Tuesday, April 24, 2007
BorgWarner Showcases Technology at 2007 Shanghai Auto Show
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA) will share its technical expertise in all-wheel drive, dual clutch technologies and diesel exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), during seminars at the 12th international Shanghai Auto Show held in the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center from April 22 - 28. The company will also display its leading technologies at the exhibition, including regulated 2- stage turbocharger (R2S(TM)) systems, dual-clutch transmission modules (known as DualTronic(R)), and chain timing systems, all wheel drive systems, and diesel cold start technologies from BERU AG, a majority-owned subsidiary of BorgWarner.
"The explosive growth in China's auto industry provides BorgWarner's advanced engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive technology with a wealth of opportunities to benefit drivers," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "In the next five to seven years, we expect our sales in China to grow five to six-fold. We are committed to driving product leadership for our customers and partners in this region." BorgWarner currently has four plants in China and a regional office in Shanghai.
Founded in 1985, the International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2007) is held every two years. Organizers expect over 1,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and 400,000 visitors to attend this year's event, which will feature a wide range of exhibits including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, auto parts and accessories as well as design, technology and new product concept displays and seminars.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 64 locations in 17 countries. Customers include Ford, VW/Audi, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, BMW, Caterpillar, Navistar International, and Peugeot.
The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/
Statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of the Company, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: fluctuations in domestic or foreign automotive production, the continued use of outside suppliers by original equipment manufacturers, fluctuations in demand for vehicles containing the Company's products, general economic conditions, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors identified in its most recently filed annual report or Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Source: BorgWarner Inc.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
DaimlerChrysler Shows Broad Portfolio at Auto Shanghai 2007
* DaimlerChrysler displays almost 50 vehicles
* Dodge has arrived in China – Dodge Caliber, locally-produced Dodge Caravan minivan
* Chrysler shows Sebring, to be built at BBDC
* Jeep® Compass Rallye Asia Premier
* Mercedes Car Group celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC
* Mercedes shows S350; AMG and SUV lineup
* New Mercedes-Benz E-Class, produced at BBDC
Shanghai, Apr 20, 2007 -- DaimlerChrysler will show almost 50 vehicles this year at Auto Shanghai, including vehicles from Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group and Truck Group, in addition to its history as a safety pioneer, roadmap to sustainable mobility and new vehicle financing products in China.
The Chrysler Group is formally introducing Dodge in China, showing two new vehicles for local production – the new Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caravan minivan – and, for the first time in Asia, unveiling the Jeep® Compass Rallye. Mercedes Car Group, celebrating 100 years of 4MATIC all-wheel drive this year, is unveiling the new S350, its AMG lineup, the “fantastic four” SUV lineup and the new E-Class vehicles produced at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler (BBDC) joint venture in Beijing. The Truck Group is showing Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor heavy duty trucks for various logistics and construction applications.
“From the two-seat Mercedes-Benz SLK convertible roadster and GL55 AMG off-road powerhouse, to the largest Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy duty truck; and from the locally produced Chrysler Sebring and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, to the 500 hp Dodge Viper - DaimlerChrysler’s display is emblematic of the breadth and depth of its strong brands, and its intention to sell and produce vehicles in China in almost every segment,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Northeast Asia. “All of our divisions and regional partners have a presence at Auto Shanghai, which is symbolic of our continued growth and expansion in this dynamic market.”
Chrysler Group
The Chrysler Group will show 24 vehicles at Auto Shanghai, representing all of its brands – Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge. The Chrysler Group is embarking on an unprecedented product offensive and has very ambitious plans to increase sales and production in the region.
The Chrysler Group is showing two new vehicles which will be produced in China this year – The new Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan, which will be produced at the BBDC JV; and the Dodge Caravan minivan, which will be produced at Southeast motors, via a licensing agreement, in Fuzhou.
The new Chrysler Sebring Sedan combines eye-catching design with interior refinement, customer-focused technology and safety features, brisk performance and fuel efficiency. Together with the Chrysler 300C, PT Cruiser and Grand Voyager, the Chrysler Sebring continues to expand the Chrysler brand’s presence in China.
The Dodge brand has arrived in China! The Dodge Caravan, the best selling minivan in the world, is the first Dodge vehicle to be produced and sold in China. It joins the Dodge Caliber, which goes on sale in 2008 in China. Dodge is also showing its icon – the 500+ hp Dodge Viper Roadster, along with the Avenger, high performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 and special edition Dodge Caliber SEMA Concept.
Jeep® will unveil the Compass Rallye for the first time in Asia. Starting today, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander go on sale in China. The Jeep Compass will go on sale in the second half of the year, and the venerable Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will come to China in 2008.
Mercedes Car Group
Mercedes Car Group will display 20 new models on the stand, including the new Mercedes-Benz S350, which has a new rear seat entertainment system customized for China. The Mercedes-Benz S350 joins the Mercedes-Benz S300 (developed exclusively for China), Mercedes-Benz S600 and Mercedes-Benz SL500 as part of the lineup of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans. China has one of the highest sales of S-Class vehicles in the world. For the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, which accounted for almost half of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in China.
Following the increasing demand for luxury in China, the ultra-luxurious Maybach 62S has a special VIP area in the MCG stand.
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC, all-wheel drive technology this year. In 1907 the Company created the world’s first all-wheel drive vehicle. As of 2007, Mercedes-Benz has implemented 4th generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology in forty-eight models across seven series including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the SUV family, far more than any other luxury car maker in the world. Two weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz officially launched some of its fastest sedans in the world’s fastest growing market; the legendary AMG high-performance vehicles are now available China - S65 AMG, E63 AMG, G55 AMG and ML63 AMG. Renowned for their high-performance, specially tuned engines, and unique interior and exterior appointments, AMG vehicles represent the best attributes of Mercedes-Benz, taken to the next level.
“With the rapid growth of affluence in China and increasing desire for individuality and personal expressiveness, we are bringing the most dynamic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to the most dynamic market in the world,” added Walker. “Chinese consumers are increasingly differentiating themselves through high-end fashion, design, travel and lifestyle choices. Automobile enthusiasts have long considered their vehicles as extensions of themselves. AMG offers a new level of automotive aspiration and expression for the growing number of passionate car enthusiasts in China.”
Mercedes-Benz is also showing the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, built at the BBDC joint venture (E 200; E280 and E350). Production of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues ramping up at the plant from when it began last November. A history journey from Paris to Beijing over 28 days heralded the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in China last year.
Mercedes-Benz will demonstrate why it is the number one in luxury SUV’s in China with its “Fantastic Four” lineup: The full-size Mercedes-Benz R-Class SUV, the award-winning full-size Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the high-performance mid-size Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, and the 28-year-old classic, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a truly professional off-road warrior.
Mercedes-Benz will also show its transporters – the Mercedes-Benz Viano and Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Viano Multi Purpose Vehicles. Mercedes-Benz transporters set new benchmarks for family or business transportation needs, providing best-in-class comfort, space and reliability.
Truck Group
DaimlerChrysler’s Truck Group will show four heavy-duty trucks in its outdoor display. Three versions of the Mercedes-Benz Actros will be shown, the Actros Tractor, Actros Wrecker and Actros Pump. These trucks, which are renowned for their reliability, safety, quality and technical innovations, show various adaptations which serve the fast-growing construction, logistics and concrete industries in China.
Mercedes-Benz will also show its Axor Heavy Duty Tractor, a more economical solution for construction and utility usage.
Mercedes-Benz Truck continues to expand sales in China due to its best in class reliability, quality and safety. Mercedes-Benz Trucks are the leaders in their segments in China (Imported vehicles from Western Europe), with 44% market share.
DaimlerChrysler Auto Finance is staring a new promotion at Auto Shanghai – finance a Mercedes-Benz E280 for 280 RMB per day.
DaimlerChrysler is expanding sales and production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Northeast Asia. DaimlerChrysler's joint venture BBDC has been ramping up production of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Chrysler 300C. DaimlerChrysler imports passenger cars and commercial vehicles to Northeast Asia under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Freightliner and Fuso brands.
Source: DaimlerChrysler
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Inner City Students to See Inside The Life of an Automotive Journalist at 2007 New York International Auto Show
"As a sponsor of After-School All-Stars, we wanted to share with students in the New York Chapter the wonders of an auto show, and give them an exciting, first-hand learning experience on what it would be like to be an automotive journalist," explained Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. HUMMER has been a national sponsor of ASAS programs for the past six years.
The students were chosen from dozens of other teens by way of an essay contest, and will spend a day with Alan Taylor of Car and Driver, who is also the automotive reviewer for the Regis and Kelly show. Each student wrote an essay about why they wanted to attend the NYIAS as a journalist for the day.
"I love to write," commented Elizabeth, a 6th grade winner, "and to see cars that haven't even come out yet would be very exciting. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
Winning essays were selected by the After-School All-Stars Organization. "We are committed to providing our children the highest quality after-school programs," said Ken Podziba, local After-School All-Stars of New York board member and New York City Sports Commissioner. "This is a great example of how strong partnerships between schools, nonprofits and corporations can help children reach their full potential."
Students will begin their day with a chauffeured ride in HUMMER vehicles from their school to the ABC Studios where The Regis and Kelly show takes place. There they will watch Taylor provide viewers with an inside look at the hottest cars at the auto show this year.
Next on the agenda will be a tour of the offices of Hachette Filipacci Media US, the New-York-based subsidiary of Hachette Filipacchi Médias, the world's largest magazine publisher. There, the students will meet CEO Jack Kliger. The final stop will be a personal tour of this year's New York International Auto Show offerings, with Taylor providing them with highlights from an insider's perspective. To cap off their day as a journalist-in-training, the students will each write a news story about their experience at the auto show and their interviews with the publishing experts. Their stories will be posted on GM's FYI blog (http://fyi.gmblogs.com) and at the After-School All-Stars website (http://afterschoolallstars.org).
About After-School All-Stars
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars strives to keep kids safe and to help them achieve in school and in life. After-School All-Stars offers high quality, comprehensive after-school programs that emphasize pro-social activities, academic excellence, and enrichment opportunities. Nationwide, more than 60,000 high-risk youth benefit from these programs in 13 U.S. cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose and South Florida.
For more information, visit www.afterschoolallstars.org
For information about After-School All-Stars New York, visit www.asasny.com
HUMMER is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, which employs about 321,000 people globally. The HUMMER product line-up consists of the HUMMER H2, HUMMER H2 SUT, HUMMER H3, HUMMER H3 Alpha and the HUMMER H3X. There are 173 HUMMER dealers nationwide.
More information is available at www.hummer.com
Source: HUMMER / After-School All-Stars
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Alcantara Inside Hottest Rides at NYIAS 2007
NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Autos on display at the 2007 New York International Auto Show come in all shapes, sizes, and paint jobs, but it's the vehicle with a stunning interior design that sets itself apart from the rest of the pack. This year, many of the world's leading automakers and designers continue to use Alcantara(R) on everything from seats to steering wheels and headliners to create striking interior compartments that offer drivers a luxurious aesthetic with functional benefits.
At this year's show, Alcantara(R) can be seen in vehicles including the Callaway C16 Corvette Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Concept, Honda S2000 CR, and Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG. The one-of-a-kind upholstery material is featured in foreign sports cars, domestic SUVs, and everything in between. Alcantara(R) only became available in American cars and SUVs from DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors in the last year.
The material's versatility is one of the biggest takeaways from the show floor of the New York International Auto Show. As a headliner in the Lexus LS600 hL, a seat cover in the Mercury Mariner Premier, or to cover the center console of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera each auto utilizes the material's look and feel to create a distinctive interior design.
"It's exciting to see Alcantara(R) featured in a variety of ways, in a wide range of vehicles at one of the biggest auto shows of the year," said Derick C. Fronda, Executive Director of Toray Ultrasuede America, Inc. "Automakers continue to choose Alcantara(R) to enhance the interior of their vehicles because of the high quality and durability that other materials can't match."
FUNCTION
The antistatic, breathable, and high grip qualities of Alcantara(R) have revolutionized the concept of automotive interior design and established it as the material that provides the highest quality for auto manufacturers around the world. More than just a seat covering, Alcantara(R) is an expressive layer that communicates the highest aesthetic and performance standards with ultimate comfort.
TECHNOLOGY
The proprietary production process of Alcantara(R) is characterized by automation and constant control of all phases from spinning to dyeing and is designed to reduce the impact on the environment by adhering to a policy of eco-efficiency higher than that required by law.
About Toray Ultrasuede America, Inc.
TUA is a subsidiary of Toray Industries. Founded in 1926, Toray is a global corporation with worldwide net sales of $15 billion. Employing more than 34,000 people in 16 countries across the globe, Toray is strategically diversified in the fields of aerospace, pharmaceutical & medical, plastics & chemicals and IT related products. Additionally, Toray is the world's leading manufacturer of advanced fibers and textiles and the inventor of the first ultra-micro fiber.
TUA is the official distributor of Alcantara(R) materials in the American automotive markets.
Alcantara(R) is the registered trademark of Alcantara Spa, Italy.
Source: Toray Ultrasuede America, Inc.