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August 15, 2008

Chrysler to Get In-Car Internet

It seems that Chrysler has beat other car manufacturers to the punch and will begin selling cars equipped with wireless internet come August 25th.

But of course it will come with a fee. $499 just for the Uconnect equipment, $50 to get that equipment installed, $35 dollars to get that equipment activated, and finally $29 a month to use that equipment.

Who else can sense a law that prohibits using the internet while driving just around the corner?

August 8, 2008

Glass roof Mustang lets the sun shine in

Ford Mustang, the country's best-selling sports car for 22 consecutive years and one of the auto industry's most successful nameplates ever, celebrates its 45th anniversary with a new panoramic glass roof option that opens the world to pony-car enthusiasts from Maine to Maui and all points between.

The segment first, factory-installed glass roof is available as a $1,995 option on Mustang V-6 and GT models.

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August 7, 2008

Market Penetration of Satellite Radio and Nav Systems Increases Dramatically

WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- Growth in consumer demand for high-tech features supplied in new vehicles has led to a significant increase in market penetration for satellite radio and navigation systems according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.

The study finds that 55 percent of new-vehicle owners report having satellite radio capability in their audio system, up considerably from 39 percent in 2007. Additionally, market penetration for navigation systems has also increased -- up to 25 percent in 2008 from 20 percent in 2007.

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August 1, 2008

One in Three Text Message While Behind Wheel

MINNEAPOLIS -- How many Twin Cities drivers are driving with one hand on the wheel and the other preoccupied with a cell phone, iPod, BlackBerry or hamburger?

According to a new "Twin Cities Driving Behavior" Survey commissioned by AAA Minneapolis, 77 percent of drivers ages 18-34 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area snack while they drive, 70 percent talk on cell phones and one in three young adults actually text message while behind the wheel.

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July 25, 2008

OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly

DETROIT - OnStar reminds its subscribers in Southeast Texas that a simple push of the OnStar button in GM vehicles will put them in contact with specially-trained Crisis Advisors.

OnStar's Crisis Assist capabilities include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who will help with:

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July 24, 2008

Child Safety Seats: Choosing and Using Them Right

WASHINGTON -- Did you know that a seat belt alone is not enough to protect your young child in a car crash?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that child safety seats reduce the risk of being killed in a car crash by 71 percent for an infant and by 54 percent for a toddler. This is why all 50 states have laws that require the use of child safety restraints.

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XM and SIRIUS Confirm Discussions to Settle FCC Enforcement Matters

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK -- XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and SIRIUS Satellite Radio today confirmed that the companies are in discussions with the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission to settle outstanding enforcement matters.

As previously disclosed by the companies, in 2006, the FCC commenced investigations regarding the compliance of certain radios that include FM transmitters with the Commission's rules, and the compliance of certain terrestrial repeaters with the special temporary authority granted by the Commission.

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July 21, 2008

XM Radio Exceeds 9.6 Million Subscribers

WASHINGTON -- XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. today announced preliminary results for the second quarter of 2008. XM added 322,000 new net subscribers in the second quarter of 2008 for a total of 9,653,000 subscribers, a 17 percent increase in subscribers since the end of the second quarter of 2007.

Total gross additions for the quarter were 1,081,000, including a record 857,000 OEM gross additions, the fifth consecutive quarter of record OEM gross additions, and 224,000 retail gross additions.

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July 17, 2008

Car Buyers Downsize, but Spend Big on Options

DETROIT -- Consumers used to buy small cars for a simple reason: they were cheap. A decade ago, many budget-minded shoppers turned down even options like air-conditioning, power windows and compact disc players to keep the price low. Now people of all income levels are buying small cars to pinch pennies at the gas pump, but they are not scrimping on creature comforts.

Instead, they are spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on options, like heated leather seats and high-end entertainment systems, usually found in luxury cars. Small-car buyers often pay $600 for a sunroof, $500 for satellite radio or $400 for a hands-free phone system. Some even spend $300 for colorful interior lights.

July 15, 2008

Zipcar Helps iPhone Users Hit the Road

BOSTON -- Zipcar, the world's leading provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, today announced the availability of a Zipcar widget on the new WHERE application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. WHERE, the award-winning location based application enables iPhone users to quickly and easily locate the nearest Zipcar.

By downloading the WHERE application and activating the Zipcar widget, consumers can conveniently find the nearest Zipcar locations via their iPhone and make a reservation. Additionally, consumers can now easily facilitate carpooling with friends by easily sharing car location information via the iPhone in real-time.

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July 12, 2008

Toyota Offers Bluetooth Hands-Free System On 15 Models

Torrance, CA -- Toyota currently offers integrated Bluetooth hands-free wireless systems in 15 models and will make it available on the all-new 2009 Venza when it goes on sale this fall.

With more states enacting laws that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones, the Bluetooth hands-free systems connection between certain Toyota models and most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones provide an easy wireless solution.

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July 9, 2008

20% of DUIs happen after a night out

MAIDENHEAD, England -- Nearly 1 in 5 convicted drink-drivers are caught the morning after drinking.

If you drank 4 pints of beer or 3 large glasses of wine during a night out it could take as long as 12 hours for the alcohol to leave your system.

If you stopped drinking at midnight you could still be over the drink drive limit at 10 am.

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July 8, 2008

Carmakers adding digital radio

More carmakers are adding digital radio tuners in their bid to woo audiophiles and add electronics.

The latest is Hyundai, which this month will offer digital radio -- known as HD Radio -- in a package on its new Genesis sedan. Among others, BMW already offers an HD tuner as a stand-alone option, and Volvo is going to offer HD Radio standard on most models early next year.

"Some of the automakers known for innovation are picking up on this," says Diane Warren, executive vice president of the radio industry's HD Radio Alliance. "The rest of the industry will follow."

More than 1,700 AM and FM stations also broadcast an HD digital signal, as well as traditional analog signal, up from 11 in 2002, the alliance says. Because digital uses less of a station's allotted bandwidth, many also air second or third signals of specialized shows.

July 5, 2008

Garmin nüvi 860: Full Menu Speech Control for Portable Navigation Systems

SOUTHAMPTON, England -- Garmin, global leaders in satellite navigation introduces the new nüvi 860, the first portable navigation device with full menu speech recognition and an impressive array of other features ranging from safety camera alerts and emergency location assistance to hands free calling and photo navigation with Google Panoramio.

Clive Taylor, Garmin's Director of Product said, "Garmin's nüvi 860 uses full menu speech control to make driving safer and easier. It's now possible to keep both hands on the wheel and tell the nüvi 860 what to do and where to go. Simple shortcut phrases like 'go home' will automatically take you straight to the map screen and route you to your home in a matter of seconds."

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July 3, 2008

Suzuki offer standard nav system in SX4

BREA, Calif - After an overwhelming response to the company's April announcement that it will add standard navigation to the 2009 SX4 Sport and SX4 Crossover, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today revealed that it will produce a special edition version of the 2008 SX4 featuring standard navigation.

Available in July, the Road TRIP edition of the 2008 SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive version of the five-door SX4 Crossover marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will offer navigation as standard equipment.

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June 27, 2008

Chrysler Launches Umbrella 'uconnect' Name for Connectivity Technologies

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Today's consumers are passionate about staying in touch and want to be connected no matter where they are -- home, work, school or vehicle. To focus on the experience and connect customers to the things that matter the most, Chrysler LLC will now bundle innovative consumer technologies under one umbrella name - "uconnect."

The function of the feature is directly in the name - uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect gps, uconnect studios and uconnect web.

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Wireless Internet Connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Consumers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Mopar announced today that it will launch uconnect web, Chrysler LLC's in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.

uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.

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June 23, 2008

iPhone your Mercedes

Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets.

Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions.

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June 22, 2008

Lamborghini Signs Exclusive Agreement With Sirius Satellite Radio

NEW YORK and SANTA AGATA, Italy -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. today announced that Automobili Lamborghini will offer SIRIUS as its exclusive satellite radio provider in Lamborghini vehicles.

The first Lamborghini to include SIRIUS as standard factory installed equipment will be the Murcielago beginning with the 2009 model year in the U.S.

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June 18, 2008

Portable Nav Systems Remove Stress, Adds Safety

CONCORD, Mass. -- TomTom Inc. today announces that recent findings from leading US research institute Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Dutch research institute TNO prove the positive influence of portable navigation devices on driving and traffic safety. Key findings from the research showed that drivers using a portable navigation device experience less stress, pay more attention to the road and feel safer.

The key findings of the US research were as follows:

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June 9, 2008

XM Radio, NavTraffic Available on 2009 Porsche 911

WASHINGTON -- XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced that XM radio and its award-winning XM NavTraffic service will be available as a factory- installed feature on all 2009 Porsche 911 models.

This will be the first time that XM is available in a Porsche sports car. XM is the exclusive satellite radio provider to Porsche.

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June 5, 2008

Hyundai Sonata Wins Interior Design Award

DETROIT -- The 2009 Hyundai Sonata was named an “Interior of the Year” award winner in the category of “Best Redesign” at the annual “Automotive Interior of the Year Awards” conducted by Ward’s Auto World magazine.

“This award is particularly gratifying for our team, who started with a world-class car, listened to customer feedback telling us they wanted an improved interior, and went to work to make the 2009 Hyundai Sonata stand up and stand out against every other car in its class,” said Dan Vivian, Hyundai Motor America’s director of Design Engineering.

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Dodge Sprinter Chassis Cabs Upfit Allowance Available

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Dodge today announced a $1,000 allowance toward the purchase of an upfit body for installation on all Dodge Sprinter chassis cab models. The term program runs from June 3, 2008 to January 2, 2009.

“With unmatched versatility, the segment’s best fuel economy and the most class-leading advantages, Dodge Sprinter chassis cabs are in tremendous demand by upfitters for a host of aftermarket uses,” said Pamela Niekamp, Senior Manager – Commercial Vehicle Marketing and Product Planning.

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May 29, 2008

Garmin Announces New StreetPilot for Mercedes

SOUTHAMPTON, England -- Garmin, global leaders in portable satellite navigation, today announced Mercedes-Benz Accessories will continue its relationship with Garmin by selecting the nüvi 760 as their latest portable after market navigation solution.

The nüvi 760 named the 'StreetPilot III' by Mercedes-Benz, is customised with a specially designed mount for the new generation A-Class, B-Class and C-Class cars will be available at dealers across Europe May 2008.

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May 23, 2008

OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards

Detroit – OnStar by GM captured the “Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product Award” at the 2008 Detroit Telematics Awards event.

Awards are judged by independent industry experts and are open to all companies in the automotive and mobile telematics eco-system that develop and provide compelling products, services, and content.

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Verizon Wireless Offers Tips to Help Customers Drive Responsibly

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- With the busiest travel season nearly upon us, Verizon Wireless reminds customers who choose to talk on a wireless phone while driving to do so responsibly and safely when travelling over the next few months and all year long.

Drivers should use common sense and obey all vehicular laws if they choose to talk on a wireless phone while driving, whether across town or across the country. Verizon Wireless offers the following reminders for using a wireless phone or service responsibly while driving:

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May 21, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Accessories presents 2008 Motorsports Collection

Stuttgart – The new 2008 Mercedes-Benz Motorsports Collection is the perfect outfit for a sporty appearance at the trackside. The Collection is now available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in the product categories of Formula One, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, SLR, DTM, AMG and Accessories.

The range includes sporty and elegant clothing items for men and women, as well as high-quality sunglasses, watches and bags as useful accessories for the grandstand and driver areas – not to mention useful and beautifully designed items ranging from travel luggage and key-rings to model cars.

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May 19, 2008

Survey: Drive as I say, not as I drive

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nationwide Insurance today released its second annual DWD (Driving While Distracted) study, which found that, while 98 percent of Americans claim to be safe drivers, a vast majority also admit to DWD.

More than four out of five cell-phone owners are guilty of talking on their phones while driving, and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of all drivers admit to partaking in some form of distracting behavior while driving, from cell phone use to eating.

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May 15, 2008

Ford's SYNC leading auto industry in connectivity

Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

Beginning later this year, SYNC will also provide accident assistance through ‘911 Assist,’ and will be able to send customers Vehicle Health Reports on key systems to help them plan routine service appointments and alert them to critical systems issues.

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May 6, 2008

Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Developing In-Car Infotainment

SEOUL, South Korea -- Today, Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.

Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul.

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Garmin, TomTom and Magellan Dominate Latest GPS Navigator Ratings

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Despite the influx of several new brands and models, longtime GPS brands -- Garmin, TomTom and Magellan -- are still making the best Global Positioning Systems. The three brands accounted for 16 of the top 20 rated models in the latest tests in Consumer Reports June issue.

After months of in-lab and on-the-road tests of 39 GPS systems, the Garmin Nuvi 760 ($600) rated best with an "Excellent" overall score.

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May 1, 2008

2008 Navigator Owners Can Now SYNC Their Rides

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Lincoln Navigator owners wishing they had Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-vehicle communications system, need wish no more.

Ford has introduced an affordable, dealer-installed SYNC accessory kit that allows select 2008 Navigator and Navigator L customers to enjoy the award-winning voice-activated communications system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

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April 29, 2008

TomTom Unveils GPS Units With Compact, Folding Design

CONCORD, Mass. -- TomTom, the world's leading portable navigation solutions provider, today announced the latest models in its award-winning car navigation product offering -- the TomTom ONE and TomTom XL.

The new devices come with a completely redesigned body, including a folding mount that provides maximum portability and flexibility.

This new windshield mount -- known as the EasyPort mount -- can be left on the device and folded flat after use.

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April 28, 2008

2009 Suzuki SX4: First Car in America Under $16K with Standard Navigation

BREA, Calif. -- Establishing an auto industry first, and packing even more appeal into its bold and stylish sport compact, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announced the addition of a fully integrated standard navigation system to the 2009 Suzuki SX4.

The company's offering marks the first time a new vehicle under $16,000 will include navigation as a standard feature.

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April 26, 2008

Ford and Funkmaster Flex team up for Season 4 of "Car Wars"

DEARBORN, MI. –Coupling their passion for cars with the new 2008 Ford Focus SES was all a part of the daily grind for four of some of the hottest and most passionate car customizers in the country.

On Saturday, April 26th, viewers will get a chance to be a part of the mayhem as the fourth season of "Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex" debuts. The reality show, which is hosted by Funkmaster Flex, chronicles the real life drama of four customizers competing in a seven-week race to customize a new 2008 Ford Focus SES.

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April 22, 2008

Rhino Linings Focusing on Residential Garage Floor Market

SAN DIEGO -- Rhino Linings Corporation, the global leader in protective truck bed liners, industrial application coatings and customized military projects today announced it has formed a new strategic business unit to serve the needs of the residential garage flooring market.

Named Rhino Home Pro, the new division offers products specifically formulated for the home market, beginning with garage floors, walkways and decks. The first nationwide launch of Rhino Home Pro products is scheduled for late spring.

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NDrive Launches World's First Photo Mapping Sat-Nav

FRENSHAM, England -- Satellite Navigation takes a technological leap forward today with the launch of the G280 and G800 from NDrive. Boasting the world's first photo mapping system, the G280 and G800 feature real life photo images instead of the traditional 1D/3D maps found on other devices. The new G280 and G800 take navigation to the next level.

This next generation of technology allows you to see what your journey and destination look like from a real life perspective.

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April 18, 2008

Ford performance enthusiast info now available online

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Racing has launched an all-new web-based initiative, www.FordPerformance.com, that puts a face and a place on Ford Motor Company's connection to enthusiast clubs and the performance aftermarket.

The Ford Performance Group is centered on a web portal that helps facilitate a more interactive relationship between Ford and its past, present and future performance customers.

“We recognize the important role that Ford loyalists play in raising consumer awareness of Ford Motor Company,” noted Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Group.

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April 16, 2008

Worlds First All Terrain Camper Trailer

NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- Little Guy Worldwide recently premiered its new ruggedized line of teardrop camper trailers at the 2008 Moab Easter Jeep(R) Safari.

According to Kip Czoch, the company's factory rep at the weeklong event, "The Little Rough Rider defeated every obstacle, climbing off camber without scraping or bumping on either approach or breaking over angles on departure.

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April 15, 2008

Chrysler Announces Engineering and Tech Innovations

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC will introduce a wide array of new, innovative and -- in most cases -- industry-first technologies, all designed to enhance the customer experience, the company announced here today at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress.

"Chrysler has always been known as an engineering company, and the announcement of these features coming to our lineup in 2009 further drives that point home," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President -- Product Development, Chrysler LLC.

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Digital Lifestyle and Safety Trends Will Drive Interior Electronics

DETROIT -- This week at the 2008 SAE World Congress, the President of Continental's Interior Division will discuss, during a panel titled: "Electronics: Expectations and Opportunities,"* how digital lifestyle and vehicle safety trends are driving Interior Electronics forward and helping automakers differentiate their vehicle brands.

"Digital and portable content has dramatically altered our lifestyles and consumer expectations," said Helmut Matschi, Head of Continental's Interior Division.

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