Auto Blog

Simon Property Group, a company that provides security solutions to corporations all over the U.S., has announced that it is rolling out Segway i2s to its entire fleet of shopping mall security guards. The latest purchase will make Simon’s fleet of 225 Segways the largest in the world. Apparently, the mounted security guards have been a hit with pedestrians, which provides “social interaction” that would otherwise be impossible and allows the security guards to do a better job of keeping the peace. Say what you want about the Segway, but you must admit that they are noticeable, which is definitely a good thing when it comes to security. If you frequent malls in major cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, Houston, Miami or Boston, expect to become even more familiar with security guards mounted atop their trusty steeds. There’s just one more question to ask: just how green will they really be?

Press Release:

Company now has over 225 units deployed at more than 125 shopping malls nationwide

INDIANAPOLIS, May 12 — Simon Property Group, Inc. and Segway Inc. today announced that Simon Property Group has made a substantial purchase of additional Segway Personal Transporters (PTs) that will increase its current security fleet of Segway PTs to more than 225 machines. Simon now uses Segway PTs at more than 125 shopping malls in the United States, making it the largest deployment by any company in the shopping center industry. Among the cities in which Simon Property Group now uses Segway PTs for mall security are San Diego, Las Vegas, Houston, Miami and Boston. The majority of Simon’s fleet consists of the same latest-generation Segway model (i2) recently adopted by the New York City Police Department and numerous international airports.

Simon Property Group first began its investment in Segway PTs for mall security patrols in 2004 with a trial program at mall locations in Texas. Based upon that successful pilot program, Simon pioneered the use of Segway PTs in retail security by broadening its deployment of Segway PTs and implementing specialized training programs that instructed security personnel on how to use the units in a mall environment. By 2006, Simon had initiated a national Segway rollout to its properties.

“From day one of our Segway PT program, our goal has been to give our security personnel the tools they need to ensure that our mall guests and retail partners have a safe and enjoyable experience,” says John Petruzzi, Vice President of Corporate Security and Emergency Management at Simon Property Group. “They have increased the visibility and range of our security personnel, and enabled them to swiftly respond to emergency situations wherever they might occur. The entire initiative has been very well received by our security personnel, our retail partners and millions of our mall guests. An added benefit is the social interaction between security personnel on Segway PTs and members of the public who are naturally drawn to them out of curiosity.”

Worldwide, hundreds of police and security agencies have adopted the Segway PT for their patrolling, emergency response and community policing needs. According to Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc., much of the momentum that Segway now experiences in the security sector is the result of innovators like Simon Property Group. “Very early on Simon recognized the potential of Segway PTs to make security personnel more effective, and they took great care in seamlessly integrating them into their operations,” says Norrod. “As with every facet of their business, Simon delivers a premium level of service to its customers and retail tenants, and we are extremely proud that they continue to choose Segway products to ensure that their security remains world class.“

[Source: Simon Property Group]

Just as a whole batch of new fifty state-legal diesel vehicles are about to hit the market in the U.S., chemical company BASF is set to take advantage of the situation. BASF has announced that they will be raising the price of AdBlue by €45 per 1,000 liters. AdBlue is the 1/3 urea, 2/3 water solution used for the NOx after-treatment system in new diesel engines. The urea solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream where the heat of the exhaust causes it turn into ammonia by a hydrolysis reaction. The ammonia reacts with the exhaust in a special catalyst to turn the NOx into nitrogen and water.

The only reason for using the urea solution instead of straight urea is to allow for more precise dosing so that it lasts longer and no excess is used and passed through the exhaust. The Mercedes and BMW vehicles that are coming to market with urea injection systems that hold about 4-5 gallons of AdBlue which needs to be replenished every 15,000 miles or so. BASF claims the price increase is due to tight raw material supplies and the need to ensure product quality.

[Source: BASF]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Furai

Of all the Nagare-themed concepts that Mazda has released over the past two years, one stands out. The Mazda Furai concept was unveiled this past January in Detroit and it walked away with our internal Best of Show award. Built around Mazda’s two-year-old ALMS Courage C65 chassis and motivated by a 450-hp, three-rotor Wankle juiced by E100 Ethanol, the Furai was a concept that stood above the rest. Part of that was due to its stunning design, but mainly because it was also runner. And run it does. We’ve already seen video of the Furai testing at a track in Japan, and now we get to experience what its like inside during a few hot laps around the Buttonwillow circuit. Hit the jump to check it out, and make sure your speakers are turned up to 11, unless you’re still at work.

Click above for a high res gallery of the AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman S.

The MINI Clubman isn’t what we’d call overly practical, or particularly pretty, but AC Schnitzer has done its best to address the biggie-sized MINI’s faults. AC’s interpretation of the Clubman S begins with an increase in output courtesy of a new sports exhaust that aids breathing and increases power to 226 hp and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. A “twin sports rear silencer” ensures that you won’t be irritating the neighbors on your way to Macy’s, and a choice of either a simple spring kit or a height-adjustable racing suspension gives the Clubman a more sporting stance while ensuring that things remain planted if you ever decide to tackle the twisties. AC Schnitzer is offering a choice of 17×7.5- or 18×7.5-inch wheels, a new hood with a bulging power dome and aluminum pedals to round out the appearance package, along with a limited slip differential to make sure that peg-leg burnouts are kept in check while darting from stop-light to stop-light. Hit the jump to read AC Schnitzer’s flowery prose about its reworked Clubman S.

PRESS RELEASE

It might not transport washing machines, but it’s got a big heart

The new MINI Cooper S Clubman by AC Schnitzer with up to 226HP

The name “MINI” says it all: Physically, the Clubman is not one of the biggest out there, but it’s got a bigger heart than any other estate. And now AC Schnitzer provides that final endorphin surge. With its new front spoiler, giving it a harder look than standard, the Cooper S Clubman doesn’t just catch the eye but demands respect. In terms of driving dynamics, the agile cornering master shouldn’t be underestimated. Especially not when fitted with the AC Schnitzer spring kit or even the height-adjustable racing suspension made in Aachen. The subtle lowering flatters the well-honed figure of the Clubman. The bonnet with its striking power dome hides real muscle. After the AC Schnitzer performance training, the Cooper S develops 226 HP/ 166 kW and a torque of up to 285 Nm. Gas and away! But with spirited driving, don’t forget: secure your load first!

An optional limited slip differential (up to maximum 75 percent) developed by the renowned BMW tuning house ensures that the raw engine power is always applied to the right wheel when cornering and not lost through the exhaust. Even the exhaust gas flow plays a dual role of utility and aesthetics: Not only does it drive the turbo, but the AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer plays an almost orchestral note. The musical masterpiece with its chromed tailpipes is also a top level eyecatcher. Like the perfectly styled alloy wheels specially designed for the MINI in Aachen. Variants available are the Bicolor wheel Mi2 in 7.5 x18″ and the Mi1 in the classic AC Schnitzer look in 7.5 x 17″. And naturally the passionate MINI fan wants the right accessories in the interior too. Like the attractive controls and sports pedals of aluminium - naturally from AC Schnitzer.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Taiki concept.

Mazda is finally going to employ the styling cues shown on its Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and Furai show cars with a supermini concept, due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept aims to slot in below the Mazda2 and may be the first production model to benefit from the Nagare design theme. Other models utilizing Laurens van der Acker’s swooping and sculpted lines are expected to come to production in 2010, including the redesigned Mazda3.

Mazda also plans to unveil a small crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year, which will likely be based of the Ford Kuga and utilize the same Nagare DNA. This new CUV will be specifically designed for the Russian market, which Mazda maintains could overtake Germany as the largest market in Europe. But bringing this cute ‘ute to the UK and the US is a possibility, as consumers continue to downsize their rides.

[Source: Autocar]