Car Chute

Azure Dynamics Announces 45 Transit Connect Electric Sales

PR Newswire — February 2, 2012

OAK PARK, Michigan, February 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

- Global orders of Transit Connect Electric exceed $32 million since its introduction – New North American customers include orders through the General Services Administration, Verizon, an internet company, a Northeast university, a utility company and Ford Commercial Truck dealerships – New European customers include government authorities, and Ford dealerships

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) (“Azure” or the “Company”), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles, today announced 45 new Ford Transit Connect Electric sales, including 20 units in Europe and 25 units in North America, which includes six initial units through the General Services Administration (the “GSA”) via Northside Ford in San Antonio, TX, a four unit order from Verizon and a four unit order from an internet company.

“We are pleased to have received several initial orders through the GSA as various U.S. government agencies, affiliated companies and military installations begin their procurement process for fiscal 2012,” said Scott Harrison, Azure’s CEO. “The Transit Connect Electric, offering low operating costs and zero tailpipe emissions, is the ideal versatile product that can serve a myriad of government fleet needs, particularly within the Armed Services.”

Since most commercial and government fleets spend a significant portion of their operational costs on fuel alone, there has been a dramatic surge in the demand for electrified alternatives. These fleet operators are increasingly seen as the logical starting point for electric vehicles due to typical drive cycles that include travel on predictable, short-range, routes with frequent stop and go driving that generally return to a central location at the end of a drive cycle making for efficient and convenient recharging over night.

“We are also pleased to see continued adoption among universities and large companies, such as Verizon,” continued Harrison. “Fleet operators, big and small businesses and colleges worldwide increasingly recognize the value the Transit Connect Electric offers in helping them reduce cost and meet their environmental goals.”

Azure is a leading provider of electric drive technology for light to medium-duty commercial fleet vehicles in North America and is the first authorized provider of electric and hybrid electric solutions on Ford’s market leading light-and medium-duty commercial vehicles.

“With these new orders, our global Transit Connect Electric sales exceed $32 million in less than 12 months of production,” continued Harrison. “And, our network of over 160 Ford dealers globally continues to drive our sales growth while providing outstanding service for our customers.”

Azure Dynamics has agreements with over 160 Ford commercial truck dealerships in key markets across North America, 90 of which support sales and service activities for Transit Connect Electric and in six countries throughout Europe representing 13 dealerships with 57 store locations.

Transit Connect Electric expands its customer base:

The 45 Transit Connect Electric vans announced today were sold to a variety of customers across North America and Europe as wells as to a number of Ford commercial truck dealers who will use the vans as customer demonstrators to increase awareness and appreciation of the product. These sales include:

UNITED STATES

California

- Mission Valley Ford in San Jose, CA (4 units) – Kearny Pearson Ford in San Diego, CA (1 unit) – Trans West Ford in Fontana, CA (2 units) – Frontier Ford in Santa Clara, CA (1 unit) – Siemens through East Bay Ford in Oakland, CA (1 unit)

Connecticut

- Norwich Public Utilities through Interstate Ford in Hartford, CT (1 unit)

Florida

- Bartow Ford in Lakeland, FL (1 unit)

Georgia

- Peach County Ford in Byron, GA (1 unit)

Massachusetts

- Verizon through Stoneham Ford in Stoneham, MA (4 units) – Stoneham Ford in Stoneham, MA (1 unit)

Texas

- Northside Ford in San Antonio, TX (6 units through the GSA)

CANADA

- Boisvert Ford in Quebec (1unit) – City of Hamilton ON through Oak-land Ford in Oakville, Ontario (1 unit)

GERMANY

- Sachsengarage Ford in Dresden, Germany (1 unit) – Kuttendreier Ford in Munich, Germany (1 unit) – Sigg& Still Ford in Augsburg, Germany ( 1 unit) – KADEA Ford in Berlin, Germany (1 unit) – Pfohe Siemens Ford in Nuremburg, Germany (1 unit)

NETHERLANDS

- Ardea Ford in Netherlands (7 units) – Dutch Royal Family through Ardea Ford in the Netherlands (1 unit)

NORWAY

- RohneSelmer Ford in Norway (4 units)

UNITED KINGDOM

- Brighton Council through Ford Retail in the UK, (3 units)

The Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls to achieve a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on auxiliary usage and drive cycle and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging. Use of the vehicles will also reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on how Azure Dynamics powertrains are ‘Driving a World of Difference,’ please visit http://www.azuredynamics.com.

About Azure Dynamics

Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for light and medium duty commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit http://www.azuredynamics.com.

The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements Advisory

Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements and information and future-oriented financial information under applicable securities legislation and is provided for the purpose of expressing management’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions.

More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning Azure’s anticipated: business development strategy, customer orders, product deliveries, sales, revenue and revenue growth. The forward-looking statements are based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs and sales, target market acceptance of Azure’s products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labor and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles. Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve numerous risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the projections and forecasts in the forward-looking statements will not occur and that actual performance or results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure’s stage of development, history of losses and lack of historical product revenues, uncertainty as to product development and sales milestones being met, product defect and performance risks, competition for capital and market share, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability and retention of management and key personnel, exchange rate and currency fluctuations, uncertainties relating to potential delays or changes in plans with respect to product development or capital expenditures, the ability of Azure to access sufficient capital on acceptable terms, and environmental and safety risks. This is not an exhaustive list and additional information on these risks and other factors that could affect Azure’s operations and financial results are included in reports on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and can be accessed through the SEDAR website athttp://www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Additionally, Azure undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties about Azure.

For further information:JurisPagrabs, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-248-298-2403 ext 7570, Email: jpagrabs@azuredynamics.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.120202181035845, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, PC/ticker.bloomberg, PC/ticker.rics, RE/United_States_of_America, RE/Canada, RE/United_Kingdom, RE/Germany, RE/Netherlands, RE/Spain, RE/Norway, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/ECP, IN/TRT, SU/SLS

Company Codes: LSE:ADC, Bloomberg:ADC@LN, RICS:ADC.L, Toronto:AZD, OTC-BB:AZDDF

Written By Richard Lawton Published On: Feb 02 2012

SsangYong Motor UK Ltd has selected GMAC UK plc as its preferred car finance provider, allowing the car importer to bring offering competitive car finance terms on its range of cars. GMAC was part of General Motors becoming independent and rebranding as Ally Financial, but the finance provider still counts Vauxhall and Chevrolet among its customers, as well as providing consumer financing for MG Motors.

Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, said: “We are delighted to have appointed GMAC after a rigorous selection process. Working with GMAC will support the growth of our business and help our dealers fund their inventory, while giving SsangYong customers the opportunity to obtain retail financing through a trusted company. This important agreement allows us to offer a competitive range of retail finance products for the new Korando, as well as on Rexton, Rodius and other new models in the future.”

“We look forward to establishing a strong relationship with SsangYong Motor dealers and offering attractive financing programs for their customers,” commented Ed Paulat, GMAC UK managing director. “This new affiliation with SsangYong represents another step in GMAC expanding its customer base and further leverages our core competency in auto financing.”

The first new finance deal announced by SsangYong co-insides with the launch of the Korando’s first special edition. Known as the Korando LE, it adds special 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, privacy glass, heated front seats, cruise control, and rear parking sensors the standard specification and is available Grand White, metallic Vitamin Red or Space Black.

“We have tailored this car for today’s tough economic motoring conditions, both out on the road and in the wallet,” says Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong Motor UK.

“As a crossover it provides the perfect solution to meet virtually every motoring requirement.  Several cars in one, it’s the family hatchback for the daily school or commuter run; a load lugger for that long distance cross-country dash, and the perfect tow car – thanks to its 2 tonne towing capacity – for hauling the caravan or boat to your summer holiday destination.

“But money matters, especially in the current economy, so we have assembled a package that includes a highly competitive purchase price, additional equipment, a low rate finance offer with 5 years free servicing and 5 years limitless mileage warranty. We hope the Chancellor of the Exchequer is impressed!”

Audi revamps diesel A5Porsche celebrates bumper Caye …

No Comments Yet

New Comment

Leave a comment

Comments RSS Feed Article source: Article Source

The boss of Holden says its Chevrolet Caprice police car export program to the US is “very much alive”, although he admits it is likely to miss sales targets by a considerable margin for the foreseeable future.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux made the announcement after earlier confirming Holden’s decision to cut more than 100 casual and temporary workers from its South Australian vehicle assembly plant.

Devereux told Australia’s motoring media the economic pressure created by the high Australian dollar meant it would not meet its export targets this year, but he insisted the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle program was not dead.

“The police car program is very much alive and we will sell thousands of police cars,” Devereux said.

“We are putting police cars on boats … every month. The police car program is alive and well, I just wish we were selling more of them.”

Devereux said Holden initially hoped to ship as many as 17,500 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicles to the US per year in the long term, as well as planning to sell more than 4000 Chevrolet Caprices to the Middle East this year, but conceded neither would eventuate under the current economic conditions.

“With the [Australian] dollar at $1.07, we’re not seeing the kind of export growth that we were anticipating.

“We’re going to sell thousands of police cars [to the US], but I would have liked to have been in the five-figure range and above. Given the police car market in the US is 70,000 units a year, I would have liked to take 20 per cent of that, maybe even 25 per cent of that.”

Devereux said Holden estimated the Australian dollar would remain around parity with the US dollar for “at least the next year or two”. He admitted it would be near impossible to exceed 10,000 Caprice police car sales over that time, but said cutting prices of export vehicles was not an option.

“I have to live in the real world on this and, at $1.07, five-figure sales of those cars is going to be pretty tough.

“What we can’t do is just discount the car and lose money. That’s not a smart business decision.”

Despite a drop-off of exports, Devereux said he was optimistic about the domestic side of the business for 2012.

He confirmed reports that the Cruze small car had become the brand’s top-selling car for the first time ever in January, assuming third position on the national sales table ahead of the Commodore, which is expected to finish fourth.

He admitted

Article source: Article Source

New Castle, DE, February 01, 2012 –(PR.com)– Customers looking for a new Toyota vehicle should check out the Toyota specials at Price Toyota in New Castle, DE. Drivers will find great deals and big savings on vehicles like the 2012 Toyota Tundra, the 2012 Toyota Camry, and the 2011 Toyota Corolla.

Drivers can enjoy the new 2012 Toyota Tundra for the special price of $35,530. The 2012 Tundra at Price Toyota is in Barcelona Red with a Graphite interior. It’s equipped with a V8 engine that delivers 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. 18-inch wheels and a chrome rear bumper give this truck a strong look. Inside, drivers will enjoy remote keyless entry and dual zone air conditioning.

The new 2012 Toyota Camry L is available for the special price of $21,724. At Price Toyota drivers receive a Cosmic Gray Mica 2012 Camry L with a gray interior. The 2012 Camry L is powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC I4 engine that delivers 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. On the exterior, the Camry sports 16-inch steel wheels and high solar energy-absorbing glass. Inside, drivers can find illuminated entry and a multi-information display.

Price Toyota is also offering the new 2011 Toyota Corolla S for the special price of $19,957. The 2011 Corolla S comes in a Super White color with a gray interior. A 1.8-liter DOHC VVT-i I4 engine powers this car and delivers 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. On the outside, the 2011 Corolla features a chrome rear license plate garnish and color-keyed spoiler. On the inside, drivers will find metallic interior trim and door-handle accents and front sport fabric bucket seats.

To view more new car sales at Price Toyota, visit the New Castle Toyota dealer online at http://www.pricetoyota.com/delaware-cars/type_new/special_true/ or stop by the dealership to take advtantage of these great savings. Also, for the latest dealership news, information, and events, become a fan of Price Toyota on Facebook at http://facebook.com/PriceToyota.

About Price Toyota:
Price Toyota, http://pricetoyota.com, in New Castle, Delaware, carries an extensive inventory of new and used Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. In addition, the Toyota dealer offers a knowledgeable service department that is prepared to assist with any repairs and routine maintenance, as well as a well-stocked Toyota parts department. Price Toyota strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction every time.

###

Article source: Article Source

Columbus, MS, February 02, 2012 –(PR.com)– Carl Hogan Automotive in Columbus, Mississippi is helping Buick get the word out about the “Buick Achievers Scholarship Program.” The program was created to help 1,100 college-bound students who are already excelling in school and who are making a difference in their communities at the same time.

The scholarship is funded by the GM Foundation, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1976 and has helped communities across the U.S. in Education, Health and Human Services, and many other inspiring programs. In education alone, the GM Foundation has donated more than $350 million.

This is the second year the “Buick Achievers” program has been in place. In 2011, 1,100 students from around the country became Buick Achievers and over $4.2 million in total scholarship funds were awarded. For 2012, they are awarding another 1,100 students with up to $25,000 per year for 100 students, renewable up to four years and one additional year for qualified five-year engineering program students. Also, $2,000 one-time awards will be given out to an additional 1,000 students.

Qualifying students must be U.S. citizens, be high school seniors or graduates or be a current undergraduate student, and must plan to major in an automotive related field like Engineering/Technology or even Business-related programs.

Carl Hogan Automotive is happy to be able to provide this scholarship program to its community and help local student pursue their college dreams. Additional information and guidelines are posted online at http://carlhogangm.com.

About Carl Hogan GM:
Carl Hogan GM is proud to serve the Columbus, Mississippi area with a full line of new and used Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac cars, trucks, and SUVs. Along with offering such a great selection of vehicles, Carl Hogan GM presents customers with a friendly and professional experience with every visit. Dedicated to serving all of your automotive needs, Carl Hogan GM offers a prestigious service center, a fully stocked parts department, and a professional and friendly finance department.

###

Article source: Article Source

Tacoma, WA, February 02, 2012 –(PR.com)– Introducing a special buying program for military personnel, the Tacoma car dealer, Titus-Will Chevrolet (http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/) is now offering special discounts on new and used cars for those serving in the armed forces. Promoted as the Military Miles Program on ParklandChevrolet.com, the program for military personnel also enables easy financing and instant loan approvals for military officers. Details of the military miles programs can be viewed at: http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/page/military-miles_program.

The Military Miles program at Titus-Will Chevrolet is supported by Miles Program and USAA certifications.

ParklandChevrolet.com, with the biggest selection of used Ford, Honda, Toyota, Buick, Dodge, Scion, Chrysler, Jeep, Volkswagen models and new and used Chevrolet models, extends special buying benefits to military personnel and their family members. Commenting on the plan, Trevor Will from Titus-Will Chevrolet said, “Our military finance program is a way of giving back to people who serve and sacrifice for our safety. We make sure that all of our military personnel walking into our dealership with a desire to drive home a car, drives out in the car of his or her dreams!”

He continued saying, “Titus-Will Chevrolet’s friendly customer service team and financial experts will help military personnel get the best vehicle at the best price. Military financing is available on both new Chevrolet cars and our extensive used car inventory which includes popular models by Ford, Honda, Toyota, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and others.”

Military discounts from ParklandChevrolet.com can be found on cars priced under $10,000 as well. The Tacoma dealer inventory features high-performance cars that get 30 MPG or better. Titus-Will Chevrolet is rated among the premier used car dealers in Washington. The used car dealer’s highly valued financing and buying programs have made Titus-Will Chevrolet a trustworthy name in the state.

Titus-Will Chevrolet car dealership is also renowned for superior quality used cars. The current deals and special offers running on new and used cars can be viewed at: (New) http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/search?type=Newmake=Allmodel=Allbody=All and (Used) http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/search?type=Usedmake=Allmodel=Allbody=All.

To find out more about the military discounts at ParklandChevrolet.com watch a video at: http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/page/military-miles_program#miles_form_inner.

About ParklandChevrolet.com:
ParklandChevrolet.com is a Parkland based new and used car dealer. With the broadest selection of new Chevrolet cars, the Parkland car dealer has an advantage over other car dealers when it comes to all makes and models of Chevrolet. ParklandChevrolet.com also has a diverse selection of used cars at every price range with the ability to get all credit levels financed.

Many types of military programs are offered at ParklandChevrolet.com.

For more information, contact:

Trevor Will
Titus-Will Chevrolet
11011 Pacific Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98444
Phone: 1-888-528-3410
Website: http://www.parklandchevrolet.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tituswillcars
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/tituswillcars

###

Article source: Article Source

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Customer Loyalty With Weekend Rewards Days Bonus Points Promotion in 9 European Countries

PR Newswire — February 2, 2012

LONDON, February 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

Gold Plus Rewards(TM) program provides a wide range of flexible reward options such as Weekend Rewards Days and new innovations including points that never expire and no blackouts

- With Photo

Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental brand, has launched a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards(TM) promotion to provide Hertz #1 Club Gold Members in 9 European countries with 800 Bonus Reward Points for a Weekend Rewards Day (free time and mileage for a weekend day’s rental) when they register on goldplus.hertz.co.uk from February 1st to April 30, 2012. In addition, participants can earn a 100 point-per-rental-day bonus on top of standard points earned on their qualifying rentals completed during the promotion.

During the promotion Hertz is also offering free membership to Hertz #1 Club Gold to existing #1 Club Members and newly enrolled customers, waiving the usual three rental requirement.

The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards customer loyalty program offer is open to Hertz #1 Club Gold members in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Participants in the program can earn and redeem Points in any of the European countries plus the United States and Canada.

“With free Gold Membership and two generous Gold Plus Rewards Points bonus offers, we want new and existing Hertz customers to experience our easy, fast and flexible loyalty program. We believe customers will be amazed at how quickly they can earn a Weekend Rewards Day through the Gold Plus Rewards, as well as enjoy the benefits of our legendary Hertz #1 Club Gold program,” said Michel Taride, President, Hertz International and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation.

To take advantage of the Hertz Gold Plus rewards promotion, existing #1 Gold Members can simply register with their #1 Gold Member number at goldplus.hertz.co.uk. On this page, current Hertz #1 Club and new customers may upgrade to Hertz #1 Club Gold for free during the promotion, and then register to earn the Gold Plus Rewards Point bonuses.

Once registered for the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards promotion, each participant will be awarded the bonus Points in approximately four weeks from sign up. The 100 point per rental day bonus is offered on any car class for any rental length with a qualifying rental greater than $25 (USD or its equivalent). The bonus Points are in addition to the standard one Point per U.S. dollar equivalent normally earned on qualifying rentals, and apply to all qualifying rentals completed during the promotion period.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is a fast, easy, and flexible loyalty program that enables Hertz #1 Club and #1 Club Gold Members to earn points to redeem for future Hertz car rental. Members who elect to earn Gold Plus Rewards Points earn one Point per dollar spent on qualifying Hertz rentals. Weekend Rewards Days are earned for as few as 800 Points, making Gold Plus Rewards one of the fastest ways to earn free car rentals. Points are tracked automatically and can now easily be redeemed online. Rewards include a wide choice of rental length options and car types.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards offers “AnyDay Rewards” with no black-out dates, allowing Members to use their Points at any time. Members also have the flexibility to use their Points when it is convenient for them because Gold Plus Rewards Points do not automatically expire. Each time a participant earns or redeems Points, their Points renew for an additional 24 months which means they do not have to worry about Points expiring. If participants prefer, they may still earn points in any of the other many partner loyalty programs in which Hertz participates, giving our members greater choice and flexibility

Participants can earn Points on all their qualifying rentals by updating their #1 Club or #1 Club Gold profile at http://www.hertz.co.uk or earn on each rental by requesting or selecting to earn Gold Plus Rewards Points when they make their Hertz reservations. Points accumulate in the Member’s account online and are redeemed online.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards are an additional benefit to Hertz #1 Club and #1 Club Gold, which provide privileges and benefits designed to make customer’s travel easier, including faster reservations, faster rental pick up and special offers and discounts.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program details can be obtained http://www.hertz.co.uk and the terms and conditions on: http://www.hertzoffers.com/programmeterms.

About Hertz

Hertz is the world’s largest general use car rental company, operating from over 8,500 corporate locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz is in its 93rd year of delivering quality car rental solutions to leisure and corporate customers. Product and service innovations such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, Worldwide Online Check-in, specially designed NeverLost(R) satellite navigation systems, and unique cars offered through the company’s Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. For more information please go to http://www.hertz.com.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Hertz Press Contacts Caroline Trotman Dickenson Ketchum Pleon T: +44(0)20-7611-3686 E: caroline.trotman-dickenson@ketchumpleon.com

Jana Kapeller Ketchum Pleon T: +44(0)20-7611-3638 E: jana.kapeller@ketchumpleon.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.120202041412687, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, PC/ticker.bloomberg, PC/ticker.rics, RE/United_Kingdom, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/TRT, SU/PDT

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

.

Twin-turbo Audi three-litre V6 is rated at 230kW and 650Nm.

Diesels, it would seem, are the new performance cars; now Audi has jumped on the multi-blower bandwagon with a twin-turbo version of the proven three-litre V6 TDI, due for South African release in the fourth quarter of 2012 in the A6 and A7 Sportback.

The new engine has a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar, and Audi is quoting a muscular 230kW, available from 3900-4500rpm, and 650Nm anywhere between 1450 (that’s barely off idle!) and 2800rpm.

That’s good enough, it says, to blast the A6 sedan up to 100km/h in just more than five seconds and on to an (electronically limited) 250km/h – all at a claimed cost of only 6.5 litres per 100km and 169g/km of CO2, thanks to auto stop/start, energy recuperation and clever heat management to bring oil and coolant up to temperature as quickly as possible.

Audi also says this is not only the most powerful six-cylinder diesel yet from the Four Rings but also the sweetest sounding, all due to what Audi calls an actuator in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system.

DEFINED OSCILLATION

It’s actually a small, low-frequency speaker that overlays a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow, according to the maker, making the engine sound more like a high-performance petrol V6 than a big-bore diesel.

.

The new BiTDI will slot in above the existing, single-turbo 150kW and 180kW versions of the three-litre V6 diesel in the A6 and A7 Sportback ranges. All 3.0 V6 BiTDI models will drive through an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the latest-generation quattro all-wheel drive system with self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring.

A sport differential that distributes power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels will be an extra-cost option, sharpening response even further.

Prices, as always, when they get here, but let us leave you with a final thought: given the new BiTDI V6′s huge torque spread, wouldn’t you like to see this engine in a VW Amarok bakkie?

Motoring newsletter – click here to keep up to speed with the best in motoring

Article source: Article Source

However Ms Greening scrapped the plans, which were supported by her
predecessor Philip Hammond, after examining research by the Vehicle and
Operator Services Agency.

The study by VOSA showed that more than a quarter of MoT tests carried out in
2011-11 missed routine defects and also wrongly passed thousands of cars as
being roadworthy when they were not.

Motoring groups had warned that cutting the frequency of the tests would have
led to more unsafe cars being allowed on the country’s roads, putting safety
at risk.

Following the VOSA study, the Government says it will carry out its own
“mystery shopper” exercise to vet the reliability of MoT testing centres.

As disclosed by The Daily Telegraph last year, the MoT certificate will be
rewritten to include the car’s mileage for the previous three years as well
as that on the day of the test. This is intended to thwart “clockers”, who
tamper with a car’s odometer to hide its true mileage.

“Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among
the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows
that there is room for improvement,” Ms Greening said.

“I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends
with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather
than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service.”

The climb-down was welcomed by motoring organisations.

“We are pleased ministers have decided both to retain the current frequency of
the tests and turn a spotlight on those garages not coming up to standard,”
said Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation.

“ Moves to help spot ‘clocked’ vehicles will also benefit motorists. Drivers
are paying good money for MOTs and have a right to expect accuracy and value
for money in return.”

The decision was also welcomed by Alec Murray, chairman of the Retail Motor
Industry Federation.

“By retaining the current system the Government has cut the risk of the
additional road deaths and injuries that would have potentially occurred
with a move to less frequent testing.”

Article source: Article Source

Iochpe-Maxion Finalizes Acquisition of Hayes Lemmerz

PR Newswire — February 1, 2012

SAO PAULO, February 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

- Combined Company to Meet Global Needs of Automotive Manufacturers

Iochpe-Maxion S.A. (“Iochpe-Maxion”) announced today that its subsidiary, Iochpe Holdings, LLC, has finalized its transaction to acquire Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. (“Hayes Lemmerz”). The transaction combines the wheel businesses of Iochpe-Maxion and Hayes Lemmerz to create Maxion Wheels, a global wheels business with manufacturing locations in 12 countries and a presence in every major automotive region.

“Iochpe-Maxion is excited to have finalized its transaction to acquire Hayes Lemmerz,” said Dan Ioschpe, CEO of Iochpe-Maxion. “The acquisition of Hayes Lemmerz furthers our strategy of growing our core global business and puts us in an excellent position to offer technologically-advanced products and outstanding services to all of our global customers and to meet their needs in every major geographic region for years to come.”

“Customers will benefit significantly from the transaction,” continued Ioschpe. “As automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers continue to expand globally, they seek global suppliers who have the resources to invest and grow with them. This acquisition enables us to better meet our customers’ needs by offering a broader and more competitive product line and enhancing service levels.”

Fred Bentley to Lead Maxion Wheels, the New Global Wheel Organization

Fred Bentley, former COO of Hayes Lemmerz, has been named CEO of Maxion Wheels, the new global wheel group of Iochpe-Maxion and will report to Dan Ioschpe. Maxion Wheels will have its headquarters in Northville, Michigan, USA and will combine the wheel businesses of the two companies. “In combining the skills and talents of these two world-class wheel manufacturers, we will be able to better serve the best interests of all our key stakeholders – our customers, our shareholders, our suppliers, and our committed employees all around the world. We anticipate a smooth and successful integration,” Bentley said. “We see many exciting global opportunities, and we have an experienced and talented team ready to pursue them.”

Subject Codes: PC/t.120201161258143, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/Michigan, RE/Brazil, RE/Brazil, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, SU/TNM, SU/PER