Daimler Creates New Position of Chief Compliance Officer
February 18, 2008
- Gerd T. Becht appointed to fill this new role as CCO and General Council
STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Daimler AG (stock
abbreviation DAI) today announced that it has established the position of
Chief Compliance Officer, representing another major step in strengthening
its standards for business processes, internal controls and corporate
governance.
Read more
Goodyear Using ‘Get There’ Ad Campaign to Lead Race Fans to Daytona
February 15, 2008
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, USA. (PRNewsFoto/Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)
AKRON, OH UNITED STATES
Company’s leadership in race tires translates to ‘Follow the Leader’
advertisement
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — As the exclusive
tire supplier of NASCAR’s three largest racing series, The Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) this weekend is unveiling its newest advertising
messages to reinforce its leadership role in NASCAR and consumer tire
innovation.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )
Airing during the Feb. 17 FOX telecast of the 50th running of the
Daytona 500 will be Goodyear’s newest ad in its “Goodyear Get there”
campaign. Entitled “Follow the Leader,” the ad shows the Goodyear Blimp
leading the way toward a racetrack, with race fans, and even race drivers,
recognizing the blimp above. The final scene shows the blimp in flight with
lines of traffic following the aerial icon to get to the track.
The Goodyear blimp, “Spirit of Innovation,” is scheduled to fly above
Daytona International Speedway this week — including on race day — to
deliver messages to the tens of thousands attending on-site activities,
preliminary races and NASCAR’s Daytona 500. Those messages, via the blimp’s
illuminated sign, will support Goodyear’s latest marketing campaign,
consumer tire and service promotional offers, a variety of charitable
organizations and more.
“The Daytona 500 is one of the most attention-getting sporting events
in the world, and the fact that this year’s race marks the 50th anniversary
adds even more excitement,” said Marty Kozar, Goodyear’s director of
marketing services. “This event, with its thousands of on-site spectators
and millions more watching at home, is a perfect platform for Goodyear to
launch new advertising for 2008.”
In a nod to its products that help carry millions of travelers to their
destinations, Goodyear developed an advertising campaign built upon the
theme of “Get there,” which has appeared in television and print ads, along
with radio, Internet and retail marketing channels since early 2007.
The “Get there” theme takes flight with the assistance of the Goodyear
Blimp, one of the world’s most familiar and popular corporate icons. In the
popular TV spots, blimp pilots are represented as Goodyear’s “eyes” from
above, looking ahead to help drivers find a better way to “get there” to
their destinations.
“While Goodyear is committed to developing best-in-class product
innovations that result in breakthrough technology and award-winning tires,
we know that all our communication needs to be relevant for consumers. In
essence, tire buyers want to know that our products will help them reach
their destination … to get there,” Kozar said.
Goodyear and NASCAR jointly announced in 2007 an extended agreement for
Goodyear to continue as the exclusive tire used in NASCAR’s top three
racing series for the next five years. The agreement through 2012, named
Goodyear the “Exclusive Tire Supplier” of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, the
NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
For more than 50 years, Goodyear has worked to bring innovation to its
racing products, which, in turn, has helped foster heightened competition
on the track. Since it first began supplying tires to NASCAR, Goodyear
tires have logged 1,446 Sprint Cup Series victories, and the number
continues to rise. Goodyear consumer tires are inspired by the innovations
and cutting- edge technology from the race track.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR),
which began in 1948, is the sanctioning body for one of America’s premier
sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport — holding 17 of the top 20
attended sporting events in the U.S., the No. 2-rated regular season sport
on television with broadcasts in more than 150 countries, and has 75
million fans that purchase more than $2.1 billion in annual licensed
product sales. These fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports and as
a result, more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other
sport.
NASCAR consists of three major national series (NASCAR SPRINT Cup
Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) as
well as four regional racing series. NASCAR sanctions 1,300 races at 100
tracks across more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona
Beach, NASCAR has offices in Bentonville (Ark.), Charlotte, Concord (N.C.),
Conover (N.C.), Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City and Toronto.
About Goodyear
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. The company
employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60
facilities in 26 countries around the world. For more tire information on
Goodyear and its products, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to
http://www.goodyeartires.com.
SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
- Via Motor News Network [ http://www.motornewsnet.com/ ] [Inbox MM]
First-of-its-kind Virtual Garage for Car Fans Launched by New York Auto Show www.autoshowNY.com
February 15, 2008
NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Described as “the virtual automobile
community site” by Show Director, Candida Romanelli, Virtual Garage is
designed to give car enthusiasts around the world the chance to show-off
images and videos of their cars through the New York International
Automobile Show (NYIAS) website. NYIAS is the first auto show to embrace
the online community group phenomenon made famous by facebook.com and
myspace.com with the NYIAS Virtual Garages section of http://www.autoshowNY.com.
Read more
Ford Motor Company: Ford Confirms Fiesta as Global Name for Small Car
February 15, 2008
- Ford’s new-generation global small car to be previewed at 2008 Geneva
Motor Show. Its worldwide name is confirmed
- Ford Fiesta.
- New Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new global product development
process, with versions due for launch also in Asia and North America
between 2008 and 2010.
- European production of new Fiesta begins in fall 2008.
COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ford’s new small
car family will use the Fiesta name around the world, the company confirmed
today.
Read more
VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: The Future Is Here
February 15, 2008
VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: The Future Is Here
NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ — The automotive future is here, at
least in theory. Each year, car enthusiasts from across the country attend
auto shows to check out the latest designs. Concept cars are the most
popular - with a wide range of varieties shown. A futuristic prototype with
unique layouts, they are made to showcase new styling, technology and more.
Read more
Drivers Admit to Expressing Love for Their Vehicles
February 14, 2008
Survey uncovers truths between ‘man and machine’. HOUSTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ — As Americans celebrate their love for one another this Valentine’s Day, a national survey commissioned by Jiffy Lube International reveals the relationship between driver and vehicle is more similar to that between loved ones than expected.
“Thanks for being you”
In an effort to keep their relationships strong, the survey unveils
drivers are not shy about expressing their gratitude toward their vehicle
for being such a great partner. Forty-eight percent of women and 44 percent
of men said they’ve thanked their vehicle under various circumstances. More
specifically, 37 percent of men and 30 percent of women have complimented
their cars on their dependability; 27 percent of men and 25 percent of
women have praised their vehicles for their appearance; and 30 percent of
men and 27 percent of women have complimented their vehicle for performance
and handling.
Public Displays of Affection
Today, couples across the country will display public displays of
affection. As loved ones exchange hugs and kisses today, many drivers admit
they also extend a little tender, loving care to their vehicles. Twenty
percent of women and 14 percent of men admit they have given a nice rub to
the dashboard or some other sweet spot.
“I’m sorry, so sorry.”
The survey also showed people aren’t above apologizing to their vehicle
to get out of the doghouse. Twenty-eight percent of women and 24 percent of
men said they’ve expressed their regrets for a run-in with a pothole, speed
bump, curb or for other driving faux pas.
“Pretty please?”
Just as dependability is critical in relationships, drivers depend
heavily on their vehicles for their daily travel needs. However, when
things get a bit bumpy, many admit to pleading and gift-giving to get their
way. Thirty-two percent of women and 30 percent of men surveyed said
they’ve tried to verbally coax their vehicle to start, speed up, not stall
out, stop making a noise and similar pleads. Some went the bribery route,
with 20 percent of men and 14 percent of women offering their vehicles
rewards such as premium gasoline or a carwash. Taking a more aggressive
tack, 20 percent of men and 17 percent of women have resorted to
threatening or yelling at their automobiles to pressure them into behaving.
Show your car you really do care
“Valentine’s Day is about showing affection for our loved ones, but we
shouldn’t forget to also think about our vehicles,” said Lisa Carlson,
global director of marketing for Jiffy Lube International. “For most of us,
our vehicles are far more than just another line-item on our list of
assets. They are so integral to our daily lives because we constantly count
on them to safely and dependably get us where we need to be. They deserve
affection and attention too.”
The survey results reinforce the strong relationship between driver and
vehicle, but drivers don’t need to present a ring to show their commitment
to the relationship. The best way for drivers to ensure their ‘partner’
continues to perform is to follow a sound preventive maintenance plan. The
car care experts at Jiffy Lube can help give vehicles the love they need
before a potentially costly breakdown. To find a nearby Jiffy Lube service
center, visit http://www.jiffylube.com.
An Opinion Research Corporation CARAVAN(R) omnibus study was conducted
by telephone among a representative national sample of 509 men and 507
women, ages 18 and older. Data were collected from April 19 - April 22,
2007. The survey has a (3.2 %) margin of error.
About Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube, with more than 2,200 service centers in North America,
serves approximately 27.5 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered
the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first
drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional
service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube
International is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company.
Visit http://www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle
care.
Disclaimer statement:
This announcement contains forward-looking statements, that are subject
to risk factors associated with the oil, gas, power, chemicals and
renewables business. It is believed that the expectations reflected in
these statements are reasonable, but may be affected by a variety of
variables which could cause actual results, trends or reserves replacement
to differ materially, including, but not limited to: price fluctuations,
actual demand, currency fluctuations, drilling and production results,
reserve estimates, loss of market, industry competition, environmental
risks, physical risks, risks associated with the identification of suitable
potential acquisition properties and targets and the successful negotiation
and consummation of transactions, the risk of doing business in developing
countries, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including
potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation
of reserves, economic and financial market conditions in various countries
and regions, political risks, project delay or advancement, approvals and
cost estimates.
Please refer to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2004 (as amended) for a description of certain important
factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect the Shell Group’s
businesses. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group
undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these
forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future
events or other information.
Cautionary Note to US Investors:
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (’SEC’) permits
oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only
proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or
conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under
existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this
presentation, such as “expected producible resources” and “amount of
reserves we expect to produce”, that the SEC’s guidelines strictly prohibit
us from including in filings with the SEC.
Daimler AG Financial Year 2007: Group EBIT of Euro 8.7 Billion (US$12.7 Billion) (2006: Euro 5.0 Billion, US$7.3 Billion)
February 14, 2008
- Net profit of euro 4.0 billion (US$5.8 billion) (2006: euro 3.8 billion,
US$5.5 billion)
- Earnings per share of euro 3.83 (US$5.59) (2006: euro 3.66, US$5.35)
- Revenue of euro 99.4 billion (US$145.2 billion) at prior-year level (euro
99.2 billion, US$144.9 billion)
- Dividend to rise to euro 2.00 per share (US$2.92) (2006 euro 1.50,
US$2.19)
- Share buyback will be continued, effective today
- Outlook: further significant improvement of EBIT from continuing
operations expected
Chrysler LLC and SIRIUS Satellite Radio Extend Exclusive Relationship
February 13, 2008
SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. (PRNewsFoto/SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO INC.) Read more
Very First Ferrari Makes Rare Appearance Inaugural Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance
February 12, 2008
PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The first
Ferrari ever built, Chassis Number 01C, will make its first-ever western
United States appearance during the Inaugural Desert Classic Concours
d’Elegance, at the historic O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs, Calif.
Ready for Families: Subaru Outback Named a 2008 Best New Family Vehicle by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
February 12, 2008
Versatility, Comfort and Reliability Places 2008 Subaru Outback on Eminent Online Automotive Resource’s Inaugural List of ‘10 Best New Family Vehicles’. CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the intrepid 2008 Subaru Outback has been named to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com’s first annual list of “Best New Family Vehicles.” From a long list of vehicles that qualified in varying degrees as safe, roomy and affordable, the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com selected this year’s 10 Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on such factors as capability, fuel efficiency, resale value, and the
all-important kid- friendliness.
