Archive for December, 2015
Mayor Reed, Public Officials Join in Hanukkah Candle-lighting at Capitol
Rabbi Levi Mentz, Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle, Chaya Mushka Children’s House Elementary Choir, Larry Miller, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Sandy Springs Mayor Russell Paul, Rabbi Effie Ross and Rabbi Isser New.
City and state leaders joined a Hanukkah celebration filled with festive food, singing and candle-lighting on Thursday at the South Wing of the Georgia State Capitol.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed delivered a message of gratitude and blessings to the Jewish community at Thursday’s program, organized by Chabad of Georgia, a Jewish outreach organization and religious institution.
“I am honored to participate in this year’s Hanukkah celebration and ceremony to light the menorah with Chabad of Georgia, because it gives me the opportunity to recognize the contributions of our city’s Jewish community,” Reed said. “Hanukkah celebrates the spirit of resilience and dedication of the Jewish people who have faced adversity and persecution with fierce dedication. I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah in the City of Atlanta.”
Sandy Springs Mayor Russell Paul and Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle also participated in the ceremony, helping to light a six-foot menorah.
Prayers were delivered by Rabbi Yossi New, director of Chabad of Georgia, and his son, Isser New, both of whom are spiritual leaders at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Sandy Springs.
“Hanukkah is about the miracle of bringing light into darkness, and we are proud and inspired to share this holiday message of hope with the leaders of our great state and community,” said Rabbi Yossi New.
Following the ceremony, the menorah was transported to the grounds of Congregation Beth Tefillah in Sandy Springs.
2016 Washington Auto Show to Feature ART-of-Motion: A Visual Art and Fashion Exhibition in January
A 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was transformed into a canvas on wheels on Friday, Oct. 10, when three General Motors automotive designers used paint bottles and brushes to create a “performance art car” as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) Gala Fundraiser. The vehicle will remain on display at the museum.
The Washington Auto Show® announces the first “ART-of-Motion” exhibit, an avant-garde design experience that befits the culture of Washington, D.C., as it hosts a tier-one show on the global auto show circuit.
In cooperation with Automotive Rhythms, the trendsetting urban automotive media group, the cutting-edge car art display will feature a 6,000-square-foot exhibit of experiential graphic backdrops consisting of bikes, fashion, autos and murals. Nationally celebrated illustrator, Demont Pinder aka “Peekaso,” (http://www.demontpeekaso.net/) along with Ed the Artist and Jamaal Lamaaj (http://www.jlamaajstudio.com/), will paint at the art display and at least 10 manufacturers will exhibit specially commissioned art cars for the occasion. Meanwhile, fashion models posing as picturesque figurines will align inventive fusion and entertainment to delight the senses.
“ART-of-Motion promises to thrill auto enthusiasts and art lovers alike,” said John O’Donnell, president of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, producer of The Washington Auto Show. “This partnership expands the Washington Auto Show’s niche as a host of connective and innovative exhibits that, quite literally, put a new perspective on the auto industry.”
“Undeniably an enticing attraction for a tier-one auto show, this spectacle will finally portray automobiles as we understand them, works of impressive beauty and innovative design,” said Kimatni Rawlins, president and publisher of Automotive Rhythms.
The ART-of-Motion feature will be located on the lower level of the two-level Walter E. Washington Convention Center. On Saturday, Jan. 23, from noon to 4 pm. GM’s young designers will style a new Chevrolet sports car in real time for showgoers to experience. Toyota will host an interactive art installation Sunday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with the new RAV4 by Blind Whino SW Arts Club who will also design the exhibit space. Additionally, Shoe City, Mazda, Dodge, Kia, MINI, Jaguar and Lamborghini will feature specially painted art cars. In addition, there will be an artful mix of two-wheel excitement representing the world of sportbikes as well as cruisers from Garwood Custom Cycles, Wise Choice Customs, Myrtle West Customs and Camtech Custom Baggers. Specialty partners include Mothers Car Care, Exotic Vehicle Wraps and Street Dreamz Customs. Lastly, ART-of-Motion will feature a hometown favorite Washington Redskins themed Slingshot.
The Washington Auto Show® has become a beloved annual tradition among Washingtonians, who marvel at the growing display of stars and cars, mobility technologies, contests, giveaways and mascots. More than 700 new vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers will fill the 750,000-square-foot space with two levels of advanced exhibits.
The show runs from January 22 – 31. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, noon – 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sundays. The show will close at 6 p.m. on its final day, Jan. 31.
For more information, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com or visit www.automotiverhythms.com.
Honda Executive VP John Mendel to Open 2016 Washington Auto Show With Keynote Remarks on Public Policy Day
With mobility and sustainability as its driving forces, The Washington Auto Show® announces a keynote speaker representing a company that embodies these very ideals.
John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., will discuss Honda’s vision for the future of sustainable mobility and its contribution to empowering drivers to take the wheel of a greener, cleaner world, including the path to a hydrogen energy society.
Mendel’s speech, which will launch the Washington Auto Show’s Public Policy Preview Day on Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, follows the world premiere of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall.
“Honda has become synonymous with innovation, and we are proud to set the stage for this company’s game-changing leadership and ideas,” said Washington Auto Show Chairman Geoff Pohanka.
Known as the “public policy show” on the global auto show circuit, The Washington Auto Show capitalizes on Washington’s unique address to draw Members of Congress, regulatory officials, and Members of Congress and their staff to witness the latest technologies advancing the automotive industry and bolstering the U.S. economy.
Mendel’s address, sponsored by the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA), and the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) will kick off a daylong schedule of press announcements and special events culminating in a “Sneak Peek” reception for officials in government, industry and media.
The address is traditionally opened by a leader of a major automobile manufacturer; past speakers have included such luminaries as DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, Volkswagen CEO Stefan Jacoby, Ford CEO Alan Mulally, GM CEO Dan Akerson and Johan de Nysschen, global president of Cadillac.
As executive vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda, Mendel holds responsibilities as the head of U.S. sales and marketing activities for both the Honda and Acura brands as well as Acura Parts and Service field operations and Honda and Acura market representation, customer marketing, dealer business management and product and sales information.
Prior to joining American Honda 11 years ago, Mendel spent 28 years with Ford Motor Company. He began his career with Ford Motor Company’s U.S. operations in 1976 and held numerous sales and marketing positions, ultimately serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mazda North American Operations. Mendel holds undergraduate degrees in business and economics and a master of business administration from Duke University.
Featuring more than 700 new vehicles from over 42 manufacturers, The 2016 Washington Auto Show opens to the public from Jan. 22-Jan. 31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is produced by WANADA.
Founded in 1917, WANADA represents more than 225 franchised new vehicle dealers and 75 kindred-line members (related vendors) in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.
Representing hundreds of journalists and industry executives throughout the Baltimore-Washington area, WAPA seeks to improve communication between automotive journalists in the Baltimore-Washington area and the automotive industry, regulators and other groups; further the accuracy and quality of automotive journalism; offer networking and information-sharing opportunities and ongoing education for its members; and provide a forum for newsworthy people and products.
For more information about WANADA, visit: www.wanada.org.
For more information about WAPA, visit: www.washautopress.org, IMPA, visit www.impa.org.
For more information about The Washington Auto Show, visit: www.washingtonautoshow.com.
Green Car Journal Announces Finalists for 2016 Green SUV of the Year™
Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the prestigious 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ award to be presented at the 2016 Washington Auto Show. Finalists include the BMW X1 xDrive28i, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
“After years of focus on building more efficient and environmentally positive sedans and hatchbacks, a growing emphasis is now being placed on SUVs and crossover vehicles, one of the hottest segments in the auto market,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “The Green SUV of the Year™ award recognizes this achievement.”
The Finalists:
BMW X1 XDRIVE28i
The all-new, second generation BMW X1 xDrive28i is a premium compact crossover featuring new powertrain and chassis technology that promises the driving experience expected of a BMW. Power is delivered by a 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter EfficientDynamics engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, providing the X1 xDrive28i an EPA estimated 32 highway mpg.
HONDA HR-V
Honda’s new HR-V crossover blends the functionality of an SUV with the sporty styling of a coupe. Built on the Fit platform but with a longer wheelbase and larger exterior dimensions, it’s powered by a 141 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine offering up to 35 highway mpg. Like the Fit, it features Honda’s fold-flat second row “Magic Seat’ for interior versatility.
HYUNDAI TUCSON
The stylish new Hyundai Tucson is longer, wider, and offers greater interior volume than the model that preceded it, yet it also achieves better fuel efficiency. It’s powered by either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four, with the latter producing 175 horsepower and achieving up to 33 highway mpg in the Tucson Eco model.
MAZDA CX-3
Mazda’s all-new CX-3 crossover features smart styling and benefits from this automaker’s full range of efficiency-focused SKYACTIV technologies. It’s available in both front- and all-wheel drive. The CX-3 is comfortable, capable, and responsive, getting its power from a 146 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves up to 35 highway mpg.
TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
The Toyota RAV4 expands its offerings this year with a new all-wheel drive hybrid model. It’s powered by a 154 horsepower, 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motors front and rear. This combination provides more power than the standard RAV4 plus increased efficiency, with EPA estimates of 34/31 city/highway mpg and 33 mpg combined.
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The Green SUV of the Year™ winner will be honored along with winning vehicles for the magazine’s 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ awards at a press conference during the Washington Auto Show’s Policy Days on January 21, 2016. The BMW i8 won the 2015 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ award last year while the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel earned top honors as the 2015 Green SUV of the Year™. The all-new 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ award recognizes the vehicle that best integrates the advantages of connected technologies with environmental performance.
“As the central address where the auto industry meets public policy, The Washington Auto Show recognizes the critical role of sustainability and our role in promoting progress,” said Geoff Pohanka, chairman, The Washington Auto Show, washingtonautoshow.com. “Partnering with Green Car Journal galvanizes those issues front and center.”
About Green Car Journal
The award-winning Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment since its launch in 1992. As part of its mission, the magazine hosts events, produces ride-and-drives of advanced and clean fuel vehicles, and conducts various outreach efforts to educate consumers on better and more environmentally positive vehicle choices. The magazine’s content is featured online at www.CarsOfChange.com.
About WANADA and the Washington Auto Show
Produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), The Washington Auto Show provides an opportunity to explore the latest cars, technologies, and innovations in safety and sustainability, from clean diesel to biofuels and electric vehicles. For more information on the 2016 Washington Auto Show see www.washingtonautoshow.com.
