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November 2002

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Thursday, November 21, 2002

Toyota beats monthly target for WiLL Cypha compact fourfold

Toyota beats monthly target for WiLL Cypha compact fourfold

TOKYO, November 22, 2002; Lindsay Whipp wrting for Bloomberg reports that Toyota Motor Corp., said orders for the new WiLL Cypha compact car in the first month since its release were more than quadruple its average monthly sales target. The automaker received 6,500 orders for the compact compared with its 1,500-unit sa ... Continue reading

US Gov. Sees No Alternative for Oil Soon

US Gov. Sees No Alternative for Oil Soon

HOUSTON, Nov 21, 2002 Reuters reporting from an oil sponsored program said that no single renewable energy product can immediately replace oil, but a combination of hydrogen, wind and agricultural by-products may be able to cut U.S. dependence on one of the nation's most-coveted resources in the next 10 to 20 years, go ... Continue reading

LA Auto Club: Insurance Lesson Plan for Teen Drivers

LA Auto Club: Insurance Lesson Plan for Teen Drivers

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 21, 2002--Driving lessons aren't all teens need to be prepared to use a car -- they also need insurance, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Also, since auto insurance ranks behind car payments as the largest annual cost component of a new car purchase, teens need to learn how to ... Continue reading

USA's Drunk Driving Report Card Drops to 'C' Grade

USA's Drunk Driving Report Card Drops to 'C' Grade

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2002 With alcohol-related traffic deaths on the rise, the United States was handed a "C" grade in the war on drunk driving, according to the MADD Rating the States 2002 report card released today by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the GuideOne Foundation. The last time MADD issued the Rati ... Continue reading

Roadway Express Recognized by Pennsylvania Governor's Highway Safety Award

Roadway Express Recognized by Pennsylvania Governor's Highway Safety Award

AKRON, Ohio--Nov. 21, 2002--Roadway Express, Inc.'s highway safety efforts were highly recognized recently by the awarding of the Pennsylvania Governor's Highway Safety Award to the Safe80 Task Force at the annual safety conference. The conference was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Michael ... Continue reading

Ford Motor Company Joins Championship Auto Racing Teams in Marketing Partnership for 2003-04 Champ Car Series

Ford Motor Company Joins Championship Auto Racing Teams in Marketing Partnership for 2003-04 Champ Car Series

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 21, 2002; Strengthening a relationship that has been an integral part of Championship Auto Racing Teams since its formation, CART and the Ford Motor Company today announced a two- year partnership to promote and market the fastest open-wheel racing series in North America. The agreement finalizes the ... Continue reading

Phyllis Cochran Named General Manager at Navistar Financial Corporation

Phyllis Cochran Named General Manager at Navistar Financial Corporation

WARRENVILLE, Ill.--Nov. 21, 2002--Phyllis E. Cochran, vice present of operations, Navistar Financial Corporation, has been named the company's general manager effective Dec. 1, 2002. Cochran will report to John Bongiorno, president, Navistar Financial Corporation, who plans to retire on March 1, 2003, at the age of 65. ... Continue reading

Diesel Automobiles Will Soon Invade The U.S. Highways Under Growing Pressure To Make Vehicles More Fuel Efficient

Diesel Automobiles Will Soon Invade The U.S. Highways Under Growing Pressure To Make Vehicles More Fuel Efficient

SAN DIEGO--Nov. 21, 2002--Green Star Products Inc. (OTCBB:GSPI) announced that through its subsidiary, American Bio-Fuels (ABF), is preparing to prove that the "extra cost" associated with the use of biodiesel can be offset by the use of other GSPI peripheral products that will provide sufficient "fuel savings" for the ... Continue reading

SmarTire Systems Announces $6.4 Million in Financing; Completion of Financing Arrangements Allows Company to Focus on Expanding Operations

SmarTire Systems Announces $6.4 Million in Financing; Completion of Financing Arrangements Allows Company to Focus on Expanding Operations

RICHMOND, British Columbia--Nov. 21, 2002-- SmarTire Systems Inc. , a leading developer of tire pressure and temperature monitoring technology, has strengthened its financial position with the completion of three private placements totaling $6.4 million (U.S.). Since September 26, 2002, $1.184 million has been released ... Continue reading

Lexus Continues to Set the Industry Benchmark in Long-Term Vehicle Dependability

Lexus Continues to Set the Industry Benchmark in Long-Term Vehicle Dependability

Asset Caption: Two charts available J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) StudySM 2002 VDI Nameplate Ranking Top 1998 Model-Year Vehicles Ranking Highest in Segment Asset Caption: Web-ready logo Asset Caption: Press releaseAsset Description: Word document file Asset Caption: Downloadable head ... Continue reading

AdStar to Provide Web-Based Classified Ad Transaction Services

AdStar to Provide Web-Based Classified Ad Transaction Services

MARINA DEL REY, Calif.--Nov. 21, 2002--AdStar , a leading application service provider for the classified advertising industry, today announced it has signed a contract with the Detroit Newspaper Agency to provide Web-based classified advertising sales functionality for the agency's two newspapers, The Detroit News (ww ... Continue reading

Jim Russell Racing Drivers School Offers Tips From the Track for Safe Winter Driving

Jim Russell Racing Drivers School Offers Tips From the Track for Safe Winter Driving

SONOMA, Calif.--Nov. 21, 2002--More automobile crashes occur in December than in any other month, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. And while the weatherman may not always be able to predict snow or rain, one thing is certain: wet winter weather always sends drivers into a tailspin -- literally. The p ... Continue reading

GM North American Production for Week of November 11, 2002

GM North American Production for Week of November 11, 2002

FOR RELEASE: November 21, 2002 North American Production for Week of November 11, 2002 • Total U.S. Passenger Car29,067• Total U.S. Truck47,981• Total Canada Passenger Car13,142• Total Canada Truck7,130• Total N.A. Car and Truck108,479 North American Scheduled Overtime/Downtime for Week of ... Continue reading

TRW Automotive to move HQ to Michigan from Cleveland

TRW Automotive to move HQ to Michigan from Cleveland

LIVONIA, Mich., November 20, 2002, Dan Hart writing for Bloomberg reports that TRW Automotive Inc. will move its headquarters to Michigan and close the office in Cleveland as the auto-parts maker prepares to be sold by Northrop Grumman Corp. TRW won a 10-year business tax credit worth $4.5 million from Michigan to buil ... Continue reading

DaimlerChrysler Faces Seat Probe on 1 million Vehicles

DaimlerChrysler Faces Seat Probe on 1 million Vehicles

WASHINGTON November 21, 2002; Bloomberg reports that DaimlerChrysler AG may have to recall more than 1 million Neon sedan, Durango sport utility and other vehicles to fix child safety-seat assemblies after U.S. safety regulators began an investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began the probe ... Continue reading

BMW's New Z4 Design Inspires New Single-Seater for Young Enthusiasts; Z4 Children's Vehicle Now Available for 3-5 Year-Olds

BMW's New Z4 Design Inspires New Single-Seater for Young Enthusiasts; Z4 Children's Vehicle Now Available for 3-5 Year-Olds

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Nov. 21, 2002; Young enthusiasts can indulge in the thrill of driving a BMW roadster made just for them. BMW is introducing the Z4 Children's Vehicle this fall, a reproduction of the all-new BMW Z4 roadster that went on sale October 26. This sporty kid's vehicle is destined to be the envy of the n ... Continue reading

Relief for Holiday Travelers is Spelled 'RV'

Relief for Holiday Travelers is Spelled 'RV'

RESTON, Va., Nov. 21 -- With the holidays right around the corner, families are beginning to plan their annual trip to Grandma's house. For many, traveling over the holidays is an unending source of frustration, but millions of others have found a sure way to take the stress out of holiday travel. They've discovered re ... Continue reading

Bush auto fuel efficiency plan criticized

Bush auto fuel efficiency plan criticized

WASHINGTON, Nov 20, 2002; Reuters reports that auto makers and environmentalists on Wednesday criticized a draft Bush administration plan to raise fuel economy standards for sport utility vehicles and other light trucks. An administration source said the proposal under development would boost fuel standards for that po ... Continue reading

Toyota Industries Corporation Cuts Costs and Development Time With PLM Solutions From IBM and Dassault Systemes

Toyota Industries Corporation Cuts Costs and Development Time With PLM Solutions From IBM and Dassault Systemes

TOKYO and PARIS--Nov. 20, 2002-- Leading industrial vehicle manufacturer reduces its new "High Pick Lift" forklift development costs by 53% and development cycles by 44% Forklift design wins prestigious `Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturer's Award' TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (TICO), a world leader in ... Continue reading

11/20 "Inside Racing" Guest Lineup

11/20 "Inside Racing" Guest Lineup

"INSIDE RACING" Radio Show Attention! 11/20 Show Broadcast from "Flat-Tops Restaurant" on Indy's West Side! We are proud to announce that you can now hear "Inside Racing" LIVE ON THE INTERNET! (see details below) Attention Listeners! The "Inside Racing" Radio Show will go on a short hiatus for the remainder of 2002 aft ... Continue reading

Cummins Completes Sale of $250 Million in Senior Notes

Cummins Completes Sale of $250 Million in Senior Notes

COLUMBUS, Ind.--Nov. 20, 2002--Cummins Inc. announced today that it has completed its private placement offering of $250 million in senior notes, maturing in 2010. The notes, which bear interest at 9.5 percent, were issued to refinance existing debt, to reduce short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. On Nove ... Continue reading

Eclipse Lands UK Supply of Anti-Theft Car Immobiliser

Eclipse Lands UK Supply of Anti-Theft Car Immobiliser

BOCA RATON, Fla.--Nov. 20, 2002--Spear & Jackson (OTCBB:SJCK) announced that its division, Eclipse Magnetics, is in a partnership with the inventor of a new car security, STUD-IT, the revolutionary gear stick immobiliser that can eliminate automobile theft. Originally intending to purchase magnets for use in the produc ... Continue reading

Harley-Davidson Expands Use of SWANTECH's SWANview Systems; SWANview Delivers Earliest Detection of Wear for Endurance Testing

Harley-Davidson Expands Use of SWANTECH's SWANview Systems; SWANview Delivers Earliest Detection of Wear for Endurance Testing

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--Nov. 20, 2002-- Harley-Davidson(R) Motor Company is expanding the use of SWANview(TM) machine condition monitoring systems to a second system. The decision is based on the success of its first SWANview system, installed at Harley-Davidson's state-of-the-art Product Development Center (PDC) in Wau ... Continue reading

International Truck and Engine Selects FreeMarkets Savings Implementation Solution

International Truck and Engine Selects FreeMarkets Savings Implementation Solution

PITTSBURGH--Nov. 20, 2002-- Leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and mid-range diesel engines will use integrated offering to speed adoption of new suppliers, drive savings and efficiencies to the bottom line more quickly FreeMarkets, Inc. , the leading global provider of enterprise sourcing software and services, tod ... Continue reading

Kingsley Coach, Inc. Appoints VP of Manufacturing, Positioning Company for Future Growth and Profitability in RV Industry

Kingsley Coach, Inc. Appoints VP of Manufacturing, Positioning Company for Future Growth and Profitability in RV Industry

MIDDLEBURG, Pa.--Nov. 20, 2002--Kingsley Coach, Inc. (OTCBB:KNGS) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Mr. James LaRue to Vice President of Manufacturing. Mr. LaRue was recruited to assist the Company to reduce manufacturing costs and improve and expand the manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand ... Continue reading

Multimedia Available: Helping The Disabled Drive

Multimedia Available: Helping The Disabled Drive

-- Many of us take getting around for granted, especially in our cars and trucks. But for the more than 50 million people in the U.S. who have a disability that affects mobility, getting around in automobiles is very difficult. A report from General Motors . You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newst ... Continue reading

Simmetrix Inc. Releases Simulation Modeling Suite 4.1

Simmetrix Inc. Releases Simulation Modeling Suite 4.1

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y.--Nov. 20, 2002--Simmetrix Inc., the leading provider of component software for simulation-based design, today announced the release of version 4.1 of the Simulation Modeling Suite. The Simulation Modeling Suite provides a comprehensive set of component software tools to enable CAD and CAE software ve ... Continue reading

The Major Automotive Companies Reports Nine Months Results; Revenues Increase to a Record $306 Million from $281 Million

The Major Automotive Companies Reports Nine Months Results; Revenues Increase to a Record $306 Million from $281 Million

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.--Nov. 20, 2002--The Major Automotive Companies, Inc. -- Gross Profits a Record $51.6 Million versus $47.3 Million; Net Income $2.2 Million versus $1.5 Million; Application for Nasdaq SmallCap Submitted The Major Automotive Companies, Inc. today reported record revenues and gross profits for the n ... Continue reading

Toyota Industries Corporation Cuts Costs and Development Time With PLM Solutions From IBM and Dassault Systemes

Toyota Industries Corporation Cuts Costs and Development Time With PLM Solutions From IBM and Dassault Systemes

TOKYO and PARIS--Nov. 20, 2002-- Leading industrial vehicle manufacturer reduces its new "High Pick Lift" forklift development costs by 53% and development cycles by 44% Forklift design wins prestigious `Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturer's Award' TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (TICO), a world leader in ... Continue reading

Wabash Completes Manufacturing Realignment Plan

Wabash Completes Manufacturing Realignment Plan

WABASH, Ind.--Nov. 20, 2002--Wabash Alloys, LLC, today announced a decision to close its Benton, Arkansas facility as the final step in its previously announced strategy to shift production to locations that will provide the best service for major customers. Wabash Alloys is the leading producer of secondary aluminum a ... Continue reading

Woodward To Supply Fuel Injection Components for Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine; Exclusive supplier of augmentor spray bar manifold assembly

Woodward To Supply Fuel Injection Components for Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine; Exclusive supplier of augmentor spray bar manifold assembly

ROCKFORD, Ill.--Nov. 20, 2002--Woodward Governor Company announced today that Pratt & Whitney (P&W) designated Woodward's Aircraft Engine Systems as the exclusive supplier of the augmentor spray bar manifold assembly on the F135 engine for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The agreement increases the total estimated valu ... Continue reading

Ansoft Corporation Second Quarter Results - 14% Sequential Increase in Revenue

Ansoft Corporation Second Quarter Results - 14% Sequential Increase in Revenue

PITTSBURGH--Nov. 20, 2002--Ansoft Corporation today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2002. Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 totaled $10.6 million, an increase of 14% as compared sequentially to $9.3 million reported in the previous quarter and a decrease of 16% as ... Continue reading

Copart Announces First Quarter Results; Revenues Increase 16%; Net Income Grows 15%

Copart Announces First Quarter Results; Revenues Increase 16%; Net Income Grows 15%

BENICIA, Calif.--Nov. 20, 2002--Copart, Inc. today reported results for the first quarter ended October 31, 2002. In the first quarter of fiscal 2003, Copart earned $.16 per diluted share from revenues of $83,494,900 and net income of $14,706,500. Compared to the same period one year ago, revenues increased by 16% and ... Continue reading

Donaldson Company Announces Record First Quarter Results

Donaldson Company Announces Record First Quarter Results

MINNEAPOLIS--Nov. 20, 2002-- Record first quarter EPS at 50 cents, up 16 percent on strong engine product sales, continued aggressive cost management; free cash flow increases 17 percent on working capital improvements Donaldson Company, Inc. , today reported record net earnings of $22.8 million for the first quarter e ... Continue reading

Multimedia Available: Stopping High Risk Teen Driving

Multimedia Available: Stopping High Risk Teen Driving

-- First introduced in 1992 to help our young drivers become more aware of the consequences of their actions behind the wheel, more than 1 million teens have learned better driving choices because of our innovative program. Farmers knows that smart drivers are less likely to make mistakes. Educating young adults about ... Continue reading

PPG Provides Guidance

PPG Provides Guidance

PITTSBURGH--Nov. 20, 2002--Earnings of PPG Industries for the fourth quarter are forecast to be between 55 and 60 cents a share, according to Raymond W. LeBoeuf, chairman and chief executive officer. First Call's current estimate range for PPG is 70 cents to 83 cents. Per share earnings in the fourth quarter of 2001 we ... Continue reading

SwRI Develops Vehicle Component Simulation Equipment

SwRI Develops Vehicle Component Simulation Equipment

SAN ANTONIO--Nov. 20, 2002--Engineers at Southwest Research Institute(R) (SwRI) have developed a test apparatus capable of simulating vehicle powertrain operations in the laboratory. The apparatus uses hardware-in-the-loop technology and a software-controlled simulator to determine how a powertrain or related component ... Continue reading

Goodyear names Rich president, North American Tire

Goodyear names Rich president, North American Tire

AKRON, Ohio, Nov 20 Reuters reported that Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. <GT.N> on Wednesday named Jonathan Rich, president of its chemical division, to take over as president of its money-losing North American Tire operations effective Dec. 1. Rich, 47, will replace John Polhemus, 58, who is retiring after more than 33 ye ... Continue reading

Motor Trend Names Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan & Sport Coupe 2003 Car of the Year

Motor Trend Names Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan & Sport Coupe 2003 Car of the Year

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2002; MOTOR TREND magazine announced today the selection of the Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe as the 2003 Car of the Year (issue dated January 2003). Now in its 54th year, the Motor Trend Car of the Year is the most coveted and most recognized award in the auto industry. The editorial staf ... Continue reading

Religious Leaders Ask Automakers to Build More Fuel-Efficient Products

Religious Leaders Ask Automakers to Build More Fuel-Efficient Products

DETROIT November 20, 2002: John Porretto writing for the AP reports that a group of religious leaders came to the Motor City on Wednesday with a proposition for U.S. automakers: Start producing vehicles that are kinder to God's creation, and we will urge the faithful to buy them. The delegation, which included represen ... Continue reading

Tony Stewart's NASCAR Winston Cup Championship Extends Moog(R) Chassis Parts Winning Streak to 37 Years

Tony Stewart's NASCAR Winston Cup Championship Extends Moog(R) Chassis Parts Winning Streak to 37 Years

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 20, 2002; With his title-clinching performance in Sunday's NASCAR Ford 400 in Homestead, Fla., Tony Stewart became the 37th consecutive Winston Cup season champion to rely on Moog® chassis parts. Moog chassis parts are manufactured and marketed by Federal- Mogul Corporation. Stewart's 18th-plac ... Continue reading

Goodyear Releases Monthly Investor Update

Goodyear Releases Monthly Investor Update

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 20, 2002; Goodyear's Investor Relations department today published its monthly update for individuals interested in tracking Goodyear's progress on a more frequent basis. October Operating Highlights North American Tire * In October, industry shipments of consumer replacement tires were 4 percent belo ... Continue reading

Harman Consumer Systems Group Announces Expansion With Harman Kardon Reentering Car Audio Aftermarket

Harman Consumer Systems Group Announces Expansion With Harman Kardon Reentering Car Audio Aftermarket

WOODBURY, N.Y.--Nov. 20, 2002-- Traffic Pro(TM), a CD/Radio/Navigation Head Unit, to Drive Reintroduction of Brand, Enable HCSG to Enter $24 Million U.S. Mobile Navigation Market Having successfully captured the European GPS mobile navigation market, the Harman Consumer Systems Group (HCSG), a division of Harman Intern ... Continue reading

Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers Unprepared for Looming Tread Act Compliance

Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturers Unprepared for Looming Tread Act Compliance

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--Nov. 20, 2002--According to the results of a survey released today by West Coast-based automotive consultancy Syncata Corporation, only eight percent of vehicle and equipment manufacturers are currently ready to comply with federal reporting regulations imposed under the Transportation Recall, Enhan ... Continue reading

Winnebago Industries' Jim Jaskoviak Announces Resignation to Further Pursue the RV Lifestyle

Winnebago Industries' Jim Jaskoviak Announces Resignation to Further Pursue the RV Lifestyle

FOREST CITY, Iowa--Nov. 20, 2002--Winnebago Industries, Inc. , the world's leading motor home manufacturer, today announced that Jim Jaskoviak, Vice President Sales and Marketing, has elected to resign effective January 10, 2003. A review is currently underway to determine Jaskoviak's successor. Jaskoviak is a 25-year ... Continue reading

More Thanksgiving Travelers Will Take to the Roads and Skies Next Weekend, Predicts Auto Club

More Thanksgiving Travelers Will Take to the Roads and Skies Next Weekend, Predicts Auto Club

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 20, 2002--About 2.76 million Southern California residents and 4.4 million statewide are expected to make Thanksgiving getaways next weekend -- a 2 percent increase over last year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. About 3.6 million Californians will be traveling by car to their ... Continue reading

Flexcar Brings Car-Sharing to San Jose; Adobe and San Jose State University Among First Customers

Flexcar Brings Car-Sharing to San Jose; Adobe and San Jose State University Among First Customers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--Nov. 20, 2002--Flexcar, the nation's oldest and largest car-sharing company, today announced it has expanded its Bay Area operations to the city of San Jose. Flexcar initially will place four cars in the city, with one located at Adobe Systems Incorporated headquarters, two located at San Jose State U ... Continue reading

Rand Racing - Season Summary

Rand Racing - Season Summary

2 and 10 Rand Racing capped a dream season in 2002 with two championships in the Rolex Sports Car Series SRPII class. Terry Borcheller won the class driver title and paced the rookie team to its first team championship. Rand Racing completed a perfect class record of 10 wins, 10 pole positions and 10 fastest laps in as ... Continue reading

THE LATEST FROM USAC

THE LATEST FROM USAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 20, 2002 Contact: DICK JORDAN 2002-186 WINSTON CUP CHAMP STEWART READY FOR IRWINDALE & LAS VEGAS Newly-crowned NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Tony Stewart returns to his roots Thanksgiving week to compete in USAC National/Western Midget Car races and Western Sprint Car races in California an ... Continue reading

AutoCountUSA Announces Joint Effort with Credit Unions to Provide Informational Resource for Auto Lending

AutoCountUSA Announces Joint Effort with Credit Unions to Provide Informational Resource for Auto Lending

ORLANDO, Fla.--Nov. 20, 2002--AutoCountUSA, a national research company for the auto industry, has teamed up with Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) and Callahan & Associates to assist credit unions across the country in capturing a larger share of the auto financing market. AutoCountUSA provides comprehensive reportin ... Continue reading

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