading

Valeo presents Safe4U, Its New Front End Module With Improved Pedestrian Protection

Valeo presents Safe4U, Its New Front End Module With Improved Pedestrian Protection

Made of energy-absorbing materials such as malleable steel, its architecture optimizes the passive protection of the vehicle's occupants and pedestrians, and allows automakers to meet the new European Pedestrian Impact Phase 2 standard, which comes into force in 2010. ... Continue reading

Continental Reduces Fuel Consumption with Intelligent Use of Navigation Data

Continental Reduces Fuel Consumption with Intelligent Use of Navigation Data

At the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008, the international automotive supplier Continental is premiering its concept for a control unit that provides other vehicle systems with a digital map preview. The eHorizon (for electronic horizon) constantly sends small data packages via the vehicles data network (CAN bus). The ... Continue reading

"Ego" for Bentley

"Ego" for Bentley

Bentley is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership between Ego Lifestyle and Bentley Motors resulting in a limited edition luxury notebook, known as "Ego for Bentley". No more than 250 pieces will be retailed globally in high-end stores from autumn 2008. ... Continue reading

Re-capturing the Myth Lorinser Reveals Its Re-Interpretation of the Latest SL

Re-capturing the Myth Lorinser Reveals Its Re-Interpretation of the Latest SL

As early as back in the Fifties, a major car magazine wrote: "The Mercedes SL is the most cultivated and at the same time most fascinating among the sports cars of our time". With the most recent facelift from Stuttgart, the myth is more alive than ever. Sportservice Lorinser has reset the jewel among sports cars: the ... Continue reading

Northumbria Police Put Vauxhall Astra On Trial

Northumbria Police Put Vauxhall Astra On Trial

A comprehensive comparative trial is underway at Northumbria Police of the Vauxhall Astra as a beat car following delivery of 56 supplied to full police specification. The Astra is one of two models currently listed within the Police National Framework for the beat car role. ... Continue reading

Is Your Vehicle Child Proofed?

Is Your Vehicle Child Proofed?

AAA OFFERS 10 WAYS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE IN VEHICLES ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 22 Most parents know it's important to child proof their home. However, AAA reminds parents, grandparents and other caretakers that child proofing their vehicles is equally important. As a kick-off to National Child Passenger Safety Week, AAA off ... Continue reading

Oregon Energy Experts Visit Holywell Park, University of Loughborough

Oregon Energy Experts Visit Holywell Park, University of Loughborough

Oregon energy experts visit Holywell Park, University of Loughborough Loughborough, 22 September 2008 - Energy experts from the US State of Oregon have visited Holywell Park to exchange innovative ideas and share best practice on driving forward the low carbon economy during a day of meetings with energy companies orga ... Continue reading

Pep Boys Names Michael R. Odell Permanent Chief Executive Officer

Pep Boys Names Michael R. Odell Permanent Chief Executive Officer

PHILADELPHIA--The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack , the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, today appointed Michael R. Odell Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Odell had been serving as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer since April 23, 2008. Mr. Odell also serves on the Board ... Continue reading

Mazda to Launch MPV and Roadstar in China

Mazda to Launch MPV and Roadstar in China

SHANGHAI - September 22, 2008: Mazda has announced plans to launch new passenger car models successively in China. Besides the MPV and sports Roadstar, the company also plans to restart production of hot-selling models in its Nanjing small car factory which is cutting production now, autosina.com said yesterday. August ... Continue reading

Blue&Me: 500,000th car delivered

Blue&Me: 500,000th car delivered

This is a day that will go down in history for Blue&Me by Fiat Group Automobiles: a Fiat 500 was sold today that was fitted with the 500,000th unit of the system that has changed the paradigms of personal in-car communication, information and entertainment. ... Continue reading

All-New Eco Watch Study From Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research Tracks, Trends Shoppers' Opinions

All-New Eco Watch Study From Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research Tracks, Trends Shoppers' Opinions

New-Vehicle Shoppers' Environmental Concerns Influence Purchase Decisions, Perceptions of Auto Brands, Alternative-Fuel-Related Technologies IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 22 -- According to Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/) Marketing Research's all-new Eco Watch study, in-market new-vehicle shoppers are not only increasin ... Continue reading

Runner-up finish lifts Coughlin into championship lead

Runner-up finish lifts Coughlin into championship lead

DALLAS, TX. Sept. 21, 2008 - When the 2008 POWERade title is handed out at the end of the season, this Sunday's race at the Texas Motorplex could very well be the one defending series champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. points to as the most critical of them all. After watching championship contenders Greg Anderson and Jason Line i ... Continue reading

Your Gateway to the Automotive World of China

Your Gateway to the Automotive World of China

Book your Booth(s) / Space now and be a part of the prestigious : CHINA INTERNATIONAL AUTO PARTS EXPO 2008 From : November 12 ~ 15, 2008 @ China International Exhibition Center, Beijing A perfect gateway for you to China and the World To promote the international exchange and cooperation of the automobile industry, the ... Continue reading

Shocker: Neither Obama, McCain Nor The Federal Government Have A Plan In The Event Of An Oil Interruption - It Hasn't Even Been Discussed, Says Bestselling Investigative Author Edwin Black

Shocker: Neither Obama, McCain Nor The Federal Government Have A Plan In The Event Of An Oil Interruption - It Hasn't Even Been Discussed, Says Bestselling Investigative Author Edwin Black

WASHINGTON, DC - September 22, 2008: It will come as a shock to most Americans and the media, but as the election reaches a crescendo on the issue of preparedness and energy, neither candidate—nor local, state or federal government—has developed a contingency plan in the event of an oil cut-off. It is not eve ... Continue reading

Chrysler Financial Selects Trintech's AssureNET

Chrysler Financial Selects Trintech's AssureNET

DALLAS and DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 22 -- Trintech Group Plc , a leading global provider of integrated financial governance, transaction risk management, and compliance solutions, today announced that Chrysler Financial has selected AssureNET GL to automate the review, approval, and status tracking of account reconciliat ... Continue reading

Boone Casting on the Internet - VIDEO ENHANCED

Boone Casting on the Internet - VIDEO ENHANCED

DALLAS, TX - September 21, 2008: T. Boone Pickens has launched a new feature on his Pickens Plan website: regular video updates on his plan to help the U.S. get out from under foreign oil. The first episode can be watched by clicking PLAY below. New episodes will also be available on The Auto Channel or through the Pic ... Continue reading

Auberlen passes Wilson in Turn 1 on the race's final restart for team's first 2008 victory

Auberlen passes Wilson in Turn 1 on the race's final restart for team's first 2008 victory

Auberlen, Alhadeff Give Turner Motorsport Second Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series Win at Miller Motorsports Park TOOELE, Utah Sept. 21, 2008 - Bill Auberlen dived underneath Kris Wilson in Turn 1 on Lap 40 of Sunday's 44-lap Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series race and held on to give himself, co-driver Matthew Alhadeff and t ... Continue reading

Treble goes out early, Ellis advances to quarters

Treble goes out early, Ellis advances to quarters

DON SCHUMACHER RACING 2008 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES Round 14 of 17 for Pro Stock Motorcycle Round 2 of five in Countdown to 1 playoffs 23rd annual NHRA Fall Nationals Texas Motorplex Ennis, Texas Sept. 19-21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bill Walters, 561-964-2195; cell 561-632-5713; plus320@aol.com SCHU ... Continue reading

Memorial service honors memory of the late Steve Engel

Memorial service honors memory of the late Steve Engel

DALLAS, TX. Sept 21, 2008 - Family, friends, fans, and fellow racers gathered Saturday evening at the Racers For Christ tent at the Texas Motorplex to honor and remember Pro Mod racer Steve Engel, who passed away earlier this week as a result of the injuries he sustained in a crash during the recently completed 54th an ... Continue reading

Coughlin pleased with best outing of the Pro Mod season

Coughlin pleased with best outing of the Pro Mod season

DALLAS, TX. Sept. 21, 2008 - Troy Coughlin and his JEGS.com Chevrolet Camaro race team were pleased with their two-round excursion in JEGS ProMod Challenge action at the 23rd annual Super Start Batteries NHRA Nationals as it marked the group's best outing of 2008. After qualifying 13th with a 6.120 at 234.45 mph in jus ... Continue reading

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