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December 2004

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Friday, December 17, 2004

DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, Hyundai join to make new generation engines

DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, Hyundai join to make new generation engines

DUNDEE, Mich. Dec 17, 2004; The AP reported that DaimlerChrysler AG, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (news - web sites) and Hyundai Motor Co. are reportedly co-operating on the design and building of a new generation of four-cylinder engines. DaimlerChrysler will make its versions at a $700 million US plant in Monroe County, s ... Continue reading

Emergency Light Blanket Receives Awards, Listed as a 'Top Five Invention of 2004'

Emergency Light Blanket Receives Awards, Listed as a 'Top Five Invention of 2004'

QUINCY, Ill., Dec. 17 -- The Emergency Light Blanket (ELB) invented by Pepper Aasgaard, ASAR Electronics, Inc. (www.LightBlanket.com), was selected as one of the Top Five Inventions of 2004 by Paul Niemann, Quincy, IL (syndicated columnist, contributing author for "Inventor's Digest" and author of "Invention Mysteries" ... Continue reading

Johnson Controls Appoints Michael Bartschat to Leadership Role in its Automotive Business

Johnson Controls Appoints Michael Bartschat to Leadership Role in its Automotive Business

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Dec. 17 -- Officials at Johnson Controls , the world's largest supplier of vehicle interiors and batteries, recently announced the appointment of Michael Bartschat as group vice president of purchasing and supply chain logistics - Automotive Group. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030423/JC ... Continue reading

Giant Motorsports Announces Revenue Guidance for 2005

Giant Motorsports Announces Revenue Guidance for 2005

Forecast Estimates Revenues in Excess of $100 Million, for 2005 Representing Approximate 22% Increase over Current Year SALEM, Ohio, Dec. 17 -- Giant Motorsports, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GMOS) , implementing the destination retailer business model in the motorcycle and powersports industry, today announced revenue guidan ... Continue reading

LaserCraft Begins Installation of Red Light Monitoring Systems in the City of Duluth

LaserCraft Begins Installation of Red Light Monitoring Systems in the City of Duluth

NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 17 -- LaserCraft Inc., a Norcross, GA provider of automated traffic enforcement systems, will break ground this week for the installation of red light monitoring systems in the City of Duluth, GA. The contract was awarded to LaserCraft following an extensive review process that began in March 2003 l ... Continue reading

Mile Marker International, Inc. Announces 25% Higher Quarterly Cash Dividend

Mile Marker International, Inc. Announces 25% Higher Quarterly Cash Dividend

POMPANO BEACH, Fla.--Dec. 17, 2004--Mile Marker International, Inc. (OTCBB:MMRK), a specialty vehicle parts distributor, today announced the payment of a 25% higher quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 per common share. Mile Marker International, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors authorized the payment of ... Continue reading

'Mr. DWI' Arrested After 34th Drunk Driving Violation: ABI Says War on Drunk Driving Should Focus on True Cause - Alcohol Abuse

'Mr. DWI' Arrested After 34th Drunk Driving Violation: ABI Says War on Drunk Driving Should Focus on True Cause - Alcohol Abuse

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- A 63-year-old South Dakota man was arrested this weekend after he failed to appear in court for his 34th Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) violation. As law enforcement agencies across the nation kick off annual holiday roadblock campaigns, the American Beverage Institute (ABI) declared that "Mr. D ... Continue reading

Valeo Capital Increase Reserved for the Group's Employees

Valeo Capital Increase Reserved for the Group's Employees

PARIS, Dec. 17 -- Following the announcement made by press release of 6 September 2004, concerning the launch of an employee shareholding plan with a share capital increase authorised by the Annual General Shareholder's Meeting of April 5, 2004, Valeo announces a capital increase through the issue of 1.575.296(x) new s ... Continue reading

Valeo Capital Increase Reserved for the Group's Employees

Valeo Capital Increase Reserved for the Group's Employees

PARIS, December 17 -- Following the announcement made by press release of 6 September 2004, concerning the launch of an employee shareholding plan with a share capital increase authorised by the Annual General Shareholder's Meeting of April 5, 2004, Valeo announces a capital increase through the issue of 1.575.296(x) n ... Continue reading

Viper Motorcycle Company Selects SoftBrands' Fourth Shift Edition For SAP Business One As Its Enterprise Software System

Viper Motorcycle Company Selects SoftBrands' Fourth Shift Edition For SAP Business One As Its Enterprise Software System

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 17 -- Viper Motorcycles has selected SoftBrands' Fourth Shift Edition for SAP(R) Business One as its enterprise software system through SoftBrands' authorized Sales Partner, Business-First. Viper Motorcycle Company is preparing for its upcoming IPO, which will see the firm issue 1.8 million shares, ac ... Continue reading

Johnson Controls Forms Minority Joint Venture to Supply Interior Parts, Components for Tundra Pickup Trucks

Johnson Controls Forms Minority Joint Venture to Supply Interior Parts, Components for Tundra Pickup Trucks

Avanzar Interior Technologies, Ltd. Will Supply Vehicle Seats and Interior Parts to Toyota's Texas Plant SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 17 -- Johnson Controls today announced that the company has been selected to provide vehicle seating and interior parts for trucks to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing's new plant i ... Continue reading

Mercedes-Benz Signs Lease for Classic Center in California

Mercedes-Benz Signs Lease for Classic Center in California

MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 17 -- Mercedes-Benz USA will open a Classic Center -- the first such enterprise to be established by an automotive manufacturer in the United States -- in Irvine, CA in summer 2005. Architectural plans to renovate the 27,626 square foot stand-alone building into a state-of-the-art facility for clas ... Continue reading

Colorado Car Dealer Don Hicks Named AIADA Chairman Elect

Colorado Car Dealer Don Hicks Named AIADA Chairman Elect

Aurora Subaru Dealer Ascends from Vice Chairmanship Post, in Line to Chair National Dealer Association in 2006 Alexandria, Va Dec 17, 2004; Don Hicks next month will ascend to the post of 2005 Chairman-Elect of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA). Hicks, who has been a member of AIADA sinc ... Continue reading

DaimlerChrysler Donates $52,500 to Detroit-Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots

DaimlerChrysler Donates $52,500 to Detroit-Area Marine Corps Toys for Tots

Combined Seven-Plant Contribution Includes Truckloads of Toys WARREN, Mich., Dec. 17 -- Seven Detroit-area DaimlerChrysler manufacturing and logistics facilities donated $52,500 and hundreds of children's gifts to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in a combined event designed to bring holiday cheer to disadvantage ... Continue reading

Winning Bid at Barrett-Jackson Auction for Hot Rod Lincoln to Include 'Great Race' Entry

Winning Bid at Barrett-Jackson Auction for Hot Rod Lincoln to Include 'Great Race' Entry

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 17 -- A 1938 Hot Rod Lincoln from Hyman Ltd. will be auctioned at no reserve during the 34th Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction from Jan. 25th-30th in Scottsdale. Included with the convertible will be the $5,000 entry fee for the famous "Great Race," a cross-country driving event with $2 ... Continue reading

eBay Stops Auction of ZAP's Smart Car now at $27,000

eBay Stops Auction of ZAP's Smart Car now at $27,000

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 17 -- ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) , the California Company working to sell legal U.S. imports of the Smart Car from Europe, announced today that eBay suspended the auction on Wednesday morning December 15 at around 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time. "Due to the high profile of this auction, an eBay ... Continue reading

The 'Aviator' Howard Hughes Highlights Upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction

The 'Aviator' Howard Hughes Highlights Upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 17 -- Aviation genius Howard Hughes will have an omnipresence at the 34th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale when the movie car used in the "Aviator," a possible Academy Award nominated film that documents Hughes' early life, is auctioned off at No Reserve, while the ... Continue reading

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2005 Frontier Pickup

Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2005 Frontier Pickup

GARDENA, Calif. Dec. 17, 2004; Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the larger, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup. The third generation Frontier, which is offered in 2WD and 4WD and in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, delivers exceptional levels of power, handling and br ... Continue reading

Ward's Reports Estimated North Amercan Vehicle Production - December 17, 2004

Ward's Reports Estimated North Amercan Vehicle Production - December 17, 2004

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 17 -- Vehicle production this week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is expected to hit an estimated 356,422 units, down 5.9 percent from the 378,828 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward's Automotive Reports. Including this week's estimates, calendar year North American output now tot ... Continue reading

DaimlerChrysler, Ford to Invest in Ballard

DaimlerChrysler, Ford to Invest in Ballard

NEW YORK December 17, 2004; The AP reported that fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems Inc. on Friday said it exercised its right to call a $55 million Canadian ($44.6 million) investment from DaimlerChrysler AG and Ford Motor Co. Under the call agreement, which dates back to Dec. 31, 2003, DaimlerChrysler will purchas ... Continue reading

Recall: Hyundai 120,000 Elantra cars in U.S.

Recall: Hyundai 120,000 Elantra cars in U.S.

DETROIT, Dec 17, 2994; Reuters reported that Hyundai is recalling about 120,000 Elantra sedans sold in the United States because of a possible problem with deployment of their airbags. The U.S. arm of the Korean automaker announced the recall late on Thursday, saying it affected vehicles from the 2004 and 2005 model ye ... Continue reading

Tower Automotive Hires Bill Pumphrey as President of North American Operations

Tower Automotive Hires Bill Pumphrey as President of North American Operations

NOVI, Mich.--Dec. 17, 2004--Tower Automotive, Inc. today announced that Bill Pumphrey, 45, will join the company as president of North American operations, effective January 3. Pumphrey will report to Kathleen Ligocki, president and chief executive officer of Tower Automotive. "Bill brings over 20 years of global senio ... Continue reading

Howard Hughes' Buick Roadster At Auction

Howard Hughes' Buick Roadster At Auction

This 1953 Buick Roadmaster was the personal car of aviation genius Howard Hughes, which he drove until his seclusion. It is customized with aircraft electrical systems, a bacteria filter for the air conditioner and a plug to jump-start Hughes' own planes. It was sold shortly after his death and kept in original conditi ... Continue reading

AAA Chicago Says Gas-Price Decline Continues Through December Holidays

AAA Chicago Says Gas-Price Decline Continues Through December Holidays

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 17 -- Monthly gas prices have continued to decline since mid-November just in time for the holidays. Illinois motorists will feel some relief at the pump with a regular unleaded gasoline average of $1.82 per gallon, according to AAA Chicago's most recent Fuel Gauge Report. That's down 15 cents from a ... Continue reading

Chrysler Group Names New Executive

Chrysler Group Names New Executive

Ronald E. Kolka to Vice President - Corporate Financial Control AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 17 -- The DaimlerChrysler Board of Management today announced the appointment of Ronald E. Kolka as Vice President at the Chrysler Group. Ronald E. Kolka, formerly Director - U.S. Sales and Marketing Financial Control, has been ap ... Continue reading

RECALL: Suzuki 2005 model year DR-Z110K5 Off-Road Motorcycles

RECALL: Suzuki 2005 model year DR-Z110K5 Off-Road Motorcycles

December 10, 2004 CPSC, American Suzuki Motor Corporation Announce Recall of 2005 DR-Z110K5 Off-Road Motorcycles The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. Product: Suzuki 2005 m ... Continue reading

Un mejor agarre gracias a Goodyear y GE

Un mejor agarre gracias a Goodyear y GE

Editores de negocios / redactores de alta tecnología WILTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE LATIN AMERICA)--16 de diciembre de 2004--Dos de los nombres más respetados del sector de fabricación y la técnica estadounidense se han combinado para innovar un producto cotidiano, con la intención de llevar paz mental a ... Continue reading

Getting a Grip Gets Better, Thanks to Goodyear and GE

Getting a Grip Gets Better, Thanks to Goodyear and GE

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 16 -- Two of the most respected names in American manufacturing and technical leadership have combined forces, bringing to light an innovation to an everyday product, with an intention to deliver peace of mind to consumers as they travel in any weather condition. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and ... Continue reading

Immediate Release 11/16/04 - Hooters' USAR Pro Cup Driver Mark McFarland and TRIMSPAR Helped Bring Toys for Tots to Mooresville, NC

Immediate Release 11/16/04 - Hooters' USAR Pro Cup Driver Mark McFarland and TRIMSPAR Helped Bring Toys for Tots to Mooresville, NC

Contact Information: Chrissy Kulig, TRIMSPA Public Relations 973-267-4400 x3041 chrissy.kulig@goengroup.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hooters' USAR Pro Cup Driver Mark McFarland and TRIMSPA(r) Helped Bring Toys for Tots to Mooresville, NC Cedar Knolls, NJ (December 16, 2004) - Community members got in the spirit of the ho ... Continue reading

SAE and Cadpo Deliver Successful CAD Certification Course in Shanghai, China

SAE and Cadpo Deliver Successful CAD Certification Course in Shanghai, China

WARRENDALE, Pa., Dec. 16 -- The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Cadpo announce the successful launch of their first CAD Certification course in Shanghai, China. SAE Automotive CAD Certification is the industry's only international program that provides the standard for developing and measuring automotive CAD ... Continue reading

Auto Club: Recipe for Holiday Home Festivities Should Include Eliminating Potential Risks

Auto Club: Recipe for Holiday Home Festivities Should Include Eliminating Potential Risks

LOS ANGELES--Dec. 17, 2004--The holiday season brings with it traditional home gatherings with neighbors and family who share traditional meals and recipes. Unfortunately, it also brings the potential for injury and home damage from lighting and decorations, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's aff ... Continue reading

Tallahassee Residents Recognized for Acts of Kindness in Community's Time of Need

Tallahassee Residents Recognized for Acts of Kindness in Community's Time of Need

Residents Awarded Year's Worth of Shell Gasoline to Keep Florida Moving TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 17 -- This week Shell awarded one year's worth of free gasoline to 20 Tallahassee residents who demonstrated their exceptional caring through acts of kindness and generosity to other community members in a time of need. Thes ... Continue reading

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. Selects OEConnection as Parts Locator Provider for Commercial Truck Segment

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. Selects OEConnection as Parts Locator Provider for Commercial Truck Segment

-- ISUZU TO IMPLEMENT D2DLINK(R) NATIONWIDE JANUARY 2005 -- RICHFIELD, Ohio, Dec. 17 -- OEConnection LLC, a premier provider of web-based supply chain, order management, and data mining and reporting solutions for automotive dealers and collision repairers, is pleased to announce the selection of its D2DLink parts ecom ... Continue reading

Los profesionales de la automoción tratarán los retos de la nueva logística

Los profesionales de la automoción tratarán los retos de la nueva logística

LONDRES, December 17 -- Localización, globalización, consolidación...Estas tres impactantes palabras las tienen que emplear los profesionales de logística automovilística todos los días. Es parte de la extrema presión que hay en la industria para reducir costes en las redes de cadenas de distribución. La confer ... Continue reading

Senior Automotive Professionals to Discuss New Logistics Challenges

Senior Automotive Professionals to Discuss New Logistics Challenges

LONDON, December 17 -- Location, globalisation, consolidation...The impact of these three words alone is something automotive logistics professionals have to deal with on a daily basis. It is part of the extreme pressure in the industry to drive cost out of supply chain networks. Autologistics Europe 2005 conference wi ... Continue reading

Fleetwood RV Goes Hollywood With Vehicle in Universal Pictures' 'Meet The Fockers'

Fleetwood RV Goes Hollywood With Vehicle in Universal Pictures' 'Meet The Fockers'

Fleetwood's Pace Arrow Motor Home Plays Role in Film Starring Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Ben Stiller RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 17 -- Fleetwood's Pace Arrow motor home will enjoy an evening with the stars tonight at the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Meet The Fockers," the sequel to the success ... Continue reading

LA Auto Club: Gas Prices Continue Downward Fall

LA Auto Club: Gas Prices Continue Downward Fall

LOS ANGELES--Dec. 17, 2004--Southern California motorists enjoyed the eighth consecutive week of falling gas prices, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch. Motorists are benefiting from continued lower crude oil futures that are trading around $42 per barrel currently and lower dem ... Continue reading

AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Christmas Brings Cheaper Prices

AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Christmas Brings Cheaper Prices

IRVING, Texas--Dec. 17, 2004--Retail gasoline prices fell for the seventh straight week as a record number of Christmas travelers prepare to hit the roadways, according to AAA Texas' Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline dropped nearly six cents to $1.730. Last year, the T ... Continue reading

CarMax Reports Third Quarter 2004 Results

CarMax Reports Third Quarter 2004 Results

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 17 -- CarMax, Inc. today reported results for the fiscal 2005 third quarter and nine month period ended November 30, 2004. * Total sales increased 13% to $1.22 billion from $1.07 billion in the third quarter of last year. * Third quarter comparable store used unit sales rose 2%. * Third quarter net ... Continue reading

DIRT MotorSports Acquires Mid-America Racing Series

DIRT MotorSports Acquires Mid-America Racing Series

NORMAN, Okla.--Dec. 17, 2004--Boundless Motor Sports Racing, Inc., (OTCBB:BMSR) (Boundless) d/b/a DIRT MotorSports(TM), announced that it has purchased Mid-America Racing Series, (MARS), a regional late model sanctioning body based in Arkansas. Established in 2000, more than 350 drivers have competed at twenty-four tra ... Continue reading

European Commission to Block VAT Reclaims on Business Mileage

European Commission to Block VAT Reclaims on Business Mileage

LONDON, December 17 -- UK business to potentially lose tens of millions if European Court upholds 6th VAT Directive UK business is set to potentially lose tens of millions of pounds every year in reclaimed VAT as a result of the European Commission's decision to press ahead with a Court hearing designed to enforce its ... Continue reading

As Winter Officially Arrives, Parts Seller Offers Car Care Tips for Safe Driving

As Winter Officially Arrives, Parts Seller Offers Car Care Tips for Safe Driving

PHILADELPHIA--Dec. 16, 2004--The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack , the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, reminds motorists to be prepared for the winter season, which officially begins on December 21. Because winter weather can take a toll on your car, be sure to seek the proper preventive ... Continue reading

Metaldyne Launches Manufacturing Operation in Korea

Metaldyne Launches Manufacturing Operation in Korea

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Dec. 16 -- Metaldyne announced today that it has opened its first manufacturing plant in South Korea. Metaldyne Korea Limited (MKL) supplies engine balance shaft modules for Hyundai's new 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines, which are assembled in Korea. The engine powers the 2005 model-year Hyundai Sonata. The ... Continue reading

Subaru, PSIA, AASI and NSP Celebrate 10 Years Of Partnership

Subaru, PSIA, AASI and NSP Celebrate 10 Years Of Partnership

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 16 -- 2004 was a milestone year in the ten-year partnership between the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), the National Ski Patrol (NSP) and Subaru of America, Inc. In September 2004, vehicle number 5,000 was sold to a member o ... Continue reading

2005 NAIAS: Acura RD-X Concept to Debut at Detroit Auto Show

2005 NAIAS: Acura RD-X Concept to Debut at Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT, Dec. 16 -- The Acura RD-X Concept vehicle will make its debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This concept version of the upcoming Acura entry SUV, which will go on sale in 2006, combines the performance of a sports sedan with the versatility and utility of a premium SUV. Aimed a ... Continue reading

GM To Invest $450 Million In Two Flint, Michigan Plants

GM To Invest $450 Million In Two Flint, Michigan Plants

$300 Million For Flint Engine South Plant Expansion For Production Of Global V-6 Engine; $150 Million To Retool Flint Truck Plant For Future Truck Production FLINT, Mich. - General Motors today announced plans to invest a combined total of approximately $450 million in two of its Flint, Mich. manufacturing plants, furt ... Continue reading

OnStar Reaches Three-Million-Subscribers Milestone

OnStar Reaches Three-Million-Subscribers Milestone

Launch Of New Command Center Will Better Serve Growing Subscriber Base DETROIT - OnStar by GM announced today that it has reached the three-million-subscribers milestone, further validating GM's commitment to OnStar's viable, growing business model that emphasizes safety, security and peace of mind for its subscribers. ... Continue reading

Starter-Alternator Designed by Valeo and PSA Peugeot Citroën Wins 2004 "Engineers of the Year Award"

Starter-Alternator Designed by Valeo and PSA Peugeot Citroën Wins 2004 "Engineers of the Year Award"

PARIS, December 16 -- Valeo and PSA Peugeot Citroën yesterday received the first "Engineers of the Year Award" in the sustainable development category. "We are honored to receive this award presented by 'Usine Nouvelle', 'Industries et Technologies' and the National Council of French Engineers and Scientists (CNSIF). ... Continue reading

ABI Research Identifies Major Commercial Telematics Milestones for 2005

ABI Research Identifies Major Commercial Telematics Milestones for 2005

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Dec. 16, 2004--2005 will witness two major commercial telematics developments across multiple continents, according to ABI Research. United Parcel Service (UPS) will introduce the first of 70,000 new Delivery Information Acquisition Devices (DIADs) it intends deploy over the next three years, starting ... Continue reading

AIAG Names Goodyear Executive to AIAG Board of Directors

AIAG Names Goodyear Executive to AIAG Board of Directors

DETROIT, Dec. 16 -- The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) announced today that Tom Bender, director, information technology-North American Tire (NAT) for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has been appointed to the association's board of directors. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO ) ... Continue reading

Avis Helps Drive Make-A-Wish(R) Donations With Special Winter Offer

Avis Helps Drive Make-A-Wish(R) Donations With Special Winter Offer

$35 'Wish List' Savings Coupon for Every Donation of $25 or More PHOENIX, Dec. 16 -- This winter, Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. will help drive children's wishes into the new year through its "Wish List" campaign to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation's(R) 25th anniversary. When customers donate $25 or more, Avis will re ... Continue reading

DaimlerChrysler's Warren Truck Assembly Plant to Host 'Toys For Tots' Donation Event, December 17

DaimlerChrysler's Warren Truck Assembly Plant to Host 'Toys For Tots' Donation Event, December 17

Combined Gifts from Six Detroit-Area Manufacturing Facilities to be Presented to U.S. Marine Corps Representatives WHAT: DaimlerChrysler check and toy presentation to U.S. Marine Corps representatives for annual Toys For Tots holiday toy drive WHO: DaimlerChrysler Plant Managers Jim Betty, President, United Auto Worker ... Continue reading

Flexsteel Expands Executive Committee

Flexsteel Expands Executive Committee

DUBUQUE, Iowa--Dec. 16, 2004--Flexsteel Industries, Inc. K. Bruce Lauritsen, President and CEO of Flexsteel Industries, Inc. announced the appointment of James E. Gilbertson and Donald D. Dreher as executive officers of the Company. Mr. Gilbertson, Vice President - Vehicle Seating and General Manager of the Dubuque Met ... Continue reading

FreedomRoads, Nation's Largest RV Retailer Honors Its Top Dealership Sirpilla RV

FreedomRoads, Nation's Largest RV Retailer Honors Its Top Dealership Sirpilla RV

AKRON, Ohio--Dec. 16, 2004-- Sirpilla RV of Akron and Brunswick, Ohio Wins Distinguished Annual Award Among Field of High Performing Network Dealerships, Takes Top Accounting Team and Top Regional Employee Honors FreedomRoads, LLC., the nation's largest RV retailer, today announced that Sirpilla RV of Akron and Brunswi ... Continue reading

Freescale Plans Inaugural Technology Forum for June 2005; Four-Day Event to Showcase Enabling Technologies for Networking, Automotive and Wireless Markets

Freescale Plans Inaugural Technology Forum for June 2005; Four-Day Event to Showcase Enabling Technologies for Networking, Automotive and Wireless Markets

AUSTIN, Texas--Dec. 16, 2004--Mark your calendars now for Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.'s inaugural Freescale Technology Forum, June 20-23, 2005 in Orlando, Florida. This world-class event combines elements of prior Freescale events such as the Smart Networks Developer Forum and our Embedded Connectivity Summit, offeri ... Continue reading

Getting a Grip Gets Better, Thanks to Goodyear and GE

Getting a Grip Gets Better, Thanks to Goodyear and GE

WILTON, Conn.--Dec. 16, 2004--Two of the most respected names in American manufacturing and technical leadership have combined forces, bringing to light an innovation to an everyday product, with an intention to deliver peace of mind to consumers as they travel in any weather condition. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Compa ... Continue reading

Governor Perry Joins Toyota to Introduce On-Site Suppliers in Texas; Employment, Investment 50% Greater Than Anticipated

Governor Perry Joins Toyota to Introduce On-Site Suppliers in Texas; Employment, Investment 50% Greater Than Anticipated

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 16 -- Eighteen suppliers to be located on the site of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) will employ 1,500 and invest about $150 million, Governor Rick Perry said today in a news conference. Employment and investment are 50% greater than earlier estimates. TMMTX will employ about 2,000 team mem ... Continue reading

Honeywell Board of Directors Proposes Annual Election of Directors and Elimination of Supermajority Voting Provisions

Honeywell Board of Directors Proposes Annual Election of Directors and Elimination of Supermajority Voting Provisions

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J.--Dec. 16, 2004--Honeywell today announced that its Board of Directors voted to submit proposals to shareowners that would eliminate the company's classified Board structure and the supermajority voting provisions in the company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. Honeywell Chairman and CEO ... Continue reading

Infineon Simplifies Organization - Roles on Managing Board Reallocated

Infineon Simplifies Organization - Roles on Managing Board Reallocated

MUNICH, Germany--Dec. 16, 2004--Infineon Technologies AG (FSE/NYSE: IFX) is simplifying its organization effective January 1, 2005, to create shorter and faster decision paths across the entire company, a stronger customer orientation, as well as greater efficiency and flexibility. Business responsibilities on the Mana ... Continue reading

Infor Names GrapeCity as Channel Partner

Infor Names GrapeCity as Channel Partner

The automotive industry is forging ahead into the China market, which is seen globally as the next major industry market. Yet, the business environment is largely undefined and differs greatly from the current automotive market environments. Unlike OEMs, suppliers and vendors that serve the automotive industry are not ... Continue reading

Northeast Auto Acceptance Corp. UPDATE: Surpasses $2.7 Million In Purchases From Chrysler Financial

Northeast Auto Acceptance Corp. UPDATE: Surpasses $2.7 Million In Purchases From Chrysler Financial

MERRICK, N.Y.--Dec. 16, 2004--Northeast Auto Acceptance Corp. (OTCBB: NAAC) announced today that the company has completed vehicle purchases totaling $2,766,030 from Chrysler Financial, in the 9-month period ended June 30, 2004. Chrysler Financial is the financial services arm of DaimlerChrysler, and a member of the Da ... Continue reading

Power Information Network Reports: SUV Leasing Rates Reach a Near Two-Year High

Power Information Network Reports: SUV Leasing Rates Reach a Near Two-Year High

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--Dec. 16, 2004--Leasing penetration rates for SUVs in November have nearly reached a two-year high, according to transaction data from the Power Information Network. The SUV segment lease penetration in November was 23 percent -- up 17 percent compared with November 2003 -- the highest monthly ... Continue reading

puraDYN Holds Annual Stockholders Meeting; Bypass Oil Filtration Company Provides Corporate Update

puraDYN Holds Annual Stockholders Meeting; Bypass Oil Filtration Company Provides Corporate Update

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.--Dec. 16, 2004--puraDYN Filter Technologies Inc. (AMEX:PFT) announced today that its shareholders approved the re-election of six board nominees and ratified the appointment of puraDYN's independent registered public accounting firm. Joseph V. Vittoria, Chairman of the Board, stated, "We have made s ... Continue reading

Shiloh Industries Schedules Conference Call to Discuss 2004 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2004 Results

Shiloh Industries Schedules Conference Call to Discuss 2004 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2004 Results

CLEVELAND, Dec. 16 -- Shiloh Industries, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of first operation blanks, engineered welded blanks, complex stampings and modular assemblies for the automotive and heavy truck industries, will announce earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2004 on Tuesday, December 21, 2004. A conference ca ... Continue reading

Southwall to Present at Needham & Company's Seventh Annual Growth Conference

Southwall to Present at Needham & Company's Seventh Annual Growth Conference

PALO ALTO, Calif.--Dec. 16, 2004--Southwall Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:SWTX), a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of thin-film coatings for the electronic display, automotive glass and architectural markets, announced today that it will present at Needham & Company's Seventh Annual Growth Conference. Thomas Hoo ... Continue reading

Tekrati/SWMS present Current Analysis in Analyst Spotlight teleconference; Interview with Jeffrey Swartz, Current Analysis President and CEO

Tekrati/SWMS present Current Analysis in Analyst Spotlight teleconference; Interview with Jeffrey Swartz, Current Analysis President and CEO

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & BEVERLY, Mass.--Dec. 16, 2004--Tekrati(TM) and Sam Whitmore's Media Survey(sm) will be offering a teleconference with Current Analysis that will explore how industry analysts and research services provide tangible benefits to vendor sales, product development and marketing departments. Current An ... Continue reading

The 'Aviator' Howard Hughes Highlights Upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction

The 'Aviator' Howard Hughes Highlights Upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 16 -- Aviation genius Howard Hughes will have an omnipresence at the 34th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale when the movie car used in the "Aviator," a possible Academy Award nominated film that documents Hughes' early life, is auctioned off at No Reserve, while the ... Continue reading

Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois Issues Record Winter Bonus to Employees

Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois Issues Record Winter Bonus to Employees

QUINCY, Ill.--Dec. 16, 2004--Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois, a subsidiary of Titan International, Inc. , today issued a record winter bonus to its employees. The bonus amounted to an average payout of $2,500 per employee. Each employee received $200 of their bonus in Sacajawea golden dollars. This brings the total ... Continue reading

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Executives to Establish New 10b5-1 Trading Plans

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Executives to Establish New 10b5-1 Trading Plans

Trading Plans Allow Limited, Pre-Determined Stock Trading PHOENIX, Dec. 16 -- Universal Technical Institute, Inc. , a provider of technical education training, announced today that several members of its executive management team are establishing new plans authorizing the sale of company securities through approved, pr ... Continue reading

Volkswagen Launches New Press Web Site Based on Day

Volkswagen Launches New Press Web Site Based on Day

BASEL, Switzerland & IRVINE, Calif.--Dec. 16, 2004--Day Software (SWX:DAYN), a leading provider of global content management software, today announced that multimedia service provider Aperto has relaunched the Volkswagen press portal using Day's software Communique. At http://www.volkswagen-media-services.com journalis ... Continue reading

88% of Metro NY Auto Dealers Contribute to Charities This Holiday Season

88% of Metro NY Auto Dealers Contribute to Charities This Holiday Season

Local Dealers Donated More Than $12 Million in 2003 WHITESTONE, N.Y., Dec. 16 -- Automobile dealers in metro New York donated more than $12 million to charitable organizations in 2003, and a staggering 88% will make contributions during this holiday season according to the Economic Impact Report to be published by the ... Continue reading

Infor Enhances Position in Asia Pacific with Automotive and Discrete Manufacturing Markets

Infor Enhances Position in Asia Pacific with Automotive and Discrete Manufacturing Markets

Infor Names GrapeCity as Channel Partner NORTHVILLE, Mich., Dec. 16 -- Infor Global Solutions, a global provider of enterprise software solutions to select manufacturing and distribution vertical markets, is strengthening its position in the Asia Pacific market through a new distributor relationship with GrapeCity, Inc ... Continue reading

Hyundai Motor America Announces Customer Service Action(recall?) for 2004 and 2005 Elantra Models

Hyundai Motor America Announces Customer Service Action(recall?) for 2004 and 2005 Elantra Models

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 16 -- To ensure the continued satisfaction of our customers with their vehicles, Hyundai Motor America has announced a voluntary customer service action involving approximately 120,000 model year 2004 and 2005 Elantra sedans produced prior to December 17, 2004. In response to one recent cr ... Continue reading

Verdict Returned in Coleman vs. Fleetwood Folding Trailers Case

Verdict Returned in Coleman vs. Fleetwood Folding Trailers Case

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 16 -- Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. , announced that the jury in the case between Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc. and The Coleman Company, Inc., today awarded monetary damages for Coleman in the amount of $5.2 million. The judge has the legal right to add punitive damages. A hearing on that issue ... Continue reading

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