Is my Autoautomobile informations

OAK PARK, MI, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD, LSE: ADC & OTCQX: AZDDF) - (”Azure” or the “Company”), a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, announced today it has signed Sales & Service agreements with two additional ford dealerships: Northside ford in San Antonio, TX and Carmenita ford in Los Angeles, CA.
“These additional dealerships are exceptionally well-suited to represent Azure. They boast deep roots in the markets they serve, together with long standing relationships with customers in the local, state and federal government,” said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics’ Vice President of Sales.
“Moreover, as we continue to grow our dealer business, we have been seeking an experienced sales executive to support our team and provide strategic counsel and we’ve found that with Ray Crews,” continued Sandler.
Ray Crews, a former ford Motor Company Commercial Fleet Sales Manager, will be assisting the Azure sales team in its effort to enroll ford dealerships in key markets across the United States. Crews retired from ford in 1999 as the Commercial Fleet Truck Sales Manager for North American Fleet Operations. Prior to that, he served as the National Fleet Sales Manager for the ford Heavy Truck Division.
The new dealership agreements are part of Azure’s effort to enlist approximately 50 dealers over the next year in major metro markets in the United States and Canada to broaden its distribution network for its Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The dealerships will maintain inventory of ready to deliver Cube Vans and Walk-in Vans equipped with Azure’s Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric powertrains. These two newly signed dealerships are located in the high volume markets of San Antonio and Los Angeles.
The Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric system is integrated on Ford’s E450 Cutaway and Strip Chassis drive system utilizes a conventional 5.4 liter Triton gasoline engine and the 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission. The hybrid powertrain features electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The powertrain can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emission by up to 30% in city conditions.
For more information about Azure Dynamics and its family of hybrid electric and electric commercial vehicles, please visit .
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (OTCQX: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit .
The TSX and LSE Exchanges do not accept responsibility for the adequacy
or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning Azure’s business development strategy, projected commercial revenues and product deliveries.
The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs, target market acceptance of Azure’s products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labour and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles.
Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure’s early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of losses, requirements for additional financing, uncertainty as to commercial viability, uncertainty as to product development and commercialization milestones being met, uncertainty as to the market for Azure’s products and unproven acceptance of Azure’s technology, competition for capital, product market and personnel, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability of management and key personnel, and acquisition integration risk. These risks are set out in more detail in Azure’s annual information form which can be accessed at .
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Azure Dynamics Corporation

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast growing and technologically advanced companies deeply committed to the modernization of the countries in which they operate, announced today the appointment of Kathleen Ligocki as Chief Executive Officer of GS Motors, Grupo Salinas’ company dedicated to transportation.
Kathleen Ligocki has three decades of experience in key positions in the automobile industry, among which are President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Mexico, Marketing Vice-President for North America and Global Vice-President of Customer Service for Ford Motor Company.
She was also President and Chief Executive Officer of Tower Automotive — an important producer of auto parts with sales above US$3 billion — where she successfully reached a solid financial and operating restructure, while notably broadening the size of the business. Prior to joining Ford Motor Company, she was Director of Operations for the U.S., Europe, Africa, Middle East and Russia in United Technologies Corporation, and Vice-President for Strategy and Global Sales for United Technologies Automotive, and held executive positions in manufacturing, engineering, sales and finance for General Motors.
“Kathleen has been deeply involved with the automobile industry, from market preferences to the most efficient manufacturing techniques, and has a clear vision to optimize the development of the FAW cars that we commercialize,” said Ricardo B. Salinas, Chairman of the Board of Grupo Salinas. “Today we take a fundamental step in the strengthening of our team, which will allow us to further extend the operations scale, for the benefit of millions of customers who need efficient transportation in the communities where we operate.”
“I’m proud to be part of Grupo Salinas Motors and to report directly to Mr. Salinas, building the automobile company of the 21st century”, commented Kathleen Ligocki. “We will combine the enormous strengths of Banco Azteca and the Elektra stores to take our superior quality vehicles to new market segments in Mexico, improving their living standards.”
Kathleen Ligocki graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, she holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Indiana University.
“I want to extend my recognition to Javier Sarro Cortina — who has been responsible for the negotiations with FAW, and the successful launch of the automobile business,” added Mr. Salinas. “Javier will bring his vast previous experience as Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Elektra and his proven effectiveness in the interaction between FAW and domestic authorities, to support Grupo Salinas and Kathleen Ligocki’s management, to stimulate in a joint way this new growth phase of our automobile division.”
Company Profile
Grupo Salinas () is a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to build the middle class of the countries in which they operate, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies, TV Azteca (), Azteca America (), Grupo Elektra (), Banco Azteca (), Afore Azteca (), Seguros Azteca () and Grupo Iusacell (). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.
Investor Relations
Dinorah Macias
Grupo Elektra S.A. de C.V.
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-1339

Bruno Rangel
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720 9167

Press Relations
Tristan Canales
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-1441

Daniel McCosh
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-0059

Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V.

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota and Lexus models have earned 11 segment awards out of a possible 19 in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS), more than any other manufacturer for the third consecutive year. The VDS is one of many vehicle surveys which continue to consistently rank Toyota and Lexus at the top of their respective studies.
The VDS study tracks the number and type of problems owners have had with their vehicles over a three-year period, with this year’s study focusing on the 2005 model year. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 14th consecutive year, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). In the study, Lexus received six segment awards and Toyota earned five awards.
“Of the numerous independent studies conducted throughout the year, VDS continues to reflect real-world, long-term vehicle quality and dependability,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “In today’s economic climate, consumers are considering durability more than ever as a key component to their vehicle purchase decision.”
For the 14th consecutive year, the Lexus LS premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry while leading the Large Premium car segment. With a score of 72 PP100, it was the first time ever that a vehicle achieved a score less than 80 PP100 in the VDS study. The previous low score was in 2006, with the LS 430 earning a score of 88 PP100.
The top three performing models in the VDS were all Lexus passenger cars (LS 430, SC 430 and ES 330). The Lexus LX 470 topped the Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment with a score of 124 PP100; it was the fewest PP100 of any truck or SUV in the study.
Other Lexus models to lead their respective segments include the ES 330 with a score of 101 PP100, which was followed by the GS 300/GS 430 (124 PP100) in the Midsize Premium car segment. The IS 300 led the Entry Premium car segment with a score of 122 PP100, while the SC 430 (89 PP100) topped the Premium Sporty segment. The GX 470 (130 PP100) prevailed in the Midsize Premium MAV segment, and the RX 330 was second with a score of 144 PP100. Overall, every Lexus passenger car or luxury utility vehicle either led its segment or finished second to another Lexus.
For the past 19 years (since 1990), the Toyota nameplate has consistently ranked among the top five non-luxury brands. For 2008, the Toyota nameplate placed fourth overall with 159 PP100, an improvement of 19 PP100 from 2007.
Prius, the world’s best-selling gas-electric hybrid, led the Compact car segment with 141 PP100. Prius continues to prove that a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with many cutting-edge technology features can also set a standard for long-term durability.
Other top-performing models include the Tundra, for the third consecutive year, in the Large Pickup segment with 159 PP100; RAV4 in the Compact MAV segment with 166 PP100; Highlander in Midsize MAV with 138 PP100; and Sequoia in the Large MAV segment with 198 PP100.
J.D. Power and Associate’s VDS finds the number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent, vehicle recommendation, and impacts their vehicle’s retained value.
2008 J.D.POWER AND ASSOCIATES VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY
TOYOTA/LEXUS SEGMENT AWARD WINNERS

VEHICLE SEGMENT
Toyota Prius Compact Car
Toyota Highlander Midsize MAV
Toyota Sequoia Large MAV
Toyota Tundra Large Pickup
Toyota RAV4 Compact MAV
Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross Entry Premium Car
Lexus ES 300 Midsize Premium Car
Lexus GX 470 Midsize Premium MAV
Lexus SC 430 Premium Sporty
Lexus LS 430 Large Premium Car
Lexus LX 470 Large Premium MAV

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Toyota

AZUSA, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn’s PowerFlush(R) III coolant exchange machine has been selected by subaru of America, Inc. and subaru Canada, Inc. as the exclusive apparatus for coolant exchange services performed at their dealerships.
The PowerFlush(R) III was chosen for its unique clean-water flush capability that removes nearly all of the spent fluid from the cooling system and heater core. The machine uses three separate tanks; one filled with fresh water for flushing, a second to contain the old removed liquids, and a third filled with new coolant. The Wynn’s machine is being recommended over conventional chemical coolant removal methods because it provides a complete coolant exchange without the use of chemicals that could potentially harm the cooling system. In addition, the three-tank system provides complete separation of contaminants, which prevents any contaminants from being cycled through the machine and back into subsequent vehicles.
“Working closely with subaru engineers, we were able to demonstrate the ability of PowerFlush III to meet their critical cooling exchange requirements,” says Arnold Gacita, Wynn’s Director of North America Sales & Marketing. “Subaru was concerned with other services that use flushing chemicals and fail to completely purge the entire system, especially the heater core. Our PowerFlush III equipment provides almost total evacuation of the cooling system’s contents without the use of chemicals.”
Wynn’s has a long history of leadership in the automotive service arena, and has pioneered strategic alliances with automobile manufacturers in virtually every service category. In addition, Wynn’s has more automotive original equipment (OE) approvals for service machines and products than any other competitor in the market today.
For more information on Wynn’s new PowerFlush(R) III Coolant Exchange Machine, as well as the complete line of Wynn’s automotive car care products, visit .
About Wynn’s
Wynn’s traces its history to 1939 when the original Wynn’s Friction Proofing Oil Treatment formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. Almost seventy years after the introduction of that single product, Wynn’s has grown to become a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative automotive specialty chemicals, service equipment and Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs (C.A.M.P.).
Wynn’s

CENTREVILLE, Va., July 30 /PRNewswire/ — Carfax today announced that it will be the preferred provider of vehicle history information for the BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. Starting August 1, all certified BMW centers will be required to run a Carfax Vehicle History Report as part of the extensive certification process. Anyone interested in purchasing a certified BMW vehicle receives the full Carfax Report for free.
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“We are pleased to establish this partnership with Carfax, the most comprehensive vehicle history service available in the market today,” said Bill Bates, Manager of Pre-Owned Sales for BMW of North America. “The addition of Carfax Vehicle History Reports enables us to add an even higher level of integrity to the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Program and provide a superior level of service and protection for our dealers and our retail customers.”
Every BMW CPO vehicle undergoes a rigorous mechanical inspection and detailed appearance checklist to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s stringent program guidelines. In addition, these cars will come with the industry-leading Carfax Buyback Guarantee.
“This enhancement to BMW’s certified program is part of our continued mission to help used car buyers make smart decisions,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “BMW enthusiasts expect nothing but the best from their vehicles and Carfax Vehicle History Reports give even the most fastidious shopper greater confidence to buy. Whether you’re shopping on the dealer’s lot or online at places like AutoTrader.com, cars.com and Yahoo! Autos, consumers can easily identify BMW Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.”
With the addition of BMW, 27 manufacturer brands now include Carfax Vehicle History Reports as a requirement for certification.
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

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Kelley Blue Book’s , the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the launch of Perfect car Finder(R): Photo Edition. This enhanced version of Kelley Blue Book’s new-car Perfect car Finder allows the consumer to explore and view new vehicles using Microsoft Silverlight Deep Zoom technology, providing a more visually engaging experience to help shoppers find their next new vehicle.
Using the Perfect car Finder, new-car shoppers can narrow down their ideal new car by make and model, body style, category, retail price and miles per gallon. Once they have selected their vehicle, Deep Zoom technology allows shoppers to zoom-in with immense detail and easily pan across multiple images. Each image provides basic model information and links to a vehicle overview, pricing, free dealer price quotes, additional photos and video reviews on Kelley Blue Book’s , making it simple for new-car shoppers to find the vehicle that best meets their needs.
“Enhancing this key online automotive tool allows consumers to search for the perfect car with ease,” said Dominic Tham, solution architect for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Consumers use their own criteria to find what they are looking for, and the new interactive platform helps provide a wealth of information in a very visually engaging, easy-to-use format.”
Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. This technology gives kbb.com visitors a more visual and interactive car-shopping experience by providing vehicle information in a superior media format. “Silverlight enables our customers to quickly create rich and interactive experiences,” said Scott Kerfoot, director of strategy, Microsoft.
There are currently more than 330 vehicle models in kbb.com’s Perfect car Finder: Photo Edition, with more new models slated to be added in the near future. For more information about the Perfect car Finder: Photo Edition, visit .
Microsoft and Silverlight are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
About Kelley Blue Book ()
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, , provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New car Blue Book(R) Value which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site and the most visited auto site nine years in a row. is a leading provider of new-car prices, car reviews and news, used-car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Kelley Blue Book

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 29 /PRNewswire/ — NADAguides.com, a vehicle pricing and information website, today announced the launch of the NADAguides Garage (), a car shopping and enthusiast blog offering commentary on car buying, car selling advice, new make and model highlights, and automotive industry news from the company’s expert editorial staff.
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“Our staff consists of die-hard enthusiasts who have a love for all types of vehicles,” said Don Christy Jr., President and CEO, NADAguides.com. “In addition to publishing quality information at our traditional site, they can now voice their passion about cars and share their enthusiasm with the world at the NADAguides Garage.”
Echoing the main site, the NADAguides Garage features diverse content ranging from useful information for new car shoppers and highlights about cool cars for classic car buffs, to details on the latest performance cars for enthusiasts. “The information we feature is written in many different ‘voices,’ to which many different types of car shoppers and automotive enthusiasts can relate,” Christy said.
Recent posts have included such diverse discussions as the arrival of the first Nissan GT-R in the United States, how to determine if buying a hybrid car makes financial sense, and advice on how to buy your dream car, without offending your spouse. Currently, the NADAguides Garage featured post highlights the story behind Christy’s own classic car collection, which includes over 30 vehicles ranging from a 1933 Ford Roadster hot rod and a 1963 split-window Chevy Corvette to several antique motorcycles and a couple vintage flat-bottom boats.
In addition to discussing the latest automotive news for consumers and enthusiasts, the NADAguides Garage outlines the most popular reader articles, provides links to new car research tools such as new car prices, new car reviews, and new car photos & 360-degree views, and highlights blog post categories by topic and by manufacturer for easy navigation.
Future plans for the NADAguides Garage include expanding it beyond automotive to cover all types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, boats, and RVs, similar to the information NADAguides.com currently publishes at its website, , said Christy.
“In addition to new and used cars, trucks and SUVs, we currently publish information for all types of vehicles. It makes sense, then, that our blog would be a reflection of — and an extension of — our existing business.”
Car shoppers and enthusiasts can visit the NADAguides Garage at , or by visiting NADAguides.com and clicking on links to the NADAguides Garage blog throughout the website.
About NADAguides.com
NADAguides.com is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and manufactured housing. At NADAguides.com (), consumers have access to a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information.

NADAguides.com

LONDON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — School’s out for summer, so it’s time to make the most of the best family
break of the year. With this in mind, Auto Europe provides everything a
parent could need to keep the kids amused - whatever the weather - with its
brand new guide to UK family travel. Called ‘The Great British Break’, the
guide is available to download now from the homepage of
http://www.auto-europe.co.uk.

As well as featuring independent advice on some of the best
child-friendly destinations on offer in 2008, days out for under GBP10,
holiday hotspots, planning a road trip, fuel economising, the best family
vehicles to hire and entertaining the kids in the car, the guide also
includes a selection of special offers to save money on car hire, great UK
holidays, days out and other travel extras. Read it now to discover how to:

- Save an extra 5% off already discounted UK car hire rates on
http://www.auto-europe.co.uk

- Enjoy 10% off any UK Hoseasons summer holiday taken in 2008

- Get where you’re going stress-free with 10% off satellite navigation
hire

- Receive a free child’s ticket to the award winning Eureka! Museum for
Children

- Nab 5% off theatre breaks and theme park tickets across the UK courtesy
of Holiday Extras

Auto Europe’s European Managing Director, Simon Terry, explains: “All
parents know how important it is to organise plenty to do when school’s out,
to make quality time with the family a pleasure - not a test of endurance.
Whether you’re planning to cut costs by holidaying closer to home, or you
just need some ideas for great days together, this guide is designed to take
the time and hassle out of planning a UK trip.”
The Auto Europe team has trawled the internet searching for the best
attractions and deals available, and combined them with some useful tips to
make sure any journey goes without a hitch.

About Auto Europe (http://www.auto-europe.co.uk)

Auto Europe has been a leader in worldwide car rental services for over
50 years. Recently the company has expanded to include over 7,000 car hire
destinations worldwide. The company strives to provide competitive rates and
the best service available anywhere under the motto “customers should not
expect less because they pay less”.

Auto Europe (www.auto-europe.co.uk)

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ — subaru of America, Inc. today reported July sales of 16,271 total units — a 5% increase over the same month in 2007. The company posted total Year-to-Date sales of 110,366 units, a 5% gain over YTD July 2007 (105,592 units).
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The subaru Impreza posted its best July on record, and for the third straight month the 2009 subaru Forester continued its strong sales launch, up an impressive 51 percent over the same period last year.
Model 2008 July % v 2007

Total Impreza 4,430 19%

Total Legacy 1,748 -9%

Total Outback 3,746 -15%
(incl. Legacy Wagon)

Total Forester 5,559 51%

Total Tribeca 788 -53%

Total 16,271 5%

“Subaru is positioned well for the current automotive climate,” said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for subaru of America. “Our products give a great combination of economy and capability that has allowed us to grow our market share every month this year, and we now have our highest market share ever. Demand is high for Forester as consumers look for a capable, more efficient alternative to bigger SUVs, and the Impreza line continues to set records.”
“Subaru products represent the best all-around package in the auto industry and provide smart alternatives to traditional truck based SUVs,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president for subaru of America. “In addition, the subaru Outback, Forester and Tribeca models offer the customer all of the utility of an SUV, but with the fuel economy of a passenger car. Under the current market situation, subaru products are in demand because of their AWD capability, utility, outstanding fuel economy, top safety pick designations by the IIHS, high resale values, significantly lower cost of ownership, and the fact that all subaru products are built in environmentally friendly zero-landfill production plants in the U.S. and Japan,” Doll added.
For a complete sales chart and additional information about subaru of America, Inc. and subaru vehicles, visit our media website at .
About subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
For additional information visit .

Contact:
Heather Ward
subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093

Michael McHale
subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-3326

Subaru of America, Inc.

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire/ — The newly-announced 2009 subaru Impreza WRX will make its public debut at X Games 14, to be held in Los Angeles, Calif. July 31 - August 3. Boasting engine and handling upgrades, the 265 horsepower WRX will be on show at the subaru display in the Sponsor’s Village. A 2009 subaru Impreza WRX will be awarded to the “Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games” recipient.
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“We are excited to be giving the 2009 WRX its debut at X Games,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, subaru of America, Inc. “The X Games exemplify the lifestyle of the WRX buyer. The games are all about speed, power and daring creating the perfect venue to launch the new WRX.”
Subaru Rally Team USA drivers Ken Block and Travis Pastrana will be piloting all-new rally cars based on the subaru WRX STI. This year they will also be joined by legendary BMX star Dave Mirra and 2004 World Rally Championship Production Class titleholder Niall McShea. Mirra will partner with co-driver Alex Kihurani and McShea will team up with co-driver Marshall Clarke for the Rally Racing Super Special on August 3. In 2007, Tanner Foust, driving for an independent team, took the Gold in a subaru WRX STI, continuing the subaru winning streak started in 2006.
New 2009 Impreza WRX - Quicker, More Powerful, Better Handling
The 2009 subaru Impreza WRX features a 265-horsepower turbocharged intercooled Boxer engine, retuned suspension and wider, lower-profile summer performance tires and moves closer to its supercar stablemate, the WRX STI in spirit, performance and styling with a new familial grille, integrated front spoiler and body-side moldings and gunmetal gray alloy wheels.
The project team developing the 2009 WRX had a clear aim, summed up as “Kyo-Ka” (translated from Japanese as “strengthening”). To reach their goal, the 2009 WRX, subaru engineers thoroughly revamped the car’s performance character. With a larger turbocharger, increased boost and a new low-density catalyst for reduced exhaust backpressure, the WRX engine now produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm (vs. 224 hp and 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 model).
To supplement the increased power, subaru re-tuned the WRX suspension, increasing spring rates and adding thicker stabilizer bars. Standard 17 x 7- inch alloy wheels wear 225/45R17 summer performance tires, compared to 205/50R17 all-season tires on the 2008 WRX.
The 2009 Impreza WRX is equipped exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and, like all Subarus, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, standard on all Impreza models for 2009, helps to enhance road handling safety. An Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on a hill.
Rally-Inspired Interior
The WRX interior for 2009 gains new WRX-exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery, accented by red stitching. A standard tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel is accented by red stitching, and standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers now include the driver’s footrest. Performance-design front seats come with the head restraint integrated into the backrest and provides a one-piece, sporty look. The optional Premium Package gains a power moonroof for 2009; other contents carry over, including the 10-speaker audio upgrade with auxiliary input jack, projector-beam fog lights, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. A navigation system with video jack inputs is also available.
About ESPN’s X Games Franchise
More than 150 of the world’s best athletes annually participate in the premier action sports competition featuring BMX Freestyle, Moto X, Skateboard and Rally Car Racing. X Games Los Angeles-based venues include STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. and The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs.
For a schedule of X Games 14 rally events and a complete event schedule visit .
About subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States. subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R. L. Polk & Co. All-Wheel Drive retail registrations in the U.S. calendar year-end 2007. For additional information visit .
Contact: Michael McHale
subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-3326

Heather Ward
subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-5093

Subaru of America, Inc.