auto parts manufacturers,auto parts suppliers

Mazda’s new global Zoom-Zoom communication style visually expresses the company’s evolution at a glance -
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its new global brand visual identity which will be rolled out progressively around the world. Following a successful pilot in Australia, the first major region to introduce this new visual identity direction will be Japan, commencing on June 20, 2008, when Mazda updates its Japan websites with distinctive new features. This will be followed by its full adoption in advertising, commencing on July 8 with the launch of the new mid-size Mazda Biante high-roof minivan in Japan.

The new global visual identity was created to evoke strong emotional connections between Mazda and its customers across all touchpoints, and convey the brand’s unique personality and distinctive profile. Mazda’s brand symbol and the brand essence will not change. The new visual identity is intended to express the new direction the Mazda brand is taking, its evolution and the innovation that lies at its core. This fresh new way of articulating the Mazda brand will be integrated into every facet of Mazda’s future brand communications.

The new global brand visual identity uses distinctive visual cues to express Mazda’s brand personality. These include the use of dynamic angles to convey a sense of movement; a new Mazda typeface to complement the other elements of the new visual identity; and a new ‘dynamic wing’ graphic which contains the Mazda brand symbol and captures Mazda’s confident, bold spirit. In addition, launching the new visual identity will ensure clarity and consistency in all Mazda communications across the globe.

“The launch of Mazda’s new global visual identity will enable us to communicate Mazda’s core brand values and attributes more clearly and with greater energy than ever before,” says Dan Morris, Mazda’s senior executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. “We want to connect more powerfully with our customers around the world in a consistent manner with this newly refined element of the Zoom-Zoom brand.”

Mazda introduced its existing corporate identity (CI) in 1975 and developed its corporate mark as an easy-to-read standard for use in its global communications. The brand symbol was created in 1997 as one element of Mazda’s efforts to strengthen its brand image. Since the launch of the original Mazda6 in 2002, Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has gained currency all over the world.

Looking to the future, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and delight its customers with exciting vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ With the introduction of its new global visual identity, the Hiroshima-based company will aim for continued improvements in its brand value.

Honda (http://www.honda.com) has fully deployed its fleet of Auto-Max® railcars, achieving a significant reduction in the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions associated with its automobile distribution activities in the United States. The 400-car fleet of more space-efficient Auto-Max railcars is the only such automaker-operated fleet in use in the United States. Including the Auto-Max fleet shipments, American Honda currently transports about 82 percent of its Honda and Acura automobiles across the country by rail, achieving the highest rail-shipping rate of any automaker.

Each multi-level Auto-Max railcar holds up to 22 vehicles and can hold both trucks and cars to reduce unused space. The result is less fuel usage per vehicle shipped and no compromise to quality. An average bi-level railcar can transport only 10 trucks, generally of a single vehicle type.

Honda’s Auto-Max railcars have a 50-year estimated lifespan versus standard railcars, which typically require a major overhaul after just 20 years of service. Honda participated with the Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX) in designing Auto-Max, which is exclusively manufactured by Greenbrier.

“Honda is adopting a holistic approach to minimizing its greenhouse gas emissions, addressing not only the production and on road use of our products, but also new, more fuel-efficient strategies for how we transport our products to dealers,” said Dennis Manns, assistant vice president, Sales & Logistics Planning for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Rail is the most environmentally responsible method available to move our products, and our Auto-Max railcar fleet can make a good system even more fuel efficient.”

To further support Honda’s strategy to increase product distribution by rail, Honda this year invested approximately $7 million to redesign the rail infrastructure at its automobile plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio. The redesign added rail capacity, enabling American Honda to ship more units via rail. Further, inbound and outbound trains at the plant can now operate at a faster pace; pull easier on upgraded tracks; and, require less railcar switching in the yard, reducing fuel consumption, CO2, and other air pollutants emissions that are produced while engines are left idling.

According to CSX, which serves Honda’s rail operations in Ohio, the infrastructure improvement contributes an annual savings of 2,436 gallons of fuel and 54,432 pounds of CO2 per year.

Honda is globally committed to minimizing air emissions from its products and factories. Honda is working to achieve its goals by reducing CO2 emissions by improving the energy efficiency of Honda manufacturing plants and by improving the fuel efficiency of its automobile, powersports and power equipment products. Honda’s legacy of environmental leadership includes a long list of industry firsts, including the world’s first low-emission vehicles, America’s first gasoline-electric hybrid car, and the world’s first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In 2007, Honda was named the “Greenest Automaker” by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth consecutive time.

Valeo’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting (AGM) was held today under the chairmanship of Thierry Morin, the Group’s Chairman & CEO.

2007 results and outlook

The AGM approved Valeo’s 2007 accounts which were published on February 12, 2008. In 2007, Valeo recorded a strong rise in sales volumes (+6.2%) related to growth in emerging countries where the Group has reinforced its presence. Valeo’s innovation and operational excellence strategy enabled it to achieve a 17.7% increase in operating income. At the same time, innovative products account for 32% of the Group’s order intake.

Valeo pursued the rationalization of its product portfolio, divesting its wiring harness activity and acquiring the Irish company Connaught Electronics, a specialist in image processing. These operations are in line with the Group’s strategy of focusing on three Domains: Driving Assistance, Powertrain Efficiency and Comfort Enhancement.

Valeo’s results continued to improve in the first quarter 2008. Net earnings per share were up by 36% versus the same period in 2007, while the operating margin improved by 22% to 3.6% of sales.

The coming months will continue to be marked by very high raw material prices and a tough automotive market. Against this backdrop, Valeo confirms its objective for an improvement of its results in 2008.

Thierry Morin reminded the AGM that, in a context of stricter regulations on CO2 emissions and high oil prices, Valeo’s innovative solutions for significantly reducing fuel consumption are increasingly attractive to automakers and motorists.

· DTM season highlight at the Norisring
· Norisring simulation on airfield
· Intensive preparation for the DTM’s sole street race
Ingolstadt – Another huge event is on the Audi Sport race schedule only 14 days after the Audi R10 TDI prototype’s magnificent victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans: The Norisring race in Nuremburg, the Audi team’s “home race”.

Thousands of Audi fans and employees from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm flood year for year to the exceedingly popular DTM race. Last season a total of 141,000 spectators followed the only street race on the DTM calendar. They last celebrated an Audi victory in 2002 when Frenchman Laurent Aiello overtook Mercedes driver Bernd Schneider on the last lap in a heart stopping manoeuvre on his way to winning the championship.

The best Norisring result posted by the Audi A4 DTM since then comes from the 2005 season. Then, Christian Abt and Mattias Ekström took second and third places respectively. However, this should change on the last weekend in June: The first Audi A4 DTM victory in Nuremberg is the goal targeted by the Audi squad.

The foundations for this were already created last year: During development of the new A4 DTM, which bears the project name “R14″ internally, the unique demands of the mere 2.3-kilometre street circuit in Nuremberg, specifically a low Cd value, good traction and stable brakes, were taken into account. In addition, suspension and aerodynamics must master the bumps which change from year to year and which traditionally make life for the drivers difficult.

To prepare perfectly for the race in the Franconian metropolis the circuit was simulated on an airfield. Two current A4 and a year old car were in action for this purpose. The test results confirmed the Audi wind tunnel values and the computer simulation.

Nevertheless, the team under Head of Audi Motorsport does face an difficult task: Opponent Mercedes is traditionally very strong at the Norisring. As a rule, qualifying boils down to hundredths and thousandths of seconds. Barely a single Norisring race finishes without spectacular incidents and Safety Car periods.

It will be particularly difficult for the year-old Audis, which must weigh-in with five kilograms more than the 2008 cars from Audi and Mercedes following the excellent results in the previous races.

In spite of the final of the European Football Championship being played on the same weekend, the organisers expect a full-house again next to the Dutzendteich this year. Practice in Nuremberg starts on Friday. Qualifying starts on Saturday at 1:28 p.m. local time, the race on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. local time. ARD broadcasts qualifying and the race live on “Das Erste”. Free practice is broadcast on www.dtm.tv on the internet. Highlights and background stories can be seen on www.audi.tv.

Quotes before the race at the Norisring

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “The Norisring race is obviously very important to us. Audi employees and fans come in hordes and it goes without saying that we want to give them something to cheer about. Over the last few years we’ve seen that the circuit doesn’t quite suit the concept of our car since downforce is not an absolute priority at the Norisring. However, we are in a good position in the championship and have done everything to prepare ourselves as good as possible for the Norisring.”

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #1): “It’s always been my dream to win the race at the Norisring. It is my eighth year at Audi and my eighth attempt. I’ll do everything to run at the front and to finally win this race.”

Martin Tomczyk (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #2): “The Norisring is not only my home race but also that of Audi. In spite of this I go there in two minds. The track is fantastic, especially the surroundings. However, over the last few years I never really got to grips with it. But things can and do change. Whatever happens I want to be right at the front in my home race.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM #9): “I’m looking forward to the Norisring. This year Audi Sport has built a car with which we are better on exactly those circuits where we were traditionally weak. The Norisring was certainly a weak point up to now. I think that it’ll be very close between Audi and Mercedes this year. This boosts our motivation. This race is the DTM race which everybody wants to win – it’s Germany’s Monaco.”

Timo Scheider (GW: plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM #10): “It’s great that we can take out another ten kilograms handicap ballast after the race on the EuroSpeedway and we are now equal with the 2008 Mercedes. This means that the we all start from scratch again. Nuremburg has traditionally been a tough nut to crack for us. However, we’ve worked hard to do a good job there and to give the employees and guests of Audi a good show.”

Alexandre Prémat (Audi Bank/Shell Helix Audi A4 DTM #14): “I’m really looking forward to the Norisring. I’ve won there twice in Formula 3. I’m a great fan of street races and am always very fast around the houses. Last year I fought my way from 15th on the grid to score points in eighth position. I want to score points again this year even though we have heaviest car on the grid.”

Oliver Jarvis (Best Buddies Audi A4 DTM #15): “This’ll be my first Norisring race. I can hardly wait to get there and see the scores of fans. To learn the circuit I’ve watched some DVDs and played computer games. I’m ready.”

Mike Rockenfeller (S line Audi A4 DTM #18): “It really will be an uphill struggle for us since we’ll have the heaviest car in the entire field. Nevertheless, I really can’t wait. The Norisring has a unique atmosphere and is always something special – the only street race that we have. The grandstands are always absolutely packed there.”
Markus Winkelhock (Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19): “After Hockenheim the Norisring is as good as a second home race for me. Since I live in Stuttgart, Nuremburg isn’t that far away. I’ve always been quick around the Norisring and I love the track. It can only get better after the way things went at the EuroSpeedway.”

Katherine Legge (Audi A4 DTM #20): “I have some experience with street races from my Champ Car days. Everybody says that the atmosphere at the Norisring is fantastic which is why I so looking forward to the race after the five-week DTM break.”

Christijan Albers (Audi A4 DTM #21): “The Norisring is always a very special event with its great atmosphere. I hope that we’ll be good there. I think we should be closer to the new cars with the 2006 cars. We’ll see what’s possible.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “As Bavarian team we always look forward to the Norisring. It is not only the highlight for Audi but also for our team. I think we are better prepared for the Norisring than ever before. We run with the same weight as Mercedes. I’m expecting a very exciting race. After 2002, it’s about time we won again for Audi.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “The Norisring is the highlight of the entire year. As far as the circuit characteristics are concerned the high weight that our 2007 cars must carry will certainly not help us. However, our two drivers have no problems with low downforce. I’m looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere and expect a tough race.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “I’m only actually looking forward to the Dutzendteich. When I just think about the weight of our cars I feel bad… As always we’ll try to make the best with what we have.”

The schedule at the Norisring

Friday, 27 June
08:45 – 09:00 Roll-out
10:00 – 11:30 Test 1
14:00 – 15:30 Test 2

Saturday, 28 June
09:30 – 10:30 Free Practice
13:28 – 14:15 Qualifying (live on “Das Erste” starting at 1:30 pm.)

Sunday, 29 June
11:50 – 12:10 Warm-up
14:03 Race (live on “Das Erste” starting at 1:45 p.m.)

DTM drivers’ standings after 4 of 11 rounds:

1 Timo Scheider GW: plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM 26
2 Paul di Resta Mercedes 23
3 Jamie Green Mercedes 21
4 Mattias Ekström Red Bull Audi A4 DTM 20
5 Martin Tomczyk Red Bull Audi A4 DTM 17
6 Bruno Spengler Mercedes 14
7 Tom Kristensen Audi A4 DTM 12
8 Bernd Schneider Mercedes 8
9 Oliver Jarvis Best Buddies Audi A4 DTM 5
10 Markus Winkelhock Playboy Audi A4 DTM 5
11 Mike Rockenfeller S line Audi A4 DTM 2
12 Gary Paffett Mercedes 2
13 Alexandre Prémat Audi Bank/Shell Helix Audi A4 DTM 1

DTM team standings after 4 of 11 rounds:

1 Audi Sport Team Abt 38
2 Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG 37
3 Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline 37
4 Salzgitter/Original-Teile AMG Mercedes 29
5 Audi Sport Team Rosberg 7
6 Audi Sport Team Phoenix 6
7 stern/Pixum AMG Mercedes 2