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Body kit includes revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider fenders and a new grille

Nissan has re-invented its Nismo performance division from a primarily racing orientated workshop into a styling and tuning house in the German tradition, and this is its first effort – the Nissan Juke Nismo concept, due to debut at the Tokyo motor show on Wednesday, November 30.

No, it’s not nearly as wild as the GT-R-powered Juke-R, but this could (and probably will) form the basis for something that could actually be available from your local Nissan dealer one day.

Actually, the quirky, non-conformist Juke crossover is a good place to start if you want to build an distinctive, upmarket sports version of a compact crossover.

The Jike Nismo concept is aimed Aimed at a car-loving audience looking for a car that reflects an edgy personality. It’s lower and wider, with a hunkered-down stance – even standing still, it’s clearly a performance car.

Nissan vice-president Andy Palmer said: “Sales of the Juke have shown that customers are looking for something different. The Juke Nismo concept takes that idea to the next level; it’s energetic, distinctive and highly desirable.”

The concept is finished in signature Nismo colours of pearl white with red highlights, and wears a body kit created by aerodynamic specialists who learned their craft building racing cars – so it doesn’t just look good, it works.

The concept runs on 19″ alloys and lowered, stiffer suspension.

That includes revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider fenders and side skirts, a new grille and a revised rear spoiler with new side elements to control airflow more efficiently. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been revised to reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

The concept runs on 19″ alloys and lowered, stiffer suspension, built using in-house components that will soon be available to order from the new, bigger Nismo catalogue, while its 1.6-litre direct-injection turbopetrol engine has been tweaked for extra power.

Nismo doesn’t say how much extra; as in most racing shops, that depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

The interior of the concept is full of track-orientated Nismo touches, including a sports steering wheel and special

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106 km of the New Motorway Straight to Europe

PR Newswire — November 30, 2011

POZNA , Poland, November 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

Opening of A2 wiecko – Nowy Tomy l section, the largest motorway project

in Poland

- On 1 December 2011 Poland will be connected to the European motorways network – The section will be put into service almost six months prior to the deadline – Until 21 May 2012 the trip in A2 wiecko – Nowy Tomy l section will be untolled – The section construction costs amounts to almost PLN 6 milliard (EUR 1.3 milliard), of which 25 per cent was earmarked for natural environment protection – The section is performed in durable, modern concrete technology – The project is co-financed by the European Investment Bank and the consortium of 11 Polish and European banks – The project is the Poland’s first and the largest implemented in the scope of Public-Private Partnership – With 255 km of the modern A2 motorway, AWSA is the concessionaire which built the longest motorway section in Poland

On 1 December just after midnight Autostrada Wielkopolska II (AWSA) will open the A2 Motorway Nowy Tomy l – wiecko section to public traffic. By the same act, almost six months prior to the scheduled completion date, the longest and the most modern Polish motorway will connect to the European motorways network. Until 21 May 2012 the new 106 km section will remain untolled. The almost PLN 6 milliard project is the first and the largest project implemented in the scope of Public-Private Partnership in Poland, and one of the largest infrastructural projects currently under implementation in Europe.

The new A2 motorway section to be put into operation counts among the most strategic parts of the motorway construction plan in Poland. By directly connecting to the German motorways network it will become the key transport route between Poland and Western Europe. The newly opened section connecting to the A12 German motorway (Berlin – Frankfurt am Main) in wiecko will form a part of the strategic European transport route in the Berlin – Warsaw – Mi sk – Moscow line.

It is a great success of the Poles, including hundreds of people, companies and institutions, who have consequently and professionally supported the realization of a dream that we had almost 20 years ago. Connecting the Wielkopolska Province and the whole country via the supermodern motorway with the rest of Europe is the final point in the important stage of the transformation process. The A2 motorway will boost the economic development of its transit regions and open the door for foreign tourists and investors. This motorway is also creating a new standard for implementation of very complex international projects, which are implemented long before their deadlines and within their budgets. We performed our task reliably for the benefit of the generations to come, says Mr Jan Kulczyk, the Chairman of the AWSA Supervisory Board.

The construction project of the section connecting wiecko and Nowy Tomy l, which was carried out in the “PPP” system, clearly illustrates the ambitious plans of Meridiam Infrastructure, which is a long-term investor operating across the whole Europe. Our aim is to develop sustainable infrastructure, having in mind the improvement of the social living standard via a close and sustained partnership with the government sector. Poland is attractive for long-term investors because of its substantial infrastructural needs resulting from the positive dynamics in its economy, which makes it the key strategic market for Meridiam Infrastructure. The completion of the A2 motorway final section proves that the public sector is able to carry out infrastructural projects within deadlines and in a cost-efficient way, in goodcooperation with such experts in that subjects like Meridiam, informs Mr Thierry Deau, Partner and CEO of Meridiam Infrastructure.

The 105.6 km long section opened to traffic by Autostrada Wielkopolska II was built in 866 days for the amount of PLN 6 milliard (EUR 1.3 milliard) It became the programme flag project performed in Public-Private Partnership system which proved efficient as evidenced by the fact of opening that unique, state-of-the-art motorway section in Poland almost six months prior to the planned completion date. The successful completion was made possible due to good management and co-operation between the public and private party to the complex project.

The project success also results from the good co-operation of the AWSA II shareholders (Kulczyk Holding, Meridiam, Strabag, KWM Investment), and also the parties co-financing the project: the European Investment Bank and the consortium of 11 commercial Polish and European banks.

In the construction of the new A2 section the modern concrete technology was used to ensure the highest currently attainable pavement fatigue life. Moreover, the technological challenge consisted in performing the project with utmost care for natural environment, as the 85% of the section to the German border crosses forest areas, including the sites protected under Natura 2000 programme. Already in the design phase, Autostrada Wielkopolska adopted all European environmental standards, as a result the new section counts among the most pro-ecological infrastructural projects in Europe. The expenses related to the environmental protection constituted 25% of the total project costs and were earmarked, without limitation, for the construction of about 200 crossings and culverts for large and small animals.

‘In our estimation, the project has been implemented professionally, in compliance with the highest environmental standards’, said Mr Pirers Vickers, representative of the European Investment Bank.

Completing the A2 motorway section connecting wiecko and Nowy Tomy l is the last stage of the project of constructing the concessional section of the A2 motorway, carried out by the Autostrada Wielkopolska company. Overall we have built 255 km of that modern motorway, so we are the biggest concessionaire in Poland to have built such a long section. The investment is the largest infrastructural as well as environmental project in Europe as every fourth zloty spent was allocated for environmental protection. The perfectly smooth cooperation between the concessionaire and the main contractor has enabled us to openthe motorway as soon as half a year before the deadline provided in the agreement with the state authorities, says Mr Andrzej Patalas, the CEO of AWSA.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Motorway strengthens the region

The A2 Motorway will have a significant impact on the development of the project’s closest neighbours, including the communes and the districts in the Wielkopolska and Lubuskie voivodship.

Advantages for regions:

- Creating new workplaces: each motorway kilometer is assumed to create 88 new workplaces, as a result the new A2 section will bring over 9 thousand jobs to the regions; – Increasing the price of land next to the motorway; – Increasing foreign tourist traffic for business, sight seeing and entertainment purposes; – Increasing the regions’ touristic attractiveness; – Increasing the number of companies directly related to the motorway presence; – Profiting from cash generated in the region due to the motorway presence; – Reducing traffic load and improving safety in national and local roads.

“The process of building the motorway and the motorway interchanges has a material impact on the real property market. Due to the increased attractiveness of the land earmarked for business development around the motorway interchanges (including the construction of accommodation and catering facilities, entertainment parks etc.), the value of land earmarked for other, less lucrative purposes, will increase as well. The interest in real property earmarked for tourism will be reflected in investment processes, and the multifunctional nature of the projects trigger multilateral development of the area. This is because the existing tourist base is totally inadapted, quantity and quality wise, to the expected demand. The closeness of the motorway will surely attract investors, cause employment increase and trigger multiplier effects” said prof. Franciszek Go embski, head of the Faculty of European Studies at the Warsaw University.

A2: fast and safe

The research of the Autonomous Section for Economics of the Road and Bridge Research shows that 1000 km of motorways may reduce the number of death casualties by 200, and the number of persons hurt in road accidents by 1300. At present over 30 persons die in the national road no 92 parallel to the motorway each year. Once the traffic load is reduced, the risk level will go down, meaning smaller number of road accidents and lower medical treatment expenses. According to the World Bank, as a result of road accidents the Polish economy loses about PLN 30 – 40 milliard annually. It is assumed that the limiting the accidents rate in a 100 km motorway section may bring over PLN 30 million savings to the state budget.

Environment friendly motorway

The A2 Motorway wiecko – Nowy Tomy l belongs to the largest currently implemented ecological projects in Europe.

- 25 per cent of the budget correspond to environmental protection costs; – 85 per cent of the motorway to the German border crosses forest areas, including the sites protected under the Natura 2000 programme; – Along the 106 kilometres section almost 200 crossings and culverts for large and small animals were built; – Every 2 kilometres of the motorway emergency roadside telephones and environmental protection equipment are placed; – The protection programme includes the monitoring of plant and animal habitats, ornithological monitoring of bat breeding grounds and beaver habitats, ant-hills protection and amphibians and reptiles rescue programme.

PPP flag project

The project of Autostrada Wielkopolska is the first and the largest Polish project implemented in the PPP system:

- Infrastructural projects performed in the PPP system allow for higher efficiency owing to the involvement of private sector. The Autostrada Wielkopolska project is put into operation before the planned completion date, and during the project implementation no disturbances or irregularities were observed; – 62% of the project value was financed with the credit granted by the European Investment Bank; such EIB involvement in the infrastructural project has been the highest ever in Poland; – About 26% of the project value was financed with credits granted by 11 foreign and Polish commercial banks (this is about EUR 400 million); – The Concessionaire covers 12% of total performance costs (about PLN 186 million).

Best technology

The state-of-the-art concrete technology was used in building the A2 motorway wiecko – Nowy Tomy l, to guarantee the quality meeting the highest standards for road and motorways construction in the European Union countries:

- A2 wiecko – Nowy Tomy l is the most modern and one of the longest motorway sections in Poland built using the concrete technology; – Specially designed concrete pavement is about 30 cm thick; – Over 1 million cubic metres of concrete were used to build the 106 km section; – The total area of the placed concrete amounts to over 2 mln square metres, the area of almost 300 football fields; – Concrete production plant was built near Nowy Tomy l especially for the project, to enable road workers working in shifts system to place 1 km of the motorway per day in favourable weather conditions; – German machines adapted to working exclusively on motorways placed concrete on the whole width of a motorway carriageway, on both lanes simultaneously.

Motorways and express roads in Poland

- According to the Ministry of Infrastructure report of 8 November this year, 1380 km of national roads are currently under construction and modification; – Works on the construction of new routes mainly concern the motorways (643 km), express roads (631 km) and by-passes (86 km). The 21 km of the existing network is currently under modification; – The total of 29 motorway sections, 43 express roads sections and 12 by-passes in national roads are under construction; – As indicated in the National Roads Construction Plan for the years 2011-2015 (January 2011) as at 15 November 2010, 1166.5 km of national roads, including 183.5 km of motorways, 293.1 km of express roads, 199.4 km of by-passes and 490.5 km of major modifications were put into service; – From 16 November 2007 until 5 October 2011 agreements were concluded for 1950.7 km of motorways, express roads and by-passes. Of the 36 motorway construction projects implemented (totalling 783.6 km), 615.3 km were built in the traditional system, and 168.3 km in the Public-Private Partnership system. The agreements concluded for express roads, by-passes and major road modifications concerned 97 projects covering 1167.1 km.

Project schedule

- 1993 – registerring Autostrada Wielkopolska SA company to build and operate the first Polish toll motorway from wiecko to Konin; – 1995 – Participating in, and winning of, the two level international tender for construction and operation of the A2 toll motorway from wiecko to Strykow; – 1997 – executing the Concession Agreement and further negotiating with the government to determine the project financial terms; execution of further 4 annexes to the Concession Agreement constituting the basis for approving and arranging the financing. – 1998 – excluding from the scope of financing and construction of the 13.3 km section of the Pozna by-pass (financed from Phare grant, credit from the European Investment Bank, and funds from the State budget. The agreement was reached with the government to the effect that AWSA will build and operate the A2 motorway from wiecko to Konin (the 255 km project was divided into phases:

- construction of the motorway in Konin – Nowy Tomy l section (149.4 km) – construction of the motorway in Nowy Tomy l – wiecko section (105.6 km);

- 2000 – executing the project and financing agreements (Financial Close) constituting the integral part of the Concession Agreement concluded with the government, defining the costs of performing the A2 in the Nowy Tomy l – Pozna section, of which the total cost at the level of EUR 875 million (73 % i.e. EUR 637.5 million constitute direct costs of construction and design). This was a fixed lumpsum price for the complete “turnkey project” consisting in the fully equipped motorway prepared for operation, As the concessionaire, AWSA is not the A2 owner, but will perform its rights and obligations under the Concession Agreement during 40 years, that is until the year 2037. The land on which the motorway is built will remain the State Treasury property at all times, and the company pays a lease rent amounting to PLN 67 million each year; – 2002 – Putting the A2 section I Konin – Wrze nia (47,7 km) into operation – by upgrading of the section; – 2003 – Taking over the maintenance of the Pozna By-pass Komorniki – Krzesiny (13.3 km); an untolled section for drivers who do not drive the A2 motorway in transit; – 2003 – Putting the A2 section II Wrze nia – Pozna into operation (37.5 km) – 2004 – Putting the A2 section III Pozna – Nowy Tomy l into operation (50.4 km) – 2008 – Concluding with the government (MI) of the so-called business terms (MI) for the construction and operation of the A2 motorway section from Nowy Tomy l to wiecko, which assumed executing financing agreements in March 2009 (the limit date deferred to the end of June 2009); – 2009 – Forming Autostrada Wielkopolska II SA, a special purpose company (related with AWSA), to build and operate the A2 motorway wiecko – Nowy Tomy l (105.6 km) as required by the government party,; – 2009 – Executing the project and financing agreements concerning the construction and operation of the A2 motorway Nowy Tomy l – wiecko (Financial Close); – 2009 – commencing the construction of A2 to wiecko; – 2011 – 1 December – opening of the A2 Motorway Nowy Tomy l- wiecko to traffic;

AWSA

AWSA II is a special purpose company related to AWSA and founded to build and operate the A2 Motorway S wiecko – Nowy Tomys l. The company shareholders comprise: Kulczyk Holding S.A.(40%), Meridiam A2 West S.a.r.l. (40%), Strabag AG (10%) and KWM Investment GmbH (10%). Mr Andrzej Patalas holds the position of the President of the Management Board.

Shareholders:

- Kulczyk Holding S.A. (40%), registered and seated in Warsaw, was founded by dr Jan Kulczyk in 1991. In 1993 as a result of Kulczyk Holding S.A development, Autostrada Wielkopolska was formed and became the first private company in Poland to be granted a concession for construction and operation of toll motorways. In 2007 in the reorganisation of the dynamically developing group, Kulczyk Investments seated in Luxemburg was formed. At present the major Kulczyk Investments projects are related to raw materials, power and infrastructural sectors. The Company holds offices in London, Kiev and Dubai, and the Kulczyk Holding headquarters in Warsaw. – Meridiam A2 West S.a.r.l. (40%), also holding 93% of the subordinated loans value. Meridiam Infrastructure is the leading investor in the crucial PPP projects, holding thorough experience both in Europe and in the North America. Meridiam manages three funds in the European and North American territory, of the total pool value of EUR 2 miliard. Meridiam suceeded in attracting long term investors such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and worldwide insurance companies and pension funds. The company participates both in capital investments, and the mezzanine-type investments in the field of transport, public infrastructure and ecological projects in the PPP system. Meridiam achieved financial close of fourteen projects in the transport and public infrastructure sector in Ireland, Austria, Poland, Great Britain, France, Slovakia, Germany, Finland, USA and Canada. Considerable funds were earmarked for investment in Poland and Central – Eastern Europe, as a result Meridiam became the largest investor in the Polish PPP projects, with the capital outlays totalling almost EUR 300 million.

- KWM Investment GmbH (10%)….

- Strabag AG (10%) – Strabag SE corporation runs business activity almost all over the world, as it has been active in the construction market for over 17 years. It counts among the largest construction companies in Europe and is a leader in the German and Austrian market and in Central and Eastern Europe. In Poland the company has been in business since 1985. Strabag currently employs about 6600 persons, and has been systematically increasing the number of field branches. The company major scope of business includes general construction, civil engineering and infrastructural construction (such as roads, railway infrastructure etc). In Poland Strabag consists in brand names such as Zublin, Dywidag, Polski Asfalt and Pl-Bitunova.

Interesting figures

- EUR 12.2 mln – is a cost of building 1 kilometre of a fully equipped motorway; – Over 1 mln m3 of concrete was used to build a new A2 section; – Over 2 mln m2 is the area of placed concrete (area of 300 football fields); – 88 new workplaces generated by each motorway kilometre

Subject Codes: PC/t.111130163108246, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/Poland, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/TRT, SU/PDT

MANILA, Philippines – In celebration of Chevrolet’s 100th birthday, Chevrolet Philippines pulled out all the stops to offer the Philippine market the best easy ownership plans, freebies, prizes, exciting car launches and a sneak peek at the newest Pickup Truck to say “thanks” on behalf of Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) – exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles, parts and accessories in the Philippines.

It’s difficult not to get sentimental over the passing of a hundred years when you’ve got a past as storied as Chevrolet does. It makes it even harder when you realize that the long and winding road from such humble beginnings has developed into this icon that is recognized the world over. A hundred years might be a long time, but Chevrolet managed to hold on to many of its most revered traditions after all these years, and that includes the automobile extravaganza that is the Motorama. The first one in 1949 was envisioned as a huge event to showcase the future of motoring. And since 2011 happens to be the centennial anniversary of the Bowtie, there were a lot in store for guests on top of all the surprises that Chevrolet Philippines had prepared for an event as big as the Chevy Motorama. So from November 11 to 13 at the Music Hall of the Mall of Asia, a great number of car aficionados gathered as well as the auto buying market in one grand event with Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) – exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles, parts and accessories in the Philippines as it took its hat off to its racer/auto engineer founder, Louis Chevrolet. The momentous occasion looked back at all the wondrous iconic vehicles and went back in time via a show full of reminiscing, glee and excitement that highlighted the milestones of Chevrolet’s century of existence.

TCCCI officially kicked off the bowtie’s birthday with its brand ambassador, Ryan Agoncillo, on the helm of the biggest Motorama event and program to date.

TCCCI President and Managing Director, Atty. Albert Arcilla expressed excitement in behalf of the entire Chevy Family by saying that, “Chevrolet celebrates its first 100 years with the same core values it has always had; dependable technology, expressive design and great value. The Motorama is a great way for us to engage the steadily increasing network of Chevy enthusiasts that have been instrumental in growing the brand Chevrolet in the Philippines and for our 2-year old company, Chevrolet Philippines-TCCCI attain phenomenal recognition and accomplishments for the brand with our Chevy Cruze winning the Car of the Year 2010-2011 and being declared No. 1

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New Bowtie Bakkie has a strong Chevrolet persona.

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• All-new Chevrolet bakkie in pictures       
  

The third-generation General Motors sub-one tonner (and we use that term carefully), released in South Africa this week, moves firmly from its previous Opel Corsa identity towards a strong Chevrolet persona.

The new Chevrolet Utility – and it is nearly all new – is 78mm longer, 54mm wider and 127mm higher than the previous model; its wheelbase is 41mm shorter and front track 41mm narrower.

Ground clearance is increased by 17mm to 170mm, while the load box is 25mm wider at 1340mm but 2mm shorter at 1680mm and 13mm shallower, reducing its volume by 0.6 percent. Payload is 763kg for 1.4-litre models and 733 for 1.8-litre variants.

The new bakkie has a distinctively Chevy front treatment, defined by a strong dual-intake grille design with the traditional ‘bowtie’ badge on the separator bar between them.

From the side, a series of crisp styling lines flows aft around the elliptical headlights, which sweep back from the top edge of the body colour bumper through to the centre of the front fenders.

Styling clinics during the design phase highlighted the need for improved rear vision, in particular the dead zone directly masked by the tailgate, so the designers marginally lowered the top of the tailgate and raised the seating position, to prove a more ‘in-command’ seating position for the driver and passenger.

The new Utility was designed in South America, where it’s known as the Chevrolet Montana.

Even the shape of the rear panels helps the driver to position the vehicle exactly while reversing or manoeuvring in confined spaces.

Sport models have foglights and dark masking for the headlights, as well as a polished-aluminium, roof-mounted spoiler, grab handles, door mouldings, a decorative side-step moulding and lower rocker panel side sills.

The interior is definitely all new, including an integrated instrument cluster with analogue readouts for speed on the left and tachometer and fuel gauge on the right. In the centre is a range of digital readouts for the odometer and trip meter as well as an array of warning lights, and on Sport models, the on-board computer display appears in

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Advantage Rent a Car Opens Eight New Locations Across Europe

PR Newswire — November 30, 2011

LONDON, November 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

Low cost car rental provider opens doors for Amsterdam, Bergamo, Brussels, Grenoble, Lyon, Luton, and Orly airports, bringing total number of locations to 26 across eight European countries

Advantage Rent a Car, which provides holiday travellers with quality vehicles at highly competitive rates, is continuing its rapid expansion in Europe by opening at eight further airports in Europe in just three months, bringing its total number of locations in the region to 26 across eight countries. The new locations include Amsterdam Schiphol (Netherlands), Bergamo (Italy), Brussels (Belgium), and Luton (UK). Advantage will also open at the Grenoble, Lyon and Orly airports (France) on December 1st and at Hamburg airport (Germany) on December 15th. Customers can book European destinations online from uk.advantage.com.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111130/NY14652-a)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111130/NY14652LOGO-b)

With a fleet of 20,000 vehicles worldwide, Advantage also operates from 57 locations in the US and provides a service throughout Latin America, bookable from the U.S. website http://www.advantage.com. In Europe, Advantage (uk.advantage.com) offers a wide range of vehicles in Mini, Economy, Compact, Intermediate and Premium categories at highly competitive prices across eight countries. The European website also features ongoing top hire car deals as well as travel guides for Spain, France and Italy to make the most of vacation getaways.

The Advantage locations in Europe include:

- Belgium – Brussels airport* – France – Bordeaux, Grenoble (open 1 December – 30 April annually), Lyon*, Marseille, Orly, Toulouse, and Paris Roissy airports – Germany – Frankfurt and Hamburg airports – Italy – Bergamo, Bologna, Cagliari*, Catania*, Rome Fiumicino*, Milan*, and Pisa airports – Netherlands – Amsterdam Schiphol airport* – Spain – Alicante, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia airports – Switzerland – Geneva airport – UK – London Heathrow* and Luton airports and London Victoria (central London)

* Shuttle service is provided.

About Advantage

Advantage Rent a Car, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., targets the value conscious consumer, offering a variety of cars, from Economy to Full-size cars, plus SUV’s and Minivans in the U.S, at affordable prices. Advantage operates from 57 locations in the United States as well as 26 locations in Europe, and provides service throughout Latin America. For more information, visit the company online at uk.advantage.com [http://uk.advantage.com ].

Subject Codes: PC/t.111130122522196, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/England, IN/AUT, IN/LEI, IN/TRN, IN/TRA, SU/PDT

Hail The GetTaxi Revolution

PR Newswire — November 30, 2011

LONDON, November 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

Free new generation black taxi app launches

GetTaxi, which unveiled its revolutionary new way for businesses to order London black taxis earlier this year, launched its free consumer mobile app today, enabling all smartphone users (iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Nokia) to order a taxi at the tap of a button on their mobile device or via a web interface.

GetTaxi solves many of the pain points associated with old fashioned taxi ordering – putting an end to stroppy call centres, irritating hold music and the mysterious whereabouts of the supposedly ordered taxi.

The GetTaxi mobile app automatically geographically locates the passenger via GPS and issues their request to the closest available black taxis via GetTaxi’s special TFL approved driver units. A few seconds later, a confirmation is sent to the passenger containing the driver’s photo, personal and vehicle details, estimated time of arrival and a GoogleMap showing the taxi’s real-time progress to the pickup address.

The GetTaxi app brings easy, super safe and innovative taxi ordering to the masses, just in time for Christmas, to eradicate traditional frustration and safety concerns associated with trying to get a cab home.

Neal Fullman, CEO of GetTaxi, said: “We’re making the process of taxi ordering an enjoyable and interactive digital experience with the aim of eradicating taxi trauma – that time when you frustratingly stand on a street corner (let’s face it, usually in the rain) desperately praying for a taxi. The GetTaxi service is the safest, securest and most reliable way to ensure you are never stranded without a cab.

“And with the Christmas party season just around the corner, the added security of knowing who your driver is and being able to trust how long it’ll take him or her to reach you are massively important for passengers.”

The GetTaxi app is free to download and use, with no charges above the taxi meter. GetTaxi customers will be able to pay by cash, credit card or by opening a personal account. They will also be able to accumulate Taxi Miles – being rewarded with points for journeys taken or each time they share the app with a friend. Points will be redeemable against gifts and, of course, free taxi rides.

GetTaxi is on track to have 2,000 black taxi drivers signed up by early 2012, making it among the largest fleets of black taxis in London.

To learn more about GetTaxi, visit the official UK website http://www.gettaxi.co.uk or to download the app visit the iTunes store, Android Market or Blackberry App World.

For high res images visit http://www.kaizo.net/newsroom/gettaxi/applaunch

Subject Codes: PC/t.111130070644189, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/United_Kingdom, IN/AUT, IN/NET, IN/STW, IN/ITE, IN/MLM, IN/TRN, IN/TRT, IN/WEB, IN/WIC, SU/PDT

Westminster, MD, November 30, 2011 –(PR.com)– CTRL Systems, Inc. hosted the creators of Speedo-Spy, a solution for reliably determining the engine wear of automobiles and trucks, as well as gears, pumps, alternators, and more. The technology is a combination of the CTRL UL101 Ultrasound Detector, a sensor developed and manufactured by CTRL Systems, and a specialized software program that contains more than 80,000 vehicles with over 7,000 different chassis – motor combinations in the database.

The Speedo-Spy is able to deliver accurate results in minutes, which are then evaluated with respect to a historical database and archived. The technology has been tested and proven for several years now. Its results are now accepted as evidence in court in Germany. Speedo-Spy is expanding its availability to other countries in Europe including Latvia, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal.

The event was well-received by those in attendance, which ranged from representatives from the National Auto Auction Association, mechanics, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials from the Office of Odometer Fraud. According to the NHTSA, there is a definite escalation in fraud. New car prices, coupled with the increased demand for late-model, low-mileage, used cars, has made odometer fraud more profitable than ever. The Speedo-Spy is a welcome tool in the battle against odometer fraud.

The Speedo-Spy was demonstrated by its developer, German citizen Michael Schmutzenhofer, who had purchased a UL101 in 2001 for facilities management. When CTRL launched SoundCTRL in 2004, Michael, a qualified auto engineer, began compiling a unique database of engine sounds. The database, along with special algorithms, is coupled with CTRL’s ultrasound equipment that allows the engine mileage to be confirmed.

“The Speedo-Spy story is a great illustration of potential uses for ultrasound technology can grow well beyond what it is being used for today,” said Bob Roche, CEO of CTRL Systems, Inc. “We look to assist our partners and customers to advance real-world solutions in various industries.”

CTRL Systems, Inc. designs advanced ultrasound technologies for energy reduction, facility maintenance and mechanical machinery reliability. SoundCTRL is an ultrasound data capture device which allows for archiving of recorded data. CTRL’s services include turn-key technology integration and multi-level onsite training. For more information please visit www.ctrlsys.com or call 877-287-5797.

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Santa Maria, CA, November 30, 2011 –(PR.com)– BMW of Santa Maria is pleased to announce their new Google+ Page, along with many other exciting features on their website. Features now included on their website are; live chat, service scheduling, secure credit applications, AutoTrader Instant Trade Offer, and updated social media websites.

With live chat customers are now able to chat online with sales members from BMW Santa Maria. Online Service Scheduling provides customers a convenient option to schedule their service appointments online, including a suggested appointment time. The secure credit applications page enables customers the ability to get the credit verification process started in a secure online environment. With AutoTrader Instant Trade Offer customers will be able to view and redeem trade offers for their trade-in vehicles before stepping foot in the dealership.

In addition to new online services BMW of Santa Maria has also added a Google+ Page making it easier than ever for customers to find, share, and review information. Customers can use Google+ features like direct connect, local pages, hangouts, and much more to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events. BMW of Santa Maria will continue to provide updates and information through their Facebook and Twitter pages as well.

BMW of Santa Maria is using the latest technology to provide customers with convenient ways to make informed decisions regarding their next BMW purchase. If you are interested in learning more about the new online services and technologies being utilized, please visit their website http://bmwsm.com/ and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Or visit them today and as always their friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

About BMW Santa Maria
BMW, http://bmwsm.com/, of Santa Maria carries an extensive inventory of BMW cars and SUVs. In addition the Santa Maria BMW dealer offers financing, BMW parts, and service where their goal is 100% customer satisfaction.

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Las Vegas, NV, November 30, 2011 –(PR.com)– Planet Hyundai Sahara and Planet Hyundai Centennial are pleased to announce that, through their sponsorship, this year’s U.S. Marine Corps Golf Classic Toys for Tots Golf Tournament and Toy Drive was successful in raising more than $25,000.

This golf tournament raised money for the Las Vegas Chapter of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to collecting new toys to give to children in need during the Christmas holidays. The tenth annual tournament, held on Veterans Day at Nellis Air Force Base, sold out of all 144 slots.

In addition to sponsoring the golf tournament, Planet Hyundai is serving as a Toys for Tots drop-off point. Toys for Tots bins are located at both dealership locations, and new and unwrapped toys may be dropped off at either dealership through December 15.

“We’re so grateful to the Las Vegas community for their support of Toys for Tots. We take great pride in supporting this foundation, particularly because Planet Hyundai employs 15 veterans of the U.S. armed forces,” said Ron Coury, co-owner of Planet Hyundai. “Now we’re calling on our customers to take it to the next level by helping us get a toy into the hands of every single needy child in Las Vegas. Our goal is to make sure every child has a smile on his or her face this Christmas!”

About Toys for Tots
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization created at the behest of the U.S. Marine Corps and run by former Marines. The mission of this organization is to both collect and distribute new toys to needy children during the holiday time and to educate the public about the organization’s goals. Through numerous fundraising activities, Toys for Tots has contributed 64.5 million toys since 1991.

About Planet Hyundai
Planet Hyundai Sahara and Planet Hyundai Centennial form the largest and most prestigious Hyundai dealership in Nevada. The dealer is committed to listening to the needs of customers and helping each driver find the best new or pre-owned Hyundai vehicle for his or her budget. With an extremely knowledgeable sales team and a service department staffed by detail-oriented technicians, Planet Hyundai is the best choice for customers, whether they are looking for a new car or simply need to have their current one serviced.

Operating under the motto “Meeting and exceeding customer expectations… one customer at a time,” Planet Hyundai Sahara and Planet Hyundai Centennial are completely committed to customer satisfaction and to putting the customer first.

Visit Planet Hyundai Sahara at 7150 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, and Planet Hyundai Centennial at 6200 Centennial Center Boulevard, Las Vegas, or learn more online at http://www.planetlv.com.

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