FORD, VOLVO AND JAGUAR DEVELOPING “INTELLIGENT” SAFETY SYSTEMS OF TOMORROW

DEARBORN, Nov. 28, 2005 (FCN) — Engineers across the Ford brands are creating intelligent active safety technologies that help drivers avoid accidents, as well as developing passive safety technologies, which protect occupants at the point of a collision.

The challenge is to devise active safety systems that do the job without diminishing the driver’s sense of control over the vehicle, or the good old-fashioned enjoyment of driving.

“Our emerging safety thinking at Volvo Cars is about putting natural human abilities at the centre of our research and evolving solutions, designed not only to further enhance safety but also to ensure drivers can enjoy their motoring experience,” said Jan Ivarsson, safety, strategy and requirements manager. “Over the years we have provided significant passive and active safety, but our challenge now is to deliver software and hardware approaches that serve as a sympathetic ‘co-driver’ for the motorist.”

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Whitby, Ontario — Calgary BMW today achieved Quality Management Autohaus (QMA) certification and was awarded the BMW Quality Trophy. The award recognizes the successful completion of the QMA certification process, including participation from all 88 employees of Calgary BMW.

“The award demonstrates the commitment of our whole team - from Client Advisors to Technicians - to deliver the best service and maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” said Grant Keil, General Manager, Calgary BMW. “It confirms our pledge to deliver the highest levels of service to our customers.”

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Whitby, Ontario -
Parkview BMW today achieved Quality Management Autohaus (QMA) certification and was awarded the BMW Quality Trophy. The award recognizes the successful completion of the QMA certification process, including participation from all 88 employees of Parkview BMW.

“The award demonstrates the commitment of our whole team - from Client Advisors to Technicians - to deliver the best service and maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” said Steve Quinn, Owner, Parkview BMW. “It confirms our pledge to deliver the highest levels of service to our customers.”

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DETROIT - General Motors will undergo a wide-ranging restructuring of its manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada as part of its comprehensive four-point plan to return the company to profitability and long-term growth, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today.

GM’s next step in its North American turnaround plan addresses its ongoing capacity utilization, a major component of reducing structural cost. A total of nine assembly, stamping and powertrain facilities and three Service and Parts Operations facilities will cease operations.
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Stuttgart, Nov 18, 2005
DaimlerChrysler concluded the sale of its stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).

DaimlerChrysler realized an amount of EUR970 million from this disposal. Due to the complete sales of its shares in MMC, DaimlerChrysler’s financial income in 2005 will improve by EUR680 million, resulting in a positive impact on net income in 2005 of EUR501 million.
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In the 8th World Solar Challenge a smart fortwo diesel, driven by model, TV host and friend of the environment Annalise Braakensiek, has bettered every other hybrid vehicle in Australia in the race for top fuel efficiency honours. And that’s with the air conditioning on.
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