FORD TO LOWER STAKE IN MAZDA; BOTH COMPANIES REMAIN COMMITTED TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

DEARBORN, Mich.,  – Ford Motor Company announced it will change its stake in Mazda Motor Corporation to 3.5 percent from 11 percent. The transaction is expected to be completed Friday.

 

Ford said the decision to reduce its ownership stake in Mazda allows it to increase flexibility as it continues to pursue growth in key emerging markets. Ford said it plans to remain one of Mazda’s largest shareholders and remains committed to its strategic partnership with Mazda, which spans more than 30 years.

 

Ford and Mazda will continue to cooperate in areas of mutual benefits such as key joint ventures and exchange of technology information, Ford said.

Airbiquity Announces General Availability of Electric Vehicle Services in Europe

Munich, Germany– Airbiquity announced today that its Green Vehicle solution will be generally available in Europe in January 2011. The company is the first to implement vehicle-to-network solutions exclusively aimed at the Electric Vehicle market on a global basis.

Airbiquity has earned a reputation in the automobile industry for its flexible and innovative applications and solutions aimed at enhancing the driver experience. It announced in April of this year a strategic partnership with Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. to provide telematics services for electric vehicles (EVs) globally.

“Our discussions with global automobile manufacturers demonstrate an immediate need for Green Vehicle solutions. Because of existing and new customer plans, Airbiquity will have Electric Vehicle services ready for connected vehicle service delivery beginning January 2011,” said David Jumpa, Senior Vice President of Global Business Development.

Airbiquity’s EV services include a wide array of solutions including:

·         Eco-routing

·         Emission Reporting

·         Charging Stations Locations and Reservation Information

·         Energy Consumption

·         Battery Performance

From a deployment standpoint, Airbiquity’s Green Vehicle solutions integrate seamlessly with the automaker’s back office, offering a scalable and flexible platform – an important criteria in a relatively young market with rapidly evolving requirements.

This week, Airbiquity’s VP of Marketing, Leo McCloskey, will be speaking at Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Europe 2010 show in Munich. He will be on hand at the show to discuss how the company is meeting the rising demands for electric vehicle services and green technologies.

For more information about Airbiquity’s Electric Vehicle Solutions or to arrange an interview with Mr. McCloskey at the conference, contact Juliet Shavit at jshavit@smartmarkusa.com

About Airbiquity
Airbiquity is at the forefront of change in the automotive industry, integrating advances in software, communications technology and wireless services with vehicles. Its connected vehicle solutions offer automakers a flexible platform for delivering innovative applications and services that help automobiles adapt to the driver’s digital lifestyle. For more information, visit www.airbiquity.com

MetroGistics Introduces SMS Texting Solution for Customers and Drivers

Saint Louis,  – MetroGistics (www.metrogistics.com), a full-service vehicle transportation company, has developed a texting solution that will allow customers to obtain quotes and check on shipment statuses, and allow drivers/carriers to provide updates on their loads, all in real time on their mobile phones.

The new texting technology allows mobile phone users to obtain a vehicle shipping quote by texting “QUOTE” to 35819. The system will respond with a series of prompts, and an official quote will be sent to the user’s mobile phone. MetroGistics customers can also text “STATUS” to 35819 and receive an instant status report on their shipment.

Likewise, drivers and carriers can provide the most up-to-date status when they pick up or deliver shipments. They can text “UPDATE” to 35819 and follow a series of prompts to update the status of a particular shipment. The system will then automatically generate an e-mail to MetroGistics’ central dispatch.

“As a technology-driven company, we are constantly looking for ways to tailor solutions to our customers’ and drivers’ needs,” said Scott Naz, a managing partner with MetroGistics. “With the prevalence of mobile phones, it just made sense for us to develop systems to accommodate that mode of communication.”

This latest texting solution comes on the heels of MetroGistics’ introduction of new online tools and an iPhone app available from the iTunes app store by searching “Car Shipping.” These solutions were demonstrated to attendees at the recent National Remarketing Conference in San Diego and facilitate quick and easy quotes and real-time tracking.

“We now support multiple platforms and communications channels for accessing and updating shipment information to provide the most accurate and positive experience in the industry,” said William Billiter, MetroGistics’ other managing partner. “We hope that our services, custom solutions and experience will earn the trust of even more customers.”

For more information on MetroGistics, visit www.metrogistics.com, e-mail info@metrogistics.com or call 1-877-571-6235.

2011 AmeriQuest Transportation Industry Symposium Slated for April 7-8 in Orlando

CHERRY HILL, NJ,  – Senior management from best-in-class transportation companies in North America will gather April 7-8, 2011 in Orlando for the 2011 AmeriQuest Transportation Industry Symposium.

The two-day event brings together leaders from private fleets, truck leasing companies, truckload carriers, and transportation supply chain companies for intensive discussion on topics that have a major impact on how to guide businesses today and into the future. "Staying ahead of the curve in our fast-paced, technology-driven industry is more critical than ever," said Doug Clark, President and CEO of AmeriQuest Transportation Services.  "Every year, attendees find that they learn new ways to increase profitability and growth, while streamlining business solutions."

The event takes place at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. More information on the event will soon be posted on the AmeriQuest Website www.ameriquestcorp.com. For sponsorship and exhibitor information, contact Kate Barnes at kbarnes@ameriquestcorp.com or at 856-382-4701.

AmeriQuest Transportation Services
AmeriQuest is a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management services. By leveraging the strength of more than 700,000 vehicles, AmeriQuest delivers savings, expertise, and opportunities to its private fleet and truckload carrier members. AmeriQuest provides supply management services, asset management services, material handling services, financing, technology products, and outsourced transportation management services such as full service leasing, integrated logistics, and contract maintenance. More information can be found at www.ameriquestcorp.com.

EPA Proposes Guidance for Underground Storage Tanks

WASHINGTON - As part of its commitment to help ensure that biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are safely stored in underground storage tanks (USTs), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released draft guidance for UST owners and operators who wish to store these fuels.  EPA is requesting comments on the proposed guidance that clarifies how an UST owner or operator can comply with the federal compatibility requirement for UST systems storing gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol, and diesel containing a percent of biodiesel yet to be determined.  After reviewing comments, EPA intends to issue the final guidance in early 2011.

More information on the guidance:  http://www.epa.gov/oust