Nearly five dozen 2019 models meet stricter criteria to qualify for a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 30 first-tier “plus” award winners earn the highest rating for passenger-side protection in a small overlap front crash and have good-rated available headlights, while the 27 winners of the second-tier award qualify with an acceptable or higher rating in the newest IIHS crash test and the nighttime headlight evaluation.
All 57 vehicles in this elite group earn good ratings in the Institute’s five other crashworthiness evaluations and have an available automatic emergency braking system that rates advanced or superior for front crash prevention.
IIHS now requires a good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test to earn a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ versus an acceptable or good rating for the 2018 award. An acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side test is a new criterion to earn a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK.
This marks the sixth time that IIHS has raised the bar to earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award since introducing it in the 2013 model year to recognize vehicles that offer a superior level of safety. The TOP SAFETY PICK accolade launched in the 2006 model year to help consumers identify vehicles with the highest ratings. Over the years, IIHS has added to and strengthened criteria for both awards to encourage manufacturers to speed up safety advances.
Spring not only brings warmer temperatures and sunnier days, but also a sense of renewal. For some, wedding bells will soon ring and tax refunds will finance new cars. When making such important life decisions, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) cautions consumers to take the time now, before a major purchase or life change, to fully protect themselves from the unexpected. The NAIC developed Get Ready resources to help consumers do just that.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7163151-naic-get-ready-resource-kits-help-get-smart-about-insurance
From Vodafone’s “FORO” theory to Netflix’s “binge racing” phenomenon, Vodafone Passes partners commented on how consumers are experiencing content in the here and now, and what the future will bring.
The London event marked the launch of Vodafone Passes: new Chat, Music, Video, Social and Combo Passes designed to cater for customers’ specific content passions - providing freedom to enjoy endless monthly data on what matters to them most.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8221551-vodafone-passes-evolution-content/
The vehicles deemed the 16 Best Family Cars of 2016 were announced today by Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. After extensive testing and evaluation, with a keen focus on safety, comfort, convenience, spaciousness for both passengers and cargo, and fit of various rear-facing and forward-facing child safety car seats, the KBB.com expert editors recommend their choices for a diverse group of vehicles that best meet the needs of today’s modern families.
“For two weeks’ time we drove, lived-with, folded-down-seats-of, paired-phones-to and installed-baby-seats-in each and every one of the contenders,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst of Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “We loaded cargo, contorted ourselves into third rows, watched movies on rear-seat screens, toted rowing teams to marinas – in short, we did everything that you and your family might do with a vehicle day-to-day. And we did all this with a certain sense of what a family needs and wants, since many of our testers are simultaneously parents of kids ranging from mid-twenties to newborn. So this wasn’t just a cursory exercise, but instead it drew heavily upon our family-car experiences, needs and wants.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7748351-kelley-blue-book-best-family-cars-2016/
Sherwin-Williams introduces its latest innovation: ColorSnap®, the company’s most comprehensive, integrated color selection system ever offered. Designed to help consumers and professionals make confident and efficient paint color selections, ColorSnap includes a first-of-its-kind, in-store display that makes color selection fast and easy, in addition to enhanced online and offline tools, and new colors.
“With the ColorSnap system, we’ve created a completely new way to navigate color. Whether in their neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store, at home or on the go, ColorSnap provides a solution to easily explore and find color any way the consumer chooses,” said Jackie Jordan, director, color marketing, Sherwin-Williams.
ColorSnap starts rolling out this month and will be available in all 4,000 Sherwin-Williams stores across the U.S. and Canada by the end of January 2016.
To view the multimedia release please visit
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7602351-sherwin-williams-colorsnap/
In an appliance industry first, LG Electronics transformed its LG InstaView™ refrigerators into musical instruments as part of a series of surprise musical performances for thousands of consumers at Westfield World Trade Center in the Oculus – one of the nation’s busiest transit and shopping destinations. The performance kicked off with two knocks on the LG InstaView refrigerator’s unique glass panel, which triggered musical renditions of pop songs featuring choreographed routines from performers dressed as everyday passersby, entertaining commuters and shoppers.
Highlighting LG InstaView technology – a one-of-a-kind innovation that allows users to knock twice to illuminate the refrigerator’s glass panel and see inside without opening the door – the experience featured renditions of today’s chart-topping songs by Andrew Huang, a music producer known for creating rhythmic beats with non-traditional instruments, now including LG home appliance innovations.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8056651-lg-electronics-instaview-refrigerators-musical-launch/
Last winter was one of the harshest, hitting millions of Americans with spikes in their winter utility bills. Unfortunately, here we are, one year later, facing yet another polar vortex. Meteorologists predict some of the coldest blasts of frigid temperatures over the next several days, which has energy experts worried about the impact on consumers’ utility bills, as well as on the reliability of the electric grid we all depend on.
As Polar Vortex 2015 moves across the country, consumers could face spikes in electricity bills, with seniors on fixed incomes and lower income Americans hit the hardest. According to a recent survey, high energy prices already have forced more than 40 percent of low-income seniors to go without needed medical or dental care, and even to skip meals or shut off the heat on cold days.
It may seem odd to be predicting another energy price spike since oil, natural gas and coal prices have all fallen recently. But it’s not the market that will be driving prices higher. It’s politics.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7221731-national-mining-association-americans-electricity-bill-increase-due-to-epa-regulations/
With its eye-catching design and impressive roster of features, the all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door are the latest additions to the world-class Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. Penned at Kia’s European and U.S. design studios in collaboration with Kia’s design base in Namyang, Korea, this subcompact duo will bring an exciting combination of impressive fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety features4, everyday convenience and fun-to-drive character to value-conscious consumers when they arrive at Kia retailers later this year.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8016953-kia-rio-nyias-2017/
According to recent findings from Campos Inc., food customization is one of this year’s top consumer trends. Now, more than ever, consumers find endless options when it comes to customizing food – whether they are eating in or dining out. Along with exploring different flavors and food pairings, the baking industry is rethinking how they package recipes to consumers. In fact, according to Mintel, 45% of consumers surveyed want multiple preparation options and recipes listed on the packaging to allow them to express their personality.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7519851-lucky-leaf-customizable-desserts/
The following statement is being issued by Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings, PLLC regarding In re Prograf Antitrust Litigation.
A lawsuit is currently pending claiming that Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (“Astellas” or “Defendant”) violated state antitrust, unfair competition, consumer protection, and unjust enrichment laws of certain states by delaying the availability of a less expensive generic version of the immunosuppressant prescription drug Prograf® (known as tacrolimus). Plaintiffs allege that Defendant’s conduct caused some consumers and third party payors to pay too much for Prograf in certain states from September 3, 2008 to December 31, 2010 (also referred to as the “Class Damage Period”). This lawsuit does not claim that Prograf is unsafe or ineffective. Astellas denies any wrongdoing.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7933851-prograf-antitrust-class-action-settlement/
Launched in January, Flatbed Cider Co. (www.flatbedcider.com) offers consumers an all-new craft cider made from the apples that made the Northwest famous around the world. The company’s two offerings, a Crisp Apple Cider and a Pear Cider are now available at restaurants and retailers throughout Washington State and Oregon.
While various hard ciders have been produced in the U.S. since the repeal of prohibition, the Northwest has recently become the epicenter of a craft cider revolution. Since 2012, cider’s popularity has grown more than 60 percent each year, with the strongest growth happening in Washington State and Oregon¹. Flatbed ferments its hard ciders from local, whole-pressed apples—rather than the apple juice concentrate used by many brands—and limits the time from branch to bottle to minimize oxidation and maximize Flatbed’s bright, rustic apple character.
Flatbed’s Crisp Apple Cider has a drier taste profile than most widely-available ciders in the U.S. Flatbed Crisp Apple Cider is all-natural, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients and is naturally gluten-free. Jonagold apples picked at their peak deliver the balance and acidity behind Flatbed’s exceptionally bright taste while Red Delicious apples provide tannin structure. Golden Delicious apples add a rustic apple character with a twist of subtle sweetness. And, heirloom varietals like Newtown Pippins and Gravensteins—which are hand-selected from batch-to-batch—add bucolic Northwest charm to the blend. Thanks to its bright acidity and drier flavor profile, Flatbed’s Crisp Apple Cider pairs with nearly anything that comes from the sea, farm or food cart. The Crisp Apple Cider is currently available in a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles with an SRP of $10.99.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7409455-flatbed-cider-northwest-launch/
Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE: EPC) today announced the launch of the Company’s new direct-to-consumer website, SchickHydro.com. SchickHydro.com will provide consumers with increased choice, value, innovation and now added convenience to improve their overall shaving experience. Today’s announcement also extends consumer choice in Men’s Systems to an entirely new level, with the launch of Schick Hydro Connect – the next evolution in the brand’s razor franchise designed to fit Gillette® Fusion® and Mach3®† handles***. The first-of-its-kind branded refill will initially be available exclusively on SchickHydro.com (in the U.S.).
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8098551-schick-hydro-connect/