Bentley Motors
Press release
www.bentleymedia.com

Crewe/Beijing/Berlin, 20th February 2012: Bentley has today confirmed two appointments to strengthen its regional sales and marketing operations. With effect from 1 February 2012, Till Scheer became Regional Director, Greater China and Guillaume Chabin rejoined Bentley as Regional Director, Europe.

Announcing the appointments, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing, Alasdair Stewart, said:

“Bentley is going from strength to strength so it is important we have the very best people to lead this growth. With Guillaume and Till both having extensive experience of their respective markets and proven leadership skills, I am confident Bentley, our dealer partners and, most importantly, our customers will see the benefit of an even stronger Bentley team.”

Till Scheer (46) joins Bentley from Volkswagen Hong Kong where he was responsible for both the Volkswagen and Bugatti brands. A native of Germany, he was educated in the UK, France and the USA before joining the automotive industry. Having acquired extensive experience in sales, business planning and brand management within the German operations of both Renault and Fiat, Till joined the Volkswagen Group in Italy in 2003 as a Director, becoming group network planning Director in 2006. He moved to Hong Kong in 2008, establishing the Volkswagen importer operation for the region and subsequently delivering significant improvements in market share, customer satisfaction and profitability.

Till will now lead the growth of both the Bentley and Bugatti brands in China. In 2011, Bentley sales virtually doubled in China with 1839 cars sold in the region. With growth expected to continue in 2012, Till will also oversee the expansion of the network ensuring Bentley’s growth is matched by the customer service befitting the Brand’s high luxury status.

In Europe, sales increased by over a half last year, despite the economic fragility that affected certain markets. Led by a German market that increased by a remarkable 88% in 2011, Bentley expects further growth in 2012 with the arrival of the new Continental V8s as well as continued strong demand for the Bentley Mulsanne.

Guillaume Chabin (43) joins Bentley Motors from Lotus where he was responsible for the company’s worldwide sales, aftersales and retail development operations. Prior to that position Chabin acted as General manager EMEA for Ferrari’s headquarters and director of the German importer of the Italian manufacturer. With 20 years of extensive experience in automotive industry the father of three also looks back on a close relationship with Bentley Motors. Between 1999 and 2007 he worked at Bentley’s European Head Office in Berlin where he actively drove the redesign of the dealer network and sales activities.

1. Bentley Motors is the third largest R&D investor in the UK’s automotive sector and the 18th largest nationally. The company employs almost 4,000 people in Crewe which is home to all its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury vehicle manufacturers such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley exports over £500m worth of goods every year to established markets like the US, as well as emerging markets such as China and South America.
2. Bentley’s global sales for 2011 increased by 37% with 7,003 cars delivered. This growth was led by the Chinese region (1839 cars sold) with mainland China (excl. Hong Kong and Taiwan) up 104.17% (1664 cars). However, the Americas remains the biggest market for Bentley with 2,021 cars delivered (up 32%) in 2011. All major markets were up with Europe up by over a half, due mainly to high demand in Germany (up by nearly 90%).  The UK market proved to be more challenging, but still saw an increase of over five per cent. The surge in sales was led by demand for the new Continental GT. Over one third of all Bentley sales in 2011 were GTs with 2404 delivered. December 2011 was Bentley’s best month since the recession and the second highest ever, boosted by the first deliveries of the new soft-top Continental GTC. We have ambitious but realistic plans to continue this growth in 2012.

In one-on-one interview, Obama reveals how First Family stays fit and pledges her devotion to this cause in her post-White House years O   Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama talks with SiriusXM’s Joe Madison, host of “The Joe Madison Show,” after the “Faith and Community Groups Leading the Way” event at Northland, A Church Distributed, in Longwood, Florida on Feb. 11, 2012. Madison had just finished interviewing Mrs. Obama during the First Lady’s tour celebrating the second anniversary of the “Let’s Move!” initiative. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) SiriusXM’s Joe Madison recently sat down with First Lady Michelle Obama at the “Let’s Move!” Faith and Communities Event held February 11 at Northland Church in Longwood, Florida at which the First Lady spoke about the progress that has been made during the last two years of “Let’s Move!,” her national initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation.    In an interview airing Wednesday, February 22 at 8:00 am ET on The Joe Madison Show on The Power (SiriusXM ch.128), Obama tells SiriusXM host Joe Madison that she and President Obama practice what they preach when it comes to the message of “Let’s Move!,” revealing that exercise is such a priority that there is a treadmill on Air Force One for the President to get his daily workout in no matter what.    She also pledges her commitment to this effort in the years after her family has officially left the White House, saying: “…this is a cause that can’t be solved in a few years. It’ll take generations for us to change the way our children see food and how they raise their kids and how communities…[will be]… structured…I’m writing a book that is going to focus on the White House kitchen garden and the proceeds of that are going to be used to deal with this issue, to look at community gardens, and I’m already looking for ways to keep the conversation going long after I’m out of this position.”   In addition, SiriusXM will air First Lady Obama’s remarks from that day’s event as part of the hour.

Excerpts from Joe Madison’s SiriusXM interview with First Lady Michelle Obama: SiriusXM host Joe Madison: “Talk about how the Obamas live what they preach when it comes to…[the ‘Let’s Move’ initiative]….how do you work out when you are on the road?”

First Lady Michelle Obama: “….I brought a jump rope and in my hotel room, I got up this morning and I jump roped. I did seven sets of 500, so by the time I finished I had done about 3500 jumps…I had my cardio in, took a shower, got ready, got dressed and I’m here.   Even before coming to the White House, we were always physically active….I would get up in the morning, my mom would come over if Barack was traveling and he wasn’t home so that I could get up. I got up at 4:30 am in the morning to go the gym and get that done before the girls got up so by the time I got back they were just getting up to get ready for school.  But I prioritized that.  I…said I would sleep a little bit less [and] go to bed early, but if I don’t get that done in the beginning of the day, the day just gets away….you go to work and work takes over. Then you are tired, you come home…then you stop prioritizing yourself. So I thought, I’ve got to get up and prioritize my own health before I do anything else—work, [or] taking care of my kids….   The President is the same way…he works out every single day, even on his busiest days, even when he’s on the road he goes down to the gym. There’s got to be a treadmill, there’s a treadmill on Air Force One…if he’s got a long distance flight….because he needs that now….that’s the way he burns off a lot of stress. So it’s critical.”

SiriusXM host Joe Madison: …“After your years in the White House and I hope it’s no time soon [that you leave], is this something that Michelle Obama [as] former first lady will continue beyond her years in the White House?”

First Lady Michelle Obama: “Absolutely…this is a cause that can’t be solved in a few years. It’ll take generations for us to change the way our children see food and how they raise their kids and how communities…[will be]… structured…I’m writing a book that is going to focus on the White House kitchen garden and the proceeds of that are going to be used to deal with this issue, to look at community gardens, and I’m already looking for ways to keep the conversation going long after I’m out of this position So, yes, I am committed to continuing to focus on this issue, to shine a light on it, to lift it up because it’s not going to go away with just a few tours and….a couple of years in office.”     Joe Madison, “The Black Eagle,” is a human and civil rights activist, abolitionist against slavery in Southern Sudan, television commentator, columnist, lecturer, labor and corporate spokesman, musician and athlete. He is the former executive director of the Detroit NAACP and was later named director of the national NAACP political action department. Madison’s live, daily, call-in show airs weekdays from 6:00 – 10:00 am ET on The Power, SiriusXM ch.128. For more information visit www.siriusxm.com/thepower.

Press Release

Mazda Motorsports Hour to Debut in April

February 21, 2012 (IRVINE, Calif.)  The best race in the world is hearsay unless people see it.  Some of the best racing in the world is not the headline race, but the support races featuring the stars of tomorrow.  Mazda has supported more road racers over the past decade than any other automaker, and for 2012 is stepping up that support to include extended TV coverage on the new Velocity network.

“Hardcore fans know that some of the most intense action can be found in the Playboy MX-5 Cup, Star Mazda and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.  But if you weren’t at the race, you are left to take our word for it.  Now, thanks to a partnership with Velocity, and Carolinas Production Group, fans can enjoy the action on a regular basis from their living room,” noted Jim Jordan, Alternative Marketing Manager, Mazda North America.

Rick Benjamin, award-winning motorsports broadcaster, will host “The Mazda Motorsports Hour”. Benjamin’s Carolinas Production Group will handle production and distribution of the Hour.   Benjamin said, “it’s an honor for our company to be selected once again to produce and place coverage of the Playboy MX-5 Cup, Star Mazda, and USF2000 championships.  Our partnership with Velocity gives us a tremendous platform to showcase the incredible talents of young drivers and veterans alike who are taking full advantage of Mazda’s ladder system.”

Joining Rick Benjamin in the booth will be racers Randy Pobst for the MX 5 Cup, and James Hinchcliffe on Star and USF2000.  Todd Lewis will be the pit reporter.

The broadcasts will be a regularly-scheduled hour-long weekend show on Velocity – “The Mazda Motorsports Hour”.  24 shows will be broadcast on a tape-delay basis from April through November.  The content will be a variety of Mazda centric series, with an emphasis on the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear, and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda.  All three series are a part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Ladder, while the Star and USF2000 Championships are also a part of the Mazda Road to Indy.  To find Velocity on your local cable system, go to Velocity.com.

About Mazda & MAZDASPEED:

Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America.  Thousands of Mazda powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world’s largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built.  In 2006 Mazda established the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder to assist racers in moving up through the ranks.  In 2010 this was expanded to include the Mazda Road to Indy.  Key to Mazda’s success is strategic partnerships with the Skip Barber Racing School and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.  MAZDASPEED Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  Consumer information can be found at www.mazdausa.com with press information at www.mazdausamedia.com Racers and fans can the action on facebook (Mazdaspeed Motorsports).

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

U.S. engine being co-developed with diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy

2012-02-21

DETROIT – When it comes to developing a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze for the U.S. market to be introduced in 2013, General Motors powertrain engineers have been there and done that – half a million times last year alone.

The Cruze diesel will leverage global powertrain expertise that has helped make GM’s fuel-efficient diesel engines popular options around the world.

GM sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes. The introduction of a diesel option for Cruze – one of the top-selling gasoline-powered cars in the United States in 2011 – is expected to fuel GM’s diesel car sales success.

Diesel engines have long been known for their fuel efficiency and power. Due to a higher compression rate in the engine cylinders and greater density of energy in diesel fuel itself, diesel-powered engines are able to produce more power per gallon than gasoline-powered engines.

For Cruze, powertrain engineers at GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy, are working daily with counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.

“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”

Future Cruze diesel engine development will benefit from GM’s recent commitment to invest 20 million Euros ($26.5 million) to add five new dynamic benches at its Torino facility for climatic, noise and vibration and chassis dynamometer testing. These additions will speed development time.

“U.S. customers are going to be pleasantly surprised when they get a chance to drive the Chevrolet Cruze diesel,” said Mike Siegrist, 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer. “Our global team is providing diesel engineering expertise that will give U.S. Cruze customers great quality, torque and fuel economy in a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

Climatic tests simulate temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) up to (158  F) (70  C) and altitudes as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters). Noise and vibration tests help minimize engine vibro-acoustic response. Chassis dynamometer tests measure emissions.

“We’re able to put the diesel engines through rigorous testing to ensure they operate optimally under a wide range of conditions and also can be integrated seamlessly into the production vehicle,” said Pierpaolo Antonioli, managing director of the Torino Powertrain and Engineering Center. “We’ve pushed these engines in the labs so that the customer can depend on them in real-world driving situations.”

The latest generation of GM diesels has resolved drawbacks associated with the previous engines. Precisely controlled direct-injection fuel systems create a smooth-running engine. Particulate-capturing filtration systems dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions.

“In terms of outward appearances, the difference between the diesel and gasoline engine is going to be difficult to discern,” Siegrist said. “GM’s advanced technologies provide a seamless transition from a gasoline to a diesel car. You get the benefits of the fuel economy and power while preserving a smooth, quiet ride.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Live weekly, call-in show will feature interviews with high-profile figures from the worlds of business, politics, entertainment and sports NEW YORK – February 17, 2012 – Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that Fran Tarkenton—legendary NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and business entrepreneur—will host a live, weekly, call-in talk show beginning February 20 on SiriusXM Stars Too, channel 104. On The Fran Tarkenton Show, which will air live every Monday from 6:00 – 9:00 pm ET,  Tarkenton will tackle a wide-range of topics, interview notable guests from the worlds of politics, business, sports and entertainment and take calls from listeners nationwide. “I’m a longtime advocate of entrepreneurship and creative thinking, and I’m a huge fan of talk radio, so this opportunity is a big thrill for me,” said Tarkenton. “I’m looking forward to connecting with SiriusXM listeners around the country about everything happening in the world of politics, business and sports, the fascinating convergence in these areas and more.” “During his football career, Fran was a compelling, national figure who played at the top level of his game,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “The passion, creativity and leadership that made him a hall of famer and successful entrepreneur will serve him well in his new role as SiriusXM radio host.” As a successful businessman and frequent contributor for major media outlets, Tarkenton is a respected opinion-maker with savvy, provocative, and insightful commentary on everything from business to politics to sports. He has launched 20 successful start-up companies, was a founding board member of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and has served on the Board of Directors of Sterling Software, Blimpie International and Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. For many years, Tarkenton has been a spokesperson for Small Business in America. In addition to running multiple companies that provide support for small businesses, he is also chairman of Tarkenton Financial and OneMoreCustomer.com, an information resource for entrepreneurs.  When he retired from the NFL in 1978, Tarkenton held the league’s all-time records for passing attempts, completions, total yards and touchdowns.  An exciting and creative playmaker, he also rushed for 3674 yards and 32 touchdowns.  In his remarkable 18-year career as signal caller for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, he won three NFC Championships and was a two-time All-NFL selection and nine-time Pro Bowler.  He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 for his All-American career at the University of Georgia. For more information  please visit www.siriusxm.com.

About Sirius XM Radio Sirius XM Radio is America’s satellite radio company.  SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to over 21 million subscribers. SiriusXM offers an array of content from many of the biggest names in entertainment, as well as from professional sports leagues, major colleges, and national news and talk providers. SiriusXM programming is available on more than 800 devices, including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks, boats and aircraft, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available at siriusxm.com, and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android-powered mobile devices.   SiriusXM has arrangements with every major automaker and its radio products are available for sale at shop.siriusxm.com as well as retail locations nationwide.

Inspecting Key Areas Can Save Money, Improve Gas Mileage and Prevent Wear and Tear Philadelphia (February 20, 2012) – The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: “PBY”), the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, has prepared a five-point spring car care checklist to help drivers save money, improve gas mileage and prevent increased wear, as they emerge from winter. Pep Boys recommends that drivers thoroughly inspect their vehicles inside and out ateach season change, either themselves or through a local service center, for signs of damage and degradation.

Below are five key areas to inspect or have inspected this spring.

Battery Spring is a great time to have your vehicle’s battery checked for a full charge, ensuring it is operating in tip-top shape during warmer months. Battery terminals and other connections should be inspected for signs of corrosion.Built-up deposits can adversely affect a car’s ignition system or even prevent the engine from starting.

Check Tires Properly rotated and inflated tires allow drivers to brake quicker, handle better, avoid danger on the road and get better fuel mileage. Pep Boys recommends rotating a vehicle’s tires per the manufacturer’s suggested interval, or every 5,000 to 10,000 miles depending on wear and driving habits. In addition to rotating the vehicle’s tires, it’s also important to regularly inspect each tire to make sure its pressure is within the manufacturer’s guideline. Drivers can find the recommended pressure specification on the inside of the driver’s side doorsill and inside the vehicle owner’s manual.

Filter and Oil Changes Clean filters and oil help a car’s engine move and breathe easier, and as a result improve engine performance.  For maximum engine life, Pep Boys recommends inspecting or replacing dirty engine air filters and changing a vehicle’s oil and oil filter as directed by the manufacturer in the vehicle owner’s manual. Spring is also a great time to inspect a vehicle’s in-cabin air filter. When cold weather gives way to the warmer temperatures of spring, blooming flowers create additional pollen in the air. Regularly inspecting and replacing the in-cabin air filter can help prevent seasonal allergies and irritating odors emanating from the air conditioning system.

Wiper Blades For optimum performance, change your wiper blades every six months, and regularly check for streaking, chattering or skipping. Summer UV damage, winter ice and snow take a major toll on wipers. Drive safely and be ready for spring showers.

Fluids For both safety and convenience, it’s important to regularly inspect and/or replace a vehicle’s windshield washer, coolant and brake fluids at regular seasonal intervals or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. At home or with the help of your local service center, have the coolant system flushed and refilled with fresh coolant as recommended in the vehicle owner’s manual.  Be sure to always fill the system with a 50-percent mixture of coolant to water to avoid altering the recommended antifreeze ratio. Visually inspect the brake fluid reservoir and make sure the level is above the “low” mark. An empty or low level of brake fluid reservoir usually indicates increased brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system; both of which can be dangerous. If either symptom is present, see your local service center immediately. Clearing snow, road grime and debris from the windshield can be taxing to a vehicle’s washer fluid level. As winter closes, inspect the washer fluid reservoir and make sure it is filled with the proper mix of washer fluid and water as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual.  

Clean and Wash A car deserves just as good a spring cleaning as the home does. Thoroughly cleaning and washing your vehicle inside and out helps remove built-up road grime allowing for quick visual inspections and easy diagnosis of potential leaks and increased wear areas. Once the interior and exterior of the car have been cleaned, consider cleaning the engine bay. Cleaning under the hood helps remove caked on debris kicked up by tires throughout the winter and allows for a quick diagnosis of certain common engine problems like oil and coolant leaks, or frayed and cracked belts and hoses.

Each of these checks and inspections can be conducted at local Pep Boys stores, often times at little or no charge to the vehicle owner.  Pep Boys’ staffs of certified technicians and customer service advisors are prepared to give drivers the advice they need to keep their cars in the best shape possible. Additional information is available online by visiting Pep Boys’ “Car Care Corner” at http://www.pepboys.com/car_care_corner.

About Pep Boys Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting http://www.pepboys.com.