'The BorgWarner Engine Group supplies systems and components for five of the '10 Best Engines 2009' presented by Ward's Auto World at the North American International Auto Show, including: <pre class="qmnews_pre" id="pre"> -- Audi 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)<br> -- BMW 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)<br> -- Chrysler 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)<br> -- Ford 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)<br> -- Volkswagen 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)<br><br></pre> <p> Turbochargers, engine timing systems, viscous fan drives, glow plugs and control modules, and instant start systems are some of the technologies BorgWarner produces for the engines on the distinguished list.</p> <p> 'Fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced performance -- these important benefits drive advances in BorgWarner's industry-leading engine technology,' said <person>Tim Manganello</person>, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. 'We are proud to contribute to the success of these notable engines. Congratulations to our winning customers -- Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen.'</p> <p> Ward's 10 Best Engines program has built a reputation as the auto industry's annual barometer of powertrain expertise. Nominations for the award are limited to engines that are available in regular-production, U.S. models on sale no later than the first quarter of 2009 with a base price of no more than <money>$54,000</money>.</p> <p> <location>Auburn Hills, Michigan</location>-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 64 locations in 17 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.borgwarner.com/">http://www.borgwarner.com</a>.</p>'

'<span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style5"> Larry Burns, General Motors vice president for Research &amp; Development and Strategic Planning, today called for the creation of a new public/private partnership to rapidly commercialize key U.S. automotive technologies. </span></span></span> <p class="style4"> In a speech to the Transportation Research Board at the 88th Annual Meeting, Burns said such a partnership should be focused on collaboration to ensure that U.S.-developed technologies reach the commercial “tipping point” where markets will naturally sustain volume growth. </p> <p class="style4"> “Markets must ultimately drive the high-volume supply and demand of advanced technology vehicles,” Burns said. “Governments cannot afford to subsidize high volumes, companies cannot afford to price below cost at high volumes, and consumers will not purchase in high volume if prices exceed value. What is needed is a mechanism to share the public/private risks and rewards of transitioning to ‘tipping points’ through early commercialization of transformational technologies.” </p> <p class="style4"> Burns said the partnership should include the U.S. government, auto manufacturers and suppliers, the energy and infrastructure industries, and other key stakeholders. He said its focus should be on enabling technologies for electrically driven vehicles such as advanced batteries, electric motors, power electronics, fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure and storage systems and connected vehicle technologies such as sensors, actuators, wireless communications and GPS systems. </p> <p class="style4"> A new automotive technology partnership could: </p> <ul class="style4"><li> Create enabling technologies and the next-generation of high-efficiency automobiles; </li><li> Set the policy framework for coordinated supply and demand during <br> first- and second-generation commercialization of new automotive technology; </li><li> Develop a supply base and manufacturing infrastructure for next-generation automobiles; </li><li> Strengthen the U.S. industrial base, and </li><li> Deliver a broad set of societal benefits, including enhanced energy security, sustainable mobility, increased competitiveness and significant economic and jobs growth. </li></ul> <p class="style4"> “The transformation to electrically driven and connected vehicles is both exciting and necessary,” Burns said. “Amid growing concern about economic and energy security, sustainable mobility, safety and congestion, there is an increasing realization that the current automobile, powered by a combustion engine, is simply not sustainable. As we electrify and connect our vehicles, we will see a transformation in the basic 120-year-old DNA of the automobile. A U.S. partnership focused on the new DNA of the automobile will ensure that the U.S. continues to be a leader in this vital area of national interest.” <br></p><p class="style4"> About GM<em>: </em>&nbsp; General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at <a href="http://www.gm.com/" target="_blank">www.gm.com</a>.</p> <p class="style4" align="center"><br></p>'

'<span class="intro"><p><b>Maserati has defied market conditions to record its third successive record breaking sales year in Australia and, in doing so, has become the fastest growing car brand in Australia with a full year sales increase of 50 per cent according to VFACTS figures released on January 6, 2009. </b> </p><p> </p><p>This has also enabled Maserati to become the first exotic car brand to sell more than 200 cars in a 12 month period in Australia.</p> <p>Making these figures even more remarkable is the fact that demand for the Maserati GranTurismo has exceeded supply and deliveries of Maserati’s key model, the Quattroporte, were severely limited for half of the year, pending the arrival of the new Quattroporte, which was launched at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in October.</p> <p>Australian Maserati importer, European Automotive Imports (EAI), expects the growth in Maserati sales to continue in 2009, despite predictions of a slump in the total car market. Demand for the range-topping GranTurismo S is outstripping supply and deliveries of the performance version of the Quattroporte, the 4.7 litre ‘S’ version that will account for the vast majority of sales, are only just starting.</p> <p>EAI, the Australian car importer and distributor owned by Neville Crichton, took over distribution of Maserati in 2005 and it has set a new record for Maserati sales in Australia every year following its takeover of local distribution.</p> <p>“Maserati’s unique blend of style, performance, exclusivity and heritage has produced a range of extraordinary cars. In addition, Australian Maserati owners benefit from a unique level of customer care provided by our outstanding dealers,” explains Edward Butler, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand at EAI. “These are attributes that cannot be copied and ensure that, along with enhanced supply of new cars in 2009, Maserati will continue to break records in Australia during the coming year.”</p> <p>Maserati sold 201 vehicles in 2008, a 50 per cent increase over the 2007 figure of 134, itself a 25 per cent increase over Maserati and EAI’s first full year figure of 107 in 2006. In 2005 Maserati sold 80 cars in Australia. Maserati’s 50 per cent increase is greater than any other brand that completed a full year’s sales in 2007.</p></span>'

'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hyundai Motor America announced today an agreement with WALKAWAY USA, LLC to offer consumers unique financial protection in this uncertain economic environment called the “Hyundai Assurance Program.” Beginning today, Hyundai will provide a private label version of WALKAWAY® Protection for Automotive Financing as a complimentary 12-month vehicle return program provided on every new Hyundai that is financed or leased at participating dealers. WALKAWAY USA, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EFG Companies, a Dallas-based, national performance management company serving the retail automotive industry. The Hyundai Assurance Program expands the protection offered through “The Hyundai Advantage: America’s Best Warranty,” which has provided 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain protection to Hyundai owners for a decade. <p>The Hyundai Assurance Program is complimentary for one full year, covers all Hyundai models and is available to everyone. </p><p> “In this uncertain economy, we are looking for ways to reassure shoppers that Hyundai still represents the best value in the auto industry,” said John Krafcik, acting president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Our agreement with WALKAWAY allows us to offer a unique form of financial protection in all 50 states for the first time by an automaker.” </p><p>The Hyundai Assurance Program, the first of its kind for an automaker in the U.S. auto industry, will be offered to Hyundai exclusively by WALKAWAY USA. WALKAWAY USA holds the exclusive U.S. distribution license to the WALKAWAY program originated in Canada. Since its introduction in Canada in 2000, WALKAWAY has made it possible for consumers to walk away from over $35 million in automotive-related debt and has provided WALKAWAY retailers with a competitive sales advantage. </p><p> “We are pleased to collaborate with Hyundai in offering this program through an automaker for the first time in the United States,” said Paul Budvitis, president of WALKAWAY USA, LLC. “WALKAWAY is one of the most innovative products to hit the auto-finance marketplace, addressing consumers’ most pressing challenge to purchasing a new car in today’s economy.” </p><p> The Hyundai Assurance Program complements America’s Best Warranty as standard protection on new vehicles financed or leased from a participating Hyundai dealer, and supplements all existing consumer incentives. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months of the financing or lease date for vehicles financed through Hyundai Motor Finance Company and other third-party lenders and financing sources. </p><p> For more details about the Hyundai Assurance Program, please visit www.HyundaiUSA.com or www.HyundaiAssurance.com. </p><p> <strong>About WALKAWAY USA, LLC</strong> </p><p>WALKAWAY USA, LLC (www.walkawayusa.com) is a division of EFG Companies (www.efgcompanies.com), an industry leader in providing innovative performance management solutions and technologies to the retail auto industry. WALKAWAY USA markets and administers WALKAWAY® Protection for Automotive Financing. WALKAWAY is the First and Only Vehicle Return Program™ that protects consumers from financial shortfalls arising from the depreciation of new and used vehicles (negative equity). </p><p><strong>HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA </strong> </p>Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.<br><br> <br> Contact:<br> Chris Hosford<br>Hyundai Motor America<br>(714) 965-3470<br>chosford@hmausa.com<br><br>Kevin Oates<br>Ketchum<br>(310) 584-8331<br>kevin.oates@ketchum.com<br><br>Jeff Beaver<br>EFG Companies<br>(972) 445-8336<br>jbeaver@efgusa.com<br>'

'<P>General Motors Corporation initiated full-scale production of the new Chevrolet Traverse at its overhauled former Saturn plant on the outskirts of Nashville. The SUV offers interior space or utility of a Chevrolet Tahoe with better fuel economy and a much tighter exterior package. The car is targeted at drivers of large SUVs and trucks seeking better fuel economy.</P> <P>Commenting on the development, Troy A. Clarke, president of GM North America said, “the Traverse is poised to take advantage of a downsizing trend among consumers. Drivers tend to want to move down to smaller vehicles in increments, so most are not likely to want to skip from a larger SUV to a small car.”<BR></P>'

'<P><STRONG>The new S 400 BlueHYBRID – CO2 champion in the luxury segment<BR></STRONG>Mercedes Benz introduced the new S 400 BlueHYBRID at the Paris Auto Show. Installed with a hybrid drive system the car is set to be launched in summer 2009. The car is designed to be the world's most economical luxury saloon and features a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module. The NEDC combined fuel consumption in this hybrid car is 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometre. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW/279 hp, the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW/299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres.</P> <P><STRONG>S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine with highest protection level B6/B7<BR></STRONG>Mercedes Benz introduced the new S 600 Pullman Guard, extending the line of large, armoured, prestige limousines offered by the company at the Paris auto show. The car is especially designed to offer protection to its passengers from external attacks, and offers a resistance level of B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. The new S 600 Pullman Guard is luxuriously spacious and outstandingly comfortable. It is powered by a twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5.5 litres and an output of 380 kW/517 hp with an impressive 830 Nm of torque. Its suspension and basic vehicle structure have been modified to cope with the greater weight.<BR></P>'

'<P>Renault released the new Renault Kangoo Be Bop, which is based&nbsp;on the Kangoo compact concept show car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car features&nbsp; compact size (length: 3.87 metres), original two-tone colour scheme and exclusive interior appointments. Its extensive glazed area and four roomy seats afford a sense of space and light. Glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window which slides out of sight offer an exciting open top motoring experience. </P> <P>In spite of compact exterior dimensions, the car has a generous interior. A lot of emphasis has been given on space and lighting while designing the car. The car includes cruise control with speed limiter, automatic headlamp and wiper activation and a rear parking proximity sensor.&nbsp; </P> <P>This car is targeted at customers who wish to move away from established automobile cues and who are looking for a vehicle that expresses optimism and joie de vivre without being showy.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P>'

'<P>Volvo introduced one of the world's most advanced wind tunnels in the new Volvo C30 DRIVe. The wind tunnel fully simulates airflow around and underneath the car's body, combined with wheel rotation on a flat road surface and reduces air resistance in the car by more than 10%. This in turn leads to around 3 grams lower CO2 emissions per kilometer.</P> <P>Commenting on the development, Tim Walker, aerodynamics expert at Volvo Cars said, "Our 20 Million Euro investment is already paying quick dividends. We have succeeded in reducing air resistance in the new Volvo C30 DRIVe by more than 10 percent. This in turn leads to around 3 grams lower CO2 emissions per kilometer." </P> <P>&nbsp;</P>'

'<P>TomTom and Renault have teamed up to offer affordable fully integrated navigation solutions to Renault customers. The first application is expected to be on the market in the first half of 2009. The development is in line with explosive growth the market for navigation has been experiencing since the last four years. Navigation devices have become a “must have” item for consumers.</P> <P>Commenting on the deal, Harold Goddijn CEO of TomTom said, “TomTom is uniquely placed to take advantage of the growth of navigation systems in the automotive industry. We created the in-car navigation category as it’s known today and have become the number one brand of choice by identifying and delivering what customers want and look forward to in navigation. Less than a year ago we significantly expanded our automotive engineering team and we are thrilled to now team up with Renault. This means that a far broader audience can benefit from our easy-to-use navigation solution offering the best maps, routing and traffic.”</P> <P>&nbsp;</P>'

'<P>Mercedes-Benz has developed an innovative system that automatically adapts headlamp range to the distance of vehicles ahead or to oncoming vehicles. This enables car drivers to have optimum usage of the headlamp range to recognise other road users, pedestrians or danger spots more easily and more quickly. The new technology is adaptive and adjusts light yield in accordance with the traffic condition. </P> <P>With the new adaptive high beam assistant, dipped beam range is increased from around 65 meters to as much as 300 meters – without dazzling other road users. The high-beam assistant also takes steering angle into account, so that headlamps are dipped appropriately on tight corners. On empty and open roads, the system gently switches to high beam. <BR></P>'