Thursday, May 1, 2003

World Fuel Services Reports Strong First-Quarter Results

MIAMI, May 1 -- World Fuel Services Corporation , a global leader in the marketing and financing of aviation and marine fuel products and related services, today reported that net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003, rose 18 percent to $5.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, as compared to $4.5 million, ... Continue reading

Indy 500 Pre-Opening Week Notes/Quotes -- Giaffone, Takagi, Luyendyk

Contact: Laz Denes, 256-657-6190 ldenes@monunnracing.com www.monunnracing.com media information Giaffone, Takagi, Luyendyk Give Mo Nunn Team 1-2-3 Punch at Indy Opening Week Notes/Quotes - 87th Indianapolis 500 - May 3-10, 2003 Indianapolis Motor Speedway - 2.5-Mile Four-Cornered Oval Round 4 of 16 on the 2003 IRL Indy ... Continue reading

EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE PRESTIGE COMES TO WEST LOS ANGELES WITH THE OPENING OF MERIDIAN AUTO DESIGN

Sir/Madam: Bob Gordon suggested we contact you both about a new and unique automotive aftermarket business opening in West Los Angeles, Meridian Automotive Design. We invite you to the facility on Friday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon for a Media Preview day. Meridian Automotive Design is located at 2285 Westwood Blvd ... Continue reading

5-02 Press Release

"PRESS RELEASE" For Immediate Release May 02, 2003 Contact: Kevin Wright Phone: 518-794-9606 JASPER ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS TO DISPLAY ON MAY 24TH WEST LEBANON, NY - Jasper Engines and Transmissions, "Your Choice In Remanufactured Products" will bring the #77 NASCAR Winston Cup Ford Taurus driven by Dave Blaney to Leba ... Continue reading

"THUNDER IN THE VALLEY V" WEST LEBANON, NY

"PRESS RELEASE" For Immediate Release May 01, 2003 Contact: Kevin Wright Phone: 518-794-9606 CARQUEST AUTO PARTS STEWART-BLANEY FOUR RACE SERIES TO INCLUDE - The inaugural "Thunder in the Valley" held on June 28, 2001 kicked off what has become a very popular event held at Lebanon Valley each year. Winston Cup Champion ... Continue reading

May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month: Drive Smart and Ride Safe

IRVINE, Calif.--May 1, 2003--Motorcycles are more popular than ever. In 2002, sales were up a remarkable 9.4 percent, as reported by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), marking the 10th consecutive year of rising motorcycle sales in the United States. With so many new and returning riders, and with prime riding seas ... Continue reading

Sacramento Now Sixth Smoggiest Region, But Improvement Is in the Air

American Lung Association Report Contains Some Good News: We're on Our Way to Federal Attainment SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 1 -- Although the Sacramento region climbed to No. 6 on the list of the most ozone-polluted U.S. metropolitan areas, there is a clearer picture: We're on our way to attaining the cleaner air levels m ... Continue reading

Lexus Reports Best-Ever April Sales for the Sixth-Consecutive Year

TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2003; -- Lexus today reported April sales of 21,277 vehicles, an increase of 2.2 percent, recording the division's sixth consecutive best-ever April. "The recent jump in consumer confidence should translate to a significant increase in consumer spending, pushing the economy along at a quicker p ... Continue reading

U.S, Automakers Post Weak Sales

DETROIT May 1, 2003; Michael Ellis writing for Reuters reporterd that foreign automakers, boosted by new models, mostly reported flat to stronger U.S. sales for April on Thursday, but a sharp drop in results from Detroit's Big Three dragged the industry's totals down. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said its U.S. car and truck sa ... Continue reading

2003 World Traffic Safety Achievement Awards Announced

Mercedes-Benz, Johnson & Johnson, NBC and AAA Safety Foundation Receive Awards NEW YORK, May 1 -- Dedicated to bringing automobile manufacturers, public and private organizations, and the media together to share information and discuss ways to make vehicles and roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians, the World Traf ... Continue reading

Ford Motor Company Report: April 2003 U.S. Sales

* Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator pace Ford's record-setting SUV sales; Mustang stampede results from historic $5 a day lease program * Volvo and Land Rover set new April sales records * Ford raises second quarter production plan 10,000 vehicles to 990,000 cars and trucks * Ford's O'Connor is encouraged by higher ... Continue reading

American Suzuki U.S. Sales Remain Strong

Aerio Posts 159 Percent Gain Over April 2002 BREA, Calif., May 1 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation's (ASMC) U.S. sales remain strong with sales totaling 5,981 vehicles for the month and 19,962 vehicles year-to-date. The Suzuki Aerio sedan and SX (sport crossover) pushed passenger car sales, posting a 79 percent incr ... Continue reading

Kia Sales Off 4% in April, Remain Ahead Year-To-Date

Kia Sales On Annual-Record Pace IRVINE, Calif., May 1 -- Despite a skittish economy and consumers' pre-occupation with international events, Kia still expects to set another annual sales record in 2003. Kia's April unit sales of 19,542 were off slightly (four percent) versus the same month in 2002, but for the year Kia ... Continue reading

Audi Reports 2.8% Decrease in April 2003 Sales

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 1 -- Audi of America, Inc. reported April 2003 sales of 7,209, representing a 1.1 percent increase over April 2002 sales of 7,134. Audi's year-to-date sales are 25,223, down 7.2 percent over 2002 when sales were 27,186. ... Continue reading

Chrysler Group Reports U.S. April 2003 Sales Down 10%

* All-New Chrysler Pacifica Sales Exceed 1,800 Units; More Than 27,000 Dealer Orders Received * Chrysler Pacifica Receives Five-Star Crash Ratings From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 1 -- Chrysler Group reported sales of 187,086 units in April 2003, a 10 percent decl ... Continue reading

Porsche Cars North America Reports April U.S. Sales; Porsche Cayenne Drives 46 Percent Increase

ATLANTA, May 1 -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars in the United States, today announced U.S. retail sales for April totaled 2,889 cars, an increase of 46 percent compared to the same period last year. It was the best April U.S. sales result in PCNA's history. In ... Continue reading

Volkswagen Reports U.S. Sales for April 2003

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 1 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported U.S. sales of 25,412 new cars for the month of April, off 15.9 percent compared to last year's April sales of 30,216. For the year, Volkswagen has sold 92,209 cars compared to 105,251 a year ago. ... Continue reading

Ford Reports 2.9% Drop in Total U.S. Sales for April

DEARBORN, Mich. May 1, 2003; Reuters reports that Ford Motor Co. said it had a 2.9% drop in total U.S. sales for April. Mustang sales rose 32%, however, buoyed by a $5-a-day lease incentive program, and Ford raised its second-quarter North American production plan. The No. ... Continue reading

Acura Sets All-Time April Sales Record

MDX Luxury SUV Also Enjoys Record-setting Month TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 -- Acura sales of 15,058 vehicles set a new record for the month of April according to American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Driven by record demand for the MDX luxury SUV and the strong debut of the all-new TSX sports sedan, April 2003 sales were up 1.9 ... Continue reading

Toyota Down - Lexus Up- Means Best Ever April Sales For Toyota USA

TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 -- Following the best-ever first quarter sales in its history, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported April sales of 151,784 vehicles, an increase of 4,450 units, recording the company's seventh consecutive best-ever April. There were 26 selling days in April compared to 25 last ... Continue reading

American Honda Posts New Records in April

All-Time Record Light Truck Sales TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 -- Spurred by record sales of Honda and Acura light trucks, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. recorded its best ever April and the third-best sales month in company history with sales of 117,783 vehicles, up 11.2 percent from year-ago totals. Total American Honda s ... Continue reading

Mercedes April U.S. Vehicle Sales off 6.8% - Year to Date Still Up

MONTVALE, N.J., May 1 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported sales of 17,911 new vehicles in April, contributing to the total of 69,488 sold year-to-date. The April total contributed to the best year-to-date sales in the company's history. "We are pleased to see how well the new CLK and E-Class models have been received ... Continue reading

Volvo Cars of North America Records Sixth Consecutive Month of Increases

IRVINE, Calif., May 1 -- Strong sales for the XC90 drove Volvo Cars of North America, LLC to its sixth consecutive month of year-to- year increased sales. In the United States, April sales of 10,928 units represent a 20.9 percent increase compared to the same period of a year ago. Since the beginning of 2003, Volvo has ... Continue reading

BMW Group Sales Increase 0.6 percent in April 2003

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 1 -- The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported a year-to-date sales increase of 10.4 percent for 86,513 vehicles compared to the 78,386 in the first four months of 2002. April sales for the BMW Group were up 0.6 percent to 24,131, compared to 23,994 for the same month in 2002. BMW ... Continue reading

Hyundai Sales for April Set New Record

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 1 -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 35,001 vehicles for the month of April, setting a new record for the month. April sales increased 13 percent over last year and total sales for 2003 are up 8 percent over 2002. "Our sales momentum continued in April as auto buyers are look ... Continue reading

GM's U.S. Sales Fall 8.7 % in April 2003

DETROIT May 1, 2003; Reuters reported that General Motors Corp. said Thursday that its April U.S. sales fell 8.7 percent to 400,687 vehicles, as the weak economy offset what the automaker described as its most aggressive incentive program ever. GM said its U.S. vehicle sales, including its Saab brand and some heavy tru ... Continue reading

GM Announces May Sales Program

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. today announced its latest marketing program, which will run from May 1 through June 2. This program offers interest-free financing for 60 months for qualified buyers on the purchase of all new 2003 GM Buick, Chevrolet (except Corvette), GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn vehicles. ... Continue reading

Jaguar April 2003 U.S. Vehicle Sales Down 33%

Thursday May 1, 1:33 pm ET DETROIT, May 1, 2003; Reuters reports the following Jaguar Cars Ltd. (Ford Motor Co.)sales of cars in April 2003 vs. the year-earlier month and for the year to date. April 2003 April 2002 % Change All Vehicles 3,792 5,441 -33.0% Domestic Car 0 0 N.A. Domestic Truck 0 0 N.A. Import Car 3,792 5 ... Continue reading

Mazda Announces April 2003 Sales

Nissan North America Reports April 2003 Sales

GARDENA, Calif.--May 1, 2003--Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported April total sales of 60,940 units for its Nissan and Infiniti divisions, a 4.2 percent decrease versus April of last year. NNA reports selling 236,835 units calendar year-to-date, a 5.4 percent decrease from last year at this time. INFINITI HIGHLIG ... Continue reading

Letter from Europe - Volvo, Saab, BMW, F-1 and other topics opinionized

Andrew Frankl European Bureau Chief Twenty or so years ago I spent a lot of time in Sweden. My partner and I were running four magazines, two on big rigs and two on cars. Big rig makers par excellence –Volvo and Scania(Saab) - were and still are the absolute tops, producing trucks which are the envy of the World. ... Continue reading

Review: 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS The Corvette marks its 50th year in 2003, and Chevrolet's rather subdued response is somehow appropriate. Sure, Chevy could have come up with an ultra-expensive and limited-production special edition, perhaps something along the lines of a street-legal version of the C5R endurance ... Continue reading

Saab Cars USA Reports That April Best Month Ever

NORCROSS, Ga. May 1, 2003; Reuters reported that Saab achieved its best month ever in the Swedish manufacturer's largest global market, reporting a volume of 4,967 units in April, beating last year by 45 percent. The monthly sales record stood at 4,908 since 1986. A strong April followed Saab Cars USA's best first quar ... Continue reading

GM Extends 0% Initiative

DETROIT, May 1, 2003; Reuters reported that General Motors has extended its incentive offer of zero percent interest financing for up to five years across most of its lineup through June 2. The program includes all new 2003 Buick, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn vehicles, and all Chevrolets except the Corvett ... Continue reading

GM: Will Recall SUV and Pickups for Wiper Problem This Summer

DETROIT May 1, 2003; Reuters reported that General Motors said on Thursday that it will recall about 1.77 million pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans to replace windshield wiper circuit boards and motor covers. The vehicles involved in this recall are some of the 1994-1997 Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra pickup ... Continue reading

Timken Receives Supplier Awards from Toyota

CANTON, Ohio, May 1 -- The Timken Company recently received three regional quality awards from Toyota Motor Corporation. The awards, Certificates of Achievement in Quality Performance for 2002, were presented to Timken for outstanding operations in Europe, Japan and North America. "Timken offers customers much more tha ... Continue reading

Continental Teves Urges New Safety Direction: Preventing Crashes from Occurring

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich., May 1 -- Addressing the heightened concern about rollover crashes, a key executive of leading automotive supplier Continental Teves North America said today, "The problem is not that we're not developing safety technologies to address rollovers, it's that they are not being utilized to the extent ... Continue reading

Stratasys Adds High-Performance PPSF Plastic

Asset Caption: PPSF (or polyphenylsulfone) is extremely durable, can handle temperatures over 400 degrees F, and resist chemicals and petroleum products. Asset Caption: Web-ready logo Asset Caption: Downloadable headline & body textAsset Description: Text file containing headline & body text Asset Caption: Press Releas ... Continue reading

May A Good Month to Talk Car Care

HOUSTON, May 1 -- April's National Car Care month has come and gone, proper vehicle care understandably took a back seat to news of world affairs. Although April is behind us, a recent survey showed that proper car maintenance will continue to be a timely message for consumers to hear. According to a recent survey from ... Continue reading

Ford Motor Company Announces Special Rebate For Educators in the Month of May

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 1 -- The month of May 2003 has been designated Teacher Appreciation Month by Governor Michael S. Easley of North Carolina. Also recognizing the exemplary commitment of teachers in the State, Ford Motor Company, in conjunction with the Carolina Ford Dealers Advertising Association, today announced a ... Continue reading

Mitsubishi Motors Reports April Sales

Growing Product Line Adds More Style and Performance; Endeavor and Lancer Evolution Lead the Way CYPRESS, Calif., May 1 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today reported April 2003 sales of 24,762 units, marking a 17.5 percent decline from record April sales of 30,029 units in 2002. Year to date, sales now ... Continue reading

Lincoln Design Chief to Run Ford Studio in London

DETROIT April 30, 2003; Norihiko Shirouzu, writing for the WSJ reports that the Ford Motor Co. designer who set out to remake the auto maker's Lincoln brand in the U.S. market, where more consumers are falling in love with the likes of Lexuses, Mercedeses and BMWs, has resigned as Lincoln- Mercury design chief and will ... Continue reading

Toyota Will Build Engines In China

TOKYO, May 1, 2003; Reuters reports that Toyota Motor Corp will build an engine plant in the northern Chinese city of Changchun by 2005 and its Hino Motors unit will start producing trucks and diesel engines in Shanghai from 2004, a Japanese newspaper said on Thursday. Toyota, Japan's biggest auto maker but a laggard i ... Continue reading

CarParts Technologies Wins Three New Major Customers in Automotive Aftermarket

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--April 30, 2003-- Appeal of Integrated Products vs. Single-Point Solutions Elevates Demand for CarParts Technologies' Software Across Aftermarket CarParts Technologies Inc. (CPT), the leading provider of open, eCommerce and business automation software solutions for the automotive aftermarke ... Continue reading

Consumers More Likely to Have Clean Car Than Correct Tire Pressure

Tire Industry's National Tire Safety Week Seeks Emphasis on Proper Maintenance WASHINGTON, April 30 -- U.S. drivers are more likely to wash their cars than correctly check tire pressure, according to a national survey released today by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), which represents tire manufacturers. The ... Continue reading

Students from Alpena High School Win Ford/AAA Auto Skills Michigan Finals

DEARBORN, Mich., April 30 -- Two Alpena High School students took first place in the 10th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Quality Care Challenge today (April 30) at Macomb Community College in Warren. John J. Milligan of Alpena and Louis K. Konieczny of Presque Isle, successfully fixed their deliberately " ... Continue reading

In the Driver's Seat; Mississippi Now a Major Player in the Automotive Industry

JACKSON, Miss., April 30 -- Mississippi grabbed the attention of the world's automotive industry in late 2000 when Nissan North America announced it would locate a $930 million assembly plant just north of Jackson. Such was not merely luck. In 2002, the state again celebrated an automotive coup when Nissan expanded its ... Continue reading