Ford to Build Car Plant in Thailand

BANGKOK, Oct. 9 — As it proceeds with plans to cut jobs and close factories in North America, the Ford Motor Company is expanding aggressively in Asia, announcing a $500 million investment Tuesday to build a car plant in Thailand just two weeks after opening a $510 million manufacturing center in Nanjing, China.

Both investments were made with Mazda, the Japanese company that Ford controls through a 33.4 percent stake — a partnership that provides Ford with both cash and manufacturing skills.

“We’re looking for profitable growth,” said John Parker, Ford’s executive vice president for Asia and Africa. “You have to put some foundations in place.”

Ford’s strategy appears to be to save money by curtailing operations in North America while making money by expanding in growth markets in Asia and elsewhere abroad.

The company announced worldwide losses of $12.7 billion last year and said it planned to idle or close 16 North American facilities by 2012, including seven vehicle assembly plants.

Its operations outside the United States provide Ford with a lifeline of liquidity, including $551 million in pretax profit in South America in 2006, $469 million in Europe and $168 million through the association with Mazda.

The company lost $185 million in Asia last year, mainly because of a collapse of sales in Taiwan and shifting tastes in Australia away from larger cars, but rebounded in the second quarter of 2007 to $26 million in profit.

The plant in Thailand will produce 100,000 small cars, with 80 percent of them to be exported to other Southeast Asian countries as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Ford has no plans to export the small passenger car, known in the industry as a B-class, to the United States, Mr. Parker said.

Exporting to the United States could antagonize the United Automobile Workers, the union facing layoffs as part of Ford’s corporate overhaul under Alan R. Mulally, the chief executive appointed in September 2006 to help turn around the carmaker. U.A.W. talks with General Motors last month led to a short strike. Chrysler is being threatened with a walkout in current talks, and Ford will be next to negotiate.

Thailand will export about 625,000 vehicles this year, 70 percent of them pickup trucks, of a total output of 1.25 million vehicles.

American pickup truck makers are shielded to an extent from foreign competition by a 25 percent tariff imposed in the 1960s, known colloquially as the chicken tax because it was initially levied in retaliation for duties imposed on American chicken exports.

The investment by Ford and Mazda helps cement Thailand’s place as the third-largest Asian car manufacturer, behind Japan and South Korea. The expansion of Ford and Mazda into small cars helps Thailand diversify beyond pickups.

Last week, the Thai board of investment approved plans by Honda to double its annual production capacity here to 240,000 cars.

Japanese carmakers, led by Toyota, have gradually shifted some of their production to Thailand over the last decade. Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu and its partner General Motors, also have major plants in the country.

“It’s a big vote of confidence for Thailand,” said Frederic Neumann, chief Thailand economist for HSBC, referring to Ford’s and Mazda’s investment.

Vallop Tiasiri, president of the Thailand Automotive Institute, a government agency that plans strategy, says Thailand will have a manufacturing capacity of two million cars in the next five years.

Thailand suffers from political uncertainty. The generals who took power just over a year ago have scheduled elections in December, but questions remain about the future political role of the military and of Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled prime minister who retains considerable popularity among some groups..

Car bombs kill 23 in Iraq during Gates visit

By Kristin Roberts

BAGHDAD, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Car bombs killed 23 people in Baghdad and three other Iraqi cities on Wednesday but U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said a secure, stable country was within reach.

A car bomb near a Shi'ite mosque in central Baghdad killed 15 people and wounded 35 as they gathered for evening prayers, making it the capital's deadliest bombing since September.

Gunfire could be heard and black smoke rose over the area after the blast in the mainly Shi'ite Karrada district, just across the Tigris River from where Gates met Iraqi officials in the heavily fortified "Green Zone" compound.

An al Qaeda-affiliated group warned this week of a renewed campaign of car bomb attacks.

Despite the day's bloodshed, overall attacks across Iraq have fallen to their lowest level in nearly two years, focusing attention on whether the Shi'ite-led government can reconcile with disaffected minority Sunni Arabs.

"More than ever, I believe that the goal of a secure, stable and democratic Iraq is within reach," Gates told a news conference less than an hour after the Baghdad blast.

"We need to be patient. We also need to be absolutely resolved in our desire to see the nascent signs of hope across Iraq expand and flourish so that all Iraqis can enjoy peace and prosperity."

On his unannounced visit Gates urged the government to integrate mainly Sunni Arab neighbourhood patrol units into its army and police. Washington says the 60,000-strong neighbourhood patrol forces have helped reduce violence.

"Iraqis who have chosen to fight al Qaeda need to be integrated into Iraq's security forces or provided other job opportunities," Gates said.

Earlier on Wednesday the government took a step in that direction by announcing it would put 45,000 of the patrol members on its payroll by the middle of 2008.

That means tens of thousands of armed Sunni Arabs, many believed to have fought against the government before this year, will soon be working for it.

The government had been regarded as being lukewarm to the neighbourhood patrols, fearful they could turn into an unaccountable militia made up of its recent foes.

INSTABILITY IN THE NORTH

Gates touched down first in Mosul, north of Baghdad, in a region U.S. commanders now consider one of the most violent parts of Iraq after al Qaeda militants relocated to the north and northeast following crackdowns in the capital and the west.

Hours before Gates arrived a car bomb near a police station killed a civilian in Mosul, Iraq's third largest city. Car bombs in Baquba and Kirkuk, two other cities north of Baghdad, killed at least seven others.

A group of U.S. combat brigade commanders, speaking to reporters at the Camp Victory military base in Baghdad, sought to play down the impact of the car bombing in the capital.

"The extremists are on the ropes. They are clearly on the ropes," said Colonel Jon Lehr, who is based in Diyala province.

"They are trying to consolidate their gains and make a statement to create a fracture between the population, the Iraqi security forces and the coalition forces."

The U.S. military announced the deaths of three of its soldiers in Salahuddin province, another of the northern areas that has suffered increased fighting. But Gates said commanders in the north had told him that their enemy was now appearing in smaller, less sophisticated units than a few months ago.

Colonel Raymond Thomas, an assistant commander of the U.S. division responsible for the north, said more troops were being sought for Diyala province, of which Baquba is the capital.

President George W. Bush sent an extra 30,000 U.S. soldiers to Iraq earlier this year to try to pull the country back from the brink of all-out sectarian civil war and to give Iraq's leaders "breathing space" to reach a political accommodation.

But Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government has made little headway in passing laws aimed at reassuring Sunni Arabs they will share in Iraq's oil wealth and political power. (Additional reporting by Peter Graff, Dean Yates and Paul Tait; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by Robert Woodward)

Dell Latitude 120L Li-ion Battery

Dell Latitude 120L Li-ion Battery


This is a Brand New Dell Smart Li-Ion Laptop Battery.

Compatible Dell Notebook Models:
Inspiron: B120, B130 and 1300.
Latitude: 120L.

Dell Part Numbers: 312-0416, 0XD184, XD184, KD186, TD611, TD612, UD535, XD184, XD186, HD438, CGR-B-6E1XX, TD429.

Product Specifications:

Rating: 11.1V
Capacity: 56 Wh
Size: 8.06'' x 2.12" x 0.87"
Color: Black
Technology: Lithium-Ion
Contacts: 6 Position
Condition: Brand New
In Stock: Yes

Dell Latitude 120L Li-ion Battery

Mercedes Benz G-class (2007)

Mercedes Benz continued to revalue the G-class. Spread fresh gloss in the Interieur a new high-quality combination instrument, a likewise new attractive steering wheel as well as a modified center console also newly arranged switches and a changed climatic control unit. Outwardly the rear light Design marks the recent generation of the G-class by modern LED optics. With these model care measures Mercedes Benz continues its philosophy to equip since over a quarter century built classical author with a modern and comfortable Interieur at high sedan level and the newest state of the art. This secures its exception position for the G-class as full blood jeep with exquisiten Lifestyle characteristics.


The Mercedes Benz G-class was particularly conceived as vehicle for hard area employment with their conception 1979. In the course of the long construction period Mercedes engineers adapted to the “G” the changed buyer desires. Modern electronics increased its from the outset outstanding cross-country capability continuously. Their outstanding characteristics off fastened roads, their advantages in the use of trailer, its balanced handling characteristics and the Ambiente of a sedan help the G-class to that unusually are enough for lifetime from so far 28 years.

Interieur

With the recent model care Mercedes Benz set new points of gloss in the G-class - particularly in the Interieur. Here a new combination instrument provides for modern optics. Four similar round instruments - set in with noble chrome rings - form the information centre for the driver. Likewise in new Design presents itself the elegant four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, whose lit keys make a calling of different information or a steering possible of certain functions by means of thumb pressure without diverson.


In the G a leather steering wheel is installed 320 CDI, in the G 500 and in the G 55 AMG in series expects the driver even the luxuriöse wood leather execution.


The modified center console with new automatic controllers and switches for the air conditioning system and comfort functions is common to all three models of the G-class. It revalues the cockpit not only optically, but improved additionally by its organization control security. In the models G 500 and G 55 AMG is in series the serving and indicator COMAND APS with DVD navigation system, integrated radio, CD-Player and telephone keyboard blocked. Additionally a compass function is integrated, which makes it for the driver possible to orient itself also beyond well out-described ways. In addition the compass indicates the direction when desired both in the display of the new combination instrument and on the COMAND screen.


The COMAND APS system is as special equipment also in the G 320 CDI available. In the standard type there the radio audio 20 replaces the model audio 10 inserted so far with CD-Player and telephone keyboard. The basis model without surcharge keeps a seat heating for the front seats simultaneous. The new 12V-Steckdose in the front seat passenger floor space facilitates immediately in all models of the G-class the connection of electrical accessory equipment.


From the outside the recent generation of the Mercedes Benz G-class is to be recognized by the rear lights. The designers transformed it and to them a new, fresh Look with modern LED optics lent.

New interesting special equipment available

At the same time with the model care Mercedes Benz extends the list of the available special equipments for the G-class by some interesting novelties. In addition the following highlights count:

Back driving camera, which shows the happening behind the vehicle on that 6.5 tariff large screen of the new COMAND equipment
Tire pressure control with announcement in the display of the combination instrument
Sport exhaust system for the type G 500 station car long, which essentially corresponds to the exhaust system of the G 55 AMG
Interieurpaket “ARTICO” with durable leather oh formation
New leather upholstery “Cognac”, those the past leather offer in black and grey around the third color variant in brown extends (in the type G 500 optionally without additional price)

More than ever G-class applies after these model care measures to the Mercedes Benz: Ever it was not more comfortable and innovative. Because the “G” shines not only with a luxuriösen Ambiente, but also with a technology on the most modern conditions. Among it the electronically steered traction system 4ETS beside the permanent all-wheel drive, which improves the traction with starting and accelerating on slippery underground, ranks in series. Besides three insertable Differenzialsperren and a gear reduction are available in the G-class for heavy area.


To the current model program to the G-class three motorizing as well as three Karosserievarianten belong. The power spectrum of the engines hands 224 HP from 165 KW with the G 320 CDI up to 368 KW 500 HP with the G 55 AMG.

BMW 1er (2007)

The joy in driving was established also in the compact class. Now it is again increased. New BMW 1er its world premiere celebrated new engines, purposeful modifications at the Exterieurdesign and an attractive reorganization of its interior for the prelude of the international automobile salon in Geneva with a second Karosserievariante. For the first time is to be had BMW 1er then also as Dreitürer. The new model variant sits down with its sporty-elegant collateral line and with particularly agilen handling characteristics in scene.


A maximum of efficient dynamics reaches BMW 1er - both and three and and Fünftürer - with the new generation of four-cylinder engines. For additional achievement and singular economy an aluminum crank case and a new Common Rail injection system for the Diesel drives as well as the High Precision Injection, a Direkteinspritzung of the 2 provide. Generation, with the Benzinern. In addition the new engines with Brake Energy regeneration, car start stop function and switching point announcement are combined.


A class for itself is in the compact segment also in the future BMW 130i. Its row six cylinder engine with magnesium aluminium group crank case and VALVETRONIC technology carries 265 HP for 195 KW out and makes now also the three-door model variant BMW of the 1er absolute top-class sportsman.


With more than 200,000 sold units world-wide BMW 1er in the compact segment made to measure put a start down. Engine in front, power transmission to the rear wheels - in such a way reads the concept for maximum driving joy, which led also in this class to success. For the first time the functionality of a handy diagonal tail sedan with the typical handling characteristics BMW was combined. Now the first - and still only - compact vehicle with rear propulsion provides again for sensation. The new three-door variant emphasizes the dynamics of the propulsion principle already at first sight still more clearly.


The body Design of the Dreitürers stresses the long front and shifts the optical emphasis clearly to the rear axle. The side view is coined/shaped by the long door with its frameless disk and the undivided rear side window. This dynamic adjustment of the Design underlines the sporty character of the Dreitürers.

Expression by Kraft: New accents at front and tail

Also the purposeful modifications in the front and tail range let the new BMW 1er appear still stronger and more characteristic. Show the three and the fünftürige variant a uniform face, in whose center the again arranged and increased BMW kidney stands.


In addition come a again outlined verge of the headlights into the bumper unit, a darker frame of the lights, a broader air intake in the lower range of the front apron, a strengthened spoiler lip and a new trim. More saliently formed are also the optional fog headlights.


Also at the tail the dominance of horizontal running lines lets the new BMW 1er appear broad and stronger. In a new, strongly minted light edge of the tail apron the process of the lateral Schwellerlinien is continued and the form of the front spoiler lip is again taken up.


Characteristic are still the proportions singular in the compact segment, which owes BMW 1er of his long front and the carried back passenger space. Particularly in the three-door execution this sporty shaping is intensively stressed. The new Karosserievariante provides therefore everywhere for attention, where mobility is closely with Spontaneität and joy in driving linked.


The momentumful outline of the side view becomes thereby the symbol for a particularly temperful appearance in the streetscape. The optional chrome volume, which frames the stretched window areas, underlines this impression.

Service provider: The six cylinder engine BMW of the 130i

BMW 1er brings the fascination BMW with the practical advantages of a compact vehicle in agreement. That applies in special way to BMW the 130i.


Its 3.0 litre large row six cylinder engine with magnesium aluminium group crank case, VALVETRONIC and double VANOS mobilizes 195 KW of 265 HP.


This Kraftpotenzial leads the high efficiency of the row six-cylinder made possible at the same time to outstanding road performances (0-100 km/h limited in 6.0 seconds with the Dreitürer and/or 6.1 seconds with the Fünftürer, maximum speed electronically on 250 km/h), an economy exemplary in this performance class. BMW 130i three and and use Fünftürer of on the average 8.3 litres per 100 of kilometers in the European Union test cycle both and.


For increased efficiency provides among other things the Brake Energy regeneration, which not only into BMW the 130i is used, but into all new petrol engine and Diesel variants BMW of the 1er. It makes it possible to concentrate the production of electricity for the electrical system alone on the thrust and brake phases of the engine. Thus is to more driving power in the course enterprise, for example with accelerating, for conversion to driving dynamics at the disposal.

Car start stop function: 0 consumption with 0 km/h

To the more efficient fuel use also the car start stop function contributes, which for the handswitched versions BMW of the 1er in connection with the new four-cylinder gasoline and - at the disposal is to diesel engines. In order to use this new function, it is sufficient, to bring when holding before a traffic light or also in the back-up the shift lever in no-load operation position and release the clutch pedal. The engine is then turned off and activated immediately again automatically only with the renewed footstep on the clutch pedal. The car start stop function makes it possible to avoid the consumption of fuel during the stop of the vehicle.


Also while driving the new four-cylinder variants BMW of the 1er make a particularly efficient utilization for the fuel energy possible. As soon as the possibility exists to be consumption favorable in a higher course and with lower number of revolutions on the way the new switching point announcement the driver refers to the ideal time for an appropriate change of the drive position.


A lighting up arrow symbol in connection with the course announcement in the instrument combination serves as December width units, but unmistakable signal for switching.

With High Precision Injection: The new four-cylinder petrol engines

Brake Energy regeneration, car start stop function and switching point announcement cause an additional consumption optimization with already generally the new four-cylinder aggregates aligned to highest efficiency.


In the new BMW 1er are used equivalent 2 variants of the new petrol engine generation. They have a gasoline direct injection of the 2. Generation. With their the lean enterprise in such a way specified, with which the gasoline portion in the air/fuel mixture is extremely economically proportioned, can be made by a particularly far reading and speed range away. Therefore leads the new, as High Precision Injection designated technology in practice everyday life traffic to a clear consumption reduction.

2 performance levels four-cylinder direct A SPLASHEs in the new BMW 1er

In the new BMW 120i produces the 2.0 litre engine an output of 125 KW 170 HP. Thus accelerates new BMW 120i in only 7.7 seconds (Fünftürer: 7.8 seconds) of 0 to 100 km/h. It reaches its maximum speed in both Karosserievarianten with 224 km/h.


Despite these impressive values the new engine in the EUTestzyklus is content with a fuel consumption of 6,4 litres per 100 of kilometers with both Karosserievarianten. In the comparison to the predecessor engine with outside air/fuel mixture this means 20 HP a consumption reduction with an achievement output of 15 KW around scarcely 14 per cent.


Similarly impressively the progress precipitates with the new BMW 118i. With an output made possible of 105 KW of 143 HP its engine an acceleration of zero on 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds (Fünftürer: 8.8 seconds) and a maximum speed of in each case 210 km/h. The fuel consumption in the European Union test cycle amounts to in each case 5.9 litres per 100 of kilometers.


As temperful basis motorizing of the Fünftürers first the proven 1,6-Liter-Antrieb with outside air/fuel mixture and double VANOS remain in the program. It carries 115 HP for 85 KW out, makes an acceleration value of 10.9 seconds and a point speed of 200 km/h possible with a consumption according to European Union standard of 7,5 litres per 100 of kilometers.

Easily, strongly and efficiently: New four-cylinder diesel engines

Also for the four-cylinder diesel engines a change of generations lines up. New BMW 1er profits as the first model from the associated increases in output and consumption reductions. They were obtained among other things with modifications at the combustion chambers, the air circulation, the loading with variable turbine geometry as well as at the Common Rail injection system. Beyond that the use of an aluminum of crank case leads to a substantial weight optimization. The new four-cylinder Diesel with a capacity of 2,0 litres is available for BMW the 1er in two performance levels. In both variants the new drive unit is equipped in series with a enginenear Diesel particle filter. Thus the emission limit values of the exhaust standard euro 4 are fallen below clearly.


In BMW the 120d produces the engine an output of 130 KW 177 HP and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The achievement gain around 10 KW in the comparison to the predecessor engine presses itself in a value of 7.5 seconds (Fünftürer: 7.6 seconds) for the acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h as well as in a maximum speed from in each case 228 km/h. On the other hand the average consumption reduces after European Union by 5 per cent to now 4.9 litres per 100 of kilometers.

The new country Rover Freelander sales start celebrates

To 05. May has a waiting an end: On this Saturday the new country Rover Freelander celebrates its sales start.


After model development for many years and comprehensive hard test country Rover brings the 2. Generation of the Freelander on the market, by which since 1997 well over one half million vehicles were sold. The new edition of the best-seller bring along all conditions, in order to update the success history of the predecessor: In addition count not least the expression-strong body Design, a generous and practical cab as well as a quantity of highly developed technologies. The technique package is one of the guarantors for the fact that the fundamentally again developed compact Offroader convinces both delicately with plentifully travelling comfort on the road and by the unrestricted area fitness for a long time used of country Rover.


To price recommendations starting from 30.900 euro the new country Rover Freelander stands now starting from 05. May with the German contract dealers ready, who move the new Premium Offroader with many attractions and actions in the right light. For numerous customers the waiting period was worthwhile itself doubly by the way directly: They get additionally to the new Freelander a Frühbucherbonus, since they had already decided before the official premiere for the new model. For these customers the first inspection is free - inclusive getting and Bringservice or borrowing cars.

Suzuki sponsort “skirt at the ring” and “skirt in the park” 2007

If kreischende guitars and roaring Beats leave the Eifel and the Nürnberger Zeppelinfeld erzittern, “skirt at the ring” and “skirt are announced in the park”. Already to 4. Times Suzuki opens the Festivalsommer as a main sponsor. To the 150,000 fans of 01 is expected. to 03 June to one of the largest open air music vents of Europe. In the open air Linkin park, Slayer, the Beatsteaks, Mando Diao, the Arctic Monkeys and grain rocken. Among the further highlights the physicians, The Smashing Pumpkins, Velvet gun, MIA, we rank are heroes and many further liveActs. More than 60 of volume gives themselves at the three Festivaltagen on three stages the micros to the hand.


But not only “on of steam turbine and gas turbine systems” is provided for Action. Each quantity adrenalin promises also the Suzuki Urban Challenge, a spectacular Offroad Parcours, which ranks with “skirt at the ring” in the meantime among the master program. For the fourth time the Festivalbesucher has in “becomes green to hell” the opportunity to happen in the all wheel climbing specialist Suzuki Jimny as front seat passengers upward gradient and downgrades from up to 78 per cent to. The wood structural steelwork with ramps, embossment runways, a six meters high tower and the water ditch is unique in the motorring industry. For “skirt at the ring” - visitor is rides along by the way free of charge.


Driving fun purely on the Suzuki Quad Rundkurs


All those, which rather hold the steering wheel in the hand, come naturally also at their expense: Also in this year the Suzuki Quad Rundkurs provides for each quantity driving fun between the Bühnenshows. On the “skirt at the ring” - areas are available the Suzuki Quads for the ride over wild hills.


Jimny Cabrio as special model “skirt at the ring”

Again also with it also the current Jimny is “skirt at the ring” - Cabrio, a limited edition of the cult car with impressive accessory package. The mobile skirt tube makes all honour for its name. The equipment package “skirt at the ring” enclosure beside a high-quality CD-Tuner with loudspeakers in front and in the back, Hochtönern as well as one under the front seat installed Subwoofer. Further details are the central arm rest and an exhaust embellisher. Among other things is with the model of this year - which 2007er-Version - an air conditioning system also on board, with the driver also in heated situations a cool head retains. Partial leather seats and a leather steering wheel offer the necessary passenger comfort. In addition fog headlight belongs to the special equipment. The Jimny “skirt at the ring” - Cabrio gives it 2007 also in the lacquer finish to Azure Gray Pearl Metallic as well as further in the colors Bluish Black Pearl Metallic and Bright talks. The mandatory and with Festivalfans desired “skirt at the ring” - decoration as well as floor mats broken particularly round the cult model off. “Skirt at the ring” there is the Jimny immediately with all Suzuki dealers.


Rolling changing room with “skirt in the park”


Also for “skirt in the park” in the Nürnberger Zeppelinfeld Suzuki a graduation package tied. Together with united2play, Suzuki presents a actionreiches program with changing rooms to the appointment platform for sport and Spielfreaks. In these altogether 15,000 interested fans T-Shirts with a united2play and a Swift sport pressure can over-touch themselves and let themselves in them be photographed. Subsequently, all participants may keep the T-Shirts.

SUZUKI engine corporation obtains turnover pluses of over 15%

The Suzuki engine corporation has its conversion in the financial year run off 2006/07 (01 April 2006 to 31. March 2007) increased by 15,2 per cent on 3,164 billion Yen (19.4 billion euro). 8. Record result in consequence is to be due particularly to the high demand for vehicles and motorcycles on the foreign markets. While the conversion rose outside of Japan around considerable 20.9 per cent, a turnover plus could be obtained by 4,2 per cent in the homeland market. The Japanese tradition enterprise grew particularly dynamically in Europe (+ 34.3 per cent).


To 7. The operational operating result improved times one behind the other. With an increase around 16,7 per cent 132.9 billion Yen (810 millions euro) could be obtained. The enterprise increased the net profit in the sixth year in consequence on now 75.01 billion Yen (460 millions euro). This corresponds to an increase in relation to the period last year of 13,7 per cent. Behind these numbers the sales of 3,065 million motorcycles and universe terrain Vehicles stand (Quads) as well as 2.22 millions cars.


Also for the current financial year the company put itself ambitionierte growth goals: The number of the sold automobiles is to rise around 8,2 per cent to 2,405 millions, the motorcycle sales is around 22 per cent to 3,743 millions to add.


World-wide the mobility enterprise created 4,712 new places, so that to 31. March altogether 45,510 persons for the three divisions of automobiles, motorcycle and navy were active.