Is my Autoautomobile informations

CENTREVILLE, Va., June 26 /PRNewswire/ — As a reminder to used car shoppers everywhere, Carfax continues to offer a free Flood Check () to help avoid unknowingly buying a flood-damaged car. Given the extent of the flooding in the Midwest and the number of communities affected, hundreds of thousands of cars may have been submerged in floodwater. Consumers should expect more than half of these waterlogged wrecks to wind up on the used car market in all areas of the country, based on similar past events.
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Carfax advises anyone shopping for a used car to use the free Flood Check and have a mechanic or body shop thoroughly inspect the vehicle prior to purchase. Carfax communications director Larry Gamache is available for interview to discuss the dangers of flooded vehicles and offer tips for avoiding the purchase of unsafe vehicles.
To schedule an interview, contact Christopher Basso of Carfax, 703-934-2664.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Larry Gamache

Carfax

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — If you have ever dreamed of owning an all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, this is your chance.
Dodge, in collaboration with MSN Autos, is launching the Dream Design Drive car Challenge on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. By registering on , consumers can customize their dream Dodge Challenger using the options available on the site, including paint colors, wheels and striping packages. One lucky person will win a Dodge Challenger customized to his/her specifications. In addition, another winner will receive a Dodge Challenger R/T.
“Challenger is one of the best known nameplates at Dodge with an image and reputation that has carried it for more than 35 years,” said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand Marketing. “We are so excited to be part of this contest with MSN Autos because it offers generations of driving enthusiasts a chance to be involved in the return of this iconic muscle car and possibly to win the Challenger of their dreams.”
Each customized Dodge Challenger entry submitted through Aug. 25, 2008, that meets the official rules and contest criteria, will be posted in the virtual showroom on for public voting. There will be three levels of prizes awarded - the “People’s Choice Award,” the Grand Prize and a weekly sweepstakes.
In the “People’s Choice” category, the entry that receives the most ratings as determined by the public will receive an all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T.
At the end of the promotion, the top 1000 entries determined by public voting will be judged by a panel of experts, including representatives of Dodge, to determine one grand prize winner. The entries will be judged based on the following criteria: 1) Dream Impact — the overall creative and emotional impact of the ‘Dream Car’ entry; 2) Theme — the coherence of all the customization and personalization elements of created ‘Dream Car’ entry title or theme; and 3) Uniqueness — the extent to which all customization and personalization options available to an entrant were employed to create a distinct and unique ‘Dream Car’ entry. The grand prize winner will receive a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, customized as close to the winner’s entry as possible.
From all entries and votes received, random sweepstakes drawings will be held weekly for prizes such as Microsoft Zunes, 12-month Xbox Live Gold memberships and additional giveaways.
The promotion is open in the U.S. only. All participants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid driver’s license at the time of entry. Complete rules can be viewed at .
About the Dodge Challenger
The all-new Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge’s credo of “bold, powerful and capable,” the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models - SE, R/T and SRT8 — featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission. The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.
About the Dodge brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.2 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC’s best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market.
The Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle — the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey — arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. The limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque started hitting the streets this past spring. Later in 2008, Dodge will add three more new vehicles to its product lineup — the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car in the different models; and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines fuel efficient advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability. Last fall, America’s best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, was introduced with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n Go(TM) seating system. In 2007, Dodge sold 33,500 commercial vehicles, a 285 percent increase over 2003 when the company returned to the commercial vehicle market and is now the sixth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles sold in the U.S. Also in 2007, the Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North America.
Chrysler LLC

CENTREVILLE, Va., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Cobalt and its Dealix division today announced new enhancements to its UsedCars.com service that make shopping online for a used car even easier. UsedCars.com now offers free Carfax reports on many of its vehicle listing and highlights every Carfax 1-Owner vehicle listed by participating dealers. Anyone shopping for a used car on UsedCars.com can quickly identify vehicles that have had only one owner and obtain the vehicle history with a single mouse click.
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“UsedCars.com has made many advancements to improve the user experience for the online shopper. Teaming with Carfax is another way we can give the consumer the tools they need when shopping for a vehicle,” said Kevin Root, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Dealix. “The more information we can give our shoppers, the more peace of mind they will have about their vehicle selections, and this helps translate to better leads for our dealers.”
A Carfax 1-Owner logo makes it easy to find these premium cars on the Usedcars.com vehicle details pages. In addition, used car shoppers also can view the complete Carfax Vehicle History Report provided by the listing dealer for free.
“More car buyers today choose to shop online because it’s easier to find the right car at the best value,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Carfax and Usedcars.com are working together to make sure our dealer customers’ Carfax 1-Owner cars are front and center for the online shoppers who want them.”
About Usedcars.com
Usedcars.com, a unit of Dealix, connects automotive shoppers with one of the nation’s largest selections of previously-owned vehicles, creating qualified sales opportunities for dealers. Unlike other used car portals Usedcars.com does not charge fixed monthly or vehicle search fees regardless of the portal’s performance. Dealers only pay for leads on their inventory, a compelling business model that has made Usedcars.com the fastest growing automotive portal on the internet.
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 .
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Larry Gamache

Carfax

KENOSHA, Wis., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Some like it caliente, but even those who don’t are sure to appreciate what NHRA racers Tony and Cruz Pedregon have done with their exhilarating original artwork and designs to create unique, limited-edition tool storage units with Snap-on Tools.
The Pedregons are brothers and teammates who are known for their competitiveness on the track. Both are in the top five for all-time NHRA Funny car victories and both have won championships - Tony in 2003 and 2007, and Cruz in 1992. But the brothers have proven they can also win off the track by claiming victory with the new personally designed tool storage units featuring original artwork by Tony and designs by Cruz.
The distinctive boxes are detailed with rich and thrilling Hispanic- influenced designs, reflecting the Pedregon’s family heritage. Both of the designs are available in a Classic Series 11-drawer roll cab and a seven- drawer Heritage Series roll cab with a four-drawer Heritage Series top chest.
“We wanted to design something that was a reflection of us and our race car,” Tony said. “We wanted to give it that Hispanic flavor and incorporate all the components - horsepower, energy and adrenaline - that we see on the track every day.”
Tony is no stranger to illustrations and design. In his early 20s, he began painting the racing helmets of his older brothers, Frankie and Cruz. Other racers began to take notice and soon he was designing and painting helmets for Bill Elliott, Kenny Bernstein, Cory McClenathan and Tommy Johnson, Jr., so when Snap-on approached Tony with the unique idea of collaborating on a tool storage unit, he jumped at the chance to create the artwork himself - a first for Snap-on.
“It’s a rare opportunity to team up with individuals as talented as Tony and Cruz,” said Alicia Smales, vice president of marketing for Snap-on Tools. “We’re not just promoting the Pedregon name with these new boxes, but the creativity and personal touch that went in to making them. These are truly unique and special boxes.”
Snap-on Tools’ history with the Pedregons goes back to 1992 when the company first sponsored Cruz. Over time, Snap-on extended its support to Tony and has continued building on that relationship as evident by the new tool storage units.
“These toolboxes will be viewed by thousands, not only technicians, but different people who walk through the shops in different parts of the country,” Cruz said. “The techs and fans fortunate enough to have these boxes get to share in the uniqueness, share in the moment and really have our car with them all the time. Hopefully, this inspires them to work harder and get the job done.”
Tony says that he and his brother have completely different tastes, which helped them create the two box designs.
“Cruz is very particular, he doesn’t like all the detail but rather that clean look,” Tony said. “I’ve got a lot going on with the spark plugs and flying wrenches and the car and engine. I think my toolbox is a reflection of what my personality is like.”
Cruz agrees that the brothers’ personal styles had a big influence on the finished product.
“I’m a little more conservative that Tony,” said Cruz. “I like the look of my 2008 race car and played on that for my toolbox. It’s a great look, a great toolbox, a great theme and a lot of fans out there are ordering them.”
“It was a long process, but a lot of detail goes into the finished product and we’re really happy and fortunate that we’re tied in with the best tool company in the business,” adds Tony. “When I saw the finished product, hair stood up on my arms. I was pretty excited.”
The Pedregon tool storage units will be on display June 26-29 during the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. For more information, visit . More information on Tony and Cruz Pedregon can be found at and .
The Tony Pedregon Tool Storage Units are available in the Heritage Series Roll Cab (KRA2107BPNN) and Top Chest (KRA2104APNN) and Classic Series Roll Cab (KRA2411PNN).
Cruz’s design is also available in the Heritage Series Roll Cab (KRA2107BPNP) and Top Chest (KRA2104APNP) and Classic Series (KRA2411PNP).
Customers can find out more about the limited edition tool storage units by contacting their local Snap-on representative, visiting or by calling toll free 877-SNAPON-2 (877-762-7662). More information regarding tool storage units from Snap-on Tools can be found at .
Snap-on Tools Company, LLC is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions which are used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers and in the marine, powersports and aviation industries.
Snap-on is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products through more than 4,000 franchisees worldwide and through company-direct sales and over the Internet. Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920 and is a $2.8 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis. For additional information on Snap-on, visit .
Snap-on Tools Company, LLC

TULSA, Okla., June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. today announced that its successful value brands — Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental — are expanding their presence in South Africa with the addition of three new airport locations.
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Springs car Wholesalers CC — the franchise owner of Dollar and Thrifty in South Africa — was awarded in-terminal desks at George, East London and Bloemfontein airports. All locations are dual-branded facilities and feature both the Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental brands. In addition, Dollar and Thrifty will continue to operate six in-terminal airport locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria and Krueger Park after their bid was accepted by the Airport Company of South Africa (ACSA); the company has operated in these locations for the last five years.
“We are delighted and overwhelmed that our strategy for 2008 has exceeded expectations,” said Yunus Moolla, Managing Director of Dollar Thrifty South Africa. “Our ranking as one of the Top Five suppliers in South Africa helped us not only to capture these three new airport positions, but to retain our presence in other key markets. Our success provides us with a foothold that will allow us to expand our network nationwide and to offer our customers more choice and greater service.”
Springs car Wholesalers CC (a division of the Safy Group) acquired the South African and Namibian franchise for Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental in May 2002. Dollar and Thrifty in South Africa feature a fleet of more than 2,500 late-model, low-mileage cars, each no more than one year old. In 2007, the company won the prestigious ACSA Feather Award for customer service.
“We are proud to have such fine representatives flying the Dollar and Thrifty flags in South Africa,” said Jeff Cerefice, Vice President, DTG Global Franchise Operations and Development. “They have a real heart for providing customer service that keeps travelers coming back.”
For reservations, contact:
Dollar Rent A Car: In South Africa, visit or call 086-100-2111. In the U.S., visit , call 1-800-800-6000 or consult a professional travel agent.
Thrifty car Rental: In South Africa, visit or call 086-100-2111. In the U.S., visit , call 1-800-THRIFTY or consult a professional travel agent.
Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental are South African Black Empowerment entities, and are proud to be part of the transformation process. Management is committed to the promotion and engendering of fair business and a moral ethos in the workplace.
About Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 Company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Driven by the mission “Value Every Time,” the Company’s brands, Dollar Rent A car and Thrifty car Rental, serve value-conscious travelers in approximately 70 countries. Dollar and Thrifty have over 800 corporate and franchised locations in the United States and Canada, operating in virtually all of the top U.S. and Canadian airport markets. The Company’s approximately 8,500 employees are located mainly in North America, but global service capabilities exist through an expanding international franchise network. For additional information, visit , or .

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., June 26 /PRNewswire/ — ford expects the distinctive design of the new 2009 ford Flex to provoke and polarize opinions — from its signature side grooves and all-black greenhouse to its distinct Vista Roof, provided by leading global roof systems supplier Webasto. Already critically acclaimed, the Flex arrives in ford dealerships this summer.
Available on Flex SEL and Flex Limited models as an option, the Vista Roof takes full advantage of the ample roof area to provide Flex with a distinctive new take on a growing design trend. Automotive designers are increasingly providing vehicles with large roof systems like the Vista Roofs of the ford Flex and Edge (also supplied by Webasto). But in the Flex’s case what appears to be a front moonroof and very large single glass rear panel from the outside is actually presented as four glass panels when viewed from the Flex’s interior. Abundant natural light floods the occupants of all three rows of seats and fresh air can be admitted when the forward panel/ moonroof is opened by tilting or sliding.
The moonroof, which has one-touch open/close and anti-pinch functions, has a large 850 x 450 mm (33.5 x 17.7 in) opening. The rear glass panel is a huge 1250 x 980 mm (49.2 x 38.6 in).
“Automotive designs are trending towards more dramatic body styles and the Flex, with its exceptionally large roof, provided an ideal automotive ‘canvas’ on which to create a landmark design,” said Andreas Weller, vice president business development, Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. “Webasto is the global leader not only in sunroofs but also in large, innovative roof systems such as Ford’s Edge, the Lincoln MKX and the upcoming 2009 ford Mustang with its glass roof.”
Webasto is the supplier of a majority of large automotive roof systems worldwide, including roofs used in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, E-Class and S-Class, smart, Audi A4 Wagon, BMW 6-series, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac CTS, Nissan Maxima and Murano, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, as well as the retractable hardtop systems of the VW Eos, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Volvo C70.
Power for the Vista Roof’s tilt/slide function comes from Webasto’s proprietary smart motor — now in its fourth generation, integrating motor, controller, and sensors into one package eliminating inter-component wiring. “Something like a motor is often taken for granted but it’s absolutely fundamental in defining what set’s a Webasto moonroof apart from its competitors,” said Weller. “The smart motor uses hall sensor technology for positioning and obstacle/pinch detection and controls glass position down to fractions of a millimeter. It can even adapt to changes in the roof due to aging and temperature, so maintaining smooth, stable operation under all circumstances.”
The Flex Vista Roof is the result of extensive design and engineering efforts of Ford’s and Webasto’s engineers, not only in the aesthetics and function of the roof system but also in the manufacturing process to assure the quality and reliability for which ford and Webasto are renowned. After piercing the two roof panel openings in the Ford-provided roof panel and adding reinforcement rings and brackets, Webasto’s Livonia, Mich., stamping facility sends the Vista-ready roof directly to the ford Oakville, Ont., assembly plant for integration into the normal body-in-white shop process. The moonroof — supplied from Webasto’s Rochester Hills, Mich., plant — and outer glass panel, headlining and interior roller blind are installed as part of Ford’s final assembly process.
About Webasto:
Webasto AG, headquartered in Stockdorf, near Munich, Germany, has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 6,800 employees at 58 international locations and specializes in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around 1.8 billion euros (2007 business year) Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company’s core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Go to for further information
Webasto

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 25 /PRNewswire/ — The internationally acclaimed CMPi, is set to captivate car and bike enthusiasts from around the world with their recently announced festival; ‘TURBO: For A Custom Nation’.
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For avid motor enthusiasts looking to experience the very latest in car tuning and driving techniques, this three day event, taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between 13-15 November 2008, offers fans a first-time glimpse of the very latest innovations coming out of the world’s most renowned body shops and from the world’s most talented tuning specialists.
TURBO will showcase custom cars and bikes shipped in from across the globe, along with the leading automotive brands from Japan, the US, and Europe. The event will see static displays brought to life through workshops offering technical advice, together with dramatic demonstrations staged in the venue’s arena. Add to this; displays of high speed drifting, and the best from the world of drag racing and you have one incredible show!
Check out the latest in custom car and motorbike trends from around the world and witness everything from modified American muscle cars and luxury restyled European supercars to the fastest cars in the Far East and atypical pimped motors — Arabic style!
Visitors will even be able to compete against each other by showing off their cars torque on the shows Dynamometer, winning prizes for the greatest horsepower. ICE aficionados can impress with their in-car entertainment systems, and prizes will be awarded for the meatiest bass, highest sound quality and best installation.
Steering the festival is none other than Dan Anslow, a true motor fanatic whose previous experience includes working for the world-famous Max Power, where he ran operations on the 70,000 visitor-strong live events.
‘TURBO: For A Custom Nation’ is an un-missable event for professionals, consumers, and enthusiasts alike, whether you are looking for the latest equipment to enhance your ride or just want to experience an action-packed day out TURBO has it all.
For more information please see

Notes to the editor

TURBO: For A Custom Nation will run from 13-15 November, and is open to the general public.
TURBO: For A Custom Nation is organised by CMPi UAE, who are one of the four founding partners of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company.
TURBO: For A Custom Nation will cover a range of areas, providing both trade visitors and consumers everything they need to modify either their or their clients’ vehicles, including;
– Tuning and Performance (air intakes, exhausts, turbochargers; all aftermarket engine parts)
– Restyling and Accessories (body kits, carbon fibre bonnets and spoilers, graphics, aftermarket front and rear lights, tints, paints, suspension, dress-up parts for exterior, interior and the engine-bay)
– car Care and Accessories (shampoos and polishes, oils and lubes etc)
– Mobile Electronics and Technology (I.C.E. - In car Entertainment, stereos, TV screens, DVD players, radar detectors, alarms etc)
– Aftermarket Wheels and Tyres (chrome wheels, racing wheels, SUV wheels, and all types of tyres)
– Tools and Maintenance (all the equipment related to the servicing, modifying and maintenance of vehicles)
– Lifestyle Products (clothes, trainers, sunglasses, mobile phones, technology and fashion)
– Business Services (such as specialist car and bike insurance companies and brokers)
Further information on CMPi can be found at

CMPi

MEXICO CITY, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — SANLUIS Rassini(R), a subsidiary of SANLUIS Corporacion S.A.B. de C.V.(R), a worldwide Mexican company leader in suspension systems, as well as key designer and producer of brake components for OEMs, was recently nominated by its customer ford Motor Co. as the Global Lead Designer for the rear suspension system of the new generation of ford Transit vehicles. This is the first time the company is awarded such designation.
As Global Lead Designer, SANLUIS Rassini(R) is responsible for the engineering of the new ford Transit’s rear suspension system, which is assembled in Turkey and the United Kingdom, and soon, in the United States and China. Also, SANLUIS Rassini(R) will supply suspension components for this vehicle in North America.
Enrique Villasenor, Rassini Suspensions CEO, said: “Through this designation, ford Motor Co. recognizes our capabilities, quality and innovation in the engineering design for suspension systems, as well as our expertise in the manufacturing of suspension components worldwide.”
SANLUIS Corporacion S.A.B. de C.V.(R) is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker name SANLUIS and achieved sales of 717 million dollars in 2007.
SANLUIS Rassini is a leading global Mexican company in suspension systems and is a producer of high-tech brake components for OEMs.
SANLUIS Rassini is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of leaf springs for light vehicles; the undisputable leader in the NAFTA and Brazilian markets, and is also a key designer and manufacturer of high-tech brake system components in North America. Its components are used in different platforms, such as high performance options, and light and commercial vehicles.
SANLUIS Rassini(R) has seven production sites strategically distributed in the U.S.A., Mexico, and Brazil; a technical center in Michigan, U.S.A.; headquarters in Mexico City, and liaison offices in Stuttgart, Germany, and Shanghai, China.

SANLUIS Corporacion S.A.B. de C.V.

BETHESDA, Md., June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As car manufacturers add more “smart car” computer technology to vehicles, the need for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) has become more critical in order to protect consumers from the added costs created by a vehicle repair monopoly, according to Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
As vehicles become more complex with virtually every system monitored or controlled by computers, the owners of those vehicles are discovering that car manufacturers and their dealers have a virtual monopoly on service when they deny car owners and their trusted neighborhood repair shops the information needed to diagnose, service and repair vehicles.
The cost to consumers when they can only have their car repaired at the dealership is estimated to be as much as 25 percent higher with labor charges alone, according to a study comparing dealer repair tags with those of an independent service center.
“Right to Repair merely seeks to restore a system that has been in place since the invention of the automobile,” said Schmatz. “Clearly, using advances in technology to deny consumers their right to choose where they have their car repaired is a misuse of these computers and certainly not in the consumer’s best interest.”
Historically, independent repair shops have had access to repair information, but as computers become more prevalent on newer vehicles, car manufacturers are increasingly locking out these service providers from critical safety alerts as well as the information and software necessary to use on-board computers in order to complete repairs. The Right to Repair Act offers protections for motor vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.
“Without Right to Repair legislation, many motorists may forgo important vehicle repairs due to higher dealer repair costs. This situation would be exacerbated if there is no dealership in the vicinity, dramatically increasing the cost of fuel and the travel time,” continued Schmatz.
A complete copy of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) can be found by visiting .
About Right to Repair:
The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit .
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

LOS ANGELES, June 24 /PRNewswire/ — The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America’s largest professional automotive media association, announces that Dan Kapp, Director, ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, will provide Motor Press Guild members with an update on the powertrain strategy that is a critical element of the blueprint for sustainability. Near-term strategies include the addition of new hybrid models, the introduction of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, and further migration of six-speed transmissions across the product range.
Ford recognizes that climate change and energy security are significant global challenges that will require governments, industries and individuals around the world to work together to seek solutions. ford is committed to being part of the solution to address climate change and help secure our energy future, but to achieve real and lasting results, all of these groups — on a global basis — must make real, long-term commitments for a sustainable future.
The strategy will achieve the most economically efficient CO2 reductions possible. Affordability is critical, and ford is committed to offering affordable solutions for consumers. The plan is based around practical, affordable solutions not for hundreds of cars, or even thousands of cars, but for millions of cars. That is how ford will truly make a difference. A significant impact will be achieved by applying the right technology at the right time on volume vehicles.
Dan Kapp has been with ford since 1977 upon graduation from Michigan Technological University with a BSME degree. He has spent his entire 30 year career in the area of engine and powertrain product development. In 2001, Kapp was appointed to his first executive position as Director of Core and Advanced Powertrain Engineering. One year later, he became Executive Director for Powertrain Operations and has spent the last five years leading the product development for all engines and transmissions in North America and most recently launched the all new D35 V6 engine.
MPG Meeting Details:

What: Dan Kapp, Director-Ford Powertrain Research & Advanced to speak
at the July 1, Motor Press Guild Meeting

When: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Social - 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon - Noon

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 310-670-3093

Price: Members - $25; Non-Members and Guests - $30; (cash or check;
open seating/no reservations)

Contact: MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or
For more information about MPG news, upcoming events, and directions to the Proud Bird, please visit .
About Motor Press Guild
The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting education and information exchange within the motoring press. MPG has more than 800 global members, including staff and freelance journalists, photographers, broadcasters, public-relations representatives from vehicle manufacturers, industry suppliers, aftermarket companies, consumer groups, governmental bodies and other motoring-related firms and organizations.
Motor Press Guild