News Hub | News Direct

Transportation

Airlines Automotive Electric Vehicles Logistics Maritime
Article thumbnail News Release

ENEOS brings Dazzling array of Booth Cars and New Products to SEMA 2024

ENEOS USA

ENEOS – Japan’s largest oil company and supplier of motor oil and transmission fluids to the majority of Asian vehicle manufacturers – will be located in booth #24133 in Central Hall at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week. The company supplies lubricating oil to Japanese and Asian manufacturers for factory fill around the world. It also provides the aftermarket with premium vehicle lubricants and is introducing a new line of EV/Hybrid fluids to assist with long term vehicle maintenance. The ENEOS booth will highlight its activities in the performance aftermarket, high-performance motorsports, and showcase its most advanced products. ENEOS display vehicles will be located throughout the show to capture the essence of ENEOS and its commitment to performance. ENEOS booth #24133 will feature a pair of high-profile vehicles, including a widebody 1971 Datsun 240Z and 1972 Toyota Celica. Both feature significant engine upgrades in addition to bodywork and chassis modifications that will appeal to performance enthusiasts. Additionally, ENEOS invited two vehicles from its annual Show Car Contest. A 1960 Renault Dauphine with a mid-engined VW VR6 engine conversion and 1100hp Mk4 Toyota Supra will both be displayed in Silver Lot V024 and V025. Details and photographs of all four vehicles are available below and in the News section on the ENEOS website here: eneos.us 1971 DATSUN 240Z The ENEOS booth #24133 will feature John Lau's “Devil Z” Datsun 240Z (S30), which was inspired by the anime manga series Wangan Midnight. The project is a collaboration between Lau and designer Jon Sibal – a SEMA veteran who designed the Datsun’s muscular widebody styling, also incorporating a Skillard custom front splitter and rear diffuser. The wider fenders allowed significantly bigger 17x11.5” front, 18x13” rear Work Meister M1 wheels with Toyo Proxes R888R tires. And with all that grip, the owner wanted to ensure the ENEOS-lubricated engine was up to the challenge, so he installed a Datsun 280ZX L28 bored to L30 with forged 87mm flat-top pistons, forged H-beam connecting rods, and a ported and polished P90 head. A Garrett G35-900 turbo was mounted on a Protuner ZTurbo manifold and downpipe, which forces air into a fabricated intake plenum with 47mm velocity stacks. Everything is controlled by a Haltech 2500 ECU programmed for E85 and providing traction control. Power is transmitted through a Nissan G37 six-speed transmission to a Ford Super 8 diff. Apex Engineered takes care of the major suspension components while Turbohoses crafted 340mm carbon-ceramic rotors to ensure the 240Z could stop efficiently. The car features a number of special emblems and easter eggs for visitors to find. These include billet pitchfork emblems on the exterior, a billet "Devil Z" oil cap under the hood, and personalized "Devil Z" Speedhut gauges inside. The car was assembled and painted by Supreme Auto Body, finished in Porsche PTS San Marino Blue Metallic. You’ll find the full spec on John’s “Devil Z” here: eneos.us 1972 TOYOTA CELICA Displayed alongside the 240Z in ENEOS booth #24133 is the first-generation Toyota Celica belonging to veteran racer, Formula DRIFT team manager and engineer, Stephan Papadakis. The barn find-turned-showpiece is Steph’s personal project, which has been chronicled on his popular social media channels, gaining hundreds of thousands of views. The 1972 Celica had been sitting for more than 20 years before Steph discovered it and began his off-season passion project to keep himself busy in between Formula DRIFT competition. The restoration included a bare metal bodywork overhaul, while the rare 18R-G four-cylinder, eight-valve, twin-cam engine was fully rebuilt and bored to 2.2 liters. Lubricated by ENEOS motor oil, it was converted to dual 44 Mikuni PHH side-draft carburetors and runs a Link ECU thanks to a full motorsport-spec wiring harness to enhance reliability. The engine produced 170hp close to its 8000rpm maximum, necessitating four-piston Wilwood big brakes front and rear. Steph significantly upgraded the suspension using JRZ dampers, Techno Toy Tuning front spindles and tension control rods, Annex Suspension caster and camber plates, four-link rear suspension and panhard bar. Steph was able to increase wheel and tire widths thanks to TRD-style fender flares, which were produced by Toy Garage along with a lip spoiler and rear wing to enhance the Celica’s road presence. The new fenders accommodate custom 15” three-piece wheels inspired by Tom’s heritage design. For anybody unfamiliar with Stephan Papadakis, he established an unbeatable reputation in Import Drag Racing, building the first front-wheel-drive, tube-chassis drag car. He then set records with the world’s fastest FWD and RWD Hondas, the first import driver to break 6sec, and the first to exceed 180mph. Steph was the 1999 SEMA Import Racer of the Year, 2000 NIRA Pro Comp Champion, 2001 NIRA Pro FWD Champion and IDRC Outlaw Class Champion. Joining Formula DRIFT in 2004, Papadakis Racing has won the PRO Championship in 2007 and 2008 with Tanner Foust driving, as well as 2015, 2021 and 2022 with Fredric Aasbo at the wheel of the 1200hp Toyota GR Supra. During the interim years, Papadakis cars have placed in the top three on numerous occasions, and Steph himself has been voted Formula Drift Team Manager of the Year several times. The Papadakis Racing Rockstar Energy / Toyota Racing GR Supra has been a regular podium contender using ENEOS motor and gear oils. Steph also uses ENEOS lubricants in all his personal projects, including the 1972 Toyota Celica. You’ll find the full spec on Steph’s Celica here: eneos.us 1960 RENAULT DAUPHINE As the winner of the 2024 ENEOS x Pit+Paddock Show Car Contest, 20-year Navy veteran Justin Cashmore was invited to display his car outdoors at SEMA. Having retired in 2019, he found time to “build stuff I like in the best way I can.” Stationed in Japan, Italy, Florida, and California, he found inspiration in automotive trends around the world, which he’s been able to translate into various builds, including his extraordinary Renault. Justin “pulled the car out of the desert” in 2017 and it became a Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finalist in 2019. It’s since been featured by Stanceworks, Autopia LA, Hoonigan and Avants before being chosen as our winner of the ENEOS x Pit+Paddock Show Car Contest. While the Renault wears its patina with pride, Justin’s Group 5 racing-inspired carbon fiber widebody, which extended the car 22” wider than stock, might distract you from its mid-engined layout. Sitting transversely behind the rear firewall is a 2.8L Volkswagen VR6 24v engine. Thanks to a United Motorsports tune, custom intake and exhaust, the VR6 develops 230hp. The power is transmitted by a VW 02M six-speed transmission with Peloquin limited-slip differential. The driver sits on the right side of the cockpit inside the custom chassis and is protected by a “bumper-to-bumper” rollcage. The chassis allowed Justin to build a custom pushrod/bellcrank suspension system, incorporating NASCAR take-off Schroeder sway bars. The custom fenders accommodate 17” Felgen Factory wheels with extra-wide Toyo R888R rubber and a Wilwood big brake kit. You’ll find the full spec on Justin’s remarkable Dauphine here: eneos.us 1995 TOYOTA SUPRA As a runner-up in the 2024 ENEOS x Pit+Paddock Show Car Contest, Leo Barrit was invited to display his Mk4 Supra JZA80 outdoors at SEMA. Based in San Diego, Leo has owned the car for the last 12 years and used his time productively to build it to an incredible specification. The highlights included a fully rebuilt 2JZ-GTE VVTi engine, which was stroked to 3.3L with a Brian Crower billet crank, 272 cams, gears, and a Ferrea valvetrain, featuring custom Hypertune cam covers, intake manifold, and fuel rail. Fitted with a custom twin-turbo setup, it uses BorgWarner EFR 7163 turbos, Turbosmart internal wastegates and blow-off valves, plus a custom manifold and hand-welded titanium piping. In this state, the engine develops more than 1100hp. The Supra features a unique Varis widebody kit that blends Ridox fenders with Solid and Joker aero pieces. It’s complemented by a Varis carbon fiber hood, canards and GT wing. Advan RZ-DF2 wheels were wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires, while Brembo GT-S six-piston monobloc front calipers and four-piston rears were hard anodized black and provide optimal braking. The Supra has KW V3 coilovers with Stanceparts air cups to provide driveway clearance. The interior features period-correct Recaro Tomcat seats in yellow Kevlar fabric with matching rears. There’s also a matching steering wheel and Alcantara headliner, both with hand-stitched yellow accents. The sound system utilizes an Alpine ILX-507 head unit and Focal Flax EVO speakers plus a 10" JL subwoofer in a custom enclosure powered by a Focal amp. You’ll find the full spec on Leo’s mouthwatering Supra here: eneos.us TEAM ENEOS FORMULA DRIFT AUTOGRAPH SESSION WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2PM ENEOS BOOTH #24133 IN CENTRAL HALL All 2024 SEMA Show attendees are invited to join Team ENEOS for an autograph session featuring its Formula DRIFT driver line-up including: ● Fredric Aasbo – three-time Formula DRIFT PRO Champion ● Dai Yoshihara – ENEOS ambassador and 2011 FD PRO Champion ● Odi Bakchis – Team Feal owner and 2024 FD PRO runner-up ● Simen Olsen – 2024 Team Feal FD PRO driver ● Faruk Kugay – FD PROSPEC driver and ENEOS ambassador ● Stephan Papadakis – owner and team manager of Papadakis Racing ● Hana Burton – ENEOS ambassador and driver ENEOS NEW PRODUCTS As a global R&D partner and technology innovator for many of the world’s automotive manufacturers, ENEOS constantly strives to provide applications for emerging transportation developments in line with global lubricant market trends. Making its debut at SEMA 2024 are four products in the ENEOS EV/Hybrid Line. The first is e-Axle Fluid, which was developed specifically for e-axles on electrified vehicles. This breakthrough formulation uses state-of-the-art ENEOS base oil technology to provide superior thermal and oxidation breakdown resistance compared to traditional ATF or Gear Oil. The low viscosity e-axle Fluid flows better at low temperatures than conventional oils, further improving energy efficiency. Additionally, ENEOS will introduce its new 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant, which is a high-performance, extended life antifreeze with high heat transfer capability specifically designed for the cooling systems of EV, Hybrid, and Plug-in-Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, as well as all types of diesels, gasoline and NG/LPG Internal Combustion Engines. The ENEOS Super Extended Life coolant offers its latest Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) formulation. Designed for complete protection for all cooling systems and designed to cool electronic components with non-depleting corrosion inhibitors and maintenance-free protection. There are three formulations available, differentiated by Pink, Blue and Green coloring, with specific applications for vehicles from the major electric vehicle OEMs and a wider range of hybrid vehicles. More information on the ENEOS EV/Hybrid Line is available at eneos.us EDITOR’S NOTE Images of the ENEOS booth vehicles are available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/j3hylpzkvz2bg0immz9b9/ACIADzQx0ctt0JdlBe9puUU?rlkey=5jr89zd9pvz2o05xy3wu5362f&dl=0 You’ll find this release, complete with full tech spec on all four cars at eneos.us ABOUT ENEOS MOTOR OIL Established in 1888 and headquartered in Tokyo, ENEOS is Japan’s largest oil company, with manufacturing and sales facilities throughout the world. With a unique position in its home market, ENEOS has worked with Asia’s automakers and leading race teams for decades, creating advanced lubricants with their vehicle engineers to provide optimum fuel economy with maximum power and long-term protection. ENEOS also recently announced availability of a new 0W-8 motor oil for future vehicle applications including the latest hybrid technology. For more information, please visit eneos.us Contact Details Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.eneos.us

November 04, 2024 06:07 AM Pacific Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

HELLA Celebrates 125th Anniversary at SEMA 2024

Hella

Legendary German lighting specialist HELLA is racing into Central Hall at SEMA 2024 to celebrate 125 years at the forefront of performance and off-road lighting technology. It will be joined by Jimco Racing – itself celebrating 50 years in the dirt – to debut its newly developed 1-2/1600 Class Buggy fitted with the latest and greatest HELLA products in SEMA booth #23335 in Central Hall. As an additional treat, HELLA and Jimco will display a Spec Trophy Truck. Parked outside Central Hall, the off-road beast will also showcase the latest HELLA products. And parked alongside the Trophy Truck will be the Rotek Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which claimed multiple 2024 SRO Pirelli GT4 championships with HELLA illuminating the way. HELLA CELEBRATES 125 Founded in 1899, HELLA is one of the oldest automotive accessories suppliers in the world. Known for its unrivalled German engineering and top quality lighting built to OE standards, the company has operated as a brand in North America for more than 40 years. While vehicle original equipment, off-road and performance lighting will always illuminate its path, HELLA has diversified its portfolio over the decades into categories such as brakes, sensors, engine management and more. The company continues to set the bar for safety, visibility, and performance, specifically in the off-road and performance markets where the HELLA brand is legendary. While HELLA has continued to reinforce its reputation as a trusted off-road partner, it has also increased activity at off-road and motorsports events to leverage its strong brand equity and introduce new technology. Located in SEMA booth #23335 in Central Hall, HELLA will be highlighting a number of cutting-edge products including HELLA Blade LED lights, Black Magic light bars, X-Treme LED cube lights, and the new HELLA Lift Kits. "HELLA has always been about more than just lighting; it's about telling a story,” said Rob Tinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HELLA. “When you equip your vehicle with HELLA, you elevate your ride to a true expression of adventure, precision, quality and individuality. Our passion for continuing the brand’s legacy extends to our partnerships, which help showcase the HELLA story. We value both their professional input with our products and enjoy their successes. The team at Rotek Racing drove the HELLA-sponsored Porsche GT4 RS to Championship victories this season. Our connection to Robb Holand and the Rotek team not only displays prominent HELLA branding at races but solidifies our reputation as a premium supplier of several automotive parts for Porsche, including lighting. And the top off-road builders at Jimco Racing demand the best in terms of safety and performance, specifically their need for the best products available. The company’s legacy is unmatched and has developed loyalty around quality and performance like HELLA. These collaborations reflect our commitment to excellence, evolution, and innovation. A Legend is Reborn at HELLA.” Full information on the latest HELLA products is available at hella.com and myhellalights.com JIMCO 1600 CLASS BUGGY As one of the leading off-road experts, Jimco Racing celebrates 50 years as one of the sport’s premier builders with the launch of its all-new 1-2/1600 Desert Buggy. Intended to complement its existing range of racing vehicles while returning the company’s Limited Class roots, the innovative Jimco N-spec two-seat chassis was designed to offer racers a more affordable way to eat dirt. The custom chassis will be powered by a proven1600cc Volkswagen air-cooled powerplant from Jimenez Racing Engines and mated to a modified Volkswagen gearbox built by California Performance Transmission. Equipped with Fox Shox and ProAM hubs to mount the Method Wheels with BFGoodrich tires, the combination will help the driver maintain control in the toughest conditions. Among the most essential equipment for any desert racer is lighting, and HELLA has provided a suite of its latest technology including its Black Magic Tough Double Row Curved light bar, 6" HELLA Blade lights and HELLA X-treme 4.3" LED lights. With this cutting edge technology, the team is able to follow the trail on even the darkest nights. Debuting in the HELLA booth #23335 in Central Hall at SEMA 2024, the Jimco 1-2/1600 Class Buggy is one of the most affordable entries into the competitive and exciting world of off-road racing, created by the company named “Builder of the Year” by SCORE International a record 25 times. Jimco representatives will be available throughout the show to discuss vehicle specifics with show attendees. JIMCO SPEC TROPHY TRUCK Powered by a Chevrolet 525 RLB crate engine with RDE T400 transmission and Fortin underdrive, the truck rides on Fox Shox and bump stops with a Gearworks 10” third Member. Rolling stock again features 17” Method Wheels and 40” BFG Baja T/A tires for maximum traction. Illuminating its path are a host of HELLA lighting products, including the Black Magic Tough Double Row Curved light bar above the windshield aperture, plus a total of seven 6" HELLA Blade lights on the front bumper. For crew use, there are HELLA X-treme 4.3" LED lights mounted on the B-pillars, while a Black Magic Tough Single Row light bar has been fitted to the rear as a chase light. The HELLA / Jimco Racing Spec Trophy Truck can be found outside Central Hall in display spot V018. “It’s been great to work with HELLA with its incredible motorsports legacy,” said Rafael Navarro IV from Jimco Racing. “Not only does HELLA have an incredible history in off-road racing, but it’s also at the cutting edge of the sport with its newest innovation and technology. At Jimco, we’re stoked to work with brands that have the same thirst to stay ahead of the competition. As a partner, HELLA can help us maintain our position as a fortress brand in the off-road world where we’re engineering and building platforms that are out front, winning races,” he continued. “We’re especially excited to reveal our new 1600, which was in final assembly during the days leading up to SEMA. Now completed, we’re looking forward to seeing both vehicles decked out in the iconic HELLA livery and on display at the show!” ROTEK RACING PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN GT4 RS CLUBSPORT HELLA partnered with Rotek Racing in 2022 and this year the team swept the board in both the Pirelli GT America and GT4 America road racing championships. The team uses Porsche factory built and prepared Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport cars, which clearly gave them an advantage this year. In fact, Rotek won a total of four championships, taking the driver and team titles in both classes. Isaac Sherman drove in GT America and scored 13 wins plus three podiums, while Robb Holland and Jaden Lander secured four wins and two additional podiums to claim the GT4 honors. The championship-winning Rotek Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport can be found outside Central Hall in display spot V017. PHOTOGRAPHY Vehicle photography is available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/ua3l62ddiogh6m5m4djtm/ACqTI0oas5d3HEgoYKiyJO0?rlkey=vxlj8za1oz80jnoeipdjwsccr&st=umxxfr19&dl=0 ABOUT FORVIA HELLA FORVIA HELLA is a listed, internationally positioned automotive supplier. As a company of the FORVIA Group, FORVIA HELLA stands for high-performance lighting technology as well as vehicle electronics and covers a broad service and product portfolio for the spare parts and workshop business as well as for manufacturers of special vehicles with its Lifecycle Solutions business group. With currently around 37,500 employees at over 125 locations, the Company is active worldwide and achieved adjusted sales of €8.1 billion in the fiscal year 2023 on a preliminary basis.. hella.com ABOUT FORVIA FORVIA combines the technological and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA, which complement each other perfectly. With over 300 industrial sites and 76 R&D centers, 157,000 employees, including more than 15,000 R&D engineers, in over 40 countries, FORVIA offers a unique and comprehensive approach to the automotive challenges of today and tomorrow. FORVIA consists of six business groups with 24 product lines and a strong portfolio with over 14,000 patents. FORVIA endeavors to become the preferred innovation and integration partner for OEMs worldwide. FORVIA has set itself the goal of recognizing the changes in mobility at an early stage and putting them into practice. forvia.com Contact Details Forvia Hella Pablo Segura Sanchez pablo.sanchezsegura@forvia.com Forvia Hella Daniel Morfeld +49 2941 387566 daniel.morfeld@forvia.com Company Website http://www.hella.com/

November 04, 2024 06:05 AM Pacific Standard Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed Technology Validated as First Sustainability-Embedded Trait

ZeaKal

ZeaKal today announced that PhotoSeed ™ has been validated as the first sustainability-embedded trait technology for agriculture. PhotoSeed enhances photosynthetic capacity, increasing soybean oil by 15% and protein by one point without compromising yield or requiring additional inputs. The technology is projected to expand the volume of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by approximately one billion additional gallons on existing U.S. soybean acreage. Foxley, LLC conducted an independent analysis of PhotoSeed’s impact on the carbon intensity (CI) score of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from soybean oil according to multiple global standards and programs. The data is also being reviewed by SCS Global Services, a leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification. The modelling shows that PhotoSeed can reduce SAF CI scores by up to 4.6 points (grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule). This comes as U.S. farmers seek new ways to compete in the global commodity market. Soybeans, the primary source of oil and protein for food and fuel, currently occupies 87.5 million acres in the U.S. PhotoSeed soy can create an additional 13 million acres’ worth of oil production while improving protein content in the meal co-product for animal feed. Han Chen, co-founder and CEO of ZeaKal, said, “At a time when the cost and scale for renewable fuels production still falls short of petrochemicals, we can leverage plant genetics to capture carbon and expand the volume of global oil production without needing new land or infrastructure. ZeaKal’s genetics and agricultural partnerships offer the energy industry economically feasible feedstocks with improved CI features in the production of SAF and other renewable fuels.” Potential PhotoSeed Oil Volume Flies Past Global Decarbonization Targets Recent bipartisan legislative efforts bolster the U.S. government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, which aims to produce three billion gallons of SAF annually and reduce emissions by five percent by 2030. The Farm to Fly Act, introduced in January 2024 by a group of bipartisan senators, seeks to accelerate SAF production by clarifying SAF eligibility within USDA Bio-Energy Programs, promoting collaboration across USDA agencies, establishing a common SAF definition, and codifying greenhouse gas measurement standards aligned with Treasury Department and IRS guidance. PhotoSeed can be the catalyst to achieve these goals efficiently and cost-effectively for farmers and buyers alike. Gordon Denny, Board Advisor for ZeaKal, said, “PhotoSeed offers a win-win-win for growers, energy, and agriculture and puts the food vs fuel debate to rest. As key contributors to our national security and economy, American farmers can differentiate from global commodity markets while qualifying for CI tax incentives and value-added pricing for their crops. With these incentives, why would anyone grow another soybean?” Over the past several years, ZeaKal has built a harmonized supply chain for PhotoSeed soy, which includes Gro Alliance, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Perdue AgriBusiness. The collaboration enables improved oil and protein production with improved sustainability features for the food and agriculture industry. With growing demand from energy, the initial three-million-acre East Coast footprint is an attractive source for low CI feedstock. PhotoSeed soybeans will be available for the 2026 growing season. PhotoSeed’s verification as a technology pathway for reducing CI also opens opportunities across the company’s other crop programs. For ZeaKal’s key crop programs, the company forecasts that the global volume of SAF production could expand to 7.5 billion gallons per year. For more information about ZeaKal and PhotoSeed technology, or to become part of the NewType model, visit zeakal.com. About ZeaKal At ZeaKal, we are building a value driven “NewType” of agriculture to harmonize the needs of farmers, consumers, and our planet. Our flagship plant trait technology, PhotoSeed™, helps crops capture more carbon and sunlight, leading to healthier, nutrient-rich food, feed, and fuel grown on a smaller environmental footprint. We go beyond science to make affordable nutrition more sustainable, with marketable differentiation for growers. Discover how we are transforming carbon to nutrition: zeakal.com or @zeakal on Twitter (X). # # # At ZeaKal, we are building a value driven “NewType” of agriculture to harmonize the needs of farmers, consumers, and our planet. Our flagship plant trait technology, PhotoSeed™, helps crops capture more carbon and sunlight, leading to healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed grown on a smaller environmental footprint. We go beyond science to make affordable nutrition more sustainable, with marketable differentiation for growers. Discover how we are transforming carbon to nutrition: zeakal.com or @zeakal on Twitter. Contact Details AgTech PR for ZeaKal Jennifer Goldston jennifer@agtechpr.com Company Website https://www.zeakal.com

October 30, 2024 08:30 AM Central Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Avenue Z Launches New Public Affairs Practice to Help Clients Navigate Complexities of Modern Advocacy

Avenue Z

Avenue Z, a media and technology company, today announced the launch of its Public Affairs Group, a multidisciplinary, strategic practice designed to shape client outcomes in public and private advocacy, shareholder activism and ESG, philanthropy and civil society, and regulatory environments. In response to the growing power and control from big media companies and tech companies, Avenue Z’s new Public Affairs Group leverages a blend of communications, media, creative, and technology to affect meaningful change. The company’s approach supports clients to achieve consensus and desired outcomes by connecting highly targeted content to the right audiences at the right time, building trust. “The way the public is gaining information and forming perspectives has changed, and organizations need to engage their audiences across all channels in new ways,” said Nneka Etoniru, Avenue Z’s EVP of Global Brand Strategy and lead of the new Public Affairs Group. “Our solutions are uniquely positioned to help clients achieve lasting influence by guiding them through critical moments, enhancing their public image, and accomplishing their goals.” “Making a quantifiable impact in public affairs, akin to brand marketing or reputation management, requires both human and technology-informed approach,” said Jeffrey Herzog, Avenue Z founder and CEO. “Our strength lies in blending storytelling, media, and data to create influential connections across channels - from the Wall Street Journal to TikTok." Avenue Z’s Public Affairs practice is tailored to serve a diverse range of clients, including: Private Sector: Helping corporations gain consensus among decision-makers and standard bearers, secure contracts and public-private partnerships, and win necessary approval. Public Sector: Assisting municipal, state, and federal agencies with raising awareness, launching public health initiatives, combatting electoral misinformation, and developing educational campaigns across demographics. High-Profile Public Figures: Assisting in navigating public opinion, counter-influencing harassment campaigns, managing crises, and curating strategically engaging online conversations to protect their reputation. Charities and Philanthropies: Supporting non-profits in raising funds, advancing agendas, enhancing prestige, and navigating challenges to maximize organizational impact. Trade Organizations and Industry Groups: Helping industry-specific organizations advocate for their members' interests, inform external audiences on policy impact, and shape public perception of their industry. Along with the practice launch, Avenue Z has released an insightful trends report, offering a deep dive into the latest shifts shaping public policy and communication, helping organizations stay ahead of the curve. Public Affairs Trend Report 2024: Shaping Perception and Driving Outcomes in High-Stakes Environments covers trends impacting key sectors from healthcare to fintech, venture capital, emerging tech, manufacturing, and more. Read the full report, here. Avenue Z’s ability to lead high-stakes special situations is built on a foundation of expertise lasting more than 25 years. The company’s heritage dates back to 1998, when digital visionary and entrepreneur Jeffrey Herzog pioneered search engine marketing and later, sold iCrossing, his first digital media company, to Hearst Magazines for $450 million. Avenue Z is a media and technology company breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR to increase client revenue and elevate their reputation. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, we create narratives that drive commerce, connections, and conversion, across all channels. With experts, tech and teams based in New York, Orlando, Miami and global reach - we drive influence. Visit www.avenuez.com Contact Details Avenue Z Rachael Zahn +1 407-637-2833 press@avenuez.com Company Website https://www.avenuez.com/

October 30, 2024 07:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Luftgekühlt Celebrates a Thrilling Tenth Anniversary and Closes Out an Epic 2024!

Luftgekuhlt

To celebrate ten years of the Luftgekühlt event series, focusing on the incredible air-cooled Porsche models and their rich history, the organizers ventured to realize their most ambitious plans to date and enjoyed tremendous success shared with tens of thousands of Porsche fans from around the world. For its tenth season, Luftgekühlt 10 returned to the site of its most memorable event to date to finish the story: Universal Studios Backlot. And The Sequel was even bigger and better than the original. The Luft 10 experience stretched more than a half-mile through the movie sets on the famous Backlot. It incorporated legendary movie locations such as the Court House from Back to the Future, the New York district, Western and Mexico regions, and an entire section that portrayed mid-century Europe. The locations provided the perfect backdrop for Luft’s creative team to present some of the finest air-cooled Porsche road and racing machinery, crafting photographic scenes from around the world. The incredible success of Luft 6 – when the series first took over the Universal Studios Backlot – paired with the promise of an all-new experience made Luft 10 the biggest and most epic event in its ten-year history. More visitors attended than ever before, eager to discover more than 400 cars on display, including a number of legendary “hero” cars strategically placed to provide the perfect photo opportunity. In addition to the main event, the Luftgekühlt team explored new territories in 2024. Taking the show across the Atlantic, they visited Wroclaw in Poland in June and Copenhagen in Denmark in September, recreating the elements that have made Luftgekühlt such a groundbreaking experience for North American audiences. Both European destinations were a huge success, reaching not only enthusiasts from Luft’s previous visits to Germany and the UK in 2018, but also introducing many new enthusiasts to the Porsche brand. A combination of curated “hero” cars, which included some from the Porsche Museum, and registered visitor display cars ensured visitors were exposed to an authentic Luftgekühlt experience on their doorstep. On a smaller scale, the Luft team supported the Porsche Brand Store’s Saturday Tunes event in Stuttgart, Germany on September 28, where a number of historic air-cooled cars were presented in Luftgekühlt style in the center of Porsche’s hometown. The team similarly joined the C hattanooga Motorcar Festival on October 11-13 to showcase a mix of legendary Porsche heritage and motorsport cars in celebration of CMF’s grand marshall; legendary Le Mans, Indycar and F1 driver, David Hobbs. This year, the spotlight fell on the iconic Porsche 935 K4-01 Hobbs drove in the 1982 IMSA GT class. David made a special appearance and joined a panel discussion hosted by Bob Varsha. The event also featured a curated display of enthusiast’s air-cooled Porsches. As if that wasn’t enough, one of the biggest adventures in 2024 for the Luft team was the introduction of its sister-brand, Air|Water. The first ever standalone event took place in Southern California in April after the show had previously existed as an extension of Luft 9 in San Francisco during 2023. While Luftgekühlt is dedicated to the early air-cooled Porsche models, Air|Water embraces both the air- and newer water-cooled Porsche models, allowing fans and owners of every Porsche model to attend and participate. With its inclusive model range and larger venue, Air|Water 2024 surprised visitors and organizers alike with its size and scope, promising a bright future for the new addition to the Luftgekühlt franchise. Throughout its ten years and rapid expansion, Luftgekühlt has been supported by a number of dedicated partners, which have shared the ride and helped make the growth possible. The entire Luft team, led by co-founder Patrick Long and Creative Director Jeff Zwart, would like to thank the partners, fans, followers and car owners for their shared belief; and invite everybody to continue the journey together. Planning for the 2025 season is well underway and the throttle will remain wide open as we race into the new year. More details will be released in due course but Luft fans can look forward to the Holiday Collection, which will be released next month. Sign up to the newsletter at luftgekuhlt.com for the latest updates. EDITOR’S NOTE Images from Luft 10 are available here: dropbox.com/scl/fo/f8dwtwu92d7rpvu9gg2c4/AFdsBxAne49pkofrKpwXkaw?rlkey=pm94tykbpkqyur1njkr8y5h2k&dl=0 Link to Luft 10 recap video: youtu.be/z8EilnSuNW8?si=VRGCDcSSv5D7JCNh ABOUT LUFTGEKÜHLT In the Porsche vernacular, Luftgekühlt represents all the air-cooled cars in the manufacturer’s history, from the Pre-A 356 through the 993 model line, which ended in 1998. A true Porsche happening, Luftgekühlt is an experiential car culture event centered around a tightly curated list of historically significant or interesting cars, both street and race. There is no set formula for our events, but we're excited by cool venues, fun people, and creative expression, so you can bet those elements will always be included. The team strives to develop wild ideas that celebrate the passion we have for all things air-cooled, including exciting collaborations with likeminded people and brands. For more information, visit luftgekuhlt.com ABOUT AIR|WATER From the creators of Luftgekühlt comes the largest single-brand automotive experience to hit Southern California. Embarking on a fresh format that traces Porsche's journey from its inaugural moments to the contemporary masterpieces and most cutting-edge examples of today. For more information, visit air-water.com Contact Details Media Contact media@luftgekuhlt.com Company Website https://luftgekuhlt.com/

October 29, 2024 06:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Aeva Technologies Inks Multi-Year Deal With The Indoor Lab, Growing Its Commercial Momentum And Increasing Revenue Potential

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga In what is further evidence of the growing adoption of Aeva Technologies Inc.'s (NYSE: AEVA) differentiated technology, the maker of advanced FMCW 4D LiDAR sensors inked a multi-year sensor supply deal with The Indoor Lab, a LiDAR perception and analytics solutions company. Indoor Lab operates a LiDAR analytics platform used to improve safety, security and operational efficiency for major U.S. airports, mass transit railways, agriculture, smart infrastructure at theme parks and other large venues across the U.S. and for cities at a broader level, as well. The multi-year agreement marks the first industrial customer production win for Atlas, Aeva’s next-generation 4D LiDAR. Notably, sensor shipments are beginning this month and planned to ramp up in 2025 to support multiple projects at scale, the companies reported. Importantly, this deal can provide increasing near-term revenue opportunity for Aeva ahead of its production launch with Daimler Truck, as well as complement its other production programs such as the one with Nikon and May Mobility. Initially, The Indoor Lab will integrate Aeva’s 4D LiDAR at some of the nation’s largest and most heavy-traffic airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport’s New Terminal One and San Francisco International Airport. The Indoor Lab also plans to use Aeva’s sensors for yet to be disclosed integrations in agriculture and in smart infrastructure at theme parks, cities and other large venues across the U.S. “We have evaluated nearly all time-of-flight 3D LiDAR technologies on the market today and selected Aeva because we see significant advantages in its 4D LiDAR technology,” said Patrick Blattner, founder and CEO of The Indoor Lab. Why Is Aeva Winning In The Market? Aeva’s advanced LiDAR technology uses a low-power continuous laser beam to measure range and velocity at the same time, which it says unlocks new levels of perception by instantaneously discriminating between moving and non-moving points and knowing the precise velocity of objects in motion. The company’s LiDAR technology integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module, which enables a small and scalable solution that the company says opens the door for a variety of automation applications. Under the terms of the deal, Aeva 4D LiDAR will be integrated into The Indoor Lab’s Overwatch Perception Platform, a component of its Enterprise Analytics Suite for Critical Infrastructure. That platform provides data for round-the-clock AI-powered analytics to monitor and manage indoor and outdoor environments. “Aeva is the first to commercialize 4D LiDAR for production at scale and its technology brings crucial advantages to our analytics platform including the addition of instant velocity data and the inherent immunity to sunlight interference,” said Patrick Blattner, founder and CEO of The Indoor Lab. “By selecting Aeva, we have future-proofed our perception analytics platform for critical infrastructure throughout the U.S. and will be able to provide the most comprehensive and advanced solutions for our customers at scale.” Going Beyond The Automotive Market The deal with The Indoor Lab builds on Aeva’s expansion into the industrial and security markets. In late July, Aeva was selected by a top U.S. National Security Organization to help protect critical energy infrastructure sites across the United States. Aeva’s sensors are expected to be the primary detection sensors to protect sensitive locations in various facilities from intrusions, such as water entries and exits and perimeter fences. Aeva says this national defense security organization selected Aeva 4D LiDAR after evaluating multiple sensing technologies, including 3D time-of-flight LiDAR. “Aeva is seeing significant momentum in the market following recent wins in automotive and industrial including our recent selection by a top national defense security organization,” said James Byun, managing director of business development at Aeva. “This key production win with The Indoor Lab solidifies Aeva’s position in the industrial market as the go-to lidar supplier of choice when performance and scalability matter.” It looks like the momentum isn’t ending there for the company. Aeva is also working towards an upcoming launch by the end of 2024 for its industrial metrology and manufacturing automation program with Nikon – the global manufacturer and supplier of metrology and inspection equipment for the industrial automation and metrology markets. Aeva is producing sensors for Nikon industrial machines to inspect objects on manufacturing assembly lines for microscopic defects that can be smaller than the width of a human hair. From protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure to helping large-scale organizations improve manufacturing, safety and efficiency, Aeva is showing how its unique technology is applicable across a diverse range of markets, including automotive, industrial automation, manufacturing and security. With the LiDAR market poised to grow at a CAGR of 19.3% between now and 2030, the company is working hard, making deals and delivering its products to position itself in a leading role in that market growth starting now and through the coming years. Learn more about Aeva Technologies Inc. by checking out its investors deck here. Featured photo by Rocker Sta on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 29, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Ohio Pension Funds Sue Boeing and Former Chairman Over Plane Failures

NLPC

Why is former Boeing Chairman Larry Kellner – who led the company’s governance oversight during last year’s infamous Alaska Airlines door plug blowout – now head of the safety committee on ExxonMobil’s board of directors? That’s what a shareholder in both companies – National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) – is asking. And now two pension funds for the State of Ohio are demanding answers from Boeing and its board members (both current and former) about the devaluation of their investment. Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday that he is suing the board of directors for the Washington, DC-based jet manufacturer, “seeking accountability for a pattern of safety and compliance failures that have harmed the company and its investors.” Yost is representing the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio in the litigation, and accuses Boeing board members of breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to properly oversee the company. The lawsuit alleges the members knew “about the ongoing unsafe practices but even today fail to address them, choosing instead to prioritize profits over safety and regulatory compliance.” Among the defendants singled out by Yost is former Boeing chairman Kellner, who departed from the company under a cloud earlier this year, following the Alaska Airlines incident and other safety failures, in what CNN described as “a complete decapitation” of leadership. Among the allegations pointed out in the Ohio lawsuit about Kellner was that he: served on the board’s Aerospace Safety Committee since 2019; solicited votes from shareholders with other directors who “issued materially false or misleading statements with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard for their truth” in both 2023 and 2024; with other directors, “knowingly or with reckless disregard made false or misleading statements of material fact and omitted material information concerning the safety of Boeing’s airplane manufacturing…”; was opposed by proxy advisor Glass Lewis for re-election to the board in 2021 and 2022, “given his role as Audit Committee Chair during the [737] MAX Crashes” in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Yost summarizes the lawsuit against Boeing directors, including Kellner, by alleging they issued “false or misleading” statements “with knowing intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud.” Yet today Kellner enjoys a soft landing on the board of directors for ExxonMobil, where he chairs the oil giant’s Environment, Safety and Public Policy Committee, with millions of dollars in stock awards and remuneration. This is after Boeing on Wednesday reported a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion in the wake of the financial, reputational and litigation disaster left behind in the wake of Kellner’s failed leadership. “In the part of his career and experience which is supposed to highlight the majority of his credentials to serve in his current role on ExxonMobil’s board, Larry Kellner has been an unmitigated disaster,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project, an investor in both Boeing and ExxonMobil. “Exxon is not without safety and environmental failures in its history that have cost lives, injuries and destruction. How can it say with a straight face that Mr. Kellner is the best person to oversee the company’s environment and safety policies and practices?” Earlier this year in advance of ExxonMobil’s annual meeting, NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission, detailing Kellner’s shortcomings for the director role and asking fellow shareholders to oppose his candidacy for the board. NLPC also released a short video in May that highlighted Boeing’s mishaps under Kellner’s leadership. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Agtonomy Closes $32.8M Series A to Accelerate AI-Driven Automation in Agriculture and Expand into Autonomous Industrial Equipment

Agtonomy

Agtonomy, the pioneer in AI-enabled automation software for agriculture and land maintenance, has raised an additional $10M to close its Series A round, bringing total funding to $32.8M. This significant investment, combined with Agtonomy’s commercial offerings and scalable business model, positions the company for accelerated growth and market expansion over the next few years. Autotech Ventures, the leading mobility venture fund, led the round. New investors include Rethink Food, Allison Transmission, and Black Forest Ventures. Existing backers Toyota Ventures, Flybridge, and Cavallo Partners continued their support. This funding marks a pivotal moment in Agtonomy's mission to address labor and climate change challenges through advanced automation for industrial equipment fleet management. “Agtonomy's innovative approach aligns with our mission to revolutionize mobility and automation across various sectors, starting with off-road autonomy. Their unique business model, which combines software expertise with established OEM partnerships, positions them to lead the transformation to autonomous fleet management. We look forward to supporting Agtonomy's experienced team as they address critical labor shortages and sustainability challenges in these industries,” said Alexei Andreev, founding partner of Autotech Ventures. Agtonomy’s immediate growth plans include scaling its West Coast technical team into new markets, expanding its 2025 paid pilot program for permanent crops by 500 percent, and developing technology solutions for other industrial markets that seek world-class automation to improve margins. “The impact Autotech has already had on our business is expansive. We could not have had a better lead investor in this round than this talented group who have focused on the world of mobility since their inception,” said Tim Bucher, CEO and Co-Founder of Agtonomy. Powerhouse Board Validates Agtonomy’s Market Potential Sterling Anderson, a Silicon Valley icon who led the team that created the original Tesla Autopilot and co-founded the leading independent developer of on-road autonomy, will join Agtonomy’s diverse Board of Directors. “Agriculture is a vast and essential element of the human experience. Autonomy can make it better. I’ve been impressed with Agtonomy’s approach, focus, and execution to date and look forward to advising them on this important journey.,” said Sterling Anderson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Aurora. In May, Agtonomy announced that Jorge Heraud, formerly John Deere’s vice president of automation & autonomy, joined the Board, which includes both co-founders Tim Bucher and Valerie Syme, and Board Chair Jim Meyer, former SiriusXM CEO and current Vice Chair. “By bringing together some of the most impactful technology leaders, our Board is enabling additional firepower in corporate strategy and governance to bring Agtonomy to its full potential,” said Valerie Syme, co-founder and COO of Agtonomy. About Agtonomy: Agtonomy is a California-based, farmer-founded software, services and technology company enabling autonomy to solve agriculture’s most immediate and pressing problems including labor scarcity, climate change and shrinking profit margins. Partnering within the equipment value chain for rapid commercialization, Agtonomy embeds their ‘smarts’ into brand-name tractors and implements, digitally transforming machinery into a remote-operated, task-driven ecosystem for safe, equitable, profitable and climate-smart agriculture. For more information, visit https://www.agtonomy.com/. Contact Details AgTech PR for Agtonomy Sara Winters sara@agtechpr.com Company Website https://www.agtonomy.com/

October 16, 2024 08:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Canoo Builds Modular EV Solutions For Commercial And Government Clients

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Greg Ethridge, CFO of Canoo (NASDAQ: GOEV), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. Canoo Inc. is an automotive tech company that manufactures electric cargo vehicles for large commercial and government fleet customers globally. The company has developed design-forward electric vehicles with steer-by-wire technology on its common modular platform with end-to-end software plus power solutions. Ethridge told Benzinga that his company stands out for providing clients with full, long-term solutions rather than just the EV product. Canoo’s production facility in Oklahoma will be the first automotive foreign-trade zone in the state. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 16, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video Image
12345 ... 109