General Motors remains the No. 1 innovator for the fourth-consecutive quarter among 183 companies ranked by The Patent Board in its quarterly automotive and transportation industry scorecard. 

GM was granted 1,123 U.S. patents in 2011 applied to global product engineering, global powertrain engineering, global research and development and OnStar organizations. 
The Patent Board is the leading independent provider of best practices research tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment.  It tracks and analyzes innovation and patents across 17 industries on a global basis.
Among recent technology patents:
Quiet Brakes – A friction-damped disc brake design that uses a thin metal ring embedded in the brake rotor to absorb vibrations and mute the squeal. The quieter brake is expected to be available on some cars and trucks within two to three years.
OnStar Voice Recognition – OnStar’s speech recognition method can identify the location of the speaker within the vehicle and adjusts its microphone pick-up pattern or magnitude to respond to location-specific commands.
eAssist Thermal Management – Vehicles with engine shut-off capability, such as Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, use an innovative thermal management system that maintains occupant comfort during engine-shut off, and prevents engine shut-off if comfort will be lost, such as during extremely cold or hot weather conditions.
“We are in the midst of redefining the automotive DNA, and these efforts are driving our people to reinvent every subsystem on the vehicle” said Alan Taub, GM vice president of Global Research and Development. “Being the recognized leader in innovation is important, because it tells our customers and shareholders that we are working on the leading edge of technology.”

  Fireball Roberts and Marvin Panch, both already Daytona 500 winners driving Pontiacs, were participants in the 1962 Daytona Continental.

Here's a photo of Marvin from the event.

There's a lot of hullabaloo this weekend about the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona Continental. Of course, Daytona says it's the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Two problems: the event didn't become 24 hours until 1966 and was shortened to 6 hours for 1972, and Rolex gets to celebrate it's 50th anniversary event, even though it didn't become the race's lead-sponsor until 1992.

Daytona's revisionist history is furthered by its general disregard for the Pontiacs and their drivers that made up a fair share of the participants the 1962 Daytona Continental.

A.J. Foyt lead the first lap in a Pontiac Tempest.

 From SEMA:

Join your fellow SEMA members in Washington, D.C., May 9, 2012, to demonstrate to lawmakers the importance and strength of the $28 billion specialty-equipment industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your legislators on Capitol Hill and inform them of the issues that matter most to you and your business. The SEMA Washington Rally is exclusively for SEMA members.

 From SEMA:

SEMA-opposed legislation has been introduced in the Virginia State Legislature that threatens to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount they may charge for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates and are not exempted from this requirement.

 Among the exempted vehicles are parts cars that are stored on private property for fewer than 60 days. However, we believe that this bill represents an opportunity for localities to sidestep local zoning laws that were designed to protect vehicles being restored on private property and incentivizes collection of a substantial tax on owners of long-term restoration projects. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org

 From SEMA:

SEMA is supporting a bill in the West Virginia State Legislature to provide owners of antique motor vehicles with an exemption from taxation and fees.

The bill is pending in the House Roads and Transportation Committee for consideration. West Virginia law defines an "antique motor vehicle" to mean any motor vehicle that is more than 25 years old and is owned solely as a collector's item. 

The bill exempts antique vehicle owners from sales tax and all other taxes and fees. Under the bill, certificates of title and other required permits would be granted free of charge. 

For more information, Visit SEMA Action Network's website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

 FROM SEMA:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seized nearly 25,000 counterfeit and pirated goods in fiscal year 2011—a 24% increase from the previous year.

The value of the seizures actually decreased by 5%, totaling $179 million for fiscal year 2011. The high-volume/lower-value differential was attributed to an increase in express courier and consolidated shipments and the growth of websites selling counterfeit goods directly to consumers.

The top 10 categories of counterfeit products seized were consumer electronics, footwear, pharmaceuticals, optical media, apparel, perfume/cologne, watches, cigarettes, toys/electronic games, auto parts and all other commodities. China continues to be the primary-source country for counterfeit and pirated goods seized, accounting for 62% or $125 million of the total domestic value of seizures.

With respect to auto parts, SEMA hosted an industry roundtable meeting at the SEMA Show to discuss a newly emerging problem of websites selling counterfeit high-performance auto products and shipping them via express courier or mail. The meeting was an opportunity to gather and share information in order to address the problem. 

For further information about the meeting or the CBP/ICE report, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. 

 SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils this year announced July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

  The date marks the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are again working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“In the previous two years, the U.S. Senate helped launch national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.” 



The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

“On July 13, 2012, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will again proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.” 



SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 13, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.


 The Wide Track Warriors Pontiac Club of Orlando will be holding its 20th Annual All-Pontiac show February 18th, 2012, at Route 46 Entertainment District, Sanford, FL.

Proceeds benefit Pet Rescue by Judy.


Before Feb. 1st (Pre-registration): $20 per car with special merchandise discounts
Day of show: $25
Open to any and all Pontiac and Oakland vehicles
Application:


www.orlandowtw.com/2012ShowApplication.pdf

Lots of prizes and giveaways.

 John DeLorean's birthday was January 6.

To many Pontiac hobbyists, who was the life-force behind many of the classic Pontiacs that hobbyists drive, show, race, and consider works of art today.

This photo from GM archives reminds us of when Pontiac was the Division that could. Today, it's up to Pontiac hobbyists to keep John DeLorean's dreams alive.

 Like that car parked over there? Wondering how much it costs and how you can get it? With today's new updates to the eBay Motors iPhone app , it's as simple as snapping a pic to identify a vehicle's make/model/year, and gain instant access to like inventory on eBay Motors.

For racing fans, the new app update also includes, for the first time ever from eBay, live streamed content of behind-the-scenes action from the Rolex 24 at Daytona racing event. Former Le Mans winner Justin Bell will host the "under the hood" live look into the pit crews at the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 this weekend, January 26-29. The coverage will complement the live broadcast on SPEED, ongoing updates on GRAND-AM.com, and "after-hours" coverage on SPEED.com.

Other new app features include:
 *   More winning - receive notifications for when you are outbid, when items you are watching are ending, and updates on the current Best Offer
  *   Stock your Garage - stock images for vehicles are now available for quick and easy profile updates to users' personal eBay Motors "Garage," providing simple search for parts that fit your car, and simple sharing options
  *   Tweet it out - easily share the parts and vehicles you are buying or selling with your followers on Twitter (currently for iOS 5 only)

To tune-in to eBay's coverage of the Rolex 24, visit mobile.ebay.com to download the eBay Motors mobile app, and visit the World's Fastest Car Show website, cc.ebay.com/worlds-fastest-car-show/, on days leading up to, and during race weekend.

Just launched, Jim Wangers Auto Recap captures the latest auto industry news in one easy-to-read email newsletter. For the next few weeks you will be receiving Jim Wangers Auto Recap on a complimentary trial basis.

As a paid subscriber you will receive 2-3 email newsletter per week for the low price of $10 per month. Jim is also offering a greater savings if you purchase an annual subscription.

As an avid automotive enthusiast or automotive marketer, you can't get enough noteworthy automotive information: new products, car reviews, and the latest happenings in the automotive world. No doubt, your friends call upon you frequently for your automotive opinion.  

To subscribe, visit his site on the web at www.geetotiger.com/AutoRecap.htm

We know you will agree...the Jim Wangers Auto Recap makes it easy for you to be a well-informed automotive authority!

Our sister publication Hot Rod asked us to share with our readers that its '72 Catalina Brougham road-trip car is up on eBay for auction. With the no-reserve auction ending tomorrow, you could be the highest bidder and winner of this full size Pontiac.

 According to the auction-item description, "The best selling point on this Catalina is the good running 400 engine that does not appear to have ever been out of the car, so it is probably standard bore. It also has a YTH400 trans.  So that's good if you want to pull the engine for another project. But you could also use this car as a daily driver, as it runs and drives very well. The interior is all there and in decent shape, but not at all perfect. But the door panels are mint. The body is pretty good and totally rust free. No major dents. Don't get me wrong, it's a beater. But it's a really good beater that could be saved or parted out. Right now staff are driving the car from El Paso, Texas, to Los Angeles and hope to have it sold by the time we get there on Tuesday. Three-day auction!"

Stay tuned to High Performance Pontiac blogs for more information on this car and the auction as it becomes available.

The link to the auction is http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110813049870#v4-47

 Pontiac takes out full-page advertisements in newspapers from California to Connecticut and all places in-between proclaiming "Pontiac announces the beginning of tomorrow."

 It was the beginning of the era of the Second Generation Firebird.

 Happy new year to all High Performance Pontiac readers!

 Be sure to enjoy the new year in your Pontiacs.

Need a new-year resolution? How about turning somebody on to the joy of Pontiacs and introducing them to the hobby?

 Thanks to PHS Automotive Services, owners of classic Pontiacs from 1961 forward can their vehicles' original broadcast sheets or billing manifests (depending on year) decoded. If you don't have it's website, it's www.phs-online.com

 Pontiac's cousins—Buick—can take advantage of a service that decodes the original factory options of their vehicle.

Sloan Auto Museum facilitates the requests. 

According to a Museum spokesperson, it has records of 1970-1976 Buicks only, except 1971.

If you're a Pontiac hobbyist who also has a Buick in your collection, or have interest in learning the factory options on a Buick, contact the Museum at www.sloanlongway.org/BuickGallery/Research/AutomotiveResearch.aspx

Hopefully, this blog will be of interest to HPP readers who also enjoy the story of Pontiac's cousins on the Buick side.

Here's another great source for HPP readers.

 Autoupholsterykits.com (www.autoupholsterykits.com) has the presewn seat covers for Pontiacs that you just can't find from other sources, and others too, including '80s and '90s-era Firebirds and Grand Prixs, and much more.

Late-model Pontiac owners, listen up. If you've damaged one of your factory wheels, or you're going back to stock and don't have your car's original wheels, we found a great source for you.

Finish Line wheels offers factory wheels for most late-model Pontiacs from 1980-2010, including popular Firebird, Trans Am, GTO, and G8 models.

Check them out at www.finishlinewheels.com.

 Have you checked out GTOgrilles.com?

 It offers reproduction 2004-2006 GTO SAP Grilles, along with other appearance mods for your new-age GTO.

 Sunpro, known as “The Performance Legend,” offers several aftermarket tachometer and gauge accessories to assist in installing Sunpro products.

Among the products available to enthusiasts are Sunpro’s Copper Tubing Installation Kit (CP7584), designed for mechanical oil pressure or mechanical boost gauges.
 
Additional accessories include:
**Sunpro Tachometer Adapter (CP7558) available for vehicles with four stroke engines that were manufactured between 1996 and 2005 and equipped with Distributorless Ignition System (DIS).

**Oil Pressure Sender (CP7577), used with electric oil pressure gauges, with a metric adapter kit (CP7573) available.

**Fuel Level Sender (CP7583), for use with fuel level gauges and 5-26” deep tank. Includes gasket and mounting hardware.

**In-dash Mounting Bracket Kits (CP7910 & CP7915)
 
Check them out online at www.sunpro.com, where you'll also see a modified 1971 GTO.
 

High Performance Pontiac will feature the install of OnStar FMV into a Trans Am in an upcoming issue, but if you already have OnStar installed and activated in your Pontiac, it may help you steer clear of the undead tonight during Halloween.

What follows is an official press release from GM and OnStar.

 Avoid zombies, vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts and any other ghouls that may cause havoc this Halloween with OnStar’s new “Monster Dodger” service. Specially trained OnStar Advisors can help save you from that herd of undead doing their best “Thriller” in the road ahead or provide turn-by-turn directions to the nearest costume shop.

“Halloween is a fun holiday, and our new Monster Dodger service reflects that,” said Terry Inch, director, OnStar Subscriber Services. “This year, in addition to OnStar providing help to subscribers who need directions to the closest costume shop or convenience store to pick up candy, we are offering families an entertaining button push opportunity.”

On October 31, subscribers looking for a Halloween treat can push their blue OnStar button and ask for the location of the closest “monster” so they can dodge a potential encounter. Advisors will provide the radius of the closest “monster.”

OnStar joins other organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Halloween fun. On its website, the CDC recommends a creative Zombie Preparedness Kit to help in the event of a zombie attack.  

“Although a zombie attack maybe farfetched, our Advisors are available 24/7 to help drivers with any emergency or service request they may have,” Inch adds. “We’ll continue to see customers through emergencies and less-serious situations – whether outpacing a zombie herd, or directions to a Halloween Monster Mash.”
 

 
NASCAR Performance and Edelbrock have announced the inclusion of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge winners in NASCAR Acceleration Weekend as part of the prize package for the overall championship-winning team, which will be crowned at the third annual "Showdown at SEMA" in Las Vegas, NV on Nov. 4, 2011.

Six Divisional winners and four wildcard teams will compete at the "Showdown at SEMA", sponsored by Edelbrock, and held Nov. 1 - 4 in the grand lobby of the SEMA (Specialty Market Equipment Association) Show. The top-10 high school auto tech teams who advanced via regional competitions across the country will compete head-to-head for the best average time as they tear down and rebuild identically built Chevy 350 high performance engines. Teams, which are made up of five students plus an instructor/coach, must properly disassemble the engine using hand tools only with proper de-torque and disassembly procedure, all while being viewed by judges and spectators. Time added penalties for dropped components, improper disassembly, assembly, and sportsmanship will be added to ensure correct assembly. When reassembled, the engines should fire up and run if gas, water, and oil were added. The team with the fastest time, including penalty minutes wins.

The top-10 high school teams vying for the 2011 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge championship are: Loara High School, Anaheim, CA; Eastern OK County Tech Center Team #1, Choctaw, OK; Belvidere North High School, Belvidere, IL; East Ridge High School #2, East Ridge, TN; Elkhart Area Career Center Team #2, Elkhart, IN; North Orange County ROP Team #1, Anaheim, CA; East Ridge High School #1, East Ridge, TN; Elkhart Area Career Center Team #1, Elkhart, IN; Joliet Central High School Team #2; and Burton Center for Arts & Technology Team #1, Salem, VA.

"We are so proud to be a key leader and sponsor for The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow. Supporting the kids, providing opportunity and changing lives is what it is ALL about!" said Christi Edelbrock, VP Business Development, Edelbrock. "It is our mission and passion to continue to grow this program by supporting America's youth wherever and whenever possible. Being a part of these life changing opportunities is a very proud moment for Edelbrock!"

NASCAR Performance will host each member of the winning championship team along with their team instructor at the inaugural NASCAR Acceleration Weekend in Charlotte, N.C., on January 20-22, 2012. NASCAR Acceleration Weekend is set to provide fans, media, and the sports industry with an insiders' view at what to expect on and off the track in 2012.

During NASCAR Acceleration Weekend, the winning team will have the opportunity to attend the 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, participate in a meet and greet with NASCAR personalities, visit race team shops, and more. In addition, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge champions will tour the Mooresville, N.C. based NASCAR Technical Institute to gain insight into what it takes to become a NASCAR team member.

"NASCAR Performance is proud to partner with Edelbrock to support the development of today's youth for the future of the automotive industry," said Todd Armstrong, managing director, NASCAR Automotive Group. "We look forward to hosting the championship-winning team in Charlotte for NASCAR Acceleration Weekend and providing them with a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the past, present and future of NASCAR."

NASCAR Performance also plans to host the second and third place teams at a 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race within close proximity to their respective schools. The groups will experience behind the scenes garage and pit tours in addition to learning the inner-workings of a NSCS event weekend.

Edelbrock, an exclusive NASCAR Performance partner, as well as a NASCAR Contingency Program partner in all NASCAR-sanctioned series, has supported the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge since its inception in 2008. The program provides nearly $2 million annually in scholarships to competing students who wish to pursue careers in the automotive industry.

HPP followers: Did you give your Pontiac a costume for tonight. We're talking scary—no not like the G3 or Aztek—but ghosts, ghouls, and the undead.

 Post of photo of your Halloween-ready-to-rock Pontiac before the stroke of midnight.

 Source Interlink Media’s Executive Vice President, Doug Evans, was awarded the 2011 Lee Iacocca Award for his service to the automotive hobby community at the recent National Parts Depot All-GM Oktoberfest car show in Ocala, Florida.

 Evans, who owns a ’70 Chevelle convertible, a ’62 Cadillac Coupe de Ville and a ’61 Impala (among other classics), was recognized by National Parts Depot for his work overseeing more than 46 automotive magazine titles, two television shows and 35 events, as well as his work with the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which assists in preserving the automotive hobby.

The prestigious Lee Iacocca Award was established to recognize outstanding classic car enthusiasts. This award is not only given for “Dedication To Excellence In Perpetuating An American Automotive Tradition”, but also celebrates auto enthusiasts on multiple levels, including character, community involvement, integrity and a level of excellence in presentation of their own vehicle. This unique award is linked with the Iacocca Family Foundation whose mission it is to find a cure for diabetes.

Doug explains, “I am deeply touched and honored to accept the Lee Iacocca award on behalf of automotive enthusiasts across the globe. It is my privilege to work every day in an industry that is the fuel for the passions of millions of people and to do so with the finest team in the world … my colleagues at Source Interlink Media”.

 THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NOVEMBER 2011 THROUGH JUNE 2012

  AT A GLANCE (see below for more detailed information)

November 5 Discovery Day: Turkey Crafts

November 10 Tribute Night- Phil Hill

November 12 Art Wall- The CARtoons of Pete Millar

December 3 Petersen Garage Sale and Swap Meet

December 3 CARnival Family Fun Day

January 3 Discovery Day- Make Your Year!

January 24 Curator's Tour: Scooters: Size Doesn't Always Matter

February Discovery Day- Valentine's Pop-up CARds

February 25 Grand Salon- Italian Styling and Design

Feb 29-Mar 3 Deuce Week

February 29 Bruce Meyer Gallery- 1932 Fords

March 13 Discovery Day- Italian Styling and Design

April 7 Discovery Day- Car Air Fresheners

May 5 Discovery Day- Bejewel a Bag For Mom!

June 2Discovery Day- Gift Bags For Dad

Through Nov 27 Bruce Meyer Gallery- Phil Hill: A Life In Cars

Through Feb 5 Grand Salon- Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough

Through May 28 Gordon R. Howard Gallery- Scooters: Size Doesn't Always Matter

NEW EXHIBITS THE ARTWORK OF PETE MILLAR

Opens November 12, 2011 Art Wall In conjunction with Pacific Standard Time events happening in Southern California, the Petersen Automotive Museum features a local cartoonist. This exhibition will feature original illustrations of satirical cartoonist Pete Millar, best known for his hot rod and drag racing comics of the 1950s and 1960s.  Originally an engineer before changing careers, Millar created Rod and Custom’s famous cartoon mascot, Arin Cee, and oversaw the creation and development of CARtoons Magazine and Drag Cartoons, publications that are now highly collectible.

ITALIAN STYLING AND DESIGN Grand Salon Opens February 25

From the grand classics of the 1930s to modern supercars of today, Italian designers have influenced the look of automobiles on a global scale. The Petersen Automotive Museum exhibition on Italian design will explore the many ways in which Italian coachbuilders and manufacturers have contributed to the evolution of the automobile from a collection of disorganized parts to a single, visually appealing unit. Already well aware of the Italian contribution in the look of clothing, art, and architecture, museum visitors will be fascinated to learn that the country that gave the world Michelangelo and Botticelli also gave it the designers responsible for the exotic and inspired automobiles we have now come to expect from Italy.

HOT RODDING ICON: 1932 FORD  Bruce Meyer Gallery February 29 through March 25, 2012 As part of Deuce Week and to celebrate 80 years of the 1932 Ford, the Petersen Automotive Museum will also display several iconic Deuces in the Bruce Meyer Gallery. Vehicles on display will include winners of America's Most Beautiful Roadster, 1932 ford race cars, vintage hot rods, and modern high-tech street rods.

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