San Diego, CA (Vocus) July 7, 2010

Ability Center recently announced that they have joined Mercury Dynamics, LLC, an exclusive national dealer group to represent the Lokk Up & Bakk Flip Wheelchair Restraint System in their six locations in California, Nevada and Arizona. The product was designed in Sweden and has been crash test certified to the ISO 10542 standards in Sweden at Volvos Safety Lab. The product is new to the United States as of May 1, 2010.

Chad Blake, Corporate Sales Manager for Ability Center is excited about the opportunity that the Lokk Up & Bakk Flip provides. It is my belief that the Lokk Up & Bakk Flip is a game changer for the disabled driver, Blake said. The safety features in this system are unlike what we have seen before in this product category. The feedback that we already received from driver evaluators is positive and we believe that ultimately this will be the standard in manual wheelchair securement for the disabled driver.

The Lokk Up & Bakk Flip allows for a person to drive while remaining in their wheelchair. Low-back, lightweight wheelchairs can be used to make safe and comfortable driving seats. With the press of a button, the Lokk Up secures the chair at four points. The Bakk Flip backrest then turns into position, automatically giving the user proper back, neck and head protection and comfort.

Brian Satran, President of Mercury Dynamics LLC, the distributor of the product who has been working to bring it to the United States, chooses select dealers across the country to carry the Lokk Up & Bakk Flip. I chose to work with Ability Center because of their industry reputation and expertise, Satran said. Ive worked with Ability Center team for five years now as a vendor, and in that time I have seen first-hand how committed their entire team is to providing great products and more importantly, exceptional service to their customers. I could not ask for a better group to represent the Bakk Flip & Lokk Up.

Satran wanted to bring the Bakk Flip & Lokk Up to the United States because of the innovation of the automatic four point lock down system and supporting backrest that does not currently exist in the U.S. The Lokk Up is compliant to the new WC19 and SAE J2249 standards.

This device can easily be installed in all makes and models of lowered floor minivans, and full size vans. Lokk Up and Bakk Flip are designed to be used together but can also function with another docking device on the market. The invention will be showcased at upcoming mobility expos and conferences. More information about the product can be found at http://www.lokkup.com or contact Brian Satran at brians@mercurydynamics.net

Customer Testimonial:

As a 15-year-old girl Jasmine Jungestedt never imagined how much her life would change after suffering a C-5 spinal cord injury in a diving accident in 1999. After 10 years of rehabilitation and drivers training, Jasmine earned her drivers license in 2009. Upon receiving her license, Jasmine was able to purchase a wheelchair accessible van. She had the Bakk Flip & Lokk Up system installed and nearly two years later Jasmine uses her van with the Bakk Flip & Lokk Up system every day. I like the fact that the Bakk Flip & Lokk is so safe and practical and it allows me to be independent within my daily life, I consider it the ultimate solution for a vehicle user in a manual wheelchair, Jungestedt said. I just roll into my vehicle with no fuss, secure in, and Im on my way.

Ability Center:

For Further information about Ability Center visit http://www.abilitycenter.com

Ability Center features the most innovative and best name-brand wheelchair accessible vans, handicap accessible vans, and mobility products. Our goal is to help the physically challenged and disabled people elevate their quality of life through increased mobility.

What sets us apart is our family of dedicated mobility professionals, motivated to help others lead more active lives through an accessible wheelchair van conversion, handicap accessible vehicle, or scooter-wheelchair lift in a car, truck, SUV, minivan, full size van, or cross-over vehicle. Our Certified Mobility Specialists provide unbiased information based on your needs. We’ll find the right mobility vehicle and wheelchair lift solution to get you moving in your home or business, outside, around the country and beyond. We also offer parts and repairs service in San Diego, Los Angeles (Orange County), Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson.

# # #

read comments (0)

Naperville, IL (Vocus) October 5, 2010

The Camry is one of Americas most popular cars, and for those looking for a great deal on a Toyota Camry in Illinois, Toyota of Naperville can help, with a great inventory and great prices on both new and pre-owned Camrys.

Car buyers considering the Toyota Camry in Illinois can expect to find all the quality and value that Camry has been known for since its introduction in 1982. Todays Camry carries on the tradition. For a modest price starting at only $ 19,720 (not including destination charges and fees), buyers looking for a Camry in Illinois will find a comfortable and stylish sedan well-equipped with great features like cruise control, seven airbags for safety, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with convenient audio controls.

Its thoughtful features like these, along with great basic value, that keeps Camry selling and winning applause from the automotive press. For 11 of the last 12 years, Camry has been the best selling car in America. And the press cant get enough. Motor Trend has named Camry the best midsize sedan for 2010.

Just how good is Camry for 2010? Motor Trend gushes: there’s an authenticity to the Camry that is profound. It’s a car that is exactly what it appears to be: a solid, substantial little limousine for the masses, which is imbued with an almost obsessive ergonomic logic.

Buyers shopping for a great deal on a Camry in Illinois can experience a new Camry at Toyota of Naperville where the deals are great right through the model line, up to the fully loaded Camry XLE. The top-of-the-line model in the lineup, the Camry XLE features a powerful yet economical 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine rated at a generous 169 horsepower — plenty for those passing situations. An available 3.5 liter V6 propels the Camry with authority with its pulse-pounding 268 horsepower.

Those compelling power-train options are coupled with great comfort and convenience features. Optional available accessories include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and integrated fog lamps. Available entertainment systems even include a voice-activated touch screen DVD navigation system with integrated backup camera and a JBL AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA playback. This incredible system also features eight speakers for rich sound and has an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port with iPod connectivity, not to mention convenient hands-free phone capability and music streaming with bluetooth wireless technology.

While listening to this amazing sound system and enjoying the smooth yet sporty ride of the Camrys well-tuned suspension, drivers are cradled in optional sport leather-trimmed seats that can be available in heated form for those cold Illinois winters.

Theres so much to love with Camry and for those looking for a great deal on a Toyota Camry in Illinois, buyers will find a full inventory of new and pre-owned Camrys at Toyota of Naperville.

Toyota of Naperville wants to remind you that if you rent a Toyota from us, and decide to buy that same vehicle, a percentage of the rental fee will go towards the purchase price via the Toyota Try Before you Buy program.

###

read comments (0)

(Vocus) November 12, 2010

Arriving at the gateway to the 2010-2011 auto show season, Kia Motors America (KMA) is ready to roll at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas with a diverse and attention-grabbing lineup of concept and production-intent vehicles to further showcase Kias eye-catching new generation of vehicles. Additionally, following the success last year of its first road racing season in the U.S., including six top 10 finishes, KMA confirmed its plans to campaign the Kia Forte Koup in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in 2011, and unveiled the performance-inspired Kia Koup Type R Concept, built by Kinetic Motorsports. Amid the activity and DJ-spun tunes at KMAs SEMA Show display (#10803), show goers also are privy to a sneak preview of two all-new Soul Special Edition concept vehicles developed with production intent, while KMA also has teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine Antenna for the second consecutive year to create The Duel, two custom Sportage CUVs that demonstrate the playful and professional aspects of the vehicle with a closet full of style options.

Customization makes up the fabric of the SEMA Show and Kias design-led brand transformation has paved the way for us to showcase clever, design-inspired vehicles that are production capable, said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. Two more limited edition Kia Soul vehicle concepts will artfully express the personalization options and fun available to consumers and tuners in the near future while our first year at the race track served as the inspiration for the exciting Koup Type R Concept.

Soul White Tiger Concept

Building on the success and consumer interest in the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the Soul White Tiger Concept is a precursor to one of two all-new Soul special edition models planned for 2011. A combination of value, safety and technology with plentiful standard equipment, the 2011 Soul White Tiger takes design cues from this years Asian Lunar year animal the Tiger and dramatically combines an all-white exterior with one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics and contrasting jet black leather interior.

Soul White Tiger Concept builds off of the Soul+ (plus) model with fog lamps, body coloured bumpers, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw appliqu

read comments (0)

West Chester, OH (PRWEB) November 18, 2010

ESCORT Inc., the leading manufacturer of premium automotive electronic accessories and maker of the world’s best radar and laser detectors, held the world-wide release of its patented PASSPORT iQ, the worlds first and only driving accessory with integrated radar/laser detection and GPS navigation, at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas last week. The PASSPORT iQ garnered three significant awards and a multitude of positive reviews from its initial appearance and world debut.

The all-new patented PASSPORT iQ is the worlds first and only driving accessory that integrates radar/laser detection and GPS navigation, and also provides important driving information, such as speed traps and speed limit data, in a single compact device.

The PASSPORT iQ won a SEMA Global Media Award, which honors products based on their potential impact and commercial success. More than 2,000 new products were registered at the event, with a judging panel of 26 journalists from 16 countries choosing a select few products. We are excited to be chosen by these influential and respected journalists from around the world, said John Larson, ESCORT President and CEO. Quite simply there is nothing else in the world like the PASSPORT iQ. We believe and the media are confirming this that the PASSPORT iQ is your ultimate driving companion.

The Passport iQ also was named one of the top 10 Mobile Electronics Products from the 2010 SEMA show by Car and Electronics Audio Magazine. The media outlet called the PASSPORT iQ impressive, saying, This device creates an entirely new category for radar units. Coupling a top-of-the-line radar/laser detector with a full-functioning GPS navigation unit, the iQ is unlike anything else.

Founder of the celebrated womens car-buying website askpatty.com, Jody DeVere, also was impressed with the PASSPORT iQ, mentioning it in her coverage of SEMA and indicating it was a Top 10 product from the SEMA show.

In addition, respected car enthusiast magazines hailed the PASSPORT iQ on their editorial pages. In an article headlined, Best of Both Worlds: State-of-the-art radar detection with turn-by-turn NAV, all in one unit, AutoWeek Executive Editor Roger Hart wrote that the PASSPORT iQ is a game changer in referring to the iQs integration of radar detection and navigation into one portable unit.

About the PASSPORT iQ

The PASSPORT iQ is based on the PASSPORT 9500ix, ESCORTs award winning GPS-enabled windshield mount radar and laser detector. Assuming the form of contemporary GPS personal navigation devices, the new PASSPORT iQ is framed in landscape profile with a large 5-inch full-color touchscreen and takes radar detection to a new level by clearly providing drivers with their current speed and heading as well as speed limit information. The PASSPORT iQ conveniently provides warnings if speed limits change and drivers are exceeding the posted speed. In addition, the PASSPORT iQ overlays red light cameras, speed cameras, and high risk speed traps on the navigation screen. The PASSPORT iQ features a user-friendly choice of visual and audio alerts and can be displayed in selectable formats and colors.

The PASSPORT iQ offers easy-to-read 3D maps powered by NAVTEQ, voice-guided turn-by-turn directions and lane-assist

read comments (0)

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 07, 2011

Every two years, California vehicle owners face having to submit their car to an emissions or smog testand pass. To prepare for the test, Auto Smog and Oil Changers of San Francisco recommends five things that can make the difference between passing and failing the test.

Step 1 – Change the Oil and Oil, Air, and Gas Filters

Dirty oil causes bad emissions to come through on the test. In addition to changing the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the air filter for optimal results. If the fuel filter is over five years old, it also needs to be changed.

Step 2 – Check the Positive Crankcase Valve (PVC)

Give the PVC a shake. If it clicks, then it is working fine. If not, it needs to be changed.

Step 3 – Change the Spark Plugs

If the spark plugs appear dirty or worn, they probably need to be changed. When checking the spark plugs, dont forget to check the wires as well. If they are looking worn, they might also need to be replaced.

Step 4 – Check for Leaks

Check all of the hoses in your engine compartment, especially vacuum lines. If there are any that show wear, replace them. Look for oil leaks. If there is oil on the engine, it means the vehicle is losing oil pressure and emissions are going to be off. Many times oil leaks result from failed gaskets, which must be replaced.

Check for exhaust leaks. To do this, simply start the vehicle and rev up the engine. If the muffler sounds unusually loud, then there is probably an exhaust leak that needs to be fixed.

Step 5 Bring the Vehicle in Warm

One final thing you can do the day of the test is to drive the car fifteen minutes on the freeway, and then fifteen minutes on the city streets before bringing it in for the test.

For more information about Auto Smog and Oil Changers Inc., call (415) 263-9517, check their website at http://www.autosmogandoilchangers.com/, or visit their shop at 1296 Shotwell Street in San Francisco.

About Auto Smog and Oil Changes Inc.

Auto Smog and Oil Changers Inc. is an environmentally responsible service station specializing in oil changes smog checks in San Francisco. Over the last 20 years owner Howard Ruy has ensured his customers receive fast service, honest assessments, and low prices at his San Francisco test only smog inspection station.

###

read comments (0)

Austin, TX (PRWEB) January 8, 2011

MoodMusic looks to fend off its big competition by being the first company to ever bring customers mobile music upload from their phone. With one click on your MoodMusic iPhone app, your Vibe changes and you have the option of letting your Facebook friends listen to that very song. Along with the song, include a short description of what you are doing and voila, your song now updates your status and news feed.

Holding the service for launch in order to complete ample Facebook beta testing was a tough decision but one that should prove critical for positive feedback. Through focus groups and initial testing, the application has evolved since first inception to include many additions. These additions along with help bubbles throughout the application completely change its usability. To name a few exciting features, MoodMusic customers can now upload MP4s and MP3s, listen to pop-up player while anywhere on the web, and listen to the global jukebox according to Shuffle, Recent, and Most Played. Its the soundtrack to your life.

Everybody is in a mood and till now people had to express themselves through words. MoodMusic allows people to post their Mood as a Song. That song and album art will be updated to your Wall, similar to a Status Update. While on the apps, users will be able to listen to that song as many times as they wish. In addition to listening to your own songs, friends songs, and recommended songs, you also can tune into the Global Jukebox, a compilation of all the songs on the service being uploaded through MoodMusic.

Pandora picks the song for the listener while MoodMusic puts the Disc Jockey Job in the hands of Friends. We think this is going to spread the discovery of new and old music. Dan McGurk, CEO. If the first two weeks are any indication of future growth, MoodMusic could become a household name. Since the Facebook Application has gone live on Nov 16th, the amount of users has gone from the original 200 beta testers to just over 3,500. This jump is the start of something big which was confirmed with over 1000 iPhone downloads in the first five days of being released. A premium service coupled by an Android Application is in the near future. To get started, simply search MoodMusic in the iTunes store or find us on Facebook.

http://apps.facebook.com/mood-music/

The iPhone app is a real game changer. People at the gym, in the car, or doing anything can now share instantaneously what theyre listening to with their friends. Ryan Pierce, President. Songs are uploaded and saved to your MoodMusic Account which basically becomes free virtual memory for users. Because the Applications material is derived from users, MoodMusic surely will be one of the most interactive and useful applications available. (for those who like music)

###

read comments (0)

San Mateo, California (PRWEB) November 3, 2009

GROM Audio (http://www.gromaudio.com), the developer and the manufacturer of in-car multimedia technology solutions, today announced the release of GROM-USB2 Car Kit (Interface Adapter) for Nissan and Infiniti car stereos. The adapter allows listening to audio files directly from USB flash disk drive, using an original car stereo system. The GROM USB2 adapter for Nissan and Infiniti has an additional iPod iPhone integration and 3.5-mm port for any external audio source.

This highly practical solution is great for playing MP3, WMA, AAC, and iTunes files directly from any mass-storage USB drive, with no dedicated portable player. GROM adds USB port, iPod, and AUX input directly to car audio system, giving to customers an ability to manage media through car stereo or steering wheel controls.

The best-in-class audio decoder delivers clear sound not poisoned by long wires and media player line out drivers. Extended control capabilities allow managing thousands of songs, limited only by USB device capacity. The adapter works for many devices with a USB 2.0 host, including an external USB Hard Drive, memory card, and simple flash drive.

The GROM-USB2 MP3 car kit’s main features are:

USB port accepting USB sticks and Mass Storage Devices
3.5-mm port for any external audio source
Additional iPod iPhone port
Crystal-clear CD quality sound for MP3, WMA, AAC, and iTunes media tracks
The ability to control music via car stereo or steering wheel buttons
Direct connection to car stereo via CD changer or extension port
Title, album, artists names are displayed
Most Nissan and Infiniti 02 and up are supported

The GROM-USB2 MP3 Car Kit also works for Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Rover, Seat, koda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

More information about GROM USB Car Adapter is available at http://www.gromaudio.com/usb.html .

About Grom Audio:

GROM Audio is the US developer and manufacturer of in-vehicle infotainment solutions. The company specializes in integrating digital devices (iPod, iPhone, MP3 players, USB, and Car PC) into OEM car audio systems. GROM Audio product line include AUX-IN adapters, iPod iPhone integrations, and USB MP3 car stereo kits.

###

read comments (0)

Miami, FL (PRWEB) January 18, 2010

ChiltonsOnDemand.com, a leading supplier of auto repair manuals, has a signed an exclusive import agreement with Launch Tech, LTD (HK.8196) in Shenzhen China. This agreement will allow ChiltonsOnDemand.com to bring the capabilities of most professional mechanics to its home and semi-professional users. Launch Tech is publicly traded on the HK Stock Exchange and employees over 20 thousand people on 3 campuses in South China.

Walt Sheffield, President of ChiltonsOnDemand.com says This latest revision of diagnostics tool is game changer in our marketplace Never before has this level diagnostic capability been sold for under $ 2,000, Walt also adds that his company plans the sell this advanced OBD II Scanner for well under $ 200.

This tool paired with the Chiltons repair manual will allow most consumers to troubleshoot and repair complex problems with their automobiles ECU or brain of the car. This will free consumers from expensive dealership visits. Explains Walt.

ChiltonsOnDemand.com maintains offices in Miami, Florida and Shenzhen, China as well as on the Internet at http://www.chiltonsondemand.com. They are keenly positioned to provide both the tools and repair and technical specifications to consumers for the new generation of vehicles being produced today.

###

read comments (0)

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) January 29, 2010

Alan Ram has been chosen as a Preferred Partner on the all new NADA University. This selection was based upon Proactive Training Solutions outstanding reputation along with Alans standing as an industry leader in telephone, activity management, BDC, internet, and sales training.

Proactive Training Solutions has worked with some of the premier dealer groups in the United States including the Penske Auto Group, Staluppi Organization, Kendall Auto Group, Future Auto Group and Sewell Auto Dealers. Alan and his company have also conducted training for nine Toyota regions throughout the country and are currently being featured and promoted by the new Chrysler Academy.

The launch of the NADA University and its Learning Hub will take place at NADAs Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, February 13-15, 2010. Individuals and Dealers interested in automotive sales training, automotive telephone training, and increasing dealership sales, will find a convenient one-source format, combining both online and classroom-based solutions.

NADA University and its Learning Hub platform bring dealers the best in the industry for high-quality content and state-of-the-art training, all in one place, said NADA Dealer Operations Committee Chairman Bill Underriner. It gives you all you need and a lot more — to improve business performance across the board.

Access to the industrys top trainers and high-quality information would be invaluable in any market conditions, but it can be an absolute game-changer in todays extraordinarily tight environment, he added.

As a dealer group or individual dealership, your management and sales staff must have a game plan that they embrace and believe in for capitalizing on each and every opportunity to do business daily. This program was developed by a car person for car people. It is easy to understand, a lot of fun to use and provides instant results, says Alan Ram.

Proactive Training Solutions, founded in 1991 by Alan Ram, provides dealerships, dealer groups, manufacturers and individual users with the following: Automotive Sales Training, Automotive Telephone Training, Automotive Management Training, Automotive BDC Training, and Automotive Internet Training.

To learn more about Proactive Training Solutions, visit http://www.proactivetrainingsolutions.com.

Contact:

Alan Ram

President

866-996-4665

info(at)proactivetrainingsolutions(dot)com

###

read comments (0)

Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) May 14, 2010

The Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), a nearly 2000 member, not-for-profit organization of senior-level marketing professionals, recently judged the 2010 Edison Best New Product Awards and congratulates the winners, ranging in everything from a mini-car and electronic motorcycle to a household wind turbine electronic generator and gluten-free cake mixes.

The Edison Best New Product Awards, presented by Discovery Channel, honored a wide range of new products and product innovations at an awards gala held at Capitale in lower Manhattan. New and innovative products in fifteen categories were recognized for innovation and invention in the spirit of Thomas Alva Edison, Americas greatest inventor and marketer.

Innovation is more important now than ever, said Sarah Miller Caldicott, great grand-niece of Thomas Edison, Chair of the Edison Best New Product Awards and MENG member. The Edison Award winners are the moving parts in the engine of economic growth. They inspire people to think outside the box and improve the lives of people around the world.

The Edison Awards, a peer-review honor similar to the Oscars (one newspaper called them the Oscars of Innovation) is voted on by roughly 2,000 members of MENG. The awards symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Edison, inspiring Americas drive to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.

A complete list of Edison Best New Product Award winners by category and Edison Green Award finalists include:

Technology

Gold 3M MPro Mobile Projection Camera from 3M

Silver OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Technology from OnStar

Bronze iRa C3 Portable Video Monitoring Software from Lextech Labs

Bronze LiveScribe Pulse SmartPen from Livescribe Inc.

Electronics & Computers

Gold Littmann

read comments (0)