ESCORT Radar Announces a New Revolutionary Portable Radar and Laser Detector with GPS Intelligence and Safety Camera Database

Further expanding its technological leadership in the radar and laser detector industry, ESCORT Inc. announced today the next generation of its GPS-powered speed and location intelligent radar and laser detectors, the all-new PASSPORT 9500ix.

"This product will completely revolutionize the radar detector category" said Tim Coomer Vice President of Product Development. "Although we have developed and incorporated leading edge technology never seen in our category, the customer will be able to simply plug it in and drive. It's just that simple" continued Coomer.

In addition to its class-leading performance against radar and laser guns, the new PASSPORT 9500ix adds an all-new safety camera database and artificial intelligence to automatically eliminate false alarms. "We're excited about these new capabilities and believe that they provide our customers with the best defense against the latest speed measurement devices" said Coomer.

The use of safety cameras, including red light and fixed position speed cameras, is increasing throughout the U.S. and Canada every day. The PASSPORT 9500ix addresses this type of threat by including a pre-loaded database with thousands of these locations stored in its memory. As the driver approaches one of these locations, the PASSPORT 9500ix provides an advanced warning including the type of camera in use. In addition, the PASSPORT 9500ix's database can store speed trap and any other location using its Mark Location feature. "We believe speed cameras will continue to grow in popularity throughout North America. Given their low output power and angle to the road, our customers will have a clear advantage with this detector" continued Coomer.

To make it easy to stay up to date on new camera installations, ESCORT will provide database and firmware updates to its customers through their website. Customers simply connect the detector to their computer using a standard USB cable and log on to ESCORT's website. The PASSPORT 9500ix comes with free updates for 90 days, and annual subscriptions will be available for a nominal fee. Notifications for new updates will be communicated using email.

The PASSPORT 9500ix also builds upon ESCORT's patented GPS technology by introducing a new feature called AutoLearn. "Our new AutoLearn feature is the first artificial intelligence for a detector. As the customer drives, the PASSPORT 9500ix constantly analyzes all signals received and determines if it's a real threat or not. False sources, like automatic door openers and motion sensors, will be locked out automatically. Now the only alerts our customers will get are the ones that really count" said Coomer.

The PASSPORT 9500ix also incorporates ESCORT's exclusive "AutoSensitivity", which varies the radar performance based on the speed of the vehicle. At interstate speeds, the PASSPORT 9500ix's radar performance increases automatically to provide maximum sensitivity. At slower speeds, the sensitivity is adjusted to further reduce unneeded alerts, especially when the customer is not at risk.

"Bottom line, this detector provides the earliest possible warning of real threats, while automatically eliminating false alerts using our new artificial intelligence. It's truly a remarkable device for those who want the very best protection" added Coomer.

The PASSPORT 9500ix will be available direct from ESCORT in July. The suggested retail price will be $499.95. Consumers can call toll-free 800-433-3487 for more information or to place an order.

ESCORT created the high-performance radar detector market in 1978, and has been issued more patents in the radar detector field than all other manufacturers combined. ESCORT manufactures test-winning detectors under the PASSPORT, SOLO and Beltronics brands.

ESCORT Inc. is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio with its principal manufacturing facility located in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

For more information on the PASSPORT 9500ix log on to EscortRadar.com/9500ix.htm or for more information on ESCORT's full line of products, visit Escortradar.com.

Tesla Motors Initiates European Sales

The Tesla Roadster, a groundbreaking electric car that delivers super car performance with zero emissions and extreme energy efficiency, can now be reserved by European customers for delivery starting in the Spring of 2009.

Production of 250 special edition euro-spec Roadsters will be allocated for the entire EU region for 2009. This special edition, fully loaded car is priced at 99,000 Euro (excluding VAT) and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Residents in the EU and UK can reserve a car by contacting Tesla at eurosales@teslamotors.com or calling +1 650-413-6200.

The Tesla Roadster went into production in the U.S. on March 17, 2008. Over 1000 U.S. customers have reserved a Tesla Roadster. While U.S. demand is likely to exceed production capacity in 2009, this special allocation of 250 euro-spec roadsters will be reserved for the first European customers.

Tesla Motors Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Service, Darryl Siry, talked about Tesla’s expansion plans and the attractiveness of the European market on the company blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=75 , stating “since we launched the Tesla Roadster in the US, there has been extraordinary interest from European customers and media. Now that we are in production, we are excited to offer this groundbreaking car to Europeans who want to be the first on the continent to drive a car with extraordinary performance, beautiful styling, and zero emissions.”

The first official display of the Tesla Roadster in Europe will be at the Top Marques Monaco event from April 24th through April 27th. Information on the event can be found at http://www.topmarquesmonaco.com. Tesla officials will be on hand to greet customers and media.

Source: Tesla Motors

BuyAToyota.com Announces $400 College Grad Scion and Toyota Offer Extension

Many college graduates find it necessary to purchase a new vehicle, but this process can be difficult with student loans and new bills that are acquired after graduation. To help college graduates afford the new car they need and deserve, BuyAToyota.com proudly announces that eligible college graduates buying or leasing a new, untitled Toyota or Scion vehicle through March 31, 2009 will receive a $400 incentive from Toyota to use towards their purchase or lease of a Scion or Toyota.

The college graduate incentive program is now extended through March 31, 2009, which offers eligible customers an excellent opportunity to save on a new, untitled Toyota or Scion vehicle. Sponsored by the Toyota dealers of Central Atlantic Toyota when purchases or leases are made through Toyota Financial Services, other great program features include no monthly payments for 90 days when financing, no money down, security deposit waived when leasing, and complimentary roadside assistance for a year.

Eligible customers must graduate from an accredited four-year college, university, or registered nursing degree program in the next six months. The program is also open to those graduating from an accredited two-year college or enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program. In all cases, the student will have two years from receiving their degree to take full advantage of the program.

To be a part of the College Grad Club and receive information and updates regarding this great program, eligible college graduates now have the option of saving $400 on their new Toyota or Scion by text messaging "save400" to the number 68683 with standard text messaging rates applying.

In addition, BuyAToyota.com features several unique website applications. The site highlights great information on special offers, pricing, and features on every Toyota model. By simply entering in the zip code, the visitor can discover localized information including dealers, special offers, quotes, and much more.

As an interactive website, the research and shopping tools allow customers to pinpoint the appropriate location and deals for them. Designed strictly to provide information about Toyota incentives, special offers, local dealers, and inventory, BuyAToyota.com is the ideal place for prospective Toyota buyers.

To learn more about the Toyota and Scion $400 college graduate program including complete eligibility rules, terms, and restrictions, please visit a local, participating Toyota dealer or visit BuyAToyota.com.

About BuyAToyota.com
At interactive website, BuyAToyota.com features numerous online tools including research options, shopping tools, eBrochures, and competitive comparisons. With information on every Toyota model, prospective buyers are able to discover all the necessary information about their potential buy without ever leaving their computer. Additionally, BuyAToyota.com offers a comprehensive list of Toyota incentives and rebates. Designed to provide consumers with local dealers, incentives, and inventory, the BuyAToyota.com does not share information with third parties. To learn more about the latest Toyota sweepstakes, how to buy a Toyota, new car offers, or more, please visit BuyAToyota.com.

Source: PRWeb

Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Icon, Automotive Innovator and Star of TV's American Hot Rod Dies at 63

Boyd Coddington, the creative visionary who took hot rodding to an art form and custom wheels to a new level dies at 63. Coddington who was a long-time diabetic died from complications that were brought on from a recent surgery. It was Coddington's ever forward-looking view at the design of the hot rod and his unconditional desire to create the finest quality cars that became the "Boyd Look".

"It is a major loss for the automotive enthusiasts and hot rod aficionados around the world. Boyd Coddington did so much more than create automotive trends, he also built the finest hot rods. He was entertaining on his TV Show (TLC's- American Hot Rod) and an ambassador who educated," said Harry Hibler, former publisher of Hot Rod Magazine.

Coddington grew up in Idaho and was a car enthusiast from a young age. At age 12, young Boyd traded his prized shotgun for a Model A Ford, this began the legacy of the "Boyd Look". Moving to Southern California to chase his dreams of chrome and customizing, he first worked as a shop machinist at Western Gear. Then in the 1970's, Coddington found work as a maintenance repairman and machinist at Disneyland. Coddington would recount fondly his experience at Disneyland and the companys desire for perfection, a trait that he instilled in everyone who worked at his hot rod shops.

Coddington's first major opportunity at developing the "Boyd Look" was when Vern Luce bankrolled a dream. The "Vern Luce Coupe" was Boyd's vision of what could be done to create the ultimate 1933 Ford hot rod. Boyd would refer to his look as getting rid of the bumps and allowing the lines of the car to show. Coddington removed door handles, hinges and massaged the body dynamics in a way that no one had ever realized. To make the Vern Luce coupe even more dynamic was his trademark use of billet aluminum to create parts that were unique to evey hot rod. The result of his first creation was the prestigious "Sloanaker Award", which was the first of many.

Over his 30-year reign as the "King of Hot Rods", Coddington created dozens of hand-built hot rods and custom cars. Coddington has amassed numerous awards and was the first builder to ever win the America's Most Beautiful Roadster (A.M.B.R.) award six times. Collectively, Boyd created more respect for hot rods than ever thought possible, his hot rods have been shown in Museum exhibits and even on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine.

Coddington's innovations have become not just hot rodding touchstones, but influences that have helped the entire aftermarket industry flourish. Building cars that stand the test of time and have creative names such as CadZZilla, CheZoom, Aluma-Coupe, Smoothster, Boydster I and Boydster II set him apart from others. His client list also included ZZ Top, The Beach Boys, Van Halen's- Michael Anthony, Brad Penny of the LA Dodgers, Budweiser, White Cap, Sobe, Old Milwaukee Beer, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Hershey.

Boyd Coddington was also an entrepreneur with a driven desire to build his company and see his goal become reality. In the 1980's, Boyd literally reinvented the wheel by creating the billet wheel for hot rods. Coddington and long-time friend Lil' John Buttera found they could machine practically anything they needed from solid aluminum. It was Coddington who took the idea and made it commercially viable. In the 1990's, his hot rod shop and wheel company had grown and was so successful that he took the company public in an I.P.O. on NASDAQ.

Boyd Coddington was less known as a father of five boys and a man who had an infectious laugh. To many he was the under-the-gun, deadline-stomping star of "American Hot Rod" a persona that led some to believe he was cantankerous. Actually, Coddington was a humble and somewhat shy individual who loved kids and was a true philanthropist. Coddington has continually employed those who were mentally challenged and gave them a welcome environment in which to learn and work. Through his "Coddington Foundation", Boyd and his wife Jo gave to the community of La Habra as well as to an array of national charities.

Boyd Coddington was honored during his life as Hot Rod Magazine's "Man of the Year", he was inducted into numerous Hall's of Fame. His hit TV show "American Hot Rod" brought world wide notoriety and corporations sought his talents. The "Boyd Look" will live on and his spirit will forever remain the hot rodders inspiration.

Survived by his wife Jo Coddington and his five sons Boyd Coddington Jr, Christopher Coddington, Thomas McGee, Gregory Coddington and Robert McGee. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Coddington Foundation to benefit a variety of Boyd's favorite charities. Please address your donations to: Coddington Foundation, 811 E. Lambert Rd., La Habra, California, 90631

Services will be held on Wednesday March 5, 2008, 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 900 West La Habra Blvd., La Habra, California, 90631, (562) 691-0533. A reception will be held immediately following the service (Approximately 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at the Boyd Coddington Hot Rod's and Collectibles, 811 E. Lambert Rd., La Habra, California, 90631