“Fort Erie car track racing ahead - Buffalo Business First” plus 3 more

Fort Erie car track racing ahead - Buffalo Business First
Messer remembered as rock of the family' - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Harley may someday build motorcycles overseas - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
NADAguides.com Names The Top Five Vehicles of the 2009 Orange County ... - The Auto Chanel

Fort Erie car track racing ahead - Buffalo Business First

Posted: 16 Oct 2009 02:49 AM PDT

Developers of an auto racing complex in Fort Erie, Ont., that could attract some of the sport's biggest stars are hopeful it will be ready for racing by 2011.

Plans for Canadian Motor Speedway, a sprawling 820-acre complex along the Queen Elizabeth Way and less than five miles from the Peace Bridge, has already caught the attention of top racer Jeff Gordon. His company, Charlotte-based Jeff Gordon Inc., is one of the project's main partners. His top advisers – including his stepfather, John Bickford, and attorney Michael Holland – are working closely on the development.

The speedway portion of the project will cost $150 million, said Jay Mason, Mase-Race project partner and part of the development team.

Gordon is a top Nascar driver, but the project has no links to that racing organization or any other racing groups.

Located on mostly vacant land between Gilmore and Bowen roads, the project includes a one-mile oval track, 2.5-mile road course, a 65,000-capacity grandstand that can be expanded to 100,000, and other developments including a hotel and restaurants.

Mason said the speedway complex will account for 600 acres of the project.

The remaining 220 acres will be used for a research-and-development series of buildings, mostly overseen by McMaster University and other private interests. McMaster wants to develop an "R&D Center of Excellence" to focus on engineering issues related to auto design and powertrain development, as well as automotive green fuels research.

The McMaster and R&D park development could boost the project's price tag to more than $350 million, Mason said.

The project would be privately funded, mostly through North American-based investors. It would be the largest privately funded development project in Fort Erie's history.

The track could create 1,000 construction industry jobs during development, while the speedway may employ 100 people full-time and 2,500 part-timers.

Mason said he envisions the track hosting 10 major races each year focusing on stock cars, endurance-style races, motorcycle and open-wheel races. He put the economic impact of each race at $20 million. He and his partners are in the process of acquiring what's left of the 15 parcels needed for the project. Environmental reviews are being done by the Town of Fort Erie and the Ontario Provincial government. The Fort Erie Town Council must sign off on the project.

Canadian Motor Speedway

Location: Bowen Road, Fort Erie, less than five miles from the Peace Bridge
What it is: One-mile oval track; 2.5 mile road course; 65,000-seat grandstand; R&D industrial park, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.
Cost: $350 million in private funds
Development partners: Jeff Gordon Inc., MaseRace, McMaster University
Local impact: 100 full-time jobs at the speedway and 2,500 part-timers; 1,000 construction jobs and a projected $20 million economic impact per major race.

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Messer remembered as rock of the family' - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Posted: 15 Oct 2009 11:15 PM PDT

Longtime West Texas auto dealer Delmar "Gene" Messer, who died Wednesday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, was a strong man to the end.

"He was very strong, even with this disease. If you'd told him he could have driven a week ago, he'd have wanted to," said Tarah Martin Walter, one of Messer's seven grandchildren.

Messer was 79.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Lubbock, where Messer was active for many years as a deacon and on several church leadership committees.

Walter said her grandfather became "the rock of the family" as a 14-year-old in Lockney when he took over the family's combination gas station and used car lot after his father died.

Selling cars became his life, and how he supported his mother and paid his way through Texas Tech.

He sold cars for others until 1963, when he found a partner and opened his first dealership. He started with Ramblers in Amarillo, Walter said, and then Volkswagens. He also sold motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and imports.

It was 13 years before Messer returned to Lubbock and opened a Ford dealership at 19th Street and Texas Avenue.

Back then, all the auto dealers in Lubbock had downtown showrooms. John Zwiacher, now general manager of the Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet dealership across the street, came to know Messer well.

"He was just a real good ambassador for the automobile industry," Zwiacher said. "He was a great competitor, and a lot of his people worked for him for a long time."

Greg Wessels came to work for Messer in 1978 and rose to become the dealership group's chief operating officer. Messer was once responsible for as many as 600 employees, Wessels said.

"He was my boss, my partner and my friend," Wessels said. "To the Gene Messer Automotive Group he meant everything. He was an outstanding guy and he took care of a lot of employees."

Messer built up his network, which merged with Houston-based Group 1 Automotive Inc. in 1999, by acquiring troubled dealerships.

"He never bought any dealerships that were successful," Wessels said. "Every one was in trouble or not operating correctly when he took them over."

The business never seemed far from his thoughts, family members said.

"When I asked Gene if I had his permission to marry his daughter he replied that she came as is, no warranty," said Messer's son-in-law, Larry Martin. "I didn't hesitate, I took her."

Messer was preceded in death by Carlene, his wife of 54 years. He is survived by his son, Mike, and daughter, Michele, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

All Messer dealerships in Lubbock will close Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. to honor his memory.

The family requests that memorials be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494.

To comment on this story:

walt.nett@lubbockonline.com l 766-8744

shelly.gonzales@lubbockonline.com l 766-8747

LUBBOCK/Funeral services set Monday for man who made a life of selling cars

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Harley may someday build motorcycles overseas - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Posted: 15 Oct 2009 09:42 PM PDT

Posted: Oct. 15, 2009

Harley-Davidson Inc., the Milwaukee company with an iconic made-in-America brand, may someday build motorcycles overseas.

By 2014, more than 40% of the company's sales will be outside the United States, Harley executives said.

Starting next year, the company will begin adding 100 to 150 dealerships in Europe and other foreign markets.

India is high on Harley's priority list because of its burgeoning middle-class population and desire for American products.

China and eastern Europe also are places where Harley could extend its presence with heavyweight touring motorcycles.

Harley assembles virtually all of its bikes in the U.S., although various parts come from overseas. The world's largest manufacturer of heavyweight bikes has a solid reputation as an American icon, one that is recognizable and popular around the world.

"It routinely makes the list of the 100 most valuable brands," said analyst Craig Kennison with Robert W. Baird & Co.

About 30% of Harley's motorcycle sales are outside the U.S.

About half of the company's dealers are in foreign countries, and sales in those markets have grown at a fast clip.

As Harley becomes a more global company, it may decide to build bikes in other countries in addition to selling them there.

"There is a possibility that we would have to both design and manufacture" a motorcycle for specific markets, CEO Keith Wandell said.

Wandell's comments followed a corporate earnings report in which Harley said third-quarter profit slid 84% and the company would discontinue its brand of Buell motorcycles, based in East Troy.

About 100 salaried workers and 80 hourly positions will be eliminated from winding down Buell, with most of the cuts coming by Dec. 18. That comes on top of more than 2,000 jobs that Harley-Davidson eliminated at its factories and headquarters this year.

Harley also said it would sell its MV Agusta motorcycle brand, which it acquired last year for $109 million.

"The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand," Wandell said.

Emerging markets

The CEO said a bright spot will be sales in emerging markets such as India and China, where newly wealthy riders are looking for bigger, better bikes. Harley recently announced plans to start selling motorcycles in India in 2010.

The company already assembles motorcycles in Brazil for that country, as a way to avoid steep import tariffs.

But Harley doesn't intend to manufacture motorcycles in other countries and export them to the U.S., according to Wandell.

"We are proud of our made-in-America heritage," he said.

It's difficult to say whether a Sportster, Softail or Fat Boy made in India or China would have the same cachet as a bike made in the U.S.

The answer is "probably not," said Don Brown, a motorcycle industry consultant based in Irvine, Calif.

"Harley would have to prove that its quality is still the same," Brown said, and without the made-in-America label, the brand would lose much of its appeal.

Harley has bikes specifically designed for European countries.

What's important is that Harley keep the same V-Twin engine that's the heart and soul of its motorcycles, said analyst Tim Conder with Wells Fargo Securities.

Harley could use foreign-made fenders and other parts but would have to "dance carefully" when making engine changes, Conder said.

The company's leadership recognizes that growth in foreign markets is likely to outpace growth in the U.S., where aging baby boomers are spending more time with their grandchildren and touring in motor homes than riding a motorcycle.

Overseas a focus

Wandell had decades of international experience at Johnson Controls Inc., an automotive parts and building controls company, before coming to Harley this year.

Harley will become focused on growth overseas, through locally relevant products that embody the essence of the Harley brand, the new CEO said.

It might help if Harley modified the bikes it builds and sells overseas to lower the costs, said analyst Ned Douthat with Ockham Research.

Doing that would not harm the brand in the U.S. unless the modified bikes were sold here, he said.

"Then you would definitely get some push-back" from consumers, he said.

Since early this year, Harley-Davidson has been cutting production and jobs and recently said it may relocate its assembly plant in York, Pa., to lower production costs.

Between 15 and 30 U.S. Harley dealerships are expected to close in the coming year, which is unusual for a company that's rarely lost one.

"It's not a bad move for Harley to look outside of the U.S. market, where we don't see a lot of growth," said analyst Robin Diedrich with Edward R. Jones Investments.

Motorcycle industry insiders agreed that Harley may have to someday manufacture as well as sell bikes overseas. But they also warn that the brand may be diminished.

"But when you go down the international road, it's hard to say, 'Buy my product, but I don't want you to build it,' " said Laurence Richardson, editor of Clutch & Chrome, an online magazine for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Investors liked Thursday's announcements. Harley-Davidson's shares rose $1.43 to $27.69.

Harley-Davidson Inc.

3rd quarter			%
9/27	2009	2008	change
Sales	$1,121.3	$1,422.8	-21.2
Net income	26.5	166.5	-84.1
EPS (diluted)	0.11	0.71	-84.5
9 months
Sales	$3,565.6	$4,301.7	-17.1
Net income	163.6	576.9	-71.6
EPS (diluted)	0.70	2.45	-71.4

Figures in millions except for earnings per share. Percentages are based on unrounded sales and income figures.

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NADAguides.com Names The Top Five Vehicles of the 2009 Orange County ... - The Auto Chanel

Posted: 15 Oct 2009 09:34 PM PDT

- Highlights of the Season-Opening OC Auto Show Feature New Styling, Performance and Efficiency -

ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 15 -- As the first major market auto show of the season, the Orange County Auto Show offers those in attendance a first look at hundreds of 2010 model year cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs, in addition to concept cars and pre-production vehicles. To help show-goers get the most out of the event, the automotive experts at NADAguides.com compiled a list of the top five must-see cars - the Best of the 2009 Orange County Auto Show.

"It's always exciting when the auto show season kicks off and the automakers showcase their newest technologies and concept vehicles designed to excite consumers and enthusiasts. The automotive industry reinvents itself every year as ideas are put on display for the public to see," said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com automotive expert. "When selecting our top five vehicles of this year's OC Auto Show, we looked not only at the forward thinking concepts but at the cars that will make an immediate impact in the automotive market as well."

In no particular order, the NADAguides.com Best of the 2009 Orange County Auto Show are:

Cadillac Converj Concept (West Coast Debut)

This stunning 2+2 coupe first debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and illustrates GM's vision of the future of luxury. The Converj is powered by GM's Voltec drivetrain, first shown on the Chevy Volt, which utilizes lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor as the primary method of propulsion. A small-displacement 4-cylinder gas engine acts as a generator, charging the battery when it begins to run low and significantly extending the vehicle's range. With a 40 mile pure electric range, innovative technological features and luxurious appointments throughout, the Converj proves that efficiency, luxury and aesthetic beauty can coexist flawlessly.

2011 Ford Fiesta

All too often in the minds of consumers, subcompact means subpar when it comes to style, quality and driving dynamics. Not so with the highly anticipated 2011 Ford Fiesta. A 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with variable cam timing offers great fuel economy and allows the lightweight Fiesta to zip around on the highway or through the city streets. The European-style sport-tuned suspension and precise steering also makes it fun in the corners. With an upscale interior and options including SYNC voice activation and leather seats, the Ford Fiesta is poised to cause a stir in the subcompact car market.

"Ford has hit a home run with its all-new 2011 Fiesta as this subcompact combines the right amount of sport and performance with a stylish and upscale interior," said Michael Caudill, auto expert, NADAguides.com.

2010 Kia Forte Koup (West Coast Debut)

With its bold and aggressive styling, the all-new Kia Forte Koup is one of the best looking small cars on the market today. Fortunately, Kia backs up those looks with a choice of two efficient and peppy DOHC 4-cylinder engines: a 156 hp 2.0L and 173 hp 2.4L. Just like its four-door sibling, the Kia Forte impresses on the inside with standard Bluetooth, SIRIUS satellite radio, iPod connectivity and optional heated leather seats. A curb weight well under 2800 pounds for manual transmission equipped models allows the Forte Koup to provide a sporty and efficient drive at an exceptional value.

"The Kia Forte Koup follows in the footsteps of the slightly larger four-door sedan with an unprecedented 2.4L engine that produces 173 hp. This Forte Koup will be a class leader with numbers like this. Kia is becoming the next big global automotive giant," said Michael Caudill, automotive expert, NADAguides.com

Hyundai Nuvis Concept (West Coast Debut)

Though unlikely to see production, the wild Hyundai Nuvis crossover concept is significant in that it highlights Hyundai's Hybrid Bluedrive architecture which will form the foundation of Hyundai's future hybrid lineup. The parallel hybrid system mates a 30kW electric motor powered by lithium polymer batteries to the efficient 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder engine, allowing either one or both to send power directly through the 6-speed automatic transmission. An electric air conditioning compressor, regenerative braking system and automatic engine shutoff feature show that Hyundai's Hybrid Bluedrive is on the cutting edge of fuel-saving technology.

Chevrolet Stingray Concept (West Coast Debut)

Another striking concept that probably won't make it to the showroom is the Stingray concept, although it does hint at possible styling cues for the next generation Corvette. Fresh off its starring role in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the exaggerated lines of the concept create a shape that is both menacing and beautiful, familiar and yet entirely different. The Stingray draws inspiration from some of the most recognizable Corvettes of the past, including the sweeping wheel arches of the C3 Corvette and the split-window rear of the 1963 Corvette Stingray.

For more on the cars featured in the NADAguides.com Best of the 2009 Orange County Auto Show, stay tuned for vehicle information at www.NADAguides.com and full OC Auto Show coverage in the NADAguides.com Garage.

About NADAguides.com

NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) is the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes. NADAguides.com offers in-depth shopping and research tools in addition to the most market-reflective pricing available. The company also produces print guidebooks, software, web services, raw data and web syndicated products.

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