“3 million down, more to come, SIA promises - Lafayette Journal and Courier” plus 4 more

3 million down, more to come, SIA promises - Lafayette Journal and Courier
All-Electric Truck Unveiled on Capitol Hill - Inside Indiana Business
Glance at 12 drivers in the Chase - ESPN.com
Nissan China Sales Continue To Grow - Industrial Distribution
LaHood: Distracted Driving A 'Menace To Society' - KFOX 14

3 million down, more to come, SIA promises - Lafayette Journal and Courier

Posted: 30 Sep 2009 07:33 AM PDT

When their overtime shift ended Tuesday afternoon, associates at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette clapped and cheered as their employer reached another milestone.

A silver 2010 Outback 2.5i was the 3 millionth vehicle to roll off the production line since SIA began building cars and trucks 20 years ago. The first debuted on Sept. 11, 1989.

Susan Retherford, the first associate hired at SIA, was among the employees who held a large sign that heralded the car of the hour as it was driven off the assembly line amid a shower of confetti.

"It was fun," said Retherford, a Lafayette resident who initially was hired as a temporary worker in May 1987. She became a full-time employee in September of that year and now is a member of the technical support staff in the Toyota Camry trim and final assembly area.

"I've been here 22 years," Retherford said. "I enjoy working for the company. We've grown a lot since I first started. I've seen a lot of change, but it also stays the same. We're still a team -- one big family."

Retherford was the first in a long line of employees at the plant, where production levels topped out at 216,198 in 1998 and are projected at 158,000 this year.

"Since the first vehicle was built at SIA, 9,000 associates and temporaries have been involved," said Motokiyo Nomura, SIA president and chief executive officer.

Over the past 20 years the lineup has included Subaru Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and Baja models; Toyota Camry; Isuzu Axiom, Amigo and Rodeo; and the Honda Passport.

"This milestone is a tribute to all SIA associates ... and others who play a part in this success," senior vice president Tom Easterday told the associates. "With the popularity of the Outback, Legacy and Camry, I'll bet the 4 millionth vehicle is going to come around a lot sooner than we planned.

"Thank you for your hard work, dedication and focus on safety and environmental stewardship."

Employment at the plant is currently 3,300, which includes 100 temporary workers and 10 full-time associates who have been hired since August.

Success of the recent "Cash for Clunkers" program and early customer acceptance of the 2010 Legacy and Outback models prompted the additional hiring and helped Subaru reach a record monthly sales total of 28,863 vehicles in August.

"It's resulted in Subaru having only a 16-day inventory on Sept. 1. It's normally 60 or 70 days," said Easterday.

Easterday said he anticipates the one hour of overtime Subaru employees are working on most weekdays and the eight-hour overtime shifts on two Saturdays in October will continue.

"We have tentative plans for additional daily overtime and some Saturday overtime in November and December," he said. "All we need is a little more economic recovery."

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All-Electric Truck Unveiled on Capitol Hill - Inside Indiana Business

Posted: 30 Sep 2009 08:02 AM PDT

Press Release

September 30, 2009

WASHINGTON--Members of Congress today were shown an early result of federal stimulus investments paying dividends an all-electric commercial truck from Navistar, Inc. that does not depend on foreign oil, is already generating jobs, and offers real potential to usher in a new wave of U.S.-led clean vehicle technologies.

With the help of a $39 million U.S. Department of Energy grant announced by President Obama in August, Navistar will build these high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments. Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Indiana, and expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows.

At a time when the economy is struggling, supporting breakthrough technologies like Navistars all-electric truck will create jobs for our state and help free us from our dependency on energy imports, said Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN). I was proud to accompany President Obama to Wakarusa, Indiana, in August to announce the federal commitment to build this all-electric vehicle in Elkhart County. Indiana continues to be a leader in the development and production of advanced technologies that will provide important benefits to the entire nation. Hoosiers have been at the epicenter of todays automotive industry, and this technology gives us an opportunity to be at the forefront of tomorrows as well.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation allowing for a program of research, development, and commercial application of clean vehicle technologies at DOE (H.R. 3246, Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009). The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The collaboration between Navistar and DOE demonstrates the importance of business and government working together to make energy efficient vehicles a reality, and the continued need for research and development of advanced commercial vehicle technologies.

The all-electric commercial truck is a concrete example of advanced technology that will be swiftly brought to market with government incentives, just like diesel-hybrid trucks and school buses, said Greg Elliott, senior vice president, Navistar. We must continue to invest together for the next generation of advanced vehicles with innovative aerodynamic design and greater hybrid and electric market penetration across the nation.

This zero tailpipe emission electric commercial truck is the latest of Navistars green vehicle advancements. The company was an early pioneer in diesel hybrids with the International DuraStar truck and the IC Bus CE Series plug-in hybrid school bus.

The all-electric vehicle would primarily be used by fleets in congested, urban, light duty applications where stop-and-go driving would otherwise consume a large amount of fuel.

Other Navistar Background

Most Fuel Efficient Heavy Trucks

In addition to all-electric and hybrid-electric trucks and buses, the conventional line-up of International brand commercial trucks is among the most aerodynamic, fuel efficient in the industry. Navistar recently became the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to receive dual certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Program for helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Navistar produces two industry-leading Class 8 trucks with SmartWay certification International LoneStar and International ProStar a distinction they received for their superior aerodynamics and fuel economy. While the aerodynamic ProStar Class 8 tractor is the market leader in fuel-efficiency, in June 2008, the groundbreaking LoneStar became the first classic-styled Class 8 tractor to receive the SmartWay certification.

Environmental Innovations

For decades, Navistar has demonstrated a commitment to clean technologies that benefit the environment and its customers. In 1989, Navistar was the first OEM to release the smokeless diesel engine and, in 2001, Navistar was the first engine manufacturer to gain certification from the EPA for meeting reduced particulate and hydrocarbon emissions standards six years ahead of schedule. Navistar was also the first to enter line production of commercial diesel hybrid trucks and school buses.

About Navistar

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE:NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.

Source: Navistar

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Glance at 12 drivers in the Chase - ESPN.com

Posted: 30 Sep 2009 07:05 AM PDT

A glance at the 12 drivers competing in NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup championship heading into this weekend's race at Kansas Speedway (in order of points):

DRIVER: Mark Martin

CHASE POINTS: first, 5,400 points

CAR: No. 5 Carquest/Kellogg's Chevrolet

TEAM: Hendrick Motorsports

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 8

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 13.1 (won in 2005)

LAST WEEK: Maintained his lead in the Chase by finishing second behind teammate Jimmie Johnson at Dover, though even he marveled at how the three-time defending champion dominated the field.

CHASE CHATTER: "We're going to race our guts out no matter where we wind up, and no matter how they are," Martin said. "That dude still is Superman in my book."

---

DRIVER: Jimmie Johnson

CHASE POINTS: second, -10

CAR: No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet

TEAM: Hendrick Motorsports

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 7

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 10.7 (won in 2008)

LAST WEEK: There seemed to be a certain amount of inevitability in the way Johnson won at Dover. He led 224 laps and was in such total control that it served notice to the rest of the Chase field that he remains the driver to beat.

CHASE CHATTER: "We brought a different race car; a car that we thought was going to be better than we had in the spring," crew chief Chad Knaus said. "Man, I am glad it worked cause I would have looked pretty dumb if it hadn't."

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DRIVER: Juan Pablo Montoya

CHASE POINTS: third, -65

CAR: No. 42 Target Chevrolet

TEAM: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

POSITION CHANGE: Plus 1

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 2

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 24.0 (finished 20th in 2008)

LAST WEEK: Another strong outing for the Colombian at Dover. He qualified second and finished fourth to move up to third in the standings. Remains a factor, but is heading to a stretch of tracks where he hasn't run well.

CHASE CHATTER: "We have just always had problems here (at Dover) in the past," Montoya said. "To come here and have a clean day is huge."

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DRIVER: Kurt Busch

CHASE POINTS: fourth, -75

CAR: No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge

TEAM: Penske Racing

POSITION CHANGE: Plus 1

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 8

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 20.8 (Two top-10s)

LAST WEEK: So much for the drama surrounding crew chief Pat Tryson's imminent departure. Busch moved up a spot in the Chase after finishing fifth at Dover. Seems having Tryson in the shop for just one day a week won't be a problem the rest of the way.

CHASE CHATTER: "We put it up front most of the day and put ourselves in position (to win), but a couple of guys were quicker than us at the end," Busch said.

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DRIVER: Tony Stewart

CHASE POINTS: fifth, -106

CAR: No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet

TEAM: Stewart/Haas Racing

POSITION CHANGE: Plus 1

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 8

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 14.8 (won in 2006)

LAST WEEK: Here's how you become a champion: Stewart accidentally started the chain-reaction that send Joey Logano flipping end over end, a wreck that also caused front end damage on Stewart's car. He somehow finished ninth to keep his Chase hopes alive.

CHASE CHATTER: "I can't say I'm satisfied because I still lost points," said Stewart. "That's how competitive this Chase is, too -- I got a top-10 and I'm not happy with it. I'm proud of the effort from the team, really proud of that. We dodged another bullet."

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DRIVER: Denny Hamlin

CHASE POINTS: sixth, -108

CAR: No. 11 FedEx Toyota

TEAM: Joe Gibbs Racing

POSITION CHANGE: Minus 3

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 4

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 22.4 (11th in 2008)

LAST WEEK: A lost weekend at Dover for one of the hottest drivers in the Chase. He fought handling issues to finish 22nd, though the lowlight may have been his tussle with Brad Keselowski following the Nationwide Race on Saturday.

CHASE CHATTER: "We definitely came out here thinking we could win the race just like any other weekend, but as soon as the green flag fell, I knew we were in trouble," Hamlin said. "It was just a bad day."

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DRIVER: Ryan Newman

CHASE POINTS: seventh, -110

CAR: No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet

TEAM: Stewart/Haas Racing

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 8

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 18.0 (won in 2003)

LAST WEEK: Started third and finished 10th at Dover but did little to dispel the notion that he can make a serious run at the title.

CHASE CHATTER: "We've been consistent, but we need to be consistent with better results," said Newman. "This is a brutally tough competition and we can still do it."

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DRIVER: Jeff Gordon

CHASE POINTS: Eighth, -122

CAR: No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet

TEAM: Hendrick Motorsports

POSITION CHANGE: Plus 2

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 8

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 9.8 (won in 2001, 2002)

LAST WEEK: Moved up two spots in the Chase after finishing sixth at Dover, but it wasn't the performance he knew he needed to try and stay within range of teammates Martin and Johnson.

CHASE CHATTER: "I feel like we had a second-place car and when you have a second-place car you've got to finish second or contend for the win," Gordon said.

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DRIVER: Greg Biffle

CHASE POINTS: ninth, -138

CAR: No. 16 3M Scotch Brand Ford

TEAM: Roush Fenway Racing

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 7

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 9.9 (won in 2007)

LAST WEEK: Posted his worst finish at Dover in four years with a 13th-place finish at the Monster Mile and blamed part of his lack of success on the ability of Johnson and Montoya to conduct tire tests at Dover earlier this year.

CHASE CHATTER: "We were obviously at a disadvantage," Biffle said. "It was a completely different tire and it has us off our game right when we unloaded off of the truck. We had a decent car today but we're not going to beat guys that came here and tested."

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DRIVER: Brian Vickers

CHASE POINTS: 10th, -151

CAR: No. 83 Red Bull Toyota

TEAM: Red Bull Racing

POSITION CHANGE: Minus 2

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 4

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 13.3 (finished eighth in 2006)

LAST WEEK: Struggled to an 18th-place finish at Dover. The hot streak that carried him into the Chase is officially over.

CHASE CHATTER: "The car wasn't as good as we wanted it to be," Vickers said. "We made some wholesale changes (Saturday) night. Some I think helped. Some hurt us."

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DRIVER: Carl Edwards

CHASE POINTS: 11th, -153

CAR: No. 99 Aflac Ford

TEAM: Roush Fenway Racing

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 5

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 14.0 (finished second in 2008)

LAST WEEK: Salvaged an 11th-place finish at Dover and heads to the track where he made his infamous kamikaze pass on Jimmie Johnson last year, a move that didn't work out but proved how badly he wants to win.

CHASE CHATTER: "That's the best possible finish we could've hoped for with this race car. I'm really proud of my guys on pit road," Edwards said. "It's frustrating, but not as bad as it could've been. I was racing my guts out for 15th to 20th, too."

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DRIVER: Kasey Kahne

CHASE POINTS: 12th, -189

CAR: No. 9 Budweiser Dodge

TEAM: Richard Petty Motorsports

POSITION CHANGE: None

CAREER KANSAS STARTS: 5

AVERAGE KANSAS FINISH: 18.8 (ninth in 2007)

LAST WEEK: Bounced back after his nightmare engine failure at New Hampshire to finish eighth at Dover.

CHASE CHATTER: "We didn't pick up as many spots in the Chase like we'd like to, but we performed well and didn't lose any ground," Kahne said. "There's plenty of racing left."

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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Nissan China Sales Continue To Grow - Industrial Distribution

Posted: 30 Sep 2009 07:05 AM PDT

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- Nissan may sell half a million passenger cars in China this year and expects sales to continue growing even after Beijing's tax incentives end, a top executive said Wednesday.

Kimiyasu Nakamura, president and chief executive of the Japanese automaker's China joint venture, Dongfeng Motor Co., said demand was spurred by strong sales in inland regions, where people are just starting to buy cars.

He expects to clear this year's sales target of 388,000 passenger cars by October, and said the sales tally in China may reach as high as 500,000 vehicles for the year.

"Motorization has just started in China," he told a small group of reporters at Nissan's Yokohama headquarters, using the term for Japanese snatching up cars during modernization in the 1960s and 1970s.

Chinese customers tend to be first-time car buyers and so by ensuring quality and building the brand's reputation, Nissan Motor Co. hopes they will keep coming back, Nakamura said.

Nissan's vehicle sales in China through Dongfeng have been solid despite the slowdown in more mature markets such as North America, Japan and Europe.

Passenger vehicle sales in China for Nissan rose 52 percent for January through August compared to the same period the previous year at more than 320,000 vehicles, offsetting declining truck sales, according to Nakamura.

Although Chinese government tax breaks meant to stimulate car sales apply only to small cars, Nakamura said sales of bigger cars were also up, and his company was rushing to keep up with demand.

He said the incentives had helped boost consumer interest in purchasing cars.

Nissan has been putting on small-scale auto shows in inland areas by bringing in big trucks whose rear section opens up to showcase events and demonstrations for potential customers as well as children.

In China's coastal areas and cities, 50 to 150 people may own a car per 1,000 people, but in inland regions the ratio is far lower at about five to 20 people, according to Nissan. In the U.S., about 750 per 1,000 people own cars.

Nissan is hoping to sell 1 million vehicles in China a year by 2012. Last year, after the financial crisis struck, some told Nakamura the target may be too optimistic, but these days, they're telling him the same number may be too cautious, he said.

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LaHood: Distracted Driving A 'Menace To Society' - KFOX 14

Posted: 30 Sep 2009 08:30 AM PDT

Mobile Phones Pose Major Distraction

Posted: 1:52 pm MDT September 29, 2009Updated: 9:51 am MDT September 30, 2009

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving a "menace to society" Wednesday, kicking off a two-day meeting on preventing drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel.

The Obama administration reported that nearly 6,000 people in the U.S. were killed and a half-million injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction, including drivers talking on cell phones and texting.

"To put it plainly, distracted driving is a menace to society," LaHood told more than 300 participants at the government's 'distracted driving summit.' "Distracted driving is an epidemic and it seems to be getting worse every year."

The Transportation Department brought together experts to take a hard look at the highway hazards caused by drivers talking on cell phones or texting from behind the wheel. LaHood said he would offer recommendations Thursday that could lead to new restrictions on using the devices while driving.

Congress is watching closely. Sen. Charles Schumer and other Democrats introduced legislation in July that would require states to ban texting or e-mailing while operating a moving vehicle or lose 25 percent of their annual federal highway funding. The Obama administration has not taken a position on the bill.

Prior to the meeting, LaHood said the administration would "work with Congress" to develop ways of curbing distracted driving. Ultimately, LaHood said, he wanted the meeting to set "the stage for finding ways to eliminate texting while driving."

Previous efforts to reduce drunken driving and encourage motorists to wear seat belts taught the government a "valuable lesson," LaHood said. "We need a combination of strong laws, tough enforcement and ongoing public education to make a difference."

Transportation officials said in a research report that 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 were injured last year in crashes where at least one form of driver distraction was reported. Driver distraction was involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008.

LaHood said on any given day last year, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone during the day.

The panel of government officials, safety advocates, researchers and lawmakers discussed ways of developing a consensus on the roadway hazards. Speakers showed images of pulverized sport utility vehicles and sawed off commercial buses that had been driven by people using mobile devices before the crash.

Others noted the problem was not limited to cars and cited a commuter train engineer in California, who texted a friend and failed to stop at a red signal. Twenty-five people were killed in the September 2008 passenger rail crash.

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