“Shell V-Power(R) 'Fuel My Passion' Online Contest Drives Consumers to ... - MSN Money” plus 4 more |
- Shell V-Power(R) 'Fuel My Passion' Online Contest Drives Consumers to ... - MSN Money
- Text size - Chicago Tribune
- 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance - Show Day - The Auto Chanel
- Research and Markets: The Automobile Production in China Is Expected ... - CNBC
- Long-Term Test: 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe - Edmunds.com
| Shell V-Power(R) 'Fuel My Passion' Online Contest Drives Consumers to ... - MSN Money Posted: 08 Sep 2009 06:05 AM PDT Consumers Can Enter to Win a Year's Worth of Shell V-Power(R) Premium Gasoline and a 2010 Harley-Davidson(R) Fat Boy(R) Lo Motorcycle HOUSTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Self identified car aficionado, Rick Schmitz, owns three cars and one motorcycle, but he treats his vehicles better than he treats himself. His weekly maintenance ritual includes detailing his Mercedes-Benz E350 with Perrier, using a toothpick to clean the stitching and compressed air to get water out of the cracks. Whether consumers are extremely passionate about what they drive (like Schmitz) or just take pride in their personal mode of transportation, Shell invites everyone to enter the Shell V-Power((R)) "Fuel My Passion" Contest and Sweepstakes. This contest is "fueled" by customers who have made Shell V-Power((R)) America's best-selling premium gasoline. Containing the highest concentration of the new Shell Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system, Shell V-Power((R)) provides maximum protection against performance-robbing gunk left behind by lower-quality premium gasolines. Consumers can share stories about their passion for their rides and enter to win the grand prize of free Shell V-Power((R)) premium gasoline for a year (five winners).Ten finalists will win a $250 Shell Gift Card. In addition,participants also will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-new 2010 Harley-Davidson((R)) Fat Boy((R)) Lo motorcycle (valued at $16,299). Contest registration will take place September 8 through October 6. To enter, participants can submit their stories online at www.shell.us/fuelmypassion. Shell V-Power((R)) Fuel My Passion contestants will be required to submit a creative photo, with the contestant giving the "V" sign (symbolizing Shell V-Power((R))) along with their ride (e.g., car, motorcycle, boat, RV, etc.), and a story up to 100 words on: "How Shell V-Power((R)) fuels their passion for their ride." The story portion of the entry can include poems, songs, "love stories" or anything else that expresses a unique or special bond between the contestant and their ride as well as how Shell V-Power((R)) helps fuel that passion. Contestants can enter the contest in five different categories:
There is a limit of one entry per person per category. More details on the contest are available at www.shell.us/fuelmypassion. How to Keep the "Passion" Alive Shell V-Power((R)) premium gasoline is designed for automotive enthusiasts who simply expect the most from their vehicle's performance. As the best-selling premium gasoline brand in America, Shell V-Power((R)) boasts the highest concentration of the Shell Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system that actively seeks and destroys engine gunk even faster than regular Shell gasoline. With five times the cleaning agents found in fuels that only meet the EPA requirements, Shell V-Power((R)) is for those looking for maximum engine performance, especially for those with vehicles that recommend or require a premium gasoline. For more information on Shell V-Power((R)), visit: http://www.shell.us/www.shellvpower.com Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,100 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group [(NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE: RDS.B)]. For more information, please visit www.shell.com. Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets branded products through approximately 8,100 Shell-branded stations in the Eastern and Southern United States. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc. No Purchase Necessary.Entry ends 11:59:59 PM PT on 10/6/09. Must be a US legal resident, 18 and older. Void in Puerto Rico, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and where prohibited. For Official Rules, go to www.shell.us/fuelmypassion. Sponsor: Shell Oil Products U.S., 910 Louisiana, Houston, Texas 77002. Disclaimer statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''will'', ''seek'', ''target'', ''risks'', ''goals'', ''should'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this Report, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Group's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, project delay or advancement, approvals and cost estimates; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this presentation, May 4, 2006. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this document. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this presentation, such as "oil in place" that the SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575 and disclosure in our Forms 6-K file No, 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. SOURCE Shell Oil Products US Copyright 2009 PR Newswire  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 08 Sep 2009 04:17 AM PDT ELKHART LAKE VINTAGE FESTIVAL Road America will host the 24th annual Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association's Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival Sept. 11-13. Some 300 vintage and historic racecars from around the country will be on hand. The main gate opens at 7 a.m. daily. Admission is $75 for a three-day ticket or $15 for Sept. 11 and $30 each for Sept. 12 and 13. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. Visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800-365-7223. SCORE RALLYE The SCORE Rallye Team presents a gimmick car rallye Sept. 12. The event begins with registration at 6 p.m. at the Firestone Auto Center at Woodfield Mall, off Golf Road between Ill. 53 and Meacham Road. Fee is $15, with the first cars out at 7:15. Call 773-493-2517 or e-mail road-rallye@sbcglobal.net. FALL CAR CORRAL Volo Auto Museum hosts its Fall Expo and Car Corral, open to 225 cars, Sept. 12. Registration is required for the free event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 815-385-3644 or visit www.volocars.com. DEERFIELD CAR SHOW The Deerfield Area Historical Society holds its annual Fallfest and Car Show Sept. 13. All show-quality cars from the 1970s and earlier are welcome from noon to 4 p.m. at the Historical Village. No registration is required, and admission is free. Contact scramer724@yahoo.com or 847-948-0680. BRITISH CAR FEST The British Car Union hosts its 23nd annual Chicagoland British Car Festival Sept. 13 at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines. The festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to all British marques, from Austin to Zephyr. Registration is $20 through Aug. 21 and $25 at the gate. Spectator admission is free. British motorcycles also will be on display. Visit www.britishcarunion.com or e-mail qualitas.jack@gmail.com. BOULEVARD LAKEFRONT TOUR Registration is open for the annual Boulevard Lakefront Tour Sept. 13. Bicyclists can experience Daniel Burnham's dream on four routes: the 62-mile Ultimate Neighborhood, 35-mile Boulevard Tour Ride, 27-mile Beverly Cruise and 15-mile South Side Ramble. All routes s begin and end at the Midway Plaisance. Registration is $30, $25 for Active Transportation Alliance members and $12 for kids 17 and younger. Visit www.boulevardtour.org or call 312-427-3325, ext. 251. BOAT PILOTING CLASS The Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron is offering the U.S. Power Squadron Piloting class beginning Sept. 14 at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Gurnee. The class meets from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. every Monday for 10 weeks. Fee is $60 for members and $140 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Contact the instructor Keith Baldwin at Baldwinkeith@sbcglobal.net. MARINE ELECTRICAL CLASS The Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron is offering the U.S. Power Squadron Marine Electrical Systems class beginning Sept. 16 at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Gurnee. The class meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday for six weeks. Fee is $55 members and $135 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Contact instructor Rex Miller at rexwmiller@gmail.com. CRUISE THE BACKLOT Downtown Skokie's Cruise the Backlot events are set for Sept. 16. The free cruise runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Village Green (parking lot between Village Hall and library. Visit www.cruisethebacklot.com. CAPTAIN'S LICENSE CLASSES Columbia Yacht Club is offering USCG captain's licensing classes beginning with a free orientation session at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the club, at 111 N. Lake Shore Drive. The classes will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 22 and running through Nov. 19. Tuition of $1,205 includes materials. Visit www.chicago captainsclasses.com or www.usmaritime.us or contact Capt. Fred Swastek at 773-296-6852 or capt.fred@usmaritime.us or Capt. Al Grigalunas at 312-259-5125 or capt.al@usmaritime.us. AVANTI MEET The ChicagolandChapter of the Avanti Owners Association International is hosting the 2009 Meet Sept. 17-19 at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville. The three-day event will include a swap meet, seminars and a concours for Avantis, Studebakers, Packards and Pierce-Arrows. Contact Tom Corr at 630-267-5896 or tom@3penguinsltd.com. CHICAGOLAND NATIONALS The third annual PEAK Chicagoland Nationals Car Show, a car show featuring hot rods, custom cars, classics, muscle cars and trucks through 1972 vintage, hits the Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 18 through 20. More than 2,000 cars are expected along with a Street Challenge Autocross, swap meet and drag racing. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Admission is $17 for adults and $ for kids age 7-12. Call Goodguys 925-838-9876 or visit www.chicagolandnats.com. FAMOUS PUZZLER RALLYE The 11th annual Famous Puzzler Rallye kicks off with registration at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Woodfield Mall parking lot in Schaumburg near light pole B-2. A beginner's school starts at 6:45 and drivers meeting at 7 with the first car out at 7:15. Cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate with proceeds to benefit UPS for DownS, a non-profit that assists families dealing with Down Syndrome. Visit www.upsfordowns.org. RAILROAD DAYS The Monticello Railway Museum hosts Railroad Days Sept. 19 and 20 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. Abraham Lincoln and the Leviathan, an operating 1869 steam locomotive replica, will be on hand for the festivities. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All day tickets, with unlimited train rides, are $12 for adults and $8 for children age 2-12. Visit www.mrym.org. KJP CAR SHOWS In conjunction with the HeritageFest West Dundee, KJP Car, Truck and Motorcycle Shows will hold a show Sept. 19-20 at Main and 2nd Streets in the suburb. Registration opens at 10:30 with a fee of $15 per vehicle. Spectators are free, with awards by 4 p.m. Call John Pullaro at 847-608-0565 or Mike Konwinski 847-895-0032 or visit www.wdundee.org. CORVETTE FUNFEST Mid America Motorworks holds its 16th annual Corvette Funfest Sept. 25-27 at its headquarters on U.S. 45, 2 miles north of Interstates 57 and 70, in Effingham, Ill. Some 15,000 of the sports cars are expected for show. Admission starts at $40. Call 800-500-1500 or visit www.corvettefunfest.com. AMAZING RACE RALLYE Brand-X Rallye Team presents The Amazing Race gimmick ralley based on the TV show Sept. 26. The rallye begins at 6 p.m. with registration at Woodfield Mall, parking area B2, near the Firestone Tire Center. A free beginners' school starts at 6:30 p.m. with the first car off at 7:30. Call Kathy Thomas at 815-338-6319 or visit www.brandxrallyeteam.com. PUMKIN DAYS The Illinois Railway Museum hosts it annual Pumpkin Days Oct. 3 and 4. Ride the trains and pick a free pumpkin. Hours at the museum in Union are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fares are $12 for adults, $8 for kids or $45 for families. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245). ORPHAN SHOW Illinois Valley Oldsmobile Chapter of the Oldsmobile Car Club of America hosts its 5th annual Orphan Show Oct. 4. The show, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to all cars no longer in production. It will be at Mr. B's Sports Bar & Grille, 23956 Ill. 53 South, Elwood. Fee is $8 in advance and $12 at the gate. Visit www.ivocolds.com or contact Tom Echlin at 815-423-6077 or echlin88@yahoo.com or Gordon Neubauer at 815-423-6976. TERROR ON THE RAILROAD The Illinois Railway Museum hosts its annual haunted event, Terror on the Railroad, Oct. 9 and 10, 16 and 17, 23 and 24 and 30 and 31. Participants must be at least 13 and in good health. The event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. all eight nights. Tickets, available only at the gate, are $12. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245). FALL SWAPFEST Mid America Motorworks hosts its Fall Swapfest Oct. 10. Swapfest will also include an uction, flea market and car corral from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. at Mid America, on U.S. 45, 2 miles north of Interstates 57 and 70, in Effingham, Ill. Vendor spaces are $40 and the corral costs $25 per vehicle. Visit www.mamotorworks.com. GHOST TRAIN The Monticello Railway Museum hosts its Ghost Train Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30 and 31 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. The trains, with a Haunted Boxcar, run every half hour from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31. The run on the half hour from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets are $6 for ages 2 and older. Visit www.mrym.org. LOOOONG RACE The Chicagoland Sports Car Club hosts the 39th annual Loooong Race Oct. 24-25 at Blackhawk Farms in Rockton. Visit www.cscc-racing.com. TRICK OR TREAT TROLLEY Tricks and treats await you at every stop on this spooky and kooky trolley ride at the Illinois Railway Museum Oct. 24 and 25 and 31. Kids in costume get a free prize. Hours at the museum in Union are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fares are $12 for adults, $8 for kids or $45 for families. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245). SKIP'S SWAP The 17th annual Skip's Auto and Truck Parts Swap Meet is set for Nov. 1 at the new Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. The meet and sale for collectible and performance vehices is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for kids 6-11. Vendor fee is $35 and cars for sale $25. Visit www.skipsusa.com or call 630-340-4744. THE POLAR EXPRESS The Monticello Chamber of Commerce hosts Lunch with Santa on the Train Dec. 4 and 5 at the Monticello Railway Museum, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. The journey, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., leaves the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello and includes a reading of the story. Tickets are $20 per person. For information, visit www.polarexpressride.com or call 877-762-9011. For tickets, visit www.mrym.org. LUNCH WITH SANTA The Monticello Railway Museum hosts the Polar Express Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 5 and 6 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. Departures are 10 a.m. and 1, 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. Dec 6. Tickets are $11 per person. Visit www.monticellochamber.org. HAPPY HOLIDAY RAILWAY Take a train ride through holiday light displays and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Illinois Railway Museum Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13 and 19 and 20. Children on Santa's "good" list will recieve a gift. Trains run every two hours at the museum in Union. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245). TOYS FOR TOTS The 32nd annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at Dan Ryan Woods, 85th Street and Western Avenue, Chicago. The parade will proceed up Western to the Marine Reserve Center at Foster Avenue and Troy Street. Participants can gather at 8 a.m. and should bring an unwrapped new toy or game -- but no plush toys. Visit www.chicagolandtft.org or call 773-866-TOYS (8697). Having a public event? Rides would like to list it. Please send the information--event name, time, place, admission/fees and contact information--to What's up, Rides, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or e-mail to transportation@tribune.com at least two weeks before the event. Submissions will be accepted in writing only.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 2009 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance - Show Day - The Auto Chanel Posted: 07 Sep 2009 02:34 PM PDT Another Field of ExcellenceBy Steve Purdy It really feels like the traditional Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance is back. For a few years we sensed a waning of enthusiasm. This wonderful show experienced some administrative changes that threatened to slow things down considerably. A new MC took the microphone and, while he did a fine job, it just wasn't like having the rich voice and limitless knowledge of Ed Lucas narrating the show. Those photographers among us who avidly shoot the Meadow Brook show always hope for a lightly overcast, cool day for the soft light and comfortable conditions on this first week in August. After all, we're out there all day in the elements. No such luck this year. We arrived early as they began to bring cars onto the field about 6:30 AM, just as the overnight clouds began to break up. We shot most of the fantastic cars there as the light brightened. Then the sun began to beat us down with temps getting into the high 80s. But that never quells our enthusiasm for the cars, the art and the people. Meadow Brook continues to shine as one of the premier classic and collector car shows in the county. Most consider it second only to the famous Pebble Beach show, which happens just two weeks later. With just about 230 automobiles and motorcycles this year we could spend the whole day a still not spend adequate time with everything in the show. Also back for another year is a tent full of some of the most renowned automotive fine artists in the world. Unlike Pebble Beach where all the artists must be members of the prestigious Automotive Fine Art Society we often find relatively unknown artists here. Though many are AFAS members, some of the best have yet to be inducted. A couple of my favorites are Tony Sikorski of Caraopolis, PN who creates 3-deminsional, stylized images of automobiles out of corrugated materials, stainless steel and other media, and young David Chappel of Grand Blanc, MI whose intensely colorful paintings of wonderful cars, usually within urban contexts, just jump off the canvass at us. This year's featured artist is British painter Gary Whinn who has displayed many times at Meadow Brook. To quote the Meadow Brook art brochure his style "blends the traditions of automotive and figurative art, and a sense of theatre prevails throughout his work." By shortly after noon the important judging is done. The cars then pass in review for more than three hours punctuated by special features like Mode du Concours, an exhibition of period clothing using the cars as props. Marjorie Krevsky, author of the intriguing new book reviewing the history of auto show models called Sirens of Chrome, created this year's Mode du Concours featuring gowns actually worn at auto shows. Each of Meadow Brook's 24 classes has multiple winners. Those plus a series of special awards then culminate in a Best of Show American and a Best of Show European. Those are the most sought after awards by the serious collectors. Best of Show honors for American cars went to a big, beautiful Packard V-12 Sport Sedan with body by Dietrich owned by Ray Scherr of West Lake Village, California. His car was part of a class of 15 V-12 powered Packards. The judges must have had a tough time making a selection from that competitive class. Best of Show for foreign cars was bestowed on another Californian, Peter Mullin whose sleek, sexy and artistic 1939 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet with body by Figoni et Falaschi stood out in this other highly contested class. Mullin's Delahaye was also the Peoples Choice Award winner. So it struck a cord not just with the judges but with the sophisticated audience as well. Larry Moss, chairman of the selection committee, and his experienced, well-connected team deserve much credit for the stunning quality and variety of cars. Some others of my favorites: In the class called "Swoopy Coupes" we found a most unusual Hupmobile with amazing art deco details and some design elements quite advanced for its day. The headlights were neatly integrated into the hood rather than the fenders. In fact most cars of 1933 had headlights entirely separate from other body elements. Hupmobiles were great cars but didn't sell particularly well and went away much too soon. In the class called "Sports Cars from 1956" a Lancia Flaminia Zagato Super Sport jumped out at me as something I'd never seen. With gray-green body and bright red leather inside it looked much like a Ferrari of the era but with an unusual, almost ethereal quality. A beautiful white 1950 Alvis Convertible struck me as I was shooting cars coming onto the field as one I didn't recognize. A large open sports cars with sort of Jaguar styling queues and reverse-opening doors, dual windscreen and leather hood strap caught my eye. Perhaps the first convertible hardtop is this unusual, probably one-off, polished aluminum-topped 1933 Auburn 8-105 owned by Timothy Durham of Indianapolis. It looks to have a rumble seat as well as a stow-away hard top. Not only is the Auburn body beautiful in itself, but that odd top gives it a wild appearance. And, how about this 1933 Stutz DV32 Convertible Victoria with body by Rollston owned by Andy Simo of Riverside, Illinois. Ed Welburn, GM's astute design VP, was one of the judges for this class and I could see the fascination in his eye. Stutz was a big, impressive car in its day and this one is an excellent example. Parading in front of the reviewing stand repeatedly, once as the conveyance for one of the Mode du Concours models, was this 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barker Double Pullman Limousine owned by John M. O'Quinn and Darla Lexington of Houston, Texas. Have you even seen anything like it? I haven't. I'd love to be chauffeured around in this one. I could go on and on, spending the rest of the week writing about this show. Over the many years of the Meadow Brook show the Detroit automakers have always supported it with sponsorships, in-kind services, committee work and bringing special cars from the corporate collections. With the deep troubles in the industry no support was forthcoming this year but the organizers decided to honor them with special displays of Detroit's finest designs. David Kane of New Jersey earned the "Best of Detroit" award for his rare, massive Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan, but I liked this '55 Pontiac with the transparent illuminating hood ornament. Also honored at the Meadow Brook show was event founder, Don Sommer. He and some of his classic car pals put the first Meadow Brook show together 30 years ago and after chairing it for many of those years Sommer is now able to just enjoy the fruits of his labor and his creativity. By the way, M.C., Ed Lucas, presided over that first show as well, and graciously presented the accolades to his close friend Sommers. Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Research and Markets: The Automobile Production in China Is Expected ... - CNBC Posted: 07 Sep 2009 03:00 AM PDT DUBLIN, Sep 07, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/590623/china_automobile_s) has announced the addition of the "China Automobile Sector Forecast to 2012" report to their offering. China's automobile industry has been rapidly developing since 2000. Recently, at the starting of 2009, China has overtaken the US to become the largest automobile market in the world. Despite the impact of recession, country's economy is growing steadily. Moreover, China has a vast consumer base with increasing disposable income and changing lifestyle and rapid development in road infrastructure, China has become a renowned name in the global automobile industry. According to our latest study "China Automobile Sector Forecast to 2012", China produced a total 9.3 Million vehicles in 2008, surpassing United States as the 2nd largest automobile maker, after Japan. The automobile production in China is expected to reach 16 Million Units by 2012, hitting a CAGR of around 17% during 2009-2012. Despite the ongoing financial crisis, China has also become the largest automobile market in the world, with total sale of 3.84 Million vehicles for the first four months of 2009. It is expected that China will surpass the United States and become the largest car market for the full year of 2009. China is also making every possible effort to become the world's leading producer of new energy vehicle. Chinese government has recently announced various incentives and subsidies to boost the new energy vehicle market and to become the world's largest producer of electric cars in the next three years. After the announcement, various big players, including investor Warren Buffet, BMW and Toyota, and leading Chinese auto manufacturers like Chery Automobile and Geely Automobile, are entering or planning to enter the promising green vehicle market of China. The report covers various aspects of the Chinese automobile market. It gives detailed analysis of the Chinese automobile market and its various segments including passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, utility vehicles, two wheelers and auto component. Each section explains the current and future market trends, and developments in the Chinese automobile market. Our research forecasts immense opportunities for automobile manufacturers and players of automobile component industry in China. Besides this, we have also comprehensively analyzed the alternative fuel vehicle industry in China and its future outlook. The study also evaluates the growth avenues available for the country's automobile market, which include motor insurance industry, steel industry, used vehicle market, automotive electronic market, biofuel industry, etc. Key Topics Covered: Analyst View China in Context of Global Automobile Industry China Automobile Industry - Forces Fueling Growth Industry Performance Industry Trends Key Players List of Tables: Table 4-1: Number of Passenger Car Sales by Top Companies (2009) Table 4-2: Number of Commercial Vehicle Sales by Top Companies (2009) Table 6-1: Top 10 Vehicle Manufacturers (2008) Some of the Figures: Figure 2-1: Share of China in Global Automobile Production (2008) Figure 2-2: Forecast for Share of China in Global Automobile Production (2012) Figure 3-1: GDP Growth (%), 2004-2008 Figure 3-2: Middle Class Families (Million), Jan 2005 & Jan 2007 Figure 3-3: Consumer Expenditure on Transportation and Communication (Million US$), 2004-2008 Figure 3-4: Passenger Car Stock (per '000 Population), 2004-2008 Figure 3-5: Crude Steel Production (Million Metric Tons), 2004-2008 Figure 4-1: Automobile Production Structure (%), 2008 Figure 4-2: Automobile Production (Million Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-3: Automobile Sales (Million Units), 2007 & 2008 Figure 4-4: Automobile Exports ('000 Units), 2007 & 2008 Figure 4-5: Automobile Imports ('000 Units), 2007 & 2008 Figure 4-6: Forecast for Automobile Production (Million Units), 2009-2012 Figure 4-7: Passenger Car Production (Million Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-8: Passenger Car Sales (Million Units), 2007 & 2008 Figure 4-9: Passenger Car Exports ('000 Units), 2008 & 2009 Figure 4-10: Passenger Car Imports ('000 Units), 2008 & 2009 Figure 4-11: Forecast for Passenger Car Stock (per '000 Population), 2009-2012 Figure 4-12: Commercial Vehicle Production (Million Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-13: Commercial Vehicle Production by Structure (%), 2007 Figure 4-14: Commercial Vehicle Sales (Million Units), 2007 & 2008 Figure 4-15: Commercial Vehicle Exports ('000 Units), 2008 & 2009 Figure 4-16: Commercial Vehicle Imports ('000 Units), 2008 & 2009 Figure 4-17: Forecast for Commercial Vehicle Production (Million Units), 2009-2012 Figure 4-18: Motorcycle Production (Million Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-19: Motorcycle Sales (Million Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-20: Motorcycle Exports (Million Units), 2008 & 2009 Figure 4-21: Forecast for Motorcycle Production (Million Units), 2009-2012 Figure 4-22: Global Hybrid Electric Vehicle Sales ('000 Units), 2004-2008 Figure 4-23: Auto Parts Production (Billion RMB), 2008 & 2010 Companies Mentioned: General Motors Corporation Volkswagen AG Toyota Motor Corporation Hyundai Motor Company Ford Motor Company China FAW Group Corporation Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. ChangAn Automobile Group Co., Ltd For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/590623/china_automobile_s SOURCE: Research and Markets CONTACT: Laura Wood Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com Fax from USA: 646-607-1907 Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716 Copyright Business Wire 2009 -0- KEYWORD: China Asia Pacific INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Manufacturing Automotive Manufacturing Automotive General Automotive  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Long-Term Test: 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe - Edmunds.com Posted: 06 Sep 2009 04:58 PM PDT Wrap-UpWhy We Bought It Four blocks have passed and our eyes remain locked on the rearview mirror. Drive faster. Drive slower. Change lanes. Our attempts to shake the 1990s-vintage Explorer behind us are in vain. His erratic driving has us on edge, and for good reason. We are driving the 2008 Smart Fortwo, a car that offers only inches of separation between its rear bumper and our BVDs. NHTSA gives it a four-star driver crash test rating, but with this moron shadowing our rear bumper we're skeptical. A closer look at the driver confirms he's different from the Smart gawkers we've come to expect. This guy is oblivious to the Smart. He's unaware of anything beyond whatever he's fumbling with in his lap. A string of green lights allows some separation between us and our mind is back at ease. Up ahead the signal turns red and we slow the Smart to a stop. This car isn't all that bad. We sit patiently for a second. Two seconds. Three. Wham! We're rear-ended by a 1990s Explorer. Why We Got It Our interest was based largely on the car's novelty factor. Were we to take the Smart seriously as a daily driver or was it a glorified golf cart? Beyond practicality we wondered just how safe the 1,800-pound Smart could feel traveling U.S. highways while sandwiched between 5,000-pound SUVs and 80,000-pound trailer-laden big rigs. Would its popularity in the urban European market equate to success in the suburban sprawl of North America? An extended 18-month and 18,000-mile test of the Smart on the long-term blog sought to answer all of our questions. Durability As luck would have it, this was the first Smart to receive such damage in the Los Angeles area. No Smart-certified dealer in the Western United States could help us. As the dealer network was still getting its feet on the ground, no dealer yet had the tools, training or parts for the job. So we tried another route. Beverly Coachcraft handled the vast majority of body repairs for our local Mercedes of Beverly Hills, and was located a block from our office, so our logistical debacle began there. Parts could be ordered from Germany and shipped unpainted. But the correct paint codes could not be confirmed. Neither could price. After some time it was suggested we head directly to Mercedes of Beverly Hills. It was a certified Smart dealer, though at this juncture that meant squat. Once at the Mercedes dealer we started making progress, albeit slowly. Body panels had to be ordered from Germany, as did the bent control arm. And it would take weeks for them to arrive. Also in the shipment were the necessary tools to complete the work. All told, the damage repairs cost the at-fault party $3,000. But it cost us 29 days without our most recent addition. Once back on the road, we finally began to get a feel for how this unique coupe drove. For the drive around town a Smart presents clear benefits. "It's a city car for people who like cars," Inside Line Executive Editor Michael Jordan began. He continued, "You can tell you're in something good as soon as you take the seat. The controls feel perfectly European — direct, communicative and lively. And the Smart asks you to drive it. If you want to go fast, you must use the throttle pedal and then the triple behind you answers with a smooth, motorcycle-style growl, as if it's turbocharged. This Smart is the VW Beetle of the 21st century. It's a car with a simplicity that can be mistaken for crudeness, and it tests your attitudes about transportation as well as your driving skill." On the freeway our Smart Fortwo proved far less appealing. Its short 73.5-inch wheelbase didn't offer the straight-line stability required to resist the water runoff grooves etched into California freeways. So when its 15-inch Continental tires grab hold, these channels shift the car to and fro accordingly. Just as the road seemed to have its way with the Smart at speed, so did the elements. Wind really tossed the Smart around, which we caught on video across one expanse of highway 15 through the Nevada desert. Automotive Editor James Riswick was pilot on this adventure and commented, "For a good chunk of the drive I had the wheel pointed 30 degrees to port just to manage the crosswind. At one point I couldn't help but laugh hysterically as the winds whacked the Smart all over the road. It's one of the few enjoyable moments I've had behind its tiny wheel." Inside the cabin we found the comfortable, commanding seating position and excellent visibility vital assets to the Smart driving experience. They are a necessity considering the size of the vehicle, because it demands a defensive driving mentality at all times. Aside from the traffic collision it was bulletproof. At 10,000 miles we performed its scheduled service for $200. During the visit there were warranty items to replace a poorly printed VIN label, ECU software upgrade to improve shift characteristics and a preventive shift knob replacement (shift knobs were known to stick in some Smarts. Overall we were quite pleased with the car's mechanical durability. Total Body Repair Costs: $2,960 Performance and Fuel Economy Senior Road Test Editor Josh Jacquot drove the Smart for instrumented testing. Jacquot noted, "Electronic limits make all handling tests pointless in this car. The limits are set arbitrarily low. It generates 0.73g of lateral force on the skid pad and pushes through the slalom at 55.4 mph. On a scale of excellent, good or poor, I would rate the Smart's handling: pointless." In a straight line the Smart further secured its role as a city dweller. From a stop it needed 13.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, and completed the quarter-mile in 19.1 seconds at 70 mph. This is performance for urban gridlock, not the open road. Best Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Retained Value We purchased a used Smart on eBay for $17,000 when new cars had a six-month waiting list and the dealer network was nonexistent. MSRP on our car was $15,305. We sold the Smart to Carmax for $9,000 after nearly a month of advertising privately. TMV® at the time was $11,000. True Market Value at service end: $11,000 Summing Up Our concerns were met with some validity. When a careless motorist incapacitated the Smart for a month, a soft "we told you so" filled the air. But that turned out to be the only hitch in the Smart's giddyap. From there it took everything we threw at it and remained a mechanically sound performer. Realistically the Fortwo can be a fun, limited-range city car. And when it comes to parking it's like no other. But pull any one of us aside and we'll tell you that driving the Smart for any length of time feels more like punishment than reward. We disliked the awkward, single-clutch automated transmission and the inverted brake pedal. In general, the driving character of the 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion is too unique for our tastes. It was brilliant for errands, but terrible if you wanted to go any place. It was really entertaining if you liked a challenge, but endlessly frustrating if you really just wanted painless automotive transportation. In the end, it proved a test of expectations, not machinery. And if our commute required extensive freeway time, we'd choose the Smart last every time. The Smart has a place. But for the majority of us, that place isn't our driveway. Edmunds purchased this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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