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Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today launched Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services. The updated version of the program combines the No. 1 best-selling travel and mapping software(1) for the United States and Canada, a sleek Global Positioning System (GPS) locator, and the inclusion of a new MSN Direct receiver, providing drivers with current traffic updates and competitive gas prices without needing an Internet connection.(2) Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services also integrates with Live Search Maps, allowing consumers to find up-to-date local information that can easily be saved to take on the road. This affordable full-navigation solution is a unique synergy of offerings that will keep drivers on track so they can travel with less stress while enabling them to save money by knowing what to expect along the way. Read more

Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM today unveiled an all-new radio that provides the richest possible listening experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in XM's impressive breadth of dynamic content. The XpressRC features advanced browsing capability with a real-time programming guide displaying multiple channel information, artist names and song titles. The XpressRC will redefine the music lover's listening experience with a vibrant full-color split-screen display, 60-minute pause and replay, and the ability to save up to 10 favorite songs to listen to later.

"You don't live in a black and white world, so why should your XM experience be limited to black and white? The XpressRC is vibrant and offers a wealth of features and functions, ensuring the richest satellite radio experience available," said Vernon Irvin, XM Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "The debut unit promises to take music, sports and entertainment lovers by surprise, reinventing the way they receive and experience XM content. The listening experience will never be the same." Read more

Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin International today announced the nuvi 260, a sleek, simple-to-use, and value-priced personal navigation device (PND) that speaks street names.

Like other products in the nuvi 200-series lineup, the nuvi 260 offers budget savvy consumers the benefit of a premium in-dash system at a fraction of the cost. In addition to features offered by other members of the nuvi 200 family, the nuvi 260 automatically calls out street names (saying "turn right on Main Street" instead of "turn right in 200 feet."). This feature lets drivers keep their eyes on the road letting drivers keep their eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. Read more

July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Backing up your vehicle is often a "hit or miss" situation. And relying on guesswork can lead to expensive vehicle damage or even danger to life and limb.

SANYO's new CCA-BC200 Rear View Backup Camera System with AirCam technology employs advanced digital processing to deliver accurate, natural-looking rear view images. Freed from distorted wide angle images and hard-to-interpret "fish-eye" perspectives, drivers can now negotiate tight spots and make critical backup maneuvers with safety and confidence. Read more

July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --- SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced that Chrysler Group expects to install SIRIUS Satellite Radio in more than 70% of its vehicle production for the 2008 model year. This marks an increase from approximately 40% for the previous model year.

For 2008 models, SIRIUS will be included as a standard feature in premium and mid-level price classes on most Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Additionally, SIRIUS will be a 100% standard feature on Chrysler Sebring and Aspen, the all-new Dodge Challenger and Nitro, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander. Chrysler Group includes one year of SIRIUS service with each new vehicle. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is pre-activated, so customers can begin listening to SIRIUS immediately upon taking delivery of their new vehicles. Read more

July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo length and rear seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open- canvas roof.

The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer. Read more

July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Would you like to improve your driving skills and put them to test in a $100,000 sports car? Audi of America, Inc. and Emotive Group will give consumers that chance, as part of the new Audi driving experience that kicks-off with a five-city tour in Miami this month.

The 2007 Audi driving experience will run from July through December and feature a national tour with signature events in five major markets - Miami, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco - and will be conducted on renowned racing circuits such as Homestead Miami Speedway, Autobahn Country Club, Pocono Raceway, California Speedway and Infineon Raceway. The tour will offer the opportunity to drive the most current Audi vehicles including the TT, A4, Audi Q7 and all-new S5, available this fall. Read more

July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Millions of Americans are hitting the road this week for the Fourth of July holiday. Whether driving to a family picnic, the beach or local firework festivities, many road travelers expect traffic to cause frustration. However, there are solutions that finally free holiday travelers from dreaded traffic back-ups. Traffic.com, a NAVTEQ company, and a leading provider of personalized traffic information for drivers coast-to-coast, offers a suite of free traffic solutions for accurate, up-to-the-minute traffic news at www.traffic.com.

Whether online or on-the-go, Traffic.com services give drivers the tools and information they need to make the best decisions about the time to leave and the best routes to take. Site visitors can instantly view real-time traffic information for cities across the U.S. or set up personalized traffic reports for the roadways they plan to drive. To receive personalized information, drivers can sign up at www.traffic.com and then create and save daily commutes or holiday travel routes with MyTraffic free services. Read more

June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company today kicks off the 2008 model year by delivering more of the products customers really want -- with new cars, crossovers and trucks featuring advancements in safety, quality, environmental innovation and design. "We promised that 70 percent of our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup would be new or significantly upgraded by the end of next year. With our 2008 showroom, we're halfway there," notes Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas.

In the crossover market, Ford Motor Company is setting the pace with newer entries, such as the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX, which have led a year-to- date increase in total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossover sales of 37 percent through May - the largest increase among major manufacturers and well above industry-wide crossover growth of 17 percent. In May alone, the Ford Edge outsold all mid-size crossovers, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano. Read more

June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today the pricing of its RS 4 Cabriolet model at $81,900. The destination charge will be $775, and the gas guzzler tax will be determined prior to arrival at U.S. showrooms in fall 2007.

Because of its limited production, RS 4 Cabriolet will only be offered with standard equipment, including navigation system plus, preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth), SIRIUS satellite radio, Bose sound system, heated front and rear seats, memory function for driver seat and exterior mirrors, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, rear parking system, acoustic convertible top, HomeLink garage/gate opener, auto dimming exterior mirrors, auto dimming interior rear-view mirror with integrated compass, rain and light sensor with "coming home" feature, color driver information system, iPod glovebox interface (no-cost option in place of standard 6-CD changer), brushed aluminum decorative inlays (no-cost option in place of RS 4 carbon fiber decorative inlays). Read more