Automobile Point

The popularity of Ford SYNC reached a new milestone today, as Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally delivered Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer his new 2010 Fusion Hybrid equipped with the 1 millionth SYNC system, which is powered by Microsoft Auto software.

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value,” Mulally said. “The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.”

SYNC is Ford’s fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. Since its debut in 2007 on the Ford Focus, SYNC has continued to gain in popularity. More than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system.

Like other advanced hardware and software solutions, SYNC continues to expand its applications. In 2008, SYNC was upgraded with two new applications, Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist(TM), and more are on the way.

Ford’s latest SYNC application, Traffic, Directions and Information, will be available for download this summer. It will provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.

“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford the connectivity leader in the auto industry,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronic systems. “We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”

The 1 millionth SYNC equipped vehicle, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, is only fitting, because the all-new sedan is the new benchmark in midsized sedans. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize car in America, with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

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Daimler’s A-Class F-CELL hydrogen powered vehicle caps a successful five-year journey of road trials in the U.S. with its participation in the Hydrogen Road Tour 09 starting today at Chula Vista, California. The recently converted A-Class F-CELL “plus” with 700 bar technology will participate in the tour along with hydrogen-powered vehicles from other automakers. This new 700 bar technology extends the range in the current vehicle generation by about 70 percent.

The nine day road trip will cover over 1,800 miles and stop in 28 communities before arriving in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 3. The tour is showcasing the progress of hydrogen programs in the U.S. and is organized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), Powertech Labs, the National Hydrogen Association and the U.S. Fuel Cell Council.

A fleet of 30 A-Class F-CELL vehicles has been in daily use on public roads in the U.S. since 2004. The program includes fleet and infrastructure trials supported by the states of California and Michigan. After the tour, the A-Class F-CELL will be passing on the baton to the next generation of fuel cell vehicles: The B-Class F-CELL, the first fuel cell vehicle produced in a small volume series, but under full series development processes. The A-Class F-CELL vehicles which were deployed with customers from governmental agencies, universities and utility companies, received high marks from their users for their drivability, great acceleration, and zero tailpipe emissions.

“We are excited about the positive reception of fuel cell technology in California and across the U.S.,” said Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Director of Fuel Cell & Battery Drive Development at Daimler. “It is an extraordinary pleasure to me that our trial partners in government and in the private sector consider the A-Class F-CELL a living proof of the viability of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. They are enthusiastically supporting the plea for funding and creating the much needed infrastructure.”

Fuel cell technology is key to emission-free driving in the future, as it is the only emission-free technology equally suited for both short and long distance mobility. Bringing fuel cell technology to market requires efficient cooperation between political decision-makers, the oil industry, the energy sector, and other potential investors. The production of hydrogen from renewable sources and the establishment of a suitable hydrogen supply infrastructure are crucial to continue the advancement of this technology. Therefore, Daimler is actively engaging in dialogue and technical cooperation with industrial, governmental and policy stakeholders to foster the partnering and solicit support. The company is an active and founding member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership and is working with the Department of Energy on a technology validation project.

Only with further cooperation, standardization and the implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure it will be possible to pave the road to emission-free driving. Daimler underlines its commitment to environmental responsibility and will release the first near-serially produced fuel cell vehicles to customers as early as 2010. The company expects the marketability as early as 2015.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL

The B-Class F-CELL is a Compact Sports Tourer which will be introduced to customers by the end of 2009 and is far more powerful and efficient than the A-Class F-CELL. Based on the optimized more compact fuel cell system presented by Mercedes-Benz in its F 600 HYGENIUS research vehicle in 2005, the newly designed stack module is around 40 percent smaller, but develops 30 percent more power output and cuts fuel consumption by 16 percent. The system also has favorable cold-starting ability. The B-Class F-CELL will boast an operating range of about 250 miles per tank filling.

Fuel Cell Pioneer

A pioneer in fuel cell technology, Daimler’s first drive concept went public in 1994 with the introduction of Necar 1, which was followed by 20 additional prototypes. With the introduction of the A-Class F-CELL in 2003, Daimler presented the world’s first pre-production series vehicle. Today, Daimler operates the largest fuel cell fleet with over 100 vehicles in service worldwide: Concept vehicles, passenger cars, vans, and Citaro city buses are undergoing trials with customers in everyday operation. In 2007 an F-CELL A-Class reached 100,000 miles and 2,500 operating hours without stack repair or replacement. With some 300,000 emission-free miles covered by this fuel cell fleet, Daimler has more data, expertise and experience at its disposal than any other manufacturer. Insights gained through these trials will flow directly to the ongoing research and development work and help to continue the optimization of this drive system, a strong proof of Daimler’s commitment to innovative leadership on the road to a new era of mobility: sustainable, high-performing, efficient and emissions-free.

Please feel free to join our California Team during the Hydrogen Road Tour to test drive the future.

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Magna International Inc. confirmed that, together with Sberbank Rossii (”Sberbank”), it has submitted a non-binding indicative offer for Opel. The offer contemplates a total investment by Magna and Sberbank of Euro 700 million, a portion of which would be guaranteed by the German government. Under the offer, the proposed equity interests in Opel would be: General Motors – 35%; Sberbank – 35%; Magna – 20%; and Opel employees – 10%.

General Motors and the German government are reviewing and considering offers submitted this week and will determine the next steps in the sale process.

There is no assurance that any transaction will result from Magna’s current involvement.

We are the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (”OEMs”) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 70,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 86 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

Although miles driven have been declining in the past year, the nation’s most well-known automotive travel authority predicts a higher number of drivers during this Memorial Day holiday weekend. And the best-known American tire company predicts that many of those travelers will simply jump into their vehicles and drive, unaware of the condition of the only part of their cars that comes in contact with the road – the tires.

Officials from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company urge motorists to take a few minutes to inspect their tires, or to visit a local tire and service outlet for a check-up. This advice comes at the outset of the holiday weekend in which AAA (American Automobile Association) estimates that larger numbers of Americans – 32.4 million, versus 31.9 million a year ago – will travel 50 miles or more from home. This represents a 1.5 percent increase from last year.

AAA says 83 percent of those holiday travelers are expected to go by car, truck or van. With Memorial Day considered the beginning of the summer travel season, this rise in expected driving is accompanied by gas prices that are averaging about 28 cents per gallon more this week, as compared to average pump prices just a month ago.

According to Goodyear, an increase in the price of gas is even more incentive to check tire condition and air pressure before heading off on any vacation journeys.

According to Gary Medalis, Goodyear general manager, passenger car tires, “Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption, costing motorists extra miles per gallon. In addition, they should avoid severely under- or overinflated tires, or those with insufficient tread depth or structural damage.”

The U.S. Department of Energy has reported that every pound per square inch of tire underinflation wastes 4 million gallons of gas daily in the U.S.

At today’s prices and with millions of vehicles on the road, that is a huge expense, according to Medalis.

“An underinflated tire doesn’t roll as smoothly or as easily as it was intended, so it uses more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. If motorists understood this, they might realize why tire maintenance is so important,” he said.

A new tire from Goodyear – the Assurance Fuel Max – helps drivers save gas and spend less money getting to their destination. A breakthrough fuel-saving tread compound helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.*

In addition to offering the Assurance Fuel Max line of tires, many Goodyear retailers distribute tire care brochures, and offer free tire inflation and tread inspections. Easy-to-find maintenance advice is offered at www.goodyeartires.com.

Medalis reminds motorists that tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation printed on a vehicle’s door placard or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall. The inflation pressure of tires should be checked at least monthly and before any long trips.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear tires, visit www.goodyeartires.com

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In a national survey conducted by the well-respected product-consulting firm AutoPacific, new car owners chose the Porsche 911 model line as the most satisfying Premium Sports Car, winning the Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) in a competitive field that includes some the world’s most renowned nameplates.

Just as importantly, in the same survey, auto buyers overwhelming selected the entire Porsche brand as the one they would recommend most to their friends and family. This very coveted award demonstrates the passion and devotion owners have for their cars.

“The thing we really see is that if an owner is willing to recommend a vehicle, they are making a real commitment to it,” said George Peterson, president of California based AutoPacific.

Porsche had the highest most-recommended score, with 91 percent of owners saying they would “definitely” recommend a car from Porsche’s full-line of offerings.

In the same survey, which included more than 25,000 consumers from around the nation, owners handed the 911 top honors in the highly competitive Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Premium Sports Cars. The VSA is considered an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with his or her car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide.

“AutoPacific has conducted this industry research since 1997. Vehicles that score highest in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have hit the mark delivering value and satisfaction with their buyers by performing well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience.”

Porsche introduced a new generation 911 model series last year. All 2009 911s offer a higher level of performance with improved fuel efficiency thanks to higher displacement engines with direct fuel injection (DFI) and the new optional 7-speed double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), a racing-inspired technology and a Porsche first.

In addition to identifying category winners, AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards establish numerical satisfaction ratings for virtually every passenger car and light truck in the North American market. Owner satisfaction is measured across specific areas related to a car’s operation, comfort, safety and overall purchase/lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December.

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Its company headquarters and state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

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