Volvo Cars, the premium carmaker, has announced a close partnership with Google, one of the world’s largest technology companies, to develop the next generation of its award-winning in-car infotainment and connectivity solution based on Android, offering access to a wide array of apps and services. It will launch on new Volvo models within two years.
The partnership promises to revolutionise how Volvo customers engage and interact with their cars. The large catalogue of popular Android apps – developed by Google, Volvo, or third party app developers – will offer connected and predictive services in and around the car.
“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership. Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalisation possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8103651-volvo-cars-google-android-connected/
“From its debut in 1925, a Rolls-Royce Phantom has been the choice of the world’s most influential and powerful men and women, and as a result, a constant presence at history’s most defining moments” - Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveiled the eighth generation Phantom at a gala reception in London. Flanked by seven great Phantoms representing the first seven generations of the car, Phantom VIII is the 21st Century incarnation of the world’s longest running automotive nameplate and what is inarguably the “best car in the world.”
This wholly new contemporary design of Rolls-Royce Phantom DNA offers an all-new aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury’ which underpins the Phantom and ensures the architectural and proportional lineage of Rolls-Royce while delivering a new level of ‘Magic Carpet Ride:’ lighter, stiffer, quieter than ever.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8142951-eighth-generation-rolls-royce-phantom-unveiled/
Traveling these days can be complicated with all the rules, restrictions, additional fees, and shrinking leg room – but it doesn’t have to be. Amtrak revealed today an exciting new campaign, dubbed “Break the Travel Quo,” that goes head-to-head against some of the most prevalent pain points of modern day travel and reminds consumers that riding with Amtrak is a far easier, more comfortable and convenient way to travel.
“Break the Travel Quo” takes a lighthearted approach to push against the realities of air and car travel that have become par for the course, juxtaposing commonplace scenarios against the comfort and convenience of Amtrak. Not only does Amtrak boast one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry – allowing passengers to bring up to four pieces of luggage for free – but the rail company also offers free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8176651-amtrak-break-the-travel-quo-campaign/
Thirteen out of 16 new booster seats for 2017 earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating of BEST BET, bringing the total number of boosters on the market with that designation to 118.
The BEST BET rating means a booster provides good safety belt fit for typical 4 to 8 year-olds in almost any car, minivan or SUV. Boosters that are rated GOOD BETs provide acceptable belt fit in almost any vehicle, while those rated Check Fit could work for some children in some vehicles. Seats designated "Not Recommended" don’t provide good belt fit and should be avoided.
A big year awaits travelers to Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World®. Thrilling new attractions will launch guests further and faster than ever, new resorts will feature additions like future-forward “smart rooms” and rooftop lounges for firework-watching, and unique new dining experiences will arrive, ranging from a Master Sommelier’s wine bar to a 100 percent all-vegan deli.
“Every Orlando vacation is unique, with so many attractions and activities for visitors to mix and match, but 2018 will be an exceptional year for experiences that really stand out,” said George Aguel, President and CEO for Visit Orlando. “A great vacation lets you escape from the everyday and experience something new, and there is no shortage of that this coming year, ranging from being immersed in a high-speed car chase with the Fast & Furious to plunging down the world’s tallest river rapid drop.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8233251-visit-orlando-new-stay-play-dine-2018/
GAC Motor, China’s fastest-growing automaker, has wowed the Fortune Global Forum 2017 (“the Forum”) as the official service car provider with 380 cars including the GA8 sedan, the GS8 SUV and the GM8 MPV. The vehicles have provided safe and reliable service for leaders of the 152 Fortune 500 companies who attended, in addition to more than 1,100 distinguished guests from around the world. During the Forum, 40 CEOs from Fortune 500 companies including McKinsey & Company, Aisin Seiki (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and iFLYTEK Co., Ltd visited GAC Motor’s factory in Panyu, Guangzhou to get a glimpse of China’s advanced smart manufacturing capability.
“We are proud to have had the chance to display our advanced smart manufacturing capabilities to some of the world’s top corporate leaders,” said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor. “Being chosen as the official service car provider for the Forum is a recognition of GAC Motor’s accomplishments in openness and innovation; it further enhances our brand’s international influence. After years of development, the Chinese automotive industry is now capable of creating top auto brands, and we hope to build GAC Motor into a world-class Chinese brand.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8241551-gac-motor-fortune-global-forum/
The Honda Accord, Volvo XC60 and the Lincoln Navigator were crowned as the winners of the 2018 North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) awards today at the North American International Auto Show.
The awards are among the most prestigious in the industry because they are chosen by a panel of more than 60 jurors from print, online and broadcast media across the United States and Canada. Votes were tallied confidentially by Deloitte LLP and remained sealed until they were announced today by NACTOY officers, President Mark Phelan, Vice President Matt DeLorenzo and Secretary-Treasurer Lauren Fix at Cobo Center in Detroit.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8244251-north-american-car-truck-utility-vehicle-2018/
GAC Motor, China's fastest-growing automaker, showcased its complete product lineup on the opening day of the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan. The signature lineup includes GAC Motor's latest GA4 sedan, and a brand-new concept car, the Enverge.
Developed on the GAC Cross-Platform Modular Architecture (G-CPMA), the GA4, satisfies consumers’ appetite and expectations for a high-quality driving experience, is expected to become the new mainstream of the A-Class sedan market in the future. The GA4 will officially enter the market on January 18 in Shanghai, China.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8255151-gac-motor-naias-2018/
Parking crashes usually don’t result in serious injuries, but repair costs can quickly mount, along with the hassle of going without the family vehicle while waiting for the body shop to finish work. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has launched a rear crash prevention ratings program to help consumers identify models with the technology that can prevent or mitigate low-speed backing crashes. Two systems earn the highest rating of superior, and four earn the second-highest rating of advanced.
Rear crash prevention encompasses several technologies. Parking sensors issue warning beeps and/or seat vibrations when the equipped vehicle gets too close to another vehicle or object directly behind it, or, in some cases, in front of it. Rear cross-traffic alert warns drivers of approaching vehicles that might cross their path as they back up. Rear automatic emergency braking systems detect objects behind a reversing vehicle and may automatically brake if the driver doesn’t heed alerts to stop.
IIHS engineers evaluated rear autobrake systems on six popular 2017 model vehicles — the BMW 5 series sedan, Cadillac XT5 SUV, Infiniti QX60 SUV, Jeep Cherokee SUV, Subaru Outback wagon and Toyota Prius hatchback.
Under the three-tier rating scheme, models with optional or standard rear crash prevention systems are rated superior, advanced or basic. Ratings are determined by whether the vehicles have available rear autobrake and, if so, how it performs in a series of car-to-car and car-to-pole tests with different approach angles. The availability of parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert also is factored in.
The Outback and XT5 earn a superior rating when equipped with optional rear autobrake, parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cherokee, 5 series, QX60 and Prius earn an advanced rating with this optional gear.
Highlighting more than $100 million in renovations at its hotels across North America, Super 8®, the world’s largest economy hotel brand and trusted roadside companion, today rolled into the 2018 New York International Auto Show with ROADM8, the first-ever concept car inspired by a hotel brand’s guestroom redesign.
Pulling its style and amenities straight from Super 8’s newly refreshed and elevated rooms—think bedding turned upholstery, a nightstand turned dashboard accent—ROADM8 fully embodies the sleek, new, modern look and feel of Super 8 while bringing the best of the brand to the open road. Outside, the vehicle boasts the red and yellow of the iconic Super 8 sign while inside are innovative amenities like a built-in, on-demand coffee machine, custom center console mini-fridge, touch-screen entertainment, and more.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8289351-super-8-roadm8-new-york-international-auto-show/
Today VTech® announces the availability of new Go! Go! Smart Wheels® playsets, driving excitement to the line with fun new themes to spark toddlers’ imaginations. The Go! Go! Smart Wheels line offers engaging play experiences while teaching first words, letters and more and features innovative SmartPoint® technology that truly brings the toys to life.
“Kids love our Go! Go! Smart Wheels line because it’s fun; parents love that it’s smart and engaging. With this new collection there’s even more to love, with exciting themes that will take kids on thrilling new adventures,” said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America. “From a police tower that allows kids to chase a getaway car, to a multi-level, interactive garage, to an airport with a plane that ‘takes off,’ there are engaging play experiences for every child.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8327353-vtech-go-go-smart-wheels/
Clayton, one of the leading builders of prefabricated and site built homes, has partnered with Family Promise, a leading national nonprofit addressing the family homelessness crisis in America, to present a New Braunfels family with a brand-new prefabricated home.
The owners of a mobile roadside assistance company, Mona Lisa and Oscar De Paz of New Braunfels tried to live their dream of owning a business and providing for their family of five, but when receiving payments from clients proved to be a challenge, they suddenly found themselves without a place to live. With nowhere to turn, the family slept in their car or at a storage facility with their belongings. The storage facility manager suggested they contact Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels. In three months, the family successfully completed the program’s requirements, secured steady employment and housing and achieved sustainable independence.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8335051-clayton-homes-family-promise-homelessness/