Lexus today announced its sponsorship of three emerging designers during Fashion Week in New York. The sponsorships are part of Lexus' ongoing efforts to support the fashion and design industries and two of the sponsorships are a result of Lexus' recent participation in the Vogue/CFDA Awards (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

DaimlerChrysler has introduced the first fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as a supervisor's vehicle in the Sacramento area.

Less than two weeks after being named 2006's "Top Plant" by Plant Engineering magazine, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named BMW Manufacturing Co. LLC, and partner Durr Systems, Inc., as joint recipients of the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) "Energy Partner of the Year" award. The award was presented at today's 10th Annual LMOP Conference and Project Expo in Baltimore.

Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) has established a new standard for compact tractors in North America with its introduction of the Grand L40-series. By offering three types of advanced transmissions, powerful Kubota diesel engines and redesigned operator-station features, the Grand L40 enables users to work with confidence and in comfort. Owners can get the most out of this versatile tractor by including upgrades like the new factory-installed Grand Cab(TM), as well as loaders, backhoes and other performance-matched implements.

An impressive combination of ride comfort and agility is the hallmark ofthe new C-Class, which celebrated its world premiere today in Stuttgart. In front of some 600 international journalists from over 30 countries, Mercedes-Benz presented the remake of its biggest-selling model series, which sets a new benchmark with its vigorously elegant styling, state-of-the-art safety technology and versatile product concept.

Since its revival in 2003, the Russian automotive market has continued to catch the attention of foreign automotive players. Korean, European, American, Japanese, and Chinese brands are engaged into growing competition across the industry for new customers in all segments, while Russian OEMs have demonstrated their inability to keep up with market growth and increase their sales. At the same time, the Russian government has begun to stimulate the development of the automotive sector and is encouraging new vehicle and component OEMs to set up their production in Russia.

DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America announced today its planned partnership with SmarTire Systems Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SMTR) to supply tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems (TPMS) as a product upgrade.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that its thirteen-millionth retail sales delivery will occur sometime in mid-January. Volkswagen will celebrate this thirteen millionth sale milestone with special recognition for the lucky owner and the authorized Volkswagen dealer posting this significant sale.

Chrysler Group's sales continued to gain momentum outside North America and increased 15 percent over 2005. It was the highest amount of growth in the last 10 years, and the total sale of almost 207,000 vehicles made it the number-two sales year during that same time period.

At this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Mazda North American Operations will unveil -- for the first time ever -- its Ryuga design concept and its all-new Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). All attending media are invited to the formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007.