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March 2009

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

EVI Cruises into Mid-America Trucking Show with First "Road Ready" Commercial Electric Vehicle to Hit the U.S. Market

EVI Cruises into Mid-America Trucking Show with First "Road Ready" Commercial Electric Vehicle to Hit the U.S. Market

Company sees favorable political climate and superior technology as providing momentum for rollout of EV and HEV models to fleet managers and commercial transport owners LOUISVILLE, Ky. March 17, 2009; Electric Vehicles International (EVI), a leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, announced today that th ... Continue reading

Indycar Series Notes - March 17, 2009

Indycar Series Notes - March 17, 2009

1. Championship Pairing: Dixon, Franchitti first team of back-to-back series, Indy 500 champs: Target Chip Ganassi Racing celebrated several milestones in 2008: winning the Indianapolis 500, winning the IndyCar Series championship, and winning its 100th race as a team. In 2009, the team will make history again when it ... Continue reading

TONY STEWART - No More of Them Racin Deals at Bristol

TONY STEWART - No More of Them Racin Deals at Bristol

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. March 17, 2009: The term, “Just one of them racin’ deals,” is sure to be uttered by more than one driver this weekend at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. The tight and fast .533-mile bullring plays host to Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and its also home to one ... Continue reading

Lear Reaches Agreement With Lenders to Amend its Primary Credit Facility

Lear Reaches Agreement With Lenders to Amend its Primary Credit Facility

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 17 -- Lear Corporation , a leading global supplier of automotive seating systems, electrical distribution systems and electronic products, announced today that it has reached an agreement with its lenders for an amendment and waiver to its primary credit facility. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/ ... Continue reading

German Automotive Supplier to Establish Operations in Saltillo, Mexico

German Automotive Supplier to Establish Operations in Saltillo, Mexico

TUCSON, Ariz., March 17 -- AKT altmarker Kunststoff-Technik GmbH of Gardelegen, Germany has signed a contract with The Offshore Group of Tucson, Arizona for the provision of outsourced manufacturing support, or "shelter" services in Saltillo, Mexico. The company has signed a lease agreement for the rental of 34,822 squ ... Continue reading

AutoNation Direct Earns WomenCertified(R) Seal, Launches Car Buying Her Way

AutoNation Direct Earns WomenCertified(R) Seal, Launches Car Buying Her Way

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 17 -- AutoNation, Inc. , America's largest automotive retailer is providing a silver lining in a dreary auto market. WomenCertified and AutoNationDirect today announced the launch of Car Buying Her Way, a collaborative online car buying experience created especially for women. Backed by cus ... Continue reading

Toyota Motorsports Notes - Bristol - March 17, 2009

Toyota Motorsports Notes - Bristol - March 17, 2009

CLOSE TO A FULL CUP: Three Toyota Camry drivers came close to taking the checkered flag at Bristol in 2008. Kyle Busch led 415 of 500 laps in the fall race before a mechanical problem took him out of contention for the victory. In the spring race, former Toyota driver Tony Stewart led 267 of 500 laps when a late-race i ... Continue reading

Brawn GP - Jerez - Day 3

Brawn GP - Jerez - Day 3

Jerez, March 17, 2009: Jenson Button concluded the Brawn GP team's pre-season programme in Jerez this afternoon, topping the timesheets on the final day of testing ahead of the new Formula One season. Jenson completed 114 laps of the Spanish circuit as the team continued its chassis set-up evaluations and performance d ... Continue reading

I-65 is Nation's First Biofuels Corridor

I-65 is Nation's First Biofuels Corridor

The I-65 Biofuels Corridor extends from Gary, Indiana to Mobile, Alabama. Interstate 65, extending 886 miles between Gary, Indiana, and Mobile, Alabama, is the nation's first "biofuels corridor." In 2005, there were no biofuel stations along I-65. Today the corridor designation means that a driver is no more than 100 m ... Continue reading

Feat First Inc. Unveils Trailer-Less Touring Accessory

Feat First Inc. Unveils Trailer-Less Touring Accessory

<b><i>Combining a rugged case with a proven mounting system, TUFFLINX delivers a clever solution for riders seeking additional cargo space<b></i>. Wilmington, NC, March 17, 2009: TUFFLINX (a modified Pelican® case) mounts securely onto a bike/auto hitch receiver without ever touching the ground. This innovative †... Continue reading

NHRA's Craig Hutchinson Named Grand Marshal/Honorary Starter

NHRA's Craig Hutchinson Named Grand Marshal/Honorary Starter

BELLE ROSE, La. March 17, 2009: NHRA South Central division director Craig Hutchinson has been tapped by JEGS to be the Grand Marshal/Honorary Starter at the 6th Annual NHRA JEGS Cajun SPORTSnationals. The event is March 20-22 at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, La. Hutchinson just celebrated 20 years of service with ... Continue reading

Coughlin Looks To Continue Amazing Run At JEGS SPORTSnationals

Coughlin Looks To Continue Amazing Run At JEGS SPORTSnationals

BELLE ROSE, La. March 17, 2009: throughout his career, Mike Coughlin has had a lot of success at many different races across the country, but he often saves his best work for the JEGS SPORTSnationals events. For three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007, Mike was crowned as the champion at the JEGS SPORTSnationals, a s ... Continue reading

Tri-Point Heads to Sebring with Foss, Espenlaub, Saini

Tri-Point Heads to Sebring with Foss, Espenlaub, Saini

CANOGA PARK, Calif. March 17, 2009: This week, the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship will descend on Sebring, Fla., for the traditional season-opener Friday, March 20th. Tri-Point Motorsports will be there when the green flag drops with three MAZDA6s, driven by series veterans Charles Espen ... Continue reading

KYLE BUSCH Bristol: It Can Make or Break a Championship

KYLE BUSCH Bristol: It Can Make or Break a Championship

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. March 17, 2009: Only three of 35 races are complete in the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, but the results of race number four, Saturday’s Scotts Turf Builder 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, will no doubt have implications at November’s season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami ... Continue reading

NAVTEQ Announces the Map and Positioning Engine Development Platform

NAVTEQ Announces the Map and Positioning Engine Development Platform

Expanded toolkit enables immediate testing of innovative MPE concept CHICAGO, March 17 -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, announces the release of its new Map and Positioning Engine (MPE) Development Platform. The MPE Development Platform is a c ... Continue reading

Xtreme Motorsports International to Unveil Environmentally Friendly Hydrogen Hybrid XYB-400

Xtreme Motorsports International to Unveil Environmentally Friendly Hydrogen Hybrid XYB-400

Xtreme Green Launch in 2009 HENDERSON, Nev., March 17 -- Xtreme Motorsports International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: XTMM), through its wholly owned subsidiary, YamaBuggy Sales & Distribution, Inc., is pleased to announce that in conjunction with Quicksand Performance the all new Hydrogen Hybrid XYB-400 Side X Side will be un ... Continue reading

BorgWarner's R2S Turbochargers Boost Performance and Fuel Economy for New Volvo D5 Diesel Engine

BorgWarner's R2S Turbochargers Boost Performance and Fuel Economy for New Volvo D5 Diesel Engine

For Volvo's S80 Luxury Sedan, BorgWarner's Turbo Technology Creates a Dynamic Driving Experience with the Added Pleasure of Passing the Pump AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 17 -- BorgWarner's regulated two-stage (R2S(R)) turbocharging system enhances performance and improves the fuel economy of Volvo's new 2.4-liter D5 dies ... Continue reading

Recession-Proof Fiesta Offers Hope for the Industry

Recession-Proof Fiesta Offers Hope for the Industry

With new car registrations down by 21.9% in February, unemployment in the car industry at an all-time high, and the public having to tighten their belts during the recession, these are not good times for the motoring industry. ... Continue reading

Zipcar Launches Car Sharing in Ann Arbor

Zipcar Launches Car Sharing in Ann Arbor

Following success of the program at the University of Michigan, Zipcar expands car sharing to more Ann Arbor residents and businesses CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 17 -- Zipcar, the world's largest car sharing service, has expanded its University of Michigan program by partnering with the getDowntown Program, the Ann Arbor A ... Continue reading

Vehicle Searches Increased on Swapalease.com Despite February U.S. Auto Sales Slump

Vehicle Searches Increased on Swapalease.com Despite February U.S. Auto Sales Slump

CINCINNATI, March 17 -- Swapalease.com, the world's largest lease marketplace, released a list of the top 10 most searched vehicles during February 2009. The Cincinnati-based company reports that overall vehicle searches actually increased and luxury vehicles still topped the list despite the 27 year low in U.S. auto s ... Continue reading

OEConnection Selected as a Top Employer in Ohio

OEConnection Selected as a Top Employer in Ohio

RICHFIELD, Ohio, March 17 -- OEConnection LLC, a leading online parts and service exchange provider for the automotive industry, has been named one of Ohio's Best Employers for a third year. Sponsored by the Ohio State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, the 2008 Best Employers in Ohio award program i ... Continue reading

Amerigon Climate Control Seat(TM) System Featured in the All-New 2009 Infiniti G Convertible

Amerigon Climate Control Seat(TM) System Featured in the All-New 2009 Infiniti G Convertible

NORTHVILLE, Mich., March 17 -- Amerigon Incorporated , a leader in developing and marketing products based on advanced thermoelectric (TE) technologies, today announced that its proprietary Climate Control Seat(TM) (CCS(TM)) system will be offered as an optional feature in the front seats of the all-new 2009 Infiniti G ... Continue reading

More Than Twelve Million Minivan Owners Can't Be Wrong, Enter 2009 25th Anniversary Edition Chrysler and Dodge Minivans

More Than Twelve Million Minivan Owners Can't Be Wrong, Enter 2009 25th Anniversary Edition Chrysler and Dodge Minivans

Chrysler celebrates Silver Anniversary with special-edition 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan 25th Anniversary Edition minivans - Arriving at dealerships nationwide, new Chrysler and Dodge 25th Anniversary Edition minivans offer premium interior features, unique exterior accents and new exterior pain ... Continue reading

New 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Races Into New York to Benefit East Side House Settlement and Students in the South Bronx

New 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Races Into New York to Benefit East Side House Settlement and Students in the South Bronx

Porsche to Auction Car at the Gala Preview of the 2009 New York International Auto Show NEW YORK, March 17 -- On April 9, 2009, Porsche and East Side House Settlement (ESH), a leading social services agency that serves young people and families in the South Bronx, will host the 10th Annual Gala Preview of the New York ... Continue reading

SpongeTech(R) Delivery Systems, Inc. Announces St. Patrick's Day Special

SpongeTech(R) Delivery Systems, Inc. Announces St. Patrick's Day Special

SpongeTech(R) Adds a Little 'Green' to the March Madness Sponge Give-away NEW YORK, March 17 -- SpongeTech(R) Delivery Systems, Inc., America's Cleaning Company(TM), (OTC:SPNG) (BULLETIN BOARD: SPNG) , is pleased to announce that the Company will be giving away "Green" Auto Wash and Wax sponges. This one day offer is i ... Continue reading

Landmark Deal a Major Coup for British Automotive Engineering Industry

Landmark Deal a Major Coup for British Automotive Engineering Industry

In a deal described as a major coup for the British automotive engineering industry, Torotrak plc has secured a landmark global licensing agreement with the world's leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty automatic gearboxes for the commercial vehicle sector, Allison Transmission, Inc. ... Continue reading

Road takes on Rail at Mercedes-Benz World

Road takes on Rail at Mercedes-Benz World

Mercedes-Benz World is to host the launch of The Flying Scotsman, a unique and special trial from London to Edinburgh by vintage motorcar. ... Continue reading

Ssangyong at the Seoul Motor Show

Ssangyong at the Seoul Motor Show

Ssangyong will be showing an almost production-ready example of its new C200 crossover utility car at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea, opening on April 2. The company says that the C200 unveiled at the show will closely resemble the production C200 scheduled to be launched later this year. SsangYong will also show ... Continue reading

Recession-Proof Fiesta Offers Hope for the Industry

Recession-Proof Fiesta Offers Hope for the Industry

With new car registrations down by 21.9% in February, unemployment in the car industry at an all-time high, and the public having to tighten their belts during the recession, these are not good times for the motoring industry. ... Continue reading

GM Bondholders Report Says "Our Plan Best Chance"

GM Bondholders Report Says "Our Plan Best Chance"

DETROIT March 17, 2009; Nick Carey and David Bailey in Detroit and John Crawley in Washington writing for Reuters reported that advisers to bondholders of General Motors Corp said on Monday they have presented a framework plan to U.S. President Barack Obama's autos task force and the ailing No. 1 U.S. automaker that pr ... Continue reading

TransUnion.com: National Auto Loan Delinquency Rates Increase 7 Percent to Close 2008

TransUnion.com: National Auto Loan Delinquency Rates Increase 7 Percent to Close 2008

CHICAGO, March 17 -- TransUnion.com released today the results of its analysis of trends in the auto lending industry for the fourth quarter of 2008. The report is part of an ongoing series of quarterly consumer lending sector analyses focusing on credit card, auto loan and mortgage data that may be found on TransUnion ... Continue reading

Cargraphic and Bilstein have a challenge at the Hockenheimring

Cargraphic and Bilstein have a challenge at the Hockenheimring

A company who wants to get the ultimate knowledge about their suspension technology has only one option: To ask the Rallye-Legend Walter Röhrl. One who lets the 1.96m tall man at the steering wheel should be prepared to be confronted with the truth, which can be very uncomfortable if the product doesn't satisfy him. T ... Continue reading

Daihatsu Appoints Mid Cornwall Cars

Daihatsu Appoints Mid Cornwall Cars

Japanese compact car specialist Daihatsu has increased its dealer network in the Cornwall area, following the appointment of Mid Cornwall Cars, proving that it's not all doom and gloom for the automotive industry. ... Continue reading

Top Model Jodie Takes First Eco Test Drive

Top Model Jodie Takes First Eco Test Drive

Supermodel Jodie Kidd became the first person in the UK to take a Fiat 'eco' test drive in a new initiative designed to highlight the benefits of environmentally-friendly motoring. ... Continue reading

Lindop Toyota Points to Car Market Recovery

Lindop Toyota Points to Car Market Recovery

Britain's motor industry is taking a battering in the recession, even Toyota's Deeside engine plant has not escaped the impact of the global economic downturn. But there is encouraging evidence of an up-turn in consumer confidence with Toyota sales soaring in the north west. ... Continue reading

Sixes from Volvo - A Smooth 80 Year Affair

Sixes from Volvo - A Smooth 80 Year Affair

The four-cylinder 2 litre engine of the first Volvo series of cars had just about started to rev up when it was replaced with a bigger, smoother and more powerful six-cylinder engine, just like those that many of Volvo's American competitors were beginning to introduce. 2009 marks the 80th anniversary of the DB engine ... Continue reading

Tata Launches Xenon Single Cab First Single Cab With Original High Suspension and Giant Flat Load Body

Tata Launches Xenon Single Cab First Single Cab With Original High Suspension and Giant Flat Load Body

Tata Motors (Thailand) will introduce Thailand's first single cab pickup truck with original high suspension, the Xenon Single Cab, at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2009. The new Xenon Single Cab comes with a giant flat load body that can be opened from three sides. ... Continue reading

Continental Strongly Refutes Allegations

Continental Strongly Refutes Allegations

Continental AG, Hanover, is defending itself from unjustified criticism of its decision to adjust production in the European tire plants to the dramatic market development. "We are respecting the laws and collective bargaining agreements and are keeping promises we made to employee representative groups," the Executive ... Continue reading

Mercedes-Benz UK Competition Showcases Technicians' Masterly Skills

Mercedes-Benz UK Competition Showcases Technicians' Masterly Skills

Mercedes-Benz UK has challenged the knowledge and expertise of its retail technical staff in a country-wide competition 'UK TechMasters 2009' to find the best of the best. The fiercely competitive contest saw the manufacturer invite a team of expert After Sales staff from each of its 33 market areas to go 'brain to bra ... Continue reading

OnStar to Partner with Poison Control To Provide Assistance To Subscribers In Need

OnStar to Partner with Poison Control To Provide Assistance To Subscribers In Need

DETROIT March 16, 2009; OnStar and Poison Control today announced a joint venture that will increase the safety and security of OnStar subscribers. The new relationship will give subscribers access to Poison Control for expert instructions and information on potential poisonings that may occur in or around their vehicl ... Continue reading

Chrysler Estimates Fiat Deal Value

Chrysler Estimates Fiat Deal Value

DETROIT March 16, 2009; Poornima Gupta writing for Reuters reported that Chrysler LLC's proposed deal with Fiat SpA is worth up to $10 billion for the cash-strapped U.S. automaker and could preserve 5,000 North American manufacturing jobs, Chief Executive Bob Nardelli said on Monday. "We estimate the cash value of Fiat ... Continue reading

Airstream Trailers and MINI team up for one of a kind design

Airstream Trailers and MINI team up for one of a kind design

For Immediate Release Contact: Breanna Buhr JMPR Public Relations, Inc. 818-992-4353 Bbuhr@jmprpublicrelations.com MINI and Airstream, designed by Republic of Fritz Hansen Exciting cooperation between three iconic brands set to steal hearts during Salone del Mobile. JACKSON CENTER, Ohio (March 16, 2009) - Airstream Inc ... Continue reading

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