Press Releases

Honda Develops Ecological Drive Assist System for Enhanced Real World Fuel Economy Nov 20, 2008 10:11AM

Tokyo, Nov 20, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of the Ecological Drive Assist System, which combines three functions to enhance fuel economy: the ECON Mode utilizes harmonized control of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and engine to support more fuel-efficient driving; the guidance function uses speedometer color to provide real-time guidance on fuel-efficient driving; and thescoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term fuel-efficient driving. The world's first* system to combine these three functions in a comprehensive approach to fuel economy enhancement, the Ecological Drive Assist System will be implemented for the first time on the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle in spring 2009.

Furthermore, for the Japan-market version of the Insight equipped with the optional Honda HDD InterNavi System, the Ecological Drive Assist System has an added function that enables drivers to receive advice on driving practices that enhance fuel economy.

Since driving practices have a large impact on fuel economy, Honda developed the Ecological Drive Assist System to further enhance the real-world fuel economy through controlling the CVT and engine based on the actual driving conditions and enabling the driver to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic 'leaves', which grow over time as drivers become more proficient in fuel-efficient driving. The joy of growing these leaves over a long time will encourage drivers to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently.

* According to Honda in-house research

Key features of the Ecological Drive Assist System

1. ECON Mode which applies harmonized control on the CVT and engine to support more fuel-efficient driving

First implemented on the all-new Odyssey, ECON Mode has been advanced with added functions to control the idle stop and regenerative braking capabilities, which are unique to hybrid vehicles. As soon as the driver presses the ECON Mode button, the system will begin operating and the harmonized control of the CVT and engine will support more fuel-efficient driving. In addition, ECON Mode automatically achieves energy-saving control of the air-conditioning unit, extends the idle stop time, and increases regenerative recharging during deceleration to achieve more fuel-efficient driving.

2. The guidance function provides real-time fuel-efficient driving guidance

To increase driver awareness of more fuel-efficient driving, the ambient meter, which is a background color on the speedometer, notifies the driver of the current driving conditions. The ambient meter displays a green color when fuel-efficient driving is being achieved: a blue-green color when relatively fuel-efficient driving is being achieved with smooth acceleration and deceleration; and a blue color while the vehicle is consuming extra fuel with bursts of acceleration or deceleration. The ambient meter enables the driver to be aware of real-time fuel consumption patterns, and encourages the driver to achieve fuel-efficient driving while trying to maintain the green color display. In Honda's hybrid system, the motor assists during acceleration and performs regenerative recharging during braking; as a result, braking practices also have an impact on fuel economy. The ambient meter is the world's first* function of its kind to support fuel-efficient driving by responding not just to accel ration practices, but to braking practices as well.

* According to Honda in-house research

Ambient Meter

- Green: fuel-efficient driving

- Blue-Green: relatively fuel-efficient driving

- Blue: driving with extra consumption of fuel

3. The scoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as cumulative, long-term feedback tracking progress in fuel-efficient driving

Located in the center of the instrument panel of the all-new Insight, the Multi-Information Display offers drivers a selection of informational displays, including the scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of fuel-efficient driving performance. When the ignition switch is on, the display scores current driving performance. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top row display the score for the latest driving cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the bottom row displays the cumulative lifetime performance. The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The world's first* such function to provide real-time and post-trip assessments of the impact of driving habits on fuel economy, the scoring function encourages drivers to take interest in and develop fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term.

* According to Honda in-house research

4. Honda HDD InterNavi System displays detailed scoring function statistics and provides advice for further enhancing fuel economy

With the optional Honda HDD InterNaviSystem, a driver can access a full history of scoring function results and additional detailed scoring function statistics. InterNavi also adds an advice function that offers advice for further enhancing fuel economy based upon an analysis of their own the driver's driving practices. Useful in improving fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term, these information may also be securely accessed over the Internet by InterNavi subscribers. This aspect of the Ecological Drive Assist System function will be available only for the Japan domestic model.

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA.L) is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com .

Contact:Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Media Inquiries
corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp
+81-3-5412-1512Copyright 2008 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. 

www.japancorp.net

Holiday V Feature Package Nov 20, 2008 04:55AM

The following feature package is a roundup of feature stories dealing with the holidays and is appropriate for special sections and for general use. For those receiving this copy via computer, the stories are easily identified by the initial word of the slug: "Holiday."

This is the latest in a series of topical feature packages PRN will carry as part of its regular Feature News Service. Coming up in 2008 are features on:

                                                Slug               Date

     Health & Wellness I                     (Health)             Nov. 24
     Fashion, Beauty & Bridal I              (Fashion)            Dec.  3
     Holiday VI, Last Minute                 (Holiday)            Dec.  4
     Food & Beverage I                       (Food)               Dec.  8
     Home & Garden I                         (Home)               Dec.  9

                          Holiday V Feature Package

     1.  -- WITH PHOTO -- Dirt Devil Offers Consumers More for Less

     2.  -- WITH PHOTO -- Great Gifts for Everyone on Any Shopping Budget

     3.  -- WITH PHOTO -- TisBest Charity Gift Cards Make Giving a Better
         World Easier Than Ever

     4.  -- WITH PHOTO -- Hark! The Alpine Angels Sing, Music Will the eX-10
         Bring

     5.  The Kimberly Hotel Celebrates the Holidays With Wallet-Friendly
         Packages

     6.  Holiday Gifts For Readers & Book Lovers

     7.  -- WITH PHOTO -- Footwear That Adds a Little Character to Gift Giving

     8.  How to Pick the Best Guy Gifts

     9.  -- WITH PHOTO -- A Happy Pet for the Holidays: Natural Remedies to
         Treat Animals' Complex Emotions

     10. GREEN CHRISTMAS: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season

     11. -- WITH PHOTO -- Unforgettaballs!(R) Releases New Design to Celebrate
         the Upcoming Holiday Season

     12. America's Troops Still Waiting for Santa

     13. -- WITH PHOTO -- Furniture Craftsman Designs Undetectable Gun Safe
         for Security and Attractiveness

     14. Baking Expert Puts Health in the Holidays With Canola Oil

     15. Stampin' Up! Offers Ideas to Spread Holiday Cheer With Thought - Not
         Debt

     16. Personalized Holidays at Stein Eriksen Lodge

     17. Give Yourself a Shopping Break This Christmas With These Must-Have
         Outdoor Favorites for Your Outdoors Enthusiast

     18. Give Kids the Gift of Fun and Fitness This Holiday Season

     19. Green Gift Idea - Stop Junk Mail With 41pounds.org!

     20. Hark! The Herald My Cell Phone Sings

     21. -- WITH PHOTO -- Lighten Up Your Life; Eco-Holiday Gift Reduces Your
         Energy Bill and Your Carbon Footprint

     22. -- WITH PHOTO -- HomeGoods Helps Stretch Holiday Shopping Dollars
         With Gifts Under $25

If you would like a copy of the complete schedule, or if you would care to comment, please email featuredesk@prnewswire.com. We welcome suggestions. Copies of previous packages are available for the media. Feature packages and feature photos are also available on the PR Newswire Web site, http://www.prnewswire.com/features.

Photos that accompany releases are available via the PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555, or via Newscom, http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/search/search2?f=PRN%2fprnpub. Select photos are available via AP PhotoExpress and AP Photo Archive.

Research and Markets: Snapshot of the UK DIY Retailing Market for 2008 Nov 20, 2008 04:49AM

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/92b0d6/snapshots_uk_diy_r) has announced the addition of the "Snapshots UK DIY Retailing 2008" report to their offering.

Snapdata's Snapshots UK DIY Retailing 2008 provides 2007 year-end market size data, with 2008 estimates, 5 years of historical data and five-year forecasts. The Snapshots report gives an instant overview of the UK DIY retailing market and covers gardening, homewares, fixtures and fittings, tools & equipment, room specific, bathrooms, motoring and others. Market value is based on retail sales. The data is supplied in both graphical and tabular format for ease of interpretation and analysis. The Snapshots UK DIY Retailing 2008 forms part of Snapdata's Retail industry coverage.

Snapshots Report Overview:

    --  Snapshots Executive Summary
    --  Category Definitions
    --  Market Size by Value (2003-2007)

    --  Market Segmentation by Value

    --  Market Shares by Value

    --  Company Websites (Main Players)

    --  Market Forecast by

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/92b0d6/snapshots_uk_diy_r

    Source: Research and Markets

Research and Markets: Comprehensive Publication Examines Applied Industrial Energy and Environmental Management Nov 20, 2008 04:41AM

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/afb9d5/applied_industrial) has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new report "Applied Industrial Energy and Environmental Management" to their offering.

This book presents a practical, application oriented, method for energy performance assessment and improvement in industrial plants. The book is divided into three main parts. Part one describes energy management systems in industry and management techniques for energy performance improvement. This section also explains the concept of the Energy Management System (EMS) and specifically the EMS in a factory, showing how to apply the tools in real industrial environment. Part two focuses on the engineering aspects of industrial energy management, describing main industrial energy systems and how to analyse and improve their energy performance. Considering electric power, steam, compressed air, refrigeration systems, and industrial cogeneration, the book covers the engineering theory necessary for practical application of energy consumption improvements.

The last part of the book is the Toolbox. This contains tools data, analytical methods, definitions, procedures, questionnaires to support the practical application of the methods elaborated on in the first two parts of the book. It also contains definitions of terms or basic explanations of the subjects that are used in the text. There is an accompanying website to the book which includes a number of software programs that facilitate actual calculations of current energy performance of selected industrial energy systems, and calculation of potential for their energy performance improvements. The software is based on the methods and formulas described in the book and will support readers in assessing their own industrial energy systems.

Industrial energy systems channel fuels and power into a variety of energy types such as steam, direct heat, hot fluids and gases, and shaft power for compressors, fans, pumps, and other machine-driven equipment. All of these processes impact the environment and are impacted by external energy and environmental policies and regulations. Therefore many environmental management issues are closely related to energy use and efficiency.

Applied Industrial Energy and Environmental Management provides a comprehensive and application oriented approach to the technical and managerial challenges of efficient energy performance in industrial plants. Written by leading practitioners in the field with extensive experience of working with development banks, international aid organizations, and multinational companies, the authors are able to offer real case studies as a basis to their method. The book is divided into three main parts:

Part one describes Energy and Environmental Management Systems (EEMS) in current use and management techniques for energy and environmental performance improvement.

Part two focuses on the engineering aspects of industrial energy management, describing main industrial energy systems and how to analyse and improve their energy performance.

Part three is the TOOLBOX on an accompanying website, which contains data, analytical methods and questionnaires as well as software programs, to support the practical application of the methods elaborated on in the first two parts of the book.

This book will be a valuable resource to practicing energy and environmental management engineers, plant managers and consultants in the energy and manufacturing industries. It will also be of interest to graduate engineering and science students taking courses in industrial energy and environmental management

Key Topics Covered:

Introductory Chapter: Framework for Energy and Environmental

Management in Industry

1 Introduction

2 Energy Use by Industrial Operations

3 Environmental Impacts of Industrial Operations

4 End Use Energy Efficiency

5 Efficiency of Using Raw Materials

6 Global Energy Policy Framework

7 Energy and Environmental Policies

8 Industries Self-Motivation for Effective Energy and Environmental Performance

9 Environmentally Responsible Investing

10 Where to Look for Energy and Environmental Performance Improvements

11 Bibliography

Part I: Energy and Environmental Management System in Industry (EEMS)

1 Introducing the Energy and Environmental Management System

2 The Energy and Environmental Management Concept

3 Relationship between Energy Use and Production Volume

4 Evaluating the Performance of Energy and Environmental Management Practice

5 Implementation of the Energy and Environmental Management System

6 Energy and Environmental Management as a Driver for Integrated Performance Management

Part II: Engineering Aspects of Industrial Energy Management

1 Introduction to Industrial Energy Systems

2 Industrial Steam System

3 Industrial Electric Power System

4 Compressed Air System

5 Refrigeration System

6 Industrial Cogeneration

Part III: Toolbox Fundamentals for Analysis and Calculation of Energy and Environmental Performance

Index

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/afb9d5/applied_industrial

    Source: Research and Markets

Road Mice(TM) Has You Singing Vroom Vroom Vroom Instead of Deck the Halls This Holiday Season Nov 20, 2008 04:35AM

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shopping this holiday season doesn't need to be stressful and Four Door Media, designer, manufacturer, and distributor of specialized computer based products and accessories, is making it easy to shop for anyone this holiday season with Road Mice(TM), an innovative wireless optical car shaped computer mouse officially licensed by the hottest auto manufacturers.

Road Mice are the perfect computer accessory for any car enthusiast, collector or gadget lover. The mice are simple to use which makes them a fun and practical gift idea for children, and parents won't mind letting their kids take the new car out for a spin. And since they're available online at www.roadmice.com, shoppers can skip the crowded malls and purchase a Road Mice from the comfort of home.

"High-end cars, including American favorites like Corvettes, Camaros and Ford Mustangs, have put smiles on the faces of people of all ages for years," says Dan Cwieka, CEO of Four Door Media. "Road Mice makes it accessible for anyone to have that exciting new car feeling."

In addition, Road Mice also make the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for boss, father or significant other. You may not be able to get him his dream car for the driveway, but you will be the holiday hero for parking a Dodge Charger, Corvette(R) or Ford Mustang GT on his desk.

Utilizing the latest RF and optical technology, all of the sleek car mouse designs feature the look of a replica automobile and the functionality of the best pointing devices on the market. The high performance mouse functions by using a USB receiver and has 800-dpi resolution for enhanced accuracy and precision. The functioning headlights, smooth lines and rich coloring give the cars a realistic look and feel, all in the palm of your hand.

Officially licensed products currently available include:

    --  Chevrolet(R) Camaro(R) Concept: One of the most popular cars for
        modification in automotive history.
    --  Corvette(R) Z06(TM): Beloved actor John Wayne owned the 51st Corvette
        ever made which is currently on display at the National Automobile
        Museum in Reno, Nev.
    --  Dodge Charger SRT8 and SRT8 Super Bee: The modern SRT8 and SRT8 Super
        Bee pay high-powered HEMI(R) homage to the classic Charger muscle cars
        of the 60s and 70s with a modern twist of on-road performance.
    --  Ford Mustang GT: Having sold more than eight million Mustangs since
        1964, the Pony is a favorite among many celebrities including car
        enthusiast Jay Leno, actor Charlie Sheen and music moguls Eminem and
        Kelly Clarkson.

The Chevy Camaro and Dodge Charger are also available in either authentic Highway Patrol or City Police designs, which provides a fun and practical way for parents to remind their kids about safety on the road, and online. All Road Mice makes and models are available in multiple colors, except for Highway Patrol.

Road Mice are PC and Mac compatible and are suitable for both desktops and laptops. Road Mice are available now at www.roadmice.com. The suggested retail price is $44.95 and includes a six month limited warranty. Each car features an individual (VIN) serial number and owners are encouraged to visit the Road Mice Title and Registration page to register and activate their product warranty and receive their unique title, free of charge. Additional features include built-in automatic timer shut off and on/off switch for LED headlights. Two AAA batteries are included.

Additional Road Mice models will be introduced on a regular basis so stay tuned to RoadMice.com for future new car announcements.

About Four Door Media

Four Door Media is a specialized electronic products and entertainment company that creates, manufactures, markets and distributes, nationally and internationally, computer based products and accessories that entertain, promote and educate. The company was founded with a focus on marketing products that relate to the automotive industry and appeal to consumers across a wide range of market segments. Other products include USB flash drives and custom mouse pads. For more information visit www.fourdoormedia.com.

General Motors Trademarks used under license to Four Door Media, Inc.

Ford Mustang and Ford GT are registered trademarks owned and licensed by Ford Motor Company.

Dodge and HEMI(R) are trademarks of Chrysler LLC. Dodge Charger, Dodge Viper and their trade dress are used under license by Four Door Media. (C) Chrysler LLC 2008

Chrysler, Plymouth, HEMI(R) and related logos, vehicle model names, and trade dress are trademarks of Chrysler LLC and are used under license. (C) Chrysler LLC 2009

    Source: Four Door Media