NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 14, 2006

(Graphic: RFA)U.S. domestic ethanol production in June filled most of the demand, reaching an all-time record of 318,000 bpd, an increase of 25,000 bpd from May, and a rise of nearly 28 percent from June 2005. The shortfall was filled by imported ethanol. "The U.S. ethanol industry has responded to the challenges of the president, the American public and the marketplace to increase the supply and availability of this cleaner-burning fuel," said RFA President Bob Dinneen. "As a result, we are reducing our dependence on foreign petroleum, helping preserve air quality standards in America's most polluted regions, and revitalizing economies in hundreds of rural communities around the country."(Source: RFA)EC: CO2 Emission Reductions 
Halfway to 2008 Target BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (Aug. 29, 2006) - In a report issued by the European Commission (EC), automakers were recognized for reducing CO2 emissions by 12.4 percent between 1995 and 2004. While welcoming the progress, the EC reiterated that automakers were less than halfway to meeting the full 25 percent reduction required by the end of 2008. "To combat climate change and respect our Kyoto commitments, we have to reduce CO2 emissions from transport - a sector whose emissions contribute significantly to overall emissions," says Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. "I appreciate the efforts of some car manufacturers to market cars that emit less CO2. I urge the car industry to step up its efforts to meet the 140 grams of CO2 per kilometer target under the voluntary agreement. We expect that [the] industry sticks to its commitments." Road transportation generates more than one-fifth of all CO2 emissions in Europe, with passenger cars being responsible for more than half of these emissions. CO2 emissions from road transport have risen by 22 percent since 1990, notably due to increases both in the number of cars on the roads, as well as in the distances that are driven annually. The EC noted that if the industry did not honor its commitments, the commission would have to consider taking measures, including legislative ones, to ensure that the necessary CO2 reductions were achieved. The EU strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars rests on three pillars. The most important of these consists of separate voluntary commitments by the European, Japanese and Korean car manufacturers' associations to reduce CO2 emissions from their cars to an average of 140 g/km by 2008 (for European manufacturers) and 2009 (for Japanese and Korean producers). The other two pillars of the strategy are consumer information (chiefly through fuel efficiency labeling of cars) and fiscal measures to promote the most fuel-efficient cars.(Source: EC)UAW's Gettelfinger Appointed to 
DCX Supervisory Board STUTTGART, GERMANY (Sept. 4, 2006) - DaimlerChrysler (DCX) announced that the court of registry in Stuttgart has appointed Ron Gettelfinger as an employee representative on the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG.  Gettelfinger is the president of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). His appointment to the Supervisory Board runs through 2008.(Source: DaimlerChrysler)Vote for "America's Greatest Hometown Hero"  IRVINE, CA (Aug. 24, 2006) -Volvo is asking Americans to visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com and vote for "America's Greatest Hometown Hero." The site hosts the stories, in both English and Spanish, of 250 semifinalists - five per state. The overall grand winner will receive a $50,000 charitable contribution and a new Volvo every three years for the rest of his or her life. Public voting for the automaker's Fifth Annual Volvo for Life Awards will be open from now through Feb. 4, 2007, to select the top three finalists in each of three categories - safety, quality of life and environment. After the public votes, a panel of celebrity judges will select winners in each category. Category winners receive a $50,000 charitable contribution from Volvo, while the remaining finalists receive a $25,000 contribution.  On April 4, 2007, Volvo will fly each of the category winners to New York, where the automaker and members of the celebrity-judging panel will honor them. At the ceremony, Volvo will reveal which of the three top heroes is also the Grand Award winner of a Volvo vehicle every three years for the rest of his or her life. "Over the past five years, the Volvo for life Awards initiative has received more than 15,000 hero nominations," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "All of these heroes demonstrate incredible conscience, care and character."(Source: Volvo)DuPont Introduces 
Filtration Innovations  WILMINGTON, DE (Aug. 30, 2006) - DuPont has introduced its Hybrid Membrane Technology (HMT), a new innovation for air and liquid filtration that is engineered to fill the performance gap between traditional non-woven and microporous films.  Comprised of continuous submicron fibers and available on a commercial scale in the form of "membrane-like" sheet structures, HMT provides an optimal balance of flux/barrier performance.  "Through leveraging existing technologies and developing new technologies such as HMT, DuPont will help provide cleaner and healthier environments, improve manufacturing process efficiency, and deliver better performance across a wide range of market applications," says Matt Trerotola, vice president and general manager - DuPont Nonwovens.  Air filtration applications will include Premium Interior Air Filters for automotive applications.(Source: DuPont)NAPA Launches Holiday Promotion ATLANTA (Aug. 29, 2006) - The NAPA Under Car Sales Group announces the "What's UNDER Your CAR this Holiday Season?" promotion. Service dealers have the opportunity to earn back up to 100 percent of their holiday gift card purchases during the first quarter of 2007.  First, service dealers choose gift cards from some of today's most popular stores and restaurants, including Applebee's, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, Cabela's, Chili's, Gap, Home Depot, JCPenney, Olive Garden, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. Gift cards must be purchased by Dec. 31, 2006. Then, when purchasing participating NAPA Under Car products in the first quarter of 2007, service dealers can earn back 100 percent of the ordered gift card value. Products include rack and pinion, exhaust systems, U-joints, MaxDrive New CV shafts, power steering, shocks and struts, and Zoom Performance Products. The earn-back offer expires March 31, 2007. In addition, participating service dealers are automatically entered into the holiday sweepstakes for a chance to win up to $3,000 to pay holiday bills. (Source: NAPA)CARQUEST Names 
2006 Tech of the Year RALEIGH, NC (August 22, 2006) - CARQUEST Auto Parts named Greg Epsaro, owner of Harriman Auto in Harriman, NY, as the 2006 TECH-NET Professional Auto Service / ASE Technician of the Year.  Epsaro had the highest composite scores of A1 through A8 and L1 ASE certification tests among the members of TECH-NET Professional Auto Service program from the Fall 2005 or Spring 2006 ASE automobile certification exams. Epsaro began working on vehicles at the age of 12 and worked at a variety of dealerships before starting his own business in 1984. He holds 47 ASE certifications and requires all technicians at Harriman Auto to become ASE-certified.  "Since I began my business, I've had a great relationship with Robbie [Rosenthal] from my local CARQUEST store. He provides me not only with quality parts and service, but professional programs like TECH-NET Professional Auto Service and CARQUEST Technical Institute," says Epsaro. "Greg's dedication to the industry and community, along with his passion for technology, is unsurpassed," says Mike DeSorbo, CARQUEST director of market segments. Epsaro's community involvement includes working for the local fire department, mentoring local high school students and promoting careers as an automotive technician. As this year's winner, Epsaro will receive more than $20,000 worth of prizes, including an all-expense paid trip for two to the ASE Board meeting where he will be presented with a trophy and gold ring. He will also join the membership of the CARQUEST Advisory Council. In addition, he will be honored as the co-Grand Marshal at the 2007 CARQUEST 300 NASCAR Busch Series race in Charlotte, NC.(Source: CARQUEST Auto Parts)Mitchell 1 Recruits Independent 
Sales Reps POWAY, CA (Aug. 14, 2006) - According to Karen Wagner, Mitchell 1 marketing manager, the company is expanding its sales team by recruiting independent sales representatives to cover various new territories throughout the United States. For more information on Mitchell 1's representative positions, call 866-537-6335, x5225 or e-mail her.  "Mitchell 1 is currently enjoying large-scale growth across the board," says Wagner. "Therefore, we are looking for individuals to join our team who have proven sales experience, as well as possess the drive and ambition that it takes to succeed at a top-rated company." (Source: Mitchell 1)CCC Women's Board Awards 
2006 Scholarships BETHESDA, MD (Sept. 7, 2006) - The Car Care Council's (CCC) Women's Board has announced several winners of post-secondary scholarships, dedicated to recruiting and retaining talented women in the automotive aftermarket industry. The organization awards scholarships to women who have completed at least one year in an ASE-certified, post-secondary automobile technology program, as well as to high school students planning to pursue a career in the automotive field. This year's recipients include: * Julia C. Johnson of San Francisco ($2,000).  * Dawn R. Lagrone of Hodges, SC ($1,000)  * Josie M. St. Germain of Oakdale, MN ($1,000). * Amber K. Borkan of Glen Gardner, NJ ($500). * Christina M. Coles of Springville, UT ($500). "Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we were able to expand the program to provide more scholarships than ever before," says Sherrie Graham, scholarship committee chair. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help five talented women pursue their dreams of completing their education to obtain positions in the automotive industry."(Source: Car Care Council's Women's Board)NIOSH Alerts Spray-On 
Truck Bed Workers WASHINGTON (Sept. 6, 2006) - In an effort to prevent some respiratory diseases, the National Institute for Occupational and Safety and Health (NIOSH) is requesting assistance from workers, employers, small business owners and others who have interaction or exposure to spray-on truck bed lining procedures.  Spray-on bed liners contain methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate), known as MDI, that can cause respiratory disease such as asthma, and in some cases, death. NIOSH reports that more than 10,000 workers are likely exposed to MDI during procedures that involve spray-on truck bed lining.  The spray-on truck bed lining process involves spraying on a protective polyurethane coating to the bed of the truck. Polyurethane contains the isocyanates found in MDI. Throughout the United States, an estimated 250,000 or more workers employed in transportation industries are exposed to polyurethane.  Isocyanates are the leading "attributable chemical cause of occupational asthma in the United States," according to the NIOSH alert. Most exposure to MDI comes from inhalation of vapors.  More information on the NIOSH alert is available online. http://(Source: ASA, NIOSH)
FTC: Magnetic Devices Are Bogus WASHINGTON (Aug. 22. 2006) - In a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), International Research and Development Corp. and its principal, Anthony Renda, the manufacturer of magnetic "fuel-saving" and emissions-reduction devices known as FuelMAX and SuperFuelMAX - will pay $4.2 million intended for consumer redress. The company also will submit to a lifetime ban on the sale or manufacture of these types of devices.  The FTC has established a consumer hotline. Consumers who believe they are entitled to a refund should call 877-382-2020 for more information about obtaining a refund. The FTC alleged that the magnetic devices do not save fuel, increase gas mileage or reduce emissions. The Agency had charged that the false claims violate the FTC Act and alleged that by providing promotional materials with false claims to affiliates, the defendants provided them with the means to violate the FTC Act. "Consumers are looking for ways to increase fuel efficiency and save money at the pump," says Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "There are some practical ways to do that, like following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, combining errands and avoiding jack-rabbit starts. The fact is that many products that claim to save fuel don't work, and worse yet, may damage your car and end up costing you more."(Source: FTC)GM Announces New 
Powertrain Warranty DETROIT (Sept. 6, 2006) - General Motors (GM) announced that it will provide a 100,000-mile/five-year powertrain limited warranty for its entire 2007 car and light-duty truck lineup in the United States and Canada. The powertrain warranty is fully transferable and has no deductible. In addition, the automaker has expanded its roadside assistance and courtesy transportation programs to match the five-year term. The new warranty also applies retroactively to 2007 GM cars and trucks already sold. The no-deductible, fully transferable limited powertrain warranty covers more than 900 components related to the engine, transmission, transfer case (if applicable) and final drive assemblies.  For non-powertrain components, GM's Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty remains in effect: four years or 50,000 miles for Buicks, Cadillacs, Hummers and Saabs, and three years or 36,000 miles for Chevrolets, GMCs, Pontiacs and Saturns. GM says it has experienced a 40 percent decrease in warranty repairs at dealers during the past five years. "We've been telling everyone how strong GM's cars and trucks are in terms of value, design, quality and durability. Now we're going to back it up," Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner says. "This latest step in our North America turnaround plan reflects the confidence we have in the quality of our cars and trucks. It's the result of years of hard work by our employees, suppliers and dealers. It's something that motorists want and deserve."(Source: GM)