iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford’s growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.

HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with dramatically improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase.

“iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we’re offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “This is another example of Ford’s commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people.”

In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio through Ford SYNC® from a Bluetooth®-streaming audio-capable smartphone.

“Ford continues to lead the market in bringing advanced capabilities to popular vehicles. We are very pleased that HD Radio technology is an integral part of Ford’s broad offering of new features,” said Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology.

Like the song? You can tag it
The world’s first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radioreceiver will launch in 2010 on select Ford vehicles. Through the SYNC system, iTunes Tagging will provide Ford customers with the ability to capture a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of the “TAG” button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory.

Up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to receive the download of metadata. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of “tagged” songs will appear. Customers then can preview and, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.

All HD Radio-enabled receivers in Ford vehicles also will provide Program Service Data – information that appears on the radio screen and includes song title, artist name and more.

Familiar controls with better quality
HD Radio technology enables more listening options and increased sound quality by using the same radio interface customers are used to as well as the same antennas and analog tuners with an added digital decoder inside the radio. Additionally, HD Radio-enabled receivers provide listeners with unique advanced services.

To operate, there’s no difference from today’s radio operations – customers just tune in their favorite stations. If the station is broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded.

Exclusive to HD Radio receivers are HD2/HD3 channels, which resemble mini-stations that could be spun off the “mother” station or completely new content for the local market. HD2/HD3 channels are found directly adjacent to the main (HD1) channel on the dial if available.

If additional HD2/HD3 channels are available, the radio will indicate how many on a multicast information bar. Users may tune up to the new available channels like they would tune to any other analog station. Users also may store HD2/HD3 presets, just as they do with today’s radio.

HD Radio technology enables better audio and exclusive unique content choices
One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like terrestrial FM broadcasts. Also, the sound itself is much clearer and more consistent, without issues such as pops or hisses. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren’t susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

Most stations use the additional HD2/HD3 channels to provide more unique coverage of sports, music or other niche programs often tailored for their individual markets – all for free. For example, in Dallas there is now a dedicated 24/7 Cowboys channel on 105.3-HD3. In Pittsburgh, there is a dedicated 24/7 Penguins channel on 105.9-HD2.Broadcasters may choose any genre they wish for their additional channels.

Nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in digital HD Radio sound, with more than 1,100 stations also airing HD2/HD3 channels. Approximately 85 percent of the U.S. population is served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology.

Source: http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-first-to-enable-itunes-31668

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The New 2011 Mustang GT 5.0L

The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

Coyote in the lobby
Many of the engineers on the development team have worked in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building on the Dearborn, Mich., product development center campus. For years they walked past the original 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote Indy racing engine on display in the lobby, continually inspired by its mix of heritage, high technology and horsepower.

The powertrain development community had long wanted to develop a new 5.0-liter powertrain, with strategic discussions beginning in 2000. By 2007, the Mustang competitive landscape was beginning to change, a sign that the time was right for advancing the Mustang GT powertrain to world-class levels.

The team began 5.0-liter engine development with the objective of delivering 400-plus horsepower, on a timetable accelerated by 12 months without compromises in reliability, durability, fuel economy, or noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.

Source: http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-the-50liter-is-back2658-2011-ford-31645

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Audi will continue to invest heavily in new products and forward-looking technologies in the future: plans for 2009 through 2012 envisage total investments of 7.3 billion euros for fixed assets.

In coming years the Audi Group will continue to invest strongly in its future. Approximately 5.9 billion euros, in other words about 80 percent of its total investment in fixed assets, will be devoted to new product development, further optimization of conventional drivelines and the development of electric and hybrid models. By 2015, the Audi brand will have enlarged its product portfolio from currently 34 to 42 models. “With our planned investments in new products and mobility concepts, for example electric propulsion, we are creating a basis for our company’s future growth,” says Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.

Next year Audi will launch a series of new cars. The A1, A7, A8 and R8 Spyder will be added to the product portfolio during 2010. At the end of 2010 Audi will unveil the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which will reach the market at the start of 2011 as the brand’s first full hybrid model. As Strotbek points out: “We will be in a position to finance all our planned investments from our operative cash flow.”

At the German locations and elsewhere, future policy is now being implemented: from 2009 through 2012 approximately 3.8 billion euros will be invested at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants. “This is a firm commitment to our German facilities. Audi is facing the technological upheaval in the automobile world in a farsighted way. The will to work and high qualifications of employees at our German plants are a firm foundation for the necessary changes,” states Peter Mosch, Chairman of the Audi General Works Council.

About 2.5 billion euros will be invested at Ingolstadt and about 1.3 billion euros at Neckarsulm. A new transmission and emissions center will be opened at the Ingolstadt plant, and other investment priorities will be stamping tools for the new Audi A1 and the manufacturing structures for the A3 and A4 models. The investment focus in Neckarsulm will be on the A6, A7 und A8 models and new engine-function test rigs.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1625

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USS repurchased its own shares as follows in accordance with the resolution approved at the meeting of the Board of Directors on November 4, 2009. The resolution was approved pursuant to the provisions of Article 156 of the Company Act, made applicable by Article 165.3 of the Company Act.

This completes the repurchase of the company’s own shares in accordance with the resolution approved at the meeting of the Board of Directors on November 4, 2009.

1. Type of shares: Common shares
2. Period of repurchase: From November 5, 2009 to December 22, 2009
3. Total number of shares repurchased: 453,960 shares
4. Aggregate value of repurchase: 2,496,844,800 yen
5. Method of repurchase: Purchased on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Source: http://www.ussnet.co.jp/eng/release/20091222/index.html

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Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., today announced its plans for a World Premiere of the “Honda New Small Concept” at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 to be held in New Delhi starting from 5th January 2010.

Honda New Small Concept is a concept model of a new small-sized vehicle which Honda is currently developing especially for India and other emerging nations.

In addition to the Honda New Small Concept, Honda will also exhibit the CR-Z Concept 2009, a concept model for a new hybrid model, which was unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.

With the booth concept of “Inspired by Dynamism - Truly Honda by Nature”, Honda will express its relentless dynamism to create cutting edge technologies and its commitment to protect the environment for future generations. True to its nature of challenging spirit and bringing together the seemingly incongruous ends, Honda will bring alive the theme of its booth through an attractive range of displays.

Honda will personify Human Dynamism in the form of the much-loved, humanoid Robot, the ASIMO. Besides enthralling the audiences at the Expo with its ability to walk forward and backward, climb stairs, the ASIMO will also show its advanced mobility capabilities through running in a circular pattern.

The special display zone named “Design Corner” will feature a glimpse of the elements involved in designing a car from scratch. This corner will also have contests for visitors where they would be asked to design futuristic cars of their choice.

Adding glamour and spunk to the Honda booth will be the ‘The Jazz Corner’ which will showcase Mugen fitted Honda Jazz in trendy colors.

An exclusive “Engine section” will feature the advances made by Honda in the engine technology realizing both superior power and low fuel consumption. Also on display will be Honda’s commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety through G-CON technology and safety features which come as standard on all Honda cars.

Apart from the new products Honda will also display its current refreshed range of cars which includes City 1.5 V, New Civic, Accord V6 and New CR-V.

Commenting on the displays Mr Tatsuya Natsume, Director - Sales & Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “At Honda, we believe in constant innovation to offer advanced technology that only makes our cars fun to drive but also addresses the ever increasing concern about the environment. Our displays at this year’s Auto Expo will focus on bringing alive the spirit of dynamism which is Truly Honda.”

Source: http://www.hondacarindia.com/mediaCenter/view_press_releases.aspx?pr_id=189

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its production, sales and export figures for November, 2009.

1. Production
   Nissan’s global production in November increased 32.6% year-on-year to 294,638 units.

   Production in Japan rose year-on-year for the first time in 14 months, rising 20.5% to 96,010 units due to the popularity of the Serena, Murano and the new Fuga.

   Production outside of Japan increased 39.3% year-on-year to 198,628 units.

   In the U.S., production saw a significant increase of 50.5% year-on-year to 40,549 units due to increased demand for all the models including Altima and Titan.

   In Mexico, production decreased 4.2% year-on-year to 35,043 units.

   In the U.K., production saw a significant increase of 58.3% year-on-year to 35,381 units with volume improvements across the model line-up, with Micra as the biggest contributor.

   In Spain, production also saw a significant increase of 77.6% year-on-year to 6,009 units with the Primastar leading the demand.

   In China, production saw a huge increase of 56.9% year-on-year to 57,444 units, marking a record for highest production volume in one month.

   Production in other regions increased 44.9% year-on-year to 24,202 units, particularly in Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil and South Africa.

2. Sales
   Global sales increased 22.2% to 289,983 units compared to the previous year.

   Including mini-vehicles, Nissan sold 50,703 units in Japan, up 21.9% year-on-year. Market share was up 0.3 percentage points year-on-year to 11.6%.

   In Japan, vehicle registrations in November increased 32.8% year-on-year to 40,023 units due to increased demand for models eligible for the preferential tax exemption such as Serena, Cube and Note. This also included the newly released Fuga. Nissan’s share of the domestic market registrations in November was down 0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 13.6%.

   Domestic sales of mini-vehicles were down 6.7% from the previous year to 10,680 units.

   Sales outside of Japan increased 22.3% year-on-year to 239,280 units.

   Sales in the U.S. increased 20.8% year-on-year to 56,288 units due to increased demand for Maxima, Altima and Frontier.

   In Europe, sales increased 30.9% year-on-year to 44,726 units due to demand for Qashqai, Micra, Note and the new introduction of Pixo. Market share in November was up 0.5 percentage points year-on-year to 3.0% due to improved sales in major markets including Germany, U.K., France and Spain.

   China saw a record month in November with sales up a significant 51.9% year-on-year to 70,092 units due to continued demand for Sylphy and Teana.

   Sales in other regions rose year-on-year for the first time in 13 months, rising 0.6% to 47,865 units.

3. Japan Exports
   Nissan’s exports in November decreased 9.0% year-on-year to 47,878 units.

   Exports to North America increased 37.5% year-on-year to 24,190 units stemming from demand for Murano and newly-launched Cube.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/091222-01-e.html

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TORRANCE, Calif. — In the spirit of the holiday season, Scion, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, has launched a special holiday toy program which helps servicemen and women currently deployed overseas to send their children a miniature die cast or plush tC at no cost, along with a personalized message from the service member.

“We can only imagine how difficult it must be for our brave, dedicated servicemen and women to be apart from their children over the holidays,” says Jack Hollis, Vice President of Scion. “Though it’s a simple gesture, keeping families connected and putting smiles on children’s faces – that’s what this season is all about.”

To support U.S. troops, Scion is working closely with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard’s commercial sponsorship units.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/scion/scion-helps-military-parents-deliver-150217.aspx

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Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., today announced that it would increase the export price of tire products from January 2010. The price increase applies to all tire products for passenger cars, light trucks, trucks and buses, and vehicles for construction and industry, and to all overseas markets except for Japan. The maximum markup is around 15 percent. But even larger markup may be applied to specific regions and products.

In the background to the price increase is the situation where it is difficult to absorb the increased cost of tire raw materials including natural rubber and crude oil only by corporate efforts based on internal improvement.

Source: http://www.yrc-pressroom.jp/english/html/2009122515mg002.html

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India’s leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India is all set for a world premiere of Concept R3, its first Compact Multi-Purpose vehicle concept, at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010 in January.

The 6-seater Concept MPV is an all-new compact vehicle completely different from any of the existing cars from the Maruti Suzuki family and hitherto unseen at any auto international show. Concept R3 has been conceptualized, designed and built from the scratch by a team of talented Indian designers in India over a short time span of nine months. It represents the next level of skill enhancement of Maruti Suzuki engineers.

At Auto Expo 2010, India’s most-loved car company has decided to reciprocate its deep regards for the Indian consumer by adopting ‘Joys of Life’ as the overall theme of its show to celebrate 26 years of togetherness with India. The decision to unveil the Concept R3 for the very first time in India is a corollary of the same line of thought.

Maruti Suzuki Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Mayank Pareek said, “Over the years, Maruti Suzuki has ushered in millions of joyous moments in the form of delivering reliable products, offering prompt and careful after-sales services, and forging a long-term relationship with its valued customers. ‘Joys of Life’ as a theme celebrates this long history of the company’s customer-centricity in providing the joys of motoring, its pioneering ways, ingenuous strategies and constant innovation.”

The ‘Joys of Life’ concept, in fact, is an extension of the theme from the last Auto Expo in 2008, where Maruti Suzuki focused on ‘Colours of Life’. Both themes are in resonance with ‘Way of Life’, the parent Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global corporate philosophy. Appropriately, the ‘Joys of Life’ pavilion showcases the company’s wide range of products and services, and how these enable the company to delight the Indian and global consumer.

Maruti Suzuki will showcase an astonishing array of 17 vehicles. The display will also include new launches and cars such as the Suzuki Kizashi imported exclusively for the show.

The Maruti Suzuki ‘Joys of Life’ pavilion at Hall no.14 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is the largest single-roof facility in the complex spread over an impressive 4,690 square meters. Visitors would experience the world of ‘Joys of Life’ from the moment they entered the Maruti Suzuki pavilion – a wonderland of a grand display of cars and exciting entertainment.

During Auto Expo 2010, the company looks forward to developing a still better understanding of the Indian consumers’ evolving lifestyles and choices, which will eventually help Maruti Suzuki to come up with new product concepts for a newer India. For Maruti Suzuki, twenty-six years is only the beginning: A beginning of a new era in automobiles, a new era in design, and a new way of life. Thus, the Maruti Suzuki ‘Joys of Life’ pavilion brings in the New Year with a proud past and a promise for a bright future.

Source: http://www.marutisuzuki.com/Maruti-Suzuki-plans-world-premiere-for-first-compact-MPV-Concept-at-Auto-Expo-2010.aspx

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