The American taxpayer has put up $12,200 for every General Motors vehicle sold through the beginning of 2011, and $7,600 for every Chrysler vehicle sold as well, according to a new report issued by the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU).

The report, The Auto Bailout - A Taxpayer Quagmire, is authored by NTU Adjunct Scholar Thomas D. Hopkins, Professor of Economics at Rochester Institute of Technology. Hopkins held senior management positions in two White House agencies during the Ford, Carter and Reagan Administrations. In the early 1980's, he served as Deputy Administrator, Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs, in the Office of Management & Budget.

Photo: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Extended Cab.

"Every time someone in your neighborhood drives home in a shiny new Chevy Silverado, remember that it cost American taxpayers more than $12,000," said Pete Sepp, NTU Vice President for Policy and Communications.

The study found that the average American taxpaying family has invested roughly $800 in the auto bailouts so far. Moreover, the study found, the government support poured into General Motors, Chrysler, and GMAC - the financing subsidiary that supports sales at both - now stands at $78.9 billion. Given that figure, and an estimate of how many vehicles GM and Chrysler will sell through the end of 2010, the study finds that each vehicle one of the bailed-out companies sells costs taxpayers $10,700.

Finally, breaking down the costs by company, the study reports that every Chrysler vehicle sold costs taxpayers $7,600, and every GM vehicle sold costs taxpayers $12,200.

The research is based upon a November study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled "Continued Stewardship Needed as Treasury Develops Strategies for Monitoring and Divesting Financial Interests in Chrysler and GM," a follow-up report on the "Troubled Asset Relief Program," as well as statements and reports released from the U.S. Treasury.

The study also found that during the first ten months of 2009, GM and Chrysler sales fell further than other major auto producers, down 33.4 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively.

Photo: US Treasury Department, Washington, DC, USA.

"While the prospect of repayment of GM and Chrysler loans might be expected, after bankruptcy the vast majority of the bailout funds are no longer legal obligations of the newly-structured GM and Chrysler," the study concludes. "If Americans are to believe public officials' claims that the government will eventually reprivatize the auto industry, the necessity of a thoughtful exit plan is essential. However, at this time no such plan exists, making it likely that the Treasury will not recover its investment."

Source: National Taxpayers Union, 108 North Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, USA.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

The names 'GM' and 'General Motors' have taken a beating. But the value of the name 'Chevrolet' has not been affected. It is the same it was 30 years ago.

If GM projects 'Chevrolet' as its flagship brand, it would boost the investors' confidence in the company and would boost the buyers' confidence in all its brands and nameplates.

© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.

Global skincare company Garnier Nutritioniste is introducing actress Bridget Moynahan as the latest spokesmodel for the brand. Moynahan will appear in print and TV campaigns for the brand's top-selling Ultra-Lift skincare collection, set to debut July 2010.

Moynahan joins an impressive roster of Garnier spokesmodels, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Bar Rafaeli and Alana de la Garza.

"We are thrilled to partner with the beautiful Bridget Moynahan," says Maybelline New York-Garnier President David Greenberg. "Her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand. Most importantly, she exhibits a likeable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way."

Moynahan is an all-American girl raised in the East Coast town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Before earning international recognition in films and TV, she had a successful modeling career, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines including Glamour, Vogue, Elle and Self. Moynahan has since appeared in a number of major films, such as Serendipity, The Sum of All Fears, The Recruit, I, Robot, and Lord of War. She is the star of the upcoming 2010 film Ramona and Beezus and is currently shooting the film Battle: Los Angeles.

Source: Garnier

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Photo: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt (center) visit a diagnostic imaging suite during a tour of University Medical Center at Princeton today. Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Holt held a press conference at the hospital to discuss the need for healthcare reform in America. Pictured at left is Barry S. Rabner, president and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System. (Photo Credit: Princeton HealthCare System. Photographer: Richard Titus)

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Photo: Volkswagen Group of America Invests $125 Million for New Dealer Storefronts in New York City.

• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it is investing in flagship Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in New York City, as part of its strategic plan to grow business in the U.S. market.

The $125 million deal is for the 265,000 square-foot building formerly housing Potamkin General Motors. The building is strategically sited in the highest traffic area of 11th Ave., making it a convenient location for Volkswagen and Audi customers.

• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen.

"As Volkswagen and Audi move forward on our aggressive plan to increase sales in the U.S., there is no better place to demonstrate our commitment than in Manhattan -- a town synonymous for bold actions and big thinking," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "New York has always been a leading market for the Volkswagen and Audi brands, and these new store fronts will serve to strengthen our business even more. We are proud to be investing in the New York economy, excited to showcase our brands and look forward to seeing more Volkswagens and Audis on the streets of New York."

The new dealerships will showcase Volkswagen and Audi's new showroom concepts, known respectively as "white frame" and "terminal." The dealerships will be part of one of the largest dealers in the area, the Open Road Auto Group. The Group will target to begin selling vehicles in early 2010.

Source: Volkswagen Group of America

|GlobalGiants.com|

AN AUTOMAKER SHOULD MAKE A POTENTIAL CAR BUYER POSITIVELY LOOK UPON ITS MARKETING.

Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from an Established, Confident Car Company that believes that its products are very much in demand and that trusts that when someone buys its new car, he or she is already in love with it?

Or, Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from a Struggling, Jittery Car Company that believes that its products are not in demand and that is why it is forcing the consumers to become artificially interested in them by saying, "If you buy a new car from us and you don't love it, you can bring it back within a specified time, and we we'll refund your money, though, of course, we would do it after a frightening refunding process you would never dare to undergo!"?

© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.

Photo: Marriott International will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold in five years, with a new green hotel prototype for its Courtyard brand that will be pre-certified LEED(R) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council. Shown here, the Courtyard Portland City Center, which is certified LEED-Gold. (© Marriott International, Inc., William James Photography)

• Marriott International, Inc. announced today that it will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold over the next five years by introducing a green hotel prototype that will be pre-certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The green hotel prototype, which will be available in April 2010, will save owners approximately $100,000 and six months in design time, and reduce a hotel's energy and water consumption by up to 25 percent.

The green hotel prototype, referred to by the USGBC as "volume build certification," has been created for Marriott's Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline worldwide.

"Marriott's' commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale," said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.

While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms.

|GlobalGiants.com|

General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, received the American Patriot of Character Award presented by The Character Education Partnership during their 16th annual National Forum on Character Education, in Alexandria, VA.

The American Patriot of Character Award honors one American citizen whose leadership exemplifies the very best of the nation's founding principles.

"The award recognizes individuals not only for great success in their chosen field, but also for upholding the highest ethical standards in service of the common good." "General Powell is a remarkable public servant who has truly made a positive difference in our nation," CEP's executive director Joe Mazzola said. "He is a shining example of integrity for young people, and all American citizens, to emulate. We are honored to have him as the first recipient of this award."

In his acceptance remarks Powell talked about his family's emphasis on good character and achievement.

General Powell also congratulated the National Schools of Character award winners who were in attendance to receive their awards. He commended the educators for their efforts to develop students of good character.

Character Education Partnership advocates for quality, comprehensive character education in U.S. schools. It is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals based in Washington, DC.

Source: Character Education Partnership

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"Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character."

-- Albert Einstein

Compiled from 11 out of the 12 leading economies, nearly 120,000 students from top academic institutions chose their ideal companies to work for.

Google is the world's most attractive employer, followed closely by its rival, Microsoft. This is the only global index of employer attractiveness and highlights the world's most powerful employer brands, i.e., those companies that are the most successful in talent attraction and retention.

The study has been conducted by Universum. Universum is a global Employer Branding company. It is headquartered in Sweden and has presence in more than 28 countries.

Employers today are faced with a shrinking global workforce, a lack of skilled workers and an increasingly demanding generation of new talent. To secure talent under these conditions, employers must develop true and differentiating employer brands. The employers that feature in this Top 50 all have one thing in common: they successfully appeal to current and future talent, and they are aware of how scarce talent is.

The global ranking is based on the national rankings that Universum conducts annually all over the world. The companies that are featured in at least eight out of the twelve leading economies were included in the global ranking, and the 50 most attractive employers were identified. The countries represented in the Global Top 50 rankings are the US, Japan, China, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India.

• Despite it being one of the toughest years for car manufactures, BMW and Daimler appear in the Global Top 50 rankings.

The Big Four accountancy and professionals service firms; financial services companies and management consultancies, still remain strong. In spite of this year being one of worst recessions since the Second World War, they remain globally attractive employers and are especially popular with business students. IT employers are highly placed in the engineering ranking, which can be expected, with Google, Microsoft and IBM in the top three.

The fast moving consumer goods companies and employers in the retail sector are also attractive employers, recognised for their universal appeal as employers in the graduate recruitment market, attracting students from both a business and engineering background.

"These companies in the Top 50 really work with employer branding strategically. The Big Four, for example, are all in the top 10 business ranking, as they have employer branding as part of their business strategy. Many associate their corporate brands to people. This is normal for the service industry, but it is a new approach for other companies" says Michal Kalinowski, Universum CEO. "These companies are in the Top 50 because they are focused, consistent and differentiate themselves in their communication."

Irrespective of rank, the Top 50 Global Employers for business and engineering students are very similar, showing strong employer brands transcend many skill and industry groups. Conversely, Oracle and Philip Morris make it to the Top 50 for business students, but not for engineering students. GlaxoSmithKline and Alcatel-Lucent appear in the engineering ranking, yet not in the business ranking.

What the rankings most certainly reveal is that the big multinational brands are favored. Due to the globalization of the talent market, multinational companies are generally recognized as being attractive employers. Findings from Universum's various student surveys show that students would like a good career reference, an international career and an employer that can offer secure employment. Lovisa Öhnell, head of research and consulting at Universum, comments, "These multinational brands are globally well-known, they offer relocation opportunities and business travel, interaction with clients and colleagues in various countries, and due to their size and economic strength, they are also seen as being the safest choice."

• GLOBAL TOP 50 - ACCORDING TO BUSINESS STUDENTS

Company - Ranking 2009

Google - 1
PricewaterhouseCoopers - 2
Microsoft - 3
Goldman Sachs - 4
Ernst & Young - 5
Procter & Gamble - 6
J.P. Morgan - 7
KPMG - 8
McKinsey & Company - 9
Deloitte - 10
The Boston Consulting Group - 11
BMW - 12
Coca-Cola - 13
L'Oréal - 14
Morgan Stanley - 15
Sony - 16
IBM - 17
Johnson & Johnson - 18
Deutsche Bank - 19
General Electric - 20
Citigroup - 21
HSBC - 22
Accenture - 23
Nestlé - 24
Credit Suisse - 25
Bain & Company - 26
Unilever - 27
UBS - 28
Nokia - 29
Intel - 30
Esso/ExxonMobil - 31
Kraft Foods - 32
Shell - 33
Hewlett-Packard - 34
Mars (Masterfoods) - 35
Pfizer - 36
Siemens - 37
Philips - 38
Oracle - 39
Bayer - 40
Philip Morris - 41
DHL - 42
BP - 43
Bosch - 44
Cisco - 45
Daimler - 46
Ericsson - 47
ABB - 48
Novartis - 49
Schlumberger - 50

• GLOBAL TOP 50 - ACCORDING TO ENGINEERING STUDENTS

Company Ranking 2009

Google - 1
Microsoft - 2
IBM - 3
BMW - 4
Intel - 5
General Electric - 6
Sony - 7
Siemens - 8
Shell - 9
Procter & Gamble - 10
Johnson & Johnson - 11
Hewlett-Packard - 12
Cisco - 13
Esso/ExxonMobil - 14
McKinsey & Company - 15
Schlumberger - 16
BP - 17
L'Oréal - 18
Nokia - 19
Accenture - 20
Coca-Cola - 21
Philips - 22
Goldman Sachs - 23
Nestlé - 24
Pfizer - 25
Bosch - 26
The Boston Consulting Group - 27
J.P. Morgan - 28
Deloitte - 29
Morgan Stanley - 30
GlaxoSmithKline - 31
Ericsson - 32
Ernst & Young - 33
ABB - 34
Bayer - 35
Unilever - 36
PricewaterhouseCoopers - 37
Deutsche Bank - 38
HSBC - 39
Kraft Foods - 40
Bain & Company - 41
Citigroup - 42
Alcatel-Lucent - 43
Daimler - 44
Novartis - 45
Mars (Masterfoods) - 46
KPMG - 47
Credit Suisse - 48
DHL - 49
UBS - 50

The Global Top 50 rankings are based on the employer preferences of nearly 120,000 final year students, who were surveyed at the top academic institutions in the world's 11 largest economies. The global rankings are based on the annual surveys conducted on a global level in 2009. Each student is presented with a list of 130 to 150 national and international employers, chosen by university students through an independent and structured nomination and assessment process. On a global level, this represents 800 considered employers. Students acknowledge those companies they would consider working for. Out of the companies selected as 'considered employers', each student then selects his or her five Ideal Employers. The Global Top 50 is based on the frequency of being selected as an Ideal Employer overall within 11 markets: US, Japan, China, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India.

• The Global Top 50 is the most comprehensive study ever conducted on employer attractiveness.

• This Practical Global Business Study is being presented for the First Time.

|GlobalGiants.com|

Honda today debuted CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the stylish, sporty hybrid coupe, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. While the vehicle displayed at the show is a global concept with a rear seat, the production version that will be introduced to North America in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid that provides a personal driving experience for North American customers.

"The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand," said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle."

The production version of the Honda CR-Z will make its world debut at the January 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

|GlobalGiants.com|

Photo: Newsweek Magazine January 26, 2009 Special Inauguration Issue with President Barack Obama on the cover.

Photo: Visitors crowd outside the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue to read a display of newspaper front pages announcing Sen. Barack Obama's election as the 44th U.S. president, November 5, 2008. (Credit: Maria Bryk/Newseum).

• ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE NORWEGIAN NOBEL COMMITTEE

Oslo, October 9, 2009

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future.

• His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."
....................

|GlobalGiants.com|

"The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable."

-- Proverbs of Solomon: 25:3

"if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War."

-- George Washington

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all."

-- George Washington

"My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth."

-- George Washington

"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama of the USA for founding his diplomacy on the MOST IRRESPONSIBLE CONCEPT that 'those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.'

Has the World become Bankrupt of Leadership?

The 'values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population' are NOT Essentially Correct. They are NOT Necessarily High-Minded. They are NOT Divine. On the contrary, they are inclined to be MEAN and MISLEADING!"

© GlobalGiants.Com. All Rights Reserved.

• Report analyses 55 financial systems and capital markets around the world.

Photos: Participants captured during the Dalian WorkSpace 2009 at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China.

• Financial Development Report 2009 -- New York, USA, 8 October 2009 - The world's largest economies took the biggest hit in the World Economic Forum's second annual Financial Development Report released today.

Global financial centers still lead in the report's Index, but the effects of financial instability have pulled down their scores compared to last year. The United Kingdom, buoyed by the relative strength of its banking and non-banking financial activities, claimed the Index's top spot from the United States, which slipped to third position behind Australia largely due to poorer financial stability scores and a weakened banking sector.

The Financial Development Report ranks 55 of the world's leading financial systems and capital markets. It analyses the drivers of financial system development and economic growth in developed and developing countries to serve as a tool for countries to benchmark themselves and establish priorities for reform.

• Download the 2009 rankings in PDF

• Download the full Report (PDF)

Photos: Participants captured during a session at the Young Global Leaders Summit 2009 in Dalian, China.

The rankings are based on over 120 variables spanning institutional and business environments, financial stability, and size and depth of capital markets, among other factors.

The financial crisis was acutely felt in most global financial systems and caused most countries' scores to drop significantly compared to 2008.

"The change in scores does demonstrate the implications of the downturn on our assessment of the long-term development of financial systems," said Nouriel Roubini of New York University and Chairman, RGE Monitor who is the lead academic on the report.

Germany and France suffered a heavy fall in overall scores that pulled them out of the top 10. They dropped in the rankings but demonstrated financial stability scores that were significantly higher than the United Kingdom and US. Australia showed particular strength this year, a trend that is echoed in many Asia Pacific economies.

The breadth of factors covered in the report means that countries with high financial instability scores like the United Kingdom and US could still achieve a high relative ranking in the Index due to other strengths.

"We hope this report will provide some insight as to how the financial crisis has affected the world's major financial systems. It draws attention to the diversity of factors beyond financial stability that must be addressed to support the role of financial systems in driving economic growth. The United Kingdom and US may still show leadership in the rankings, but their significant drops in score show increasing weakness and imply their leadership may be in jeopardy." said Kevin Steinberg, Chief Operating Officer, World Economic Forum USA.

Some developing countries performed well in the financial stability section of the Index. Chile came in third while Malaysia, Mexico and Brazil are all in the top 15. Norway and Switzerland took the top two spots in this category.

"Developing countries exhibited a relatively strong showing in the financial stability pillar of the Index. For some, this is the result of learning from the mistakes of past financial crises, while for others it may reflect the relative lack of complexity and global integration of their financial systems," said Co-Author Nouriel Roubini.

Developing countries also earned many of the top spots with respect to commercial access, which measures the availability of capital through such means as commercial loans, IPOs and venture capital.

The Industry Partnership Programme of the World Economic Forum, under whose auspices this work was undertaken, provides a platform for the world's leading companies to define and address critical issues. The Financial Development Report benefited from the guidance and support of its Industry Partners with particular contributions from Barclays Capital, EFG Hermes, JPMorgan, Standard Chartered Bank and Troika Dialog.

The report draws on data taken from a variety of publicly available sources such as the World Bank.

Source: World Economic Forum

|GlobalGiants.com|

Photo: President Obama recognizes IBM and its Blue Gene family of supercomputers with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the most prestigious award of its kind. IBM CEO Sam Palmisano is shown here accepting the award on IBM's behalf on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. IBM Blue Gene is one of the world's fastest, most energy-efficient computers, solving challenges in science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, defense and finance. (Photo Credit: IBM).

|GlobalGiants.com|

Discovery Education and 3M today awarded Marina Dimitrov of Bozeman, MT with the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" as winner of the 2009 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Dimitrov was one of 10 finalists who competed today in a series of live science challenges at Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. A student of Sacajawea Middle School, Dimitrov will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) and a trip to 3M's global headquarters to meet with some of the world's best scientists.

Photo: Marina Dimitrov, an eighth grade student at Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman, Montana, today was named America's Top Young Scientist and received $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) as the winner of the 11th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Dimitrov showcased scientific innovation and creativity through a series of challenges, including the removal of graffiti from replicas of New York City icons.

Selected from a field of hundreds of students across the country, the finalists tackled live challenges focused on "The Science of Everyday Life," and used their science prowess to:

1. Invent a solution to a common problem using only household items.
2. Remove impurities from water.
3. Restore an historic icon.
4. Build a tower that can withstand a simulated earthquake.

Finalists were evaluated by a panel of judges on their science skills and their ability to communicate scientific knowledge.

Finalists were awarded an all-expenses paid trip to New York City, a $1,000 cash prize, a personalized competition medal, an assortment of 3M products, the Science Channel Essential Space Collection DVD from www.DiscoveryStore.com, as well as a DVD set from Discovery Education featuring programs such as Discovery Channel's award-winning PLANET EARTH.

Photo (Added October 16): U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. John P. Holdren congratulate Marina Dimitrov (along with her parents) of Bozeman, MT on being named "America's Top Young Scientist," winner of the 2009 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, on October 8, 2009.

Source: Discovery Communications

|GlobalGiants.com|

The International VELUX Award 2010 is now open for registration. The Award challenges students of architecture worldwide to work with daylight in architecture under the overall theme "Light of Tomorrow". This was announced today in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"Our vision is to promote daylight and quality of life. We present the International VELUX Award every second year to encourage students all over the world to explore the theme of sunlight and daylight in its widest sense and to propose new ideas and approaches for a sustainable future," says VELUX CMO Michael K. Rasmussen.

The Award contains no specific categories and no requirements to the use of any specific materials or VELUX products. The Award, however, seeks to widen the boundaries of daylight in architecture through an open-minded and experimental approach, taking advantage of the students' curiosity, willingness to take risks and to experiment considering social, psychological and environmental dimensions of light.

Photo: The International VELUX Award 2010 for Students of Architecture is open for registration for students of architecture and their teachers from all over the world. The award challenges students of architecture to explore the theme of sunlight and daylight in its widest sense to create a deeper understanding of this specific and ever-relevant source of light and energy.

• International jury to evaluate all entries

The jury for the International VELUX Award 2010 will be announced by the end of 2009. The jury is comprised of renowned architects. Among the jury members participating in previous Awards were Glenn Murcutt (AUS), Kengo Kuma (JP), Per Olaf Fjeld (NO) and Hani Rashid (USA).

Hani Rashid, chairman of the jury for the 2008 Award reflects on the quality of the projects for the Award: "I was very surprised to see students from all over the world who confront the problem of light, the large amount of work and its quality. The way they represent their ideas of "Light of tomorrow" is inspiring."

The International VELUX Award is part of the continuous VELUX effort to establish close relations with building professionals and future generations of architects.

The Award is organized in cooperation with the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE).

Source: International VELUX Award, Copenhagen, Denmark.

|GlobalGiants.com|

• Renault Twizy Z.E. Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four-wheel chassis, Twizy Z.E. Concept offers the driver and passenger - seated one behind the other - an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions.

Twizy Z.E. Concept is compact, nimble and practical - everything you need in city traffic. The wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first class protection for both the driver and the passenger.

Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making Twizy Z.E. Concept versatile and easy to drive. The acceleration performance of Twizy Z.E. Concept in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.

• Technical data

• Motor

Type : Electric

Transmission type : Direct drive with reducer and forward/reverse inverter

Maximum power EEC (kW / hp) : 15 / 20

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) : 70

• Battery

Type : Lithium-ion

Range : 100km

• Dimensions

Rims (inches) : 13

Length (mm) : 2,303

Width (mm) : 1,132

Height (mm) : 1,476

Wheelbase (mm) : 1,695

Front / rear track (mm) : 944 / 944

Front / rear overhang (mm) : 304 / 304

Unladen weight (kg) : 420

Tyres : 135/80 R13

• Performance

Aerodynamic performance (CdA) : 0.63

Top speed (kph) : 75

Source: Renault, France

|GlobalGiants.com|

Photo: At the U.S. Capitol today, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), on right, inspects Navistar Inc.'s zero emissions, all-electric delivery truck designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments. With help from a $39 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Navistar Inc. initially will build 400 of these clean technology trucks at its facility in Elkhart, Indiana, and expects to be producing several thousand trucks annually within a few years.

Today, members of the U.S. Congress were shown an all-electric commercial truck from Navistar, Inc. that does not depend on oil.

With the help of a $39 million U.S. Department of Energy grant announced by President Obama in August, Navistar will build these high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments.

Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, and expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows.

"The all-electric commercial truck is a concrete example of advanced technology that will be swiftly brought to market with government incentives, just like diesel-hybrid trucks and school buses," said Greg Elliott, senior vice president, Navistar. "We must continue to invest together for the next generation of advanced vehicles with innovative aerodynamic design and greater hybrid and electric market penetration across the nation."

This zero tailpipe emission electric commercial truck is the latest of Navistar's green vehicle advancements.

Navistar International Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans.

|GlobalGiants.com|