Car Chute

AVL to Acquire NTC Powertrain

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

GRAZ, Austria, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — AVL Holding GmbH announced that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire NTC Powertrain Australia, USA and UK. NTC has vast experience in the development of transmissions for the high volume passenger car market and will form a key part of the AVL Passenger Car Transmission division. Helmut List, CEO of AVL List: “The depth of experience, resources and capabilities of the combined AVL and NTC powertrain teams will further leverage advanced technology solutions for customers worldwide and will assist AVL to significantly expand the range of services provided to the global automotive market.”

NTC Powertrain CEO Mr Richard Tamba stated “AVL and NTC share a common goal to bring high technology reliable designs to our customers with a focus on customer satisfaction and on time delivery of projects. Together AVL and NTC form the largest independent powertrain technology provider offering full technology solutions from analysis, through concept, design, testing and production implementation. NTC is honoured to have been invited to be part of the AVL family and we can now offer our combined services from facilities worldwide.”

NTC Powertrain is best recognised for the role it played in the core development of Borg Warner’s DualTronic technology and the design of the VW DQ250 during a 12 year exclusive retainer agreement that expired in February of this year. NTC has developed more than 12 DCT’s and 5 Automatics that are currently in various stages of high volume production. NTC are also a provider of powertrain design and development services to the marine, military and mining industries. NTC will continue to operate from all of its current facilities and will be looking to further strengthen its team of experienced engineers.

AVL is the world’s largest independent company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large engines. The high-tech company AVL employs 4,300 people worldwide. Turnover in 2009 was 600 million Euro.

Contact

Michael Ksela, company spokesman for AVL, phone +43-1-523-4088, e-mail: michael.ksela@scoopnextlevel.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100831190115080, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/RIT, IN/TRT, SU/ACC, RE/Austria

Magna Plan of Arrangement Completed

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

AURORA, Canada, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG.A, NYSE: MGA) today announced that the plan of arrangement to eliminate Magna’s dual-class share structure has been completed. Magna’s common shares will commence trading under the symbol ‘MG’ on the Toronto Stock Exchange at the start of trading on September 1, 2010.

About Magna

We are the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 76,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 76 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

Contact

For further information, please contact Vince Galifi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at 905-726-7100 or Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations at 905-726-7035.

Subject Codes: PC/t.100831162914382, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, PC/ticker.bloomberg, PC/ticker.isin, PC/ticker.rics, IN/AUT, IN/FIN, RE/Canada

Company Codes: NYSE:MGA, Toronto:MG.A, Bloomberg:MGA@UN, RICS:MGA.N, ISIN:CA5592224011

Fallbrook Technologies Inc. Announces Availability of the N360 Version of its NuVinci(R) Continuously Variable Bicycle Transmission

- The next generation of the award-winning NuVinci(R) drivetrain is over 30% lighter and 17% smaller with enhanced shifting. Bicycle OEMs are including it on more new models. -

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — EUROBIKE 2010 — Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook), announced today the availability of its N360 bicycle drivetrain utilizing NuVinci(R) Technology. The N360 is the next generation of Fallbrook’s award-winning Continuously Variable Planetary (CVP) transmission for bicycles. The NuVinci CVP is a significant “shift” in drivetrain technology, transmitting mechanical power with spheres instead of gears. With an unlimited number of ratios available within its nominal 360% ratio range, the NuVinci CVP is a highly attractive replacement for bicycle derailleurs and internally geared hubs as it provides a ride and shifting experience unlike any other.

Compared to the NuVinci bicycle drivetrain launched in 2007, the N360 model has an increased ratio of 360%, is over 30% lighter and is 17% smaller. Shift effort is significantly reduced even under high pedal forces and there is 50% less twist rotation required to move between the lowest and highest ratios. In addition, for better protection, the hub interface is now housed inboard of the frame drop-out.

“The original NuVinci bicycle CVP introduced a totally new cycling experience – very easy shifting,” said Jack Brandsen, Fallbrook’s Director of European Marketing and Sales. “The typical reactions after the first ride were: ‘It’s so smooth! or it’s so easy!’ However, bicycle manufacturers told us they would put it on more models if we could make the drivetrain lighter and smaller. We listened to the market and the N360 is the result. It’s now being offered on many additional bicycle models including a number of e-Bikes.”

The Gepida Reptila, Mosquito Classis Energy, Raleigh Dover 360, and Victoria NuVinci are some examples of new e-Bikes that will offer the N360 drivetrain. “The N360′s ease of shifting is particularly beneficial for e-Bikes,” said Alan M. Nordin, Fallbrook’s Bicycle Division President. “e-Bike riders will shift more and that can result in less battery drain when starting up or going up a hill, which in turn equates to increased battery range.” Examples of new European bike models with the N360 include the Batavus Venturo, Panther TR999 Gepard-N and Simpel Wegwarts and new North American N360 bike models include the Breezer Uptown Infinity, Ellsworth Enlightenment, and Organic Edwin.

For bike dealers looking to upgrade existing bicycles, an N360 aftermarket conversion kit is also available. Bicycle dealers in Europe will be able to order it directly on the NuVinci website, http://www.nuvinci.com where there is also a list of aftermarket kit distributors for other parts of the world.

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.

Fallbrook Technologies Inc. is a technology and manufacturing company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment. Fallbrook’s NuVinci(R) continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to virtually any machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and wind turbines, among others. The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.

The NuVinci platform offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements. Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 350 patents and patent applications worldwide.

To learn more about Fallbrook and its NuVinci technology, please visit http://www.fallbrooktech.com.

Subject Codes: PC/t.100831150115303, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/ENT, IN/TRN, SU/PDT, SU/TDS, RE/Western_Europe, RE/Scandinavia

Magna Plan of Arrangement to be Implemented

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

AURORA, Canada, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG.A, NYSE: MGA) today announced that, after the close of markets on August 30, 2010, the Ontario Divisional Court dismissed the appeal of certain dissident minority shareholders of Magna and upheld the decision of the Ontario Superior Court approving the previously announced plan of arrangement to eliminate Magna’s dual-class share structure. The decision of the Divisional Court followed a hearing held on August 26, 2010.

As Magna has been notified that the dissident shareholders do not intend to appeal the Divisional Court’s decision, Magna expects to implement the arrangement later today. Upon closing, Magna’s Class A Subordinate Voting Shares will be redesignated as ‘common shares’. Magna’s common shares will trade under the symbol ‘MG’ on the Toronto Stock Exchange and will continue to trade under the symbol ‘MGA’ on the New York Stock Exchange.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision and that we are finally in a position to close the arrangement, which has received strong support from Magna’s shareholders,” said Vince Galifi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “With the transaction completed, we can refocus on pursuing our long-term growth strategy, including further investments in both innovation and emerging markets, in order to continue to serve our customers around the world.”

About Magna

We are the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 76,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 76 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Quinn Insurance: Car Maintenance Advice

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

LONDON, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Keeping a car on the road is expensive business. As well as giving you a great deal on your car insurance (http://www.quinn-direct.co.uk/) the kind folks at Quinn have provided us with some great tips for keeping your car in tip top condition.

Basically, keeping your car in good working order makes a lot of sense. There are always plenty of people who’ve been stung for expensive repairs when insurance & MOT time rolls around every year. A fair amount of this work can be avoided by taking care of your vehicle.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to have the skills of Lewis Hamilton’s chief mechanic to keep your motor running smoothly. So with this in mind, Quinn Direct – a specialist provider of car insurance for young people (http://www.quinn-direct.com/car-insurance/young-driver.html), have created this guide to car maintenance for you to check out:

Tyre Pressures

Always check your tyre pressures every few week or so. Under inflated tyres will make you car’s handling worse, just like deflated tyres on a bicycle. Keeping the pressures checked and in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations will prolong the life of your tyres. It will also help you save fuel. Refer to your cars handbook for the required pressures for your tyres.

Tread Depth

In addition to checking the pressure of your tyres, do pay attention to their tread depth. The minimum legal requirement for tread depth is 1.6mm. If your tyres become worn down, they can skid – especially dangerous in the wet. So if this does happen, you can safely assume that your tyres are reaching the end of their life, and it is time to replace them.

Oil Levels

It is advised to check your oil once a month. Make sure that the car has been stationary with the engine switched off for at least five minutes. With the bonnet open, locate the dipstick, which is usually a bright colour for ease of recognition. Pull it out of its tube and wipe the oil off with an old cloth. Find the oil level marks on the end of the stick.

Slowly push the stick back in the tube and pull out again. Check the oil level; ideally it should be between the upper and lower marks. If it is nearing the lower mark then you should top it up with the correct engine oil for your model of car. Do this by replacing the dipstick and opening the filler cap (often found on the top of the engine). Pour some oil in and wait a few seconds for it to drain down to the bottom of the engine, and then re-check the level. Be careful not to overfill as this can cause leaks.

Brake Fluid

Check to see if your brake fluid is at the right level (your dashboard will have a check light), however do not attempt to top it up yourself. Leave this job to the mechanic when you take it for a service.

Coolants

Top up your water levels in order to stop overheating. In the winter it is also advisable to have an anti-freeze agent in the water to stop the car from freezing up.

Windscreen Wipers

Depending on how often you use them, the wipers should be changed once or twice a year. Refer to your handbook on what replacement wiper you will need (this will save you money).

Bodywork

Check your bodywork for any damage and try to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, then rust will set in. Invest in touch-up paint for small nicks and scratches that may occur.

Servicing

It is important that you get your car served by a professional mechanic every six months or so. This will allow the mechanic to check for damage to the engine and radiators etc, and he can then replace worn out parts on your vehicle. Brake pads wear out and can lose their stopping power, so these will be one of the things that will be checked and replaced as part of the service. Air filters will also need changing every 6,000 miles and the mechanic can do that for you too.

So there you have it, a quick guide to keeping your car in good condition. If you follow these straightforward guidelines, you can cut down on the amount of money you have paid out in repairs. Plus, your car will be more of a joy to drive! For more car money saving tips visit Quinn Insurance today.

Contact: Carrie Greene, +44(0)117-930-8800 and Carrie.Greene@weare2020.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100831111608636, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/INS, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom

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Magna Plan of Arrangement to be Implemented

PR Newswire — August 31, 2010

AURORA, Canada, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG.A, NYSE: MGA) today announced that, after the close of markets on August 30, 2010, the Ontario Divisional Court dismissed the appeal of certain dissident minority shareholders of Magna and upheld the decision of the Ontario Superior Court approving the previously announced plan of arrangement to eliminate Magna’s dual-class share structure. The decision of the Divisional Court followed a hearing held on August 26, 2010.

As Magna has been notified that the dissident shareholders do not intend to appeal the Divisional Court’s decision, Magna expects to implement the arrangement later today. Upon closing, Magna’s Class A Subordinate Voting Shares will be redesignated as ‘common shares’. Magna’s common shares will trade under the symbol ‘MG’ on the Toronto Stock Exchange and will continue to trade under the symbol ‘MGA’ on the New York Stock Exchange.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision and that we are finally in a position to close the arrangement, which has received strong support from Magna’s shareholders,” said Vince Galifi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “With the transaction completed, we can refocus on pursuing our long-term growth strategy, including further investments in both innovation and emerging markets, in order to continue to serve our customers around the world.”

About Magna

We are the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 76,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 76 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Frost & Sullivan: Electric Vehicles Fuelling Demand for Battery Technology and Supply

PR Newswire — August 30, 2010

LONDON, August 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The batteries used to propel electric vehicles (EVs) can be derived from one of several chemistries, including lead acid, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). The rapidly developing and evolving market for EVs is boosting demand for new battery technologies and greater supply. The EV industry has developed quickly, after decades of slow development, causing a potential bottleneck in battery technology supply. The chemical industry has recently discovered the opportunities to supply materials and components to this market, triggering a race to develop products.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com), Global Opportunity Analysis for Chemical and Material Suppliers in the Electric Vehicle Batteries Market, finds that the EV Li-ion battery chemical and materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 125 per cent from 2010 to 2016. The products covered in this research service are separators, anodes, cathodes, electrolytes as well as binders and casings.

“All the major automotive manufacturers are developing EVs — considered the next generation of vehicles and a means for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to differentiate themselves to stay ahead of the competition,” says Frost & Sullivan’s Global Programme Manager for Transportation Chemicals, Robert Outram. “Escalating oil prices and environmental concerns are driving governments to grant incentives and encourage zero emission vehicles, further endorsing the importance of EVs and stepping-up the demand for EV batteries.”

Chemicals and materials suppliers in the EV batteries market can expect exponential growth, as major OEMs launch their EV range with a plan for commercial production.

However, only a few market participants can supply separators, electrolytes, anodes and cathodes, particularly in Europe, potentially causing a bottleneck in the entire EV batteries market. Chemical and battery companies have failed to keep pace with the development of vehicles as electric vehicles have been promised for many years. Up until recently the market has failed to materialise causing chemical companies to develop a “wait and see” attitude toward battery material development. Now the market has finally taken off, very few companies are in a position to capitalise on the opportunities.

“The market will face significant price pressure from downstream companies,” explains Outram. “Additionally, increasing competition from low-cost production locations will intensify the profit margin reduction for chemical suppliers.”

With the EV batteries market showing signs of genuine potential in this decade, chemical companies are beginning to rise to the challenge and are partnering with the key battery producers to supply the required volumes and enhance existing battery technology.

“EV batteries need considerable improvement in terms of energy storage capacity, size, weight, and cost,” concludes Outram. “The chemical industry can help achieve these goals with the development of innovative materials, chemicals, and solutions.”

If you are interested in more information on this study, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

Global Opportunity Analysis for Chemical and Material Suppliers in the Electric Vehicle Batteries Market is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Automotive Adhesives Global Market Analysis, Strategic Analysis of the Global Automotive Under-hood Plastics Market, Lightweighting Megatrend Effect on Global Chemical Demand, and Global Markets for Plastics in Passenger Vehicles. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

Global Opportunity Analysis for Chemical and Material Suppliers in the Electric Vehicle Batteries Market M581

Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications – Europe P: +48-22-390-4127 F: +48-22-390-4160 E: monika.kwiecinska@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100830052305236, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/CHM, IN/OIL, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom, RE/Ireland

Ten Top Car Insurance Tips from Quinn Insurance

PR Newswire — August 27, 2010

LONDON, August 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — So you’ve passed your driving test, got yourself a set of wheels, and you’re about to get out on the open road for the very first time. You might know how to parallel park and keep under the speed limit, but there are several other things to consider when owning and running a car. For instance, how can you get a good deal on your car insurance? Premiums are higher for new, young drivers; so how is it possible for you to keep costs down?

Don’t worry, as Quinn Insurance has used their experience and expertise to create this guide comprising ten of their best tips for insuring your car:

1. Avoid high performance vehicles

We know that it is tempting to buy a car with a powerful engine or a luxury model with all the mod cons, but these types of car are nearly always much more expensive to insure. If you are a first-time driver getting new driver insurance, we would advise that you purchase a standard model car with a small engine size (about one litre capacity) with no modifications. With this in mind, you will probably looking at a 3 or 5 door hatchback.

2. Avoid high value vehicles

This ties in with our first tip, as the lower the value of your car, the lower your insurance premium will be. So therefore avoid flashy vehicles that carry a high price tag or are brand new. A decent second hand car with a good service history will help you keep your premiums down. Look out for adverts in your local paper or in magazines. There are plenty of them.

3. Take out basic cover

It is advised to take out Third Party Fire and Theft cover for best value cover. Third party cover on its own will only cover you against damage to other people’s property and injuries you may cause them.

Third Party Fire and Theft will cover loss or damage of your vehicle caused by fire or theft. However, it will not cover you against damage committed by yourself to the vehicle. Fully comprehensive cover will cover you for all of this, but is often much more expensive.

4. Keep your mileage low

If you keep your annual mileage low, it means that you are not on the road that often, rendering you less of a risk. The insurance company may offer you cheaper prices. Simple!

5. Pay up front

If you pay your annual car insurance payment in full up front and not in instalments, you can save a fair amount that you would have paid in interest over the course of the year.

6. Add another driver

Another way of keeping prices down on your auto insurance is by adding another driver. Adding an older, experienced driver to your insurance can reduce your payments, so why not ask your parents if they would like to be included.

7. Keep your licence clean

Insurance companies do not like people who drive recklessly so drive safely and sensibly. Accumulating points on your licence and gaining driving convictions will without doubt push up your premiums. Therefore, keep to the driving speed limit and don’t drink and drive, as these types of convictions will make finding insurance for a young driver practically impossible. If you can find someone to cover you, then you can bet that it will be very expensive indeed.

If you do keep out of trouble, then you will be rewarded. When you renew your insurance policy, you will be given a ‘No Claims Bonus’ discount off the price of your cover for the coming year.

8. Do not add modifications

Adding modifications to your car such as lowering the suspension or modifying the performance of the engine can increase your insurance premiums. So do avoid this if you can. However, not all modifications will increase prices and if you have to make a change to your car, contact your insurers to see if this will cost more.

9. Cut out the policy optional extras

You can also keep costs lower by not taking any extra features such as windscreen or legal cover. Those extras will add to your premiums, not by much, but you are probably looking to get the cheapest price you can.

10. Off-road parking

If you can park your car off the road in a driveway or garage, do so. Insurance companies always ask their applicants where the vehicle is parked and this will further help you keep your costs to a minimum.

A few other brief money-saving points that may be worth considering when insuring your car are:

- Taking the Pass Plus driving course.

- And finally, look for policies which have a courtesy car included for free as a policy benefit, rather than taking out a courtesy car option.

Please remember that driving without car insurance is illegal and in the case of an accident, you will be liable for the full cost of all damages, if it is your fault.

However, although the costs of being a first-time driver can be expensive, taking heed of these tips can help you reduce your insurance premiums and with a few years of trouble free motoring under your belt, you will see your insurance costing you less and less.

Subject Codes: PC/t.100827121713409, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/INS, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom

National Trust Relieves Bank Holiday Getaway Stress

PR Newswire — August 27, 2010

SWINDON, England, August 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The National Trust is joining the drive to make the August bank holiday journeys less painful by setting up its own unique network of alternative ‘motorway service areas’.

(Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser’s URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.)

The Bank Holiday is traditionally one of the busiest weekends for holiday traffic. According to the Highways Agency Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and Monday afternoon are expected to be the busiest on the roads this weekend, especially on the main holiday routes, as people set out and return from short breaks or day trips.

Mark Harold, National Trust Director for the South West, explained: “This weekend many holiday makers will make the journey to the South West heading for the beautiful coast and countryside, and with Britain’s roads taking the brunt of the holiday traffic we’re encouraging people to plan around the congestion to make the journey an enjoyable part of the holiday.”

Instead of a hurried burger and loo break at a motorway service area, the National Trust has identified 30 of its places to visit ( http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace.htm) which are conveniently located only a few miles from motorway junctions and A-roads.

These bank holiday places to visit ( http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-news/w-latest_news/w-news-holidayhotspots.htm) which include built properties and countryside locations, can provide a more relaxing break with plenty of space to park, picnic, take a quick countryside walk ( http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-visits-walks.htm) with the dog and enjoy some local, seasonal food during the holiday getaway.

Ideas include Killerton, an 18th-century house with a choice of two tea-rooms, and picnic areas in its beautiful gardens and parkland, just seven miles from Junction 28 of the M5- a stretch of motorway that is expected to see more than 3,500 vehicles an hour heading for the West Country at peak times. Other suggestions include Stourhead, a magnificent landscaped garden (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-claremontlandscapegarden) and mansion just 21/2 miles off the A303.

The National Trust initiative ties in with the – Don’t just drive, Discover – campaign launched by the Highways Agency for the summer holidays. The Agency, which manages England’s network of motorways and major A-roads, has been urging families to plan their journeys as much as they plan their holidays and take breaks to avoid tiring and stressful drives.

“In contrast to the daily commute, the holiday getaway is made up of longer, often unfamiliar journeys,” said Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre.

“The desire to arrive by a certain time, together with all the expectation that has built up over many months and a long journey ahead, mean the stress factors can be greater. No-one wants a bad start to their summer holiday, so we’re encouraging drivers to help themselves to avoid delays where they can.”

The full list highlighting the major holiday routes is available on the National Trust website.

Notes to editors:

About The National Trust (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/):

The National Trust cares for 300 inspiring historic houses and gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. From former workers’ cottages to the most iconic stately homes, and from mines and mills to theatres and inns, the stories of people and their heritage are at the heart of everything it does. People of all ages, individuals, schools and communities, get involved each year with its projects, events and working holidays and over 61,000 volunteers help to bring the properties alive for the Trust’s 3.8 million members.

For further press information and images from the National Trust please contact:

Mike Collins Senior Press Officer The National Trust Heelis Kemble Drive Swindon Wiltshire SN2 2NA +44(0)1793-817708 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Subject Codes: PC/t.100827121610239, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/LEI, IN/TRN, IN/TRA, IN/ATL, IN/HRT, IN/TRT, SU/PDT, RE/United_Kingdom

riACT-Head Restraints Contribute to Five-Star Rating

- Johnson Controls’ Innovation Leads the Market in Whiplash Prevention

PR Newswire — August 26, 2010

BURSCHEID, Germany, August 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/19526/1671126

Johnson Controls supplies pro-active riACT-head restraints for the front seats of the new BMW 5 Series sedan, GT and Touring models, minimizing the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear impact. Euro NCAP-simulations have verified the positive results of Johnson Controls’ in-house tests: The BMW 5 Series was awarded the highest grade, “good”, for the protection of its front seats in the case of a rear impact.

“The riACT-head restraints in the BMW 5 Series are impressive, with their protection capability, high degree of comfort and attractive pricing,” commented Alexander Hasler, director sales of Johnson Controls Automotive Experience’s riACT-system worldwide. Hasler, a medical doctor and biomechanist, has been working on the causes of whiplash-injuries and technologies to prevent them over the last decade.

Whiplash is an injury sustained in rear-end collisions and is the result of being impacted while either in a slowly travelling or stationary car. “The rear impact causes the occupants’ bodies to be accelerated forward while their unsupported heads abruptly move backward in relation to their bodies. As a result, the cervical vertebrae are often stretched to such a degree that ligaments, muscles, intervertebral discs and nerves suffer injuries. Typical consequences are headaches, neck-pain, nausea, vomiting and difficulties in concentrating,” Hasler explained. Effective protection is provided by active head restraints. They prevent the harmful rearward displacement of the head by providing it with effective support in the event of a rear impact.

To achieve this effect, the head restraint must be positioned as close to the back of the head as possible. “Many drivers, however, find this constant contact between head and head restraint uncomfortable,” Hasler admits. Thus Johnson Controls’ riACT-head restraint is not only height- but also horizontally adjustable. The front-passengers can move the self-locking front-section of the head restraint over a span of 54 millimeters, to find a comfortable distance between head and restraint.

In a rear-end collision in which the differential speed is greater than 6 mph, a small, pyrotechnic initiator releases a telescopic mechanism inside the head restraint. In a fraction of a second it extends the front-section of the head restraint forward to support the head before it snaps backward, preventing or at least greatly mitigating serious consequences associated with whiplash. “Even if the head restraint is set to give greater clearance from the back of the head, this system still guarantees optimum protection.” Hasler describes the main benefit of Johnson Controls’ pro-active head restraint as follows: “Irrespective of its positioning, in the event of an accident, within 25 milliseconds the front-surface of the head restraint is in place to support the head before the whiplash-motion can even happen.”

The riACT-system chosen by BMW is activated by a signal supplied by the vehicle’s crash sensors; hence it always deploys its maximum protective function irrespective of the occupant’s height, weight or seating-position. Johnson Controls supplies its pro-active riACT-head restraints to BMW’s assembly lines ready-cabled and pre-tested. Once on the line, it is inserted into the seatbacks and connected up to the vehicle’s CAN bus.

Full press release and photos are available at http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

Further information is available from:

Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Experience Industriestrasse 20-30 51399 Burscheid Germany

Ulrich Andree Tel.: +49-2174-65-4343 Fax: +49-2174-65-3219 E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100826102308985, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, SU/PDT, RE/Germany