The key to Toyota's rise from a Japanese maker of textile looms to possibly the world's best corporation, as described in a recent cover story in The New York Times Magazine, is its ground-breaking lean business system, said James Womack, founder and chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI). Womack, who was featured in the Feb. 18 story "From 0 to 60 to World Domination," co-authored the book that brought Toyota's revolutionary lean business system ... [full story]

The sensation of Jeep tires biting through a crust of earth on a wind-whipped dune telegraphs a message to an off-road driver. And then feeling those tires lose traction in the talcum below the crust sends another, more-urgent message. Spinning tires, steep incline, sideways movement. Hmmm, this could be an inopportune time to stop, I thought. That thought occurred just after I had thought, "I wonder how far we can go up this hill."   JEEP WRANGLER - ... [full story]

Shell Offers New Branded Experiences and Products By Activating Its Kevin Harvick Sponsorship With a 360-Degree Plan Just in time for the 2007 Nextel Cup Season and to support a new relationship, Shell Oil Company announces an integrated marketing platform aimed at raising its brand profile with NASCAR fans on and off the track. NASCAR's 75 million fans are sure to take notice that Shell has made its way back into the world of NASCAR ... [full story]

Mark Perleberg, lead auto expert at NADAguides.com - a leading vehicle information website -- today weighed in on his recent test drive of the Mercedes Benz CL550, the latest in stylish sedan-based coupes gracing the automotive market "I love this car's sizzling style and machine-like power," said Perleberg. "I firmly believe the Mercedes CL550 is destined to be a timeless classic of the future -- one that makes you sit up and take notice." NADAguides.com ... [full story]

Many people don’t know how to select motor oil that will help them get optimum performance out of their car. People often just select the oil their father used, or they may take the suggestion of a counter person at an auto parts store who may not know any more about cars than they do. Things can get even more confusing because of ads that use slogans like “formulated for stop and go driving.” One ... [full story]

SRT and Richard Petty Driving Experience partner to deliver professional driving instruction for automotive enthusiasts -- More than 60 SRT track events planned this year. Chrysler announced this week that it is partnering with the esteemed Richard Petty Driving Experience to deliver its unique SRT Track Experience professional driving instruction program beginning this year. Chrysler Group is expanding its SRT Track Experience program for owners of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep SRT vehicles to include all ... [full story]

Again this year, during the buildup to the sport's most important race, NASCAR's biggest story is the suspension and penalties for at least four of its teams. Robbie Reiser, crew chief for Matt Kenseth, and all three crew chiefs from Evernham Motorsports received suspensions Tuesday for unapproved aerodynamic modifications. Reiser and Ken Francis, who is crew chief for Kasey Kahne, earned four-race suspensions and $50,000 fines. Their drivers and car owners also were slapped with ... [full story]

Q: What can turn a 60-pound child into a 2,700-pound elephant? A: A 30-mph crash. Force = Mass x Acceleration. While that maybe an oversimplification, the fact is the laws of physics are unyielding. Imagine this: A 60-pound, unbelted child in the back seat of a car traveling at a mere 30 miles per hour involved in a sudden collision can weigh as much as a young elephant -- about 2,700 pounds. That means the ... [full story]

I'm no futurist when it comes to trends and design, but it's clear that Ford's new Edge crossover SUV is the future for Ford Motor Co. This five-passenger people mover is contemporary, fashionable and nothing like the Explorer, which ignited this segment of sport-utility vehicles 17 years ago. It is an accommodating vehicle for the American commute, smartly designed, and there's that bit of indescribable magic when a vehicle just feels right to drive; it inspires confidence ... [full story]

It's just an all-star race, really. No points are awarded and only 21 drivers - half of a normal field - are in the race. But the Bud Shootout, which runs Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway, feels like the beginning of the season. And when fans think of Daytona and the Bud Shootout, they think of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2003 winner. "I'm glad we can finally start racing," said Earnhardt Jr., whose car ... [full story]

Study Shows KBB Branding Has Positive Impact among New and Used In-Market Buyers A recent survey conducted on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com found 72 percent of in-market new and used vehicle shoppers are more likely to purchase a vehicle from a dealership using Kelley Blue Book endorsements such as values on dealer Web sites or their lots. In addition, 67 percent of shoppers favored dealers displaying Kelley Blue Book branding, increasing their likelihood to purchase ... [full story]

DALE to roll out theatrically in 40 markets following the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series DALE, the only authorized documentary on racing legend Dale Earnhardt, will be showcased in movie theaters beginning in February, coinciding with the launch of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in Daytona Beach, Fla. The release of DALE includes private premieres hosted by presenting sponsor Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench, large-scale consumer event screenings, and through partner National CineMedia, limited showings in select AMC, Cinemark, ... [full story]

Ford Motor Company announced this week its bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name -- Taurus X -- for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer. "Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark ... [full story]