Friday, October 24, 2008

Edmunds.com True Cost to Own Study Reveals Which Cars Offer Best Value

Honda Civic Least Expensive Vehicle to Own Over Five Years SANTA MONICA, Calif. October 24,2008; Fluctuating gas prices and economic turmoil are motivating consumers to look for the least expensive cars to own and operate. A new study by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, reveals which ... Continue reading

Chrysler to cut 25 percent of salaried jobs

DETROIT, Oct 24, 2008; Poornima Gupta writing for Reuters reported that Chrysler LLC is targeting a 25 percent reduction in its salaried and supplemental workforce in response to the deepening slump in the U.S. auto industry amid declining consumer confidence. "Due to the unprecedented conditions in the auto industry, ... Continue reading

Paper Says Honda Profit To Plunge 40%

NEW YORK, Oct 24, 2008; Ted Kerr writing for Reuters reported that Honda Motor Co's (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) operating profit is expected to fall by about 40 percent in the year to March due to the yen's surge against the dollar as well as a weak auto market, the Nikkei business daily reported. Gr ... Continue reading

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Selected 'Best New Pickup Truck' in Canada by AJAC

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 beats out new 2009 Ford F-150 for 'Best New Pickup Truck' accolade WINDSOR, Ontario, Oct. 24 -- The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 today was named the "Best New Pickup Truck" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The announcement follows an intensive week of vehicle evalua ... Continue reading

No Price Increase For 2009 smart fortwo in Canada

TORONTO, ON - smart Canada today announced that pricing will remain virtually identical to 2008 for the 2009 smart fortwo coupés and fortwo cabriolet. Launched in 2008, the new generation smart fortwo has set even greater safety and ecology standards for the car that has been enthusiastically embraced by Canadians sin ... Continue reading

Honda Announces the All-New Odyssey

TOKYO, Japan, October 24, 2008: Honda announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Odyssey will begin October 17, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new ... Continue reading

Chrysler, GM Gear Up For Still More Job Cuts

GM, Chrysler gear up for still more job cuts By Shawn Langlois, MarketWatch SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC, mulling a merger to survive the current U.S. economic crisis, are each planning yet another round of job cuts as vehicle sales continue to plummet both at home and abroad. GM ... Continue reading

VW Denies Newspaper's Job Cut Report

MUNICH, October 24, 2008: According to Bettina Mayer, writing for Automotive News Europe, Volkswagen said in a statement today that it has no plans to cut either all or a majority of its temporary staff. A German newspaper reported on Thursday that VW planned to lay off most of its temporary workers. "The Frankfurter A ... Continue reading

AGR PRACTICE NOTES - SURFER'S PARADISE - October 23, 2008

Danica Patrick, #7 Motorola Dallara/Honda/Firestone "This is a challenging track, for sure. This being my first time to the track is definitely showing. I used today to try and get my references for breaking and just trying to get used to being on the track. I improved from the first session to the second, so I hope by ... Continue reading

Stoneridge Announces Third-Quarter 2008 Earnings Outlook

-- Continues aggressive restructuring efforts -- Financial position remains strong WARREN, Ohio, Oct. 24 -- Stoneridge, Inc. announced today that earnings for the third quarter of 2008 are expected to be in the range of breakeven to a loss of ($0.03) per share. Third-quarter sales of $178.4 million were 3.2% above the ... Continue reading

POWER TOPS OPENING DAY ON STREETS OF SURFERS PARADISE

SURFERS PARADISE, Australia October 24, 2008: Will Power made a strong statement that he will be a contender to win in his home country by leading both Oct. 24 practice sessions for the Nikon Indy 300 on the streets of Surfers Paradise. The Team Australia driver was quickest overall with a best lap of 1 minute, 34.8084 ... Continue reading

Point Leader Coughlin Taking Nothing For Granted

DELAWARE, Ohio Oct. 24, 2008: Pro Stock points leader Jeg Coughlin Jr. is almost four rounds of action ahead of his nearest rival with just eight rounds left in the '08 season, but the defending world champion isn't taking anything for granted as the POWERade tour heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the eighth annual ... Continue reading

Chrysler cancels 3 AWD models due to low sales

Chrysler cancels 3 AWD models due to low sales http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1008157/Chrysler-cancels-3-AWD-models-d ue-to -low-sales.html Shanghai, October 24 (Gasgoo.com) Due to their low sales in the global markets, Chrysler LLC has announced its cancellation of three all-wheel-drive models (AWD) and it will not s ... Continue reading

China-made engines drive 90% of China-made cars

China-made engines drive 90% of China-made cars http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1008155/China-made-engines-drive-90-of- China -made-cars.html Shanghai, October 24 (Gasgoo.com) China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) said at an industry event that more than 90% of the cars produced in China currently are fitted with ... Continue reading

1,000 new-energy cars to have trial run in 10 cities

1,000 new-energy cars to have trial run in 10 cities http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1008152/1-000-new-energy-cars-to-have-t rial- run-in-10-cities.html Shanghai, October 24 (Gasgoo.com) As part of its "863" initiative that was launched in December 2007, the Chinese government is to kick off a "1,000 new-energy cars in ... Continue reading

Scania Interim Report January-September 2008

STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Regulatory News: Operating margin rose to 15.8 (14.1) percent and net margin increased to 11.1 (9.8) percent Net sales rose by 11 percent to SEK 66,319 m. (59,947) Service revenue continued to show strong growth, +8 percent - Earnings per share amounted to SEK 9.21 (7.31) The forecast of higher earni ... Continue reading

Volvo Group ; Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Regulatory News: Volvo (STO:VOLVA)(STO:VOLVB): Net sales increased by 2% to SEK 69.6 billion (68.4) in the third quarter In the third quarter, operating income declined by 37% to SEK 3,177 M (5,010) In the third quarter, basic and diluted earnings per share declined by 36% to SEK 0.98 (1.54) Operatin ... Continue reading

Happy Guavaween from Kia Motors

Kia Motors Guavaween Family Fun Fest Offers Free $20 Gift Cards for Kia Borrego Test Drives, Plus Other Tricks and Treats TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 24 -- Kia's Borrego Experience brings its tent full of tricks and treats to the Tampa's annual Guavaween Festival on Saturday, October 25. The Kia Motors Guavaween Family Fun Fest ... Continue reading

Alchemist Launches "Premium Bond" at MPH With 24-Carat Supercar

There's nothing standard issue about this unique Aston Martin DB7. Even the world's most famous secret agent couldn't stay incognito in this 24-carat gold and platinum-leafed supercar from luxury customization company, Alchemist. ... Continue reading

Piaggio Porter Provides Green Solution

Piaggio Commercial Vehicles will be attending the UK National Low Carbon Vehicle Event next week held at Millbrook Proving Ground and will be displaying a Piaggio Porter electric MPV available for test drives. The event is hosted by Cenex, the organisation committed to the development of low carbon transport. ... Continue reading

Europe's First Car & Van Rental Industry Show to Launch in September 2009

23 October 2008 EUROPE'S FIRST CAR & VAN RENTAL INDUSTRY SHOW TO LAUNCH IN SEPTEMBER 2009 * New European Car & Van Rental Business Expo is launched * Taking place in Hannover, Germany, in September 2009 * Europe's first dedicated show for this crucial industry sector * Show to cover: environmental solutions, back offic ... Continue reading

John Driscoll, Former VP/Publisher Road & Track Is Promoted to Vice President, Group Publisher, HFM U.S. Automotive Group

NEW YORK, Oct. 24 -- Alain Lemarchand, President & CEO, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S., www.hfmus.com) announced today that Road & Track Vice President, Publisher John Driscoll has been promoted to Vice President, Group Publisher of the HFM U.S. Automotive Group comprised of Car and Driver and Road & Track ma ... Continue reading

Robert Houghtlin, Former VP/Publisher, Car and Driver Magazine Is Named Vice President, Sales for Jumpstart Automotive Media

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 24 -- Steve Wilhite, President, Jumpstart Automotive Media Inc. announced today that Robert Houghtlin, former Vice President/Publisher, Car and Driver, has been named Vice President, Sales for Jumpstart Automotive Media (http://www.hfmus.com/hfmus/media_kits/automotive/jumpstart/about_us ), ... Continue reading

Ford Adds New Sporty Zetec S To Focus Range

This new addition to the UK's best selling car range is now available in Ford dealerships and is based on the existing Zetec model but with the addition of a full sports styling kit, of front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions, 17in alloy wheels, aluminium-style foot pedals and hand brake cover, and an exclus ... Continue reading

Spyker Trading Update Third Quarter 2008

Spyker Cars N.V. "), manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, today announces the trading update for the third quarter of 2008. The two most significant developments were the move to line production in Zeewolde and the launch of the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 ... Continue reading

Citroen Rules In Sovereign Stationery Fleet

Citroën vans now form the entire light van fleet of leading Midlands office supplier Sovereign Office Equipment, thanks to a recent order for Relay and Berlingo vans. Its six Relay 35 L3H2 120hp vans and Berlingo First 1.6HDi van, all supplied by Citroën Birmingham, are finished in eye-catching yellow, helping Sovere ... Continue reading

New Fiat Fiorino To Star At Interbuild 2008

Fiat Professional will be building on its success at this year’s Interbuild 2008 with an impressive range of products for customers working in the construction industry. Its stand, No. E25/F20, Hall 4, at Birmingham’s NEC, features many examples of the brand’s award-winning vehicles. ... Continue reading

Renaud Gasc Chief Commercial Officer Spyker Cars N.V.

Spyker Cars N.V., manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, announces the appointment of Mr Renaud Gasc (41) as Chief Commercial Officer. As per 1 December 2008, Mr Gasc will assume his function as CCO, in which he will report to the Chief Executive Officer. ... Continue reading

BMW Introduces The New X5 M Sport Package

For the first time in its nine-year history, BMW is to offer the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle with an M Sport Package that enhances the already fine suspension settings and adds a further dash of sporting individualism to the exterior and interior. ... Continue reading

New Catalogue "Engine Cooling Passenger Cars And Light Trucks 2008/09" From Behr Hella Service

The new catalogue from Behr Hella Service, which will be launched in November 2008, contains information on more than 1,800 products for passenger-car and light-truck engine cooling. Its 576 pages include information on the product groups coolant radiators, charger intercoolers, oil coolers, radiator/condenser fans, Vi ... Continue reading

Volkswagen Group Delivers 4.8 Million Vehicles Worldwide From January To September 2008

The Volkswagen Group's nine brands delivered 4.8 million vehicles worldwide during the first nine months of this year, a 3.9 percent increase compared with the same period in 2007. The Group's share of the global passenger car market therefore rose by 0.5 percentage points to 10.1 percent. In September, a very difficul ... Continue reading

The New Seat Ibiza, Compact Car Of The Year In The Netherlands

The SEAT Ibiza has been named "Compact car of the year" by the Dutch automobile club ANWB. The prestigious award confirms the quality, precision and innovative design of the Spanish brand's new car, which has been on the market since last May. ... Continue reading

Renault Group Reported Consolidated Revenues For The First Nine Months Of The Year 2008

At September 30, 2008 Renault's consolidated revenues were 30,091 million euros, compared with 29,820 million euros for the same period in 2007 on a consistent basis. The Automobile and Sales Financing activities made positive contributions to this result, with respective increases of 0.9% and 1.8%. Excluding negative ... Continue reading

CORVETTE RACING READIES FOR GT2 CHALLENGE

Doug Fehan: "The engineering work is completed and we'll be starting in the next week to 10 days actually assembling the (GT2 Corvette)." The start of the 2009 American Le Mans Series will mark the end of an era for Corvette Racing. GM's factory team will focus on its transition to a new GT2 program that will debut in ... Continue reading

2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Television Schedule Announced

HERNDON, Va. October. 23, 2008: The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season will begin airing on SPEED Sunday, Oct. 26. A total of seven, 30-minute episodes will be broadcast from October through November, ending with an hour-long Jetta TDI Cup documentary on Saturday, Nov. ... Continue reading

CarMax Affirms Current Financing Availability - press release

CARMAX AFFIRMS CURRENT FINANCING AVAILABILITY Richmond, Va., October 23, 2008 – CarMax, Inc. today affirmed that, despite the continuation of difficult economic conditions, credit remains widely available for qualifying customers at its used car superstores. These financing options are offered through Ca ... Continue reading

X-Rite Announces i1Prism, A Next Generation Color Management SDK

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--X-Rite, Incorporated , the world leader in color management, measurement and communication technologies today announced a next generation color management software development toolkit (SDK) to allow third parties to develop high-quality custom ICC profiles for digital display and printing systems. ... Continue reading

Ferro Schedules Conference Call for 2008 Third-Quarter Results

CLEVELAND--Ferro Corporation announced today that it will conduct a conference call on Thursday, November 6, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss financial results for the period ended September 30, 2008, and estimates for fourth-quarter 2008 results. Participants from Ferro will include Chairman, President and Chief ... Continue reading