Thursday, 31 March 2011

How to Cut Costs on Export Sales

My recent contribution for the American Express OPEN Forum through my relationship with Small Business Trends:

8 Ways to Cut Costs on Export Sales
by Laurel Delaney

Snippet:
1. Shift your production to a nation with lower labor costs. For example, if you currently manufacture in North America, try outsourcing to Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia, where the labor cost is cheaper and the quality acceptable. At the same time, examine potential transportation costs (refer to No. 7) to ensure you maintain, or even lower, that part of your overseas expenses.
What are some other ways in which you have tightened your belt -- reduced expenses -- on export sales to ensure you maintain decent profits?

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Export-Import Bank Awards Small-Business Exporter of the Year 2011

According to Export-Import Bank of the United States, the small-business Exporter of the Year 2011 award winner is: Wayne, Pennsylvania-based Wallquest Inc.
Wallquest Inc., a family-owned firm based in Wayne, Pa., sells wallpaper in more than 50 foreign markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Brazil, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Last year, the company’s exports rose 76% to over $17 million. The company’s growth since 2008 has been driven by the export market, according to Wallquest Vice President Jack Collins.
Learn more here.  Press release here.

Congratulations to Wallquest.  May their exports keep growing!

Photo credit:  Wallquest Inc. homepage

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

How to Establish Healthy Global Business Relationships On LinkedIn

Proceed with caution and use a critical eye when evaluating posts and search results on LinkedIn or any other social networking platform.

With this article for About.com's Import and Export site (full disclosure:  I serve as their guide), I provide examples of what to avoid and what to look for when identifying potential import/export opportunities.

Read:

LinkedIn:  How to Pre-Qualify Import and Export Opportunities on LinkedIn

Let's connect:  Laurel Delaney, LinkedIn

Illustration:  LinkedIn logo

Monday, 28 March 2011

News From Around the World

As reported from the Arizona Daily Star:
A 49-foot-tall head is fixed on a torso with cranes and integrated into a floating stage on Lake Constance near Bregenz, Austria. The stage is being prepared for the opera "Andre Chenier," which will premiere July 20 at the Bregenz Opera festival.
Photo credit:  AP/dapd/Felix Kaestle

More impressive photograph (same one -- larger) at the bottom here.

Sunday, 27 March 2011

The Auto's Of The World Come To The Car Concerns Radio Proving Ground!



All of the World's great automobile manufactures bring their vehicles to the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds for Harry's "Step-On-It-Approval" and to get "Car Concerns Certified" as a safe and value investment.

"Each vehicle, weather it be a base vehicle or a luxury sedan or pick-up truck, they all go through the same Car Concerns Radio evaluation process. Value is always what we seek.


CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
CALL HARRY MONDAY THUR FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST).
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Saturday, 26 March 2011

The World In Words

How to stay on top of the word:  Typomaps.net.  Combines the elements of geography with typography.  Created by German designer Dirk Schaechter.  Cool.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, 25 March 2011

Competitive Import/Export Intelligence

In case you missed this, there are three online resources (that I am aware of) that offer import/export trade data, competitive intelligence and more.

Learn all about them here.  Sign up for the newsletter while you're there.

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Harry & The 2011 Chevrolet Volt

CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNINGCALL HARRY MONDAY THRU FRIDAY...9:00 TO 11:00 A.M.(EST). BORDER-TO-BORDER...COAST-TO-COAST...USA TOLL-FREE: 1-877-958-5850NOW ON SATURDAY'S FROM 2:00 til 5:OO P.M. (EST)HEARD ON THE CAR CONCERNS RADIO NETWORK: WKVL 850 WLOD 1140 WATO 1290 WGAP 1400EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com

Detroit's Motor City Cobo Center Renovation & Expansion



COBO CENTER REINVENTED

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority recently announced dramatic changes to Cobo Center in Detroit, home of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Construction is already underway on the $221 million project, and while many of the renovations will be ready for the 2012 NAIAS and 2013 NAIAS, all improvements will be completed for the 2014 show.

At a recent press conference, the Cobo Authority unveiled a virtual tour of the conceptualized, completed convention facility. Click on the following link to see the dramatic facility enhancements and architectural changes, including a new three-story atrium, new meeting rooms and ballrooms that will open up to stunning views of the Detroit River.

"For more than 24 years, the NAIAS has been the vehicle to drive sales and educate consumers and decision makers on a global scale with automakers’ brand messages, while it continues to be a reliable gauge of the worldwide economy,” said NAIAS 2012 Chairman Bill Perkins. “All of these functions will now be amplified through an amazing transformation of a classic facility that will enhance the image and legacy of the NAIAS. We're building on a strong, positive momentum from NAIAS 2011, and we're encouraged by what we're hearing from automakers. The industry is rebounding, and the news about the Cobo improvements comes at a critical time."

The Car Concerns Radio Road Crew is excited to explore the newly renovated Cobo Center at the 2012 North American International Automobile Show.

CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
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EMAIL: harry@carconcerns.com

Increase Sales By Exports

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Healthy and Productive Global Citizenry

Douglas Besharov and Douglas Call co-author an article for The Wilson Quarterly, "The Global Budget Race," which talks about how the United States must make tough choices in order to climb out of its current debt crisis.

Snippet:
Those countries that do a better job of bringing revenues and spending into balance—in a way that fosters a healthy and productive citizenry—will have a competitive advantage in the global economy, and they may be able to avoid economic decline.
Read the entire article (Autumn 2010) here.

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

As It Relates to Global Business, What Is a Triple Bottom Line?

This commentary is really about:  is it harder to run a business in China than America? That should draw your interest! But take a good look at how contributor Liam Casey, founder and CEO of PCH International, covers what a "triple bottom line" is and how it can help companies achieve a successful and sustainable global business model.

Read the entire piece here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Monday, 21 March 2011

How a Calamity Can Create Positive Change

The tragedy in Japan caused by a magnitude-9 earthquake and turbo-charged tsunami leads one to think the unthinkable:  Will Japan recover?

With a culture like this (refer below), how can they not slowly rebuild?
In the face of calamity, a decent people has proved extremely resilient: no looting; very little complaining among the tsunami survivors. In Tokyo people queued patiently to meet their tax deadlines. Everywhere there was a calm determination to conjure a little order out of chaos. Volunteers have rushed to help. ~ The Economist, Japan's hydra-headed disaster:  The fallout
Read the entire article here.

And Mr. Howard Stringer, chairman, CEO and President of Sony Corp. writes a commentary for The Wall Street Journal (3/18/11) that I wish I would have written.  I so agree with his sentiments about the Japanese having a national spirit of grace, generosity, and common cause that just never gives up.

Read the entire article:  Howard Stringer:  The Japanese Will Persevere and Never Give Up

A recent article I authored before the Japan crisis for About.com (Import and Export):  Japan Business:  5 Ways to Build Harmony With Japanese Customers

And an old piece about my experience doing business in Japan reflecting my love of the country and its people:  An American Trader in Japan.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Saturday, 19 March 2011

World Power

“Power is not alluring to pure minds” ~ Thomas Jefferson

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, power grid in Tinley Park, IL; laying on the ground looking up while taking the photo.

Friday, 18 March 2011

Brazil Wants Balance With the United States

The United States wants to (re)strengthen its ties with Brazil and Brazil is all for it.  Recently, China overtook the United States as Brazil's biggest trading partner in 2009.  China became Chile's leading export market in 2007.
The United States imported $27 billion from Brazil in 2008, compared to China's $16 billion, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. 
Read more here about how the United States will most likely restructure its partnership with Latin America -- soon.

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

My Favorite Time: St. Patrick's Day

An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Everyone the world over is Irish on St. Patty's Day!  Have a happy one.  This one's for you dear Dad, Thomas S. Delaney (God rest his soul January 8, 2011).

What Does Import Duty Evasion Look Like?

Infant and youth furniture resource Kid Brands fired two executives from its LaJobi subsidiary (notice recalls here) in response to alleged evasion of paying import duties in the wood bedroom furniture antidumping case.

What did they do wrong?
  • Applied import duties incorrectly to products imported from various Chinese resources, a violation of antidumping regulations.
  • Practiced unfair pricing tactics.
  • Misidentified the manufacturer and shipper of products.
Read the entire story here to get a feeling of what import duty evasion looks like and to learn how to avoid these import problems on your own transactions.

And, I would be cautious with the LaJobi brand for your loved ones. 

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

How To Take A Company Global by Laurel Delaney

This piece was published four (4) years ago yet most of the links not only still work but also shed light on how to take a company global.

So if you are a newcomer to this blog, dig in -- this one's for you.  For everyone else who's been with me since 2004, you might re-visit this piece because I am certain there's something you missed and could use to grow your business global!

50 Ways to Go Global
by Laurel Delaney

Monday, 14 March 2011

Who Will Be The Next U.S. Commerce Chief?

According to Peter Cohen's commentary, there are three names in the hat:  Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt, Ron Kirk, U.S. trade negotiator and Jeffrey Kindler, the former CEO of Pfizer.

Cohen gives his assessment of the candidates.  He also references:
The administration's goal of doubling U.S. exports in five years is an ambitious goal, no matter who next fills the role of commerce secretary. Based on the latest numbers, U.S. exports rose 16.6% to $1.83 trillion in 2010. At that level we'd need to boost exports another 70% to reach $3.1 trillion by 2014. 
And read this part carefully:
At this point, I should disclose that I have a small personal connection to this story:   This year, I have a new book coming out about how small and medium-sized businesses can enter global markets, titled Export Now: Five Keys to Entering New Markets.  I co-authored it with former Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Frank Lavin, and Secretary Locke wrote the forward.
Keep tabs on it.

Illustration credit here (where you can buy it as a bumper sticker).

Sunday, 13 March 2011

It's A Lot Like Nothing Else You Have Never Driven Before!



At the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds Harry had the pleasure of experiencing the wonderment of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T.

While the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited came to the Car Concerns Radio Studios loaded up with goodies, the most important thing the car brought with it wasn’t on the spec sheet. I’m talking here about expectations. The car has launched Hyundai into the mainstream with retail auto consumers. The 2011 Sonata Limited 2.0T comes with a strong reputation for pleasing automobile enthusiast, and the Car Concerns Radio Road-Crew was particularly looking forward to seeing how it lived up to that rep. Of course, first we had to get used to seeing the vehicle itself.

This Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T is a lot like nothing else you have ever driven before. To the Car Concerns Radio Crew it's as though Hyundai is finding new ways for automotive expression.

At Car Concerns Radio we have always been surprised that a car with such a relatively radical design was attracting so many customers, but after living with the Sonata for just a few days, most of its exterior design cues began to absolutely amaze. The sedan’s profile is much sleeker than you might think at a quick glance, and it takes a nice sturdy stance on the road, with an aggressive look that’s well enhanced by the character line flowing through its door handles. That character line blends backward into the Sonata’s deck-lid nicely, too, and the way the D-pillar flows down into the trunk area almost pulls off a rich feel.

The Car Concerns Road Crew noticed that there are more Hyundai Sonata's on the road than ever before.

Make your get-away fast and smooth. Warning: The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0 Turbo my leave your stomach speechless!

EPA fuel economy estimates: City MPG 22/ Highway MPG 33.

Harry feels that if you will test-drive the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0 Turbo that it will impress you as well!

Drive on!

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The 2011 Chevy HHR LT2 Is Now!





CAR CONCERNS ROCKS IN THE USA EVERY WEEK-DAY MORNING
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Saturday, 12 March 2011

The Internet: An E-Revolution For the Digital Global Entrepreneur

My debut column on global business for Crain's Chicago Business Enterprise City blog (in case you missed it):
In 1998, my book “Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business” (read it free: http://tinyurl.com/2d5dfm3) was published. Since then, it has become a source for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in exporting their products and services internationally. But let’s face it — a lot has happened in the past 13 years. Starting an export business was a good idea then, but now is an even better time to take your business global.

What’s been the single most influential change for businesses since 1998?

Read the entire column here:
Laurel Delaney:  The Internet is a Global Entrepreneur's Best Friend

Watch for more on Wednesdays.  Follow @EnterpriseCity on Twitter!  And follow me while you are at it:  @LaurelDelaney!

Have a great weekend!  Back with you on Monday.

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, shot from car heading East on Wacker Drive about 5:00 p.m. CST on 3/10/11 -- that's the Wrigley Building dead center (clock).

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, 11 March 2011

Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With the People of Japan

Considered the worst quake (8.9) in Japan's history ... we are heartbroken and send our hope and prayers to the victims of this devastating episode.

I am so glad to hear that the United States is sending Navy ships with supplies and aid to help the quake-ravaged Japan.

Making International Trade Work For You

Once in a while I lose track of just how much UPS helps small businesses conquer the world.

Are you aware of UPS Capital?
UPS Capital, a UPS company, is focused primarily on providing financial services to businesses whose supply chains span international borders, such as U.S.-based businesses that manufacture or import goods overseas for sale in the U.S.
Is that your company?  Then pay UPS Capital a visit here.

Illustration credit here.

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Inside Secrets To Taking a Business Global

What's the toughest part of taking a business global?  From what people say, it's usually, "My products are not exportable.  Too complex.  Cost prohibitive."

Excuses, excuses ... don't get me wrong, some of these reasons for not crossing borders might apply but in most instances, you can get up and running with your business internationally within about a day.  I'm serious.

Finding your first good customer is the toughest part of the whole deal.  After that, everything else falls into place from arranging payment (your banker can assist) to transporting your product (contact UPS, FedEx or DHL) to after-service sales (use Skype or email for goodness sakes).

If you want additional secrets to taking a business global, read "Finding Gold in Global Sales."

Ready, set, go global!

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Tuesday, 8 March 2011

As a Result of the Royal Wedding 2011, How Will You Grow Your Business Global?

A new website was launched providing all the latest official information on the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton (pictured).

The website will be regularly updated with new details about the Friday, April 29 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, as well as new features, videos, photos and more.

My question is this:  What items are you currently manufacturing that could be tweaked and potentially sold in London and elsewhere in the world to celebrate this event? Special pins, cuff links, ribbons, banners, socks, folding seats (to watch the wedding), etc.

Seems like an awfully good way to ride on the wave of success on what is going to be the wedding of a lifetime and take your business global at the same time!

Note:  Minor detail in the grand scheme of things but I noticed that the website was implemented by Accenture (a firm already capturing global opportunity on this event).

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Monday, 7 March 2011

How Many SMEs in the EU?

According to the European Commission Enterprise and Industry, there are more than 23 million SMEs in the EU, representing 99% of all European businesses.

Fact No. 1
The 23 million SMEs in the EU represent 99% of businesses, and are a key driver for economic growth, innovation, employment and social integration. The European Commission aims to promote successful entrepreneurship and improve the business environment for SMEs, to allow them to realize their full potential in today's global economy.
Fact No. 2
What is even more intriguing is that nine out of ten SMEs are actually micro enterprises with less than 10 employees. Hence, the mainstays of Europe's economy are micro firms, each providing work for two persons, in average. This is probably one of the EU's best kept secrets!
Learn more here.

Illustration credit here.

Saturday, 5 March 2011

Harry's High-End Automobiles




Harry's High-End was founded in June of 2003. Harry's High-End Automobiles is an entity connecting luxury and exotic automobile buyers and sellers, providing them a reliable platform to share information. Harry's High End Automobiles concentrates on dealing exclusively in the world's most prestigious type of vehicles. We serve the influential owners of the following makes: Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes, Porsche and Rolls Royce.

Harry's High-End was created to optimize our client's luxury automobile experience by targeting a specific audience. Catering to the pre-qualified luxury car enthusiasts who truly appreciate High-End Quality Automobiles. We currently advertise in the top car enthusiast magazines* throughout the country.

Harry's High-End Automobile Services is featured Monday-Thur Friday on nationally syndicated Car Concerns Radio which broadcast two hours a day in markets where High End Automobile Buyers tend to live. Markets like Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando/Winter Springs, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and several other markets.

The personal service that we offer is unmatched and unlike any other. Whether you are listing one car or you are the biggest dealership in the country, the Harry's High End Team will cater to your every need. Our clients are what makes Harry's High-End special and are our #1 priority. We are here for one reason, to help with all of your luxury and exotic car needs!

"When Your Money Is On The Line...Call The Line That Is On The Money!"

Harry's High-End Current Listings...
2005 Ford GT Red only 7 miles.....asking price is $177,000
2005 Ford GT White only 2000 miles....asking price is $160,000
2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Black on black only 900 miles....asking price is $274,000
2005 Ferrari F430 titanium on blue only 1400 miles...asking price is $122,000
2005 Porsche Carrera GT black on black only 8500 miles.....asking price is $310,000
2006 GT Heritage only 2000 miles orange & Blue on black.....asking price is $208,000
2010 Audi R8 V10 black on black only 1400 miles....asking price is $150,500
2010 Red Ferrari California red on black only 2000 miles


Harry's High-End Current Collector Listings...
1983 Porsche 911 Turbo 930 red on black only 50 miles......asking price $130,000
1990 Ferrari F40 red on red/black only 1700 miles......asking price $690,000
1990 Ferrari F40 red on red/black only 3500 miles.......asking price is $625,000
2003 Ferrari Enzo black on black only 1400 miles.......asking price is $1.650,000
1995 Ferrari F50 red on red/black only 7000 miles.....asking price....make an offer
2004 Ferrari Enzo White only 4000 miles....contact us
1994 Mclaren F1.....

Selling or Buying! Let Harry's High-End get the job done!

Phone: 1-865-622-3032 or email: harryshighend@aol.com

HAS HARRY HELPED YOU YET?


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Sweet Home Chicago: Soldier Field

Soldier Field (pictured), home to many amazing Chicago events.  Stadium history here.

Have a great weekend my worldly readers.  Back with you on Monday.

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, 4 March 2011

Global Food Prices Hit Record High

I know this to be true.  Why just last night I bought a 26 oz. can of Maxwell House coffee for U.S. $11.79!  Yes, I like one good cup of coffee early in the morning to start the day right but what a price to pay!

So if you are in the food industry, you better start raising prices *slowly* to your customers now so you don't end up eating into your year-end profit margins.  Or, worse yet, don't smack your customers with a huge price hike all at once.  That's a sure-fire way to lose a customer.  Small price adjustments always work better.

Read the article here.

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Take Your Software Global

We love "meaty" freebies and anything tied to globalization!  Acclaro -- provider of comprehensive translation and localization services for software, websites, documents and marketing initiatives of all kinds -- is offering a complimentary software localization webinar that will help you take your first step towards tapping into new international markets.

Register here.

Hurry ... the webinar is this Thursday, March 3rd!

Illustration credit:  Acclaro

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Tuesday, 1 March 2011

The Car Concerns Radio Car-Of-The-Week: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ Turbo



Harry and the Car Concerns Radio Crew have been cruising in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ Turbo at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds.

It seems that manufacturing progress is everyone's business at General Motors these days as they roll the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ out the Chevy Dealer Showrooms across the USA and around the World.

This 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ is World Class and a vehicle that can compete for the auto consumers hard earned transportation dollar. The Chevrolet Cruze LTZ offers exceptional design and performance that represents a true automotive value.

Sporty yet classy, simple yet luxurious says it all here. This Cruze has solutions that most compacts don't offer. One is standard six-speed transmissions, like the manual in Cruze LS that helps offer 26 MPG city and 36 highway.

The 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ offers upscale presence with the fuel economy and price tag of a compact. And with its sculpted exterior and refined interior, it feels more like a sanctuary than a car when you're behind the wheel. Looks like you'll have to get used to more if you make the decision to own this fantastic G.M. offering.

More Safety

The Cruze is designed to offer continuous protection to you and your precious cargo. It's more safety than you're used to, but you'll adjust.

With the fuel economy of a compact car and the amenities of a mid-size, the Chevrolet Cruze LTZ gives you the best of two worlds. Making a choice can be difficult, so don't.
More Features

With all its upscale amenities and features like available navigation and refined interior finishes, the 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ offers a premium driving experience.

The Car Concerns Radio Crew after running the 2011 Chevy Cruze through the paces at the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds has determined that it rates off of the Automotive Charts! Go drive one and see for yourself!

Car Concerns Radio Crew Specs-It-Out:

Options

* 1st and 2nd row Curtain Head Airbags * 4 Door * 4-Wheel ABS Brakes * ABS and Drive-line Traction Control * AM/FM/Satellite Radio * Anti-Theft Alarm System
* Audio System Security * Black Grill w/Chrome Surround * Body-Coloured Bumpers
* Bucket Front Seats
* Cargo Area Light * Center Console: Full With Covered Storage * Clock: in-Radio
* Coil Front Spring * Coil Rear Spring * Cruise Control
* Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel * Cupholders: Front and Rear

* Dash Trim: Cloth/Metal-Look
* Daytime Running Lights * Digital Audio Input
* Door Pockets: Driver, Passenger and Rear
* Door Reinforcement: Side-Impact Door Beam
* Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags * Dusk Sensing Headlights
* Engine Immobilizer * External Temperature Display
* Floor Mats: Carpet Front and Rear * Fold Forward Seat-back Rear Seats
* Front Head Room: 998 * Front Hip Room: 1,346 * Front Independent Suspension
* Front Leg Room: 1,074 * Front Reading Lights * Front Shoulder Room: 1,391
* Front Ventilated Disc Brakes * Front and Rear Suspension Stabilizer Bars
* Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded * Headlights off Auto

* Heated Driver Mirror * Heated Passenger Mirror
* Independent Front Suspension Classification * Instrumentation: Low Fuel Level
* Integrated Roof Antenna * Intercooled Turbo * Interior Air Filtration
* Left Rear Passenger Door Type: Conventional * MP3 Player

* Max Cargo Capacity: 425
* Metal-Look Center Console Trim * Overall Height: 1,476
* Overall Length: 4,597 * Overall Width: 1,796 * Passenger Airbag
* Power Remote Driver Mirror Adjustment
* Power Remote Passenger Mirror Adjustment * Power Remote Trunk Release
* Power Windows * Privacy Glass: Light * Radio Data System
* Rear Bench * Rear Center Seatbelt: 3-Point Belt
* Rear Door Type: Trunk * Rear Head Room: 963* Rear Hip Room: 1,331
* Rear Leg Room: 898 * Rear Shoulder Room: 1,369
* Rear Stabilizer Bar: Regular * Regular Front Stabilizer bar
* Remote Power Door Locks * Right Rear Passenger Door Type: Conventional
* Seatback Storage: 2 * Seatbelt Pretensioners: Front
* Semi-Independent Rear Suspension * Side Airbag
* Speed Sensitive Audio Volume Control
* Speed-Proportional Electric Power Steering
* Stability Control: With Anti-Roll Control * Strut Front Suspension
* Tachometer * Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
* Tires: Prefix: P * Tires: Speed Rating: S * Torsion Beam Rear Suspension
* Trip Computer * Two 12V DC Power Outlets * Type of Tires: AS
* Variable Intermittent Front Wipers * Vehicle Emissions: Ulev
* Wheelbase: 2,685 * XM Satellite Radio * in-Dash Single CD Player

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
Speakers: 9
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
CD player
Radio data system
Wireless connectivity
MP3 decoder
AM/FM radio

SEATS AND TRIM
Power driver seat
Front seats: bucket
Front centre armrest
Split folding rear seat
Leather upholstery
Leather shift knob
Rear seat centre armrest
Heated front seats
Rear seats: bench
Max seating capacity: 5

WARRANTY
Corrosion perforation warranty: 72 months/160,000km
Basic warranty: 36 months/60,000km
Roadside assistance coverage: 60 months/160,000km
Powertrain warranty: 60 months/160,000km

CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power windows
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Remote keyless entry
Passenger door bin
Rear beverage holders
Passenger vanity mirror
Driver vanity mirror
1-touch down
Automatic temperature control
Front beverage holders
Emergency communication system
Telescoping steering wheel
Illuminated entry
Speed control
1-touch up
Driver door bin
Air conditioning
Tilt steering wheel
Rear door bins

BODY EXTERIOR
Power door mirrors
Bumpers: body-colour
Heated door mirrors
Door mirrors: body-colour

LIGHTING, VISIBILITY AND INSTRUMENTATION
Front reading lights
Trip computer
Speed sensitive wipers
Delay-off headlights
Variably intermittent wipers
Voltmeter
Outside temperature display
Compass
Fully automatic headlights
Tachometer
Reverse sensing system
Rear window defroster

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Overhead airbag
Electronic stability
Dual front impact airbags
Rear side impact airbag
Knee airbag
Occupant sensing airbag
Panic alarm
Dual front side impact airbags
Traction control
Ignition disable
ABS brakes
Perimeter/approach lights
4 wheel disc brakes
Security system

POWERTRAIN
Torque: 148 lb.-ft. @ 1,850RPM
Engine litres: 1.4
Cylinder configuration: I-4
Variable valve control
Fuel economy highway: 5.5L/100 km
Compressor: intercooled turbo
Manual-shift auto
Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Number of valves: 16
Recommended fuel: regular unleaded
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Horsepower: 138hp @ 4,900RPM
Fuel economy city: 8.5L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 59.0L
Drive type: front-wheel

SUSPENSION/HANDLING
Rear anti-roll bar
Speed-sensing steering
Power steering
Alloy wheels
Front anti-roll bar
Sport suspension
Front wheel independent suspension

SPECS AND DIMENSIONS
Exterior body width: 1,796mm (70.7")
Exterior length: 4,597mm (181.0")
Rear hiproom: 1,331mm (52.4")
Compression ratio: 9.50 to 1
Engine horsepower: 138hp @ 4,900RPM
Rear legroom: 898mm (35.4")
Engine displacement: 1.4 L
Rear headroom: 963mm (37.9")
Engine torque: 148 lb.-ft. @ 1,850RPM
Passenger volume: 2,679L (94.6 cu.ft.)
Exterior height: 1,476mm (58.1")
Wheelbase: 2,685mm (105.7")
Front legroom: 1,074mm (42.3")
Rear shoulder room: 1,369mm (53.9")
Engine bore x stroke: 72.4mm x 82.6mm (2.85" x 3.25")
Turning radius: 5.1m (16.7')
Front shoulder room: 1,391mm (54.8")
Front hiproom: 1,346mm (53.0")
Front headroom: 998mm (39.3")

If you don't experience the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ Turbo for yourself you may just miss the best auto buy on the 2011 market.

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Sweet Singapore

Some tips and stats on doing business in Singapore.

Singapore:  The Entrepreneurial Capital of the World
by Laurel Delaney, Import and Export Guide, About.com

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, Singapore

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog