WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 8, 2009) – Seven trade associations representing the automotive aftermarket are opposing inclusion of a “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus plan currently being considered in Washington. Cash for Clunkers would use taxpayer dollars to purchase and crush older vehicles into blocks of scrap metal. There is no evidence that the program will achieve the stated goal of boosting new car sales. In a show of solidarity, the seven groups submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Congress urging lawmakers to reject a program that for no proven value would do significant harm to the automotive aftermarket, a $285 billion industry that employs approximately 4.5 million Americans in all 50 states.

The associations that signed the letter are: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Tire Industry Association (TIA).

The automotive aftermarket is comprised of independent businesses that manufacture, rebuild, restore, customize, distribute, retail and install vehicle parts and perform service on all types of motor vehicles, including the older vehicles this legislation targets. Vehicle owners throughout the U.S. depend daily on aftermarket parts and service.

Under the current proposal, a Cash for Clunkers program would provide federal taxpayer money to purchase and crush older vehicles. “These programs have been generally rejected by the states since they are not a cost-effective means to improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, or spur to new car sales,” the seven groups said in the letter. “Conversely, Cash for Clunkers programs threaten jobs in the automotive aftermarket since they remove the opportunity to repair and upgrade existing cars and raise the price of used cars and parts.”

According to the aftermarket letter, Cash for Clunkers is a “sounds good” idea that has been around for at least two decades. Upon closer scrutiny, it has always been rejected by Congress for the following reasons:

· Clunker programs focus on a vehicle’s age rather than a vehicle’s emissions, based on the erroneous perception that all older cars are dirty cars. However, there are no actual emissions measurements taken for cars that are scrapped. Rather, the programs “estimate” emissions reductions, numbers that are significantly overstated.

· Clunker programs rarely capture the “gross polluter,” an improperly maintained vehicle of any model year, which puts out dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance. Those seeking a quick fix through vehicle clunker programs ignore this reality.

· Clunker programs diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and older cars are crushed. Most low-income individuals will not be able to afford to purchase new vehicles, let alone more fuel efficient or cleaner vehicles, with the money provided by clunker programs.

· Clunker programs compete with charitable organizations such as Melwood Industries, the Congressionally-chartered Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Salvation Army that rely on used car donation programs to fund their programs.

· Auto restoration, customization and repair shops nationwide will suffer with the loss of older cars, trucks and parts they need to supply and service their customers. It will also reduce and supply and therefore raise and price of second and third hand cars and trucks often purchased by low-income citizens.

· Cash for Clunkers programs risk destroying classic, historic and special interest vehicles. America safeguards its artistic and architectural heritage against indiscriminate destruction. Our automotive and industrial heritage deserves the same protection.

· Clunker programs do not guarantee that a scrapped vehicle will be replaced with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. In fact, many older vehicles get better fuel mileage than the newer models.

· Cars turned in for scrappage often are rarely driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.

· There is no evidence that clunker programs boosts demand for new vehicles, drives traffic to new car dealerships or creates or retains jobs.

The aftermarket associations pledged support for legislation to provide tax incentives to purchase new cars such as allowing deductions for interest on car loans and state sales tax. The groups also support tax credits to help upgrade, repair or maintain an older vehicle. “A number of commercially available products and technologies exist that will substantially lower the emission rates of older vehicles while also offering the owner added performance, drivability and fuel mileage. These innovative solutions drive product sales, produce American jobs and secure tax revenues for the government all while sustaining the multi-billion dollar motor vehicle aftermarket,” the groups concluded.

Lewiston, Michigan (January 30, 2009) – Travis Pastrana and Tanner Foust were battling for the lead Friday after the first eight stages of the 2009 Rally America season opener, while a three-way battle was shaping up for third place.

“We’re trying to be smooth and consistent,” said Pastrana, who finished Friday night 52 seconds ahead of Foust.

Rockstar Energy driver Foust and co-driver Chrissie Beavis said they were enjoying their first event in the Hyundai Tiburon.

The 2003 Tiburon, prepared by rally legend John Buffum, is considered very competitive – although it has recently begun to show its age. Canadian Antoine L’Estage piloted the car to the win at this event last year.

“We’re having a blast,” said Foust late Friday. “This car is as fun as everybody says it is.”

A trio of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX rally cars were fighting for third place after Friday’s eight stages, with Bill Bacon and co-driver Peter Watt leading the NOS Energy duo of Andrew Comrie-Picard and Marc Goldfarb. Trailing them were Polish driver Andi Mancin and co-driver Maciej Wislawski. The three cars were separated by just 24 seconds heading into Day 2.

Meanwhile, Pastrana’s Subaru Rally Team USA teammates Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino were out of the contest early Friday after going off road, then suffering mechanical problems while battling for the lead. Winter events have not typically been kind to the duo; the conditions don’t suit Block’s flat-out style.

“Ice and snow rallies are lotteries,” said Gelsomino. “We don’t want to mess with this stuff anymore.”

Pastrana has partnered again for this contest with Christian Edstrom after the co-driver’s year-long hiatus from the sport. His 2008 co-driver Derek Ringer is competing alongside Subaru Rally Team USA’s newest member Dave Mirra.

Although Mirra is contesting this event in an Open class Subaru, he is expected to begin a campaign for the new Super Production title at the next round, when his new car is ready.

Leading the charge for the popular new class, which features lightly modified high performance vehicles, were Bryan Pepp and Jerry Stang in a Subaru WRX. The duo were in ninth-place overall after Friday’s stages.

After a strong start in the new combined two-wheel drive class, young driver Kyle Sarasin and co-driver Alex Kihurani suffered an off-road excursion that put them out of the contest.

Sno*Drift is the first stop on the 2009 Rally America National Championship. The winter weather event is headquartered in Atlanta, Michigan, and passes through the towns of Lewiston and Hillman.

The rally resumes Saturday morning, with 12 stages remaining – representing more than half of the total contest.

About Rally America
Based in Golden Valley, Minn., Rally America sanctions the premier rally racing series in the United States, the Rally America National Championship Series. In 2009, Rally America will conduct nine National Championship events at venues across the country, from Olympia, Wash., to Bethel, Maine. Rally America competitors reach speeds well over 100 mph in modified street cars on natural-terrain courses of gravel, dirt or snow. Additionally, through a partnership with ESPN, qualifying Rally America drivers are invited to compete in the Summer X Games, the annual leading action sports event that is broadcast live on ABC and ESPN.

– Excitement Builds as D1GP USA Announces First Drivers List —

LOS ANGELES (January 22, 2009) – D1GP USA ( www.d1gp.com ), the auto industry’s premier drifting series, continues its momentum forward by releasing the first list of drivers committed to participating in the 2009 D1GP USA series. Coming on the heels of their 2009 Rulebook and Championship Points Series announcement, the new management team at D1GP USA is releasing its list of committed drivers. At the top is the 2008 D1GP Champion Daigo Saito, followed by Yoichi Imamura, D1GP’s #2 ranked driver. As D1GP continues to confirm driver participation, we will be posting updates to the D1GP web site.

“With a new Championship Points Series outlet in the United States , these drivers have chosen to participate in D1GP USA in 2009. The drivers will ship their cars here and those cars will remain on the D1GP USA transporters for the entire season taking part in D1GP USA exclusive events as well as promotional stops. What is going to make the D1GP USA Series so exciting is the participation of the world’s elite drift teams. We are setting the stage for fierce competition where drivers are working hard for the Championship,” said Rich Goodwin, president, D1GP USA.

Spotlighting the Drivers

Daigo Saito (#1 Ranked Driver – 2008 D1 Champion) – Saito started competing in the D1 Grand Prix in the third round of the 2004 season in his red Toyota Mark II JZX90 . Since then he has improved steadily placing 32 nd overall in 2005; 14 th in 2006; 7 th in 2007 and winning the D1GP Championship in 2008.

Yoichi Imamura (#2 Ranked Driver) – Imamura is one of the most highly regarded drift drivers in the D1GP. He was the winner of the 2003 D1GP Championship and winner of 2008 D1 Tokyo Drift. He ranked #2 in 2008. He is also the record holder for the most D1GP wins.

Ken Nomura (#4 ranked D1 driver) – Nomura is one of the longest reigning participants in the D1GP making his debut in the D1 Grand Prix in the 3rd round in 2001, driving the Blitz D1 Spec ER34 Skyline, which he still drives today. He began in 1992 as the runner up in the All Japan Ikaten Finals. In the D1 events, he is known for his imitation of a monkey and as the pioneer of the smoke technique. In 2006, he won the D1GP All Star event. In 2007 he placed 2 nd in the D1GP series and in 2008 he placed 4 th overall.

Takahiro Ueno (#8 ranked D1 driver) – Ueno began competing in the D1 Grand Prix in his Toyota Soarer JZZ30 in the first round in 2001. He went on to win round #4 of the season and finishing 3 rd in the overall D1GP Championship. He has gone on to score points in every year since, last year placing 8th in the D1GP Championship

Toshiki Yoshioka (#9 ranked D1 driver) – He first competed in the D1 Grand Prix in the first round of 2002 and has always scored points in every season placing 12 th in 2002; 6 th in 2003; 13t h in 2004; 8 th in 2005; 5 th in 2006; 8 th in 2007 & 10 th in 2008. For 2008, Yoshioka has switched from his trusty AE86 to a Lexus SC430 prepared by renowned tuning garage Tom’s.

D1GP USA has invited all top 10 drivers from Japan to compete. The expectation is that the remaining drivers will confirm over the course of the next month. In addition, D1GP USA is now extending invitations to the remaining field of Professional D1 drivers of which many have expressed interest in competing. In addition to the Japanese drivers, the D1GP USA office has been flooded with calls from Professional American drivers looking for an alternative outlet to compete. The expectation is that now that the rulebook, prize money and judging system have been outlined, many drivers will begin to register once registration opens on February 1st .

Driven Events, Inc. (D1GP USA Management)

D1GP USA is operated by Southern California based, Driven Events. The company licensed the rights to D1 Grand Prix in the United States in late 2008 and they share a long term vision with D1GP Japan. Driven Events is made up of auto industry insiders. Led by Rich Goodwin and Michael Munar, the D1GP is under complete new management. Both Goodwin and Munar were the founders of the original Hot Import Nights (HIN) started in the late 90’s. They sold HIN in 2004 and Goodwin and Munar went separate ways and have now reunited specifically for this project. They are partnered with Ed and Emil Arguellas, the founders of Extreme Autofest. The group has also employed many of the original HIN & Autofest team who are now working to build one of the best new drifting events in the U.S.

Simple device warns of impending failure BEFORE a dead battery leaves you stranded

January 29, 2009 Again this year, the #1 cause of emergency roadside service is battery failure. As consumers are holding onto their cars longer these days, it is expected that the trend will only get worse. The Battery BugTM monitor uses patented new technology to alert motorists to battery problems BEFORE they are left stranded, empowering them to solve this primary cause of automotive downtime.

“Motorists can now avoid that costly tow or inconvenient battery jump by knowing when to replace their battery BEFORE it leaves them stranded,” says Andrew Kallfelz, President of Argus Analyzers.

Nearly one in five calls to the major auto clubs are specific requests for battery service. Last year, AAA provided battery service to over a million stranded members and 10% of these members purchased a new battery on the spot because their existing battery needed to be replaced. (source: www.aaa.com)

The Battery Bug installs directly to the battery in minutes using household tools and provides battery performance data including: % battery life remaining, lost capacity, battery voltage, and alternator voltage. The display also shows icons indicating: replace battery, low charge or high charge. At every engine start the Battery Bug monitors the battery’s ability to start the engine and, as the battery’s performance drops below an acceptable level, it provides audible and visual alerts.

By monitoring the cranking ability of the battery at every start, the Battery Bug (part# BB-SBM12) nearly eliminates these ‘surprise’ dead batteries and greatly reduces a motorist’s reliance on emergency assistance. These proactive alerts afford the car owner adequate time to purchase a new battery or correct automotive charging problems that will eventually cause the battery to fail prematurely.

The Battery Bug monitor (BB-SBM12) is available online at www.amazon.com and www.batterybug.com as well as in retail automotive stores nationwide like O’Reilly Auto Parts at a list price of $39.95.

By VERONIKA OLEKSYN, Associated Press Writer

VIENNA, Austria – When Traude Daniel couldn’t find a buyer for her luxury villa in southern Austria, she decided to raffle it off. It turned out to be quite a success: 9,999 tickets priced at euro99 ($128) each sold out within days in early December to raise nearly euro990,000 ($1,280,000).

Daniel said the 400-square-meter (4,305-square-foot) house had an estimated value of about euro830,000 (about $1 million) and had been on the market for about half a year before she came up with the idea of advertising the raffle on a Web site.

Daniel, a German, said she got inquiries from as far afield as the United States and Brazil. “The response was amazing. … We got e-mails from around the world,” she said.

Walter Egger, an Austrian, was picked Tuesday as the lucky winner of the home in Austria’s southern province of Carinthia during a drawing in the southern city of Klagenfurt.

The raffle has inspired several other home owners in Austria to try to sell their homes through lotteries as the country starts to feel the effects of the financial crisis. Experts are warning of a tough year ahead.

Juergen Tatscher, who is planning to raffle off his luxury mountain bungalow, said it’s an ideal way to cover one’s costs, if selling high-end property the regular way proves to be tough.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Tatscher said.

But not everyone is as enthused.

“I’m skeptical. … If people are seriously interested in a particular property, they’ll make a bid the regular way,” said Friedrich Noszek of an association of Austrian property owners.

KARIYA (Japan) ― DENSO Corporation today announced that it has developed a plant-derived resin radiator tank using an organic compound derived from castor-oil tree*. DENSO will start mass-producing this new product in Spring of 2009 for vehicles sold worldwide.  “In addition to increasing installations of the new radiator tank to more vehicles, DENSO aims to incorporate the new resin into a wide range of products in an effort to reduce the use of limited oil resources, reduce CO2 emissions during a product’s life cycle and help prevent global warming,” said Akio Shikamura, managing officer responsible for DENSO’s Thermal Systems Business Group.  The plant-derived resin, which DENSO jointly developed with DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha, is produced by a chemical reaction between two organic compounds that are derived from castor-oil tree and petroleum. An additive, such as glass fiber, is then added to the substance to produce the resin.

Plant-derived ingredient comprises about 40 percent of the eco-friendly resin. Since engine compartment components, such as the radiator tank need to be extremely heat resistant and durable, it was previously difficult to develop a resin with a high percentage of plant-derived ingredient.  Compared to conventional products, the new radiator tank releases less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere during its life cycle because it is partially made from material extracted from plants, which absorb CO2 through the photosynthesis process. The new product also helps conserve oil, a fossil fuel which is being depleted.

Generally, the cost increases for on-board devices that need to be resistant to calcium-chloride, which is contained in large amounts in snow-melting agents dispensed on the road in many colder regions.  The newly developed radiator tank is more than seven times more resistant to calcium chloride and can be produced at lower cost compared to conventional products designed for cold regions.

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components. Its customers include all the world’s major carmakers.  Worldwide, the company employs approximately 119,000 people in 32 countries and regions, including Japan. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 totaled US$40.2 billion. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

* Castor-oil tree: A plant of the euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. Castor oil is extracted from castor bean seeds.
*The radiator tank is the top and bottom part of the radiator.

Argyle, Texas (January 14, 2009) Green Grease, The Best Waterproof Grease Money Can Buy, announces the availability of their single 14 oz. Green Grease cartridge. This multi-purpose synthetic polymer grease is a professional grade, high performance grease developed for a multitude of applications. Green Grease comes in a plastic cartridge that will not leak or ooze like cardboard cartridges.

Unlike most grease, which gets runny at temperatures over 100º F as the base oil separates, Green Greases’ special formula is capable of handling temperatures
up to 500º F.

Used in extreme environments for over 30 years, Green Grease lasts longer than ordinary grease, provides superior parts and equipment protection and is compatible with lithium and petroleum-based grease. Tenacious synthetic polymers resist high impact, shock loads, wash out and centrifugal separation.

Green Grease is ideal for:
• General chassis lubrication, including U-joints, tie-rod ends, upper and lower A-arms
• Heim joints, ball joints, steering linkages and bucket pins
• Ball/roller and sealed-for-life bearings
• Boat trailer wheel bearings, and more
• Under water projects

“No doubt about it, Green Grease is that one of a kind, terrific product”, says Sam Memmolo, master mechanic and host of Two Guys Garage on SPEED TV. “I use it on my entire fleet of personal vehicles—farm tractor, lawn tractor, motor home and 4 hobby cars, not to mention my daily driver 1-ton diesel pickup. Gone are the days in my garage of runny, “peanut butter” grease!”

Green Grease is recommended for cars, trucks, boats, trailers, ATV’s, motorcycles, mowers, farm and construction equipment. Available in single, three and ten pack 14 oz cartridges. Green Grease is also available in 3 oz, three pack refills, pails, kegs and drums.

Waterproof Green Grease™, as seen on Two Guys Garage and Truck U, is professional-grade high performance synthetic polymer grease. Green Grease is a Brand of OMNI Lubricants and has a 30-year history of selling to major manufacturers throughout the world. Available at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and Tractor Supply or visit www.greengrease.net. 1-877-GoGrease (1-877-464-7327).

Golden Valley, MN (Jan. 12, 2009)—Bringing good news to the motoring world in otherwise trying times, the nation’s top rally racing drivers will kick off the 2009 Rally America National Championship Series at the demanding Sno*Drift rally from Jan. 30-31 in Atlanta, Mich.

“The rest of the motorsports world seems full of tough news and tougher times, but we are bucking the current trend, and seeing an upswing in interest and sponsor participation for 2009,” said Rally America Managing Director J.B. Niday. “We have many new faces, new cars adding to the familiar competitors from 2008.  The most exciting new challenger so far is Andy Mancin, who comes to the Rally America championship as an accomplished Polish rally and road race competitor and team owner.”

Three-time and defending national champion Travis Pastrana (Subaru Rally Team USA) will face familiar challengers, including his Subaru teammate Ken Block, Rockstar driver Tanner Foust,  Andrew Comrie-Picard, and 2008 Sno*Drift winner Antoine L’Estage.

2008 Production GT (PGT) National Champion Pat Moro headlines the competition in the popular new Super Production (SP) class, which replaces PGT in the 2009 Rally America National Championship.  SP rules allow very limited modifications to high performance cars such as the Subaru WRX STI, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

A deep field of SP challengers at Sno*Drift includes 2008 Rally America rookie of the year Dave Mirra, X Games 14 drivers Matthew Johnson and Travis Hanson, along with rally veterans Piotr Wiktorczyk, Evan Cline, Jimmy Keaney, Jaroslaw Sozanski, and Brian Pepp.

Newcomer Dillon Van Way continues a trend of motocross riders jumping to four wheel competition in Rally America as he challenges Chris Greenhouse for 2WD honors at Sno*Drift.

The 2009 Rally America National Championship season begins Jan. 30-31 with the Sno*Drift rally in Atlanta, Mich.

About Rally America
Based in Golden Valley, Minn., Rally America sanctions the premier rally racing series in the United States, the Rally America National Championship Series. In 2009, Rally America will conduct nine National Championship events at venues across the country, from Olympia, Wash., to Bethel, Maine. Rally America competitors reach speeds well over 100 mph in modified street cars on natural-terrain courses of gravel, dirt or snow. Additionally, through a partnership with ESPN, qualifying Rally America drivers are invited to compete in the Summer X Games, the annual leading action sports event that is broadcast live on ABC and ESPN.