DAILY REPORTS

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin AMV8

Aston Martin has again reinforced the new direction the company is taking by unveiling a spectacular concept car that is destined to become the most significant model in the company's 89-year history.

Previously codenamed AM305, the Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage is the basis for a smaller third Aston Martin model, due to be launched in 2005, and will sit alongside the DB7 and the flagship Vanquish. The AMV8 Vantage will be hand-assembled at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art production facility at Gaydon, in the United Kingdom, which is currently under construction.

The AMV8 Vantage is a tailored two-seater sports car that retains a front mid-engine/rear-wheel drive layout. Its design work was undertaken by Henrik Fisker, Aston Martin's Design Director, and his key objective was to produce a thoroughly modern Aston Martin. Another aim was to ensure that the interior layout and equipment were unique to Aston Martin and could be easily carried over into the production car.

Maybach

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TV star Jay Leno presented the Maybach 62

The Maybach luxury brand is marketing the beginning of the 2003 automotive year in original style with the "Mybach Morning Show". Jay Leno, well known as the late night talk-show host on American TV and a connoisseur of fine cars, presented the Maybach 62 high-end luxury saloon in the style of a popular TV show at the Detroit Motor Show. 

The US is expected to account for 40% of Maybach sales and therefore is the most important single market.

Equipped with 21st-century automotive technology, built in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and designed with an extremely attentive eye for detail, this luxury car is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler’s expertise as the world’s oldest and most innovative car maker, reaping the benefits of the technical advances, know-how and unparalleled experience in the global luxury car segment developed over the years by Maybach’s sister brand Mercedes-Benz.

The newly developed engine presents compelling evidence of DaimlerChrysler’s many years of experience and wealth of expertise in the development, construction and manufacture of twelve-cylinder power units. The 5.5-litre bi-turbo Maybach engine develops 405 kW/550 hp, generating peak torque of 900 Newtonmetres as low down as 2300 rpm. These imposing performance figures give the “Type 12” powerplant a clear edge in terms of output and torque over its rivals in the series-produced saloon engine market.

Volkswagen 

Jens Neumann, Volkswagen

2003 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2003 Volkswagen Touareg, pronounced "Tour-regg," will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada beginning this summer and come in two initial versions -- one model equipped with a 3.2-liter, 220 horsepower V6 engine and another with a 4.2-liter, 310 horsepower V8.

"The Touareg redefines the limits of mobility and stretches the limits of freedom. It rewrites the story of what SUVs should be all about," said Dr. Jens Neumann, Volkswagen AG's member of the Board of Management in charge of North America.

Volkswagen also announced pricing for its V8 model, which will start at $40,700 in the United States ($60,550 Canadian).

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-class Estate

Scheduled for launch in March 2003 following the successful introduction of the Saloon version in spring 2002, the new Estate, like the Saloon, represents technological exclusivity at the highest level. The standard specification for the Estate reads like a list of major milestones in automotive technology: Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™), the electrohydraulic brake system incorporating new convenience functions such as Tailback Assist and Anti-stall Assist, load-adaptive self-levelling rear suspension, adaptive front airbags, two-stage belt force limiters and large windowbags, to name but a handful of the 20-plus innovations that form part of the standard package.

BMW

BMW xActivity Concept

The xActivity Concept Sports Activity Vehicle made its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Also making their world debuts were the 2004 3 Series Coupe and Convertible which not only feature updated styling but many technological enhancements as well. Fresh off its North American debut in Los Angeles, the BMW ALPINA ROADSTER V8 is also featured. Sharing the BMW spotlight at this year's NAIAS is the V12 powered 760Li luxury sedan and the all-new Z4 roadster.

This Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is an example of how sporty driving dynamics, enormous versatility and the pleasure open-air driving can be combined into one. The xActivity uses typical BMW SAV styling elements and proportions, such as a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which have been reinterpreted for a fresh and youthful appearance.

Toyota

Toyota Sienna Minivan

The all-new 2004 Sienna is a true born-and-bred American. The large percentage of its engineering design and development was done at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich. A significant amount of its styling, was penned at Toyota's CALTY Design Studio in Newport Beach, Calif. At launch, more than 90 percent of Sienna's content will be sourced from North American suppliers. Finally, Sienna will be built, exclusively, on an all-new assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton.

"The all-American Sienna has been improved, refined and enlarged in nearly every metric comparison," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. "The new Sienna will be defined by class-leading interior comfort, convenience, and flexibility that will meet the everyday driving needs of the American family."

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