NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 15, 2007
NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 15, 2007TPMS Web Site Launched ALTAVISTA, VA - Schrader Bridgeport International Inc. has added technical and installation information for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to its Web site. The
site, www.schrader-bridgeport.com/airaware, is designed to support the company's AirAware line of TPMS systems, components and tools. The site also includes a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section. Customers can also use the manufacturer's toll-free technical hotline at (800) 288-1804. According to the company, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recommend new caps, cores, grommets and nuts each time a tire is serviced. "The TPMS replacement market is growing rapidly, and technicians need access to accurate and timely repair information," says David Weber, Schrader's TPMS project manager. "With expensive sensors and transmitter located inside today's tires, the processes for changing, repairing and rotating tires have changed significantly."(Source: Schrader Bridgeport International
Inc.)Ingersoll Rand Offers
IQV Series Charger Rebate ANNANDALE, NJ (Jan. 29, 2007) - Through May 31, 2007, Ingersoll Rand is offering a rebate up to $90 on purchases of its new IQV Series cordless tools charger. Compatible with any chemistry or voltage, the IQV charger powers the entire family of IQV Series cordless tools, including 19 tools and six batteries. Inside each battery is a microprocessor that "talks" to the IQV charger conveying critical information, such as battery chemistry, the number of charge cycles, battery "health" or condition and more. (Source: Ingersoll Rand)Everything in One Place
IQV Series Charger Rebate ANNANDALE, NJ (Jan. 29, 2007) - Through May 31, 2007, Ingersoll Rand is offering a rebate up to $90 on purchases of its new IQV Series cordless tools charger. Compatible with any chemistry or voltage, the IQV charger powers the entire family of IQV Series cordless tools, including 19 tools and six batteries. Inside each battery is a microprocessor that "talks" to the IQV charger conveying critical information, such as battery chemistry, the number of charge cycles, battery "health" or condition and more. (Source: Ingersoll Rand)Everything in One Place
WASHINGTON (Feb. 10, 2007) - For the first time, the U.S. Small Business Administration has enabled business to find compliance information, government compliance contacts and federal forms from 21 U.S. government agencies on one Web site:
www.business.gov. The site organizes information sources on taxation, labor, the environment, immigration and other topics, making it easy to locate regulations, advice and other data on federal regulation compliance. State and municipal government compliance information is also being added to the site regularly.(Source: Small Business
Administration)Teens Can Learn Driving Skills for Life DEARBORN, MI (Feb. 15, 2007) - For most parents, the thought of handing over their car keys to their child strikes terror in their hearts. But Ford Motor Co. and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) are working to make parents breathe a little easier when their children drive off in the family vehicle. The two organizations have joined forces over the last four years to help young drivers improve their skills through the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) teen driving program. DSFL covers four key areas - hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management - that are critical factors in more than 60 percent of accidents involving teens. Developed in 2003 by Ford Motor Co., the GHSA and a panel of safety experts, the program aims to help newly licensed drivers develop safe driving skills beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs. Educational materials complement state graduated licensing laws by allowing parents or guardians to take an active role, too. DSFL will be hitting the road again in 2007 with a series of free hands-on driving events. Events will be held in communities in California, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania. (Source: GHSA)Delphi to Sell Brake Hose Business TROY, MI (Jan 29. 2007) - Delphi Corp. has entered into an asset sale and purchase agreement with Harco Manufacturing Group LLC for the sale of its brake hose business. Pursuant to the procedures outlined in the Bankruptcy Code, the company filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to request a bidding procedures hearing on Feb. 15, 2007. Following the completion of the bidding procedure process, a final sale hearing could be scheduled for March 22, 2007. The final sale of the Delphi brake hose unit is subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, as well as a waiver of any "no sale" clause in any agreements between Delphi and the Steel Workers of America, Local 87L, AFL-CIO/CLC.(Source: Delphi Corp.)BusinessWeek.com Now Highlights BCCA Articles BETHESDA, MD (Jan. 24, 2007) - The Car Care Council reports that BusinessWeek.com will feature its articles and information on vehicle care and maintenance throughout the year to further expand the reach of the Be Car Care Aware (BCCA) consumer education campaign. "The Car Care Council is honored to be associated with such a prominent media vehicle to communicate our messages about benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair," says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "The BusinessWeek.com Web site receives an average of over 4 million unique visitors per month, which will allow us to reach a huge community of motorists on a continual basis." (Source: Car Care
Council)Mechanix Wear Plans Move to New Headquarters VALENCIA, CA (Jan. 24, 2007) - Mechanix Wear has started construction on a new office and warehouse facility in Valencia, CA, that will serve as its new headquarters. The facility will more than double its current square footage and enable the company to house the entire staff under one roof to improve operations efficiency. The new facility, which will include 20,000 square feet of office space and 54,000 square feet of warehouse space, is scheduled to be completed in May 2007. The space will also include a materials testing lab and a first-floor lobby that will include show cars and motorcycles from Mechanix Wear's sponsored teams. (Source: Mechanix
Wear)Future Navigation Devices to
Feature Increased Functionality OYSTER BAY, NY - Faced with razor-thin margins on devices that sell for as little as $200, portable navigation manufacturers are looking to differentiate themselves at the more profitable high end. In the report "In-Vehicle Computing and Converged Phone Navigation," ABI Research forecasts the market for non-traditional navigation - including navigation-specific connected devices, navigation-bundled Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), smart phones, car computers and aftermarket wireless-driven, thin-client navigation systems - will grow to nearly 4 million units annually by 2011. "In the near future, high-end navigation products will need increased capabilities from the hardware, better connectivity, more varied data and more powerful functions," says Dan Benjamin, ABI Research principal analyst. These new devices' network-connected features, the need for more advanced graphics processing, and the addition of access to contextual information - for example, traffic conditions, travel advice or entertainment information - mean new form factors that take increased processing requirements and more detailed 3D display into account. The real question is the levels of data that are being delivered. "There's a large amount of data that can be used to increase the usability, functionality and experience of the device, but that data is very hard to come by," Benjamin explains. "It's a slow process: We need persistent data in the form of renderings of buildings, and descriptions of what's in the streets, and we also need real-time data such as traffic information, prices, shopping and entertainment." (Source: ABI Research)Let Education Improve Your Business DIAMOND BAR, CA (Jan. 29, 2007) - The best educational events allow attendees to take home new ideas, strategies and greater motivation for working more efficiently and effectively. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will be holding a three-day education conference designed solely for that purpose. SEMA's National Education Conference is scheduled for April 15-17, 2007, at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Keynote speaker Lou Holtz, who is often referred to as the most successful college football coach of all time, will kick off the conference by sharing his secrets on how to "turn pretenders into contenders" and achieve great results. Other speakers include: * Peter Schutz, retired CEO of Porsche AG Worldwide and co-founder of Harris and Schutz Inc., will discuss how to get extraordinary results from ordinary people. * Jerry Jellison, of the University of Southern California, will speak on overcoming resistance to change. * John Kaplan and Grant Wilson, managing partners, Force Management, will provide their unique insights on improving sales effectiveness. * Mike Mooney, former director of marketing communications, Sprint Nextel, will offer his expert advice on reputation management. * Ian Mac Dougall, founder, Corporate Lifestyles Inc., will discuss the theory of organizational lifecycles. * Renowned psychologist Dr. Mardy Grothe will speak on leadership skills. In addition, the conference allows executives from all different segments of the SEMA industry to come together in one forum to network and share their knowledge and experience with one another. Discussions range from leadership skills and management practices to brand reputation and sales effectiveness. To register for the SEMA National Education Conference, visit www.sema.org/nec.(Source: SEMA)
Techs Choose Top Tool Provider PALO ALTO, CA (Feb. 1, 2007) - Frost & Sullivan recently recognized Snap-on Inc. as the preferred tool provider among professional automotive technicians throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, according to its 2006 U.S. Automotive Technicians' Choice Tools Survey. The objective of the survey is to measure automotive technicians' brand preferences for the tools they use in their everyday work. "Snap-on's positive recognition is due to more than just the products themselves, but also to Snap-on's commitment after the sale," notes Tonya Fowler, author of the 2006 survey. "The company's continuous, long-term software support is a unique advantage - and of utmost importance, because it keeps Snap-on's customers up-to-date and maximizes their capabilities." Snap-on led the competition in all categories explored, including Best Quality, Most Innovative, Best Retailer Customer Service, and Overall Best Brand. The toolmaker will also receive specific tool category awards for best overall ratings in Hand Tools (76 percent brand rating), Scan Tools (51 percent) and Tool Storage (65 percent). (Source: Frost & Sullivan)
BorgWarner Turbocharges the Audi TFSI Engine Family AUBURN HILLS, MI (Jan. 29, 2007) - Audi's recently launched 1.8-liter TFSI engine was developed in close cooperation with BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems. The new engine continues the collaboration that built Audi's 2.0LTFSI engine. For the design and construction of the new Audi powerplant, the company developed a number of solutions: * Combining the manifold and the turbine housing into a single component, made of high temperature-resistant material to offer both compact dimensions and thermodynamic benefits. * Integrating the electric recirculation valve into the compressor housing, to improve response times when the throttle valve closes. * Using the latest-generation turbine wheel to increase the turbocharger's efficiency. * The compact dimensions of both the turbocharger and the entire engine make it equally suitable for transverse or longitudinal installations.(Source: BorgWarner Inc.) Angie: there was a graphic in the email you sent me that could be used here.White House Prioritizes Reducing Traffic Congestion WASHINGTON (Feb. 1, 2007) - In his recent State of the Union address, President Bush identified "faster deployment of real-time traffic information" as a priority in the fight to reduce traffic congestion. "In 2003, drivers in America's 85 most congested urban areas experienced 3.7 billion hours of travel delay and wasted 2.3 billion gallons of fuel, costing a total of $63 billion," stated the president. In one year, this wasted fuel accounts for more than 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and the net annual costs of wasted fuel in 2005 were estimated to be in excess of $200 billion. The new $175 Million Highway Congestion Initiative seeks to fund state and local governments to demonstrate innovative ideas for curbing congestion. These ideas include congestion pricing, commuter transit services, commitments from employers to expand work schedule flexibility, and faster deployment of real-time traffic information. A host of products and services are being made available that add real-time traffic conditions to navigation systems. They include in-vehicle navigation systems that map traffic conditions, cell phone applications that display location-aware traffic flow and incident data, satellite-delivered radio broadcasts, Internet-based traffic data and sophisticated intelligent transportation and tolling systems that keep traffic moving. (Source: Vehicle Traffic Information Coalition)
Feature Increased Functionality OYSTER BAY, NY - Faced with razor-thin margins on devices that sell for as little as $200, portable navigation manufacturers are looking to differentiate themselves at the more profitable high end. In the report "In-Vehicle Computing and Converged Phone Navigation," ABI Research forecasts the market for non-traditional navigation - including navigation-specific connected devices, navigation-bundled Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers (UMPCs), smart phones, car computers and aftermarket wireless-driven, thin-client navigation systems - will grow to nearly 4 million units annually by 2011. "In the near future, high-end navigation products will need increased capabilities from the hardware, better connectivity, more varied data and more powerful functions," says Dan Benjamin, ABI Research principal analyst. These new devices' network-connected features, the need for more advanced graphics processing, and the addition of access to contextual information - for example, traffic conditions, travel advice or entertainment information - mean new form factors that take increased processing requirements and more detailed 3D display into account. The real question is the levels of data that are being delivered. "There's a large amount of data that can be used to increase the usability, functionality and experience of the device, but that data is very hard to come by," Benjamin explains. "It's a slow process: We need persistent data in the form of renderings of buildings, and descriptions of what's in the streets, and we also need real-time data such as traffic information, prices, shopping and entertainment." (Source: ABI Research)Let Education Improve Your Business DIAMOND BAR, CA (Jan. 29, 2007) - The best educational events allow attendees to take home new ideas, strategies and greater motivation for working more efficiently and effectively. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will be holding a three-day education conference designed solely for that purpose. SEMA's National Education Conference is scheduled for April 15-17, 2007, at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Keynote speaker Lou Holtz, who is often referred to as the most successful college football coach of all time, will kick off the conference by sharing his secrets on how to "turn pretenders into contenders" and achieve great results. Other speakers include: * Peter Schutz, retired CEO of Porsche AG Worldwide and co-founder of Harris and Schutz Inc., will discuss how to get extraordinary results from ordinary people. * Jerry Jellison, of the University of Southern California, will speak on overcoming resistance to change. * John Kaplan and Grant Wilson, managing partners, Force Management, will provide their unique insights on improving sales effectiveness. * Mike Mooney, former director of marketing communications, Sprint Nextel, will offer his expert advice on reputation management. * Ian Mac Dougall, founder, Corporate Lifestyles Inc., will discuss the theory of organizational lifecycles. * Renowned psychologist Dr. Mardy Grothe will speak on leadership skills. In addition, the conference allows executives from all different segments of the SEMA industry to come together in one forum to network and share their knowledge and experience with one another. Discussions range from leadership skills and management practices to brand reputation and sales effectiveness. To register for the SEMA National Education Conference, visit www.sema.org/nec.(Source: SEMA)
Techs Choose Top Tool Provider PALO ALTO, CA (Feb. 1, 2007) - Frost & Sullivan recently recognized Snap-on Inc. as the preferred tool provider among professional automotive technicians throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, according to its 2006 U.S. Automotive Technicians' Choice Tools Survey. The objective of the survey is to measure automotive technicians' brand preferences for the tools they use in their everyday work. "Snap-on's positive recognition is due to more than just the products themselves, but also to Snap-on's commitment after the sale," notes Tonya Fowler, author of the 2006 survey. "The company's continuous, long-term software support is a unique advantage - and of utmost importance, because it keeps Snap-on's customers up-to-date and maximizes their capabilities." Snap-on led the competition in all categories explored, including Best Quality, Most Innovative, Best Retailer Customer Service, and Overall Best Brand. The toolmaker will also receive specific tool category awards for best overall ratings in Hand Tools (76 percent brand rating), Scan Tools (51 percent) and Tool Storage (65 percent). (Source: Frost & Sullivan)
BorgWarner Turbocharges the Audi TFSI Engine Family AUBURN HILLS, MI (Jan. 29, 2007) - Audi's recently launched 1.8-liter TFSI engine was developed in close cooperation with BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems. The new engine continues the collaboration that built Audi's 2.0LTFSI engine. For the design and construction of the new Audi powerplant, the company developed a number of solutions: * Combining the manifold and the turbine housing into a single component, made of high temperature-resistant material to offer both compact dimensions and thermodynamic benefits. * Integrating the electric recirculation valve into the compressor housing, to improve response times when the throttle valve closes. * Using the latest-generation turbine wheel to increase the turbocharger's efficiency. * The compact dimensions of both the turbocharger and the entire engine make it equally suitable for transverse or longitudinal installations.(Source: BorgWarner Inc.) Angie: there was a graphic in the email you sent me that could be used here.White House Prioritizes Reducing Traffic Congestion WASHINGTON (Feb. 1, 2007) - In his recent State of the Union address, President Bush identified "faster deployment of real-time traffic information" as a priority in the fight to reduce traffic congestion. "In 2003, drivers in America's 85 most congested urban areas experienced 3.7 billion hours of travel delay and wasted 2.3 billion gallons of fuel, costing a total of $63 billion," stated the president. In one year, this wasted fuel accounts for more than 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and the net annual costs of wasted fuel in 2005 were estimated to be in excess of $200 billion. The new $175 Million Highway Congestion Initiative seeks to fund state and local governments to demonstrate innovative ideas for curbing congestion. These ideas include congestion pricing, commuter transit services, commitments from employers to expand work schedule flexibility, and faster deployment of real-time traffic information. A host of products and services are being made available that add real-time traffic conditions to navigation systems. They include in-vehicle navigation systems that map traffic conditions, cell phone applications that display location-aware traffic flow and incident data, satellite-delivered radio broadcasts, Internet-based traffic data and sophisticated intelligent transportation and tolling systems that keep traffic moving. (Source: Vehicle Traffic Information Coalition)