Car Chute

Alfa Romeo has steadily worked its way up the rankings to finish in joint tenth position in the latest results from the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS).

Alfa Romeo’s improvement in its customer satisfaction scores is a clear indicator that the latest additions to the range are proving successful with customers – from the stylish and sporty compact Alfa MiTo, with sales of over 12,000 cars since launch in early 2009, to the five door Alfa Giulietta hatchback with its class leading Euro NCAP safety credentials.

Head of Brand for Alfa Romeo UK, Damien Dally said “this is fantastic news for both Alfa Romeo and our dealer partners as we enter our second century. To be placed tenth in overall customer satisfaction performance is a great achievement and clearly demonstrates the improvements in customer service, ownership appeal and quality that are being made at Alfa Romeo.

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo range is now on sale. Entry level versions are now known as Progression, Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde. These new versions have additional standard equipment including cruise control, sports pedals and rear parking sensors. Three new engines are now offered including a 1.4 8v 78bhp with start/stop as standard, a 1.4 MultiAir 105bhp and the new congestion charge/tax busting 1.3 JTDM-2 85bhp with just 95 g/km co2 emissions. The new Alfa Romeo MiTo will be available in Metal Bronze and prices start at £12,250 rising to £17,955.

By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk

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KARE 11

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — On a hot, humid and breezy Sunday before Memorial Day I had the pleasure of experiencing the world’s most storied and well- attended single day sporting traditions, the Indianapolis 500.

Truth be told, until attending the 500 the extent of  my motoring interest was pretty much confined to checking the oil and tire pressure on my car.

This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500, and what a spectacle it was to behold. The cars, they’re sleek, fast and noisy.

And what a treat to be the guest of our friends, Indiana natives Clair and Bryan Smith. When I asked about how they handle the noise, Bryan cheerfully told me “yes, it’s loud. But I love it.” Later on, I would understand why he feels that way.

The ceremony and the iconic words, “ladies and gentlemen, start your engines,” really does get the adrenaline pumping.

And the people?

Wow, the people. Around 300-thousand fill the stands at the Indianapolis motor speedway, and here’s what’s so amazing: It all works so well. There are no ticket scanners as the crowds stream in, and most have coolers filled with beer and treats in tow. When was the last time you went to a major sporting event where you could do that?

Here are my lasting Indy impressions:

It’s so patriotic. Taps, a flyover with a stealth bomber, Florence Henderson singing God Bless America, favorite son Jim Nabors crooning “Back Home Again In Indiana,” A parade of previous Indy winners of brickyard past.

Deafening noise that shook my seat but somehow didn’t bother me all that much. Well, I did push some ear plugs in a few times.

Plenty of star power, with the actress Ashley Judd whose Scottish born husband Dario Franchitti has won two Indy 500s, including last year. Wearing a huge sun glasses and a massive sun hat, Judd appeared oblivious to the stares she was attracting. No kidding.

Metaphors about life…timing is everything for these drivers. Knowing when to make a pit stop to refuel is make or break time. Like life, sometimes the unexpected happens and the result can seem exceedingly unfair. Rookie 23-year-old J.B. Hildebrand was leading but crashed in the final turn, allowing previous champ Dan Wheldon to take his second trip to the winners circle and to take his second gulp of milk.

Add all of these things up and I can easily understand why this race has not only survived for a century, but now thrives in the hearts of both drivers and fans.

The Indy 500 is a tradition without peer. May the green flag continue to wave for another 100 years.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

Tags: 1936 bmw 328, 2011 bmw 328 hommage, 328, 328 homage, 328 hommage, bmw, bmw 328, hommage, mille miglia

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

Tags: 2012 nissan gt-r, gt-r, gt-r spec r, gt-r spec-r, gtr, nissan, nissan gt-r, nissan gt-r spec r, nissan gt-r spec-r, nissan gt-r specr, nissan gtr, spec r, spec-r

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Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW

Tags: 2012 bmw m5, 5 series, bmw, bmw m5, m5, spy video, teaser, video

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Nissan Americas Announces Senior Leadership Change

FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Nissan Americas today announced the appointment of Bill Krueger as vice chairman, Nissan Americas, effective June 13. In this newly formed role Krueger will be Nissan Americas’ highest-ranking resident executive and will work closely with Colin Dodge, whose appointment as chairman, Management Committee-Americas, was the subject of a separate announcement.

In his new role, Krueger will report to Dodge and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Nissan Americas’ business in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and 37 other Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Krueger and Dodge’s appointments follow the announcement earlier today that Carlos Tavares, currently chairman, Nissan Americas, will take on a new role as chief operating officer, Renault.

“Bill Krueger has demonstrated the business acumen and leadership qualities necessary to take on the added responsibilities required of a resident Vice Chairman,” said Dodge. “As I assume Chairman responsibilities for the Americas Bill will be instrumental in managing the day-to-day operational aspects of our business in the region.”

Most recently Krueger, 46, was senior vice president, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Total Customer Satisfaction for Nissan Americas. In this role he oversaw all manufacturing and supply-chain management functions for Nissan’s three plants in the United States (Smyrna and Decherd, Tenn.; and Canton, Miss.) and its two plants in Mexico (Cuernavaca and Aguascalientes).

Prior to joining Nissan, Krueger held various management positions at Toyota’s manufacturing plants and served as general manager at the Georgetown, Ky., plant. In addition, Krueger held several management roles at General Motors Corporation’s Janesville, Wis., assembly plant and at Harley Davidson’s Utilimaster Corporation.

Krueger earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Marquette University and a master of business administration degree from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He also holds a master’s degree in engineering management from the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University.

Krueger currently serves on the Committee of Visitors for the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. He is a director of the Nashville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Krueger also serves on the board of directors of the American Red Cross Nashville Area Regional Chapter, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the Anchor Hocking Company. He is also on the executive advisory council for the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation.

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Lewis Hamilton may be best known for his racing, but in the wake of a controversial performance at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, it was another race card he played altogether.

The young Brit was called in to speak with the race stewards regarding an incident with Williams rookie Pastor Maldonado. Towards the end of the grand prix, Hamilton collided with Maldonado and the latter was taken out of the race. The stewards deemed Hamilton at fault and handed him a 20-second time penalty (the post-race equivalent to a drive-through), though with Adrian Sutil finishing far behind him a lap down, the penalty affects neither Hamilton’s sixth-place finish nor his position in the championship standings.

Speaking with the BBC after the stewards’ decision, the McLaren driver jokingly channeled Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Ali G and mused that the stewards were picking on him because he’s black. Realizing the joke could be misconstrued and taken seriously, Hamilton doubled back and apologized to the stewards for his remarks.

The Maldonado incident was one of several that marred Hamilton’s performance this weekend. After being docked several positions on the starting grid due to an illegal qualifying maneuver, Hamilton started in ninth place. Around halfway through the race, he tried to overtake longtime rival, Felipe Massa, but ended up colliding with the Ferrari that crashed out mere seconds later. The stewards had faulted a frustrated Hamilton for that incident as well and handed him a mid-race drive-through penalty.

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Don’t let Your Festival Spirit be Dampened by Tent Thieves

PR Newswire — May 31, 2011

CHESTER, England, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

- Add Personal Possessions Cover to Your Home Insurance to Avoid Festival Theft.

- Ensure you Have Motor Breakdown Cover in Place Before Hitting the Roads, Says moneysupermarket.com

With thousands of people planning to enjoy this year’s festival season, Britain’s number one comparison site moneysupermarket.com urges all Brits to think about what cover they have in place to protect them while they party away from home.

Insuring your possessions

As festival revellers prepare for this year’s round of music, mud and moshing, they need to consider protecting their possessions against theft, loss or damage. Research by moneysupermarket.com (http://www.moneysupermarket.com/) found cover for personal possessions while away from the home can be tagged on to home contents insurance for a small additional cost. With the RAC, for example, home contents insurance which includes cover for possessions away from home stands at GBP97.40 a year; giving festival-goers the piece of mind their personal possessions will be covered.[1] Brits should also be aware it’s important to check the small print of the policy as some insurers will not cover camping equipment as standard.

Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com (http://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/), said: “Whether heading to the big headline festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading, or to a smaller festival such as Kendal Calling, revellers will be looking forward to getting into the party spirit. It’s important Brits are on their guard against opportunistic thieves; tents will often be left unguarded for hours at a time, so as well as making sure valuables are kept with you at all times as your insurance may not cover you. If you are unfortunate enough to be victim of theft, many home contents policies will cover you for items such as iPods and iPhones. Spending the extra cash to ensure you are protected is a small price to pay to enjoy festival fun with peace of mind.”

Festivals abroad

For those combining a festival experience with a trip abroad, such as the Spanish festival Benicassim which takes place in July, Brits should also think about travel insurance. The cost of cover doesn’t have to break the bank and is available from providers such as Cheaper Travel Insurance and Virgin Money for under GBP10 a week.[2]

Motor breakdown

Motorists hitting the road to reach their festival destination this year should also think about having motor breakdown cover in place. In the unfortunate event that your car does break down while on the road, having the right cover in place could ensure you don’t miss out on all the fun. UK breakdown cover is available from under GBP30 with The Green Insurance Company[3] which also includes caravan cover.

Julie Owens continued: “The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck at the side of the road with little choice but to listen to your destination festival on the radio. Having motor breakdown is an essential add-on for any motorist. Before setting off, it’s important festival goers check their policies carefully so they know exactly what is covered. For example, making sure a policy includes onward travel to ensure they make it to hear their favourite bands, even if they breakdown on their way.”

moneysupermarket.com’s top tips for festival fun:

- Don’t take expensive clothing or jewellery with you – you won’t need them – especially as insurer ‘single article’ limits (the maximum amount the insurer will pay out on any single item you are claiming for) are usually around GBP1,000 or GBP1,500. Consider taking a disposable camera, to cut down on risk of damage, loss or theft.

- Report lost or stolen money to the Police within 24 hours – a condition in some policies which otherwise will not pay out.

- Keep your most valuable possessions with you at all times, and stick together in groups – you are less likely to be a target of mugging or theft. But don’t keep all your money in one pocket.

- Don’t make your pitch at the bottom of a hill, since rainwater (and much worse) could end up streaming its way into your tent.

- Look at whether your credit card offers you any form of protection for accommodation or travel cancellation.

Notes to Editors:

1. Home contents cover including personal possessions cover

Male aged 25. Annual cost to cover a semi-detached house with GBP35,000 contents (M20)

Sourced by http://www.moneysupermarket.com 17.05.2011.

Elephant.co.uk:

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP1000) – GBP92.78

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,000) – n/a

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,500) – n/a

- Camping equipment – covered

RAC

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP1000) – GBP97.40

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,000) – GBP97.40

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,500) – GBP97.40

- Camping equipment – covered

Pearl

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP1000) – GBP103.16

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,000) – n/a

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,500) – n/a

- Camping equipment – covered

Legal & General

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP1000) – GBP110.76

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,000) – GBP110.76

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,500) – GBP118.85

- Camping equipment – covered

Swinton

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP1000) – GBP111.12

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,000) – GBP111.12

- Premium with personal possessions (GBP2,500) – GBP128.71

- Camping equipment – covered

2. 1 Week Single Trip – Based on a male aged 25:

Sourced by http://www.moneysupermarket.com 17.05.2011

Cheaper Travel Insurance (Single Trip Standard): GBP5.14, GBP100 excess, personal possession cover (up to GBP500).

Virgin Money (Essentials Single Trip): GBP5.81, GBP100 excess, personal possession cover (up to GBP1,500).

Debenhams (Essentials Single Trip): GBP5.83, GBP100 excess, personal possession cover (up to GBP1,500).

OUL Direct (OUL Silver Single): GBP6.05, GBP200 excess, personal possession cover (up to GBP500).

Top Notch Single Trip (Bronze): GBP6.28, GBP200 excess, personal possession cover (up to GBP500).

3. UK Motor Breakdown Cover

Based on a 2006 Ford Focus

Sourced by http://www.moneysupermarket.com 26.05.2010

The Green Insurance Company (Premium GBP28.80)

Benefits: Roadside repair; Recovery to nearest garage; Roadside assistance; Recovery of up to 7 passengers; Recovery to any UK destination; Home start up; Alternative travel and accommodation costs. Caravan cover (car breakdown only) included (size conditions apply).

RescueMyCar.com (Premium GBP28.90)

Benefits: Roadside repair; Recovery to nearest garage; Roadside assistance; Recovery of up to 7 passengers; Recovery to any UK destination; Home start up; Alternative travel and accommodation costs. Caravan cover (car breakdown only) included (size conditions apply).

First Call (Premium GBP32.00)

Benefits: Roadside repair; Recovery to nearest garage; Roadside assistance; Recovery of up to 4 passengers; Recovery to any UK destination; Home start up; Alternative travel and accommodation costs. Caravan cover (car breakdown only) included (size conditions apply).

Startrescue.co.uk (Premium GBP35.40)

Benefits: Roadside repair; Recovery to nearest garage; Roadside assistance; Recovery of up to 4 passengers; Recovery to any UK destination; Home start up; Alternative travel and accommodation costs. Caravan cover (car breakdown only) included (size conditions apply).

ETA Breakdown (Premium GBP45.43)

Benefits: Roadside repair; Recovery to nearest garage; Roadside assistance; Recovery of up to 4 passengers; Recovery to any UK destination; Home start up; Alternative travel and accommodation costs. Caravan cover not included.

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moneysupermarket.com compares (at 24th February 2011)

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Subject Codes: PC/t.110531131559093, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/United_Kingdom, IN/AUT, IN/FIN, IN/INS, IN/TRN, IN/TRA, IN/WEB, SU/PDT, SU/SVY

Dana Strengthens Drivetrain Solutions Offering for Construction OEMs in Russia, CIS

PR Newswire — May 31, 2011

MOSCOW, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) today introduced new, integrated drivetrain systems that represent the company’s deepening support for construction OEMs in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/19990903/DANA )

Dana presented its new Spicer(R) TZL Series powershift transmission to the Russian market at the CONEXPO Russia at CTT 2011 construction equipment show here.

Providing superior performance and durability, the Spicer TZL Series is the first in a line of transmissions scheduled to begin production this year at Dana’s assembly facility in Wuxi, China. The TZL Series is shown as part of a complete 21-tonne front-end loader system that also includes robust, field-proven Spicer Hercules(TM) Series axles and durable Spicer Wing(TM) and Compact(TM) Series driveshaft options.

Dana’s exhibit is located in Pavilion 1, Hall 3, Stand 3-250 of the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre.

Dana is also demonstrating the convenience it offers to customers as the single source for drivetrain replacement parts and services under the Spicer(R) brand umbrella, including Clark(TM), Clark-Hurth(TM), Sige(TM), Comaxle(TM), Kirkstall (TM), Spicer(R) GWB(TM), Spicer(R) Italcardano(TM), and Spicer(R) Ayra-Cardan (TM), as well as Victor Reinz(R) sealing products.

“The vitality and growth of the construction market in Russia and the CIS has never been more evident,” said Mark Wallace, president of Dana’s Heavy Vehicle Group. “There is tremendous investment in facilities that will host marquee events in the region, such as the 2012 APEC Summit in Vladivostok, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. We are eager to work closely with vehicle manufacturers in this region as a Tier 1 supplier with unique capabilities in the integration of value-added drivetrain systems for construction machines.”

21-Tonne Front-End Loader System Dana will debut a 21-tonne drivetrain system for front-end loaders that features the new Spicer TZL Series powershift transmission, Spicer Hercules 37R and 43R axles, and the Spicer Wing Series Model 7C driveshaft.

Scheduled for production in 2011 at the Dana assembly facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, the Spicer TZL16 transmission has been engineered to supply superior 17-tonne front-end loaders with higher horsepower capability, reduced maintenance, and smoother, quieter operation. An enhanced TZL18 version designed for 21-tonne front-end loaders is planned shortly after the launch of the TZL16.

The Spicer TZL is a new four-speed transmission platform that uses proven internal components from the extensive line of Spicer powershift transmissions already available for the off-highway market. It includes high-energy-capacity forward and reverse clutches, adaptive clutch modulation, and helical gears to deliver a robust transmission with improved shift quality.

Engineered with a rigid, multi-piece load-bearing structure including the differential carrier, housing arms, high-energy wet brakes, and planetary wheel ends, Spicer Hercules 37R and 43R axles accommodate multiple vehicle platform configurations.

Spicer 37R and 43R axles are available with Posi-Torq(TM) and Hydraloc(TM) differential designs that provide excellent torque bias performance in a wide range of ground traction conditions. Using large multi-plate clutch discs actuated by gear-separating forces, the Posi-Torq design provides a 45-percent locking capacity, resulting in up to 72-percent torque transfer to the high-traction wheel.

As an operator-controlled differential, the Hydraloc design for 37R and 43R series axles allows for moment-to-moment lock-and-release control, delivering superior ground torque bias in severe traction conditions. In its unlocked condition, the Hydraloc differential permits free vehicle steering to facilitate maximum maneuverability. Once locked, a hydraulic piston applies force to a large multi-plate wet clutch, resulting in up to 100-percent torque transfer to the high-traction wheel.

About Dana’s Off-Highway Products Group Dana’s Off-Highway Products Group includes research and development and manufacturing operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets Spicer axles and transaxles, driveshafts and end-fittings, transmissions, torque converters, electronic controls, and brakes.

Dana’s Off-Highway Products Group serves more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. Dana also supports off-highway customers in more than 100 countries by supplying genuine Spicer service parts, operating two global service parts distribution centers, and certifying nearly 70 Authorized Spicer Service Centers. Construction, agriculture, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer products and genuine service parts. For more information, visit http://www.dana.com/offhighway.

About Dana Holding Corporation Dana is a world leader in the supply of driveline products (axles, driveshafts, and transmissions), power technologies (sealing and thermal-management products), and genuine service parts for light- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers. The company’s customer base includes nearly every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets. Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 22,500 people in 26 countries and reported 2010 sales of $6.1 billion. For more information, please visit http://www.dana.com.

Subject Codes: PC/t.110531094719086, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, PC/ticker.bloomberg, PC/ticker.rics, RE/Russia, IN/AUT, IN/CST, SU/PDT, SU/TDS

Company Codes: NYSE:DAN, Bloomberg:DAN@US, RICS:DAN.N

Great news folks. Peugeot new car offers make it easy to obtain a practical run-around.

The pint-sized 107 Urban Lite, for example, could be your pride and joy for only £99 per-

month. This Passport Personal Lease package also requires an initial rental payment of

£1,553. Not a lot then. For this modest price motorists get a 1.0-litre 68bhp engine that

averages a purse-pleasing 62.7mpg. Furthermore, the 107 Urban Lite has twin air-bags,

ABS, and an MP3/CD player. Motorists who prefer to own their vehicles can purchase this

three-door workhorse from only £6,750. This includes a notable £1,945 customer discount.

More great news folks. The larger Peugeot 207 1.4 Access could be your new favourite

accessory from only £159 per-month.

This ‘Just Add Fuel’ leasing package includes motor

insurance, road tax, vehicle servicing, roadside assistance, and the warranty. Everything

in fact, except the petrol. Just remember to cough-up the £1,651 initial rental payment.

An alternative is to purchase the 207 Access for £9,495, which includes a £500 discount.

Either way this supermini has composed handling, a smooth ride, and nice specification.

Even more great news folks. Peugeot new car offers help people receiving the Higher

Rate Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. As such, the 107 1.0 Urban

3d is available for £49.75 per-week with no initial rental. Very nice too. Its more expensive

sibling, the 207 1.4 Access, is listed for the total value of the benefit plus a £299 initial

rental. Pretty small numbers for new cars. Oh, bad news folks. Here ends the great news.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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