toronto

Nissan Canada Commits 500 Nissan LEAFs for sale to Toronto Atmospheric Fund FleetWise EV300 Partners

Nissan Canada Commits 500 Nissan LEAFs for sale to Toronto Atmospheric Fund FleetWise EV300 Partners

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

First All-Electric Nissan LEAFs arrive in Canada in Fall 2011

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 9 /CNW/ – Nissan Canada and the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) today announced a Letter of Agreement to ensure the Nissan LEAF will be an important part of TAF’s FleetWise EV300 program. Nissan has committed the availability of 500 Nissan LEAFs for sale to TAF partners with initial deliveries beginning in the second half of 2011.

“In order to assist with the wide-spread adoption of electric vehicles, partnerships like this are crucial to demonstrate the commitment of both manufacturers and consumers to zero-emission mobility,” said Allen Childs, President, Nissan Canada Inc. “Fleets are an important part of the launch strategy of the Nissan LEAF globally and in addition to sales opportunities, fleets provide an understanding of how best to support electric mobility in that region.”

“The FleetWise EV300 program enables fleets to pool their purchasing power and share information about best practices when it comes to electric vehicles and we’re pleased to have this significant commitment from Nissan Canada,” said Julia Langer, Executive Director for TAF.

“A big part of what FleetWise EV300 is about is getting electric vehicles on the road in the GTA so that we can assess both performance and what needs to be done to create a more supportive infrastructure,” explained Langer. “By making up to 500 Nissan LEAFs available for our fleet partners, Nissan is helping us take another big step toward this goal.”

TAF’s FleetWise EV300 is supporting a transition to electric vehicles with tools that allow fleet managers to calculate cost savings and select vehicles, as well as through driver training sessions to help optimize the performance of their plug-ins.

“As a fleet manager I need to ensure that I have the right vehicle to fulfill our day-to-day travel requirements, while at the same time keeping operation costs on budget,” said Gerry Pietschmann, Director of Fleet Services for the City of Toronto, a key EV300 Fleet Partner. “Today’s announcement gives fleet managers the green light on electric vehicle availability that we need to really start planning the integration of these vehicles in our fleets.”

Public and private fleets are responsible for thousands of vehicles operating in Ontario. Many are high-mileage, short trip vehicles making them well-suited for replacement by electric vehicles.

Nissan, along with its alliance partner Renault, is the only automaker committed to making affordable, all-electric vehicles available to the mass market globally. Nissan LEAF is a five-passenger mid-size electric car that uses no gas, creates no emissions and has no tailpipe. It has a top speed of more than 145 km/hour and is powered by an advanced 24Kwh lithium-ion battery pack which provides the car with a range of 160 kilometers on a single charge, as tested on the LA4 test cycle, enough to satisfy the daily driving needs of more than 70 percent of Canadians.

Over six thousand Canadians have already signed up for the latest information on Nissan LEAF at www.nissan.ca/LEAF.

Tickets to Honda Indy Toronto 2011 now on sale

Tickets to Honda Indy Toronto 2011 now on sale

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

Fans invited to celebrate 25 years of racing

November 25, 2010 (Toronto) – Tickets to the 2011 Honda Indy Toronto are now on sale to the general public, a full eight months before the flagship event is set to take place. Owners of the event, which marks the 25th year of Indy car racing on the streets of Toronto, wanted to afford customers the chance to purchase tickets well in advance for special occasions, birthdays, milestones or as a holiday gift.

“We’re focused on making the Honda Indy Toronto accessible, entertaining and sustainable,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner of the Honda Indy Toronto. “The Honda Indy Toronto is a must-attend event that provides memories for life. Offering tickets and race details in advance will help people make plans around the event.”

The event takes place from July 8-10, with prices ranging from $30 for Saturday general admission to $423 for gold seating in the Lake Shore Lounge for the entire weekend. For a full list of prices, or to purchase tickets, visit hondaindytoronto.com/tickets or call 1-877-503-6869.

Celebrating 25 years of racing

The 2011 edition of the Honda Indy Toronto will mark 25 years of racing on the streets of Toronto. In 2009, Honda Canada Inc. took on title sponsorship of the event, marking a racing renaissance in Toronto, however the city has seen the world’s best drivers compete on the 11-turn, 2.84km street circuit at Exhibition Place since 1986. Many accomplished drivers have raced in Toronto, such as Bobby Rahal, winner of the inaugural race; Michael Andretti, all time race win leader with seven victories at Toronto; and Paul Tracy, hometown hero and two-time winner at Toronto.

New branding

The Honda Indy Toronto revealed today a commemorative logo to celebrate 25 years of racing in Toronto. The new logo was voted on by fans online through the event’s website, hondaindytoronto.com. In early October, organizers of the event posted four variations of the logo online and called upon its website visitors to vote on their favourite. The commemorative logo features the traditional Honda Indy Toronto branding alongside a graphic of the monumental Princes’ Gates at Exhibition Place with the words “Celebrate 25 Years of Racing” inscribed underneath.

“The fans have spoken and we feel they made the right decision,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice-president and general manager of Honda Indy Toronto. “This logo embodies the spirit of the race and we hope it will help get fans excited for the upcoming event.”

Honda Indy Toronto festivities in full swing starting today

Honda Indy Toronto festivities in full swing starting today

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

Back in the Molson Indy days, the Toronto Indy pretty much took over the city with parties and events. There was a buzz everywhere and just about everyone was talking about the Indy. Charlie Johnstone and the rest of the Honda Indy Toronto team have planned a week full of activities to build that buzz once again.

“This year’s edition of the Honda Indy Toronto is clearly setting a new bar in Canada in terms of on and off-track entertainment,” said Charlie Johnstone, general manager and vice president of Honda Indy Toronto. “The combination of athletes, cars, music and loads of interactive activities is second to none.”

Tuesday
The action begins today at noon at Toronto’s exciting Yonge – Dundas Square with the Honda Canada Media Pit Stop Challenge. Members of local media will battle for bragging rights as the fastest tire changing crew. Paul Tracy will be on hand from 12 to 1 pm.

At 5 pm, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Autograph Session takes over Yonge-Dundas Square. Fans can meet all the series drivers including JR Fitzpatrick, Andrew Ranger, Jason Bowles and Ontario’s Caitlin Johnston.

Wednesday
Alex Tagliani will reveal the #77 Hot Wheels Indy car at Yonge-Dundas Square from 12:30 till 2.

From 5 to 6 pm, fans can meet Paul Tracy, Alex Tagliani and Canadian Indy Lights driver James Hinchcliffe for an autograph session at The Bay Queen Street.

Thursday
For the second year in a row, Shoot For A Cure teams up with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for the Honda Indy Toronto Walk Run ‘N Wheel-a-thon in support of spinal cure research. Participants and families will have the opportunity to do a 5km run, and a 2.8km walk and wheel to the finish line on the IndyCar circuit.

Thursday evening from 6 to 8 is the big party. The official IZOD Indycar street party will be hosted by Jamie Little and Matte Babel who will be joined by Indycar drivers. LA based Rival Sons will perform and the Great Canadian pit stop challenge will pit Canadian racers Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani against each other. Just like in hockey, this will be a classic battle of Toronto vs. Montreal. The location for this one has not been revealed yet, but we’ll let you know when it is.

Moving uptown, the Canadian launch of the new TW Steel “Dario Franchitti Edition” Watch will take place at LA SWISS in the Yorkdale Shopping Mall at 8 pm.

At 8:30, Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy are hosting the IZOD IndyCar Series Race to the Party After-Party, featuring the stars and legends of the series including Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan, Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Al Unser Jr. and Gil deFerran. Red carpet entrance is at 8:30 pm. This one is at Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King St.

Friday
Maybe the biggest news of the week is that general admission is free thanks to the Ontario Honda Dealers association. Not only can everyone get in free, but grandstands are free too, meaning that fans can get a taste of the best seats in the house before deciding what ticket to buy for the rest of the weekend.

To get your tickets in advance, visit Honda Indy Toronto. You can also buy your tickets at the gate.

Growing support from sponsors points to sponsorship renaissance for Honda Indy Toronto

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Honda Indy Toronto press release

May 20, 2010 (Toronto) – A business model comprising the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes and three action-packed days of live entertainment and interactive activities is a winning formula. That’s what Kim Green and Kevin Savoree believed when they secured the rights to the Honda Indy Toronto. They were spot on. In year two of their ownership, the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto has successfully attracted more than 15 major sponsors and secured significant growth in sponsorship revenues versus last year.

“Several factors are coming together to help us attract leading partners,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. “Sponsors from the private and public sector are recognizing our status as the largest annual sporting event in Ontario and are looking to associate their brands with such a marquee property.”

Honda has maintained its status as title sponsor and is followed by a long list of leading companies that includes the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, Budweiser, Schick, Telus, Motorola, Dr Pepper, Mattel Canada, Pizza Pizza, Delta Chelsea Hotel and the Toronto Sun. The Ontario Government and Tourism Toronto are also important supporters of the event.

“Our sponsorship of the Honda Indy Toronto reflects numerous aspects of our business and benefits several audience groups,” said Arch Wilcox, vice president of advertising for Honda Canada. “We like the event very much and feel that it mirrors many of Honda’s values.”

The Honda Indy Toronto is the largest annual sporting event in Ontario and is watched by viewers in more than 195 countries.

About Honda Indy Toronto

The 24th edition of the Honda Indy Toronto takes place from July 16 to 18 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. The event has become one of the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a festival-like atmosphere that includes concerts, exhibits, numerous food stands and interactive activities and games for all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.

smart squeezes into tight city spaces

Gary Grant ⋅ Driving safety ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Mercedes-Benz Canada press release

TORONTO, Feb. 17 /CNW/ – In conjunction with the 2010 Canadian International AutoShow, smart Canada is educating urban dwellers regarding one of the many benefits of driving a smart fortwo.
A head-turning marketing initiative in downtown Toronto has wedged a giant shoehorn behind a smart fortwo, visually illustrating that the less than 3 metre smart fortwo can park almost anywhere.
The display, which will move between selected, high traffic locations around the city, will also impart the message: “Fits into tight places”, and prompt onlookers to visit “thesmart.ca.”
Created by BBDO Toronto, the idea aims to demonstrate that just like your favourite pair of shoes, the smart fortwo can comfortably fit into any lifestyle.
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Toronto pedestrian deaths all have one thing in common: Human error

Gary Grant ⋅ Driving safety ⋅ , , , ⋅ No comments

Many years ago, a close friend and I got into a heated debate about drivers and pedestrians. This friend lived in the heart of uptown Toronto and felt that she didn’t need to look when she cross the street while walking or running while wearing an iPod. “I am a pedestrian and I have the right of way!” Of course my response was a less than sympathetic: “the right of way won’t do you much good if you are dead”.

Over the past 2 weeks, there have been 15 pedestrians hit and killed in the Greater Toronto area. 8 of those have been within Toronto proper. Toronto Police Services have released an analysis of the first 7:

· 5 women and 2 men
· Aged 31 to 80
· They were struck in the morning, evening and night (3 morning, 3 evening, 2 night)
· Good weather, poor weather, daylight and darkness
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Gallery: Canadian Motorsports Expo

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows ⋅ , , , ⋅ No comments

The 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo was held over the past weekend at Toronto’s International Center. It was a nicely put together little show that was in the wrong venue. The International Center is a great facility and has free parking, but it is better suited to a massive show and the CME unfortunately is not massive.

Still it was a nice little break from winter, to get out and see some racing friends and oogle some equipment.

After the break we’ve got a large gallery of images from the show.
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Canadian Motorsports Expo begins today in Toronto

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows, Motorsport News ⋅ , , , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

It hasn’t been much of a winter here in Ontario so why not start thinking about summertime fun instead? The Canadian Motorsports Expo is running for the 4th year in a row, beginning today. For 2010 the show has moved to the International Center in Toronto and promises to be the best show yet.

Fans can meet drivers like NASCAR Champion Matt Kenseth and the Thrill from West Hill, Indycar star Paul Tracy. Also on hand will be Canadian racer Ron Fellows and long time driver Derek Daly. There are all sorts of race cars on display and vendors galore.

Whether you are a racer or a casual fan, the CME promises to be an exciting event this weekend.

We’ll be there this afternoon, just look for the fat guy in the Garage Blog flame logo hat. Be sure to join us!

Before you leave the house, follow this link and print off a $2 discount off admission. Visit the CME website for more details.
$2 off price of admission

2010 Honda Indy Toronto tickets on sale now online

Gary Grant ⋅ Motorsport News ⋅ , , , ⋅ No comments

toindydario09

Honda Indy Toronto press release

Toronto, ON (Dec. 16, 2009) – Tickets for the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, which will return to Exhibition Place July 16 – 18, go on sale today and are available online at www.HondaIndyToronto.com.

Highlighted by the open-wheel racing of the IZOD Indy Car Series, the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto also will feature the Firestone Indy Lights, the SPEED World Challenge, the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series and, for the second consecutive year, the Canadian Touring Car Championship.

Additionally, the event marks the Toronto debut of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

“We also have dramatically expanded our entertainment slate for 2010,” said Charlie Johnstone, Vice President and General Manager of the event. “In addition to perhaps one of the best line-ups of racing action anywhere in North America in 2010, we will be investing significantly in the off-track experience including a major concert, live entertainment, an interactive family zone and much more.”

In an effort to bring a more cost-effective experience for race fans, many of the reserved seat ticket packages have been reduced in price and a new junior price ticket has been added.

Reserved seat adult ticket packages range from $106 to $215 for upper Gold Level tickets. Adult general admissions tickets have been reduced as well. They are $21 for Friday, $31 for Saturday and $42 for Sunday’s events. Three-day general admission ticket packages are $52 each. Reduced rate tickets are available for juniors, ages 12 and under, in most ticket categories. Ticket prices include all taxes and service charges.

Race fans purchasing any ticket package before December 31, 2009, will receive an added amenity. Advance purchasers can choose from an IZOD IndyCar paddock pass (valued at $57), a VIP Pit Walk-Through ($36 value) or a three-day parking pass ($70 value).

The Honda Indy Toronto is staged on a 1.77-mile, 11-turn circuit that runs through Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.

For more information on the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto, and to purchase tickets, visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.

Top Ten most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Toronto

Gary Grant ⋅ Driving safety ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 1 comment

bathfinch

Toronto Police have named the intersection of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue West as the most dangerous spot for pedestrians in Toronto.

The Top Ten have been chosen from 2,200 intersections in the GTA from an interesting set of defining factors. First up, the number of right hand turns. Next is the number of pedestrians crossing the road, with or without the proper right of way. Not surprisingly, the 3rd aspect is the number of pedestrian hits requiring hospitalization or causing death.

Take a look at the full list after the break to see if you walk or drive through one of these trouble spots on your daily route.
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