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Chrysler Group LLC Recognizes 30 Dealerships for Environmentally-Conscious Opera

Chrysler Group LLC Recognizes 30 Dealerships for Environmentally-Conscious Operations

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 8, 2012 --

30 Chrysler Group dealerships recognized for demonstrating environmental responsibility in daily operations
Eight of the 30 dealerships have implemented one or more major environmental initiatives
Chrysler Group to share best practices across dealer network
New Dealer ECO Program to recognize dealers annually for environmental commitment
Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram in Hot Springs, Ark. is one of 30 dealerships that Chrysler Group LLC has recognized for their unwavering commitment to environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient business practices.

This is the first group of dealers to be recognized under the new Dealer ECO (Environmentally Conscious Operations) Program launched last year by the Chrysler Group Network Development organization and the Corporate Sustainability Office. The new program provides Chrysler Group dealers with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to ECO business practices and to be recognized for their efforts.

Tim Parker Chrysler, located in the Hot Springs National Park in central Arkansas, installed a 2,000-square-foot solar panel system on the dealership's roof, one of the largest privately-owned solar panel systems in the state. More than 100 solar panels enable the dealership to dramatically reduce its electricity usage and carbon dioxide emissions.

Tim Parker Chrysler's solar panel system qualified as a major ECO initiative. Eight of the 30 Chrysler Group dealers implemented one or more major ECO initiatives. For example, Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Lancaster, Calif., has solar panels on carports that produce energy while providing protective cover for customers' vehicles in for service; Milosch's Palace Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Lake Orion, Mich. heats the dealership and separate new body shop with used motor oil from customer oil changes; and Williams Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Stigler, Okla. collects and recycles rainwater.

SAE International to Host Formula SAE® Competition at Michigan International

SAE International to Host Formula SAE® Competition at Michigan International Speedway - May 9-12

WARRENDALE, Pa., May 8, 2012 -- SAE International will hold its annual Formula SAE® competition at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., May 9-12.

The Formula SAE ® Series competitions challenge teams of university undergraduate and graduate students to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small, formula style, autocross vehicles. Teams typically spend eight to 12 months designing, building, testing and preparing their vehicles before a competition. The competitions themselves give teams the chance to demonstrate and prove both their creation and their engineering skills in comparison to teams from other universities around the world.

Trailblazing Sonata Delights With More Features, More Value, And Best-Ever Resid

Trailblazing Sonata Delights With More Features, More Value, And Best-Ever Residual Value For 2013
Award-Winning Midsize Sedan Says "Bring It" to the new Crop of Mid-Size Competitors
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sonata was the third best-selling mid-size retail car in 2011, behind only Camry and Accord, and ahead of Altima, Fusion, and Malibu
- ALG has rewarded Sonata's low incentive spending and low fleet mix with its highest-ever residual values for 2013
- Heated seats added as standard equipment to all models and packages except base GLS model
- Sunroof choices expanded for Sonata Limited

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 8, 2012 -- Hyundai Sonata, the mid-size sedan that sent competitors back to the drawing board, is back for its third model year. In 2011, Sonata was the third best-selling mid-size sedan at retail, ahead of Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu. This retail sales success comes with the segment's lowest incentive spending, averaging just a third of these three competitors' levels, the highest ratio of transaction price to MSRP and the highest residual values. Sonata owners in 2011 were also more satisfied with their car's fuel economy, design and value than owners of Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu, according to the J.D. Power 2011 APEAL Study.

Ford Boosts Vehicle Production By Reducing Summer Shutdown In North America Plan

Ford Boosts Vehicle Production By Reducing Summer Shutdown In North America Plants

DEARBORN, Mich., May 8, 2012 --

Ford will produce nearly 40,000 additional vehicles this summer by reducing its summer shutdown in several North America plants, including six assembly plants, from the traditional two weeks to one
The summer production boost is consistent with Ford's plan to increase annual production capacity by 400,000
Ford Motor Company will produce nearly 40,000 additional vehicles this summer by idling 13 plants, including six assembly plants, for just one week instead of the traditional two.

The flexibility provided by the UAW-Ford national contract agreement allows the company to take this step to better match capacity with market demand.

"We are working most of our North America plants at maximum capacity and we are adding production shifts in three of our assembly plants this month alone," said Jim Tetreault, vice president of North America Manufacturing. "Requiring more capacity from our plants is a good problem to have and having the flexibility to add a week of production in our plants goes a long way toward solving it."

The Ford assembly plants taking just one week of summer shutdown in 2012 include Chicago Assembly, Dearborn Truck, Kentucky Truck, Louisville Assembly, Michigan Assembly and Kansas City Assembly.

Schaeffler Discusses Flexible Solutions for Powertrain Electrification at the CT

Schaeffler Discusses Flexible Solutions for Powertrain Electrification at the CTI Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electric Drives Symposium

TROY, Mich., May 8, 2012 -- To electrify drivetrains, it's necessary to find the right balance between effort and benefit. Criteria such as vehicle class and powertrain size (in terms of power and torque) are key elements in achieving appropriate electrification. Dr. Ralf Stopp, director of advanced development and marketing, eMobility Systems Division, Schaeffler, will discuss these factors and more during his presentation titled "Schaeffler eAxle: Flexible Solution to Electrify your Drivetrain" at Car Training Institute's "Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid & Electric Drives" Symposium held at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester Hills, Mich. from May 21 to 23.

"Depending on the extent of the electrification, a vehicle's electric environment can be customized using various voltages, which each have certain advantages and disadvantages," Stopp said. "This flexibility is a critical element in meeting requirements for evolving OEM applications. As an example, Schaeffler's eDifferential system provides a baseline concept that includes an electric motor combined with a reduction gear. Since the concept is modular, it can be adapted using various motors or planetary gear sets to achieve changing needs."

During his presentation, Stopp will discuss the importance of drivetrain flexibility when developing alternative drive concepts. According to Stopp, a flexible design provides OEMs with the ability to transfer parts and experience from former applications to new applications as electrification further evolves the drivetrain. Using Schaeffler's eDifferential, he will demonstrate how modular designs will be critical to drivetrain flexibility and the electrification evolution.

"To meet system requirements, the Schaeffler eDifferential uses the space- and weight-saving lightweight planetary gearset differential," Stopp said. "Additionally, depending on the application, a two-speed transmission can be integrated and an optional torque vectoring unit can be included to further increase driving stability."

Currently in volume production development, Schaeffler's eDifferential was developed by the company's eMobility Systems Division, which uses a holistic approach that integrates the expertise of both the company's automotive and industrial divisions. The division's task is to develop and put into production complex, mechatronic systems that meet the current and future needs of the global automotive industry. The division is slated to consist of approximately global 300 employees by the end of 2012.

Created and organized by CTI, a partner for automotive excellence, the 6th International CTI Innovative Automotive Transmissions, Hybrid and Electric Drives Symposium and Exhibition offers an international exchange of experiences and opinions between key automotive representatives. Participants, including OEMs, transmission manufacturers and suppliers from the United States, Europe and Asia, will discuss the latest technical developments and applications for conventional and alternative drives.

InterRegs Introduces Global Regulations by Vehicle Subject

InterRegs Introduces Global Regulations by Vehicle Subject

DETROIT, May 8, 2012 -- UK-based InterRegs, online providers of crucial vehicle safety and emissions regulations, is now offering subscriptions based on defined subject categories such as Anti-theft, EMC/Electricals, Emissions/Engines, Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Type Approval.

The ability to filter regulatory do*****ents by vehicle type also is now available at InterRegs.NET, giving users faster and more efficient access to their do*****ents. The launch of these new InterRegs.NET features are being marked with a special 15 percent discount offer on all new subscription orders.

"As well as providing vehicle regulations by country, we're now pleased to be offering targeted subscription options across several, new vehicle subject categories," says InterRegs Director Rebecca Rubio. "This will appeal to many vehicle component and system suppliers who want to subscribe to information relevant to their product only, rather than subscribing to whole countries or territories.

"We've also responded to customer feedback by classifying all of our vehicle regulations by vehicle type, allowing us to launch a new 'Filter by Vehicle Type' capability for InterRegs.NET users."

Israel also has been added to the list of more than 50 countries and subjects covered by InterRegs. The InterRegs.NET subscription-based website provides immediate access to current global vehicle regulations including U.S. federal and state regulations, China, Canada CMVSS, European EC Directives, UN ECE Regulations, Australia ADRs, Emissions, Occupant Protection and more. As well as single-user subscriptions, InterRegs.NET offers multi-user and corporate subscription options.

WXYZ Honors Ford Freedom Award Winners

WXYZ Honors Ford Freedom Award Winners
NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the New York Renaissance Basketball Team

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 8, 2012 -- WXYZ is proud to partner with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Ford Motor Company to present "Ford Freedom Award: Talent, Tenacity, Teamwork," honoring the New York Renaissance Basketball Team and NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the Ford Freedom Award Scholar. The half hour special will air Saturday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. and will be rebroadcast on Saturday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by WXYZ Editorial and Public Affairs Director Chuck Stokes, the program will feature an in-depth interview with actor, coach, author and newly selected U.S. Cultural Ambassador Abdul-Jabbar, who will be named the Ford Freedom Award Scholar. His basketball career spanned six championships, and he received a record six regular season MVP awards. The show will also look at the Ford Freedom Award recipient, the New York Renaissance, who were the first all-black, fully-professional African American owned team that dominated basketball in the 1920s and 30s.

The encore of "Ford Freedom Awards: Talent, Tenacity, Teamwork" will include highlights from this year's Ford Freedom Award celebration on Thursday, May 17, featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's lecture to more than 1,500 Detroit area middle school students.

The Ford Freedom Award is awarded posthumously to distinguished individuals who dedicated their lives to improving the African American community and the world in general. Previous honorees include Judge Constance Baker Motley, Ossie Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Langston Hughes, Jackie Robinson and John H. Johnson.

Nissan Donates $250,000 to SAE International's A World In Motion® Progr

Nissan Donates $250,000 to SAE International's A World In Motion® Program

WARRENDALE, Pa., May 8, 2012 -- During the SAE World Congress Annual Banquet held last month in Detroit, Nissan Chief Technology Officer Toshiyuki Shiga announced that Nissan will donate $250,000 to SAE International's A World In Motion® (AWIM) program, with payments spread over two years. Shiga-san served as keynote speaker for the banquet.

Through the support of corporations, foundations, volunteers, SAE members and the SAE Foundation, AWIM is an award-winning, teacher-administered, industry volunteer-assisted program that brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to life in the classroom for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Benchmarked to the national standards, AWIM incorporates the laws of physics, motion, flight and electronics into age-appropriate hands on activities that reinforce classroom STEM curriculum.

"Nissan is proud to partner with the SAE Foundation to sustain the roll-out of the A World In Motion® curriculum," said Carla Bailo, senior vice president, Research & Development, Nissan Americas. "We live in a technology-based world, so giving children the tools they need to help them understand science and math concepts is vitally important. These innovative materials may help to launch a new generation of engineers, scientists and problem solvers."

Since 1990, more than four million students have participated in the AWIM program in all 50 U.S. states and 10 of 13 Canadian provinces and territories; more than 65,000 activity kits have been provided to teachers and volunteers; and more than 20,000 engineers, scientists and technology professionals have volunteered in partnership with the AWIM program.

"Corporate donors are the life-blood of AWIM and all of the educational programs that we provide. On behalf of the SAE Foundation and SAE International, I want to thank Nissan for their generous donation and their support of our mission. Nissan has shown a commitment to education that will benefit school-age children across the U.S and Canada," Matthew Miller, Senior Manager, SAE Foundation and Pre-College Programs, SAE International, said.

Texas Auto Writers Name 2012 Cars of Texas

Texas Auto Writers Name 2012 Cars of Texas

FT. WORTH, Texas, May 8, 2012 -- It's impossible to pigeonhole drivers or Texas auto writers. While they thrive on trucks, there is also a need for speed, luxury, and performance that they see bringing balance to the vehicle experience. That's why Texas auto writers evaluate everything but trucks each spring at the Texas Motor Speedway.

With assistance from the Total Driving Experience, which is headquartered at the track, 49 journalists judged 58 vehicles entered in competition by their manufacturers, according to Linda Water Nelson of the Texas Auto Writers Association, INSIDEout: Cars & Trucks., and truck editor for Texas Fish & Game Magazine.

"This year was particularly competitive," says Nelson. "There were a number of track-worthy standouts, as well as those well suited to road driving in a range of categories."

The two big winners were the rocketing 2013 Nissan GT-R named Car of Texas (a 545-hp track monster with more than adequate road manners) and Supercar of Texas; and the venerable 2012 Chrysler Town & Country with an extraordinary interior, storage and technology, as well as cruising comfort that writers loved for its road manners.

Mercedes-Benz USA Celebrates Best New Restaurant

Mercedes-Benz USA Celebrates Best New Restaurant
Partners with The James Beard Foundation For the Third Year, Crowning Next America's Best New Restaurant

NEW YORK, May 8, 2012 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is proud to once again partner with The James Beard Foundation for the third consecutive year, as sponsor of the Best New Restaurant Award, presented to Next in Chicago for 2012. The award was given out last night at the annual James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York City.

Celebrating the lifestyle of the Mercedes-Benz driver, MBUSA joined forces with the James Beard Foundation in 2010 to join their efforts to preserve and celebrate America's culinary heritage and connect the understanding of culinary innovation with automotive innovation.

"The Mercedes-Benz brand is synonymous with automotive excellence," said Bernhardt Glaser, vice president of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Our owners also enjoy fine dining experiences from the best chefs and restaurants across the U.S, and our relationship with James Beard underscores this connection. We are thrilled to present the Best New Restaurant Award to Chef and Owner Grant Achatz and Next."

As described by the foundation, the Best New Restaurant Award, given to Grant Achatz of Next, recognizes a new restaurant (opened in 2011), that consistently displays excellence in food, beverage and service, and is likely to have a significant impact on the food industry in the years to come. As part of the sponsorship, MBUSA will seek to create highly customized programming, engaging consumers and incorporating this year's winner throughout the year.