Car Blog

Porsche Top Premium Brand, Ford Top Mainstream Brand, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Vehicle, Lincoln Navigator Top Truck

An “ideal” is defined as an excellent or perfect example. In the annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), announced today by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, owners rate their new 2008 model year cars and trucks by how closely they come to their ideal, as measured by 15 key vehicle attributes. The cars or trucks that owners would change the least are the most ideal.

The conclusion to be drawn from AutoPacific’s IVA results is that carmakers that best understand their customers create the vehicles that are ideal for their core buyers.

There are twenty-eight segment winners and overall winners for premium brands and mainstream brands.

The top-rated premium brand overall is Porsche, out-scoring Jaguar and Buick for the most ideal premium vehicle brand honors. The top-rated mainstream brand is Ford, out-scoring GMC for top mainstream brand results.

The top-rated vehicle (and top-rated car) is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Premium Luxury Car. The second and third top-rated cars are from Ford Motor Company — the Mercury Sable and the Ford Taurus, both in the Large Car category. The top-rated truck is the Lincoln Navigator, a Premium Luxury SUV, closely followed by the Ford Taurus X, a Large Crossover SUV, and the Ford Expedition EL, a Large SUV.

Ford Motor Company leads the industry with a total of fifteen segment winners (including three for Volvo). General Motors has six segment winners. Ford won no less than five sport utility vehicle categories with Expedition EL, Taurus X, Edge, Escape, and Lincoln Navigator.

Including eight ties, of the twenty-eight Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA) categories, American brands have twenty segment winners, European brands have nine, Japanese brands have six and Korean brands have two winners.

The top-rated product segment is Large Crossover SUV, confirming that Americans continue to value large, comfortable vehicles suitable for suburban driving and longer distance highway cruising, but without the fuel consumption of heavier, traditional SUVs.

  2008 Ideal Premium Brand: Porsche

2008 Ideal Mainstream Brand:  Ford

2008 Ideal Product Segment: Large Crossover SUV

Top-rated 2008 Ideal Vehicles:

Passenger Cars:
Premium Luxury Car                    Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Aspirational Luxury Car               Cadillac CTS/Volvo C70
Large Luxury Car                      Mercury Grand Marquis
Large Car                             Mercury Sable
Luxury Mid-Size Car                   Volvo S40
Premium Mid-Size Car                  Buick LaCrosse/Chevrolet Malibu
Mid-Size Car                          Ford Fusion
Image Compact Car                     Volvo C30
Compact Car                           Volkswagen Rabbit
Economy Car                           Nissan Versa
Premium Sports Car                    Porsche 911/Cayman/Boxster
Sports Car                            Mazda MX-5 Miata
Sporty Car                            Ford Mustang

Pickups, SUVs, and Minivans:
Large Light-Duty Pickup               Ford F-150/Chevrolet Silverado
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup               Ford Super Duty
Compact Pickup                        Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Luxury Sport Utility                  Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility                   Ford Expedition EL
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility        Chevrolet Trail Blazer/Toyota
4Runner/GMC Envoy
Mid-Size Sport Utility                Kia Sorento/Jeep Liberty
Compact SUV/Off-Road Vehicle          Suzuki Grand Vitara
Premium Luxury Crossover SUV          Audi Q7
Luxury Crossover SUV                  Buick Enclave
Large Crossover SUV                   Ford Taurus X
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV        Ford Edge
Mid-Size Crossover SUV                Ford Escape
Compact Crossover SUV                 Subaru Forester
Minivan                               Toyota Sienna/Hyundai Entourage

In addition to identifying segment winners, IVA also establishes numerical ideal vehicle ratings for virtually every passenger car and light truck in the United States market. This results from calculating owner input across 15 specific areas related to a vehicle’s attributes, including: exterior styling, exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, driver’s seat comfort, driver’s seat visibility, interior technology, interior lighting, power and acceleration, ease of getting in and out, interior storage compartments, ride, handling, safety features and tires and wheels.

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies for 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/. To weigh in with comments concerning these results, you can comment on the VehicleVoice blog site.

Source: AutoPacific, Inc.

Production milestone proves commitment to reducing harmful emissions

Emitec Inc. will produce its 100 millionth metal catalyst substrate for the worldwide market in June. This production milestone demonstrates Emitec’s commitment and expertise in exhaust aftertreatment and evaporative emissions technology.

Emitec’s METALIT(R), a metallic substrate, used in the catalytic converter components of exhaust emissions reduction systems, has been proven to show improvements in both performance and overall system cost when compared to the traditional ceramic catalytic converter based systems. The turbulent flow conditions created by the specific foil geometry forming the catalytic cells reduces size and cost of the exhaust gas purification system. This has been recognized by the gasoline engine manufacturers as well as the light duty, heavy duty and on/off highway diesel and gasoline engine manufacturers worldwide who are successfully applying Emitec’s technologies.

“We’re proud to have met the 100 million mark in our 22 years of operation,” explained Claus Bruestle, president, Emitec Inc. “Innovation in technology, research and development in products and production methods have helped Emitec become a world leader in emissions technology.”

With North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., Emitec produced approximately 20 percent of the 100 million metal catalyst substrates in its Fountain Inn, S.C. manufacturing facility over the past 10 years of its operation.

Source: Emitec Inc.

Web site: http://www.emitec.com/

Hybrid vehicles and $1 million to emphasize science education and promote environmental leadership

Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to foster environmental education through Toyota’s contribution of $1 million and three hybrid vehicles to America’s most visited national park. In support of raising environmental awareness, the donation will enhance and develop a variety of new science education initiatives for K-12 students, teachers and families to encourage careers in science and service-learning opportunities.

The donation, which was made through Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park’s non-profit fundraising partner, is part of Toyota’s $5 million contribution in support of five national parks and the National Park Foundation to enhance environmental leadership and educational programs at parks around the country.

“Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a shared goal in enhancing environmental education and advancing the understanding and conservation of the park’s natural resources,” said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota is proud to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its commitment to promoting science education and developing future environmental leaders.”

Through Toyota’s grant, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will develop a variety of science education opportunities to enhance its existing educational programs and introduce new specialized programming to promote careers in science. Plans geared toward youth programming encompass the implementation of new Junior Ranger programs such as “Let’s be a Scientist”, “Be a GPS Guru”, and “Even You Can Play the Hog Fiddle” (Appalachian music). The Kindergarten – 8th grade Parks as Classrooms program will be updated with fresh curriculum, tapping into new technologies in the form of podcasts and earthcaching. Additionally, the funding will support a new “Not-So-Junior Ranger” program for visitors, ages 13 and higher, along with in-park teacher and student enrichment workshops at the Park’s new Twin Creek’s Science and Education Center, the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in North Carolina and the partner-operated Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Tennessee. Besides the educational programs, funding will also support the addition of four temporary staff members to develop program enhancements and engage the public in new opportunities for science and environmental learning.

“Throughout the National Park Service, we have become concerned about research that shows a growing disconnect of the public, and especially younger Americans, from the natural environment,” said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “With its focus on our 6- to 12-year-old Junior Rangers, high school age students and the education community, we see Toyota’s grant as a powerful tool to help engage the next generation’s interest in science and the environment.”

Toyota selected Great Smoky Mountains National Park as its grant recipient for its environmental educational programs and dedication to developing environmental stewards.

“These donations reflect Toyota’s strong commitment to conservation and education, and we are very grateful for their support,” said Jim Hart, President of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “With people turning more of their attention to environmental concerns these days, the timing of Toyota’s support could not be better.”

Other national parks receiving Toyota funding include Everglades National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. A total of 23 vehicles will also be donated to the national parks.

Source: Toyota

Web site: http://www.toyota.com/

Helps Manufacturers Improve Collaboration, Manage Costs, and Reduce Time to Market

Plexus Systems, provider of Plexus Online on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise, announces the availability of fully integrated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) functionality. Manufacturers access comprehensive and integrated PLM capabilities in the Plexus Online Software as a Service (SaaS).

Plexus Online tightly integrates PLM functions into shop floor and quality modules, enabling a real-time, continuous feedback loop between engineering/design, manufacturing and quality. Manufacturers use integrated product data to easily move from product conception and design, to feasibility validation, optimized cost and performance, and product compliance.

As an example, when a Plexus Online manufacturing company receives product engineering specification changes, the updated specifications flow through shop floor, production, materials requirement planning, and other business process areas. This ensures that produced parts are in compliance and meet updated customer requirements. The end result is a streamlined product development process and reduced time to market.

“The manufacturing sector is under tremendous pressure to develop high- quality products quickly and cost-effectively,” notes Mark Symonds, CEO and President, Plexus Systems, Inc. “Few ERP solutions offer truly integrated PLM functionality. Plexus Online is unique in its integration of more than 350 modules spanning the areas of customer relations management, product lifecycle management, supply chain management, manufacturing execution system and enterprise resource planning.”

With Plexus Online, data is captured at the point of origin and processed in real-time, offering unparalleled visibility. Customer requirements along with development and change records flow seamlessly into production operations and financial reports. The entire manufacturing supply chain has ready access to real time data about product programs, and can better manage the complexities of launching new products, improve collaboration, and cut project and product costs.

Once a product goes into production, the inevitable engineering change requests follow. Plexus Online provides organizations with a “single source of truth” that allows the many stakeholder departments to manage running changes in a coordinated and efficient manner. As products reach the end of life, it is also important to effectively manage their “wind down” to avoid unnecessary product and tooling obsolescence.

Plexus Online, built on a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model, offers more than 350 functional modules, providing manufacturers instant access to vital information and management functions using a simple Web browser. The on- demand solution features product lifecycle management (PLM) functions such as program and change management, enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions such as accounting and finance modules, customer relationship management (CRM) features such as order entry and tracking, manufacturing execution systems (MES) functions such as production scheduling and machine integration and supply chain management (SCM) functions such as supplier quality and traceability.

About Plexus Systems, Inc.

Since 1995, Plexus Systems, Inc. (Auburn Hills, Mich.) has maintained a singular vision — to drive significant cost, quality and productivity improvements for manufacturers, from the shop floor to the top floor. Plexus Online(TM) is on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise. Plexus Systems originated as an internal solution at a manufacturing company, designed to resolve quality challenges, including production, distribution and global supply chains management issues. Today, Plexus Online enables businesses to manage accounting, financials, compliance and human resources and other critical priorities. Plexus Systems serves a global cross section of manufacturing industries (OEM and suppliers), particularly automotive, defense, medical device and aerospace companies. In 2006, Apax Partners (www.apax.com) made a strategic investment in Plexus Systems, joining the founding investment group as stakeholders in Plexus. For more information, visit www.plex.com .

Source: Plexus Systems, Inc.

Web site: http://www.plex.com/
http://www.apax.com/

3rd Annual Hybrid and Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Show Will Bring Consumers Solutions to High Fuel Costs

As consumers continue to see the effects of rising fuel costs in many aspects of their lives, often the most visible is in their transportation costs. They are frustrated with what they can do, and are looking for options to save money. Hybridfest 2008 will offer the largest selection of clean and sustainable vehicles all in one venue, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, biodiesel, electric, propane, compressed natural gas and other experimental vehicles. In addition to highlighting new and future vehicle options, Hybridfest 2008′s speaker lineup includes people who will share fuel-saving driving tips. Hybridfest 2008 visitors will learn how to save from 35 cents to $1 per gallon in fuel costs — or more — by adding fuel-efficient driving habits. Hybridfest 2008 is the one place for consumers to stop and look not only for a fuel-sipping new vehicle, but also for ways to save money with the one they currently drive.

After two years of growing crowds and nationwide publicity, Hybridfest continues to amaze the skeptics who thought that a grassroots event, organized by volunteers, and held in Madison, Wisconsin, would never succeed. The more than 12,000 people who visited Hybridfest 2007 would disagree. One of this nation’s largest events dedicated to clean and sustainable transportation will once again be held as part of the Dane County Fair, July 19-20, 2008. Free public admission to Hybridfest 2008 will be included with the purchase of every Dane County Fair ticket, and parking at the fair is free. Most Hybridfest events are scheduled for the air-conditioned comfort of the Alliant Energy Center.

This year’s show will include displays by manufacturers, dealers, environmental groups, vendors and exhibitors, as well as vehicle test drives. Toyota Motor Company, the world’s largest auto manufacturer and maker of more hybrid vehicles than any other, is proud to again be Hybridfest 2008′s Diamond Sponsor. Felix Kramer, founder of CalCars, will join a varied lineup of speakers on a wide assortment of topics including current and future vehicles, as well as various environmental, fuel-efficient driving and other technology issues.

Hybridfest 2008 will again be the “home” for hybrid owners from around North America. Owners travel from all across the country and Canada, many hypermiling to Madison, to meet, teach and learn with other hybrid and fuel-economy enthusiasts like themselves. Visitors will have the unique chance to see incredible vehicles in the Hybridfest Owners’ Vehicle Showcase, and to talk with the owners about their real-life driving experiences. Hybridfest 2008 will also feature the nation’s premier fuel economy competition, the MPG Challenge, which will again test some of the world’s best hypermilers to achieve the best fuel economy over an open-road course. Last year, MPG Challenge winners achieved from 60 to 168 MPG in various vehicle classes.

Hybridfest promotes awareness and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles and their positive environmental impact. Hybridfest also empowers drivers to improve their driving habits to achieve better fuel efficiency in whatever vehicle they currently drive. Hybridfest is run with volunteers and powered by Powers Productions, LLC.

Source: Hybridfest 2008

Web site: http://www.hybridfest.com/

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, a midsize luxury car, wins the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK award. Winners afford superior overall crash protection among the vehicles in their classes. To qualify, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. The new TSX improved in the side test from acceptable to good and in the rear test from poor to good, compared with the previous model.

“Criteria to win are tough because TOP SAFETY PICK is intended to drive continued improvements such as top crash test ratings and rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard equipment on the TSX,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results.”

“This is the third Acura and the eighth model from Honda to earn our top award,” Lund says. “Frontal crashworthiness has improved dramatically for all cars in recent years, but there still are significant differences in how vehicles perform in our side and rear tests.”

Huge improvements in protection for people in rear crashes: Seat/head restraints in the 2004-08 TSX were rated poor for occupant protection in rear crashes. Honda redesigned the seats in the 2009 TSX to earn a better rating, and when the Institute tested the new seat, it earned the highest rating of good.

“You don’t know what kind of crash you’re going to be in,” Lund says, “so it’s important to choose a vehicle that will protect you in all kinds of crashes.”

In 2007 the Institute made the criteria to earn TOP SAFETY PICK tougher by adding a requirement — winners must be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC). Known by different names and called vehicle stability assist on the TSX, ESC helps drivers maintain control in the worst situation — loss of control at high speed — by engaging automatically when it senses vehicle instability and helping to bring a vehicle back in the intended line of travel. ESC lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about half. It lowers the risk of a fatal rollover crash by as much as 80 percent.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Web Site: http://www.iihs.org/