Nov 08, 2007

Further to the rumours about deals for Renault to get Fernando Alonso in at Renault, it seems that the man who may be involved is Mexican businessman Carlos Slim. The 67-year-old is rumoured to be one of the richest people in the world and has widespread interests in the telecommunications industry in Mexico and Latin America. He controls Telmex and Telcel. In August Forbes magazine reported that Slim is now richer than Bill Gates with a fortune estimated at $59bn, based on the stock market value of his holdings at the time. He controls 90% of the telephone fixed telephone lines in Mexico and 80% of all the country’s cellphones. His America Movil controls cellphone companies across Latin America and now has more than 100m subscribers.

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Source: Mexican money for Renault?

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Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Hybrid, GM, Green Daily

We thought a week or so ago that GM’s new hybrid SUVs would start around $45,000. That information came from a GM spokesman, who said the hybrid version would cost about the same price as the conventional 5.3L model with similar equipment. A price like that would have meant virtually no price premium for the hybrid. Following that post, GM’s website confirmed the news, and showed the costs of the Chevy Tahoe 4-Door two-wheel drive hybrid ($47,915), the Tahoe four-wheel drive ($50,720), and the GMC Yukon two-wheel drive hybrid ($48,370).

Whoops.

The Detroit News reports that GM will reveal the “real prices of hybrids” next week, and the numbers will be higher. How high? No one is saying, but GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan said this week that the website prices “weren’t right when they were up there and we’re not sure how they got up there.” Looks like the hybrid premium is alive and well at GM. Stay tuned.

[Source: David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau]

Source: GM’s hybrid SUV prices will be “corrected” upwards next week

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After GM racked-up a $39b third quarter deficit, BusinessWeek (BW) wants to know if GM CEO Rick Wagoner is finally ready to unfurl his golden, bankruptcy-proof parachute. Their answer: maybe. Clocking the "muted" reaction to GM's latest losses, they attribute Rick's survival to the loyalty of GM's employees and board of bystanders directors. However, BW also notes the status may no longer be quo should the fourth quarter reveal "any more nasty surprises." Perhaps they should also question the longevity of CFO Fritz Henderson. Fritz reacted to GM's arterial spray by dropping such bon mots as "the economic pace and the market are certainly … something we need to be cognizant of." Up with this insight stockholders should put? What of "we're not signaling [their seasonally adjusted selling rate is] worsening or anything, but today it's certainly below trend"? This after GM missed their mark by about a million vehicles in October. In any case, it looks like the mainstream media is– once again– beginning to smell blood in the water. 

BusinessWeek »

Source: BusinessWeek: GM CEO Wagoner is on Borrowed Time

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Thieves in Perth have stolen a red 1971 Phase III GT HO Ford Falcon Sedan (Reg: 71 HO) worth more than $600,000. The event took place on Monday night at a workshop in Perth’s north suburban Osborne Park.

The workshop owner must have felt pretty safe, having parked two Rolls Royces and a late model Holden GTS Monaro infront of the Phase III. The thieves moved the other three collectables (and an Honda Odyssey) to carefully extract the Falcon.

They did not steal the RRs or the Monaro - obviously Ford fanatics.

Source: Thieves steal a Ford Falcon, leave two Rolls Royces

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Eric

Pop quiz.  You have just lost custody of your children, you are unemployed, and your career is in shambles.  What do you do?  Buy a $200,000 Mercedes SL65, of course. 

Apparently the Mercedes SL65 is turning into the official transportation for girls behaving badly.  Surely you will recall that the infamous Lindsay Lohan was involved in a slight accident while driving under the influence on May 26, 2007.  One guess what toting her drunken self around the streets and bi-ways on that occasion.  That’s correct, the Mercedes SL65. 

In a humorous twist of fate, a Houston car dealer has come into possession of Lohan’s former 2005 Mercedes SL65.  After fixing it up and giving it a good washing (or two, or three…) the dealer has now placed the car on eBay.  The auction ends November 15, so you’d better hurry to purchase your own piece of celebrity trivia.  The price is expected to reach around $150,000.  But what’s price got to do with it when you’re talking about Lindsay Lohan memorabilia? 

As for Brittney’s newest purchase, it seems odd that a mother separated from her children would opt for a 2-seater that is far better equipped for drag racing than for soccer practice.  In fact, reports indicate that Brittney test drove a Mercedes station wagon, but in the end opted for the Mercedes SL65 instead.  Oh well, that’s what nannies and drivers are for. 

If you’d like to find out what all of the fuss is about, you could go out and purchase your very own Mercedes SL65.  Don’t have the $200,000 necessary to get you behind the wheel as an owner?  Don’t worry, there are other options. 

For example, many car rental businesses around the country rent exotic cars.  Here is an exotic car rental directory of some of the more popular establishments.  An example of such an establishment is Texas’ DFW Elite Auto Rental.  This organization boasts an incredible garage of exotic automobiles to choose from and even offers internet exotic car rental specials to help you look like a diva without spending like one. 

But what if you get hooked on driving these exotic cars?  No problem, consider joining an exotic car club.  These are also located all over the country.  Exoticcarclubs.com is an exotic car club directory identifying some of the major player in this market. 

A well-run example of one of these exotic car clubs is DFW Elite Car Club.  This club offers several levels of membership to accommodate different budgets and different needs.  Its diversified collection will satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.  Check out this video for more information about car sharing clubs. 

Finally, if you really want to play diva for a day, consider taking an exotic car tour.  Most metropolitan areas offer such tours (e.g. New York, Chicago, etc.).  DFW Drive Your Dream goes all out by offering four different packages that allow participants to sample five different exotic cars for an entire day of driving pleasure.  Turns out, many businesses are even tapping into these types of outings to develop better morale and build teams in the workplace. 

However you choose to enjoy these exotic cars, please don’t be like Brittney.  Don’t let your toddlers drive!

Written by G.D. Gregory.  If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com. For more of the latest exotic car news, vist our daily headlines page.

Source: MERCEDES SL65 THE OFFICIAL CAR OF MISBEHAVING DIVAS?

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Volkswagen is at the forefront of development as it spearheads “One Year of High-Tech Strategy - New Perspectives for Germany”. The effort which was initiated by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research and in partnership with companies such as BASF, Bosch, Evonik Degussa, Li-Tec, STEAG Saar Energie have begun a quest for better sustainability and performance among batteries for stationary and mobile operations.

Volkswagen has suggested a lithium – ion initiative. Dr. Juergen Leohold, Head of Group Research at Volkswagen AG is quoted saying that, “In the future, there will be parallel use of various automotive drive systems, all the way to purely electric drive. A high-performance lithium-ion battery as the energy carrier will be a key technology. Therefore, it is sensible and necessary to combine the potentials for the research and development of this battery in an alliance for innovation. This way, synergies can be exploited and the development accelerated. For Volkswagen, this initiative is an important step on the way to zero-emission operation of vehicles.”

It’s good to know that a car company such as Volkswagen continues to explore means of improving the quality of the cars that they manufacture. In an age of environmental awareness, each must continue to search for ways to make life more sustainable. Volkswagen has taken that initiative. It’s about time other car manufacturers followed in suit.

Source:vwvortex.com

Source: Volkswagen Spearheads Lithium – Ion Initiative

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John Neff
Etc., Government/Legal

The sordid saga surrounding Nick Hogan’s high-speed crash that resulted in critical injuries to his shot-gun mate and best friend continues. TMZ.com reports that Clearwater, FL police arrested the son of pro-wrestler legend Hulk Hogan today and charged him with reckless driving, as well as issued citations for the use of a motor vehicle in a felony, operating a motor vehicle under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level above .02, and, our favorite one – illegal window tinting. Being the celebrity news hounds they are, TMZ has continued to follow the story and published a statement made by Nick Hogan’s rep in which the Hogan’s actually call out John Graziano, the best-friend who was critically injured in the crash, for not wearing his seat belt. Wow. In light of Mr. Graziano’s apparent disregard for his own safety (as if driving in a car with Nick Hogan wasn’t enough evidence of that), the Hogan clan, a.k.a. the Bollea family, plans to increase public awareness about wearing your seatbelt. We expect the senior Hogan to grab the mic and hit the top rope to order all his little Hulkamaniacs out there to say their prayers, take their vitamins and always, ALWAYS wear their seatbelts.

[Source: TMZ.com, booking photo from TMZ.com]

Gallery: Nick Hogan’s totaled Toyota Supra

Source: Nick Hogan arrested for reckless driving, was drinking before crash

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Lascelles Linton
Filed under: AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Legislation and Policy

In the above video, Hillary explains her shift from voting against ethanol to supporting it in her energy plan. Hillary says she voted against ethanol on behalf of her constituents because subsidizing ethanol in the middle of the country would raise prices in New York. Hillary says she can now support ethanol because there is a broader base for ethanol in New York, which she helped create, making transportation cost no longer a factor. Here is exactly what she said:

The fact is that when we first had an occasion to vote on ethanol back in the early part of my term, I voted on behalf of my constituents. There was very credible evidence, that it would, if all we did was subsidize ethanol in the middle of the country, raise gas prices on both coasts which would have directly driven up the cost in New York and I didn’t think that would be a good idea for a senator from New York and what I have been pleased about and I had a role in this, was to create a much broader base for ethanol. We now have ethanol plants in New York and so the idea that you would have only one part of the country and the transportation cost would be quite expensive because of the way ethanol has to be transported, is no longer a factor. So, I happily support corn ethanol, all forms of ethanol, research for cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel.

Hillary continues talking about visits to plants that create biodiesel from things like animal fat which she says is great and she is in favor of before she is cut off. Earlier in the video, Hillary says “environment and energy” provide the perfect platform to bring together problem solving Americans. Political tap dancing or great local representation? Sound off in comments.

Related:

• Obama: Clinton made a “major reversal” on ethanol

[Source: YouTube]

Source: Video: Hillary Clinton says she changed position on ethanol because transportation cost is no longer a factor

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Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, GM, Green Daily

Two stories, one bit of news: hybrids are not the answer in Europe.

In a pair of articles by Paul McVeigh in Automotive News yesterday and today (both subs req’d), Ford and GM are saying that they are moving forward very hesitantly on hybrids in Europe. GM says there is little demand for the gas-electric cars in Europe, Ford says they flat-out won’t sell (full or mild) hybrids there, at least not in the foreseeable future. Ford of Germany Chairman Bernhard Mattes said the decision was due to the different driving habits of European drivers compared to Americans.

Instead of hybrids, Ford will “concentrate on solutions such as stop-start systems, better aerodynamics and tires with low rolling resistance to help make its cars more fuel efficient,” McVeigh writes. Rita Forst, GM Powertrain Europe’s head of product engineering, said that GM will also offer micro hybrid (aka stop-start) and mild hybrid (aka stop-start that can capture braking energy) systems in European vehicles for customers who want increased fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, according to McVeigh. GM is also working on full hybrid powertrains with Daimler and BMW, but this technology is destined for U.S. vehicles. Not everyone is against hybrids in Europe. See Volkswagen, for instance.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

Source: GM, Ford hesitant about hybrids in Europe

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