BMW and Subaru Take the Lead in TrueCar’s Might 2012 Efficiency Scorecards for Manufacturers and Brands

On May 20th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Automotif

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – TrueCar.com, the authority in new car pricing, trends and forecasting released its Performance Scorecards for automotive manufacturers and brands. The Performance Scorecards grade each manufacturer and brand on eight different measurements including pricing, sales, incentives, customer loyalty, market share, and days in inventory.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110118/LA31413LOGO)

Overall, the top manufacturers on the Scorecards in April were BMW, Subaru, and Jaguar/Land Rover. Near the bottom of the list were Mazda, Suzuki, and Volvo. The brands that received the highest grades were BMW, Fiat, Kia, and Audi. The brands with the lowest grades were Mazda, Suzuki, and Volvo.

The manufacturers with the largest gains, from March 2012 to April 2012 were:

  • BMW moved from a B- to an A+
  • Volkswagen moved from a B- to a B+
  • General Motors moved from a C+ to a B
  • Mazda moved from a D+ to a C

The manufacturers with the steepest declines, from March 2012 to April 2012 were:

  • Ford moved from an A+ to a B-
  • Toyota moved from a B+ to a B-
  • Mitsubishi moved from an B to a C+
  • Volvo moved from a C to a D+

Below are the highest and lowest manufacturer and brand rankings by TrueCar.com:

Highest Grades by Manufacturer

 

Lowest Grades by Manufacturer

Rank

Manufacturer

Grade

Rank

Manufacturer

Grade

1

BMW

A+

1

Mazda

C

2

Subaru

A

2

Suzuki

C-

3

Jaguar/Land Rover

A

3

Volvo

D+







 

Highest Grades by Brand

 

Lowest Grades by Brand

Rank

Brand

Grade

Rank

1 (tie)

BMW

A+

1

Volvo

D-

1 (tie)

FIAT

A+

2 (tie)

Suzuki

D

2 (tie)

Kia

A

2 (tie)

Mazda

D

2 (tie)

Audi

A

3 (tie)

Mitsubishi

D+

2 (tie)

Land Rover

A

3 (tie)

Infiniti

D+




3 (tie)

Nissan

D+

For more information on the Performance Scorecards, visit blog.truecar.com. 

About TrueCar, Inc.

TrueCar, Inc. is an online automotive information and communications platform focused on creating a better car buying experience for dealers and consumers.  Consumers want a hassle-free car buying experience and dealers want high-quality sales velocity.  TrueCar helps achieve these goals by providing unbiased market information on new car transactions and by supplying an online communications platform through which dealers and consumers can communicate with each other.  TrueCar’s market-based information provides both consumers and dealers with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of what others actually paid recently for similar vehicles, both locally and nationally.  TrueCar’s communications platform then allows informed, ready-to-buy consumers to communicate directly with participating dealers.  Some of the nation’s largest and most well respected membership and service organizations rely on websites powered by TrueCar to help educate their members and customers who are in the automotive market.  TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, and has offices in San Francisco, CA, and Austin, TX.  After experiencing dramatic growth since 2006, TrueCar is developing a suite of products and services centered on radical clarity through the comprehensive analysis of market data and information.  TrueCar’s participating dealer partners have sold over 500,000 new vehicles to TrueCar users nationwide.

You can follow TrueCar on Twitter and become a fan of TrueCar on Facebook. 

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein is for noncommercial use on “as-is, as available” basis and may be used for informational purposes only.  TrueCar makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information contained in this press release and the results of the use of such information, including but not limited to implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.  The information contained in this press release may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.  Neither TrueCar nor any of its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or respective partners, officers, or directors, employees or agents shall be held liable for any damages, whether direct, incidental, indirect, special or consequential, including without limitation lost revenues or lost profits, arising from or in connection with your use or reliance on the information presented in this press release.

SOURCE TrueCar.com

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7-Eleven Plans to Break International, Domestic Shop-Growth Records Set in 2011

On May 20th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Online Store

DALLAS, May possibly 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Following shattering each its international and domestic shop growth records last year, 7-Eleven, Inc. is in line to have an even larger year in 2012. The world’s largest retailer by units added far more than 4,600 stores worldwide in 2011 and plans to continue the company’s accelerated growth.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101208/DA14293LOGO)

Some 600 additional retailers were built, acquired or transitioned from another business to the 7-Eleven® brand in the United States and Canada alone in the course of 2011. This year, 7-Eleven’s aim is to exceed that number by adding at least 630 new stores to its U.S. and Canada roster by year end.

Given that 2003, 7-Eleven has virtually doubled its global retailer count, from 25,000 to a lot more than 46,000. Today, a new 7-Eleven retailer opens somewhere in the globe approximately every two hours. 

7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto mentioned, “7-Eleven’s U.S. growth technique contains developing higher market place presence and adding top quality places in metropolitan locations exactly where the firm currently has shops as a signifies to improve efficiencies and leverage the company’s scale and day-to-day-delivery infrastructure.           

“The financial strength of 7-Eleven has enabled us to grow aggressively, even in what has been a difficult economic environment for a lot of businesses in the past four years,” DePinto added.

“In the world of genuine estate and development, it has been a buyer’s market place, and we have been in the enviable position to capitalize on property and space availability plus 7-Eleven’s sturdy credit rating,” stated 7-Eleven Genuine Estate Vice President Dan Porter.

Around 56 percent of 7-Eleven’s growth in the U.S. last year was the outcome of several acquisitions that elevated retailer density in New York, Florida, Illinois, Colorado and the Northwest. The most substantial 2011 purchase was Wilson Farms Inc., a Buffalo-based convenience store chain with 188 outlets in New York state. The strategic move reinvigorates the company’s presence in Western New York. 

7-Eleven is re-entering two markets – Jacksonville, Fla., and Charlotte, N.C. – where it previously had operated stores until the 1980s. The firm also has announced plans to double its 20-retailer presence in Manhattan in the subsequent year and grow to about 135 units by 2017.

The buying pace shows no signs of slowing in 2012. Currently this year, 7-Eleven has acquired 55 places from Sam’s Mart in the Carolinas and 51 from ExxonMobil in North Texas.  More acquisitions are expected to be announced in the coming months.

“We have successfully increased 7-Eleven’s store footprint in several of our most dynamic markets,” Porter mentioned. “Year to date, 7-Eleven already has added more than 200 new locations, in North America. We think we are adding a lot more new places this year around the globe than any other organization and are the second fastest-developing food retailer in the U.S., based on new retailer openings”

As its shop count rises, so as well, do the franchising possibilities for qualified businessmen and females to be their own boss. In the U.S., 80 percent of 7-Eleven’s shops are franchised. More than 300 are franchised via the company’s company conversion system whereby independent operators convert their shops to the 7-Eleven brand with the store owner becoming a 7-Eleven franchisee.  And, 25 shops have been franchised via the company’s decreased franchise-fee supplying for qualified military veterans, which began in 2009. 

Approximately 10 to 12 full- and portion-time retailer associates are employed by each shop in the U.S., infusing dollars into the nearby economy. In total, some two,000 new jobs and organization opportunities are created every year in the U.S. as a outcome. When 7-Eleven adds new retailers or remodels existing or newly acquired outlets, communities benefit due to the fact 7-Eleven will add to tax revenues and generate far more possibilities for the construction industry and suppliers. 

About 7-Eleven
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and biggest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses a lot more than 9,200 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are around 46,400 7-Eleven retailers in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven retailers worldwide created total sales close to $ 76.6 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades consist of: #2 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Cash #three spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2012, #three in Forbes magazine’s Leading 20 Franchises to Start, and #2 in Franchise Occasions Best 200 Franchise Companies. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Businesses that supply the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is ranked amongst the Best 100 Military-Friendly Companies, a list published annually by GI Jobs magazine and was the only food retailer included.  Also, the organization received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer due to the fact of the company’s private-label brand initiative. 7-Eleven is franchising its retailers in the U.S. and expanding by way of natural growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion System. Uncover out much more on-line at www.7-Eleven.com.

Source 7-Eleven, Inc.

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Volvo Group Emphasizes Need for Sustainable Solutions to Minimize Environmental Footprint

On May 20th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Automotif

MIAMI, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – In an effort to encourage dialogue and action and to continue in its commitment toward reducing its environmental impact, the Volvo Group recently hosted two sustainability-related seminars during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Miami.

The Volvo Group’s vision is to become the world leader in sustainable transport solutions by continuously introducing safer and more efficient products and pioneering solutions. Part of Volvo Group’s sustainability commitment includes raising awareness about environmental issues.

“Environmental care is one of the Volvo Group’s core values,” said Olof Persson, president and CEO of the Volvo Group. “Sustainability is critical to reducing the negative impact on the environment, but we must broaden its scope to include the economic and social point of view. I envision a transportation system that enables high productivity through energy-efficient solutions that are safe and secure for people and goods.”

“Mobility and Quality of Life in Megacities,” was focused on transportation, infrastructure, environment and other challenges facing large urban areas. The second seminar, “Corporate Climate Summit 2012,” presented in cooperation with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), fostered dialogue among business leaders about innovative strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting climate protection.   

Persson delivered the keynote address during the Corporate Climate Summit, followed by Ralph Reid, vice president of Corporate Responsibility at Sprint.

“We must close the gap between existing efforts to tackle climate change and what’s needed for a safer future,” said Lou Leonard, managing director of climate change at WWF. “WWF applauds Volvo for stepping forward to reduce its carbon emissions and help make our communities safer and healthier by preparing for the impacts from a changing climate.”

The Volvo Group was the world’s first automotive manufacturer to join Climate Savers, the WWF program that engages multinational companies to establish ambitious targets and voluntarily reduce their emissions. A recent report stated that Climate Savers companies have collectively cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 million metric tons since 1999. Volvo Group committed to reducing the total amount of CO2 emitted during the lifetime of trucks manufactured and sold from 2009 to 2014 by 13 million tons compared with trucks manufactured in 2008. This agreement was expanded in January 2012 to include Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses.

“Reducing emissions often results in improved efficiencies and cost savings, which provide economic and environmental benefits,” Persson said. “Our climate change challenge is significant. We hope more companies will commit to follow the leadership of those represented here today.”

During the Mobility and Quality of Life in Megacities seminar, Enrique Penalosa, former mayor of Bogota, Colombia and board president of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, provided the keynote address, followed by Jack Osterholt, deputy Mayor of Miami-Dade County. 

“Miami-Dade County is grateful to Volvo for bringing these important seminars to the Miami-Dade community,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Moving goods and people efficiently contributes to our sustainability goals, building our local economy and improving the quality of life for our residents.” 

“The number of megacities around the world grappling with congestion, noise and pollution is growly rapidly,” said Tore Backstrom, senior vice president of Volvo Buses. “Volvo is committed to help these megacities find solutions to these challenges. Telematics, electromobility and greater use of well-to-wheel efficient renewable fuels will all contribute to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.” 

Earlier this year, Volvo Group expanded its climate savers commitment with WWF to include Volvo Buses and Volvo Construction Equipment. Under this commitment, Volvo Buses will expand the number of field tests with plug-in hybrid buses.

The events were conducted in conjunction with the Volvo Ocean Race – the “Mount Everest of Sailing” and one of the most demanding team sporting events in the world. Miami is the only North American stopover during this race between 10 ports covering 39,000 nautical miles. 

The Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and one of the world’s leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs almost 118,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2011 amounted to nearly $ 47.8 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.

For further information, please contact John Mies, phone 336-393-4300, email john.mies@volvo.com

SOURCE Volvo Group

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Dickey’s Signs Lease in Orange Park

On May 20th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Online Store

ORANGE PARK, Fla., May 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is steering growth to Orange Park. New Owner’s David and Bridgette Lowe just signed a lease and are ready to bring slow smoke barbecue to the area.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120411/DA84396LOGO)

“We chose Dickey’s because they have a great business model,” said new franchise owner David Lowe. “They have a good track record in supporting the military and getting involved in local communities and charities – that was important to us.”

David is a Florida native.  He served in the United States Air Force and the Florida Air National Guard as an E-8 Senior Master Sergeant. David and his wife, Bridgette have been married for 13 years and have two children.

A recent study shows that veteran-owned franchises generate more than $ 41 billion annually and employ 1.5 million people. G.I. Jobs Magazine recently name Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants as a Top Military Friendly Franchise for 2012.  Dickey’s discounts franchise fees for all honorably discharged veterans who meet the franchise criteria and are approved through the application process.  The honor of being ranked as a Military Friendly Franchise is only shared by 10% of all franchises nationwide.

“I’m proud to welcome the Lowes into the Dickey’s family,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., president of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “As a veteran, David has provided our country with a great service and we are happy to be part of this next phase in his life.”

Dickey’s Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked onsite in each restaurant. For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants
Founded in 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey’s is now the world’s largest barbecue chain. Currently, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants is located in 42 states and over 220 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey’s: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey’s Barbecue

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Flashlight∞ – YummyApps Inc.

On May 20th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in ITunes Store
Flashlight∞artwork

Flashlight∞

YummyApps Inc.



Genre: Utilities



Release Date: February 22, 2012


☀ $ 1.99 to FREE for the LAST DAY ☀
Instantly turns your iPhone into a super bright flashlight.

- Brightest.
- NO ADS!!!
- COMPASS.
- CLOCK.
- STROBE LIGHT.
- SOS MODE!
- Least battery consumption.
- Fastest to open.
- Easiest to use.

Disclaimer: Continued use of flashlight may significantly reduce the battery life.

© 2011 Langki

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