"Courageous Persuaders" wants student videos about underage drinking dangers
The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Education Foundation is reminding students that the deadline for entry into the Courageous Persuaders video competition is approaching quickly. The deadline for entry is February 10, 2010. The announcement was made by DADA President Bill Perkins.
Courageous Persuaders is a competition-based scholarship program that invites high school students to create a 30-second television commercial about the dangers of underage drinking. The commercials are targeted toward middle school-aged children, with the winning entries aired on television and via streaming video on the www.courageouspersuaders.com Web site. The winning entry will also be shown in select Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) branches.
"This program provides an opportunity for both high school students and middle school students to stop and seriously consider the dangers of underage drinking," said Perkins. "High school students who create the commercials are actively engaged in developing the message, while the middle school students who judge the videos, determining which has the greatest impact, are being positively influenced. The Courageous Persuaders program truly makes a difference by connecting with these young people at a particularly impressionable age, influencing thinking and behavior in an interesting and entertaining way."
The DADA Education Foundation also announced the Awards Celebration will be held at the Troy Marriott on May 18, 2010 and feature a red carpet event, strolling supper and enhanced awards presentation, hosted by Fox 2 News Anchor Huel Perkins.
The Courageous Persuaders program was created in 2000 by Oakland County District Judge Michael A. Martone and John Barczyk, a local McCann-Erickson advertising executive. In 2007, the DADA became the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program through its DADA Education Foundation. Last year, the contest drew 737 entries from 1,196 students in 42 states.
Winning entries are eligible for the following scholarship awards:
Grand Prize: $3,000
First Place: $1,500
Second Place: $1,000
Third Place: $500
Additionally, special awards are also presented by Courageous Persuaders partners:
Lindsey Renee Cianciolo Family Memorial Scholarship: $3,000 - two $1,500 Michigan-based scholarship winners
Adcraft Club of DetroitAward: $2,000 - presented to the commercial that conveyed factual information about the dangers of alcohol use
New York festivals: $2,000 - chosen based on the commercial's effectiveness to inform and inspire
USA TodayAward: $1,000 - chosen by the USA Today Detroit staff from among the most persuasive commercials, as judged by middle school students
State Farm Insurance: $1,000 - awarded to a Michigan-based entry
USA TodayCourageous Leader Award - presented to a special teacher for his or her extraordinary support of the Courageous Persuaders program
Winners are selected after several rounds of judging. During the first round, a panel from the DADA views the entries and identifies the top 60 contenders. Those entries are then reviewed by students at middle schools, who complete questionnaires. Results of the questionnaires determine the winners.
To view the winning commercials and/or enter the 2009-2010 competition, visit the Web site at www.courageouspersuaders.com, or contact Sandy Herp at 248.283.5138 or sherp@dada.org.
Spyker Buys SAAB!
Spyker Offer First Reported Here at NewCarNews.TV
Spyker CEO Victor Muller (Bob Giles Photos) Click on photos below to view Spyker at the 2009 Auto Show
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As first reported here on NewCarNews.TV Spyker Cars, a niche automaker based in the Netherlands, will buy SAAB from General Motors Co. keeping the Swedish automaker alive. Spyker's talks with GM to buy Saab collapsed over unspecified issues several times. Spyker manufactures a small number of exotic sports cars that fetch $200,000 or more. Last year, the company produced just 43 vehicles and lost $24.8 million euros ($35.5 million).
Saab employs about 3,400 people worldwide, most of whom work at its main plant in Trollhattan, Sweden. The brand also has some 1,100 dealers. GM bought a 50 percent stake and management control of Saab for $600 million in 1989 and gained full ownership in 2000 for $125 million more. On Monday, Swedish government officials were holding emergency meetings with unions and local authorities to prepare for the closure the Trollhattan plant.
NAIAS 2010 Charity Preview Photo Album
(Please 'click" on any photo to start the slide show of Bob Giles' photos)
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GMC Granite Concept, Audi A8 Win Eyes On Design Prizes
Audi's A8 sedan, has received the EyesOn Design Award for best production vehicle debut at the NAIAS 2010 show, and the Granit from GMC, potentially the automaker's smallest SUV, received kudos for best concept. The A8 was introduced in Miami in November, but the Detroit show was its official global debut. It goes on sale this fall in the U.S. GM's "urban-industrial design aesthetic" Granite remains just a concept at this time. The awards are sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, which also hosts the annual summer EyesOn Design auto exhibition at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford estate in the Detroit area.
Cadillac XTS (GM Photo)
Latest NAIAS Show News (Click Logo)
Longtime Ford dealer George Gorno dies
George Gorno
Longtime Downriver Detroit auto dealer George Gorno Sr. had died according to the manager of his Woodhaven-based dealership, the metro area's second-oldest family-owned Ford dealership. Gorno was a fixture of the metro area automotive dealers' community. He served as co-chairman of the North American International Auto Show in 1997 and sat on the National Automobile Dealers Association's board of directors. Gorno was a past president of the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association, Ford Credit Committee of the Ford National Dealer Council and the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association. He also served on the board of governors for his alma mater, Midland-based Northwood University, and as a trustee for Henry Ford Community College and Henry Ford Hospital.
Lutz Superb as LA Show Keynoter
Bob Lutz in LA (GM Photo)
gm photo
Click photo at left to view the complete speech
(Giles 2006 Photo)
Top Designers Debate the Future of the Automobile at the Los Angeles
Auto Show
Has the car design taken a back seat to new cartechnologies? This is just one questions we'll ask a panel of prominent auto designers during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec.
3.
Daniel Lyons,
Newsweek's Technology Editor, will
moderate a revealing discussion with a renowned group of designers including Ian
Callum, director of design at Jaguar Cars; Derek Jenkins, director of design at
Mazda North American Operations and Franz von Holzhausen, chief designer at
Tesla Motors. Lyons will examine with this notable group of automotive design
leaders how new market conditions, tougher environmental regulations and
changing consumer preferences will ultimately impact what consumers drive in the
future.
During this
special Newsweek presented forum,
controversial topics surrounding the future of automotive design will be
debated. A few of the many questions to be asked include: Will the quest for
better fuel economy make all cars look like aerodynamic variations of each
other, or will new technology allow for design breakthroughs? Will the visceral
experience of driving be lost forever or simply replaced with a different but
equally stirring experience? The panel promises to be an honest and eye-opening
look into the future of the automobile.
"Ultimately auto
designers need to overcome market challenges with innovative design solutions,"
says Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design
Academy, Inc. "The automotive industry is at a turning point with environmental
and economic conditions on one side and breakthrough technology on the other, so
it will be fascinating to see how these design leaders envision the
future."
"The panel
discussion is part of the of the Sixth Annual Design Los Angeles automotive
designer's conference taking place during the LA Auto Show's second press day
and then kicking off the 10 day consumer show from Dec 4-13, 2009. (Louise Giles Edit)
Five Finalists Announced for the 2010 Green Car of the
Year®
Winner to be
Announced During an LA Auto Show Press Conference on Dec. 3
Green Car
Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the
Year®, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI. For the fifth
consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced during a press
conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec.
3.
The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental
leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that are readily
available to consumers during the award year. Green Car Journal editors perform
an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify the five finalists. The
winner is ultimately decided by jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau,
Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl
Pope, along with Green Car Journal
editors.
"We're seeing the trend for
'green' cars emerging at all levels, from entry-level cars to luxury models, and
even performance cars and SUVs/crossovers," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher
of the Green Car Journal and editor of
GreenCar.com. "Plus, an array of
technologies and fuels as well as strategies like lightweighting and reducing
rolling resistance are being applied to the challenge. Greater choice provides
buyers a personal stake in lessening environmental impact, and that's
important."
This year's finalists reflect this
diversity. For the first time an Audi makes the final five with its sporty A3
TDI clean diesel. Volkswagen's new Golf TDI shows an expanding focus on clean
diesel technology in the VW lineup. The Insight is a completely new hybrid sedan
for Honda and the 2010 Toyota Prius is a totally redesigned, third-generation
version of this popular hybrid model. The Milan Hybrid is Mercury's application
of its advanced-hybrid technology in an upscale mid-size sedan.
About
Green Car of the Year®
The GCOY award is an
important part of Green Car Journal's
mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992,
Green Car Journal has focused on the
intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry
newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the
magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel
efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles.
Subscription information, along with a downloadable sample issue, can be found
at GCJUSA.com. Green Car of the Year®
is a registered trademark of Green Car
Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations are once again proud sponsors of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s (DIO) 2009 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show. The fundraising event benefits the DIO in assisting and educating the blind and visually impaired. The design show is recognized as one of the largest and most complete vehicle displays assembled each year, attracting automotive designers, automotive decision makers and consumers from around the world. Historically, the exhibit has showcased more than 200 vehicles, including Indy 500 speedsters, stock cars, Formula One racers and hot rods.“That we’re able to enjoy the striking lines and elegant contours of the world’s finest automobiles is a privilege we take for granted,” said Michael Martini, President, Original Equipment, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, BATO. “The DIO is a remarkable organization that makes a difference in so many lives. We are proud champions of their cause.”Martini explained that 2009 marks the eighth consecutive year BATO and the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund have sponsored the EyesOn Design fundraiser. Furthermore, it is the second year of a five-year commitment in which the company will continue its support for and presence at the annual Automotive Design Show.Five awards – collectively “The Bridgestone Awards” – will be presented at this year’s event. Crafted by distinguished American crystal designer Steven V. Correia, the awards are crystal sculptures that capture the precision, clarity and reflectivity of the relationship between automotive design and the gift of sight. Judging is accomplished by automotive designers and/or teams of active and retired designers from leading automotive and supplier companies.
Mazda's Jim O’Sullivan, Named Automotive Exec of the Year, Predicts “The Industry Will Be Back Stronger Than Ever”
(Bob Giles Photo)
The 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year Award was presented to Mazda President and CEO, Jim O’Sullivan, at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) on May 6. The Award is sponsored by DNV Certification and was presented to O’Sullivan in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and vision for the automotive industry’s future. During his acceptance speech, O’Sullivan graciously acknowledged the entire Mazda team – both past and present – and highlighted his valued history with Ford Motor Co. A Detroit native, O’Sullivan called himself an “industry lifer,” whose grandfather, father and many family members worked in the automotive industry. “I may live in California now, but my heart remains right here in the Motor City.” Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, O’Sullivan called attention to the automotive industry’s global impact. “Think of the opportunities our industry has created for people, and not just here in the U.S. but the world over,” he said. “We should be proud of the fact that our industry has improved the lives of millions around the world.” In response to concerns about the industry’s current distress, O’Sullivan noted that the “pain is being shared by all” and, although the industry is rapidly changing and “none of us knows what the next few months will bring,” he predicts “that, regardless of all the negative news around us, things will get better…the industry will be back stronger than ever.” Responsible for all aspects of Mazda’s U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican operations, O’Sullivan highlighted the automakers relatively positive outlook in an otherwise bleak market. Mazda has not cut spending and, over the past 18 months, has either fully renewed or updated its entire showroom of vehicles. O’Sullivan noted that Mazda has been “recalibrating its inventory and sees more and more positive growth for the back of the year.” “Modesty, integrity, leadership, and vision, make Jim O’Sullivan the ideal recipient for the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year Award,” said Robert Djurovic, executive director of the award program. “Each of us here today has been inspired by your strong commitment to excellence for the sake of this industry.” Event and Honoree History The Automotive Executive of the Year award has recognized excellence in automotive leadership from OEM executives since 1964. Past winners include Carroll Shelby, Jim Press, Bill Ford, Jr., Dieter Zetsche, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Thomas Stallkamp, Roger Smith, Harold E. Poling, Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean. The Automotive Executive of the Year Award nominating committee is composed of automotive industry media, prominent industry analysts and automotive supplier CEOs. The annual award luncheon was attended by over 200 automotive industry leaders.
2009 NAIAS Detroit Show Media Day One...
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2009 NAIAS Detroit Show Media Day Two...
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2009 NAIAS Detroit Show Media Day Three...
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ICOTY Jury Announces 2009 International Car
of the Year and Truck of the Year
For Immediate
Release
DETROIT, January 10, 2009 - The votes are
in, and the 2009 International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) jury announced today the winners at the 13th annual black-tie
ceremony held at the MGM Grand Detroit. The event hosted more than 600 industry
leaders and media on the eve of press week of the North American International
Auto Show.
Hosted by Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith, and Earth, Wind & Power Magazine (EWP) Editor-in-Chief Courtney
Caldwell, ICOTY presented the International Car of the Year and International
Truck of the Year awards. The ICOTY jury, made up of 16 nationally-renowned
automotive journalists, selected the 2009 vehicles as the best for the new model
year with final ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates to ensure
accuracy and credibility. And the winners are:
International Car of the
Year Nissan GT-R
International Truck of the
Year Dodge Ram 1500
"The ICOTY Awards are not about power and
performance, but rather personality and passion," said ICOTY Executive Producer
Courtney Caldwell. “The awards are based on lifestyle compatibility and how well
automakers achieve that goal.”
The 2009 ceremony also debuted the Earth, Wind & Power Awards, which honored the most
eco-friendly car and truck of the year. The mission of the EWP Awards is to
recognize vehicles that are driven by a power source that help reduce global
warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment and support the
mission to achieve energy independence through alternative
sources.
Also recognized was Honda Motor Company with the second annual
EARTH ANGEL Award. Sponsored by Bridgestone, the award honors the automaker making the most
progress with environmental initiatives and partnerships on a worldwide level.
In addition to the ICOTY Awards, Road & Travel Magazine presented its sixth annual Lifetime Legend Award to veteran automotive journalist, Warren
Brown, a long-time auto contributor for the Washington Post. The award was
sponsored by Ford Motor Company.
'Car Guy' Jay Leno Gets A New Ride!
NBC has signed its late-night star and classic car collector Jay Leno to a contract that will keep him at the network and move him to prime time. Under the new deal, Leno, whose "Tonight" show hosting job will go to Conan O'Brien next June, would have a new show airing 10 p.m. Eastern every weeknight,. The arrangement would enable NBC to hold on to Leno, who might have jumped to a competing network, and even been on the air as a rival to O'Brien. Leno, who took over "Tonight" from Johnny Carson in 1992, is effectively being evicted from its anchor desk under a deal NBC announced four years ago that guaranteed the job to "Late Night" host O'Brien. Aimed at keeping O'Brien at NBC, the plan also guaranteed the network five more years of Leno's services at 11:35 p.m., where he continues to reign as late-night ratings champ. But it put NBC in danger of losing Leno, whose future subsequently became a matter of much speculation. His farewell as "Tonight" host is next May 29.
New Car Photo Book: "Sirens of Chrome, The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models" by Margery Krevsky ($24.95)
Sirens of Chrome Book Cover
Thaddeus McCotter (Rep., Livonia) Fights for Automotive Industry
New VW JettaTDI has Bosch brains
Modern clean diesel fuel delivery and engine management technology from Robert Bosch LLC are featured on Volkswagen of America's 2009 Jetta TDI and SportWagen, the country's first-launched 50-state compliant clean diesel vehicles. The cars are being displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Today's clean diesel is cleaner and more fuel efficient, without customers having to sacrifice fuel economy for engine performance.
The vehicle's 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) engine uses the latest generation of Bosch clean diesel common rail system capable of up to 1800 bar (nearly 30,000 psi) and multiple (up to five) pre- and post-injections through piezo-electric injectors.
Additional vehicle content from Bosch includes the high-pressure pump, engine electronic control unit, diesel particulate filter, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation pressure sensors, cam sensors, lambda sensors and the hot film air mass sensor, and glow timing electronic control unit.
"The 2009 Jetta TDI is a groundbreaking vehicle for the U.S. market in terms of its use of alternative fuel and resulting emissions reduction," said Bernd Boisten, regional president, diesel systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "We are proud to supply Bosch's diesel components. Our high-pressure injection system enables optimal performance and clean fuel combustion in the Jetta TDI. Clean diesel technology provides consumers with a smart choice for better fuel economy, low emissions and increased performance. As more diesel vehicles become available, consumers will be able to experience first-hand the advantages of clean diesel technology."
Clean diesel technology combines ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, advanced engines and effective exhaust control technology into a complete package that is more efficient, environmentally friendly and fun to drive. Boisten pointed out that a clean diesel engine is one of the "greenest" powertrain options on the market today.
The 50-state compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI and SportWagen have claimed two of the top positions in the annual EPA and Energy Departments' list of the most fuel efficient vehicles.
About Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in approximately 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth.
Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for more than 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com .
This reporter has not yet driven the Genesis, but I can tell you that those automotive reporters who have been behind the wheel tell me that it's a very impressive vehicle, and the "one to beat" in the upcoming North American Car of the Year award competition. Hyundai has put some time and effort in this one. You'll be hearing more about this car, especially in their ad campaign which defines the words confidence and pride! ---Bob Giles
Paris Show: concerns about common standards as fuel-efficient autos are revealed.
The first photographs of Chevrolet's all-new Cruze sedan - making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October - reveal a dynamic four-door coupe that proves exciting design and value are not mutually exclusive. On sale beginning in Europe from March next year, Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie. Cruze's arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.
Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.
J.D. Power Reports: Overall Initial Quality Improves Considerably, With Gains Shared Across Most Manufacturers
Dave Sargent, J. D. Power auto research vp at the APA. (Bob Giles photo)
Detroit, MI, June 4 -- Initial quality in the automotive industry has improved significantly in 2008, with substantial gains demonstrated by nearly three-fourths of the 36 ranked nameplates, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released today to members of the Automotive Press Association. Overall quality improves to 118 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2008, down from 125 PP100 in 2007. "Due to some strong new-vehicle launches, in addition to a continued reduction in the level of defects and malfunctions, overall quality improves by 6 percent in 2008, compared with 2007," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "This gain is driven not only by strong advances from many of the high-volume brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, but also by very significant improvements by many other automakers. This industry-wide improvement is a testament to the effort that automakers are putting into listening to the voice of the customer, and the hard work they have undertaken to integrate that feedback to design, engineer and manufacture better-quality vehicles. From working closely with the industry, we see the importance that is placed on initial quality. Vehicle manufacturers and consumers alike are reaping the rewards of this effort."
The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term durability, which can significantly impact consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories -- quality of design and defects and malfunctions. The study finds that 86 percent of the overall improvement is due to advances in eliminating defects and malfunctions. Minimizing design problems remains a major challenge for the industry, particularly since new technology, such as navigation and entertainment devices, is becoming increasingly common in today's new vehicles.
"As consumer demand for new and more advanced wireless communication, navigation and audio technology continues to grow, manufacturers face challenges related to how well these systems are integrated into their vehicles," said Sargent. "In particular, issues with difficult-to-use audio and entertainment controls and voice command recognition failure are among the top ten problems most frequently reported by customers. Since hands-free communication for drivers will become a mandate in more and more areas throughout the U.S., this will need to be an area of continued focus for automakers."
The study also finds that new-vehicle sales patterns in 2008 have shifted away from the largest models and toward smaller models. "This shift in sales preferences among new-vehicle buyers is in part a response to rapidly increasing fuel prices," said Sargent. "The good news for consumers in this difficult environment is that they can downsize with confidence, as there are many models with high initial quality in the smaller-vehicle segments. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that 28 new compact-vehicle models will launch by 2010, and it will be particularly important for manufacturers to ensure high initial quality in these launches."
2008 IQS Ranking Highlights
Honda models capture three segment awards -- more than any other nameplate in the 2008 study -- for the Civic, CR-V and Fit. Garnering two segment awards each are: Chevrolet (Malibu and Silverado LD); Dodge (Dakota and Durango); Infiniti (EX-Series and M-Series); Lexus (LS and RX); and Mercedes-Benz (CLK-Class and E-Class). The Porsche 911 has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 67 problems per 100 vehicles. Also receiving segment awards are the Ford E-Series, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan and Toyota Sequoia.
"In past years, automakers have frequently struggled to achieve very high initial quality with new models," said Sargent. "With product launches and redesigns often being problematic for manufacturers from a quality standpoint, it is particularly impressive that the Chevrolet Malibu and Infiniti EX-Series achieve such high levels of quality that they receive awards in their launch year." For a third consecutive year, Porsche tops the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 87 PP100. Following in the rankings are Infiniti (which improves from 9th rank position in 2007), Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, respectively. Audi posts the largest improvement in ranking, moving from 26th place in 2007 to 10th in 2008.
Assembly Plant Awards
The Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions. Averaging just 33 PP100, the plant produces the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class Sedan, E-Class Wagon and S-Class. Plant awards are based solely on defect and malfunction counts. Among North and South American plants, the Toyota plant in Baja California, Mexico, which produces the Toyota Tacoma, achieves the Gold Plant Quality Award. In the Asia Pacific region, Toyota's Fujimatsu, Japan, plant, which produces the Toyota Prius, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award.
The 2008 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 81,500 purchasers and lessees of new 2008 model-year cars and trucks surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate problem determination and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and April 2008.
J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts: John Tews Syvetril Perryman Director, Media Relations Media Relations Specialist Troy, Mich. Westlake Village, Calif. (248) 312-4119 (805) 418-8103 john.tews@jdpa.comsyvetril.perryman@jdpa.com
Click on any of these photos to go to the Chicago 2008 Show site....
Traverse City Meeting Attracts Elite Group
Top-level executives from important global automotive companies attened the 40th Annual Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) Aug. 1-5 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near Traverse City, Mich. The seminars are directed by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). The 2005 MBS theme, “Strategies for Turbulent Times,” will be the basis of remarks from more than 80 senior executives, including: George Dettloff, president, SKF North America; Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice president, manufacturing, Chrysler Group; Mark Gaffney, president, AFL-CIO; Bill Kozyra, president, Continental Teves; Rodney O'Neal, president and chief operating officer, Delphi Corp.; Jim Press, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor Sales, USA; Peter Rosenfeld, executive vice president, procurement and supply, Chrysler Group; John Sanderson, CEO, Siemens VDO Automotive; John Smith, group vice president, global product planning, General Motors Corp.; Yoshimasa Yamamoto, vice president, powertrain, Nissan Motor Co.
Auto Books: A Journalists' Resource
Authors Cabadas, DeLorenzo, Berg
At a recent meeting of the APA (Automotive Press Association) in Detroit, three industry journalists discussed the process of writing a "car book." The three included Matt DeLorenzo (Mustang 2005: New Breed of Pony Car); Joseph P. Cabadas (RiverRouge: Ford' s Industrial Colossus ); Phil Berg (Corvette C6.) Every automotive broadcast journalist will find each of these new publications from Classic Motorbooks http://www.motorbooks.com full of insight and a greaty source of story ideas. Just thumb through the pages to quickly realize that the publisher truly understands his market. They are picture books with intelligent text. Author Cabadas explained his editor's mandate that his book, River Rouge, required one photo for every 250 words of text. It's his second book, and his first solo effort. If you're starting a newsroom car library don't ignore these great books. Not only will they explain a great deal of automotive history, they will be a great training source for your camera staff to see how vehicles can best be photographed.
An Opinion About...
Click Pic For Movie Info
"OPEN RANGE"
Kevin Costner’s new Western, "Open Range," is an old-time epic that is distinctive for among other things, NO CAR CRASHES! How refreshing! Are you just a little tired of the countless number of beautiful new vehicles crashed into salvage bits? You’re not alone. Even though the folks at Mini USA proudly touted the fact that their new hot car was one of the real stars in the recent "Italian Job", it’s painful to watch these cars go through their paces and become undriveable wrecks. But that’s not the only example. This Website takes the position that cars should not be crashed in movies. Sorry! If they can protect animals, moviemakers can protect our precious cars and trucks. So along comes Kevin Costner making a sweeping romantic Western using only horses. I can’t thank Coster enough for saving several new cars. We know the "actor" horses are protected from mistreatment and abuse, but no such organization protects cars used in movies! So, NewCarNews.TV’s hat comes off to honor Costner.
COSTNER IS OUR FIRST CELEB INTERVIEW
KEVIN COSTNER’S MOVIE SITE LOCATIONS
VACATION WHERE HE SHOT HIS MOVIES
By Bob Giles, NewCarNews.TV
Kevin Costner’s many movies were filmed in North American locations that any traveler would be happy to visit. I recently visited two South Dakota locations relating to Costner and his interests and interviewed Costner when he visited Detroit, home of NewCarNews.TV For Costner, it was an opportunity to show his new movie, "Open Range." More about that later, but let’s begin this "Costner Vacation" with the 1990 movie that won Costner so many Oscars, including best film:
Dances with Wolves In 1990, "Wolves" introduced many moviegoers to the fact that once upon a time in America, fields of tall grasses covered much of what now is called our central prarie lands. The vast fields of tall grass have been plowed under for farmlands. But it doesn’t diminish the beauty of the land. Just drive through any of the beautiful prarie lands in the Dakotas along I-80 or I-90, and be sure to get off the road and take a closer look. Picture these vast horizons filed with grasses as tall as six feet! Now picture vast herds of buffalo stampeding over these plains. Smaller remnants of these large buffalo can still be found. Dances with Wolves’ dramatic buffalo sequences were filmed in Pierre, South Dakota, at the nearby Triple U Standing Butte Ranch. Other South Dakota locations for this movie include Badlands National Park, in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area; Belle Forche, along the Belle Forche River; and Spearfish, where the winter camp sequence was filmed in Spearfish Canyon. Another set, Fort Hays, is located four miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota, on Highway 16. See the headquarters building where Kevin Costner received his orders to "go west." The set is open from May 15 to Sept. 15 and is free to visitors. I also suggest a drive to southwest South Dakota and visit Custer State Park where many other movies have been shot, including "The Last Hunt", "How the West Was Won", and "A Man Called Horse". Its wild beauty and open areas will give you the opportunity to see one of the last large herds of bison that are allowed to graze in these massive parklands.
Visit Kevin Costner’s casino, Midnight Star, in Deadwood, South Dakota. Inside, Costner displays costumes he’s worn during his career, Several of the fabulous pieces from "Dances with Wolves", "Bull Durham", "Waterworld", and, yes, even "The Bill Chill". Have lunch on the second floor under the Detroit Tiger uniform he wore in "For the Love of the Game".
A few miles north of Deadwood is Tatanka: the Story of the Bison, a massive sculpture monument Costner commissioned. The memorial includes 16 life-size castings of bison racing over a cliff to their deaths, chased by three Native Americans on horseback. The sculpture took nine years to produce, and what makes this place so special is that it’s an educational opportunity for the whole family to learn about the lifestyle of the Native Americans who have a teaching encampment at the site.
Moviegoers will recognize the word, tatanka, from "Dances with Wolves," It is the Lakota Sioux word for buffalo. That movie was remarkable for its breakthrough attitude and perspective from the Native American viewpoint and use of subtitled Lakota language. During a recent appearance Costner made in Detroit, I asked him about his leadership role in explaining the story of the Native Americans, and whether he could see an impact on the way the industry treated or portrayed Native Americans.
Said Costner, "Yes, I have done some work in this area, and produced ‘500 Nations.’ But it would be stupid for me to think that I was the leader in teaching the story of our Native Americans. That would be a bad thing. What I try to do in my work is be as authentic as possible. That’s how I am true to every story. It must be authentic. And people respond to that. Being authentic creates an atmosphere that people can relate to. It’s how people look and how they act. It’s real, it’s authentic. The story of the Native Americans should be told with authenticity. I try to do that."
Costner’s newest movie, Open Range, is a study in authenticity. As Costner told me, "There were no women in the scenes shot in the saloon. At that time it was not appropriate for women to be in a saloon. But you did see women in the town cafe. So I had women in the cafe." I have already seen this great new romantic Western, and convinced it will be a classic. More than a fine screenplay and exceptional acting, what will eventually earn Costner awards for this movie is his attention to detail and a demand for authenticity. "Open Range" was shot in southern Alberta, Canada. The scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful, and there are no car chases or clashes with Native Americans.
Let’s fill up the gas tank and take a look at just a few of Costner’s other films and shooting locations:
Field of Dreams If they built it in 1989, will people still come in 2003? You bet! The rural farm that Costner used to shoot this classic baseball movie about "Shoeless Joe" still has the baseball diamond set next to the field of corn. And it’s free! It’s located in northeast Iowa at 28963 Lansing Road, in Dyersville. That's just 25 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa, and approximately 200 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. For more information and hours of operation, phone toll free 1-888-875-8404, or visit this site for more: http://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com
For the Love of the Game One of Costner’s lesser-known efforts and yet a great baseball story about an aging Detroit Tiger who must decide to end his career. Although other major movies used Tiger Stadium in recent years as a great location, this movie was shot in Yankee Stadium. I suggest the next time you go to New York, rent this movie and then buy a ticket to this ballpark.
Tin Cup Costner plays Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy, a golfer who has become complacent running a West Texas driving range. The first part of the movie was shot in the desert outside Tucson, Arizona. McAvoy soon falls in love with a psychologist (played by Rene Russo), but must compete for her love against a rival golfer in the U.S. Open. These scenes were shot in the Houston, Texas, area at Deerwood and Kingwood courses and not in North Carolina, as the script would have you believe. Both of these courses are open.
Waterworld The futuristic story about a lone traveler, "The Mariner" (Costner), living in a world filled with water, trying to find a piece of dry land. You would have to travel to Hawaii to both get a good look at some of the water, plus stay in four of the locations used in the film. A travel agency has listed the four Hawaiian locations from the movie as places you could vacation, "A Tree House--in the hidden valley of the only land on earth in the last scene of Waterworld. Tropical delight with all the modern conveniences, including kitchen. Small House & Studio--private, in same jungle setting with 1,200-foot waterfall. Property accommodates 20 guests. B&B--world class view. Large studio w/kitchen overlooking the "New Earth." Designer Guest House--on 4.2 acres with stream and ocean view overlooking 20 miles of Waterworld's fabulous "New Earth." 2 bedrooms & studio; sleeps 9." If any of these interest you, contact Celebrity Getaways International at rob@celebritygetaways.com
Bull Durham One of the best-loved baseball movies co-stared Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins. The movie was filmed in Durham, North Carolina, at the Historic Durham Athletic Field, 500 West Corporation Street, (919) 560-4355. Almost all of the baseball scenes were filmed in the park, and the locker room scenes were shot in the tobacco warehouse across the street.
These titles are just a few to begin planning your vacation with Kevin Costner. You can research more yourself on the Internet using a good search engine, such as Yahoo or Google. Costner’s film library touches a broad sweep of the American experience. During the Detroit interview, Costner noticed that I had brought along a small travel brochure about the Tatanka exhibit which he autographed, "Oh, you actually went there! Good for you!" He’s right, it was good for me and anyone else wanting to learn more about our rich, diverse history.
