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Mazda Launches MAZDA2 in North America With Branded Facebook Game

Mazda Launches MAZDA2 in North America With Branded Facebook Game
Zoom-Zoom Concentrated Position Taps Your Inner Driver
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 28 -- How do you bring a new automotive nameplate to a generation of digital natives that is connected, and lives and buys like no other? You do it in a smart, new, engaging way and enable consumers to author their own brand experience.

Beginning July 28th Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will launch the 2011 MAZDA2 in North America with a branded social game on Facebook. Called DriverVille and created by Doner, the game showcases the MAZDA2, positioned as Zoom-Zoom Concentrated: compact and efficient, yet packed with style and substance. Built around the Zoom-Zoom Concentrated theme, DriverVille puts consumers in a virtual world to learn about and compete with the eco-friendly, fun-to-drive, five-door hatchback in a sweeping social adventure.

"The MAZDA2 is Zoom-Zoom in its most concentrated form. And DriverVille is where Your Inner Driver can learn about the MAZDA2 and connect with other inner drivers in the social space," said Don Romano, president of Mazda Canada and chief marketing officer of MNAO.

At the heart of this campaign is a big idea: to follow "Your Inner Driver" to the all-new MAZDA2. "The Inner Driver is part of everyone that loves to drive, and Your Inner Driver wants a car with unique styling and the driving dynamics that only a MAZDA2 can deliver in this segment," said Rob Strasberg, co-CEO and chief creative officer of Doner. "The launch of this car is all about creating high-engagement content that allows our target to take ownership of their Inner Driver thru the MAZDA2 and then share those deep experiences with their social networks and their world at-large."

"Since young drivers already live on Facebook, the logical place to start was to develop a virtual world called DriverVille. There, they can experience the MAZDA2 through play, express themselves by pitting their unique Inner Drivers against others' in all manner of entertaining ways, and then share the stories they've built," said Justin Smith, executive VP-executive creative director-interactive of Doner. "Our brand socializing system radiates outward from DriverVille by distributing content through other social networks, live events, music, cinema, and content integration on leading video and passion point-oriented properties in gaming, music and fashion."

DriverVille incorporates the best of classic "ville-style" Facebook games where all game activities can be shared with friends via the social network's newsfeed. Players can customize their Your Inner Driver avatar to fit his or her driving personality and then play to win Driver Bucks virtual currency to buy virtual items as well as win weekly sweepstakes prizes. Among the challenges are mini-games like a race at Mazda Raceway and quests like acquiring snow tires, a snowboard and accessory roof rack in order to go snowboarding.

Major SUV Fuel Economy Gains, Technology, Style Highlight Reinvention of Ford Ex

Major SUV Fuel Economy Gains, Technology, Style Highlight Reinvention of Ford Explorer
DEARBORN, Mich., July 26 -- -- Ford reinvents the Explorer SUV with best-in-class fuel economy,
improved driving dynamics and terrain management system - all wrapped
in a modern, weight-saving design
-- Explorer raises the bar on safety with a class-leading array of
airbags including industry-first inflatable rear seat belts, Trinity
front impact structure, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability
Control(TM)) and Curve Control functionality
-- Explorer features MyFord Touch(TM) driver connect technology and SYNC®
integrated communications and entertainment system to help keep a
driver's eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Explorer offers more
technology than in-class competitors, rivaling content found in
premium SUVs

Ford Explorer - the vehicle that defined a segment - has been completely reinvented, raising customers' expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

"The all-new Explorer will deliver today's SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "We're proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SUV fuel economy and performance."

The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Shattering SUV fuel economy and performance expectations

"The new Explorer simply does everything well," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It's the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability - and three rows of seating - with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure."

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland said the team targeted two key objectives when developing the 2011 Ford Explorer.

"It had to look modern and contemporary - inside and out - yet be instantly recognizable as an Explorer," said Holland. "Next, the new Explorer needed to deliver the fuel economy today's customers want, combined with the performance, capability and empowerment they expect from an SUV."

Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with significantly improved fuel economy:

-- Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
-- Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
-- Six-speed automatic transmissions
-- Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce
parasitic power loss
-- Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
-- Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
-- Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
-- Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate
spoiler

Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer's available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer's standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Explorer's variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

Explorer V6 models are available with an intelligent 4WD system that adds terrain management. Situation-selectable, this powertrain advancement takes the guesswork out of 4WD range choice.

A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode.

Simpler and more convenient for SUV veterans, the system will be a confidence-builder for drivers new to the segment.

Porsche Announces It Is Stepping Up Its Research on Electric Sports Cars

Porsche Announces It Is Stepping Up Its Research on Electric Sports Cars
On-Road Tests Are Being Conducted With Three Electric-Powered Boxsters
ATLANTA, July 26-- With the development of three experimental all-electric-drive Porsche Boxsters, Porsche announced today that it is taking another major step toward its plans to build electric-powered sports cars.

These test cars are an important part of what Porsche recently dubbed its Porsche Intelligent Performance initiative, a long-standing commitment by the German car company to continually combine greater efficiency with Porsche's high performance, thus lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

In this practical test as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility, the three electric Boxster research cars are being driven daily in order to provide insight into new electric drive components and new battery systems being developed by Porsche. In addition, these field tests are also intended to provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility. Ultimately, the initiative will provide consumer insight into how future products must be designed and produced in order to meet customer expectations.

"We will definitely be offering electric sports cars in the future," said Michael Macht, the President and CEO of Porsche AG. "But such a concept only makes sense if it offers performance and a cruising range comparable to that of a sports car today."

Porsche has been committed to efficient motoring for a long time, thus helping to preserve the environment and save more of the world's natural resources. For example, Porsche recently showed the spectacular 918 Spyder concept study earlier this year with a truly fascinating range of performance. This super sports car is capable of extremely low CO2 emissions and an estimated mileage figure of approximately 78 MPG, while developing over 600 horsepower for extreme performance.

On the racing front, The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for competition on the track, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. Replacing conventional batteries is an electrical flywheel power storage system that delivers power to the front wheels - and recharges whenever the driver applies the brakes. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already proven its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and will be competing in the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta this October.

With the upcoming launch of the Cayenne S Hybrid, Porsche will soon offer its first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp, the Cayenne S Hybrid makes do in the NEDC cycle with just 8.2 ltr/100 km, and CO2 emissions reduced to a mere 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.

Hyundai Releases Engineering and Feature Information for the All-New 2011 Hyunda

Hyundai Releases Engineering and Feature Information for the All-New 2011 Hyundai Equus
Hyundai Recasts Intelligent Luxury with Two Equus Configurations
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 26 -- Hyundai revealed additional engineering and feature information for the all-new 2011 Equus today. The Equus will be offered in just two configurations, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate, both lavishly contented.

Equus Signature features the award-winning 385-horsepower Tau® V8 engine, a 608-watt Lexicon® audio system with 17 speakers, electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control, Vehicle Stability Management with pre-collision warning, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlamps, front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera, premium leather seating, Alcantara suede headliner, driver seat massage, heated and cooled front seats, heated wood and leather steering wheel, and numerous other premium technologies and features. The Equus Ultimate adds features typically found only in low-volume special-order luxury sedans with six-figure price tags, including a forward-view parking and cornering camera, power decklid, reclining rear seats with powered headrests, cooled rear seats, rear seat massage and leg support, rear seat refrigerator and a rear seat entertainment system.

"When you're spending this much for a new car, you don't want to feel like you've been shortchanged on engineering, technology or features," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. "Equus Signature has the technology and content of fully-optioned flagship models from Lexus and BMW, while Equus Ultimate delivers a specification approached only by our competitors' low-volume, special-order models."

This straightforward lineup of just two extremely well-equipped configurations enables a simple and elegant purchase experience, a key aspect of Hyundai's innovative perspective on intelligent luxury, which also includes "Your Time, Your Place," the industry's first at-home vehicle demonstration program, the Valet Service program, which provides at-home pickup for Equus service and maintenance and the industry's first iPad-based interactive owner's manual.

cellcontrol(TM) First Enforceable Distracted Driving Solution for Commercial V

cellcontrol(TM) First Enforceable Distracted Driving Solution for Commercial Vehicles, Busses and Other Class-A Vehicles
New Federal Rule Announced by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood to Prevent Interstate Truck Drivers and Bus Drivers from Texting Can Now be Enforced with cellcontrol(TM)
BATON ROUGE, La., July 26 -- cellcontrol(TM), a leading supplier of driving while distracted solutions, announced today that it has adapted its cellcontrol technology to Class A (SAE J1939), an industry standard that will allow cellcontrol to operate within a variety of fleet vehicles including commercial vehicles, big rigs, school busses, heavy equipment and other Class-A vehicles. Utilizing the vehicle's onboard computer, cellcontrol determines when the vehicle is moving at any speed and instantly blocks the use of a driver's cell phone, laptop computer or other mobile device based on a company's distracted driving policy.

Mobile phone functions that cellcontrol can prevent include phone, text, e-mail, Web, push-to-talk and other distracting features. Calling 911 is always allowed as well as incoming texts, emails and calls, which are received but cannot be accessed or responded to while the vehicle is moving. In addition to those features, cellcontrol will also report idle time, mileage and speed capturing for fleet managers who want to ensure their drivers are following correct company policies and procedures when it comes to the operation of their company vehicle.

BMW Group Announces Six-Year Partnership With United States Olympic Committee

BMW Group Announces Six-Year Partnership With United States Olympic Committee
Partnership Includes Support of USA Bobsled & Skeleton, US Speedskating, USA Swimming, USA Track & Field
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 26 -- BMW Group announced today it will be the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) from now through 2016. BMW Group will also be the Official Mobility Partner of four National Governing Bodies (NGBs): USA Bobsled & Skeleton, US Speedskating, USA Swimming and USA Track & Field.

Jack Pitney, Vice President of Marketing for BMW of North America, USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird and short track speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated U.S. winter Olympian of all time, were all in New York City to make the partnership announcement.

This multi-million dollar agreement goes beyond financial support to also provide the USOC with fundraising opportunities and the four individual NGBs with BMW Group technical expertise. BMW Group will use its experts, deep technology base and facilities to help the Olympic and Paralympic Teams improve their training and performance. An example of this has been the company's work with BMW ORACLE Racing to improve its performance. BMW Group's expertise in light weight construction and aerodynamics helped the BMW Oracle Racing Team design a technically advanced yacht that won the America's Cup sailing competition this year.

"As a company dedicated to joy, performance and efficiency, BMW Group is a fitting partner for the USOC, whose mission of achieving sustained competitive excellence and inspiring Americans dovetails perfectly with our own values," said Pitney. "It is important to us to add substantive value to a partnership that is more than just a financial sponsorship. We are excited to share our resources, which include some of the world's leading engineers and technology experts and an enthusiastic owner and dealer community, with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes over the next six years."

Pitney revealed that BMW Group will also raise awareness for the Olympic Movement by supporting cause-related efforts to generate additional funds to support the training of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.

"BMW is a premier, powerful brand that is recognized for competitive excellence and dynamic performance, just like our U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Scott Blackmun. "Joining together these two performance-driven organizations will provide a tremendous asset to America's top athletes while providing the unique value of investing in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. We thank BMW Group for providing this tremendous funding for our athletes and, through future activation, keeping the Olympic spirit burning bright."

BMW Group (including BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad) will be the Official Mobility Partner of the USOC, as well as the 2012, 2014 and 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the 2011 and 2015 U.S. Pan American and Parapan American Teams. BMW Group will develop exclusive programs to support Team USA and will have a presence at the three Olympic Training Centers. These facilities welcome America's top athletes to live and train among the nation's best, including bobsled and skeleton sliders, speedskaters, swimmers, and track & field standouts.

BMW Group will also have a presence at the major events of the four NGBs, beginning with the USA Swimming National Championships August 3-7, 2010, in Irvine, California. BMW Group's sponsorship of USA Bobsled & Skeleton, US Speedskating, USA Swimming and USA Track & Field will include support for coaching and training programs, as well as increasing awareness of the NGBs and their athletes.

"Sponsors are critical to the success of Team USA," said Ohno. "What's truly unique about BMW is their willingness to go beyond financial assistance and make available their engineers and technology experts to work with Team USA athletes and try to enhance their training programs."

BMW has a long standing commitment -- globally and in the U.S. -- to performance-driven sports. Within Motorsports, BMW of North America is currently campaigning the M3 GT2 in the American Le Mans Series. BMW of North America is also the title sponsor of the BMW Championship, the third tournament in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the Fed Ex Cup. The BMW ORACLE Racing Team recently won the America's Cup, bringing the trophy back to American soil for the first time in more than a decade.

BMW Group also has a long standing commitment to the Olympic Movement. BMW played an active role in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, the home of BMW Group. In 1996, BMW Group was a sponsor of the Atlanta Olympic Games and U.S. Olympic Team. Now with two years to go until the London Olympic Games, BMW UK is proud to be the Automotive Partner and a Sustainability Partner of London 2012.

BMW Group's partnership with the USOC is one more example of the company's commitment to America. BMW Group entered the U.S. market in 1968 and since then has been a solid contributor to America's economic, social, and sustainable advancement. Today, the U.S. is BMW Group's second home with a growing footprint. BMW Group has manufacturing, engineering, design and technology centers which employ 7,000 people and has built more than 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to date. Direct and indirect employment accounts for 50,000 jobs in the U.S. Its Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility is the largest new vehicle exporter to non-NAFTA countries, contributing to America's positive trade balance.

Electric Parking Brake Forecasted to be on One in Five European Passenger Cars

Electric Parking Brake Forecasted to be on One in Five European Passenger Cars by 2015
LIVONIA, Mich., July 28 -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., the global leader in active and passive safety, anticipates continued growth in its market leading Electric Parking Brake (EPB) technology. EPB is forecasted to be standard on one in five of all European-built vehicles by 2015(1). Projections also show that approximately half of the mid to larger sized European passenger cars will have EPB in this timeframe, while the technology will continue to penetrate other regions.

The technology, first launched by TRW in 2001, is proving popular with vehicle manufacturers in Europe: many have already fit the system on one or more models, these include: BMW's 5 Series, 6 Series Coupe, X3, and Z4; Ford Galaxy and S-Max, Volvo S60, S80, V60, V70, XC 60, and XC70; Renault Megane and Scenic; and Volkswagen Automotive Group's Audi Q5, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, VW Tiguan, Sharan, Model CC, Passat and Passat Coupe.

Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, braking engineering commented: "At TRW we are committed to making advanced safety technology affordable for everyone - we are constantly evolving our products to make them more efficient and more accessible. The success of our EPB technology within the mass vehicle market segment marks a significant step in the right direction.

"The EPB system, utilizing electrical cables and a control switch, simplifies routing and allows for greater freedom of design for vehicle interiors. Its smaller package becomes even more attractive as vehicle manufacturers continue to requisition vehicle space for new features and options and it can significantly reduce weight when compared to conventional park brake systems."

In addition to providing parking brake functionality, EPB is a fully integral part of the brake system with features such as dynamic actuation and brake pad wear sensing technology. It also offers enhanced quality and reliability when compared with mechanical systems. Moreover, EPB significantly enhances safety in emergency stop situations with full four-wheel anti-lock functionality versus standard park brake emergency braking, which only functions on the rear axle.

The EPB functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking.

Pickenhahn concluded: "EPB is part of TRW's ongoing commitment to enhance overall brake system performance and driver convenience as it enhances vehicle safety."

Chevrolet Prepares 2011 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle for Duty

Chevrolet Prepares 2011 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle for Duty
-- Specifications, order and delivery dates now available -- Unique to the police market - designed and built to law enforcement specifications
DETROIT, July 26 -- General Motors today announced order and delivery dates, as well as final package specifications, for the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV). The rear-wheel-drive Caprice PPV joins the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala and the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, making Chevrolet the only brand to offer a full line of police vehicles.

Chevrolet will begin taking orders for the Caprice PPV detective package (9C3) in October 2010. Vehicles will hit the streets in April 2011. Ordering for the police package (9C1) will begin in January 2011 and the vehicles go on duty next June.

"When we began designing our latest police vehicle, we went directly to our customers and found that they were looking for a rear-wheel, large sedan with a V-8 engine," said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. "By announcing the available specs and ordering information now, we're following through with our promise to provide them with the advanced technologies that best serve their needs for comfort, performance and safety."

The all-new Caprice PPV features:
-- Comfort: Segment-leading interior volume (112 cubic feet / 3,172
liters) provides a spacious interior, providing officers with more
comfort for long hours on patrol. In addition, it has specially
designed front seats sculptured to allow for gun belts. The seats are
made with high wear material and have a seat back security panel.
There's also an eight-way power driver's seat with reclining back and
lumbar control, featuring quick-adjust manual fore and aft movement
for additional comfort.
-- Performance: Responsive rear-wheel-drive and a powerful 6.0L V-8
engine, with 355 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. torque, including the
fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability. It
delivers expected best-in-class top speed and zero-to-60 acceleration
in less than six seconds. A V-6 engine also will be available
beginning in the 2012 model year. In addition, the 6-speed
transmission has sport shift calibrations for performance driving. A
2.92 axle ratio with limited slip is standard.
-- Safety: Full-width prisoner partition enabled by front seat only head
curtain with side impact airbags. Rear seat head curtain side impact
airbags are available. StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability control
technology, provides a "police performance" mode for enhanced
stability during high-speed driving.
-- Exterior: Vehicle has an overall length of 204.2 inches (5,186.1 mm),
an overall width of 74.75 inches (1,898.7 mm) and an overall height of
58.66 inches (1,489.95 mm). Efficient packaging allows spacious
interior, without showing it on the exterior. Standard 18-inch steel
wheels with bolt on center caps and wheel covers.
-- Interior: Designed for five-passenger seating, the upper-center
section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without
concern of air bag deployment interference. A certified speedometer
(160-mph certified analog) includes trip odometer, warning lights and
multifunction display with Engine Oil Life monitor. A Driver
Information Center with a "Trap Speed" feature captures speed when
tracking/pacing other vehicles.
-- Additional Options: Available auxiliary battery to power police
equipment and full-size spare tire under a flat load surface. Vinyl
rear seat and floor covering also available.

"Chevrolet's history with law enforcement spans across almost as many years as the brand itself and we're ready to see the Caprice PPV report for active duty," Small said.

Europcar Lands Touch-Screen Technology at Heathrow

Europcar Lands Touch-Screen Technology at Heathrow
LONDON, July 27 -- Europcar, the European leader in car hire, continues to show the way in customer experience by adding to its series of innovative products, such as weDeliver and its recently released iPhone App, with the introduction of state-of-the-art touch-screen technology at its Heathrow Terminal 5 station. The touch-screen, which allows customers to plan their trip, is the first of its kind for any car hire company in Europe or the world.

From August, travellers arriving at Heathrow T5 will hit the ground running thanks to the Microsoft Surface - a 30-inch touch-screen inbuilt to an interactive table and unique software designed especially by Europcar to give customers a virtual guide to their location, allowing users to draw routes - whether around a small town or across continents, using highly detailed maps provided by search engine, Bing.

Europcar customers will be able to zoom in on locations, flip between screens and mark out a variety of points of interest, including hotels and museums, festivals, music venues and theme parks, all of which can be added to their itinerary.

For customers looking for particular attractions, the touch-screen also enables users to map out themed routes, whether that be wine buffs planning a tour of vineyards, or history lovers developing a route through castles, museums and other historical places. They can then print their itinerary, or send it direct to their smart phones or PDA using Bluetooth or wireless.

Danny Higgins, Head of eCommerce at Europcar, commented: "We are constantly looking for ways of putting ourselves at the vanguard of the ultimate customer experience and this is just the start for Europcar embracing this exciting new technology. We pride ourselves on innovation and look forward to adding the Surface to our range of cutting edge products and services that all go toward helping make the customer's journey as enjoyable as possible."

The Surface-tables are being rolled out across Europe as well as in the UK, and will steadily appear across all of Europcar's locations in the coming months.

Kia Motors America Announces YouTube Talent Search

Kia Motors America Announces YouTube Talent Search
$10,000 Grand Prize for the Best Video Themed Around the Soul Urban Passenger Vehicle - SMOSH comedy duo, along with other YouTube celebrity judges ShayCarl and Lisa Nova, will use popularity to increase contest awareness - Soul's unique style, numerous technology features and funky vibe offer inspiration for video submissions
IRVINE, Calif., July 27 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) is once again venturing into the realm of social media with the launch of Kia's first-ever "Who's Next?" talent contest in search of the next big Internet star. Starting today, users will be invited to show "how they roll" through creative and appealing videos themed around the Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle and its popular tagline "a new way to roll." The contest will run through the end of September with the top two finalists flown to Los Angeles for the announcement of the grand prize winner, who will receive a $10,000 prize.

"The Kia Soul has attracted a new audience to the Kia brand and engaging these fans through the 'Who's Next?' contest gives them the opportunity to have fun with the Soul's playful personality," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Social media is an important part of the marketing strategy for Soul and engaging passionate enthusiasts in this space creates additional opportunities to build buzz through a new, interactive experience."

The top eight submissions will be chosen by three YouTube celebrity judges, including SMOSH, ShayCarl and Lisa Nova, which then will be entered into a three-round voting process and chosen by viewers. The "Who's Next?" videos will incorporate Soul's unique personality and features, including technology, style and popular music. All videos will be accessible through the Kia Soul YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/kiasoul) and promoted directly by YouTube comedy duo SMOSH, ShayCarl, and Lisa Nova whose channels have more than 640 million video views combined and 2.62 million subscribers collectively. Judging will begin August 9 and fan voting will begin on August 20.

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®(1), an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year).