AUTOMOTIVE : View Posts

COLOGNE, Germany, – Ford’s European sales rose 6.6 percent in the first half of 2014 on the strength of new vehicle launches and an uptick in industry-wide sales.

Ford’s sales volume in its 20 traditional markets in Europe totalled 605,400 vehicles in the first six months of the year – 37,700 vehicles, or 6.6 percent, more than in the same period in 2013. This compared to a total industry growth in sales of 6.3 percent for the first half of the year. Ford’s market share in Europe was level at 7.9 percent.

The number of Ford vehicles sold in June also was up compared to the same month last year. More than 109,000 Ford vehicles were sold in the month, a 2.2 percent increase on June 2013. Market share was down by 0.2 of a percentage point at 8.0 percent.

“The pricing environment in Europe remains extremely competitive,” said Stephen Odell, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “But our sales are growing on the strength of our new vehicle line-up, and we continue to beat the industry average in higher value sales channels – retail, fleet, and commercial vehicle sales.

“We’ve so far launched 15 new or significantly freshened vehicles since we announced our One Ford transformation plan for Europe in October 2012. We still have several new vehicles to come in the second half, including the new Focus and the all-new Mondeo.”

Ford’s quality of sales mix continued to improve, with retail and fleet sales June year-to-date amounting to 72 percent of total sales, a one percentage point improvement on the same period in 2013, and two percentage points better than the industry average. In June, Ford retail and fleet sales were 73 percent of its total sales, three percentage points better than in the same month last year, and five percentage points better than the industry average.

More than 52 percent of Ford sales in the first six months of the year were of all-new or significantly freshened vehicles. These new products also are helping to improve Ford dealer profitability, which is up around 50 percent in the first half. This profit improvement is helping Ford dealers to make the investments needed to enhance the customer experience with better online portals and new-look dealerships.

Ford commercial vehicle sales at 104,000 vehicles in the first half were up by 10.5 percent, and marked the best June year-to-date sales volume performance since 2011. Ford’s commercial vehicle market share for the first half was up 0.3 of a percentage point to 10.5 percent, its best performance since 1998. Last month saw Ford achieve its best commercial sales volume for the month of June since 2008, and its best June commercial vehicle market share since 1996.

Sales of Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost advanced petrol engine – which recently was awarded the International Engine of the Year award for an unprecedented third successive year – also significantly increased in the first six months of the year, up by 15.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

Launched in 2012 with the Ford Focus, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is now available in Europe in a further nine vehicles: Fiesta, B-MAX, EcoSport, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, Tourneo Connect, Tourneo Courier, Transit Connect and Transit Courier. Over 30 percent of Fiesta sales and more than 33 percent of Focus sales were of 1.0-litre-equipped versions in the first half of the year. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is already available in the Fiesta in North America, and also will feature in the North American Focus at the end of the year.

June year-to-date, Ford has launched three all-new vehicles in Europe – the two-tonne Ford Transit, the Tourneo Courier and Transit Courier – and still has more all-new or significantly freshened vehicles to come in the second half of the year. These comprise of the new Focus range – including the Focus ST with an advanced diesel engine for the first time – the Mondeo family featuring the Mondeo Hybrid, and the C-MAX Energi PHEV.

DETROIT – Cadillac and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH, a leading supplier of automotive steering systems, have teamed to create world-class dynamic handling and steering for all models of the 2015 ATS.

Starting with the excellent mechanical steering system, the electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist, resulting in an incredibly communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience, said Kevin Woodward, global key account at ZF Lenksysteme.

For 2015 ATS models, including the all-new ATS Coupe, the feel of the electronic power-assisted steering has been improved through revised programming within the electronic control unit. New programming broadens the range of steering assist at low and high vehicle speeds, based on wheel speed, steering angle and even the car’s chassis mode.

“It means that you don’t have to sacrifice parking lot feel for spirited driving feel,” Woodward said. “The new software change illustrates our ability to balance the goal of spirited performance, nimble and quick-responding steering with the premium luxury feel expected by Cadillac owners.”

The electric, variable-assist power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics while saving fuel since engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement – as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.

“Premium electric power steering by ZF Lenksysteme steering gear has great torsional stiffness and low operating friction to enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response,” Woodward said. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs for a more immediate, connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

LIVONIA, Mich., — TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW), today announced that it is launching its next generation seat belt retractor – the Floating Spool 1 (FS1) – which offers reduced weight and smaller dimensions when compared with previous systems. The global FS1 technology is starting production with several vehicle manufacturers in Asia, Europe, North America and South America during the second quarter of 2014.

TRW is launching its next generation seat belt retractor – the Floating Spool 1 (FS1) – which offers reduced weight and smaller dimensions when compared with previous systems. The global FS1 technology is starting production with several vehicle manufacturers in Asia, Europe, North America and South America during the second quarter of 2014.

In a crash scenario, most seat belt retractors use a lock pawl to hold the webbing in place. Instead, the new FS1 design with fewer components uses the forward movement of the occupant to apply force to the webbing, which then moves the spool, locking the retractor. It offers a simpler, standardized component design that can be easily adapted to local market requirements at a highly competitive cost, and can be produced using fully automated or semi-automated manufacturing processes.

Aziz Canatar, global engineering director, TRW Seat Belt Systems, said: “Our new FS1 technology weighs approximately 15 percent less than the previous generation, making it a more environmentally friendly product that can help automobile manufacturers meet emissions and fuel economy targets. In addition, the smaller retractor offers significant packaging advantages and greater installation options.”
The new retractor technology is suitable for front and rear seat applications using buckles and/or anchor pretensioners. The FS1 is available as a standard retractor without load limiter, but also with a constant load limiter using a standard torsion bar.

Both standard and reverse payout versions are available with the FS1. The sensor locking mechanism, with fewer moving parts, gives it excellent NVH characteristics. Optional functions include a child seat restraint feature, sensor blockout for folding seats and a noise dampening system.
Canatar added: “The design of the new FS1 offers many advantages related to weight, size and packaging flexibility. Standardized components and assembly options make it a truly cost-competitive, global technology. TRW believes FS1 is the retractor of choice to meet global market needs both now and in the future.”

About TRW
With 2013 sales of $17.4 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world’s leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 24 countries and employs approximately 65,000 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to “TRW Automotive”, “TRW” or the “Company” in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.

Munich/Mexico City. The BMW Group will build a new plant in Mexico in close proximity to the city of San Luis Potosí in the state of the same name. This move is in line with the company’s clear strategic policy of ensuring globally-balanced growth.

“Mexico is an ideal location for the BMW Group and will be another important plant within our production network. We will invest one billion US dollars in the new production site over the next few years. Production is planned to start in 2019 and during that year, the workforce will reach around 1,500 people,” said Harald Krueger, member of the BMW AG Board of Management, responsible for Production.

Over the medium term, several thousand jobs will be created on the plant site and in the surrounding area. The company will announce which BMW models will be built at the San Luis Potosí location at a later date.

“This decision underscores our commitment to the NAFTA region. We have been building BMW cars at our US plant in Spartanburg for the past 20 years. With a planned annual capacity of 150,000 units for the new plant in Mexico, the BMW Group will be even better positioned to take advantage of the growth potential in the entire region,” Krueger said. “The Americas are among the most important growth markets for the BMW Group. We are continuing our strategy of ‘production follows the market’,” he continued.

The company made the announcement at the “Los Pinos” Official Residence of the President in Mexico City today. The ceremony was attended by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Mexican Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal and the Governor of San Luis Potosí, Dr. Fernando Toranzo Fernández.

Mexico as a competitive manufacturing location within the NAFTA region
The large number of international free trade agreements – within the NAFTA area, with the European Union and the MERCOSUR member states, for example – was a decisive factor in the choice of location. Other crucial advantages were the highly-qualified local workforce, a solid network of established suppliers and the well-developed infrastructure. The BMW Group has maintained good relations with Mexican suppliers for many years and purchased products worth 1.6 billion US dollars locally last year.

The BMW Group has operated a local sales company in Mexico since 1994 and sold a total of 13,992 vehicles in the country in 2013. This represents an increase of almost 18.3% over the previous year. Motorcycle sales for the same period reached 2,064 units (+16.6%).

BMW Group investment in the NAFTA area
The BMW Group already announced a further investment of one billion US dollars at its existing plant in Spartanburg, USA back in March of this year. This will increase that plant’s annual production capacity to up to 450,000 vehicles by the end of 2016 and make Spartanburg the largest plant in the BMW Group’s international production network.

A further 200 million US dollars will be invested to expand the joint venture carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, Washington. This will triple local production capacity over the long term, making the Moses Lake plant the world’s largest carbon fiber manufacturing facility.

The BMW Group will invest a total of 2.2 billion US dollars in the NAFTA region in the period up to 2019.

In parallel, the BMW Group is currently building a plant in the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. The start of production for the Brazilian plant is scheduled for later this year.
With plants in the US, Mexico and Brazil, the BMW Group will have extensive production capacity at key locations in North and South America.

The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

This courtesy of www.bmwgroup.com

DETROIT – General Motors announced today it will conduct six new safety recalls in the United States involving about 7.6 million vehicles from the 1997 to 2014 model years.

“We undertook what I believe is the most comprehensive safety review in the history of our company because nothing is more important than the safety of our customers,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “Our customers deserve more than we delivered in these vehicles. That has hardened my resolve to set a new industry standard for vehicle safety, quality and excellence.”

Among these recalled vehicles, GM is aware of seven crashes, eight injuries and three fatalities. The fatal crashes occurred in older model full-size sedans being recalled for inadvertent ignition key rotation. There is no conclusive evidence that the defect condition caused those crashes.

“We have worked aggressively to identify and address the major outstanding issues that could impact the safety of our customers,” Barra said. “If any other issues come to our attention, we will act appropriately and without hesitation.”

GM has made changes to every process that affects the safety of its vehicles, and the company has acted or will act on all 90 of the recommendations put forward by former U.S. Attorney Anton Valukas in his independent report to the company’s Board of Directors.

GM expects to take a charge of up to approximately $1.2 billion in the second quarter for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter. This amount includes a previously disclosed $700 million charge for recalls already announced during the quarter.

Until the ignition recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key, and always use their seat belts. The key fob, if present, should also be removed from the key ring.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Fuel savings and emissions reductions attributed to TorqueFlite eight-speed transmissions are adding up to substantial gains for Chrysler Group customers.

The advanced-technology automatics – first of their kind ever made available to mainstream-brand customers – now are powering more than one million vehicles, worldwide. And their combined effect is staggering.

Over their lifetimes, vehicles equipped with TorqueFlite eight-speed transmissions are projected to save their owners more than 700 million gallons of fuel, compared with their predecessors that featured five- or six-speed automatics. That quantity of gasoline is worth approximately $2.5 billion at the pump, based on current fuel-price forecasts.

This will also reduce combined CO2 emissions by more than six million metric tonnes.

TorqueFlite eight-speed transmissions in model-year 2014 vehicles also contribute to 19 Chrysler Group fuel-economy or driving-range benchmarks across four vehicle segments.

“This is precisely the kind of impact we targeted with the TorqueFlite program,” says Jeffrey Lux, Vice President and Head of Transmission Powertrain. “And we fully expect this momentum to continue as we expand availability.”

Starting in model-year 2015, the TorqueFlite 8HP70 transmission can be paired with HEMI®-equipped Dodge Chargers, Challengers and Challenger SRTs.

When the TorqueFlite 8HP45/845RE made its debut in model-year 2012 as the world’s first eight-speed available outside the luxury market, the transmission was mated exclusively to Chrysler Group’s award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 in the Charger and Chrysler 300 lineups.

Since then, the TorqueFlite 845RE and 8HP70 have migrated, respectively, to Pentastar- and HEMI-powered versions of the Dodge Durango, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee lineups. The 8HP70 also serves EcoDiesel versions of the 1500 and Grand Cherokee.

With the introduction of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the TorqueFlite transmission family adds its third member – the 8HP90 high-performance automatic that affords greater torque capacity than any eight-speed previously offered by Chrysler Group.

Depending on the application, a TorqueFlite transmission can account for fuel-economy improvements of up to nine percent, compared with a more conventional automatic.

“The TorqueFlite’s wide 7.03 ratio spread is the reason it can deliver such superior performance,” Lux says. “This enables engines to operate at peak efficiency in a broader range of driving conditions.”

The TorqueFlite family shares these gear ratios:

4.71
3.14
2.10
1.67
1.29
1.00
0.84
0.67
Particularly close from fifth through eighth, the gear ratios also improve refinement by accommodating smoother shifts. In addition, the 4.71 first-gear ratio contributes to the kind of quick throttle response customers want and enjoy.

Fully electronic, the TorqueFlite family’s software adapts the transmission’s shift patterns to driver behavior and driving conditions such as:

longitudinal and lateral acceleration
grade steepness
temperature
electronic stability control activation
The TorqueFlite’s design inherently contributes to efficiency. Paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in the 2015 Dodge Challenger, it weighs just four lbs. (1.8 kg) more than the five-speed gearbox it replaces while contributing to a fuel-economy gain in the range of five percent.

Internally, the transmission features four gear sets and five shift elements consisting of multi-disc clutches and brakes. Only two shift elements are open at one time, which reduces drag losses stemming from the rotation of multiple parts.

Lower viscosity transmission fluid is used to improve operating efficiency and fuel economy, especially during cold environments or vehicle start-up. The TorqueFlite also is “fill-for-life,” never requiring oil changes, when subjected to normal driving conditions.

In the Ram 1500, TorqueFlite function benefits further from a thermal management system that quickly raises engine and transmission fluid temperature. This improves fuel efficiency by 1.7 percent by reducing the parasitic losses that occur when engine oil and transmission fluid are in their natural, lower-viscosity states.

Model-year 2014 benchmarks to which TorqueFlite technology contributes are:

Best-in-class city fuel economy, 2WD full-sized pickups (20 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class highway fuel economy, 2WD full-sized pickups (28 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class combined fuel economy, 2WD full-sized pickups (23 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class city fuel economy, 4WD full-sized pickups (19 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class highway fuel economy, 4WD full-sized pickups (27 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class combined fuel economy, 4WD full-sized pickups (22 mpg; Ram 1500)
Best-in-class city fuel economy, 2WD mid-size SUVs, non-hybrid (22 mpg; Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Best-in-class highway fuel economy, 2WD mid-size SUVs (30 mpg; Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Best-in-class combined fuel economy, 2WD mid-size SUVs, non-hybrid (25 mpg; Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Best-in-class driving range, mid-size SUV (730+ miles; Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Best-in-class driving range, full-size SUV with V-6 (600+ miles; Dodge Durango, full-size SUV)
Best-in-class driving range, gasoline-powered mid-size SUV (600+ miles; Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Best-in-class highway fuel economy, full-size RWD sedan with V-6 (31 mpg highway; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Best-in-class highway fuel economy, full-size AWD sedan with V-6 (27 mpg city; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Unsurpassed* city fuel economy, full-size AWD sedan with V-6 (18 mpg city; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Unsurpassed* combined fuel economy, full-size RWD sedan with V-6 (23 mpg; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Unsurpassed* combined fuel economy, full-size AWD sedan with V-6 (21 mpg; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Unsurpassed* city fuel economy, full-size RWD sedan with V-6 (19 mpg; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
Unsurpassed* city fuel economy, full-size AWD sedan with V-6 (18 mpg; Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300)
The TorqueFlite 845RE is produced under license from ZF Friedrichshafen AG at Chrysler Group’s manufacturing complex in Kokomo, IN. The 8HP70 and 8HP90, respectively, are produced at ZF’s plants in Gray Court, SC, and Saarbrucken, Germany.

Chrysler Group Powertrain
Development of advanced-technology powertrains has been a primary focus of Chrysler Group since the Company was established in 2009. To date, Chrysler Group’s investment in powertrain programs is approaching $2.5 billion – nearly half of its total manufacturing outlay. From model-year 2011 to the present, Chrysler Group has introduced 18 new engines, 15 new transmissions and the battery-electric drive system featured in the acclaimed Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle.

This news is coutesy of www.chryslergroupllc.com

(WHITLEY, COVENTRY UK) – A new business division, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, has been created to focus on meeting the increasing expectations of today’s most discerning and enthusiastic customers.

Under the lead of John Edwards, Special Operations will offer a range of products and services:
Halo vehicles that showcase the best of both brands, including high performance derivatives, ultra luxury products and limited run collector editions
Truly bespoke commissions and an extended choice of color and trim specifications and accessories
Heritage products from vehicle recreations, servicing and restorations, through to the creation and provision of heritage parts
A new portfolio of branded goods that will engage with a wide audience of current and potential customers
Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Executive, Dr Ralf Speth, commented, “The creation of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations demonstrates our continued commitment to placing customers at the heart of everything we do. This investment in exciting and desirable products will reinforce the global reputation of both Jaguar and Land Rover brands.”

“As a business, we are completely focused on enhancing and personalizing the relationship our most discerning and enthusiastic customers have with our brands,” said John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations. “By creating Special Vehicle Operations we can harness the very best talent and expertise Jaguar Land Rover has – to deliver exceptional products and services our customers will love for life.”

The Special Operations team of expert designers and engineers will be led by Paul Newsome, Director of Special Vehicle Operations, recently recruited from Williams Advanced Engineering. Working on present and future vehicle portfolios, the team will create halo vehicles ranging from high luxury to extreme performance.

To support the delivery of these products, Jaguar Land Rover will be investing in a new dedicated Technical Center, located in the West Midlands area of the UK, close to the current headquarters.
A team of 150 Jaguar Land Rover specialists will be based at the new Technical Center. Its unique facilities will feature a customer commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalization, Formula 1-inspired flexible workshops and a fully automated paint facility.

In addition, a new heritage workshop will be created at Browns Lane in Coventry, the spiritual home of Jaguar. This will be the production site for the six recently announced lightweight E-Type re-creations and will also allow the newly formed heritage team to expand its servicing and restoration services. The newly expanded heritage business will be open from August 1,, 2014.

About Jaguar Land Rover
• The United States is one of the leading global markets for both Jaguar and Land Rover
• Jaguar Land Rover employs 25,000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA.
• Jaguar Land Rover is represented by more than 330 independently operated retail outlets in the USA

Washington, DC and Brussels – As the fifth round of negotiations of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) take place this week in Arlington, Virginia, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) reiterate their strong support for an ambitious automotive sector component in any final package.

The associations also announced that the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in partnership with SAFER, a transportation research center at Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden (two of the leading traffic safety research centers in the U.S. and EU), are commencing Phase 2 of a study in support of the TTIP negotiations. The study is evaluating whether motor vehicles manufactured in compliance with either the EU or U.S. regulatory requirements provide essentially equivalent real-world safety performance when driven on European roadways or on U.S. roadways.

At a stakeholder presentation on May 21st, the associations announced that Phase 1 of the study had been completed. UMTRI and SAFER have developed a methodology to analyze real-world traffic accident data using three statistical approaches, to provide a sound technical basis for assessing the similarities or differences in safety performance between EU and U.S. -regulated vehicles. The organizations have also identified potential country-specific and multinational datasets to use in Phase 2 of the study.

AAPC, ACEA and the Alliance believe that the benefits of any ambitious agreement can only be reached if sufficient regulatory convergence is achieved. The three associations have been working together since the announcement of the TTIP negotiations to harmonize positions and to deliver supporting evidence of essentially equivalent real-world safety performance.

EU-U.S. auto-related trade currently accounts for 10% of total trade between the two regions. Together, the EU and the US account for 32% of global auto production and 35% of global auto sales. Under a TTIP, the two regions would represent the largest share of auto production and sales ever covered by a single trade agreement.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association represents the 15 Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT SpA, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, IVECO SpA, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group.

The American Automotive Policy Council represents the common public policy interests of its member companies – Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

This news is courtesy of wwww.autoalliance.org

Woodcliff Lake, NJ. The BMW Group Technology Office and GoPro have announced the first-ever, mass-produced integration of a GoPro camera with an automobile’s on board infotainment system. In BMW Group vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, a GoPro camera may now be configured and controlled using BMW’s state-of-the-art iDrive controller and high-resolution screen. Starting in July 2014, the integration will be functional on all model year 2012 and later BMW Group vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, when used with a Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera. The updated GoPro App is now available for free in the iTunes Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gopro-app/id561350520).

“Working with GoPro to design this integration was remarkable,” said Phil Johnston, Head of BMW Group AppCenter USA. “’Creative’ and ‘insightful’ just begin to describe the experience. GoPro is a natural fit for BMW enthusiast drivers. The power and flexibility of the BMW Group App Integration Platform coupled with GoPro’s advanced camera technology brings new, safe, and engaging experiences to the enthusiasts that were previously not possible. When the camera is connected to the car, it allows GoPro’s app to present context-appropriate presets that allow the enthusiast to capture the perfect shot.”

“GoPro has deep roots in motorsports and is passionate about enabling drivers to capture their road or track experience,” said Adam Silver, GoPro Director of Strategic Product Opportunities. “The GoPro and BMW collaboration sets a new standard in the category and is an important first step in a partnership designed to deliver next-level integration between camera and car.”
This groundbreaking integration is designed specifically to reduce driver distraction and enhance the capabilities for which “The Ultimate Driving Machine®” and GoPro, one of the world’s most versatile cameras, are famous. In addition to aiming the camera using BMW’s large central screen, users may quickly choose between six pre-set camera modes: Leisure Drive Facing Out, Night Driving, Sport Drive Facing Out, Drive Camera Facing In, Winding Road Time-lapse, and Straight Road Time-lapse. The camera’s RECORD function may be started and stopped by the driver at will, and vital camera status indicators are displayed, including recording elapsed time, battery life, and Wi-Fi signal strength. The user may also toggle the camera’s SLEEP mode to prolong battery life between shots.

How it works.
First, the user’s BMW or MINI vehicle must be equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, respectively. Next, the user’s Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera (HERO3+ and later) communicates with the GoPro App installed on the driver’s iPhone 4 or later, which must be connected to the vehicle either through the iPhone USB cable or the BMW Accessory snap-in adaptor for iPhone. The driver will access the App through the BMW ConnectedDrive or MINI Connected menu, which is displayed on the large, trans-reflective central screen (up to 10.2 inches, depending on model).

The BMW Group Technology Office and GoPro designed the on-board operating menu to streamline the camera’s operation and take full advantage of the integrated environment. Menu choices appear to the left of the screen, and the camera’s actual field of view is displayed in near real-time while the vehicle is stationary.

About GoPro
GoPro’s versatile cameras and accessories enable people to self-capture immersive and engaging footage of themselves enjoying their favorite activities. From extreme to mainstream, GoPro’s HERO® line of wearable and gear-mountable capture devices are transforming the way consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals capture, manage and share meaningful photo and video content. Based in San Mateo, California, GoPro’s products are sold through more than 25,000 stores in over 100 countries worldwide and direct via GoPro.com. GoPro branded content is shared and enjoyed by millions of people on popular media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and YouTube.
GOPRO® and HERO® are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 120 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.
www.bmwgroup.com

Hear that engine purr? We’ve come a long way from horse-and-buggy transportation. Now our horsepower is found under the hood, and Dow is helping keep our vehicles running stronger, safer and lighter with innovations that enhance your car from engine to trunk.

And who better to test and prove Dow’s technologies than some of the fastest drivers on Earth? Through a partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Dow is able to develop technologies that are really put to the test under the most extreme driving conditions available.

“Dow and RCR share a passion for innovation and technology,” said Joe Harlan, executive vice president for Dow. “Partnerships like this help us strengthen and enhance our customer collaboration, research and development, and engagement with consumers who are ultimately the deciding force behind new innovations for our brand owner customers.”

Driving Consumer Engagement
Dow recently launched the “Gaps and Tracks” sweepstakes to provide one grand prize winner the opportunity to meet Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet SS car, and participate as an honorary pit crew member during the night race in Bristol, Tennessee on August 23. To enter, fans must purchase a GREAT STUFF™ product online or at a local home improvement store and enter the product code at www.greatstuffsweepstakes.com1.

“Dow and RCR are companies that both pursue high performance solutions,” said Tim Lacey, Dow Building Solutions business director. “This sweepstakes is exciting because it encourages homeowners to improve their homes’ energy efficiency quickly and inexpensively, with a chance to be entered to win an awesome grand prize.”

Providing Customer Collaboration
The program with RCR also provides Dow tremendous opportunities to engage with customers and employees at events around races and appearances with products like Mycogen Seeds® in Dow AgroSciences.

Dow is one of the few companies with a global breeding and R&D seed trait development program, and the partnership with RCR enables Dow to connect with its dealer and grower customers. Dow sees every acre as an opportunity to help farmers grow their operation, and Mycogen® Seeds offers a wide portfolio of products that tackle the challenges crop growers face today.

“Mycogen Seeds has become one of America’s fastest-growing seed companies because of our commitment to excellence in technology and performance,” said Brian Barker, general manager for Mycogen Seeds. “We work closely with our dealer and grower customers to help them identify the possibilities that Mycogen and Dow AgroSciences products can deliver for every acre. The partnership between Dow and RCR will provide additional opportunities for us to build even stronger relationships with many of our customers and new prospects.”

Participating in Research & Development
For the 2014 season, RCR has adopted a new line of extreme performance lubricants powered by UCON Oil Soluble PAG (OSP) technology from Dow in its cars.

“Working with Dow, RCR evaluated a range of new lubrication technologies, selecting 75W-90 and 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricants and a premium grease to provide exceptional lubrication properties under the punishing conditions of a NASCAR race,” said Raymond Hudack, strategic marketing manager for lubricants at Dow. “RCR is able to achieve a higher level of lubricant performance that they are striving for with novel Dow OSP technologies.”

Dow’s research and development and rich transportation background are helping to provide enhanced, sustainable solutions to the market. With products used in the car body, chassis and powertrain, interiors and exteriors and during in-service use and repair, Dow technologies are helping manufacturers create cars that are lighter-weight for better gas mileage and have stronger structures and crash resistance for increased safety.

“We’re extremely excited to support an organization like RCR and a young, talented driver like Austin Dillon this year,” said Harlan. “Our program with RCR allows us to develop automotive technologies that withstand the most strenuous situations. Our technologies are making race cars stronger, safer and lighter; imagine how they are enhancing the car you use to get you to work and the grocery store.”

About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 15 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Its 2014 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Dow/Cheerios/American Ethanol/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet), 2011 Brickyard 400 champion Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet) and 2008 Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman (No. 31 Caterpillar/Quicken Loans/WIX Filters Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Brian Scott (No. 2 Shore Lodge/Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup Chevrolet), 2012 Camping World Truck Series rookie of the year Ty Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/WESCO/Yuengling Light Lager Chevrolet), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino/Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup Chevrolet) and a multi-driver lineup with the No. 33 Menards Chevrolet team.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2012, Dow had annual sales of approximately $57 billion and employed approximately 54,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

ANTING, China, — TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) has today announced the opening of its largest ever Technical Center – a 66,000 square meter facility located in Anting, China.

TRW Automotive today announced the opening of its largest ever Technical Center – a 66,000 square meter facility located in Anting, China. The facility, which has been designed and built to house more than 20 scientific testing labs supporting all of TRW’s main business areas including braking, steering and suspension, occupant safety and safety electronics, will employ more than 1,200 members of engineering, research and technical staff.

The facility, which has been designed and built to house more than 20 scientific testing labs supporting all of TRW’s main business areas including braking, steering and suspension, occupant safety and safety electronics, will employ more than 1,200 members of engineering, research and technical staff.

John C. Plant, TRW Automotive chairman and chief executive officer, explained: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our largest tech center worldwide, located in Anting. This is a move which demonstrates our continued investment and commitment to supporting automotive manufacturers in bringing advanced vehicle safety systems to the Chinese market and the broader Asia Pacific region.

“With the number of cars on the road in China expected to double by 2020, the issues of improved vehicle safety and education, for both drivers and other road users, have to be a priority for the industry.

“TRW will continue to invest in these areas – with the new Anting Technical Center being our latest milestone for bringing automotive safety systems to the Chinese market. From electronically controlled braking and steering systems, to semi-automated driving, the Anting Technical Center positions us well to serve our Chinese customers’ vehicle safety needs today and well into the future.

“And TRW’s commitment to automotive safety doesn’t end with the vehicle; we also care about the safety of all road users in China. This focus led us to the development of a road safety education campaign that teaches children in China the basic fundamentals of road and vehicle safety. Through technology and knowledge TRW is committed to making roads safe for everyone.”

The new Anting Technical Center will also house research & development, engineering design & application, and testing & validation activities across all of TRW’s product lines, as well as providing customers with direct access to technical and commercial services.

About TRW
With 2013 sales of $17.4 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world’s leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 24 countries and employs approximately 65,000 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to “TRW Automotive”, “TRW” or the “Company” in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.

DETROIT – General Motors today announced it will implement a compensation program for those who have lost loved ones or who have suffered serious physical injuries as the result of an ignition switch failure in recently recalled vehicles.

“We are taking responsibility for what has happened by taking steps to treat these victims and their families with compassion, decency and fairness,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “We made serious mistakes in the past and as a result we’re making significant changes in our company to ensure they never happen again.”

The program will be independently administered by Kenneth Feinberg, who is highly regarded for his handling of other significant compensation programs.

The program is expected to cover approximately 1.6 million model-year 2003-2007 recalled vehicles manufactured with an ignition switch defect and approximately 1 million model year 2008-2011 recalled vehicles that may have been repaired with a recalled ignition switch.

Pending the independent administrator’s development of final guidelines for the compensation program, GM currently expects the program will begin to accept claims on Aug. 1, 2014. It is GM’s understanding that the administrator’s final compensation program guidelines will be developed in the coming weeks and will include details on where and how to apply for compensation.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

DETROIT – General Motors and the University of Michigan today announced an agreement to extend their collaborative automotive research efforts through 2017.

Launched in 1998, Collaborative Research Laboratories (CRL) at the University of Michigan have led to significant commercial and academic success for students, the university and the automaker. In 2011, it yielded a unique process to ultrasonically weld battery tabs together that played a role in enabling the Chevrolet Volt team to offer an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on its lithium-ion battery system.

The new Automotive CRL creates an organizational umbrella structure and initially will focus on research into engine systems and advanced manufacturing. In addition, GM and the University of Michigan have an existing, separate CRL that concentrates on smart material developments.

The programs will fund four fellowships for graduate students and provide support for postdoctoral scholars, research scientists and faculty. The chosen recipients will carry out research on real-world problems that affect GM while enhancing their academic experience at the University of Michigan.

“We are excited to continue what is a more than 50-year relationship with General Motors,” said David Munson, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan. “We believe our graduate students and faculty can operate as an extension of General Motors’ global research and development activities, which we are confident will enhance GM while providing exceptional experiences for our students.”

In the Automotive CRL’s engine systems research lab, students will use state-of-the-art laser imaging diagnostics and conduct engine simulation studies to make the most of future, highly efficient engines with ultra-low emissions.

The Automotive CRL’s advanced manufacturing lab will focus materials joining technologies, assembly systems and simulations to enhance plant floor quality, efficiency and responsiveness.

In the smart materials lab, researchers apply technologies to reduce vehicle mass, add functionality, increase design flexibility and decrease component size and cost.

“GM’s relationship with the University of Michigan over the years has provided benefits to the company because these young minds, who bring a fresh perspective, carry out research on real-world issues that impact GM’s vehicle innovation, design and manufacturing operations,” said Jon Lauckner, GM’s chief technology officer, vice president of Global R&D and president of GM Ventures. “We expect more great things to come from our work with the University of Michigan.”

GM has benefited with new technologies and ideas while students have used these experiences to spur career advancements. The work done in the previous CRLs has led students to careers in engineering and academia.

About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

About the University of Michigan College of Engineering
The University of Michigan College of Engineering is one of the top engineering schools in the country. Eight academic departments are ranked in the nation’s top 10 — some twice for different programs. Its research budget is one of the largest of any public university. Its faculty and students are making a difference at the frontiers of fields as diverse as nanotechnology, sustainability, healthcare, national security and robotics. They are involved in spacecraft missions across the solar system, and have developed partnerships with automotive industry leaders to transform transportation. Its entrepreneurial culture encourages faculty and students alike to move their innovations beyond the laboratory and into the real world to benefit society. Its alumni base of nearly 70,000 spans the globe.

DETROIT – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ‘Click it or Ticket’ public safety campaign opens this year amid the first increase in fatalities in five years for unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants.

General Motors and OnStar are joining in the effort to get people to buckle up whenever they’re in a vehicle.

According to NHTSA, wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. The Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization aims to continue to help raise the national seat belt use rate beyond the estimated 87 percent in 2013.

In support of the Click it or Ticket campaign, GM is announcing plans to launch a new Belt Assurance System on select fleet vehicles later this year. This belt assurance system was developed by GM to help ensure the driver and right front passenger are belted prior to the vehicle being driven. This system does not allow shifting from “park” until the driver and right front seat belts are buckled.

“Customer safety is on the forefront of everything we do. It is essential for the safety of our customers’ and all drivers’ safety to develop the habit of buckling up each and every time they get into their vehicles,” said Jeff Boyer, vice president, GM global vehicle safety. “We continue to support this program by NHTSA to remind our drivers to buckle up each time they start their vehicles while also developing other safety features like our Belt Assurance System.”

According to NHTSA, seat belts saved an estimated 12,174 people from dying in 2012. From 2008 – 2012 seat belts saved nearly 63,000 lives.

OnStar will be supporting the effort by reminding subscribers who press the blue OnStar button for non-emergency requests to “Remember to stay buckled up.” The reminder will take place throughout the duration of NHTSA’s Click it or Ticket campaign today through June 1.

General Motors applauds the efforts of law enforcement officers and safety officials who are mobilizing across the nation May 19 through June 1 to enforce safety belt use laws in order to save lives and prevent injuries, Boyer said.

# # #

About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
# # #

About OnStar LLC
OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.5 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology and is available on 39 GM branded 2013 model year vehicles. OnStar’s key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.

This news is courtesy of www.gm.com

Spartanburg, South Carolina – Celebrating 20 years of production in the USA, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW Group, today announced plans to invest US$ 1 billion in the company’s South Carolina plant: “We will expand the plant’s annual production capacity by 50% up to 450,000 vehicles by the end of 2016. Today’s capacity is around 300,000 vehicles. This investment will also create an additional 800 jobs, increasing the total workforce to 8,800 on site.”

At the event held at the plant, Dr. Reithofer was joined by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker; South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley; BMW Group Board member for Production, Harald Krüger; and President of BMW Manufacturing, Plant Spartanburg, Manfred Erlacher.

BMW X7 to be built at Plant Spartanburg

The additional investment will be used to increase capacity, which is necessary to meet strong global demand for BMW X models. “Plant Spartanburg was built to enhance and expand the BMW line-up, underscoring the BMW Group commitment to the United States” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer. “In addition to the X3, X5, X6, and the new X4, we are today announcing another all-new, larger X model to be manufactured exclusively at this plant for our world markets: the X7.”

Harald Krüger, Board of Management member for Production explained the important role of the US for the BMW Group production strategy: “The BMW Group strives for a good balance of growth among all markets and continents. The Spartanburg plant is an important building block in our international network of 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries today and makes a vital contribution to profitable, globally-balanced growth.”

He continued: “Our US plant is the best example of our successful strategy of ‘production follows the market’. The state of South Carolina has supported us as a valuable and reliable partner throughout our 20-year involvement in the region – making the United States our second home.”

BMW Group in Spartanburg: largest U.S. automobile exporter

Norbert Reithofer: “We are expanding BMW Plant Spartanburg as our center of competence for production of BMW X models and broadening our product portfolio. This expansion means Spartanburg will have the largest production capacity of any plant in our global production network. This plant already exports, on average, 70% of its annual production with a 2013 value of more than US$ 7.5 billion which, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, makes BMW the largest U.S. vehicle exporter to non-NAFTA countries.”

Since production began 20 years ago, in 1994, the Spartanburg plant has produced over 2.6 million vehicles for BMW customers around the world. Currently the BMW X3, X5, X5 M, X6 and X6 M are all produced at the plant. The event also celebrated the start of production of the all-new BMW X4. In the near future, a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X5 will also be produced here.

BMW Group economic impact on South Carolina

In addition to its large-scale capital investments, a new study just released by the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, reports that the BMW Group has a US$ 16.6 billion annual impact on the state economy. Its presence in South Carolina supports more than 30,000 jobs throughout the state.
The study found that for every job created at the BMW plant, an additional three jobs are created elsewhere in South Carolina through the economic multiplier effect.

“This is the fifth expansion since production began 20 years ago and represents another major investment,” said Manfred Erlacher, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “The increase in annual capacity, the number of models produced, and the number of jobs on site, reinforce the major role BMW is playing in the region’s economic vitality through technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and development of a highly skilled workforce.”

In 2013, a total of 297,326 vehicles were manufactured in Spartanburg, with 1,100 vehicles currently produced per working day. Total employment at the site reached 8,000 in March 2014.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

This news is courtesy of www.bmwgroup.com

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today issued a final rule requiring rear visibility technology in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May 2018. This new rule enhances the safety of these vehicles by significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injuries caused by backover accidents.

“Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable victims of backover accidents — our children and seniors,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “As a father, I can only imagine how heart wrenching these types of accidents can be for families, but we hope that today’s rule will serve as a significant step toward reducing these tragic accidents.”

Today’s final rule requires all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks, manufactured on or after May 1, 2018, to come equipped with rear visibility technology that expands the field of view to enable the driver of a motor vehicle to detect areas behind the vehicle to reduce death and injury resulting from backover incidents. The field of view must include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. The system must also meet other requirements including image size, linger time, response time, durability, and deactivation.

“Rear visibility requirements will save lives, and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman. “We’re already recommending this kind of life-saving technology through our NCAP program and encouraging consumers to consider it when buying cars today.”

On average, there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes. NHTSA has found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent.

NHTSA took time on this regulation to ensure that the policy was right and make the rule flexible and achievable. In fact, at this point, many companies are installing rear visibility systems on their own, due to consumer demand. Including vehicles that already have systems installed, 58 to 69 lives are expected to be saved each year once the entire on-road vehicle fleet is equipped with rear visibility systems meeting the requirements of today’s final rule.

The final rule complements action taken by the agency last year to incorporate rear visibility technology into the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). NHTSA’s NCAP program – widely known for its 5-Star Safety Ratings – highlights for consumers the vehicle makes and models that are equipped with the agency’s Recommended Advanced Technology Features that can help drivers avoid crashes and reduce other safety risks. Forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) systems are also highlighted under NCAP on www.safercar.gov.

This news is courtesy of www.nhtsa.gov

DALLAS, – The new 2015 Ford Expedition, revealed here today ahead of the 2014 DFW Auto Show, continues to represent the smart choice for people who need a full-size utility vehicle that provides capable performance, usable space and advanced technology.

Expedition now features Ford F-Series’ popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, more technology than ever and a fresh new look. Launching later this year, it is the latest Ford nameplate to offer a Platinum series. Expedition is being shown for the first time in Texas, Ford’s largest market by sales volume, and home to the top two cities for Expedition sales – Dallas and Houston.

Expedition debuted in 1996 and is Ford’s largest utility vehicle. By most measures, it is a leader in interior space, accommodating eight passengers. Two versions are offered – the standard 119-inch wheelbase is just more than 6 inches longer than Ford Explorer. It has three rows of seats and up to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The longer-wheelbase version sits on a 131-inch wheelbase, and features three rows of seats and up to 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Expedition remains the only full-size utility vehicle not classified as a luxury offering to feature an independent rear suspension. This helps deliver more confident ride and handling characteristics, and allows for the lower, more convenient fold-flat third-row bench seat.

Both standard and EL versions of Expedition are built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, alongside Ford’s popular Super Duty pickup. Last month, the company confirmed plans to add more workers and invest an additional $80 million in facility upgrades to improve automation and increase capacity at the plant.

Ford is responding to strong customer feedback and introducing a top-of-the-line Platinum series Expedition with unique, premium interior appointments. The new vehicle features the latest popular technologies like SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, push-button start and Blind Spot Information System®. A new 3.5-liter, direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost delivers more power and performance than the current 5.4-liter V8, and is designed to be more efficient.

“This new Expedition is proof Ford is committed to remaining the leader in utilities – small, medium and large,” said Jackie DiMarco, Expedition chief engineer. “We listened to our customers and created a full-size utility vehicle that doesn’t compromise in performance, technology or design.”

Improved on the road
From the outset, engineers worked to make the 2015 Expedition a technologically advanced vehicle that is easy to drive and offers refinement for all types of drivers.

The new EcoBoost engine dramatically changes the driving characteristics of Expedition. Compared with the 5.4-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.

“Expedition becoming the latest Ford utility vehicle to wear the EcoBoost badge will be exciting for customers,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Increased torque and horsepower, combined with new levels of efficiency and an advanced suspension not only will make Expedition more fun to drive, but also easier to own. This is another ‘and’ solution from Ford.”

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost will be the only engine offered in the new Expedition in North America. To maximize performance and control, the vehicle is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission featuring a manual mode that allows the driver to use a shift-mounted rocker switch to select the desired gear.

With EcoBoost now standard equipment across the 2015 Expedition range, the entire U.S. lineup of Ford utility vehicles will be available with EcoBoost power by the end of 2014.

New continuously controlled damping, available for the first time on a Ford nameplate, will make Expedition the only Blue Oval-branded vehicle in the United States with three selectable drive modes – comfort, normal and sport.

Using a suite of sensors that detect 46 unique body, steering and braking inputs, the advanced suspension monitors body motion and then adjusts Expedition’s damping system in milliseconds to manage the vehicle’s natural body motion. A vehicle with poor damping feels as if it is bouncing on its suspension springs; continuously controlled damping recognizes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and then reacts accordingly, helping to control body motion so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The new Expedition also features Ford’s innovative electric power-assisted steering, which gives drivers noticeably improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds, and saves fuel because it operates more efficiently than traditional pump-driven systems. The technology reduces steering effort and makes Expedition more engaging to drive.

More technology customers want
The new Expedition debuts with popular technology upgrades consumers are now demanding, including SYNC with MyFord Touch and driver-assist features such as radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.

The updated interior of Expedition incorporates a fresh center stack to accommodate new technologies, such as an 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. The driver information cluster features two full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens.

Other new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a 10-speaker, 700-watt Sony audio system; Intelligent Access with push-button start; rearview camera; seven-color, interior ambient LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

Fresh style and design
The new Expedition pushes full-size utility vehicle design to a higher level, with fresh interior and exterior styling and a diverse series lineup – each with a distinct look and feel to give customers more choice than ever. A Platinum trim package, which has been very successful on Ford F-Series, will be available on Expedition for the first time.

“The Platinum series brings Expedition into a whole new arena of design and style,” said Scott. “One of the strengths of Expedition has always been the different trim series we offer. From XLT to Limited and now with Platinum, we have an Expedition that will fit any customer’s needs.”

The Platinum series is tailored with lush leather seating described by designers as buttery – soft and smooth to the touch. It’s available in a new Brunello leather, a red wine color with tuxedo-stripe accents and French-seamed stitching. Platinum customers can also choose black leather with Agate Gray accents.

Beyond the new Platinum series, the 2015 Expedition lineup includes the XLT, Limited and a new King Ranch edition to be revealed later.

The design team, finding inspiration in the world around them, incorporated different themes to define the look for each series. The intent was to reflect a consumer lifestyle, from the sporty XLT, to the confident, elegant Limited, to the sophisticated, urban Platinum. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while for the Platinum edition, the colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

The Expedition exterior has been updated with an all-new front end featuring available LED fog lamps for a fresh, aggressive look.

An all-new wheel lineup including factory-installed 22-inch models, a redesigned rear hatch and subtle, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes round out the exterior changes to the 2015 Expedition.

With this new model debuting at the DFW Auto Show – deep in the heart of the full-size utility vehicle market – Ford is building on a successful tradition of Expedition capability and quality with significant improvements in design, performance, efficiency and available technology.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

This news is courtesy of www.ford.com

The Volkswagen Group is re-ordering major parts of its international plant capacity deployment. For example, the successor to the Volkswagen Crafter is to be produced in Poland from 2016. For this purpose, a new plant, which is to be commissioned in the second half of 2016, will be built at Września. With the new plant, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand will be creating at least 2,300 new jobs. The Volkswagen Tiguan is to be assembled in Hanover in addition to Wolfsburg from 2016. The next generation of the Porsche Panamera is to be produced entirely in Leipzig.

“With the decision to produce the Crafter in Poland, we have laid the foundations for the strategic reorientation of our light commercial vehicles,” said Dr. Leif Östling, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for commercial vehicles. He continued: “The Crafter is outstandingly well-suited for all the growth markets of the world and will take Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles a stage forward on its way to becoming a globally active manufacturer.”

The new plant at Września is located about 50 km to the east of Poznań and will be the second location of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Poland in addition to the plant at Poznań, where Caddy urban delivery vans have already rolled off the production line for more than a decade. Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Speaker of the Management Board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “Our experience with the production of the Caddy in Poland has been excellent. And the region around Września offers ideal economic, infrastructure and labor market policy conditions for us.”

The area of the future plant will be about 220 hectares and the plant will consist of a body shop, a paint shop and a final assembly unit. Construction is scheduled to start at the end of 2014 with the start of production following in the fourth quarter of 2016.

From 2016, capacities at the Hanover plant are to be used for the assembly of additional Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles on the basis of the Modular Transverse Matrix. This re-organization of the current plant allocation underlines the high flexibility the Volkswagen Group achieves by the gradual modularization of new and existing plants.

That also applies to Porsche: from 2016, the sports car brand will be producing the complete next-generation Panamera in Leipzig. Since its market introduction in 2009, body shells for the Panamera have been produced and painted at the Volkswagen plant in Hanover before being shipped to the Porsche plant in Saxony for pre-assembly and final assembly. With the re-organization of the Volkswagen Group production system, body production and painting for the Panamera is to start in Leipzig from 2016. The company already owns land that can be used for the expansion of the plant.

This news is courtesy of www.vw.com

A message from Elon was posted on the website of Tesla Motors: On Tuesday, under pressure from the New Jersey auto dealer lobby to protect its monopoly, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, composed of political appointees of the Governor, ended your right to purchase vehicles at a manufacturer store within the state. Governor Christie had promised that this would be put to a vote of the elected state legislature, which is the appropriate way to change the law. When it became apparent to the auto dealer lobby that this approach would not succeed, they cut a backroom deal with the Governor to circumvent the legislative process and pass a regulation that is fundamentally contrary to the intent of the law.

It is worth examining the history of these laws to understand why they exist, as the auto dealer franchise laws were originally put in place for a just cause and are now being twisted to an unjust purpose. Many decades ago, the incumbent auto manufacturers sold franchises to generate capital and gain a salesforce. The franchisees then further invested a lot of their money and time in building up the dealerships. That’s a fair deal and it should not be broken. However, some of the big auto companies later engaged in pressure tactics to get the franchisees to sell their dealerships back at a low price. The franchisees rightly sought protection from their state legislatures, which resulted in the laws on the books today throughout the United States (these laws are not present anywhere else in the world).

The intent was simply to prevent a fair and longstanding deal between an existing auto company and its dealers from being broken, not to prevent a new company that has no franchisees from selling directly to consumers. In most states, the laws are reasonable and clear. In a handful of states, the laws were written in an overzealous or ambiguous manner. When all auto companies sold through franchises, this didn’t really matter. However, when Tesla came along as a new company with no existing franchisees, the auto dealers, who possess vastly more resources and influence than Tesla, nonetheless sought to force us to sell through them.

The reason that we did not choose to do this is that the auto dealers have a fundamental conflict of interest between promoting gasoline cars, which constitute virtually all of their revenue, and electric cars, which constitute virtually none. Moreover, it is much harder to sell a new technology car from a new company when people are so used to the old. Inevitably, they revert to selling what’s easy and it is game over for the new company.

The evidence is clear: when has an American startup auto company ever succeeded by selling through auto dealers? The last successful American car company was Chrysler, which was founded almost a century ago, and even they went bankrupt a few years ago, along with General Motors. Since the founding of Chrysler, there have been dozens of failures, Tucker and DeLorean being simply the most well-known. In recent years, electric car startups, such as Fisker, Coda, and many others, attempted to use auto dealers and all failed.

An even bigger conflict of interest with auto dealers is that they make most of their profit from service, but electric cars require much less service than gasoline cars. There are no oil, spark plug or fuel filter changes, no tune-ups and no smog checks needed for an electric car. Also, all Tesla Model S vehicles are capable of over-the-air updates to upgrade the software, just like your phone or computer, so no visit to the service center is required for that either.

Going a step further, I have made it a principle within Tesla that we should never attempt to make servicing a profit center. It does not seem right to me that companies try to make a profit off customers when their product breaks. Overcharging people for unneeded servicing (often not even fixing the original problem) is rampant within the industry and happened to me personally on several occasions when I drove gasoline cars. I resolved that we would endeavor never to do such a thing at Tesla, as described in the Tesla service blog post I wrote last year.

Why Did They Claim That This Change Was Necessary?

The rationale given for the regulation change that requires auto companies to sell through dealers is that it ensures “consumer protection”. If you believe this, Gov. Christie has a bridge closure he wants to sell you! Unless they are referring to the mafia version of “protection”, this is obviously untrue. As anyone who has been through the conventional auto dealer purchase process knows, consumer protection is pretty much the furthest thing from the typical car dealer’s mind.

There are other ways to assess the premise that auto dealers take better care of customers than Tesla does. Consumer Reports conducts an annual survey of 1.1 million subscribers, which factors in quality, reliability and consumer satisfaction. The Tesla Model S was the top overall pick of any vehicle in the world, scoring 99 out of 100. This is the highest score any car has ever received. By comparison, in the industry report card, Ford, which sells their cars through franchise dealers, received a score of 50. BMW, which makes competing premium sedans, received a score of 66.

Consumers across the country have also voiced their opinion on the sales model they prefer. In North Carolina, a Triangle Business Journal poll found that 97 percent of people polled said Tesla should be allowed to sell cars directly. A poll by the Austin Business Journal showed that 86 percent of respondents were in favor of direct sales, and in a Los Angeles Times poll 99 percent of respondents came to the same conclusion. These aren’t polls that we commissioned and there are many more like them. We have not seen a single poll that didn’t result in an overwhelming majority saying they preferred the direct model to the traditional dealer model. Democracy is supposed to reflect the will of the people. When a politician acts in a manner so radically opposed to the will of the people who elected him, the only explanation is that there are other factors at play.

Going Forward

Some reassurances are also in order. Until at least April 1, everything is business as usual for Tesla in New Jersey. It should also be noted that this regulation deals only with sales, so our service centers will not be affected. Our stores will transition to being galleries, where you can see the car and ask questions of our staff, but we will not be able to discuss price or complete a sale in the store. However, that can still be done at our Manhattan store just over the river in Chelsea or our King of Prussia store near Philadelphia.

Most importantly, even after April 1, you will still be able to order vehicles from New Jersey for delivery in New Jersey on our TeslaMotors.com website.

We are evaluating judicial remedies to correct the situation. Also, if you believe that your right to buy direct at a Tesla store should be restored, please contact your state senator & assemblyman: www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp.

Finally, we would like to thank the many people who showed up in Trenton on Tuesday to support Tesla and speak out against the MVC’s back-door tactics in passing this regulation change without public consultation or due process. It was an amazing response at very short notice and much appreciated.

Elon

This news is courtesy of www.teslamotors.com