Friday, October 31, 2008

Green Group Disappointed with Judge's Injunction Blocking Green Taxi Rule

Decision is 'Like Comparing Apples to Oranges,' Says Environmental Defense Fund NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A preliminary injunction blocking a rule requiring New York City taxicabs to get a minimum 25 miles-per-gallon starting tomorrow is a mistake, according to Environmental Defense Fund. Manhattan-b ... Continue reading

Federal Judge Puts Brakes on NYC Hybrid Taxi Mandate

Taxi Group Applauds Decision and Sees Safe, Fuel-Efficient Taxis In Near Future NEW YORK, Oct. 31 -- A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction against the City of New York's hybrid taxi mandate, which was to take effect tomorrow, November 1st. Judge Paul A. Crotty of the United States District Court, Souther ... Continue reading

Green Car Journal Top 5 "Green" Vehicles for 2009 Announced

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Green Car Journal, the leading resource for information about exciting and environmentally positive vehicles, has announced the finalists for its annual Green Car of the Year® award for 2009. The award recognizes new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers looking for a pers ... Continue reading

Michigan Governor Says Detroit 3 Needs Federal Help, and Fast

By Jennifer M. Granholm and Richard E. Blouse • October 31, 2008 As part of a massive overhaul of the fuel efficiency regulations, the federal government agreed to provide guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $25 billion to the domestic automotive companies. These funds, which must be paid back with interest, w ... Continue reading

China's Drive into U.S. Car Market Stalls

It's been more than three years since Chinese automakers first announced plans to sell cars in the United States beginning last year. China, now the world's second-largest automobile producer, was already selling low-cost vehicles in dozens of countries around the world at the time - with great success. But with 2008 n ... Continue reading

Fuel Economy Improvements for 73 Percent of 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Models

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 31 -- -- Nineteen Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R) models see fuel economy improvements, which represents 73 percent of the total product lineup -- 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid, Dodge Journey, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass offer best-in-class fuel economy -- Fuel savings of as m ... Continue reading

GMAC in Discussions with Federal Regulators on Bank Status

Intends to commence private exchange offer to increase capital NEW YORK, Oct. 30 -- GMAC Financial Services today confirmed that it is in discussions with federal regulatory authorities regarding, among other things, seeking bank holding company status under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As a bank h ... Continue reading

Drew Industries Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

Company reports diluted EPS of $0.12 on net sales of $124 million for third quarter WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 30 -- Drew Industries Incorporated , a leading supplier of components for recreational vehicles (RV) and manufactured homes, today reported net income of $2.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the 2008 th ... Continue reading

Jones, Hines Take Aim At USAC National Sprint Car Series Championship at California's Perris Auto Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS Oct. 30, 2008: The storyline is one that Tony Stewart Racing’s (TSR) Levi Jones has played a part in once before. But as he and the No. 20 TSR/Chevy/Maxim team head to California’s Perris Auto Speedway (PAS) for the first of the season’s final five USAC National Sprint Car Series events, the ... Continue reading

Swank Gets Behind the Wheel of BMW's Hydrogen-Powered Luxury Sedan

Hilary Swank, two times Academy Award-winning Best Actress for Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby, has received the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. The BMW Hydrogen 7 technology melds the luxury of BMW's largest sedan with the virtually emission-free power of a hydrogen co ... Continue reading

Marco Andretti to Drive U.S. Entry in A1GP Event at China

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Oct. 31, 2008: Andretti Green announced today that third-generation driver Marco Andretti will drive the A1GP World Cup of Motorsports U.S. entry at Chengdu, China, on Nov. 9. Andretti will be making his first start in the A1GP car in the second race for Andretti Green's A1GP World Cup of Motorsports ... Continue reading

LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD WITH JONNY COCKER

Jonny Cocker (right) hopes to return to the American Le Mans Series in 2009, ideally with Drayson Barwell and Aston Martin in GT2. Jonny Cocker recently completed his first year driving against the teams and racing on the circuits of the American Le Mans Series. Reflecting on the speed and performance of his and co-pil ... Continue reading

New Passat Bluemotion 2 Featuring Stop/Start Now On Sale

Building on the gains in efficiency made by the existing Passat BlueMotion, the new BlueMotion 2 features an automatic Stop/start system linked to a new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine. This replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS unit injector powerplant. ... Continue reading

INDYCAR SERIES NOTES - October 31, 2008

1. Panther drivers complete Firestone Indy Lights rookie testing: English racers Martin Plowman and Pippa Mann successfully completed Firestone Indy Lights rookie testing on Oct. 29 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, clearing the way for them to compete for the Firestone Firehawk Cup in 2009. Plowman, 20, and Mann, 24, each ... Continue reading

Brands Hatch Prepares for Great Britain A1GP Finale

London, Great Britain OCtober 31, 2008: The UK fans of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport can start making plans to see an event and support their team now as this Saturday (1 November) tickets go on sale for the Season Four finale, A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain that will be held on 1 – 3 May 2009. The Kent circuit h ... Continue reading

Update to ArvinMeritor Press Release

TROY, Mich., Oct. ... Continue reading

American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results

DETROIT, Oct. 31 -- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2008. Third Quarter 2008 results -- Third quarter sales of $528.1 million -- Net loss of $440.9 million, or $8.54 per share -- AAM's quarterly results ... Continue reading

ArvinMeritor Announces Actions in Response to Global Market Conditions

- Announces $125 million cost reduction initiatives. - Provides update on previously announced spin-off of light vehicle systems business. - Renews key factoring and securitization commitments. - Recognizes non-cash income tax charge. TROY, Mich., Oct. ... Continue reading

Cummins Reports Record Third Quarter 2008 Financial Performance

COLUMBUS, Ind.--Cummins Inc. today reported its highest third quarter sales and profits ever, and second best quarter in its history, led by strong gains internationally that more than offset continued weakness in the Company’s North American consumer markets. Third quarter sales of $3.69 billion were 10 percent h ... Continue reading

Volvo Cars In-House Magazine Best In Europe - Again

First Sweden and now Europe. Agenda Magazine has for second year running been voted best Multi-language Publication by winning the FEIEA Grand Prix 2008. ... Continue reading

Aon Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

- Total Revenue grew 6% to $1.8 billion with Organic Revenue growth of 2% - EPS from Continuing Operations increased 27% to $0.52 Third Quarter Highlights - EPS from continuing operations, excluding certain items, increased 33% to $0.69 - Total pretax margin was 11.5% and the adjusted pretax margin, excluding certain i ... Continue reading

Renault Announces New Megane Coupe Pricing

Following much acclaim for its sporty and aggressive styling at the Paris Motor Show last month, Renault has now confirmed UK pricing for its chic New Mégane Coupé range. Ordering opens early next month, with prices starting from £14,745, ready for the rakish three-door to go head-to-head with rivals such as the Vau ... Continue reading

LDV Answers The Call Of Nature

A Norfolk-based cabin hire company is relieved with its purchase of two MAXUS chassis cabs to transport its portable toilets across the region. The new vehicles are being supplied by Ford and Slater Peterborough. ... Continue reading

Unbeatable Used Car Deals For Irish Customers - Autoquake Launch New Irish Home Page

Autoquake, the UK's leading online used car retailer, today announced the launch of an Ireland homepage for Irish car buyers who are looking to take advantage of the great savings available on imports. Responding to exceptional demand the new www.autoquake.com/ireland page details a step by step guide to importing a ca ... Continue reading

Rolls-Royce Continues Expansion In Greater China

A new Rolls-Royce showroom was officially opened today in Shenzhen, Southern China by Jenny Zheng, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' General Manager for Greater China. The new showroom, the seventh for Rolls-Royce in Greater China, is conveniently located at the Tian An Cyber Park in the Central Futian District of Shenzhen, a ma ... Continue reading

Brits Bewitched Behind The Wheel - Network Q And Derek Acorah Reveal The Nation's Most Spine-Tingling Drives

A report published today reveals that half (48%) of the nation's motorists have encountered spooky phenomena behind the wheel - hence the car's growing appeal for paranormal thrill-seekers looking for on-road excitement. ... Continue reading

Volkswagen Honors Best Apprentices Worldwide

The Volkswagen Group conferred the 'Best Apprentice Award 2008' on its best apprentices at a ceremony in Kassel. This year, 20 young people from ten countries received the award. The Group currently trains over 9,600 young people worldwide. ... Continue reading

Chrysler GM Merger Talk Cool as Deal Sans Goverment Aid - Renault in Wings

By NEW YORK/DETROIT October 31, 2008; Jui Chakravorty Das and Kevin Krolicki(Reuters) - A deal to merge General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC has hit an impasse after the Bush administration ruled out funding for it, three people with direct knowledge of the talks said. This puts any merger of the struggling automakers ... Continue reading

Changes in Executive Committee at SEAT, S.A.

Jan-Henrik Lafrentz (42) current Vice-President for Finances at SEAT, S.A., will head Sales and Marketing, in the place of Berthold Krüger (55) who will be taking on new management responsibilities in the Group's Sales and Marketing areas. The new Vice-President for Finances will be Dieter Seemann (51) ... Continue reading

POPULAR MECHANICS Names Winners of 2009 Automotive Excellence Awards

Vehicles and Technologies Recognized in Ten Categories NEW YORK, Oct. 31 -- POPULAR MECHANICS, today announced the winners of the 2009 POPULAR MECHANICS Automotive Excellence Awards. Chosen by the magazine's expert editorial team, these awards recognize the best in automotive design, execution and technology for 2009 m ... Continue reading

Nissan 0% Percent Financing and Low Lease Rates Among New Consumer Value Opportunities

- Comprehensive Program is Designed to Reassure Budget-Conscious Shoppers; Includes 0% Financing on Key Models and Competitive Leasing Programs - FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 31 -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new Consumer Value Program designed to let consumers know that Nissan offers a variety of optio ... Continue reading

Chrysler Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan with Plant Tours and Presentations

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 31 -- What: -- 25th anniversary celebration of Chrysler's minivan invention -- Reveal of new 2009 special-edition Chrysler and Dodge minivans -- Chrysler EV walkaround -- Plant tour available -- Opportunity to drive original 1984 "Magic Wagon" -- Unique photo opportunities and executive interv ... Continue reading

Mercedes-Benz Tuner Challenge at SEMA 2008: The GLK in Las Vegas

Mercedes-Benz has created an unconventional presentation idea under the heading 'Tuner Challenge'. Ahead of the equally unconventional SEMA Show in the gaming hotspot of Las Vegas, the Stuttgart company announced a competition for tuning firms. The object of desire - the compact GLK-Class. The distinctively styled auto ... Continue reading

smart USA Delivers 20,000th smart fortwo in the United States

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.--smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., , delivered the 20,000th smart fortwo at smart center Dallas, in Dallas, Texas. This sales milestone was accomplished in less than ten months from the initial sales launch of the vehicle in the United States. “Hittin ... Continue reading

SEMA 2008: Subaru to Unveil High-Performance Forester XTI Concept

- 315-Horsepower Crossover with WRX(R) STI(R) Engine, 6-Speed Transmission - DCCD All-Wheel Drive and Brembo Brakes from WRX STI - Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension - Custom Bodywork and Paint CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 31 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today revealed the Forester(R) XTI Concept. It will be unveiled to the publ ... Continue reading

2009 Car and Truck Best Buys from Consumers Magazine

DEERFIELD, Ill., Oct. 31 -- Thirty-six vehicles and 14 companion models received Best Buy ratings from Consumers Digest out of some 240 total 2009 models. The ratings, published in CD's December issue (on sale November 1), span 10 categories: Small Cars, Family Cars, Luxury Cars, Sporty Cars, Pickups, Minivans, Compact ... Continue reading

2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 $9,990 MSRP - Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.

- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 - FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 31 -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pr ... Continue reading

Hyundai Releases Additional Engineering and Feature Information for the All-New 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Genesis Coupe Delivers an Estimated 30 MPG FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 30 -- Hyundai released additional engineering and feature information for the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe today. The Genesis Coupe, and its rear-wheel drive platform-mate the Genesis sedan will make their Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEM ... Continue reading