The iconic Kit-Cat(R) Klock will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with a special tour of Route 66 which will kick off from the Petersen Automotive Museum on Thursday, June 21st at 2:00 p.m.

Participants in the tour will be driving from Santa Monica to The Petersen Automotive Museum located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036, which will host an Open House featuring hundreds of Deuces and their owners to kick-off event registration. The world's largest Kit-Cat Klock (75 inches) will be on display, along with an impressive array of vintage autos, all part of the tour.

The press conference will also feature members of The Wave(R) Street Surfing Team who will give demonstrations of The Wave(R) -- an inline action board with two wheels that rotate 360-degrees -- and will be on tour as it crosses America this summer following the famous Route 66.

The "Kit-Cat and Friends Great All-American Road Show" commences on June 21st, and will include stops in Kingman and Flagstaff, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Springfield, Illinois, ending in Chicago on September 3rd. As the tour stops in participating communities all along the historic Route 66 it will feature the world's largest Kit-Cat Klock, a classic car show, local celebrities, food and entertainment all in celebration of a great American icon, the Kit-Cat Klock, and its 75th Anniversary.

The official website for the tour, http://www.gars66.com/ lists each community along the route and all activities for each venue.

Source: Street Surfing, LLC

It doesn't matter if the car you're driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is as "green" or environmentally friendly as possible, according to the Car Care Council.

By following five simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves money at the pump.

1. The first step is to keep your car properly tuned for optimum performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. A 21st Century tune-up for modern vehicles includes the following system checks: battery, charging and starting; engine mechanical; powertrain control (including onboard diagnostic checks); fuel; ignition; and emissions. A 21st Century tune-up can improve gas mileage by an average of four percent. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.

2. The second step is to regularly check and replace dirty air filters. An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a "rich" mixture -- too much gas being burned for the amount of air -- that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents a gallon.

3. The third step is have the spark plugs checked -- if they haven't already been checked as part of the tune-up -- and replaced if necessary. A vehicle can have four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles. This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.

4. The fourth step is to maintain the cooling system of your vehicle. A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as one or two mpg. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system's efficiency and reducing emissions.

5. The last step toward keeping a "green" car is to properly maintain and repair your car as outlined in the council's Car Care Guide. The guide helps drivers understand their car, the care it needs, and when it needs it and why. Single copies of the free guide may be ordered on the Car Care Council Web site.

In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, vehicles can be more fuel- efficient if tires are properly inflated and if drivers observe the speed limit, avoid aggressive driving and excessive idling, and adhere to an errand list to eliminate extra trips to the store for forgotten items.

Car Consumers Reveal Perceptions of New Vehicle Brands with Best Driving Performance

Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research today announce the results of the 'Driving Performance' portion of its consumer automotive perceptions research study, Brand Watch. According to the latest results, Toyota and BMW each claimed two number-one spots for best driving performance: Toyota takes the top spot in both the Minivan and Non-Luxury SUV segments, while BMW was singled out for top honors among Luxury SUVs and Luxury Sedans.

Domestic brands sweep the Truck segment when it comes to driving performance in Brand Watch, with Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge placing first, second and third, respectively. Domestic brands previously had been singled out as consumers' top picks for Interior and Exterior Styling in the Truck segment. Import brands dominate across most segments when it comes to driving performance, claiming the top three spots in every vehicle segment except trucks and also with the exception of Ford placing third among Non-Luxury SUVs. Porsche claimed the top spot in the Convertible/Sports Car segment, a category in which performance is the most desired characteristic.

Toyota, Honda, BMW and Mercedes-Benz each garnered three top-three finishes in various categories, displaying consumers' overall perception of those brands having the best driving performance. Nissan and Lexus garnered two top-three finishes each.

"BMW's top rankings in the Luxury Sedan and Luxury SUV segments demonstrate that it has a lock on performance characteristics in the luxury category according to new-car buyers, an instance where brand image and the consumer brand perception are in perfect alignment," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Meanwhile, pickups are the last bastion of domestic dominance and that dominance is strong with Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge sweeping the top three spots for performance with not an import in sight."


Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch Study: Driving Performance

Convertibles/Sports Cars Trucks Minivans

1. Porsche 1. Chevrolet 1. Toyota
2. Mercedes-Benz 2. GMC 2. Honda
3. BMW 3. Dodge 3. Nissan


Luxury SUVs Non-Luxury SUVs Luxury Sedan Non-Luxury Sedan

1. BMW 1. Toyota 1. BMW 1. Honda
2. Lexus 2. Honda 2. Mercedes-Benz 2. Toyota
3. Mercedes-Benz 3. Ford 3. Lexus 3. Nissan



"Perceptions are a key factor and drive car buyers' decisions as to which makes and models will be on their shopping list," said Rick Wainschel vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book. "This report can show manufacturers their relative position against other makes in specific vehicle segments, which strengths to emphasize and which weaknesses may need to be addressed."

Available to vehicle manufacturers and auto industry professionals, Brand Watch taps into active new-vehicle shoppers to determine their perceptions of automotive brands within specific automotive segments. Brand Watch delves into how each manufacturer's brand equity differs across vehicle segments, compares the relative standing of each make vs. competitive makes, and reveals the decision factors of car-buyers within each make and segment. Detailed demographic and psychographic information is also collected, reported and detailed throughout Brand Watch's comprehensive study which is available quarterly from Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research.


About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.


Source: Kelley Blue Book

A spanking new maroon Ford Escape Hybrid will make environmental history when it is formally unveiled as Chicago's first fleet based taxi at an outdoor birthday celebration, Thursday, June 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the Chicago Carriage Cab barn, 2617 South Wabash (enter into parking lot on 26th street). Cab driver Cheikh "Bamba" Dione, 49, the lucky cabbie chosen to drive the hybrid, is expected to save some $6,000 a year on fuel costs.

The unveiling ceremony highlights Chicago Carriage Cab's 4th anniversary celebration attended by CCC CEO Simon Garber, Ford representatives, local dignitaries and officials, and CCC cab drivers. Chicago Carriage Cab/Royal 3CCC is the city's largest taxi operator with a fleet of 840 taxis.

Photo opportunities:
-- The official unveiling by dignitaries and cab driver Cheikh "Bamba" Dione
-- Honoring David Hudson, 52, as Cab Driver of the Year. His handprint and signature will be put in wet cement as they are added to CCC's "Walk of Fame"
-- Classic Chicago blues will be performed by Piano C Red's Flat Foot Boogie Band. Red, a former CCC driver paralyzed by a robber's bullet, is still hospitalized and unable to attend.


Source: Chicago Carriage Cab/Royal 3CCC

West Virginia Division of Tourism Launches Video Contest as Part of Campaign

West Virginia Division of Tourism representatives today announced the launch of the West Virginia "Answer the Call" contest, giving visitors to the Mountain State the opportunity to submit videos of their vacations for a chance to win a new Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contest is a part of the state Division of Tourism's "West Virginia is Calling" marketing campaign.

"We're excited to showcase West Virginia as a premier tourist destination, and proud to have Toyota as a business partner and a sponsor of this contest," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin. "This is a great example of the strong business relationships we have fostered in West Virginia."

Toyota was selected by the West Virginia Division of Tourism as the "Answer the Call" contest's grand prize because one of Toyota's large North American manufacturing plants is based in Buffalo, W.Va.

Betty Carver, West Virginia Division of Tourism commissioner, said the goal of the "West Virginia is Calling" campaign and the "Answer the Call" contest is to increase awareness of the Mountain State as the premier destination for a weekend getaway from large urban centers in the surrounding states.

"West Virginia is the perfect solution for people looking for an escape from their everyday stressful lives," Carver said. "With time poverty at an all-time high, we believe it is even more important than ever for people to get away and experience all the Mountain State has to offer."

Those interested in participating in the contest can start capturing their experiences on video at any time and will be able to upload their videos to http://www.wviscalling.com/ beginning in mid-July. Visitors to the site also will be able to view the videos.

"We are looking for breathtaking views, exciting journeys, interesting dialogue and funny adventures caught on video," Carver explained.

Additional contests details, including video requirements, judging criteria, prizes and travel ideas are available by visiting http://www.wviscalling.com/

Source: West Virginia Division of Tourism

Regional Top 10 List Little Changed from 2005

Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, it seems that a rising economy slows all freeway lanes. Commute-period congestion on Bay Area freeways increased for the third straight year in 2006, according to the latest congestion-monitoring data released today by Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).

Driven by an expansion of the regional economy that spurred creation of an estimated 61,000 jobs in 2006 (source: state Employment Development Department), the daily number of vehicle hours of delay due to congestion in the nine-county region rose by 6 percent in 2006. This follows a 9 percent surge in 2005 and a 2 percent bump in 2004. Among the "Top 10" list of congestion hot spots, the morning commute on westbound Interstate 80 from Hercules to the Bay Bridge retained its longtime hold on the top spot in 2006, with an average 12,230 daily vehicle hours of delay.



"Beyond the continued rise in congestion, what really stands out is that the worst of the tie-ups are concentrated in a few familiar places," observed MTC Vice Chair and Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, noting that each of the freeway segments on the annual list of the Bay Area's top 10 traffic hot spots (see the press release section of the MTC Web site for chart) shared the same dubious distinction in 2005 as well. Beyond a shuffling of positions within the Top 10, the only change on the list is that the "reverse" commute westbound in the afternoon across the Bay Bridge into San Francisco moved into a tie for the No. 10 spot last year, after ranking No. 11 in 2005.

The 2006 congestion statistics are the first data to be released this year as part of the Bay Area Transportation: State of the System project spearheaded by MTC and Caltrans. This annual initiative tracks the performance of the region's transportation system and the condition of its facilities.

Regionwide, the congestion data show that on a typical weekday, vehicles spent about 143,900 hours in congested conditions (defined as average speeds below 35 miles per hour for 15 minutes or longer) on Bay Area freeways in 2006. While this marks a 6 percent increase over 2005 figures, it remains well below the 177,600 per day recorded in 2000 at the height of the region's technology-charged economic boom.

In addition to afternoon trips from the East Bay into San Francisco and the morning commute along Interstate 80 from Hercules to the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza (a segment that also carries traffic bound for eastbound Interstate 580 and southbound Interstate 880), the Bay Bridge and its approaches account for two more of the Bay Area's 10 worst congestion locations. These include the eastbound afternoon commute across the span (No. 8) and the afternoon approach on northbound 101 and eastbound Interstate 80 in San Francisco (No. 5).

Other familiar corridors on the most-congested list can be found along Interstate 580 in Alameda County. The afternoon drive from the Interstate 680 junction east to El Charro Road ranked No. 2 for the second straight year, and the morning drive westbound from Flynn Road at the top of the Altamont Pass to Airway Blvd. in Livermore came in third, as it did in 2005.

"The eastbound and westbound 580 commutes have ranked two and three on the list for several years in a row," noted Haggerty. "The good news is that help is on the way. Voters have spoken loud and clear -- most recently last November, when they overwhelmingly approved the Proposition 1B transportation infrastructure bond-that they want relief. The first commitments from that bond money already have been made, and the funds will help pay for improvements not just on 580 through the Tri-Valley but on chronically congested corridors around the Bay Area."

Caltrans District 4 Director and MTC Commissioner Bijan Sartipi explained that improvements are under way or on tap for each of the Bay Area's 10 most congested freeway segments. "The state infrastructure bond provided money for new carpool lanes in both directions of Interstate 580, for a high-tech integrated freeway management system along Interstate 80 between the Carquinez Bridge and the Bay Bridge, for widening State Route 4 through Antioch, and for an auxiliary lane along northbound U.S. 101 in San Rafael. Projects to widen U.S. 101 through central Marin County are well under way, and the Highway 4 carpool lane extensions that opened last summer have already resulted in a drop in congestion through Pittsburg. Construction will begin this fall on replacement of the Interstate 880/State Route 92 interchange in Hayward, work on the new west approach to the Bay Bridge is continuing on schedule, and the new east span of the Bay Bridge will be open to traffic in 2013."

At the county level, the biggest overall increase in freeway congestion in 2006 occurred in Alameda County, where daily vehicle hours of delay grew by 3,200 to 55,500. The biggest percentage increase came in Contra Costa County, where daily vehicle hours of delay jumped 12 percent, to 24,200 in 2006 from 21,600 the year before. Smaller percentage increases were registered in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties. Marin County showed a slight decline in congestion in 2006, and congestion figures for Solano County were unchanged from the prior year (see the press release section of the MTC Web site for chart).

MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Caltrans is responsible for the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the state highway system.

Source: MTC; Caltrans

Company Refuses to Bargain in Good Faith, Share Rising Costs with Workers

Members of the Teamsters and Machinists Unions walked off the job today in protest of Columbia Ford's refusal to help allay the rising costs of health care, passing on costs to their employees while not offering enough of a wage increase to offset the burden.

The 31 union members consist of workers from parts and lube departments and mechanics at the car dealership. The unions, who have been in negotiations with the company since April 25, have been met with nothing but resistance by Columbia Ford to even the idea of considering a different approach to the health care plan.



"We are not asking for the world here," said Brian King, Teamsters Local 58 business agent. Local 58 represents the 10 striking workers who work in parts and lube departments. "Our proposals have been reasonable but the company's offer amounts to less take-home pay for the workers who will be forced to nearly triple their monthly payments for health care."

Left with little recourse, the Teamsters Union voted for strike authorization after rejecting the company's final offer on May 30. The current contract expired on May 31. With increases in the health care already scheduled to take effect on July 1, the workers knew that if they didn't take a stand now the company would never listen.

"I have a family to think about," said Chuck Hurst, shop steward for the Teamster unit. "I am out on the line to ensure that their future is protected. It's a domino effect. If I have to take more money out of my paycheck for health care, that money isn't going to be there for other things like groceries, gasoline or clothes. We have been loyal employees and its time for this company to step up and recognize our dedication."

Source: Teamsters Local 58

'Keep It Cool' from 1-800 Radiator

As driving season shifts into high gear 1-800 Radiator, the nation's largest automotive parts distributor has released "keep it cool" tips for motorists taking the scenic route or traveling for business this summer.

"Experienced drivers know that summer heat can increase the risk of a breakdown in hot weather and clogged radiators, dirty auto cooling systems and faulty thermostats are some of the common problems that can ruin a road trip," says Mike Rippey, CEO of 1-800 Radiator.

HEATER CORE
Salt carried on ocean air or used in de-icing roads during winter months in some parts of the country, can impact on the radiator core. Check to ensure it isn't corroding and prone to leaking.

RADIATOR
Simply replace this essential part if it's overheating.

FLUSH
Tubes carrying coolant through the radiator can clog with rust, allowing destructive forces of too much heat into the engine. Flush the radiator to unclog any foreign particles.

THERMOSTAT
Check the thermostat to ensure it isn't stuck in one position, a common cause of engine overheating.

VISUAL INSPECTION
Small cracks in the rubber can lead to overheating down the road. Ensure that hoses are tight and fan belts have the proper amount of tension.

COOLANT
Ensure that the radiator is refilled with the manufacturer's recommended concentration of coolant.

WATER PUMP
A pressure test will identify any external leaks to the cooling system parts; including the radiator, water pump, engine coolant passages, radiator, heater hoses and heater core.

COOLING FAN
Ensure that cooling fan is engaging after the engine begins to heat.

About 1-800 RADIATOR
1-800 RADIATOR'S franchise locations are all owner operated by local entrepreneurs who live in the markets they serve. With more than 150 franchise locations nationwide, 1-800 Radiator provides retail and wholesale customers with radiators delivered to their doorstep in a matter of hours, at competitive pricing.

Its national auto parts distribution services are also offered through the online outlet, http://www.radiator.com/

Source: 1-800 Radiator

Reps. G.K. Butterfield, Anna Eshoo, Steven LaTourette, George Miller, James Moran Co-Sponsor Bill

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep. Towns were Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Steven LaTourette (R-OH), George Miller (D-CA), and James Moran (D-VA).

"These six members of Congress understand that American consumers should have a right to choose where they get their vehicles serviced and repaired," Kathleen Schmatz, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association president and CEO. "We want to thank each of them for taking the lead and supporting this very important piece of pro-consumer and pro-small business legislation. Right to repair ensures that car owners can continue to enjoy the convenience and affordability of having their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice whether it's their neighborhood repair shop or a franchised dealership."



The need for Right to Repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics which control nearly every vehicle function from safety and emissions to entertainment. Although these computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where they choose to obtain service for their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.

"This legislation is all about who owns the car owner's vehicle, the car owner or the car company," stated David Parde, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality. "Consumers spend thousands of dollars to purchase their vehicle and should not be told where they should obtain those repairs by the manufacturer," Parde commented.

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D- NY), would require car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide their to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements.

For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit http://www.righttorepair.org/

Source: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Responding to recent consumer complaints of tainted gasoline in eastern Pennsylvania, Auditor General Jack Wagner today called on the General Assembly to immediately require random testing of gasoline for quality.

Noting that Pennsylvania is one of only four states that does not test the octane rating of gasoline sold at retail outlets, Wagner said, "With gasoline prices at or near all-time highs at the start of the busy vacation season, the state must make sure that drivers are getting fuel with the proper octane rating, that's free of water, silt or other contaminants."



Wagner called on the General Assembly to approve House Bill 684 before it recesses for the summer. The bill would require the Department of Agriculture to begin random octane testing by July 1.

The Department of the Auditor General recommended in January that the Department of Agriculture begin octane testing. The recommendation came after Wagner issued an audit of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards, which is responsible for gas pump inspections. The audit found that 20 percent of the gas stations under state jurisdiction had at least one pump that had not been inspected for quantity distribution in more than a year, and that no pumps had been checked for octane since 1999.

Wagner said there have been at least five reported cases of tainted gasoline in eastern Pennsylvania in the past five months. According to the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for gas-pump inspections, there were two reported incidents of tainted gas in Montgomery County in April; two in Monroe County, in February and May; and one in Northampton County in January. In addition, a Scranton television station reported in May that two of three samples of premium gasoline that it collected from three different gas stations, in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties, were found to have lower octane ratings than their posted rating of 93.

"These may be isolated cases, or signs of a wider consumer concern, but we can't know for sure unless the state begins octane testing," Wagner said.

Under current law, the Department of Agriculture is required to annually inspect gas pumps under its jurisdiction. However, the law does not require octane testing. Wagner said that octane levels are becoming increasingly important because more vehicles are requiring premium fuel for their engines.

"Motorists have a right to know that the octane they are paying for is the octane they are receiving," said Ted Leonard, executive director of Pennsylvania AAA Federations, which supports testing of gasoline quality. "Moreover, bad gasoline has caused extensive vehicle damage."

In the Montgomery County cases, one involved a report of contaminated/cloudy gas and the other claimed water in the fuel. In Northampton County, a motorist complained that fuel contaminated with metal caused $1,000 in damage to his engine. In Monroe County, a motorist reported purchasing bad gas that caused the vehicle to shake.

"The commonwealth's failure to randomly test octane ratings raises legitimate concerns about whether Pennsylvania drivers are getting what they pay for, especially those who are purchasing fuel with higher octane ratings," Wagner said. "The General Assembly should protect consumers by requiring the Agriculture Department to begin testing immediately."

Wagner stated he is hoping the General Assembly passes the legislation by June 30, 2007, or prior to the summer recess.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General
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"New York Congressman Edolphus Towns (D) has again answered the call for help from the nation's motoring consumers and small business by re-introducing the badly needed 'Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, HR 2694' on June 12, 2007," stated David Parde, president, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

Known as The Right to Repair Act, it had its first-ever vote in May 2006, in the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, where it passed in a 14 to 13 vote. "Motoring consumers and small business can and should expect Congress to pass this pro-consumer, pro-safety, pro-environment, pro-competition bill," continued Parde.

Vehicles that are 1994 and newer (and some earlier models) are equipped with computers that control the repair information on systems such as: air bags, brakes, tire pressure, oil changes, steering mechanisms, climate control, check engine and dome lights, batteries, fuel injection, transmissions, and most electronics. The only "sure" way for motorists to have these systems and their "entire" vehicle repaired is to return to the car dealerships.

This "return to the car dealership" virtual monopoly has created a safety hazard for motorists who need immediate repairs but may not be near a car dealership, hurts all motoring consumers, especially low and fixed income, hurts the environment and shuts down competition which is necessary for a fully functioning free-market system.

Rep. Towns stated, "American consumers have every right to choose their mechanics and determine who will repair their vehicles and where those repairs will be done. It is my goal to ensure there is a mechanism in place that will allow everyone this opportunity."

Several states have stepped up to the plate and introduced their own versions of The Right to Repair Act. Although some states with the bills have already adjourned for the year, the active, still-in-session states remain committed to passing The Right to Repair Acts. They are: New York, where Rep. Edolphus Towns's son, Darrell, has reintroduced The Right to Repair Act into the state Assembly for the second time; New Jersey has two bills, sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Sens. Bernard Kenny and Joseph Kyrillos; Maine, sponsored by Sen. Dennis Damon; and Massachusetts, sponsored by Rep. Vincent Pedone, Martin Walsh and Sen. Mark Montigny.

"Motoring consumers are clamoring for affordable choices for their car repairs. After all, who owns their cars -- they or the car companies? We say, they do, and as such, they have the right to choose which repairs suit their needs and wallets. Consumers and small business applaud Rep. Edolphus Towns and the state legislators for stepping up to the plate," concluded Parde.

Source: Coalition for Auto Repair Equality
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Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.



To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org/

Source: Car Care Council

Experian's National Score Index further finds consumers in Wyoming have the highest average auto loan balance ($19,340) while consumers in Michigan have the lowest average auto loan balance ($11,455)
IRVINE, Calif., June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The average credit score for U.S. consumers with no late auto payments is nearly 100 points higher than for those who have at least one late payment, according to the latest National Score Index(R) study by Experian Consumer Direct(SM), the leading provider of online direct-to-consumer credit reports, scores and monitoring products.

The national average credit score for consumers with no late auto payments is 703, while the average score for consumers with at least one late payment is 605. The average credit score drops further to 580 when an auto payment is late by 90 days or more. For additional survey results, visit Experian's National Score Index Web site.



Texas had the lowest average credit score for those with at least one late auto payment at 592 and also had the highest monthly auto payment of $570. Conversely, consumers in New Hampshire had the highest average credit score for those with no late auto payments at 728 and an average monthly auto payment of $442.

The study also found that:

-- Nationwide, 12 percent of consumers have at least one late auto payment on file
-- The national average balance on an auto loan is $15,654
-- The average U.S. monthly auto payment is $495 28 percent of the U.S. population has at least one auto loan or lease on file


"An automobile can be one of the larger purchases consumers make over their lifetime and their credit score is one of the factors lenders use to determine the interest rate and loan terms," said Ty Taylor, president of Experian Consumer Direct. "Paying bills on time and spending within your means are cornerstones of effective credit management, which can have a positive impact on a consumer's credit score."

Experian Consumer Direct empowers consumers by offering products and information through Web sites to help them proactively manage their personal finances conveniently and securely online. Products include credit reports from all three national credit reporting companies, credit score reports that show the positive and negative factors that affect a consumer's credit score, and credit monitoring products that provide daily monitoring of their Experian credit report or all three national credit reports.

More information about Experian's National Score Index study plus additional credit data at the state and local levels can be found at http://www.nationalscoreindex.com/ (This study used Experian data as of March 2007).

About Experian's National Score Index

Experian's National Score Index study is based on a nationwide sampling of 3 million consumer credit files. Using the PLUS Score(R) model, the national average credit score for January 2007 was 673, for February it was 672, and for March it was 672. Experian's National Score Index Web site is updated monthly with the most recent Experian data on U.S. consumers' credit and is a powerful indicator of the nation's overall financial health. In addition to providing average credit scores for the nation, regions, states and local areas, the National Score Index monitors several other components of consumer credit behavior, including average debt, credit utilization, late payments and credit inquiries.

About Experian Consumer Direct

Experian Consumer Direct is part of Experian Interactive (SM) and a market leader for online credit reports, scores and monitoring products delivered directly to consumers through Web sites such as http://www.freecreditreport.com/

Among its products, the business provides consumers with instant access to their credit report and credit score, plus credit monitoring products that monitor all three national credit reports daily and include identity theft insurance and fraud resolution. Experian Consumer Direct has established integrated, co-branded partnerships with leading online financial destinations that provide consumers with a broad range of comprehensive online financial products and information essential to managing one's financial life.

For more information, visit http://www.experian.com/

About Experian

Experian(R) is a global leader in providing analytical and information services to organizations and consumers to help manage the risk and reward of commercial and financial decisions. Combining its unique information tools and deep understanding of individuals, markets and economies, Experian partners with organizations around the world to establish and strengthen customer relationships and provide their businesses with competitive advantage. For consumers, Experian delivers critical information that enables them to make financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence. Clients include organizations from financial services, retail and catalog, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, manufacturing, property and government sectors.

Experian Group Limited is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. It has corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Nottingham, UK. Experian employs approximately 13,500 people in 36 countries worldwide, supporting clients in more than 60 countries. Annual sales are $3.5 billion.

For more information, visit the Group's Web site at http://www.experiangroup.com/

Experian and the marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Pushes for Funding to Maintain, Replace Pennsylvania's Aging Bridges

As part of a statewide tour to highlight Pennsylvania's bridge needs and Governor Edward G. Rendell's proposed funding solutions, state Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., today visited a 44-year-old bridge that carries nearly 10,000 vehicles each day over Walnut Creek in Millcreek Township, Erie County.

The bridge, which carries Sterrettania Road over the creek, is one of thousands statewide that are considered by PennDOT to be structurally deficient, but funding to replace the span is not available.

"This important link is deteriorated to the point that heavy blocks of wood were added to help provide additional support," Biehler said. "While this fix is safe, it's all too clear that the bridge needs to be replaced. But the $5 million to do so is not available and the reality is that far too many bridges face similar problems all across the state."

PennDOT has the bridge on an accelerated inspection cycle, once every year instead of every two years.

In 2006, PennDOT invested an unprecedented $558 million in 867 bridge projects statewide with $133 million being spent on bridge preservation and the remaining $425 million devoted to rehabilitating and replacing structurally deficient bridges, including ones damaged by floods. Despite this record level of investment, Pennsylvania has the largest number of structurally deficient bridges in the nation -- nearly 6,000 statewide.

In the six-county, PennDOT District 1 area encompassing the counties of Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren, 375 of the 2,051 bridges on the state-maintained system are classified as structurally deficient. There are 48 weight-restricted bridges and four closed bridges in the district. A structurally deficient bridge is safe, but in need of costly repairs or replacement to bring it to current standards. Many bridges that are closed or weight-restricted today were originally classified as being structurally deficient.

"The time to commit to a transportation funding strategy is now; we can't wait any longer," Biehler said. "Residents right here in Erie County and all across Pennsylvania deserve to have the best multi-modal transportation system available and the funding needed to support it -- it's about improving our quality of life and keeping Pennsylvania connected to the global economy."

More information about Pennsylvania's transportation funding crisis is available online at http://www.rideonpa.org/

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Index monitors the most popular transferred lease vehicles in America
MIAMI, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- LeaseTrader.com, the company that helps consumers transfer their car lease to another individual anywhere in the country, announces its monthly Index, with the Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport Sedan topping the list in May.

Leasing remains popular because it offers people a way to drive the vehicles they want for less money compared to purchase. However, millions of drivers often want or need to exit their auto lease contract before it expires for a variety of life situations. And instead of facing exorbitant dealer fees for early lease termination (sometimes as much as $10,000), the company helps consumers easily transfer out in a matter of weeks.

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

1. Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport Sedan - The Mercedes-Benz C230 sport sedan comes with a powerful new V-6 engine, sculpted bodywork and dynamic 6-speed short-throw manual transmission.

2. BMW 325i - The quintessential sports sedan built with high performance and luxury in mind, it boasts a powerful 215 hp engine featuring Valvetronic technology.

3. Audi A4 - This exquisite vehicle illustrates Audi's new design philosophy with an ultra fresh, yet proactive approach to modern luxury.

4. Infinity G35 Coupe - Built with a powerful V-6 engine, the Infinity G35 Coupe distinguishes itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price.

5. Mercedes-Benz E-350 - The Mercedes-Benz E-350 features a sophisticated engine and transmission.

Rounding out the top ten are the following vehicles:
6. BMW Z4
7. BMW X3 SUV
8. Mercedes-Benz CLS-500
9. Land Rover Range Rover
10. Mercedes CLK350

About LeaseTrader.com

LeaseTrader.com is an innovative provider of automobile lease transfers that easily and affordably matches car buyers with owners wanting out of their leased vehicle. Available to users nationwide, the service helps to match individuals who are currently leasing vehicles and wish to terminate their vehicle lease obligation with individuals who are seeking short-term leases with attractive payments and no money down. Privately held and founded in 1998, LeaseTrader.com is headquartered in Miami.

For more information visit http://www.leasetrader.com/

Source: LeaseTrader.com

With the 2007 hurricane season upon us, OnStar by GM and the American Red Cross announce a partnership to provide disaster relief information and assistance to OnStar subscribers in or near disaster-affected areas. During a hurricane or other crisis event, OnStar will be able to quickly access the Red Cross online crisis services information to direct OnStar subscribers to open shelters, feeding sites, and other disaster services. While the information is available to the public through the Red Cross, subscribers to OnStar will be able to get the information without placing an additional call.

During a crisis many people are displaced by evacuations to unfamiliar areas. Using GPS locations, OnStar subscribers can obtain local and relevant crisis information. This partnership will allow OnStar to route subscribers to the nearest shelter with available space.

Through the Red Cross Safe and Well Website-accessible at www.redcross.org OnStar advisors can also help register subscribers so that their families and friends know that they are safe.

"The Red Cross is always looking for innovative ways to provide disaster information to more people in more places," said Rick Davis, Red Cross Director of Emergency Communications. "This partnership allows us to use the technological power and broad reach of OnStar to connect people who are affected by a disaster and who may be on the move to escape harm. We know this will be a useful and important tool for very large numbers of people as we enter the upcoming hurricane season."

"Our partnership with the American Red Cross allows us to offer more up-to-date crisis response information to our subscribers," said Scott Kubicki, Vice President, OnStar Subscriber Services. "Through OnStar Crisis Assist, we can help our subscribers navigate out of harm's way or summon help during an emergency. Before, during and after a disaster, any information that helps families manage crises quickly and safely, when every second counts, is information we want to provide through OnStar."

When severe weather, natural disaster, or other crisis events affect OnStar subscribers, OnStar Crisis Assist will allow subscribers in a designated crisis area to take advantage of all OnStar services regardless of the service plans they have at no additional charge. Subscribers who have in-vehicle, hands-free calling service can use it as an alternative means of staying connected if they are without power in their homes or cannot recharge their cell phone batteries.

OnStar's Crisis Assist capabilities also include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who will work to:

* Contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber's location, using OnStar's embedded cellular calling system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology, which pinpoint a subscriber's location when he or she contacts an advisor.

* Provide real time crisis information and centralized assistance for food, water, and hotel accommodations along with information on road closures, power outages, and weather updates.
* Share information on available shelters from the American Red Cross database and guide subscribers to these locations.
* Connect subscribers to loved ones, family and friends.
* List subscribers on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website.
* Inform appropriate public safety officials when a subscriber contacts OnStar about someone in need of emergency assistance.

The Red Cross began the Safe and Well site to serve as a way for those affected by a disaster to let loved ones know they are safe during an emergency. They can select from a list of standard messages, such as "I am currently at a shelter" or "Will make phone calls when able," to communicate with loved ones, letting them know of their well-being. Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as "safe and well." The results of a successful search will display a loved one's first name, last name, an "As of Date," and the selected message.

Preparation is the best defense in any kind of crisis. The American Red Cross and OnStar encourage subscribers to follow the U.S. government's recommendations for preparing for crisis situations.

For more information on preparedness, visit www.redcross.org

# # #

About OnStar by GM

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the world's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 50 2007 GM models and includes one year of complimentary services, and will one year of service will become standard on nearly all GM retail vehicles in the United States by the end of 2007. OnStar provides services to more than four million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. Turn-by-Turn Navigation is currently available to subscribers that have anti-lock braking systems and the latest generation of OnStar hardware.

More information about OnStar and all of its services can be found at www.onstar.com

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disaster, taught lifesaving skills to millions, and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Source: American Red Cross / OnStar Communications

Cars.com's New Channel Offers Car-Shopping Advice for Women, by Women

CHICAGO, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com today announced a new addition to its family of sites: Mother Proof. Launched in 2004 by mother and entrepreneur Kristin Varela, Mother Proof is dedicated to providing women -- particularly mothers -- with useful, entertaining new-car content created by women, for women. Motherproof.com will continue to operate as a separate website, and Cars.com will add Mother Proof as a featured channel to its site to offer female shoppers unbiased, practical new-car reviews and advice based on what's important to them as women and mothers.

"Cars.com recognized Mother Proof as the authority on women's car shopping and family car reviews, and we wanted to bring this unique perspective to our site visitors," said Patrick Olsen, managing editor of Cars.com. "The Mother Proof channel complements our existing resources, offering a key segment of car shoppers expert advice from mom-reviewers who have walked in their shoes and driven a car the same way they will."

As the fastest growing segment of automotive consumers, women purchase 53 percent of new cars and influence 85 percent of all car sales, yet their perspective has been underrepresented in traditional car reviews. Varela started Mother Proof after her own experience trying to find the right car for her growing family. She found that a short test drive and existing content didn't provide her with the information that was important to her. She wanted to know which vehicles were easiest to install child car seats and load children into, which ones had the most functional storage compartments and which ones were most comfortable for a woman to drive, but this information was not readily available. Today, Mother Proof fills the information void, providing vehicle recommendations from a woman's point of view.

"Since the launch of Mother Proof, we have raised the visibility of the female shopper and the issues that are important to this group of drivers," Varela said. "In addition to helping thousands of women and moms make vehicle decisions that are right for them and their families, we have helped to increase manufacturers' attention to the features and details that increase the safety, convenience and comfort of their automobiles for today's families. By joining Cars.com, we have an exciting opportunity to broaden the reach of Mother Proof, making our reviews and content more readily available to the millions of in-market car shoppers that visit Cars.com each month."

About Mother Proof:

Mother Proof(TM) (http://www.motherproof.com/) provides online car reviews and information aimed at the fastest growing segment of automotive consumers: women and mothers. The site was launched in 2004 by Kristin Varela, a young mother of two, when she was in need of a new car and couldn't find information that was important to her and her family. Now part of the Cars.com family, Mother Proof's team of mom-reviewers continues in a never-ending quest for the quintessential mom-mobile, searching for vehicles that make grocery shopping and preschool pickup just a little easier.

About Cars.com

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 the more than 9 million unique visitors who log on to the site each month the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. 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, www.Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (http://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

Car Dealer Inventory Management and Marketing Solution Now Online

Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, announces that KARPOWER, its long-standing vehicle inventory, pricing, management and marketing solution, has moved from a software-based CD-ROM to an easy-to-use, always available, Web enabled solution. KARPOWER Online(SM) can be accessed across the entire sales organization, offering dealer management system (DMS) polling, automated Web export capabilities, and necessary information and tools to value, manage, and market used vehicle inventory more efficiently and effectively. This new online version of KARPOWER is the culmination of enhancement requests received and implemented from top dealers across the country over the last several years.

KARPOWER Online's new DMS integration allows dealerships to easily input, manage and market their used vehicle inventory. In addition to having access to 21 years of regionally adjusted Kelley Blue Book Retail, Wholesale and Trade-In Values, KARPOWER Online offers a built-in VIN decoder in which dealers can quickly input and evaluate vehicles rather than individually keying in vehicle details. These two features allow inventory to be captured and more easily managed through KARPOWER Online.

The most popular feature in KARPOWER Online is the capability to customize and print Kelley Blue Book branded window stickers and buyer's guides for a single vehicle or a dealer's entire used-vehicle inventory. Kelley Blue Book window stickers allow dealers to display the Kelley Blue Book seal, consumer-trusted Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Price, and the dealer's reduced price on each vehicle. In 2006, more than three million used and certified vehicles were sold in the U.S. displaying Kelley Blue Book window stickers.

"Migrating to KARPOWER Online or ordering it new is simple and the price still remains $39 a month," said Mike Romano, vice president, Dealer Strategy, Kelley Blue Book. "With the over 10,000 dealers currently using KARPOWER to access Kelley Blue Book Trade-In, Wholesale and Retail values, we now offer dealers instant access to all of our values in one tool."

A new feature of KARPOWER Online is the Vehicle Fact Sheet. Once a vehicle's data is populated into KARPOWER Online, with a simple click vehicle details can be transformed into a one-page vehicle fact sheet used for further marketing of the vehicle on- and offline. Vehicle Fact Sheets are easily customized to display the dealership name, vehicle details, multiple photos and the Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as well as the dealer's asking price.

"Since migrating to KARPOWER Online we have been using the vehicle fact sheets as a sales tool on- and off-line, handing them to shoppers interested in the vehicle in addition to e-mailing the fact sheets to interested parties through our Internet department," said Jennifer Lees, used vehicle inventory manager of Polar Chevrolet in White Bear Lake, MN. "By allowing the shopper to take a fact sheet home with them, no detail of the vehicle is forgotten and we're finding that the more they look at the vehicle the more they want it. We are seeing more repeat business than before by giving them information to take home."

To further assist dealers in the online marketing of their used vehicle inventory, KARPOWER Online also offers the ability to automatically upload inventory each night, seven days a week to Web sites such as AutoTrader.com, kbb.com and Cars.com. KARPOWER Online allows up to 32 photos per vehicle to be stored within the program. Nightly exports help keep inventory accurate and current, facilitating a greater amount of vehicle sales online.

For more information and details on Kelley Blue Book's all-new KARPOWER Online, please visit http://www.karpower.com/ or to order, call 1-800-Blue-Book.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.

Source: Kelley Blue Book