UK’s Axon Automotive Unveils New 80mpg Green Car
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CHICAGO, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — The British Midlands Development Corporation announced the launch of a new eco-friendly car, whose combination of reduced weight and excellent dynamics dramatically improves mileage and emissions from conventional fuels.
Axon Automotive, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK, aims to be the most sustainable car manufacturer in Europe. Their new compact car will be capable of delivering 80 miles per gallon with sub-120g per mile CO2 emissions, while still capable of a top speed of 90 mph.
The compact car features a carbon fiber body to create a lightweight vehicle that combines good performance with fuel efficiency that is better than any car currently on the market.
The company has patented a mass-production technique to make a range of structural elements and body panels from carbon composites. The products are made from carbon fiber “ropes” each braided over a foam core and infused with epoxy resin and are as strong as steel, with only 40 per cent of the weight.
Steve Cousins, Managing Director of Axon, said: “This approach halves fuel consumption whichever fuel you use and we get phenomenal economy from a small petrol engine combined with an IVT (infinitely variable transmission).”
“From a consumer’s viewpoint, a small petrol engine is both low cost and a familiar technology, making it easier to maintain.”
The Axon car is a multipurpose vehicle built for two adults and two children.
“The British Midlands is known for being one of the major hubs of the European automotive industry,” said Vern Sebby, President and CEO of British Midlands Development Corporation, “The region is known for high-performance automotive innovation and for its excellent academic infrastructure.”
Home to Toyota, Jaguar, Land Rover, and AstonMartin, the Midlands produces over 40% of the UK vehicle output. The region is a world leader in a number of specific growth areas, including the adoption of aluminum bodies, the development of telematics and satellite navigation based applications and the expanding market for low-volume premium vehicles.
About Axon Automotive
Axon Automotive Ltd. is an independent British owned car producer based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. It aims to manufacture the most fuel efficient cars in Europe. Axon is a specialist in carbon fibre which is used to make cars light, safe and fuel efficient.
For more information visit
About British Midlands Development Corporation
The British Midlands Development Corporation is the North American economic development agency for central England. The Midlands region is located just one hour to the north of London and includes the major commercial centers of Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry and Northampton.
The British Midlands Development Corporation is based in Chicago with branch offices in Boston, Washington, DC and San Jose.
For more information, please visit our website at
Press Contact: Laura Nicholas, , 646 290 5989
Axon Automotive; British Midlands Development Corporation
Chrysler, GM and Nissan are Tops in Online Search Visibility
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 30 /PRNewswire/ — iCrossing, a global digital marketing company, today announced the findings of the Vertical Visibility Index: Automotive, the first in a series of studies analyzing the paid and natural search media visibility leaders within specific industry verticals.
iCrossing found that Chrysler, GM and Nissan North America are doing the best job of taking a synergistic search engine marketing approach, with the highest scores for combined visibility. ford leads for natural search visibility and Hyundai has the greatest paid search visibility for the keyword set analyzed.
KEY FINDINGS
– At the OEM level analysis, ford Motor Company has the largest natural visibility share of market with 22%. They are followed by General Motors Corporation (17%), Chrysler LLC (15%), American Honda Motor Company (11%), and Mercedes-Benz USA (8%). Together, these top five companies make up more than 70% of the total natural search visibility share of market.
– At the brand level, ford has the highest visibility for a brand with 18% of the natural search visibility market share, followed by Chrysler (12%), Honda (10%), Pontiac (8%), and GMC (6%).
– Of the top 25 keywords by search volume, eight keywords had no visibility for any brand: used car, buy a car, race cars, muscle car, car search, auto loan, car loan, and used car prices.
– ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales USA are the only OEMs with visibility on the top volume keyword, “car”.
– Of the Top 50 Most Visible URLs based on 1st page natural rankings, automobiles.honda.com has the highest position (22nd) for this keyword set within the brand URLs, followed by pontiac.com (40th), fordvehicles.com (47th), and toyota.com (49th).
– For the study keyword set, Hyundai Motor Company has the greatest paid search market share of Google paid search with 30%, followed by General Motors Corporation (22%), and Chrysler LLC (17%). Together, these 3 OEMs have almost 70% of the overall paid search market share on Google for the automotive keyword set.
– Combining the information from natural and paid search analyses, Chrysler LLC, General Motors Corporation, and Nissan North America are doing the best job of approaching search engine marketing with a synergistic approach.
The complete report can be found at
About iCrossing
iCrossing is a global digital marketing company that combines talent and technology to help world-class brands find and connect with their customers. The company blends best-in-class digital marketing services - including paid and natural search marketing, Web development, social media, research and analytics — to create integrated digital marketing programs that engage consumers and drive ROI. iCrossing’s client base includes such recognized brands as Epson America, Toyota, Travelocity and 40 Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and Office Depot. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company has 620 employees in 15 offices in the U.S. and Europe.
Media Contact:
Dana Mellecker
646-435-4456
iCrossing
VIDEO from Medialink and Buick: I Spy, Automotive Paparazzi on the Rise
NEW YORK, July 28 /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 Buick 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 .
07NY08-0136
Medialink; Buick
Use CARE to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car, According to NADAguides.com
COSTA MESA, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Due to recent flooding in the Midwest and the fact that hurricane season is officially here with Hurricane Dolly making landfall yesterday, there will be many flood-damaged cars sold to unsuspecting buyers. During Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, for example, NADA estimates that 500,000 vehicles that had their titles branded as flood- or storm-damaged lost those designations, after being repaired and re-titled in another state.
NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, offers tips using the acronym CARE to help consumers easily remember how to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged car.
Carpet
Pay attention to moldy smells inside the car and lift the carpet to check for residue or stain marks. “A strong odor, air freshener or cleaning fluid could also be a sign the seller is trying to hide a telltale odor,” says Tara Baukus Mello, senior writer and lead market analyst at NADAguides.com. “Be suspicious of newly-installed carpets or upholstery on newer model cars.”
AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports
A vehicle history report can tell you if a car has been branded Flood, Hail, Lemon, Rebuilt or Reconstructed, among other words or symbols, which could indicate flood-related damage. It also notes where and how many times the car has been titled. This information remains on the report for the life of the vehicle.
“Even if you don’t live in an area that’s been affected by a flood, cars can be repaired and shipped across state lines where titles can lose flood-damaged designations,” said Baukus Mello. Consumers can easily order an Auto Check(R) vehicle history report that highlights this information when they are researching car prices at NADAguides.com.
Rust and Residue
Check for dirt buildup in unusual areas inside the car. Inspect for rust inside and outside the car in areas where water typically wouldn’t reach. Pay attention to rust or flaking metal on the undercarriage of the car too. Be concerned if you notice corrosion, water marks or a thin brown line on the exterior of the vehicle.
Electric
Check to see if the car’s electrical system works and be sure to perform an inspection of the electrical wiring system, looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.
“Be on the lookout for people trying to sell a vehicle without revealing its history,” said Baukus Mello. “All too often, flood-damaged cars that are structurally or mechanically unsafe are repaired, re-titled and sold to unsuspecting consumers.”
While these inspection tips won’t detect flood damage in every case, Baukus Mello says they’re a great place to start. She strongly advises car buyers to solicit the help of a certified mechanic to perform a detailed vehicle inspection prior to any used car purchase.
About NADAguides.com
NADAguides.com is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and manufactured housing. At NADAguides.com (), consumers have access to a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information.
NADAguides.com
Trepanier Named Woodward Dream Cruise Grand Marshal
ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Troy Trepanier, recognized as the automotive industry’s premier custom car designer/builder/racer, will serve as the official Grand Marshal of the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise, to be held Saturday, August 16, 2008.
The president of Rad Rides by Troy, a Manteno, Illinois-based custom car shop known for its creativity, craftsmanship and award-winning vehicles, Trepanier builds cars for many of the top car collectors in the country while working closely with major OEMs such as General Motors, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota. He is currently developing an environmentally friendly ethanol kit that is the only EPA certified e85 kit available in America.
Trepanier’s many 4-wheel achievements have graced TV Shows, magazine covers and multiple trophy cases and include:
– Hot Rod Magazine “Car of the Year,”"Top 10 of Year”&”Top 10 All Time”
— Autorama Ridler Award Winner
— Bonneville Salt Flats Record Holder
— Ford Motor Company’s “Top 75 Roadsters Ever Built”
— Rides TV Series on Discovery Channel
“Troy is a down-to-earth, Midwestern guy who builds incredible custom cars that people actually drive,” said Don Tanner, executive director of the Woodward Dream Cruise. “He also just happens to be one of the most prolific hot-rodders ever and a huge fan of our event.”
Trepanier will appear throughout the Dream Cruise, including at the Friday night ribbon cutting in Ferndale and parade through downtown Berkley. He will also serve as the Guest of Honor and Honorary Judge at the first-ever Woodward “Dream Show” — a juried car exhibition and competition at Northwood Shopping Center (northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile) and appear on this year’s official program cover.
The “Dream Show” will also feature live entertainment, including an appearance by Motown legends the Contours and a classic car auction, administered by the American Concours Foundation with vehicles available on eBayMotor.com.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and over 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles. The 14th annual Dream Cruise is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2008. Visit .
Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc.
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: China’s New-Vehicle Market Shows Signs of Slowing after Several Years of Rapid Growth
SHANGHAI, China, July 24 /PRNewswire/ — J.D. Power and Associates has reduced its forecast for passenger vehicle demand in China. The downward revision to 5.95 million units for 2008 marks a 4 percent decrease from the 6.2 million units forecasted at the beginning of the year.
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The revised forecast is still a 9.7 percent increase from the 5.42 million passenger cars sold in China in 2007, but it marks the first time since 2003 that the growth from the previous year is below 10 percent.
Year-over-year sales of cars, SUVs and minivans increased by only 8 percent in April, 15 percent in May, and 17 percent in June, compared with first-quarter growth of 21 percent.
Several factors are believed to have contributed to the slowing growth:
— The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index has dropped from a peak of
about 6,100 in October 2007 to 2,700 in July 2008.
— Inflation is running at 7-8 percent in China, impacting consumers’
disposable income.
— Exports appear to be slowing somewhat, due primarily to economic
difficulties in the United States and appreciation of the Chinese RMB
against the U.S. dollar. This affects the purchasing power of factory
owners and workers whose businesses depend on exports.
— A massive earthquake in Sichuan province in early May affected new-
vehicle demand in the provincial capital of Chengdu, China’s fourth-
largest city market.
— The government increased gasoline prices at the pump about 17 percent
in June.
For the first six months of the year, wholesale deliveries of vehicles- from car factories to dealerships-were up 17 percent, but car dealers surveyed by J.D. Power and Associates say sales are flat, and that some inventory is building.
“Car dealers in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen reported lackluster demand for new vehicles,” said John Bonnell, director of J.D. Power Asia-Pacific Forecasting. “Ebbing consumer confidence, coupled with higher gas prices, is likely keeping many shoppers out of the showrooms.”
On June 19, the Chinese government-which controls fuel pricing through its state-owned oil companies-opted to increase the price of fuel at the pump about 17 percent nationwide. The increase means Chinese drivers now pay approximately $3.36 for a gallon of gas, up from $2.85.
“After the increase in the price of gas, look for Chinese buyers to become more discerning about the vehicles they buy,” said Bonnell. “Much like American consumers, Chinese buyers will look for models that offer adequate size and better mileage. The five best-selling models in China this year are all powered by engines smaller than 1.8 liters.”
China’s total year-to-date 2008 passenger car sales through June reached 3 million units-up 18 percent from the 2.6 million units sold during the same period in 2007.
About J.D. Power Asia Pacific
J.D. Power in the Asia Pacific region has offices in Tokyo, Singapore and China conducting customer satisfaction research and providing consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the three offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding J.D. Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at . Media e-mail contact: .
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at .
Media Relations Contacts:
John Bonnell
J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Inc.
Director, Forecasting
Suite 1106, Q. House Asoke
Soi Asoke, Sukhumvit 21
Bangkok, Thailand, 10110
Phone: 662.264.2050
Syvetril Perryman
J.D. Power and Associates
Media Relations
2625 Townsgate Road
Westlake Village, California 91361 USA
1 805 418 8103
No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates.
J.D. Power and Associates
Lowrider Nationals Captures Urban Cars Lifestyle Enthusiasts
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., July 22 /PRNewswire/ — The Lowrider Nationals, the premier urban car culture and lifestyle custom car show, live concert, and hop competition, rolls-in Sunday, August 3, 2008, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, California. car builders, car enthusiasts and music fans from throughout the Southwest and beyond look forward to this show, the largest Latino event in Kern County.
“The Lowrider Nationals encompasses everything that appeals to our fans: the cars, the hop, their favorite musical artists, good eats, urbano merchandise and the chance to enjoy it amongst the camaraderie of friends and family. It is a perfect setting for the urban market audience,” says Rick Munoz, producer.
Hundreds of eye-popping lowriders, radical euros, amazing dubs, unique imports, and tricked-out bicycles feature elaborate displays competing for over $20,000 in prizes and the coveted diamond championship ring. Art on wheels and the hopping contest embody the sport with a long history that is continuously refreshed with each new generation.
Hurban, urban and Spanish urbano music will mix it up, live with performances by: Oscar winning, 3 6 Mafia, the rap duo with the country’s #2 album and multiple platinum and gold albums; Gemini; Mr. Capone-E, calling himself a sureno rapper, has over 10 albums; also Omar Cruz, Mr. Criminal, Kafani, Far East Movement, and La La. Rounding out the line-up are Grammy nominees, Latin Hip-Hop stars, Akwid and more. Hosted by Noe G. and official Lowrider Nationals DJs The Mixaholics.
Connecting with today’s urban Latino consumer via integrated sponsorships are: Dr. Pepper, Budweiser, MetroPCS, Kragen Auto Parts and CFL TV, the urban car culture and lifestyle TV show. Media sponsors are: Hot 94.1 FM, La Caliente 94.6 FM, Pirate Radio 93.1 FM, MAS Magazine, and Bakotopia.
The annual Lowrider Nationals is an UrbanWorx Entertainment event. The show spotlights the urban car culture and lifestyle encompassing lowriders, dubs, euros, and imports. It is a platform for individual car builders, owners, car and bike clubs and sports enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and artistry. The event’s producers uphold the car clubs’ principles of leadership, sportsmanship and the spirit of team players.
Lowrider Nationals
EUR 2 Million Contract to Pointer Telocation in Romania
ROSH HAAYIN, Israel, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Pointer Telocation Ltd. (Nasdaq Capital Market: PNTR, Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange: PNTR) - a leading provider of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, stolen vehicle retrieval services, fleet management, car & driver safety, public safety, vehicle security, asset management and road side assistance, announces today first EUR 2 million in two years contract to Shagrir’s subsidiary in Romania.
Shagrir provides RSA, SVR and Fleet Management services to over 750,000 customers in Israel. Shagrir’s subsidiary in Romania, S.C. Pointer S.R.L, will provide Road Side Assistance in Romania starting October 1st, 2008 for EUR 2 million, over a period of two years, to a large Romanian-based petrol company that will offer the services to its customers.
In addition, Pointer engaged with a Hungarian company to provide technology for fleet management services in Hungary. Pointer signed an agreement to loan a certain amount to the Hungarian company and will have an option to become a shareholder in the company in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Danny Stern, Pointer’s CEO, said: “Pointer Telocation continues to expand it global presence with its broad offering of technology, products and services. Operating in Romania is a step in Shagrir’s strategic growth plan to duplicate its vast knowledge and experience in service providing. Following this contract, S.C. Pointer S.R.L will approach insurance companies, car leasing companies and large car fleets with large service offering in order to duplicate its economies-of-scale business-model”, concluded Mr. Stern.
About Pointer Telocation:
Pointer Telocation is a leading provider of technology and services to the automotive and insurance industries, offering a set of services including Road Side Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Fleet Management. Pointer has a growing client list with products installed in over 400,000 vehicles across the globe: the UK, Greece, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, Croatia, Germany, Czech Republic, Latvia, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Costa Rica, Norway, Venezuela, Hungary, Israel and more. Cellocator, a Pointer Products Division, is a leading AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) solutions provider for stolen vehicle retrieval, fleet management, car & driver safety, public safety, vehicle security and more. In 2004, Cellocator was selected as the official security and location equipment supplier for the Olympic Games in Athens. For more information:
About Shagrir:
Shagrir Systems. Pointer’s Israeli subsidiary is the leading provider of services to the automotive and insurance industries, offering a set of services including Road Side Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Fleet Management. The company uses the most advanced operation systems in 24/7 call mode. Shagrir offers Road-Side Assistance (RSA) to more than 750,000 customers in Israel and has a large install base of proprietary “Pointer” Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) systems.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the business, financial condition and results of operations of Pointer and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Pointer, only, and are subject to risk and uncertainties relating to changes in technology and market requirements, the company’s concentration on one industry in limited territories, decline in demand for the company’s products and those of its affiliates, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, and loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of the company to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Pointer undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the company, reference is made to the company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Zvi Fried, V.P. and Yael Nevat,
Chief Financial Officer Commitment-IR.com
Tel: 972-3-572-3111 Tel: 972-9-741-8866
E-mail: E-mail:
Pointer Telocation Ltd
Do Rising Gas Prices Have You Watching Every Mile?
RICHMOND, Va., July 21 /PRNewswire/ — With the national gas prices averaging more than four dollars a gallon, CarMax, Inc. , the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, has advice on how to get more bang for your buck when driving your vehicle is taking a toll on your wallet.
“Most fuel is used to accelerate a car from a stop to cruising speed,” said ASE Certified Master Technicians Todd Gartner. “Try to avoid stops wherever possible and accelerate as slowly as traffic allows.”
CarMax technicians recommend the following fuel-sipping tips:
1. Drive Efficiently
— Drive the speed limit: gas mileage decreases at higher speeds.
– Don’t drive aggressively: speeding, quick acceleration and excessive braking all waste gas. Driving aggressively lowers gas mileage both on the highway and when driving around town.
– Use overdrive and cruise control: If your vehicle has a manual overdrive, make sure it is ON; overdrive reduces engine speed, which helps to save gas. Cruise control also saves gas by maintaining a consistent speed.
– Avoid idling: idling for longer than 30 seconds uses more gas than starting up your engine.
2. Maintain your Vehicle
– Get the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance done: keeping your car in shape improves gas mileage.
– Make sure your tires are filled to the correct pressure: this can increase gas mileage by three percent. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications.
– Whenever possible, use synthetic oil: look for “Energy Conserving” motor oil; it will reduce friction and increase fuel economy.
– Check and replace dirty air filters: clogged filters can decrease gas mileage up to 10 percent.
3. Plan Ahead
— Combine errands: this will save time, money and gas.
– Remove excess weight: excess weight in the cab or trunk can reduce mileage. Every extra 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by approximately two percent.
– Eliminate excess wind resistance: roof racks and carrier crates on the top of the car create drag or wind resistance. Removing these items can increase fuel economy by about five percent.
– Use air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds: driving with the windows open uses more fuel due to the increased drag.
– Fill up your car in the morning: early morning is the best time because the gasoline is cooler and denser. Since gas pumps measure volumes of gas and not densities, you get more fuel for your money.
About CarMax
CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2008 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 98 used car superstores in 46 markets. The CarMax consumer offer provides our customers the opportunity to shop for vehicles the way they shop for items at other national retailers, and it is structured around four customer benefits: low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection; high quality vehicles; and a customer- friendly sales process. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008, we retailed 377,244 used cars and sold 222,406 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at .
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CarMax, Inc.
Liberty Mutual and Carfax Team to Protect Consumers from Unknowingly Buying Flood Damaged and Totaled Cars
BOSTON, July 21 /PRNewswire/ — It happens all across the country: people purchase used cars without realizing they were totaled in crashes, floods and other disasters. These buyers end up paying more than the car is truly worth, often face steep repair bills, and — most alarming — are driving potentially unsafe vehicles.
To protect consumers from this fate, Liberty Mutual, the nation’s eighth-largest car insurer, is providing Carfax with its data on every car declared a total loss and sold for salvage for the past five years and going-forward. This information is then disclosed to the buyer on a Carfax vehicle history report.
“Varying state laws and a deceitful practice called ‘title washing’ allows salvaged cars to be sold without any documentation they were once totaled,” said Ted Gramer, Liberty Mutual executive vice president, Personal Claims. “In the aftermath of disasters like the recent Midwestern floods and hurricanes, consumers need added protection from increased fraudulent activity.”
Through the Liberty Mutual Rewards website, , Carfax is offering consumers a free flood check to quickly confirm if a vehicle they are interested in buying has ever been reported as flood damaged. Consumers also can purchase through the site a complete Carfax vehicle history report at a 25 percent discount.
“Liberty Mutual is the first insurance company to offer this protection to consumers, which complements our commitment to making our roads safer and reducing fraud in the used car market,” said Dick Raines, president of Carfax. “The addition of total loss information to our database helps both buyers and sellers of used cars. A Carfax Vehicle History Report combined with a mechanic’s inspection protects consumers from hidden problems and helps them find safe, reliable cars.”
Furthering its consumer safety responsibility, Liberty Mutual also recently announced its support of the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VINCheck(SM) buyer protection program. Consumers can input any vehicle’s unique 17-character identification number (VIN) at to determine if a participating insurance company such as Liberty Mutual had previously declared the car a total loss.
About Liberty Mutual
“Helping people live safer, more secure lives” since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group is a diversified global insurer and sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2007 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2007 revenue. The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual () sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in group sponsored voluntary auto and homeowners insurance programs, offering personal lines insurance through payroll deduction and direct billing to employees and members of more than 10,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.
Liberty Mutual Group has over 41,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.
About Carfax
Millions of used car buyers and sellers each year rely on Carfax, the most trusted provider of vehicle history information. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports(TM) provide valuable information that helps used car buyers and sellers make better decisions. Free Carfax Vehicle History Reports are instantly available with vehicles listed in nearly every online marketplace by Carfax-subscribing dealers. For more information, ask your dealer or visit .
CONTACT: Glenn Greenberg
(617) 574-5874
Liberty Mutual