Automotive News

International Automotive Components Group North America to Acquire Lear's North American Interior Systems Division
The Auto Channel Fri, 01 Dec 2006 8:27 AM PST
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2006 -- Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., Chairman of International Automotive Components Group North America, LLC ("IAC NA"), announced today a definitive agreement for IAC NA to acquire Lear Corporation's ("Lear") North American Interior Systems Division.

Micro-electromechanical Systems Gain Strong Foothold in Automotive, Aerospace, Defense and Consumer Electronics Markets ZDNet India Fri, 01 Dec 2006 7:29 AM PST The tremendous success of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) in automotive safety applications has enabled MEMS developers to design devices for the aerospace, defense and consumer electronics markets.

Pet's Automotive Repair to relocate The Auburn Citizen Fri, 01 Dec 2006 6:46 AM PST Pet's Automotive Repair Service has found a new home. Formerly Pet's Mobil, on the corner of South Fulton and East Genesee streets, the shop will move to 36 York St.

RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Market trends in the automotive glazing industry just-auto Fri, 01 Dec 2006 3:19 AM PST Anyone buying a new car is faced with a long list of optional extras. While sat-nav and climate controlled seats are usually high on consumers’ wish lists, acoustic side glass and rain repellent coating may not be. Yet such products are becoming increasingly important, delivering greater functionality and adding a further growth dimension to automotive glazing sales. Matthew Beecham goes window

Blue Water Automotive closing plants Times Herald Fri, 01 Dec 2006 3:45 AM PST About 230 jobs will be cut when Blue Water Automotive Systems Inc. closes three plants in the next eight months, company officials said Thursday.

Sonic Automotive Executive to Speak at Investor Conference PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Fri, 01 Dec 2006 4:30 AM PST Sonic Automotive, Inc. , a leader in automotive retailing, announced that David Cosper, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Bank of America 2006 Credit Conference.

Nobis Interactive Launches Automotive Search Engine Marketing Vertical with Nobis Auto PR Web via Yahoo! News Fri, 01 Dec 2006 4:00 AM PST Los Angeles, CA (PRWeb) December 1, 2006 -- Nobis Interactive, a leader in full-service online marketing solutions, announces the launch of Nobis Auto -- a division specific to Search Engine Marketing (SEM) for the retail automotive industry.

Nobis Interactive Launches Automotive Search Engine Marketing Vertical with Nobis Auto PR Web Fri, 01 Dec 2006 0:39 AM PST Nobis Auto to provide expert Search Engine Marketing products and services for the retail automotive industry that dealers thirst for in 2006. (PRWeb Dec 1, 2006) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/chachingpr.php/SGFsZi1NYWduLUxvdmUtSGFsZi1NYWduLVplcm8=

Transnational Automotive Announces Purchase of 60 City Buses for its Urban Transportation Operation in Cameroon SYS-CON Media Thu, 30 Nov 2006 2:27 PM PST Transnational Automotive Group, Inc. (OTCBB: TAMG) ('TAUG'), a global leader in transportation services and sustainable energy development, today announced the purchase of 60 new city buses to expand 'LeBus', a TAUG subsidiary operating an urban bus company in Cameroon.

Group 1 Automotive Announces Corporate Executive Promotions
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:00 PM PST
HOUSTON----Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced the promotions of Lance A. Parker to vice president and corporate controller and James R. Druzbik to vice president of information systems.

Supplier News

Blue Water Automotive closing 3 plants in Michigan, Ohio
WOOD TV 8 Grand Rapids Fri, 01 Dec 2006 11:17 AM PST
MARYSVILLE, Mich. -- Blue Water Automotive Systems Inc. plans to close three plants over the next eight months, eliminating about 230 jobs.

Lear Sells NA Interiors Business AP via Yahoo! Finance Fri, 01 Dec 2006 7:32 AM PST Automotive supplier Lear Corp. said Friday it agreed to sell its North American interiors business to a venture owned by equity investors for $25 million in cash and a 25 percent stake in a newly formed venture.

Alabama Lands New Automotive Supplier WSFA Montgomery Fri, 01 Dec 2006 11:12 AM PST German-based W-K-W Erbsloeh announced on Wednesday that its plans to build a 15-point-5 million dollar plant in Pell City. The company will manufacture aluminum trim for the Mercedes plant in Vance.

Hayes Lemmerz' South Africa Operations Named Supplier of the Year by Ford Motor PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Fri, 01 Dec 2006 9:00 AM PST Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. announced today that its aluminum wheel manufacturing operation in Alrode, South Africa has received the 2006 Supplier of the Year Award from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

Transnational Automotive Announces Purchase of 60 City Buses for its Urban Transportation Operation in Cameroon SYS-CON Media Thu, 30 Nov 2006 2:27 PM PST Transnational Automotive Group, Inc. (OTCBB: TAMG) ('TAUG'), a global leader in transportation services and sustainable energy development, today announced the purchase of 60 new city buses to expand 'LeBus', a TAUG subsidiary operating an urban bus company in Cameroon.

Analyze the Activities of the European and American Vehicle and Component Manufacturers The Auto Channel Fri, 01 Dec 2006 11:27 AM PST DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c46340) has announced the addition of Automotive Emerging Markets - December 2006 to their offering.

ThyssenKrupp Budd Completes Sale of its North American Body and Chassis Operations to Martinrea International The Auto Channel Fri, 01 Dec 2006 8:28 AM PST TROY, Mich., Dec. 1, 2006 -- ThyssenKrupp Budd Company today announced it has completed the sale of its North American automotive body and chassis operations to Martinrea International, Inc., of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.

Hot products: Fast-sampling oscilloscope, auto signal-conditioning IC EETimes Fri, 01 Dec 2006 10:45 AM PST Among the hottest products at eeProductCenter are a digital sampling oscilloscope with a real-time sampling rate of 1-Gsample/s and a signal conditioning IC for automotive applications.

Popular Wagner® ThermoQuiet® ‘iPad’ Promotion Returns with Special 2-Month Offer
The Auto Channel Fri, 01 Dec 2006 8:29 AM PST
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--The Wagner ® ThermoQuiet ® “ iPad ” promotion is still rockin ’ . One of the most popular programs ever offered by Federal-Mogul Corporation ’ s Wagner brake products brand, the ‘ iPad ’ promotion – which enables automotive repair professionals to earn 30GB iPods or $25 iTunes Music Cards – returns for a special two-month run through Jan. 31, 2007. The original program ended in

Automotive News

International Automotive Components Group North America to Acquire Lear's North American Interior Systems Division
The Auto Channel Fri, 01 Dec 2006 8:27 AM PST
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2006 -- Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., Chairman of International Automotive Components Group North America, LLC ("IAC NA"), announced today a definitive agreement for IAC NA to acquire Lear Corporation's ("Lear") North American Interior Systems Division.

Micro-electromechanical Systems Gain Strong Foothold in Automotive, Aerospace, Defense and Consumer Electronics Markets ZDNet India Fri, 01 Dec 2006 7:29 AM PST The tremendous success of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) in automotive safety applications has enabled MEMS developers to design devices for the aerospace, defense and consumer electronics markets.

Pet's Automotive Repair to relocate The Auburn Citizen Fri, 01 Dec 2006 6:46 AM PST Pet's Automotive Repair Service has found a new home. Formerly Pet's Mobil, on the corner of South Fulton and East Genesee streets, the shop will move to 36 York St.

RESEARCH ANALYSIS: Market trends in the automotive glazing industry just-auto Fri, 01 Dec 2006 3:19 AM PST Anyone buying a new car is faced with a long list of optional extras. While sat-nav and climate controlled seats are usually high on consumers’ wish lists, acoustic side glass and rain repellent coating may not be. Yet such products are becoming increasingly important, delivering greater functionality and adding a further growth dimension to automotive glazing sales. Matthew Beecham goes window

Blue Water Automotive closing plants Times Herald Fri, 01 Dec 2006 3:45 AM PST About 230 jobs will be cut when Blue Water Automotive Systems Inc. closes three plants in the next eight months, company officials said Thursday.

Sonic Automotive Executive to Speak at Investor Conference PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Fri, 01 Dec 2006 4:30 AM PST Sonic Automotive, Inc. , a leader in automotive retailing, announced that David Cosper, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Bank of America 2006 Credit Conference.

Nobis Interactive Launches Automotive Search Engine Marketing Vertical with Nobis Auto PR Web via Yahoo! News Fri, 01 Dec 2006 4:00 AM PST Los Angeles, CA (PRWeb) December 1, 2006 -- Nobis Interactive, a leader in full-service online marketing solutions, announces the launch of Nobis Auto -- a division specific to Search Engine Marketing (SEM) for the retail automotive industry.

Nobis Interactive Launches Automotive Search Engine Marketing Vertical with Nobis Auto PR Web Fri, 01 Dec 2006 0:39 AM PST Nobis Auto to provide expert Search Engine Marketing products and services for the retail automotive industry that dealers thirst for in 2006. (PRWeb Dec 1, 2006) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/chachingpr.php/SGFsZi1NYWduLUxvdmUtSGFsZi1NYWduLVplcm8=

Transnational Automotive Announces Purchase of 60 City Buses for its Urban Transportation Operation in Cameroon SYS-CON Media Thu, 30 Nov 2006 2:27 PM PST Transnational Automotive Group, Inc. (OTCBB: TAMG) ('TAUG'), a global leader in transportation services and sustainable energy development, today announced the purchase of 60 new city buses to expand 'LeBus', a TAUG subsidiary operating an urban bus company in Cameroon.

Group 1 Automotive Announces Corporate Executive Promotions
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:00 PM PST
HOUSTON----Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced the promotions of Lance A. Parker to vice president and corporate controller and James R. Druzbik to vice president of information systems.

Supplier News

McLaren announces new supplier
Motorsport.com Thu, 30 Nov 2006 9:21 AM PST
Team McLaren Mercedes is pleased to confirm that it will run with dampers provided by KONI during the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship season. The announcement marks the start of a long-term relationship that sees KONI become Official Supplier of Automotive Dampers to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

Wauseon Automotive Parts Supplier to Close Its Doors WTOL 11 Toledo Wed, 29 Nov 2006 1:13 PM PST Blue Water Automotive Systems will discontinue production at the Wauseon, Ohio, manufacturing facility on January 31 2007, and will transfer production to other facilities in the United States.

Freescale Expands Portfolio of 16-Bit Automotive Microcontrollers with FlexRayâ„¢ Technology The Auto Channel Thu, 30 Nov 2006 7:13 AM PST AUSTIN, Texas--With the market debut of FlexRay ™ technology in 2007 model vehicles, high-speed communications networks are redefining automotive safety and performance.

TD Automotive Compressor Georgia Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility The Auto Channel Thu, 30 Nov 2006 7:14 AM PST TOKYO, Nov. 30, 2006 -- TD Automotive Compressor Georgia, LLC (TACG) -- a joint venture between Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and DENSO Corporation (DENSO) to produce car air-conditioning compressors in Jefferson, Ga. -- held a grand opening ceremony at its new 344,000-square-foot facility in Jefferson on November 30.

Alabama Lands New Automotive Supplier WSFA Montgomery Thu, 30 Nov 2006 11:25 AM PST German-based W-K-W Erbsloeh announced on Wednesday that its plans to build a 15-point-5 million dollar plant in Pell City. The company will manufacture aluminum trim for the Mercedes plant in Vance.

Mercedes supplier breaks ground Montgomery Advertiser Thu, 30 Nov 2006 2:11 AM PST A Mercedes supplier with headquarters in Germany broke ground Wednesday in Pell City on its first North American parts facility, which is expected to create about 300 jobs over the next three years.

Gain an Insight into the Day-to-day Technological Developments & Product Inventions in the Automotive Components Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 9:15 AM PST DUBLIN, Ireland----Research and Markets has announced the addition of Automotive Components Manufacturers- December 2006 Issue to their offering.

Transnational Automotive Announces Purchase of 60 City Buses for its Urban Transportation Operation in Cameroon Market Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:28 AM PST Transnational Automotive Group, Inc., a global leader in transportation services and sustainable energy development, today announced the purchase of 60 new city buses to expand "LeBus", a TAUG subsidiary operating an urban bus company in Cameroon.

Freescale Expands Portfolio of 16-Bit Automotive Microcontrollers with FlexRay(TM) Technology
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 0:00 AM PST
AUSTIN, Texas----With the market debut of FlexRay technology in 2007 model vehicles, high-speed communications networks are redefining automotive safety and performance. To help drive next-generation vehicle network architectures forward, Freescale Semiconductor has expanded its family of 16-bit automotive microcontrollers with FlexRay technology and flash memory scaling to 512K.

Automotive News

Freescale Expands Portfolio of 16-Bit Automotive Microcontrollers with FlexRayâ„¢ Technology
The Auto Channel Thu, 30 Nov 2006 7:13 AM PST
AUSTIN, Texas--With the market debut of FlexRay â„¢ technology in 2007 model vehicles, high-speed communications networks are redefining automotive safety and performance.

TD Automotive Compressor Georgia Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility The Auto Channel Thu, 30 Nov 2006 7:14 AM PST TOKYO, Nov. 30, 2006 -- TD Automotive Compressor Georgia, LLC (TACG) -- a joint venture between Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) and DENSO Corporation (DENSO) to produce car air-conditioning compressors in Jefferson, Ga. -- held a grand opening ceremony at its new 344,000-square-foot facility in Jefferson on November 30.

Case against Automotive Skills director adjourned AutoWired Thu, 30 Nov 2006 2:24 AM PST THE CASE of theft and forgery against James Munroe, the dismissed director of corporate affairs at Automotive Skills, has been adjourned.It is the second time the case has been adjourned.

High Growth Forecasted for the World Wide Automotive Glass Market Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Thu, 30 Nov 2006 3:18 AM PST LYON, France----Allbizreport.com announces that new market research reports related to the automotive world wide industry are available to its catalogue.

TRW Automotive to Supply Chassis Modules to Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Through New Chinese Subsidiary The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 1:26 PM PST LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 29, 2006 -- TRW FAWER Automobile Safety Systems (Changchun) Co., Ltd. (TFASS), a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , has established a manufacturing plant in Beijing, China to produce chassis modules for Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBDC).

DuPont's 2006 Color Popularity Report Shows Global Trends in Automotive Color Choice - Photos Available The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:26 PM PST TROY, Mich., Nov. 29 -- For the seventh consecutive year, silver has held its lead as the predominant color choice for vehicles globally. Vibrant colors such as red and orange also registered noticeable growth around the world according to DuPont Automotive's 2006 Color Popularity Report.

2006 Los Angeles Auto Show: Automotive Youth Educational Systems To Host 'Future Techs' The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:29 PM PST WHAT: Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) will host a group of their Los Angeles area high school students at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The AYES "Future Techs" program will allow the aspiring automotive technicians the opportunity to tour the show floor and attend the day's press conferences.

Automotive Audio Market Leaders Confront Mounting Competition The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:31 PM PST BOSTON-- The new Strategy Analytics report, “ OE Automotive Audio: Leading Suppliers Hold Their Positions, ” concludes that Blaupunkt, Siemens VDO, Delphi and Visteon still dominate the supply of audio head units for new vehicles produced across Europe and North America, despite increasing competition in automotive digital multimedia.

2007 North American International Auto Show Presents Cutting Edge Automotive Designs and Technology The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:29 PM PST DETROIT, Nov. 29, 2006 -- The 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will once again serve as the world stage for some of the automotive industry's most significant and trend-setting vehicle design and technology debuts.

Sensata Technologies Announces Plans to Raise Financing For First Technology Automotive and Special Products Acquisition
The Auto Channel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:30 PM PST
Sensata Technologies Inc. today announced plans to raise US$95 million or the Euro-equivalent in connection with the financing of its previously announced acquisition of Honeywell's First Technology Automotive and Special Products (FTAS) business.

AutoLine Detroit

Detroit Public Television

Wednesday, December 06 @ 5:30PM EST
Speed
Sunday, December 03 @ 8:30AM EST
Monday, December 04 @ 7:00AM EST

How Does Y Buy?

Synopsis: In a digital world dominated by Amazon, iPod and Abercrombie & Fitch, attracting the dollars of the deep-pocketed American youth market is difficult. It is the most desirable group, but the most elusive as well. In fact, the world's advertising highway is littered with wreckage from the failed attempts of selling the next great Gen Y product. However, there are some success stories... In arguably the toughest segment to sell, one of the groups topping auto industry sales to the Gen Y crowd is Toyota 's Scion brand. With cutting edge designs as its mantra, Scion has come from literally nowhere in the last few years to make a significant impact on today's youth market. And on the opposite side of the economic spectrum is the Jones Soda Company. This small Seattle-based beverage business has taken the youth market by storm. And by its Founder's own admission, it's less to do with its products as much as its marketing. This week on Autoline Detroit, John interviews Steve Haag, Scion's Corporate Manager and Peter van Stolk, the President, CEO and Founder of Jones Soda Company. Both men discuss their unique strategies in breaking through to the youth market of the world.

Segment 1: The kids call it SIGH-ON.

Guests:
Steve Haag, Corporate Manager, Scion

Panel:
John McElroy, Host, Autoline Detroit

Segment 2: Jones Soda Co -- Crazy flavors, wackier marketing

Guests:
Peter van Stolk, President and CEO, Jones Soda Company

Panel:
John McElroy, Host, Autoline Detroit

Vehicle Review: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Jim Moskus
Phone: (734) 542-7000
Fax: (734) 542-7014
Mobile : (734) 564-2712
jmoskus@blueskyproductions.tv

News

Marvell's Trio of Processors
BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 5:29 AM PST
The company is rolling out three versions of its new PXA300 chips. Now it just needs to convince potential customers it can be a reliable long-term supplier

AADCO reduces first quarter loss CNW Group via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 9:46 AM PST Aadco Automotive Inc. , a supplier of quality used automotive parts, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The restructuring and cost reductions that were implemented in the previous fiscal year are visible in the results of the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

Park City Group Adds Earthbound Farm as Newest Customer Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 5:30 AM PST PARK CITY, Utah----Park City Group, Inc. , a leading provider of inventory and labor optimization solutions for retailers, announced today that Earthbound Farm has joined its outstanding roster of customers.

Supplier Info

AADCO reduces first quarter loss CNW Group via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 9:46 AM PST Aadco Automotive Inc. , a supplier of quality used automotive parts, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. The restructuring and cost reductions that were implemented in the previous fiscal year are visible in the results of the first quarter of fiscal 2007.

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Offers Gentex Mirror PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 5:52 AM PST Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, announced today that it has begun shipping auto-dimming mirrors for the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant.

Auction sets prices on Dura default swaps Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:20 PM PST NEW YORK, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Derivatives dealers agreed on Tuesday to a set price on credit default swaps backed by the bonds of bankrupt auto supplier Dura Automotive Systems , which will be used to settle the derivatives contracts.

IEC-Compliant Microcontroller promotes automotive safety. ThomasNet Wed, 29 Nov 2006 6:00 AM PST Symmetrical dual-core microcontroller (MCU), TMS570, is suited for use in braking, steering, and chassis control applications. It features dual ARM® Limited Cortex(TM) R4 cores and 2 MB on-chip Flash memory, which is protected by Error-Correcting Code (ECC) bit checking. While design enables failure detection and response times required by IEC 61508 SIL3 standard, directly implemented FlexRay(TM)

Performance Fibers Sysko Expands To Produce New Ultra Low Shrinkage Fibers In South Korea Textileweb.com Wed, 29 Nov 2006 1:44 AM PST Performance Fibers, supplier of polyester fibers, recently announced an expansion at its joint venture operation in South Korea to produce next-generation, ultra low shrinkage fibers for specialty uses. Performance Fibers SYSKO partner Sam Yang Corp

Sonics Continues Open Configuration Environment Development Broadcast Newsroom Wed, 29 Nov 2006 7:24 AM PST MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., BUSINESS WIRE -- Sonics Inc.(R), a premier supplier of system-on-chip (SoC) SMART Interconnect(TM) solutions, today announces its status in The SPIRIT Consortium has been upgraded from Reviewing to Contributing member. Sonics continues to explore new methods for opening its highly touted SonicsStudio(TM) configuration and modeling environment to ensure seamless connection

Motor Trader - Hot News Motor Trader Wed, 29 Nov 2006 2:24 AM PST HPI has been named the preferred provenance check supplier for more than 500 General Motors’ dealers across the UK. The company beat off competition to become the preferred supplier for the Vauxhall Network Q, Saab and Chevrolet outlets within the GM network of approved dealerships.

FRANCE: PM to announce auto industry policies just-auto Wed, 29 Nov 2006 0:35 AM PST La Tribune reports that French supplier turnover was down 7.6% in the first half of the year and the French trade association representing suppliers, FIEV (Fédération des Industries des Equipements pour Véhicules), is not expecting the situation to improve next year. 5,000 jobs are expected to be lost between now and the end of the year.

UK: Next SMMT president is from Toyota just-auto Wed, 29 Nov 2006 2:20 AM PST Graham Smith, senior vice-president Toyota Motor Europe will be the next president of SMMT, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders - the UK's automotive industry trade body.

New 21.3-Inch Monochrome LCD Modules From NEC Electronics America Deliver High Resolution And High Luminance For
Medical News Today Wed, 29 Nov 2006 0:13 AM PST
NEC Electronics America, Inc., a leading supplier in the Americas of innovative liquid crystal display (LCD) solutions for medical applications, today unveiled two new 21.3-inch (54-centimeter), amorphous-silicon thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD modules from NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd. [click link for full article]

Automotive News

Nasimuddin Wins Automotive Man Of The Year Award
Bernama Wed, 29 Nov 2006 8:04 AM PST
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin, group managing director of the Naza Group of Companies, has been named the Automotive Man of the Year at the NSTP-Ambank Car of The Year Award 2006 Wednesday.

TRW Automotive to Supply Chassis Modules to Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Through New Chinese Subsidiary FinanzNachrichten Wed, 29 Nov 2006 7:06 AM PST LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRW FAWER Automobile Safety Systems (Changchun) Co., Ltd. (TFASS), a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (

BCC unveils automotive training center Sun-Sentinel Wed, 29 Nov 2006 0:14 AM PST Miramar · Almost one year into a program aimed at educating auto technicians to service today's increasingly high-tech vehicles, Broward Community College recently had a dedication ceremony to showcase its Maroone Automotive Training Center.

Registration Begins for the 2007 North American International Auto Show Automotive Education Day Featuring Female Racer The Auto Channel Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:11 PM PST DETROIT, Nov. 28 -- Students are invited to participate in the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Automotive Education Day. The third annual Automotive Education Day, presented by State Farm Insurance, will take place on Wed., Jan. 17, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cobo Center.

Group 1 Automotive to Present at Bank of America Credit Conference The Auto Channel Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:15 PM PST HOUSTON-- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced that executive management will present at Bank of America ’ s 2006 Credit Conference.

Sensata Technologies Announces Plans to Raise Financing For First Technology Automotive and Special Products Acquisition The Auto Channel Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:14 PM PST ATTLEBORO, Mass., Nov. 28, 2006 -- Sensata Technologies Inc. today announced plans to raise $95 million or the Euro-equivalent in connection with the financing of its previously announced acquisition of Honeywell's First Technology Automotive and Special Products (FTAS) business.

Sensata Technologies Announces Plans to Raise Financing For First Technology Automotive and Special Products Acquisition SYS-CON Media Wed, 29 Nov 2006 1:26 AM PST Sensata Technologies Inc. today announced plans to raise $95 million or the Euro-equivalent in connection with the financing of its previously announced acquisition of Honeywell's First Technology Automotive and Special Products (FTAS) business. Sensata plans to raise the financing through an incremental facility under its existing Credit Agreement dated April 27, 2006.

TRW Automotive to Supply Chassis Modules to Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Through New Chinese Subsidiary PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Wed, 29 Nov 2006 7:00 AM PST TRW FAWER Automobile Safety Systems Co., Ltd. , a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. , has established a manufacturing plant in Beijing, China to produce chassis modules for Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co., Ltd. .

Matsushita (Panasonic) Establishes New Automotive Electronics Business Company in Thailand to Cover the Asian Market
The Auto Channel Tue, 28 Nov 2006 2:15 PM PST
http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> JapanCorp: Matsushita (Panasonic) Establishes New Automotive Electronics Business Company in Thailand to Cover the Asian Market Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 28, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Panasonic Automotive Systems Company (PAS), a division company of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand, today announced it will establish

Letter from Carl Levin

Dear Mr. Former:

Given the importance of manufacturing and especially automotive manufacturing to Michigan and the Nation, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on my recent efforts to help maintain a strong manufacturing base.

We need to turn around the drain of manufacturing jobs in the United States. These are solid, well paying jobs with benefits, many of which are going overseas. We have lost 2.9 million manufacturing jobs since 2001, almost 192,500 in the automotive sector. We need to take bold action to revitalize our domestic manufacturing industry. If we fail to take initiatives to allow manufacturers to compete fairly, millions more manufacturing jobs may be lost.

There are a number of things that can and should be done on a federal level to help American manufacturers compete globally. Currently, our companies are not competing with other companies; they’re competing with other countries because of unfair trade policies. For instance, Japanese manufacturers get a government subsidy because the Government of Japan manipulates its currency in order to give Japanese exports an unfair price advantage over U.S. products. We also have a huge and growing trade imbalance with China because the Chinese Government won’t let us sell goods in China that are made in the United States. So far our government has done nothing to stop these unfair trade practices, and this inaction is costing us jobs.

I have been working with the Michigan Congressional delegation to generate more vigorous federal action to help establish a level playing field for American manufacturers. Earlier this month, as a follow up to a meeting between President Bush and the Chief Executive Officers of Ford Motor Company, General Motors and the Chrysler Group, Congressman John Dingell and I joined all 17 members of Michigan’s bipartisan congressional delegation in writing to President Bush urging him to take federal action on the following key issues important to American manufacturing. I wanted to share that letter with you, which you can read by clicking on the following link:[http://www.levin.senate.gov/newsroom/supporting/2006/delegationltr.autos.112106.pdf].

American manufacturers do not need favorable treatment in the global marketplace. Given a level playing field, American manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world. However, they need fair treatment and I will continue to work to make sure they get it.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

Automotive news

Setco Automotive Declares Maiden Dividend Of Re. 1/sh For FY06 Nasdaq Tue, 28 Nov 2006 1:30 AM PST (RTTNews) - Setco Automotive informed that the Board decided to declare a maiden dividend of Re. 1.00 per share for the fiscal year 206. The Board also decided to acquire a manufacturing facility overseas through its subsidiary and to make investment in company's overseas subsidiary.

D&M Holdings Inc. to Acquire Philips Sound Solutions, Expanding OEM Automotive and Consumer Businesses FinanzNachrichten Tue, 28 Nov 2006 6:08 AM PST Philips Sound Solutions (PSS) has strong market positions in high-quality, Hi-Fi audio products for the B2B automotive and consumer electronics markets. Key automotive customers include: BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota (Europe), Seat, and Jaguar. Key consumer customers include Philips, Dell and Nokia.

Panasonic sets up Thai automotive systems Co The Nation Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:55 PM PST Panasonic Automotive Systems Company, a division company of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd, announced it will establish Panasonic Automotive Systems Asia Pacific (Thailand) Co, Ltd on December 1, 2006 in Thailand.

Registration Begins for the 2007 North American International Auto Show Automotive Education Day Featuring Female Racer PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 28 Nov 2006 8:36 AM PST Students are invited to participate in the 2007 North American International Auto Show Automotive Education Day.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients, 2006 Industry Leader The Auto Channel Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:12 PM PST DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 27, 2006 -- The Automotive Hall of Fame has announced its 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients.

Hydro Divests Automotive Castings Business PrimeZone via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 28 Nov 2006 7:51 AM PST OSLO, Norway, Nov. 27, 2006 -- Norsk Hydro ASA has agreed to sell its European automotive castings business to the Mexican group Nemak. In addition Hydro, the Norwegian energy and aluminium group, will sell its share in a Mexican castings plant to the joint venture partner Grupo Industrial Saltillo.

Ford plans $18 billion in financing to fund restructuring, make up for automotive losses The Times of Northwest Indiana Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:50 PM PST DETROIT | Ford Motor Co. said Monday it plans to get about $18 billion in financing to help fund its restructuring and make up for anticipated losses in its automotive operations over the next two years.

Regulator ICs set automotive options Embedded Systems Programming Magazine Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:00 PM PST Sunnyvale, Calif.—Maxim's MAX6765-MAX6774 family of linear regulators, with a wide variety of options, delivers up to 100 mA for automotive applications. These devices draw just 31 microamps and thus are particularly suited to always-on modules.

More sales for Clemex in the automotive industry CNW Group via Yahoo! Finance Tue, 28 Nov 2006 6:00 AM PST Clemex Technologies Inc. announces today that it has received orders totaling $403,000. in October for several new image analysis systems from major automotive industry players in the US.

New "Automotive Gear Lubrication" course offered by Chevron's Lubricants University
The Auto Channel Mon, 27 Nov 2006 1:30 PM PST
Dear AutoChannel, I wanted to let you know that today, Chevron's Lubricants University expanded its course offerings to include "Fundamentals of Automotive Gear Lubrication."

Market AUtomative News

NuCO2 Inc. Common Shares to Begin Trading Today on NASDAQ Global Select Market
PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:00 AM PST
NuCO2 Inc. , the largest supplier in the U.S. of bulk CO2 systems and services for carbonating fountain beverages, announced that effective today the Company's common shares will begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, a market tier that requires meeting the highest NASDAQ listing standards relating to market value, liquidity and earnings.

Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. Sets New Date for Confirmation Hearing and Seeks Approval of Exit Financing Commitment The Auto Channel Mon, 27 Nov 2006 1:26 PM PST ALLEN PARK, Mich., Nov. 27, 2006 -- Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that it has rescheduled the confirmation hearing regarding its Plan of Reorganization ("Plan") from November 29, 2006 to December 6, 2006. Meridian requested the short adjournment to allow its creditor constituencies time to finalize certain agreements related to the Plan. Meridian still expects that its Plan

Shining A Light On Quality Logistics Management Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:16 AM PST The benefits of LED lighting compared to conventional lighting are numerous. LEDs provide maintenance and power savings, as well as performance enhancements such as durability, reliability, longer life span, and consistent color and brightness levels.

Is ILM more than just a buzzword? Computer Business Review Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:50 AM PST Though its a relatively new buzzword, ILM (Information Lifecycle Management) may already be at risk of overuse. Tim Stammers looks for the substance behind the hype.

Eurotunnel closer to rescue Daily Telegraph Mon, 27 Nov 2006 4:40 AM PST Creditors have approved a rescue plan that moves the channel tunnel operator closer to cutting its debt.

Single Board Computer boosts mobile application performance. ThomasNet Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:01 AM PST Populated by Mobile Intel 945GM Express chipset, LV-677 mobile Mini-ITX motherboard includes socket to accommodate any Intel Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, and Core Solo processor. Features include 667 MHz FSB and support for up to 4 GB dual-channel DDR2 memory. Expansion is available via 2 Mini-PCI slots and one PCI-Express slot, and graphics core supports dual independent display and speeds to 250 MHz.

Data Connection and MetaSwitch Celebrate Quarter-Century with Near 24% Revenue Growth wallstreet:online AG Mon, 27 Nov 2006 5:24 AM PST Data Connection, a leading vendor of telecommunications software and hardware to original equipment

Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. Sets New Date for Confirmation Hearing and Seeks Approval of Exit Financing Commitment PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:16 PM PST Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that it has rescheduled the confirmation hearing regarding its Plan of Reorganization from November 29, 2006 to December 6, 2006.

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-11-27 09:56 GMT: London shares up in early deals bolster by flurry of M&A activity UPDATE Interactive Investor Mon, 27 Nov 2006 2:23 AM PST (Updating with full details)

London shares up in early deals bolster by flurry of M&A activity UPDATE
Sharewatch Mon, 27 Nov 2006 1:54 AM PST
LONDON (AFX) - UK blue chips climbed into positive territory in early deals bolstered by consolidation hopes in the house building sector and a flurry of other M&A activity, dealers said.

Auto News

Yahoo! Mail - ianformer@yahoo.com: "Suitors lining up for Delphi assets
bizjournals.com via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 7:05 AM PST
Would-be buyers for portions of distressed U.S.-vehicle supplier Delphi Corp. continue to surface.

Franklin’s Worthington metal plant to close in January
Fairview Observer Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:35 AM PST
FRANKLIN - The nationwide loss of automotive-related jobs is hitting Franklin, too. Come next year, 117 people currently employed at the Worthington Precision Metals, Inc. auto parts plant on Beasley Drive will lose their jobs when the operation shuts down January 12, officials said.

Noran Engineering's New NEiFusion, Precedent-Setting Simulation Software Joins Parametric Modeling With Nastran FEA
RedNova Mon, 27 Nov 2006 4:14 AM PST
Noran Engineering, Inc., a leading developer and global supplier of Nastran finite element analysis (FEA) software, announced a new simulation product, NEiFusion. The software targets engineers in product design, development, optimization, testing, and quality.

UK: Antonov signs agreement with Geely
just-auto Mon, 27 Nov 2006 5:49 AM PST
The board of Antonov plc, the transmissions technology company, has announced that it has signed heads of agreement for"

Automotive News

Norsk Hydro sells automotive castings ops; capital gain around 900 mln nkr
Sharewatch Mon, 27 Nov 2006 7:23 AM PST
It agreed to sell its European automotive castings business to the Mexican group Nemak, while its 49.99 pct stake in the Mexican castings plant, Castech SA de CV, will be sold to the joint venture partner Grupo Industrial Saltillo.

Trelleborg to spend 875 mln skr restructuring automotive ops UPDATE Sharewatch Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:54 AM PST STOCKHOLM (AFX) - Trelleborg AB said it is restructuring its automotive division at a cost of 875 mln skr before tax and 700 mln skr after tax. The positive earnings effect of the measures is calculated at 175 mln skr before tax and 115 mln skr after tax, once fully implemented.

Chevron’s Lubricants U Offers Courses on Automotive and Industrial Greases TruckingInfo.com Mon, 27 Nov 2006 0:20 AM PST 11/27/2006 Chevron’s Lubricants University, an educational web site, is introducing two new courses, “Automotive Grease” and “Industrial Grease,” as part of its course catalog.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients, 2006 Industry Leader PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 8:28 AM PST The Automotive Hall of Fame has announced its 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients.

Windshield, Body Screens, and Rear Screen Are the Major Product Segments Analyzed inside the 2006 Report on Automotive Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 5:45 AM PST DUBLIN, Ireland----Research and Markets has announced the addition of Automotive Glass - Global Strategic Business Report to their offering.

Trelleborg Initiates Action Program within Automotive Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 6:13 AM PST STOCKHOLM, Sweden----The strategic and operational review announced by Trelleborg for the Automotive business area has resulted in an action program, of which the first step was announced today during Trelleborg's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm.

Nigeria: Automotive Conference Begins in Abuja AllAfrica.com Mon, 27 Nov 2006 7:20 AM PST A conference to discuss strategies on how to solve the protracted problems of the automobile sector of the Nigerian economy commenced yesterday in Abuja.

Norsk Hydro to Sell Auto Castings Unit AP via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 7:54 AM PST Norway's Norsk Hydro ASA said Monday it agreed to sell its automotive casting businesses to Mexico's Nemak group and Grupo Industrial Saltillo S.A.B de CV for a total 3.7 billion kroner .

Norsk Hydro to sell auto castings unit Boston Globe Mon, 27 Nov 2006 8:39 AM PST Norway's Norsk Hydro ASA said Monday it agreed to sell its automotive casting businesses to Mexico's Nemak group and Grupo Industrial Saltillo S.A.B de CV for a total 3.7 billion kroner (US$587 million; euro446 million).

Identifix Releases Supercharged Search(TM): a Highly Tuned Web-Based Automotive Search Engine for Technicians
Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance Mon, 27 Nov 2006 7:00 AM PST
ST. PAUL, Minn.----Identifix, one of the nation's premier sources of online diagnostic and fix information, today announced the launch of a powerful new search engine called Supercharged Search on its award winning website, Direct-Hit.

Automotive News

FOR SALE: THE STORIES BEHIND THE SIGNS: Sellers tough it out in buyer's market
Detroit Free Press Sun, 26 Nov 2006 1:34 AM PST
To the shared experiences of life in metro Detroit, from rooting for the Tigers to fretting over automotive layoffs, add a new one: not being able to sell a house this year. Gilda Bone knows all about it. Since she put her family's Saline duplex on the market two years ago, she's cut the price from $257,000 to $199,000 -- and still has no buyer.

Abraaj Capital inaugurates its US$ 300 Million Abraaj BMA Pakistan Buyout Fund by acquiring an 80% stake in MS Forgings AME Info Sun, 26 Nov 2006 4:52 AM PST Abraaj Capital has acquired a controlling interest in MS Forgings, Pakistan's largest steel forging house, specializing in steel components for the automotive industry domestically and abroad.

America must cure the Detroit disease The Herald-Tribune Sun, 26 Nov 2006 1:44 AM PST As we all know, the Big Three automotive manufacturers in the United States -- General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler -- are in trouble. They're all but on their knees

Fields of fuel The Plain Dealer Sat, 25 Nov 2006 9:21 PM PST Ohio has joined the green revo lution - turning corn into lu crative automotive moon shine. Six "biorefineries" are under construction in the state, with a combined annual capacity of 500 million gallons of 200-proof ethanol.

Nothing going to waste, not even waste The Plain Dealer Sat, 25 Nov 2006 9:21 PM PST As Ohio joins the national rush to make corn-fed automotive fuel, there are lingering questions about the net energy gain - or loss. In other words, does it take more energy to make ethanol from corn than the biofuel gives back?

Independent mechanics confronting rising costs Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sat, 25 Nov 2006 9:14 PM PST In a move that may be causing thousands to pay more for car repairs, independent mechanics are getting out of the business, turning away customers and charging more for those they continue to serve -- all because of the high costs of staying up-to-date with newer automotive technology and repair information.

Delphi MagneRide system on display Dayton Daily News Sat, 25 Nov 2006 11:16 PM PST An automotive suspension system developed by Delphi Corp. is deployed on cars scheduled for display this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Wioll Toyota trucks catch the eyes of Texas? Los Angeles Daily News Sun, 26 Nov 2006 0:07 AM PST HOUSTON - Toyota Motor Corp. s latest assault on the U.S. automotive industry is considered its most important, and what a place for it: deep in the heart of Texas, where American pickups have crowded backroads and highways for decades.

He has always improved himself and his world Orlando Sentinel Sun, 26 Nov 2006 1:43 AM PST He started working when he was 10, helping people haul their groceries home in his red wagon. After that, he was a paperboy, a soda jerk, a volunteer fireman, a funeral-home worker, then spent many years in the automotive business, finally retiring with State Farm.

‘Back to you” Thank you breakfast: Ridgecrest Daily Independent Sat, 25 Nov 2006 10:19 PM PST Above: From left, Kelly Monteton, Elyjah Sibley, Destynee Sibley and Deanna Mellor talk as they enjoy Bud Eyre Chevrolet, Pontiac, Toyota's pancake breakfast this morning. Numerous items were raffled off at the event, including certificates for automotive service.

Inflation on Track

Yahoo! Mail - ianformer@yahoo.com: "
Economic Growth, Inflation On Track For A Reversal In Rate Hikes
Nasdaq Sat, 25 Nov 2006 5:13 AM PST
(RTTNews) - The overwhelming deduction from the plethora of economic numbers that the markets have been treated to in the recent past is that growth is moderating to a below trend pace to average just below 2% in the near term."