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October 26, 2009--Belkin International, Inc., just initiated a voluntary global product recall of its TuneBase Direct with Hands-Free, TuneBase FM with Hands-Free, and TuneBase FM with ClearScan (model numbers listed below).

Belkin has identified that a component of the TuneBase, the washer, may cause an electrical short circuit when plugged into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter adapter. The washer is a circular, black, plastic unit situated at the tip of the TuneBase’s cigarette lighter adapter. After a rigorous investigation, Belkin has determined that under certain conditions of heat, humidity, and prolonged periods of power-on (e.g., when the TuneBase is left plugged in overnight), some units with the washer have shown potential to smoke or pose a risk of fire. Read more

September 21, 2009--Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today releases its first iPhone application created for use with Pioneer's new AVIC-U310BT and AVIC-Z110BT in-dash navigation systems. Pioneer's AVIC FEEDS App establishes a link between the Apple and Pioneer products, letting iPhone owners find points of interest or search for destinations ahead of time on their phone and easily access them via Bluetooth from their Pioneer navigation systems. This eliminates the need to jot down or manually enter address information into the Pioneer unit and allows drivers to receive convenient turn-by-turn voice guidance while still being able to use their iPhone for other purposes. Through independent research, Pioneer discovered that a significant percentage – more than 22 percent – of registered Pioneer navigation system owners also own and use an Apple iPhone.

"We are continually looking for ways to enhance a driver's experience by providing high quality navigation and entertainment products that incorporate convenience and safety features," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the mobile business group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "After researching what technologies and consumer electronics products our registered owners embrace, we identified a natural opportunity to integrate the features and functions of our navigation systems with Apple’s iPhone." Read more

• Hybrid Car for Forward-Thinking Luxury Consumers, to Start at $34,200
• Best Combined EPA MPG Rating of Any Luxury Vehicle in the U.S.
• 70 Percent Fewer Smog-Forming Emissions Than the Average New Car
• First Vehicle to Offer Lexus Enform with Safety Connect

July 20, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus just announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new HS 250h hybrid, which has the best combined EPA mpg rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S.

The 2010 HS 250h, Lexus' first dedicated hybrid and the fourth offering in its lineup, is available in standard and Premium models. The standard version will have an MSRP of $34,200, while the Premium model will carry an MSRP of $36,970. They will arrive at dealerships in late August. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.Read more

May 15, 2009–Announced at CES 2009, Mio's revolutionary navigation software, Mio Spirit, and the new Moov S-series navigation devices have been highly anticipated by consumers worldwide. Today, Mio proudly announces the global launch of the Mio Moov S-series and integrated Mio Spirit navigation software.

To introduce the new products, Mio are inviting consumers worldwide to visit the global launch website, which will be available from 5PM (GMT +8:00) 13th May to 5PM (GMT +8:00) 1st June, 2009 at www.mio.com/promotions. Visitors can view the exciting hardware features of the new models, Moov S300, S500,and S700 and feel the unique navigation experience powered by Mio Spirit.

The Mio Moov S-series offers models with screen sizes of 3.5" to 7" and the breakthrough Mio Spirit navigation software, which boasts an easy-to-use intuitive user interface, complete functions for exploring places and more useful features to help plan your trip in intelligent economical ways. With the interplay between hardware and software, the Moov S-series can truly help users save money, time and effort whilst bringing more fun, confidence and happy memories.Read more

May 13, 2009– Mio, a leading maker of PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices), announced they are introducing two new S-series models for the U.S. market in June. Both the new arrivals, the Mio Moov S401 and S501, are fully-featured and will include the all new Mio Spirit navigation software.

The new Spirit software features bold and intuitive new menu screens, clear, uncluttered map views for easier reading on the go and enhanced search capabilities for fewer taps and clicks to find your destination. In addition, the newly designed screen navigation allows the user to conveniently dock POI searches and menus to the side of the viewing area to expose the real-time maps which can be returned to center screen with a tap. The new software also gives users a host of useful functions for more easily exploring their surroundings. Samuel Wang, President of Mio Technology Corp. said: "In the two years of research and development for Spirit, Mio found that users were looking for an easier way to interact with their GPS device and take advantage of its capabilities. Spirit is Mio's response providing a unique and improved overall user experience."Read more

April 21, 2009--Zoombak today announced the launch of its new Customer Referral Program to reward customers for word-of-mouth marketing and to drive sales of its first-of-its-kind GPS locator technology. The company will send $25 in cash to customers who refer new Zoombak users, and $15 in cash to new users referred through the program who purchase a Zoombak device.

"Our Customer Referral Program gives both existing and new users a cash reward for new Zoombak purchases," said John Cullen, Director of Marketing for Zoombak. "Whether they are keeping track of their kids, tracking a teen driver's safe arrival or keeping tabs on a valuable item, customers often tell us about the peace of mind they receive from Zoombak. This referral program rewards customers for sharing their Zoombak experience with their friends and family." Read more

April 6, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan, one of the leading GPS brands, is premiering new vehicle navigation models in the popular Magellan RoadMate line, including the new 4.7" Magellan RoadMate 1470. The Magellan RoadMate 1470 features the award-winning OneTouch interface AAA TourBook information and new premium navigation features, including highway signs and lane guidance. The new Magellan RoadMate series is now available at Amazon.com and most major retailers.

"The OneTouch user interface continues to win awards for its richness and ease of use. We're delighted to offer this experience across all Magellan 2009 auto navigation models," said Mike Wagner, senior director of product marketing for Magellan. "The new Magellan RoadMates also include more features than any previous models, like built-in AAA TourBook information, spoken street names, highway lane assist, highway exit points of interest search and multi-destination routing."

All models in the Magellan RoadMate series offer a revolutionary new OneTouch favorite addresses and searches that are just one click away. After users identify and store preferred banks, restaurants and other destinations in the device, the OneTouch feature lets them instantly access directions to those located closest with one quick menu click.Read more

March 2, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVIGON, the leading innovator in the navigation market, today announced the next generation of NAVIGON's highly acclaimed 7000-series platform, the NAVIGON 7300T. The ultra-stylish personal navigation device (PND) showcases an array of innovative features, including a new level of 3D visualization showing surrounding landscapes and important landmarks, Free Real-Time Spoken Traffic Updates and next-generation Voice Control, helping the user to control the device hands-free by speaking a wide variety of commands.

For the first time, NAVIGON combines its highly praised Panorama View 3D and Landmark View 3D features in one device, the NAVIGON 7300T. This gives the user a real 3D experience showing surrounding landscapes as well as important landmarks. Panorama View 3D brings a true 3D experience to the NAVIGON 7300T's map using NASA terrain height data to provide geographic guidance complete with rolling hills and digital elevations. Landmark View 3D shows hundreds of richly-textured 3D landmarks across the U.S. and Canada such as the Empire State Building and the White House, as well as sports stadiums from coast to coast. Read more

January 29, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche will launch the fastest, most powerful 911 GT3 to-date at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The high performance GT3 is the latest in the new generation 911 series and carries over a wide range of expertise.

New Engine
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 raises the performance bar thanks to an increase in engine size to 3.8 liters and VarioCam technology now on both the intake and exhaust. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine develops 435 bhp, 20 bhp more than its predecessor.

The new, larger engine offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, which is particularly important for everyday driving. Track performance is also improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 194 mph. Read more

January 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus just revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show. This year's show marked the 20th anniversary of the debut of the first Lexus vehicles, the LS 400 and ES 250. The cars were introduced at the NAIAS in 1989. The HS 250h will be Lexus' fourth hybrid and is expected to offer the best combined fuel mileage of any luxury vehicle in the U.S. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design, helping the car to be 85% recyclable.

A welcomed addition to Lexus' entry-luxury sedan lineup, the HS 250h fits nicely between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Research has shown that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available, and the HS will provide these consumers with a viable purchase option. Read more