#2019 Toyota 86 Base

[indian-suppliers]

Top 15 Mushroom Tray Manufacturers in India

Uno Plast

Welcome to Uno Plast, your reliable and professional cookies packaging tray manufacturer based in Delhi India. We will make your cookie packaging according to your requirements and make sure your cookies look irresistible on safe. Whether you are a small bakery or a large confectionery business, we have the perfect packaging trays to keep your cookies fresh and appealing.

Phone no (+91) 9810 768 522 Address F-299, SEC-5, DSIIDC, BAWANA, INDUSTRIAL AREA, DELHI-110039 Website link https://www.unoplast.in/

Krishna Packaging

Established in the year 2009, we, “Krishna Packaging, Delhi”, are an eminent manufacturer of Packaging Material. The range offered by us is known for excellent wear & tear resistance, durability, superior adhesiveness and quality. We maintain harmonious and friendly relations with our patrons by following ethical business policies and practices.

Phone no 08048951168

Address 401/ 421-B, Jheel Khuranja, Near Gandhi Nagar Geeta Colony, New Delhi - 110051, Delhi, India Website link https://www.krishnapackaging.in/

Goyal Agri Products

We are leading Manufacture and supplier of Bister packaging, Industrail packaging, Fruits / Agri Packaging etc. The Products line is designed from the durable and high quality raw material to ensure to provide sturdy and efficient products. We have been serving the demand of the client with premiium range designed as per the industry norms and guidelines.

Phone no +91-9650955810 Address Plot No. 21 A ,Krishna Nagar main gate Sector -10 Behing blue bell public school Krishna nagar, Basai Road, Gurugram, Haryana - 122001, India Website link http://www.goyalagriproducts.in/

BOMAX ENTERPRISES PRIVATE LIMITED

Established in the year 2019 at Hyderabad, Telangana, we "BOMAX ENTERPRISES PRIVATE LIMITED” are a Private Limited Company based firm, engaged as the foremost Manufacturer and Supplier of Blister Box, Blister Tray and much more. Phone no 7942538108

Address 1st Floor,24/86/3,l N Colony,,ida Uppal,,ranga Reddy Ramanthapur, Hyderabad - 500039, Telangana, India Website link https://www.bomaxenterprises.co.in/ 

Kalindi Extrusions

Incepted in the year 1995, Kalindi Extrusions are amongst the prominent manufacturer and supplier of industrial blisters and trays which includes blister trays for electronics ,food packaging trays, food packaging canister, FMCG Packaging and pharma blister packaging.

Phone no 08047638328 Address S. No. 18/2-A, Sukhsagarnagar, Near Amba Mata Mandir, Next To Khondba Mandir, Kondhwa Budruk, Pune - 411046, Maharashtra, India

Website link https://www.kalindiblisterpackaging.com/

Om Chamunda Enterprises

Established in the year 2006, Om Chamunda Enterprises is a sister concern of Perfect Seals Products and engaged manufacturing, exporting and supplying industrial packaging machines.

Phone no 08048958804 Address Gala No. 123/124, Sethia Industrial Park Opposite Toyota & Honda Showroom, Vasai Fata Vasai East, Mumbai - 401208, Maharashtra, India Website link https://www.omchamundaindia.com/ 

J.V.PACKS”,

Integrated in the year 2013, we, “J.V.PACKS”, are recognized as a prominent name engaged in Manufacturing and Supplying a broad assortment of Plastic Packaging Material.

Phone no +91-7208000779 Address 704, B-Wing. JVM Twin Tower, Kavesar, Anand Nagar, Behind New Horizan School, Kasarvadavali, Thane (W), 400615, Maharashtra, India

Website link https://www.jvpack.com/index.html

Ava Packaging

We, Ava Packaging, have a repute in the domestic market segments for offering finest quality of mushroom packaging materials. All our products are tamper resistant, long lasting finish, and durable, hence find application in several industrial segments. We own a modern infrastructural set up in Roorkee, Uttarakhand.

Phone no 91-1332-354308 Address Khasra No-1090M, Salempur Rajputana Industrial Area, Roorkee - 247667, Uttarakhand, India Website link https://www.avapacks.in/

Rainbow Plastics India Limited

Established in year 1995, Rainbow Plastics India Limited, is counted amongst the leading manufacturer and supplier of Packaging Films. Our standard operating procedures, good quality Raw Material and attention to details helps us produce good quality finished products, on time, every time.

Phone no 08048969100 Address 256/1, Rainbow Plastic India Limited, Jain Mandir Road, Near Jain Mandir, Dadra, Bavisa Faliya, Silvassa - 396230, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India Website link https://www.rainbowplasticindustries.com/

Deep Plastics

Deep Plastics has got reputation of quality for its diversified products. The company which began its voyage in 2005 has mastered the manufacturing art of plastic products and accessories. Phone no: 08047640849

Address: No. 107, Manish Industrial Primises, No. 3, Navghar, Vasai East, Vasai - 401210, Thane, Maharashtra, India

Website link https://www.deepplastics.com/

Shakya World Trade Private Limited

Founded in 2019 we, Shakya World Trade Private Limited, are affianced in Manufacturing, Exporting, Importing and Trading of the premium quality of Products like Ice Gel Packs, Vaccine Carrier and Pig, Cattle, Goat, Sheep, Rabbit and Poultry Farming Equipment And Accessories etc. These products are known for high functionality.

Phone no 08047640009 Address Khasra No. 27/1, Kamruddin Nagar, Kunwar Singh Nagar Nangloi, New Delhi - 110041, Delhi, India Website link https://www.shakyagroup.com/

Fortune Pet Pack

Established in the year 2018 at Thane, Maharashtra, India, We “Fortune Pet Pack” are acknowledged among the noteworthy Manufacturers of the best quality PET Sheets and Packaging Punnets. Phone no 08047637658 Address B6/A3, Bhumi World, Pimplas Village, Mumbai Nashik Highway, NH 3, Themghar, Mumbai-421302, Maharashtra, India Website link https://www.indiamart.com/fortunepetpack/

Avi Global Plast Private Limited

Established in the year 1997, we “Avi Global Plast Private Limited” are a leading Manufacturer of a wide range of Collar Bands, Packaging Material, Packaging Trays, PET Films, and PVC Film. All the efforts of the company to ensure excellent quality products for their customers have enabled them to build long lasting business relationships with their clients.

Phone no 08047632810 Address 266/4,5,6, 268/1, 269/4, Avi Global Plast Pvt Ltd, Costal Highway, Dunetha, Andheri East, Daman-396210, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India Website link https://www.indiamart.com/aviglobalplast/

Swarna Enterprise

Established in the year 2017, we "Swarna Enterprise" are known as a leading Manufacturer of Cosmetic Packaging Tray, Packaging Tray, Food Packaging Tray, Ampoule Packaging Tray, Barcode Label, Biscuit Packaging Tray, Sweet Packaging Tray, Scrubber Packaging Blister Tray, Mobile Handset Accessories HIPS Tray, Vial Packaging Tray.

Phone no 08047642670 Address 1702/1, Sarigam, GIDC, Vapi, Sarigam - 396155, Valsad, Gujarat, India Website link https://www.swarnapackaging.com/

[spookysaladchaos]

Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank, Global Key Companies Rank and Market Share, Top 8 Companies Hold 97% (2023)

Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Market Summary

Plastic inner bladder carbon fiber fully wrapped gas cylinder (Type IV): The plastic inner bladder is fully wrapped carbon fiber. The advantages of type IV cylinders are: light weight, high strength, high hydrogen storage density, high structural efficiency and good fatigue resistance. Compared with type III bottles, type IV bottles have made great improvements in lightweight, and the lining is made of polymer material, which is lighter than the metal lining. The bottle is fully wrapped with a fibrous resin composite. The package adopts the form of a mixture of bipolar laying and spiral laying.

Figure.   Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Product Picture

According to the new market research report “Global Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Market Report 2024-2030”, published by QYResearch, the global Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank market size is projected to reach USD 1.09 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 44.7% during the forecast period.

Figure.   Global Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Market Size (US$ Million), 2019-2030

Figure.   Global Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank Top 8 Players Ranking and Market Share (Ranking is based on the revenue of 2023, continually updated)

According to QYResearch Top Players Research Center, the global key manufacturers of Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tank include Iljin, Toyota, Hexagon, Plastic Omnium, NPROXX, etc. In 2023, the global top four players had a share approximately 92.0% in terms of revenue.

About The Authors

Yin Hang

Lead Author

Email: yinhang@qyresearch.com

Tel: +86-18310165532

About QYResearch

QYResearch founded in California, USA in 2007.It is a leading global market research and consulting company. With over 17 years’ experience and professional research team in various cities over the world QY Research focuses on management consulting, database and seminar services, IPO consulting, industry chain research and customized research to help our clients in providing non-linear revenue model and make them successful. We are globally recognized for our expansive portfolio of services, good corporate citizenship, and our strong commitment to sustainability. Up to now, we have cooperated with more than 60,000 clients across five continents. Let’s work closely with you and build a bold and better future.

QYResearch is a world-renowned large-scale consulting company. The industry covers various high-tech industry chain market segments, spanning the semiconductor industry chain (semiconductor equipment and parts, semiconductor materials, ICs, Foundry, packaging and testing, discrete devices, sensors, optoelectronic devices), photovoltaic industry chain (equipment, cells, modules, auxiliary material brackets, inverters, power station terminals), new energy automobile industry chain (batteries and materials, auto parts, batteries, motors, electronic control, automotive semiconductors, etc.), communication industry chain (communication system equipment, terminal equipment, electronic components, RF front-end, optical modules, 4G/5G/6G, broadband, IoT, digital economy, AI), advanced materials industry Chain (metal materials, polymer materials, ceramic materials, nano materials, etc.), machinery manufacturing industry chain (CNC machine tools, construction machinery, electrical machinery, 3C automation, industrial robots, lasers, industrial control, drones), food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agriculture, etc.

[bleachbleachbleach]

soooo whipple, can you tell me more about what kinda cars the bleach characters would do cool poses with 👀👀

Friend, you are too kind. 🥺🥺🥺I've only thought about this with respect to my snow children so I'll just do them. I was initially thinking about this with respect to the, uhhhhhh, extremely necessary Fast and Furious AU where everyone's swords are instead cars:

KUCHIKI RUKIA // SODE NO SHIRAYUKI

1967 Toyota 2000GT

RWD | 2.0L inline 6 | 148HP | 137mph top speed

My first thought was a Toyota 86, because you don't necessarily drive it for raw power but it’s a fun, light, devilish little car. (I also assumed that Rukia would install a turbo and front-mounted intercooler on her 86, because why wouldn't she).

But ultimately, I wanted something a little more old-school, to also capture Rukia's old-school nature. So I landed on the Toyota 2000GT, the 86's ancestor. (In the course of seeking this car out, I learned that it's also the car driven by the Bond Girl in You Only Live Twice, so it also has that going for it.)

The resolution of these pics is very bad (the originals--it's not even Tumblr's fault, I just don't know how to use my phone, LOL), but the wheel spokes are meant to be in the pattern of her family crest. There's also a little rabbit stuffie hanging from the rearview mirror, because they are her favorite. <3 I also wanted to incorporate the Sode no Shirayuki's ribbons, and the fenders also reference Rukia's bankai form.

HITSUGAYA TOUSHIROU // HYOURINMARU

1973 Nissan Skyline GT-R

RWD | 2.0L inline 6 | 158HP | 121mph top speed

Since I'd already gone old-school for Rukia I decided to stay in that lane, and ended up choosing the Kenmeri Nissan Skyline for Hitsugaya. This car stands out to me because it has big American ponycar energy in ways I was not expecting from a Japanese car, and ponycar energy feels Hitsugaya-appropriate. Hyourinmaru can also fly, and his powers are atmospheric, so "Skyline" felt doubly appropriate. This one was also marketed with this odd commercial about a couple named Ken and Meri (hence "Kenmeri") and they drive around in the ~snow~ so even more bonus points there, haha.

Hitsugaya modded car!Hyourinmaru with an ice bodykit that includes fender flares that reference Hyourinmaru's dragon body and wheels based on the countdown flowers from his bankai. These additions feel a little OTT for a classic vs. like, the 90s/00s Fast and Furious decals-everywhere aesthetic, but I still think about this tastefully updated Charger from NAIAS 2019, so I’ll allow it.

Both the 2000GT and GT-R have limited-slip differentials, which I just think are neat but which also allow you to put down max power without breaking traction so you can corner like a tiny god.

Thank you for indulging me! <3

[enginerumors]

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Engine Specs

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Engine Specs

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Engine Specs – From the smaller portion with function-developed back-tire-commute stream-lined physical activities autos, typically the Toyota 86-previously typically the Scion FR-S-features a distinctly natural expertise that is clear of extras. The convertible car competitors are able to keep upwards not to mention surpass typically the 86 around general performance, however…

[smoothshift]

Test drove several sport coupes in the 30k range this past weekend. Here are my impressions. via /r/cars

Test drove several sport coupes in the 30k range this past weekend. Here are my impressions.

I am in the market for a new car.  Looking for a sport coupe either new or slightly used in the 30k ballpark. I have always been a manual transmission guy, but I did the Porsche Driving Experience in Atlanta last fall and I was extremely impressed with the PDK gearbox.  So I have been focused on cars with dual clutch (very few options I can afford) or very good shiftable automatic transmissions like the ZF8 and A10.

2019 Camaro SS: This car looks really big, with huge wheels/tires/brakes. Yet somehow the interior feels very small and cramped. It doesn’t feel like a boat when driving it, but it doesn’t exactly feel nimble either.  It feels like you have a lot of grip primarily due to the giant tires, not the suspension if that makes sense. And people are not kidding when they say this thing has visibility problems!

I am not really a fan of the retro-style interior.  The 1SS looks decent in pictures, but looks low quality/cheap in person.  The 2SS interior with leather is nicer, but still not great. The materials on the wheel and shifter were decent, but most of the interior still feels dated and cheap. I think I would really want the 2SS if I went with the Camaro, but the 2SS is closer to 40k and out of my budget.

This car is fast, though! Definitely faster than the others I test drove. The engine sounds great, almost good enough to make you forgive the cars shortcomings.  The A10 felt really good, too. Shifts were instantaneous up and down in manual mode, the tach just pinned from one RPM to another.  I did notice a very clunky downshift when coming to a stop in manual mode, though.

2015 Mercedes C350 (W204): I think this is a beautiful car, very understated but still sporty. My girlfriend (who is not a car person at all) thinks it looks like a car for old people. She kept calling it the “granny car”.  Driving the Mercedes was different from the others.  It absorbed all of the bumps in the road and felt kind of like driving a couch, yet somehow still felt planted and handled really well for the ride comfort.  I felt very insulated from the outside world in this car.

The interior in this car is pretty good. The materials on the dash/wheel/console felt really high quality. The seats looked and felt really good, also. The only problem is the center console and navigation screen look really dated for a 2015.  The buttons and radio don’t look like something you would find on a new, modern, luxury car. The nav screen looked tiny and was very low resolution. If I plan to keep the car 5 years, the nav screen display is going to look absolutely ancient.

The C350’s speed was just decent, not slow but it doesn’t feel fast, either. It lacked the “oomph” of the Camaro or 435i. Honestly, I could live with the speed, I just was not impressed with the Mercedes 7G-Tronic transmission at all, though.  I have seen some reviews online where people said it was pretty good for a “regular” style automatic, but it was miles behind everything else I drove.  There was a noticeable delay between when I pulled the paddle and the shift actually executed.  It also seemed to downshift pretty clunkily on every downshift while cruising slowly.  The car only had less than 30k miles on it, but I almost wonder if there was something wrong with the transmission?

2015 BMW 435i M-Sport:  The car looks great in person. It looks the most modern of anything else I drove.  Very futuristic and angular.  Really loved the look of the headlights and taillights, too. I know the roofline is roughly the same height as the others, but my perception is that it seemed lower.

The interior of the 435i was miles ahead of the other options.  It looks super modern and I have no worries that it will look dated in a couple years. I personally like how the navigation screen extends out of the top of the dash (even though many seem to hate it).  The materials in the interior all felt top notch.

The car’s handling felt very balanced, nimble, and in-tune with the road. It kind of reminds me of how the Porsche’s felt when I did the Porsche Driving Experience. It was also very fast, it felt like it had more power in the low RPM range than even the Camaro.  It must make full boost really quickly, because I didn’t feel any perceptible turbo lag. But, I was most impressed with the ZF8 transmission! It shifts so perfectly like the A10, maybe even better.  And I did not notice any clunkiness on downshifts at all. It had perfect shifts in manual mode but still felt super smooth like a regular auto. I think the ZF8 is the best gearbox out of anything I tested.

2017/2019 Toyota 86: This is the cheapest option I have considered.  So that definitely helps it to try and overcome some of its downfalls.  I have also kind of wanted one of these since they came out, so it was near the top of my list now that I am in a position to get a new car. I think they look great in person, especially the new headlights on the 2017+ models. I drove both a 2017 automatic base model and a 2019 manual with the GT trim level.

The interior of the base model was passable.  It was not amazing, but I could definitely live with it.  It’s a big improvement over the FR-S, which had a horrid interior in my opinion.  The only thing is that the GT interior was just way nicer. If I got this car I would want the GT interior no question.  The layout of the interior kind of reminds me of a poor man’s Porsche. It is definitely Porsche inspired.  The only thing I didn’t really like is how they just forced a rectangular LCD screen into the round pods of the gauge cluster.  It just doesn’t look right.

The steering feel in this car was awesome, maybe even the best of anything else I tested.  I really liked how it felt smaller and more nimble than the others.  The automatic shifted pretty good in manual mode, definitely better than the Mercedes. This is the only car out of the bunch that I would get in manual, though. The clutch felt excellent, nice and light. The shifter was also amazing, so much shorter and tighter than the stick in my Civic.  This car is actually a ton of fun to drive.

There is just one problem: after driving the other cars, this car is just so slow!  I know it’s basically a meme how this car is slow, but the power is really just underwhelming.  On the test drive in the auto, I told my girlfriend I was going to gun it from a complete stop to see how fast it was.  She literally started laughing because it was so slow (yet somehow far louder than anything else with the TRD exhaust it had).  It kind of hurt my soul a bit because I really wanted to like this car after lusting after it for so long.  The manual did feel a noticeably faster than the auto, but it was still pretty underwhelming.

The other downside of this car is that I would want to mod it.  Header, tune, coilovers, wheels, and supporting mods.  After you add all of that up, you could just buy a better car to start with (which is also probably a wiser financial decision).

Additional Options: I still plan to drive a 2015-2016 Audi A5 and S5 (with the DSG) and I know I need to check out a new Mustang GT.  For some reason I thought only the GT350 had the A10, but I just found out you can get it on the GT.  Not sure If I will bother trying to drive a V8 Challenger. I know it has the ZF8, but I have been in them before and the interior is sub-par quality and feels like it was made for giants. I suspect it would feel like the Camaro, but all the downsides would be magnified. Is there anything else out on the market I am missing?

Conclusion: I am really glad I went and test drove a bunch of different models.  It really gave me a feel of all their differences.  I have not really ever been a big BMW guy, but after driving the competition, I get it. The BMW is my first choice right now, which is not what I expected.  It has the driving dynamics, the speed, and the super nice modern interior.  I was really impressed. I may even stretch my budget a bit and try and get a 2017 440i M-Sport.  I’m curious what everyone else thinks about my impressions.

[adityarana1687-blog]

Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market Expected To Achieve Lucrative Growth By 2027

The global ferrous scrap recycling market size is anticipated to reach USD 111.9 million by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 1.7% from 2020 to 2027. Increasing secondary metal production is anticipated to augment market growth.

Crude steel is produced through basic oxygen converter and electric arc furnace (EAF), where the former follows the conventional method of production that includes raw materials, such as iron ore, metallurgical coal, limestone, and very less amount of scrap. However, in the EAF, scrap is the key raw material along with less energy consumption. According to the World Steel Association, crude steel production through the EAF process increased by 10.1% from 2017 to 2018. Growing steel production through the EAF process is a key driving factor for the market.

Ferrous scrap recycling is a market with lots of growth potential owing to increasing concerns over sustainability and depleting non-renewable resources. As a result, recycling is the most viable and efficient option to continue the production of metals owing to rapidly accelerating demand and at the same time causing minimal impact on the environment.

The recycling process involves certain steps, which are, scrap metal collection at yards, sorting, passing through radiation detector, shearing, shredding, separation of ferrous materials, media separation, and baling. After passing through all processing steps, the obtained blocks of ferrous scrap are transported to steel mills for further processing and are used in production.

Ferrous scrap is collected through various sources, where the key markets include construction, automotive, consumer goods, and industrial goods. The construction industry is the major contributor towards scrap generation as ferrous products recovered from the sector can be used directly if the quality is not impacted or else are sent for recycling.

Automotive is the second major sector in the market, as the recovery rate of scrap from vehicles often lies between 95-100%. Over 25 million vehicles are recycled across the world annually generating a large amount of scrap. The car recycling industry is a large market as it not only helps in reducing carbon footprint but also provides thousands of jobs and generates revenue for the economy. Over 80% of materials in a vehicle are recyclable, of which, metal is most accessible. In the U.S., around 18 million tons of steel is reused that helps in reducing air pollution by 86% and water pollution by 76%.

Based on region, Europe held the largest share in the market owing to the technological advancements, coupled with the presence of various recyclers in the region. As a result, the region is the largest exporter of ferrous scrap in the world, helping developing nations, which are still under the process to organize their scrap and recycling markets.

The competitive scenario of the market is high owing to the extremely unorganized nature of the market. Integration across various stages of the value chain is witnessed, for instance, automotive players setting up their own shredding units. In 2019, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Tshusho Group announced a joint venture to set up a vehicle dismantling and recycling unit in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India by 2020-21.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market Report

Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market Report Highlights

Asia Pacific anticipated registering the highest growth rate of 2.6%, in terms of revenue, across the forecast period, owing to increasing developments in scrap recycling in developing economies, like India

Europe held the largest volume share of 42.5% in 2019 owing to rapid development in the recycling industry of the region

The construction sector held the largest revenue share of more than 46.0% in 2019 due to increasing consumption of ferrous materials, such as steel, in the industry owing to its phenomenal properties

The consumer goods sector is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate of 2.1% in terms of revenue, during the forecast period, owing to rapid production of electronics and their short lifespan

The market is hit by the covid-19 pandemic, which can be indicated with low demand and declining prices of scrap because of restricted manufacturing and transportation across the globe as of 2020.

Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global ferrous scrap recycling market on the basis of sector and region:

Ferrous Scrap Recycling Sector Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

Construction

Automotive

Consumer Goods

Industrial Goods

Ferrous Scrap Recycling Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

The U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Germany

The U.K.

France

China

Japan

Australia

List of Key Players of the Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market

Sims Metal Management Inc.

OmniSource Corp.

Ward Recycling

American Iron & Metal Co. Inc.

SA Recycling

Schuy Recycling

Innovative Metal Recycling

TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

[ilcovodelbikersgrunf]

Quattro anni di test, 2.500 dipendenti coinvolti. Un campione enorme, se si considera che ci si trova in Islanda: un paese da 356mila abitanti. Tra il 2015 e il 2019, il governo nazionale e il comune di Rejkyavik, la capitale, hanno condotto vari esperimenti su una settimana lavorativa da quattro giorni e 35-36 ore, senza tagli di stipendio. L’obiettivo era verificare l’impatto della riduzione di orario sulla produttività e il benessere dei dipendenti. Secondo il director of research della società di ricerca Autonomy, che ha analizzato i risultati assieme alla Association for Sustainability and Democracy, lo studio è stato “un successo straordinario”.

Che cosa ha scoperto la ricerca

La ricerca ha riguardato luoghi di lavoro di vario genere, come scuole materne, uffici, servizi sociali e ospedali. Il rapporto conclude che la produttività è rimasta costante o è addirittura aumentata. I dipendenti hanno dichiarato di accusare meno stress e di avere avuto più tempo da dedicare alla famiglia e agli hobby. Hanno riscontrato miglioramenti sia nella loro salute, sia nel bilanciamento tra vita privata e professionale.

risultati dei test hanno permesso ai sindacati islandesi di negoziare nuovi contratti. “Al momento della pubblicazione di questo documento”, si legge nel rapporto, “l’86% dei dipendenti islandesi ha un contratto che prevede orari di lavoro ridotti rispetto al passato, oppure che dà loro la possibilità di passare a un orario ridotto in futuro”.

Chi sta sperimentando la settimana di quattro giorni

Anche molte aziende hanno sperimentato (o stanno sperimentando) la settimana di lavoro breve. Sul finire dello scorso anno Unilever, il gigante di marchi come Lipton e Dove, ha avviato un programma che permette ai dipendenti neozelandesi di lavorare quattro giorni alla settimana e di scegliere come distribuire quelli di riposo. Dopo un anno di prova, l’azienda deciderà, in base ai numeri della filiale, se prolungare il regime ed estenderlo anche agli altri 150mila dipendenti mondiali.

Nell’agosto 2019, Microsoft ha chiuso i suoi uffici giapponesi per tutti i venerdì. La produttività, ha fatto sapere l’azienda, è aumentata del 40% rispetto allo stesso periodo dell’anno precedente. In Svezia, Toyota ha ridotto a 6 ore i turni di lavoro. In Italia, la milanese Carter & Benson ha lanciato a gennaio la settimana di quattro giorni a parità di stipendio. Lo stesso ha fatto il network di affiliazione internazionale Awin, che, “dopo aver sperimentato con successo per sei mesi una settimana lavorativa di quattro giorni e mezzo”, da gennaio è passato al regime dei quattro giorni per tutti i dipendenti, inclusi quelli dell’ufficio di Milano.

“Il contratto di lavoro del futuro”

Nel 2019, un analista della Banca d’Inghilterra prevedeva che la settimana da quattro giorni avrebbe soppiantato quella da cinque entro il 2050. Nello stesso anno, il premier russo dell’epoca, Dimitri Medvedev dichiarava che “con ogni probabilità, i contratti di lavoro del futuro saranno basati su una settimana da quattro giorni”.

Il dibattito si è intensificato dopo che il Covid ha costretto ad adottare in massa lo smart working e, di conseguenza, a ripensare le modalità di lavoro tradizionali. Nel maggio 2020, la premier neozelandese, Jacinda Ardern, ha indicato nella settimana corta uno strumento per favorire la ripartenza dopo la pandemia.

L’Indipendent ricorda che, nel Regno Unito, 45 parlamentari di vari partiti hanno firmato una mozione “per chiedere al governo di istituire una commissione che esamini la proposta”. Il quotidiano aggiunge che un sondaggio condotto dall’agenzia di ricerche di mercato Survation, pubblicato nel luglio 2020, ha rilevato che il 63% della popolazione sostiene l’idea di una settimana di quattro giorni senza riduzione dello stipendio, “mentre solo il 12% si oppone”.

Poche settimane fa, un rapporto degli attivisti di Platform London e di 4-Day Week Campaign, campagna globale per l’adozione della settimana breve, ha suggerito che una riduzione dell’orario potrebbe anche diminuire la carbon footprint. E proprio la riduzione dell’inquinamento è una delle ragioni della proposta di una settimana da 32 ore avanzata dal partito di sinistra spagnolo Más País. Secondo il fondatore, l’ex di Podemos Iñigo Errejón, il dibattito sulla settimana corta permetterebbe anche di “mettere la salute mentale al centro dell’agenda politica”.

Del resto, come ha ricordato il Corriere della Sera, già nel 1997 l’allora presidente della Repubblica francese, Jacques Chirac, propose di passare da 39 a 35 ore settimanali in ufficio. “L’idea”, scrive il Corriere, “era che, lavorando meno, si sarebbe consumato di più, con la conseguenza di aumentare il Pil e quindi, indirettamente, il fatturato degli stessi imprenditori”. Le 35 ore diventarono legge nel 2002.

[zonefoot]

Dr Kofi Amoa-Abban has gifted two cars to newly appointed CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah and head coach, Maxwell Konadu. Speaking to Ghana-Kumasi Base Radio Station Opemsuo FM, Dr Kofi Amoa-Abban confirmed he gave the CEO a Toyota Prado and head coach a Toyota Fortuna. Nana Yaw Amponsah was appointed new Chief Executive of Kotoko on August 7, 2020, while Maxwell Konadu took charge at the start of the now annulled 2019/2020 Ghana Premier League season. [ 86 more words ] https://zonefoot.net/2020/08/15/ghana-dr-kofi-amoa-abban-kotoko-board-member-gifts-two-cars-to-new-ceo-and-head-coach/

[blogueericdescarries]

La nouvelle Subaru Legacy Premier GT 2020, les salons de l’auto et quelques notes

Le 18 décembre 2019

Subaru est une marque japonaise qui connaît beaucoup de succès auprès des automobilistes québécois. Rares sont les consommateurs qui dénigrent cette marque. En fait, plusieurs l’achètent parce qu’ils savent à quoi s’attendre. Toutefois, c’est un peu une arme à deux tranchants.

En effet, outre le fait que les amateurs et les consommateurs de voitures soient à délaisser les berlines plus traditionnelles, plusieurs observateurs qui ont vu la Legacy 2020 que je conduisais la semaine dernière ont montré un petit air de déception face au style de la voiture. On ne peut les blâmer,  la «nouvelle» Legacy ressemble étrangement au modèle qui vient de nous quitter (une voiture que j’ai amplement couverte dans le passé dans ce blogue incluant un petit voyage sur la côte est américaine avec une version à moteur à six cylindres à plat). Quant à moi, je vois plutôt une «évolution» dans ce nouveau modèle qu’une révolution. Pourtant, il faut y aller plus en profondeur!

La berline Subaru Legacy 2020 ressemble beaucoup au modèle de 2019 pour bien des observateurs. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Mais de l’arrière, on remarque que les designers de la marque ont fait un bon boulot. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Je vous laisse donc juger du style par vous-mêmes. C’est, après tout, matière de choix, tous les goûts étant dans la nature…comme on dit. Personnellement, j’y vois une différence d’avec l’ancien modèle et la berline me plaît. Mais je peux comprendre ceux qui la trouvent très ressemblante à l’ancienne. Peut-être que les concepteurs et les designers du constructeur n’ont pas voulu apeurer les fidèles clients de la marque…

Toutefois, ce qu’il faut vraiment savoir, c’est que sous cette robe modeste se cache véritablement une nouvelle plateforme et un intérieur redessiné. Subaru maintenant conscient qu’il n’est plus le seul constructeur automobile à proposer une berline à quatre roues motrices (ou traction intégrale), il lui faut se distinguer de la «masse».

Avant de commencer, sachez que le petit constructeur japonais désormais dans le giron de Toyota (ce qui explique que son petit coupé sport 86 ou anciennement FR-S est, ni plus, ni moins, qu’un Subaru BRZ légèrement retouché ayant même le quatre cylindres à plat de Subaru) propose maintenant une toute nouvelle plateforme sous la voiture. En vérité, je devrais dire une architecture globale alors que celle-ci serait 70 % plus rigide que celle des modèles précédents. Cela devrait, dès le départ, intéresser les amateurs de la marque qui ont toujours aimé la traction intégrale de la Legacy mais qui lui auront reproché son comportement routier un peu «pépère», certes pas sportif. De plus, la suspension a été raffermie (ce que j’ai pu vérifier grâce à mon ami Dominique, lui-même amateur et collectionneur de voitures sport qui possède une berline Legacy haut de gamme de la génération précédente) comparativement à celle du modèle précédent. La preuve était très évidente dans une courbe menant d’une autoroute à une autre dont le revêtement n’était certes pas exemplaire (quoi? on est au Québec, souvenez-vous en!). Alors que «l’ancienne» Subaru avait tendance à «voguer», la «nouvelle» restait bien ancrée dans sa trajectoire sans réactions négatives. Puis, dans des courbes mieux conservées, il était évident que la caisse affichait moins de tangage. La carrosserie ne se couchait pas! Néanmoins, la Legacy 2020 n’a rien perdu de son confort de grande berline.

Fini le six cylindres à plat. Le nouveau moteur de performance de Subaru est ce quatre cylindres turbocompressé de 2,4 litres plus puissant! (Photo Éric Descarries)

Toujours caché des yeux, la mécanique des Legacy a subi quelques améliorations sauf qu’il faut mentionner que le six cylindres à plat n’est plus au catalogue (sniff!). Donc le moteur qui animait ma Legacy GT était un quatre cylindres, toujours à plat de 2,4 litres mais turbocompressé, le même que celui de l’Ascent, une sorte de nouveauté qui fait 260 chevaux et 277 li-pi de couple. L’ancien six-cylindres atmosphérique faisait, lui 256 chevaux et 247 li-pi de couple. Évidemment, le nouveau quatre cylindres ne vient qu’avec la boîte automatique CVT à variation continue et, on s’en doutait, la traction intégrale. Cet ensemble permet des accélérations de 0 à 100 km/h en moins de sept secondes. Toutefois, ses reprises étaient plus convaincantes que celles du modèle de l’année dernière avec le six cylindres. Mais, le prix à payer, le quatre de 2,4 litres est plus bruyant que six à plat!

Le tableau de bord est tout nouveau. Mais on apprécie encore plus la sellerie «colorée» de la finition Premier GT ! (Photo Éric Descarries)

Une chose qui a été fortement revue, c’est le tableau de bord. Malgré une disposition assez classique des instruments devant le conducteur, le centre de la planche de bord de «mon» GT était fortement occupé par un grand écran semblable à celui que l’on retrouve dans les nouveaux Ram! Cet écran (qui facilite la lecture d’une carte en mode GPS) sert également pour les réglages du chauffage, de la radio et al. Le seul hic, c’est qu’il faille un certain temps d’acclimatation pour s’y retrouver. Il y a bien quelques commandes redondantes pour le chauffage et la radio mais les fins réglages ne se font que par l’écran.

Le beau côté du grand écran, une carte GPS plus facile à lire. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Le côté un peu moins glorieux de cet écran, un système qu’il faille apprivoiser ce qui n’est pas toujours facile! (Photo Éric Descarries)

D’un côté très positif, j’ai bien aimé la sellerie colorée de «ma» GT d’essai ce qui lui donnait des petits airs d’Allemande! Question confort et luxe, tout y était, même pour les passagers d’arrière. En fait, de ce côté aucun reproche à faire à la Legacy, elle joue très bien son rôle de berline intermédiaire même au point de vue de la visibilité.

Les passagers d’arrière seront bien traités dans une Legacy Premier GT. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Les berlines Legacy de Subaru ont toujours offert beaucoup de volume. J’aime que les pentures soient recouvertes! (Photo Éric Descarries)  

Quant au coffre, la nouvelle caisse n’a rien volé en termes d’espace à l’ancien modèle. Et, encore une fois, si l’utilisateur a besoin de plus d’espace, il peut toujours rabattre les dossiers des sièges d’arrière!

Sur la route

Encore une fois, au risque de se répéter, la nouvelle Subaru Legacy en version GT procure des accélérations intéressantes, des reprises étonnantes et surtout un comportement routier supérieur à son prédécesseur. Toutefois, il ne faut pas verser dans l’excès contraire. La Legacy, même en finition GT, ne se veut pas une grande sportive. Elle demeure une excellente berline intermédiaire avec un peu plus d’excitation. Mais ce n’est pas un «sports car». Néanmoins, voilà une voiture que j’aimerais bien utiliser pour de petits voyages sur la côte est ou vers New York ou même vers Toronto. Malgré une direction un peu tendre, c’est une voiture qui se conduit bien. Seule ombre au tableau, il y a trop d’ingérence du système d’aide à la conduite à certains niveaux. Par exemple, le moindrement que vous quittez la route des yeux, ne serait-ce que pour admirer un petit bout de paysage, le système sonne une petite alarme et un avertissement lumineux apparaît au centre des instruments! Autrement, le fameux système EyeSight de Subaru peut facilement venir en aide au conducteurs en l’avertissant des dangers qui l’entourent.  La conduite urbaine en est aussi facile alors qu’il y a un système «Stop-Start» qui neutralise le moteur aux arrêts prolongés. Cependant, lorsqu’on relâche le frein, le redémarrage est un peu brutal, comme je l’ai noté sur certaines européennes. Beaucoup d’autres constructeurs en sont arrivés à une relance du moteur plus discrète. Subaru devrait les imiter. Autre détail agaçant, la pulsation de l’antiblocage des freins est très bruyante. Efficace mais bruyante. Vu que c’est l’hiver et que les pneus d’hiver sont obligatoires au Québec, la Legacy GT d’essai était équipée de pneus Toyo Observe plus récents sur les roues de 18 pouces qui m’ont semblé vraiment moins bruyants que les anciens modèles du même fabricant ! Mais il n’y a pas eu suffisamment de neige ou de routes glacées pour les mettre vraiment à l’épreuve.

Les nouveaux pneus Observe GSi-6 de Toyo qui équipaient ma Legacy d,essai ne sont pas seulement plus efficaces, ils sont aussi plus silencieux que dans le passé. (Photo Éric Descarries)

En ce qui a trait à la consommation, cette berline de quelque 2180 kilos (avec les liquides) m’a procuré une moyenne de 11,47 l./100 km. ce qui serait dans la bonne moyenne vu les temps froids qui courent. Vu que j’ai utilisé cette Legacy surtout en conditions urbaines, j’ai comparé cette consommation avec celle à moteur V6 (de l’été dernier) dans de même conditions d’utilisation alors que j’avais obtenu un chiffre de 13,2 l./100 km. On constate alors une amélioration sensible de ce côté-là!

Le prix de base d’une Legacy 2020 est de 26 395 $. Équipée au  maximum comme la Premier GT que vous voyez ici, ce même prix grimpe facilement à 39 095 $ plus les 100 $ de la taxe d’accise fédérale pour le climatiseur et le transport et la préparation. Évidemment, il vous faudra ajouter les taxes de vente provinciale et fédérale. Mais, comme on le sait, ce prix pourrait être négocié avec le concessionnaire.

Conclusion? Les ingénieurs de Subaru ont fait du bon boulot dans la conception technique du véhicule. Et malgré des airs de ressemblance avec l’ancienne génération, la Legacy de 2020 a une belle gueule avec un air légèrement plus sportif. Les consommateurs la verront-ils ainsi?

Coûteuse, vraiment?

Vous auriez peut-être un peu la tendance à penser qu’à près de 40 000 $, cette Legacy pourrait vous paraître chère. Justement en ce qui a trait aux prix des véhicules au pays, voici ce que j’ai appris du groupe AutoHebdo la semaine dernière

«En 2019, le prix médian des véhicules neufs a dépassé pour la première fois la barre des 40 000$ au Canada, en atteignant 40 490$. Ceci tient compte d’une augmentation de 1,5%, sur une base mensuelle, et de 2,3% sur une base annuelle. De leur côté, les prix des véhicules usagés sont restés stables à 18 888$, sur une base mensuelle, avec une augmentation de 7,4% sur une base annuelle.»

Donc, on pourrait facilement en conclure qu’à ce prix, la Legacy correspond exactement aux attentes des consommateurs canadiens…mais si ça vous semble «beaucoup d’argent»!

AutoHebdo continue en ajoutant que «les berlines, camions et VUS neufs ont tous connus une augmentation mensuelle de 1,6%, 1,4% et 1% respectivement. Nos données portent à croire que ceci est largement dû à la mise en marché des nouveaux modèles 2020 au 4e trimestre, ainsi qu’à un changement de composition du marché.»

Voici d’autres détails qui m’ont été transmis par le groupe : «Les véhicules nord-américains et européens presque nez à nez

En novembre, le prix médian des véhicules nord-américains neufs s’est situé à 50 341$, à peine inférieur au prix médian de 50 440$, dans le cas des véhicules européens neufs. Alors que les prix européens ont baissé par rapport au mois précédent, les marques nord-américaines ont connu une croissance soutenue au cours des deux derniers mois, principalement parce que la part de marché des camions a augmenté. Les véhicules fabriqués en Asie poursuivent pour leur part leur progression lente mais soutenue, avec un prix moyen de 31 665$, soit une augmentation mensuelle de 2,2%, ce qui amène l’augmentation annuelle à 1%.

Petite remarque en passant…

Encore une fois, les automobilistes qui passent de soir devant le concessionnaire Caterpillar sur l’autoroute 40 à Pointe Claire ne peuvent manquer la superbe décoration toute en lumières de Toromont qui a pris la relève de Hewitt. Félicitations pour continuer une si belle tradition!

Des nouvelles du Salon de Detroit

Ce qui nous manquera sous peu, ce sera notre visite annuelle au Salon de Detroit. En effet, celui-ci qui avait l’habitude d’ouvrir la saison des salon, passera du frigide mois de janvier à un plus acceptable mois de juin (quoiqu’il risque de faire très chaud à ce moment de l’année dans la Ville de l’automobile).

Voyant que le phénomène que l’impact des Salons de l’auto diminue sans cesse autour du monde (on l’a vu avec l’abandon des constructeurs comme exposants), les administrateurs du Salon de Detroit ont eu la brillante idée d’en changer la configuration afin de le rendre plus convivial et interactif aux visiteurs.

Quant à nous, le Salon de l’auto de Montréal se tiendra de 17 au 26 janvier et, malgré l’annonce du retrait de certains constructeurs, les concessionnaires des marques concernées auraient décidé d’y participer «personnellement»! Trois hourrah! Incidemment, de ce que j’ai compris, Cadillac profiterait de ce Salon pour faire le lancement local de ses berlines CT4 et CT5 ! La Corvette et la Mustang Mach-E devraient y être aussi ! Ça promet!

Dernière minute : PSA et FCA ont signé une entente de «merger» (fusion). Au cas où vous ne sauriez pas, PSA, c’est Peugeot Société Anonyme et FCA, c’est Fiat Chrysler Automobile. Donc, cela veut dire que nous devrions voir le retour des Peugeot et peut-être Opel un jour chez nous. À suivre…

[ourworldofenergy]

Don’t get too worked up over the President's actions against the environment

Every week seems to bring another attack by the Trump Administration against laws and regulations that have been instituted by prior administrations to protect the environment and fight climate change. The most recent is the campaign to deny California the right to set stricter automobile emissions standards than federal limits. It has caused yet another uproar among environmentalists and liberals and glee among climate change deniers and conservatives and will undoubtedly lead to many years of legal battles. But what is reality? In fact, this move, and all the others, are just meaningless actions that do little more than pander to the Administration’s fossil fuel campaign contributors and excite the hardcore Republican base ahead of the upcoming elections. The reality is that technology and market forces are driving the world inexorably and at an increasing pace toward a renewable energy future, despite the last-ditch efforts of the President and his supporters. Let’s look at some of the higher profile actions.

Automobiles

Denying California’s waiver on automobile emissions goes hand-in-hand with the prior announcement that the administration would rollback automobile mileage requirements set by the Obama Administration. On the surface, this appears to be an extremely serious setback for consumers, the environment and climate. Depending upon the outcome of the various legal challenges, there could certainly be a short term impact. But the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) is underway and picking up steam. Looking at California trends as a precursor to what is likely to happen nationwide, the state is experiencing falling total car sales for the third straight year (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 – California New Vehicle Registrations (Source: California Auto Outlook/IHS Markit)

In contrast, EV sales have been increasing rapidly, and by mid-2019 EVs, including hybrid non-plug-in vehicles, represented 13% of new car sales (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: California EV Market Share (Source: California Auto Outlook/IHS Markit)

The big question is how quickly that 13% will grow and continue to displace Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.

Historically, EVs have been quite expensive compared to their ICE counterparts; however, as the cost of batteries has dropped dramatically over the last few years, so has the cost to build an EV. Nevertheless, the purchase price of an EV such as the Tesla Model 3 is still higher than a similarly sized ICE vehicle, and purchase cost is the primary driver for US car buyers. But the real economic comparison should be on what is called the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes purchase price, fuel, maintenance and insurance costs over the life of the vehicle, and resale value. There have been a number of TCO comparisons between the Tesla Model 3 and competing ICE vehicles over the past few years. The general consensus has been that the Model 3 TCO is less than other premium sedans from Audi, BMW, etc, but slightly more than mass market sedans such as the Toyota Camry. However, LoupVentures just updated its comparison with recent data on insurance and resale value, plus the latest purchase cost.  In particular, resale data shows that the Model 3 holds its value much better than its competitors. As a result, the TCO for a Model 3 is now less than the best selling sedan in the US, the Toyota Camry (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3: Total Cost of Ownership – EV vs. ICE (Source: LoupVentures)

So the answer to “how quickly” depends on when consumers start to think beyond initial purchase price to the total costs of ownership (TCO). Once consumers realize that they will get a superior product at a lower total cost over time, the transition will begin to accelerate dramatically. Throw in the continued drop in price for batteries and the expanding options as other auto makers begin to offer new EV models, and a date around 2025 for California EV sales to reach parity with ICEs is not unreasonable. In such a scenario, auto mileage standards are pretty much immaterial. In fact, reducing standards makes the TCO of ICE vehicles less competitive and will likely drive the rest of the country to more quickly follow California’s lead.

Light Bulbs

How about the uproar over light bulbs? Several weeks ago the administration issued a decree to roll back the Bush and Obama era attempts to improve lighting efficiency by phasing out incandescent light bulbs. But, here, we are well beyond the early adoption stage of new technology, i.e., light–emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The energy required to power an LED bulb for the same illumination is about 90% less than that of an incandescent bulb. The life of an LED bulb is about 20 times that of an incandescent, and the initial cost of LED bulbs has dropped dramatically and is approaching the cost of incandescent bulbs (you can now buy a 4-pack of off-brand 60W LED bulbs at Home Depot for about $6 or $1.50 apiece). Figure 4 compares today’s common bulb types and illustrates the dramatic savings possible for LED over incandescent bulbs.

Fig. 4: Total Cost of Ownership – Lightbulbs (Source: greenisbetterinc.com)

In fact, the cost savings in electricity will pay for the initial cost of the bulb in less than one year of use. Manufacturers could give their incandescent bulbs away, and it wouldn’t stop the transition. For more information, see the The Little Bulb That Is Killing Coal for more insight into the transition to LED lighting.

Coal Power

President Trump made saving the coal industry a cornerstone of his election campaign and his administration. How has that worked out so far? In June 2019 the EPA issued the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, an amendment to the Clean Power Plan, with intent to extend the life of the US fleet of aging coal power plants. Shortly thereafter, in July 2019, Blackhawk Mining filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it the eighth major U.S. coal producer to file bankruptcy since November 2017 and the fifth so far in 2019.

Since 2010, 289 coal-fired power plants have closed, representing over 50% of the plants and 40% percent of US coal generating capacity, with 50 of those closures coming after November 2016. And that trend isn’t slowing with an additional 51 pending closures having been announced by utility companies.  As a result, and for the first time in history, in April 2019 US electrical power generation from renewable sources exceeded generation from coal (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5: US Electrical Power Generation – Coal vs Renewables

Although this was a temporary occurrence due to the cyclical nature of both forms of generation, the long term trend illustrated in Fig. 4 points to a time in the not-too-distant future when yearly coal generation will forever be less than renewables. Again, technology and market forces are driving the change as the cost of new solar and wind power generation facilities continues to drop rapidly. A March 2019 report by Energy Innovation concluded that “America has officially entered the ‘coal cost crossover’…Today, local wind and solar could replace approximately 74 percent of the U.S. coal fleet at an immediate savings to customers. By 2025, this number grows to 86 percent of the coal fleet” The result: no new coal plants will be built in the US, and the existing plants will continue to be shut down.

Oil Drilling in the Arctic

Another focus of the Administration has been to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) in Alaska to drilling and eventual production of oil (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: ANWR Drilling Location (Source: USGS)

But again, what is the true risk of extensive development of ANWR?  There have been several recent actions in Congress to try to block the drilling, there is the likelihood of lawsuits in the near future, and there is the chance that significant oil reserves don’t even exist in the region. But the greatest risk, again, is the impact of technology. With the world inexorably moving to replace fossil fuel based energy with renewables, the oil industry is facing a point of peak oil demand in the next 5-10 years. In the meantime, it’s all about low-cost, quick turnaround production. In the US, that means shale oil which has boomed due to technology advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Why would oil companies invest many billions of dollars exploring for and producing oil in ANWR in hopes of (maybe) generating profits in 10 years, when they can invest a fraction of that and start making money almost immediately? ANWR development isn’t going to happen, but it makes good headlines.

The US may go kicking and screaming into this renewable energy future, but go it will.

Don’t get too worked up over the President’s actions against the environment was originally published on OurWorldofEnergy

[enginerumors]

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Turbo Release Date

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Turbo Release Date

2019 Toyota 86 Gt Turbo Release Date – On the minor market about reason-constructed back-tire-get portable sports activities automobiles, typically the Toyota 86-earlier typically the Scion FR-S-comes with a distinctly natural encounter that is clear of extras. It has the convertible car competitors will keep right up as well as surpass typically the 86 around general performance, but they also…

[perksofwifi]

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD First Drive Review: The Unlikeliest TRD

Toyota Racing Development has been best known for producing factory off-road pickups and SUVs as of late, but for TRD’s 40th anniversary, Toyota has tasked its in-house tuner with a slew of new production cars. We’ve already covered the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD and 2020 Camry TRD, but how does the unlikeliest of TRD products, the 2020 Avalon TRD, stack up?

For starters, it’s a real-deal TRD

The skeptics among us would probably be quick to call the Avalon TRD little more than a trim package—I know I did. But truth is, TRD engineers had a crucial hand in shaping this particular Avalon. Using the Avalon Touring as the jumping-off point and with a focus on handling, TRD dropped the Touring model’s electronic adaptive suspension in favor of stiffer new steel springs and shocks, lowered the ride height by 0.6 inch, and added new bumpstops. The TRD team also fit its version of the Avalon with dual- (instead of single-) piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, added an electronic brake-based front differential, and rounded the car out with stiffer underbody bracing than is found on the standard Avalon, along with wider, lighter wheels (shared with the Camry TRD) and unique styling.

The chassis reinforcements and suspension tweaks make a noticeable difference out on the road. Although it’s still more softly sprung than the Camry TRD, the Avalon TRD is the better balanced of the two cars. There’s less impact harshness than its slightly smaller platform mate, and the Avalon’s lighter steering feel does a better job of transmitting what little information there is from the front wheels to the driver.

Weirdly though, when driven back to back with the baseline Avalon Touring—like, say, on an autocross course, the Avalon’s natural habitat outside the retirement community—it’s the Touring model that’s more impressive. The biggest difference between the Avalon Touring and the TRD model is the former’s Sport + mode, which, when combined with its electronically adaptive suspension, helps keep the Avalon flatter and more neutral through bends, making it easier to put the power down. The TRD model exhibits more roll than the Touring (even if it felt stiffer) and thus doesn’t put its power down as well.

But TRD didn’t touch the engine or transmission

For better or worse, Toyota corporate didn’t allow the TRD team to make any mechanical changes, save for fitting the Avalon TRD with a cat-back exhaust. Like all non-hybrid Avalons, the TRD model has a 3.6-liter V-6 good for 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic.

The V-6 is a perfectly nice engine; it makes its power near redline, but it revs smoothly and sounds good enough through its new TRD exhaust. However, its gearbox is simply maddening. Despite the car’s 112-mph(!) top speed, the Avalon’s eight-speed is geared like a four-speed auto, with third gear good through 90 mph, so gears five through eight are essentially dead weight. Shorter gear ratios would significantly improve performance, likely without any cost to fuel economy. They’d also likely help cure the automatic’s tendency to randomly hunt through gears.

Surprisingly, Toyota took the Avalon TRD (and Camry TRD) to racetracks during the development process

TRD engineers used three tracks (along with some of their favorite backroads) to fine-tune the Avalon and Camry TRD models. They’re not big-name tracks like Laguna Seca or Road America, but TRD says it used Motorsport Ranch in Texas, Arizona Motorsports Park, and the track on Toyota’s Arizona proving grounds during the development process.

Toyota is targeting the Avalon TRD at the Audi A6, Ford Fusion Sport, and Kia Stinger GT

Toyota has some pretty lofty targets for the Avalon TRD. Specifically, it called out the Audi A6, the recently discontinued Ford Fusion Sport, and the Kia Stinger GT. That’s, uh, ambitious. Although I’d have to drive them back to back to say for sure, the Avalon TRD certainly has its work cut out for it.

The A6 makes significantly more power from its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 (340 hp and 369 lb-ft), has torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and is significantly more luxurious than the Avalon TRD—though it’s worth mentioning that the latter car has among the nicest interiors, in terms of both design and quality, Toyota has put together in a long time.

The Fusion Sport also made more power than the Avalon TRD, with its twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 pumping out 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Like the A6, it too has all-wheel drive. The Fusion Sport, before it was discontinued, was also one of the funner sedans to drive in its segment.

The rear-wheel-drive Stinger GT also makes significantly more power than the Avalon TRD. An exceptionally pretty and well-balanced sport sedan, the Stinger GT earned an invite to Best Driver’s Car in 2018 and placed a respectable ninth out of 12 competitors. It has a powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 365 hp and 376 lb-ft under its hood. The Stinger is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 good for 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Avalon TRD production will be limited

Toyota says it’ll initially limit Avalon TRD production to about 2,600 units for the 2020 model year and says it’ll happily build more if demand is high enough. Prices for the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD start at $43,295, and it’s on sale now.

The post 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD First Drive Review: The Unlikeliest TRD appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/avalon/2020/2020-toyota-avalon-trd-first-drive-review/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

[the-record-obituaries]

July 24, 2019: Obituaries

Pauline Wells, 75

Mrs. Pauline Catherine Kemp Wells, age 75 of North Wilkesboro passed away Sunday, July 13, 2019 at Rose Glen Manor.

.Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Liberty Grove Baptist Church with Rev. David Sparks officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mrs. Wells was born November 8, 1943 in Wilkes County to Paul Lytle and Bessie Lee Jarvis Kemp.  She was a faithful member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; John Roy Wells.

She is survived by a son; Aaron Wells and wife Charlene of North Wilkesboro, two grandchildren; Jamie Adams and Zoie Wells, two sisters; Barbara Shatley of North Wilkesboro and Faye Strang and husband Jerry of Chattanooga, TN and three brothers; Michael Kemp of North Wilkesboro, Ricky Kemp and wife Judy of Hickory and Stevie Kemp of North Wilkesboro.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Liberty Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund, 5899 River Road/Liberty Grove, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

 Abby Spicer, age 52

Abby Lynn Spicer, age 52, passed away on July 21, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. Abby was born on August 13, 1966 to Barry Spicer and Lenna Miller Spicer. Abby's first years of life were spent in the Austin- Traphill community in Wilkes County, NC.

Abby has lived many places including Washington DC, Alabama, England, and currently resided in Daniel Island, SC. She graduated from Parkland High School in Winston-Salem, NC. She also studied piano and singing at the NC School of the Arts. Abby attended East Carolina University and graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Her career led her to work for many companies and government agencies that required Secret Security Clearance including: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Arthur Andersen, Intergraph, McDonnell Douglas Space Systems, HUD, Freddie Mac, American Battle Monuments Commission, US Department of Labor, a British Military Base in England, and most recently the US Department of State.

Abby was an avid athlete and participated in many sports including: soccer, karate, kickboxing, speed skating, competitive running, and rowing. She received many trophies, awards, and medals for her sporting events. Abby sang lead with many bands and founded Bands of the Triad. Abby was a car enthusiast and started her own car club, 86Charleston. She also enjoyed auto-crossing and racing her Toyota 86 after her cancer diagnosis, receiving multiple trophies.

Surviving are her mother, Lenna Miller Spicer Shew; sister, Heather Shew; brother, Darian Spicer and wife Mercia Spicer; nephew Ryan Spicer; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Proceeded in death are: father, Barry Spicer; step-father, Jack Shew; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Edna Miller; and paternal grandparents, Barney and Ruby Spicer.

Friends and family will be received at Miller Funeral Service at 180  Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, NC on Wednesday, July 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A funeral service celebrating Abby's life will be held at Knobbs Baptist Church, 8505 Austin Traphill Rd, Traphill, NC, on Thursday, July 25 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

  Mary Hanville, 91

Mary Ruth Rounds Hanville, age 91, lately of Moravian Falls, NC passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital.  She was born on December 16, 1927 in Schulyer County in the town of Montour Falls, New York to Coleman Judson Rounds and Nellie Merchant Rounds.  Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, Rexford R. Hanville. She was the surviving sibling inclusive of a sister, Janice R. Wright and two brothers, Keith C. Rounds and Clifford F. Rounds.

Mary Ruth Hanville was the mother of five sons; Michael J. Hanville and wife Louise of Moravian Falls, Roy L. Hanville of Cayute, NY, Rexford R. Hanville, Jr. of Elmira, NY, David F. Hanville of Spencer, NY and Terry L. Hanville of Watkins Glen, NY all are living.

Mary Ruth Hanville retired from Cornell University as an Executive Secretary.  Recently, when her health permitted, she attended Wilkesboro United Moethodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Wilkes, PO Box 3016, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

  Don Hall, 92

Don Lewis Hall, age 92, of McGrady, passed away Thursday at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was born April 24, 1927 in Wilkes County to Daniel and Zina Royal Hall. He was a member of the Church of Brethren and previously employed with American Drew for over 30 years. Mr. Hall was a US Army Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sible Pruitt Hall; son, Donnie Wayne Hall; daughter, Cathy Marlene Hall; step children, Helen Wyatt, Dellis Huffman, Argilee Absher, F.D. Shepherd, Betty Parker, Dean Shepherd; and siblings, Claude Hall, Ted Hall and Annie Ruth Brown.

Surviving are his step-daughter, Ruby Whitley and spouse Randal of Traphill; step-son, Rex Shepherd and spouse Rita of McGrady; sister, Nellie Rae Wolfe of Statesville; twenty two grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be private. The family has requested no flowers and no food. Memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Rommy Handy, 81

Rommy Vance (RV) Handy, age 81, of McGrady, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. He was born May 1, 1938 in Wilkes County to Berch and Dorothy Ballard Handy. RV was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the outdoors. His final words were I wanna go home and meet with Jesus and he was able to tell his wife and family he loved them. Mr. Handy was preceded in death by his parents; and three children, Ricky Vance Handy, Lisa Ann Handy and Debra Diane Bentley.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Nichols Handy; son, Jason L. Handy and spouse Ashley of Hays; daughters, Kathy Huffman and spouse Mike of Mt. Pleasant, Mary Handy, Tina Smith and spouse Matt all of North Wilkesboro, Amber Handy and spouse Jonathan Gambill of Hays; several grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

Memorial service was held   July 22, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Brother Albert Handy and Brother Matthew Handy officiating. Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607 or Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Steve Prevette, 70

Steve Prevette, age 70, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019 at his home. Mr. Prevette was born March 30, 1949 in Wilkes County to Dewey and Hope Jones Prevette.

He was an Ordained Baptist Minister and a member of Faith Christian Assembly in Wilkesboro. Mr. Prevette enjoyed fishing, golf, Bible Study and flying planes.

     Surviving are his wife, Jennifer Prevette; children, Michael Prevette and wife Toni, Keith Prevette, John Prevette and wife Rhiannon all of North Wilkesboro, Matthew Prevette and wife Christy of Millers Creek; grandchildren, Adam Moore, Krysta Prevette, Abigail Prevette, Bryson Prevette, Bailey Prevette, Isaac Prevette; brothers, Tommy Prevette and wife Brenda of Mulberry, Doug Prevette and wife Patricia of Lenoir; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was  July 21, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Pamela Wesoloski officiating. Speakers were Rev. Thomas Lee Prevette, Rev. Douglas Kent Prevette, Rev. Richard Little, Rev. Allen Marsh and Rev. Eric Jones. Burial followed in Mountain Park Cemetery.               Flowers will be accepted. Memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice, 688 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Park Road, #250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

Pallbearers were Johnny Shew, Adam Moore, Mike Osborne, Robert Doran, Eric Jones, Nathan Prevette. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Call and Danny Church.

 Clara Byrd, 98

Clara Handy Byrd, age 98, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at her home. Mrs. Byrd was born March 26, 1921 in Wilkes County to Edward and Dova Wingler Perry. She was a member of Journey of Grace Baptist Church; loved teaching and working ceramic classes out of her home and at the Senior Citizens Center at Mulberry School. Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Gilbert Handy; her second husband, Rev. Richard Byrd; and several siblings.

Surviving are her sons, Charles Handy and spouse Shirley of Wilkesboro, Sam Handy of Moravian Falls; granddaughters, Dr. Sharon Srebro and spouse Ron of Oak Ridge, Patricia Lynn Handy of North Wilkesboro, Heather Jodie Cothren and spouse Phillip of Moravian Falls; five great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

Funeral service was July 20, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Pruitt officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.   Flowers will be accepted. Memorials may be Journey of Grace Baptist Church, PO  Box 248, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to Wake Forest Baptist Health and Hospice, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Sandra Dillard, 59

Mrs. Sandra Jean Roten Dillard, age 59 of Dobson, passed away July 17, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.

Funeral services were July 21, at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home with Chaplain Jonathan Casstevens Officiating. Burial was in the Osborne Cemetery.  

Mrs. Dillard was born December 3, 1959 in Wilkes County to Robert Lee Roten and Curly Elizabeth Osborne Roten. She was formally employed by Ithaca Industries.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; Barney Ray Dillard and a sister; Wanda Spears.

She is survived by two daughters; Cassandra

Kay Dillard of Dobson and Elizabeth Ann Kilby of North Wilkesboro, a son; Ray Eugene Dillard of Dobson, five grandchildren; James Ray Dillard, Hailey Madison Foster, Kristalin Hermione Kilby, Dixie Ava Lynn Kilby and Isabella Nevaeh Smith and a sister; Judy Smith of Traphill.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

Everette  Lee, 79

Everette E. Lee, age 79, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at his home. Mr. Lee was born March 4, 1940 in Johnston County to Luna Belle Lee. He was a member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Lee was a longtime horse rancher and raised beagles and bird dogs. Everette was preceded in death by his mother.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Peacock Lee; sons, Everett Wayne Lee and spouse Helga of Four Oaks, Roger Dale Lee of Topsail Island; grandchildren, Justin Lee, Melanie Eller, Oliver Hudson; great grandchildren, Ashley Eller and Cash Hudson; brothers, William Edward Barefoot and spouse Belinda of Newton Grove, Anthony Barefoot and spouse Donna of Four Oaks; and sister, Barbara Pleasant and spouse Doy of Wake Forest.

Funeral service was July 22,  at Arbor Grove Baptist Church off 268 with Rev. Bobby Trott and Rev. Jimmy Holbrook officiating. Burial   followed in the church cemetery.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to his wife, Linda Lee, 6120  Elkin Highway, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.                               Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Hazel Handy, 95

On April 30, 1924, it was reported there were twenty-six tornadoes that ripped through the country from Alabama all the way up to Virginia. In Wilkes County, a tornado of a woman, Hazel Higgins Handy, entered this world and was a force of nature to all she knew. She worked hard, played hard, but most importantly, she loved hard. Never having been one to focus on material wealth, she placed her values in those she held dear, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

She is remembered as a strong, independent woman who had a deep and unconditional love for her family that left a lasting impact on the ones she left behind. She raised more than her fair share of children, and she defended them with veracity of a mama bear. She never failed to give them a home filled with love and her country cooking. Fond memories are filled with family and close friends, sitting around the table playing cards or picking and singing, going to the local auction, or going on a camping trip to Cherokee with her extended family.  

Laughter was always abundant with her sharp sense of humor, and she made sure no one left with an empty stomach. She touched the lives of all she met.

From the day she fell sick, she was never alone, surrounded by the family she held so dear.

Her passing was peaceful, and it was a warm, inviting day with a gentle breeze to reflect her kind and gentle soul. She now walks with those who went before her, her beloved husband, Ambrose, her two sons, Vade and Jackie Handy, her sister, Nellie and her brothers.

She will be missed dearly, but for those she left behind, they will carry on with the warmth in their hearts they learned from her. She leaves her younger brother Jim Higgins, eldest son, Wade Handy, daughter, Loretta Henson and husband Curtis Henson, daughter, Rosalee Mastin and husband Alan Mastin, youngest son, Paul Handy and wife Kathy Handy, three grandchildren, Melissa Shrewsbury and husband Jeremy Shrewsbury, Wesley Handy and Jacob Handy, and her two great grandchildren, Chelsee Adams, and Hayden Shrewsbury.

We will be waiting for the day when we can see her once again and feel the warmth of her love fill our souls. Until that day, we celebrate her life and remain thankful for the time we had with her.

A private family service will be held. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Health and Hospice, 126 Executive  Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Buddy Triplett, 60

Buddy Devaughn Triplett, age 60, of Millers Creek, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at his home. He was born August 14, 1958 in Wilkes County to Clarence Robert and Alvesta Walsh Triplett. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Deborah Brown Triplett; brother, Robert Douglas Triplett of North Wilkesboro; sister-in-law, Angela Wagoner and spouse James of North Wilkesboro; brother-in-law, Donnie Brown of North Wilkesboro; five nephews; three great nieces; and three great nephews.

Graveside service was July 22,   at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Robert Douglas Triplett speaking. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

   Matthew Johnson, 28

Matthew Paul Johnson, age 28, of Roaring River, passed away at his home. He was born September 29, 1990 in Wilkes County to Grady Everette Johnson, Jr. and Betsy Wyatt Johnson.

Surviving are his parents, Grady and Betsy Wyatt Johnson; sister, Miranda Lynn Johnson of Roaring River; special nephew, Travis Lee Johnson; special niece, Chloe Marie Billings; maternal grandparents, Arvil and Betty Wyatt of North Wilkesboro; great aunts, Willa Ward, Edna Call and Jean Ward all of Roaring River.

Graveside service was July 20,   at Roaring River Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mark Wood officiating. Flowers will be accepted.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Ruth Adams, 90

Ruth Teague Adams, age 90, of McGrady, our beloved momma and grandma went to heavenly home, July 16, 2019. Mrs. Adams was born July 22, 1928 in Wilkes County to Bob and Lillie Watkins Teague. Ruth was a member of Zion Baptist Church on Yellow Banks Road. She was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Hillary Adams; son, Lance Adams; and daughter, Crystal Anderson.

Surviving are her sons, Clyde Adams of the home; her daughters, Trish Cook and spouse Rick of Wilkesboro, Linda Bivens and spouse Roger of Morganton, Marlene Miller and spouse James of Millers Creek, Darlene Felts and spouse Leon of Hays, Susie Adams of the home; sister, Sue Billings and spouse Bill of McGrady; nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Graveside service was July 18,  at Haymeadow Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Rhoades officiating.  

The family has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to Haymeadow Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 232, Hays, NC 28635.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 Marie Taylor 94

Mrs. Marie Taylor age 94 of China Grove, formally of Wilkes County, passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at the home of her daughter.

Funeral services were  July 19,   at Union Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Faw officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

Mrs. Taylor was born April 7, 1925 in Wilkes County to Hamp and Martha Philips Woodie. She worked for Hanes Manufacturing in the Cutting Department prior to retirement and was a member of Union Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Rufus Eugene Taylor, a daughter; Marion Farmer, a son; Walter Taylor and two brothers; Odell Woodie and Virgil Woodie.

She is survived by a daughter; Christine Morgan of China Grove, a sister; Ellie Hamby of Kannapolis, a daughter-in-law; Claudette Taylor of Millers Creek, four grandchildren; Chris Morgan, Stephanie Frisbee, Susan Trull and Nanette Eller, eight great grandchildren, eighteen great great grandchildren and two nephews; Larry Hamby and wife Pat of Asheboro and David Hamby of South Carolina.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Lanny South 165 Kingcross Lane Millers Creek, NC 28651.

  J.D. Milam, 89

J.D. Milam, age 89, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. He was born October 10, 1929 in Wilkes County to Roby and Clarice Church Milam. J.D. was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. Mr. Milam was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Jo Shew Milam; and a number of siblings.

Surviving are his daughter, Kathy Smoot and spouse Dewey of North Wilkesboro; sons, Bobby David Milam, Danny Milam and spouse Linda all of North Wilkesboro, Christopher Milam and spouse Connie of Nebraska; grandchildren, James David Milam of North Wilkesboro,

Samantha Jo Milam and Ivan Milam both of Nebraska; and sister, Ruby Rhoades of Waynesville.

Graveside service was July 17, at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Jason Wiles officiating. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

[csrgood]

Points of Light Announces 2019 Honorees of The Civic 50 at Annual Conference

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service announces The Civic 50 honorees of 2019, recognizing them as the most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 awards provide a framework for good corporate citizenship, and showcases how committed companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the center of their business.

The Civic 50 will be officially recognized at the 2019 Points of Light Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, this evening, where nearly 2,000 leaders in volunteerism and civic engagement gather to learn and share the knowledge, resources and connections needed to galvanize the power of people to create change globally.

“Points of Light believes that companies, their employees and partners can be drivers of transformative social change in communities around the world”, said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “This year’s honorees of The Civic 50 collectively gave $2.3 billion to their communities – often giving 50% more than other companies, and volunteered for more than 10.5 million hours in 2019. These results exemplify exceptional corporate leadership in community and civic engagement.”

The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of $1 billion or more, and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program – investment, integration, institutionalization and impact. Since 2011, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcased how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

The Civic 50 Honorees of 2019

AbbVie Inc.

Aflac

Allstate Insurance Company

Altria Group, Inc.*

AT&T Inc.*

Barclays

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Caesars Entertainment

Capital One

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Citigroup, Inc.

Clif Bar & Company

Comcast NBCUniversal

Comerica Bank

Conagra Brands

CSAA Insurance Group

CVS Health

Deloitte

Delta Air Lines

DTE Energy*

Entergy Corporation

FedEx*

Freeport-McMoRan*

General Mills, Inc.

Hasbro, Inc.*

Health Care Service Corporation*

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hogan Lovells

Keurig Dr Pepper

KeyBank*

KPMG LLP

Marriott International Inc

MGM Resorts International

PIMCO

Prudential Financial, Inc.

PwC

Raytheon Company

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

S&P Global

State Street Corporation

Symantec Corporation

Tata Consultancy Services*

The Hershey Company

Toyota Financial Services

TSYS

UnitedHealth Group

Unum

Valero Energy Corporation*

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Wells Fargo & Company

* Indicates a company that is a sector leader.

The Civic 50 Sector Leaders of 2019

Consumer Discretionary: Hasbro, Inc. Consumer Staples: Altria Group, Inc. Energy: Valero Energy Corporation Financials: KeyBank Healthcare: Health Care Service Corporation Industrials: FedEx Information Technology: Tata Consultancy Services Materials: Freeport-McMoRan Telecommunications: AT&T Inc. Utilities: DTE Energy

The Civic 50 Volunteer Awardees

Volunteer Leader: Hogan Levells Volunteer Culture: General Mills, Inc. Strategic Volunteering: PwC

Key Statistics and Highlights from The Civic 50 2019 Honorees

Generous giving. On average, The Civic 50 companies donate more than twice as much as US companies: $283,000 for every $10 million in revenue earned as opposed to $130,000 (per CECP’s 2018 Giving in Numbers).

Increasingly sophisticated giving. Grants are getting more integrated. Nearly 50% of The Civic 50 companies make multi-faceted investments where their grants are provided additional support through volunteerism, in-kind goods, or multi-year pledges.

Business function integration. Community involvement programs are becoming increasingly integrated with other business functions. The business functions most commonly supported with community involvement are employee engagement (98%), marketing/PR (94%), and diversity and inclusion (90%).

Board-level involvement. The vast majority (86%) of The Civic 50 companies include community involvement in the agenda of at least one board meeting a year.

Performance reviews and goal setting. Sixty-two percent of The Civic 50 companies include community engagement in performance reviews and 86% include it in department goals.

Public leadership. Sixty-eight percent of The Civic 50 companies take national leadership positions on at least 6 public policy and education issues.

Social impact and outcome measurement. The majority of The Civic 50 companies (66%) measure the outcomes and social impact of their grants as part of regularly implemented data collection process.

Business impact and outcome measurement. The Civic 50 companies also measure the outcomes from integrating their community involvement with other business functions. More than half of the companies measure the outcomes of this integration with employee engagement, marketing/PR, and diversity and inclusion.

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities. A key findings brief from the survey will be released in summer 2019. For more information, please visit www.civic50.org.

About Points of Light

Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities across 37 countries and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

About True Impact

True Impact provides web-based tools and consulting support to help organizations measure the social, financial, and environmental return on investment (ROI) of their programs and operations. For more information, visit www.trueimpact.com.

About VeraWorks

VeraWorks is a global consulting firm that helps managers and companies offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit www.veraworks.com.

source: https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/42059-Points-of-Light-Announces-2019-Honorees-of-The-Civic-50-at-Annual-Conference?tracking_source=rss

[toekneetv]

This Awesome Green Version of the Toyota 86 Is Coming to the U.S.

There is a new special-edition version of the Toyota 86 sports car for 2020 called the Hakone Edition.It's finished in an attractive shade of British racing green that Toyota calls Hakone Green, which contrasts nicely with the bronze 17-inch wheels and the tan and black interior.The Hakone Edition 86 will go on sale in fall 2019 as a 2020 model.Just a few months ago, we gushed over a Japan-only special-edition Toyota 86 finished in a beautiful shade of British racing green-and now we're thrilled to report that there's a similar version of the rear-drive sports car destined for the U.S. It's a limited-production model called the 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition, and it features a color scheme nearly identical to that of the Japan-market British Green Limited model. Aside from the rich green exterior paint, it gets a black rear spoiler and bronze 17-inch wheels that make for a delectable-looking combo, if you ask us. Toyota says that both the car itself and the color-Hakone Green-are named after the famously twisty Hakone Turnpike near Tokyo. Inside, the highlights include seats wrapped in tan leather and black faux suede, tan and black stitching throughout the cabin, and an embroidered "Toyota 86" logo on the dash and the embossed floor mats. Toyota even throws in a pair of tan leather key pouches and a folio cover.

There's nothing to differentiate the Hakone Edition mechanically. It comes with the same 2.0-liter boxer four as the standard car, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Because this edition amounts to little more than an appearance package, we assume it won't cost too much more than the 86's base GT trim level, which starts at $29,565.Toyota says the Hakone Edition will be limited but won't say how many units are coming to the U.S. at this point. Production starts this fall.

Read the full article

[onwheelsxyz-blog]

Will the next-gen Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ use a Toyota platform? 2019 Subaru BRZ RaiuHandout / Subaru As vehicular twins, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are no Olsen sisters, but they’re also no Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger, either. The two coupes have their similarities and they have their differences. At the core of their shared genetics is the platform. Current versions are built upon a modified Impreza platform, but that may be about to change. According to Australian site CarSales, the next-gen 86 and BRZ will ditch their current base and swap in Toyota’s newer TNGA underpinnings. The rumour comes from an anonymous source at Subaru who says that, in order to retain both vehicles’ original rear-wheel-drive layout, the brands will be steering away from the Subaru Global Platform that’s being used for Subaru’s new AWD vehicles and toward the rear-wheel-drive- friendly TNGA option that already supports vehicles like the Highlander, Prius and Camry over in Toyota land. That or they’ll continue to work with what they’ve already got. It's a very flexible platform, but we make all-wheel-drive vehicles, said the source with regards to the new platform. That's our forte, all-wheel drive. Subaru’s forte may be AWD, but the BRZ and 86 are all about that rear-wheel-drive — gloriously so, at that. And seeing as the TNGA option would likely be the most affordable and the lightest option, our money is on that.