2006 new car model : Saab 9-5

At eight years old, many consider the Saab 9-5 to be on its last remaining leg. Having had a facelift once already, with several interim powerplant and model-line upgrades, the car that remains is truly an acquired taste. Nevertheless, needing to give its loyal consumers a large car to move up
The most obvious changes affect its exterior, which now sports completely revised front and back ends. (Photo: Saab)
to while the next-generation 9-5 is in development (speculated for 2008), the current 9-5 will soldier on with yet another post-mid-cycle revision. Making its debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2006 9-5 is the most comprehensive redo to date, covering everything from powertrain to interior.

More at Saab Updates the 9-5... Again...

Honda sold 100,000 Hybrid cars

American Honda Motor Co. Inc., announced that it has delivered 100,000 hybrid vehicles to retail customers since it began offering the gasoline-electric technology nearly six years ago. Jamie Gulley of Minneapolis, Minnesota became the 100,000th hybrid customer when he took delivery of a Honda Civic Hybrid from Richfield-Bloomington Honda in Richfield, MN.

Honda was the first to offer a hybrid vehicle in North America and the first to offer three distinct hybrid vehicles, the Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. The 100,000-hybrid milestone combines sales of all three of Honda's hybrid vehicles starting with the first Insight sale in 1999.
Honda first introduced US consumers to hybrid technology with the Insight in December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March 2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in December 2004.
An all-new version of the Civic Hybrid will appear this fall featuring a new hybrid system and enhanced performance.

All Honda’s hybrids are based on the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. The IMA system employs an ultra-compact electric motor/generator to provide supplemental power to the engine using energy captured during deceleration or braking.

More at Minneapolis Honda Dealer Delivers 100,000th Hybrid Vehicle in US

2006 Suzuki SUV Models - Clarion XM-Ready Audio System

When buyers of Suzuki's 2006 model yearSUVs begin enjoying their XM-ready audio system, they'll be doing so onClarion audio systems supplied by Clarion Corporation of America, a subsidiaryof Clarion Company Ltd.
Clarion is the exclusive audio supplier of Suzuki's first-ever XMSatellite Radio audio system. Outfitting the automakers all-new 2006 GrandVitara and the 2006 XL-7, the audio system comes in two versions: a single CDplayer or 6 disc in-dash radio. Either will allow buyers to access XM's morethan 150 channels of commercial-free music and premier news, talk, sports andentertainment programming. Both vehicles are expected to reach dealershipsnationwide by mid-September 2005.

"We're extremely excited about our newfound partnership with AmericanSuzuki," said Matt Matsuda, President of Clarion Corporation of America."Suzuki is a world-class automaker who Clarion has had a long-standing globalrelationship with."

As an added bonus, buyers of Suzuki's two SUV models will receive a three-month complimentary subscription to XM for activating their satellite radioservice at the dealership. Based in Washington, D.C., XM is currentlyavailable for a monthly subscriber fee of $12.95.

"Not only does this new option offer Suzuki customers a chance to tap intoXM's coast-to-coast satellite radio coverage, but the luxury of doing so via agreat audio system with superior sound quality," added Matsuda.