This year’s list actually has an emphasis on personality, and many of the models features that we probably thought were outlandish..but now we’re accepting most of those features as being “cool”.

KBB says that “for 2009, three vehicles - Kia Soul, Nissan cube and smart fortwo - are all-new to the ‘Coolest Cars’ list, and two of this year’s repeat winners - Honda Fit and MAZDA3 - have undergone redesigns. The MAZDA3 is the only model that can boast about being named a Coolest New Car Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com for six years in a row, which also is every year since the car’s inception. A worldly bunch, the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list includes vehicles from companies based in the United States, Japan, Korea and Germany.”

They go on to say that they chose cars using the same set of criteria that we do: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor.

The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.

Here’s the list of the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:

2009 Ford Focus
2009 Honda Fit
2010 Kia Soul
2010 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport
2009 Nissan Cube
2009 Scion xB
2009 Smart Fortwo
2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
2009 Suzuki SX4
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S

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Chrysler posts best retail sales month of 2009
Chrysler LLC reported May U.S. total sales of 79,010 units, representing the best retail sales month of 2009 and a retail performance that was better than the industry average. Compared to May 2008, retail sales decreased 30 percent. During the month of May, Chrysler LLC did not produce any vehicles for fleet sales which resulted in a fleet sales reduction of 90 percent year-over-year for the same period.

Volkswagen Reports May 2009 Sales
Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported May 2009 sales of 19,568 units, a 12.4 percent decrease over May 2008. Volkswagen of America’s volume model, the Jetta, posted its best sales month since August of 2008 with sales of 8,992 units. The Jetta SportWagen posted its best sales month since its launch last year with sales of 1,605 units. Volkswagen’s award winning clean diesel models also posted their best sales month since their launch last year with 3,862 units sold.

BMW Group U.S. Division Reports May 2009 Sales
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 22,993 vehicles, a decrease of 27.7 percent from the 31,781 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 93,599 vehicles, down 29 percent, compared to 131,758 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

Hyundai Motor America Reports May 2009 Sales
Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 36,937 vehicles in May, a nine percent increase over April and a 20 percent decline versus a record-setting May 2008. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

  CARLINE         MAY/2008     MAY/2009     CY/2008    CY/2009
  -------         --------     --------     -------     ------
  ACCENT           6,941        5,877       21,270      24,789
  SONATA          13,620       11,059       49,052      48,531
  ELANTRA         13,645        6,932       47,496      33,411
  TIBURON          1,023        1,640        3,988       7,903
  SANTA FE         6,604        6,486       31,547      26,325
  AZERA            1,221          346        9,698       1,638
  TUCSON           2,049        1,346        9,783       6,452
  ENTOURAGE          491          129        2,533       3,300
  VERACRUZ           821        1,043        5,666       6,294
  GENESIS              0        2,079            0       8,100
  TOTAL           46,415       36,937      181,033     166,743

Nissan North America Announces May Sales
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for March of 67,489 units versus 100,874 units a year ago, a decrease of 33.1 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 32.5 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 38.1 percent.

American Honda Reports May Sales
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted May total vehicle sales of 98,344, a decline of 39.2 percent compared to all-time record-setting May 2008 results. Year-to-date sales of 430,358 represent a 33.3 percent decrease on a daily-selling-rate basis* compared to last year. Honda Division posted May sales of 88,875, a decline of 39.7 percent versus May 2008. The all-new Insight hybrid posted sales of 2,780, helping drive an increase in total Honda hybrid sales of 7.5 percent.

Acura Announces May Sales Results
The all-new for 2009 Acura TL remained as Acura’s top selling model for May with sales of 3,375 units, down 18.4 percent compared to May 2008 sales based on the Daily Selling Rate*. Total Acura sales for May were 9,469, down 34.0 percent versus last year. Acura year-to-date** sales are 42,802 units, down 33.6 percent versus 2008 sales.

Mazda Reports May 2009 Sales
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported May 2009 sales of 16,718, down 40.1 percent versus May of 2008, and down 37.9 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. Overall, total yearly sales are reported at 86,652, down 33.0 percent compared to 2008, or 32.0 percent on a DSR basis.

Mercedes-Benz Reports May Sales of 15,134
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported May sales of 15,134 vehicles, a decline of 30.5 percent compared to May 2008. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and M-Class with sales of 4,842, 2,275, and 2,021 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 69,933 new vehicles, a decrease of 29.9 percent over the comparable period last year.

Daimler AG Reports a 33 Percent Decrease for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for May 2009
Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 16,303 units in the U.S. for May 2009. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported May sales of 15,134 vehicles, a decline of 30.5 percent compared to May 2008. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and M-Class with sales of 4,842, 2,275, and 2,021 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 69,933 new vehicles, a decrease of 29.9 percent over the comparable period last year.

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Subaru of America, Inc. has officially announced the pricing for the 2010 Subaru Outback. This new version of the Subaru Outback is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic(TM) CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The price of the 2010 Subaru Outback starts at $22,995. The 2010 Subaru Outback is the roomiest Subaru Outback ever. The 2010 Subaru Outback has new levels of comfort, and is quieter than ever.

The 2010 Subaru Outback has a new 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions on the Subaru Outback 2.5i models. The new 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R now has a more powerful 6-cylinder engine.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i is powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine and is available with either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission for $22,995 (the same price as the outgoing model) or the Lineartronic(TM) CVT for $23,995.

This base model 2010 Subaru Outback comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder(R) system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, updated gauge cluster with ‘eco’ gauge, multi-function display with outside temperature, overhead console with sunglass holder and remote keyless entry system.

There are a number of options available for the 2010 Subaru Outback. (Availability varies by trim level):

— Power moonroof at $995
— All-Weather Package at $500 which includes: heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors
— harman/kardon(R) audio system for $995 which includes: AM/FM 6 CD, 440 Watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth(R) phone capability
— Navigation system for $2,000 which includes: AM/FM/CD/DVD, GPS navigation system 8″ LCD touch-screen, 440 watt harman/kardon amplifier, 9 harman/kardon speakers, hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio, USB port with iPod(TM) control and backup camera

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium comes with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the option of the all-new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of $24,295 (2.5i Premium with Lineartronic CVT starts at $25,295.)

The 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited comes equipped with the new Lineartronic CVT and will have a starting price of only $27,995.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R will have a starting price of $27,995 — a $4,000 decrease from the 2009 6-cylinder Outback and includes all 2.5i model features (where applicable) plus P225/50 R17 all-season tires, 17″ Alloy Wheels, paddle shifters, driver’s side window w/automatic up and down, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, privacy glass and fog lights.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium will have a starting price of $28,995 and includes all 3.6R base model features (where applicable) plus a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and All-Weather Package. Options include: harman/kardon audio system and power moonroof.

The 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited will have a starting price of $30,995 and includes all 3.6R Premium model features plus perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, and harman/kardon audio system. Options include: power moonroof and navigation system (navigation system requires power moonroof option).

Destination and Delivery charge is $695 for all 2010MY Outback models in the Contiguous 48 States. The MSRP of PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models is $300 more than the federal specification model.

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As you might recall, I’ve talked about the 2010 Ford Fusion before. Now, the team over at Ford plans on driving the 2010 Ford Fusion one thousand miles on a single tank of gas. Apparently they’re out to prove a point. Or 1000 miles.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid team will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles for more than 43 continuous hours - on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America. To reach their goal of driving 1000 miles on a single tank of gas, they will have to average at least 57 miles per gallon.

By using Eco-Driving techniques, they have already achieved at least 70 mpg during testing of the Ford Fusion Hybrid in preparation for this challenge. So, it really shouldn’t be that tough to accomplish. Of course, you can follow along with them and learn their “eco-driving techniques”, so you can drive your own vehicle on a single tank of gas.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge starts at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ends the morning of Monday, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will drive for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000-mile goal. The drivers will do stints of between two and three hours each and will have regular breaks to ensure safe driving is maintained. Already rated as the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve its goal. During preliminary testing in preparation for this challenge, Ford engineers have reached as much as 70 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid by using Eco-Driving techniques.

The team will run clinics for media and customers over the weekend in the Fusion Hybrid, conducting interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers.

The Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and will run on regular 87 octane gas.

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Thanks to the new Honda Element Concept SUV, dogs now have a new way to travel around town and go on trips. This new dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element add canine-specific enhancements to one of the most dog-friendly vehicles available, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced at the New York International Auto Show.

Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly(TM) components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall. Major components will likely include:

— a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
— second row and cargo area pet restraint systems;
— an extendable cargo area load-in ramp;
— a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
— second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
— all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
— a spill-resistant water bowl; and
— Dog Friendly exterior emblems.

The Dog Friendly equipment, engineered specifically for the Element, is designed to accommodate the transportation of dogs in the second-row passenger seats or in the cargo area. The restraint system concepts were designed and fabricated by Takata Corporation, one of the world’s leading automotive safety systems suppliers, exclusively for display on the Dog Friendly Honda Element concept vehicle.

The Element has long been recognized for its dog-friendly interior with an easy-to-clean urethane floor and expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The consumer pet travel advice Web site, Dogcars.com, honored the 2007 Honda Element with its first-ever “Dog Car of the Year” award.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc., 39 percent of all households own at least one dog with an estimated total U.S. dog population of 74.8 million. All pet purchases and related products and services comprise an estimated total market value of more than $43 billion (2008 est.).

Substantially restyled for the 2009 model year and available with new features, the Honda Element builds on its spacious and versatile SUV character with a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element styles are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC.

Powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC(R) 4-cylinder engine, the Element is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Available Real Time 4WD(TM) can enhance all-weather traction. The interior provides seating for up to four people along with a cargo area that adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element EX has a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that wipes down for ease-of-cleaning and seat fabric that resists moisture.

For 2009, all Elements incorporate significant exterior styling changes that include new front grille and bumper designs, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations. Interior enhancements include revised dashboard color combinations with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and enhanced switchgear designs and instrument panel meter graphics. The Element EX exclusively adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.

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Obama’s Top Auto Industry Troubleshooter - New York Times article. After 26 years as one of the most politically connected investment bankers on Wall Street, Steven Rattner finally took a job in Washington — only it is not quite the one friends and business associates thought it would be.

Auto makers and the dinasourses - The US car makers ,especially GM and Chrysler, have caused self inflicting injuries on their operations and other orgnizations that work with them and for them…

Bad economy holds highway deaths to 1960s levels - Less money in the pockets of Americans means fewer highway deaths. As the economy slid deeper into recession and gas prices reached $4 a gallon last year, the number of people killed in auto accidents hit its lowest level in five decades.

David Gregory Tries To Union Bust Auto Companies; GM CEO Refuses To Play Along - View the video - “Unlike David Gregory, I have never held a job that benefited from union representation. And in some of those jobs (real estate development comes to mind), I’ve felt that lack of collective bargaining, when it became patently obvious that my employers had little regard for equal pay, fair work hours (one job I had felt it was okay to make me work seven days a week, as long as my total weekly hours totaled 40) and even job safety.”

March auto sales - Light vehicles sold in the U.S. last month were down 37% from March 2008, whereas February sales had been 41% below year-earlier values. Does a February-to-March increase and smaller year-over-year drop mean that we’ve turned the corner?

Susan Helper: Understanding the U.S. Auto Industry - Just before leaving office, the Bush Administration loaned $17 billion to GM and Chrysler, and $7.5 billion to the two automakers’ credit affiliates (GMAC and Chrysler Financial). Further assistance depended on the companies’ submitting plans that showed how they were going to become “viable” companies.

2010 GMC Terrain at 2009 New York Auto Show - “GM has sworn to stop rebadging, yet here is the Terrain, GMC’s version of the recently announced 2010 Chevy Equinox SUV. We wouldn’t call this just a rebadging; it seems GM has changed every piece of sheet metal on the Terrain to make it stand out. And stand out it does.” Check out the 2010 GMC Terrain.

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Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Quarterly Sales Increase and Best Ever Monthly Sales for Forester
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that year-to-date sales were up 2-percent with 41,532 units sold in 2009 versus 40,881 units sold in 2008. For the month of March there was a 3-percent sales decrease over last year’s March results.

The 2009 Subaru Forester continues its record-breaking streak with its best monthly sales ever. Sales for the Forester increased 47-percent over last year’s March Forester sales — a total of 6,802 units sold in March 2009, versus 4,615 units sold in March 2008.

Mazda Reports March 2009 Sales
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported March 2009 sales of 21,974, down 33.3 percent versus last year (down 30.6 percent on a DSR basis), and year-to-date sales of 53,795, down 30.8 percent.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever March with sales of 1,618 vehicles, up seven percent versus last year. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 5,335 total sales, accounting for a six percent increase versus last year. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported March sales of 7,060 units, down 22 percent compared to March 2008.

Nissan North America Announces March Sales
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for March of 66,634 units versus 106,921 units a year ago, a decrease of 37.7 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 36.2 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 47.6 percent. NNA sales decreased by 19.1 percent for fiscal year 2008, ending March 31, 2009, versus FY07.

Recording a Six Month High; Chrysler LLC Reports March 2009 Sales Results
Chrysler LLC today reported March U.S. total sales of 101,001 units, which is the first time since Sept. 2008 that the Company has surpassed 100,000 units, representing a 39 percent decrease versus 2008. Chrysler retail market share increased to an estimated 10.0 percent versus 9.9 percent in March 2008. Total March sales include a fleet reduction of 44 percent year-over-year for the same period, as the Company continues to emphasize retail over fleet.

Toyota Reports March Sales
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported month-end sales of 132,802 vehicles, a decrease of 36.6 percent from last March, on a daily selling rate basis.

The Toyota Division posted March sales of 118,563 units, a decrease of 36.0 percent from the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported March sales of 14,239 units, a decrease of 40.6 percent from the year-ago month.

With month-over-month sales comparisons providing a more realistic indication of current market conditions than year-ago levels, TMS sales posted a 16.3 percent increase over February 2009.

Acura Announces March Sales Results

For the third consecutive month, the TSX sports sedan posted a monthly sales increase, Acura reported today. March sales of the TSX reached 2,556 units up 16.6 percent compared to last year, while year-to-date TSX sales reached 7,255 units, up 10.6 percent versus 2008 based on the daily selling rate*. Total February sales for Acura tallied 9,005 units, down 29.5 percent compared to last year, while year-to-date Acura sales totaled 24,520 units.

American Honda Reports March Sales of 88,379
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted March vehicle sales of 88,379, a decline of 33.7 percent compared to March 2008, based on the daily selling rate*, the company reported today. Honda Division posted March sales of 79,374, a decline of 34.2 percent compared to March 2008.

BMW Group U.S. Division Reports March 2009 Sales
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 21,125 vehicles, a decrease of 22.9 percent over the 27,404 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. For the first quarter, The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 51,244 vehicles, down 25.2 percent, compared to 68,529 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

Ford Gains Retail Share in March, Delivers First Fusion Hybrids, Launches Ford Advantage Plan
New, fuel-efficient products and quality on par with the best in the industry helped Ford increase retail market share in March to its highest level since December 2006, capping two consecutive quarters of retail share gains. Ford estimates its retail share performance from October 2008 through March 2009 was the strongest of any major manufacturer compared with the same period a year ago.

Ford’s newest products drove the company’s retail share performance: the new F-150 pickup, Escape small utility, Flex full-size crossover and Lincoln MKS sedan. The sell-down of the previous-generation Fusion mid-size sedan also contributed to the company’s strong retail showing.

Daimler AG Reports a 23 Percent Decrease for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for March 2009

Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 17,348 units in the U.S. for March 2009. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported March sales of 15,602 vehicles, a decline of 25 percent. The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and GLK-Class with sales of 5,008, 1,978, and 2,598 respectively. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 15,602 new vehicles, a decrease of 30 percent over the comparable period last year.

smart USA recorded 1,746 sales in March 2009. This figure represents a 1 percent increase over March 2008, and a 42 percent increase for the first quarter 2009. The enthusiastic response to the smart fortwo indicates that the micro-car segment is a viable transportation option in the U.S. The smart fortwo offers the right balance of power, outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. There are currently 75 smart centers operating in 35 states.

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The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 will be in dealers this Spring, packing more horsepower than ever before, along with an increase in highway fuel mileage. the horsepower is being increased to 540 horsepower, and the torque is being increased to 510 ft.-lb.

There are new gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. This will actually improve your acceleration and give the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 improved gas mileage: about 2 miles per gallon better on the highway as compared to the 2009 Ford Shelby. What’s most unique, though, is the improved interior.

According to Ford, “Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each boasting a more-refined interior.

Power comes from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears.

Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning lower engine RPMs in those gears and improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.”

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac(R), Ford’s stability control system. There are actually several different options for performance. The default “on” mode is for everyday driving, and a Sport mode gives you what you want when putting the 2010 Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. When turned off, though, the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place.

On the inside, all seats are leather seats, there’s aluminum on the instrument panel, and Alcantara(R) suede inserts on the seats. The steering wheel has been changed on the 2010 Shelby GT500. And you can have racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.

The aluminum finish panels have a unique three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. In addition, the GT500 logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs.

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In the 2010 Ford Escape, Ford is focusing on new safety technologies, which builds on the vehicles leading crash test ratings and rollover protection. The new 2010 Ford Escape and the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid will have five new safety features and technologies that will aid the driver, including Integrated Spotter Mirrors, MyKey(TM), Rear View Camera System and Active Park Assist.

The Ford Escape is one of the first Ford vehicles to feature SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, which helps reduce distractions while accessing route and safety information. These technologies build on the Ford Escape’s 5-star and top pick crash-testing ratings, including the highest ratings from the government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The new 2010 Ford Escape, available this summer, will add MyKey(TM) teen-safety technology, Integrated Spotter Mirrors - both offered standard (MyKey on XLT and above models) - optional Rear View Camera System and SYNC with real-time Traffic, Directions and Information.

The new model also will be the North America’s first SUV to offer Active Park Assist, which uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

The Ford Escape is the only small SUV to offer advanced roll stability control and side curtain air bag technologies with rollover protection.

“The Ford Escape is one of few vehicles that earned both full 5-star crash ratings and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ in the small SUV segment,” said Susan Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “These new technologies will help to take the new Escape to the next level of safety and driver satisfaction.”

According to 2008 Ford market research data, nearly nine out of 10 Escape and Escape Hybrid buyers rank safety features - including the road-holding capability delivered by roll stability control - as one of their top purchase reasons.

The 2010 Ford Escape will feature:

Integrated Spotter Mirror (standard) - a consumer-friendly, affordable blind spot technology that consists of an outside rearview mirror designed with a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, which is aimed exclusively at the driver’s blind spot. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror, helping provide the driver broader peripheral view.

MyKey (standard) - allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour. This feature is standard on Escape models featuring a message center cluster, including XLT and above.

Rear View Camera System - uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse. Ford is leveraging the affordability of high-quality video cameras to widely offer the technology with navigation systems.

Active Park Assist - uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot. The technology is a major leap forward in speed and ease of use compared with the camera-reliant systems offered by competitors. Ford’s system requires less driver interaction and reduces the risk of selecting a parking spot that is too tight. Ford’s Active Park Assist also works in downhill parking situations, unlike competing systems.

SYNC - Ford is expanding its connectivity leadership by introducing exclusive new SYNC real-time information features. The new Escape is one of the first vehicles to introduce this innovation - SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information - which leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. SYNC’s new services provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather.

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During the Inaugural Parade celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 56th President of the United States, NASA astronauts will pilot the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, which is fitted with a specially engineered MICHELIN TWEEL(R) assembly.

The Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, NASA’s latest lunar rover prototype, will roll from the U.S. Capitol to the White House on the MICHELIN TWEEL(R) non-pneumatic tire/wheel assembly, which was named one of Time magazine’s innovations of the year in 2005. As a result of this engineering breakthrough, NASA helped fund a project for Michelin to develop a highly specialized Lunar Wheel for the space agency’s latest collection of moon rover vehicles.

Introduced in 2008, the MICHELIN Lunar Wheel withstands extreme conditions while maintaining flexibility and constant ground contact pressure that enables moon rovers to traverse loose soil and lunar craters. It also has a low mass yet maintains a high load capacity that is 3.3 times more efficient than the original Apollo Lunar Rover wheels.

Designed to provide astronauts with mobility over extreme terrain, the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover features 12 wheels driven by two electric motors through a two-speed transmission, allowing it to perform in “bulldozer” mode with up to 4000 pounds of force or cruise at up to 20 kilometers per hour. The modular design also means that the tubular frame can be fitted with several different crew and payload combinations, including the crew cabin that attaches to the rover’s chassis to form the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover configuration.

In addition to engineering wheels for the Small Pressurized Lunar Rover, Michelin has developed Lunar Wheels for NASA’s ATHLETE moon rover designed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as well as for the Scarab moon rover. Both are unmanned lunar vehicles designed to perform various tasks on the moon.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

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