Former competitors now partners (Muscatine Journal) MUSCATINE, Iowa - Mike s

Former competitors now partners (Muscatine Journal)
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Mike s Auto Sales, a used-car dealership, has been in business for the past 10 years. However, partners Mike Shonts and Casey Weikert joined forces just two years ago.

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Hanging Out: Ready for ice cream on a frosty Thursday (Portsmouth Herald)
The temperature was a chilly 6 degrees early Thursday morning - enough reason for some to crawl right back under the covers from which they awoke. But Nellie Ingram was bundled in some of her warmest winter attire. Wearing layers of her favorite color - red - she was also ready for some ice cream.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Fees sought from alleged junkyard operator (Bangor Daily News)
LINCOLN - The town proceeded in District Court on Friday to try to collect about $5,800 in fees from a resident who allegedly maintains illegal junkyards and owes the town $37,000 in fines.

Report: Cell phone talking while driving on the rise (CNN.com)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- More people than ever are turning their cars into personal phone booths, with a million and a half drivers gabbing on cell phones at any given time. Women and young people are the most common yakkers.

No end in sight for copper prices (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
First, it was high steel prices that squeezed profit margins of many manufacturers. Now, it's copper.

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited Announcement (The Auto Channel) The

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited Announcement (The Auto Channel)
The Waiver in respect of the Continuing Connected Transactions will expire on 31 December 2005. The connected transactions covered by the Waiver are set out in the paragraph headed "The Continuing Connected Transactions - Background of the Continuing Connected Transactions" below.

Former competitors now partners (Muscatine Journal)
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Mike s Auto Sales, a used-car dealership, has been in business for the past 10 years. However, partners Mike Shonts and Casey Weikert joined forces just two years ago.

No end in sight for copper prices (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
First, it was high steel prices that squeezed profit margins of many manufacturers. Now, it's copper.

Zone blocking keeps Broncos on march (The Buffalo News)
There are NFL teams that use a zone blocking scheme on running plays, and then there is Denver. No one has mastered the art of zone blocking like the Broncos, who have used the scheme to churn out 1,000-yard rushers the way Ford turns out automobiles.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Solutia to Buy Out Mexican Joint Venture Partner, Transaction Will Help Meet Increasing Global Demand for Solutia PVB (ChemPoint)
ST. LOUIS and PUEBLA, Mexico, November 28, 2005 -- Solutia Inc., the world leader in the production and sale of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement with Vitro Plan, S.A. de C.V. to purchase Vitro Plan's 51 percent stake in its joint venture with Solutia, known as Quimica M, S.A. de C.V. As a result, Solutia will become the sole owner of

Zone blocking keeps Broncos on march (The Buffalo News) There

Zone blocking keeps Broncos on march (The Buffalo News)
There are NFL teams that use a zone blocking scheme on running plays, and then there is Denver. No one has mastered the art of zone blocking like the Broncos, who have used the scheme to churn out 1,000-yard rushers the way Ford turns out automobiles.

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Mazda Miata MX-5 (Ellsworth American) Yes, as a matter of

Mazda Miata MX-5 (Ellsworth American)
Yes, as a matter of fact it is a good time of year to take a look at convertibles and sports cars. The last beautiful days of autumn may be quickly slipping into the shadows, sending us the signal that these beloved automobiles might be due for a long nap.

UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News (UPI)
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A Texas woman used money she got from a friend's charity agency to augment her breasts instead of treating cancer she claimed she'd developed.

More Drivers Than Ever Talk on Cell Phones (AP via Yahoo! News)
More people than ever are turning their cars into personal phone booths, with a million and a half drivers gabbing on cell phones at any given time. Women and young people are the most common yakkers.

Zone blocking keeps Broncos on march (The Buffalo News)
There are NFL teams that use a zone blocking scheme on running plays, and then there is Denver. No one has mastered the art of zone blocking like the Broncos, who have used the scheme to churn out 1,000-yard rushers the way Ford turns out automobiles.

WP: 2005 continues warming trend (MSNBC)
This year has been one of the hottest on record, scientists in the United States and Britain reported on Thursday.

Lowest-Priced New Vehicles for 2006Low price doesn't mean skimping on

Lowest-Priced New Vehicles for 2006
Low price doesn't mean skimping on safety equipment anymore; some lowest-priced new cars include six standard airbags.
Ann Job

Porsche Cayman S Premieres
The largest show in Europe, the Frankfurt show featured worldwide premieres of 80 concept and production vehicles.
Editors of MSN Autos

Frankfurt Motor Show Favorites
Public days for this huge auto show run through September 25, and concept cars continue to be a big draw. Our editors pick their ten favorites.
Editors of MSN Autos

New Jeep ConceptsTwo concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto

New Jeep Concepts
Two concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto show, provide a peek into the future of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand.
Editors of MSN Autos

Brokeback Mountain Leads Golden Globe Race With Seven Nominations (MTV Asia)
A movie-minded person might describe the lack of sunlight as Pitch Black -like, the odd silence to be similar to something out of Cast Away , or the barren streets to be reminiscent of Vanilla Sky . Indeed, as you drive across Los Angeles at 4 a.m., encountering only automobiles piloted by other journalists headed to the same destination, it's hard to not have movies on your mind.

New Jeep ConceptsTwo concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto

New Jeep Concepts
Two concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto show, provide a peek into the future of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand.
Editors of MSN Autos

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos

Sponsored Article: Data-Driven Decision Making Roadmap: How to Get to Rapid Cognition: Phase Three (Finance Technology Network)
In the last issue of this newsletter, we described the need for rapid cognition in insurance and the ability to achieve faster decision making, and we made the case for using Master Data Management as a way to assimilate, harmonize and distribute both structured and unstructured data across the enterprise.

Chevrolet of tomorrow: Back to the '50s (CNN Money)
There was a time when a big Chevrolet was considered cool. With fins, chrome and lots of style and flash, 1950s models like the Bel Aire were made to be noticed.

Tax better reflects value of vehicles (Columbian Missourian)
Boone County now factors extras into taxing automobiles. Vehicle owners in Boone County, especially those driving cars or trucks with lots of extras, may have been surprised when they opened their 2005 tax bills.

Brokeback Mountain Leads Golden Globe Race With Seven Nominations (MTV Asia)
A movie-minded person might describe the lack of sunlight as Pitch Black -like, the odd silence to be similar to something out of Cast Away , or the barren streets to be reminiscent of Vanilla Sky . Indeed, as you drive across Los Angeles at 4 a.m., encountering only automobiles piloted by other journalists headed to the same destination, it's hard to not have movies on your mind.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (Ellsworth American)
Yes, as a matter of fact it is a good time of year to take a look at convertibles and sports cars. The last beautiful days of autumn may be quickly slipping into the shadows, sending us the signal that these beloved automobiles might be due for a long nap.

U.S. Nov. Retail Sales Rise 0.3%; Ex-Autos Drop 0.3% (Update1)

U.S. Nov. Retail Sales Rise 0.3%; Ex-Autos Drop 0.3% (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. retail sales rose last month as automobile purchases rebounded and cheaper gasoline buoyed consumer confidence and left people with more money to spend on holiday gifts.

Top Sport Utilities on MSN Autos
The most popular sport-utility vehicles on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Fed Lifts Rate to 4.25%, Drops `Accommodation' Phrase (Update4) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Federal Reserve policy makers raised the main U.S. interest rate to 4.25 percent, the 13th rate boost in a row, and signaled they may soon end their run of increases.

New Jeep Concepts
Two concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto show, provide a peek into the future of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand.
Editors of MSN Autos

Federal trail funds no longer coming (St. Petersburg Times)
The money to improve air quality would have been 76 percent of funds expected for projects in 2004 to 2009.

A pair of Shelby Mustangs from Carroll himself (Autoblog)
Shelby Automobiles announced two new cars at the SEMA Show in Vegas back in November, and here we ve got a little closer look at them. The one on the right is the CS 6 , based on the V6-powered Mustang but with a Paxton supercharger pumping out over 350+ hp. Other performance parts include wheels from American Racing Wheels, Baer Brakes and a Borla Exhaust. Shelby also developed its

Chevrolet of tomorrow: Back to the '50s (CNN Money)
There was a time when a big Chevrolet was considered cool. With fins, chrome and lots of style and flash, 1950s models like the Bel Aire were made to be noticed.

2005 Frankfurt Motor Show
MSN Autos brings you highlights from one of Europe's major shows.
Editors of MSN Autos

Top Sport Utilities on MSN AutosThe most popular sport-utility vehicles

Top Sport Utilities on MSN Autos
The most popular sport-utility vehicles on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

Lowest-Priced New Vehicles for 2006
Low price doesn't mean skimping on safety equipment anymore; some lowest-priced new cars include six standard airbags.
Ann Job

Steel may stabilise at $350-400/tonne - Tata Steel (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)
MUMBAI, Dec 13 (Reuters) - World steel prices could settle at around current levels of $400 a tonne, and companies with access to own raw materials will be comfortable with that, a senior official at Tata Steel Ltd. said on Tuesday.

Colaizzi guilty in auto scam (Pittsburgh Live)
A Murrysville used-car salesman pleaded guilty on Monday to four felony counts of mail fraud in connection with an ongoing scheme to bilk dozens of customers out of more than $660,000.

Buying needed meds can be a hassle (Fort Wayne News-Sentinel)
Mold, pollen, animals, perfumes, dust Corey Roth of Fort Wayne is allergic to it all in some way. He s seen an allergist and used prescriptions and numerous over-the-counter products.

U.S. Economy: Retail Sales Rise Less Than Forecast (Update2) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. retail sales rose less than forecast last month as consumers pocketed some of their savings from lower gasoline prices instead of using the cash to splurge on holiday gifts.

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos

Tax better reflects value of vehicles (Columbian Missourian)
Boone County now factors extras into taxing automobiles. Vehicle owners in Boone County, especially those driving cars or trucks with lots of extras, may have been surprised when they opened their 2005 tax bills.

Silicon-Germanium Microchips Herald Applications From Radar To Space Exploration (Aerospace Online)
Georgia Tech scientists and engineers are pursuing the dictum that "smaller is better" to develop a new breed of highly-integrated silicon-based microchips capable of operating in ultra-sophisticated radar systems and in new generations of NASA spacecraft.

Tops in Vehicle SatisfactionNissan models are big winners in this

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos

A pair of Shelby Mustangs from Carroll himself (Autoblog)
Shelby Automobiles announced two new cars at the SEMA Show in Vegas back in November, and here we ve got a little closer look at them. The one on the right is the CS 6 , based on the V6-powered Mustang but with a Paxton supercharger pumping out over 350+ hp. Other performance parts include wheels from American Racing Wheels, Baer Brakes and a Borla Exhaust. Shelby also developed its

`Mother Road' goes mini (Chicago Tribune)
John Ruh leans into the basement room where the washer and dryer used to be. "Let me show you the light on the Mojave," he says enthusiastically. "Watch this."

Frankfurt Motor Show Favorites
Public days for this huge auto show run through September 25, and concept cars continue to be a big draw. Our editors pick their ten favorites.
Editors of MSN Autos

AirPark Business Center set for takeoff after two years aground

AirPark Business Center set for takeoff after two years aground (BizJournals)
TAMPA -- An office/industrial project in the works for much of the past two years is finally going up north of Tampa International Airport.

Business Notes (Corsicana Daily Sun)
The practice of servicing automobiles has evolved from years past. Dealerships are now equipped with cutting-edge information technology and advanced computer equipment, which requires automotive technicians to be more skilled than ever before.

A pair of Shelby Mustangs from Carroll himself (Autoblog)
Shelby Automobiles announced two new cars at the SEMA Show in Vegas back in November, and here we ve got a little closer look at them. The one on the right is the CS 6 , based on the V6-powered Mustang but with a Paxton supercharger pumping out over 350+ hp. Other performance parts include wheels from American Racing Wheels, Baer Brakes and a Borla Exhaust. Shelby also developed its

New Jeep Concepts
Two concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto show, provide a peek into the future of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand.
Editors of MSN Autos

It's a date (The Sacramento Bee)
The shopping/gift-giving season is in full swing and, as usual, you're running out of time.

Forecast '06: Major Tech Trends and Companies to Watch (TechNewsWorld.com)
Microsoft's launch of the Windows Live service this year and its plans to launch Office Live service next year highlights clearly an aggressive overall push toward providing software as a service. Even Google is reported to be in this game.

Carbon monoxide: the silent killer (Dexter Daily Statesman)
With the weather in the region plummeting into the single digits, many area residents are flocking to their thermostats and turning up the heat in their homes.

Tops in Vehicle SatisfactionNissan models are big winners in this

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos

Week in review (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
ANTRIM Township appeals case to Supreme Court ELK RAPIDS - Township officials will appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court in a contentious case involving the township, an area gun club and a dying woman's final wishes.

AirPark Business Center set for takeoff after two years aground (BizJournals)
TAMPA -- An office/industrial project in the works for much of the past two years is finally going up north of Tampa International Airport.

Artists, craft makers describe difficulty of surviving on passion (Billings

Artists, craft makers describe difficulty of surviving on passion (Billings Gazette)
BOZEMAN - Shelley Sechrist makes jewelry with a message. "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity" declares her most popular pin. Another says, "If you build it, they will come. So don't build it."

Ads use bright lights to earn big money (Kansas City Star)
Coming soon to a highway near you blaringly bright billboards with a bit of Las Vegas glitz and Times Square sizzle. The looming, sometimes mesmerizing, high-resolution LED electronic billboards are slowly replacing old-fashioned static ones lining the highways of the metropolitan area.

Business Notes (Corsicana Daily Sun)
The practice of servicing automobiles has evolved from years past. Dealerships are now equipped with cutting-edge information technology and advanced computer equipment, which requires automotive technicians to be more skilled than ever before.

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos

TAYLOR MAKES KEEPING GOODYEAR IN TYLER PERSONAL MISSION (Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Billy Taylor is glad to be home. After years of working with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in several parts of the country, the Fort Worth native was delighted to return to the Lone Star State and the Tyler Goodyear plant, formerly the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., where he began his career.

New Jeep ConceptsTwo concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto

New Jeep Concepts
Two concept vehicles, unveiled at Europe's largest auto show, provide a peek into the future of DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand.
Editors of MSN Autos

From Marion to Mississippi (South Coast Today)
MARION -- George Pina was in awe when he popped a video into his VCR. "I saw what used to be housing developments," Mr. Pina said. "There were driveways and roads, but no houses -- just flat land everywhere. It was devastating."

TAYLOR MAKES KEEPING GOODYEAR IN TYLER PERSONAL MISSION (Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Billy Taylor is glad to be home. After years of working with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in several parts of the country, the Fort Worth native was delighted to return to the Lone Star State and the Tyler Goodyear plant, formerly the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., where he began his career.

Lowest-Priced New Vehicles for 2006
Low price doesn't mean skimping on safety equipment anymore; some lowest-priced new cars include six standard airbags.
Ann Job

Riding in cars with boys (Boston Globe)
Exactly one week after he got his driver's license, Todd Stratford, age 16, sits on the floor of a friend's garage, painting the brake calipers of the black 1991 Acura Integra he bought for $3,100 with money he'd been saving since he started working at 14. ''It was dropped off on July 4," he says, ''which I thought ...

Preview: 2006 Ford Fusion
Ford's most important sedan launch since the Taurus.
Perry Stern

Solutia to Buy Out Mexican Joint Venture Partner, Transaction Will Help Meet Increasing Global Demand for Solutia PVB (ChemPoint)
ST. LOUIS and PUEBLA, Mexico, November 28, 2005 -- Solutia Inc., the world leader in the production and sale of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement with Vitro Plan, S.A. de C.V. to purchase Vitro Plan's 51 percent stake in its joint venture with Solutia, known as Quimica M, S.A. de C.V. As a result, Solutia will become the sole owner of

Tops in Vehicle Satisfaction
Nissan models are big winners in this annual vehicle satisfaction study.
Editors of MSN Autos