August 19, 2009
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Tires Help Couple Shatter Fuel Efficiency Guinness World Record
Photo: Helen & John Taylor (of Melbourne, Australia), holders of more than 80 fuel economy and driving world records, finish the Goodyear Fuel Max Challenge journey through the United States by crossing the ceremonial finish line at Virginia Tire & Auto in Ashburn, VA. After a three week, 9,505 mile drive touching all 48 contiguous U.S. states, the Taylors arrived Tuesday, August 18, having set a new Fuel Efficiency Guinness World Record of 67.9 mpg, shattering the 58.8 mpg they set last year.
In a display of fuel economy, two drivers from Australia have broken the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record," driving a car equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. This three-week, 9,000+ mile drive through all 48 contiguous states in the U.S., showcased the potential fuel savings from the breakthrough fuel-efficient tread compound found in the new tires.
The couple refueled the car at Shell-branded stations along the way. Shell, a global leader in diesel technology, was the fuel sponsor of the Taylor's 2009 Guinness World Record attempt. In the U.S., Shell is the best-selling fuel brand and has the widest availability of diesel.
"While our own testing shows just how fuel-efficient these new tires are, we wanted to provide a real-world example of the difference Fuel Max Technology can make," said Mark Cherveny, Goodyear brand manager, passenger tires. "Helen and John Taylor broke their own world record set last year, using the same car, the same fuel, and traveling the same route. We believe the difference this year is the set of Assurance Fuel Max tires."
Photo: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Blimp. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been recognized as America's most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. RI's Global Pulse consumer opinion survey measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world's largest companies.
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.
Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio
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Posted by Editors at 9:01 AM
June 12, 2009
car2go: Daimler's Innovative Mobility Concept is Coming to the USA
U.S. pilot phase is slated for start in fall 2009 with fleet of 200 smart fortwo vehicles as internal pilot for specific users.
Photo: smart fortwo passion coupe rally red with black "tridion".
ENLARGE
Photo: smart fortwo passion coupe blue metallic with silver "tridion".
Photo: smart fortwo passion coupe with rear bike rack.
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the vehicle in the United States, smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., is planting a tree in recognition of each of the smart fortwos sold in 2008. In partnership with American Forests and Daimler Financial Services, smart USA will plant trees in the Cache River State Natural Area, located in southern Illinois, about 150 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. smart USA plans to continue this initiative for every vehicle sold in 2009.
Earlier, smart USA Distributor LLC announced an agreement with Central Parking System, Inc. in New York City, which offers half-price parking for smart fortwo owners in Manhattan. With this latest partnership, four New York City companies are now offering discounted parking for smart fortwo owners -- Central Parking; Meyers Parking and Icon Parking Systems facilities in Manhattan; and AviStar Airport Parking, which has lots at both JFK and LaGuardia Airports.
Central Parking System, Inc. has more than 350 parking lots and garages in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and New Jersey, and is the largest parking company in the area.
Photo: car2go goes Texas.
Meanwhile, Daimler AG announced in Ulm, Germany, that it will bring its innovative car2go mobility concept to the U.S. by fall of this year. The first international pilot will start in the Texas capital Austin with an initial fleet of about 200 fuel-efficient smart fortwo cars. car2go provides a simple, flexible, and cost-effective solution for city driving.
The car2go concept is based on a fleet of smart fortwo vehicles that are available for rent to registered members at any time, 24/7.
"The results of the first, internal pilot phase in Ulm demonstrate that, with car2go, we have found an additional answer to current and future mobility needs in urban areas - our project in Austin is the next logical step," comments Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and for Development of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Contrary to traditional car-sharing programs, car2go offers the freedom to get in a car and drive at any time of day without reserving a car in advance. The vehicle can then be used for as long as required and returned to any available parking location within the defined area of operation - a mobility solution offering maximum flexibility.
"We are delighted to be chosen as the first international partner for car2go," says Austin Mayor Will Wynn. "Our city is well-known for its commitment to environmental issues and car2go is a perfect fit because it enables us to offer the citizens of Austin an intelligent mobility concept with an extremely positive environmental angle. The project has my full support."
Photo: car2go in Austin, Texas (Texas State Capitol in the background).
The goal of the Austin pilot project is to gather practical experience toward the international implementation of car2go. Initial challenges include its transferability to other cities, languages and mobility trends, as well as the adaptation of its business processes to the legal frameworks that exist in different countries. "We made a very conscious decision to go to a North American city," adds Jérome Guillen, Director of Daimler's Business Innovation Department, where car2go was developed. "The car-sharing market in the U.S. is enjoying the highest growth rate in the world, which is why we feel that this is also a very good opportunity for car2go."
"Reducing congestion, lowering emissions and providing innovative transit solutions are vital to Austin's commitment to becoming the best managed city in America," said City Manager Marc Ott. "I am proud of Austin's commitment to identifying and implementing progressive solutions to the challenges of urban mobility and environmental sustainability. This car-share program provides one more option to address some of our urban transportation challenges."
Photo: Austin, Texas, USA, Central Business District at night.
The capital of Texas with its 750,000 residents is distinguished by its open-mindedness and its very involved citizens. The positive attitude of the City administration, size and structure of the city, which boasts a progressive economic environment and is also home to one of the largest universities in the U.S., were important factors that led to the selection of Austin as the first international car2go city. The smart fortwo will take to the streets here in fall of 2009. In Austin car2go will start, like in Germany, as an internal pilot for specific users, e.g. employees for the city of Austin. But it will be extended to the public, if successful. The car2go project in Austin includes not only the vehicles, but also the associated personnel and technical infrastructure. Support from the City of Austin is integral to the success of this pilot program. This is an opportunity to establish a true public-private partnership to work together to ensure the city is a showcase for urban mobility solutions.
As Daimler further explains, the innovative car2go mobility concept was designed to foster individual urban mobility while using environmentally-friendly vehicles. Members can access a car2go from any location within a defined city area at any time of day or night.
Following the one-time registration, the car2go customer will receive a membership card that will unlock the vehicle. Customers will be able to use the car2go vehicle in a number of different ways. Available vehicles can be rented on the spur of a moment: to access the vehicle, the car2go member simply holds his membership card to the reading device located in the windscreen, climbs into the car, enters his PIN code and drives off. Vehicles can also be located quickly and easily via the internet or through the car2go service hotline. The system also allows members to make reservations up to 24 hours in advance, with customers being notified via text message about the location of the reserved vehicle.
The car2go rental period can be as long as desired and the vehicle remains reserved for the customer during stop-offs. When the customer wishes to return his car2go, he simply leaves the vehicle in a parking spot within the defined car2go city area. Any space not subject to parking fees or restrictions may be used - such as those along the side of the road or within designated parking areas. Furthermore, specially marked car2go parking spaces will be available at special locations such as train stations.
A car2go service team on the ground will handle daily maintenance of the vehicles. Billing is handled with the same degree of simplicity and flexibility as for every aspect of car2go - with rates by the minute, by the hour, or by the day. Pricing is all-inclusive: taxes, insurance, miles and gas.
The first phase of the German pilot project car2go will begin in Austin with a defined group of users (city employees, for example). It is then planned to make car2go accessible to the public in Austin in the second step.
• 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. Despite its compact dimensions, the smart fortwo offers the driver and passenger remarkable freedom of movement equal to or greater than some larger cars. This vehicle concept is highly practical - especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. Many Americans drive with just a single occupant. The size of the smart fortwo allows for faster movements in cities and one does not need to search for a large parking space.
Source: Daimler AG, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Posted by Editors at 5:51 AM
April 17, 2009
Smarter, Faster Rail Systems are In Demand: IBM
According to a study released today by IBM (NYSE:IBM) , increasing demand on rail systems in the U.S. and around the world will dramatically strain existing rail infrastructure. The study, "The Smarter Railroad," analyzes new approaches to modernize and build high-speed rail networks globally, such as those announced today by President Obama.
Findings from the report indicate that the top key challenges in the development of better rail systems, cited by the world's leading global rail executives, were capacity and congestion; operational efficiency and reliability; structural and competitive issues; and safety and security. The report also highlights emerging technologies that will help rail companies better instrument, analyze and manage rail networks and equipment in real-time.
"The global rail industry in 2009 and beyond will struggle to meet the increasing demand for freight and passenger transportation, while aging systems and infrastructure complicate the problem," says Keith Dierkx, Director, IBM Global Rail Programs. "However, rail companies around the world are starting to apply new technologies that will help them build high-speed rail systems that more efficiently move people, are more cost effective, and make more intelligent use of all rail assets, from tracks to trains. IBM is already working with railroads to build these smarter systems around the world."
Data indicates that US$300 billion will be spent globally to upgrade, expand and initiate railway networks during the next five years. These investments are designed to build a new rail infrastructure that can meet dramatically increasing rail capacity demand over the next two decades. Even meeting current demand requires that nearly 40 cents on every revenue dollar is spent maintaining the rail system.
IBM developed this report to help governments and railroad companies better understand and address the challenges facing both passenger and freight rail systems. Building these modern railroad systems requires information to be shared across the rail network and among many different stakeholders, including the rail company, shippers, car owners, travel agents, municipalities, intermodal carriers and customers.
IBM says that it is building intelligent transportation systems around the world to help cities manage traffic congestion, improve urban environmental conditions and increase economic competitiveness. These systems leverage business consulting, advanced transportation analytics, Research, supercomputing and new sensor networks. These projects include smart transportation initiatives in China, The Netherlands, Stockholm, Brisbane, Singapore, Dublin, London and other locations around the world.
According to IBM, its smart rail projects involve software and services designed to collect and analyze data gathered from devices on trains, tracks, stations and other assets to improve the speed, safety, and reliability of rail service. IBM adds that, for example, Netherlands Railways, one of the busiest national railway networks in Europe, is using IBM software to manage more than 5,000 trains in the Netherlands through a network of 390 stations and 2,800 kilometers of track.
"The smart transportation system improves the on-time performance for more than one million passengers each day by more accurately matching the number of trains in service to expected user traffic. Netherlands Railways has been able to improve its operating efficiency by as much as six percent, netting the railway a cost savings of over euro 20 million annually," IBM explains.
Source: IBM
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Posted by Editors at 1:32 PM
October 9, 2008
Public Transit Usage is Rising in America
A U.S. mational survey shows that rather than wait for an electric car or better biofuels, millions of Americans are saving money and time by switching to public transportation.
According to this new nationwide survey commissioned by the HNTB Companies, more than 24 million Americans -- 11 percent of the adult population -- are using buses, light rail, commuter rail and other forms of public transportation more than they did last year. An even greater percentage of survey respondents, 16 percent, said they expect their ridership to increase in the coming year.
(The HNTB Companies is an organization of infrastructure firms. The three operating companies of HNTB Companies include HNTB Corporation, a transportation, engineering, planning and construction management firm; HNTB Architecture Inc., whose design professionals provide services to the buildings market; and HNTB Federal Services Corporation, which provides federal-sector clients diverse infrastructure services.)
"As today's Americans face increasing demands on their time and money, riding public transit is shifting from something they should do, like eating their vegetables, to something they want to do," said Peter Gertler, vice president and national director of public transit services for HNTB Corporation.
Nearly one in three Americans (32 percent) said their biggest motivator to choose public transportation over driving would be high gas prices. While conventional wisdom holds Americans would find it frustrating to give up the convenience of a car, the survey found the second most popular reason someone would choose public transportation over driving is more convenience (14 percent). Avoiding traffic (5 percent) was a distant third, followed by concern for the environment (4 percent).
"For more than 50 years, the automobile has ruled the transportation landscape," Gertler said. "Our interstate highways are aging and under tremendous strain, and we're seeing the costs of an unbalanced transportation system. Now more than ever we need to invest in multiple modes of transportation that address modern demands and preserve our quality of life."
Gertler cited several benefits in a balanced approach to transportation that includes public transit:
• Saves time and conserves fuel -- 541 million hours and 340 million gallons, according to the Texas Transportation Institute's 2007 Urban Mobility Report.
• Saves money -- Americans living in areas served by public transportation save $18 billion annually in congestion costs.
• Promotes cleaner air -- Public transit usage reduces U.S. carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons a year, equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households.
Measuring transit trends across the country, the survey also found:
• More than twice as many men as women (15 percent versus 7 percent) say they're using public transit more often than a year ago.
• Young Americans are making the transition in greater numbers. Nearly one in five adults ages 18-34 have increased their public transit usage in the last year (19 percent); that's more than twice the number of Americans ages 35 and up who can make the same claim (8 percent).
• The average American who has public transportation available to them uses it once a week, in effect giving their car the day off.
• Nearly four in ten Northeasterners (38 percent) use public transportation, more than any other region in the country.
• Southerners, however, have fewer options. One in ten says they do not have public transit where they live or work.
Source: HNTB Companies
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Posted by Editors at 10:06 AM
July 30, 2008
Siemens Velaro High-Speed Trains in Beijing
Five Siemens Velaro trains are to start running between the two Olympic sports venues from August 1 onwards. China Rail ordered a total of 60 Velaro trains. Three of them have been built in Krefeld in Germany, while the other 57 units are being built at Tangshan Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works in Tangshan. The above two pictures show the Velaro CN on the high-speed route near Beijing.
The Velaro high-speed train is fast, economical and safe for the environment. The Velaro is considered the most successful high-speed train in the world. By 2008, over 160 trains based on this platform will be operating all over the world, including the ICE 3 in Germany, the Velaro E in Spain, the Velaro CN in China and the Velaro RUS in Russia. According to Siemens, not only does the Velaro minimize operating and maintenance costs, but emissions are also extremely low in relation to the high transport capacity. In addition, low energy consumption and the use of environmentally friendly materials help save valuable natural resources. The Velaro is also the fastest series-produced train in the world. In September 2006, the Velaro reached the world record speed of 404 km/h.
Source: Siemens AG
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Posted by Editors at 12:48 PM
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
