Mazda Announces All-New Minivan for Japan, ‘Mazda Biante’

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced its newly developed eight-seat minivan, the Mazda Biante, which will go on sale in Japan during summer 2008.

The name ‘Biante’ was coined from the English word, ‘ambient,’ to create the impression of a unified interior space that contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable in-car experience for all the vehicle’s occupants.

Developed exclusively for the Japanese market, the Biante features best-in-class interior space, distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance. All of which provides the driver and passengers with a pleasing driving experience.

2009 FORD FLEX: BUILT IN CANADA CROSSOVER REDEFINES TRAVEL FOR MODERN NORTH AMERICAN FAMILIES

* On Sale:  The 2009 Ford Flex goes on sale this summer.  It will be manufactured at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

* Crossover Leadership:  From its bold design and striking interior to its segment-exclusive features, Ford Flex builds on the success of the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, also built at the Oakville Assembly Complex.

* Cool Features, Built Right In:  A class-exclusive refrigerated 2nd row centre console, capless fuel system and available Multi-Panel Vista RoofTM are three more reasons Flex stands out in the crowd of crossovers.

* Leading Technology:  Voice recognition, a 23,000-song personal juke box and programmable ambient lighting become realities with Flex’s suite of innovations, including Ford SyncTM, the exclusive hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system.

* Safe and Secure: Standard front-and-side-seat air bags, a three-row Safety Canopy® side air curtain, Advance Trac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and an availablerear back-up camera offer security customers desire.

* Versatility Defined:Strong engineering – including a proven 3.5-litre V-6, a fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission, available intelligent all-wheel-drive and uncompromising road manners – power the new Flex.

Ford Motor Company redefines the modern North American family journey with the 2009 Ford Flex, a new full-size crossover that sets a new standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the industry’s hottest segment.

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J.D. Power and Associates and What Car? Report:

Toyota Prius Ranks Highest in Satisfying Customers in the UK for a
Second Consecutive Year

Lexus Leads Nameplate Rankings for an Eighth Consecutive Year

LONDON: 8 May 2008 – Toyota’s hybrid car, the Prius, is the highest-ranking model in the J.D. Power and Associates/What Car? 2008 UK Car Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM released today.

The Prius earns a score of 901 on a 1,000-point scale, with owners reporting particularly high satisfaction with the model’s quality and reliability.

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NEW FORD KUGA SET TO DRIVE RETAIL SALES

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 8 May, 2008 – The launch of Ford’s new crossover, the Kuga, will strengthen the appeal of the blue oval, which has seen popularity rise by over six per cent with private car buyers.

The Ford Kuga goes on sale next month in the expanding compact 4×4 segment. With the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment, the Kuga is expected to be another winner with retail customers.

Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo are prominent among the models bought by almost 57,700 private buyers so far this year – an increase of 6.3 per cent compared with last year.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a total for market leader Ford of 130,120 cars and 33,634 commercial vehicles registered so far this year.

Retail demand by 57,700 private customers reflects a switch of some registrations from the corporate fleet sector, which takes the balance of Ford’s car registrations. For example, the retail sector now accounts for 80 per cent more Mondeo sales than a year ago.

Ford commercial vehicles, led by its flagship Transit model, have been named best van range by Van Fleet World magazine. The Ford Transit range boasts a 30 per cent share of all medium commercial registrations.

Sales of Ford’s low CO2 vehicles are also growing. In April the increase in registrations of sub-120g CO2/km vehicles compared with April 2007 was 1,057. The segment leading Ford Focus diesel accounted for the most sub-120 g registrations at 1,796, while total Ford Focus diesel sales in April were 3,744. So far this year (to the end of April) sub-120g Ford registrations have increased by 2,798, compared with the same period last year.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “Our successful series of new model launches is continuing with Ford Kuga which, along with our other low carbon vehicles, delivers style with a green conscience.”

Chevrolet Unveils New Midget Racing Engine

Tony Stewart Racing to Introduce All-New Chevy Engine in USAC National Midget Car Series

INDIANAPOLIS – Chevrolet’s all-new Midget racing engine was unveiled today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway by GM representatives and United States Auto Club (USAC) team owner Tony Stewart. Designed by GM Racing specifically for the USAC National Midget Car Series, the new purpose-built, four-cylinder Chevrolet racing engine will initially power Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) drivers Tracy Hines and Levi Jones in upcoming events. The new Chevy Midget engine will be available to all USAC competitors through independent engine builders.

“One year ago, Chevrolet announced its sponsorship of Tony Stewart Racing in open-wheel competition,” said Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper. “Now Chevrolet has taken the next step by creating an all-new racing engine for this popular grassroots racing series. Chevrolet races to win, and America’s brand is aiming for more victories in this uniquely American form of motorsports.”

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LINCOLN JOINS FORCES WITH HARRY CONNICK, JR. AND HOUSE BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE TO ONCE AGAIN MAKE “DREAMS” COME TRUE IN NEW ORLEANS

* In September 2007, Lincoln shined the spotlight on New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village through its Lincoln MKX “Hometown” spot featuring Harry Connick, Jr.
* Lincoln is joining forces with Harry Connick, Jr. and House Beautiful magazine to decorate the interior of the home of a musician living in Musicians’ Village.
* Lincoln is continuing its commitment to Musicians’ Village and the rebuilding efforts of New Orleans by forming a “MODEL Team” and volunteering with the New Orleans Area Habitat and the Jimmy Carter Work Project in the Upper Ninth Ward to build homes for displaced Katrina victims.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2008 – In the true spirit of giving back and inspiring people to experience their dreams, Lincoln once again joins forces with Harry Connick, Jr. and the New Orleans Area Habitat to rebuild and celebrate the community spirit of the Musicians’ Village in New Orleans. During the week of May 12, Lincoln will form a MODEL Team and join Habitat and the Jimmy Carter Work Project in the Upper Ninth Ward to help rebuild homes and celebrate 25 years of building in metro New Orleans. Ford MODEL Teams are part of the Ford Volunteer Corps, founded by Bill Ford Jr., in 2005. On May 15, continuing their commitment to keep music thriving in New Orleans, Lincoln along with Connick and House Beautiful magazinewill decorate and debut the interior of musician Shamarr Allen’s home in Musicians’ Village.

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2009 SUZUKI SX4: FIRST CAR IN AMERICA UNDER $16,000 WITH STANDARD NAVIGATION

* 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover to feature integrated standard navigation
* Advanced functionality of SX4 navigation system includes available Bluetooth capability, a lowest price gas finder and real-time traffic
* Suzuki infuses “Way of Life!” brand spirit into system with Suzuki-recommended landmarks and points-of-interest

BREA, Calif., (April 28, 2008) – Establishing an auto industry first, and packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced the addition of a fully integrated standard navigation system to the 2009 Suzuki SX4. The company’s offering marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will include navigation as a standard feature. The innovative navigation system will be included as standard equipment on both the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover, propelling the 2009 SX4 to the front of the compact segment as the personal technology leader.

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FORD’S NEW 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OFFERS 4-6 PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT

* The new 6F35 front-wheel-drive transmission is the latest example of Ford’s powertrain technology that increases fuel economy and lowers CO2 emissions.
* The new 6-speed debuts in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport-utility crossover vehicles.
* Advanced automatic transmissions represent one part of Ford’s comprehensive strategy to improve fuel economy and deliver sustainable solutions for customers.

DEARBORN, May 7, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is fitting the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with the automaker’s newest, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, further demonstrating its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for customers.

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Porsche wins “Best Performance Engine Award”

Stuttgart. Once again Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been successful in the International Engine of the Year Awards. With its 911 Turbo-Drive, the sports car manufacturer has underpinned its position in a field of high performance competitors, receiving the coveted “Best Performance Engine Award” for the first time. For ten years now, this prize has been awarded by the British specialist journal “Engine Technology International” for outstanding engine characteristics.

In 2007 Porsche was already successful in the three to four liter category. This year the 3.6 Liter 480 PS Boxer engine (530 PS in the GT2 version) even gained first place in the free capacity class, putting strong competitors like BMW, Ferrari, Nissan and Audi in the shade.

For the first time the 911 Turbo power unit features an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) for efficient control of the exhaust gas flow throughout the entire range of engine speeds, guiding the flow of air in exactly the right direction and at the right angle to the turbine blades. This leads to a discernible improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.

In the Engine of the Year Awards, 65 renowned motoring journalists from more than 30 countries judge power engines in various different categories. As well as performance, fuel consumption, driving behavior and driving comfort, the use of future-oriented technologies is also taken into account.

New Chevy Cobalt XFE Delivers ‘Xtra’ Fuel Economy - Segment Best 36 MPG On The Highway

DETROIT - Consumers looking to squeeze the most mileage from every gallon of gas will find much to appreciate with the new Chevy Cobalt XFE. It delivers a segment-best 36 mpg in highway driving, outdistancing competitors like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.

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