EnerDel Receives Positive Results in Independent Tests on Company’s Lithium-Ion Automotive Battery System
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
INDIANAPOLIS, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — EnerDel, the advanced automotive battery systems subsidiary of alternative energy company Ener1, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ENON) , today announced confirmation by a U.S. government laboratory of the energy, power and efficiency, as well as thermal performance, of the company’s lithium-ion automotive battery system.
(Logo: )
The tests were conducted by the Center for Transportation Research of Illinois-based Argonne National Laboratory. For the purposes of the tests, EnerDel integrated its battery system into a Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which comes factory fitted with a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery system. It is important to note that, for purposes of the test, no material modifications were made to the Prius other than the integration of the battery system. Based on the testing with the lithium-titanate battery, in a Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicle (PHEV) configuration, EnerDel was able to achieve 77.41 MPG over a Federal urban drive cycle. Argonne ran a standard PHEV test on the Toyota Prius HEV to establish an approximation of future performance of the vehicle in a PHEV configuration. In the future, the size of the battery as well as an extension of the electric range could be increased to improve miles per gallon fuel economy.
The EnerDel battery pack, which is based on the company’s unique lithium-titanate chemistry, avoided overheating during the test, which is a principal concern with lithium-ion batteries. The 1,000-watt-hour pack required no external cooling system when powering the test vehicle on the dynamometer, which could lead to a reduction of costs and an increase in the car’s available space compared to its NiMH battery system.
“It’s our view that the principal outcome of this test is the further validation of the performance of EnerDel’s specific battery chemistry in a vehicle,” said EnerDel CEO Ulrik Grape. “We believe this is the ideal lithium-ion chemistry for HEVs. The relentless focus of our scientists and engineers on performance and safety factors is paying off.”
Previously Idaho National Labs had confirmed, in cell testing, that an EnerDel system could produce approximately twice as much usable energy as the Prius’ NiMH battery pack. As a result, the EnerDel battery can be reduced to about half the size and half the weight of a NiMH battery with the same power performance. Moreover, EnerDel expects its pack to cost significantly less than a NiMH battery with similar performance characteristics.
Internal testing conducted by EnerDel indicates that the EnerDel battery also produces approximately twice as much power (90 kW) as a NiMH system of equivalent size and weight, which allows for better acceleration and improved driving experience. Operating in the test Prius the test results showed that there was a 67% reduction in internal resistance which means that more charge is delivered to and from the battery, increasing range and reducing heat and wasted energy.
“We were extremely pleased that the Argonne National Lab results corroborated our internal testing,” commented Ener1, Inc. Chairman Charles Gassenheimer. “We are that much more confident that EnerDel’s battery system solutions will help lead the alternative energy automotive industry.”
As a reminder, management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the Argonne test results later today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The call is being webcast by Thomson Financial and can be accessed on the home page of Ener1’s website at . To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 680-0894 from within the United States, or (617) 213-4860 from outside the United States. The participant pass code is 35972789.
Certain statements made in this press release constitute forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as “expects,”"anticipates,”"plans,”"believes,”"scheduled,”"estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.
About EnerDel
EnerDel is owned by Ener1, Inc. (80.5%) and Delphi Corporation (19.5%). EnerDel operates a production facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. EnerDel currently employs approximately 70 engineers and technicians involved in the development of both battery cells and systems. For more information, please visit:
About Ener1, Inc.
Ener1, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ENEI) is an alternative energy technology company that is developing 1) lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles (HEV, PHEV and EV) at its EnerDel subsidiary, 2) commercial fuel cell products through its EnerFuel subsidiary, and 3) nanotechnology-based materials and manufacturing processes for batteries and other applications at its NanoEner subsidiary. For more information, please visit .
About Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory, a renowned R&D center, brings the world’s brightest scientists and engineers together to find exciting and creative new solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
Michael Mason
Allen & Caron Inc.
212 691 8087
Rachel Carroll
Ener1, Inc.
212-920-3500
Ener1, Inc.
Spartan Motors Highlights Quarterly Results
CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Spartan Motors, Inc. reported its best quarter in company history with a 84.8 percent year-over-year increase in revenues and a 105.1 percent year-over-year increase in net earnings.
First Quarter Results
Spartan reported net earnings of $14.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on net sales of $264.1 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2008, compared with net earnings of $7.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, on net sales of $142.9 million in same quarter of 2007.
“The first quarter was an illustration of our flexible manufacturing model, which enabled us to take advantage of our multiple market strategy,” said John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors. “As we experienced lower demand for motorhome chassis, we emphasized our operational focus on products for our military and emergency-rescue customers. We rescaled our motorhome chassis operations to accommodate the expected decrease in industry demand. The result was increased sales and improved efficiencies.”
Spartan Motors’ consolidated backlog decreased 5.1 percent year-over-year to approximately $237.3 million as of March 31, 2008. Spartan Motors anticipates fulfilling its current backlog orders by January 2009. The current backlog does not include the $45 million order from General Dynamics Land Systems and Force Protection announced in April 2008.
Spartan reported gross margin of 15.4 percent in the first quarter of 2008, a decrease compared with gross margin of 17.3 percent in the same period in 2007, but a 21.3 percent improvement over gross margin of 12.7 percent for the 2007 fourth quarter. Spartan attributed the year-over-year decrease in gross margin to product mix and volume pricing pressures from its military customers. Spartan reported the increase in gross margin compared to the 2007 fourth quarter was due to improved operational efficiencies.
Spartan Chassis
Sales at Spartan Chassis, the company’s largest subsidiary and operating unit, increased 91.6 percent year-over year to $245.3 million for the 2008 first quarter. Sales from Spartan Chassis were 92.9 percent of Spartan Motors’ total consolidated sales in the 2008 first quarter. First quarter net earnings at Spartan Chassis improved 99.1 percent year-over-year, and the unit’s backlog as of March 31, 2008 increased 6.9 percent year-over-year.
Spartan’s chassis sales to the Class A diesel motorhome market decreased 32.1 percent year-over-year in the 2008 first quarter, a favorable comparison to the 33.3 percent year-over-year decrease in industry wholesale shipments for the first two months of 2008, the latest data available from the Recreational vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Spartan’s backlog for RV chassis decreased 53.6 percent year-over-year to $17.5 million as of March 31, 2008.
Sales of fire truck chassis decreased 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period of last year. Backlog for fire truck chassis at the end of the 2008 first quarter was $70.7 million, a 16.2 percent decrease compared to the 2007 first quarter. Compared to the fourth quarter 2007, backlog for fire truck chassis increased 17.1 percent as Spartan’s OEM customers improved production in response to better competitive conditions.
Other product sales, including specialty chassis for MRAP military vehicles, and Spartan Chassis’ growing service, parts and accessories (SPA) business, increased 330.2 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2007. Backlog for other products increased 86.5 percent year-over-year to $99.2 million as of March 31, 2008.
Emergency vehicle Team (EVTeam)
Spartan’s EVTeam operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a 13.3 percent year-over-year increase in sales for the 2008 first quarter. Though the unit posted a net loss for the quarter, the EVTeam reported a 39.6 percent improvement in segment bottom-line compared to the first quarter of 2007, and a 75.5 percent improvement compared to the fourth quarter of 2007.
Financial Position
Spartan reported an operating cash flow decrease in the 2008 first quarter of $26.6 million compared to a decrease of $6.6 million in the same quarter of 2007, driven largely by increased working capital needs required by the 84.8 percent year-over-year increase in sales in the 2008 first quarter.
On a consolidated basis, Spartan posted a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 42.6 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared to ROIC of 25.7 percent for the same quarter in 2007. Spartan defines return on invested capital as operating income less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total shareholders’ equity.
The company ended the quarter with $84.6 million in long-term debt, which includes financing for Spartan Chassis’ new facilities, as well as growth in working capital to support the sales increase. Spartan reported $5.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 2008 first quarter.
Future Outlook
“We believe our improved production efficiencies, along with our strong consolidated backlog, will help generate significant cash flow in the second half of 2008, which will be utilized to grow the business and reduce debt,” said Sztykiel. “Based on key indicators such as increased emergency-rescue orders in the first quarter, a slight improvement in motorhome chassis orders in March, and the recent new orders from two of our military customers, we are optimistic about 2008, yet we remain mindful of the difficult economic conditions affecting one of our core markets.
“Looking ahead to the future, we remain a strategic supplier to the hardened vehicle market for the U.S. and allied foreign militaries for MRAP and similar programs. We are promoting six new products in 2008 that will drive sales starting in 2009. At Spartan Chassis, we are entering the commercial part of the fire truck chassis and the First Response All Call (FRAC) market through the Furion chassis. We are also adding more body up-fit work to our motorhome chassis.
“At Crimson Fire, we are promoting the Boomer, entering the Government Services Administration/Wildfire (GSA) market and showing a FRAC product developed jointly with Road Rescue. At Road Rescue, we are adding a new handicap accessible transport ambulance in addition to the joint FRAC product with Crimson Fire. Between these new market opportunities and our growing service, parts and accessories business, we like our prospects for 2009 and beyond.”
Conference Call & Webcast
Spartan Motors will host a conference call for analysts and portfolio managers at 10 a.m. ET today to discuss these results and current business trends. To listen to a live webcast of the call, please visit , click on “Shareholders,” and then on “Webcasts.”
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. ( ) designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets. The Company’s brand names — Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) — are known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The Company employs approximately 1,300 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Spartan reported sales of $681.9 million in 2007 and is focused on becoming the premier manufacturer of specialty vehicles and chassis in North America.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. Forward looking statements are identifiable by words such as “believe,”"anticipate,”"will,”"sustain,” and “continue.” These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications may arise that could prevent the prompt implementation of the plans outlined above. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at ). Government contracts and subcontracts typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding, extensive specification development and changes, price negotiations and milestone requirements. An announced award of a governmental contract is not equivalent to a finalized executed contract and does not assure that orders will be issued and filled. Government agencies also often retain some portion of fees payable upon completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime contractors and subcontractors. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
March 31, 2008 March 31, 2007
$-000- % $-000- %
Sales 264,095 142,882
Cost of Products Sold 223,465 118,190
Gross Profit 40,630 15.4 24,692 17.3
Operating Expenses:
Research and Development 4,688 1.8 3,790 2.7
Selling, General and
Administrative 12,540 4.7 9,482 6.6
Total Operating Expenses 17,228 6.5 13,272 9.3
Operating Income 23,402 8.9 11,420 8.0
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense (732) (0.3) (246) (0.2)
Interest and Other Income 93 0.0 137 0.1
Total Other Income (Expense) (639) (0.3) (109) (0.1)
Earnings before Taxes on Income 22,763 8.6 11,311 7.9
Taxes on Income 7,982 3.0 4,104 2.9
Net Earnings 14,781 5.6 7,207 5.0
Basic Net Earnings per Share 0.46 0.23
Diluted Net Earnings per Share 0.45 0.22
Basic Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 31,954 31,655
Diluted Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 32,512 32,610
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2008 December 31, 2007
$-000- $-000-
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $5,298 $13,527
Accounts receivable, net 171,708 132,907
Inventories 95,461 103,076
Deferred income tax assets 6,925 6,925
Other current assets 3,461 1,978
Total current assets 282,853 258,413
Property, plant and equipment, net 59,292 56,673
Goodwill 2,457 2,457
Deferred income tax assets 775 775
Other assets 261 346
Total assets $345,638 $318,664
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $71,790 $90,769
Accrued warranty 11,536 10,824
Accrued compensation and related taxes 8,748 10,431
Accrued vacation 1,951 1,758
Accrued customer rebates 1,994 1,963
Deposits from customers 6,163 5,540
Taxes on income 8,361 551
Other current liabilities and
accrued expenses 4,163 3,367
Current portion of long-term debt 523 522
Total current liabilities 115,229 125,725
Other non-current liabilities 1,025 1,025
Long-term debt, less current portion 84,564 62,695
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock 324 324
Additional paid in capital 63,469 62,649
Retained earnings 81,027 66,246
Total shareholders’ equity 144,820 129,219
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $345,638 $318,664
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Sales and Other Financial Information by
Business Segment
Quarter Ended March 31, 2008
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 (amounts in thousands)
Business Segments
Chassis EVTeam Other Consolidated
Motorhome Chassis Sales 38,145 38,145
Fire Truck Chassis Sales 29,737 (5,449) 24,288
EVTeam Product Sales 24,252 24,252
Other Product Sales 177,410 177,410
Total Net Sales 245,292 24,252 (5,449) 264,095
Interest Expense (Income) (51) 398 385 732
Depreciation Expense 589 281 457 1,327
Segment Net Earnings
(Loss) 16,644 (436) (1,427) 14,781
Period End Backlog (amounts in thousands)
March 31, June 30, September December March 31,
2007 2007 30, 2007 31, 2007 2008
Motorhome Chassis * 37,679 23,768 26,097 27,312 17,465
Fire Truck Chassis * 84,416 72,097 67,071 60,374 70,720
Other Product * 53,178 131,801 228,803 199,362 99,153
Total Chassis 175,273 227,666 321,971 287,048 187,338
EVTeam Product * 74,843 62,691 61,178 51,316 49,975
Total Backlog 250,116 290,357 383,149 338,364 237,313
* Anticipated time to fill backlog orders; 2 months or less for
motorhome chassis and 4-10 months for fire truck chassis, other product
and EVTeam product
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Mopar(R) Launches Industry-First — uconnect web(TM) Brings Wireless Internet Connectivity to Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge Consumers
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 26 /PRNewswire/ — Mopar(R) announced today that it will launch uconnect web(TM), Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.
uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.
The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle. The “hot spot” connection radius is approximately 100 feet — making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.
Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:
— access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
— view streaming movies or television shows
— download music and download/upload images
— play online games
“Mopar’s uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Rob Richard, Director - Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account — all at the same time.”
“uconnect web goes beyond today’s DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. “The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets families, business and leisure travelers stay connected.”
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.
Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
About Autonet Mobile
Autonet Mobile is the first wireless Internet service provider for vehicles. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience, by bringing the power of the Internet to the 200 million cars on the road in the U.S. Autonet Mobile currently provides Avis Rent a car with the Avis Connect service and is used by Storm Chasers, NASCAR and others. For more information about Autonet Mobile visit .
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s — the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “Special Parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Today, Chrysler LLC’s Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.
Mopar(R)
VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: I Spy, Automotive Paparazzi on the Rise
NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ — From Brangelina to Tomkat, celebrities are often followed by paparazzi looking for the money shot. But they aren’t the only ones keeping one eye open — cars have stalkers too. Called “auto spies,” these cameramen try to catch never-before-seen cars for magazines like Road and Track and car and Driver before they debut at international auto shows.
(See video from General Motors at: )
To prevent photos of new cars leaking to the press, automakers often use off-limits facilities around the world to do their preliminary testing. When the car is ready for its real world road test, manufacturers like General Motors, bring in a camouflage engineer. Using different design tricks, the engineer’s goal is to disguise a pre-production car.
First, the car is covered with plastic mesh and then the headlamps are squared off to change the overall shape, giving it a temporary facelift. The goal is to make the public think the car is a different make and model than it actually is. So when it’s time for the big debut, it’s the first time anyone takes a picture.
Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos for free and unrestricted use at .
06FF08-0012
Medialink and General Motors
Hagerty Announces Top Ten List of ‘Outrageous Options’
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — It is a common sight these days to see someone speeding down the road with their cell phone glued to their ear. To combat this, California just announced a statewide ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving starting July 1st, following in the legislative footsteps of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Utah and Washington. Furthermore, cities in Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and New Mexico have enacted similar bans.
This has led to an onslaught of drivers utilizing Bluetooth enabled devices to make their phone calls, whether it’s built in to a vehicle or an aftermarket ear piece. Bluetooth devices have truly become a useful and highly coveted automotive accessory.
But not all automotive innovations have basked in the success that is Bluetooth. Hagerty Insurance, the nation’s leading provider of collector car insurance, researched dozens of these unheard of — and often eccentric — inventions to create a list of the Top 10 quirkiest and most “Outrageous Options” ever invented for automobiles.
“We frequently exchange stories with our clients about the most bizarre, oddball and, quite frankly, humorous options that have ever been offered on automobiles,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance. “It was really interesting to see how creative and dedicated car manufacturers were in trying to anticipate the needs of drivers.”
Hagerty polled its clients and staff to create the Top 10 List of “Outrageous Options”:
1. Automatic Lit Cigarette Dispenser — As a “safety” item, this was an aftermarket accessory designed to eliminate the distractions of lighting a cigarette while motoring down the road. This option was unveiled in the late 1940s and in one application was attached to a steering wheel.
2. Highway Hi-Fi (16 2/3 LP Player) — This option was developed in 1955 and was offered as an option on 1956 Chrysler models. The drawback was in the performance of the record player while encountering the smallest of bumps, slamming on the brakes or taking a fast corner!
3. Destroilet — An optional “Destroilet” gas incinerator-type toilet was available for early 1960s Dodge motor homes, which was meant to simplify waste disposal. After use, when the top lid was closed, a small, thick metal lid would also close over the well at the bottom. A jet of burning gas would incinerate the solid waste and vaporize the liquid. A chimney to the outdoors carried the vapors away.
4. Electric Shaver — An electric shaver that was powered by a vehicle’s electrical system was developed by aftermarket automotive suppliers in the 1940s, and was an available factory option for a 1957 Chevrolet.
5. Automotive Swamp Cooler — These were popular from the late 1940s through the 1950s to help cool the interior of cars before air conditioning systems became readily available. Swamp Coolers were available through the aftermarket and attached to one of the car’s windows. The theory was simply to cool by evaporation. There was a reservoir for cool water, a wick to soak it up, and it relied on air movement from traveling down the road to force cooled air into the interior of the vehicle. These are highly collectible now and are commonly seen at vintage car shows.
6. Steam Pressure Cooker — This accessory mounted to the rear bumper to cook food while motoring down the road. It routed exhaust gases through the inner chambers of the cooker to provide the heat to cook the food.
7. Steering Wheel Watch — In 1958 a steering wheel mounted watch for was available on DeSotos.
8. Trafficators — Back in the days before flashing turn signals, a driver would flip a switch on the dash and a lit semaphore arm would swing out of a panel on the appropriate side of the car and signal the driver’s intention to turn.
9. Swivel Seats — These seats, available on a 1959 Chrysler, would automatically swivel out as the door opened to make it easier for the passenger to exit the automobile.
10. Talking car — In the early 1980s, the Chrysler LeBaron literally talked. It would say phrases such as “Your door is ajar,”"All monitored systems functioning,” and if you listened to the command of “Please fasten your seatbelt,” it would promptly reply with “Thank you!” The cars with a taped voice were produced for only three years before Chrysler discovered that consumers didn’t care for a car talking back to them.
Hagerty is the leading insurance provider for collector vehicles and boats in the nation and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers collector car insurance, financing and roadside assistance, as well as a variety of useful information resources. The company works proactively on hobby legislation and supports the Collectors Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation of the hobby. For more information, call 800-922-4050 or visit .
Hagerty
American Le Mans Series Set to Launch Environmentally Conscious Green Challenge(TM)
ATLANTA, June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine an auto racing series that is both high performance-oriented and environmentally conscious. That’s the American Le Mans Series. And to prove it, the Series will conduct the first ever Green Challenge(TM) October 4 at Road Atlanta during its signature event, Petit Le Mans.
(Photo: )
To make things even better, the Green Challenge(TM) has the complete backing of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International, formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Representatives from these entities along with those from Argonne National Laboratory and the American Le Mans Series collectively have spent thousands of hours developing the formula for its race car competitors to win the Green Challenge(TM). That formula involves more than 30 pieces of data and measurements.
The criteria measures race car performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact using a formula that ranks each car by the amount of energy used, greenhouse gasses emitted and petroleum displaced.
With a focus on automotive relevance in which race track innovations transfer to the showroom, the American Le Mans Series features four classes of highly sophisticated and technically advanced race cars. All compete on the track at the same time in the tradition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each race car currently competes on one of three “street legal” versions of clean sulfur-free diesel, E10 or cellulosic E85. Street legal refers to fuels virtually identical to those the consumer gets at the fuel station. Cellulosic ethanol is made from non-food based refuse such as wood waste, switchgrass or citrus remains.
“Through its development of relevant automotive technologies targeted toward the consumer, the American Le Mans Series is uniquely positioned to help the automobile manufacturer reach tomorrow’s innovative solutions, faster,” said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton.
American Le Mans Series
Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental Expand in S. Africa
TULSA, Oklahoma, June 25 /PRNewswire/ —
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) today announced that
its successful value brands — Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental –
are expanding their presence in South Africa with the addition of three new
airport locations.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020412/DTGLOGO )
Springs car Wholesalers CC — the franchise owner of Dollar and Thrifty
in South Africa — was awarded in-terminal desks at George, East London and
Bloemfontein airports. All locations are dual-branded facilities and feature
both the Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental brands. In addition, Dollar
and Thrifty will continue to operate six in-terminal airport locations in
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria and Krueger Park
after their bid was accepted by the Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA);
the company has operated in these locations for the last five years.
“We are delighted and overwhelmed that our strategy for 2008 has exceeded
expectations,” said Yunus Moolla, Managing Director of Dollar Thrifty South
Africa. “Our ranking as one of the Top Five suppliers in South Africa helped
us not only to capture these three new airport positions, but to retain our
presence in other key markets. Our success provides us with a foothold that
will allow us to expand our network nationwide and to offer our customers
more choice and greater service.”
Springs car Wholesalers CC (a division of the Safy Group) acquired the
South African and Namibian franchise for Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty Car
Rental in May 2002. Dollar and Thrifty in South Africa feature a fleet of
more than 2,500 late-model, low-mileage cars, each no more than one year old.
In 2007, the company won the prestigious ACSA Feather Award for customer
service.
“We are proud to have such fine representatives flying the Dollar and
Thrifty flags in South Africa,” said Jeff Cerefice, Vice President, DTG
Global Franchise Operations and Development. “They have a real heart for
providing customer service that keeps travelers coming back.”
For reservations, contact:
Dollar Rent A Car: In South Africa, visit http://www.dollar.co.za or call
086-100-2111. In the U.S., visit http://www.dollar.com, call 1-800-800-6000
or consult a professional travel agent.
Thrifty car Rental: In South Africa, visit http://www.thrifty.co.za or
call 086-100-2111. In the U.S., visit http://www.thrifty.com, call
1-800-THRIFTY or consult a professional travel agent.
Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental are South African Black
Empowerment entities, and are proud to be part of the transformation process.
Management is committed to the promotion and engendering of fair business and
a moral ethos in the workplace.
About Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 Company
headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Driven by the mission “Value Every Time,”
the Company’s brands, Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental, serve
value-conscious travelers in approximately 70 countries. Dollar and Thrifty
have over 800 corporate and franchised locations in the United States and
Canada, operating in virtually all of the top U.S. and Canadian airport
markets. The Company’s approximately 8,500 employees are located mainly in
North America, but global service capabilities exist through an expanding
international franchise network. For additional information, visit
http://www.dtag.com, http://www.dollar.com or http://www.thrifty.com.
Web site: http://www.dtag.com
http://www.dollar.com
http://www.thrifty.com
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
TURBO Charged Event Set To Give Petrol Heads a Buzz
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 25 /PRNewswire/ —
The internationally acclaimed CMPi, is set to captivate car and bike
enthusiasts from around the world with their recently announced festival;
‘TURBO: For A Custom Nation’.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/NYW055-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/NYW055-b )
For avid motor enthusiasts looking to experience the very latest in car
tuning and driving techniques, this three day event, taking place in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between 13-15 November 2008, offers fans a
first-time glimpse of the very latest innovations coming out of the world’s
most renowned body shops and from the world’s most talented tuning
specialists.
TURBO will showcase custom cars and bikes shipped in from across the
globe, along with the leading automotive brands from Japan, the US, and
Europe. The event will see static displays brought to life through workshops
offering technical advice, together with dramatic demonstrations staged in
the venue’s arena. Add to this; displays of high speed drifting, and the best
from the world of drag racing and you have one incredible show!
Check out the latest in custom car and motorbike trends from around the
world and witness everything from modified American muscle cars and luxury
restyled European supercars to the fastest cars in the Far East and atypical
pimped motors — Arabic style!
Visitors will even be able to compete against each other by showing off
their cars torque on the shows Dynamometer, winning prizes for the greatest
horsepower. ICE aficionados can impress with their in-car entertainment
systems, and prizes will be awarded for the meatiest bass, highest sound
quality and best installation.
Steering the festival is none other than Dan Anslow, a true motor fanatic
whose previous experience includes working for the world-famous Max Power,
where he ran operations on the 70,000 visitor-strong live events.
‘TURBO: For A Custom Nation’ is an un-missable event for professionals,
consumers, and enthusiasts alike, whether you are looking for the latest
equipment to enhance your ride or just want to experience an action-packed
day out TURBO has it all.
For more information please see www.custom-nation.com
Notes to the editor
TURBO: For A Custom Nation will run from 13-15 November, and is open to
the general public.
TURBO: For A Custom Nation is organised by CMPi UAE, who are one of the
four founding partners of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company.
TURBO: For A Custom Nation will cover a range of areas, providing both
trade visitors and consumers everything they need to modify either their or
their clients’ vehicles, including;
— Tuning and Performance (air intakes, exhausts, turbochargers; all
aftermarket engine parts)
— Restyling and Accessories (body kits, carbon fibre bonnets and
spoilers, graphics, aftermarket front and rear lights, tints, paints,
suspension, dress-up parts for exterior, interior and the engine-bay)
— car Care and Accessories (shampoos and polishes, oils and lubes etc)
— Mobile Electronics and Technology (I.C.E. - In car Entertainment,
stereos, TV screens, DVD players, radar detectors, alarms etc)
— Aftermarket Wheels and Tyres (chrome wheels, racing wheels, SUV
wheels, and all types of tyres)
— Tools and Maintenance (all the equipment related to the servicing,
modifying and maintenance of vehicles)
— Lifestyle Products (clothes, trainers, sunglasses, mobile phones,
technology and fashion)
— Business Services (such as specialist car and bike insurance companies
and brokers)
Further information on CMPi can be found at www.cmpi.biz
Web site: http://www.cmpi.biz
http://www.custom-nation.com
CMPi
June 25 Ford e-News
DEARBORN, Mich., June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — A simpler time when driving was harder
The air conditioner is a windshield that folds down. There are three foot pedals, none of which are the gas. Instead, the accelerator is the lever on the side of the steering column where the turning signal would be - if there were a turning signal. Braking is a precarious art that involves finding the middle or neutral position between low and high gear so the right-hand brake pedal can be depressed without stalling the car. Oh, and the ignition is a crank that requires plenty of elbow grease. The ford Model T - a triumph of simplicity in form and function in its day - is actually quite a challenge to drive for today’s motorists. As ford celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Model T this year, hundreds of enthusiasts are taking their vintage Model T’s on the road and remembering a simpler time when driving was harder. For more information, contact Marisa Bradley at or 313-845-3971 or click on:
Ford and Toby Keith keep on truckin’
Relationships between consumer products and celebrity spokespeople tend to come and go in today’s fast-paced marketing world. A few are authentic and effective enough to stand the test of time. The partnership between country music star Toby Keith and ford Trucks began in 2002 and has flourished through numerous albums, concert tours and music videos. As Keith kicks off his new tour — “Biggest and Baddest” — in Birmingham, Ala., this week, ford is the presenting sponsor. And the collaboration doesn’t stop there. The show opens with a theatrical video produced by ford that features Keith and F-Series trucks. The integration continues throughout the concert, with ford Trucks — and/or parts of them — appearing on stage with Keith. Last year, a Super Duty grille formed the front of a drum riser throughout the entire show. The plan for this year is top secret, but it will be impossible to miss the new 2009 ford F-150 during Keith’s show. For more information, contact Becky Sanch at or 313-594-4410 or click on:
A Hollywood beginning for the Lincoln MKS
A traditional commercial just isn’t enough to convey the essence of the new Lincoln MKS, a luxury flagship sedan debuting this summer. Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, Lincoln this week launched a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family - the 2009 Lincoln MKS - against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story. Sultry, soft sounds from the legendary Marvin Gaye, a dark, dusky evening, the smooth ride and distinct styling of the MKS set the mood for a story with as many twists and turns as Mulholland Drive. The new spot made its television debut Tuesday during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show. Following the show, the movie was posted live online at and . For more information, contact Mark Schirmer at and (313) 390-8647 or click on: cle_id=1678&make_id=93&CFID=451915&CFTOKEN=64896464 (Due to length of the URL please copy and paste into your browser)
Students, grab your wrenches
The sight of 50 ford Focuses parked in front of Ford’s World Headquarters, each with the same undiagnosed problem, would normally be a cause for concern. This week, it merely meant the stage was set for a special competition among high schools students. More than 8,000 auto tech students vied for a spot in this year’s finals. Fifty two-person teams representing high school automotive technology programs from across the country raced against the clock and each other to diagnose and repair identically “bugged” 2008 ford Focuses. The winning duo earned the title of Best Student Auto Tech Team in the nation, plus scholarships and the opportunity to work for a week as honorary pit crew members for the renowned Roush Fenway Racing Team. For more information, contact Marisa Bradley at or 313-845-3971 or click on:
Cast your vote, raise money for diabetes research
Ford Customer Service Division put the challenge out to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) kids to come up with the design that will appear on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane/Custom Accessories Shelby Mustang Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III, at the NHRA U.S. Nationals later this summer. The designs are in and the voting is underway. Visit now through July 31 to vote for your favorite design by making a monetary donation to JDRF. The top five donation-earning designs will then be narrowed down to one, which will be featured on Tasca’s Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Aug. 29 - Sept. 1. For more information, contact Alexis Kinch at or 313-203-7103 or click on:
Ford Motor Company
Study Shows New-Car Shoppers Cut Spending in Wake of High Gas Prices
IRVINE, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study (), the number of new-car shoppers adjusting their spending habits due to increasing gas prices has reached a record high. The April 2008 results revealed that 65 percent of shoppers are spending less on non-essential retail items as a result of high gas prices, compared to 42 percent just six months ago in October 2007. Additionally, 53 percent indicated they eat out less often, 48 percent purchase fewer media entertainment items, 15 percent carpool or find alternative means of transportation and 10 percent have delayed purchasing a new home. Furthermore, the portion of shoppers who say they will not change their spending habits due to gas prices has decreased from 43 percent in October 2007 to 22 percent in April 2008.
Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research
Gas Prices and Shopping Habits - Trending Over Time*
Purchase/Shopping Habits Oct Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Change from Oct
Eat out less often 38% 41% 41% 44% 51% 53% 15
Carpool or find alternative
means of transportation 10% 11% 11% 10% 12% 15% 5
Delay purchase of new home 5% 11% 8% 9% 10% 10% 5
Less shopping of
non-essential retail items 42% 46% 50% 50% 61% 65% 23
Purchase fewer media
entertainment items 33% 36% 34% 40% 45% 48% 15
Will not change any
spending habits 43% 36% 35% 34% 25% 22% -21
* November 2007 data not available
Many contributing economic factors have been detrimental to consumers and their shopping and purchase decisions in the last few months. During the third week of April, the price of oil jumped to nearly $120 a barrel and forecasts have speculated gas will cost an average of $4 per gallon in some parts of the country during the coming summer months. With this in mind, consumers are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles. The April 2008 Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study showed that 47 percent of new-car shoppers would seriously consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle if gas prices increase another $0.25 or less, compared to 26 percent in October 2007.
“The effect gas prices have on consumer spending and shopping behaviors indicate how important fuel costs are to the economy,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Gas prices are already affecting vehicle sales in every segment, and traditional sport utility vehicles have been especially hard hit. Other industries will feel the pinch as consumers cut out life’s little luxuries like clothes, eating out and entertainment just so they can pay the fuel bills.”
The latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study was conducted on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com among 2,020 in-market new-vehicle shoppers during April 2008.
About Kelley Blue Book ()
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates nine years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Kelley Blue Book