Thursday, July 31, 2008

Tony Stewart Racing, Kinser March On In Final Week of World of Outlaws Sprint Series

INDIANAPOLIS (July 31, 2008) – Tony Stewart Racing’s (TSR) Kraig Kinser and the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series are in their final three-race stretch before next week’s Knoxville Nationals. Kinser and company kicked off the week at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, on Wednesday ... Continue reading

O'CONNELL GOES BACK IN TIME AT ROAD AMERICA

Corvette Racing's Johnny O'Connell first raced at Road America in 1986. The subject of the phone call with Johnny O'Connell took Corvette Racing's star a little by surprise. After all, how often is he asked about a SuperVee race at Road America in 1986? "I can't even remember that!" he exclaimed, taking a second to sea ... Continue reading

ROUSH STAGE 3 SUSPENSION AVAILABLE TO ALL MUSTANG OWNERS WHO WANT TO PULL Gs

LIVONIA, Mich. (July 31, 2008) - One of the things that sets the ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang apart from the competition is the road-hugging, highly-tuned suspension package. Previously, this vaunted suspension package was only available as part of a ROUSH Stage 3 vehicle build, but now anyone with a 2005 to 2009 Ford Mustang ... Continue reading

RIDERS CAN TAKE LAP OF CHAMPIONS SEPT. 13 AT IMS TO BENEFIT CHARITY

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, July 31, 2008 – Motorcycle enthusiasts can ride into history Saturday, Sept. 13 by taking a parade lap on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Lap of Champions, a charity event during the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Lap of Champions participants will ride around ... Continue reading

INDYCAR SERIES NOTES

1. Drivers set to relax during off weekend: After racing on six consecutive weekends, IndyCar Series drivers and teams will enjoy an off weekend Aug. 2-3 before gearing up for the final four races of the season, including three consecutive races to end the season. “I’ll sleep probably and spend some time with ... Continue reading

Jones, Hines Ready To Tackle USAC National Midget, Sprint Car Series Action In Kansas and Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (July 31, 2008) – Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and drivers Levi Jones and Tracy Hines will make a whirlwind tour of the Midwest this week, as they’ll compete in USAC National Midget Series and Sprint Car Series in both Kansas and Indiana. Kicking off this week’s action will be the 31st Annual B ... Continue reading

WHELDON EYEING MEIJER INDY 300 PRESENTED BY PEPSI AND EDY TITLE

SPARTA, Ky. - Third-place IndyCar Series championship driver Dan Wheldon began his preparation for the Aug. 9 “Meijer Indy300 Presented by Pepsi and Edy’s” by participating in a five-team test today at Kentucky Speedway. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver won the 2005 series title with Andretti Green Racing ... Continue reading

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX to Make Public Debut at ESPN X Games 14

- Subaru Exclusive Automotive Sponsor of ESPN X Games 14 - CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 -- The newly-announced 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will make its public debut at X Games 14, to be held in Los Angeles, Calif. July 31 - August 3. Boasting engine and handling upgrades, the 265 horsepower WRX will be on show at the Subaru ... Continue reading

AEI Publishes Special Tribute to GM's 100 Years of Innovation

WARRENDALE, Pa., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The August issue of Automotive Engineering International (AEI) includes a bonus 52-page supplement saluting 100 years of General Motors innovation and the innovators involved -- the engineers, scientists and executives. Background information for this project was deve ... Continue reading

Hayes Lemmerz Hosts Conference Call to Discuss Fiscal Year 2008 Second Quarter Financial Results

NORTHVILLE, Mich., July 31 -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. announced that it will host a telephone conference call to discuss the Company's fiscal year 2008 second quarter financial results on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. (ET). To participate by phone, please dial 10 minutes prior to the call: (888) ... Continue reading

Green Cars Wholesale Auction - For Dealers Only

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amanda King July 31, 2008 McNeely Pigott & Fox (615) 259-4000 MANHEIM NEW ENGLAND HOSTS "GREEN" VEHICLE SALE Partners with AutoTrader Publishing and AutoMart to Offer Dealers Fuel-efficient Vehicles ATLANTA - Manheim New England teamed up with AutoTrader Publishing and AutoMart to host a ... Continue reading

10 Year Ford Employee Mark Kaline Global Media Manager Gone

DETROIT July 31, 2008; Jean Halliday writing for AdAge.com reported that Mark Kaline, the high-profile global media manager of Ford Motor Co., left the automaker this week, according to executives close to the matter. Mr. Kaline is a casualty of Ford's latest move, announced in June, to cut 15% of its white-collar staf ... Continue reading

Subaru Unleashes New 265 HP 2009 Impreza WRX

'Kyo-Ka' WRX: More Power, Quicker, Sharper-Handling CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 -- Performance leaps to a higher level in the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX thanks to a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires. The Impreza WRX moves closer to its ... Continue reading

2009 Brings New Look and Luxurious Features to Fleetwood's Popular Southwind Class A Gas Motor Home

RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 31 -- Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group, a leading producer of recreational vehicles, announced the release of its 2009 Southwind Class A gas motor home, which was unveiled to consumers during FMCA's summer rally in St. Paul, Minn. last week. 2009 marks a lifecycle change for Southwind that includ ... Continue reading

TRW Automotive Reports Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results; Provides Update on 2008 Outlook

LIVONIA, Mich., July 31 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , the global leader in active and passive safety systems, today reported second-quarter 2008 financial results with sales of $4.4 billion, an increase of 18.4 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The Company reported second quarter net earnings of $127 ... Continue reading

Fleetwood Reports Preliminary Revenues for Fiscal 2009 First Quarter

RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 31 -- Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. announced today preliminary sales for the fiscal 2009 first quarter of approximately $287 million, a 41 percent drop from $488 million last year. Sales for the RV Group fell 52 percent, while Housing Group revenues were off 15 percent in the quarter, which ended ... Continue reading

Bosch Joins Chicago Climate Exchange

Company Known for Providing Sustainable Technology and Services Expands Commitment in Operations FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., July 31 -- Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, today announced it has become a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX(R)), the world's first and North America's only vo ... Continue reading

Goodyear Reports Strong Second Quarter and First Half Results

Second Quarter Highlights Include: - Sales increased 6.5% to a record $5.2 billion - Revenue per tire increased 9% - Income from Continuing Operations up 159% to $75 million - Segment operating income increased to $330 million - International businesses' sales up 18%, segment operating income up 19%, both records - Rai ... Continue reading

Cox Enterprises Reduces Fuel Usage and Carbon Emissions With New Fuel-Sipping Hybrid Trucks

ATLANTA, July 31 -- Continuing its transition to a more environmentally-friendly fleet, Cox Enterprises announced the addition of nine International Durastar Hybrid Bucket Trucks. The hybrid trucks from Navistar provide dramatic potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is ... Continue reading

BorgWarner Posts Record Second Quarter Results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 31 -- BorgWarner Inc. today reported record second quarter results driven by strong demand for its fuel efficient powertrain technologies in Europe and Asia which more than offset declines in North America. The company also announced proactive restructuring initiatives in North America to alig ... Continue reading

Lear Names William Mattingly Vice President - Engineering, Global Electrical and Electronics

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 31 -- Lear Corporation , a leading global supplier of automotive seating, electrical distribution systems and electronic products announced today that William Mattingly has been appointed vice president - Engineering, Global Electrical and Electronics, effective August 1, 2008. (Logo: http://www ... Continue reading

Stoneridge Reports Second-Quarter 2008 Results

- Net Sales and Income Increase Year-over-Year - Second-Quarter 2008 Net Income per Diluted Share Increases to $0.20, up 82% from 2007 - Company Reaffirms Full-Year 2008 Earnings Outlook of $0.75 to $0.85 Per Diluted Share WARREN, Ohio, July 31 -- Stoneridge, Inc. today announced net sales of $213.2 million and net inc ... Continue reading

Save Gas with a More Fuel Efficient Car, Pickup Truck or SUV

NADAguides.com Announces Its Top Choices for 2008 Models COSTA MESA, Calif., July 31 -- Fuel efficiency has always been a chief concern for many car shoppers, but with today's high gas prices, it's become more important than ever. NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) recognizes that today's car buyers are intere ... Continue reading

Nissan Altima Hybrid Named to 'Top 10 Green Cars' by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 31 -- The Nissan Altima Hybrid, which offers the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the performance and excitement customers have come to expect from the Altima line-up, has been named one of the "Top 10 Green Cars" by the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. (Logo: http:// ... Continue reading

DELPHI LAUNCHES WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED ROLL-CONTROL SYSTEM

FOR RELEASE: Thursday July 31, 2008 CONTACT: Richard Gotch +44 1295 277050 richard.gotch@m-eng.com <mailto:richard.gotch@m-eng.com> DELPHI LAUNCHES WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED ROLL-CONTROL SYSTEM Third generation technology improves comfort, handling, packing, weight and refinement Paris, France - A new Active Stabiliser Bar ... Continue reading

Garmin Announces Completion of the Acquisition of Its Austrian Distributor

CAYMAN ISLANDS, July 31 -- Garmin Ltd. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Puls Elektronik GmbH, the distributor of Garmin's consumer products in Austria. The company will be renamed Garmin Austria GmbH and will retain its management, sales, marketing and supporting staff, consisting of approximate ... Continue reading

PUMA Rallies With Gumball 3000

Sportlifestyle Brand Joins Superstars and Supercars as Official Sponsor of the 10th Anniversary Gumball 3000 Rally Spectacular, August 9 - 16, 2008 WESTFORD, Mass., July 31 -- PUMA(R) fuses the influences of sport, fashion and lifestyle, on and off the race track, and this August is no different, as PUMA steps up to th ... Continue reading

Cooper-Standard Automotive Announces Change of Time for Teleconference to Discuss 2008 2nd Quarter Results

NOVI, Mich., July 31 -- Cooper-Standard Automotive will hold a conference call with investors on Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. EDT to discuss its 2008 second quarter results, provide a general business update and respond to investor questions. A news release detailing the company's results will be posted to ... Continue reading

More Than 70 Percent of Twin Cities Drivers Ages 18-34 Use Cell Phones and/or Eat While Driving; One in Three Text Message While Behind Wheel

60 Percent of Twin Cities Drivers Say Distracted Drivers Are Their Biggest Stressor On Road, According to New AAA Minneapolis Survey MINNEAPOLIS, July 31 -- How many Twin Cities drivers are driving with one hand on the wheel and the other preoccupied with a cell phone, iPod, BlackBerry or hamburger? According to a new ... Continue reading

Thrifty Car Rental and Expedia Sign Preferred Partner Agreement

TULSA, Okla., July 31 -- Thrifty Car Rental, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. , today announced the expansion of its existing relationship with Expedia, Inc. . Under the multi-year agreement, Thrifty Car Rental will join the Expedia(R) Preferred Rental Car Program on Expedia.com(R) and Expedia.ca(T ... Continue reading

Economy and Efficiency Drive at the IAA

Allison Transmission, the premier global provider of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, will use this year's IAA to highlight ways for operators and OEMs to increase efficiency and environmental performance through the use of a fully-automatic gearbox or hybrid powertrain. ... Continue reading

Vauxhall Van Variety Appeals to Johnson Controls

The wide variety of van specifications on offer from Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, proved particularly appealing to Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions when recently replacing a fleet of 60 vehicles. ... Continue reading

Renault VIP Fleet Headlines at the Edinburgh International Festival

Supporting the Edinburgh International Festival for the thirteenth year, Renault and its distinctive fleet of luxurious New Laguna and Grand Espace will once again be a familiar sight on the streets of the Scottish capital this month. ... Continue reading

John Beam Unveils Mobile Wheel Alingment System

John Bean, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced Visualiner PRISM, a fully mobile wheel alignment system ideal for workshops with lift bays unsuitable for a full 3D alignment machine. PRISM is a hybrid of Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and 3D alignment technology and enables a run-out compensation procedure to ... Continue reading

Britain's Low CO2 Car and Van Rental Company Also Offers Its Customers Low Calls

Europe's first and only low CO2 vehicle rental company, Green Motion, today confirmed that it is changing the telephone number of its Central Reservations department to a new 03 prefix standard charge rate number - 0333 888 4000 from its existing 0870 number. ... Continue reading

Kia Motors America Announces New Vice President of Marketing

Michael Sprague Joins Kia IRVINE, Calif., July 31 -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced Michael Sprague will be joining the company as vice president, marketing, effective August 11, 2008. In his new role with Kia, Sprague will direct and manage all aspects of the marketing department, including brand marke ... Continue reading

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Declares 146th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend

FINDLAY, Ohio, July 31 -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company today announced a quarterly dividend of 10.5 cents per share on common stock, payable Sept. 30, 2008, to stockholders of record at the close of business Sept. 2, 2008. This will mark the 146th consecutive quarterly dividend paid by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. (Lo ... Continue reading

IVECO Selects LyondellBasell's High-Performance Softell PP for its New Series of Eurocargo Trucks

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, July 31 -- LyondellBasell Industries' Softell polypropylene (PP) compound is being used to produce the door panels of Italian commercial utility vehicle producer IVECO's new Eurocargo truck model. LyondellBasell's new Softell PP compound was selected for the new Eurocargo model to create a comfo ... Continue reading

Lexus Apprentice of the Year Takes Up European Skills Challenge

Lexus Apprentice of the Year Matthew Lawrence is one of 10 European students from the Toyota Technical Education Programme (TTEP) who will be taking part in EuroSkills 2008. Matthew, 22, will be joining nine Toyota colleagues from across the Continent in the contest, which is Europe's largest open skills competition. ... Continue reading

Think You're Cool? Visit COOL 2009 and Find Out!

Since its first appearance as the Cool Pavilion '97, COOL 2009 again promises to be the largest single display of refrigerated transport equipment and vehicles in Europe. COOL returns to its traditional CV Show home in hall 3a of the NEC Birmingham, from 28-30 April 2009, creating a unique meeting place for reefer and ... Continue reading

Energy Company Selects Ford As Green Option

Energy company E.ON has renewed its Ford contract with the environmental performance of Ford vehicles a deciding factor. The agreement with E.ON will see some 2,000 Ford vans and cars added to their UK fleet this year as part of the three-year deal. ... Continue reading

The Caddy Maxi Life

The Caddy Maxi Life is the ingenious new people mover within the Volkswagen range. The Caddy Maxi Life can seat up to seven adults comfortably with ample leg and headroom. The Caddy Maxi Life is a neat blend of form and function to meet a range of people and luggage carrying needs. The Caddy Maxi Life effectively rethi ... Continue reading

Audi: Learning The Ropes in Industry with "First Job Experience"

For college graduates with good grades in a largely theoretical major, Audi is now offering a qualification program called "First Job Experience" (FJE). FJE provides an excellent opportunity for automobile aficionados still at the bottom of the career ladder to tackle selected projects over a period of six months to a ... Continue reading

Green Light for Olympics: Volkswagen Pavilion Now Ready

The Volkswagen Showcase on the 'Olympic Green' is now ready to welcome guests to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. As the exclusive Automobile Partner of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) and national sponsor, Volkswagen Group China has already handed over 5,000 vehicles, all complying ... Continue reading

Ford To Establish National Sales Company In Romania

Ford of Europe is planning to establish a dedicated National Sales Company (NSC) organisation in Romania, which will take full responsibility for the marketing, sales and service of Ford vehicles there from August 2010. ... Continue reading

Japan Auto Output Up 4.5 Pct in June

Tokyo, July 30, 2008; Jiji Press reported that Japan's automobile output in June grew 4.5 pct from a year before to 1,034,317 units, up for the 11th straight month, an industry group said Wednesday. Production of passenger cars increased 4.6 pct to 885,799 units, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said. Out ... Continue reading

Nissan to Offer Early Retirement at 2 U.S. Plants

New York, July 31, 2008; Jiji Press reported that Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday that it will offer early retirement at two Tennessee plants to cope with sluggish sales of pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. The Japanese automaker expects to cut about 1,200 jobs over three years through the program that covers a ... Continue reading

General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Collection Vehicles Together for the First Time at Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance

Restoring a Classic General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Collection Vehicles Together for the First Time at Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance More than fifty years ago, General Motors’ traveling Motorama showcased dramatic concept “Dream Cars” as interpretations of future automobile design. From ... Continue reading

General Motors Delivers 17 '08 Models That Get 30 mpg or Better on the Highway

DETROIT July 30, 2008; From nicely equipped entry subcompacts to award-winning midsize sedans and a capable, compact SUV, General Motors offers plenty of choices for consumers who want to wring more miles out of a gallon of gas. Seventeen 2008 GM models – more than any other automaker – achieve EPA fuel econo ... Continue reading

The New Chrysler In Talks With Fiat and Tata - What Could They Be Talking About?

DETROIT Jul 30, 2008 Kevin Krolicki and Poornima Gupta wrotonfg for Reuters reported that Chrysler is in talks to lease U.S. production capacity and share retail distribution with Fiat SpA, allowing the Italian automaker to return the U.S. market for the first time in 25 years, people briefed on the talks said on Wedne ... Continue reading

All New All-Terrain Vehicles Sold in the U.S. Must Comply with Industry Safety Standards

WASHINGTON July 30, 2008; The Coalition for Safe and Responsible ATV Use – comprised of BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha – applauded Congress today for requiring all companies that import or sell ATVs in the U.S. to comply with the same vehicle safety standards and to implement the same traini ... Continue reading

Pep Boys Completes Sale Lease Back Transaction

PHILADELPHIA July 30, 2008; The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack, the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, announced that it closed the sale of 22 properties for an aggregate purchase price of $77.5 million. Coincident with such sales transaction, the Company entered into agreements to lea ... Continue reading