Saturday, May 22, 2010

History

In 1909, Michio Suzuki (1887-1982) founded the Suzuki Loom Works in the small seacoast village of Hamamatsu, Japan. Business boomed as Suzuki built weaving looms for Japan's giant silk industry.[5] In 1929, Michio Suzuki invented a new type of weaving machine, which was exported overseas. Suzuki filed as many as 120 patents and utility model rights.[citation needed] The company's first 30 years focused on the development and production of these exceptionally complex machines.[citation needed]

Despite the success of his looms, Suzuki realized his company had to diversify and he began to look at other products. Based on consumer demand, he decided that building a small car would be the most practical new venture. The project began in 1937, and within two years Suzuki had completed several compact prototype cars. These first Suzuki motor vehicles were powered by a then-innovative, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine. It featured a cast aluminum crankcase and gearbox and generated 13 horsepower (9.7 kW) from a displacement of less than 800cc.

With the onset of World War II, production plans for Suzuki's new vehicles were halted when the government declared civilian passenger cars a "non-essential commodity." At the conclusion of the war, Suzuki went back to producing looms. Loom production was given a boost when the U.S. government approved the shipping of cotton to Japan. Suzuki's fortunes brightened as orders began to increase from domestic textile manufacturers. But the joy was short-lived as the cotton market collapsed in 1951.

Faced with this colossal challenge, Suzuki's thoughts went back to motor vehicles. After the war, the Japanese had a great need for affordable, reliable personal transportation. A number of firms began offering "clip-on" gas-powered engines that could be attached to the typical bicycle. Suzuki's first two-wheel ingenuity came in the form of a motorized bicycle called, the "Power Free." Designed to be inexpensive and simple to build and maintain, the 1952 Power Free featured a 36 cc, one horsepower, two-stroke engine.[6] An unprecedented feature was the double-sprocket gear system, enabling the rider to either pedal with the engine assisting, pedal without engine assist, or simply disconnect the pedals and run on engine power alone. The system was so ingenious that the patent office of the new democratic government granted Suzuki a financial subsidy to continue research in motorcycle engineering, and so was born Suzuki Motor Corporation.

In 1953, Suzuki scored the first of many racing victories when the tiny 60 cc "Diamond Free" won its class in the Mount Fuji Hill Climb.[6]


1955 Suzulight

By 1954, Suzuki was producing 6,000 motorcycles per month and had officially changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Following the success of its first motorcycles, Suzuki created an even more successful automobile: the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight. Suzuki showcased its penchant for innovation from the beginning. The Suzulight included front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering—features common on cars half a century later.

Maruti Suzuki


Maruti Suzuki's A-Star vehicle during its unveiling in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. A-Star, Suzuki's fifth global car model, was designed and is made only in India.[9] Besides being Suzuki's largest subsidiary in terms of car sales, Maruti Suzuki is also Suzuki's leading research and development arm outside Japan

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Baleno Rally Car in Mysore Safari Rally in 2005.

Based in Gurgaon, India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited is Suzuki's largest and most valuable subsidiary with an annual production of 1,018,365 units in the fiscal 2009-2010.[10] Suzuki has a 54.2% stake in the Indian auto giant and the rest is owned by the various Indian public and financial institutions. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.[11] In 2005-2006, the company had a 54% market share of the passenger car market in India.[12] Nearly 75,000 people are employed directly by Maruti and its partners.

Maruti Suzuki was born as a Government of India company, with Suzuki as a minor partner, to make a people’s car for middle class India. Over the years, the product range has widened, ownership has changed hands and the customer has evolved.

Maruti Suzuki offers 14 models, ranging from India's one-time best selling car, Maruti 800, for less than INR 200,000 (US$ 5000) to the premium sedan Maruti Suzuki SX4 and luxury SUV, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Maruti 800 was the first model launched by the company in 1983 followed by mini-van Maruti Omni in 1984. Both models were huge success in their respective categories because of the use of high-end technology and good fuel efficiency. Maruti Gypsy, launched in 1985, came into widespread use with the Indian Army and Indian Police Service becoming its primary customers. The short-lived Maruti 1000 too achieved moderate success until it was replaced by Maruti Esteem in 1994, to counter increasing competition in the medium-sedan category.

Maruti Zen, launched in 1993, was the company's second compact car model and also became extremely popular in India because of its high performance. The company went on to launch another compact car Maruti Wagon-R followed by Maruti Baleno in 1999. However, with increasing competition from Tata, Hyundai, Honda and Daewoo Motors, Maruti was not able to achieve the same success with Baleno as it had with its earlier models. So it replaced Maruti Suzuki Baleno with the Suzuki SX4. Currently Suzuki SX4 is facing stiff competition from the Honda City.

In 2000, Maruti Alto was launched. The launch of Tata Indica and Hyundai Santro had affected Maruti's sales but Alto helped secure the company's position as the auto leader in India. It is currently the largest selling car in India. The Maruti models include Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, launched in 2003, Maruti Versa, launched in 2004, Maruti Suzuki Swift, launched in 2005, Maruti Zen Estilo and Maruti Suzuki SX4, launched in 2007. The Alto, Swift and SX4 are leaders in their respective segments in the Indian Market.

On 14 February, Maruti Suzuki India, a Suzuki subsidiary in India, announced that it achieved one million total accumulated production volume of the Alto. The Alto has reached the million units mark in just seven years and five months since its launch on September 2000. The last half of the million has come in a record 25 months. The Alto has been India's largest volume-selling car, every month, for the past 37 consecutive months. Its popularity has continued to grow since its launch, with customers attracted to its combination of fuel efficiency, contemporary design and looks and features including Electronic Power Steering and air-conditioning. With this the Alto became the third car in the Maruti Suzuki stable to cross the million units mark. Previously, the Maruti 800 and the Omni had exceeded the million units mark. Besides its success in India, over 152,000 Altos made at Maruti Suzuki were delivered internationally, enjoying good outcomes in Algeria and Chile.

Maruti Exports Limited is the subsidiary of Maruti Udyog Limited with its major focus on exports and it does not operate in the domestic Indian market. The first commercial consignment of 480 cars were sent to Hungary. By sending a consignment of 571 cars to the same country, Maruti crossed the benchmark of 3,000,000 cars. Since its inception export was one of the aspects the government has been keen to encourage. Every political party expected Maruti to earn foreign exchange. Angola, Benin, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Europe, Kenya, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador are some of the markets served by Maruti Exports.[13]

Other subsidiary companies of the Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan in India are:

  • SUZUKI POWERTRAIN INDIA LIMITED: Manufacturers engines for cars
  • SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED: Manufactures two wheelers under brand name 'Suzuki'. Its two wheeler models launched in India are 'GS 150R, Intruder, Hayabusa 1300 cc, 125 cc Access, 125 cc Motorcycle Zeus.

Suzuki Moters latest

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Trademark origins

The newly created automobile company, Mercedes-Benz also needed a new image symbolising its enterprise union. The iconic three-pointed star is pervasive and unmistakably recognised around the world. But its design has evolved in many ways since the two companies merged in 1926. One early logo was trademarked in the United States on Friday, 16 August 1929. An application was filed for Mercedes-Benz by Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft of Berlin, Germany with the USPTO. Their application was filed in the primary class of non-metallic building materials and provide a description that included, "automotive vehicles, as follows: passenger cars and freight trucks; parts of and accessories to said vehicles…"

Early Mercedes-Benze trademark, filed 16 August 1929

The drawing design Mercedes-Benz logo is a registered trademark at the USPTO, and owned by Daimler AG

The design of the Mercedes-Benz signature logo was described by the USPTO with three aspects, 1) Stars with three points (Celestial bodies, natural phenomena, Geographical maps — Stars, comets), 2) Garlands, wreaths, bands, borders or frames made of plants (Plants — Decorations made of plants), and 3) Circular or elliptical seals (Heraldry, flags, crowns, crosses, arrows, and symbols — Seals).

Daimler-Benz elaborates on their use of the new logo and its representations in their 1928 application. Based upon their description, it appears they combined design elements from each automobile company to create a new logo reflecting each company's legacy. They stated that the trademark was applied to goods in their business since October 1926 with the trademark, "having been used in the business of the applicant's predecessors and in the business of applicant, continuously since the following dates. The word Mercedes since December 1900; the word Benz since July 1896; the representation of a three-pointed star since 27 June 1909, the representation of a wreath of laurel since September, 1909."[3] In their U.S. trademark application, Daimler-Benz stated that their trademark was registered in Germany on 28 August 1928 with an application date of 21 August 1926.

U.S. trademark registration was granted on 28 July 1931. Its current status is registered and renewed with the latest owner listed as Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany.[3] Mercedes-Benz is currently owned by Daimler AG in Germany.

Business alliances

Studebaker-Packard

In 1958, Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles[4]. Under the deal, Studebaker would allow Mercedes-Benz access to its dealer network in the U.S., handle shipments of vehicles to the dealers, and in return, receive compensation for each car sold. Studebaker also was permitted to use the German automaker's name in its advertisements, which stressed Studebaker's quality over quantity.[citation needed]

When Studebaker entered into informal discussions with Franco-American automaker Facel Vega about offering Facel Vega Excellence model in the United States, Mercedes-Benz objected to the proposal. Studebaker, which needed Mercedes-Benz distribution payments to help stem heavy losses, dropped further action on the plan.[citation needed]

Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from 1958 to 1963, when Studebaker's U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time. When Studebaker closed its Canadian operation and left the automobile business in 1966, remaining Studebaker dealers had the option to convert their dealerships to Mercedes-Benz dealership agreements.[citation needed]

Subsidiaries

Mercedes-Benz AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1998.[5] The company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999,[6] and became Mercedes-Benz AMG beginning on 1 January 1999.[7]

Quality rankings

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had maintained a reputation for its quality and durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles - such as J.D. Power surveys, demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this criteria in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power.[8] In J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, surpassing quality leader Toyota, and earning several awards for its models.[9] For 2008, Mercedes-Benz's initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, now in fourth place.[10] On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant.[10] As of 2009, Consumer Reports of the United States has changed their reliability ratings for several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to "average", and are recommending the E-Class and the S-Class.[11]

Corporate average fuel economy

In the United States, Mercedes-Benz was assessed a record US$30.66 million for their decision to not meet the federal corporate average fuel economy standard in 2009.[12] Certain Mercedes-Benz cars including the S550, and all AMG models sold in the United States also face an additional gas guzzler tax.[13]

In 2008, Mercedes had the worst CO2 average of all major European manufacturers, ranking 14th out of 14 manufacturers[14]. Mercedes was also the worst manufacturer in 2007 and 2006 in terms of average CO2 levels, with 181 g and 188 g of CO2 emitted per km, respectively[15]

McLaren cars


A silver SLR McLaren on display at the 2006 European Motor Show in Brussels

Mercedes-Benz has also produced a limited-production sports car with McLaren Cars, an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which is part owned by Mercedes. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a carbon fibre body with a 5.4 litre V8 supercharged engine. This is the same cylinder block as featured in SL55 AMG and the CLS55 AMG, though modified to give 460 kilowatts (625 PS; 617 bhp) and 780 newton metres (575 ft·lbf) of torque. The SLR has a maximum speed of 337 kilometres per hour (209.4 mph) and costs approximately US$500,000. Due to European pedestrian-protection regulations, McLaren decided to cease production of the SLR in 2009.[29]

MITSUBISHI THEORY
New model joins PAJERO familys, "PAJERO iO" 5-door series

"Sorrento" model enhanced by Pininfarina of Italy

Tokyo, 24 August 1998


Tokyo, 24 August 1998. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today launched the PAJERO iO 5-Door, a 5-door version of the compactly-packaged PAJERO iO series powered by a 1.8-liter version of Mitsubishi's GDI ecology engine and offering traditional PAJERO levels of on- and off-road performance. The PAJERO iO 5-Door is available at Galant and Car Plaza dealerships in Japan.

The PAJERO iO 5-door is a long-body version of the fast-selling PAJERO iO announced and launched on 15 June this year, and is targeted at family users among whom there is strong demand for this body configuration. Design and packaging features include: a front mask distinguished by its composed and classy design; and, a spacious interior stemming from the 300mm increase in overall length and 170mm increase in wheelbase over its 3-door cousin. Features it shares with its cousin include: outstanding vehicular performance, maneuverability, ecologically-friendly GDI power unit, GDI ECO fuel economy indicator light, SS4-i four-wheel drive system, RISE advanced safety body design, and SRS airbags for driver and front passenger (SRS side airbags are available). Delivering outstanding value-for-money, the new PAJERO iO 5-Door is a vehicle that evokes feelings of intimacy and true pride of ownership.

Offered in the PAJERO iO 5-Door series and ensuring it meets the needs and tastes of a wide spectrum of people is the Sorrento*1 version, the design of which has been enhanced by Pininfarina of Italy. Under a contract exchanged in 1997, the Italian firm is to produce the PAJERO iO 3-Door for the European market, starting in the middle of 1999. The Sorrento represents the first fruits of this relationship.

    ----------------------------------------
    *1 The name of a resort in southern Italy, it conjures up an image of people mature and relaxed enough to really enjoy their holidays and leisure time.


Principal Product Features

  1. Just-the-right-size packaging
    • PAJERO iO 5-Door offers a very comfortable living accommodation for five persons, with its 3,975 mm overall length (+300 mm), 1,680 mm overall width, 1,710 mm overall height (+10 mm) and 2,450 mm wheelbase (+170 mm) providing generous interior and luggage space. (Figures in parentheses give the difference compared with the PAJERO iO 3-Door series).
    • With an approach angle of 34 degrees, departure angle of 39 degrees and ground clearance of 205mm, the PAJERO iO 5-Door offers the same level of serious off-road performance as its big brother PAJERO. The high eye-point design gives the driver outstanding visibility, as well as making the cabin feel airier and more open.
    • The turning radius of 5.2 m is the smallest in its class and makes for outstanding maneuverability when driving around town.

  2. Attractive exterior
    • Within its low-and-wide proportions and compact body dimensions, PAJERO iO 5Door's exterior lines project a strength that clearly stamps it with the PAJERO identity.
    • The blacked-out door window sash treatment helps visually increases the cabin size.
    • The color-keyed horizontal bar front grille, and the plated headlamp bezels enhance PAJERO iO 5-Door's classy looks.
    • Eliminating the window frame and fitting the spare tire carrier as low as possible realizes a generous glass area in the tail door window, giving PAJERO iO a cosmopolitan flavor as well as excellent rearward visibility.

  3. Functional and aesthetic interior
    • Trimmed with the same material as the seat upholstery, the instrument panel design enhances the open and classy look about the front compartment.
    • The stand-alone center panel locates switches and controls in a functional layout within natural and easy reach of the driver, and allows optimum identification and operability when the vehicle is moving.
    • The door trim uses the same soft-to-the-touch material as the seat upholstery and, with the gray interior keynote color, adds to the classy look about the interior.

  4. 1.8-liter GDI ecology engine with GDI ECO indicator light
    • All models are powered by Mitsubishi's revolutionary 1.8-liter GDI Global Standard ecology engine that powers certain GALANT, LEGNUM and RVR models and that sets a new benchmark for clean emissions, low fuel consumption and high power output. Generating maximum output of 130 PS, and torque of 18.5 kg-m at 3,500 rpm, this revolutionary engine delivers responsive, brawny and well-mannered performance on the expressway, off-road and about town.
    • This engine enables PAJERO iO 5-Door to realize class topping fuel economy, returning no less than 12.6 km/liter in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban cycle.
    • The GDI ECO fuel economy indicator light located in the instrument panel comes on when the vehicle is operating at optimum fuel efficiency, informing the driver that he is driving in an economical and ecologically-friendly manner.

  5. New 4WD system
    • PAJERIO iO 5-Door sports Mitsubishi's new advanced SS4-i (Super Select 4WD-i) viscous coupling-type four-wheel drive system that is a lighter, more compact version of the Super Select 4WD system used in PAJERO. A simple lever action enables the driver to choose between full-time 4WD and three other drive modes for optimum traction and performance on all types of surface.

  6. High safety levels
    • Mitsubishi's semi-monocoque RISE design body provides outstanding crash safety in all directions: frontal, rear, side and offset. Rational and extremely strong, this body is the product of the latest CAE structural analysis design.
    • All PAJERIO iO 5-Door models come with SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as Mitsubishi's advanced 4-sensor 3-channel anti-lock braking system as standard equipment. SRS-type side airbags are available.
    • ZR and Sorrento trim levels are fitted as standard with Mitsubishi's own Auto-stop Power Window feature that automatically lowers and stops power-operated window glass if it detects an obstruction when being raised.
    • All models are fitted as standard with a Child Seat Retaining Seat Belt that securely locates a child seat in the rear seat.
    • Standard on all models are Compound Curvature Lens exterior mirrors that enhance safety when reversing or parking by giving the driver a substantially improved view of the vehicle's lower rear quarters.
    • Door courtesy lamps that provide approaching vehicles with a warning when the doors are open, as well as making entry and egress easier at night, are standard specification on all models.

  7. Other outstanding features and equipment
    • All models employ MacPherson strut front, and 5-link coil spring rear, suspension arrangements. The wheels are fitted with 215 / 70R16 tires.
    • The driver's seat features step-less height adjustment, enabling him to obtain the optimum driving position. Front seatbelts have height-adjustable anchors, assuring a comfortable fit for all builds of occupant. In the rear, the split bench seat has reclining backs and both head restraints and seat backs can be folded down in a simple operation (ZR and Sorrento), realizing a substantial improvement in utility and convenience.
    • The ZR comes as standard with Mitsubishi's Multi-mode Keyless Entry system that enables the driver to operate door locks, power windows, the exterior mirrors and sun roof using the remote control on the key ring.
    • The ZR and Sorrento feature a concealed box in the luggage compartment floor that provides convenient and safe storage space for small items. All models are fitted with a power socket, enhancing outdoor leisure convenience.
    • Available on ZR and Sorrento, a helical limited-slip differential on the rear axle gives improved and well-mannered traction on slippery surfaces.
    • Available on the ZR and Sorrento trim levels is Mitsubishi's Multi-Center Display panel that provides visual displays of navigation, audio and information such as direction, altitude, and outside temperature.

  8. Sorrento: design enhanced by Pininfarina
    • In its exterior styling, Sorrento is distinguished by: an exclusive and elegant two-tone body color scheme; stylish chrome-plated vertical bar grille; side garnish which gives the lower body a sleeker and classier look; exclusive spare tire cover; bumper guard; brilliant-finish roof rails; and, color-keyed exterior mirrors.
    • Inside, features that set off Sorrento's elegant personality include Italian seat upholstery, instrument panel and door trim of the same material as the seats, and the Pininfarina badge on the dashboard.

PAJERO iO 5-Door Principal Specifications (ZR)

(Japan Spec.)

Model code

Mitsubishi GF-H76W

Designation

LRXC

Variation

ZR

Engine

GDI 1800 16-valve DOHC

Drive system

Super Select 4WD-i (SS4-i)

Transmission

4-speed automatic

Dimensions & weights

Overall length (mm)

3975

Overall width (mm)

1680

Overall height (mm)

1710

Wheelbase (mm)

2450

Track (mm):

Front

1435

Rear

1445

Interior length (mm)

1620

Interior width (mm)

1400

Interior height (mm)

1225

Min ground clearance (mm)

205

Vehicle weight (kg)

1340

Passengers

5

Kerb weight (kg)

1615

Performance

Minimum turning radius (m)

5.2

Fuel consumption (km/l) (JIS)

10-15 mode

12.6

60km/h mode

20.6

Engine

Type

4G93 (GDI)

No. of cylinders / valvetrain

In-line 4 / 16 valve DOHC

Bore x stroke (mm)

81.0 x 89.0

Displacement (cc)

1834

Compression ratio

12 : 1

Max. output (PS/rpm) (JIS)

130 / 5500

Max. torque (kg-m/rpm) (JIS)

18.5 / 3500

Fuel delivery

Gasoline direct injection

Type of fuel

Unleaded premium gasoline

Fuel tank capacity (liters)

53

Transmission

Type

4-speed automatic

Ratios

1st

2.826

2nd

1.493

3rd

1.000

4th

0.730

Reverse

2.703

Transfer type

2-speed, 4-position

Transfer ratios

High

1.000

Low

1.548

Final reduction gear

4.875

Running gear

Steering

Rack & pinion (power assisted)

Suspension

Front

MacPherson strut

Rear

5-link with coil springs

Brakes

Front

Ventilated disc

Rear

Leading- trailing drum

Tires

215 / 70R16

Mitsubishi Latest Models List

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

MERCEDES LATEST COLLECTION

New 2010 Mercedes
2010 Mercedes E
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New Mercedes-Benz

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Company history

After World War I, BMW was forced to cease aircraft (engine) production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.[2] The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted,[3] followed by automobiles in 1928–29.[4][5][6]

The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is portrayed by BMW as the movement of an aircraft propeller, to signify the white blades cutting through the blue sky – an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, twelve years after the roundel was created.[7][8] The emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew, combined with the white and blue colors of the flag of Bavaria, reversed to produce the BMW roundel. However, the origin of the logo being based on the movement of a propeller is in dispute, according to an article recently posted by the New York times, quoting "At the BMW Museum in Munich, Anne Schmidt-Possiwal, explained that the blue-and-white company logo did not represent a spinning propeller, but was meant to show the colors of the Free State of Bavaria." [9]

BMW's first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance.[10] With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful WWII engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-45-era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He 162 Salamander. The BMW 003 jet engine was tested in the A-1b version of the world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262, but BMW engines failed on takeoff, a major setback for the jet fighter program until successful testing with Junkers engines.[11][12]

By 1959 the automotive division of BMW was in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of Germany's ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt and Heinkel. The rights to manufacture the Italian Iso Isetta were bought, the tiny cars themselves were to be powered by a modified form of BMW's own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The controlling majority shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns about 46% of the stock. The rest is in public float.

In 1992, BMW acquired a large stake in Californian-based industrial design studio DesignworksUSA, which they fully acquired in 1995. In 1994, BMW bought the British Rover Group[13] (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the rights to defunct brands including Austin and Morris), and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover was making huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG and Rover brands were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001.

Chief designer Chris Bangle announced his departure from BMW in February 2009, after serving on the design team for nearly seventeen years. He was replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle's former right hand man. Bangle was famously (or infamously) known for his radical designs such as the 2002 7-Series and the 2002 Z4. In July 2007, the production rights for Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present location at Varese.

Nazi connections

Günther Quandt, whose family became major shareholders of BMW 15 years after the war, was a member of the Nazi Party from 1933. After the election of Hitler, he was appointed to the position of Leader of the Armament Economy, which was a title given to industrialists who played a leading role in the Nazi war economy. Quandt's factories supplied ammunition, rifles, artillery and batteries for the Nazis and, it is claimed, used slave labourers from concentration camps in some of his factories.[14]

A documentary which aired on German TV in 2007 claimed that Quandt not only used slave labour, but also sidestepped postwar recrimination. BMW itself was not implicated in the documentary, and the firm has made no comment about the Quandts, but claims to have confronted its own wartime history via independent research projects.[14] The Quandt family responded by pledging to fund a research project into the family's Nazi past and its role under the Third Reich.[15]

Former Danish freedom fighter Carl Adolf Sørensen (b. ca. 1927) has been asked to meet with the Quandt family and possibly receive compensation, but has repeatedly refused to do so on the grounds that it is too late. In 1943, as a 17-year-old, he and 39 other resistance fighters were sent to Germany where they worked with dangerous chemicals, some dying within a few months, and only four of the group were still alive as of May 2009.[16]

BMW M models


BMW M3 Coupé (E92)

Based on the 3 Series, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race-ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning engines. The newest V8-powered platform became available the Autumn of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in coupe (E92), and later the cabriolet (E93), and sedan (E90) variants. Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's V10-powered version of the E60 5 Series.[20] The M6 is the M division's version of the 6 Series, and shares its drivetrain with the M5. The Z4 M, or M Coupe/M Roadster, is the M division's version of the Z4. The X5M is the M division's version of the X5, and the X6M is the M division's version of the X6. Both the X5M and X6M share the same V8 twin scroll twin turbo

BMW FANTASTIC MODELS

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History

From a young age, Honda's founder, Soichiro Honda (本田 宗一郎, Honda Sōichirō) had a great interest in automobiles. He worked as a mechanic at a Japanese tuning shop, Art Shokai, where he tuned cars and entered them in races. A self-taught engineer, he later worked on a piston design which he hoped to sell to Toyota. The first drafts of his design were rejected, and Soichiro worked painstakingly to perfect the design, even going back to school and pawning his wife's jewelry for collateral. Eventually, he won a contract with Toyota and built a factory to construct pistons for them, which was destroyed in an earthquake. Due to a gas shortage during World War II, Honda was unable to use his car, and his novel idea of attaching a small engine to his bicycle attracted much curiosity. He then established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Calling upon 18,000 bicycle shop owners across Japan to take part in revitalizing a nation torn apart by war, Soichiro received enough capital to engineer his first motorcycle, the Honda Cub. This marked the beginning of Honda Motor Company, which would grow a short time later to be the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1964.

The first production automobile from Honda was the T360 mini pick-up truck.[citation needed] Powered by a small 356 cc straight-4 gasoline engine, it was classified under the cheaper Kei car tax bracket.[citation needed] The first production car from Honda was the S500 sports car.[citation needed] Its chain driven rear wheels point to Honda's motorcycle origins.[citation needed]

"Honda" in Japanese is 本田, which literally means "root field" or "original field".

Trademark origins

Early HM trademark, filed August 30, 1963

The stylized word and drawing design HM logo is a registered trademark at the USPTO, and owned by Honda Motor Company Ltd.

Whereas Honda's trademark had been registered in Japan since November 13, 1953 it wasn't until a decade later that the motorcycle and automobile company filed for trademark registration in the United States. On Friday, August 30, 1963, Honda Giken Gokyo Kabushiki Kaisha of Tokyo, Japan filed for two trademarks with the USPTO.

One trademark was for the word mark of HM within an oval geometric shape. The application, signed by founder Soichiro Honda, was filed in the primary category of non-metallic building material products. Description included for the HM trademark was for land vehicles-namely, motor cars, motorcycles, and motor trucks. Trademark registration was granted on September 15, 1964.[7]

Early HM trademark, filed August 30, 1963

The stylized word and drawing design Winged HM logo is a registered trademark at the USPTO, and owned by Honda Motor Company Ltd.

Honda filed a second trademark with the USPTO on the same date of August 30, 1963. The second mark was for the winged HM design logo that Honda had registered in Japan since June 15, 1962. The Winged HM mark is in the non-metallic building material products as well and applied to goods and services for land vehicles-namely, motor cars, motorcycles, and motor trucks. The USPTO granted registration on September 15, 1964.[8]

Of note, the USPTO initially issued an Office Action to Honda rejecting their application for both the HM and Winged HM marks. The U.S. trademark office cited two other HM trademarks that would likely cause confusion, mistake, or deception. Additionally they determined that the identification of goods was too broad and indefinite. One of the confusing HM trademarks was U.S. Registration No. 748,4794 for pneumatic tires and owned by B.F. Goodrich.[9] The other confusing trademark was for Holman & Moody for automobile bodies and frames, U.S. Registration No. 708,684.[10] Honda responded to the Office Action, and following the USPTO's admonitions, amended their applications to narrowly define the description of their goods and services to readily distinguish the Honda HM trademarks to avoid confusion, mistake or deception. Subsequently, the USPTO accepted Honda's response and approved their trademark registration on both marks. U.S. trademark status for the HM and stylized winged HM is registered and renewed. Both marks are owned by Honda Motor Co. LTD of Tokyo, Japan.[7][8]

Corporate Profile and Divisions


Honda headquarters building in Japan

Honda is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Their shares trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, as well as exchanges in Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, London, Paris and Switzerland.

The company has assembly plants around the globe. These plants are located at China, USA, Pakistan, Canada, England, Japan, Belgium, Brazil, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Turkey.

Honda's Net Sales and Other Operating Revenue by Geographical Regions in 2007[11]

Geographic Region Total revenue (in millions)
Japan ¥1,681,190
North America ¥5,980,876
Europe ¥1,236,757
Asia ¥1,283,154
Others ¥905,163

American Honda Motor Co. is based in Torrance, California. Honda Canada Inc. is headquartered in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Ontario, and is building new corporate headquarters in Markham, Ontario, scheduled to relocate in 2008;[12] their manufacturing division, Honda of Canada Manufacturing, is based in Alliston, Ontario. Honda has also created joint ventures around the world, such as Honda Siel Cars and Hero Honda Motorcycles in India,[13] Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda in China, and Honda Atlas in Pakistan.

Current Market Position

With high fuel prices and a weak US economy in June 2008, Honda reported a 1% sales increase while its rivals, including the Detroit Big Three and Toyota, have reported double-digit losses. Honda's sales were up almost 20 percent from the same month last year. The Civic and the Accord were in the top five list of sales.[14][15] Analysts have attributed this to two main factors. First, Honda's product lineup consists of mostly small to mid-size, highly fuel-efficient vehicles. Secondly, over the last ten years, Honda has designed its factories to be flexible, in that they can be easily retooled to produce any Honda model that may be in-demand at the moment.

Nonetheless, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, were still not immune to the global financial crisis of 2008, as these companies reduced their profitability forecasts. The economic crisis has been spreading to other important players in the vehicle related industries as well.[16][17] In November 2009 the Nihon Keizai Shinbun reported that Honda Motor exports have fallen 64.1%.[18]

At the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, Honda presented the Li Nian ("concept" or "idea") 5-door hatchback and announced that they were looking to develop an entry-level brand exclusively for the Chinese market similar to Toyota's Scion brand in the USA.[19] The brand would be developed by a 50-50 joint-venture established in 2007 with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group.[20][21]