NewsPlease visit this page often for the latest news about MPG. Members (and potential members) will be kept up-to-date on upcoming functions and other activities of interest to automotive media and public relations professionals. This is just a brief look at the many benefits MPG members enjoy by participating in MPG activities, and in reading its monthly journal, MPG MilePost. |
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MPG
Auto Dealers Entertained the Audience With Their Views of the State of Affairs For the complete audio, go to MilePost Online. The transcript and July MilePost issue will be available soon. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here |
Left to Right: Jon Gray, Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge; Peter Hoffman, Sierra Autocars; Beau Boeckmann, Galpin Motors |
SOLD OUT! Sorry ... no more tables available. Sell Some Stuff! Sunday, June 28, 2009. MPG members get free vendor tables at the annual Lit Faire in Pomona. Once again the Board has approved the purchase of five spots for members. To be held on the grounds of the NHRA Wally Parks Museum in Pomona, this is the 27th Annual Literature Faire and Exchange presented by the Society of Automotive Historians, Southern California Chapter. Don’t bring actual car parts, but everything else from badges to books is fair to trade. If you're not selling, just come enjoy the day. (See Dean's own exhibit of goods at the 2008 Lit Faire in photo right) |
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AutoPacific Research Data Available to MPG Members Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Daniel Hall of AutoPacific offers MPG Members the chance to access extensive research that might be beneficial to journalists writing on specific topics or public relations representatives needing information. The subjects covered by AutoPacific's research are extensive and germane to the current conditions. They include demand for hybrid technology, planned modifications, and what vehicles friends would recommend to friends. If you would like AutoPacific to run data specifically for your story, call or email them and they will run the data and give you access to it. |
-photo by Pete Lyons for MPG |
May Motor Press Guild Luncheon: Nielsen's Lois Miller and Sallie Hirsch Offered a Glimpse into How The Ratings Company Works For the complete audio, transcript, and June MilePost issue, go to MilePost Online. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here
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- photos by Pete Lyons for MPG |
Speedway Motorcycle Racing Opening Night: Free Wednesday, May 27, 2009. MPG members (and one guest per member) are invited to attend opening night of Speedway Motorcycle Racing. When: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Members get free parking, free admission and access to the pit area. An evening of racing consists of more than 40 sprint races. Those who wish to attend should RSVP to howie@razvideo.com with "Motor Press Guild/Speedway" in the subject line. If interest is high enough, co-promoter, CHIPS star and 1981/82 World Speedway Champion Bruce Penhall will arrange a pre-race get-together that will include free food and drink. For more information on Speedway Motorcycle Racing, go to http://www.industryspeedway.com/. |
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Your Media Guide Mailed Monday, May 11, 2009 Monday, May 11, 2009. The 2009 Membership Roster & Media Guide mailed on Monday, so you should be receiving your copy very soon. At right, President Aaron Robinson holds up the first copy at the Luncheon on Tuesday, May 12. MPG wishes to thank all the advertisers who contributed to the success of the book again this year, and to those who jumped in for the first time in 2009. There's a complete advertisers index in the back of the book. Above all, MPG thanks Honda and Kurt Antonius for printing the Media Guide in Honda's print shop. If you have questions about the Media Guide or want to know how to get your company listed in the reference sections, contact mediaguide@motorpressguild.org.
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- photo by Pete Lyons for MPG |
Spring PowerTrip Dubbed the "Stealth Tour" Saturday, May 9, 2009. The spring PowerTrip was dubbed the "Stealth Tour" because this was an opportunity to tour three private collections. The day began at Dave's Garage in Torrance, where Dave Parker opened his warehouse full of gleaming 1950s and 1960s automobiles. He's particulary fond of muscle cars and modern high-performance cars. There were 50 of his favorites in this garage, but he says he's got 47 more in various other places. Dave welcomes private parties and the public at his garage, open five days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can reach him at dparker@daves-garage.net or phone 310-257-0129. MPG thanks him for making his collection open to members. The second stop on the PowerTrip was Sports VIP, housing the Parnelli Jones collection. Thanks to Jim Dilamarter, general manager, who hosted us for the tour of the facility. There is so much to see in this collection that you could take several days and not see it all. There is no public access, but they do honor special requests when they can. You can see the collection online at vpjracing.com. Last, a real treat and an exclusive one at that. The PowerTrip concluded at a private Honda collection where significant production and racing Hondas were on display. Special thanks to Kurt Antonius at Honda for allowing members to view this collection, and for providing lunch. MPG's Vice President Dave Kunz presented Kurt with special gifts in thanks for his participation in the PowerTrip and in thanks for printing this year's edition of the Membership Roster & Media Guide, which will be in the mail to members May 5 - 8. Special thanks and a hearty "Well Done!" to Dave Kunz and Dean Case, who worked long and hard to make this very special Trip happen! All photos by Pete Lyons for MPG
Above: A portion of the Sports VIP museum housing Parnelli Jones' collection. Below: Jim Dilamarter with the 1970 Indy winning car of Al Unser, Sr. which was fielded by Parnelli.
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Above: Dave Parker and his "510 Bad Boy" Corvette engine.
Above: A portion of the interior of the Honda collection.
Above: Honda's Kurt Antonius receives a yachtsman's cap with an MPG pin on it, plus a package of bacon. MPG's Dave Kunz shares the laugh with him. |
Larry Rusznak Named MPG Track Day Producer Friday, May 8, 2009. Larry Rusznak has been named by the MPG Board of Directors to the position of Track Day Producer. Larry is a 17-year member of the MPG, and has more than 20 years of event experience including special events and on-site event activities for O.E.M.s, aftermarket manufacturers, corporations, ad agencies and event marketing companies. You can reach him at larry@motorpressguild.org. |
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April Motor Press Guild Luncheon: Volvo CEO Brought City Safety Technology to the Proud Bird Parking Lot Tuesday, April 14, 2009. Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA), said Volvo is experiencing the same sales challenges facing the rest of the industry. At the April Motor Press Guild luncheon, Speck said, "We are seeing some cracks of light coming through the brick wall." Even though Volvo sales is down year-on-year over 2008, the sales for March 2009 are up 89% over the sales in Februrary 2009. Speck detailed the products Volvo plans to use to grow the brand, and emphasized the safety of the brand. To that end, luncheon attendees experienced Volvo's City Safety technology outside the Proud Bird, driving an equipped Volvo straight at a barrier without touching the brakes or turning the steering wheel, allowing the technology to stop the car. For the complete audio, transcript of the speech, and MilePost May issue, For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here
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Expert Automotive Design Panel: Tuesday, March 10, 2009. A record crowd attended the March 10 luncheon. An overflow table had to be set up in the courtyard. They were there to hear from the design panel consisting of: Henrik Fisker, Chief Executive Officer, Fisker Automotive; Freeman Thomas, Design Director, Ford Motor Company; and Dave Marek, Division Director of Advanced Design, Honda R&D Americas. Eric Noble of the CARLAB lead the panel through a discussion of ecologically driven demands, new design technology, how to stimulate sales and - of course - styling. Most of the time for the panel was devoted to Q and A from the audience. In addition, Bunkspeed was on hand showing on flat-screen TVs a selection of its fully computer modeled vehicles. Special thanks to John Grafman, AutoDesignO, for his extensive work to make this luncheon presentation possible. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. |
The trio of automotive designers drew one of the largest crowds ever to an MPG luncheon. There were overflow tables in the courtyard for this one. |
MilePost Newsletter Goes Exclusively Online From now on, an email alert will be sent to all members once per month, at roughly the same time the old printed version of MilePost was due to be sent out via snail mail. For comments or questions, email milepost@motorpressguild.org |
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For a bio of Steve D'Arcy, Click Here |
photos by Pete Lyons |
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Reeves Callaway Kicks Off the 2009 MPG Luncheon Year With Speedy Callaway Cars Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Reeves Callaway celebrated 32 years in business by bringing some perspective to the MPG Luncheon. He chronicled his Callaway Cars from the C1 to the C18 for a crowd that knew and appreciated the diversity and power of his vehicles. He even offered to let MPG members drive the two cars he brought to the luncheon, the C16 Speedster and the C17 Callaway Corvette. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org
-photos by Pete Lyons |
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Renew your MPG Membership by Jan 31, 2009, and SAVE Members must renew by Jan 31, 2009 to be included in the 2009 Membership Roster & Media Guide. Also, as of Feb 1, 2009, member dues are going up to $70. If you want to pay only $60 for dues for 2009, renew by Jan 31, 2009. Your Membership Renewal form contains a new section for Full-Journalist members. It is Optional Additional Information which includes submitting a photo of yourself along with more data about your areas of expertise. The photo should be 150 pixels wide at 72 dpi. |
The 2008 Dean Batchelor Award Banquet, Held at the Wally Parks NHRA Museum, Named Peter Egan to Receive Top Honors December 2, 2008. The 2008 Dean Batchelor Award banquet was held at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona on Tuesday evening, December 2, 2008. Peter Egan received the Dean Batchelor Award for his outstanding magazine article, "Hank's Last Drive," April & May 2008 Road & Track. The four Best of the Year winners were: AUDIO/VISUAL Glenn McLanan, "Comparison Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt," April 30, 2008, Edmunds' InsideLine.com; BOOKS Jesse Alexander, "Portraits" published by David Bull Publishing; PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Jacobs, "2008 BMW M3," March 23, 2008, Edmnuds' InsideLine.com; and ARTICLES Peter Egan, "Hank's Last Drive," April & May 2008 Road & Track. Special thanks to the sponsors of this year's banquet go to For more photos of the 2008 banquet, Click Here
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-photo by Pete Lyons
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Keynote Speaker Nissan's Carlos Ghosn Opened the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days Wednesday, November 19, 2008. Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Renault S.A., kicked off the Los Angeles Auto Show by delivering the Motor Press Guild keynote address the morning of Nov. 19, 2008. The MPG breakfast and Ghosn’s address was open to all credentialed Press Days attendees. A Q&A session followed the presentation. For the full audio, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org |
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Dean Case Appointed to MPG Board October 28, 2008. Dean Case was appointed to the Board of Directors Tuesday evening, October 28, at the MPG Board meeting. Dean will serve the remainder of the year in the position left by the passing of Michael Hollander. The Board now consists of: OFFICERS: Aaron Robinson, President; Dave Kunz, Vice President; Louise Ann Noeth, Secretary; Eric Dahlquist, Treasurer. DIRECTORS: James Bell, Jeff Holland, Carl Sheffer, Jessica Tullman, and Dean Case. For more information on the MPG Board of Directors and the committess and staff, visit Contact Us. |
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Track Day A Huge Success at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana October 22-23, 2008. MPG Track Day was held at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana Oct. 22-23. This was the first time a different location has been used for Track Day since the Motor Press Guild's inception in 1984, a move made possible through the very generous support from the Automobile Club of Southern California.
- photo by Pete Lyons
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| Jim Press, Chrysler, Reviewed His First Year on the Job
Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Jim Press addressed the MPG lunch crowd in the Grand Ballroom of the Proud Bird, due to the size of the crowd. The packed house heard him talk about the opportunity given him a year ago when he left Toyota after 37 years and went to Chrysler to become vice chairman, president and member of the Board of Managers, Chrysler LLC. He described the experience as going from a position of a sunset in his career to a sunrise. He described the last year as a great year and a great experience for him personally. "We're doing a lot better than people would think," he told the throng of journalists and pr members and guests. For all the details, listen to the audio or read the transcript on the MilePost Online page. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org
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photos by Pete Lyons |
Subaru's Tim Mahoney Spoke at the August MPG Luncheon Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, Inc., spoke about Niche and Experiential Marketing. Mahoney is the top marketer within the organization and is responsible for leading and managing the Subaru brand in the U.S. market. Mahoney originally joined Subaru of America in 1984 as a marketing research analyst, and was promoted through the organization holding a variety of management roles in areas including marketing, advertising, merchandising, market research and strategy, as well as product planning. Prior to Subaru, he worked for the Sara Lee Corporation. Mahoney has also worked for Porsche Cars North America, Inc., as vice president of marketing. There he lead the launch of the brand's first SUV, the Porsche Cayenne. He received a bachelor's degree in international studies and foreigh languages from Newberry College and University of Vienna in Austria and went on to earn a master's of business administration in marketing management from Drexel University. He is a member of the CMO Council and CMO Marketing Roundtable. For the audio and the transcript of the presentation, visit MilePost Online. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org |
(photos by Pete Lyons) |
Ford's Dan Kapp Spoke to MPG Luncheon Tuesday, July 1, 2008. The demand for implementation of advanced powertrain technology has never been greater, and Ford's Dan Kapp, Director-Ford Powertrain Research & Advanced, came to the July MPG luncheon and covered an array of programs Ford labels its "Blueprint for sustainability". Part of this "blueprint" are the Eco Boost engines of four and six cylinders and the "one percent improvements" that will make a tremendous difference when applied to millions of vehicles over time. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org |
 Ford's Dan Kapp speaks with guests before the luncheon. (photo by Pete Lyons) |
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Suzuki's Gene Brown Outlined Ambitious Plans for Growth in a Difficult Market Tuesday, June 3, 2008. Gene Brown,Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Automotive Operations, American Suzuki Motor Corporation came to the MPG luncheon with toys galore. Brown outlined plans that might seem overly ambitious to most observers, and which he acknowledged were ambitious for Suzuki. There will be four introductions of product over the next two years, which is a great deal for this car company. MilePost PDF now available as well as audio, video, and transcript: For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org
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Motor Press Guild members and their guests got to enjoy two car shows on the Spring Power Trip Saturday, May 17th. The first car show was in the parking lot of Specialty Transport, where interesting rides began rolling in just as the weather started to warm up. Muscle cars, sports cars, vintage luxury cars and even two hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gathered during the pre-departure hour. Inside Specialty’s offices, Eric Goetz had arranged a “caffeine and calorie” buffet to get participants’ bloodstreams going. At 10:00 am, everyone was gathered and our destination was announced: The Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo. Each driver was given a professionally produced route sheet, complete with mileage numbers and a map, thanks again to Eric. Then, Carl Sheffer handed out sealed envelopes with poker hands inside to each driver. An easy route took us along the shore, then back inland a few miles to the museum for our second car show. The Automobile Driving Museum features a diverse display of vehicles from just about every era, all of which are driven on a regular basis (hence the museum’s name). Director Laurie Lewis and her staff of docents took members through the rows of cars, which are arranged in a giant room that resembles a town square built inside a movie sound stage. At the far end of the room, a huge marquee greeted us with “Welcome Motor Press Guild.” After our tours of the cars, everyone was invited into a special section where Heather Curtin had arranged a catered lunch, sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales. Before our hungry group took to the great spread, the drivers were instructed to open the envelopes and reveal their poker hands. Lady luck was with member Jay Parille, as his royal flush garnered him the big prize. He and his son took home a fantastic assortment of car care products, courtesy of Mother’s. Full of lunch, members were free to continue touring the museum, where photography was not only welcomed but encouraged. From the comments overheard during and after our day, this combination of interesting cars and people was quite a success. If you missed it, rest assured there will be another Power Trip in the fall. Don’t get left behind! -Dave Kunz Our thanks to our sponsors:
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Cold Hard Facts About Lemon Law Revealed at May Lunch Courtroom Drama Tuesday, May 6, 2008. This month's meeting went outside the usual guidelines of MPG luncheons. Organized and moderated by our own Don Fuller, who is an expert witness at Lemon Law trials, the presentation was by two highly accredited Lemon Law attorneys: for the plaintiff, William McGee, and for the defense, Brian Takahashi. These men, key players in courtroom battles between unhappy vehicle owners and manufacturers, squared off and explained what Lemon Law is, how it works and what it all means. MPG lucheon guests got to be the jury and make their own decisions. Special thanks to Don Fuller for organizing this luncheon. For complete audio, transcripts, and MilePost PDF as they become available, Click Here or click on MilePost Online on navigation bar at left. |
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Cool Concept Vehicles Were On Display for this Panel Discussion on Automotive Design
Tuesday, April 1, 2008. This luncheon featured cool concepts vehicles and a look inside the world of automotive design. Charlie Vogelheim, MPG Chair of the Speakers Committee, introduced Eric Noble who moderated the panel. Guest speakers included (on left above) Stewart Reed, Transportation Design Department Chair, Art Center College of Design; Tom Matano (center), Executive Director, Academy of Art University; and Mark West (right), Interim Transportation Department Chair at the College for Creative Studies. Special thanks to John Grafman from AutoDesignO for organizing this outstanding MPG event. For complete audio, video, transcript, and MilePost PDF as it becomes available, go to MilePost Online. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact: MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org |
For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, Click Here. Press Contact: MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.or
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_0148.jpg) A trio of AMG cars parked outside the Proud Bird. Mercedes-AMG showed the C63 at the MPG meeting on Tuesday. This car was shown to a select few at a press preview Feb 28 and 29 in Arizona. There are only a handful of them in the U.S. right now. (photo by Pete Lyons) |
MPG Office has New Address and Phone Number Saturday, March 1, 2008. MPG Executive Administrator Chuck Koch announced today that there is a new address and phone number for the MPG Office. Office Administrator Whitney Cline will be the voice on the phone when you call MPG at 310-693-4943. The complete contact is: |
_3426.jpg) Whitney Cline, MPG's new Office Administrator (photo by Lorna Lyons) |
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Chuck Koch Named MPG Executive Director and Whitney Cline Named Office Administrator Tuesday, February 19, 2008. MPG Board of Directors named Chuck Koch to be MPG’s new Executive Director, and the Office Administrator will be Whitney Cline.
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Peter Butterfield Entertained MPG Members With "Confessions of a CEO" Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Peter Butterfield, president and CEO of ATK VEGE and long-time automotive industry veteran, was the featured speaker at MPG's February luncheon. Butterfield provided an entertaining look back at the auto industry from the 1960s to today in a candid view of the industry. He called his presentation "Confessions of a CEO: Be Careful Who You Eat Dinner With." Butterfield took a personal look at major political, world and socio-economical events throughout the decades that have shaped the automotive business today. He covered top trends and issues including the rise of the Asian automakers, the decline of the domestics and the privatization of Chrysler, all with his own personal take on events. His look at "unintended consequences" was amusing and entertaining. Prior to consulting, in his five decades in the industry Butterfield, was the CEO of Kia North America, served as executive vice president for Volvo North America, and began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1976, quickly rising through the ranks. Press Contact: MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org
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Robert Genat Submitted the Winning Photo for the Cover of the 2008 Media Guide January 22, 2008. Robert Genat submitted the winning photo in this, the first annual cover photo contest. The contest was a big success with many outstanding photos submitted. MPG wishes to thank all who participated and encourage everyone to submit images next January for the 2009 cover. We want to show off what great photographers we have in MPG. More details about the photo will be available in this space soon. But for now, the image at right is the winning image. For further information, contact Lorna Lyons at lorna@motorpressguild.org
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Ed Peper, General Manager of Chevrolet, Sets the Record Straight At First MPG Lunch of 2008 Tuesday, January 8, 2008. General Manager of General Motor's Chevrolet Division, Ed Peper, is the first important automobile executive to speak to MPG members and guests in the new year. He spoke of "Setting the Record Straight" about Chevrolet, where it has been and where it is going. He presented the idea that Chevrolet was ready to "go on the offensive about our sales," stressing the positive results across the board in 2007, and plans for growth. Peper impressed a large crowd of MPG members and guests with his enthusiasm and humor. For more including the audio and a transcript of today's presentation, see MilePost Online. For more information on MPG Luncheon Meetings, click here. Press Contact: MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org |
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2007 Dean Batchelor Award Banquet December 4, 2007. The Motor Press Guild celebrated outstanding achievements in automotive journalism at our annual Dean Batchelor Award dinner, 6 pm Dec. 4, 2007, at the Petersen Museum.The 2007 Dean Batchelor Award went to Bernard Cahier for F-Stops, Pit Stops, Laughter and Tears. Accepting the award for Bernard was publisher Michael Keyser. The winner was chosen from four Best of the Year categories. The winners in those categories were: Best Article of 2007 Best Audio/Visual of 2007 Best Book of 2007 Best Photography of 2007 The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom and Ray Magliozzi ... Click and Clack, or the Tappet Brothers.
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MPG wishes to thank its sponsors of the 2007 Dean Batchelor Award Banquet.
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LA Auto Show Press Days Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer for Ford Motor Company, kicked off the Los Angeles Auto Show by delivering the Motor Press Guild keynote address on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 8:20 am. This marks the eighth year MPG has hosted the LA Auto Show's Keynote Address. A Q&A session was part of Mulally's presentation. The MPG breakfast was at 7:30 am. These events were open to all credentialed news media attending the show’s press days, November 14-15. "It's an honor for MPG to help kick off the media preview for the LA Auto Show," said MPG president Mitch McCullough. "The Motor Press Guide chooses and invites the keynote speaker each year, and we thank the LA Auto Show organizers for giving us that opportunity. Alan Mulally graciously accepted our invitation and we were fascinated to hear what he had to say about the future of Ford Motor Company. Providing a forum for leaders in the auto industry is a core function of MPG." See also MilePost Plus for audio and video.
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MPG's Automotive Public Relations Survey 2007 Results The Motor Press Guild announces that Toyota and Chrysler ranked as having the best overall performance in media relations, according to the organization’s third annual Automotive Public Relations Survey. The survey, conducted by the Gronstedt Group of Denver, Colo., measures the media’s satisfaction of seven criteria of the 20 major automobile manufacturers identified as being crucial to the success of their public relations programs. Journalists are asked to rate each manufacturer’s press materials, Web site, ease and frequency of contact, level of a PR staff’s knowledge, product launch programs and more. For more on the Survey, Click Here.
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