2008 Volvo V70

Volvo embarks on a bold new road for 2008 with the introduction of the third generation V70. Building upon 54 years of continuous wagon refinement and improvement the all-new V70 raises the bar in Volvo's global leadership of the premium wagon sector. The debut marks world breakthroughs in safety, an advanced new 6-cylinder engine, more dynamic style and luxury, improved driving dynamics and increased utility and versatility.

            To improve safety for children in the rear seat, Volvo combines a new standard height-adjustable integrated booster cushion - a world first - with an extended inflatable curtain and power child locks. This combination provides the industry's best passenger safety system for children of different sizes. The V70's new, stronger side structure uses high-tensile steel of different grades to optimize side-impact protection.

            Among the list of standard safety features is the next generation Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and enhanced impact protection for pedestrians and cyclists. New options available for the first time on the V70 include adaptive cruise control with collision warning and with Auto Brake, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with Keyless Drive, two-way car communication and heartbeat sensor.

            Employing completely new vehicle architecture the V70 shares major components and systems with the flagship S80 and equally new XC70. This represents a significant change from the previous V70, which was related to the Volvo S60. The platform change has enabled Volvo's engineers to instill new levels of power and refinement for a rewarding driving experience.

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion stands apart in the highly competitive mid-size car segment with a bold, distinctive design and segment-leading quality, safety and affordability. With first-in-class available all-wheel drive (AWD) and a powerful 3.0-liter V-6 engine, it is no wonder that more consumers are choosing the Ford Fusion.

For 2008, Fusion adds a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), underscoring Ford’s commitment to delivering more standard safety features across its entire product lineup. Fusion also offers total connectivity with Ford Sync™ (late availability). This Ford-exclusive, hands-free technology enables the integration of cell phones and portable media players into the vehicle’s audio system via Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

Other features newly available for 2008 include Reverse Sensing System, keyless entry keypad and ambient lighting (late availability).

Fusion is a car built for comfort and convenience. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) provides responsive handling for enhanced driver confidence while standard Variable Cam Timing aids in performance. Stylish, premium interior materials create a relaxed ride, and newly available ambient lighting lends flair to the interior.

Fusion completes the Ford family of cars, settling between the award-winning Focus and Taurus, both all-new for 2008. Fusion is available in S, SE and SEL trims. All Fusions are built in Ford’s Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant in Mexico.

Fusion brings style to the often bland mid-size car segment. With its signature chrome three-bar grille, Fusion makes a strong, all-American statement.

Fusion’s interior is inviting and comfortable with high-quality appeal. Convenience features like grocery hooks in the trunk and the fold-down passenger front seat on SE and SEL are small touches with big impact. New ambient lighting (late availability) makes the Fusion even more distinctive.

Fusion with all-wheel drive is proving its mettle among consumers, earning kudos in Ford’s Fusion Challenge advertising for being the most fun to drive and having the best handling, outperforming its competitors.

2008 Honda Pilot Adds Value Package and Special Edition to Lineup

The Honda Pilot offers traditional SUV versatility with eight-passenger seating in a refined and comfortable package that also achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts¹, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Pilot as a "Top Safety Pick - 2007."

For 2008, a Value Package (VP) and a Special Edition (SE) have become available. The well-equipped Pilot VP replaces the Pilot LX in the lineup and the premium Pilot SE package adds to the features of the Pilot EX, which remains in the lineup.

The Value Package adds rear privacy glass, machined alloy wheels, XM® Satellite Radio, upgraded audio including a 6-disc CD changer with three additional speakers (including a subwoofer), steering-wheel mounted audio controls, roof rails, and body-colored door mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler. The Special Edition adds features to the Pilot EX and includes a DVD rear entertainment system, XM® Satellite Radio, moonroof, 115-volt power outlet and ambient console lighting.

All 2008 Honda Pilots are available with either two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD). Pilots with 2WD feature a 3.5-liter, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) for enhanced fuel efficiency. Variable Cylinder Management deactivates three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. An "ECO" indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency.

In keeping with the Honda "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Pilots are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control; brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard.

RISING GAS PRICES SPARK HISTORIC INTEREST IN MINI

In the wake of skyrocketing gas prices, MINI USA has received more than 920,000 visits to its website, MINIUSA.com, in the month of May - a record 88.9% increase from May 2007. MINI, which established the premium small car segment and has nearly doubled its sales over the last six years since its launch in the U.S., is now the subject of unprecedented consumer interest as Americans look to smaller, more fuel efficient rides to help ease the pain at the gas pump.

The greater interest has already begun to result in increased sales for the coolest small car on the market - for the first five months of 2008, which included the highly successful launch of the MINI Clubman, MINI has experienced a 36% increase in sales compared with the same period a year ago.