Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, today unveiled two new concept cars that move the Swedish brand in an audacious new direction and mark the official launch of its global small car strategy.
Today’s newly-revealed 40 series concepts demonstrate for the first time how Volvo Cars plans to expand into the large and lucrative global market for premium small cars with a range of vehicles that combine bold exterior and interior design with industry-leading connectivity, electrification and autonomous drive technologies.
The new concept cars will be the first built around Volvo Cars’ new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which has been specially created for smaller cars and which has liberated the company’s designers and engineers to explore bold and daring new directions.
“Each member of our product family has its own distinct character, just like the members of a real family. CMA has helped us to capture something special, something youthful in our new concept cars. They have an energy, a disruptive and engaging urban character that makes them stand out amongst the crowd. This is the flavour of small Volvos to come,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design, at Volvo Car Group.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7837051-volvo-new-range-of-smaller-cars/
Clayton, one of America’s largest homebuilders, today announced it has acquired Gallatin, Tenn.-based Goodall Homes, a builder of new single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums since 1990. Goodall is the second site-built housing company to become part of Maryville-based Clayton, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Clayton acquired Atlanta-area builder Chafin Communities last fall.
Clayton, through its site-building group, Clayton Properties, entered the site-built housing market to expand its portfolio of housing options to homebuyers. The acquisition of Goodall Homes includes approximately 3,600 lots and 180 homes under construction in a five-county area in Middle Tennessee. Goodall Homes closed 436 homes last year.
“Adding great builders like Goodall to our team is exciting,” stated Clayton home building group President, Keith Holdbrooks. “As we continue to grow and expand into the site-built market, it is important to partner with teams that share our culture of providing an excellent customer experience.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7716454-clayton-acquires-goodall-homes/
Clayton, one of America’s largest homebuilders, will celebrate its 60th anniversary at this year’s annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, where it will highlight the company’s history and impressive growth, as well as feature The Patriot home on display.
Clayton has grown to become a large homebuilder in the U.S manufactured housing industry, providing families with affordable, quality homes since Jim Clayton sold his first home in 1956. Over the last 60 years, the company has remained true to its core values, including “taking care of the communities we live in.”
Clayton is aiding Hope for the Warriors®, a nonprofit organization that provides services for wounded war veterans and their families. For every Patriot home sold, the company is donating $100 to Hope For The Warriors®. Through this donation program, the company has given tens of thousands of dollars to Hope for the Warriors®, and that number continues to grow.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7716453-clayton-60th-anniversary/
Grundig, the premium home appliance brand, is unveiling its collection of built-in products at EuroCucina, the world’s most prestigious international design event held in Milan from 12th to 17th April. Established 70 years ago, Grundig’s German heritage is synonymous with cutting edge technologies that offer durable, high-end products married with refined, timeless design. As a world renowned design exhibition, Eurocucina is the ideal platform for Grundig to showcase credentials.
Constantly investing in technology and innovation, Grundig is on a fast growth track worldwide. Sustainability and resource efficiency are the key areas on which Grundig focuses. The premium range of Grundig built-in appliances attaches great significance to eco friendliness along with the brand’s strong attributes - high quality, refined pleasures, ease of use and exclusive design.
Aiming to introduce a new era in the field of kitchen appliances, Grundig unveils a premium built-in collection, which includes everything from a complete range of smart connected appliances, to the much-anticipated experience of Virtual User Experience Technology (VUX). In addition, the brand showcases innovations across all categories, which includes an eco-friendly dishwasher that uses just 5.5 litres of water to clean a full load, and intuitive washing machines that detect everything from fabric type to common stains.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7809051-grundig-unveils-collection-eurocucina/
Top Hybrids and Electric Cars Must Buy 2016 [ Buying Guide ]
Top Recommended Hybrids and Electric Cars
List Car you need to buy:
====== 2016 Tesla Model S ========
We owned a 2013 Tesla Model S for 18 months and despite numerous dealer visits and maintenance issues, we were ultimately sad to see it go. It's quick, comfortable, quiet, spacious, and can tote as much cargo as some crossover SUVs. The "85" version can go 265 miles on a charge, so range anxiety is a nonissue. We even drove ours from L.A. to New York in less than three days using Tesla's free Supercharger quick-charge network. We definitely have gripes, including some underwhelming interior trim pieces and a lack of small item storage. There's also the below-average reliability, although our dealer experiences were exceptional. So even though it's not perfect, the Model S remains our favorite electric car.
============2016 Kia Soul EV============
Kia's first real foray into the electric vehicle world is a success. In fact, the funky Soul is arguably more appealing when it swaps out its internal combustion engine for an electric motor. In our testing, the Soul EV went farther on a charge than its similarly sized and priced competitors, and then recharged quickly thereafter. It also doesn't suffer a reduction in cargo space versus the non-EV Soul, meaning it provides the utility of a small SUV rather than that of a small hatchback like its rivals. A long warranty and generous features are other benefits.
===============2015 BMW i3=============
BMW's i3 is a remarkable vehicle. Its main structure is made of light yet strong carbon fiber instead of the usual steel or aluminum. This helps reduce the i3's weight, which pays dividends for both electric range and performance. With its electric motor in back and the battery under the floor, the i3 boasts sporty acceleration and handling.
======= 2015 BMW i8 ===========
You want your plug-in hybrid to be a head-turning sports car? Look no further than the BMW i8, the two-door supercar for the environmentally conscious. Like the more attainable BMW i3, the i8 is built around a carbon-fiber passenger cell. But in the i8 an electric motor drives the front wheels and a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine pushes from behind.
===== Luxury Hybrid 2016 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid =====
Porsche's flagship sedan is the Panamera, a low-slung four-door with a hatchback trunk. The 2016 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is the plug-in hybrid version, and it offers 16 miles of pure electric driving before the supercharged 3.0-liter gasoline V6 engine takes over. Acceleration, handling and braking are pure Porsche, which is something of a trick for a car this large. It's perfect for those shoppers
======= Hybrid SUV 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid =========
No other automaker bothers to offer a hybrid version of its three-row SUV. But Toyota's Highlander Hybrid doesn't earn a spot in our Buying Guide purely by default. It continues to show just how well the hybrid formula can be applied to a big, family-friendly crossover SUV. The hybrid version earns a 28 mpg combined estimate, or 7-8 mpg better than the V6-powered Highlander. In addition to that, the Highlander Hybrid offers solid build quality, respectable acceleration, a sophisticated and quiet ride quality and plenty of standard and available features.
====== 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2016 Toyota Prius =====
Substantial changes last year vaulted the Toyota Camry Hybrid onto our top-recommended list. Although it doesn't quite match the fuel economy of some competitors, the real-world cost of that difference is negligible. Plus, dismissing the Camry simply because of an mpg or two would mean missing out on an otherwise compelling sedan. Comfort remains a Camry priority, but this latest Camry Hybrid also handles pretty well.
====== Hybrid Cars 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid / Energi =====
The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a great choice for car shoppers who are new to hybrids. It's quiet, comfortable and feels very much like a normal family sedan, while delivering the fuel economy you expect from a hybrid. It's also a Ford Fusion, which means you also get impressive refinement, good road manners and plenty of standard and available high-tech features.
======= 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf =====
Among entry-level EVs, the Volkswagen e-Golf is our favorite. It handles well, has a handsome interior, delivers class-competitive range and has the optimal equipment for quick battery recharging. What's even better, cargo space is unchanged from the non-EV Golf because the batteries are located under the floor.
The Clayton home building group has released a video showcasing the talented men and women who, along with other team members, build thousands of manufactured and modular homes every year for families across the U.S.
The video showcases stories from some of the real people behind the Clayton Built™ brand who work hard every day to help others realize the dream of homeownership. Nearly 9,000 workers across the U.S. build Clayton’s multitude of housing floorplans, giving homebuyers the freedom to choose or customize a home that fits their unique lifestyle needs.
“Our team members are our greatest asset, and we are proud to have them represent the Clayton family,” Clayton home building group President, Keith Holdbrooks said. “Some of them have even been building Clayton homes for decades. Generations of craftsmen mean that our customers are getting outstanding quality in their homes.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7716452-clayton-built-brand-craftsmen/
At the home of the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally and on the Col de Turini, site of some of racing’s most memorable moments, Groupe Renault today announced plans for a new Alpine sports car, and unveiled the Alpine Vision show car.
“Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault,” Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said. “Earlier this month we announced our return to Formula One with a Renault team, and today we are announcing Alpine. This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.”
The show car Alpine Vision combines sensual design with outstanding agility, true to the great Alpine A110 Berlinette loved and admired by enthusiasts around the world. Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, built by experts at Renault Sport, and its low weight will allow the car to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.
Alpine will be managed by a small team of passionate experts within Groupe Renault, with one sole mission – to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer. Michael van der Sande will lead as Alpine managing director, and Antony Villain will head Alpine design.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7762651-groupe-renault-unveils-plans-for-alpine/
Clayton, one of America’s largest homebuilders, announced the launch of a customer-driven ‘Clayton Built™ Storytelling’ initiative. The video series reinforces the national homebuilder’s purpose of opening doors to a better life, one home a time, through the eyes of manufactured and modular homeowners across America. The goal of the series is to tell the before and after stories of real customers who purchased Clayton Built™ homes.
The first video in the series tells the story of long-time spouses, Lucille and Lee Allen, as they reflect on the past 10 years of living in a Clayton Built™ home. The couple recounts this pivotal point in their lives and the excitement they experienced as their new home was delivered. They marvel as the home is built in steps by trained craftsmen and assembled in two sections at the final home site.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7716451-clayton-homes-storytelling-campaign/
Today, Pardee Homes, a member of TRI Pointe Group, announced the completion of the Responsive Home project, in partnership with BUILDER Magazine, to design, build and sell the ideal home for today’s young home buyers. The two, new concept homes will be unveiled during this week’s NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Las Vegas. Located in suburban Henderson, Nevada, just a few minutes away from the urban conveniences of the Las Vegas strip, the 2,145-square-foot Contemporary Farmhouse and the 3,194-square-foot Contemporary Transitional cater to Millennials’ desires for design and performance at a price point that young buyers can appreciate. Built in partnership with architect Bassenian Lagoni; landscape architects, AndersonBaron; along with celebrity interior designer Bobby Berk, the project’s Creative Director and fellow Millennial; the Responsive Homes maximize new home owners’ financial investment by increasing the longevity of the home’s lifespan. The concept homes are located within the master-planned Inspirada community and will be available for purchase in spring 2016.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7734751-responsive-home-project-millennials/
The world’s first all-in-one music player Smart Hearable 1.0, developed by VINCI, will make its debut in the North American market at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held from January 6 to 9 in Las Vegas, United States.
The highlight of the design is the artificial intelligence technology applied to create ME 1.0, the first smart assistant that makes the AI talking system from the 2013 film “Her” real.
VINCI Smart Hearable is a wireless and hands-free smart music player that can react to user body and consciousness dynamics with different kinds of music. With a built-in proximity sensor, the device automatically plays the music when user puts it on. It has a touch panel that responds to gestures like tapping and sliding, and a voice interaction system that allows users to guide the device with simple commands.
ME is able to respond with a song that best suits the moment by analyzing data collected from user including heart rate, current location and scenarios through intelligent algorithms, so that user can not only tell ME songs, albums or singers they desire to enjoy the music, but also share their mood and feelings with it.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7730451-vinci-smart-hearable-ces/
Clayton, one of America's largest builders of manufactured and modular homes, is proud to announce that it is being featured on the new show “Breakneck Builds” to showcase some of its customized modular homes for the debut season.
The series features a total of six different Clayton Built™ homes throughout Season One. Clayton interviewed two of the six families after filming commenced to give a behind-the-scenes look at the homes and the families living in them. The exclusive interviews featured the families of Roger and Jamie Linn, of Tijeras, N.M., and John Broadbooks of Black Hawk, Colo.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7413931-clayton-homes-avoid-refund-regret/
Piccing (http://www.piccing.com), the leading solution for next-generation social shopping debuted its latest release today, which with a single click makes any product in an image shoppable.
After adding many features as requested by their online community, Piccing rethought the complete experience and has rebuilt and redefined how to shop online. Today’s release is built on top of 3 years of intense research and development to be able to deliver the fastest, most effective and easiest way to comparison shop online.
Everyone at some point has seen something they desperately want in an image on the internet, but where to find it, let alone buy it? This problem has now been solved thanks to the expansion of the Piccing experience, with the introduction of a new ubiquitous digital shopping solution.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7709151-piccing-social-shopping/