Photo: In the future Siemens Business Services will operate the SAP system for the bauMax do-it-yourself retail chain in seven countries. More than 7,000 bauMax employees use the system in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Romania. The contract runs for eight years.

Posted by Editors at 12:46 PM

GM leads in Venezuela

Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Spark (Venezuela)

GM Venezuela maintains a rate of solid advance in sales to end the year 2006 as the company leader of the national automotive market for 27 consecutive years.

Posted by Editors at 12:39 PM

Siemens increases its commitment to early science education

Photo: Prof. Dr. Hermann Requardt, head of Siemens Corporate Technology, at the ceremony handing over the 500th company experiment kit to a kindergarten in Munich's Hasenbergl district. In fiscal 2007, Siemens will substantially expand its commitment to promote early interest in the sciences, and will be donating 1,000 additional research kits to German kindergartens.

Posted by Editors at 12:34 PM

Saturn Aura - Car Of Year Finalist

Lisa Hutchinson, director of brand and product development for Saturn (right) and Automotive News Editor Edward Lapham discuss a 2007 Saturn Aura after it was announced as a finalist for the North American Car of the Year Award Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan. Lapham was a member of the jury that selected the finalists. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) (USA)

Posted by Editors at 12:30 PM

December 17, 2006

NEWSWEEK COVER: DECEMBER 25, 2006 ISSUE

PHOTO: The December 25, 2006-January 1, 2007 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, December 18), "The Race is On" explores whether America is ready for a historic first in the White House in 2008: the first woman president or the first black president -- Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama. Plus: "Who's Next in 2007" looks at the up-and-comers from the worlds of politics, business, the arts, science and education most likely to be newsmakers in the coming year. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)

Posted by Editors at 9:26 PM

SONY’S NEW F23 CAMERA FOR CONTENT CREATORS AND PROGRAM PRODUCERS

PARK RIDGE, N.J. – Sony Electronics has introduced the F23 camera, which will support 4:4:4 1920 by 1080 RGB imaging.

“With this new system, content creators and program producers will have one more extremely versatile high-end production tool in their arsenal,” said Rob Willox, Sony’s director of marketing for professional content creation products. “Developed for cinematographers, this system will offer the technical and mechanical flexibility they need, as well as a compact and rugged design to withstand the challenging conditions often encountered on location.”

Posted by Editors at 6:07 PM

Lufthansa further expands Airbus A340-600 long-range fleet

Lufthansa German Airlines is expanding its Airbus long-range fleet with an order for seven additional Airbus A340-600 aircraft. The new order raises the total number of A340s in Lufthansa's fleet to 52. With this order Airbus passes the milestone of 1000 aircraft sales of the A330/A340 Family.

The A340-600s will have about 300 seats in a three-class configuration and will be delivered from early 2008. Lufthansa plans to use the aircraft on high passenger demand long haul routes out of Frankfurt and Munich, to destinations like the US West Coast and Asia.

Lufthansa is one of the longest standing and largest Airbus customers worldwide, and one of the launch customers for the A340. Currently Lufthansa has nearly 140 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet.

Posted by Editors at 3:16 PM

December 16, 2006

Heavenly Star' By Genki Rockets Makes iTunes Debut

Q Entertainment Showcases Newly Formed Group to Game and Music Fans.

TOKYO, Dec. 15 -- Tokyo-based Q Entertainment, best known for its music and luminary action puzzle game series "Lumines(TM)," announced that their self-produced hit song "Heavenly Star" is now available for purchase at the iTunes Store US and Japan (http://www.itunes.com/), with other territories to follow. Fans can purchase the song for US$0.99 or 150 yen.

Performed by a new group called Genki Rockets and produced by Q Entertainment's own Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the song's catchy and uplifting tune combined with equally striking video has caught the attention of many gamers and was recently nominated Best Song at the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards. Genki Rockets is a hybrid group that consists of a few artists and will be collaborating with other artists in the future to bring new music and videos.

Formed in 2003, Tokyo-based Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment content across multiple game consoles, PC broadband and mobile units. It is best known for their critically acclaimed music and luminary action puzzle game series "Lumines," which was released worldwide in 2004/2005.

Posted by Editors at 6:47 PM

Renault Mégane F1 Team R26, going for the title

Photo: To celebrate its second title in the F1 Constructors World Championship, Renault will offer a new version of the Mégane Renault Sport – the Mégane F1 Team R26. Its distinctive lines reinforce its positioning as a true sports car.
The special F1 Team R26 combines a Cup chassis with completely new settings and a limited slip differential for even crisper handling whether driving on open roads or round a circuit. Its enhanced 230hp 2.0 turbo engine and Brembo brakes make it one of the highest performance hatches on the market.

Posted by Editors at 5:28 PM

LAGERFELD LAUNCHES NEW DENIM INSPIRED COLLECTION FOR FALL 2007

PHOTO: KARL LAGERFELD launches a new Women's and Men's denim inspired collection K KARL LAGERFELD for Fall 2007.

Posted by Editors at 5:22 PM

December 15, 2006

General Motors at North American International Auto Show 2007

GM Showcases Its Brands In Style at its All-New Exhibit.

Photo: Rendering of the new entrance to GM's display at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007.

DETROIT – When hundreds of thousands of 2007 North American International Auto Show visitors step inside the 121,000-square-foot General Motors exhibit beginning Jan. 13, they’ll experience more than beautifully designed and executed cars and trucks. The all-new GM exhibit – the show’s largest – will be transformed into the auto show equivalent of an art gallery.

Photo: Rendering of GM's new Pontiac display at the North American International Auto Show 2007.

A more intuitive layout supported by enhanced, high-tech overhead and vehicle lighting; open spaces and clean lines; minimalist architecture and premium materials will allow visitors to experience GM’s eight distinctive brands in unique, gallery-type settings within a unified, GM-themed environment. The individual brand displays surround GM’s advanced technology-themed corporate display.

Photo: Rendering of GM's new Chevrolet Truck display at the North American International Auto Show 2007.

GM Design played a key role in the vision and execution of this year’s exhibit, taking an esthetic approach remarkably similar to its globally influenced vehicle design process.

Photo: Rendering of GM's new Cadillac display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

The individual brand displays surround GM’s corporate exhibit, featuring LED screens and projected laser images on glass that demonstrate GM’s vision for reinventing the automobile. During the media preview, the space will be used for major vehicle launches. For the public, the space will be transformed into a dramatic vehicle design and technology display highlighting GM’s leadership in design, technology, safety, quality and fuel efficiency.

“While the stars of the show are the vehicles, we wanted the exhibit space to reflect the corporation’s design-driven direction in a way that complements the brand essence of each vehicle and the overall GM brand,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “The finest work deserves to be displayed in the best galleries, and I believe we’ve accomplished that with this exhibit.”

Visitors will know they’ve arrived at a special destination the moment they approach the exhibit, with its dramatic center entrance featuring a stainless steel ribbon 261 feet wide and 26 feet high, sporting a jeweled GM corporate logo. Five award-winning global concept vehicles will be positioned at the entrance to reinforce the strength of GM vehicle design and future products.

Throughout the exhibit, 615 linear feet of LED lighting will be suspended above visitors’ heads, complemented by additional lighting in the brand displays that bathes the vehicles in light. Each of the brand areas will have back wall video projection for product messages, as well as synchronized corporate messages.

Here’s a tour of GM’s 2007 North American International Auto Show exhibit:

Chevrolet: GM’s largest brand builds on a global auto show concept called “Chevy Moments.” The display consists of a series of graphic towers, feature vehicle displays and LED screens, along with unique flooring that defines specific vehicle areas. Chevrolet is unveiling the new 2008 Malibu at the Detroit show.

Cadillac: The display for GM’s luxury marque is inspired by the sharp lines and faceted architecture of its vehicles. It features an angular ceiling canopy, premium materials such as frosted glass and stainless steel surfaces, and high-tech lighting that befits Cadillac’s technology legacy. Cadillac is revealing the new 2008 CTS at the Detroit show.

GMC: Professional Grade goes decidedly upscale with an all-new space that features textured blue steel, precast concrete, and chrome, perforated metal that evokes the grille design of GMC’s premier Denali lineup. Mechanical elements abound, executed with style and precision.

HUMMER: Capability is the name of the game, and GM’s go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles are displayed against a deep orange backdrop complemented by architectural cues such as massive ID plinths, concrete and glass floor panels.

Saab: Very clean and open with crisp, white surfaces and glass flooring, the Saab display features unique LED technology as well as LED screens that create a special product environment.

Saturn: As refreshing as its brand-new product lineup, the Saturn display breaks convention with unique architectural elements and distinctive materials. The “Aura Box” features bright Obscura projection technology focusing on the 2007 Aura Green Line hybrid.

Buick: The Buick environment exudes the premium elegance associated with its new design direction. It features sophisticated materials such as wood, polished stone tile and gossamer lighted fabric back walls that underscore the display’s water theme, and illuminated ceiling coves. A Buick Lucerne will showcase OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation technology on a windshield-projected narrative.

Pontiac: Pontiac's all-new display evokes the energy and atmosphere of a hip club. Polished stainless steel surfaces, gloss black paint and glass convey the brand’s seductive performance theme. The space comes alive with carefully choreographed sound, light and the use of video presentations that create excitement.

Posted by Editors at 2:32 PM

The XC60 Concept a Glimpse of the Next Volvo XC

Future of Volvo's Design Language.

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 14 -- Volvo Car Corporation today released the first official images of the XC60 Concept that will be unveiled at the upcoming North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to be shown to the world January 7, 2007, the XC60 Concept looks towards Volvo's future on two significant fronts: it offers the world a sneak preview of the next XC model to come from Volvo Cars and it reveals several design elements that will be part of future Volvos.

Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin and his team have designed the XC60 Concept while keeping their eyes firmly focused on one clear goal. "In recent years we have successfully emphasized the Scandinavian characteristics that base prestige on timeless, functional elegance. Now we're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally pumping up our cars' visual volume," says Mattin. "With more expressive, emotive shapes, it will be a magnet for the viewer's eyes. If a Volvo is recognizable from 100 feet away today, I want to get to the point where you will instantly spot it from twice that distance in the future."

Posted by Editors at 12:24 PM

DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to Open Washington Auto Show

Top Name in Auto Industry Headlines D.C. Show.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 -- In a joint statement, The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) today announced that Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and the Head of Mercedes Car Group, will deliver the keynote address to the Washington Auto Show during International Media Day on Jan. 23, 2007 at the Washington Convention Center.

Photo: Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and the head of Mercedes Car Group.

"We are proud to host Dr. Zetsche, not only an automotive icon, but a man listed among TIME Magazine's most influential people this year," said George Doetsch, show chairman. Marc Stertz, president of WAPA, added, "On behalf of the Washington automotive press corps, we look forward to welcoming an automotive leader of his stature."

DaimlerChrysler is one of the world's leading automotive companies. Its passenger car brands include Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and smart. Commercial vehicles are produced under Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Thomas Built Buses and Orion.

Posted by Editors at 12:20 PM

AMERICAN EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM: ICE CUBE COLLECTION

PHOTO: The Chopard 18K white gold and diamond "Ice Cube Collection" Ladies Bracelet Watch is one of the rewards as part of the just-launched First Collection - a distinctively elegant collection of boutique-style, premium offers exclusively available to American Express Platinum Card(R) and Centurion(R) Card members through the Membership Rewards program from American Express.

Posted by Editors at 12:15 PM

December 14, 2006

Mazda to Debut Ryuga Design Concept and New Tribute SUV at 2007 North American International Auto Show

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 13 -- Mazda North American Operations will unveil an all-new concept car, Ryuga, and its all-new Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. All attending media are invited to the company's formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand at 10:15 A.M. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007.

Ryuga builds on Mazda's concept of flow. Nagare -- Japanese for "flow" -- debuted at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show and introduced the company's new design future. Ryuga -- Japanese for "gracious flow," and the next generation of this exciting concept -- will reflect a higher level of sophistication achieved through the use of rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details. Ryuga is elegant and refined, but with spirit and edge, portraying unique Japanese beauty.

"Ryuga is Zoom-Zoom defined," said Laurens van den Acker, Mazda's global design director. "It combines vibrance, confidence, fun and youth all in one ingenious package."

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.

Posted by Editors at 2:45 PM

Smilebox and Hallmark Partner to Deliver Photo Expressions

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 13 -- Smilebox, Inc., the photo expressions service, today announced a distribution and content partnership with Hallmark Cards, Inc. With the holidays quickly approaching, this partnership will enable customers to access an online catalog of seasonal e- cards, animated scrapbooks, slide shows and interactive postcards that can be customized with their own photos, messages, music and backgrounds. The new photo expressions service marks the first time that consumers can integrate their personal photos with Hallmark online content.

PHOTO: A popular holiday slideshow designed by Hallmark for the Smilebox service. Hoops & Yoyo, Hallmark's popular characters, throw snow balls which turn into the user's photos.

"Greeting cards, whether traditional paper or electronic, help fulfill an enduring need for people to maintain connections with one another," said Steve Ruschill, marketing technology manager at Hallmark. "Smilebox's digital services, combined with Hallmark's creative excellence, provide a new holiday greeting solution for family and friends."

The new photo expressions service, delivered via the Smilebox(TM) platform, utilizes a complete new line of creative content developed by Hallmark's creative staff of writers and designers. Much of the content is developed around popular Hallmark intellectual properties such as the Hoops & Yoyo characters.

The Hallmark Smilebox service is now live and can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.hallmark.com/smilebox. Consumers can email the basic version of a design to family and friends for free with a short ad, purchase the premium version for a one-time fee of $0.99 or $1.99, or subscribe to Club Smilebox for $4.99/month or $39.99/ year and get unlimited premium designs.

Posted by Editors at 2:37 PM

MANHATTAN RECORDS: EMI MUSIC MARKETING DIANA ROSS

Diana Ross Presents 'I Love You,' a New Studio Album.

NEW YORK, Dec. 13 -- For her new studio album, Diana Ross has drawn inspiration from romantic songs that have touched her heart through the years, and she has dedicated the album to this most powerful universal emotion: love. "I Love You," to be released by Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16, presents 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, "I Love You" a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance.

PHOTO: Diana Ross "I Love You" cover art image; Manhattan Records/EMI Music Marketing.

Recorded at multiple studios in Southern California, New York and London, "I Love You" features soaring orchestral arrangements to accompany the broad range and sensitivity of Ms. Ross' vocals, one of the world's most cherished musical instruments. The best players and singers from Los Angeles, New York and London were involved with the new album, and Ms. Ross attended every session, from the initial demos to tracking, overdubs and mixing. "When I was in the studio, sharing these songs, I was filled with strong emotion," says Ms. Ross. "These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me."

The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Ms. Ross, who executive produced "I Love You." The package also contains notes from the album's co-executive producer, Marylata E. Jacob, a Grammy-nominated music supervisor and producer whose professional relationship with Ms. Ross spans 22 years, Peter Asher, who produced nine of the album's tracks, and who has collaborated with Ms. Ross on many of her most cherished recordings, and the producer of five of the album's tracks, Steve Tyrell, has produced many recordings with Ms. Ross including "Big Bad Love" with Ray Charles, and in 2005 produced her duet with Rod Stewart, "I've Got A Crush On You," the lead single from Stewart's "Thanks For The Memory: The Great American Songbook I." "I Love You"'s deluxe edition adds a DVD with a photo gallery and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album.

Beginning and closing with Harry Nilsson's "Remember," the song that inspired Ms. Ross' vision for her new album, "I Love You" takes the listener on a vibrant journey through many of music's most timeless and recognizable affirmations of love. All of the songs chosen for the album are important and meaningful to Ms. Ross, from the sweet bounce of "More Today Than Yesterday," to the sultry allure of "I Want You," a song first recorded by Marvin Gaye that was co-written by Ms. Ross' brother, T-Boy Ross.

"We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments," explains Marylata Jacob. "'I Love You' is Diana's personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting."

Says Peter Asher, who returns to working with Diana having produced her 1991 hit album, "The Force Behind The Power," "I am proud that not only have Diana and I remained friends for 41 years, but that I have again been given the opportunity to work with her extraordinary voice in the studio. Her contribution in the studio was very significant, above and beyond her singing -- itself seemingly unchanged by the passing years in its emotional intensity and brilliance, yet having gained a certain wisdom and clarity that makes you believe every word she sings. On this record she tells us an eternal story, and does so with ineffable brilliance and accuracy."

The Songs:

"Remember" by Harry Nilsson inspired the album and its concept as Ms. Ross listened to it while reminiscing over her family's photo albums. Its dreaminess conjures up memories of love and present feelings. Ms. Ross feels a connection to Nilsson's work, as she has often performed songs from Nilsson's acclaimed musical, "The Point," in concert.

"More Today Than Yesterday" is a classic first performed by Spiral Starecase in the mid-1960s. Destined to be an audience favorite at Ms. Ross' concerts, the song is also one of her favorites. Ms. Ross' fun and bouncy new recording of the song is an inspired tribute to the joy of everlasting love.

"I Want You," first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1974, was co-written by Ms. Ross' beloved brother, T-Boy Ross, with Leon Ware. Ms. Ross delivers a smoldering, sultry take on this track that honors the original while making it wholly her own.

"I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)" is a new original song, a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad. The writer, Fred White, has been touring with Ms. Ross as a back-up singer for six years. His experience of her live persona and vocal range inspired this song, written specifically with Ms. Ross in mind. Ms. Ross fell in love with the song, saying, "To be loved for who you are is the deepest expression of the purest love, wholly selfless and spiritual."

"What About Love" was written for Oprah Winfrey's stage production of "The Color Purple." The composers are Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Ms. Ross' relationship with Brenda Russell and her great friendship with Oprah inspired Ross' interest in the soundtrack, and she selected this powerful and moving song of love.

"The Look of Love" -- Ms. Ross captures all of its romance and anticipation. This classic song was written by two of the finest song writers of all time, Hal David and Burt Bacharach.

"Lovely Day" has a groove and a simple lyric that has universal appeal. "This song makes me dance," Ms. Ross says. "Everyone wants a lovely day." Written by Bill Withers.

"Take My Breath Away" is the decade's quintessential love song. Ms. Ross adds her own signature style to it with her new recording. The original recording is by Berlin.

"Only You" -- A new version decidedly Ms. Ross. Growing up in Detroit, listening to records while slow dancing under a single source of light was as close to heaven as it could get for Diana Ross, her own personal experience of young love.

"To Be Loved" was written by the legendary Berry Gordy, Jr. and was originally recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. It is the ultimate declaration of love, and Ms. Ross deftly balances the emotion of the song's sensitive lyrics with an upbeat and boundless delivery.

"I Will" -- Paul McCartney's simplicity of lyric and song melody made it a welcomed song for the heart of "I Love You." Ms. Ross' sweet vocals and Peter Asher's long history with the Beatles brought a lovely perspective of range and depth to the new recording.

"This Magic Moment," originally recorded by the Drifters, is made brand new with Ms. Ross' rendition. With its calypso-leaning arrangement and backing vocals, Ms. Ross' new version really pops.

"You Are So Beautiful" -- The song was chosen for its universal message of love and kindness. "It reaches out and speaks not only to lovers, but to relationships of all kinds, mother to child, child to grandparent, sister to sister, friend to friend," says Ms. Ross.

"Always And Forever" was written by famed songwriter Rod Temperton and originally recorded by Heatwave. Ms. Ross brings her brilliant sensitivity and gorgeous vocal delivery to the timeless love song for a magical contemporary classic.

Closing the new album's romantic journey is a reprise of the song that started it all, "Remember."

Posted by Editors at 2:28 PM

GM's Hottest Designs and Entertainment's Big Names to Cruise a Runway on the Riverfront

GM Style Celebration.

Photo: General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner poses with the award-winning Camaro concept after announcing GM will build an all-new production version of the Chevrolet Camaro in August 2006 in Traverse City, Mich. The sport coupe will be nearly identical to this Camaro concept that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. Production will begin at the end of 2008 and the Camaro will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) (United States)

DETROIT – Each January, the automotive world turns its attention to Detroit and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This year, the worlds of fashion and celebrity will also look to Detroit when General Motors hosts a celebration of automotive design in the shadow of the company’s world headquarters to kick off NAIAS media activities.

Photo: 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line will be showcased at the North American International Auto Show 2007.

Named “GM Style,” an exclusive event is planned for Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007 . In addition to a number of famous GM vehicles -- some never before seen in North America -- GM is also inviting some of the hottest names in entertainment to join the vehicles for a walk – or drive – down the runway.

GM is finalizing the celebrity line-up. Currently confirmed are:

Cheryl Hines – Emmy-nominated actress from HBO’s hit comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Vivica A. Fox – Star of numerous films and television series, including the most-recent edition of “Dancing With The Stars”

Petra Nemcova – One of the world’s top supermodels and a regular in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues

Danny Masterson – Best-known for his role on “That 70’s Show,” Masterson will be the evening’s guest DJ

Rachel Zoe – This “stylist to the stars” will prep all the celebrities at GM Style.

“This event is a tribute to style and a celebration of GM’s design renaissance,” said Ed Welburn, global vice president, GM Design. “GM Style will bring Detroit a unique intersection of the worlds of fashion, automotive design and entertainment. Like Paris to the fashion industry and Los Angeles to entertainment, Detroit is the epicenter of auto design. GM's vehicles will take their rightful place on the runway along side some of today's top names in fashions and entertainment."

GM will construct a pavilion just east of the Renaissance Center on the Detroit River to host this salute to style. The pavilion, the first of its kind, will be longer than a football field, climate controlled and able to accommodate a runway for cars and stars.

“The GM Style event will be like none other at the North American International Auto Show,” said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. “Not to be eclipsed by the star power in the room, Style’s pristine fleet of GM vehicles will captivate the audience with the world debut of a concept vehicle.”

The first-ever GM Style will showcase 17 GM vehicles. Additional details on the event as well as a full list of vehicles will be unveiled at a later date. Confirmed already are:

2006 Camaro Concept – Unveiled to rave reviews from around the world last January, the award-winning Chevrolet Camaro Concept combines dramatic design and exciting performance. A thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic sport coupe, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.

1951 Buick LeSabre Concept -- One of the most famous concept cars of all time, the Buick LeSabre concept was designed under supervision of GM Design Icon Harley J. Earl. The car took styling cues from jet fighter planes, and Earl personally drove the car for years. Among a myriad of technologies revolutionary at the time, the LeSabre concept could raise its own convertible top if it began raining when the owner was away from the car. Under the watchful eye of Welburn, GM recently restored this automotive icon at their Design Center in Warren , Mich. , the same facility where the vehicle was created.

2006 Pontiac Solstice Weekend Club Racer Concept – A Detroit debut, GM Performance Division built the Solstice Weekend Club Racer concept to showcase how a racing version of the car might be configured. With a custom bronze paint job, power for the car comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 325 horsepower.

2006 Saab Aero X Concept – Another Detroit debut, the Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision. The Aero X concept, powered by a 400 hp BioPower engine using 100 percent ethanol fuel, made its world premiere at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and its North American debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show.

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line – After being unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show, the Saturn Sky Red Line went on to critical acclaim and is now reaching Saturn retailers. The Saturn Sky Red Line boasts one of the most powerful engines (260 hp/260 foot-pounds of torque) GM has ever produced based on its size (2L). Its 0 to 60 mph time is just over five seconds, and Edmunds.com called it “the most interesting blend of style and performance.”

Posted by Editors at 11:05 AM

December 13, 2006

TAG HEUER EYEWEAR LS SUNGLASSES

PHOTO: These new, limited-edition LS Sunglasses for women, complete with python skin and set with 23 genuine diamonds, have been created by TAG Heuer Eyewear to herald the launch of their L-Type optical collection. Both the optical and sunglasses collections feature exotic leathers; brushed platinum and ceramic-coated finishes; and lightweight, hypoallergenic elastomer-coated arms developed with the same technology found in F1 racing tires. A limited-edition men's version of the LS Sunglasses, featuring alligator skin arms, is also available.

Posted by Editors at 6:45 PM

United Airlines Unveils Details About Its New International First Class Suite

United Focuses on Providing Premium Customers With Luxury International, Overseas Travel Experience.

CHICAGO-- United Airlines has unveiled initial details about the previously announced $165 million upgrade to its international widebody fleet that includes a new luxurious United First Suite, which provides passengers with more privacy, personal space and comfort on overseas flights. The new suite was designed to be the optimal space to work, sleep or relax while enjoying the latest entertainment and exclusive amenities.

"Our premium customers have told us what would make them more relaxed and comfortable, and we're using their feedback to shape our new first class products and services," said Graham Atkinson, United's executive vice president and chief customer officer. "Our goal is to improve space, amenities and services, so we can enhance the entire international premium travel experience on United, from check-in to arrival."

The new First Suite is nearly three inches wider than the existing, popular United First Suite and reclines to multiple angles or serves as a fully flat 6-foot, 6-inch bed.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAUA) operates more than 3,700 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 210 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States.

Posted by Editors at 6:33 PM

December 12, 2006

Dorland Healthcare Information Launches Dorland's Healthcare Website Guide

Publication Answers Need for a Patient Education Tool That Rates the Best Websites on Health Conditions.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 12 -- In a move that redefines the way consumers search for online health information, Dorland Healthcare Information has launched Dorland's Healthcare Website Guide, a series of books that identifies, describes, filters and rates the best websites on the 60 most common diseases and health conditions. This series is the first of its kind, directing consumers to only the most credible Web information.

Photo: Dorland's Healthcare Website Guide, Individual Topic Guide -- Stroke.

"Finding reliable online health information is no easy task," says Robert Graham, CEO of Dorland Healthcare Information. "Results from major search engines can be overwhelming. How much time can you allot to sorting through thousands of deceptive, random and often outdated results, and how do you know if the information found is credible? Dorland's Healthcare Website Guide has solved this problem for Web users who are increasingly going online for health information."

Dorland Healthcare Information (DHI), based in Philadelphia, is a nationally recognized publisher known as the leader in healthcare business information for the past 50 years. DHI publishes several magazines - enrich, your Health & Life distributed quarterly to over 1,000,000 consumers, Case in Point for medical professionals in case management, and the Good Neighbor Health Guide for multi-cultural marketing. DHI also publishes a variety of industry print and online reference books, such as the Case Management Resource Guide; Dorland's Medical Directory; Medical & Healthcare Marketplace Guide and Dorland's Healthcare Website Guide.

Posted by Editors at 7:49 PM

VITRA USA ADA CORINA TWO-PIECE TOILET

Photo: VITRA's ADA Corina two-piece toilet is designed with the homeowner in mind offering an extended height seat.

Posted by Editors at 7:00 PM

The mystery 'PERFECT CRIME' celebrates its 8,000th Performance

Photo: "Perfect Crime" -- an "Urban Legend" (New York Times), "One of the Biggest hits Off-Broadway" (Fox) -- celebrates its 8,000th Performance. Pictured: Catherine Russell as Margaret Thorne Brent and David Butler as W. Harrison Brent. Russell who has played in all but four performances -- 4,700 consecutive -- will celebrate her 8,000th on Dec. 17, breaking multiple performance records. This murder-mystery plays in the Snapple Theater Center, New York's first corporate-sponsored Off-Broadway theater.

Posted by Editors at 6:56 PM

DURACELL SANTA RECEIVES LETTERS

PHOTO: Santa receives letters from North Pole postman, Curt Haase in North Pole, Alaska in November 2006. The city of North Pole, the official mail stop for thousands of "Dear Santa" letters, Santa Claus and Duracell, the official battery of North Pole, have partnered on a unique analysis of these letters to determine what really tops kids' wish lists this year.

Posted by Editors at 6:49 PM

December 11, 2006

Saks Fifth Avenue Logo Gets a Makeover

NEW YORK, Dec. 11 -- As part of the overall revitalization of Saks Fifth Avenue, one of America's most familiar and enduring icons of style and commerce, the Saks logo has been updated for the 21st century. The new look will be unveiled officially in January, 2007 and will appear in advertising, on shopping bags and in a wide array of other merchandise and marketing materials.

"Our customers can count on us as a consistent source of fashion, style and quality," said Steve Sadove, CEO, Saks Incorporated. "The updated logo gives us a modern look that is sure to resonate with our customers and contribute to the resurgence of Saks Fifth Avenue."

Posted by Editors at 10:50 PM

NVIDIA Named Most Respected Public Fabless Semiconductor Company by FSA

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 11 -- NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) , the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, today announced that the Fabless Semiconductor Association (FSA) presented the Company with the "Most Respected Public Fabless Company" award during the annual FSA Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Santa Clara, Calif.

Photo: NVIDIA Corporate Headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.

The industry's "Most Respected Public Fabless Company" award is designed to identify the company garnering the most respect in the industry in terms of its products, vision, and future opportunities. On-line voting took place to allow members of the semiconductor industry, including semiconductor companies and partners, to cast a ballot for the public fabless companies they most respect.

Posted by Editors at 10:45 PM

MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA 2008 LANCER

PHOTO: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.

Posted by Editors at 5:12 PM

Cadillac Escalade Wins Prestigious Online Acclaim

DETROIT , Mich. – Today, the luxury automotive and lifestyle website AutoSpies.com named the Cadillac Escalade ESV as its choice for “2007 Luxury SUV of the Year.”

"Because of its high standards for excellence, Cadillac is especially grateful to receive this recognition from AutoSpies.com," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The 2007 Escalade ESV is the product of tremendous efforts by our team to enhance and extend its appeal in every way. We're very proud to have those efforts recognized by AutoSpies.com."

Photo: Actress Mischa Barton walks the runway alongside the 2007 Cadillac Escalade at the 5th Annual General Motors TEN fashion show held in February 2006 in Hollywood, CA. (General Motors Photo) (United States)

In the marketplace, the all-new 2007 Escalade is winning new owners as it collects awards. Through November, year-to-date sales of Escalade have already surpassed sales for the entire 2005 calendar year. Sales of the most-popular of its three models, the standard-wheelbase Escalade, are up 25.5% through November.

Escalade was cited by AutoSpies.com for its design presence and enhancements in quality, fuel economy and interior luxury. Based in San Diego, Calif., AutoSpies.com is an innovative online “insider’s guide” to luxury automobiles and lifestyle.

Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Cadillac products include the CTS sport sedan, SRX luxury crossover, STS performance luxury sedan, DTS large luxury sedan, XLR luxury roadster, Escalade full-size SUVs (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT) and the high-performance V-Series (CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V) three cars that go 0-60 in under 5 seconds.

Posted by Editors at 10:59 AM

December 10, 2006

NEWSWEEK COVER: DECEMBER 18, 2006 ISSUE

PHOTO: The December 18 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, December 11), "The World Of The Nativity" looks at the first-century foundations of family values and how Jesus's influence changed them from broadening the definition of "family," to establishing celibacy as a cornerstone of faith. Plus: Bush's Iraq Dilemma; CNBC's new cool style; the NBA's new basketball; The Boomer Files Hall of Fame; Sylvester Stallone discusses "Rocky Balboa"; and David Ansen's holiday reviews and top 10 film picks for 2006. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)

Posted by Editors at 7:00 PM

BONGO LINE OF APPAREL AT KOHLS DEPARTMENT STORES

PHOTO: Bongo spokesperson and Hollywood "It" girl Kristin Cavallari takes time out of a holiday jaunt to The Big Apple to meet and greet fans at the brand new Kohl's department store in nearby Jersey City, N.J.

Cavallari, who is best known for her role on the MTV hit reality series "Laguna Beach," stars in ads for the Bongo line of apparel, footwear and accessories, which is available at Kohl's.

Posted by Editors at 6:34 PM

December 9, 2006

WildBlue Announces Successful Launch of WildBlue-1

Satellite Will More Than Triple WildBlue's Customer Capacity for High Speed Internet Service via Satellite.

DENVER, Dec. 8 -- WildBlue Communications announced that its Ka-band spot beam satellite, WildBlue-1 was successfully launched this evening at 5:08 p.m. EST from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. WildBlue provides high-speed Internet connectivity via satellite to homes and small businesses in communities where terrestrial broadband access is either limited or unavailable.

WildBlue-1 was successfully launched into orbit aboard Arianespace's Ariane 5 vehicle .

WildBlue Communications, Inc. was established to provide broadband access to consumers and small offices in rural areas and small cities in the United States.

Posted by Editors at 10:48 PM

Weyerhaeuser Provides Update on Wood Products Market

FEDERAL WAY, Wash., -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) has announced that challenging market conditions necessitate further actions, which could include closures, curtailments and restricted operating postures at softwood lumber, engineered lumber and structural panels operations across North America.

Downtime and restricted operating postures have already been undertaken at about 70 percent of Weyerhaeuser residential wood products facilities. These curtailments have led to significant fourth quarter production decreases across all product lines.

"Demand for wood products is very weak," said Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We continue to analyze our operating postures and portfolio and expect additional capacity adjustments in the near term.

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2005, sales were $22.6 billion. It has offices or operations in 18 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction, development and related activities.

Posted by Editors at 7:16 PM

December 8, 2006

TRW ASYMMETRIC AIRBAG AND STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM

PHOTO: TRW's next-generation asymmetric airbag and steering wheel system features a non-rotating airbag that assists in providing enhanced crash protection while allowing automotive designers to add more convenience and aesthetic features to the steering wheel itself.

With 2005 sales of $12.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 63,000 people in 26 countries. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services.

Posted by Editors at 6:17 PM

December 7, 2006

THE CHICAGO SPIRE

PHOTO: On Dec. 8, 2006, Shelbourne Development Group, Inc. will file for final design approval with the City of Chicago to build "The Chicago Spire," a 2,000-foot tall tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Chicago Spire will be the tallest residential building in the world.

Posted by Editors at 11:26 PM

Coty Inc. Partners With Gwen Stefani and Her L.A.M.B. Brand to Develop and Market Signature Fragrances

NEW YORK, Dec. 6 -- Coty Inc., the world's largest fragrance company, announced today the signing of a global licensing agreement with Gwen Stefani, the Grammy-winning recording artist, to develop and market a line of fragrances for her fashion and accessories brand, L.A.M.B.

PHOTO: GWEN STEFANI WITH COTY INC. EXECUTIVES: R to L: Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc., Gwen Stefani, Michele Scannavini, president, Coty Prestige, Catherine Walsh, senior vice president, American Fragrances, Coty Prestige.

The partnership is the first foray by the multi-talented singer and fashion designer into the fragrance market. The yet-to-be-named fragrance, which will debut Fall 2007, will reflect the unique blend of verve, style and vivacity of L.A.M.B. fashions and accessories.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry. Coty Inc. delivers innovative products to consumers in 91 markets worldwide.

Today, Coty Inc. is the world's largest fragrance company and a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of $2.9 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of 40 designer, celebrity and lifestyle brands.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes designer brands -- Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Jette Joop, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood; celebrity brands -- Desperate Housewives, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker; and lifestyle brands -- Chopard, Davidoff, Lancaster, Nautica and Phat Farm.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes designer brand -- Pierre Cardin*; celebrity brands -- Celine Dion, David and Victoria Beckham, Isabella Rossellini, mary-kateandashley and Shania Twain; and lifestyle brands -- adidas, Aspen, Astor, Calgon, Chupa Chups, Esprit, Exclamation, Jovan, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, Rimmel, Stetson, the healing garden and Vanilla Fields.

L.A.M.B., an acronym for "Love Angel Music Baby," was created and launched by Gwen Stefani in 2003. Since its initial conception, the women's apparel and accessory brand has quickly become recognized as one of the leading, young designer labels in the marketplace.

Posted by Editors at 11:18 PM

The Concession Golf Club & Residences

Golf Digest: Best New Private Course of the Year 2006.

BRADENTON, Fla., Dec. 6 -- Golf Digest magazine has named The Concession Golf Club and Residences "Best New Private Course of the Year 2006."

The Concession Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus in association with Tony Jacklin, opened on January 23, 2006. This 18-hole par 72 course is set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dotted with massive oaks and majestic pines. It totals 7470 yards from the tips of the back tees and runs three miles from tip to tip. A 23-acre practice area is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout from the Northern Ohio sand that was trucked in for the bunkers which are hand- raked daily to the over $1 million dollars spent moving mature trees to strategic spots along the course. It is one of only two clubs in the country that has the Advanced Aer system under all 18 greens guaranteeing tournament- quality play conditions all year.

Posted by Editors at 6:28 PM

PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS FIRST CONSUMER HIGH DEFINITION CAMCORDERS

PHOTO: Figure skater Marni Halasa performs a dance routine for media testing Panasonic's two new 3CCD High Definition AVCHD camcorders unveiled at an ice rink in New York, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2006. Panasonic held a press conference and series of demonstrations to introduce its first consumer High Definition camcorders they say will keep pace with the continued evolution in video toward larger TV screens and higher definition video content. (Feature Photo Service)

Posted by Editors at 6:18 PM

GHOST TOWN 'THE MOVIE'

PHOTO: Ghost Town "The Movie": Dean Teaster director/writer as "Digger the Undertaker", Bill McKinney as "Victor Burnett", Renee O'Connor as "Little Jack", and Anthony Hornus as "Captain Ketner". Copywrite 2006, Ghost Town "The Movie" L.L.C. Photo by Tammy Stephens Teaster.

Posted by Editors at 6:10 PM

December 6, 2006

Boeing, Lufthansa Announce Order for 747-8 Intercontinental

First airline order for 747-8 passenger version.

New technologies to bring efficiency, environmental benefits to Lufthansa fleet.

SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Deutsche Lufthansa AG today announced the carrier ordered 20 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners plus 20 purchase rights. Lufthansa is the first airline to place an order for the passenger version of the fuel-efficient airplane.

The Lufthansa order, with a total average list-price value of $5.5 billion, is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2010. This order is a primary component of the airline's plan to modernize its fleet and increase environmental stewardship.

"Lufthansa operates one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets in the world," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 will use state-of-the-art technology innovations from the 787 Dreamliner to significantly increase the capabilities of Lufthansa's fleet. This airplane improves upon the economics of the 747-400, while greatly enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and noise. We are thrilled that this world-class airline has chosen this world-class airplane."

Posted by Editors at 9:10 PM

Discovery Channel Announces Ground-Breaking 11-Part Television Event

PLANET EARTH, the Ultimate Portrait of our Planet in High-Definition.

Award-winning Actress and Conservationist Sigourney Weaver to Narrate.

SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 5 -- Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver joins Discovery Channel as narrator of the breathtaking look at our world, PLANET EARTH, premiering on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 8 PM ET/PT. PLANET EARTH will amaze viewers with never-before-seen animal behaviors, startling views of locations captured by cameras for the first time, and unprecedented high definition production techniques. More than five years in the making, PLANET EARTH redefines blue-chip natural history filmmaking and continues the Discovery mission of providing the highest quality programming in the world. PLANET EARTH airs on consecutive Sundays from March 25 through April 22, 2007.

PHOTO: Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver narrates Discovery Channel's epic high definition series PLANET EARTH, premiering Sun, March 25, 2007.

"The PLANET EARTH series is like a wonderful ride through our world," said Weaver. "Whatever fascinates you the most...whether it be caves or deep sea, deserts or mountains, you're in for such a treat. The camera work is so extraordinary and it's as if you're an animal living in that world...you become part of that world."

The series takes viewers from the mightiest mountain ranges to the deepest waters to the last true wilderness areas, all using cutting-edge filming methods such as the Cineflex heligimble aerial photography system, a highly stable camera attached to a helicopter that captures distant objects and creatures in close-up.

Spectacular animal scenes in PLANET EARTH include the first footage of the rarely seen snow leopard hunting in the Himalayas; lions hunting and killing elephants in the middle of the night; and the Blue Bird of Paradise performing a mating ritual, captured for the first time on film.

Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the PLANET EARTH series.

Discovery Communications, Inc., is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories.

70 camera operators spent over 2,000 days in the field visiting more than 200 locations to document nature's greatest spectacles. Locations filmed for the first time include the Gobi Desert covered in snow; unique access to the Arctic island of Kong Karls Land -- home to the world's highest densities of polar bears; and the first high-quality aerial sequences of Mount Everest.

Best known for her film roles, Sigourney Weaver is an active conservationist. She serves as honorary chair to the board of trustees of The Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund and recently drew international attention during a United Nations press conference on the threat to ocean habitat posed by deep sea trawling.

PLANET EARTH is produced for Discovery Channel by the BBC. Alastair Fothergill is the executive producer for the BBC. Maureen Lemire is the executive producer for Discovery Channel. Discovery Channel and the BBC also created the award-winning natural history series BLUE PLANET.

Posted by Editors at 6:42 PM

Sony Ericsson’s new Z310 mirror-finish clamshell phone

It color codes your contacts.

New Sony Ericsson Z310. Announced today, this stand-out phone has a flawless, polished finish. The front icon display is integrated into the design, hidden discretely beneath the surface until a message or call is received. There are even eye-catching coloured light effects that can be assigned to contacts in the phonebook; so you can know at a glance who is calling.

“This stylish clamshell phone is one you won’t want to live without. Not only does it boast good looks and a vibrant colour, it also provides must-have features for this type of everyday phone: VGA camera, MP3 Music Ringtones & Bluetooth® connectivity,” says Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “The fresh look is also complimented by some innovative design features, normally only seen on more advanced phones.”

Adding to the striking design is a series of novel light effects that serve to both personalise the phone & allow the user to ‘colour code’ their contacts. Simply assign a coloured light to your frequent callers and you will know instantly whether its work trying to reach you, your best friend fixing a date, or your mother calling to invite you to Sunday lunch! It is even possible to set the look and feel of the menu & screen display to match the time of day; a bright theme during the daytime and something more relaxing or subtle at night.

Posted by Editors at 6:25 PM

Honda Accord Coupe Concept to Debut at North American International Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 5 -- A bold new look for the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will be unveiled at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Accord Coupe Concept will convey exterior styling cues and design features that provide a first look at the direction the next-generation Accord will take and it promises to set a new benchmark for Accord and for the segment. The Accord is Honda's best selling model in North America, and this vehicle's debut at NAIAS will mark the first time an Accord concept car has ever been shown at a major auto show.

Car and Driver magazine recently named the current-generation 2007 Honda Accord as one of the winners of its prestigious and highly competitive annual "10Best Cars" award. The Accord has achieved "10Best" status 21 times in the 25 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history.

Posted by Editors at 5:27 PM

December 5, 2006

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY SANTAS

PHOTO: Members of the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas joined Phil Mooney, director of archives for Coke to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Coca-Cola Santa and officially open a free NYC art exhibit with original works from Haddon Sundblom who created the Santa in 1931. A virtual gallery is located at www.mycokerewards.com. During December, for each visitor to tour the online gallery, Coke will donate $0.75 to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

Posted by Editors at 11:37 PM

FORD PREVIEWS NEW C-MAX AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW

The new Ford C-MAX.

BRENTWOOD, Essex, December 5, 2006 : Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.

The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.

"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.

Posted by Editors at 7:44 PM

RIHANNA SIGNS TO COVERGIRL

Award-Winning Songstress Signs with Cosmetics Giant.

PHOTO: Internationally-acclaimed songstress Rihanna has signed with CoverGirl, the best selling make-up brand in the U.S.

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 5 -- Rihanna, the internationally- acclaimed songstress who has won millions of fans with her smash hit "S.O.S." and charming persona, is joining the CoverGirl family. The 18-year-old star joins the ranks of CoverGirls including Queen Latifah, Molly Sims, Christie Brinkley and Keri Russell. Rihanna will shoot her first CoverGirl ads this December for a nationwide launch in summer 2007.

Rihanna's debut album "Music of the Sun," which she co-wrote with renowned music producer Evan Rogers and his partner Carl Sturken, was released in August 2005. Her world renowned second album, "A Girl Like Me," featuring "S.O.S." and her follow-up single "Unfaithful" has established her among today's top artists. Through it all, Rihanna has managed to stay grounded and strives for her music to be a personal conversation with girls her age -- reflecting their triumphs, complexities and struggles. Rihanna is now working on her third album which is set for release in 2007.

Since its introduction in 1961, CoverGirl has helped launch numerous modeling careers and was one of the first brands to link models' names and faces with a product. The long list of famous CoverGirl models includes Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Niki Taylor and Molly Sims, and the brand is known for consistently signing models who embody both inner and outer beauty, such as current spokesmodel Queen Latifah.

With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G Beauty delivered sales of more than $21 billion in fiscal year 2005/06, making it a leading global beauty company. P&G offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs: Pantene(R), Olay(R), Head and Shoulders(R), Max Factor(R), Cover Girl(R), Always(R), Sassoon Professional(R), Wellaflex(R), Rejoice(R), Sebastian Professional(R), Herbal Essences(R), Koleston(R), Clairol Professional(R), Nice 'n Easy(R), Venus(R), Gillette(R), SK-II(R), Wella Professional(R), and the luxury and or prestige fragrance licenses for Dolce & Gabbana(R), Valentino(R), Hugo(R), and Gucci(R).

Posted by Editors at 7:29 PM

BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW: FORD CELEBRATES A 2006 FULL OF SUCCESSES

Ford in Italy.

Photo: FordFiesta 2006 Europe

Photo: FordFocus ST Europe

Ford presence at the 31st edition of the Bologna Motor Show is characterized by a number of important successes obtained in 2006.

With 200.000 units expected in 2006 Ford is the leading brand among foreign carmakers in Italy, for vehicles as well as vans. The 181.000 vehicles expected for 2006 are 16.000 more vs 2005 and almost 17.000 more over its competitors.

Photo: Ford Fiesta Hosts Photo Shoot in Britain's Next Top Model

FordFiesta and FordFocus are the best-selling cars in Italy and FordFocus is the absolute leader of its class as well as the best-selling wagon.

2006 has also been a year of important acknowledgements for Ford: FordTransit has been awarded "International Van of the Year 2007", FordS-Max has won the prestigious "Car of the Year 2007" award and Ford won the 2006 Rally World Constructors Championship* with FordFocus WRC.
Last but not least, Ford of Italy was awarded the 2006 DealerSTAT for the best relationship between a carmaker and its distribution network.

Photo: FordS-Max Europe

Massimo Pasanisi, President and CEO of Ford of Italy said: "2006 has been a year of great success for Ford in Italy. In 2007 - thanks to several new products - we want to be again leading characters of this market, increasing the new emotional values of Ford's brand”.

* Ford is Import Leader in Italy with an advantage of almost 17,000 units over its competitors in the first 11 months of the year

* Ford celebrates 2006 with a 7.8% market share and over 200,000 vehicles sold – that is an increase of 0,4% market share and more than 16,000 units over 2005

* FordFiesta confirms as the best-selling foreign model in Italy with 78,000 units

* FordFocus is the second best-selling foreign car; it is the class-leader and the best-selling wagon in Italy

* FordTransit has been awarded the "International Van of the Year 2007"

* FordS-Max wins the "Car of the Year 2007"

* Ford, with FordFocus WRC, wins the 2006 Rally World Constructors Championship*

* Ford of Italy has been awarded the 2006 DealerSTAT for the best relationship between a carmaker and its distribution network.

At this 2006 edition of the Bologna Motor Show, Ford exhibits several new models that will be launched on the Italian market along 2007:

All-new FordC-Max
All-new FordMondeo
All-new FordRanger
FordFocus Coupé-Cabriolet
Iosis X (concept car)

Posted by Editors at 6:44 PM

Business Traveler Magazine's 2006 Readers' Choice

Best in Business Travel Awards Announced.

Road Warriors Share Their Favorite Airlines, Hotels and Business Travel Companies.

NEW YORK, Dec. 4 -- Business Traveler magazine, the only U.S. publication devoted to the needs of the travel industry's most active customers, has just announced the winners of their 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey. The highly coveted awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and dinner in New York on January 11, 2007. The gala also kicks-off Business Travelers' fundraising drive benefiting The Ronald McDonald House of New York, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Now in its 18th year, the Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey randomly samples the Business Traveler subscriber base, allowing the readers to recognize the companies who have made their business travels more enjoyable. Conducted by a third-party agency, the annual survey covers nearly 50 categories including "Best Overall Airline," "Best Business-Class Hotel," and "Best Luggage." The 2006 survey had a return rate of more than 33 percent.

Business Traveler is one of the world's leading business travel authorities. With nine editions worldwide, including 18 years covering the United States, Business Traveler, provides flight and hotel reviews, destination features and special interest stories including four-hour excursion guides, airline comparison reviews, airport security and travel trends.

"Logging an average 67 nights on the road and more than six-million round-trip flights a year, our readers know the hotels, airlines and travel products that best meet their needs," stated Rebecca Bishop, publisher. "We appreciate the time these globetrotting executives took to respond to our survey and we hope that the results will make global business travel more productive and efficient in the coming years."

The 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Award Winners:

Best overall airline in the world: Singapore Airlines
Best airline for North American travel: Continental Airlines
Best airline for international travel: Singapore Airlines
Best business class in the world: Virgin Atlantic Airways
Best first class in the world: Emirates
Best premium economy class in the world: United Airlines
Best economy class in the world: Singapore Airlines
Best business class to Europe/Trans-Atlantic: British Airways
Best business class to Eastern Europe: Lufthansa
Best business class to Nordic Countries: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Best business class to Mexico/Latin America: AeroMexico
Best business class to South America: LAN Airlines
Best business class to Canada: Air Canada
Best business class to Asia/Trans-Pacific: Korean Air
Best business class to the South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand: Air New Zealand
Best business class to the Middle East: Emirates
Best business class to Africa: South African Airways
Best low-cost carrier: Frontier Airlines
Best flight attendants in the U.S.: Continental Airlines
Best in-flight services in the U.S.: Continental Airlines
Best flight attendants in the world: Asiana Airlines
Best in-flight service in the world: Asiana Airlines
Best business class cuisine/menu: Singapore Airlines
Best airport lounge: Delta Air Lines
Best airline alliance: Star Alliance
Best frequent-flier program: Delta SkyMiles
Best airline Web site: Delta.com
Best airport in the world: Singapore Changi International Airport
Best airport in North America: Denver International Airport
Best hotel chain in the world: Marriott International
Best hotel chain in North America for business travel: Marriott
Best luxury hotel chain for business travel: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Best individual hotel in North America for business travel: The Peninsula Chicago
Best hotel Web site: Marriott.com
Best hotel rewards program in the world: Marriott Rewards
Best hotel chain in Latin America: Sheraton Latin America
Best hotel chain in Europe: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts
Best hotel chain in Eastern Europe: Hilton Hotels
Best hotel chain in the Middle East: Jumeirah
Best Web site for booking travel: Travelocity.com
Best credit card for business travelers: American Express
Best credit card rewards program: American Express Membership Rewards
Best car-rental company in North America: Hertz
Best wireless service provider in the world: Verizon Wireless
Best overall luggage for business travelers: Travelpro
Best carry-on luggage for business travelers: TUMI
Best international courier service: DHL
Best overnight courier service in North America: FedEx

Posted by Editors at 2:00 PM

CONSUMER REPORTS: JANUARY 2007 COVER

PHOTO: Cover of the January 2007 issue of Consumer Reports.

Posted by Editors at 1:55 PM

December 4, 2006

The Bank of New York Company, Inc. and Mellon Financial Corporation Agree to Merge

Create the Global Leader in Securities Servicing and Asset Management.

Merger Combines Highly Complementary Businesses Positioned for Strong Global Growth.

NEW YORK and PITTSBURGH, Dec. 4 -- The Bank of New York Company, Inc. (NYSE:BK) and Mellon Financial Corporation (NYSE:MEL) announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge, creating the largest securities servicing and asset management firm globally.

PHOTO: Tom Renyi, Chairman and CEO of The Bank of New York, and Bob Kelly, Chairman, President and CEO of Mellon.

The new company, which will be called The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, will be the world's leading asset servicer with $16.6 trillion in assets under custody and corporate trustee with $8 trillion in assets under trusteeship, and will rank among the top 10 global asset managers with more than $1.1 trillion in assets under management.

Thomas A. Renyi, currently chairman and chief executive of The Bank of New York, will serve as executive chairman of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation for 18 months following the close of the transaction with overall responsibility for the integration of the two companies.

Robert P. Kelly, currently president, chairman and chief executive officer of Mellon, will serve as chief executive officer of the new company and will succeed Mr. Renyi as chairman of the board. Gerald L. Hassell, currently president of The Bank of New York, will hold the same position in the new company. The board of directors will comprise 10 members designated by The Bank of New York and eight members designated by Mellon. The new company's headquarters will be based in New York City while maintaining a strong and growing presence in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Renyi said: "We are creating one of the world's leading financial services growth companies. Both our companies focus their businesses in highly attractive sectors of the financial services industry. Together, we will be the global leader in securities servicing, and one of the top providers of asset and wealth management worldwide. Together, we will have the scale, the technology, the capital, and the people we need to compete and win in the rapidly expanding global marketplace."

Mr. Kelly said: "The merger creates an extraordinarily strong and rapidly growing global competitor in our core businesses. Through this merger, we will be able to invest and expand more effectively than any of our competitors due to our combined scale, profitability and global reach. The organic growth of our respective companies is already strong, and the cost savings and revenue synergies opportunities are excellent. Together, we will have the best service in the world, strong investment performance and the highest fiduciary standards."

Mr. Renyi continued: "We will be fully focused on delivering the high quality service our customers deserve as we create rewarding opportunities for our employees and superior returns for our shareholders. In addition, our balanced business mix and widespread geographic diversification will position us to move and manage our clients' assets with the proven expertise and experience that few global companies can match."

Mr. Kelly added: "Today's action is clearly in the best long-term interests of our customers, shareholders and employees, as well as the city of Pittsburgh, where we will increase our very strong commitment to the community. We expect Pittsburgh to be home for several business divisions, as well as making it a center of excellence for technology, operations and administration."

Under the terms of the agreement, The Bank of New York's shareholders will receive 0.9434 shares in the new company for each share of The Bank of New York that they own and Mellon shareholders will receive one share in the new company for each Mellon share they own. The Bank of New York and Mellon have entered into mutual stock option agreements for 19.9% of the issuer's outstanding common stock.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by each company's board of directors and is expected to be completed early in the third quarter of 2007, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Assuming the achievement of planned synergies, on a GAAP basis the transaction is expected to be 1.0% dilutive to The Bank of New York's operating earnings in 2007, and 1.4% accretive in 2008; it will be 1.0% accretive to Mellon's operating earnings in 2007, and 5.7% accretive in 2008. On a cash basis, which excludes the impact of non-cash items such as the amortization of intangibles, the transaction is expected to be 1.1% accretive to The Bank of New York's earnings in 2007, and 5.3% accretive in 2008; it will be 4.5% accretive to Mellon's earnings in 2007, and 11.9% accretive in 2008.

The combined company today has annual revenues of more than $12 billion, with approximately 28% derived from asset servicing, 38% from issuer services, clearing services and treasury services, and 29% from asset management and private wealth management. It will be well positioned to capitalize on global growth trends, including the evolution of emerging markets, the growth of hedge funds and alternative asset classes, the increasing need for more complex financial products and services, and the increasingly global need for people to save and invest for retirement. Almost a quarter of combined revenue will be derived internationally. With a combined pro forma market capitalization of approximately $43 billion, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation would become the 11th largest U.S. financial institution.

The companies expect to reduce total pre-tax costs by approximately $700 million per year, or approximately 8.5% of the estimated 2006 combined expense base. The integration will be undertaken by a dedicated and experienced group of senior executives in a thoughtful and deliberate manner over a three year period following the close of the transaction. The transaction will involve restructuring charges of approximately $1.3 billion.

The companies' combined employee base of 40,000 is expected to be reduced by approximately 3,900 over a three-year period following the transaction. The companies will reduce headcount through normal attrition wherever possible and will provide extensive support to employees impacted by the merger.

The Bank of New York was represented in the transaction by the investment banking firm of Goldman Sachs and the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell. Mellon was represented by the investment banking firms of UBS Investment Bank and Lazard and the law firms of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Reed Smith LLP.

The Bank of New York Company, Inc. is a global leader in providing a comprehensive array of services that enable institutions and individuals to move and manage their financial assets in more than 100 markets worldwide. The Company has a long tradition of collaborating with clients to deliver innovative solutions through its core competencies: securities servicing, treasury management, asset management, and private banking. The Company's extensive global client base includes a broad range of leading financial institutions, corporations, government entities, endowments and foundations. Its principal subsidiary, The Bank of New York, founded in 1784, is the oldest bank in the United States and has consistently played a prominent role in the evolution of financial markets worldwide. The Company has $12.2 trillion in assets under custody and more than $179 billion in assets under management. Additional information is available at http://www.bankofny.com/.

Mellon Financial Corporation is a global financial services company. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Mellon is one of the world's leading providers of financial services for institutions, corporations and high net worth individuals, providing asset management, private wealth management, asset servicing, payment solutions and investor services. Mellon has approximately $5.3 trillion in assets under management, administration or custody, including $918 billion under management. News and other information about Mellon is available at http://www.mellon.com/.

Posted by Editors at 7:46 PM

LG Mobile Phones Announces Rihanna as Brand Ambassador For Chocolate by LG

Global pop sensation, Rihanna Kicks Off Her New Role as Brand Ambassador with a Star-Studded Event in Las Vegas Today.

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 4 -- LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) announced today that they are bringing together two global sensations, Chocolate by LG and Rihanna, to launch their new Chocolate color phones. Chocolate by LG in white, mint green and cherry red were recently introduced to consumers last month.

Rihanna will kick off her new role as brand ambassador tonight by performing at a star-studded post Billboard Music Awards event, titled "The LG Chocolate Party" at Las Vegas' newest nightspot, Moon Nightclub, in the Palms Resort and Casino. The event will be the media and consumer's first opportunity to have hands on time with the new cherry red and mint green Chocolate color phones. Additionally, in between sets from DJ AM and DJ Mom Jeans (a.k.a. Danny Masterson), Rihanna will perform several of her hit singles for guests in this intimate venue. Celebrity attendees include Paris Hilton, Ludacris, the Killers, Chris Brown, Blue October, Nickelback, Nas, Carmen Electra, Bow Wow, Chingy, Three 6 Mafia, Ne-Yo and Young Jeezy.

LG Electronics, Inc. is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications.

Posted by Editors at 7:32 PM

GM Wins First Place in Blue Sky Concept Design

Photo: General Motors' West Coast Advanced Design Studio in southern California produced this entry, the HUMMER O2 Concept, for the 2006 California Design Challenge contest whose theme this year is Environmental Sustainability. The HUMMER O2 two-dimensional Blue Sky Concept offers rugged capability, a 'tread lightly' contact system and construction methods promoting safety, accessibility and re-usability. For example, the HUMMER 02 Concept features a revolutionary phototropic body shell that produces pure oxygen throughout the lifespan of the vehicle. Algae-filled body panels transform harmful carbon dioxide into pure oxygen that is subsequently released back into the environment and inside the vehicle. Four modular and self-contained fuel cells power hydraulic motors are built into each wheel, and to reduce environmental impact, the HUMMER O2's construction utilizes 100 percent post-consumer materials.

LOS ANGELES – GM Advanced Design has won the Los Angeles Auto Show’s Design Challenge for the second year in a row. This year’s winning entry is a two-dimensional rendering of a 2015 Blue Sky Concept that addresses environmental sustainability. Called the HUMMER 02, this design proves that daily use of a vehicle could result in a net gain for the environment.

The 2006 Design Challenge theme is Environmental Sustainability, a challenge for design studios to transform the future of driving into an environmental experience. Contest guidelines also required that vehicle entries be 100-percent recyclable and have a maximum lifespan of just 60 months.

Photo: Members of the General Motors' West Coast Advanced Design Studio team stand with a graphic of their winning entry, the HUMMER O2 Concept, at the Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge Thursday, November 30, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Members of the team include (l to r) Loren Kulesus, Jussi Timonen, Jose Paris, Steve Anderson and GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio Director Frank Saucedo.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.

Designers at GM’s West Coast Advanced Design Studio in Southern California tackled the far-reaching challenge – to develop a concept that resulted in a net gain for the environment. The GM team crafted an entry that surpasses the contest’s sustainability principles: the HUMMER O2 Concept.

“The HUMMER O2 epitomizes the ethos of the true Southern California outdoors enthusiast with rugged capability, a ‘tread lightly’ contact system and construction methods promoting safety, accessibility and reusability,” said Frank Saucedo, director, GM Advanced Design in California . “Most vehicles in L.A. spend 95 percent of their time outdoors subjected to sunlight, so why couldn’t a vehicle give back?”

To fully understand the HUMMER O2, the GM team believes that terms commonly associated with ecology and biology work best.

Photosynthesis

The HUMMER 02 Concept features a revolutionary phototropic body shell that produces pure oxygen throughout the life of the vehicle. Algae-filled body panels transform carbon dioxide into pure oxygen that is subsequently released back into the environment and inside the vehicle.

“The panels essentially function as the ‘leaves’ of the HUMMER O2 and effectively clean the air in the surrounding environment,” said Saucedo. “Used algae are recycled as biomass for the further production of energy.”

Breathing

The HUMMER 02 promotes the production of oxygen by a two-way valve system in the corner of each panel. The sophisticated devices control and monitor the amount of carbon dioxide and source nutrition needed for the algae cultivation while optimizing oxygen production and distribution.

Energy

Four modular and self-contained fuel cells power hydraulic motors built into each wheel. A hydrogen tank is placed in an ideal central location for safety and structural purposes, becoming the “heart” of the vehicle.

Footprint

Active Tread TM tires provide low resistance on the highway while allowing excellent off-road progress as their shape changes – adapting to and protecting the surrounding environment.

Structure

Finally, to further reduce environmental impact, the HUMMER O2’s construction specifies the use of 100-percent post-consumer materials, including an aluminum frame, seats finished with Volatile Organic Components-free (VOC-free) materials and glazing via PETE (similar to everyday consumer packaging, such as soda bottles).

The GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio won the 2005 Design Challenge competition with its GMC PAD Concept, a mobile urban loft designed for the L.A. environment.