The two Ericsson teams shared the same top two positions on the previous leg from Qingdao in China to Rio, but in that case, Ericsson 3 came out on top.

Today, Ericsson 4 crossed the finish at 2105 GMT (1605 local) recording an elapsed time of 15 days, 10 hours 30 minutes and 54 seconds.

Skipper Torben Grael said: "It feels fantastic. I think we had a very good leg. We were always very close to the other boats.

"I think it was very important when we gybed a few days ago. After that, there were not many options. We just managed to keep the front, which was not easy.

"Even here at the end, when it looked like it was OK, the wind was very light with sea breeze fighting the land breeze. It was a very hard job, but a very good result for us. It couldn’t be better. It’s one more step towards our objective. Normally, regattas in the United States give me luck. This is another one of them."

British navigator Jules Salter added, "It was very hard work, probably the hardest, but we had a lot of luck to get this win. People talk about strategy and reading books, but I think it comes down to luck. We knew our sails and our crew work was good, but it was never certain until we were over the finish. I’ve had 30 minutes sleep in the past day. Really, the whole leg has been a bit like that."

A fearsome battle played out in the closing stages of the leg to decide the points for second place, which culminated in Ericsson 3 taking second, finishing at 2117 GMT, just over five minutes ahead of Telefónica Blue (2123 GMT), after 4,900 nm and nearly 16 days of ocean racing. It was a particularly remarkable achievement for Ericsson 3, whose skipper Magnus Olsson was washed into the steering pedestal on day six, 16 April, and was nursing a bruised back.

"Of course we are really happy," said the skipper when he stepped ashore. "My back is not too bad, the pain at the beginning was a lot, but my crew did all the work. Telefónica Blue was coming in from behind and we kept watch on them. We have all had our problems and Ericsson 4 didn’t have a watermaker, but we wouldn’t have beaten them, but maybe next time," he added.

A relieved Bouwe Bekking said on finishing third: "We had a really good come back after two horrible days. Passing PUMA and nearly catching Ericsson 3 was great. It has been fantastic and it is really nice to be back here. We have had some shocking times, but we have come back to a real high".

Scoring 3.5 points for second place at the scoring gate of Fernando de Noronha and eight points for a leg win, Ericsson 4 extends her overall lead to 77.5 points. Telefónica Blue moves up to second overall with 64.5 points, only half a point ahead of PUMA provided she finishes in her current position of fourth. Ericsson 3 has a total of 53 points, which is good enough for fourth place on the overall leaderboard.

Having been the bridesmaid so often, leg six was one that PUMA’s skipper, Kenny Read would particularly have liked to win, but, once again, it wasn’t to be, and the team finished in Boston today at 2312 GMT (1812 local) in fourth place.

PUMA began leg six in the lead, after finishing second in the Rio in-port race, but quickly dropped to seventh the following day. The first third of PUMA’s leg was spent in the second division until, on day seven, they pulled up to third place.

The fight for fifth place in leg six of the Volvo Ocean Race went down to the wire today between two Spaniards, Fernando Echávarri on Telefónica Black versus Roberto Bérmudez at the helm of the generation one boat, Delta Lloyd.

After a tremendous battle, Telefónica Black crossed the finish ahead of Delta Lloyd and claimed the four points on offer for fifth place, finishing at 0948 GMT (0448 local). Delta Lloyd crossed at 1010 GMT (0510 local). She adds three points to her overall tally.

The final boat to finish will be Green Dragon, which had approximately 38 nm to run when the first five had arrived.

Leg Six Finishing Order Boston
1. Ericsson 4: 8 points
2. Ericsson 3: 7 points
3. Telefónica Blue: 6 points
4. PUMA: 5 points
5. Telefónica Black: 4 points
6. Delta Lloyd: 3 points

Overall Leaderboard (Provisional)
1. Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA) 77.5 points (FINISHED)
2. Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/NED) 64.5 points (FINISHED)
3. PUMA (Ken Read/USA) 64.0 points (FINISHED )
4. Ericsson 3 (Magnus Olsson/SWE) 53.0 points (FINISHED)
5. Green Dragon (Ian Walker/GBR) 42.0 points (RACING)
6. Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) 29.0 points (FINISHED)
7. Delta Lloyd (Roberto Bérmudez/ESP) 21.0 points (FINISHED)
8. Team Russia 10.5 points (DNS)

Scoring Gate Results Fernando de Noronha
1. Telefónica Blue 19:58:56 GMT 16.04.09 4.0 Points
2. Ericsson 4 22:55:36 GMT 16.04.09 3.5 Points
3. Delta Lloyd 23:28:32 GMT 16.04.09 3.0 Points
4. Puma 23:29:31 GMT 16.04.09 2.5 Points
5. Telefónica Black 23:42:20 GMT 16.04.09 2.0 Points
6. Ericsson 3 00:14:28 GMT 17.04.09 1.5 Points
7. Green Dragon 01:27:26 GMT 17.04.09 1.0 Point

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars’ international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

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Luxury, throughout history, has stood for that which is rare and precious. In Western affluent society, with its abundance of consumer goods, it follows that commodities without a price tag, such as the experience of simplicity, silence, time, care and trust have become the new luxury.

These values are firmly rooted in the Swedish heritage - the quiet beauty of the landscape, the care about the environment and the attention to functional detail. Swedish luxury is quiet, simple, with a fine eye for exquisite details and intelligent functionality, following the ethos that ‘true beauty comes from the inside’. It offers an alternative to the flashy ‘bling’ culture prominent in recent years and targets an audience with a confident, conscious and intelligent perspective, a customer that seeks a car that signals good taste.

Silvia Gu"llsdorf, project director of the new S80 Executive, says of the Swedish take on luxury:

"Swedes wear discrete and stylistically clean jewellery rather than chucky gold chains. Swedish furniture has a simple and pure aesthetic, yet offers high functionality. The refined and educated eye can understand both the design and the quality that is characteristic of Swedish luxury."

To understand the new dimension of luxury that Volvo Car Corporation offers with the Volvo S80 Executive we must explore the rich Swedish heritage.

"Stockholm’s archipelago is Sweden’s best secret, says Jose’ L. Diaz de la Vega , Chief Designer Strategic Design, Volvo Cars."

He has been with the company for seventeen years and describes how he loves the simple beauty of the Swedish landscape, a love he shares with the Swedes who cherish the country’s beautiful lakes, wide meadows and open coastlines.
The landscape proved an important influence when the new Volvo S80 Executive was designed. Soft, yet distinct lines define the car’s silhouette, and the gently curved instrument panel takes our thoughts to a meadow dressed in recently fallen snow.

The clean countryside and the Nordic light are translated into ingenious design solutions that create a home away from home, a haven. An important aspect of Swedish luxury is this very access to tranquillity, nature, space and time for solitude. In addition to safety, the car’s spacious interior, and the craftsmanship of the hand-selected leather, offer an experience of feeling cared for. Such features communicate that time and thought have been dedicated by the design team to secure supreme comfort and safety.

The aim is to offer the customer a comfortable, dynamic and safe drive with full control over both the car and the surrounding traffic. The S80 is the first Volvo offering Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support. This system maintains a selected distance to the vehicle in front. If the gap closes so fast that a collision is likely, the system alerts the driver and pre-loads the braking system. To Swedes and to most people of the world, the ability to care about yourself and your passengers is an appreciated form of luxury offered by the S80 Executive.

Swedes, however, don’t like to brag. Consequently, they have traditionally been careful about showing off. While Volvo has always been known as a safe car of the premium quality, it is now time to reinforce Volvo Cars’ position in the luxury segment.

As Chief Designer Strategic Design Jose’ L. Diaz de la Vega explains it:

"Coming from another culture, it was obvious to me that Swedes traditionally have shunned the luxurious, it has been shameful to indulge. In recent years the luxury perspective of the continent has influenced the Swedes but it is clear that they seek more understated and intelligent pleasure. With the new Volvo S80 Executive we have cracked the code of the unique Swedish luxury. Our new luxury car radiates prestigious, yet celebrates the simplicity of modern Swedish design." 

Wherever in the world you may live, you can indulge in Swedish luxury behind the wheel of a new Volvo S80. It is the luxury of driving comfortably, safely and in great style.

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars’ international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

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Expensive anti-corrosion means applied to the surface of the vehicle’s body don’t destroy the problem. All inner body - topside and underside panels – have to protected too – in fact these are even more prone to rust! Stone or rock salt chips, peeling and brittleness of the coating will result in invisible corrosion forming between the metal and the coating. This is what you need rustproofing for.

As Mike from Scarborough rust cleaning dwells on this further, rust prevention or rust proofing is the process of applying rust-absorbing chemicals, sealers and waxes to the underside, inside and topside of the vehicle’s body as well as any other rust-risky areas. Unlike undercoating which treats only the underside of the vehicle, rust proofing provides 100% protection for all parts of the car body. In other words, rust proofing is something a wary car owner shouldn’t ignore!

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Honda today unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

“The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we’ve made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO. “Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles.”

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008.

Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to their fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.

FULL Source: Honda Media Newsroom

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In cooperation with Garmin, Volvo Cars has developed an elegant navigation kit that can be fitted to all new Volvo cars. The dealer installed accessory kit includes both a mounting bracket and the navigator unit. It will be available by the end of 2007.

Volvo Cars has designed a smart mounting bracket for Garmin’s latest hand navigator, the nüvi 760. The bracket is fitted on top of the dashboard, offering the driver a convenient plug-and-play solution.

This setup replaces the provisional suction cups and messy wires that often come with portable navigators. Volvo’s bracket has an integrated power connection for the 178-gram Garmin unit - and the bracket can easily be folded out of the way when the driver takes the navigator out of the car.

The system has a number of other benefits:

* Its location on the dashboard has been chosen with care to make sure that the unit does not distract the driver and reduce his concentration on the road. A crash test evaluation by Volvo Cars’ safety experts also determined that placing the unit on top of the dashboard helps to prevent injuries in the event of a collision.
* The navigator has a fully integrated antenna and a bright colour screen in widescreen format.
* The unit can easily be moved between different cars.
* The Garmin nüvi 760 comes pre-programmed with detailed two- and three-dimensional maps covering Europe (alternatively the USA and Canada).
* It also includes an integrated database with Volvo information, including the quickest route to the closest Volvo workshop.

The navigation package fits all new Volvo car models. It can also be fitted to a number of earlier car models. They include the Volvo S80 from model year 1999, the S60 and V70 from 2000, the XC70 from 2001 and recent model years of the Volvo S40, V50, C70 and XC90.

Later, it will also be possible to get the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) function.

The package will initially be available in Europe and North America. The recommended price for a complete installation, including the Garmin unit, is 699 Euros in Europe and 879 US Dollars in North America.

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars’ international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

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Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is offering customers the opportunity to buy a “factory custom” version of its popular Eclipse Coupe models for 2008. The Eclipse Special Edition, available as a limited-production option for both the 4-cylinder and the V-6 engines, combines a specially developed aerodynamic body package with a unique exterior graphic treatment and additional handling-enhancement features.

All Eclipse models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires. The SE models also have Active Stability Control (ASC).

The 2008 Eclipse SE has an aggressive street rally appearance with its chin spoiler, large bold rear wing, alloy fuel door and eye-catching graphics. Inside, the SE models have an unique interior color combination and aluminum scuff plates. The 4-cylinder SE gain 18-inch alloy wheels, which are also newly standard on all GT models for 2008 (Sword Silver finish on SE). The SE model also adds a number of other accessories, including a rear cargo net, cargo cover and wheel locks.

“The automotive landscape is littered with the names of sport coupes that have passed quietly into history,” said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The Mitsubishi Eclipse, in contrast, with its ‘attainable exotic’ styling, exciting performance and undeniable value, continues in its fourth generation to appeal to a very broad range of driving enthusiasts. Eclipse is truly an iconic model for the brand.”

Satellite Radio Included with Rockford-Fosgate Audio
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now included with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and about 120 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.

The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.) audio system is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs.

The system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s “punch” level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

The Rockford-Fosgate audio system is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models. This package adds a power sunroof with sunshade, plus an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band.
The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT includes those features, plus automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with this package, the GT’s 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive Sword Silver finish.

Two Levels of Eclipse Performance
Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and the GT challenges more expensive sports cars with a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds*.

The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. Both Eclipse automatics feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning
A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar. On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar.

All Eclipse models come equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). All models use 11.6-inch ventilated front discs. Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.

The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17 V-rated tires. New for 2008, the GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels (Sword Silver finish on SEmodels) with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. (The SE model upgrades the 4-cyl wheels to 18-inch alloy wheels with Sword Silver finish.)
* Source: Road & Track magazine

Comprehensive Safety
All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of injury during a collision. The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision. Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy, and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact energy.

Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort
Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents. Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD display provides radio, clock and directional indicators. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.

Eclipse’s high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide opening and a low lift-over.

Mitsubishi Value
On all Eclipse models, the long list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, auto-off head lamps, cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

In addition to GS-level equipment, the GT adds electronic traction control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display – the last item included in the optional GS Sun & Sound Package, as well.

All Eclipse models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry’s most flexible assembly plants. This facility produces four different models: Eclipse coupe and Spyder, the Galant mid-size sedan and the Endeavor SUV.

Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

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Audi is introducing a new vehicle segment with its presentation of the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show (14 – 24 November 2007).

The two-door, four-seater car measures 4.62 metres in length and combines the genes of a typical dynamic soft-top convertible from Audi with the all-round qualities of a fully fledged SUV. The muscular, powerful, but also elegant lines make no secret of this vehicle’s potential. The 240 bhp three-litre TDI engine with ultra-low emission technology delivers sporty driving dynamics with exhaust emissions on the level of the EU 6 limits. The quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system and high-tech chassis with electric ride height adjustment are a recipe for driving pleasure on all terrain and in any curve radius.

The Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro offers a new dimension in open-top driving among the SUV field: its fabric hood lowers itself to disappear completely behind the rear seats in a spectacularly brief 17 seconds; no B-pillar and no roll-over bar obscure the view of the heavens. And for convertible fans, it offers a new dimension in spaciousness: as an SUV, the Cross Cabriolet quattro provides its occupants with copious headroom, legroom and shoulder width in addition to an off-roader’s typical height and comfortable sitting position. So when cruising along the beachfront, for instance, all four occupants can enjoy the open-air experience to the full.

The longitudinally mounted six-cylinder TDI in the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro is the brand’s latest diesel engine. With a power output of 240 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, at this stage in its evolution the 3.0 TDI is now more efficient than ever – its average fuel consumption is a mere 7.3 litres of diesel per 100 km. The engine is also equipped with what is currently the most elaborate emissions reduction system developed for a production engine: the ultra-low emission system.

This does more than just ensure that the vehicle complies with all current exhaust emissions standards worldwide. It already meets the expected limits of the EU 6 standard, which is only due to be introduced in 2014 – and does so with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and tiptronic transmission.

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