The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) officially opened the week-long celebration of National Transportation Week (NTW), May 11-17, 2008. The Motor City is the principal sponsor for this year’s festivity for the second consecutive year. National Transportation Week also underscores the beginning of "2008: Year of the Car," which is a summer-long festival in Southeast Michigan to commemorate the historic centennials of General Motors Corporation and the Ford Model T with more or less 120 auto-themed events in the region through early October.

"National Transportation Week allows our region to celebrate our rich, world-class automotive heritage with the community that made it all possible. This annual event gives us a chance to highlight our region's positive transportation contributions to the world and show how we are a vital part of a trillion dollar industry, both now and in the future," says Chris Baum, senior vice president of sales and marketing of the DMCVB.

NTW was instituted by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 to celebrate the historical significance of transportation focus on its future impact, as well as support transportation-related careers to the young ones.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the transportation sector accounts for more than 11.7 million jobs and contributes more than $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, generating more than 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

How do you get the best auto deal?

You can spend a fortune without getting the value in the car. You can also talk to dealers for hours without any assurance that you’ll get the best deal. It is their work to sell. So to ensure that you get the best deal, do your homework.

Choose a reliable auto dealership. And read the entire agreement. And I mean read everything verbatim, before signing.

If the dealers says: "Don't worry, we'll work out the details later.” The deal is no good. Drop it.

Lauren Fix and Phil Reed, consumer editor for the automotive Website Edmunds.com, also give the following illuminating advice:

Protectants: These include rust-proofing, fabric protection and paint protection.

Credit life insurance: Don't let a car dealer sell you life insurance just to cover your car loan. If you need life insurance, buy it from an insurance agent.

Gap insurance: Cars lose value fast, and insurance only pays what a car is worth, not what you paid for it. If your car is totaled or stolen while you still owe more money than it's worth, gap insurance pays the difference. If you've got a big car loan, it could be worth it, and it's often required when leasing a car.

Extended warranties: This one's up to you, but make sure you know what you're buying and what you already have. Most cars today have long powertrain warranties. The powertrain - a car's engine and transmission - is where expensive problems would happen. But most powertrain warranties already last longer than most people own a new car.

Maintenance plans: Paying up front for a maintenance plan is a matter of personal choice. The biggest reason to get one is that an upfront payment gives you a give a big incentive to get that maintenance later, which could pay off in preserving the value of your car.

Theft protection products: Again, know what you already have. Most vehicles sold today have some sort of theft-protection system built in. Assuming the car is insured against theft, that's probably all you need.

[credit: CNN]

To make Christmas wishes come true, Holiday shopping is at full blast and auto thieves may take advantage of the hassles. One concerned organization, Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.) wants holiday shoppers to be spared from these crooks with some auto theft tips.

"Thieves look forward to the holidays when people are distracted and made careless by hectic schedules, countless tasks and mile-long shopping lists," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "Shoppers often take unnecessary risks such as leaving their vehicles unlocked or stowing gifts and shopping bags in open view instead of in the trunk."

To help ensure the 2007 holiday shopping season stays safe for Michigan residents, H.E.A.T. recommends that shoppers take the following precautions:

  -- Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways.  Avoid parking near dumpsters or large vans or trucks.  These obstacles decrease your ability to see the space surrounding your vehicle clearly, where thieves or carjackers could be hiding.

  -- Consider using the valet service if you are out at a shopping center alone at night.  The small fee is worth your safety.  Remember to leave the valet only the ignition key with no I.D.  Always keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet.

  -- Place gifts in the trunk and out of view.  If need be, use a trash bag, blanket or cardboard box to camouflage packages in the back of a car, van or SUV.

  -- Try to keep one hand free with the other hand holding your car keys as you approach or leave your vehicle so you can maneuver if you encounter a thief or carjacker.

  -- If threatened by a carjacker with a gun or other weapon, GIVE UP THE CAR.  DON'T ARGUE.  A life is more important than any vehicle.

  -- If you witness an auto theft or carjacking, call the police immediately.  If you have any information regarding auto theft, insurance fraud or carjacking, call the 24/7 H.E.A.T. tip reward line at 1-800-242-H.E.A.T.

The auto industry of Detroit gave the world vehicles with the "muscle car" and "gas guzzler" titles. According to Peter Bohan, a reporter of Reuters, the automakers finally sees the going green way.

During this week's Reuters Auto Summit, top automaker executives, analysts and investors announced that they found new hopes for competing in the market for fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars and trucks.

"I think whether global warming is science fact or not no longer matters," said billionaire investor Wilbur Ross.

"It's going to be treated as if it were science fact, and it's clear there will be lots of pressure and lots of encouragement toward green activity," said Ross, who has bought several big auto supply companies in recent years.

General Motors Corp. was almost dethroned by Toyota Motor Corp. as the world's top selling automaker. GM had been scorned and had sloping market shares losing it to the Japanese car maker with its production of gas guzzlers like the Hummer, hefty SUVs and gigantic trucks.

"We somehow ... let Toyota get ahead of us in terms of environmental technology because they did the Prius hybrid, and we elected not to do that kind of hybrid," GM's vice chairman and product development chief Robert Lutz told the Reuters Summit.

"We have since realized that letting Toyota gain that mantle of green respectability and technology leadership has really cost us dearly in the marketplace."

Living almost 40 years in the automotive industry and a famed technology guy, Bob Lutz was determined to lead the green car race leaving Toyota behind. Lutz confirmed that GM will be launching 12 new hybrid vehicles in the next three years.

"It has gotten to the point where people buy Toyota because it is seen as the sane and responsible thing to do because, after all, Toyota is the company that brought you the Prius."

By 2010, GM targets to bring the market their plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt which GM thinks will cause a big revolution in the green car technology. Despite criticisms and skepticisms, GM is firm that they will meet the deadline. The biggest challenge of the Volt is its Lithium-ion battery which is also a problem of Toyota and the others.

"People are biting their nails, but those of us in a leadership position have said it has to be done," said Lutz.

"We have to re-establish GM's leadership, and the Volt is, frankly, an effort to leapfrog anything that is done by any other competitor," Lutz said.

A 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid crossover was granted by Saturn and General Motors to the North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy at the Charlotte International Auto Show yesterday. Jill Lajdziak, General Manager of Saturn turned over the keys to Mike Horak, associate director of TNC's North Carolina Chapter.

With 32 miles per gallon fuel economy rate, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the auto industry. The TNC North Carolina Chapter will use their new crossover to transport staff during their operations all over America. The TNC now owns 184 vehicles, three of which including the new Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV are from General Motors.

"Saturn is pleased to live its values by providing this Vue Green Line to the North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and, in the process, raise the community's awareness of our commitment to the environment," said Lajdziak. "This is another example of GM's ongoing global partnership with the Conservancy – a partnership that successfully demonstrates how a healthy economy and a healthy environment can go hand-in-hand."

The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is a five-door compact crossover vehicle bearing a European style but gives off sporty handling and dynamic performance. It is the latest Saturn model that bears all Saturn attributes of style, performance, comfort and absolute safety.

On the other hand, The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Chapter has devotedly worked for preserving the state's natural diversity since 1977.  For over 30 years, the TNC North Carolina Chapter had protected almost 700,000 acres from the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge to the Grandfather Mountain.  

"Given The Nature Conservancy's mission to protect critical natural areas, it is important that we 'walk the talk' when it comes to the vehicles we drive. When we do need vehicles for our work, it only makes sense that we drive fuel-efficient models. Saturn's donation of a new Vue Green Line hybrid will help us carry out our conservation mission and at the same time be good environmental stewards," said Katherine Skinner, executive director of the North Carolina Chapter.

For the consumers of Los Angeles, Ford offers the new technologies to be seen at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. Ford displays:

2008 Mustang Bullitt which returns to the streets four decades after hitting the big screen and redefining the on-screen car chase. The new car blends the best Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology and delivers a balance of power and performance.

The car features special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque that Bullitt delivers through its 4.6-liter V-8 engine.

2008 Ford Focus which brings a bold new look, a refined and flexible interior and a higher level of driving enjoyment to an evolving small car market. With features including Ford Sync, standard side-curtain air bags and highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg, the redesigned Focus will play an important role in Ford Motor Company's resurging car portfolio, continuing the momentum built by the successful Ford Fusion mid-size sedan.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, which delivers highway fuel economy of up to 34 mpg and is still the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world. Escape Hybrid combines the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape – America's favorite small SUV. The Escape Hybrid is a "full" hybrid, meaning it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or combined operation to maximize efficiency and performance. Its gasoline engine and electric motor work in concert, providing performance similar to that of a V-6 engine. In less demanding situations, the Escape Hybrid can run on its electric motor alone (at speeds up to 25 mph), its gasoline engine alone or the most efficient combination of the two. In fact, the Escape Hybrid provides approximately 80 percent better fuel economy in city driving than the conventional V-6 Escape and can travel more than 500 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline.

2009 Ford Flex which is poised to redefine the modern American journey when it goes on sale in summer 2008. This vehicle sets a higher standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the industry's fastest-growing crossover segment. Powered by Ford's award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine and fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission, Flex offers several key features and technologies, including: an available two-tone roof; class-exclusive refrigerator; Multi-Panel Vista Roof™; EasyFuel™ capless filling system; programmable ambient interior "mood lighting"; and standard 18-inch wheels. With seating for up to seven passengers, Flex also will be available with Ford SYNC.

Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, the fuel cell car that raced to 207.297 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, setting the land-speed record on Aug. 16. It is the world's first and only production vehicle-based fuel cell race car. It was built in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, Roush and Ohio State University and is one of two vehicles demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology. Ford researchers also are supporting student engineers from Ohio State University on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a streamliner-type fuel cell-powered racer attempting 300+ mph.

Street SYNC which takes to the streets of California's three largest cities starting in November as part of a two-month, hands-on consumer marketing effort to launch Ford SYNC. SYNC is an industry-exclusive feature, developed in partnership with Microsoft, which provides customers in-vehicle voice command compatibility with today's popular and portable MP3 digital media players, such as Apple iPods and Micosoft Zunes, along with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

52-year old Honda boss Ross Brawn turned a Ferrari challenge in the Formula One feeling that the challenge posed by the Italian team is not a challenge enough.

"The fact Ferrari wasn't in crisis made it less attractive to me," he said. "I had 10 fantastic years there but you have to be careful going back.

"Honda are a UK-based team with a fantastic racing heritage."

Ross Brawn had served Honda as technical director for ten years. His service providing the tactics had led the Italian giants to six consecutive constructors' championships in 1999 until 2004. At the end of 2006, Brawn left his job to take a 12-month time off when Michael Shumaker announced his retirement after being the Formula One World Champion for seven times.

Brawn revealed that he had given a thought of returning to Maranello but also admitted that both parties haven't reached an amicable agreement. Brawn also confirmed that returning to a UK based team was a huge factor after a vacation with his family in England.

"It looked like it would be difficult to find a solution that suited my ambitions and Ferrari's needs," he told BBC Sport.

"I was getting stronger ties with the UK. I love Italy but it would have been a wrench to go back.

"My mind moved into looking at other options and alternatives and Honda was the first-choice team for me.

"I could see from the outside that they looked like a team with a high level of commitment and a team where I hope I can have an influence.
"Going to Japan and meeting the Honda executives just convinced me it was an exciting choice."

The year 2007 was not that great for Honda's racing team but Brawn foresees a great potential in the team that includes Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, both from Ferrari.

"I've got a lot of experience with Rubens, he's a great driver," said Brawn. "Given the car, given the support and given the circumstances, he can win races.
"There were several championships which Rubens would have won had Michael not been there.

"I have never worked with Jensen, [but have] always admired him from a distance. He's always looked very good to me."

During the 12th Annual Women of Color Technology Awards Conference in Atlanta, Ga., six women from Chrysler LLC have been awarded as Technology All-Stars and one as a Technology Rising Star. These women have proven that the female specie is no longer an alien in the world of technology which is traditionally dominated by Men. The event was held from November 1 until November 3, 2007 and was the 12th consecutive year that Chrysler LLC earned such prestige in the annual affair.

Technology All-Stars
  -- Linda Castaneda, Lead Program Manager - FWD Product Team
  -- Sohalia Feizy-Marandy, Engineering Supervisor - Jeep/Truck Engineering,
     Thermal Systems
  -- Jayanthi Iyengar, Senior Manager - Hybrid System Integration
  -- Toshiko Omonishi, Project Quality Manager - Peoplesoft Employee Support
     Processes
  -- Tabitha Robinson, Group Leader - Paint, Belvidere Assembly Plant
  -- Pamela Ruffin, Team Lead - Street & Racing Technology (SRT) Vehicle
     Synthesis

  Technology Rising Star
  -- Keisha Taylor, Chassis Production Planner - Belvidere Assembly Plant

"The recognition these remarkable women have received is impressive and deserving," said Nancy Rae, Chrysler Senior Vice President - Human Resources. "Chrysler is proud of the contributions this diverse group of women makes to the company every day."

The Annual Women of Color Technology Awards Conference started as a little one day conference and over 12 years, the event is one of the most awaited events in the technology industry. Now, thousands of professionals from all over the world attend the event, all from different technology industry. Most significantly, this affair gives recognition to the contributions made by women in their technology careers. Aside from giving appreciations, the conference also creates technology career opportunities for women from different cultural backgrounds. It also had been a very helpful resource for college students attending the event to meet the winner and gives them insights on how to begin their technology careers.

Holidays often spells road trips. Last year at Thanksgiving, the AAA estimated that almost 32 million Americans travel at least 50 miles away from home by car. Most often road trips are done as way for family bonding that means sharing your vehicle with the kids, sibling, parents and in-laws. A car to be the best road trip vehicle must have the features that will make your passengers refreshed and enjoy every minute of the travel. Cars.com ranked ten of their favorite car features best for road trips. Here they are:

1. Navigation system and trip computer
Nav systems can make child's play out of the most convoluted trips. Many of the latest systems offer real-time traffic reporting, and nearly all have voice-guided directions that can route you back to the main road should your sister-in-law insist on a tchotchke detour. Virtually every nav system includes some kind of trip computer that keeps tabs on gas mileage, miles until your tank is empty and more. Road atlas — your days are numbered.

2. Music flexibility
Advanced stereo systems to the rescue; the vast majority include auxiliary hookups for MP3 players, and some take integration a step further, allowing you to see your iPod's playlists and choose tracks with the stereo controls. Want more? Satellite radio broadcasts commercial-free music, and onboard hard drives can rip and store songs from CDs. Load up your collection, and you can listen to John Denver all the way to Denver.

3. Cruise control
Many luxury cars now offer advanced cruise control systems that can accelerate and brake — within reason — to maintain a comfortable, safe distance behind the car you're following. Even if you have a more basic version of cruise control, your feet will still thank you at the end of the day.

4. Multi-zone climate control
Separate climate settings for different passengers often go unused in daily driving, but they can really come in handy during long drives. Front, and sometimes even rear, passengers can set their own temperature independent of the driver, staving off complaints of being too hot or cold. Available a decade ago only in luxury cars, dual-zone controls now come in everyday cars like the Honda Accord and Ford Escape.

5. DVD entertainment systems
DVD players are the holy grail of minivans and SUVs, affording parents hours of peace while the kids watch cartoons — in silence, too, thanks to wireless headsets. Models like the Nissan Quest offer two drop-down screens, one for each row in back. Chrysler's latest minivans offer two screens with satellite TV and dual programming, so one row can play video games while another watches Nickelodeon.

6. Smart cupholders
Smaller cupholders, meanwhile, leave the soda chuggers among us high and dry. Smart cupholders are an effective solution: They're big, but they have padding inside that clamps skinnier cups or gives way to accommodate the larger stuff. Buy whatever you want at the rest stop — it's bound to fit.

7. Heated and cooled storage units
Once exclusively found in expensive luxury cars, climate-controlled storage has finally made its way down the affordability ladder. A number of Dodge and Volkswagen models have cooled glove compartments, and the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sport heated and cooled cupholders. These features won't turn lukewarm soda ice-cold, but they can help frosty beverages stay chilled for a few hours or keep the java hot a little longer.

8. Lane-departure warning systems
Infiniti was an early pioneer of the system, and now Cadillac offers one on the STS. Lane-departure warning systems use cameras to scan the road for lane markings and chime an alert when you drift too close to the next lane without signaling. The system is no substitute for drivers who pay attention, but it's nice to have as a second line of defense.

9. Household power outlets
Anyone who's ever had portable electronics run out of juice on the road will appreciate the in-car two-pronged household power outlet. With voltage typically running between 110 and 120V, household outlets accommodate most devices that plug into a two-pronged socket. Most cars with a utilitarian bent should have one — that means everything from a Toyota Matrix to a Volkswagen Touareg.

10. Reclining rear seats
With reclining rear seats, you can leave those at home. Backseat passengers will be snoozing in no time, though drivers will want to keep them from reclining too far, as that can pose a safety hazard. A few models are still holding out, but most SUVs and minivans have them in the second row, if not the third as well.