U.S. Senator Richard Lugar to deliver address

On September 14, POET will host a grand opening event for POET Biorefining in Portland, Ind. The $105 million ethanol production facility in Portland will be the 21st POET production facility and their first completed project in the state of Indiana. The program is open to the public and will include an address from U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, an expert on the biofuels industry.

The event will be held at the facility (1542 S. 200 West) with guided public tours beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 10:45 a.m. the crowd will be treated to a flyover from the Vanguard Squadron - the world’s only 100 percent ethanol-powered aerobatic fleet. The speaking program will start at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch served from noon to 1:00 p.m. Tours will resume at 12:30 p.m. and run through 3:15 p.m.

Schedule of events:
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Public tours
10:45 p.m. Vanguard Squadron Fly-over
11:00 a.m. - noon Speaking program
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Public tours

Attendees will also be able to view a life-sized replica of the #17 Ethanol Car from the Indy Racing League that is co-sponsored by POET. Public parking for the event is available at the Jay County High School with overflow at the fairgrounds. Buses will run to and from the public parking places and the facility throughout the day. Due to space constraints, public parking at the facility can not be allowed.

POET Biorefining - Portland will produce 60 million gallons of ethanol per year from more than 21 million bushels of corn from the area and provide around 40 jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $2 million. Once the Portland facility is operational, POET’s annual production capacity will be 1.11 billion gallons, making it the largest ethanol producer in the world.

About POET
POET, the largest dry mill ethanol producer in the United States, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. Formerly known as Broin, the 20-year old company currently operates 20 production facilities in the United States with seven more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1 billion gallons of ethanol annually.

For more information, go to http://www.poetenergy.com

Source: EPIC / POET

Two Miles to Stop a Car?

Gauging the distance it takes to stop a moving vehicle is a vital skill, but some UK motorists' understanding of braking distances is so poor that they claim its takes over two miles to stop their cars.

A new study by motor insurer Highway reveals that most drivers are unable to name the correct braking distances. More worryingly from a safety perspective, even when informed of the correct braking distance, most drivers are simply unable to judge how far that is.

Highway's survey revealed that only 9% of drivers could get close to naming (within 10%) the correct braking distances for a car moving at 30mph, 50mph and 70mph. Of the 250 drivers surveyed, only two actually knew the correct distances in metres for all three speeds.



Results varied wildly with 24 motorists citing braking distances from half a kilometre (0.3 miles) up to 3.5 kilometres (2.18 miles), 37.5 times the correct figure for 70mph.

Having assessed their knowledge of the distances, drivers were then tested on ability to judge these distances. Only 5% of motorists could get close to judging how far this distance was in real terms when asked to mark them out. The majority of drivers (66%) underestimated the distance involved - some by up to three-quarters.

When asked to mark out 23 metres, the stopping distance at 30 mph, distances marked by drivers ranged from 6-41 metres.

When asked to mark out 53 metres, the stopping distance at 50 mph, distances marked ranged from 15-81 metres.

Age played a major part in the knowledge of braking distances with drivers aged 18-30 performing best in this test and over-60s performing worst.

On ability to judge distance, drivers aged 31-50 performed best.

Highway Insurance's managing director Chris Hill commented:

"The Highway Code works on an unspoken assumption that if drivers are told it will take them 53 metres to stop, they can visualise how far this distance actually is. This survey suggests that this assumption is deeply flawed and many motorists' brains simply don't work in this way."

According to the Highway Code, typical stopping distances for a car travelling at 30 mph, 50 mph and 70 mph are 23 metres, 53 metres and 96 meters respectively.

Highway Insurance is one of the UK's leading broker-only motor insurers with over 650,000 customers driving both private and commercial vehicles.

The survey of 250 drivers was carried out by Highway's researchers in Swindon, a representative UK town, during 30-31 July this year.

Notes:

Highway Insurance

Established over 50 years ago as a motor insurance specialist, Highway has consistently focused its business on relationships with insurance brokers and other intermediaries. In 2003, Highway exited Lloyd's and now underwrites both standard and specialist motor insurance exclusively through Highway Insurance Company Limited.

Source: Highway Insurance

NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle information website, today released data regarding the most researched Hybrid vehicles at its website during the month of July 2007.

In addition to evaluating the Hybrids that car buyers researched most often last month, the company evaluated which new Hybrid reviews were read most often during that same timeframe.

Following are the complete lists.

NADAguides.com Most Researched Hybrid Vehicles, July 2007

1. 2007 Toyota Prius
2. 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
3. 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
4. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
5. 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
6. 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
7. 2007 Saturn VUE
8. 2007 Lexus RX 400h
9. 2007 Ford Escape
10. 2008 Ford Escape


NADAguides.com Most Read Hybrid Vehicle Reviews, July 2007

1. 2007 Toyota Prius
2. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
3. 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
4. 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
5. 2007 Saturn VUE
6. 2007 Lexus RX 400h
7. 2007 Ford Escape
8. 2008 Ford Escape
9. 2007 Mercury Mariner
10. 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid



Automotive industry sales reports show that the popularity of Hybrids continues to grow, according to HybridCars.com (http://www.hybridcars.com/). Sales of Hybrids in the U.S. were up 50% from January to July of this year with the Nissan Altima Hybrid gaining the largest month-over-month sales growth at 40.7% in July, compared to June.

More than 16,000 Toyota Prius units were sold in July 2007, making it the top-selling Hybrid vehicle that month, with the Toyota Camry Hybrid in second at 4,329 units and the Honda Civic Hybrid in third at 2,493 units.

To learn about the vehicles mentioned above, as well as virtually every vehicle on the market today, visit NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/) for more information. NADAguides.com offers new car prices, reviews, specifications and safety information, as well as new car side-by-side comparisons, new car photos and 360-degree views, new and used car buying and selling services, new car rebates and incentives information and more.

About NADAguides.com

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, http://www.nadaguides.com/, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.

Source: NADAguides.com
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today launched a national drunk driving enforcement crackdown and appealed to the judicial branch to use all the tools it has available to keep drunk driving offenders off the roads. She also released national and state statistics for alcohol related fatalities in 2006 and emphasized the costs of drunk driving in America.

“We see far too many people suffer tragic injuries and loss of their loved ones as a result of drunk driving. This careless disregard for human life must stop,” Secretary Peters said.

In 2006, 13,470 fatalities occurred in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator who had a .08 or above Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) compared with 13,582 in 2005. Secretary Peters emphasized the critical role the judicial system plays in solving this national problem.



The media and enforcement campaign will run through Labor Day and include thousands of police agencies across the nation. Secretary Peters added that the Department is investing $11 million to support its national TV and radio campaign, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”

“Our message is simple. If you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted. No exceptions. No excuses,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole R. Nason.

Secretary Peters announced the enforcement crackdown and 2006 alcohol related fatalities, including state by state break outs during a news conference at the Arlington County Courthouse in Virginia. She was joined by Administrator Nason; International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) President Joseph Carter; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) President Glynn Birch; Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Vice Chair Vernon F. Betkey, Jr.; and Maureen McCormick, Assistant District Attorney, Nassau County, N.Y.

On August 22, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will convene a meeting with representatives from the judicial system, including judges, prosecutors and parole officers, in Washington, D.C. to discuss the role of alcohol ignition interlocks in reducing drunk driving fatalities. Currently interlocks are used for 100,000 drunk driving offenders each year, or about an estimated 20 percent of those cases for which they could be prescribed. Of the 1.4 million impaired driving arrests each year, one third involve repeat offenders.

An alcohol ignition interlock device is a mechanism installed in a vehicle’s dashboard. Before the vehicle can be started, the driver must breathe into the device. If the driver’s BAC is over the legal limit, the vehicle will not start

View the 2006 alcohol related fatality report here (PDF):
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810821.PDF


Source: U.S. Dept. of Transportation

If your college student's back to school list includes a car, you will want to know which vehicles are recommended for young drivers. To help students and parents find the best car, CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX) , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, and Driver's Edge, a national nonprofit organization providing youth driver education, have teamed up to recommend the top cars for college students.

"It's pretty tough to come up with a list of cars that will satisfy both parents and students," said Steve Tepper, chief operating officer of Driver's Edge. "Issues of looks, cost, safety, and performance don't always line up, but there are some great cars out there that fit the bill safety-wise while still being a cool car to drive."

"Typically, parents' top priorities when looking for a vehicle for their student are price, reliability, and safety, while young people may be more interested in style, features, and performance," said Ron Costa, regional vice president of purchasing for CarMax. "We recommend conducting online vehicle research first and then finding a car retailer that provides a transparent, customer-friendly, and easy car buying process."

This year's top cars recommended for college students that fulfill both the parents' safety and reliability demands and the young drivers' requirements for looks and performance include (In alphabetical order by manufacturer. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard unless otherwise noted):

-- Audi A4
-- Dodge Caliber (models with optional ABS)
-- Honda Civic
-- Hyundai Sonata
-- Kia Optima (models with optional ABS)
-- Pontiac G6 (coupe or sedan with optional ABS)
-- Toyota Corolla (models with optional ABS)
-- Volkswagen Jetta
-- Volkswagen Passat
-- Volvo S40 (four door sedan)


"When deciding on a vehicle for a young driver, safety has to be a top consideration," said Jeff Payne, president and founder of Driver's Edge. "Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for people under 24, outnumbering the combined deaths resulting from drug use, guns, and other violence." Driver's Edge recommends that parents review crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when considering any vehicle, along with the advice and ratings of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The cars on the list are recommended only for drivers who have at least two years of practical driving experience. (Smaller cars would not be on a list of cars recommended for true novice drivers.) Driver's Edge and CarMax used the following criteria to select the recommended cars:

1) Each of the selected models scored at least a four star rating from NHTSA for both frontal and side impact protection in each of the last four years. Exceptions are the Dodge Caliber and the Pontiac G6, each of which have only been available since 2007 and 2006, respectively.

2) Each car offers an array of active safety features as either standard or optional equipment (e.g., anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, traction control, etc.).

3) Cost, reliability, and vehicle styling have been considered, but safety considerations weighed more heavily in determining the cars to recommend.


"It's not just about choosing the 'right' car," Payne said. "There is no five-star rating or safety device that can take the place of a well educated driver. A lousy driver can make even the safest of vehicles a bad place to be. That's why we also recommend that all drivers seek out the proper training and learn the skills needed to help them stay safer on the highways, whether it's attending a Driver's Edge event or investing in a quality performance driving school."

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the FORTUNE 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 81 used car superstores in 38 markets. The CarMax consumer offer is structured around four core equities: low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection; high quality vehicles; and customer-friendly service. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2007, the company retailed 337,021 used vehicles and sold 208,959 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions.

For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com/

About Driver's Edge

Las Vegas-based Driver's Edge is a Nevada 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Driver's Edge offers a free educational program for young drivers aged 15 to 21, teaching real life emergency avoidance and response techniques and overall driver safety. This innovative program is taught on an ongoing basis in Las Vegas, Nev., with annual national tours visiting multiple U.S. cities each year. The program is funded entirely by corporate sponsorship, public grants, and charitable donations. Please visit http://www.driversedge.org/ for more information.


Source: CarMax, Inc.

Index monitors the most popular transferred lease vehicles in America

LeaseTrader.com, the company that helps consumers transfer in and out of their car lease, announces its monthly Index for July, with the BMW 3 Series regaining the top spot as America's most popular transferred lease vehicle.

"The BMW 3 Series is a true hot rod of compact sedans, with a comfortable ride and a roomy interior," said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. "It's perfect for people who want performance and luxury all in one package."

Car enthusiasts throughout the country are increasingly realizing that they have the option to transfer out of their lease, even with many more months remaining on their contract. The service is greatly benefiting the auto industry since it expedites the car shopping experience for millions of consumers nationwide.

Leasing provides consumers with the added benefit of getting more car for their money. As such, high performance luxury vehicles continue to dominate the top-10 list. What's more, consumers are enjoying the option to transfer in and out of their favorite vehicles before their lease contract expires.

Following are the top-ten most popular transferred lease vehicles in America during July, according to user activity on LeaseTrader.com:

1. BMW 328
2. Mercedes C230 Sport Sedan
3. BMW X3
4. Hummer H3
5 Mercedes CLK350
6. BMW X5
7. Cadillac Escalade
8. Infiniti G-35
9. Mercedes SL550
10. Land Rover Range Rover

About LeaseTrader.com

LeaseTrader.com is an innovative provider of auto lease transfers that easily and affordably matches people looking to transfer car leases. Available to users nationwide, the service helps to match individuals looking to get out of their car lease early, with people looking for short-term leases. Privately held and founded in 1998, LeaseTrader.com is headquartered in Miami.

For more information visit www.leasetrader.com

The nation’s top highway safety official today cautioned motorists that hot weather and under-inflated tires are a dangerous combination. Nicole Nason, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unveiled a public service announcement urging drivers to check tire pressure and tread-wear often but especially during the hot, summer months.

“Checking tires is particularly critical during the summer when roads are hot and families are putting a lot of miles on their cars with their vacation plans,” Nason said. “Overloaded vehicles, under-inflated tires, and hot weather can all combine to possibly turn a family vacation into a horrific nightmare.”

Recent NHTSA research shows that hot weather can also impact the tire aging process, particularly in warm climate states.

Nason said she hoped a new television ad will help encourage people to regularly check their tires for proper air pressure and monitor tread wear. The ad can be viewed at:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/multimedia/TV/HotTires.wmv.

“Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction and fuel economy of your vehicle,” Nason said. “Under inflated tires or worn down treads are a major cause of failure.”

Nason noted that few people take the time to check the condition of their tires, or whether the tire is properly inflated. A tire industry survey this year found 85 percent of drivers fail to properly check tire pressure. NHTSA estimates that crashes associated with tire problems take approximately 660 lives each year and injure 33,000 people.

For proper care of your tires and procedures to check the air pressure and treads please click on: www.safercar.gov

Source: NHTSA

Enhanced Agreements Better Serve Travelers

AAA announced the following companies as Preferred Lodging Partners for 2008-2010:

Best Western International
Global Hyatt Corporation
La Quinta
Marriott International
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

“AAA’s comprehensive review of top lodging companies was guided by our goal to provide member travelers with complete and reliable information and the most competitive rates across a broad spectrum of lodging choices,” said Rick Rinner, Executive Vice President, AAA Administration & Publishing. “We’re pleased to announce significantly deeper partnerships with proven companies that have demonstrated their commitment to strong member service and value.”

Preferred Lodging Partners leverage the strong recognition and trust associated with the AAA brand to reach the largest independent leisure travel segment. AAA’s 50 million members account for 36 percent of all U.S. lodging reservations, spending $38 billion annually on U.S. hotel stays. AAA’s print and online travel information database includes some 32,000 AAA Approved and Diamond rated lodgings.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 50 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

Visit AAA online at www.AAA.com

Strong Dependability Levels Can Elevate Residual Value and Purchase Price of Used Vehicles

Buick ties with Lexus to rank highest among nameplates in vehicle dependability -- marking the first time in 12 years that another brand ties with Lexus for the highest-rank position, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles, finds that Buick and Lexus tie for the top rank position with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Following in the top five rankings are Cadillac, Mercury and Honda, respectively.

"With three non-premium nameplates -- Buick, Honda and Mercury -- ranking within the top five, and particularly with Buick tying with Lexus for the top rank, consumers seeking a vehicle with strong dependability have good choices at various price levels," said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis for J.D. Power and Associates. "Consumers don't necessarily need to pay premium prices to obtain high quality and dependability."



Lexus garners five segment awards -- the most of any nameplate in 2007 -- for the GS 300/GS430, GX 470, LS 430, LX 470 and SC 430. Toyota follows with four segment awards for the RAV 4, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra. Ford, Honda and Oldsmobile each capture two awards. Ford models receiving awards are the Crown Victoria and Mustang (in a tie), while Honda earns awards for the Civic and S2000. Oldsmobile models receiving awards are the Bravada and Silhouette. Models by Buick, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Mazda and Scion each rank highest in one segment.

HUMMER is the most improved brand in the study, although it continues to rank below the industry average. HUMMER improves by 65 PP100 since 2006.

The study also finds that vehicle models with strong dependability may retain up to 15 percent more of their value after three years, which may increase their purchase prices when sold as used vehicles. In particular, vehicle models that demonstrate strong dependability lose their value less rapidly compared with vehicles that are not as dependable. With higher residual value, dependable vehicles may command higher purchase prices on the used-vehicle market. In addition, vehicles with higher retained value can be important assets to automakers and dealerships, which may be able to sell a dependable vehicle two to three times during its life cycle.

For example, the Scion xA -- which receives an award in the sub-compact car segment with a score of 207 PP100 -- maintains residual value averaging 71 percent, which is considerably higher than the industry average of 56 percent. After three years, the 2004 Scion xA may retain value up to $10,607 of its initial average transaction price of $14,939, compared with only $8,366 if the model's residual value rate matches only the industry average.

"Automakers may reap numerous benefits from producing dependable vehicles -- not only in higher residual values, decreased warranty costs and opportunities for remarketing their vehicles, but also in higher customer satisfaction and increased likelihood of customers recommending or purchasing newer dependable models," said Oddes. "This is why it is especially important for automakers to successfully launch new vehicle models with high initial quality and appeal -- models that perform well in these regards tend to exhibit particularly strong dependability later in their life cycle."

The study also finds that approximately 65 percent of vehicle owners experience one or more problems that require components to be replaced. Owners who have problems that require component replacements within the first three years of ownership are considerably less satisfied than owners who don't need to replace components. Satisfaction is decreased further if owners are required to replace a major component, such as a transmission, as well as if minor components, such as brake pads, need to be replaced frequently. Component failure and the accompanying decline in satisfaction can lead to decreased customer loyalty. Owners who experience component failure expect to keep their vehicle approximately one year less than do owners who experience problems but do not need to replace components.

"As owners experience vehicle problems -- particularly ones that require components to be replaced -- they are less likely to repurchase or recommend their current model," said Oddes. "Automakers can improve upon customer loyalty by working closely with their component suppliers to monitor quality, since failure of a component ultimately reflects upon the quality of the vehicle brand in the minds of consumers."

The 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 53,000 original owners of 2004 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded from January through April 2007.

Find more detailed findings on vehicle dependability as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing brand and segment dependability ratings at JDPower.com.


2007 Nameplate Ranking
Problems per 100 Vehicles

Buick - 145
Lexus - 145
Cadillac - 162
Mercury - 168
Honda - 169
Toyota - 178
BMW - 182
Lincoln - 182
Subaru - 192
Oldsmobile - 196
Jaguar - 197
Acura - 207
Mercedes-Benz - 212
Infiniti - 215
Industry Average - 216
Jeep - 219
Pontiac - 220
Scion - 220
Ford - 221
GMC - 222
Chevrolet - 226
Hyundai - 228
Mitsubishi - 228
Volvo - 230
Audi - 234
Dodge - 236
HUMMER - 242
MINI - 247
Chrysler - 249
Porsche - 252
Nissan - 274
Saturn - 274
Kia - 288
Mazda - 289
Volkswagen - 298
Saab - 319
Isuzu - 322
Suzuki - 324
Land Rover - 398

Top Three Models per Segment
Car Segments

Sub-Compact Car
Highest Ranked: Scion xA
Hyundai Accent
Chevrolet Aveo

Compact Car
Highest Ranked: Honda Civic
Toyota Prius
Toyota Corolla

Compact Sporty Car
Highest Ranked: Mazda Miata
Mitsubishi Lancer/Lancer Sportback
Toyota Celica

Midsize Sporty Car
Highest Ranked:
Chevrolet SSR (tie) / Ford Mustang (tie)
Toyota Solara

Midsize Car
Highest Ranked: Buick Century
Buick Regal
Mercury Sable

Large Car
Highest Ranked: Ford Crown Victoria
Mercury Grand Marquis
Buick Park Avenue

Compact Premium Sporty Car
Highest Ranked: Honda S2000
BMW Z4
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Entry Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Infiniti I35
Cadillac CTS
Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross

Midsize Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Lexus GS 300/GS 430
Acura RL
Lexus ES 330

Large Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Lexus LS 430
Lincoln Town Car
Cadillac DeVille

Premium Sporty Car
Highest Ranked: Lexus SC 430
Ford Thunderbird
Chevrolet Corvette

NOTE: Models with multiple trim levels are combined for ranking purposes.

Top Three Models per Segment
Truck / Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) Segments

Compact MAV
Highest Ranked: Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Honda Element

Midsize MAV
Highest Ranked: Oldsmobile Bravada
Buick Rainier
Toyota 4Runner

Large MAV
Highest Ranked: Toyota Sequoia
GMC Yukon
Chevrolet Suburban

Large Pickup
Highest Ranked: Toyota Tundra
Ford F-150 Heritage/F-150 Lightning
Ford F-150 LD

Midsize Pickup
Highest Ranked: Toyota Tacoma
Ford Ranger
Mazda B-Series

Van
Highest Ranked: Oldsmobile Silhouette
Mercury Monterey
Honda Odyssey

Midsize Premium MAV
Highest Ranked: Lexus GX 470
Lexus RX 300
Infiniti FX-Series

Large Premium MAV
Highest Ranked: Lexus LX 470
Toyota Land Cruiser
Cadillac Escalade EXT

NOTE: Models with multiple trim levels are combined for ranking purposes.


About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2006 were $6.3 billion.

Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate

Source: J.D. Power and Associates

Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, released a six-part series on senior driving titled "What Should We Do About Grandma's Driving?"

Officials estimate that the senior driving population was responsible for approximately 11 percent of fatal crashes in 2006. That number is expected to rise to approximately 25 percent by 2030 when the entire "Baby Boomer" generation has entered senior status.



Edmunds.com's series provides practical, sensitive guidance for families with aging drivers. The articles also explain how automakers, health organizations and state traffic officials are meeting the growing needs of seniors on our nation's roads.

"Many elderly drivers inevitably become risk factors on the road due to fading vision, diminishing physical and cognitive abilities and other health issues," said Joanne Helperin, senior features editor for the Women & Family Guide and Car Safety Guide on Edmunds.com. "Families will appreciate learning that there are a lot of techniques and technologies that can be used to help seniors driver safer, longer."

Edmunds.com's six-part senior driving series consists of the following articles:

1. What Should We Do About Grandma's Driving?
2. Aging Drivers: Intersections are Danger Zones
3. How to Improve Seniors' Driving Skills
4. Designing Better Cars For Senior Drivers
5. When It's Time to Hang Up the Keys
6. Florida Paves the Way for Senior Drivers


For additional senior-driving and car safety stories, please visit Edmunds' Women & Family Car Guide and Edmunds' Car Safety Guide.

About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/)
Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site and home to the oldest and most established automotive community. AutoObserver.com launched in 2007 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

Source: Edmunds

Cars and trucks with storied pasts and bright futures, starring roles in blockbuster movies and personal connections to NASCAR racing champions are just a few of the reasons to visit all three GM exhibits at the Aug. 18 Woodward Dream Cruise.

For those who can't attend, GM will for the first time offer multimedia coverage of the Woodward Dream Cruise from links at www.gm.com beginning Aug. 16.

Chevrolet will take over the Birmingham Triangle with a presentation of more than 60 classic and tuner vehicles, including vintage cruisers from the personal collections of some of NASCAR's biggest names. There will also be a full-line display of the newest Chevy cars, trucks and SUVs, highlighted by the new Chevy Volt and Camaro Convertible concepts.



Located at the junction of Woodward and Old Woodward south of 15 Mile Road, the Chevy Triangle will offer visitors a chance to participate in interactive games, sample great food from local vendors and enjoy live music. The Chevy Racing Tour and the XM Ultimate listening Tour will also be on tap.

A mile south, the Athens Coney Island parking lot will take on a Hollywood flavor as four of the automotive stars of the blockbuster movie Transformers take the stage. They will be joined by the all-new 362-horsepower 2008 Pontiac G8 rear-wheel-drive sedan and the Holden Efijy retro cruiser concept from Australia that rocked the 2007 North American International Auto Show with its global cruising theme.

Located on the west side of Woodward south of 14 Mile Road, the GM Athens exhibit will also feature some of the cars that made Woodward a cruising icon, such as '57 Chevys, split window Corvettes and GTOs. GM Powertrain will display examples of the hardware that made the horsepower that put the muscle in muscle cars.

Another mile south at the Royal Oak Memorial Park is where GM Performance Division will display the Chevrolet SS and Cadillac V-Series models engineered for driving enthusiasts. They will be joined by some unique vehicles that you can't buy, such as a custom Chevy Silverado created by Performance Division for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and a 200 mph Ecotec 4-cylinder-powered "belly tank lakester" for the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Located just north of 13 Mile Road on the east side of Woodward, the GM Performance Division exhibit will have product specialists on hand to discuss technical features of all the vehicles on display. Also, Linda Vaughn, "The First Lady of Motorsports," will be signing autographs at the exhibit from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 18.

All three GM exhibit locations will be open Saturday, Aug. 18 - Chevy Triangle from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., GM Athens Coney Island from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Performance Division Memorial Park from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. In addition, the Performance Division exhibit will be open on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com

Edmunds Inc., publisher of four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders, today announced that veteran automotive journalist John O'Dell has joined its editorial team as Senior Editor. O'Dell reports to Editorial Director Kevin Smith and works in Edmunds' Santa Monica office.

O'Dell came to the position upon leaving the Los Angeles Times, where he served as reporter and occasional editor since 1980. His 35-year career as a journalist has been marked by numerous awards for professional excellence in writing, research and project development.



In his new role O'Dell is focusing on an area of great personal interest: the automotive industry's environmental efforts and undertakings. Using the existing Edmunds' Green Car Guide as a foundation, he will build the popular channel to meet growing interest in topics such as hybrid cars, alternative fuels, technological developments and gas-saving tips.

"John's reputation for quality journalism lends itself perfectly to our goal of providing the industry's most compelling 'green car' coverage," stated Kevin Smith, Editorial Director for Edmunds. "John has covered the auto industry for nearly a decade, and focused on politics, government, economics and consumer affairs before that, so he brings a great deal of topical expertise, creative ideas and valuable sources to the Edmunds Web sites."

"Much of the industry's research and development is now aimed at producing fuel savings, energy independence and environmental benefits, so there will be no shortage of reporting opportunities," said O'Dell. "I look forward to working with the team to cover this topic in a way that will best serve Edmunds' vast audience."

About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/)
Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site and home to the oldest and most established automotive community. AutoObserver.com launched in 2007 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

Source: Edmunds

Cars.com Announces Wallet-Friendly Wheels

Consumers searching for wallet-friendly wheels don't need to sacrifice safety, reliability and cabin comfort, according to Cars.com. Today, the site announced its list of the best late-model used cars shoppers can buy on a budget of $10,000.

A lot of people don't want to commit to five years of monthly payments for a brand-new car. With that in mind, Cars.com's experts crunched retail values for late-model used cars and factored in reliability ratings, safety equipment and crash-test scores. What began as a list of 215 contenders from 2002 models onward shrank to 40 finalists. To pare things further, criteria like gas mileage, cabin comfort and driving refinement were also taken into account. Finally, the team took a hard look at how many of these used cars had key safety features like side-impact airbags and antilock brakes installed.

"Whether it's a thrifty ride for a college student, a grocery-getter for the family or something for the daily commute, lots of shoppers seem to want the same thing: a late-model, low-mileage car that's reliable, safe and fuel-efficient," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen.

As always, Cars.com recommends having any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy.

These 10 cars top Cars.com's list of best used-cars for $10,000:

2005 Ford Focus
-- Why it made the list: The restyled 2005 Ford Focus offers nimble handling with few of the equipment recalls that beset the early-2000s original. With a manual transmission, the Ford ocus returns highway gas mileage in the 30s. Automatic versions drop into the high 20s. Frontal crash-test scores for the sedan are good, though we can't recommend the ZXW wagon, which hasn't been tested, or the ZX3 hatchback, whose side-impact scores give reason for concern. The sedan's optional antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags are well worth having, as this car's compact dimensions put it at a disadvantage in crashes. Nearly one-third of all '05 Focuses had ABS, while just 10 percent came with side airbags.
-- The numbers: Expect to pay around $10,500 for an entry-level ZX4 sedan with ABS, side airbags, a stick shift and 40,000 miles. Automatic transmissions add around $650. The Focus ST can cost upward of $13,000.

2003 Ford Taurus

-- Why it made the list: The Ford Taurus is a sound used-car choice for families and sensible for young drivers. Both the wagon and sedan offer generous cabin and luggage space, not to mention top reliability and crash-test scores. Most drivers will find the base engine underwhelming; choose a model with the Duratec V-6, signaled by a "24V" emblem near the fenders. It provides ample power and returns nearly the same low-20s overall gas mileage. Antilock brakes and side airbags were both optional; 85 percent of '03 Tauruses came with ABS, and around 11 percent had the extra airbags.
-- The numbers: With ABS and side airbags, a Ford Taurus sedan with 60,000 miles should cost between $8,000 and $12,000. Similarly equipped wagons range from $10,500 to $12,000. Expect to pay an extra $400 for the Duratec V-6.

2003 Mazda Protege
-- Why it made the list: Those wary of Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla homogeny should consider the Mazda Protege. It's a fun little car, with Mazda's trademark steering precision and affable styling that has yet to grow old. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is quicker than you would think, and highway gas mileage rates in the high 20s. The top, ES, trim level comes with stronger four-wheel-disc brakes, and ABS and side airbags are optional across the line. About one-fifth of all Proteges had both features. We like the Mazda Protege's respectable marks for safety and reliability, though we can't recommend the Protege5 hatchback, which hasn't been crash tested.
-- The numbers: With antilock brakes, side airbags and 60,000 miles, the no-frills DX trim should cost around $8,500 with a stick shift. The LX and ES models have more features and run between $9,500 and $10,500. Add around $600 if you want an automatic. The turbocharged Mazdaspeed Protege commands close to $15,000.

2003 Mercury Sable
-- Why it made the list: The Ford Taurus' upscale twin offers slightly better reliability ratings and the same stalwart crash-test scores. Factor in standard antilock brakes and available side airbags -- they were installed on nearly one-fifth of all '03 Sables -- and you have a solid commuter car. As with the Ford Taurus, the stronger Duratec V-6 is well worth the upgrade.
-- The numbers: With antilock brakes, side airbags and 60,000 miles, prices range from $9,000 to $11,500 for the Mercury Sable sedan; wagons should sell for $10,000 to $13,000. The uplevel Mercury Sable LS includes the Duratec V-6, which is unavailable in the base GS. An LS sedan light on luxury options can be had for around $10,000.

2002 Buick LeSabre
-- Why it made the list: The Buick LeSabre is a comfortable car for drivers young and old, and the '02 model came chock full of safety features: antilock brakes, side airbags and active head restraints were standard, and there was an optional electronic stability system -- a rare safety feature five years ago. Most models have a front bench seat, which expands capacity to six. Reliability and crash-test scores are impeccable, though the gas-conscious may want to consider something else, as GM's 3800 V-6 returns city mileage in the teens.
-- The numbers: With 70,000 miles, a Buick LeSabre Custom runs around $9,000. A well-appointed LeSabre Limited should cost about $12,000.

2002 Chevrolet Impala
-- Why it made the list: The Impala is Chevy's workaday sedan, and the 2000-05 iteration arguably boasted sharper styling than its anonymous successor. Either of the two V-6s provides adequate grunt. There's no four-cylinder, however, so overall gas mileage maxes out in the low-20s. All the same, the roomy cabin, good reliability ratings and even better crash-test scores make the Impala a sound choice for budget-minded families. Antilock brakes and a side-impact airbag for the driver were standard on the uplevel Impala LS and optional on the base model; overall, about a third of all '02 Chevy Impalas had the side airbag and nearly 60 percent had ABS.
-- The numbers: Expect to pay around $9,000 for a base Chevrolet Impala with 70,000 miles, antilock brakes and the driver's side airbag. A fully loaded Impala LS is about $11,500.

2002 Ford Windstar
-- Why it made the list: Minivan lovers can fill the Ford Windstar with up to seven people, and there are plenty of bells and whistles for those who want them -- from power-sliding doors and rear parking sensors to power front seats and heated leather upholstery. Lower trim levels are relatively inexpensive, and all models make the grade for reliability and safety. Antilock brakes were standard, and the optional side airbags came installed on around 17 percent of '02 models.
-- The numbers: A base Ford Windstar LX with 70,000 miles and side airbags should cost around $7,500. That's a steal, considering the standard ABS, air conditioning and power accessories. Better-equipped SE and SEL models run past $10,000, and a loaded Windstar Limited can cost upward of $15,000.

2002 Honda Accord
-- Why it made the list: The sixth generation, built from 1998 through 2002, delivered excellent reliability and respectable crash-test ratings. High-ticket safety options were widely incorporated: side airbags came on 46 percent of '02 Honda Accords, and ABS made its way into nearly 60 percent. Combine the stick shift and four-cylinder for highway gas mileage in the high 20s; it drops to the mid-20s with the V-6 and automatic.
-- The numbers: A base DX sedan with 70,000 miles, a manual transmission, ABS and side airbags should run just under $10,000; better-equipped LX and EX models will cost between $11,500 and $13,000. Cars with an automatic go for an extra $700 or so, and the V-6 can add $850 to $1,500. Expect to pay at least $12,000 for an Accord coupe.

2002 Honda Civic
-- Why it made the list: The Honda Civic combines thriftiness and refinement in a way few others can, making it an excellent choice for those who often drive solo. The pint-sized four-cylinder won't impress anyone with its performance, but it turns out highway gas mileage in the mid-30s. Crash-test scores are good, though reliability isn't quite as good as the Accord's. Pick the EX trim for standard antilock brakes. Given how the car's compact size would fare in a crash, look hard for a model with the optional side airbags. They made their way into about 15 percent of all '02 Civics, while ABS was included on more than 40 percent.
-- The numbers: With 70,000 miles, a basic DX sedan or coupe with side airbags, ABS and a stick shift should cost around $10,000. Better-equipped LX and EX models range from $11,000 to $12,000. Add about $550 if you want an automatic.

2002 Oldsmobile Aurora
-- Why it made the list: The Oldsmobile Aurora is proof you can buy a used luxury car for around $10,000. The restyled early-2000s model earns high marks for eliability and crashworthiness. Most examples should have all the luxury you need; leather upholstery, a power driver's seat and automatic climate control came on all models, as did antilock brakes and side airbags. Eight-cylinder Oldsmobile Auroras serve up potent passing power, along with a few more luxury features and an electronic stability system.
-- The numbers: With 70,000 miles, well-equipped V-6 models can be had for under $11,000. If you want the V-8 and a full host of luxury features, expect to pay $13,000 or more.



For more information about the best late model used-cars for $10,000, including information about Cars.com's recommendations for used SUVs and pick-up trucks on a budget, visit www.cars.com

About Cars.com

Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com (http://www.cars.com/) is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC) , Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) .

Source: Cars.com

- Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35
- 4 of 11 cars sustain more than $10,000 damage in 4 minor bumps

Bumpers, even those on expensive cars, don't resist damage in low-speed impacts. The Infiniti G35, the worst performer, sustained almost $14,000 damage in a series of 4 tests conducted at 3 and 6 mph by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Saab 9-3 was the best, sustaining $5,243 damage. Only 3 cars sustained less than $6,000 damage, while 4 would cost more than $10,000 to fix.

"The Infiniti was a disaster, and even the Saab sustained way too much damage in these low-speed impacts," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "There shouldn't be much or any damage in collisions at these speeds, especially to expensive and presumably well-made cars."

Why bumpers don't bump: The purpose of a bumper is to absorb the energy of a low-speed collision before it damages expensive-to-repair parts like fenders and hoods. But there are multiple problems, the first of which is that the bumpers on colliding vehicles often don't line up vertically so they don't engage to begin with. Even some that do line up don't stay engaged during an impact. Their aerodynamic styling may allow them to slide under the bumpers of the vehicles they strike. This means they can't do the job of energy absorption. Another problem is that the bars underneath bumper covers, which are supposed to do the main work of absorbing crash energy, often aren't up to it. They may not be big enough to provide much protection from damage, especially if they don't extend to vehicle corners, or they may be too flimsy to absorb much energy.

Something else driving high repair costs after minor bumps is the price of replacement parts to fix the damage. This is especially true of luxury cars, which are expensive not only to purchase but also to repair.

To assess and compare bumper performance in low-speed impacts, the Institute conducts a series of 4 low-speed tests — full front and rear into a barrier designed to mimic the front or back bumper on another vehicle plus front and rear corner impacts. The full-width impacts are conducted at 6 mph while the more demanding corner impacts are run at 3 mph.

These tests replace the 5 mph flat-barrier and pole tests the Institute conducted for decades to assess bumper performance. The new tests, which reflect years of development, more closely replicate the damage patterns in today's low-speed collisions between vehicles. The first set of results of the Institute's new tests involved inexpensive and moderately priced midsize cars, which sustained up to about $9,000 damage in the 4 tests.

"Luxury cars don't perform any better than cheaper cars," Nolan points out. "There's nothing luxurious about shelling out thousands of dollars to fix damage from a bump at a speed about like a brisk walk."

Make bumpers wider and taller: To do an effective job of managing crash energy, the bars underneath bumper covers have to be long enough to protect car bodies out to the front and rear corners. If a bar doesn't extend far enough, a minor corner impact is likely to cause lots of damage, even compromising lights and other safety-related parts. The headlight on 1 car the Institute recently tested was damaged so much that it wouldn't illuminate, and those on another 7 sustained lesser damage.

Bumpers also have to be tall enough to engage, and to stay engaged with, the bumpers on other vehicles in collisions, even during emergency braking. Otherwise the bumpers bypass each other when the vehicles collide, overriding and underriding so that crash energy goes right through and crumples the vehicle body.

The Mercedes-Benz C class is a good example. Its front bumper is mounted so low that it underrode the barrier in the Institute's front full-width test, escaping virtually unscathed. A little touch-up paint was all that was needed to repair the plastic bumper cover. What absorbed the energy of the impact was the C class's grille, hood, radiator, headlight, and air conditioning condenser, all of which were damaged. This is how the repair costs escalated to more than $5,000, the highest total sustained by any of the 11 cars in any single test.

"This is exactly what we don't want to see," Nolan says. "The car body took the hit."

On the other hand, the front bumper system on the C class includes a longer bar than on the other luxury cars. This reduced damage in the corner impact to less than $1,000, second best behind the Volvo S60's $543.

Flimsy bumpers fail: Even when bumpers engage in collisions without under- and overriding each other, the components may fail. Bumper bars may not be strong enough. Energy-absorbing materials (foam or something similar) may not be up to the job.

The Audi A4 was the best performer among the luxury cars in both front and rear full-width tests. Equipped with components that work like shock absorbers to dissipate crash energy before it can damage the car body, the A4 sustained less than $1,000 damage in each test.

"It isn't coincidental that the A4 is the only luxury car among the 11 we tested with this kind of absorbers, which usually outperform other methods of managing the energy of crashes. If the A4 had longer bumpers for protection in corner impacts, it probably would have been the best performer among this lot of cars instead of second to the Saab 9-3," Nolan says. A bonus of stroking energy absorbers is that they don't have to be replaced after every impact. They can absorb energy again in subsequent collisions.

Federal rules don't cover bumpers on minivans, pickups, or SUVs: The barrier the Institute uses to test bumpers is set 16 to 18 inches off the ground, in keeping with a federal rule that specifies a zone for car bumpers 16 to 20 inches from the ground. The idea is to ensure that car bumpers line up reasonably well so they engage each other in collisions, allowing them to absorb crash energy. But there's a problem in collisions with other vehicles because the rule that applies to cars doesn't cover minivans, pickup trucks, or SUVs. The bumpers on these vehicles often are much higher off the ground, failing to line up with those on cars.

For example, the bumper on the Infiniti G35 luxury car is much lower than the one on the Infiniti FX35. An Institute test involving these vehicles indicates that in a collision into the back of the SUV, the G35 would slide right under the bumper system, especially if the driver were braking hard, which would cause the front end of the car to dip.

"Infiniti equipped this car with a bumper that wouldn't prevent damage in a minor collision with the same company's SUV," Nolan points out. "This makes no sense, and it won't be solved by tinkering with the bumpers on cars alone. The federal rules have to be applied to minivans, pickups, and SUVs too. Only then will we start to see good bumper match-up in collisions at low speeds."

Sky-high parts prices: Even when bumper systems perform adequately to minimize damage in low-speed collisions, the damage that does occur still can empty a consumer's wallet because of the price of the parts needed to restore the vehicle. In the rear full-width test, for example, damage to the A4 was confined to the bumper cover. However, the cost of the cover alone approaches $600. Then it has to be attached to the car body and painted to match.

Headlights were damaged in 15 of the 22 frontal tests the Institute conducted, 8 corner impacts and 7 full-width ones. It cost $847 for the G35's replacement headlight and $1,046 for the one on the Lexus ES, not counting installation charges.

"If an automaker is going to charge this much for a headlight, it ought to do a better job of shielding such an expensive part from damage in a minor bump," Nolan points out.

Put luxury in bumpers too: It wouldn't take much for automakers to reduce the cost of repairing the damage that occurs in low-speed collisions. Nolan points to 3 main things automakers already know how to do and could be doing:

1. Make the bumper bars longer so they protect headlights and other critical and costly equipment at the corners of vehicles. The bars all could be as wide as those on the Volvo S60, which was the only car that limited damage in the front corner test to the bumper cover alone. The rest of the luxury cars sustained damage to fenders and other body parts.

2. Make bumpers taller so they engage the bumpers on higher riding SUVs and pickup trucks instead of underriding them, even during emergency braking.

3. Don't sacrifice function for style by mounting bumpers too close to the car body. This makes for a sleek look, but it doesn't leave much room for absorbing crash energy. Mount bumper bars farther out and use the available space under a bumper cover for energy absorption.

Without these design changes, "we can't say anything good about the bumpers on these luxury cars," Nolan concludes. "There's nothing exemplary about even the best performer, the Saab 9-3. It simply avoided racking up the most damage in any single test and ended up coming out the best of a mediocre lot."


Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute

- 70% of 2007 top 10 most popular cars on CarGurus are utility vehicles or sports cars. None of the top 10 exceed the minimum CAFE mileage guidelines
- Jeep Wrangler and Ford Mustang top the list, Prius only #15CAMBRIDGE, Mass.,

CarGurus (www.cargurus.com), a leading online automotive community, today announced its mid-year top 10 most popular car models as voted by consumers on CarGurus.com. Based on the quantity and quality of ratings received by each car on CarGurus, 2007 models were ranked by consumer popularity. Given the recent news on global warming and the need for greater fuel economy, it was surprising that 70% of the top 10 most popular cars were utility trucks or sports cars. Topping the popularity list was the Jeep Wrangler followed by the Ford Mustang.

Of additional interest was the fact that none of the top 10 cars had an average gas mileage that met the most recent 2004 Federal CAFE gas mileage standard (27.5 MPG for cars and 20.7 MPG for light trucks). The gas stingy Toyota Prius (avg MPG of 46) was only the 15th most popular car on the list. According to Automotive News, the best selling cars for the first half of 2007 mirror this gas mileage trend, with only 2 of the top 10 selling cars (the compact sedans Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic) beating the CAFE gas mileage requirements.

"U.S. online auto consumers love their sports cars and utility trucks," remarked Langley Steinert, Co-founder and CEO of CarGurus. "While online consumers understand the gas crisis intellectually, they just don't seem willing to part with the cargo space and performance offered by utility trucks and sports cars. The interesting challenge for auto manufacturers is to find a way to offer consumers the total package of cargo space, performance and improved gas mileage. For example, hybrid trucks and pure electric sports cars are interesting products on the horizon that might be able to bridge this gap of consumer needs and environmental realities."

Announcing the Top 10 Most Popular Cars for the First Half of 2007

Over the last 6 months with slightly under 1.5 Million unique Visitors, CarGurus collected the user ratings of all 2007 models. As of June 30, 2007, CarGurus tallied the number of ratings and the positive or negative nature of the ratings to create a mid-year overall popularity index of 2007 cars.

Below are the top 10 most popular cars as of June 30, 2007 as voted on by visitors to www.cargurus.com

  2007 Mid-Year
Most Popular Cars
Rank  Make/Model
1     Jeep       Wrangler
2     Ford       Mustang
3     Toyota     Camry
4     Honda      Accord
5     Toyota     Tundra
6     Honda      CR-V
7     Dodge      Charger
8     Ford       F-150
9     Chevrolet  Corvette
10    Ford       Focus

The "Wings+Wheels: Crawford Memories in Motion" exhibit sponsored by the 2008 Cleveland Auto Show presented by AutoTrader.com celebrates the legacy of Cleveland-industrialist Frederick C. Crawford (1891-1994) and the 140th anniversary of the Western Reserve Historical Society (1867-2007). The new exhibit opens Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007.



Visitors will experience new, exquisite galleries, educational and interactive displays highlighting cars, motorcycles, airplanes and artifacts -- and for the first time -- the Crawford collection will be enhanced by the exhibition of rare photographs and costumes from the Western Reserve Historical Society. A major highlight includes an interactive gallery dedicated to automotive-aviation entrepreneur and legend Frederick C. Crawford.

"The Wings and Wheels exhibit showcases the Western Reserve Historical Society collection in a way that has yet to be experienced," says Allan J. Unrein, Crawford Museum director. "What makes this exhibit truly unique is the public will choose the items that will be displayed, and it will include written narratives in their own words why it was selected."

"The exhibit also highlights the legacy of the museum's namesake, Frederick C. Crawford, who was recognized worldwide for his leadership in the automotive and aviation industries," said Gary S. Adams, WRHS chairman.

Purchase a WRHS Family Membership today!

With a family membership, admission is free to all WRHS exhibits - including Wings+Wheels - and seven of the historical sites. As an added benefit, when you join now through Feb. 29, 2008, you will also receive four free tickets to the 2008 Cleveland Auto Show presented by AutoTrader.com.

Exhibit Dates: Sept. 1, 2007 - March 2008

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12 - 5 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults $8.50; seniors $7.50; students $5; and members FREE

Location: Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: (216) 721-5722 Ext. 297

Website: www.wrhs.org


Source: Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics' last publication in 2001; there were over 42,000 crash fatalities, which is almost 1 death every 12 minutes. An estimate 500 of these people died while helplessly trapped inside their vehicles.

In case of car entrapment, there are devices that could save your life, the LifeHammer(R) "The Original Escape Tool" and the ResQMe(TM), the keychain version. They provide a real response to the growing demand for safety, and offer peace of mind to every motorist.

LifeHammer(R) provides quick and effective escape from an overturned, submerged, or disabled vehicle. Its precision steel points shatter side windows with one strike, and its well-protected, razor-sharp blade cuts easily through jammed seatbelts. Compact, easy to install, and always visible on the dashboard or console thanks to its luminescent pin, LifeHammer(R) presents a simple solution to a deadly problem: entrapment -- probably the most overlooked automobile safety risk in America today.

Inspired by the LifeHammer(R), ResQMe(TM) is a revolutionary hand-held rescue tool that is amazingly powerful despite its mini size. A fierce but absolutely safe center-punch breaks side windows, and a carefully concealed razor blade slices through a jammed seat belt to prevent vehicular entrapment.

LifeHammer(R) & ResQMe(TM) are proven lifesaving tools, and an important part of the effort to reduce road fatalities and injuries. "Both these must-have tools are a 'Gift for Life,' that could very well save one!" says Laurent Colasse, President of NOV8.

http://www.carescapetools.com/

The LifeHammer(R) is manufactured in the Netherlands and has a suggested retail price of $14.95 to $19.95. ResQMe(TM) is manufactured in the U.S. and has a suggested retail price of $9.95 to $14.95.

Source: LifeHammer

Automotive writer Jim Mateja, renowned for his work at the Chicago Tribune, will become a regular contributor to Cars.com's KickingTires blog, writing about industry issues, new models, trends and other issues.

"Jim has long been one of the most respected journalists in the business, and we are very excited to have someone with his credentials contributing to KickingTires," said Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen. "Cars.com has worked hard to build a complete editorial staff of automotive experts who provide consumers with the content they need to make a smart purchasing decision. We are delighted to have Jim working with us."



Jim Mateja started at the Chicago Tribune on the business copy desk in 1967 and became the paper's automotive writer in 1970. His first review was of a Ford Pinto, which ran in the Tribune in 1971. He holds a degree in education with a major in English from Western Illinois University.

In addition to covering the automotive beat, Mateja launched a Sunday Transportation section devoted to all things motorized.

Since its launch in June 2006, KickingTires has been a popular site covering the issues that matter most to new-car shoppers. Whether it's in the form of car reviews, tips on how to get the best deal or information about the latest automotive technologies, KickingTires aims to bring consumers the most up-to-date news and information to help them make the best decision when choosing a car.

Cars.com and KickingTires content is written by Cars.com's team of unbiased automotive journalists. Jim Mateja's reviews and other stories can be viewed on KickingTires at: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/jim_mateja/

About Cars.com

Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com (http://www.cars.com/) is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC (http://www.classifiedventures.com/), which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC) , Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) .

Source: Cars.com

LINE-X(R) Spray-On Bedliners in cooperation with DuPont Performance Coatings is announcing the increased availability of its latest innovation in serious protection: LINE-X XTRA(R), the only color composite coating fortified with DuPont(TM) Kevlar(R).

Available at select locations throughout company's network of more than 500 professional application centers in the United States and Canada, LINE-X continues to lead the marketplace with innovative products that customers demand by introducing a color coating specifically engineered for maximum fade resistance and superior gloss retention.

Initially introduced as color option for bedliners, LINE-X XTRA is now making the cross over from the truck bedliner industry into light industrial, fleet and commercial applications with the same enthusiastic consumer feedback. "Applying the most durable bedliner material, combined with DuPont(TM) Kevlar(R) embedded composite urethane coating, that is now available in most OEM colors have made this industry first a very unique win for our clients," said John Q. Wesley, CEO of LINE-X Franchise Development Corporation.

LINE-X has been long respected as an industry leader when it comes to delivering unmatched durability for millions of truck owners. The company's newest product, LINE-X XTRA can be applied in any color, from your vehicle's factory-original paint code to contrasting shades for a personalized look.

In addition, LINE-X XTRA enhances the already high level of long-lasting protection provided by the company's traditional spray-on bedliners, according to DuPont test results.

"Several companies are now offering color bedliners, but LINE-X is the only one to join forces with DuPont and incorporate their legendary Kevlar(R) material," said Nelma FitzGerald, Vice President of Marketing for LINE-X. "This makes LINE-X XTRA the truly superior choice."

"XTRA is a truly unique product that is the result of LINE-X's innovation and DuPont's unparalleled quality. Engineered for maximum adhesion to the base material, the unique cross linking that occurs with our activator allows XTRA to experience a fusion to the warm base that ensures cohesion unlike any other coating in the bedliner industry. Providing an extensive color palette to LINE-X clients make this offering attractive over all other competitors. This LINE-X exclusive product will soon be offered in the international market," said Marcy Fernandez, DuPont National Account Manager.

Like all LINE-X bedliner applications, LINE-X XTRA:

-- Permanently bonds to the truck bed or other surface at the molecular level, providing a weathertight seal to protect against extreme heat, cold, moisture, abrasion and rust.
-- Has increased tensile strength rating, making it resistant to scratches, gouges and punctures.
-- Maintains LINE-X textured surface for that "factory installed" look, while reducing cargo slippage or shifting.
-- Is impervious to most chemicals including chlorine, bleach, gasoline or diesel fuel, and most household solvents.
-- Instantly molds to the precise contours of the pickup bed for no lost cargo space.
-- Enhances the resale value of any vehicle or product.



Every LINE-X bedliner application, which now number more than 2 million, is backed by a Nationwide Lifetime Limited Warranty against cracking, bubbling and flaking. LINE-X was first in the industry to offer such comprehensive customer protection.

Beyond the Bedliner

Like its standard coating, LINE-X expects XTRA to quickly become the preferred choice of protection for a wide variety of applications, especially among brands and products that have specific or 'signature' color themes.

"LINE-X is already used to protect and enhance numerous vehicle accessories, from grille guards and light bars to fender flares and extended tailgates," said Wesley. "Now, XTRA's unlimited color choice means customers will have the best of both worlds - serious protection and that factory or custom appearance."

Such applications include but are not limited to:

-- Agricultural equipment: tractors, utility vehicles and ATVs.
-- RVs and motor homes.
-- Trailers: boats, horses, personal watercraft and work equipment.
-- Marine applications: boat hulls, decks, ramps and cargo holds.
-- Sound system applications: speaker boxes, studio gear and sound stage equipment.
-- Farming: feed containers, storage tanks and silos.
-- Construction: non-skid flooring, decks, foundations, retaining walls and roofs.
-- Outdoor: Playground and park structures, ponds, dog runs and kennels.


About LINE-X

LINE-X is an industry leader in truck bed protection, offering specifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to the truck's bed and a wide range of other surfaces for unmatched durability. LINE-X products are also used in commercial, industrial, agricultural, military, marine and custom applications. LINE-X has more than 550 retail locations worldwide.

About DuPont

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

For more information and the name of a certified LINE-X XTRA store near you, call 800-831-3232 or visit http://www.linex.com/


Source: LINE-X

Lexus LS Edges Cadillac DTS for Top Overall Vehicle

PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and AutoPacific, the industry source for owner satisfaction rankings, today announced the results of their second annual Motorist Choice Awards for model year 2007, with Toyota and GM coming in as the big winners. Toyota scored winners in eight segments, including the overall winner, Lexus LS, while GM followed in second with five segment winners, including the Cadillac DTS and GMC Yukon XL.

The Motorist Choice Awards were designed by AutoPacific and IntelliChoice.com to recognize the vehicles that delivered both the highest customer satisfaction and the lowest cost of ownership. The awards take AutoPacific's owner satisfaction data from new car and truck buyers and combine those data with IntelliChoice.com's rating methodology to create a new kind of award that speaks to both the hearts and wallets of car buyers.

"This year's roster of winners earned their place by challenging vehicles often recognized for their quality and value," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "While Japanese manufacturers garnered a majority of the 25 vehicle segments, the 2007 Cadillac DTS checked in as the top overall large luxury car. GM also showed well by scoring top honors in both the large light-duty and heavy-duty truck segments with the Chevrolet Silverado."

"Those who monitor the industry closely are probably not surprised by the performance of the Cadillac DTS," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "Across all segments, the DTS came in a close second to the overall winner Lexus LS, and it was the top ranked vehicle overall in AutoPacific's recently announced Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. It's a car that can definitely challenge the other elite brands."

Peterson added that any vehicle scoring 700 or higher in the Motorist Choice Awards can be considered in the top tier of highly desirable cars or trucks. "There were 25 outstanding vehicles scoring 700 or better," said Peterson. "Some vehicles scored high but didn't make the list because they lost out to other high-scoring vehicles in their segment. These include the Lexus GS, Lincoln Town Car, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz GL450, Chevrolet Suburban, Lexus RX, Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Azera."

WINNERS

Aspirational Luxury Car Lexus IS
Compact Car -- Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
Compact Crossover SUV -- Chevrolet HHR
Compact Pickup -- Toyota Tacoma
Compact Sport Utility/ORV -- Toyota FJ Cruiser
Economy Car -- Honda Fit
Image Compact Car -- Volkswagen GTI
Large Car -- Toyota Avalon
Large HD Pickup -- Chevrolet Silverado HD
Large LD Pickup -- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Large Luxury Car -- Cadillac DTS
Large Sport Utility -- GMC Yukon XL
Luxury Crossover SUV -- Acura MDX
Luxury Mid-Size Car -- Nissan Maxima
Luxury Sport Utility -- Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Mid-Size Car -- Volkswagen Jetta
Mid-Size Crossover SUV -- Honda CR-V
Mid-Size Sport Utility -- Toyota 4Runner
Minivan -- Honda Odyssey
Premium Luxury Car -- Lexus LS
Premium Mid-Size Car -- Nissan Altima
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV -- Nissan Murano
Premium Sports Car -- Lexus SC
Sports Car -- Porsche Boxster
Sporty Car -- Scion tC

About IntelliChoice.com

Part of PRIMEDIA's Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (http://www.intellichoice.com/), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide.

About AutoPacific

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product- consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

Additional information can be found on AutoPacific's websites: http://www.autopacific.com/ and http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/

Source: AutoPacific

Group Demands the Next Step: Fix the Problem

ExxonMobil will put decals on its gasolne pumps in California and Arizona acknowledging that "hot fuel" may not deliver the full value of a gallon of gasoline, according to a report in the industry publication Oil Express. Exxon took the step to protect itself from class-action lawsuits that accuse marketers of defrauding drivers with "hot fuel," said the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.

FTCR said Exxon, the world's largest oil company, should have announced plans to fix the problem, which would have gained its brand market share and consumer confidence. Instead, said FTCR, the company is just fending off lawsuits and making drivers angrier.

"A cheap decal is like a tobacco pack warning," said Judy Dugan, research director of OilWatchdog.org and FTCR. "It may be Teflon against lawsuits, but it offers no protection to consumers. The cost of each decal may be less than the 50 cents a fill-up that consumers are paying for ghost gas," the lost energy of fuel sold at high temperatures."

The Oil Express report says the wording of the decal will be:

"This device dispenses motor fuel by volume measured in gallons. It does not adjust the volume for variations in the temperature of the fuel. The temperature of motor fuel affects the energy content of each gallon dispensed."

"The loss is perhaps 50 cents per hot tankful for individual motorists, and the collective loss to motorists in California alone is estimated at about $450 million a year in California," said Dugan. "Exxon can't evade its responsibility to sell gasoline fairly and honesty with a decal essentially saying 'Yeah, we rip you off and what are you going to do about it.'"

Exxon's action follows a similar decal warning ordered by refiner Tesoro at its California stations, including the small USA Petroleum chain and more than 250 Shell stations recently acquired by Tesoro. At the time, other companies denied that they would follow suit, said FTCR.

U.S. manufacturer Gilbarco already makes a gasoline pump nozzle that measures the temperature of gasoline as it leaves the pump, and it is widely used in Canada (where sellers benefit from lower gasoline temperatures). The head of the California Weights and Measures board has stated that the pump may be sold and used in California, but Gilbarco has declined to offer it for sale.

Gasoline is adjusted for temperature variations from the national standard of 60 degrees when it is sold by the refinery to distributors, and when it is sold again to retailers. At each stage, the buyer receives extra gasoline to make up for expansion and energy loss if the fuel is over 60 degrees. However, the fuel is sold without any temperature adjustment to motorists, causing an annual loss of $2.3 billion to drivers nationally. In California, the statewide average year-round temperature of gasoline is over 74 degrees, according to a federal study.

"Sales must be honest to be fair. Yet the industry from the refinery level on down cheats both motorists and taxpayers by pretending that fuel is 60 degrees in order to fatten their own profits," said Dugan.

The Oil Express article said Exxon would require the decal at its company-owned and franchised stations, and would "encourage" others that sell the Exxon brand to display the decal.

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) is California's leading nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization.

For more information, visit us on the web at: www.ConsumerWatchdog.org

Source: Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights

A recent analysis of data collected by law enforcement agencies across the State of Illinois as part of an effort to combat racial profiling demonstrates that police officers continue to request permission to search the automobiles of drivers of color far more often than white drivers. The report, prepared by the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety consistent with the Illinois Traffic Stop Statistics Act, concludes that three years after the General Assembly first mandated that law enforcement agencies collect and report data on the race of drivers stopped and searched by police, "consent searches remain problematic."

According to the report, of all traffic stops in Illinois during calendar year 2006, police officers asked a mere 0.68% of white drivers for "consent" to search their car once the stop was commenced, compared to 2.04% of all minority drivers. The report demonstrated that an African American driver was more than three times more likely to be the target of a request for a search than a majority driver. The numbers reported by the Illinois State Police highlight the problem: while only 0.5% of white drivers are the subject of consent searches, African Americans are searched by consent nearly twice as often and Hispanics are the subject of those searches four times as frequently.

Responding to the report, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today called on Governor Rod Blagojevich and the members of the Illinois General Assembly to either prohibit consent searches altogether, or require that police have reasonable suspicion as a precondition to request a search.

"Three years of data now have been reported in Illinois' efforts to stop the insidious practice of racial profiling," said Harvey M. Grossman, Legal Director of the ACLU of Illinois. "We now know -- beyond any doubt -- that minority drivers are targeted for humiliating, degrading roadside searches even though there is no evidence that they have broken any laws."

"Governor Blagojevich and leaders in the General Assembly now must act to move Illinois in line with the best practice in law enforcement today by either banning consent searches outright or requiring police to have reasonable suspicion as a precondition to a request for a consent search," added Grossman.

A consent search occurs when law enforcement officials lack probable cause or even reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is occurring, yet nonetheless asks a civilian for permission to search their vehicle or person. The vast majority of civilians consent to such a request. Data from the Illinois State Police indicates that the up to 95% of all persons consent to such searches. Consent searches long have been identified as an element in the practice of racial profiling.

"State police forces in California and New Jersey have ended the practice of conducting consent searches," said Grossman. "The Illinois General Assembly should examine this data and move quickly to bar the practice in our state."

The 2006 Annual Report of the Illinois Traffic Stops Statistics Study was issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2003, the legislation requires all law enforcement agencies in Illinois to collect data on all traffic stops during the calendar year.

The full report is available at http://www.dot.il.gov/

Source: American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois

Giving Rubberneckers Less to See Could Improve Safety

When a major traffic accident occurs on the Capital Beltway, vehicles in one direction come to a standstill while motorists in the opposite direction slow down for a good look. Area traffic officials face the daily struggle to clear away such incidents while notifying other road and emergency agencies so they can help warn motorists about of the incident.

Researchers in the civil engineering department at the A. James Clark School of Engineering have developed a new automated incident information sharing system for traffic control experts and emergency workers.

"The sooner emergency management officials arrive on-scene, notify the public, and return the road to normal operation, the fewer injuries, economic waste, pollution and headaches can be expected," said Michael Pack, laboratory director of the Clark School's Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory (CATT Lab) at the University of Maryland. "Accurate, timely information about traffic incidents helps transportation agencies to manage traffic and notify motorists sooner, so they can pick alternate routes."

This month, the four largest agencies in charge of traffic management and transportation in the Washington, D.C.-metro area for the first time will be able to electronically collaborate with each other real-time while resolving accidents and other travel-related emergencies on the area's roadways.

CATT engineers have completed the first phase of development of the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS), which will allow local agencies to easily share information about accidents, traffic, and other roadway incidents. It is an initiative of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination program and is funded by $1.9 million in federal money.

The interactive system features maps, lists and other innovative graphics that convey real-time incident information, including who is on the scene, who has been notified and is en route, weather conditions, video feeds, traffic sensor data, etc. This valuable information is integrated into the agencies' native incident management software systems and also presented on the web. Before RITIS existed, transportation and emergency management officials had to rely on phone calls and other human initiated systems to keep each other updated.

The Problem

The Washington Metropolitan Area is unique in that there are four major transportation agencies and countless emergency management groups (each with separate communication and data systems) that could respond to traffic incidents in and around the relatively small geographic region of the Capital Beltway.

Until now, there has been only very limited automated data sharing before, Pack said.

"Current procedures require that individuals remember to pick up the phone and call one another for notification purposes," Pack explained. "The burdens of dealing with multiple complex incidents, often involving serious personal injury, can make it difficult for even the most seasoned incident manager to notify and communicate with the many agencies critical to resolve a situation."

Statistics show that secondary crashes caused by rubberneckers craning to view other accidents account for 20 percent of all traffic incidents (not to mention further slowing traffic). The chance of a secondary crash occurring increases almost 3 percent for every minute the first accident remains a hazard, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"The sooner an agency is notified about an incident, the sooner the incident can be managed and resolved, which helps decrease the likelihood of additional incidents and delays," Pack said. "Quick notification also helps to alert the public who can then make better informed travel decisions."

The Solution

The RITIS system will automatically notify emergency management personnel of regional incident details, help to coordinate construction schedules, and supplement communications to help officials determine the most efficient way to deal with transportation crises as they arise.

Initial participants include the transportation departments of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., along with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration, and the Capital Wireless Information Net (CapWIN) system. Other local traffic management, transit, and emergency management agencies will be added to RITIS as time progresses.

"Timely notification of transportation incidents is particularly critical," Pack said. "The potential economic and social benefits of the RITIS system are enormous."

The system will be the foundation for an anticipated regional 511 phone system that will provide roadway status information to the traveling public.

More Information:
Center for Advanced Transportation Technology: http://www.catt.umd.edu/
CATT Laboratory: http://www.cattlab.umd.edu/
CapWIN: http://www.capwin.org/

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: http://www.civil.umd.edu/



Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering

Never Bean Done: Select Kum & Go Stations Celebrate 'Biodiesel Appreciation Day' on Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Even Willie Nelson hasn't come up with a biodiesel promotion this big -- 17 Kum & Go stations in more than a dozen Iowa communities will trim their price of B2 biodiesel by ten cents a gallon on Wednesday, July 18, from 8 a.m. until noon. Likely the single largest promotion for biodiesel fuel in the upper Midwest, the "Biodiesel Appreciation Day" event was hailed by environmentalists and politicians as another small step away from the nation's addiction to petroleum.

"While ethanol makes a lot of headlines, especially here in Iowa, biodiesel has become the sleeping giant of biofuels," said Jessica Zopf, environmental health coordinator for the American Lung Association of Iowa. "Iowa produces 225 million gallons of cleaner-burning biodiesel a year, which can significantly reduce harmful tailpipe emissions when used in higher concentrations. Buying a two percent blend biodiesel may be a small step, but it is a vital beginning on a path toward cleaner air, greener fuels and less dependence on petroleum."

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Kum & Go station at 3400 SE 14th Street in Des Moines, where Mayor Frank Cownie will honor the Des Moines-based Kum & Go company for their leadership in offering Clean Air Choice(TM) fuels like biodiesel and E85. The event is being sponsored by Kum & Go, the Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Clean Air Choice Team.

Select Kum & Go participating in Biodiesel Appreciation Day include:

* 2801 E. 13th, Ames
* 1950 Princeton Drive, Grimes
* 4510 Mortensen Road, Ames
* 715 Lang Creek Avenue, Grinnell
* 2108 Isaac Newton Drive, Ames
* 1116 E. Nevada St., Marshalltown
* 1920 White Birch, Ankeny
* 1453 Co. Highway G76, New Virginia
* 1825 N. Ankeny Road, Ankeny
* 5970 Morning Star Court, Pleasant Hill
* 101 E. Highway 92, Bevington
* 209 E. Main St., St. Charles
* 1725 NW 86th Street, Clive
* 4585 156th St., Urbandale
* 3400 SE 14th Street, Des Moines
* 5308 University, West Des Moines
* 801 N. 1st, Grimes

Source: American Lung Association of Iowa

- Auto Insurance First: Technology Lets Americans who Drive Less, Pay Less
- Leverages in-vehicle OnStar by GM technology to save up to 54% on premiums

Today, GMAC Insurance and OnStar announced the rollout of the Low-Mileage Discount program where Americans who drive less, pay less on their auto insurance. The opt-in program is the first of its kind leveraging state-of-the-art technology using OnStar to allow customers who drive fewer miles to benefit from substantial savings. Eligible active OnStar subscribers simply sign up to save on their premiums (up to 54%) if they drive less than 15,000 miles annually. Since the pilot program began, 10,000 participants have enrolled in the Low-Mileage Discount program.

Under the program, new customers receive an automatic 11% discount, as well as the GMAC Insurance OnStar Subscriber Discount, upon enrollment (existing customers receive a discount based on historical mileage). With the subscriber’s permission, the odometer reading from his or her monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email is forwarded to GMAC Insurance. Based on those readings, the company will decrease their premiums using discount tiers corresponding to miles driven. There is no additional reporting, downloading or monitoring required, and no additional data is gathered or used for any purpose other than to help manage transportation costs. Customers who drive more than 15,000 miles per year are not penalized. In fact, all OnStar customers receive a discount for simply having an active OnStar subscription.

“Customers who drive less should pay less, and this program allows customers to use technology already in their vehicles to give them the discounts they deserve,” said Gary Kusumi, president and CEO, GMAC Insurance. “Giving consumers the power of cost control is a welcome advance, especially as people manage their transportation costs more closely in the midst of fluctuating gas prices. The program also encourages people to limit unnecessary driving, helping the environment in the process.”

Robert Panczak of Schaumburg, IL, experienced the benefits of the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program first-hand as a participant in the program pilot. Panczak is savvy about the insurance industry and wanted to find a company that offered the best value for his needs. He had three cars in all, but one, a Saturn VUE equipped with OnStar, was driven very rarely and only for short trips. Since beginning the pilot program in March 2006, Panczak has saved $500 per year with the Low-Mileage Discount alone.

“Before switching to GMAC Insurance, my premiums were eating me alive,” Panczak said, “and since I didn’t use one car as often as the others, why should I pay the same amount in insurance? Now, I don’t have to.”

“We are bringing more value to the 2.8 million subscribers who receive monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics emails,” said Chet Huber, OnStar president. “Not only are we providing them with information about the health of key operating systems in their vehicles, we are helping them to save on their transportation costs as well.”

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is an industry-first service available only from GM, which collects valuable maintenance information on four of the vehicle’s key operating systems from hundreds of diagnostic checks and sends a personalized e-mail directly to the owner once a month.

The GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program is easy to initiate, with no effort from the customer beyond initial enrollment. There are no additional devices installed in the vehicle, and the only data that GMAC Insurance collects are miles driven on a monthly basis. Other low-mileage discount programs have met with customer resistance due to privacy concerns over the level of data collected.

Drivers can also opt to take advantage of enhanced accident support services. If a GMAC Insurance customer is involved in an collision, they can request the OnStar advisor to transfer them to a representative to initiate the claim and arrange for towing and rental car services, after responding to any emergency assistance needed.

Customers must enroll in OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics to be eligible for the GMAC Insurance Low Mileage Discount. Eligible OnStar subscribers can enroll in the opt-in service at no additional cost by simply pressing their blue OnStar button and asking to be enrolled, or by visiting the OnStar Web site ( www.onstar.com ). OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service can be activated on most 2004 model-year or newer OnStar-equipped GM vehicles that have GM’s Oil-Life System. The only information shared with GMAC Insurance for the Low-Mileage Discount is miles driven on a monthly basis.

OnStar will be standard on most GM retail cars, trucks and SUVs in the United States and Canada by the end of 2007. Currently, the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount is available in the following 34 states:

* Alabama
* Arizona
* Colorado
* Florida
* Idaho
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Kentucky
* Louisiana
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Montana
* Nebraska
* Nevada
* New Hampshire
* New Mexico
* New York
* Ohio
* Oklahoma
* Oregon
* Pennsylvania
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina
* South Dakota
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Utah
* Virginia
* Washington
* West Virginia
* Wisconsin

GMAC Insurance plans to extend availability to additional states in the next year.

Doing the Math: Specific Savings

Following is a breakdown of the discounts offered in the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program, including the OnStar Subscriber Discount:

Annual Mileage Average Total Savings*

0-2,500 - 54%
2,501-5,000 - 39%
5,001-7,500 - 34%
7,501-10,000 - 26%
10,001-12,500 - 18%
12,501-15,000 - 13%

* Average total savings include the Low-Mileage Discount and the OnStar Anti-Theft Discount combined. The LMD is full-policy savings at the vehicle level. The OnStar Subscriber Discount provides savings off of the Bodily Injury, Comprehensive and Property Damage coverages of the vehicle policy. Drivers who average fewer than 5,000 miles per year may receive even more than 35% in savings.

In addition to the Low-Mileage Discount program, GMAC Insurance offers even more discounts on auto insurance premiums for current GMAC Auto Finance and GMAC Mortgage customers; GM Cardmembers; GM/GMAC employees and retirees; active OnStar subscribers; customers with multiple GM vehicles; and customers who qualify as safe drivers. For more information on the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount Program and additional discounts for GM and GMAC Insurance products, and to find a local independent agent, call 1-800-GMAC-123, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com to receive a quote.

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC Financial Services. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers a variety of property and casualty products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, boat and commercial auto insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.