Car Chute

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.

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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

Frost & Sullivan: The Changing Face of North American Diesel Powertrain

- Frost & Sullivan to Host Analyst Briefing on Powertrain Systems on Tuesday, 31 August, 2010 at 3:00 pm BST

PR Newswire — August 26, 2010

LONDON, August 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Diesels have long suffered in ‘The Land of Opportunities,’ but if recent trends are anything to go by, things may well change in the near future. The recent economic crisis has forced the market to look for more fuel efficient options and diesel vehicles certainly fit the bill. However, the biggest challenge remains convincing the market that diesel is superior to hybrids which enjoy far better market acceptance in North America.

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To provide unique insights into the different challenges associated with diesel vehicles gaining market share and to discuss the strategies adopted by OEMs with regards to diesel vehicles, the Automotive & Transportation Group at Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an online analyst briefing presentation on Tuesday, 31 August, 2010 at 3:00 pm BST.

This briefing will benefit vehicle manufacturers, powertrain engineering companies and suppliers.

Highlights of the briefing include analysis of the challenges faced by players in the diesel market in North America and of the measures they will adopt to counter these challenges and a discussion of the market potential of key diesel technologies and of the players most likely to benefit from it.

“Besides technologies such as Diesel Particulate Filters & Common Rail Diesel Injection, Variable Geometry Turbochargers will also have a very high market potential,” says Hariher Balasubramanian, Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan’s Automotive & Transportation practice. “It is interesting to note that some of the European OEMs are betting very heavily on their diesel line up for the coming years, hoping to benefit from the expected surge in sales of diesel passenger vehicles.”

To participate in this briefing, please email Monika Kwiecinska at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com with: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country and a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

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.

Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications T: +48-(0)-22-390-4127 F: +48-(0)-22-390-4160 E: monika.kwiecinska@frost.com http://www.frost.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100826073008675, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/MAC, IN/TRN, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom, RE/Ireland

Visteon and Avtopribor Announce Joint Venture in Russia to Supply Vehicle Cockpit Electronics

- New joint venture – OOO Visteon Avtopribor Electronics – is set to become one of the largest automotive electronics suppliers in Russia, with full manufacturing and engineering capability

PR Newswire — August 26, 2010

VLADIMIR, Russia, August 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — OOO Visteon Avtopribor Electronics, a new joint venture between Visteon Corporation, a leading global supplier of automotive systems, and Avtopribor, one of Russia’s largest automotive components suppliers, will supply a wide range of cockpit electronics products including audio, infotainment, driver information and controls electronics to the growing Russian automotive market.

Based in Vladimir, approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Moscow, Visteon Avtopribor Electronics is centrally located to support both domestic and global vehicle manufacturers in Russia. The new joint venture has full manufacturing and product development capabilities and will supply leading Russian vehicle manufacturers including AVTOVAZ, GAZ and Sollers, as well as Ford. The joint venture is also engaging with global vehicle manufacturers located in the country in support of its growth objectives.

“Visteon Avtopribor Electronics offers Visteon immediate access to the domestic Russian market through one of our established and highly respected partners,” said Steve Meszaros, Visteon product group president. “Expanding into the important Russian market supports our strategy of offering our global customers fully localized products in markets where they are growing.”

Combining Visteon’s global cockpit electronics technology platforms with Avtopribor’s strong position in the Russian market, the joint venture is set to become one of Russia’s largest automotive electronics suppliers.

“Establishment of the new joint venture will allow us to offer world-class products to Russian customers and gives Avtopribor an opportunity to focus on other competitive products,” said Alexey Melnikov, Avtopribor general director.

OAO “Zavod “Avtopribor” is one of the leading Russian suppliers of automotive components that develops, designs and manufactures wiper systems, instrument clusters, different types of transmitters and gauges and other components for Russian automakers and global vehicle manufacturers with localized production in Russia. The company is located in Vladimir, Russia, and employs approximately 2,500 people.

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 25 countries and employs approximately 28,500 people.

Visteon news releases, photographs and product specification details are available at http://www.visteon.com

Contact(s):

Media:

Europe Jonna Christensen +44-1245-395038 Jchris18@visteon.com

North America Jim Fisher +1-734-710-5557 jfishe89@visteon.com

Investors:

Michael Lewis +1-734-710-5800 investor@visteon.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100826030205130, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, SU/JVN, RE/Russia

Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems Are Gaining Momentum Worldwide Despite Challenges, Says Frost & Sullivan

- Frost & Sullivan to Host Analyst Briefing on Cooperative Systems on Thursday, 2 September, 2010 at 4:00pm BST

PR Newswire — August 25, 2010

LONDON, August 25, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S., Japan and several EU countries are working toward a national, multi-modal surface transportation system that will establish a connected transportation environment among vehicles, the infrastructure, and portable devices. Such a cooperative system is to serve the public good by leveraging technology in order to maximize driver safety and mobility while improving environmental performance and focusing more on deployment. However, a number of challenges, like complex business model issues and cooperation among different stakeholders must be addressed before the market can reach its full potential.

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

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

To provide unique insights into the global market for V-V and V-X systems, the Automotive & Transportation Group at Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an online analyst briefing presentation on Thursday, 2 September, 2010 at 4:00 pm BST.

This briefing will benefit vehicle manufacturers, silicon component manufacturers, ADAS suppliers, telecommunication companies, road authorities and operators, governmental agencies, service providers, as well as PND and vehicle navigation system suppliers.

Highlights of the briefing include an overview of the possible mandates expected on V-V systems in the United States, an overview of the risks and challenges associated with their deployment, and an in depth analysis of market trends in Europe and Asia.

“As countries worldwide brace themselves for ever increasing traffic density, cooperative systems promise to deliver close to accident-free, efficient and clean road systems,” notes Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation Group Senior Research Analyst, Aswin Kumar P. “Cooperative systems are the next big wave in intelligent transport systems (ITS) which are gaining momentum in Europe as well as in United States and Japan.”

To participate in this briefing, please email Monika Kwiecinska at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com with: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, city, state and country and a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

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.

Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications T: +48(0)22-390-4127 F: +48(0)22-390-4160 E: monika.kwiecinska@frost.com http://www.frost.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.100825064711479, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom, RE/Ireland

A Fresh Start for the GEMBALLA Brand

- Andreas Schwarz is in Charge of the new GEMBALLA GmbH For around 30 years the brand GEMBALLA has been a global name in the performance improvement and modification of predominantly Porsche vehicles, and in the construction of own-brand vehicles based on Porsche body shells. GEMBALLA has made a name for itself as one of the most extreme Porsche tuners and has received worldwide attention with its modified Porsches such as the GEMBALLA Avalanche, which is based on the Porsche 911, or the GEMBALLA Mirage GT, based on the Porsche Carrera GT.

PR Newswire — August 24, 2010

LEONBERG, Germany, August 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Since August 16, 2010, Andreas Schwarz (40) has been in charge of the emotional GEMBALLA brand. Schwarz reserved the rights of the old company that had already been broken up by liquidators and shut down, and founded a new company, GEMBALLA GmbH. The company headquarters are located at Mollenbachstrasse 17 in Leonberg.

“With a totally new company and an investment of millions, we are now looking towards a secure future”, says managing director (CEO) Andreas Schwarz. The educated Swabian is a sports car expert, who has many years’ experience in upgrading and marketing luxury high-class automobiles. Together with investor Steffen Korbach, the new creator of GEMBALLA cars has made cost-efficient plans.

“As well as the rights to the name, we’ve also purchased some assets and are starting off with 22 employees”, Schwarz continues. “We plan to continue the GEMBALLA design line following the old models. We’re already working on various concepts for the Porsche Panamera and the new Porsche Cayenne among others.”

The main goal: to expand and develop the GEMBALLA brand as a manufacturer. Without facing too much time pressure. Currently, Andreas Schwarz is making plans in motor tuning and the marketing of parts such as bodykits, rims, brakes and suspension systems.

“We’ve got enormous potential in this area that can be taken advantage of – the recognition of the GEMBALLA name with its near 30-year tradition really helps”, says Andreas Schwarz.

That is why we will see automobile creations from GEMBALLA in the future – with a breath of fresh air for the brand and reliable business under the GEMBALLA name. The showroom in Leonberg is now open for customers and all interested parties.

For more information, go to http://www.gemballa.com.

Press Enquiries: MEDIA LOTSE Agency Sigrid Schwarze Tel: +49-171-170-73-77 Email: gemballa@medialotse.com Web: http://bit.ly/ENGgemballa

Subject Codes: PC/t.100824113511358, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/TRT, SU/PER, RE/Germany

Europcar Discovers Travel Stress Giving Brits a Serious Case of PHT

PR Newswire — August 19, 2010

LONDON, August 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Europcar has discovered in its latest survey that for over half a million Brits*, their last trip to the airport was ‘one of the most stressful experiences of their lives’.

According to the new survey** 24% of Brits admitted to suffering PHT (Pre-Holiday Tension) as their best-laid travel plans start to unravel. Nearly a million*** holidaymakers (2%) have actually missed their flight altogether due to one of the causes of PHT, which include delayed or cancelled buses or trains (suffered by 16% of Brits); booked taxis that are late or don’t turn up (14%); anxiety about leaving something behind (12%) and having to turn back mid-journey because they’ve forgotten something (5%).

The survey also found that it was Londoners who appeared to be the worst sufferers of Pre-Holiday Tension, with 31% reporting that their last airport trip was stressful.

With plenty of Brits still to jet off on their summer break, 11% said that they expected their next trip to the airport, by train, bus or taxi, to be the worst part of their trip and 2.4m**** holidaymakers (6%) admit that they are ‘dreading it’; but the journey to the airport doesn’t always have to be a stressful start to a holiday.

According to Catriona Kempston of Europcar, “A significant number of people suffer a trying journey to the airport which is hardly the best start to a long awaited holiday. We want to make the driving experience as easy as possible for our customers and Airport Connect may also be a cheaper alternative to leaving a car at the airport car park or taking a train or taxi. With Airport Connect Plus ( http://www.europcar.co.uk/EBE/module/render/Airport-Connect) there is no need to worry about prangs en route to the airport. Being involved in or worrying about an accident on the way to the airport would definitely ruin your holiday.”

The Europcar Airport Connect ( http://www.europcar.co.uk/EBE/module/booking/FirstStepPromotion.do?promoId=1c12686b2b2c0d3c5e1a5c00260b7064) service offers an alternative to risking delayed or cancelled trains and taxis, as well as providing free hire car delivery (http://www.europcar.co.uk/EBE/module/render/weDeliver) to the doorstep at a time that suits them.

Notes to editors:

* 1.2% of population (49.121m) = 589,425

** Opinium Research surveyed 2,004 UK adults between 21st and 22nd July 2010. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

*** 1.9% of population = 933,299

**** 4.9% (which equates to the 6% who are planning a holiday) of population = 2,406,929

About Europcar ( http://www.europcar.co.uk/EBE/module/render/hire-car-fleet) :

Europcar is the European leader in passenger car and light utility vehicle rentals. The company serves business and leisure customers throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Excluding franchise operations, in 2009 Europcar signed 9.5 million rental contracts, with 7,000 employees and a fleet exceeding 190,000 vehicles. In September 2008, Europcar and U.S. market leader Enterprise Holdings joined forces in a strategic commercial alliance to form the world’s largest car hire (http://www.europcar.co.uk/) network, with more than 1.2 million vehicles and 13,000 locations around the world. Europcar is owned by the French investment company Eurazeo.

Europcar is the European market leader and is also leading in its environmental approach to car rental. It opened its first “environmental agency” in Paris in 1999, and in 2008 it was the first company in Europe to have its “Environmental Charter” – which formalizes its commitments in favor of sustainable development – certified by Bureau Veritas.

For further media information please contact:

Tom Lawless PR Officer Second floor 15 Bermondsey Square London SE1 3UN +44(0)20-7234-9150 http://www.europcar.co.uk

Subject Codes: PC/t.100819074011780, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/TRT, SU/SVY, RE/United_Kingdom

Its Most Successful Pebble Beach Auction to Date, Gooding & Company Sells More Than US$64.59 Million in Collector Cars for 106 Lots Sold

- In two days, Six New World Records Achieved and Three US$6 Million+ Collector Cars Sold

PR Newswire — August 18, 2010

PEBBLE BEACH, California, August 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, sold more than US$64.59 Million(1) in collector cars over this past weekend at its annual prestigious Pebble Beach Auctions, achieving its highest-ever recorded sales total in its Pebble Beach history. Extraordinary results for the high-end collector car market with only 106 lots sold, Gooding & Company’s price per car averaged an outstanding US$609,000, a market leading number that demonstrates the overall quality of the auction house’s automotive consignments. Three bright stars that sold for more than US$6 Million each – the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza and 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod – impressed an audience of enthusiasts and media by achieving new world sales records during the live auction and also ranking as Pebble Beach Auto Week’s top three cars sold at auction this year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100817/LA51941) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100817/LA51941)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100125/LA43021LOGO-b) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100125/LA43021LOGO-b)

Gooding & Company achieved six impressive world records over the weekend, listed as follows:

- A world record for a LWB California Spider at auction, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione at US$7,260,000 – A world record for an Alfa Romeo at auction, the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza at US$6,710,000 – A world record for a SWB Berlinetta at auction, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod at US$6,105,000 – A world record for a 200SI at auction, the 1956 Maserati 200SI at US$2,640,000 – A world record for a 340 America Spider at auction, the 1951 Ferrari 340 America Spider at US$2,530,000 – A world record for an SS100 at auction, the 1937 Jaguar SS100 at US$1,045,000

To view a complete list of Gooding & Company’s 2010 Pebble Beach Auctions results with prices realized, please visit Goodingco.com.

About Gooding & Company

Gooding & Company provides unparalleled service for those in the collector car market, offering a wide range of services, including private and estate sales, appraisals and collection management. The celebrated auction house recently made world history with the sale of the world’s most valuable car, the magnificent 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. Gooding & Company sold a total of 278 collector cars at its three 2010 Auctions, totaling more than US$114 Million. The 2011 Scottsdale Auctions will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 21 & 22, Amelia Island Auction will take place on Friday, March 11 and Pebble Beach Auctions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 & 21.

(1) The prices are in US Dollars, include the buyer’s premium and are rounded to the nearest dollar. Gooding & Company is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

Subject Codes: PC/t.100818070108661, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, IN/AUT, IN/FIN, IN/TRN, SU/SLS, RE/California, RE/Western_Europe, RE/Scandinavia