plus 3, Chrome Systems Provides BMW USA with Competitive Comparison Tool for ... - Forbes

Chrome Systems Provides BMW USA with Competitive Comparison Tool for ... - Forbes
Consumer Reports Names Six New Top Pick Cars for 2010 - Search-Autoparts.com
CODA Automotive Selects goodness Mfg as Advertising Agency of Record ... - Big Hollywood
Army TACOM contracts for Bradley resets - United Press International

Chrome Systems Provides BMW USA with Competitive Comparison Tool for ... - Forbes

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 04:58 AM PST

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BusinessWire - Chrome(R) Systems Inc., a subsidiary of DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRAK) and an industry leader in managing automotive data, today announced that it is now providing a robust vehicle comparison web site shopping tool for the BMW USA web site.

In this implementation, Chrome successfully delivered its Chrome Construct web services solution and an intuitive new user interface design, significantly enhancing the automaker's web site and the consumer experience. Chrome Construct gives automakers access to unbiased, accurate and timely content about their vehicles and their competitors' vehicles, enabling them to create complete consumer-facing vehicle presentations. In consultation with Chrome, BMW tailored Chrome's off-the-shelf vehicle comparison service to highlight the features, specifications, and advantages of BMW vehicles in side-by-side comparisons.

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Chrome Construct enables visitors to the BMW web site to compare, save and email up to four vehicles at one time. With the addition of images from eVox Productions, consumers can also view side-by-side image comparisons of up to four vehicles simultaneously.

"In today's challenging market, automakers must deliver the comprehensive vehicle information that consumers are looking for if they want to drive sales," said Amit Maheshwari, general manager of DealerTrack Data Services. "Chrome's ability and willingness to support the implementation process allowed BMW to fully replace its previous vehicle comparison solution with an easy-to-use and robust tool, and to do it very quickly."

About Chrome (www.chrome.com)

Chrome provides vehicle content, software, technology and services to deliver complete enterprise solutions to all segments of the automotive retail industry. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration with the introduction of PC Carbook(R), and since 1986 has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome Systems Inc. is a subsidiary of DealerTrack Data Services, Inc., a DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. company (Nasdaq: TRAK).

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Statements in this press release regarding Chrome Construct, the benefits to BMW and all other statements in this release other than the recitation of historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of DealerTrack to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Factors that might cause such a difference include a successful implementation of Chrome Construct, the performance of the Chrome Construct web service, and other risks listed in DealerTrack's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including DealerTrack's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. These filings can be found on DealerTrack's website at www.dealertrack.com and the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and DealerTrack disclaims any obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances.

TRAK-G

SOURCE: Chrome(R) Systems Inc.

Chrome(R) Systems Inc. Sylvie Peterson, 503-693-6369 sylvie.peterson@chrome.com or RF|Binder Partners Anuj Baveja, 212-994-7552 anuj.baveja@rfbinder.com

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Consumer Reports Names Six New Top Pick Cars for 2010 - Search-Autoparts.com

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 03:58 PM PST

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PR Newswire

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 23

Mazda5, Cheverolet Traverse and Volkswagen GTI among the new additions

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports names six new models to its annual Top Picks car list for 2010. Comprised of nine different car brands, this year's list is the most diverse group of Top Picks in over a decade.

Findings from Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue, including the new Top Picks, were announced today at a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference in Washington, D.C.

The Mazda5, Nissan Altima, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen GTI, and Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L as Consumer Reports' selections for best models of the year based on performance, reliability, and safety.

"The diversity of this year's Top Picks reflect how competitive the industry has become," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor. "Today's car buyers have more choices than ever when looking for good all-around cars."

Consumer Reports' Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among the more than 280 vehicles Consumer Reports recently evaluated at its Auto Test Center; has average or better predicted reliability (based on the problems subscribers reported on more than 1.4 million vehicles in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey), and performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or insurance industry. In addition, each model must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature as standard equipment or as a readily available option. All of this year's Top Picks provide standard ESC and curtain air bags.

In recent years, Toyota and Honda models have had their share of spots among Consumer Reports Top Picks list. But the automotive landscape continues to grow more competitive. This year, the Nissan Altima managed to dethrone the Honda Accord as the Top Pick for Family Sedan—making it the first time since 1998 that a Honda model was not selected.

The Toyota Prius retains its position as the Top Pick for Green for the seventh consecutive year, while the Lexus LS460L returns as Consumer Reports pick for Best Overall vehicle. At the time of publication, sales of the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 had been halted and currently Consumer Reports has suspended its recommendation for both vehicles removing them from contention in the Small and Family SUV category.

"The competition is quite fierce, and often the difference between a Top Pick and a runner-up can be slim. We believe all of our Top Picks this year to be exceptional vehicles that excel in a number of areas," Paul added.

Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process. CR buys all its test cars anonymously from dealers. Other reviewers base their evaluations on press cars that are hand-picked by the automakers.

Here, by category, are the 2010 Top Picks.

SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Elantra SE ($18,695) made the Top Picks list for the third time this year. It is a solid, all-around car that's relatively comfortable, quiet, and roomy, and provides good fuel economy and plenty of features for the money. The SE comes with standard ESC, a critical safety feature that's absent on other small cars (including the lower-end Elantras).
FAMILY SEDAN: Nissan Altima. The Altima ($23,970 to $30,335) has been a Consumer Reports top-rated family sedan for a couple of years, but lacked easily available ESC. A 2010 freshening made it better and improved gas mileage and for the first time provides standard ESC in all trim lines. It offers an appealing balance of comfort and performance, while getting some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall in four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6. The cabin is roomy, well finished, and quiet. And the secure handling, comfortable ride, and spirited acceleration make the car enjoyable to drive.
SPORTY CAR: Volkswagen GTI. Freshened for 2010, the GTI ($27,504) is the sport version of the Volkswagen Golf (formerly called the Rabbit). The GTI is exhilarating to drive and easy to live with. It delivers the agile handling, spirited acceleration, and responsive steering of a true sports car, along with a decent ride, a well-finished interior, and the cargo-carrying practicality of a hatchback. Good fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is another plus, although premium fuel is required.
SMALL SUV:Subaru Forester. The Forester ($20,972 to $28,860) provides one of the most car-like driving experiences of any SUV. It combines agile handling with the most comfortable ride in its class. Passengers are treated to a spacious cabin, with a roomy rear seat and excellent visibility. The 2.5X provides an impressive 22 mpg overall with an automatic, 24 mpg with a manual. And the turbocharged 2.5XT delivers effortless acceleration and 20 mpg, but it takes premium fuel. The 2.5X has had excellent reliability, while the 2.5XT's is average.
BEST CAR OVERALL: Lexus LS 460L. The LS ($76,572) scored an outstanding 99 out of 100 in Consumer Reports road tests, making it the highest-rated vehicle. It provides a comfortable ride and luxurious driving environment, including a roomy, well-crafted and exceptionally quiet interior. It offers a plethora of electronic amenities, including an optional self-parking system. Yet, its controls are easy to use. Its efficient 380-hp V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, brisk acceleration and a relatively good 21 mpg overall. All-wheel drive and a hybrid version are available.
FAMILY SUV:Chevrolet Traverse The Traverse ($39,920) stands out as an impressive overall package with a quiet, spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to eight adults and leave room for cargo. It provides a pleasant ride, communicative steering, and responsive handling. The tested model returned 16 mpg overall, which is respectable for its size. Rear visibility isn't great, but small convex side mirrors and an optional rear-view camera help.
SPORT SEDAN: Infiniti G37. The G sedan ($37,225) tops this category for the fourth straight year. It is one of the highest-rated sedans tested, with a score of 95 out of 100. It provides agile handling, blistering acceleration, a refined powertrain, a fairly comfortable ride, and a high-quality, luxurious interior. The G37 is as inviting to drive on a twisty road as it is on the highway. But compromises include a snug cabin and small trunk. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Coupe and convertible versions are also available.
FAMILY HAULER:Mazda5. The Mazda5 microvan ($23,805) offers lots of practicality in a compact, affordable package. With three rows of seats and sliding rear side doors, it combines the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and stingy fuel economy—24 mpg overall—of a wagon. The interior is airy, with good fit and finish. It's fun to drive, with a nimble feel and a comfortable ride. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 improved its emergency handling. If you need more room, consider the Honda Odyssey minivan.
GREEN CAR:Toyota Prius. The Prius ($26,950) received a redesign for 2010 and leads this category for the seventh straight year. It's still the most fuel-efficient car in Consumer Reports' ratings, with 44 mpg overall. The Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a steady ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent reliability and crash-test results. The 2010 redesign also gave it a more solid feel and a dedicated EV mode that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds, an advantage in slow, congested traffic.
PICKUP TRUCK:Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado 1500 ($37,235) returns to the top of the list after a year off. The crew-cab 4WD model is a well-rounded pickup with a roomy cabin, generous payload capacity, decent ride quality, available full-time 4WD, and, on higher-end models, very good interior fit and finish. The GMC Sierra is a twin of the Silverado. Reliability has been average.

Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue goes on sale March 2 wherever magazines are sold. Free highlights from the issue will be available at www.ConsumerReports.org. Subscribers will be able to access all the stories and ratings from the issue.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

APRIL 2010

© Consumers Union 2010. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

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CODA Automotive Selects goodness Mfg as Advertising Agency of Record ... - Big Hollywood

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 10:55 AM PST

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- CODA Automotive, a California-based electric car and battery company, announced today the selection of goodness Mfg as its Agency of Record. Goodness Mfg's role will be to support the launch of the CODA all-electric car in late 2010 and CODA's on-going strategic and creative brand development. Responsibilities will include strategic planning, creative content development and production, media planning and buying, digital, social media and experiential marketing.

"Goodness Mfg is just as passionate about ending the dependence on oil as we are and preserving the environment for future generations," said Kevin Czinger, President and CEO, CODA Automotive. "We look forward to working together with goodness Mfg to show Americans that there is a fun, safe, and affordable way to accomplish these goals."

Goodness Mfg is known for creating powerful, emotional connections between brands and consumers, which made them a perfect match to help CODA jumpstart the electric car movement.

"There are many exciting challenges in accelerating the adoption of all-electric cars, and we are thrilled to have goodness Mfg along with us for the ride," said Kerri Martin, Chief Marketing Officer, CODA Automotive. "We chose goodness Mfg because of their strategic smarts, creative excellence and an understanding for the need to quickly adapt to the ever changing world, without being weighed down by traditional agency silos. Goodness Mfg's new agency model reflects the same innovative thinking as CODA's model of doing business differently in the auto industry."

As an American automotive company independent of the oil industry, CODA Automotive is leading the charge to accelerate the adoption of the electric car era by taking an unconventional and customer-centric marketing approach. Recognizing the inefficiencies of the traditional automotive business model and the opportunity for reinvention, CODA will sell directly to consumers and deliver a unique customer ownership experience in order to build a community of passionate electric car advocates.

Recently, goodness Mfg was acquired by Trailer Park, one of the largest integrated, digital production companies in North America, forming a new agency model that combines agency creative and services with production, all under one roof. This allows ideas and communication to get to market faster, which is critical as branding becomes more about the hundreds of micro-interactions with consumers versus just one campaign.

"We couldn't be happier or prouder to be teaming up with CODA to end dependence on oil and usher in a new era of electric cars," said Tom Adams, goodness Mfg Executive Creative Director. "To do good is a core tenet of goodness Mfg, and we couldn't think of a more perfect partner and perfect cause to do that with."

Work for CODA Automotive is expected to break this spring.

About CODA Automotive: Headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., CODA is working to reduce dependence on oil and leading the way to a cleaner future by building 100% electric cars and transportation battery systems. CODA is working in a smart, inter-dependent way with a number of leading global technology and manufacturing companies to quickly and efficiently bring electric drive technology to market and jump start the electric car movement. Through its exclusive transportation and electric utility storage battery joint venture with Lishen Power Battery, CODA is also a leading designer and large-scale manufacturer of power battery systems. The American engineered, globally built CODA all-electric car will be available to consumers in 2010.

About goodness Mfg: goodness Mfg, a Trailer Park Company, is a hybrid agency that combines award winning creative talent with one of the largest digital production studios in the country. Located in Los Angeles, Calif., the agency is housed within a 65,000 sq ft production studio with over 300 full-time employees. Most recently, gMfg received extensive praise for its launch campaign and website for Google's Nexus One phone. Additional clients include Lucas Arts, Pearl Izumi, New Line Cinema, Netflix, and American Cancer Society.

SOURCE CODA Automotive

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Army TACOM contracts for Bradley resets - United Press International

Posted: 24 Feb 2010 09:30 AM PST

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YORK, Pa., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted BAE Systems to support the restoration of Bradley tactical vehicles to pre-combat operational readiness.

British company BAE received the award from the Army Tank-Automotive Command, Life Cycle Management Command. Under the $74 million contract, BAE will procure long-lead material kits to support a rebuild of Bradley vehicles damaged in combat zones.

BAE says the new contract will fund the purchase of 101 kits to reset and upgrade Bradley Operation Desert Storm Situational Awareness vehicles to a pre-combat readiness.

"The restoration of the Bradley sustains its life and provides a reliable and efficient vehicle for our war fighters as they complete their missions," Joe McCarthy, BAE Systems Heavy Brigade Combat Team System vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

"The procurement of these essential parts will help to ensure that we provide the best possible modernized vehicle to our customer."

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