Toyota Extends Certified Used Vehicle Offerings Online

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota today announced a brand-new collaboration with eBay Motors, allowing all Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) dealerships to showcase certified used vehicle inventory on the eBay Motors Certified Pre-Owned Showroom.

The new relationship with the world’s largest online marketplace aims to provide TCUV with a greater presence on the Internet and increase consumer awareness of the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles brand.

“We’re very pleased to work with eBay Motors in support of our dealers and customers alike,” said Steve Gallagher, marketing operations manager for Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. “Dealerships benefit from added exposure of their vehicle inventory while our customers gain another avenue to find the right vehicle.”

Effective December 17, 2008, consumers can search classified listings on http://www.motors.ebay.com to view TCUV inventory from Toyota dealerships within their local area. Through the site, customers can educate themselves on all the benefits that come with a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, then connect directly with the dealer to expedite the purchase process.

The TCUV program combines the confidence of purchasing a new vehicle with the value of a used vehicle to provide a “like new” ownership experience. Toyota certified used vehicles offer consumers a smart alternative to traditional used car options and give them the peace of mind they seek in a used vehicle. TCUV posted sales of 253,855 vehicles this year through November, an increase of 1.5 percent over the same period last year.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/.

About Toyota Certified Used Vehicles

Launched in 1996, the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program offers the next best thing to the purchase of a new Toyota. TCUV provides peace of mind in the purchase of a used vehicle that only a Toyota factory-backed certification program can offer. Since its inception, TCUV has sold over 2.2 million certified vehicles. Under TCUV, all vehicles undergo a 160-point quality assurance inspection, including mechanical and appearance reconditioning. TCUV also offers a 7-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 7-year, 100,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan, and a 3-month, 3,000-mile comprehensive used car warranty. Currently, over 93 percent of Toyota dealers offer vehicles under the TCUV program.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)

http://www.toyota.com

http://www.lexus.com

http://www.scion.com

Washington Drivers: The Right Way to Abandon Your Car in a Snow Storm

SEATTLE, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — As Washington braces for another possible
snowstorm tonight and through the weekend, some drivers will take the risky
step of abandoning their vehicles, unable to maneuver through the ice and
snow.

According to PEMCO Insurance, one of Washington’s largest auto insurers,
drivers should know there’s a right way — and a wrong way — to abandon a
vehicle when weather conditions dictate.

Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesperson, recommends that people inexperienced at
driving in snow and ice avoid the problem by staying off the roads during
winter storms. “Drivers should decide whether they need to be on the road in
the first place. But we recognize there are times when the weather turns
quickly and circumstances demand that you must drive.”

When a driver becomes stranded on the road, PEMCO suggests staying with
the car if you safely can. “If there’s a chance a tow truck or other help is
coming, stay with your vehicle. Leaving it in the roadway presents many
risks,” Osterberg said.

For example, if drivers leave their vehicle on a route that’s usually kept
open for emergency traffic, it can be towed, especially if it presents a
danger to other drivers.

“Towing charges can be steep, and abandoned-car towing fees typically
aren’t covered by insurance,” he said.

Abandoned cars also run a higher risk of being involved in hit-and-run
collisions in snowy weather. Heavy snowfall can obscure a car or place it
where others are likely to slide into it. According to Osterberg, hit-and-run
damage typically subjects drivers to a higher deductible when the car is
repaired.

PEMCO recommends the following tips for drivers who must abandon their
vehicle:

    --  Try to get as far off the traveled roadway as you safely can.
    --  Turn on your flashers, and leave them on. A dead battery is better
        than causing an accident for which you could be held responsible.
    --  Set out flares to warn other drivers, if you can safely do so.
    --  Make a reasoned judgment about whether to remain with the vehicle and
        call for help, or to strike out on your own. Some factors to consider
        are your health, clothing for the weather, distance to the nearest
        help, and likelihood of your vehicle being hit while you're inside it.
    --  Leave a note in the window with your contact information. That
        improves your chance of hearing from someone who hits your vehicle, or
        from the authorities.
    --  Take your most valuable items with you.
    --  Be sure to remove personal information that could allow a thief to
        locate your home and loved ones, steal your identity, or otherwise
        defraud you.
    --  Secure the vehicle by setting the emergency brake and locking the
        doors. Professional towing companies know how to safely tow your
        vehicle.
    --  You can prevent having to abandon a vehicle by monitoring the weather
        before a storm hits. But if you're unavoidably caught in a snowstorm,
        be prepared. Proper snow tires and/or chains will help you maneuver
        through snow and ice. Keep emergency winter clothes and supplies in
        your vehicle to buy you time and protection.

People from colder climates often marvel at how even light snowfall can
paralyze Western Washington motorists, closing schools and businesses.
Osterberg acknowledges the perception that native drivers are timid, but notes
several factors differentiate Seattle snowstorms from those found elsewhere:

    --  Seattle-area motorists generally have limited snow-driving skills
        compared with drivers elsewhere, because of little experience and
        infrequent practice. That results in spinouts and abandoned vehicles.
    --  Unlike in colder climates, such as across the Cascades and points
        eastward, snow often falls at around 32-34 degrees near Seattle. The
        result is wet, slippery snow that's harder to drive on than cold, dry
        snow.
    --  The Seattle area has many hills, making snow driving inherently
        tricky.
    --  Because it's surrounded by water, the Seattle area has many roadway
        bottlenecks that become worse in snow.
    --  Infrequent snowfall = less snow-removal equipment in Western
        Washington.

“Add those up, and it’s a recipe for gridlock during Seattle snowstorms,”
said Osterberg.

About PEMCO Insurance

PEMCO Insurance, established in 1949, is a Seattle-based provider of auto,
home, boat, life, and umbrella insurance to Washington state residents. PEMCO
Insurance is sold by community agents throughout the state and through PEMCO
offices. For more information, visit http://www.pemco.com.

     CONTACTS:

     Jon Osterberg (206) 628-4019        Mark Firmani (206) 443-9357
     PEMCO Insurance                     Firmani + Associates Inc.
     jon.osterberg@pemco.com             mark@firmani.com

City of Burbank to Premier World’s First Plug-In Fuel Cell Transit Bus

Demonstration Project to Launch with Zero Emissions Vehicle in Spring 2009

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Burbank has been selected as a national test market for a new zero-emissions, ultra-quiet prototype bus that uses a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a diesel or gasoline engine. The breakthrough vehicle will be unveiled in a spring 2009 Downtown Burbank ceremony and then go into immediate service on various routes within the City’s BurbankBus network.

Designed and fabricated by Colorado-based Proterra, the revolutionary vehicle can travel 250 miles before needing to be recharged, runs at double the fuel economy of a diesel bus and releases nothing but water from the engine exhaust. In addition to being created and built in this country, it relies on power that is 100% derived from U.S. sources, thereby reducing dependence on foreign energy.

The vehicle features several world-firsts for public transportation:

• It is the first-ever light-weight composite bus that is purpose-built to be a plug-in hybrid, offering the advantage of super fuel efficiency
• It is the first to apply mass-produced smaller output (< 50 kW or < 67 HP) automotive fuel cells as range extension to a plug-in hybrid bus, and as such substantially reduces vehicle and lifetime operating costs
• And it offers the world’s first fast-charge battery technology, which is capable of fully recharging the battery in a record 6 minutes. This allows buses to re-power during driver rest breaks.

The technology is very similar to that used in 2010 next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt. On-board computers regulate the electrical needs of the engine by alternating between power fed by Proterra’s TerraVolt energy storage system, and power derived from the hydrogen fuel cells developed by Hydrogenics Corporation. These cells are fed by pressure tanks located on the vehicle’s roof, and transform hydrogen and oxygen into water vapor and electricity to charge the batteries. The vehicle may also be recharged by plugging into readily available wall outlets, like many of the new hybrid cars.

Other agencies involved in this pioneering project include California Air Resource Board (CARB), California Energy Commission and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate JK Chevrolet Fire in Nederland, Texas

NEDERLAND, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the Houston Field Division have been activated to assist the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation of a fire that occurred at the JK Chevrolet dealership Sun., Dec. 14, 2008. The team of about 20 agents and specialists will start the scene investigation today. Some local agents are already onsite.

“ATF is assisting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in this joint investigation. We will work together to determine the origin and cause of this fire,” said Dewey Webb, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division. He estimates that damage to the building, located at 1451 Hwy. 69, to be approximately $4 million.

In 1978, ATF developed the NRT to assist federal, state and local investigators in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant arson and explosives incidents. The NRT consists of four teams organized geographically to cover the United States. Each team can respond within 24 hours to assist state and local law enforcement/fire service personnel in onsite investigations.

In addition to investigating hundreds of large fire scenes, the NRT has also been activated to scenes such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing and the 9/11 Pentagon crash site, as well as explosions at explosives and ammunition manufacturing plants, legal fireworks factories and illegal explosive device manufacturing operations.

The teams are each composed of veteran special agents who have post blast and fire origin-and-cause expertise; forensic chemists; explosives enforcement officers; fire protection engineers; accelerant detection canines; explosives detection canines; intelligence support, computer forensic support and audit support. The teams work alongside state and local officers in reconstructing the scene, identifying the seat of the blast or origin of the fire, conducting interviews, and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the bombing/arson.

Further complementing the team’s efforts are technical, legal and intelligence advisors. Moreover, a fleet of fully equipped response vehicles strategically located throughout the United States is available to provide logistical support.

This is the ninth activation of the NRT in fiscal year 2009, and the 667th activation since the inception of the team in 1978.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.

CONTACT: Franceska Perot, Ph.D., ATF Special Agent, PIO, +1-281-372-2908, +1-281-914-8124 (cell)

Cooper Tire Announces Intent To Close Albany, Ga., Facility

FINDLAY, Ohio, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — COOPER TIRE & RUBBER
COMPANY (NYSE: CTB) today announced the pending closure of its manufacturing
facility in Albany, Ga. This announcement follows a network capacity study
analyzing the Company’s optimal manufacturing footprint in the United States.
The impact on net profit of this closure is estimated to be $150 million to
$175 million in restructuring charges, between 50 and 60 percent of which will
be non-cash charges. Annual savings after implementation are estimated at
between $75 million and $80 million. A portion of these savings will begin to
materialize in 2009 as production from the plant is moved to other locations.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010404/COOPERLOGO )

United States manufacturers have come under intense pressure in recent
years from increased lower-priced imports and softening domestic demand for
products. Roy Armes, chief executive officer, said, “This was a difficult
decision and we regret the impact it will have on our employees in Albany and
the surrounding community. The detailed study we performed was fair,
objective, and conclusive that we needed to consolidate our capacity and close
one of our U.S. facilities. The government and community agencies were
actively engaged and involved and offered a high level of support, but the
final outcome was clear.”

The facility was acquired by Cooper in 1990 and employs approximately
1,400. Cooper intends to realign the mix of products at its remaining U.S.
facilities located in Findlay, Ohio, Texarkana, Ark., and Tupelo, Miss., to
meet customer demand.

Armes continued, “Cooper customers in the North American market must have
competitive products of the highest quality from Cooper in order to grow and
prosper in this intense market. This capacity rationalization will help us
meet that demand. Employees in Albany were notified of the outcome and will
be provided support as the facility winds down operations in the next 12
months. We appreciate the hard work and efforts that our employees have
always demonstrated and will assist them where possible through this
transition. Unfortunately, this was a very necessary action to position
Cooper to compete in a global market environment.

“The current state of the economy and demand for our products in the
United States has caused us to rethink how we could best leverage our fixed
costs. We will also continue with our existing ongoing lean, six sigma, and
automation initiatives to improve our cost structure throughout our
operations, in addition to this capacity rationalization effort. This capacity
reduction, along with improvements at our other facilities, will allow Cooper
to optimize our global footprint and capitalize on current and future market
opportunities.”

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the
design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck
tires and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing
tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing,
sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of
companies located in 10 countries around the world. For more information,
visit Cooper Tire’s web site at: www.coopertire.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
anticipated future charges and expenditures relating to the closure of the
Albany, Ga., facility. In particular, all of the costs and time frames in this
release are estimates and are therefore subject to change. These forward-
looking statements give the Company’s current expectations or forecasts and
are based upon management’s expectations that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the
timing of the plant closing; separation and severance amounts that differ from
original estimates because of the timing of employee terminations; amounts for
non-cash charges relating to inventories and property, plant and equipment
that differ from the original estimates because of the ultimate fair market
value of such inventories and property, plant and equipment. The Company makes
no commitment to update any forward-looking statement included herein or to
disclose any facts, events or circumstances that may affect the accuracy of
any forward-looking statement. You are advised, however, to consult any
disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its reports on Form 10-Q,
8-K and 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

BBB Announces smart USA as New Participant in BBB AUTO LINE

Warranty dispute resolution service now available to smart USA owners nationwide through BBB AUTO LINE program

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –The Council of Better Business Bureaus announced today that it will provide warranty dispute resolution between smart USA car owners and smart USA under the BBB AUTO LINE program. BBB AUTO LINE assistance is available for free to smart car owners – and the owners of more than 20 other makes of car.

Since first being introduced in the US this year, more than 22,000 smart Fortwo cars have been sold to American drivers. Because of the agreement between BBB and smart USA, smart USA drivers will now be able to take advantage of the highly-touted warranty dispute services provided by the BBB AUTOLINE program. According to the most recent survey of participants, 80 percent would recommend BBB AUTO LINE to family or friends.

“The BBB AUTO LINE program has a stellar track record for customer satisfaction and smart car owners can trust our expertise for resolving disputes quickly and efficiently,” said Rod Davis, VP Programs and Services at the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Before legal action becomes necessary, BBB AUTO LINE helps two parties resolve disagreements so that expensive legal proceedings are not required.”

BBB AUTO LINE provides warranty dispute resolution between the auto manufacturer and the owner. Of the nearly 30,000 complaints handled in 2007 alone, most were resolved by mutual agreement between the consumer and the manufacturer.

If the problem is not resolved through a mutual agreement, eligible consumers can present their case to an impartial arbitrator at an informal hearing. The arbitrator will render a decision – which may include repairs, reimbursement or the repurchase or replacement of the consumer’s vehicle. The consumer is then free to accept or reject the decision. If the consumer accepts the decision, the manufacturer is bound to comply with it; if the consumer rejects the decision, the consumer may go on to pursue any other options – including legal action – that are available.

In addition to smart USA, most major automobile companies rely on the services of the BBB AUTO LINE program when resolving warranty disputes with their US customers. The following manufacturers are national participants in the BBB AUTO LINE program: Acura, AM General, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lincoln, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, and Volkswagen. Many other car manufacturers participate on a state-by-state basis.

A detailed listing of all participants, including additional information on the BBB AUTO LINE program may be found on the BBB Web site at:

http://us.bbb.org/BBBAUTOLINE

Consumers can also call: 800-955-5100, for more information on BBB AUTO LINE or to file a complaint.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

Jig-A-Loo USA, Inc. Announces Title Sponsorship of NASCAR’s Hottest New Driver – Peyton Sellers – for Toyota All-Star Showdown

- Sellers to Debut Jig-A-Loo Car at 2009 Toyota All-Star Showdown -

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Jig-A-Loo USA Inc. today announced its first title motorsports sponsorship of one of NASCAR’s newest young drivers, Peyton Sellers for the 2009 season. Driving the #44 Chevrolet, Sellers was in the points chase in the 2008 Camping World Series East taking the checkered flag in the final race of the season. Sellers finished eighth overall in the points standings. The new title sponsorship for Jig-A-Loo USA marks the company’s first introduction into NASCAR. Jig-A-Loo and Sellers Racing will debut the all-new orange #83 Chevrolet at the 2009 Toyota All-Star Showdown race at Toyota Irwindale Speedway on January 23 and 24, 2009.

“With an impressive race record and his affiliation with SkillsUSA, a non-profit organization, Peyton was a perfect fit for our partnership,” said Cindy Sutton, vice president of sales and marketing, Jig-A-Loo USA, Inc. “Together we support the future skilled trades workforce of North America.”

Jig-A-Loo’s motorsports sponsorship will integrate Sellers into the brand’s advertising and promotions campaign for the year. Jig-A-Loo is committed as the title sponsor for Sellers’ #83 Chevrolet during the Toyota All-Star Showdown race in January at Irwindale Speedway. In addition to the Jig-A-Loo branding on the #83 Chevrolet, Jig-A-Loo and Sellers will be involved in various media opportunities and personal appearances throughout the racing season.

“The Toyota All-Star Showdown is one of the biggest races of the season for us and to have Jig-A-Loo, USA on board is a great way for us to kick-off our season,” said Sellers. “Jig-A-Loo shares in the same passion as our race team with regards to its involvement with the non-profit organization SkillsUSA. Through our sponsorship with Jig-A-Loo and our mutual support of SkillsUSA, this is a winning race combination.”

With Jig-A-Loo, USA Inc. adding new automotive products to its current line-up, partnering with a motorsports program will provide Jig-A-Loo with a new audience geared towards the auto industry. Jig-A-Loo’s motorsports announcement comes just 18 months after the successful retail debut of its flagship lubricant named for its brand — “Jig-A-Loo”.

Over the course of Jig-A-Loo’s first year of retail in the United States, the company has launched two additional products — Jig-A-Patch and Graphite Extreme. Jig-A-Patch is the world’s first sprayable drywall filler in a can, combining three tools in one: spackle, putty knife and sanding sponge. Graphite Extreme is a high performance graphite-based lubricant designed for automotive and high temperature applications wherever friction and heat cause lubrication problems. Jig-A-Loo products are available at The Home Depot, Advance Auto Parts and participating Independent Hardware stores. It can also be purchased online at www.homedepot.com.In 2009, Jig-A-Loo USA is also preparing the national launch of EconoGreen plastics. For more info please visit www.jigaloo.com.

Both Jig-A-Loo, USA through the Youth Development Foundation and Peyton Sellers through his “stay in school” platform are strong partners of SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization was founded in 1965 and has become one of the country’s largest student-based non-profit organizations supporting those entering the world of skilled trade. With membership of more than 300,000 students and instructors annually, SkillsUSA has reached more than 9.6 million members since its inception.

The Toyota All-Star Showdown and its qualifying event will be aired live on SPEED January 23-24, 2009. Last year’s race was the most successful to date. Not only did a record 106 cars register for qualification, but the race finish was second to none. Joey Logano, another upcoming driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, was matched head-to-head with Sellers, narrowly escaping him in a green-white-checkered finish. With the rising caliber of talent featured in the Showdown throughout the years, this year is sure to be the best yet.

About Jig-A-Loo

Jig-A-Loo has been used in industrial and commercial establishments since 1958. The product was launched in 1998 in the Canadian mass retail market, quickly capturing a substantial portion of the lubricant market with its clean, dry and smooth application winning over do it yourselfers and professionals alike. Jig-A-Loo is ideal for wood, metal, leather and a number of other surfaces. It is an exceptional water-repellent, a rust and freeze inhibitor, and will not stain. Unlike traditional lubricants, Jig-A-Loo contains no oil, grease, wax or detergent.

For more information on Jig-A-Loo, visit www.jigaloo.com.

For more information on Peyton Sellers, visit www.peytonsellers.com

To learn more on SkillsUSA or how to become involved, visit www.skillsusa.org.

JIG-A-LOO is a proud sponsor of the SkillsUSA Champions Campaign. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled work force.

Car and Driver Announces Editors Choice Picks

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers in the market for a
new car or truck now have the opportunity to see what vehicles the editors of
Car and Driver, the world’s No. 1 automotive enthusiast magazine, would choose
to drive if they were shopping for new wheels today.

Car and Driver conducted rigorous instrumented testing and editorial
evaluation of hundreds of 2009 model vehicles, including all the Editors
Choice picks and their competitors. Winners are chosen based on three
criteria: practicality, value, and driver satisfaction.

The magazine today announced the launch of its new monthly “High-Fives”
feature, which highlights the editors’ favorite rides in 19 vehicle
categories, ranging from small cars to family sedans to exotic sports cars.
Starting with the February 2009 issue hitting newsstands today, Car and Driver
magazine will give “High-Five” salutes to five models in ten rotating vehicle
categories each month. The editors’ latest choices in all 19 vehicle
categories are accessible online at CARandDRIVER.com.

“Our experienced and enthusiastic group of editors is constantly testing
and evaluating the 420 car and truck models on the market,” said Csaba Csere,
editor-in-chief of Car and Driver. “We have our favorites and want to pass
this information on quickly and directly to our readers, especially if they
are in the market for a new car or truck. And we will adjust our rankings
continuously to reflect the merits of new vehicles as they come on the
market.”

“For those who are confused by the vast array of vehicles on the market,
the Editors Choice picks featured in the CARandDRIVER.com Buyer’s Guide and in
our magazine will help narrow a buyer’s focus to those vehicles that are most
worthy of consideration. By accessing the vast array of more detailed
information about those vehicles offered at CARandDRIVER.com, a buyer can find
the best vehicle that suits his or her individual needs,” said Csere.

The ten categories highlighted in February’s issue of Car and Driver are
performance compacts, sports sedans, sports cars, small SUVs, mid-size SUVs,
entry luxury cars, luxury sedans, small cars, supercars, and family sedans.

Each month, the magazine will rotate the categories featured in the
magazine to reflect changing buyers’ tastes, as well as new entries in the
market.

Society of Automotive Analysts’ 2009 Automotive Outlook Conference Features Tesla Motors’ Elon Musk

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) presents its 21st annual Automotive Outlook Conference Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Highlights of the conference include:

• FINBARR O’NEILL, senior vice president and general manager of international operations at J.D. Power and Associates;
• ROD LACHE, analyst for Deutsche Bank;
• DAN NEAL, Pulitzer Prize winning automotive columnist from the Los Angeles Times;
• PAUL TAYLOR, chief economist for NADA’s Industry Analysis;
• EMILY KOLINSKI-MORRIS, senior economist at Ford Motor Company; and
• ELON MUSK, chairman, product architect and chief executive officer of Tesla Motors, delivering the keynote address. Musk is also currently the CEO and CTO at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). He was co-founder of PayPal.

Conference registration includes a continental breakfast, plus a FREE Analyst Pass to the North American International Auto Show during Press Week — good on Tuesday, January 13 until 7:00 p.m.

The conference will run from 8:00 a.m. (networking breakfast at 7:00 a.m.) to approx 12:00 noon at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. Complimentary shuttle service is provided by NAIAS between the Marriott and Cobo Center where the auto show is staged. Secure on-line registration is available at www.cybersaa.org .

Complete conference details can be found on SAA’s web site at www.cybersaa.org which includes secure on-line registration. For additional information, contact SAA headquarters at 800/704-0051; fax 734/677-2407; e-mail to info@cybersaa.org.

The Society of Automotive Analysts is dedicated to providing outstanding educational programs and superior networking opportunities to its members. SAA offers conferences, programs, its website and other forums in which to discuss, debate, and learn about a broad variety of subjects and timely industry issues.

Visteon Obtains License To Apply Advanced Touch Technology in Vehicles

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Dec. 17, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Global
automotive supplier Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) has obtained a license from
Immersion Corporation (Nasdaq: IMMR), a leading developer and licensor of
touch feedback technology, to apply Immersion’s TouchSense(R) technology on
electronic controls in vehicles. The agreement enables Visteon to apply
technology that maximizes the sense of touch in electronic controls in
vehicles, similar to what consumers experience when using the emerging
technology in portable devices such as mobile phones and personal navigation
systems.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )

The agreement strengthens a working relationship between Visteon and
Immersion for developing and commercializing, by 2010, several types of
controls enabled by haptics throughout vehicle interiors. Haptics refers to
technology that interfaces with drivers and passengers via the sense of touch.
Independent research has shown that haptics, by improving touch sensation, can
increase user speed and accuracy, reduce complication and stress, and improve
overall satisfaction. In vehicles, haptics can offer the additional advantages
of reducing glance time and minimizing driver distraction.

Concepts integrating Immersion’s TouchSense technology will be
demonstrated at Visteon’s exhibit during the 2009 International Consumer
Electronics Show in Las VegasJan. 8-11, 2009 at booth CP13 in the Central
Plaza.

“Visteon is known for its innovative industry collaborations that give it
first-to-market solutions,” said Chuck Joseph, senior vice president and
general manager, Immersion Touch Interface Products group. “By collaborating
with Immersion on haptic button packs, displays and control modules, Visteon
is rapidly responding to market trends as well as designing interior controls
and experiences for the future.”

Steve Meszaros, president of Visteon’s electronics product group, said:
“Visteon’s innovative TouchSense-enabled solutions will satisfy design and
market demands for electronic controls in vehicles that provide touch
sensations and feedback similar to what consumers are accustomed to
experiencing with portable electronics devices. This is part of an ongoing
trend to integrate consumer electronics and the characteristics of personal
devices into the vehicle.”

Meszaros added that Visteon’s experience in integrating electronic systems
into the vehicle, combined with Immersion’s developments in haptic-enabled
controls, creates a unique opportunity for automakers to deliver a solution
that enhances the occupant’s overall vehicle experience. Visteon sees
potential application of this technology throughout its core product lines –
electronics, interiors products such as door and instrument panels, and
climate controls.

The proliferation of portable consumer devices for communication,
entertainment, and information, as well as increased capabilities within the
vehicle, creates more potential distraction for drivers. At the same time,
consumers have grown more sophisticated, requiring more innovative,
distinctive and higher quality products. To answer this demand, the human-
machine interface (HMI) must evolve to help drivers do more without increasing
distraction. A consistent, intuitive, ergonomic HMI designed for the
automotive environment that can integrate and build on the familiar aspects of
consumer devices is Visteon’s vision for the vehicle, according to Meszaros.

About Visteon (www.visteon.com)

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs,
engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and
lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of
products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van
Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the
company has facilities in 27 countries and employs approximately 35,500
people.

About Immersion (www.immersion.com)

Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation is the recognized leader in
developing, licensing, and marketing digital touch technology and products.
Using Immersion’s advanced electronic user interfaces are more compelling,
entertaining, and in many applications, safer and more productive. Immersion’s
technology has helped manufacturers develop innovative and creative solutions
for products such as hundreds of video games and leading video console gaming
systems, medical training simulators installed around the world, driver
controls for automotive manufacturers, and mobile phones, such as those from
LG and Samsung. Immersion’s patent portfolio includes over 700 issued or
pending patents in the U.S. and other countries.