Bracketron Releases the Nav-Mat III, Now Available at Best Buy

Minneapolis, MN – August 31, 2011– Bracketron, a leader in mounting solutions and accessories for mobile consumer electronics, announces the Nav-Mat III, a universal dashboard mount that securely holds GPS devices in a safe and convenient position without using sticky adhesives. The latest introduction in the popular Nav-Mat series of in-vehicle dash mounts, the Nav-Mat III features a skid-free rubberized coating and a weighted base that contours to uneven or textured dashboards. The Nav-Mat III works with the windshield mount sold with popular GPS models and secures your device for easy access and viewing while you’re on the road. The Nav-Mat III is now available for $29.95 at Bracketron.com and Best Buy.

“The Nav-Mat III has a unique weighted base that doesn’t require the sticky adhesive found in traditional dashboard mounts,” said Mark Mandel, Executive Vice President of Bracketron. “The mount’s innovative design means that you can easily transport it between vehicles without the worry of leaving a residue that may damage your dashboard. Additionally, the Nav-Mat III is incredibly versatile and can be used with all standard GPS windshield suction mounts.”

The Nav-Mat III combines sleek design with dash mounting convenience, making interaction with your GPS easier than ever. While the majority of GPS devices sold today come with windshield mounts, the mounts’ suction cups typically do not secure firmly to the vehicle’s windshield. The Nav-Mat III’s weighted base molds to your vehicle’s dashboard seamlessly and provides a sturdy, secure mounting platform. The dashboard mount provides easier access to your GPS than windshield mounts and keeps your windshield clear for better visibility. Along with these safe driving benefits, the Nav-Mat III does not use any adhesive and can be easily switched from one vehicle to another unlike traditional dashboard mounts. The mount’s matte black finish complements your vehicle’s interior and its small footprint means it can also fit neatly in your built-in dash storage tray.

Features

•    Contours to your dash on uneven and textured surfaces
•    Anti-skid, weighted base
•    Portable design makes it easy to stow or transfer between vehicles
•    Works with the windshield mount sold with popular GPS models
•    Mounting Disk fits all suction cups up to 2.5”
•    Compatible with windshield-mounted GPS devices  such as TomTom®, Garmin®, Magellan®, Nextar® and Mio™

To request more information on Bracketron’s versatile line of universal mounting solutions and accessories, contact PR representative Tiffany Iwankiw at (305) 576-1171 x140 or tiffanyiwankiw@maxborgesagency.com.

About Bracketron
Founded in 2001, Bracketron is the industry leader in universal mounting solutions and accessories for many of today's most popular mobile and handheld technologies, including GPS, smartphone, iPad/tablet, MP3, satellite radio and PC.  Bracketron offers a broad selection of mounting configuration options designed to offer an optimal level of flexibility and functionality. The company has broadened its product line to include a variety of flexible mounting options designed to extend the use of the device and enhance the overall user experience.

For more information about Bracketron, visit www.bracketron.com.

MANHEIM’S MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ANDROID MARKETPLACE

ATLANTA – To give more customers access to its suite of digital products and services, Manheim introduced its mobile app for Google Android^TM smartphones. The app is available for download from the Android marketplace. Now Android-device users – just like Apple iPhone^® users – can scan VINs, view the vehicle summary page, view Manheim Market Report (MMR) results, search for vehicles by inventory or location, place bids, buy now, make an offer, proxy bid and use all of Manheim’s mobile tools. Nearly 1,000 unique visitors have used the app in the last week. Click here to download the app.

The Manheim mobile app simplifies the research, buying and selling process for customers. It allows them to do all of their auction preparation work and conduct all of the necessary business transactions anytime and anywhere – outside of the auction or even in the lane. Each feature of the app is designed with the customer’s needs in mind.

“I use a Droid X and what impressed me most was how easy the Manheim app is to use and how well it works with the phone’s camera to scan VINs and retrieve vehicle information,” said Ken Robinson of Ken’s Toyota Kars in Laramie, Wyo. “I barely had to hold the app over the bar code and zap! It scanned the VIN right away. This will help me be more efficient as I research and buy cars.”

VIN scan is revolutionizing the way customers do business by making everything easier. For example, after scanning a VIN (or entering a VIN manually), customers view a vehicle summary page that provides them with instant access to MMR results and information from an array of reports such as AutoCheck, CarFax, seller disclosures and/or condition reports. The vehicle summary page allows customers quicker access to Manheim inventory because it gives them the ability to start the bidding or buying process right after scanning a VIN. All of these functionalities dramatically save Manheim customers time and effort.

The expansion into the Android marketplace is an example of how Manheim aligns its mobile strategy with mobile consumer trends. For example, 55 percent of people who purchased a mobile phone in the past three months reported buying a smartphone instead of a traditional cell phone – a 34 percent uptick from last year. In addition, 38 percent of smartphone users are on the Android platform while 27 percent use the iPhone. Manheim launched its app for iPhones last year, and by supplying the Manheim app to the Android marketplace this year, Manheim’s mobile marketplace now canvases approximately 65 percent of U.S. smartphone users.

“We noticed that customer adoption of the Android platform in the smartphone market has and continues to grow significantly,” said Amy Mills, senior director of product management at Manheim Digital. “Making the Manheim app – which until recently was only available to iPhone customers – available to the Android marketplace was the next logical step as we work to optimize the Manheim experience for the mobile devices our customers use most.”

The addition of the Manheim app in the Android marketplace expands the scope and reach of Manheim’s digital marketplace, and it allows Manheim to provide its customers with a comprehensive suite of mobile offerings no matter what mobile device they use. 

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)

Manheim is the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services. Through its 122 worldwide wholesale operating locations, Manheim impacts every stage of a used vehicle’s life cycle, helping commercial sellers and automobile dealers maximize the full value of their vehicles.  Drawing from its auction transaction volume, Manheim Consulting publishes the annual Used Car Market Report, the definitive source of data for the used car industry.  Manheim Consulting offers a wide range of services including custom analytics, business optimization and macro economic analysis.

Manheim is the online vehicle remarketing leader, connecting buyers and sellers to the world’s largest, most comprehensive wholesale marketplace through its extensive in-lane and online offerings.  Manheim.com receives nearly 900,000 visits each week. 

Additionally, Manheim offers services including reconditioning, certification, inspections, dealer financing, title management and marshaling, among others. Through its wide array of services and technologies, industry publications, customer support and educational offerings, Manheim gives its customers maximum control over how they buy and sell vehicles, helping them to conduct business in the most efficient way possible. In 2010, Manheim handled nearly 10 million used vehicles, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company.

MICHIGAN’S ADVANTRON TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPS ELECTRO-MAGNETIC ENGINE WITH MORE HORSEPOWER THAN COMBUSTION MOTORS

West Bloomfield, MI – August 31, 2011 – Michigan’s Advantron Technologies has the answers on how to really make electric vehicles work.  The company has developed a patented new electro-magnetic engine technology that has more horsepower than traditional combustion engines and is a direct drive system that can be used with any vehicle.   Advantron CEO, Matthew Lebenbom commented, “Our technology allows for electric vehicles not only to provide green technology to the consumer, but also the excitement and power of the combustion engine”.  He goes on to point out that “ so far our simulation and testing has shown that our patent pending motor generator design will allow us to reach our goal of a 700 -1000 mile range before needing complete recharging, as opposed to todays’ current 30-50 mile range.”  Lebenbom continued, “It’s our company’s technology that will push the electric vehicle into main stream America. Our technology is what makes the EV business model realistic.” 

Lebenbom believes that his company’s technology has other applications in the aerospace, power sports, windmills, generators and marine industries too.   Advantron Technologies is looking at setting up a technical center in Oakland County, Michigan to build the first prototype. “Southeast Michigan is where we will design and develop this engine technology and also manufacturer it,” Lebenbom continued, “The high-tech workforce that we need is right here in Michigan, we wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else”.

Advantron Technologies expects to be up and running in their new facility by the end of the second quarter of 2012. In addition they will be expanding their work force with the hiring of additional engineers, mechanics and support staff.  The company believes once the prototype is complete, even more customers will come forth inquiring about their technology.  “Our engineers working on this technology now are top-notch. We expect the production part of this project to be just as remarkable”, commented Lebenbom.

Advantron is working with Oakland County Michigan’s Economic Development Team to find the right location for their technical and assembly facilities.

Ford, Zipcar Bring Future of Transportation to Newest Generation of Drivers at U.S. Universities

DEARBORN, Mich. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 31, 2011 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and Zipcar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZIP) – the world’s leading car-sharing network – today announced a new strategic alliance establishing Ford as Zipcar’s largest university vehicle partner, reaching students at more than 250 U.S. campuses.

The first-of-its-kind, two-year tie-up introduces a new generation of drivers to Ford vehicles with the highly fuel-efficient Focus and Escape now part of Zipcar’s existing fleet of environmentally friendly, reliable and fun vehicles. Zipcar will add up to 650 Fords to its lineup during this academic year and up to 1,000 Ford vehicles during the life of the agreement.

“Today’s students are thinking differently about driving and transportation than they have in the past,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “This program enables today’s new drivers to experience our latest fuel-efficient vehicles, while helping them reduce their cost of living and help relieve congestion on campus. We’re looking forward to making Ford a staple of their college experience.”

Thanks to Ford, Zipcar will offer $10 off the $35 annual membership fee for the first 100,000 new University members who sign up for Zipcar, plus $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1 million hours of use on any of the new Ford vehicles at select colleges and universities.

New Ford vehicles start arriving on campuses this week. The program, which could generate 2 million hours behind the wheel of Ford vehicles for college-age drivers, also helps reduce parking demand, congestion and emissions.
The new generation of Ford vehicles, especially the all-new Ford Focus, is a good match for Zipcar’s environmentally minded student members who demand high fuel efficiency and value performance and style balanced with reliability and utility.

The stylish new Focus delivers 40 mpg on the highway plus leading new technologies such as Ford SYNC® – all important attributes to today’s smart, environmentally minded college students.

Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO, Zipcar, says the alliance will help Ford and Zipcar prepare the next generation of drivers for the future of urban transportation while helping the companies better understand the unique preferences of the college-age segment of the driving population.

“We’ve had Zipcars on campuses for more than eight years and as a result we’ve learned a lot from the next generation of drivers. We’re targeting a generation that only knows how to buy music by the song so paying for a car by the hour is a natural for them. Students are smart consumers who appreciate Zipcar’s ‘Wheels when you want them’ approach,” said Griffith. “We believe this alliance will drive home the value of using Zipcar and the fun of driving a Ford when students need a ride. With reduced membership fees and hourly rates sponsored by Ford, they can save even more money on sustainable transportation, without sacrificing the freedom – and fun – of having a car on campus.”

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 250 universities throughout North America, including Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Southern California, the University of California – Berkeley, Loyola Marymount University, Florida State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and George Washington University, among others.

Affordable, fun and sustainable transportation for U.S. university students
Zipcar provides an affordable and convenient transportation solution for college students living on campus with all-inclusive rates that cover parking, gas, insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance.

While Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of vehicles to its members, final vehicle selections for its fleet are heavily scrutinized. Members weigh in on brand preferences through annual surveys, and Zipcar reviews total cost of ownership for each new model. Leading technology and fuel economy in the Ford Focus and Escape were persuasive factors in selecting Ford for this collaboration.

Car-sharing programs such as Zipcar are increasingly becoming students’ first experiences behind the wheel. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 declined by 19 percent from 1978 to 2008.

According to an independent study commissioned by Zipcar in 2010, almost half of all 18- to 34-year-old drivers are driving less, and nearly two-thirds would drive less if alternative transportation options were available.

The study of licensed drivers revealed that 45 percent of Millennials (ages 18 to 34) said they had consciously made an effort to reduce how much they drive, and 64 percent would drive less if alternative options including public transportation, car sharing or convenient carpooling (ride sharing) were available in their area.

“Millennials appear to have developed a very different view of the automobile. Access and convenience are their top priorities, meaning that Zipcar and its alliances with companies such as Ford can deliver what they want easily, affordably and with the technology and sustainability they truly value,” said Griffith.

Check out the all-new Ford Focus at work in the Zipcar fleet: http://fordvideo.wieck.com/search?q=zipcar

Toll-free Hurricane Hotline Available for East Coast Vehicle Support

Mt. Laurel, N.J. – August 30, 2011 – ARI^®, Automotive Resources International, a leading global provider of complex car and truck fleet services, has reactivated its toll-free Hurricane Hotline to provide 24/7 support and answer questions from its clients with fleet vehicles affected by Hurricane Irene.

According to Senior Vice President of Operations and Client Relations Frank Cardile, the resulting flooding and wind damage which spans much of the east coast has affected many ARI customers with drivers or locations in these areas. “Our staff will be available to answer any questions from all ARI clients who are affected by the aftermath or need vehicle support to assist with the recovery,” states Cardile.

ARI clients and their drivers can call the Hurricane Fleet Hotline at any time for any urgent vehicle inquiry: 866-FLEET59 (1-866-353-3859).  A live ARI representative will be available 24/7 for assistance.


About ARI
ARI, a part of the Holman Automotive Group, is the fastest growing vehicle fleet management company in North America with a workforce numbering more than 1,800 and offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Europe.  ARI focuses on complex fleet management solutions and has a high percentage of trucks among the more than 760,000 vehicles it manages in North America.  It’s headquartered in Mt. Laurel, N.J.

U.S. and Canadian Cities with Highest Speed Trap Activity Identified

Waunakee, WI (MMD Newswire) August 30, 2011 -- The National Motorists Association (NMA) released a list of 25 cities with the highest number of reported speed trap locations over the past two years. The speed trap sites were posted by the public on the NMA's National Speed Trap Exchange (www.speedtrap.org).

With the busy Labor Day holiday approaching, and the school year about to begin, the drivers' rights organization hopes that motorists safely anticipate, rather than suddenly react to, ticketing operations known as speed traps. Speed traps are characterized by arbitrarily low speed limits and heavy traffic enforcement. Motorists should be alert in those areas to avoid receiving citations.

The Speed Trap Exchange identifies the specific locations of thousands of chronic speed traps in the United States and Canada. Information about each listing is enhanced by commentary from motorists who have encountered the police operations.

The following cities had the most reported speed traps since September 1, 2009. They are ranked by speed traps per 100,000 residents (per the 2010 census).

1. Livonia, Michigan .............................       27.9 speed traps per 100,000 residents

2. Windsor, Ontario ..............................       17.6

3. Orlando, Florida ..............................       17.2

4. Las Vegas, Nevada .............................       11.1

5. Denver, Colorado ..............................       10.9

6. Reno, Nevada ..................................       10.4

7. Tampa, Florida ................................        8.9

8. Colorado Springs, Colorado ....................        7.2

9. Austin, Texas .................................        6.1

10. Sarasota, Florida ............................        6.1

11. Portland, Oregon .............................        5.8

12. Jacksonville, Florida ........................        5.4

13. San Antonio, Texas (Bexar County) ............        5.3

14. Fresno, California ...........................        5.0

15. Hamilton, Ontario ............................        5.0

16. New Orleans, Louisiana .......................        4.7

17. Toronto, Ontario (Greater Toronto Area) ......        4.7

18. Houston, Texas (Harris County) ...............        4.0

19. Edmonton, Alberta ............................        3.3

20. San Diego, California (San Diego County) .....        3.2

21. Indianapolis, Indiana ........................        3.2

22. San Jose, California .........................        3.1

23. Chicago, Illinois (Cook County) ..............        1.9

24. Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles County)          1.6

25. New York, New York (5 boroughs) ..............        0.9

During the same two-year period, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wyoming, and Colorado "led" all states with 11.4, 11.3, 9.4, 9.2, and 9.1 new speed trap listings per 100,000 residents respectively. Nova Scotia and Ontario topped the provinces, each with a rate of 8.7.

Motorists wishing to enjoy uneventful highway travel should visit www.speedtrap.org for a full list and specific locations of speed traps in these and other communities.