March 9, 2008
A320 SelectOne Engine Test Flights
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As part of Airbus' commitment to offering its customers the most eco-efficient aircraft and also to driving down aircraft related maintenance costs, the Airbus A320 test aircraft successfully performed the first in a series of test flights on 26th February.
An A320 performed the first test flight with International Aero Engine's new fuel-efficient SelectOne™ powerplant, which is designed for lower CO2 emissions and longer on-wing time
A series of test flights will validate the SelectOne™ engine's performance and handling characteristics, leading to its certification and availability on the A319, A320 and A321. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 9:39 AM
March 8, 2008
Portable Smart Navigation System II for the "smart fortwo"
Smart guide through the concrete jungle.
Photo: At the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva a further special edition of the successful smart fortwo is celebrating its world premiere. The "edition limited two" will be produced as a limited series of 2000 vehicles and is characterized by exclusive coloring and a high quality mix of materials - on both the outside and the inside. An innovative start/stop function makes the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd) consume 8 percent less fuel on average, greatly reducing CO2 emissions. It has the lowest standard consumption worldwide, earning it the title "CO2 champion" amongst series production cars.
The smart fortwo's savvy concept is designed for the city. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now offering a new guide for the nimble two-seater that enables smart fortwo drivers to find their way through the urban maze of an unfamiliar city. The "portable smart navigation system II" is as extraordinary as the smart principle itself: with its optimum integration into the car, clear voice output and high-resolution TFT color monitor, it makes mobile navigation a joy. It fits perfectly into the interior of the smart fortwo.
Smart solution for a smart car: the portable smart navigation system II is attached directly to the instrument panel by means of a special mount. The optimum ergonomic positioning on the dashboard enables a perfect view of the monitor. The touchscreen system is also easy to operate,
The system is integrated into the car's electronics system. The suggested routes are announced with voice instructions from the car speakers. The radio switches over automatically, meaning that the driver can always hear the information clearly. Further, as the device is fixed to the instrument panel, it is always connected to the power supply (when the ignition is on) and is therefore always ready for use.
The portable smart navigation system II was developed in cooperation with the US manufacturer Garmin, one of the most renowned producers of mobile navigation devices with many years of experience in the car, motorcycle, yacht, off-road and outdoor sectors.
Neat flatscreen: the large monitor is both the screen and the operating panel A range of well-conceived details facilitate orientation without demanding too much of the driver. This includes the zoomable or three- dimensional map display that provides different perspectives on the street. On particularly blind bends the system automatically switches to the optimum display mode. The device also has automatic day and night adjustment. An additional function enables the driver to vary the brightness individually.
The high-resolution, anti-reflection and high-contrast widescreen color monitor measures 4.3 inches (10.9 centimeters) diagonally and thus offers a considerably greater viewing and operating area than standard devices. With a depth of just 2.0 centimeters the smart system is one of the flattest units on the market. It can be integrated into the car in no time and is immediately ready for use. If it is not required it can be removed just as quickly and can be carried with you in the supplied bag.
To prevent smart fortwo drivers from unnecessarily wasting time in traffic jams, the system has a "traffic-jam avoidance function". The unit receives the necessary TMC (Traffic Message Channel) signals via the car's radio antenna, guaranteeing optimum reception. For the quickest possible drive home the portable smart navigation system II also incorporates the "home function": a push of a button is all you need and the most direct route to your pre- programmed destination is located. If you want to take in a particular shopping address or drop in on friends for an espresso, you can enter an intermediate location as an additional function.
The electronic guide always issues clear and unambiguous directions. The hi-tech device not only knows the street names, but also the turn-off points.
Sauntering through Europe: over two million meeting points for smart drivers. Mobility without borders: the unit stores detailed road data as well as comprehensive maps for 33 European countries -- over two million "points of interest" are stored. These include petrol stations, hotels and tourist attractions as well as restaurants and bars. As an additional, exclusive service the driver can find the addresses of the smart Service Centers in Europe under the "smart dealers" section. The system also incorporates an integrated MP3 player and a Bluetooth® interface. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 4:12 AM
January 28, 2008
Siemens Light Rail USA : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram S70 in Houston, driving on the Red Line between South Park and Ride and the university of Houston-Downtown. January 23, 2008.
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram SD660 in Portland, driving on the Westside Line between Beaverton Creek and Merlo Road. January 24, 2008.
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Posted by Editors at 10:28 AM
January 15, 2008
2008 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) Concept
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Chrysler LLC unveiled the all-new 2008 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show January 14, 2008. One of three concept vehicles displayed by Chrysler LLC, Dodge ZEO is a four-passenger, all-electric, 2+2 sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like. The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles. Resting in a rear-wheel-drive layout, Dodge ZEO's 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds. (Source: Chrysler LLC) |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:56 AM
December 1, 2007
Launch of the smart fortwo in the USA : GlobalGiants.com
Photos: smart fortwo in the USA.
San Francisco and Silicon Valley become "smart Valley" as the smart USA Media Test Drive event takes place in one of America's "smartest" regions. The new smart fortwo is scheduled to roll on the streets of America in January 2008. The shortest and most compact automobile currently in production will soon be launched in the world's largest automobile market.
The smart fortwo is the right car, at the right time for U.S. Drivers. Americans are faced with volatile fuel prices, increased urban congestion and a mindset of environmental responsibility. The smart fortwo offers a high level of comfort, agility, safety and ecology. Its unique features and attributes meet consumer wishes now and well into the 21st century.
Photo: Backstage at the Live Earth concert in New York, Petra Nemcova signs a new smart fortwo which will be used for a climate protection project.
The Media Test Drive location was carefully chosen. California is a key market in the United States. The State of California and the Silicon Valley in particular, is a leading area in the United States for design, technology and environmental awareness. These features characterize the smart fortwo. Furthermore, both the smart brand and the model have roots in Silicon Valley dating back more then ten years. The Silicon Valley also stands for an open minded America.
smart expresses the lifestyle of an enlightened and forward-thinking social class with joie de vivre that cannot be defined by age or social standing, but rather by an attitude, lifestyle and open-minded outlook on life. smart isn't just another micro-car, it's a statement by enlightened drivers of the 21st century who look at future challenges and actively and positively impact outcomes. Like owning an Apple i-Mac, i-Pod or i-Phone, smart documents the open-minded attitude of the "thought leaders", who choose innovative solutions as an existential part of their everyday lives.
Photo: Backstage at the Live Earth concert in New York, Rosario Dawson signs a new smart fortwo which will be used for a climate protection project.
The stops of the smart Media Test Drive include the renowned Stanford University in Palo Alto and visits to world-famous high-tech companies such as Intel, Google, Apple, eBay and Sun Microsystems. These locations illustrate smart's proximity to information technology that is characterized by creativity, visions and the courage to make pioneering decisions. The Computer History Museum at the heart of Silicon Valley in Mountain View does not only bring the history of the computer to life; a special limited exhibition also shows the development of smart with outstanding concept cars.
The comparison of the evolution of computers with the smart fortwo also clearly shows that greatness is not a matter of size. Despite its compact dimensions, the smart fortwo offers the driver and passenger remarkable freedom of movement equal to or greater than some larger cars.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the two-seater quickly became popular following its launch in October 1998. The same is expected to hold true in the United States. More than 770,000 customers opted for a first generation smart fortwo; often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. The smart fortwo is a special car and clearly stands out from the crowd.
Apart from this, the vehicle concept is extremely practical - especially for people who live in large urban areas. Many Americans drive with just a single occupant. The size of the smart fortwo allows for faster movements in cities. Finding a parking space will also be simplified.
The American mindset is changing. The smart fortwo proves that greatness is not a question of size. The smart fortwo has been embraced in the States long before the first vehicles are expected to arrive in the showrooms. The 24 week smart USA "street smart" road show has been touring the USA since May with three display trailers, test drive vehicles and product specialists presenting the smart fortwo from coast to coast. To date, the road show has attracted and convinced 65,000 visitors in over 50 cities across the United States.
The presentation of the brand and the road show have been very well received by the U.S. consumers and the American press. In many cities across the country, consumers waited in line for over an hour to test drive a fortwo. Many waited in temperatures over 100 ° F whilst others drove over 3 hours to attend a smart road show event. In the end road show surveys indicated the smart fortwo met or exceeded expectations.
The presentation of the brand and model has been very well received by the US public and the press. For example, in Las Vegas; here, people waited patiently for an hour in temperatures of 104°F to test drive the cars in the parking garage of the Fashion Show Mall. Some even went straight back to the end of the queue again after the short jaunt in order to drive a smart one more time.
Over 30,000 Americans have placed a $99 deposit on a smart fortwo. Dealers will begin to fill orders in January 2008. smart USA's website - www.smartusa.com - has received over 3 million visits since June 2006, over 95,000 people have signed up as smart "insiders" and visitors spend an average of over five minutes on the site.
The reaction of dealers has also been overwhelming: smart USA received more than 1400 applications. Although many were qualified, only a few were selected. Approximately 70 carefully selected dealerships will sell the fortwo in 2008 in major cities across the United States. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:51 AM
October 21, 2007
Siemens Diesel Freight Locomotive with Powerful Traction
The first type ER 20 CF freight locomotive from Siemens Transportation Systems was officially received in Lithuania. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Gediminas Kirkilas, took the opportunity to embark on a first trial run. At 138 metric tons, the new freight locomotive is one of the heaviest locomotives in Europe and, in double-headed operation, can haul trains of up to 6,000 tons and transport 50 percent more freight per route than before. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 7:57 AM
September 5, 2007
Fisker Automotive -- A New Green American Premium Car Company : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Fisker Automotive Logo.
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5 -- Quantum Technologies (NASDAQ:QTWW) and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. -- a green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars -- with the first production car to make its Worldwide North American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug-in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:29 AM
September 4, 2007
THE PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITY STARTS THE EXPANSION OF THE PANAMA CANAL : GlobalGiants.com
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Photo: Panama City -- September 4, 2007 -- Thousands gathered in a ceremony near Paraiso Hill in Panama to celebrate the beginning of the first-ever expansion of the nearly 100-year-old Panama Canal. The symbolic blast inaugurated the first construction project for expansion. (Photo Credit: The Panama Canal Authority)
Joining former US President Carter at the event were regional presidents, including Colombia's Alvaro Uribe, Honduras' Manuel Zelaya, Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega and El Salvador's Elias Antonio Saca. Jose Miguel Inzulsa, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, also was among an estimated 40,000 people at the ceremony.
When complete, the expanded canal will accommodate ships capable of carrying 12,000 containers, up from a maximum 5,000 containers.
The Panama Canal (Spanish: Canal de Panamá) is a major ship canal that traverses the Isthmus of Panama in Central America, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Construction of the canal was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. A ship sailing from New York to San Francisco via the canal travels 9,500 km (6,000 miles), well under half the 22,500 km (14,000 mi) route around Cape Horn.
Since opening, the canal has been enormously successful, and continues to be a key conduit for international shipping. Each year more than 14,000 ships pass through the canal, carrying more than 205 million tons of cargo.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 8:27 AM
August 17, 2007
Hybrid Bus in the City: A Prototype with a Future : GlobalGiants.com
Germany: Nuremberg's public transport system has been "electrified" by a diesel-electric hybrid bus developed by MAN. The vehicle is equipped with drive-system technology from Siemens. The prototype, which also features a special brake energy recovery system, uses up to 25 percent less fuel than conventional buses. The drive system consists of series-produced components, which means mass production of the bus is a possibility that MAN is planning to turn into reality by 2010. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 12:28 PM
July 12, 2007
NAVIGON INC. 5100 REAL TIME TRAFFIC : GlobalGiants.com
NAVIGON Introduces the Compact, Easy to Use 5100 Personal Navigation Device.
CHICAGO, July 12 -- NAVIGON, a leading provider of navigation products and solutions, announces the general availability of the NAVIGON 5100 -- a new personal navigation device (PND) that will help busy consumers reduce stress and get wherever they need to go more efficiently. One of the very first NAVIGON-branded PNDs available in North America, the NAVIGON 5100 will be available for purchase this July.
Designed for consumers with active lifestyles who are overloaded with daily personal and professional responsibilities, the NAVIGON 5100 can be taken everywhere by everyone, from traveling business professionals to busy working moms. Portable and easy-to-use, the NAVIGON 5100 is housed in an attractive, chrome shell and delivers smart features that help drivers reduce stress, boost their confidence and focus on the road ahead. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 1:37 PM
July 5, 2007
AGUSTAWESTLAND HELICOPTER 2 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: VH-71 Presidential helicopter test vehicle #2 (TV-2) conducts its maiden flight from AgustaWestland's facility at Yeovil, UK, on July 3, 2007. (Lockheed Martin, Agusta Westland)
The new "Marine One" will be the world's most technologically advanced helicopter that will safely and reliably transport the president and vice president of the United States, heads of state and other official parties both at home and abroad with mobile "Oval Office in the sky" capabilities. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 11:30 AM
May 25, 2007
Ford H2 ICE E-450 Shuttle Bus : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Ford is the world's first automaker to deliver dedicated hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) powered vehicles to commercial customers. Pictured here, the Ford H2 ICE E-450 shuttle bus carries 30kg of hydrogen and can transport passengers with nearly zero emissions. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 1:30 PM
May 11, 2007
Siemens Making Tracks: 350 km/h from Madrid to Barcelona : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Velaro is the fastest series-produced train in the world. In the future the Spanish National Railway Renfe will operate the Siemens Velaro high-speed trainset at a regular speed of 350 km/h. Last September, the Velaro reached the world record speed of 404 km/h. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 3:47 AM
May 9, 2007
Panasonic debuts Strada, its Mobile Navigation System : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: With double-digit sales growth forecasted for the next three years in the mobile navigation market, Panasonic debuted Strada, the first in what will be a line of mobile navigation systems from Panasonic this year. Ted Ueda, right, of Panasonic Automotive Systems and Rob Lopez, National Marketing Manager, Panasonic Mobile Electronics Division, demonstrate the product at the U.S. Launch on May 8, 2007, in NYC. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 3:16 AM
May 5, 2007
Longest tunnel in Turkey opened for Traffic with Siemens Traffic Control System
Photo: The Bolaman-Perşembe state expressway has 32 bridges and five tunnels with a total length of 4,586 meters. The Bolaman-Perşembe route cuts journey times from one hour to 15 minutes compared with the previous winding 42 km long coastal road. The "Nefise Akçelik“ tunnel, the longest in Turkey, is equipped with the latest, integrated traffic control technology from Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 11:20 PM
May 3, 2007
Freightliner Trucks Introduces Ground-Breaking New On-Highway Truck : GlobalGiants.com
Freightliner Cascadia™ Optimized for Fuel Efficiency, Cab Comfort and Drivability.
Stuttgart/Charlotte, N.C., May 03, 2007 -- Freightliner Trucks today launched the Cascadia™ – a revolutionary new Class 8 truck for on-highway applications. Built from an entirely new platform, the Cascadia delivers significant fuel savings and is designed based on the Run Smart™ philosophy to be the most productive, efficient, and drivable truck on the market. Plus, with its new styling, a quieter and more comfortable cab, ergonomic controls, and exceptional handling, the Cascadia was specifically constructed with driver comfort and improved operating ratios in mind.
Freightliner Trucks is a division of Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and is the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner LLC produces and markets Class 3-8 trucks and is a part of the DaimlerChrysler Truck Group, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 2:00 PM
LOCKHEED MARTIN C-5M : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Fully modernized C-5 'M' Super Galaxy aircraft, like the one shown during a test flight, will save the U.S. government $50 billion in operational and support costs through 2040. This national strategic airlift resource, with new General Electric CF6 engines and modern avionics, provides longer ranges and improved cargo carrying capacity. Lockheed Martin has received the first $23 million, long-lead contract for the production phase of the modification program. (Photo: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, John Rossino) |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:26 AM
May 1, 2007
Go Ride a Bike : GlobalGiants.com
May is National Bike Month, a great time to consider biking to work and to other places, instead of driving. Biking is an ideal way to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, save money on gas, and help preserve the environment.
(Photo Credit: 2007 Feature Photography Pulitzer Prize Winner, Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee/ZUMA Press) |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 4:40 AM
ZAP SCOOTERS : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: ZAP electric car CEO Steve Schneider (right) hosted a visit from Lotus Engineering CEO Albert Lam (center) and Project Manager Steven Woolley (left) in Santa Rosa, California over the weekend for electric car talks. They used the ZAPPY3 PRO electric transporter to tour ZAP's XEBRA electric car and truck manufacturing facilities. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 3:27 AM
April 30, 2007
Bus and Train Tickets via Mobile Phone : GlobalGiants.com
Siemens puts its mobile ticket vending machine on track.
Starting today, some 13 million people in eleven German cities and regions can pay for their bus and train tickets via mobile phone using standardized software. The system will be tested over a two year period.
It was developed by member companies and groups of the Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen (VDV, Association of German Transport Companies) and Siemens IT Solutions and Services, DVB LogPay and the Fraunhofer Institute IVI in Dresden. Siemens developed and will operate the IT solution for the duration of the pilot. Participating cities include Chemnitz, Essen, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Luebeck, Hamburg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Wuppertal and the Oberlausitz and Vogtland regions. |GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 7:03 AM
