Back in 2004, famed jeweler Tiffany sued eBay, because some users on eBay were selling counterfeit Tiffany items. It’s the same old story of secondary liability — with eBay pointing out (quite accurately) that if users are selling counterfeit goods, that’s between Tiffany and those users. eBay is just the platform. But Tiffany didn’t care. Its CEO even admitted that it was suing eBay because that was easier than going after those actually responsible. It’s an incredible sense of entitlement by Tiffany: because it doesn’t want to actually police counterfeit sellers, eBay should just step up and do so automatically?
The district court smacked down Tiffany on every count, explaining pretty clearly that it makes no sense at all for eBay to be responsible for the actions of users. And, of course, Tiffany appealed.
The appeals court has sided with eBay yet again, telling Tiffany, once again, that eBay is not liable for the actions of its users (full decision — pdf). The court notes that eBay seems to have bent over backwards — beyond what the law requires — to help Tiffany stop the sale of counterfeit items and to warn users to make sure they’re buying legitimate items. It notes that while eBay may have had “general knowledge” of counterfeit goods on the site, whenever it had specific knowledge, it was quick to take down the offending content, and thus there was no secondary or contributory trademark infringement.
Separately, the court agreed with the lower court that eBay did not violate Tiffany’s trademarks by mentioning Tiffany in its own ads — saying that it was entirely accurate to note that you could buy Tiffany products on eBay. That was factual, and thus, no trademark infringement. It made quick work of Tiffany’s “dilution” claim as well, pointing out that eBay has nothing to do with that:
Tiffany argues that counterfeiting dilutes the value of its product. Perhaps. But insofar as eBay did not itself sell the goods at issue, it did not itself engage in dilution.
The one area where the appeals court differed from the district court is outside of the trademark realm, but on the question of whether or not eBay’s ads that mention Tiffany could, potentially, be seen as “false advertising.” The court noted that there was nothing that was directly false in the ads (it was, again, accurate that you could buy Tiffany goods via eBay), but that it could be possible that users were mislead or confused. So it sent the case back to the lower court to retry that particular issue.
In the meantime, though, Tiffany wants to appeal the rest of the ruling to the Supreme Court, which may now have a chance to establish, clearly, that you can’t pin secondary liability on a service provider. Tiffany’s response to the ruling actually seems a hell of a lot more “misleading” than any of eBay’s ads:
“EBay knew that counterfeit merchandise was being sold on its site — and EBay took no effective steps to stop it,” Tiffany Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Kowalski said in a statement. “EBay deliberately misled consumers for profit, and unfortunately the court has justified its actions.”
But that’s simply, factually, incorrect. As the court clearly noted, eBay bends over backwards to try to stop counterfeit merchandise from being sold on the site. Hopefully Tiffany execs come to their senses, but it seems likely they’ll still appeal, and still fail to recognize the difference between blaming the party doing the actual infringement and the service provider they use.
Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley is teasing that gamers will finally be seeing “something around” their upcoming espionage-themed MMO, The Agency, soon.
McLaren MP4-12C – Click above for high-res image gallery
Mercedes-Benz and McLaren used to be synonymous, both on the racing circuit with their Formula One collaboration as well as in the stratosphere of supercar-dom with the Mercedes SLR McLaren. But that’s all in the history books now as the two outfits have gone their separate ways in both arenas.
For its part, Mercedes chose to go in-house with the SLS AMG, the effective successor to the SLR McLaren, while McLaren has developed the new MP4-12C supercar in-house as well, right down to the engine. Meanwhile Mercedes bought the Brawn GP team and is selling its stake in McLaren back to the team.
So why the split? According to Norbert Haug (pictured at right with Daimler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche), the schism on both fronts came down to McLaren’s desire to produce the MP4-12C independently. With all the factors that lead to the breakup, pinpointing that one specifically seems a little far-fetched to us, but as Mercedes’ motorsport chief, we’d presume Haug knows what he’s talking about.
Here in the States, car buyers remain inexplicably drawn to chrome. U.S. automakers slap copious amounts of chrome finish on wheels, door handles, trim and grilles because they say customers will pay more money as the chrome content increases. The shiny stuff isn’t such a big hit in Europe, where more motorists prefer the subtle look of black or body-color accents and brushed aluminum wheels. But at least one couple in England loves them some chrome, as evidenced by their spanking new £38,000 Mini Cooper.
The Mini, which would fit in nicely with any Middle East shiek’s garage, is pretty stunning to look at (for better or worse), but there is a significant problem. A story in UK publication The Sun says Ian Grice purchased the spit-polished Mini as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife Toni, and at that point, the subject of insurance apparently didn’t come up.
As it turns out, insurance companies on the Isles aren’t at all interested in insuring the little hatch, as Grice claims to have been turned away on several occasions. The companies have reportedly told Grice that the vehicle is too fragile, too easy to scuff of scratch and too attractive to thieves (who steals a chrome Mini and expects to blend in?!) to cover. As a result of the many insurance company rejections, Grice tells The Sun that the Mini is now “the world’s most expensive mirror.”
The solution to Grice’s dilemma may be to purchase the same kind of insurance that high end sports cars and ultra-tuned aftermarket car owners use, but that will likely be a pricey affair. We’re thinking that a better alternative is to not buy a chrome vehicle in the first place.
If it walks like a duck and looks like a duck, if it has webbed feet like a duck chances are its not a lobster. At Baracks friendly fish market, things arent very fresh, especially downwind from his magnanimous, friendly, energy offshore drilling pronouncement.
If it looks like week old fish, if it smells like week old fish Has anyone stopped to wonder why Barack (I intend to destroy the coal industry) Obama would suddenly have an epiphany about offshore drilling, or any drilling for that matter? Interior Department head Ken Salazar had frozen all oil and natural gas exploration permits for the entire continental United States and Alaska at the express instructions of his boss.
The amount of area that Obama is talking about opening for drilling is infinitesimally small in relationship to the known and suspected reserves that are awaiting, not only offshore but here in the continental United States itself as well as Alaska. Petroleum geologists believe that there is enough oil and gas to last this country for the next 100 years, plenty of time to experiment and develop the next generations of energy technology, and no, Im not referring to solar or wind power. They are simply another green phantom being thrown out there by the left and will never be a significant source of energy. read more »
Y’know, there’s a little mantra that exists about relationships, whispered between friends when they discuss their loves, their interests, their sex, whatever:
They’re trying to control you.
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You need out, man. You can’t let her boss you around like that. You need to do what you want, when you want. You’re in control of yo-sef.
Girl, he’s mistreatin’ you again? And you’re still with him? Don’t you see he’s got some kind of mind-control on you? The sex can’t be that hot. He’s tryin’ to control you!
Freedom, right?
What "choice" have we predominately heard about when it comes to healthcare? Doctor choice? Clinic choice? Shot choice? No, pro-choice abortion. Ok? Your choice of deciding whether to have someone stick a probe up your uterus, suck your baby into a sink, or maybe syringe some saline solution to burn the baby out. If you’re a guy, then it would apply to your choice of having your progeny decimated, it’s brains squished and bloody body mangled enough to be poured into the same test tube you might use for donating your semen. Yeah, it’s bad. Fight to keep your child alive.. or keep your boys safe to begin with.
But, "choice." Because that "control" — mind-control, sex control, intimidation control, whatever — didn’t allow you to choose to keep your legs shut or your penis in your pants in the first place. Because you didn’t have a choice before conception, only after.
Now it’s come to light that someone actually admits that Obama’s healthcare legislation is what conservatives knew all along: Control. Control over your medical choices. Control over your medical decisions, what proponents of pro-choice have argued against for decades: control over your body. read more »
Over the past week, I have been honored to lead the fight in South Carolina against the big government and unconstitutional health care bill dubbed ObamaCare.
Months ago, I was the first candidate running for any office in South Carolina to sign the Repeal It pledge, vowing to fight to repeal the health care bill if it managed to become law.
In preparation for that fight, I filed legislation in December to amend the South Carolina Constitution to clarify the federal government does not have the authority to mandate that South Carolinians purchase health insurance. If my legislation becomes law in South Carolina, it could deliver a major blow to Nancy Pelosis and President Obamas plan for the government take over of health care.
Late last week, my bill received its first committee hearing and I asked for your support. I am proud to report that a merged bill, known as the Duncan-Scott Amendment passed out of subcommittee and will have a hearing before the full judiciary committee in two weeks.
If the Duncan-Scott Amendment passes this year, South Carolinians will have an opportunity to vote on this amendment in November, and send a loud and clear message to Washington: stop trampling over the Constitution, and start listening to the citizens of this nation! read more »
2010 Chrysler Town & Country SafetyTec – Click above for high-res image gallery
Although the Chrysler Group still has a rather large amount of floor space here at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the company didn’t have a lot to offer this year…at least not just-baked stuff for the assembled media. Instead of showing off a new 300 or maybe even a 200C hybrid, they merely gathered up a bunch of older concepts and special editions and dropped them off at Javits. Chrysler at least had the good sense not to have a press conference. To be fair, the Pentastar is struggling and we don’t mean to kick them when they’re down so we’ll focus on the positive instead.
One new vehicle we found amidst the recently unveiled specials was a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country with seemingly every one of Chrysler’s latest safety and security features. The press release, which you’ll find after the jump, says the package includes the company’s Rear Cross Path (RCP) and Blind-spot Monitoring systems (BSM) to help drivers in making “safe lane changes and backing out of high-traffic parking situations.” Both features are apparently firsts in this segment.
This new “SafetyTec” package, as it’s known, is an option on the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country Touring and new Touring “Plus” models, and will be standard on the Town & Country Limited. The grouping includes standard and optional safety and security features like multi-stage airbags, seatbelt pretensioning, constant-force seat-belt retractors (CFR), active head restraints and supplemental side-curtain air bags. There are also accident-avoidance features like Smart Brake and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), plus security features like an anti-theft alarm and the Sentry Key engine immobilizer among other things. If Chrysler knows anything, it’s minivans and the importance of safety to minivan buyers.
The new SafetyTec package will be available late spring at an undisclosed price. Follow the jump to read the long laundry list of included features and take a look at our gallery below.
Singer Jill Sobule was one of the more high profile musicians to successfully embrace a crowdfunded album using a tiered approach, successfully raising the money for her last album in less than two months. Sobule was kind enough to participate in our own CwF+RtB experience and even wrote up a nice guest post for us as well. In talking with both her and her manager, what came through was that the two of them really were working hard to understand this new world and how to thrive in it — so I’ve been excited to see what they would come up with next. Of course, that’s a bit misleading, because Jill’s been constantly communicating and connecting with her fans via various social networking platforms, but now she’s launching a small scale, but fun experiment in recording her next album: which is that she’s selling a very limited number of tickets to spend time in the studio with her and John Doe (and apparently some surprise backing musicians).
What’s cool is that the different ticket offerings are well targeted for different types of fans. There’s an all day pass for musicians who want to experience the entire process of making a professional album. There’s a “creative patron” level that skips the morning setup, but picks up with the afternoon session, and finally there’s a “music lovers” level that focuses on just the actual recording part. The goal of the offering by itself isn’t to get rich, but to add some cool, valuable, scarce reasons to buy that also serve to better connect with fans. It seems like a cool experiment, and I’ll be excited to see how it turns out.
Ron Paul talks with Lew Rockwell about the current status of Audit the Fed, the tyrannical nature of Obamacare, and the best ways to increase transparency in government spending.
Lisa Jackson, Obama’s EPA director, has just announced the agency’s new auto regulations of gas mileage based on global warming. In addition, the agency asserts the right to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under the Clean Air Act.
There is absolutely no scientific justification for this and, indeed, many observers believe the EPA lacks the legal authority regarding its stance on CO2.
There is NO need to limit greenhouse gas emissions because there is NO “global warming.”
Greenhouse gases are purported to be the primary cause of this fraud. The EPA, like a dozen other U.S. agencies, has been pushing the global warming fraud for decades. One more lie, even a whopper about CO2, is of little concern to the EPA at this point.
At the 2010 New York Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo received its true rival from Subaru – meet the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-door. The model will mark the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles.
“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”
Subaru said that both 2011 models receive significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling. Power will still come from the outstanding 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models will arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer. Prices will be announced closer to launch.
Click through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.
2010 New York: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-Door:
The Wing is Back! Subaru Debuts New 4-Door Impreza® WRX® STI® Model for 2011
– First Time Subaru Performance Flagship Offered in Two Body Styles
– New WRX STI Four-Door with Wide-Body Design
– Retuned Suspension for Even Sharper Handling
NEW YORK, April 1 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America today introduced a new 4-door version of its Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles (5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011 WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.
The WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now migrated to the 2011 WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.
New Designs for 2011
In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.
For the 4-door models, newly designed wider rear fenders are stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps, accentuating a look of power and stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.
New Chassis Tuning for 2011
The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Specific chassis tuning. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Major chassis tuning changes include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension – these improve camber and toe stiffness.
Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm vs. 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.
New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 17.6 lbs. less than the previous standard wheels. The optional 18 x 8.5-in. BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels, which further reduce unsprung vehicle weight, are highlighted by silver high-luster paint for 2011.
Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which optimizes braking ability during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.
The Ultimate Performance Subaru
The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cyl. Boxer engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The STI also features Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with three “Auto” modes, as well as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings.
The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, as well: the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard and features a track performance-optimized mode; Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console.
The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru dealerships late this summer.
Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior
New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.
The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design embossed with the STI logo and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
The A-Team van shines in New York – Click above for high-res image gallery
Are these the ultimate performance cars? Maybe not in 0-60 or quarter mile times – although we wouldn’t count a few of them out at the dragstrip – but in terms of actually being performers. Some of the random cars and trucks we found at this year’s New York Auto Show are perhaps just as famous as their on-screen co-stars of the human variety.
While the A-Team van parked right smack dab in the middle of the entryway was an easy target, we delved a little deeper and found a Mach 5, K.I.T.T., Batmobile, Monkeemobile, and Grandpa Munster’s Dragula sitting in a booth in the lower level of the Javits Center. Oh, and your eyes aren’t deceiving you…that is the VW Beetle from Uncle Buck that was on eBay last year…just in time for Easter. After the star car turnout at Chicago, this was a nice encore.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its way to dealerships in North America starting this May. According to the PR hanging around the Mercedes-Benz display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the 2011 SLS AMG will carry a starting price-tag of $183,000 when it goes on sale.
We’ll have more official details on pricing closer to launch date.
Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.
Mitsubishi today unveiled its Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Kia Sportage rival at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will hit dealerships later this year and will carry a 2.0 4-cylinder engine helping it get an estimated fuel-economy of 30 mpg. All-wheel-drive will be offered as an option.
Personally, we think that the Outlander Sport is pretty attractive with its Lancer inspired front fascia and sporty looking rear.
Prices and other details will be announced closer to launch.
“Spain is on the brink of no longer being a viable home-entertainment market for us.”
I’m really curious how Lynton keeps his job when his response to a market challenge is to leave the market entirely, shifting the unauthorized rate from whatever it is all the way up to 100% by choice. This is the same guy who claimed that the internet was killing the movie business, in the midst of a year with more movie releases than ever before and the largest box office take ever. He’s also in charge of the company that wouldn’t even support one of its own movies for the Oscars because it was afraid that the Oscar reviewer copies would end up online, even though the movie was already available for download.
This is a CEO who seems to want to blame everyone else for his own failures in giving people a reason to buy. He’s blaming the internet when the real issue is his own inability to figure out how to provide scarce value that people want to pay for. I can’t imagine how the board meetings go: “Hey, so how are you capitalizing on this massive increase in movie interest?” “Ah, well, we’re dropping out of markets because the kids download.” How do you manage to lead a company when your response to a boom in interest in your business is to take away one of the reasons to buy and then to blame the people who want your product? It’s astounding.
Key Competitors: Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series
Power: 4.6L Tau V8 – 385-hp / 333 lb-ft of torque (378-hp / 324 lb-ft using regular fuel)
Transmission: ZF 6-speed automatic.
Performance: 0-60 mph in less than 6.4 seconds.
Availability: Summer of 2010.
Prices: Mid $50,000 range.
We’ve known for sometime that the Hyundai Equus large luxury sedan will come to the United States. Hyundai today confirmed the arrival of its Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series competitor and said it will arrive in dealerships later this summer with prices starting in the mid $50,000 range.
“Equus takes Hyundai’s formula for intelligent luxury to a new level,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve applied the lessons in engineering excellence we’ve learned with Genesis to the Equus, while adding a new level of customer experience that will further differentiate our take on luxury from the traditional premium brands.”
What’s the coolest thing about the Equus besides the fact that it is an uber-luxury sedan with a prices tag in the mid $50,000? The owner’s manual has been replace with an iPad (which may actually become the sole reason for some people to purchase this Korean luxury).
Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.
HYUNDAI INTRODUCES ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP, THE LUXURIOUS EQUUS SEDAN, DURING NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
Equus will Showcase Hyundai’s Approach toward Intelligent Luxury
NEW YORK, April. 1, 2010 – Hyundai aims to break down the barriers of owning a luxury car with the introduction of its all-new flagship, the 2011 Equus. Equus will compete with the best luxury sedans in the world on all levels including amenities, performance, advanced technologies, design and ownership experience when it arrives at select Hyundai dealerships late this summer.
Equus broadens Hyundai’s lineup of premium vehicles and like Genesis, is built on Hyundai’s world-class rear-wheel-drive architecture. It is powered by the award-winning 4.6-liter Tau® V8. The Tau inside the Equus will produce an estimated 385 horsepower using premium fuel and 378 horsepower using regular fuel. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Equus showcases features such as a lane departure warning system, electronic air suspension, smart cruise control and a Lexicon® audio system.
EQUUS VERSUS THE RIVALS
2011 Hyundai Equus
2010 Lexus LS 460
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550
Horsepower/
Torque
385 hp (Prem.)/
378hp (Reg.)/
333 lb-ft/324 lb-ft (est.)
380 hp (Prem.)/
367 lb-ft
382 hp (Prem.)/
391 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
city/highway/combined
16/24/19 mpg (est.)
16/24/19 mpg
14/21/18 mpg
Length
203.1 inches
199.2 inches
206.5 inches
Width
74.4 inches
73.8 inches
73.7 inches
Height
58.7 inches
58.1 inches
58.0 inches
Front Headroom
38.7 inches
38.0 inches
38.0 inches
Rear Headroom
38.1 inches
37.9 inches
39.0 inches
Front Legroom
45.1 inches
43.7 inches
41.9 inches
Rear Legroom
38.9 inches
35.8 inches
42.3 inches
Curb Weight
4376 lbs.
4,244 lbs.
4,630 lbs.
Price
$50,000 – $60,000
$65,380
$91,600
PREMIUM REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
When Genesis was introduced, Hyundai promised that its rear-wheel-drive architecture would spawn more products in other segments. Equus is the third of those products, this time riding on a lengthened Genesis architecture. Equus is 7.2 inches longer (203.1 inches vs. 195.9 inches) than Genesis. Equus boasts an excellent 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics.
Equus reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiff, light weight body structure. The use of high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Equus with significantly higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight despite having a spacious interior cabin.
WORLD-CLASS TAU V8
Headlining the Equus’ performance capabilities is Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine, a two-time Ward’s 10 Best Engine winner, mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. The Tau V8 delivers an estimated 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque (378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft using regular fuel) to fit the demands of luxury consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Equus to 60 miles per hour in less than 6.4 seconds. On premium fuel, the Tau V8 produces more horsepower than the powerplants found in the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-Benz S550, and Audi A8 and nearly the same power as these competitors on regular fuel.
LUXURY SEDAN STYLE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
The design of the Equus is handsome and pleasing to the eye. The rear-end treatment is progressive with bold taillights, strong shoulders and an overall look of precision. This look is accomplished through fully-integrated asymmetrical exhaust tips and rear LED turn signal indicators. The side silhouette is refined, with character lines that accent the rear fenders. Up front is a subtle horizontal radiator grille and well-proportioned headlamps with jeweled detailing. LED turn signals are inside the HID headlamps along with an adaptive front lighting system with white LED position lamps. The lower air intakes are bold and add to the positive reaction of the overall design. To assist in parking, and navigating blind corners and alleys in urban driving, there is an optional forward-view cornering camera integrated into the grille.
CUTTING EDGE HUMAN TECHNOLOGY
The busy executive as well as the couple heading out on the town will feel right at home in the 2011 Equus due to abundant luxury touches and passenger comfort features. This ambience begins with superior quality of materials and design layout. The leather upholstery, Alcantara® headliner, natural wood trim and leather-wrapped French-stitched instrument panel showcase the richness of the Equus interior.
The seats are designed with adjustable driver thigh support, plenty of width, great range of adjustment, and heated and cooled functionality. Thermoelectric devices located in the seat backs and bottom cushions provide control for heating, cooling and humidity. There is ample leg and head room for drivers over six-feet tall and an optional massaging driver seat. In fact, Equus has more leg, head and shoulder room in the front and rear seats than the Lexus LS460.
The driver’s cockpit boasts an abundance of features and premium services. The Driver
Information System (DIS) provides navigation, XM Satellite Radio, HD Radio technology, hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and much more.
ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED AIR SUSPENSION
Driving dynamics are a critical element in every luxury sedan, and the Equus offers first-rate ride and handling characteristics without traditional compromises. Equus’ electronically controlled air suspension meets the challenge of the wide variety of road surfaces drivers face everyday. For drivers who enjoy a firm ride and more stability when cornering there is a sport setting with additional body control. For customers who wish their ride to be a little on the softer side there is a normal setting for more ride compliance.
In urban areas, the Equus is easy to maneuver and park, thanks to excellent steering and its electronic parking assist feature. While the Equus is large, it doesn’t feel over-sized or clumsy, that’s due to its 37.7 foot turning circle and variable-effort steering system.
On winding country and mountain roads, Equus benefits from the precise wheel control delivered by its five-link front and rear suspension geometry. This geometry is maximized through Continuous Damping Control (CDC) which continually monitors road and driving dynamics and adjusts damping force accordingly. The standard 19-inch chrome alloy wheel and tire package with staggered width (P245/45R19 front P275/40R19 rear) tires offers excellent gripping power and precise control.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES DELIVER UNCOMPROMISED SAFETY PERFORMANCE
Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Equus boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help prevent accidents, and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Equus continues the Hyundai tradition of offering key safety technologies, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags, electronic active head restraints, lane departure warning system and smart cruise control. Equus even has a Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM) that optimally manages ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.
Equus’ total of nine airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants and a driver’s knee airbag.
Hyundai’s lane departure warning system offers a warning light and chime after a one- second lane departure, and adds a haptic warning via the seatbelt after a three second lane departure.
Smart cruise control automatically manages the Equus’ speed through the braking and throttle systems to maintain a specified following distance selected by the driver.
The electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold enables the parking brake to hold the vehicle automatically when the vehicle stops, and deactivates as soon as the gas pedal is pressed.
Equus has an optional camera located on the front grille and a standard camera on the rear decklid. These cameras help detect how close objects are when parking. Distance is indicated on the in-dash LCD monitor.
Equus is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 13.6-inch front rotors have four-piston fixed calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single floating piston calipers.
LEXICON® AUDIO SYSTEMS TEAM WITH XM, HD RADIO™, AND APPLE TO OFFER UNRIVALED AUDIO PERFORMANCE AND CHOICE
Hyundai Genesis and Equus offer a Lexicon-branded state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology. The Lexicon surround sound audio system includes a 13-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing 608 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete surround sound audio. Equus also offers the clarity of digital HD Radio technology, XM Satellite Radio and iPod®/USB integration.
PRICING
The Equus will launch with a starting price in the mid $50,000 range.
Incentives push Toyota up 41%, Buick sales skyrocket up 76%
Why “Get Off My Back”? Because over the past few months as automakers like General Motors and Ford have begun the process of selling off or shutting down their under-performing brands, it’s become increasingly difficult to determine how well the healthy parts of these companies are doing. These doomed or waiting-to-be-sold brands have weighed each automaker down like a backpack full of lead, so it’s time to get them off their backs.
In this month’s edition of By the Numbers, we’ve included results for General Motors as a whole as well as just its four core brands of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, and for Ford we’ve included a separate result that doesn’t include Volvo. This is how these two major American automakers will be viewed going forward, and as you can see, their healthy parts took a shot of steroids in the right cheek during the month of March 2010.
GM’s core brands saw sales collectively rise by 43.3 percent versus March 2009. Likewise, without the weight of Volvo and its 17.6-percent drop in sales last month, Ford Motor Company sales were up 42.7 percent. Chrysler Group, which is essentially the same company selling the same vehicles it was before bankruptcy despite now being run by Fiat, managed to only fall 8.3 percent in sales versus 2009, which for them is practically a win.
Of course, Toyota is the hottest topic amongst last month’s sales results. After watching sales fall in February by 10.1 percent due to all the negative PR surrounding its sudden acceleration recalls, the beleaguered Japanese automaker fought back in March with its most aggressive sales incentives ever. The result: Customers came back and sales for the brand were up 40.5 percent versus the same month last year.
Brand/Company
Vol %
March 2010
March 2009
DSR %*
DSR 3/10
DSR 3/09
Buick
75.79
12,954
7,369
69.03
498
295
Subaru
46.38
23,785
16,249
40.75
915
650
Ford
45.55
159,367
109,490
39.96
6,130
4,380
GMC
44.86
27,648
19,086
39.29
1,063
763
Nissan
44.00
85,526
59,392
38.46
3,289
2,376
Lexus
42.00
20,219
14,239
36.54
778
570
Cadillac
41.78
11,639
8,209
36.33
448
328
Volkswagen
40.89
22,148
15,720
35.47
852
629
Chevrolet
40.61
133,165
94,704
35.20
5,122
3,788
Toyota
40.55
166,644
118,563
35.15
6,409
4,743
Infiniti
37.28
9,942
7,242
32.00
382
290
Audi
33.51
8,589
6,433
28.38
330
257
Acura
30.17
11,722
9,005
25.17
451
360
Mercedes-Benz
28.34
20,023
15,602
23.40
770
624
Mercury
26.23
10,486
8,307
21.38
403
332
Kia
23.45
30,522
24,724
18.70
1,174
989
Honda
21.63
96,540
79,374
16.95
3,713
3,175
Land Rover
21.26
2,726
2,248
16.60
105
90
Lincoln
18.92
8,693
7,310
14.35
334
292
Mitsubishi
17.62
5,434
4,620
13.10
209
185
Hyundai
15.42
47,002
40,721
10.99
1,808
1,629
Porsche
8.92
1,905
1,749
4.73
73
70
Mazda
5.55
23,193
21,974
1.49
892
879
BMW
3.08
18,060
17,520
-0.88
695
701
Jeep
2.62
24,393
23,771
-1.33
938
951
Chrysler
1.43
19,780
19,502
-2.48
761
780
Mini
0.14
3,610
3,605
-3.71
139
144
Ram
-11.17
18,944
21,327
-14.59
729
853
Jaguar
-16.27
983
1,174
-19.49
38
47
Volvo
-17.63
5,237
6,358
-20.80
201
254
Dodge
-18.94
29,506
36,401
-22.06
1,135
1,456
Smart
-61.23
677
1,746
-62.72
26
70
(Saturn)
-62.68
2,737
7,333
-64.11
105
293
(Hummer)
-64.62
294
831
-65.98
11
33
(Saab)
-89.49
133
1,265
-89.89
5
51
(Pontiac)
-99.38
109
17,583
-99.40
4
703
Suzuki
N/A
COMPANIES
Nissan NA
43.27
95,468
66,634
37.76
3,672
2,665
GM (Core Brands)
43.32
185,406
129,368
37.80
7,131
5,175
Ford (w/out Volvo)
42.71
178,546
125,107
37.23
6,867
5,004
Toyota Mo Co
40.71
186,863
132,802
35.30
7,187
5,312
Ford Mo Co
39.80
183,783
131,465
34.42
7,069
5,259
American Honda
22.50
108,262
88,379
17.79
4,164
3,535
General Motors
20.57
188,546
156,380
15.93
7,252
6,255
Jaguar LR NA
8.39
3,709
3,422
4.22
143
137
BMW Group
2.58
21,670
21,125
-1.37
833
845
Chrysler Group
-8.29
92,623
101,001
-11.82
3,562
4,040
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 26 selling days in March 2010 versus 25 selling days in March 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in the average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.
UPDATE: Audi added to chart and Saab sales, which are no longer reported by General Motors, corrected.
Mercedes-Benz is throwing everything at the small car game in what appears to be a bid to keep up with BMW, with BMW working to keep up with/stay ahead of Audi, when Audi was only trying to catch up to BMW in the first place. The Audi A1 was developed with the Mini in mind, now BMW is reportedly developing a sub-1 Series car, a car that could wear the Roundel and Mini badges to compete with… the A1… as well as a Megacity EV, and now Mercedes is apparently developing a sub A-Class car to compete with the Megacity.
For Mercedes, this would be in addition to the coming Smart ForFour, sub-C-Class AMG on the sketchboards and the BLK aimed at the Mini Countryman and X1 crossovers. Not much is known about the little Mercedes, but an insider has suggested to Autocar that it will be the length of the original A-Class, which was about 15 inches (338 mm) shorter than the current car. To pull that off, the Mega City challenger could be built on the next Smart ForFour platform. Got all that? It’s about to get really crowded at the shallow end of German pool.
Startech Jaguar XJ – Click above for high-res image gallery
The formidable three-dimensionality of the Jaguar XF simply doesn’t come across in photos, and it’s the much same with the 2011 XJ, an even more august and fulsome sedan. Startech addresses that matter, in photos and probably even more so in person, with its “program” for the XJ.
All of the subjects necessary for a car to graduate from German Tuning University are here: multi-ducted aero kit, new fenders with more vents, additional LEDs, lowered suspension, new exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels on low-profile tires. Extra credit is provided by the Alcantara interior options, and the “riverboat-design leather” that provides a “maritime ambiance,” and “miniature yacht” veneer. Because cats love water, see.
Get a triple scoop of info in the press release after the jump, and have a look at the Startech XJ’s primary angles in the high-res photos below.
Why “Get Off My Back”? Because over the past few months as automakers like 
