Call it a homecoming.
When Toyota introduced Lexus to the U.S. market in 1989, the Georgetown, Ky., plant – its first stand-alone vehicle manufacturing facility in America – was just in its second year of producing the Camry.
Fast forward 26 years and that same plant is celebrating the start of U.S. Lexus production. Today at a ceremony fit for a luxury brand king, the first-ever U.S.-produced ES 350 was unveiled before several thousand proud team members in Georgetown. And, just like a newborn foal at the nearby horse farms in Central Kentucky, the newcomer was brought into the world with plenty of TLC and hope for a bright future.
“This is really a proud moment for us and brings us full circle,” said Wil James, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. “To be the first wholly owned plant, building the number one best-selling car in America, the Camry, for 13 years in a row, and then to be selected to build the first Lexus is truly a tribute to our team members.”
For the past two and a half years, the Kentucky plant – Toyota’s largest in North America – has been gearing up to make the ES 350, Lexus’ best-selling sedan in the U.S. In all, $360 million was invested toward a new dedicated assembly line, adding 750 new jobs. Total capacity for the new line will be 50,000 vehicles.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7655351-lexus-kentucky-plant-es-350/
For negotiators at the Paris climate conference (COP21) to successfully advance global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, nations must embrace a prominent role for nuclear energy.
The Obama administration highlighted the crucial role of nuclear energy when it convened a White House Summit on Nuclear Energy earlier this month. “As America leads the global transition to a low-carbon economy, the continued development of new and advanced nuclear technologies along with support for currently operating nuclear power plants is an important component of our clean energy strategy,” a White House fact sheet developed for the summit states. Many environmentalists are also giving nuclear energy a second look, as they seek practical solutions to constrain carbon emissions.
Nuclear energy facilities provide 63 percent of America’s zero-carbon electricity. Globally, nuclear power plants provide one-third of all zero-carbon electricity. One of nuclear energy’s major advantages relative to other low-carbon energy sources is its unique ability to produce large-scale electricity around-the-clock in extreme weather conditions. Nuclear energy facilities don’t rely on the wind blowing, the sun shining, or just-in-time deliveries of fuel by truck, barge, rail or pipeline. In 2014, the U.S. nuclear energy industry’s average capacity factor—a common measure of efficiency and reliability—was 92 percent.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7694251-nuclear-energy-cop21-climate-goals/
KitchenAid has exciting news for Stand Mixer lovers everywhere. The power, iconic design, color choices and endless possibilities synonymous with this culinary workhorse will soon be available in a size ideally suited for limited counter space and “smaller batch” lifestyles.
The new Artisan® Mini Stand Mixer is scheduled to initially launch in the U.S. this summer, with a global launch slated for later in the year. Offering the same power and performance as the brand’s Classic™ Stand Mixer, the Mini Artisan mixer features a 3.5-quart capacity and is 20% smaller and 25% lighter. It joins a collection that includes 4.5-, 5-, 6- 7-, and 8-quart models, and represents the first downsizing of the Stand Mixer since 1962. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $399.99.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7766751-kitchenaid-artisan-mini-stand-mixer/
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are hybrids with high-capacity batteries that can be charged by plugging them in. Although PHEVs do not have to be plugged in to be driven, they will not achieve optimal fuel consumption or maximum driving range without charging.
For an accessible version of this video, please visit:
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/transportation/cars-light-trucks/buying/16221
With lower fuel cost and less emissions, many automakers and fleets are turning to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a vehicle fuel. Even though the fuel has been used in this capacity for decades, increasing prices of gasoline and growing concern for the environment has reignited interest. In this video we talk with Kathryn Clay, the executive director of the Drive Natural Gas Initiative, and Stephe Yborra, the director of market development at NGV America, about the growth, development and future of CNG in America.
Setting the stage for the next era of Las Vegas entertainment, T-Mobile Arena will light up The Strip magenta tonight for the first time, with 20,000 fans partying to the sounds of Las Vegas favorites. The internationally acclaimed band with local roots, The Killers; Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton; and Las Vegas-born pop artist Shamir will join a sold-out crowd to kick off an extensive schedule of concerts, sporting events, award shows and more.
“This is an exciting time for Las Vegas and everyone involved in the development of T-Mobile Arena; tonight we are opening a world-class venue that we believe will become Las Vegas’ new center of entertainment,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.. “Las Vegas has long been known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, and with all the development we’ve unveiled this week in the neighborhood, you can see our deep commitment to ensuring Las Vegas holds that title for generations to come.”
Designed by Populous, T-Mobile Arena incorporated or enhanced the best features from renowned venues throughout the country for an unparalleled entertainment venue in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The joint venture between MGM Resorts and AEG has the largest arena capacity in the city, expansive balconies curving around the building’s exterior and customizable spaces, making the arena perfect for any type of event.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7798452-mgm-resorts-t-mobile-arena/
In anticipation of record data usage by the tens of thousands of visitors to this year’s national political conventions, Verizon has made significant enhancements to its network in the host cities and convention facilities.
“We know sharing the convention experience is important for visitors to Cleveland and Philadelphia so we have invested millions of dollars and worked for several years on upgrading our networks and adding capacity for these events,” said Lynn Ramsey, Vice President Network Operations – Verizon.
Enhancing the network in Cleveland, Ohio
When the Republican National Convention (RNC) arrives in Cleveland July 18-21, Verizon will have completed improvements to the city’s #1 overall network as rated by RootMetrics* in a recent Metro Rootscore® report.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7814951-verizon-rnc-dnc-network/
KitchenAid is unveiling a new, three-door free standing refrigerator that is the largest capacity refrigerator in its class*. Available in three models, the 72’’ Counter-Depth French Door Bottom Mount refrigerator features a slide-away split shelf that allows three quarters of the shelf to retract to accommodate taller items, up to 16.75 inches. The new addition will also include the first ever self-close freezer drawer in its class**.
“In terms of performance, features and aesthetics, this is the finest freestanding refrigerator that KitchenAid has ever offered,” says Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. “From organizational versatility and ease of access, to efficiency and quiet performance, our engineers and designers went above and beyond to incorporate thoughtful features and elegant design.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7766759-kitchenaid-introduces-three-door-bella/
The first all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza rolled off the assembly line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), officially launching the first-ever American-built Impreza from the automaker. The Impreza had historically been produced only in Japan. The start of Impreza production marks the culmination of more than three years of preparation and highlights the consistent growth in Subaru demand in the United States (U.S.). The positive economic impact of that growth is clear in the investment Subaru made to increase SIA’s production capacity and prepare for Impreza production. SIA invested $1.3 billion over the past four years, and hired an additional 1,400 associates in the past year.
“In a time when some manufacturers are moving work out of the United States, we’re proud to be bringing Subaru Impreza production to the heartland of America,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of SIA. “The move has allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs not only at SIA, but also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza is the first vehicle built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility and driving pleasure. Available in sedan and 5-door models, the 2017 Impreza is equipped with new driver assist technology, multimedia features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new Impreza will be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines starting in late 2016.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7673252-subaru-impreza-first-2017-american-made/
BLACK+DECKER™ announces its new line of robotic vacuums, the SMARTECH™ Robotic Vacuums. The new robotic vacuums connect to the BLACK+DECKER Mobile App via Bluetooth® Technology so homeowners can control the vacuum from their smartphone. Within the app, users can select a cleaning mode, program a cleaning schedule, drive the vacuum to a specific location, and customize the color of the robot’s LED top to fit the owner’s style on two of the three models. With a long runtime, a large capacity dustbin, and a wide 9" cleaning path, homeowners can count on the SMARTECH™ Robotic Vacuum to get the job done.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/8005951-black-decker-smartech-robotic-vacuums/
On Saturday, June 3, the latest wonder in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Meraviglia was christened in a glittering ceremony by international screen legend and godmother of all of MSC Cruises’ ships, Sophia Loren. At 171,598 GRT and with guest capacity of 5,714 (4,488 at double occupancy), MSC Meraviglia is the biggest ship to be built by a European ship owner, MSC Cruises, and also the biggest ship to come into service in 2017.
MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, hosted the glamorous, high-profile event in Le Havre, with entertainment from top international performers and an exclusive gala dinner in the company of special guests, authorities, key partners from the travel industry, global media and top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, attended together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7807953-msc-cruises-meraviglia-ship-for-all-seasons/
2017 Renault Zoe
Renault has introduced a new Z.E. 40 battery for ZOE. At the same, ZOE owners can benefit from a range of new connected services and equipment upgrades. Order books for the new ZOE line-up are open. The new ZOEs fitted with the new Z.E. 40 battery are made at Renault's Flins plant in France and will be available for delivery before the end of 2016.
Double the range for even longer journeys
As the pioneer of all-electric mobility and Europe's number one seller of electric vehicles, Renault has stepped up its innovation programme and the deployment of its Zero Emissions strategy.
Fitted with the new Z.E. 40 battery, the Renault ZOE now delivers a record NEDC driving range of 400km, which is twice the distance delivered by the model at the time of its original launch.
The new Z.E. 40 battery has a real-world range of 300 kilometres in urban or suburban areas, for example.
The range permitted today by the ZOE is the longest of any mainstream all-electric vehicle and motorists can take advantage of this step forward now.
The ZOE is the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe and provides a real alternative to internal combustion-engine cars, since average daily commuting distances are well within the ZOE's capabilities.
The new battery removes the final psychological barrier that stands in the way of buying an electric car since ZOE users can now travel further and enjoy a wider variety of driving situations without worry about charging. This makes weekend trips a real possibility.
The Z.E. 40 battery's charging rate is similar to that of the standard battery, so 'topping up' doesn't take long at all. For example, just 30 minutes are required on average to charge the battery for an extra 80 kilometres of driving range when plugged into one of the many public charging points in operation in Europe. The ZOE continues to be equipped with the Quick Charge function to take full advantage of the maximum capacity of fast charging points located predominantly along motorway corridors.
An innovation that doubles battery capacity with no increase in size
The ZOE's new Z.E. 40 battery boasts 41kWh of useful energy, equivalent to almost double the storage capacity of the ZOE's standard battery (22kWh of useful energy).
Developed in close partnership with LG Chem, the battery uses high-energy density lithium-ion technology.
Renault and LG engineers have succeeded in increasing storage capacity without making the battery any bigger or a lot heavier. It was optimised by working on the chemistry of the cells in order to increase their energy density, rather than stacking additional battery modules, a commonly used technique.
This major new technology has been developed while ensuring the battery's reliability or safety.
The battery's large storage capacity ensures longer range for the ZOE thanks to the meticulous work that went into integrating the battery in the vehicle. The electronic management system of the battery optimises the ZOE's energy use on the move, while the new air circulation system maintains the temperature of the ZOE's battery at a constant level, making the car economical to run in very hot or very cold weather.
