Owners Illustrated Magazine Detroit is Back Special

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TOYZ GUIDE

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DETROIT IS BACK SPECIAL ISSUE

GM NA PRESIDENT MARK REUSS FINDING THE PULSE OF MILLENIAL DRIVERS FORD PRESIDENT & CEO ALAN MULALLY RESTORES THE BLUE OVAL SRT CEO & CHRYSLER, LLC VP OF DESIGN RALPH GILLES REENGINEERING AMERICAN ICONIC BRANDS 16 VEHICHLES in 19 MONTHS

CHRIS PAUL Grabs London Gold is a L.A. Clippers Championship Next?

Sneak Peak Inside Gears of War 3 & Michael Jackson The Experience

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

OWNERS

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Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Damola Idowu Design DLI Copy Editor Daniwu Photography Banks Wil David Lanre’ Damola Staff Writers Damola Da Great Deity Dah Wole Idowu Daniwu Dr. Kunle Idowu

Lexus VP of Marketing Brian Smith W/ Damola We have lost our way because we have forgotten that success takes a collective. It takes collaboration; it takes ingenuity; it takes inspiration; and when all these forces unite the results could last over a century and bring prosperity to humanity, not just a country. I spent the past year working on this Detroit is Back special and was inspired most about the legacy of automotive manufacturing and how it propelled the industrial age. Most importantly, I was inspired by how humble the icons were who altered modern transportation. Henry Ford was the most successful and lived the longest, but we cannot forget others like the humble, David Dunbar Buick, who brought his casting expertise to engines or Henry Leland, who brought the machine craftsmanship he learned at Colt to the creation of American luxury, first with Cadillac and then with Lincoln. We can’t forget two humble brothers, the Dodge Brothers, who invested in Ford and for 11 years manufactured 60% of each vehicle. Ransom E. Olds is the true godfather of Detroit auto as he was the one who hired Leland, the Dodge Brothers and Benjamin Briscoe to make parts for the mass produced Curved Dash Olds. There are so many stories to tell including over 40% market growth since 2009. I call that money well spent.

Enjoy and learn how an industry, 20 years behind Germany, worked together to be number one and saved humanity.

Damola Idowu EIC Owners Illustrated Magazine President Owners College

Marketing & Promotions Damola Quincy Taylor Reginald Matthews Dawoud Shadeidu Brian Williams RW Collection Models MidWest Rep. Quincy Taylor Advertising Damola Quincy Taylor Sales Damola College Representative Kunle Idowu Intern Chris Barnes Newsstand Consultant John Blassingame

Ford CEO Alan Mulally GM CEO Dan Akerson & GM NA President Mark Reuss at NAIAS 2012

Legal Counsel Reginald A. Greene, Esq.

“Now we are a college”

THE HUSTLENOMICS ACADEMY “I sponsored the movement.”

BRING THEM TOYZ OUT!

Owners Illustrated Magazine © 2013 Owners League LLC Sub. rates: 1 year – $19.99, 2 years – $34.99 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Visit us online: www.ownersillustrated.com & www.toyznation.com For advertising, sponsorships and sales contact: 202.607.3629 Toyznation.com • 3

TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola TEST DRIVE » LEXUS LS LAUNCH EVENT

Photo by Damola Idowu

AtabeautifulRitzCarltonresortinthedesertofArizona, my colleagues and I descended upon the terrain to experience firsthand the mechanical automotive marvel that is the Lexus LS sedan. Lexus has been undergoing an entire lineup refresh that has enhanced their reputation for fine craftsmanship and innovation with the deceiving tastes of luxury customers in mind. I have driven the GS and have been highly impressed so the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the flagship was one I relished.

ThenewLScarriesoverthedesignsignatureseenonthe GS and ES but in the LS there is more mass to fill out the design interpretation and the silhouette is stunning. On the inside, the LS has the best materials and fit and finish in its class currently. Powertrain-wise there are two options, a 4.6L V8 that makes 386 HP and a 5.0 V8 plus electricmotorthatmakes438HP. ThereisalsoanFsport model which bears sportier characteristics and braking components. Sadly, one of my favorite features, the auto parking option isn’t available as an option. There are countless ways to configure your LS, however, from a base price of $71,990 on the LS 460 to the LS 600h L which starts at $119,910. Lexus continues its relentless pursuit of perfection and there is no better example of theirexecutionthantheLexusLS460. Formoreinfovisit www.lexus.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES « CADILLAC ATS 2.5

Cadillac has truly adapted to the new marketplace and is taking all comers head-on, foreign or domestic. With the new ATS, Cadillac has taken square aim at the BMW 3 Series and the results have been remarkable as journalists have raved about the incredible driving dynamics found on the compact, luxury rear-wheel drive marvel. I spent time in the 2.5 L base engine model and was impressed by the fit and finish and the CUE system, which I find groundbreaking in ways others may not yet see due to the computing power of the system and the ability to add more functionality later. The CUE system is perfect to attract the younger, more tech savvy demographic Cadillac seeks to reach. The starting price on the ATS luxury model is $37,590, right in the middle of the pack in the competitive compact luxury segment. The ATS is a true sports car with four doors and superb handling, responding to the ZF-sourced electric steering wheel. The design on the ATS is also distinctive with sharp angular lines that give it an aggressive driving stature on the road. The 2.5L base engine puts out 202 HP with 33 MPG on the highway. A 3.6L V6 is also available making 321 HP as well as a popular 2.0L turbo that makes 272 HP. With the ATS, Cadillac has firmly planted itself in best entry luxury discussion, a feat unimaginable just 4 years ago. For more information on the ATS visit www.cadillac.com.

AWD system. The XTS Platinum has to be the most technologically advanced Cadillac ever with the CUE system and with safety features like vibrating seats to alert drivers to objects in their path when reversing the vehicle. Sales for the XTS have been brisk so consumers have warmed up to this new Cadillac, part of a brand that now approaches 110 years since Henry Leland founded the company and in the platinum trim, Cadillac meets his high standard of craftsmanship. For more information visit www.cadillac.com.

« CADILLAC XTS PLATINUM I remember seeing the XTS in concept in Detroit and wondering how much of the gorgeous design would make it to production and whether the platinum fit and finish would make it. How about the plug-in powertrain? Would consumers even like the XTS or would they miss the DTS? What would they say about this combination of the DTS and STS in the Cadillac product line-up? I must say, in my week of driving the XTS Platinum AWD I was impressed and amazed at how much of the concept made it into production. Save for the plug-in powertrain, a whole lot made it into the final production car. The vehicle has a 3.6L V6 which makes 304 HP and gets 26 MPG on the highway when paired with the great Haldex AWD system. The XTS Platinum has to be the most technologically advanced Cadillac ever with the CUE system and with safety features like vibrating seats to alert drivers to objects in their path when reversing the vehicle. Sales for the XTS have been brisk so consumers have warmed up to this new Cadillac, part of a brand that now approaches 110 years since Henry Leland founded the company and in the platinum trim, Cadillac meets his high standard of craftsmanship. For more information visit www.cadillac.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Since Tata Motors has assumed stewardship of Jaguar and Land Rover they have done a masterful job of maximizing the engineering work that was afoot with Ford, and have managed the growth of both to newfound heights. A perfect example of the blend of new capital, engineering, management, and maximization of a great heritage brand is the Evoque, a stylish crossover SUV that comes in 3-door and 5-door iterations. The Evoque uses a front-wheel drive platform with an all-wheel drive system powered by a Fordsourced 2.0L turbo engine that makes 240 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic system powering the permanent Haldex all-wheel drive system specially tuned for the off road king Land Rover you get unbelievable driving dynamics in the segment. The all wheel drive system has been tuned for terrain response and has snow, mud, and sand specifications. The Evoque is breathtaking in its design and features a blend of high strength steel and aluminum for a segment defining vehicle that has changed the sales outlook of the entire company. With a base price of $41,145 the Evoque is competitive in pricing. The 5-door with Prestige Premium packaging I drove topped $56,595.

For more information visit www.landroverusa.com.

« MERCEDES BENZ S350 As the class standard for the flagship luxury sedan, the S Class comes with several powertrain options to suit the distinct tastes of its discerning customers. From hybrid S400 to the super charged behemoth S65 there are great options for a wide range of tastes. Surprising to me was that the S350 was the most fuel efficient with a 3.0L V6 with a 240 HP turbo diesel with a staggering 455 lb-ft of torque available at 2400 PRM’s. The 31 MPG on the highway and has a permanent AWD system making it perfect for the DC metropolitan area. MBUSA makes all comfort options available for all powertrains so the test model I drove had the P2 luxury package along with the rear seat package bringing the base price from $92,550 to $108,640. A favorite feature was the split-view which allows the driver to be focused on the navigation while the passenger can watch a movie simultaneously. For more information visit www.MBUSA.com.

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DRIVE » LEXUS GS 350 AWD & LEXUS 450h

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exushadanincrediblechallengeredesigningthenewGS. The model had come to define the blend of luxury and sportycharacterpeopleseekinthemidsizeLuxury sports sedan segment. I had the opportunity to spend some time withbothtrimstheGS350AWDandtheGS450h.WiththeredesignoftheGSLexusmadethedecisiontoeliminatetheGS460V8 model and instead focus on fuel efficiency and refined power of theGS450h.TheGS450hgetsacombined338HPfromtheelectric powertrain and the 3.5V6 engine. The base model the GS350 is poweredbya3.5LV6whichmakes306HPthatmakes277lb-ftof torque. The upgrade to the interiors are truly remarkable and invoke a nouveau technology loft in the trim of the GS 450h with its rich wood inlays a 12.3 navigation monitor and mouse to operate theinfocenterandofcoursetheLexusEnformwhichhasappslike Pandora,Bing,Yelp,iHeartRadio,Facebookandmore.Usingthe dataservicesfromyoursmartphonetheEnformsystemintegrates these apps with voice command prompts and an ability to bring socialmediaintothedrivingexperiencesafely.Theentirecabinof the Lexus GS feels modern in both trims and one can’t help but enjoy the soft leather and soft touches and also the swift response when you switch to sport mode. You can drive short distances in electric mode on the GS 450h which gets 29 Mpg in the city and 34MPGinhighwaydriving.TheGS350AWDgets19MPGincity and26MPGinhighwaydriving.ThebasepriceontheGS350AWD is$49,450andthebasepricefortheGS450his$58,950.TheGS model again stakes it place at the pinnacle of the luxury sports sedan segment. For more information visit www.lexus.com.

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Courtesy of NIssan

TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND 4X4 One of the first vehicles to be launched from the new Chrysler was the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Currently the most awarded SUV in history, the Grand Cherokee has several models and trims including the Overland model I drove. Willys-Overland is historic for Jeep, dating back to 1908 with its founding in Toledo, Ohio where Jeep’s headquarters still remains. The Overland trim adds upgraded materials and the 3.6L model I drove takes E85 fuel, gets 23 MPG, has a panoramic roof and retails for $45,990. It also includes adaptive cruise control and a Uconnect system and hard drive.

I personally recommend the Jeep Overland for anyone seeking a premium SUV. For more information visit www.jeep.com.

« CHRYSLER 300 LIMITED AWD With an 8-speed automatic all wheel drive system, and rear wheel drive platform the 300 Limited is truly in a class of its own. With fuel efficiency of 27 MPG on the highway, a panoramic roof, premium materials, and soft touches, an 8.4-inch monitor and navigation, dual climate zones, you can go down the line, the 300 has re invented and defined its position in its class and truly has no peers in its offerings.

An amazing journey considering where the brand was in 2008. The 300 Limited AWD starts at $34,320 for the 3.6 L V6 Penstar model.

For more information visit www.chrysler.com.

«DODGE AVENGER SXT PLUS The improvements made to the entire Dodge lineup have been impressive. A quick glance to monthly sales numbers will show that consumers are responding. The Dodge Avenger underwent a total makeover of its interior and with the addition of a 8.4-inch monitor, it has some of the best technology and finishes in its class. With rumors of a new platform forthcoming, the Avenger currently has signaled a promising future for the Dodge lineup to come. For more information visit www.dodge.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

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VOLVO S60 T5 AWD I remember the commercial of the debut of the new Volvo S60 last year with amazing driving maneuvers showcasing the impeccable handling, acceleration and braking in the new S60. Certainly not my father’s old 240 DL, the new S60 has superb driving characteristics that I got to experience firsthand in the base powertrain. The T5 which gets 250 HP and 266 lb-ft of torque has best-in-class specs for a base model in the entry luxury sedan class. Though the S60 T5 makes 250 HP, it still gets 29 MPG in all-wheel drive form on highway driving, giving a great blend of fuel efficiency and power. I drove a premium trim which also had 17” alloys, a truck spoiler, heated seats, even heated windshield washer nozzles which would have come in handy on the many trips I have made driving through the Midwest in the winter. The base price on the S60 T5 starts at competitive $31,750 and as optioned topped $38,000. Volvo has been aggressive with their financing options so a great lease can be had at a sub $400 a month price for a well optioned model. For more information visit www.volvocars.us.information visit www.volvocars.us.

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BUICK VERANO In the quest to retool the lineup and move the brand more upscale, Buick has mined the great design studios for vehicles that have defined their segment and gained popularity around a newer and younger segment of buyers. The Buick Verano is a great entry into the compact premium segment with a standard 2.4L I-4 that makes 180 hp and gets 32MPG on the highway. What I love about the Verano is that it comes standard with Buick Intellilink which connects to Pandora, Stitcher, and Sirius and features a great voice recognition system. The Verano begins at $23,785 and with great features like Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music along with a six-speed automatic and Intellilink standard, Buick should find success in reaching millennials. For more information visit www.buick.com.

KIA SOUL Made famous by the memorable hamsters and a hip sense of style, The Kia Soul has carved a niche for itself and for 2013 the model improves its standing. Starting at a price point below $15,000 the Soul features running LED’s, a UVO voice command media system, backup camera, six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, a 350 Watt sound system, alloy wheels, and the functionality and cargo room that made the urban mover a hit. For more information on the Kia Soul visit www.kiausa.com.

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TOYOTA PRIUS C Toyota has sold over 3 million vehicles featuring their Hybrid Synergy Drive system and with their expansion of the Prius line I anticipate they will sell many more. This past year the Prius line expanded with a new compact, the Prius c and a larger Prius V both of which I have driven. I have written about the Prius V previously, but was pleasantly surprised by the new affordable Prius c and the fun-lovability it offered. The Prius c One starts at $18,950 and as a 5-door compact it is priced pretty competitively in the segment. In the Prius c you get a combined 50 MPG and standard navigation. In the Prius c you also get a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD radio, USB port with iPod integration, voice command and a long list of features for an attractive vehicle meant to introduce a new generation to the Prius brand. With the design and packaging of the Prius c, I foretell greater things in the future of the Prius brand . For more information visit www.toyota.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

«TOYOTA PRIUS V Green technology has been polarizing in American politics, yet globally countries like Japan have seen its value and hedged their bets over a decade ago when they supported Toyota’s investment in the hybrid technology that makes the Prius special. The Japanese government gave strong rebate incentives to purchasers of the Prius in its infancy enhancing sales potential of the then nascent technology. Over a decade later and over 2 million hybrids sold the success has been outstanding. Toyota is now expanding the Prius line with more vehicle options and the V model I drove was fun and functional and larger than the traditional Prius. The V also gets 40 MPG on the highway and 44 MPG in city driving. The Prius V starts at $27,165. For more information visit www.toyota.com.

FORD FLEX LIMITED The 2013 Ford Flex limited has been refreshed while maintaining the great driving dynamics that make it unique in its segment. The 2013 Ford Flex features a base engine with 3.5L V6 which makes 287 hp and 254lb-ft of torque. What is great about the added power is that it doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy which was 23MPG highway in the all-wheel drive Limited model I drove. The active park assist remains a distinctive highlight in the premium crossover segment along with the Sony Sound system and SYNC with MyFord Touch. The panoramic Vista roof remains one of my favorite features as it gives a beautiful ambiance, more like an upscale loft to the interior of the Flex Limited.

Adaptive cruise control and blindspot monitoring are also great features for a crossover that starts at $41,180 and topped $46,000 for the loaded model I drove. For more information visit www.ford.com.

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INFINITI JX-35 As the battle for supremacy in the compact luxury crossover heats up, a new front is opening in the full-size 7-passenger category. All new for 2013, the JX is an entirely new product in the Infiniti lineup. A mechanical cousin to the all-new Nissan Pathfinder which eschews its historic truck body-on-frame architecture for more car-like driving dynamics. Both the Pathfinder and the JX35 are assembled at the flexible Smyrna, Tennessee plant and fuel efficiency is at the top of the class with 24 MPG on the highway from Nissan’s 3.5L V6 which makes 265 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque while mated to a CVT transmission. The interior of the JX35 is impeccable with superb fit and finish and plenty of soft touch materials. There is also great safety technology like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Brake Assist that can engage braking to prevent collision with a vehicle ahead or another object.

There is a dual rear entertainment system as an option along with a Bose speaker sound system among many other comfort options. The JX35 starts at $40,000. For more information visit www.infinitiusa.com.

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CHEVY AVALANCHE BLACK DIAMOND EDITION All good things must come to an end, yet the end is something I’m ready to accept in regard to the Chevy Avalanche. Since its 2001 debut, over 600,000 Avalanches have seen sold and here at Owners Illustrated, our legal council owns its mechanical cousin, the Escalade EXT. I personally have loved the times I have shared over the years driving the multi-function pickup/SUV. An occasion that keeps popping up in my mind, in particular, is when I drove a burnt orange model to the Funkmaster Flex car show in New Jersey. For the final model year, the Avalanche is going out in style with a special Black Diamond edition which features special badging along with a lengthy list of available features including a rear DVD player, an E85-capable 5.3L V8 that gets 21 MPG on the highway, 8100-lb towing capacity, blind zone alert, sunroof, 20” wheels and lots more in a one-of-a-kind multifunction vehicle. I doubt the EXT will continue without the Avalanche to defray costs so if you love these vehicles, get them while supplies last. The Black Diamond Avalanche starts at $50,750. For more information visit www.chevy.com.

AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES

TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE > TEST DRIVES

« VW TOUAREG HYBRID The Auto Union is united again and the vehicle most likely responsible is the VW Touareg. An unusual at the time foray into the world of SUV’s, the Touareg was an SUV jointly developed by VW, Audi, and Porsche. To tout the success of the venture would be an understatement as the impact on sales volume was so definitive a series of merger moves took place with the eventual completion of the union just a few months ago. The joint engineering effort is evident in the new Touareg Hybrid. Featuring a 3.0L Turbo paired with an electric motor for a combined 380HP and 428 lb-ft of torque the Touareg Hybrid is the best blend of power and fuel efficiency ever found in a gasoline engine. With 20 MPG city and 24 MPG highway you get premium materials, superb technology, towing capability all wrapped in an SUV platform that serves as the base of the forthcoming Bentley SUV. For more info visit www.vw.com.

« TEST DRIVE KIA OPTIMA HYBRID It has now become commonplace in the past four years to find full-size vehicles that offer 40 MPG on the highway. The hybrid model is a welcomed addition to the exciting Optima lineup for stylish sedans with performance and and a slew of features. The Hybrid brings with it an Eco focus with real time monitoring of its fuel efficiency displayed through fun visual graphics.

I especially enjoyed driving in electric mode and riding under the panoramic roof. With a base price less than $26,000 the Optima Hybrid represents a great value. For more information visit www.kiausa.com.

« HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID The Sonata Hybrid had my attention with the use of one of my favorite songs Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” in the commercial. 80’s nostalgia aside, the hybrid is truly an amazing car which with the new Blue Link technology brings efficient driving to social technology. With Blue Link you can match your driving habits to others via location sharing which enhanced my competitive nature to be more efficient with my driving habits. The Hybrid gets 40 MPG on the highway and 35 MPG in-city driving for a car that starts at $25,850. For more information visit www.hyundaiusa.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES INFINITI IPL G CONVERTIBLE I join my colleagues in anticipation of the new Infiniti promised debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013. Rumored to be the next G, journalists worldwide eagerly await what improvements and changes will become of what has been a highly awarded car that has been truly fun to drive. I recently spent time in the IPL G convertible and my drive in the Washington Metropolitan area drew tons of compliments of the gorgeous retractable hardtop that came in a beautiful malbec black color. The IPL version of the G comes with an IPL tuned 343 hp out of the 3.7L V6 which was mated to the smooth 7-speed automatic I have come to enjoy the past few years. The IPL model also adds a body kit and special badging. I hated to part with the IPL but I take solace in knowing I will witness the debut of the new Infiniti this January in Detroit. I will keep everybody informed. Until then, you can get more information on the IPL G convertible at www.infinitiusa.com.

« FIAT 500 ABARTH My mother used to tell me to take every disappointment as a blessing and Fiat can attest to that fact as they turned their disappointment of a failed partnership with Chrysler into a blessing of entire control of the company post the auto rescue of 2009. One of the benefactors of the deal was Chrysler’s extensive dealer base which has now allowed Fiat the locations to introduce the funky 500 to a new generation of customers. The 500 has been a dashing success and the result are several iterations including a Gucci Edition but my favorite is the performance-oriented Abarth model. The Abarth model I drove featured a 1.4L Turbo that makes 160 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque mated to a 5-speed manual. The 500 Abarth is a sensational machine to flog around. With a base price of $22,000, the Abarth is bound to find a ton of customers in fact the 2012 allotment is sold out. For more information visit www.fiatusa.com.

INFINITI G37 MT SEDAN

The G37 is always fun to drive especially in the form of the 3.7L V6 with 328HP mated to a six-speed manual. In a deep red beauty I re-familiarized myself with the G37 and as always I was delighted with the blend of power, technology, and handling in the steady beast which will be redesigned in partnership with Daimler in the coming years via a partnership between Renault and Daimler. The G37 I drove starts at $41,495 for more information visit www.infinitiusa.com.

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KIA RIO SX The work that Peter Schreyer has done overseeing the design shop at Kia has been nothing short of masterful. The consumer response to his works is tremendous and the company continues to break sales records every month.

The Rio 5 door was more than a pleasant surprise, it was an absolute delight with the styling that includes daytime LED’s, Voice command technology, and premium interior appointments that suggest a pricier option than a starting price of less than $14,000. There was even a backup camera with a display that pops up in the multi-media unit. I was very impressed by the 138HP and 123 lb-ft of torque in the 4-cylinder engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic.

The fuel efficiency of the Kia Rio 5 door is also outstanding and at the top of the segment with 30MPG in the city and 40MPG on the highway. With the room, styling and technology the Kia Rio 5 is a must buy and an excellent first car for any Millennial. For more information visit www.kia.com.

MAZDA CX-9 Still highly capable, the Mazda CX-9 remains at the head of the pack of full-size crossover SUV’s. With seating for seven, you get exceptional premium interior finishes, a superb audio system and great riding dynamics. Power in the CX-9 comes from a 3.7L V6 that produces 273 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque and gets 16 MPH in the city and 22MPG on the highway in the AWD model I drove. The six-speed automatic was refined and responsive with the manual shift mode that allowed for fun riding up the hills on I-70. There are a lot of safety features like blind spot monitoring which I found helpful during my drive thru the congested DC Metropolitan traffic. Having seen the Takeri concept and the FODO design I would love to see the evolution of the CX-9 with Skyactiv. Starting at $29,725 the CX-9 remains a great value and a solid performer. For more information, visit www.mazdausa. com.

HYUNDAI GENESIS 3.8 The 3.8L V6 with Technology Package was an intriguing prospect during my week of driving in the greater Washington Metropolitan Area. With features like Lane Departure, Adaptive Cruise Control, heated rear seats, DVD navigation, a premium sound system, and more with a base price that begins at $34,200, the Genesis continues to be a class leader with rear wheel drive and an in-house built 8-speed transmission. The 8-speed transmission is smooth shifting and the 3.8L V6 is power enough with the 333HP, and 291 lb-ft of torque. What is also great is the fuel efficiency with 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

For the 2012 model year a number of cosmetic changes also come along with the powertrain boost with LED lights and more aggressive styling cues. I have already been a convert and my glance at the monthly sales numbers for Hyundai confirms I am not alone. For more information, visit www.hyundaiusa.com.

MITSUBISHI LANCER SE The pedigree of Mitsubishi in Rally Sports is world renown and that spirit is bore into the Lancer SE. With a 4WD system the Lancer SE is an economical taste of the Evo model with 168HP vs the 291 in the Evo. The SE starts at slightly over $20,000 and highly efficient with 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. At its attractive starting price you get heated seats and side mirrors, a 160 Watt sound system, stability control, ABS, and a slew of other options standard. Driving the Lancer was a great experience with its CVT and AWD. In the midsize sedan market the Lancer SE AWC offers a unique choice at a very competitive price and its own dynamic character. For more information visit www.mitsubishicars.com

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AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE > TEST DRIVES

« KIA OPTIMA SX LIMITED As a monthly habit, I take a glance at auto manufacturers’ monthly sales figures to get a pulse of which cars are moving volume and get an indication of consumer tastes. The KIA Optima continues to be a pleasant surprise, which as the current flagship of the Kia brand, continues to draw rave reviews and beat competitors in the sales department. The question then becomes: how do you improve on what has been working so great? I have driven several models of the Kia Optima and have consistently raved about my experiences so I was thrilled by my experience in the new Limited trim which adds Nappa leather seats, an electronic parking brake, new 18-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, daytime running LED’s and more. The Limited trim adds $3350 to the SX turbo package for a total price of $35,370 delivered.

For more information on the Kia Optima SX Limited trim visit www.kia.com.

« HYUNDAI AZERA The premium full size sedan market has gotten very competitive. Hyundai which just had its best month of sales in company history has found a sweet spot in the segment with excellent product planning and building on the Fluidic Sculpture design language that has made the Sonata a sales hit. On the larger Azera the design language is allowed to fill out and the result is a full size sedan that stands out yet gives customers the best in technology with features like standard Bluelink, and a 3.3L6 that makes 293 HP and gets 29 MPG on the highway. The fit and finish is superb and is a substantial upgrade from past Azera. Leather seating is standard which is unique in the segment giving the Azera distance from competitors. Navigation also comes standard which again differentiates the Azera from other competitors in the segment.

The Azera starts at $32,000 with only the technology package availible as an option bringing the total price for a fully loaded Azera to $36,000. for more information visit www.hyundaiusa.com

« MAZDA CX-5 What Mazda is doing with the SKYACTIV technology is truly ground breaking and the Kodo design philosophy is breathtaking. In their quest to truly carve a niche in the ever competitive US auto market, Mazda is delivering breathtaking design philosophy, groundbreaking fuel economy, a premium cabin experience and great infotainment technology while preserving exciting driving dynamics. With the 2013 Mazda CX-5, all goals are achieved as the new model is introduced and with its launch the, CX-7 was effectively replaced. I had a great time in the CX-5, especially enjoying the pause and play feature on the Sirius-equipped sound system. The CX-5 comes standard with a 2.0L I-4 that makes 155HP and 150LB-FT of torque which was more than adequate to power the compact SUV which was also equipped with an all-wheel drive system. The CX-5 also has a blind spot monitoring system along with other safety features like dynamic stability control and a traction control system. In the front-wheel drive model, the CX-5 is said to get 35 MPG on the highway which is phenomenal for an SUV, considering it does not have a hybrid drive system or a diesel powertrain, though a smooth 2.2L turbo is rumored to be forthcoming. The all-wheel drive model I drove got 31 MPG on the highway with 25 MPG in-city driving. For more information on the Mazda CX-5 visit www.mazdausa.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE TEST DRIVES by Damola

AUTOMOTIVE » TEST DRIVES

«VOLVO XC 60 T6 AWD Volvo has truly transformed its former image as a company that makes safe cars with boring designs and function. Volvo now boasts some of the best safety innovations like its pedestrian monitoring system. Volvo is one of the most exciting cars to drive with their use of turbo engines and AWD systems. I got a chance to drive the XC60 T6 which features a 3.0L V6 that makes 300HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC60 has to be the most exciting crossover I have driven as the combination of power and handling was great during my week of driving. The ergonomics of the XC60 is unique as Volvo has its own way of utilizing space and placing control buttons. The XC60 I drove was a platinum trim edition which had a Volvo premium sound system. Fuel economy on the XC60 T6 was 23 MPG on the highway and the base price is $40,450 before options. For more information on the Volvo XC60 T6 visit www.volvocars.us.

« NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL I can remember the grey Datsun 810 my dad had while I was in the 7th grade like it was yesterday. I think my uncle had it first, but we took a lot of family trips in that Datsun. Later on, my father owned the first generation Altima and I was fascinated by its unique design. A lot has changed since my 7th grade year with Nissan and likewise with the Altima brand. Several revisions have occurred with Altima and with the 2013 model, we truly have the best Altima ever with a standard 2.5L I-4 engine that makes 182 hp and gets 38 MPG on the highway. The new telematics in the Altima is also great with voice command that can read out your text messages and can auto reply to texts while you are driving. You can also stream music via Bluetooth and naturally integrate your phone and iPod with full control. The SL model I drove costs $28,050 and was quite loaded with leather seating, sunroof, heated outside mirrors, and much more. For more information visit www. nissanusa.com.

« DODGE RAM 1500 Since I moved to rural America, the Dodge Ram has been one of the most popular vehicles I have seen in my community. The Ram brand is venerable and it is renown for its toughness and dependability. The 2013 Dodge Ram delivers on its well-earned reputation and brings a lot of industry firsts into the full-size pickup segment. The 2013 Dodge Ram is the first 8-speed automatic with its 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, to get a class-leading 25MPG on the highway in the rear-wheel drive and 23MPG in the all-wheel drive model I drove. Also, the 2013 Dodge Ram features its own apps and also a WiFi hotspot provided by Sprint’s 3G network. The Uconnect system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen with apps and WiFi connectivity, can have a dramatic impact on worksites with the possibility of productivity suites in the app world plus permanent web connectivity for contractors. Fuel-efficient, technologically ground-breaking and true to tradition, the 2013 Dodge Ram is simply the best full-size pickup on the market. For more info visit www. ramtrucks.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE OWNERS

TECH » MUST HAVE GADGETS

UNIVERSITY TOOLS by Damola

« TOYZ PAD From the arcade to Atari to Commodore to Sega to Super NES to Wii to PS3 and Xbox 360, the evolution in gaming has provided countless hours of fun for millions and has allowed imagination and innovation to flourish. I recently met an engineer at Ford who showed me how video game technology is helping in the development of cars. Gaming has also gone social with the ability to make friends across the globe and engage in team work to conquer an imaginary foe. The Toyz pad is the next step in the evolution of gaming. Running on Android 4.0, the Toyz Pad combines mobile technology with the ability to play your favorite games in a handheld console with control buttons you have long been familiarized with. The Toyz pad allows you to customize your button options or simply use the touchscreen to play your favorite games. With the Android OS and a built-in camera you can now Skype, run your favorite apps, download content, check emails, use Facebook, and most importantly play against anyone around the world who has a Wi-Fi connector and is online.

Toyz Pad is also a great educational tool with the ability to provide on demand educational curriculum to students who can engage by touching shapes and objects on the touchscreen and surf the internet to receive more instruction or interact with students around the world with the video chat capabilities. Learning should be fun and Toyz Pad is a tool usable by all ages globally to access information and engage in the advancement of humanity through discovery. This is a movement, a revolution in access that is affordable and possible to the many. Toyz should be available to everyone so without delay bring your toyz out and come out to play.

« TOYZ S POWER Everyone knows the frustrating feeling of running out of power on your mobile device and not having your charger with you or even worse, not having an available outlet nearby. What if you can always have backup power on hand to make those very important phone calls and better yet a power source that is stylish and sustainable. The Toyz S Power is a backup solar charger which can be powered from your laptop and sustained by the sun to provide on demand power to an iPhone and virtually any mobile device that uses a micro USB charging port. As more and more smart mobile devices proliferate the marketplace, the need to find reliable and efficient power sources increases as does the strain on one power grid eventually. The S Power is an introductory product, one of many, focused on efficient, sustainable sources of energy to power our mobile devices from a source that is ever abundant and free. Get your S Power today and join the sustainable power revolution!

« EMPOWER 7 Information should be available to all who seek as knowledge is the key building block for those that teach. With the advent of flexible mobile operating software like Android it is now possible to make access to information a bill of rights for people globally with access in the palm of your hands. The Empower 7 is a 7-inch tablet running on Android 4.0 that is affordable and highly functional. The user has the ability to expand the tablet’s memory for more data storage with a micro SD card, found in most mobile phones. Additionally, there are multiple cloud storage options such as Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox. With the camera, video chat is now enabled with options like Google Plus or Skype. The brilliance of mobile technology is the ability to combine the functions of other electronics and the Empower 7 is a scientific calculator, an MP3 player, a video player, a portable gaming console, a digital textbook, a word processor, and so much more! In light of what the Empower 7 can do, the price of $150 could be considered a steal and with the access to knowledge it provides, the gift of learning can now be provided to so many more people. Digital textbooks are the future and affordable hardware is a necessity required to fully take advantage of the transformative power that innovation provides.

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TECH » MUST HAVE GAMES

FIFA 13

CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS II

TRANSFORMERS PRIME

GOD OF WAR ASCENSION ZUMBA CORE

NINJA GAIDEN RAZORS EDGE

FABLE JOURNEY 18• Toyznation.com

NBA 2K13 DYNASTY EDITION

ASSASINS CREED III

GTA V

FORZA HORIZON

SOUL SACRIFICE

TOYZ GUIDE VIDEOGAMES by Damola Hitman Absolution

Publisher: Square Enix Developer: IO Interactive Platform: PS3, PC, Xbox360, Cloud Genre: Action Adventure

Rating: M Release Date: Out Now

Publisher: Activision Developer: Eurocom Platform: XBox 360, PS3, Wii U

Genre: 1st person Shooter Rating: T Release Date: Out Now

www.hitman.com

Agent 47 has had a long storied history. He is simply the best there is at what he does as a genetically fabricated assassin. Since its debut on PC, Hitman has been a sensation and soon a colllector’s edition of the best-selling game will be released. Hitman has even been adapted into a movie and I admit I saw it in theaters and also own the DVD. I remember vividly the gigantic poster of Hitman at E3 some years ago and I even love the Audi S5 because I saw Agent 47 drive it in the movie. One can say I’m a Hitman fan and I was ecstatic at the release of the new Hitman:Asolution game.

The release of the new Bond movie Skyfall has reinvigorated the franchise and that fact shouldn’t be taken for granted. MGM studios, which produces the Bond franchise, was almost no more and with that, the legacy and legend of James Bond would have suffered a crippling blow. Whew! All that was avoided and now Activision, which has been doing an incredible job of bringing the Bond franchise to gaming consoles, has recently released Legends which covers 6 great classic Bond films.

Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Die Another Day, License to Kill and Goldfinger are all films featured in Legends whose release also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise. Having personally driven Aston Martins, I relish the ability to use Bond cars, gadgets and weapons in the game. The iconic DB5 which also made an appearance in the Skyfall film has always been my favorite. I remember the secret trigger in the gearshift from my youth. One great feature I enjoyed is that you can also play missions from the new Skyfall movie which really ties the Bond legend from past to the future. There is also a multi-player mode which also enhances the experiences. You can add up to 12 players to your experience. With many playing options 007 Legends gives you an opportunity to live out your Bond and MI6 fix. For more information visit www.007legends.com.

Image courtesy of Microsoft

007 Legends

Image courtesy of Square Enix

Absolution starts with Agent 47 getting a contract to kill his leader, Diana, who has betrayed the agency secrets. The plot thickens, however, with a young girl, Veronica, whom Agent 47 must protect. Absolution is a totally immersive experience which should satisfy true Hitman fans. You can also purchase more weapons and the Deus Ex suit. Absolution is available for Xbox 360, PS3, OnLive and PC. For $59.99. For more info visit www.hitman.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE VIDEOGAMES by Damola Hip-Hop Dance Experience

Publisher: Ubisioft Developer: INIS Platform: Xbox 360. Wii Genre: Music

Rating: T Release Date: Out Now www.ubisoft.com

Image courtesy of SCEA

I remember the days of my youth in the 80’s like it was yesterday. Before Yo! MTV Raps there were hip-hop TV shows like Ralph McDaniels’ and others that aired on Saturdays and showcased hip-hop videos, many of which featured MC’s and dancers. As a former member of the Zulu Nation and an attendee of Rock Steady events where I saw the legendary Crazy Legs and Pee Wee, hip-hop dance has been integral in my life as it has been for millions of others who grew up in my era. I loved trying to mimic moves I saw in the videos but was wise enough not to try to duplicate anything I saw Crazy Legs doing. Finally, there is a video game that allows me to relive that part of my youth,The Hip Hop Dance Experience, featuring many top 40 hit songs which have catchy dances like Terror Squad’s Lean Back, Snoop Dogg’s Drop It Like It’s Hot, Lil Wayne’s Lollipop, Chris Brown’s Look At Me Now and classics like Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock’s It Takes Two. The Hip Hop Dance Experience maximizes Kinect and allows you to shake your tail feather, do the rockaway and tons of other moves developed by top choreographers. I especially had fun dancing to the iconic Too Short song, Blow the Whistle, among others. Beyond great exercise, the game brings nostalgia and even displays the music videos in the background. There is so much fun for all and it can get embarrassing trying to keep up which makes for even more laughs.

To get more information visit http://hiphop-dance.ubi.com/en-us/index.aspx.

Image courtesy of Microsoft

Halo 4

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Publisher: Microsoft Studios Developer: 343 Industries Platform: XBox360

Genre: 1st Person Shooter Rating: M Release Date: Out Now

The end is always painful, but what do you expect from the brilliant team at Epic as they bring the best out of their proprietary Unreal Engine 3 in their stunning conclusion to Gears of War with Delta Squad’s last mission against the venerable Locust and Lambert hordes. There are different levels of play with a different setting for those who have done several campaigns, a “hardcore” setting and an easier, “normal” setting to acclimate newbies. The four player co-op is especially thrilling as you can now have your own real life Delta Force with new female member, Anya. Beast mode kind of functions in an opposite way where you can form five-person teams of the Locust army and attach the Delta Force. Gears of War 3 is simply an awesome experience and with multiple DLC available you can savor the last chapter of this epic. For more information, visit www.gearsofwar.com

TOYZ GUIDE VIDEOGAMES REVIEW by Damola Madden 13

Publisher: EA Developer: Tiburon Platform: PS3, PC, Xbox360, Wii U Genre: Sports

Rating: E Release Date: Out now www.ea.com

Publisher: EA Sports Developer: Tiburon Platform: XBox 360, PS3, IOS, Android

Genre: Sports Rating: E Release Date: Out Now

With NCAA 13 EA again partners with ESPN which really brings the ESPN game day broadcast experience to life and makes for a truly realistic experience. For 13 you get 80 more stadiums and mascots over 233 new uniform pieces, better game quality, more passing control, and a new Heisman challenge feature. With the Heisman challenge feature you can relive the college careers of Heisman greats like Barry Sanders in Oklahoma State or even new winner RGIII from Baylor. There is also some great back story video. Go to www.ea.com/ ncaa-football for more details.

Image courtesy of EA

NCAA 13

Image courtesy EA

Madden is not just a game, it is a culture. And for Madden 13 the culture grows stronger with most realistic edition yet. Narrated by Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis, Madden 13 features the new Infinity Engine that accounts for player mass, speed and body type. The collisions are realer and the gaming experience is impressive with a quality of video bordering on an actual game broadcast. On play calling you can go with different styles of defenses for the situation or run pass for offense. You can also switch out and call your own plays as usual. The online franchise, regular franchise and superstar modes are now connected in a new Connected Careers feature that allows for multi-player online action for up to 32 players where a player or coach can be built from scratch, a current player or coach can be used or even a legendary player or coach. Madden 13 is truly the best yet and for true fans it doesn’t disappoint. Go to http://www.ea.com/ madden-nfl for more information.

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TOYZ GUIDE Reviews by Damola Skylander Giants

Publisher: Activision Developer: Toys For Bob Platform: XBox360, PS3, Wii, WiiU, 3DS, PC

Skylanders Giants is here! The most awesome gaming experience has returned and even larger than before as it combines gaming with collectible figurines, trading cards, and the world of fantasy. Skylanders Giants is pure family fun as your figurines come to life in the game as you lace them on the the Portal of Power.

The battle has gotten more fierce since Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure so now the Giants are needed to save the Skylands. All of Spyro’s Adventure characters work in Skylanders Giants so if you can combine the three characters that came with Spyro’s Adventure with the three you have with Skylanders Giants you have

Image courtesy of Microsoft

Epic Mickey 2

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Genre: Action/Adventure Rating: E Release Date: Out Now

six warriors ready to save the Skylands. There are 42 characters you can collect, each with unique powers.

You can also purchase battle packs to make your Skylanders experience even more awesome. I dig the entire concept behind the Skylanders series. Skylanders Giants costs $74.99 for the starter pack, $24.99 for the battle pack and $14.99 for each character. For more information visit www.skylanders.com.

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios Developer: Junction Point Platform: XBox360, PS3, Wii, Wii U

Genre: Action/Adventure Rating: E Release Date: Out Now

I have long been a fan of Mickey Mouse and the World of Disney. As with many people of my generation and older, the love of the characters created by Walt Disney and carried on through the generations is like a rite of passage. My son is also a huge fan of Disney, having also visited the various amusement parks multiple times.

Epic Mickey 2 is a perfect way to bring the magic of Disney to life by allowing you to play as Mickey and rescue Wasteland. A sequel to the Wii exclusive original, Epic Mickey 2 expands the gaming experience to all platforms including Wii, Wii U, PS3, and Xbox 360. The new game is called the Power of Two because now you can co-op play with the ability to play as the first Disney cartoon star, Oswald the Rabbit.

The game makes great fun for the entire family as Mickey uses the power of paint and Oswald uses the power of electricity. Every adventure is unique as choices you make alter the world and have different outcomes so the game has an enduring effect in its ability to keep the experience engaging . For more information visit www.epicmickey.com

TOYZ GUIDE HOME THEATER Review by Damola A 2310 5.1 HTS Home Theater System A Series, Boston Acoustics Since1979,BostonAcousticshasbeenastalwartinaudioexcellence and their home and car audio systems have been consistently some of the best. Low frequency sound fidelity has always been an exact science requiring the precision of sound to ensure the aural environmentcreatedbythecontentproducercomesacrossaccurately and puts the listener into the environment with crisp realism. This wasmyexperiencewiththeASeriessubwoofersasIplayedseveral video games from Madden 13 to Gran Turismo where I was able to downloadthenewCorvetteC7DLC.Watchingmovieswasalsogreat as I enjoyed action features like Fast Five and a movie that is still my favorite,Inception.Forlessthan$500youcangeteithertheASW650 Subwoofer($499.99)ortheASW250Subwoofer($349.99).Formore information visit www.bostonacoustics.com.

HMDX Bluetooth JAM Wireless Speakers

www.hmdxaudio.com We are in a blessed era of technology innovation and our quality of life is much the better because of it. An under-discussed innovation is the benefits of Bluetooth technology and beyond the great advancement in automotive safety and the millions of lives saved by hands-free calling, there is the pleasure of Bluetooth audio streaming which I have been delighted to enjoy with the HMDX Jam speakers. With a brilliant and catchy marketing plan HMDX audio has created a great compact Bluetooth speaker that is packaged to fit in a “jam” container yet contains great and powerful sound fidelity that carried through rooms in my home as I paired it to my iPhone. The Jam speakers aren’t an exclusive iPhone accessory however as they work with virtually any Bluetooth device and are easy to pair. The Jam wireless speakers cost $49.99 and can be purchased directly at www.hmdxaudio.com. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and can work from as far as 30 feet away. The Jam also has rechargeable lithium ion batteries so you can recharge it with your computer. Visit the aforementioned website for more information.

LENOVO PORTABLE SPEAKER M0520 www.shop.lenovo.com Sound fidelity is so important as content is becoming more accessible and abundant across multiple platforms. It is with this backdrop that I tried out a pair of Lenovo portable speakers for laptops. I played songs like Thea’s Baby Boy in addition to playing games like Batman Arkham City on my laptop and was impressed by the crispness of the sound. I especially like the mid-range fidelity. Many speakers don’t get the mids right but the Lenovo M0520 was just about perfect. This was most evident in the cinematic sequences in Batman Arkham City. The speakers are easy to set up. They are powered by the USB cable so it’s basically plug and play and you can increase or decrease the volume through a knob. The Lenovo portable speaker M0520 costs $29.99 and makes an excellent companion for any laptop. You can get more information and purchase the Lenovo M0520 speaker at shop.lenovo.com.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED TOYZ GUIDE GADGETS REVIEW by Damola SAMSUNG GALAXY S III It is hard for most consumers to understand the scale of Samsung the corporation, but for those that are aware, the fact that Samsung is the largest corporation in South Korea and makes everything from electronics to home appliances, is common knowledge. The point is Samsung has scale so one should not be surprised at how they have leaped ahead of their components’ client Apple to become the largest phone manufacturer in the world. What has surprised many is the ground-breaking Galaxy S III. The Galaxy S III is simply a revolution in mobile technology that captures the potential of flexible operating software like Android and integrates technology components like NFC to create a user experience like no other product on the market, save for Samsung’s own. Features like S Beam through NFC technology, allow you to share videos by simply tapping your phone to another’s S Beam-equipped phone. You can network your phone to share content via AllShare Play and you can even share presentations and documents via AllShare Group Cast. You can share pictures via Share Shot. Your camera can edit your pictures and keep the best shots out of a burst of 20. You can edit videos. You can give voice commands as well. Quite simply there are endless things you can do with this groundbreaking piece of technology that has a 4.8” HD Super AMOLED screen in a lightweight design that runs Android 4.1 depending on your carrier and has a 1.5 GHz dual core processor with 2GB of RAM. The Samsung Galaxy S III is simply at the head of its class, second to only the Galaxy Note II which I also tested. Pricing starts at $199.99 for 16GB models under most carriers. For more info visit www.samsung.com/mobile.

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SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE II In the current legal battles between Apple and Samsung, something not covered adequately in the media is that the technology in dispute is obsolete and the products covered are not reflective of where Samsung is now and where their products are headed in the future. Samsung is simply making the most ground-breaking mobile products that are re-defining possibilities of how people can share media, connect with each other, and be productive with their suite of productivity functions I enjoyed on the Galaxy Note II. The Note II is like a laptop in that with its 5.5” HD Super AMOLED screen you can edit documents or sign PDF documents like I did and emailed them to business contacts. The Note II is revolutionary because of its writing pen among other things which allows you to draw or write notes and convert them to text. By now you may have seen the Lebron James commercial where he is able to watch videos, have his son color his picture, and keep his schedule. You get the point. Samsung debuts its own Quad core chip, the Exynos 4 Quad 1.6 GHz with 2GB RAM which is actually also manufactured in Austin, Texas. It does everything I raved about with the S III just on a bigger screen with a faster processor and the ability to write and draw. I could tell you about its 1.9 MP front facing camera or the rear 8 MP camera that shoots in full HD which I did for my weekly auto reviews. You can also edit these videos on the Note II by the way. The Note II is simply the best phone on the market bar none. It is the ultimate tech companion and illustrates the best Samsung has to offer. Numerous carriers carry the Galaxy Note II. For more information visit www.samsung.com/ galaxynoteII.

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HTC ONE S HTC has been a company on the move over the past 12 plus months.

From the acquisition of 51% of Beats Audio to the integration of the unique sound equalization into a slew of phones like the One S with T-Mobile, their excellence in mobile technology has carved a niche in the market. T-Mobile itself has been quite busy and has rebounded nicely from the attempted merger with ATT into a new partnership with Metro PCS that will provide the new company with tremendous scale in the prepaid market and also allow more options to provide value for customers who want great products at an affordable price.

I spent some time with the HTC One S and truly enjoyed the device.

It is slim and sleek with a rich 4.3in qHD Super AMOLED screen that has crisp video playback. You are able to watch live video streaming with T-Mobile TV. The One S comes with Android 4.0 and HTC Sense 4.0 along with 25GB of additional storage with Dropbox. The S One comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 1.5G dual core and 16GB internal memory. You also get a 8MP camera with video editing software to edit and create movies from your phone. The One S has a Quad-Band 4G antenna that connects to T-Mobile, fast HSPA+42, and also has a Quad-Band global GSM antenna. There is access to apps from Google Play and content from Amazon Mobile.

You can also make WiFi calls from the One S and save on your data plan and minutes. With its great features and form factor the One S is a must-have phone. For more information, visit www.t-mobile.com

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BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK AND BOLD 9930 I have always relished being a contrarian so for the past year while reviewing many other mobile phones, I chose to give a long term look at the Blackberry Bold 9930 and the Blackberry Playbook. Both devices have to be used in tandem to get the full impact of the underestimated Blackberry 7 platform and evaluate the potential of the forthcoming Blackberry 10. What is great is how seamless Bridge software is and how it facilitates the synchronization of data between the phone and the tablet, primarily mobile data. The best aspect in my opinion is that with Bridge you can basically tether your phone to your tablet and use your mobile data plan to get online. Another great aspect is the ability to read your emails and access your content from the phone on the tablet. Palm pioneered the handheld personal assistant. Blackberry took it further with their innovation in enterprise. In the latest battles they lagged behind Android and iOS, but with Bridge and a new platform with BB10 there are promising applications with which Blackberry can revolutionize the market as they had accomplished before with enterprise. Overall I have had a great experience with the Bold 9930 and the Playbook. I especially love the ease of a real keyboard and the option of the HD touchscreen on the Playbook. For more information on forthcoming Blackberry products visit www.blackberry.com.

CASE-MATE CASES

So you have just gotten this most prized possession, this impossible-to-live-without piece of technology that responds to all your desires to let the world know where you are, what you are doing, who is with you, and who your friends are, all while doing its most basic function, making a call. Smartphones represent everything to their owners so the issue of how you protect them from damage becomes essential. Case-Mate is one of the best companies in the accessories arena and their approach to cases is innovating and stylish. I tried several cases for various smartphones I was reviewing and each case took a different approach. I use their Marvel partnership case for the Blackberry Bold and have adored it. I have received compliments ad nauseam. I use the Wolverine case, in particular, and to be honest the case is one of the primary reasons I haven’t upgraded my Bold. The case has been durable and over the months has still retained its vibrant colors and enamel finish. Another case I reviewed was the case for the Samsung Galaxy S II on T-Mobile. The case for this phone is a well-built leather case that has the phone protected in a pouch that is highly resistant to slack and also has stylish red, white and blue stripes. The manufacturing quality is exceptional and exemplifies the superior approach Case-Mate takes to cases. A third case I reviewed was a sturdy rugged plastic case for the original Galaxy Note.

This case transformed the utility of the Galaxy Note and in fact I would love to see cases like this for 7” tablets. It made use of the Galaxy Note possible virtually everywhere. The case fit perfectly and the rugged rubber had great grip while allowing full utilization of the Galaxy Note. Everything from the S Pen to the vivid AMOLED screen to the rear camera and flash were all readily accessible yet protected from wear and tear. Case-Mate is at the top of the heap in protection and their cases are also affordable. For more information visit www.case-mate.com and make sure to check out their other products.

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TOYZ GUIDE GADGETS REVIEW by Damola »»»»»»» LIFEPROOF ARMBAND

So you have your LifeProof case and your iPhone is protected, but you live an active lifestyle - maybe you love jogging, snowboarding, biking or surfing or are in the military. You get the point. How do you carry your iPhone everywhere? LifeProof has come up with another solution, the Armband, which is weatherproof, durable, and comfortable, making it an essential item for those with active lifestyles and a great accessory for those who seek to be more fit. The Armband costs $49.99 and is available at www.lifeproof.com. Visit their site for more info and check out other great accessories.

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LIFEPROOF LIFEJACKET The iPhone is a very cherished possession. Those of us who own one can’t imagine life without it yet the iPhone is also a very delicate piece of hardware. LifeProof as a company, bar none, has provided the best solutions to allow you to take your iPhone any and everywhere safely. One LifeProof product I enjoyed testing was the LifeJacket. It’s amazing other mobile devices don’t have this accessory available. The LifeJacket is just that, a durable jacket for the iPhone that allows your phone to float on water and withstand pressure and shock. The LifeJacket allows for more functionality with the iPhone with little worries about damage, especially for people in tropical areas. The LifeJacket costs $39.99 and is available at www.lifeproof.com.

»»»»»»» KUEL F60Q BATTERY PACK As the great benefits of mobile technology become available to billions of people on the planet the challenge of having continuous power sources remains. I met a company at CES that has an innovative approach and one of the best solutions on the market. Kuel has made the F60Q battery pack which stores 6000mAh of power, enough to charge an iPhone 4 times and can almost fully charge every iPad other than the 4 which now has 11,666mAh of power. Having that much power as a backup is incredible and to charge the battery pack you simply plug the included USB cable to your computer. The Kuel F60Q costs $124.99 and can be purchased at www.spigen.com.

CRIMSON POCKET-EAZL

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The 7” tablet has fully replaced the portable DVD player regarding the functionality of watching movie content. With apps like Netflix and Hulu, cable providers like Comcast with Xfinity, Amazon Prime, and so many more, now all you need is a high-speed internet connection or enough memory on hand to watch countless hours of video entertainment. Sounds great, so what is the problem one may ask? How do you prop up your tablet in a comfortable position to watch what you want?

Crimson has come out with a great solution, a portable stand that can work with virtually any device.

The pocket-eAzl is just that. It fits in your pocket in a nice velvet pouch and it’s made from metal so it’s durable and sturdy for hours of viewing pleasure. The pocket-eAzl costs $39.95 and is available directly on the Crimson website www.crimsonav.com. Crimson is an AV mounting solutions company so check out their site for other great products.

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TOYZ GUIDE GADGETS REVIEW

KINGSTON HYPERX 3.0 64GB Kingston has built a well-earned reputation in the area of storage. Their innovation and quality in storage devices and solutions is second to none. I have been testing one of their USB storage devices and in my opinion this device is a game changer. The HyperX flash drive has a capacity of 64GB which can make any tablet comparable to netbooks and laptops when paired together. A 32GB Android tablet with USB ports paired with the HyperX gave me almost 100GB of storage and I was able to access my files and data easily, especially media content like video, music, and pictures. The HyperX is very durable and reliable and is also very fast as it can read files at USB 3.0 speeds with USB 3.0 equipped computers and ports. Many manufacturers don’t offer USB ports for their tablets which I view as a mistake but, with the HyperX the future will be modest internal storage capacity and the portable HyperX as a flexible drive to carry your cherished content. The HyperX is also available in 256GB and 128GB options. The 64GB HyperX 3.0 retails for $164 but could be found at great discounts online including Kingston’s website. For more information visit www. kingston.com.

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LG OPTIMUS G In the intensive premium smartphone market, LG has presented a competitive option that should head the list for anyone in the market for a device. I’ve had a chance to try out the LG Optimus G smartphone for a few weeks while connected via Sprint’s expanding 4G LTE and have been quite impressed with the 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, the 2GB of RAM, and the 4.71-inch IPS display One great feature is the ability to multitask. For example, you can watch videos and change the opacity while running apps. You can also write notes on the screen with your fingers and save them. The LG Optimus G also comes with a 13MP camera which is great for taking pictures and shooting video. I like the form factor and design of the Optimus G with Gorilla Glass 2. It is very durable and has a very solid feel. With its long list of features including he ability to zoom-in while playing video the Optimus G is a more than worthy competitor in the ultra-competitive smartphone market. For more information visit www.lg.com or www.sprint.com.

SAMSUNG 830 SERIES SSD 256GB I must admit I have had the Samsung 830 Series SSD in my possession for a while, but with the pending release of Windows 8 and Adobe 56, I had thought it prudent to wait until both were released so I could get a true measure of the capabilities of the SSD 830 Series. I must say it was well worth the wait as the SSD 830 and Windows 8 are a match made in heaven. The load speeds are quick as are the navigation and interaction through the Windows 8 tile interface. Downloading apps was seamless and installation went without a hitch. Also, once installed, opening the apps from the main screen was quick. In essence, all basic functions that are performed in laptops occurred faster and were stable without any process errors thus far (knock on wood). I installed the included Batman Arkham City, too, and was able to play without a hitch. Assassin’s Creed III now gets included which should provide added incentive to get this great drive. My true test, however, was in running the Adobe CSG Suite and I got the best results of any drive I have had with the fastest load and not a single crash of the software. I ran Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign simultaneously without a hitch. For more information on the SSD 830 Series, visit www. samsung.com/ssd.

MANHATTAN STEALTH TOUCH MOUSE

The Manhattan Stealth Touch Mouse is a 2.4GHz wireless, buttonless mouse which features revolutionary Curve-Touch technology. It can be easily connected to a laptop or desktop with a small USB receiver which stores neatly at the base of the mouse and is powered by two “AAA” batteries. The smooth surface and sleek design of the Stealth Touch Mouse allow it to be handled easily whether you are right-handed or left-handed. While the buttonless aspect may take getting used to, once adjusted the mouse can be freely used with a light touch, tap or swipe and doubles as a presenter for Powerpoint or PDF presentations. The Stealth Touch Mouse is priced at $49.99. Visit www. manhattanstealth.com or www.manhattan-products.com for additional info about this remarkable product.

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TOYZ GUIDE Headphones Review by Damola »»»»»»» Audio-Technica Solid Bass ATH-WS55 Over-Ear Headphones

The Solid Bass system in these over-ear headphones boasts a dual air chamber system which enhances your bass and enriches your overall audio experience. These are excellent headphones for listening to hip hop and rock music. They also provide adequate depth for classical and jazz compositions. They are not noise canceling, but you still get a very intimate listening experience. These headphones are sleek, fit comfortably and are not heavy. You will truly enjoy your purchase of this product at a very affordable price. -Dr. Kunle Idowu Go to www.audio-technica.com for more info.

HOUSE OF MARLEY STIR IT UP ON-EAR HEADPHONES Through his passion, his music, and his message Bob Marley has become a legend that has positively impacted generations of people globally and will inevitably influence many more to come. Part of his legacy is being continued through House of Marley, a company founded by the Marley family, which offers collections of audio products like headphones and speakers and accessories for the eco-conscious consumer and music lover alike. I tested the Stir It Up on-ear headphones from the Freedom Collection and while the headphones competitively deliver premium sound, the aesthetic quality is also very appealing. The Stir It Up headphones feature natural and renewable materials with Beech wood-covered earpieces that have the House of Marley logo nicely etched into them, a stylish, canvas-covered adjustable headband, and a single, fabric-covered, tangle-free wire donned in green, gold, red, and black. The Stir It Up model includes a mic with volume and pause buttons, specifically compatible with Apple devices that can also be used to answer or end calls on most smartphones. I was delighted to try the headphones and operate these special buttons with the MacBook Air and though this feature is not compatible with other devices I still enjoyed the sounds of Marley on my Kindle Fire as well. The Stir It Up on-ear headphones can be stored in their own canvas carrying case which is included. In addition to offering amazing products, House of Marley donates five percent of its annual profits to 1Love.org which supports causes focused on their core values of “youth, planet and peace”. The Stir It Up headphones are priced at $199.99 and can be purchased directly at the House of Marley website. Check out www.thehouseofmarley.com for more information about these and other great products.

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»»»»»»» Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2 Professional DJ Monitor Over-Ear Headphones These headphones are specifically designed for disc jockeys and professionals who require great depth and excellent sound quality. They have a lightweight design, a detachable cord, and swiveling earpieces which provide great comfort and convenient storage capabilities. The headphones also come with a storage bag. Listening to music using these headphones provides a live audio experience. If you are a DJ, these headphones will be your confidant and trusted friend. Don’t leave home without them. They are fairly priced and are often rated better than their competitors. -Dr. Kunle Idowu Go to www.audio-technica.com for more info.

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INPIRATION HEADPHONES BY MONSTER Over the last few decades Monster has become well-known for engineering and producing high-quality, reliable audio technology. In continuation of their successful expansion into headphones, Monster has introduced Inspiration over-ear stereo headphones. They are available with passive noise isolation or with active noise cancelling. Not only do these headphones deliver incredible sound, they come with three different cables to make them compatible with multiple mobile devices, allowing the user the ease of controlling smartphone features for talking or listening to audio. The headphones conveniently collapse and easily fit into their own compact case and can be enjoyed whether relaxing at home or commuting for work or pleasure. For added fun, Inspiration also comes with interchangeable headbands to match one’s mood or style. The Inspiration headphones with passive noise isolation are priced at $249.95 or with active noice cancelling at $299.95. For more information go to www.monsterinspiration.com or www.monstercable.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE Headphones Review by Damola »»»»»»» GRATITUDE IN-EAR HEADPHONES BY MONSTER

MONSTER DELIVERS PREMIUM AUDIO SOUND THROUGH A SMAller medium with the Gratitude in-ear headphones, featuring amazing noise-cancelling technology.

Inspired by the legendary music group, Earth, Wind & Fire and named after their popular 70’s album, these headphones are technologically adept, catering to the avid music listener who desires a clear, detailed sound. The headphones are stylish and compact and come with a variety of Monster SuperTips for sound insulation and two protective cases to store them in. Gratitude in-ear headphones are priced at $199.95.

For more information, go to www.monstercable.com.

»»»»»»»»»»» VOYAGER LEGEND BLUETOOTH HEADSET BY PLANTRONICS In the age of hands-free devices, the Voyager Legend stands out with its ease of use. Its Bluetooth technology integrates well with your cellphone, tablet, or computer. The speakers delivers rich noise canceling audio while the microphone is very clear. While listening to music you are given voice commands to answer or ignore incoming calls. You can utilize voice command to call people in your contact list, and use Vocalyst to hear emails, news feeds, and traffic updates. Other pros include its extensive talk time and wide Bluetooth range. The Vocalyst service is free for your first year which is a $24.99 value. The Voyager definitely proves to be legendary and worth your buy. -Dr. Kunle Idowu Go to www.plantronics.com for more info.

»»»»»»» DEOS In-Ear Headphones DEOS in-ear headphones deliver great, quality sound in a small package, allowing the listener to enjoy a full range of frequencies. These headphones fit most media devices and include a mic, great for use with smartphones or the iPad. They come with an additional set of eartips and a set of interchangeable aluminum covers to add flash and style.

The DEOS In-Ear Headphones are affordably priced at $60. Go to www.deoslive.com for more information on these headphones and check out the extensive selection of fashionable headphone covers.

»»»»»»»»»»» YURBUDS INSPIRE PRO SPORT EARPHONES Yurbuds Inspire Pro earphones are an innovative product “developed by athletes for athletes”. They are designed to fit securely in the ear and guaranteed to stay in place with a special ear horn and Yurbuds’ TwistLock technology while delivering optimal sound. Whether you are an athlete on the move or a commuter like myself who carries multiple bags and steps on and off several commuter vehicles in a day, these earphones are great! The Inspire Pro earphones are sturdy and water-resistant which is great for one with an active lifestyle and conveniently include a mic which is iPhone, iPod, and iPad compatible. These innovative headphones are priced at $59.99. Visit www.yurbuds. com for more info.

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TOYZ GUIDE GADGETS REVIEW by Damola ENERGIZER RECHARGE BATTERIES Sustainable forms of energy are the future and in the case of Energizer Recharge batteries the future is now. Energizer boasts the distinction of being the number one selling rechargeable battery brand in the world and I got to test some AA and AAA Recharge Universal batteries in a variety of electronic products. I used the the batteries to great effect in my wireless keyboard, my Xbox 360, my wireless mouse, the remote control for my TV and virtually everything I could put the batteries in and I got great results. Recharging the batteries took minutes with my older Energizer battery charger. The Recharge batteries cost $19.99 for a pack of 4 and $14.99 for a value charger unit. Many stores offer sales from time to time so it’s common to get both items for cheaper. For more information visit www.energizer.com.

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LENOVO THINK PAD 11W SLING CASE www.shop.lenovo.com As we start accumulating multiple personal gadgets the issue of how to efficiently transport them comes forth. Carrying a smartphone charger and tablet can be cumbersome with traditional backpacks so Lenovo came up with a sleek and brilliant solution, the sling case. Light and compact with multiple compartments, the sling case can carry a netbook, a tablet, and multiple phones while being easily slung over your shoulder for efficient travel. You can carry your keys, ID cards, credit cards, and your accessories such as headphones and flash drives safely in this durable and lightweight case. The 11W sling case costs $29.95 and can be purchased directly at shop.lenovo.com.

TiVo Premiere XL4 TiVo was the pioneer in digital video recorders. In fact, the word TiVo has earned verb status. Now DVRs are commonplace and TiVo has even had to go to court to sue over their patented technology.

Ever staying ahead of the pack, TiVo has released their Premiere 4S receiver but I am testing their Premiere XL4 which features an amazing 4 tuners with the ability to record 4 shows simultaneously for up to 300 hours of HD programming. Yes 300 hours of HD! You can also stream on demand video content like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and Amazon, all in THX quality. Look out for our review on our sites www.toyznation.com and www. ownersillustrated.com. Until then, visit www.tivo. com/XL4.

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KNO www.kno.com I have to confess that digital learning is a huge passion of mine. In fact, digital learning played a huge role in helping my son graduate high school at age 15 because he was able to take courses online. The next phase in digital learning is accessibility and experimentation to improve efficiency and outcomes. With Secretary of Education Arne Duncan setting a 2017 goal to replace hard textbooks with digital versions, companies that can fulfill that vision and execute deployment efficiently will be key. I can’t say enough good things about the team at Kno. Kno facilitates digital textbooks for high school and college students with the ability to view the books on iPads, Android tablets by Samsung, Nexus and HTC, Windows 7 and 8, desktops, and through the web. On the Galaxy Note 10.1, you really see the potential as you can highlight a section in a paragraph on one side and go interactive and get online with the content on the other side of the page. Kno has a great team of educators and advisers from a variety of educational institutions including the venerable Khan academy. Learning has evolved and with companies like Kno, no kid should have to have an outdated textbook again. For more information visit www.kno.com.

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TOYZ GUIDE GADGET REVIEWS »»»

TiVo STREAM www.tivo.com With content on demand now the norm, taking content on the go is a must and having access to your shows on your phone or tablet is a prerequisite for many in this hyper-connected world. Having your show on your tablet while you cook or even watching a recipe being made via YouTube on your iPad while other family members are watching their show on the road and two others are watching shows in two rooms all became possible with the TiVo Stream. You can also download shows to your devices. The Stream is a must-have addition to your TiVo receiver. For more information visit www.tivo.com/stream.

Duo Gamer Controller for iPad www.duo-games.com

Relive your days at the arcade by playing this incredibly captivating game. You will find yourself glued to your iPad for hours. The console works using Bluetooth technology which is easy to configure and requires only three AA batteries.

The interface makes you feel like you are actually in front of a pinball machine and the high-definition is a definite plus. One to two players or teams can play and other pinball games can be downloaded for use with this console. Games are appropriate for all ages. Priced at just $59.99, this a great gift or purchase for yourself. -Dr. Kunle Idowu For more info go to duo-games.com.

Why waste money on an expensive game console system when you can purchase the Duo Gamer for $39.99 This device is for wireless use with your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch and works using Bluetooth technology which is simple to set up. A wide variety of Gameloft game applications can be downloaded to your iPad for use with this controller. You will find yourself captivated by the competitive games and the ease of use. What an affordable way to feed the inner gamer in you! -Dr. Kunle Idowu For more info go to duo-games.com.

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Duo Pinball for iPad www.duo-games.com

SEIDIO –SURFACE COMBO

www.seidioonline.com Based in Houston, Texas, Seidio has been making phone accessories for over 10 years. In their mission statement they claim, “We have a passion for innovation” and I can attest to that being true with the iPhone 4/4S case I tested. The case is multipurpose and functional with a scratch-resistant no-adhesive screen protector that fits perfectly. There is a durable highstrength case that protects the iPhone 4/4S against shock and damage. I like the detachable clip which locks the case firmly and allows you to transport your iPhone anywhere. Once locked into the clip the iPhone is sturdy and can go along with you jogging or on a construction job site. Seidio makes several other great accessories which can be found on their website at www.seidioonline.com.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

GAMIFICATION» OP-ED by Dr. Joseph Saulter

“Gamification” a world of opportunities…..

Joseph Saulter After presenting a workshop on Gamifiation for the Black Engineers of the Year Conference in Washing DC. I was inspired by all of the incredible engineers that I met and the stories that led them to their career path. I don’t think I have ever been around such an amazing group. This in turn led me to question my own existence in the world of video game design and development as well as the entrepreneurial world as the first African American Game Design and Development company traded on the public market. I have a unique story and I need to share the experience with the African American Community and the world to educate as well as inform us of new opportunity called Gamification.

As an entrepreneur in my industry we must stay at the forefront of innovation and technology remaining agile and focused all the time. For the past 10 years I have been the co chairman of the International Game developer Association Diversity Advisory Board and I have been giving a round table at the Game Developers Conference for the same length of time. I am well positioned in the industry and get to experience innovative technology with programmers, designers and developers.

So when the word Gamification came on the scene a few years ago. I was immediately attracted to the world of opportunity that it brought to those who were to be the leaders in the new arena. First lets look at the word gamification.

If you type the word in to your word processor you will find that a red line comes under the word which tells me that this is not a word or the word is so new that the word processor does not recognize it as a word. So we have a new word.

However, we also have those who our leading the gamification charge who as the word have become the foremost authorities on the subject. Just as game design and development became a new world order for education on the university level.

My prediction is that Gamification is about to become a standard curriculum for education.

I would like to introduce a Gamification Curriculum to the industry that encompasses brand development, ad enhancement and marketing engagement.

Techniques that embrace the psychology of game design to captivate the user and create unique loyalty to a product, company or brand through using innovative inspired game techniques. Just what is gamification and how can it enhance and enterprise across the social network and the global communities. We will discuss these innovative techniques for corporations looking to deliver revenue streams in the new Web 3.0 universe that we are swiftly moving into. We will also look at big data and the analytics that deliver unique statistic from our client online behavior.

We have been analyzing gamers behavior in the video game industry for years and the information has given us details about our clients that have changed our industry drastically over the past few years. How do you navigate the online world of the new world order for online engagement? The online world has transformed significantly and yet many companies are using a website designed many years ago. At a certain point we will all have to invest in the web 3.0 worlds of strategic analytics of the big data processing.

Digital marketing and ad gamification delivers the analytic strategies that engage your consumer and enable your company to take advantage as you design the rules of engagement. In the game world we collect information on the gamer.

How many rounds of ammunition has he used? How many power ups has he taken advantages of? How many times has he failed at an operation and why does he continue to come back. How can I enhance his engagement through a reward system that leads to satisfaction? There are sets of rules that can drive revenue and consumers to your product, brand or marketing strategy. We understand the rules of the game and engage the user in a unique merited system. A system steeped in the world of game design and development the new world of gamification on the global business arena. Gamification of business, education, and markets that need innovative technological analytics to engage the client, student or the brand leads to a new world of opportunities. Identify the relationship between the gamification and the player of client. We explore the psychology of the strategic design. Compare and contrast the various audience requirements for engagement.

Discuss the market opportunities using gamification strategies for future products and services.

When we look at the world of Gamification across all industries I see a great opportunity for someone who whats to take the challenge and dedicate a year or two to educate yourself to the highest level on the subject matter. There are many people out there that are beginning to discover what gamification can bring to a corporation in terms of revenue and visibility. The person who reinvents him or herself will find a lucrative arena to play in. Once again the word is Gamification.

Gather strategic information on the subject and you will command a advantage in the business world no matter what industry you are currently involved in. I hope to bring you more information on the subject as the month go by…

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Owners College “Own Your D estiny”

WE ARE IN A NEW WORLD WHERE YOUR TELEVISION IS A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AND ON DEMAND LEARNING CAN BE ACHIEVED FROM A PORTABLE GAMING DEVICE. Owners College is a transformative multidisciplinary approach to learning that fosters collaboration and discovery of global economic activities by equalizing access to technology and in the process digital literacy and participation in the rapidly emerging digital economy. Owners College has one simple goal, facilitate the creation of one million new businesses over the next four years with the understanding that if a person has 10,000 Twitter followers and gets 85 cents per month from each follower, they will generate in excess of $100,000 in revenue annually.

Owners College first student is the son of founder, Damola Idowu, Wole Idowu, who attended early and elementary school in inner city DC (Ward 8) and graduated high school at age 15. He was featured on CNBC with a self-powered smartphone glasses project as part of a 20 Under 20 documentary. For over 11 years Owners Illustrated Magazine has been covering enterprising cultural icons and global business leaders who manage companies and develop lifestyle products people use every day. This expertise and background is the core of the curriculum offered at Owners College in the following ways; Career Development People develop at different rates and few really have it figured out in their mid-teens. Many students aren’t graduating in 4 years. Owners College can utilize our curriculum which features insights from enterprising cultural icons and business leaders to better match students with career choices that best suit their interests and entrepreneurial strategies to monetize their dreams.

Our portable Android gaming hardware fully integrates with the lifestyle of the millennial generation and facilitates on demand learning.

S.T.E.M Through our Android handheld gaming console, Owners College fosters participation in STEM fields through firsthand experience with a connected device running a mobile operating software.

Students can learn about opportunities to develop applications and get engaged in customizing their experience to learning about computer science and engineering fields.

Veterans After dutifully serving our country for over a decade, waging two wars, our patriots deserve proper tools to provide a dignified existence like the Greatest Generation before them as they integrate into society. Owners College’s technology easily plugs into the HDMI outlet of the TV with wireless keyboarding mouse function to allow computing from across the room. Veterans can learn from experts in a wide range of industry that suits their interests and create enterprises based on what they learn all from the comfort of their home using their TV. Corporations With a rapidly changing marketplace with more diverse consumers who have less purchasing power and technology, dramatically altering delivery methods and the shopping experience, Owners College could provide workforce training to address this new 21st century marketplace.

College Graduates With a challenging marketplace for employment, many may be best suited to take their destiny in their own hands and create their perfect job through self-employment. Owners College can provide training through our extensive executive interviews which can give graduates insights into corporate culture and vision and ideas to supply goods and services through procurement and supplier channels.

Ex-offenders Rehabilitation Your past shouldn’t handicap your future. There exists a critical need to facilitate enterprise creation among those who have paid their debt to society to enable productive and legal contributions to the nation as a whole. Owners College provides a flexible curriculum with a vast library of multi-media content from enterprising cultural icons and distinguished business leaders that can be engaged to retrain and integrate those who want to make a positive contribution to society.

Continuing Education Your are fascinated by other topic matters you didn’t study in college but are overwhelmed by the numerous digital learning or curriculum online like MIT, edX and other higher learning institutions. Owners College is a good first step to help you discover and focus your interests and guide you to the discovery of more advanced learning.

Second Career Pursue your true passion and refashion your career with something invigorating and fulfilling. Owners College through the convenience of our hardware with its integration into the TV can facilitate learning from your bedroom. We are also developing an automotive solution where you can learn on the go and even leave notes and annotations verbally.

Join us ownerscollege.blogspot.com and let us know your interest and how we can collaborate to change the world.

Contact Founder Damola Idowu @ owners.univ@gmail.com

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

GM NORTH AMERICAN PRESIDENT MARK REUSS & The Quest to Find The Heartbeat of the Next Generation of American Drivers

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OwnerSIllustrated.com • 35

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! Mark Reuss has had a huge challenge being at the helm as President of North America at General Motors. An engineer by trade, Mark has the monumental task of overseeing the legendary brands Billy Durant put together to form GM and bring them to resurgence in the main market that matters to the tax payers who made the sacrifice begrudgingly, under the stewardship of President Barack Obama, to rescue the iconic brands that have been the backbone of America for generations. The slogan goes “the Heartbeat of America, that’s today’s Chevrolet” but in 2008 that heartbeat had a hard time finding a pulse.

Ransom E Olds started mass automobile manufacturing in Detroit and his brand, Oldsmobile had long been eliminated in the long quest to restructure GM. General Motors, the scion of Billy Durant, has meant everything to America for generations. Billy Durant was a true visionary, a legendary figure in automotive history. As founder of GM, his approach of combining companies and brands still underpins the structure of GM to this day. Billy Durant started GM in 1908 and in so doing, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Ransom E. Olds Company were combined to form one of the most dynamic companies of its day. Billy Durant started out in coachbuilding with a horse-drawn carriage business and was tenacious working with people like David Buick the founder of Buick, and Henry Leland the founder of Cadillac to build a company that eternally transformed the automotive landscape globally. Billy Durant worked with legendary names in business management like Alfred P. Sloan and Walter P. Chrysler who added to the volumes of textbooks on how to manage an enterprising free market system.

GM, though late to the party of automobile manufacturing became number one and the global standard above all in its way. To the victor goes the spoils, but so do the burdens and the legacy of costs associated with becoming the world’s number one auto company, which overcame GM in 2008.

Prior to the 2008 collapse, the decision to shutter Oldsmobile in 2004 had already taken place and the symbolic implications were devastating, as Oldsmobile with the Curved Dash Olds was the first mass market car out of Detroit. Ransom E Olds was also the forefather of American auto manufacturing. The impact of the financial collapse of 2008 claimed the Hummer, Saab, Pontiac, and Saturn Brands. The world has fundamentally changed, yet the resilience and brilliance of the new management of GM and the hard workers of GM have turned around GM’s position and recorded the greatest profit in company history in 2011, affording the company capital for a profit-sharing payment that evolved out of the new labor agreement with workers getting a check for up to an additional $7,000 last March. The recovery of GM is remarkable as it is part of a larger narrative of the domestic automotive market with a 40% plus increase in sales from 2009 when 10.4 million cars were sold to the 14.5 million in 2012.

I had the pleasure of grabbing a moment with North American President Mark Reuss and spoke to him about the rapidly evolving customer base, as Millennials have come online with their desire for technology and their different viewpoint on automotive needs. Our dialogue is below.

OI: So how about those two cars there - the 130 and the 140? Talk about their architecture. How do you see that fitting the target demo?

MR: The two cars that you’re looking at here - we decided that we’re going to - you know GM doesn’t have a really good track record of sort of selling and developing cars to different generations than my generation of Midwest, middle age or - I don’t know, whatever - guys sitting in a conference room, so probably not the best folks to judge what the next generation really wants so we partnered with MTV to look at people you know that are 11 to 30 years old which is the millennial generation and went out and really thought about this in a different way. We talked to probably 9,000 people in this generational span. It’s about 80 million strong. 40 million of those people have money right now to buy a car and so you know we want to look at this differently. You know, this isn’t something that...I would dream up, sitting in Detroit and that’s sort of the point. I think they’re both really neat and attractive, but more importantly, that generation thinks coupes either from a front-wheel drive, almost exotic design standpoint or from a rear wheel drive standpoint are something that’s very compelling to them.

So, that’s really what we did here. We’ve got, you know, a little voting station there for you to go in and tell them how old you are and what you like and we’ll compile that and look at the comments and maybe we’ll build one of these so that’s where it’s at. We’re taking it all across the country. It’s kind of fun.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

Photographs of current GM products and the icons who created the company from: Billy Durant the founder, Ransom E Olds, Louis Chevrolet, David Buick and Henry Leland founder of Cadillac. all photos courtesy of GM

OI: So how do you envision something like your MyLink technology especially when you’re talking about that generation? How do you see that going in? And obviously that comes into play with the price point, with the product planning, getting the right fit, getting the right manufacturer so you can put the product out?

MR: It is...I mean we wouldn’t go and invent a whole architecture on this because we really don’t have to.

We’ve got plenty of architectures to leverage, you know. This is a front-wheel drive-type architecture off of close to Delta in size, so 1.4 liter turbo. It’s very fuel-efficient, very fun, very light, you know and then you look at a rear wheel drive architecture there. That architecture, whatever we would do that, if we did it, would have to be very, very light as well because again we’re looking at smaller displacement engines that are very fun to drive. The MyLink piece of it, you know, we’re gonna put the money - at the end of the day, sort of the end game on a lot of this stuff - the phones, the things that people interact with at that age is quite different than what I did when I was that age. We’d jump in a car and go see our friends, right. I mean now you pick up your iPhone and you have iChat or Skype or Face- I mean, I know, we’ve done it all. It’s quite different so you gotta be able to take that with you. It doesn’t’ mean you have to operate it in the car all the time when you drive. That’s not what I’m talking about, but having a portable and interface-able with the car and very easy, safe ways is probably the - sort of the end game of that ‘cause it changes must faster than anybody can change the true hardware in the center of the car. So you gotta set the car up to be able to adapt to all those things and that’s really the difference I think than what you’ve seen and some of the more mature products that deal with a different generation. This is really flexible with what we think will happen in the portable technology piece of it so you know those are the kind of things we’ve got back us.

OI: So probably a lot of customization, too, then I guess?

MR: I think so although, you know...yeah there’s customization from...

OI: Accessories?

MR: ...Absolutely. We can’t do enough of those because as people get a little bit of money in their pocket I think, you know, when they want to make their car look or perform different from someone else they got to be able to do it quick and at a very reasonable price to do it.

OI: I know you guys did like some wheels with Dub at a point in time before.

MR: Yeah we did. We’ve done a lot of things. You see the Sonic Z-Spec should be here somewhere. That’s got a lot of customization dialed into it so...a lot of fun things.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS by Damola

Ford President & CEO Alan Mulally guides Ford from tough times To a cohesive vision for the Blue Oval.

He speaks on executing his vision

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

Various photos of Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Ford Products along with photos of : Alan Mulally & Ford Chairman Bill Ford, Henry Ford, Henry Ford, Henry Leland, Edsel Ford, & Wilfred Leland at the sale of Lincoln to Ford in 1922, and Alan Mulally & Ryan Seacrest. All Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

An affable CEO, who made his name with his superb leadership at airplane manufacturer, Boeing, Alan Mulally fundamentally changed the trajectory of Ford and saved the iconic brand in probably the most tumultuous stage in its history. By the time Alan Mulally took the reigns of Ford in 2006, the seeds of the industry collapse of 2008 were already sown and a plan was developed to divest of the numerous brands under the Ford umbrella. The focus on rebuilding the value of the oval and instilling a new confidence in the rank and file were key to the role Alan would assume as CEO.

The task at hand was voluminous but with his steady stewardship Alan steered the legacy of Henry Ford. With an overreaching vision of “The Blue Oval” Henry Ford is probably the most renowned automotive entrepreneurs in history. A former race car driver, his first foray into manufacturing the Henry Ford Company didn’t flourish as planned and eventually became Cadillac under the help of Lincoln Founder, Henry Leland. Striking a partnership with the Dodge Brothers to provide parts and an initial investment, Henry Ford created Ford Motor Company in 1903 and the definitive success came with the introduction of the Model T in 1914 and the underlying concept of workers to be able to afford the products they make has shaped the foundation of entrepreneurship in America.

Henry Ford understood the concept of affordable value and Alan Mulally’s vision was to restore that concept to the blue oval and in so doing, turn around the balance sheet and project strength for the company moving forward.

The entire premier automotive group was disbanded with sales of Volvo, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover, providing billions of dollars to the coffers of Ford. A huge bet on the oval itself brought several billions more in the forms of $ 23.6 billion in additional available capital for development of new powertrains and vehicle technology.

Ford didn’t have the same capital needs of the other Big Three as a result of the leadership of Alan Mulally. Ford was still able to take advantage of a 5.9 billion Department of Energy loan for new fuel-efficient technology which manifested itself in things like EcoBoost, a series of fuel efficient powertrains that yield high power from smaller displacement engines. The program, the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, was created in 2008 with a fund of $25 billion authorized under section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to reduce dependence on foreign oil. Ford has retooled 11 factories in 5 states Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio which impacted over 33,000 jobs from the funds. Ford also has several advanced electric vehicles and an innovative in-car entertainment and voice command system, SYNC and My Ford Touch which focus the attention on perfecting the consumer experience with the Ford brand. With the elimination of Mercury, only the luxury brand, Lincoln, remains. Ford has since repaid its $23.5 billion loan in September 2011 and in May 22nd 2012 Moody returned Ford to an investment grade and restored the Blue Oval back. On May 22nd Alan stated “We are so proud of today’s decision by Moody’s and the resulting release of all collateral – particularly the Ford Blue Oval. This is an important milestone and further proof that, by staying laser-focused on our One Ford plan, the Ford team can deliver great products, build a strong business and contribute to a better world even through the most challenging external environment.”

I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with CEO, Alan Mulally about everything Ford. Our conversation follows.

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AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS by Damola

OI: So Alan first of all, real great job you guys are doing here at Ford. You finally divested yourself of all your other brands. So kind of give us an idea of now this One Drive, this one vision, the cohesion of the Ford brand moving forward now that you can fully focus on the oval and the Lincoln brand.

AM: I think you should be the President and the CEO of Ford. (Jokingly). I could not have said that better...Now just think of what you described. Four years ago we found our compelling vision in Henry Ford’s original vision premiering January 24, 1925. He said, “open up the highways to all mankind,” focus on the Ford brand, a complete family of Ford vehicles – small, medium, large cars, utilities, and trucks - every vehicle best in class – quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and then have scale so that you can get the costs down and make it the most affordable than any other automobile company and that has now liberated Ford. Everybody knows. The customers know what Ford stands for. The employees know. The suppliers know. They all know we’re making the best family of vehicles in the world all under Ford.

OI: Now you guys have been pretty aggressive with technology, right? You brought the Sync technology out to marketplace. You were the first to be able to now integrate voice texting, right? You guys are now integrating a WI-Fi hotspot, right? So you guys have the WI-Fi hotspot. Talk about that, your vision on bringing technology and you’re coming in from Boeing so you’re coming from aeronautics technology, right.

AM: Cockpit.

OI: Yeah.

AM: Pilot.

OI: Yes.

AM: Knowing everything.

OI: There you go.

AM: ...the broadness of it...

OI: So kind of give us a little insight to that ‘cause you brought a new dynamic that was different from other manufacturers and it won and it stuck.

AM: Well, this is a very neat thing about the Ford plan because as you described, in commercial airplanes the most important thing is that the pilot knows all of the situation – knows the situation in the health of the airplane, knows everything outside the airplane and so what we have done is we’re bringing that same approach to the driver to help you and I be the very best driver we can be so what we have found is that if you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, that you are...really a terrific driver. Now, so what we’re doing is we’re using Sync My Ford, so voice-activated, seamlessly connected to the internet, all the apps but everything on five-position controllers just like our consumer electronics so you’re doing everything that you need to do about the vehicle and everything about the situational awareness, the safety features, the closure rates, the blind spot monitoring, the car is giving you all this information in an organized way so you know what to do to be a better driver.

OI: Now, another cool feature I saw was the ambiance, right? So you could have purple. You could have blue.

Whose concept was that or how did you think of, okay, let’s think of how the customer is in our product. Let’s kind of integrate an ambiance, an environment to their driving. How did that come into play?

AM: Well, we’re really a technology company. We provide solutions to the consumer. So once you decide – have a point of view about what the consumer values - do they value quality, fuel-efficiency, safety, a really smart design – designs that make them feel good, make them a better driver, they love the driving experience and all of a sudden you’re using all the technologies available and your innovation to try to exceed their expectations, right? So one of the things is that people like to have different lighting situations. You know, it’s about their mood. It’s about their feeling comfortable. So that, you know, plus all the safety features, plus the quality features, the functionality, all of that is to exceed their expectations on what they expect as far as the car they sit in or drive in.

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Various photos of Lincoln Products; MKC Concept, MKZ Hybrid, MKZ Interior, along with photo of : Alan Mulally, Ford VP of Global Marketing Jim Farley, & NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith,. All Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

OI: Now so just moving just forward and just buttoning it up, we’re all curious - I mean you guys resuscitated Lincoln – I mean Jaguar, right? You brought Jaguar back. You have two great products that you guys underpinned and now you’ve sold that off. You resuscitated Land Rover. You resuscitated Aston Martin. Now...what’s the vision for Lincoln? Tell us.

AM: It’s going to be a fabulous luxury brand in the United States again. Remember only eight years ago Lincoln was the number one luxury brand in the United States, number one. And so like you said, we bought those other brands so we invested in those. We invested less in Lincoln so now you’re gonna see this laser focus not only on the complete Ford brand, you’re gonna see this fabulous lineup of Lincolns coming.

OI: And you have a wealth of information from what you developed.

AM: We sure do.

OI: ...to integrate back into your products.

AM: ...we’ve got fabulous brand recognition on Lincoln because so many people that remember that it was a really luxury brand in the United States.

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SRT CEO & Chrysler Group SVP of Design Ralph Gilles Rebuilds the Legacy of The Dodge Brothers & Walter P Chrysler Overseeing the development of 16 vehicles in 19 months.

The Story in His Own Words

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! Following the career of Global Design Director, Ralph Gilles has been an amazing voyage. In 2005, while Chrysler was merged with Daimler, I interviewed a then young designer on-the-rise about his work with the rear-wheel drive LX platform and his iconic design work on the 300. His legend has since grown and outside events have shaped the dynamics of his job.

In May 2007, Daimler sold 80% interest in Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. for 7.4 billion (AP Story on Ceberus buying Chrysler).

In 2008, the global financial market collapsed taking with it several capital intensive industries and companies like Chrysler LLC (then under the management of private equity firm, Cerberus) which had already been struggling and was literally on death’s doorstep. Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. boasts former Bush 43 Treasury Secretary, John Snow as Chairman and former Bush 41 Vice President, Dan Quayle as Chairman of Cerberus Global Investments, LLC. Whether or not they influenced the Bush Administration to provide critically needed capital to Chrysler LLC is unknown; though a bridge loan of $4 billion was provided to usher the transition into the Obama Administration. Cerberus also owned 51% of the financing arm of GM, GMAC (now Ally Bank) which provided a very complicated situation in regards to the future of both companies. The life and future of the Detroit icons would be placed in the hands of a then promising junior senator from Illinois and now current President of the United States, Barack Obama.

In my latest interview with Ralph, we broached the legacy and importance of the Dodge Brothers and the entire domestic auto industry. The Dodge Brothers, two machinists who initially made bicycles in Canada were critical suppliers of transmissions and engines to Ransom E. Olds, the original pioneer of mass auto manufacturing in Detroit with the Curved Dash Olds in 1901. The Dodge Brothers were his largest suppliers along with Benjamin Briscoe and Henry Leland and their success gave them the capital and infrastructure to invest and manufacture for a young Henry Ford after the Henry Ford Company failed and he needed capital and manufacturing help. The Dodge Brothers wound up handling 60% of the manufacturing from Ford, earning a dividend as investors and payment as a supplier to the point that Henry Ford suspended dividend payments for a time.

A $10,000 investment wound up yielding over $32 million by 1914 and with that Dodge was formed. By 1925, it was sold for $146 million in cash. Eventual owner, Walter P. Chrysler was hired by William “Billy” Durant, the founder of General Motors, to run Buick and he did such a fabulous job that he was able to branch out to other enterprises like inevitably starting his own car company, Chrysler with Plymouth and DeSoto divisions and eventually acquiring Dodge for $175 million in what would become one of the most ingenious financing deals of the like. Walter Chrysler also built the Chrysler building in New York City during the onset of the Great Depression, so his legacy and the weight of the brands paired together to make his company the last of the Big Three.

With a heavy burden placed on the shoulders Ralph Gilles and his team, Ralph took on a huge role in saving Chrysler, beyond his traditional role of heading the global design team. He also became CEO of Dodge under the new management of Fiat. As CEO of Dodge, Ralph had reached an unheralded milestone as the first black CEO of a major auto manufacturer, but the history of the moment paled in the face of the challenge of his task to lead Chrysler’s rebirth through the product design and engineering of this venerable American brand. To say the challenge was mighty is an understatement and with recent sales figures and the successful launch of 16 new cars in 19 months the results have been remarkable.

A personal favorite of mine is the Jeep Grand Cherokee which is made in Detroit. It was the only product the company had to build on in the critical spring of 2009, yet in 2012 to date, over 112,000 have been sold. On a bright, sunny day we caught up with Ralph at the Fair Oaks Jeep Chrysler dealership in Northern Virginia. Ralph was on hand in his new role as CEO of SRT to launch the Viper SRT GTS along with the introduction of the new Dodge Dart. Manufactured in the USA, utilizing Fiat technology, the Dart was developed as part of a requirement by the government financing of Chrysler to build a car that gets 40MPG on the highway. The new Dodge Dart has been a job creator also, as an estimated 6,000 jobs are due to be created in states like Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio.

Chrysler, now under management by Fiat, has also paid back its loans to the U.S. Government in entirety and recently announced an additional 1100 jobs at its Jefferson North Plant in Michigan. The Dodge Durango is made at the Jefferson North Plant and in the next year the Maserati Levante SUV will also be made at the same plant.

News of Chrysler’s evaluation of the growing demand and production in the China market recently caused a stir when U.S. presidential candidate, Mitt Romney mislead workers and claimed the imminent shutdown of operations of Jeep in Toledo, Ohio. The claim was stunning in that Jeep has had a long history in Ohio. In fact, prior to Jeep, the original company, Willys-Overland was based in Toledo, Ohio from 1908. In 1941, Willys made Jeep vehicles to support the Greatest Generation in WW II. The irony is that Mitt Romney’s father, George Romney was former CEO of American Motors Corporation which owned Jeep prior to Chrysler’s purchase in 1987. Chrysler has also been running 3 shifts in its plant in Toledo, Ohio where over 100,000 Jeep Wranglers are made annually.

Without great products there is no demand and without demand it becomes impossible to generate the revenue necessary to keep the company afloat and enable the aspirations of the thousands of workers that work for Fiat and Chrysler. The burden on the end results of his work are massive, yet Ralph’s demeanor has always been humble and his work has always risen to the occasion. Our conversation went as follows.

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Photos of Ralph Gilles & Various Chrysler LLC Products He Worked on. All Photos Courtesy of Chrysler, LLC

(After some small talk and catching up) RG: ...It’s fun to now be on a design side. I’ve been in design like all along but now working on the SRTs which most of them are Dodges right now, it’s exciting to kinda take that...SRT is like the hot sauce so to speak. It takes what’s already cool and makes it a little hotter.

OI: But deeper into that and you’re talking about the entrepreneurial spirit because in my purview Dodge Brothers also had a history with Ransom Olds who’s really like the first guy to kinda like set the foundation of American manufacturing.

RG: Yeah, they did a lot for Ford. They did a lot for – ‘cause they were basically parts suppliers. They used to do the very precise gear sets, a lot of stuff that went into most of it. They were actually huge suppliers. They almost got too powerful because if they stopped shipping parts they could shut down Ford overnight, you know, so that got everybody nervous and that’s when they realized they had to maybe make their own cars not just supply parts so they kind of understood the value from the beginning - how important quality is, how important innovation is, taking – you know managing costs for innovation not just cutting corners so to speak so all that’s part of who they are and I think who we are today.

OI: But it’s such a humble beginning because they really were like craftsman in engines - like they really built these parts and it’s like this family and then it grew but it’s like - and I say that because your job being a designer then running that brand and actually bringing that brand back – I mean you oversaw the launch of the Charger, right, the new Charger integrating that into Fast & Furious 5. I think we ran into each other in New York about that...

RG: You know the thing that’s different about Chrysler now is how well the management team works, right. So yeah, we have a lot of fun so you’ve got the - What Sergio’s done is he put a lot of passionate people together and they’re all running slightly different parts of the company. When you group that all together the energy’s incredible. It’s like taking a few suns and putting them in one place. The creativity of our marketing team combined with the creativity of the design office and the Dodge brand and all that and we do some cool things like the movie stuff. Olivier has done a great job connecting to the movie industry which allows us to put product placement in a way that makes the cars superheroes, you know. Like the Fast Five was incredible, watching our cars kind of be heroes, but we also blended not just SRTs but you know Charger police cars. We had Jeeps in there. We had a lot of stuff in there. It’s a very clever way to show the cars in a heroic way but also show them in a different way. Normally Fast Five has all been about import cars. This one was about American cars and here the Americans come in and get some respect. You know what I mean. So that was pretty neat so it takes again a company willing to take risks and do things a little differently and you end up standing out when you do that.

OI: So now contrast that because you’ve actually been through three ownerships You were there when Mercedes then Cerberus and then Fiat. Talk about that transition and contrast what’s going on now to the evolution of your start especially working the LX platform.

RG: Yeah, I mean I think what I like that’s happening now is the product is king. At times in Chrysler’s history product’s been king - you know, back in the early 90’s and the “cab forward” days we were really innovating and really starting to take market share and actually create segments. You know, we innovated a lot of segments - the minivan, the PT Cruiser, the Pacifica...the Durango so we were kind of going after these kind of white spaces in the market. So we kind of put all our energy in that and then obviously we had some success and Mercedes came along...What I find that’s happening now that I like is the company’s very focused on, I would say, perfection, right, trying our best to be mining every part of the business, not just the styling or the packaging of the car but the way you treat the customers, the way that cars are delivered, how you make them, when you make them.

We have no problem shutting down a plant if we have to until the car’s right, so we’re not about piling up the lots with cars. It’s about when they’re ready, they ship, you know, so the full value stream of car production from the minute it’s a sketch, picking the best sketch possible, doing the benchmarking, being humble about it, executing the best you can, promoting it really well, having some fun with the marketing and then take care of the dealerships. We’ve touched - you know, Sergio and the rest of the team have touched every part of the business so now what you’re seeing and the reason a lot of our sales has been pumped up is because it’s all starting to pay off. So a lot of work, I would say the last three years the company has invested big time in the fundamentals, you know fixing the fundamentals, getting the right talent in place, promoting it well, and doing the right things and I think the market is speaking with their dollar.

OI: Now speaking about that, and what brought sort of like your marquee, your touchstone is building that LX platform, the 300, the Charger, the Magnum. I think at the peak you guys were doing almost 300,000 in volume 44• Ownersillustrated.com

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Photos of 2013 Ram 1500, Ralph & Challenger, Walter P. Chrysler, The Dodge Brothers, Dodge Brothers being driven, The 1941 Willys Jeep, Walter P. Chrysler. All phots Courtesy of Chrysler, LLC

with those three cars?

RG: Yeah, almost.

OI: Almost? Now what’s fascinating now is that with the Charger and the 300 you’re kind of almost halfway there, right, with volume. You’re doing almost about 15,000 sales a month?

RG: Yeah, we’re doing pretty well. Those cars are picking up. It took a while because people look at cars that size and they usually think - or they right them off. One of our biggest issues in the past was fuel economy or perceived fuel economy. They look at a big car they expect it to get a certain amount of fuel economy and what our engineers have done is been able to, with the magic of the eight-speed and the Pentastar you can get 31 miles per gallon in a Charger or a 300 which is unheard of, you know, in that class, at that price to have that much technology.

OI: I mean a car with that weight.

RG: Yeah and it’s a safe car. It’s a very comfortable car. It’s got world-class levels of technology and quietness so people - you know the word of mouth, you know, dealers go oh my gosh, when you really think about. You know the marketing is starting to take hold as well. And of course the results are coming. So that’s been truly on virtue we have. We haven’t done anything unnatural, just putting the best product we can out there. And Americans love their cars. They love big cars. They love some room. So what we tried to do is break the code on it, find a way to make it efficient, beautiful, quality and it’s right now, as we stand the 300 is the highest rated car in Consumer Reports that the company makes. So at a 83 score, it’s well respected even by a third party.

OI: Now I mean just speaking about that though and it’s quite fascinating that you’re speaking about that. Your product planners are doing such an incredible job because I’ve test driven a lot of iterations of that car and I’m like here is a car getting 290 horsepower, 8-speed automatic, 31 miles per gallon - you’re getting 31 mpg’s on a car that size and then 27 mpg’s with an all-wheel drive system at a sub-$30,000 price point to begin with. I’m almost like well, how do you guys pull that off? How do you sell an 8-speed ZF? I mean this is the same type of transmission you’ll find in the high Audi’s and the high end BMW’s I mean these are - you’re not sourcing from cheap.

RG: I’m glad you’re saying that because that’s what’s happened lately, people are willing to invest in the product. If I can get the product right and kind of they will come. So we’re not shy to put the best technology we can get. The ZF 8-speed is an awesome piece of engineering. That’s what it takes to make the cars world-class. That’s what we’re focused on. So really hats off to our powertrain team. They did a great job.

OI: Now obviously with the SRT brand, the Bumble Bee editions, 470 horsepower, 6.4 - so talk about...how you now build upon that like you’ve got the fuel efficiency which is moving the volume, getting people in the dealership, sub$30,000 price point but then now you’re able to say “Here is that real muscle.”

RG: So here we are today at Moparpalooza so you’re seeing firsthand what passion can equal. A lot of SRTs here but a lot of other Mopar products here and Chrysler Group products. You know we have Jeeps. We have Chryslers, a few Rams as well and obviously some SRTs so I think you know passion even back in the day. In the 70’s people thought - early 70’s - passion would go away. Everyone was worried about getting the cars as small as possible, fuel-efficient but we’re finding technology has enabled it now so you can have 470 horsepower and still get 21-23-24 miles per gallon so the magic is finding a way to kind of have both coexist right now so - and still have fun. And we built cars that are passionate, one of the few - like Charger to me, an SRT Charger has no competition. I can’t think of another car in its class to compare it to. I really can’t. So we offer something very unique that solves a problem for someone who’s an enthusiast, has a family, likes to go fast, wants something different and wants it bright yellow and we make that. So I think it’s really - that’s one of the things I love about this company is we have these delicious brands and we can do all of this great stuff. The Jeep brand is a great example of how much fun you can have with a vehicle and I see them all the time with the doors off, with the roof off, people loving it. Then you have cars like the Grand Cherokee SRT8 which is kind of the do-all, sports car, super car, SUV, physics-defying machine so it’s just - for me as a designer it’s just a pinch-myself situation to work with a company and still make cool cars.

For the rest of our Intriguing interview with SRT CEO & VP of Design Ralph Gilles visit our sites ownersillustrated.com & toyznation.com

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! Cover Story

Making of An American ICON

NBA ALLSTAR GAME MVP CHRIS PAUL PARTNERS WITH JEEP & BRINGS HOME GOLD WITH TEAM USA CAN HE BRING CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY TO THE LA CLIPPERS?

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! Cover Story When challenges are placed before us, our true character is forged by how we respond and by our ability to influence others through the character we exhibit. A native of Lewisville, North Carolina (near Winston Salem), Chris Paul has faced challenges in his life. His grandfather, Nathaniel Jones was brutally murdered by five teenagers. Chris Paul’s grandfather was 61years old and in his subsequent high school basketball game, Chris scored a career high of 61 points in honor of his grandfather’s life. This began the legend of a superb athlete, but even greater humanitarian who has excelled in his work with children and his impact in the communities. His talent has dazzled audiences. He played basketball at nearby Wake Forest where he was ACC Rookie of the Year in 2004 and declared for the NBA after his sophomore year. Chris Paul has carried a heavy burden in his communities but his perseverance has inspired. Playing for the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul immediately had an impact and made the team a contender. Katrina devastated New Orleans during his rookie season and forced the team to play as vagabonds in places like Oklahoma City and various other arenas. Paul’s rookie season was inspirational to a city ravaged by the hurricane and heartbroken by government response.

Before long, Chris Paul earned a position among the league’s elite point guards and was regarded by many as the very best.

The Chris Paul brand has also been one of the most cherished.

Chris has partnerships including a sneaker endorsement with fellow Carolina native, Michael Jordan, Powerade sports drink, and Right Guard for personal hygiene; but one of his greatest accomplishments is reaching a partnership with automotive brand, Jeep. An automotive endorsement is the pinnacle for an athlete and this partnership is notable in that, like Chris Paul, the Jeep brand has inspired not just a community but a nation in the time of challenge. Jeep, founded in 1941 from the 1908 heritage of Willys-Overland, is iconic for its support of the brave men of the “Greatest Generation” in World War II. The fate of the world was at stake and Jeep provided essential transportation to our brave warriors. The Jeep brand and Chris Paul partnered in support of our victorious gold-winning basketball team during the 2012 Olympics in London. The fact Jeep is still here as a brand and was able to contribute to the efforts of the USA goldwinning basketball team is tremendous and an inspiration to a nation still reeling from the greatest recession since the Great Depression. Chris Paul was traded last year to the moribund Los Angeles Clippers and as is his fashion, he turned the fate of the team around, leading a group of young promising players including fellow All-Star, Blake Griffin into a second round of the NBA Playoffs with huge aspirations and hopes for the upcoming season. I had a chance to catch up with Chris Paul at a community event for children in partnership with Jeep in inner city DC. Our fascinating dialogue is as follows.

OI: So you were heavily involved with the negotiations with the newest CBA. How did that influence your decision to expand your marketing opportunities from sneakers to automotive?

CP: you know, …..didn’t have too much to do with - not - being involved with the CBA. I think just making sure that my brand is my brand. You know, this is my seventh year in the NBA and I’ve been around long enough to understand the basketball side of

things also with the business thing and this Jeep partnership just seemed perfect, not only for me personally, but because Jeep is involved with USA Basketball and the partnership had to make sense and they both stand for excellence.

OI: And even when you talking about doing the Jeep partnership, that’s an iconic brand. You’re talking about a brand that was very influential in World War II. You guys are going out there, going to win gold again so talk about that, like associating yourself with a company that has such a strong legacy in America.

CP: And that’s the thing. You know, for me to have a son of my own, you’re always thinking about...you want to be iconic. You know, and I think the way that you strive to get there is putting yourself around the right people and I think putting my name with Jeep could only help that. You know, my name with Jeep with USA Basketball, like I said it’s a perfect partnership...Jeep’s been doing this a long time at a very high level and that’s what we all strive to do.

OI: And you’re very, very particular about your brand, also particular about how you’re negotiating, okay, I want to be on this team. Talk about that, like how you’re wise enough to seeing the value that you’re presented into the marketplace and how you’re leveraging and making decisions.

CP: Yeah, it’s all about that. It’s all about that. You know, at the end of the day you have to think like that. You have to think like you’re a business, you’re a brand in itself and like I said, it was just perfect to partner with Jeep. Some people talk about doing endorsement deals and I’m just representing this company but for me, I have to believe in that company. You know you really have to know what the company stands for and like I said, Jeep and experience the power.

OI: So how was the experience riding in the Wrangler?

CP: The experience was crazy. The experience was crazy. It’s fun and I actually have a black Jeep Wrangler of my own, but it’s funny because what I just did in that one won’t ever happen in my car. It won’t ever happen in my car but it’s amazing to see all the gadgets and all the amenities that comes along with the car.

OI: And being a Carolina man, you know NASCAR city, and also being now tied to the auto industry, the comeback. So talk about that too, and the experiences – and just auto, you, Carolina.

CP: Man, it’s special. You know, it’s special. It’s special to be right there, you know, about forty-five minutes away from Lowe’s Motor Speedway...I felt like I was at Lowe’s Motor Speedway a second ago when I was in that car and the auto industry is something that hopefully continues to stride and I’m happy to be a part of Jeep.

OI: So just in conclusion, just tell us about this upcoming season and what we could expect.

CP: This upcoming season, it should be exciting. We brought Chauncey Billups back, added Jamal Crawford, just added Lamar Odom also so Blake will get healthy and we’ll come back and make another run at it.

OI: ...Best of luck...

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PHOTOS FROM JEEP BELIEVE STILL CAMPAIGN WITH CHRIS PAUL

Photos courtesy of Chrysler LLC except where noted.

Photo By Wil David

Photo By Wil David

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PHOTOS FROM 2013 DETROIT INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Photos by Reginald Matthews & Damola.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS by Damola

JEEP HEAD OF MARKETING KIM ADAMS HOUSE

Jeep is an American icon, originally conceived in the early 1900’s by Willys Overland, who displayed its ability to drive over steps. In 1941, Jeep was instrumental to the war effort with the original all-terrain vehicle that served as transportation for soldiers in World War II. Jeep has always been based in Toledo, Ohio and two of their current top models, the Wrangler which is made in Toledo, Ohio and the Grand Cherokee which is made in Detroit, Michigan have served as a jobs engine in the Midwest. Jeep also does a lot of community outreach and I had the pleasure of speaking with head of Jeep advertising, Kim Adams-House to talk Jeep, their sponsorship of Team USA, partnership with Chris Paul, and her journey in the industry. Our discussion follows.

OI: So introduce yourself and what’s going on out here today.

KAH: I’m Kim Adams-House. I am the head of Jeep advertising and today we are here for the Jeep Experience the Power event that’s part of our partnership with Jeep and USA Basketball. We are bringing the game, actually, to the consumers in DC and right behind you is an incredible basketball themed, ride and drive experience where the consumers have the chance to actually passenger in the vehicle, see the capability, actually experience the vehicle for what it has to offer. It’s really great, exciting. I think sometimes people are on pins and needles with regard to what the vehicle is truly capable of doing and then on the inside of the tent again everything again is basketball themed. We have a basketball half court where you can shoot and win prizes. We have a clip book.

We have music playing. We also have pictures that the consumers can actually take behind a wall of USA Basketball merchandise and it has really been a great, engaging experience for us and beyond all that, you know this really started in back in April with the start of our partnership and at that time on the west coast we actually did a launch event that was pivotal to launching our campaign, revealing the vehicle that’s in the actual campaign, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Altitude Edition and celebrating the partnership. So from April until now. it’s been an incredible journey, multi-faceted campaign that included television featuring Chris Paul as our USA Basketball spokesperson.

OI: With also Common.

KAH: Right, Common was in it. Common actually was great. He actually did a custom track for us that’s featured on the actual television spot and he also serves as the voiceover...The great thing is we dimensionalized the relationship and did a number of things in the community with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, the ESPN...

OI: Of course, which is a great charter school.

KAH: You got it and what we did is that we mentored the students there and then we also have brought them into Chrysler to actually see firsthand the design office and speak to the designers so they can see what they can aspire to.

OI: And when you even talk about Ralph.

KAH: Well, Ralph was actually one of the speakers when we brought them in and he basically told them I’d love to see you walking the halls with me one day so it was really great.

OI: Even when you talk about Ralph and that just emphasizes diversity to be – Ralph to me, Ralph to be at the position he is in automobile industry, for young individuals in inner cities, especially when you’re talking about cities that have been hit hard like Detroit, it is a huge aspiration to say well this guy is at the CEO level. He’s at the global design level. He generates billions of dollars of revenue off the creations that he manages.

KAH: Off the design and the great thing about it is he is so pivotal and I think that the vision, the design vision of all of our products, I mean Jeep is one great example 2011 Grand Cherokee that launched in 2010 has been incredible and has been named the most awarded SUV ever and it has been products like that. The Jeep Wrangler, I mean, it speaks for itself in terms of what it’s been able to do to assist in growing the brand and also supporting the company and then we have two vehicles out in the front...actually four vehicles, the 2012 Jeep Altitude editions that have the black rims and intrinsic design cues on the inside that really showcase the style element of our brand as well. Many people are well aware of the capability aspect of the Jeep brand, but you will see through the design evolution of some of our products that we actually are able to, you know, and treat people based on styling as well. The Compass and Patriot actually get 29 miles per gallon so from a fuel efficiency standpoint and a pricing standpoint these vehicles are lined up and can appeal to anybody.

OI: Even talking about that because when we talk about Chrysler, we go back to ‘08. It was a very tough year early on, even the Jeep brand and Chrysler’s had a storied history, but before we even go deeper into history and talk about vehicles like this, in ‘09 I remember that at the New York Auto Show, the only new product Chrysler had in the shed, developed was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

So talk about that, like Toledo, Jeep because that was the only product that Fiat had to look at that was already at completion stage to decide are we going to go in on this or not.

KAH: Well, the great thing about it is that was the first vehicle that the company launched after...Fiat became involved. It was important for the entire company to basically, you know, launch that vehicle flawlessly and that was almost two years ago that we actually – it was a little bit more than two years ago that we actually did it and there is no doubt...based on the types of sales, the new consumers, the conquest sales that we have been able to...have as part of our sales success. It has been an incredible journey and one of the biggest things is a year after we launched that vehicle it holds the position of the most awarded SUV ever and that is a phenomenal position to have, no question about it. And so what we’ve been able to do with great product design, great engineering, great manufacturing, world-class manufacturing, we’ve been able to have Grand Cherokee hold such a coveted position in the industry and the quality story for our brand continues to evolve with Consumer Report basically naming the Jeep brand as one of the strongest in quality. I mean it has been an incredible story.

OI: Even when you’re talking about that. Obviously when you’re talking about the Grand Cherokee and you’re looking at the craftsmanship - Overland model – Overland which actually goes back 50• Ownersillustrated.com

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! to the history...You’re going back to Overland to the early – 1908, early history of the company and when you look at the Overland model, the fit and finish, the leathers, the stitching, the materials, the interiors, you talk about most awarded - those are some of those fabrics in that quality. So talk about that because normally when you see American SUV’s at that price point, they don’t really add those extra premium materials where you see those leather stitching on the dash, leather stitching, Nappa leather, real soft material, real...ingrained wood, polished wood burst. Talk about that.

KAH: Well, you know the thing about it is that the cornerstone of our launch back in 2010 was pivotal on that premise alone. It was about the quality. It was about the craftsmanship. It was about the attention to detail and we showcased that in our advertising campaign, the things we make, make us. It showcased the Jefferson North assembly plant and the people inside the plant that embrace world-class manufacturing and tooth and nail, really did an incredible job building that product so that it could stand and compete with any vehicle in the marketplace. That was a cornerstone and we’ve continued to leverage the story of...the attention to detail, the quality, the leather, the performance, the safety. It’s an IIHS top safety pick year after year...and the awards continue. It’s a Consumer’s Digest Best Buy. I mean the most awarded SUV ever is a coveted - very coveted, you know, label to have and we’ve been able to leverage that throughout another campaign that we did in 2011 that we continue to use today. It’s our new tagline for the vehicle.

OI: Now even talking about that, you guys have been very, very successful with the brand, with the product the Grand Cherokee, you’re starting from $26K all the way up to over 50 when you get into the SRT8 model that has what, 465 horses, 465 foot pound of torque and that scale has allowed you guys to get...almost 100,000 annual volume?

KAH: I mean our volume has been incredible year over year, showing significant improvements and the one thing about it is that I think what is happening is that others are starting to take a look at the Jeep brand and the Grand Cherokee and the rest of the lineup because, you know, the story is so strong. I think with the sales success comes...more attention from consumers who are looking to buy vehicles to fit their needs and they’re turning in other competitive vehicles and basically buying Jeep vehicles. What better position could we be in and I think for sure it offers the opportunity for consumers to see the breadth of the brand. I mean we start with our Patriot at around $16,000, 29 miles per gallon along with our Jeep Compass that had a great redesign...or redesign or refresh in 2011.

And then as we move into Wrangler and Cherokee, you know one is the icon and one is the hero, but they are truly...the key elements that support the brand, but every single product that we build and manufacture...we accomplish the same thing in concert for the brand and I think it’s given consumers the opportunity to see really what we are about – the quality, the craftsmanship, the fuel efficiency, the safety...The story is great and we’re very proud to have been fortunate enough to have, you know, this great legacy that we have over 70 years.

OI: And even just piggybacking off of that as far as the sales ‘cause when I dug deeper into what’s going on at Jeep, you guys are manufacturing in Detroit.

KAH: Actually the Jefferson North assembly plant.

OI: The Jefferson North assembly plant and you guys can’t even keep – you guys are expanding shifts – people [are] getting overtime so people that - in the city...

KAH: Well, the great thing about it, not to interrupt you, you know over the last couple of years we’ve added thousands of jobs at the Jefferson North assembly plant and that is helping to strengthen the economy in the Detroit metro area, giving people the opportunity to be a part of our success and so by contributing...on the manufacturing side which is so pivotal to...making sure that we build world-class vehicles. I mean what other - what greater testament do we have than to give back to the community where we live and work.

OI: And that’s why it’s so important when you talk about the craftsmanship because the craftsmanship – what’s going on at the Jefferson plant was so great, the tooling, the skills of the workers there - Fiat is actually bringing the Maserati truck manufacturing to the same plant. Am I correct?

KAH: Well, you know what, there’s some future discussions with regard to that I can’t discuss with you and some of the actual product discussion is very, you know, some of it is a little tightly held and there are other people that I can truly put you in contact with to get more into that story, but overall I can truly say that the opportunity is there and the opportunity is [ripe] and that’s the beauty of the partnership that we have and actually not the partnership but the involvement that we have with Fiat has allowed us to diversify beyond what we probably could have done before. You know, the technology’s there in our other products and they’re being launched right now. The Dodge Dart, for example, it is a great success story that we have leveraged as a company to really give us the opportunity for success and I think looking behind us and looking ahead, the story is definitely favorable as you look ahead. but the Wrangler is manufactured there. Am I correct?

KAH: It is manufactured in Toledo, Ohio.

OI: Yes, so talk about that too because we’re talking about jobs in Detroit but now we’re talking about the Jeep brand’s also doing heavy manufacturing in Toledo.

KAH: I’ll be honest with you. The key piece to that story is that the demand for that product is so great, we can barely keep up with it and what that vehicle has done in a short period of time is really returned our brand along with the Grand Cherokee to support the company by actually having manufacturing facilities – it’s just an hour and a half away from Detroit...

OI: ...right down 75...

KAH: ...We are again, you know, giving meaningful work to the people of the Toledo community...That vehicle is the cornerstone. It is the icon of our brand...We feel that it is so strong that we have dimensionalized it through a number of buzz models. The Wrangler Freedom edition was just launched in celebration of our military veterans. It’s actually entitled the “Oscar Mike” which is a military term that’s used. In the front we have the Jeep Wrangler Altitude edition which is the same one that’s featured in the USA Basketball campaign. We’ve had the Arctic edition. We’ve had the Mountain edition. We’ve had a Call of Duty edition...

OI: Yes and that was a special – I liked that one and that was a great tie-in with the game with the military and you have this great first-person shooter, top-selling game, billion-dollar gaming franchise partnering with this American icon that really started the SUV...Jeep started the SUV...

KAH: Well, the Jeep brand did..

OI: Overland was bringing cars onto steps and showing transmissions in the early 1900’s...

KAH: For sure and the good thing about it is that, you know, this vehicle started, you know, the whole story. So going back way to 1941 and 70 plus years later, we feel that we’re in a position right now where we have grown and extended our brand and there’s a lot to look forward to in the future. I mean we’re excited. We’re sitting on the edge of our seats, you know, celebrating the great history and legacy that we’ve had. I think that...just in recent years we’ve seen a huge turn in terms of our sales volume with year over year increases, but...there aren’t very many brands that can look back over 70 years to the capability story that we maintain, the quality story that we maintain, the connection with America that we maintain and that is exactly what’s being celebrated here today. You know this partnership with the USA Basketball team is one that allows two American icons to come together with a humble spirit supporting the men and women who are, you know, working on behalf of our country to bring back the gold medal. The other thing that we’ve done, you know, just in terms of philanthropic elements as part of this USA Basketball campaign is that we’ve reached into the community and we’ve given people the opportunity to nominate those who are doing good in the community and we have rewarded them with $20,000 that we gave a Sixth Man of the Year and a Sixth Woman of the Year, based on what they’re doing in their respective communities. One is a veteran of the military that was injured, spent months in a military hospital, severely injured, lost the sight in his eye and he’s now able to give back and help other veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome. There’s a woman one who lost her job who’s helping the homeless by feeding them. So it’s one thing to have the success that we’ve had with the Jeep brand, but it’s another thing to really give back not just through our manufacturing to our community, but to give back to just the average people who are doing great things and need to be showcased.

OI: Now talking about that because Jeep history, World War II...being very influential in providing that support, the vehicle support for our troops in World War II...to now, 70 years, but I’m also interested in your history with Jeep and Chrysler. So kind of give us insight to your history at the company.

KAH: Well, I’ve been with the company for a little more than thirteen years so I have seen, you know, the great struggles that we’ve had to face and I’ve seen a very strong company come out of it.

OI: You’ve been through a lot of different management, Iaccoca, Daimler, Cerberus...

KAH: But you know the thing about it is that I think we can stand very proud today and see that all of that, you know the ups and the downs made us who we are today and I think one of the things is that it’s given us focus. It’s given us dedication. It’s given us courage to fight through adversity and I think to ensure that the products that we put on the road today are the absolute best and can line up with any competitive vehicle out there. My history goes back. I actually started out as the brand manager for the Jeep Wrangler when I first came to the company and I moved into a number of different positions in brand management, the Liberty I had responsibility...for that. I also did product planning for the Jeep Commander...and then I moved into the advertising communications side, primarily for Jeep within the last four - five years. So I’ve seen a lot. I’ve been through a lot but I am very happy to...be a part of the success story that we have going right now. It couldn’t be better and I think it’s a testament to...our CEO, Mike Manley, who’s the CEO of Jeep and the CEO of the company, Sergio Marchionne and the entire team to really focus and understand that, you know, this is a multi-faceted story, multi-faceted company that has a focus on bringing quality products to the marketplace and...been doing a pretty doggone good job of it.

OI: ...Talking about Wrangler, how did you guys make the decision to add two more doors to make it a four-door product?

KAH: Well...the thing about it is that...that vehicle has always been very iconic. I mean, people have loved it for a long time but at that time it was a little bit more of a lifestyle vehicle...or life stage vehicle where people were probably buying it...when they were not married with children and it had kind of a limited time frame or people were buying it for a second vehicle for summer homes and things like that. And so what the four-door afforded us is a great opportunity to broaden the reach of our brand and bring families in because it can comfortably seat five passengers or it’s no longer a life stage vehicle, it is just a vehicle that’s available regardless of what your life stage is, so it really has made a huge difference in...our performance overall and has done an incredible job.

OI: So now, just in conclusion talk about then diversity at Jeep and Chrysler and the different opportunities and also other people that aspire to get into the industry how they could get a leg in.

KAH: Well, the thing about it is that I think one of the things we’ve opted and chosen to do is to share our talents and the hard work that it takes to be successful in this industry with young people, tell the story that, you know, this is something that is tangible for you. This is an opportunity that is not out of reach and all it takes really is to work hard. I was born in Detroit. You know, I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad...used that opportunity to navigate and understand what I wanted to do and then beyond that I went to graduate school and got an M.B.A. and I want to set myself as an example to young people... throughout the country, anybody that I talk to and specifically...in our own backyard, to let them know that this is a possibility. Aspire for greatness. Enable yourself to do extraordinary things. I mean that’s what our brand is, an enabler and we truly feel that, you know, giving opportunities to the buying public and the community allows us to really fulfill a vision that we have.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS by Damola

FORD FUSION MARKETING MANAGER SAMANTHA HOYT

We have had a long history covering the Ford Motor Company. In fact, one of the proudest moments of my career was the opportunity to have dinner with the late, great Carroll Shelby, Funkmaster Flex, and Ford Group Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer, J Mays. J Mays has overseen designs for brands as diverse as Volvo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mazda, Mercury, and Ford. That is a diverse portfolio of influence that has now culminated in a portfolio of products in two brands, Ford and Lincoln. If sales numbers are an indicator, Ford has done tremendously with the its focus on these two core brands with the technical and design focus of the former portfolio influencing the blue oval directly.

One new product Ford is launching is the Ford Fusion. This is the first all-new design of the Fusion which has been a top-selling model and one of the topselling family sedans consistently for several years. The new Fusion is a breathtaking sheet of metal that many suggest is influenced by Aston Martin, making the Fusion have a more premium look than is typical in this segment. The Fusion has several powertrain options with EcoBoost technology employed for fuel efficiency and also hybrid and electric powertrains that show remarkable use of the $5.9 billion loan from the Department of Energy. The Fusion gets 47 mpg from its hybrid – yes, 47 mpg in a family sedan! There is also going to be a plugin electric option for the Fusion and also a first for the Fusion, an all-wheel drive option. The Fusion dons impeccable material on the interior and an updated infotainment system with SYNC and MyFord Touch. I had a chance to speak with the marketing Manager of the Fusion, Samantha Hoyt. She has had a great ascent up the ranks at Ford and our dialogue is as follows.

OI: Introduce yourself and what do you do at Ford?

SH: Hi I’m Samantha Hoyt. I’m the Fusion Marketing Manager at Ford.

OI: So give me an idea of this car, the design, the feel. It sorta seems like you’re going after a totally different customer with this, right?

SH: Well, it may appear that way, but the CD segment is really ultra competitive and what customers have told us is that is that they want something different, right? They don’t want the typical three box design – it’s got a hood, a middle, and a trunk. They want something they’re proud to own. They want something that looks good but it’s also affordable. So the Ford Fusion that you see behind me in ruby red is going to deliver on all of that – a car you’d be proud to own, great fuel economy, great quality, really awesome driver assist technologies and great value.

OI: So talk about that too because normally the driver assist technologies are products that you would put on a more premium car but at Ford you guys are even having driver assist and park assist on cars like the Focus. So talk about that.

SH: Well, Ford’s always been about the democratization of technology so we want to bring as much to the masses as we can and the new Ford Fusion is no exception. We’ll have features available like lane keep assist that comes along with lane departure warning to help you stay in your lane. The car will actually help steer you back in your lane if it senses that you’re weaving out - active park assist that you mentioned - so parallel parking is really stressful for most people; active park assist takes the stress out of that. We also have blind spot monitoring. You have blind spot mirrors. You’ve got reverse park aids, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control – all of these available on the all-new Ford Fusion, just to make your driving life a little bit easier.

OI: Now it seems like you guys are also gonna have a lot of different models from variations of electricity to a full electric. Talk about that.

SH: Well, you’re talking about the power of choice and that’s what we’re so excited about with the new Ford Fusion. We will have more powertrain options than anybody else in the segment. We’ll be the first to offer gasoline engines, hybrid engines, and a plug-in hybrid variant so we start with a 2.5 regularly aspirated four-cylinder engine. Then we offer two EcoBoost engines, a 1.6-liter which is a fuel liter and 2-liter EcoBoost engine which is for people a little more performance oriented and then we offer the all-new hybrid which will get 47 miles per gallon or more in the city and then we have an all-new Fusion energy plug-in hybrid which operates on battery-electric power and then switches over to hybrid once you’ve exhausted all your juice and has a total range of about 500 miles. So no matter what you want, we’ve got it. We even have all-wheel drive available.

OI: Wow. Talk about that.

SH: So all-wheel drive is available on the 2-liter Titanium for those customers that drive in climates where you would need a little bit more sure footing.

OI: Like where we are in the Northeast.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! SH: Like where we are in New York...We had a mild winter but that didn’t slow the sales of the all-wheel drives, but it’s also good for performance because it really helps keep your grip so that’s also available to customers who want it on the 2-liter. And then we also have a manual available for those people that really want a manual, the 1.6-liter can come in a manual.

OI: Wow. You guys have a manual, too.

SH: Yes. OI: Wow. So talk about that. So then also tell me a little bit about the technology that you guys have in, the SYNC and some of the stuff with the customers and what you guys were thinking with the internal technology that would be available there.

SH: Well, as we were talking about, we like to bring as much as we can to the masses. The Ford Fusion will be Ford’s first car with SYNC standard so no matter which car you get, you’ll definitely get SYNC so you can control your music, call your friends and family, all hands-free. And then we’re also bringing a new auto start stop system available on the 1.6-liter engine which is, if you’ve driven a hybrid you know that when you stop at a stop sign, stoplight, or a drive-thru or in traffic, your engine actually turns itself off. Well, we’re doing that now on a gas engine with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost so you can get up to 3½ percent better fuel on average and if you drive predominantly in the city you can see up to 10% improvement in fuel but as you know we’re all about safety so SYNC and all the driver assist technologies are meant to help you to be a better driver.

OI: Yeah and I also know that you guys have Wi-Fi hotspot available in the car too, right?

SH: New MyFord Touch will have a Wi-Fi hotspot.

OI: Wow. So it seems like the range of customers that you have with this Fusion, starting in the low twenties could go all the way to the – so it’s like a wide range, from the sophisticated, technophobe to the family that wants to haul in something in style. So talk about that as your job as a marketing manager, putting creatives together, putting messaging together. How is it? It must be a real hard job.

SH: It’s a really fun job and I’ve been on the program for two years and what we’ve seen happen is that the Fusion has evolved so the current Fusion has been a great success for Ford and we want to take the new Ford Fusion to the next level. And it doesn’t mean just in volume but style, in safety, and technologies and everything else, but the reason why is the CD segment is enormous and it’s very, very competitive so you need to have a wide range of choice to reach the most customers. So the hybrid’ll reach those customers that want super fuel efficiency. The plug-in energy will reach those customers that want every technological gadget available to them in the highest tech vehicle available. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is for the fuel-efficient minded that can’t quite reach to a hybrid. And then the 2-liter EcoBoost engine is available for those who want a little bit more performance and the 2.5 is a great choice for those people who want just really good value.

OI: Wow, so you say you started with the program two years ago. So how long have you been with Ford?

SH: I’ve been with Ford for twenty years. I just started my 21st year.

OI: Congratulations. So kinda give us your background with Ford. That’s so fascinating.

SH: Oh, I started as a zone manager in sales in the Cincinnati region and then I’ve done several different marketing and sales posts. I’ve also spent some time in Ford Customer Service division delivering parts to dealers, working on crash parts and then I moved over into product marketing to work on the all-new Ford Fusion two years ago and then I’ve since followed the car into consumer marketing. So I’ve had a wide background with dealers and customers.

OI: Well, it seems like Ford has an interesting management style and training because when I look at it and I look at all the other car companies, there’s a lot of people that have done a great amount of time at Ford and expertise so talk about that because it seems like you’ve learned a wide range about the business before you came over to this product.

SH: You’re exactly right. Ford’s philosophy is they want you to be able to grow and learn as much as you can and so for the most part if you want to stay in a job for a long time you could, but if you want to learn and move and grow they’re happy to rotate you into new and exciting experiences so you can build on what you already know and for me it’s been a great choice because I’ve never been bored. I’m always learning something new and then I get to work on great products like the all-new Ford Fusion.

OI: That’s fabulous and also talk about diversity, being a woman at Ford and the experiences you’ve had coming up the ranks.

SH: I tell you what, it was interesting when I started back in 1991. There weren’t very many women in the field calling on dealers, but the dealers embraced us openly and we have lots and lots of women. We have a great diverse workforce now. I’ve never had any barriers. I’ve always been treated like every other manager in the system and Ford’s really given me the opportunity to grow and learn and my colleagues come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and I’m really proud of Ford because they embrace – they just embrace the diversity.

OI: And I guess looking forward to this Fusion brand because this is like a huge expansion from the last model to this. It’s like what you think of Fusion now is like [night] and day and then the styling is so elegant so talk about that...What do you see this evolving into as you’re working on messaging and communications to this wide range of people that are now attracted?

SH: Well, I think the first thing is that the customers will tell us if they like it, right, and so far the feedback has been really, really good.

OI: CES was awesome.

SH: Yes, my partner in crime Zack Nakos, was at CES while I was at Detroit and we were both getting similar feedback so the first thing is we think customers like it. We think they’ll even like it better when we announce pricing a little bit later this year and then from a messaging perspective we need to really focus on what’s gonna cut through the clutter, right. It’s a very crowded marketplace. Our competitors are fierce and there are a lot of the competitors so we need to do something that’s creative, that’s fun, that’s different. We don’t want to just be the “also” brand. We want to be the choice, the one you’re proud to own, the one you come to, that you really like the way it looks. This is the all-new face of Ford. It’s athletic. It’s aggressive.

OI: That Evos styling.

SH: Yes and the recessed Ford in the grille. It’s proud. It’s the way we’re going.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

AUTOMOTIVE » INTERVIEWS by Damola

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CADILLAC GLOBAL MARKETING DIRECTOR JIM VURPILLAT

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

The cruel irony of fate is at the core of the history of the American luxury auto industry. William Steinway of the luxury piano fame had a meeting with Gottlieb Daimler of Mercedes fame and struck an agreement to create Daimler Motor Company in 1888 in Long Island, where he would make engines and luxury cars in America, in an effort that would have probably changed the dynamics of domestic auto manufacturing and may have made Long Island, New York the head of the auto industry. Steinway died in 1896 and his heirs sold their shares to General Electric, which made some delivery trucks then an explosion that destroyed 47 Mercedes vehicles ended the quest to manufacture in Long Island, New York.

A humble craftsman who worked at Colt, Henry Leland would subsequently become the Godfather of American luxury, one of the three suppliers for Ransom E. Olds’ Curved Dash Olds at the turn of the 20th century along with the Dodge Brothers and Benjamin Briscoe. In 1902, Henry Leland was called to take over the then failed venture of Henry Ford, The Henry Ford Company. Henry Leland would reconstitute the company and rename it after the founder of Detroit, Cadillac. Henry Leland created the interchangeable parts process and his focus on craftsmanship and detail was second to none. He also invented the self-starter. Henry Leland and his son, Wilfred were instrumental in the success of GM as they sold Cadillac to Billy Durant and got him critical financing at crucial times. Leland left Cadillac in 1917 to found Lincoln, then a company providing engines for the World War I effort. His approach to craftsmanship, his innovation, his passion and in essence, his legacy as the Father of American luxury, carries on to this day at Cadillac. I got a moment with Jim Vurpillat at Cadillac who is in charge of Global Marketing and with new vehicles, the ATS and XTS, he has two all-new vehicles that proudly carry the legacy of Henry Leland, with new technology like the CUE and new materials in the cabin that exemplify the craftsmanship of American auto workers, as the ATS is assembled in Lansing, Michigan. Our conversation is as follows.

JV: ...Well, you know what, the main thing I try to do working with the markets because one of my chief responsibilities is marketing in the US so I spend a lot of time with the marketing teams on pricing our vehicles, content in our vehicles, developing the formula and strategies on how we’re going to go to market for each one of our vehicles. The main responsibility I have globally outside the US is to make sure that we’re maintaining a system of communication behind the wheel so that the Cadillac brand and the standards of the brand are maintained...so I might be on a conference call in the morning talking to my friends in Europe, going over what their plans might be and talking to the US all during the day and then another call at night...So outside the US is really focused on maintaining consistency...That’s critical and then if we are going to go into a new market, how are we gonna go to market? How are we going to set up the deal...So, very interesting job. It’s a lot of fun. It changes every day. I can’t even tell you what a typical day is other than it would be very different than the day before.

OI: So talk about Brazil, too, actually when you talk about global markets and the World Cup coming and they have the Olympics coming. They have a very dynamic economy. Half the cars there use bio-fuels so talk about how your products...

JV: Well actually, we’re not in Brazil. South America is a market and continent that we’re not in. Yeah, the Brazilian market is growing, expanding very quickly so it’s a market that we have our eye on, probably one of the top markets that we see growth in that we’re not in yet so it’s one that we’ve got on our radar screen. It isn’t grown hugely yet for luxury. I mean the main part of the market, the mass market has grown but luxury, we haven’t seen that explosion and the other reason too is we really want to get strong in China. We want to re-establish a good footprint in Russia and the Middle East before we go into another market. It’s really – we can try to expand all markets at the same time or we can really focus on key ones, get those strong and up and running...

OI: Now there’s a car that you guys had, the Converj. Luxury, hybrid plug-in, electric powertrains have taken form. There are a number of companies out there so it would make sense that...Cadillac, GM already having that powertrain developed,already having a network, something like that should come...Are there any plans to kind of explore the viability of that?

JV: I mean, absolutely. If you look at luxury...some people say you’ve got everything from high-performance variants like our V series all the way to, you know, hybrid technology or electric vehicles...To be in luxury, I think you’re gonna have to plan...because luxury consumers – one thing we know definitely about luxury consumers is they want it all. They want it all. They’ve got the means to have it all and that’s what they want so I think you’ll see us look at those and explore those. That’s what the Converj was. The Converj was an exploration.

OI: A very gorgeous exploration. I loved it. I mean, goodness!

JV: It was a cool-looking car. That’s for sure and I think you’ll see us down the road have something...Everybody asks that question.

OI: …I mean you’re seeing a lot of manufacturers debut their concepts and they’re rolling out their concepts. Well, GM actually had something that was functional ahead of a lot of other manufacturers so I guess it’s about using that edge. I guess can we get just a brief tour or some of the things that you talked about like the new upgrade on the grille with the CTS...

JV: ...What we did, we basically divide the display up. On one side we have all our high-performance variants with our V’s...and the rest of our portfolio is over here...to our SRX...to the concept...

OI: How’s the Escalade Hybrid doing, too, the platinum edition?

JV: Fairly well...so we’re happy.

OwnersIllustrated.com • 55

Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz & Bertha Benz

Chapter 5 Automotive Excerpt Own Your Destiny (A Modern Guide to Starting Enterprise in the 21st Century) by Damola Idowu “I always felt Jaguar really needed to be a modern car company….We have [had] a lot of retro stuff in the past, a lot of heritage and now it’s time to move on…I want young people to like this car...because that’s the future customer…It really feels like a theatrical event when [you] get into the car….Is it necessary? No. Is it fun? (Yes.) And that is what it’s all about…” - Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar

Since Karl Benz invented the three-wheeled vehicle that became the birth of the automobile, (I had a chance to drive a replica at the museum of German American History in Washington, D.C.) the automotive industry has had a transformative impact on the evolution of humanity. From the means to power these vehicles, whether through electricity, gasoline, or water, the battle has been waged for over 125 years between internal combustion and renewables, even over the form of renewables, be it electricity, fuel cell, hybrids, or extended range electrics with fuel-powered alternatives. Since the inception of the automobile, all of these choices have been available. Gustave Trouvé invented what became known as the first electric car and Amédée Bollée invented what became known as the steam-powered automobile. In the end, Karl Benz won the battle with the aid of his wife, Bertha, who made a famous voyage of 106 kilometers in one of their vehicles, fueling along the way, inventing the brake line in the process, and placing an indelible stamp on human travel. From assembly to fueling, distribution, performance, design, styling, and safety the internal combustion engine has beat out the renewables over the past 125 years.

The impact of the automobile industry on humanity expands beyond mere transportation. For example, Oldsmobile began using the assembly line process for automobile manufacturing and mass production. Henry Ford then revolutionized the efficiency of the assembly line and the affordability of the automobile. He set wage standards and promoted the concept of making automobile technology affordable to the working class which revolutionized everything from manufacturing to financing to distribution. This allowed people from different points on the income spectrum to meet with family and friends or to voyage and explore which expanded commerce opportunities and spurred infrastructure development and the creation of new cities and fostered the evolution of the backbone of manufacturing and laid the foundation for prosperity. Automobile manufacturing laid the foundation for prosperity and supported the expansion of human transport and the movement of goods and commerce intimately into the crevices of land where rail wasn’t able to go.

“We do believe that America is ready for the diesel...BlueTEC is the keyword. We have developed a totally new diesel technology which allows us to meet the most stringent, legal requirements for emissions in California, for instance and with those we’ll be able to offer 20 to 30% fuel consumption reduction and at the same time various strong torque, very powerful engines, smooth-running. It’s a whole new world...Ultimately our objective was to make the diesel as clean as the gasoline engine and the gasoline engine as fuel efficient as the diesel...”

-Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars The acquisition of an automobile is a momentous occasion in family life second to one’s home. The automobile represents the second largest expenditure a family makes. Several evolutions have occurred with the automobile over the past 125 years from the advent of the automatic transmission to the efficiencies in the amount of cylinders necessary to derive comparative

horsepower to the current synergies between mobile technologies and car electronics. Several fascinating advancements have occurred, for example, the Mercedes 2006 S500 has the same 303 hp as the 2012 C350, but the C350 uses less fuel with a 3.5L V6 engine through direct injection and operates as powerfully as a V8 and even takes biofuels like E85.

Having engines function by deactivating cylinders not needed for power are now commonplace in vehicles. To gain even further energy efficiencies eight-speed automatics are available in cars in the sub-$30,000 price space.

Let me bring this in from another point. Chrysler who was bankrupt in 2009, now has a rear wheel drive sedan with an allwheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic, the Dodge Charger, that starts at a sub-$30,000 price point. Typically you find that kind of technology in offerings from Audi like the A7 which costs twice as much. When one factors in the Uconnect entertainment system with in-car Wi-Fi capability, the 8.4-inch monitor, and premium Nappa leather you still get a price point of roughly $35,000. Technology, energy efficiency, luxury, and premium options are now becoming available to a whole new demographic of customers, which in itself will radically change what future generations will expect from their automobiles. To that point the same Chrysler is introducing a new compact model, the Dodge Dart, with a sub -$16,000 price point and future options are proposed to include a 8.4-inch multi-media center found in the larger-size models like the Charger and the 300 and there has been a confirmed ZF-derived nine-speed automatic offering in addition to the available six-speed.

All of these technologies offer more efficiency from lower displacements via direct injections, turbos, and modification to air compression, even entire component efficiencies like Mazda SKYACTIV system are making 40MPG in the highway the norm now. President Barack Obama raised the 2025 target for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) to 54.5 MPG and while the initial response was a collective groan that the fun is leaving the auto world like the sad days of the late 70’s, the opposite is true, more technology is now available at an affordable price and the competition is fierce. “…Green cars can be good looking, sexy, fast, and big…it’s important to make a statement about getting a green car that’s exciting enough that you want to own this car, that you want to buy it.” - Henrik Fisker Pair the power and efficiency of the compact car with luxury options like the heated rear seats in the Hyundai Elantra, the 8.4 multi-media technology center in the Dodge Dart, and voice command in the Chevy Cruze and this appears to be just the tip of the iceberg. The evolution did not come gratis, though, the consumer culture dictated that car companies provide these options as burgeoning car customizers were achieving success through conceiving assorted options to add to entrylevel vehicles and the Specialty Equipment Market Association better know as SEMA became a mainstay among the new generations of drivers. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, overall aftermarket sales totaled $285 billion in 2010 with a growth of 4.3% from the previous year.

This massive industry exists for a reason. Many people spend more time in their cars than they do in their homes. When one factors in time spent commuting back and forth to lunch, travel on the weekend versus time spent preparing for work or worship and performance of tasks in their home, more time is spent in one’s automobile than in one’s home. On a typical day, commuting to and from work can consume four to eight hours, all things considered. So the question becomes what do people do and what do they want during this idle time.

The structural shift in transportation and the need to be productive has spurred the technology revolution in automobiles.

This revolution and the advent of mobile technology like Telelink, OnStar, and Mtune have now allowed vehicles to become information hubs. One can get vehicle diagnostics, navigation in real time, info on things like weather, traffic, sports scores, music, fuel pricing and more via vehicle commands. People can even make calls and cars can automatically contact emergency services in times of danger. These are breathtaking advances. Manufacturers like Toyota and General Motors have partnered with companies like QNX, Microsoft and others to create in-car apps where touch screen technology similar to that found in mobile devices is now available in cars with screens of 8.4 inches or higher and seamlessly integrating with mobile devices.

“The pleasure that I get out of working [at Ford] is to one minute be designing an F-150 pick-up or a Lincoln pick-up then I get on a plane and the next morning I’m designing Aston Martin in London. So that’s a quite nice thing, to be able to change hats and change personalities.” -J Mays Ford VP of Global Design

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK! OBAWOLE IDOWU» SKYDRAGON CEO

My name is Obawole Idowu and it is my goal to be disruptive in providing opportunities for creative minds globally. My most recent project, the Soul Aurum, is to be a pair of self-powered smartphone glasses (wearable technology). It is my goal to tackle the issue of over 1.5 billion people live without electricity in areas such as Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia yet there has been amazing growth in developing nations in the impact of mobile technology. In the past decade, the number of people with phones in countries such as India has grown exponentially.

Mobile technology in developing nations has been used for a variety of things, maybe even more in developed nations. It is important from its use in education for women bridging the gender gap, to being used to determine the price of crops for farmers, to being used for medical diagnosis. The most amazing thing about this is that most of this development is from just a regular cellular phone. Smartphone technology is only just now growing in most developing countries. More people are using just regular cellular phones by far. There are also still roadblocks in the growth of cellular technology in developing nations. Although it is projected for 5 billion mobile phone users in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the next few years(Source GSMA), there still are people who cannot use this technology based off of issues with access to electricity. The number of people without mobile phones in South Asia mirror the number of people without electricity in the same area. Even though cellular towers could cover 90+% of the population in most of these areas(Source GSMA), many cannot experience these opportunities because of drawbacks such as lack of electricity. It is my goal with the Soul Aurum and other projects in the future to combat this issue. Using alternative energy as a secondary source of power for the Soul Aurum such as solar cells and energy efficient pieces, I could cut the need of electricity to use this device so that it may never even be needed to be plugged into a wall again. With cheap, efficient materials from the solar cells to the processor, I could make this device affordable that it can prosper in these developing nations. Using hands free wearable technology, and using things such as projection technology for the screen allows the user to be more free with what they can do, instead of being limited to having to hold a phone with a small screen only a few inches big. It is clear that with the opportunity of this kind of technology in developing areas, it is astounding what can be done. People such as Professor Sugata Mitra have done research (called Hole in the Wall) involving having just one computer available in various rural villages and slums in India available for children to use, and has seen the amazing results such as kids learning english in months and how to surf the web. Imagine what could happen in other areas. I see the Soul Aurum being a part of this growth. I see a teacher using the Soul Aurum’s projector to display a lecture in class, I see the flash in the camera in the Soul Aurum being used as a light in some areas. I see the SD card in the Soul Aurum used to share the next big invention, idea, cure for a disease, medical diagnosis, anything! While being an Electrical and Computer Engineer at Carnegie Mellon University, I have been working with several professors in research on making this happen, from the projection technology, to building the Soul Aurum from scratch, to finding efficient materials to use for each part of the Aurum. I can’t wait to see the results!

Source: Sugata Mitra: http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html GSMA: http://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/public-policy-resources/mobile-observatory-series/

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT IS BACK!

Global Emerging Markets

For any company that wants any viability in the future, reaching the critical 18-49 demographic is essential. A global shift is currently occurring in messaging and marketing towards this demographic. Businesses have long been based on targeting Baby Boomers and Suburbs; however, 2008 has dramatically altered that calculus.

As I am detailing in my forthcoming book, Own Your Destiny A Modern Guide to Starting Enterprise in the 21st Century, a humongous shift has occurred based on financial reality, technology capability, and emerging demographics. From the palm of one’s hand, with a smartphone, one can video chat with people around the globe, for example.

Currently, the era of Reagan is considered the gold standard, yet during Reagan’s presidency, there was not a dominant Brazil; South Korea didn’t host the Olympics until 1988; and it was in 1987 that Reagan made the “Tear Down This Wall” speech in Berlin, Germany. Also, during Reagan’s time, Japan not China was dominant and Africa did not yet have more than twice the residents of America (315 million) owning a cell phone (740 million) and 330 million out of 1 billion people spending between $2-$20 a day as is now the case. Also during this time, the minority population in America was not yet at the current 38% mark. Over 85% of the population growth from 2000 to 2010 per the last census report was from minorities, with a trend toward becoming a majority by 2040 and a majority of children born in America today are currently born to minority families.

Today’s reality is that emerging markets domestically match with emerging markets globally with products that can sell to markets both domestically and globally.

In addition, entrepreneurs locally can buy and sell goods globally with the advent of technology and global shipping logistics. For example, South Korea with whom President Obama signed a free trade agreement in 2011, has a population of 50 million with an unemployment rate of 3% and a median income at $30,000. South Korea is also ranked #1 in the world in education. In comparison, Black median income is $32,000 and Latino median income is $38,000. South Korea is home to Hyundai, KIA, Samsung and LG. Samsung is also a major supplier for the Apple iPhone. Brazil has a larger economy by GDP than Britain and France, and may overtake Russia by years end, becoming a fixture in top 10 global economies in terms of GDP. Germany is the #1 country in the EU and is #5 globally in terms of GDP. China has an economy growing at 7.4% per their latest report and has already surpassed Japan to become the #2 economy globally right behind the USA in terms of GDP. China actually has a trade deficit with Brazil based on raw materials and recently created a $20 billion fund to invest and get preferential treatment in regards to minerals and exploration in Africa.

This is obviously not the world of Reagan because the untold secret ignored is the depth to which Reagan won. Reagan succeeded in promoting capitalism globally and as such we now compete on a global stage where countries like Brazil and Germany, without dominant militaries, are emerging in areas of clean energy technology with strong gains in the fields of renewable energy and bio fuels, for example. Countries have adapted capitalism to their own paradigm and have now integrated its execution to their national interests.

An important factor in the global emerging markets is the fundamental cultural shift and the deep affinity for urban culture as the new popular culture globally.

Culture impacts commerce, for if you cannot culturally relate you cannot market and communicate. Hip-Hop culture is the popular culture of the 18-49 demographic set with icons like Jay-Z and Lebron James reverberating across the globe. This new dynamic brought about the shift in politics that powered an Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, into a historic presidency in 2008. An actual friend of Jay-Z, his historic win represented a change and the current election is testing the measure of that seismic shift and what direction the country will move in relating to minorities domestically and to emerging countries globally.

For America to thrive in this new capitalistic environment, human development and economic participation are paramount, yet the issues of the critical investment necessary are the hotbed items of the current debate. According to a report by MasterCard, 40% of Americans ages 25-34 do not have a bank account and estimates have pegged the unbanked population in America at over 60 million per the FDIC. Without engaging new generations of Americans and also if their earning potential is dramatically lower than their Baby Boomer predecessors, promises made to Baby Boomers cannot simply be kept because funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security come from payroll taxes or FICA up to the first $106,000 earned by every individual. Baby boomers total over 79 million with over 76% being White non Hispanic according to William Frey as cited in a Washington Post editorial June 8, 2012. The median age of White Non Hispanic Americans is 41 years old contrasted with a dynamic growing Hispanic population with a median age of 27 years old and a steady growing Black population with a median age of 32 years old, and slightly over 31 for Asian Americans.

As Boomers get older and suburbs shrink due to the housing crisis, the foundation the consumer-based businesses have been built on, has forever changed. The changes in the emerging demographics and purchasing power along with access to capital and available credit have fundamentally changed an economy which is 70% built on consumer activity. Hispanic median income is $38,000, compared to White median income of $51,000 which contrasts with Asian American median income of $65,000 and Black Median income of $32,000. The Asian American population which comprises approximately 18 million of the over 120 million Americans who are minorities is rapidly growing and the education outcomes directly relate to economic outcomes in a stark manner.

This is the new environment that companies must exist in and is the reality facing the domestic automotive companies as they seek to carve a position at the top of the heap. In the past 3 years, auto sales have grown from 10.4 million in 2009 to approximately 14.5 million this year and over 40% growth with tangible benefits in fuel efficiency, in car technology, and a noticeable difference in marketing. Hip-hop icon Eminem had a decided impact on the sales of Chrysler with his Superbowl ad.

Jeep sponsored team USA Basketball Team and hired Chris Paul as a spokesman. Hyundai and Kia also used hip-hop music to boost sales and in Kia’s case basketball superstar, Blake Griffin, markedly boosted sales to record levels. Detroit is back but in reality it has now become a symbol of the future where Silicon Valley meets American industrial might as full integration of smartphone features can be found in entry-level vehicles like GM’s Chevy Spark. Cars have more technology and features in sizes for all tastes with great fuel efficiency as full size cars are getting upward of 47 MPG with slight electrification. It is a great testament to two programs managed by the Obama administration, the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program created in 2008 with a fund of $25 billion authorized under section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, to reduce dependence on foreign oil. The Bush administration initially signed the program into law. The Bush administration also provided the initial capital from the TARP program to tide GM with $14 billion to and $5 billion to GMAC and $4 billion to Chrysler until the restructuring that would occur later under President Obama. An ironic footnote to the auto story is that former George W. Bush Treasury Secretary from 2000-2006, John Snow, left the administration to become Chairman of Private Equity Firm Cerberus Capital Management and take control of 51% of GMAC and 80% of Chrysler LLC. GMAC was the financially arm of GM and impacted consumer loans and dealer financing. In June 2009, President Obama provided a $5.9 billion loan through the DOE program to Ford for fuel-efficiency vehicles. $33.3 billion more was provided to GM and $7 Billion to GMAC which has now become Ally Bank, Cerebus Capital however still maintains an interest in Ally Bank which also absorbed the entire portfolio of Chrysler Financial. $6.9 billion more was provided to Chrysler from TARP funds post their bankruptcy, with Cerberus forgoing their interest in Chrysler LLC. The money has been well spent and now GM is #1 globally in sales and Chrysler turned its first profit since 2005 in 2011, and on pace to repeat in 2012. Ford has been soaring and all other manufacturers have been successful, in addition. As global markets emerge, auto manufacturers have to adapt their product offering to individual markets which increases product and development costs. Chrysler, now part of Fiat is able to take advantage of economies of scale and in fact some manufacturing that was previously done in Italy is now moving to America.

Some of the market differences are like Brazil where GM cars run on B-20 fuel. In Germany, GM designs the Opel Insignia a 2009 European car of the year at its design studio. The Opel Insignia is currently sold in America as the Buick Regal. In China Buick’s are designed at the GM China Advanced Studio. The Buick Excelle was China’s best-selling passenger-car in 2011. The shifts in market demographics and global technical and design capacity directly impact workers and products in America. Jeep makes the Liberty and over one hundred thousand Wranglers in Toledo, Ohio, a hub since John North Willys bought Overland Automotive in 1908 and later in 1941 when Jeep was formed to transport the Greatest Generation in World War II. Over one hundred thousand Grand Cherokees are made annually in Detroit, Michigan. GM makes over two hundred thousand Chevy Cruzes in Lordstown, Ohio. Tesla also makes thousands of Model S’s in Freemont, California at the NUMMI plant formerly owned jointly by GM and Toyota.

In this special I will introduce daily interviews I have conducted over the past year and also provide the historical importance of these great companies created by forgotten American icons who built the industrial Midwest and powered a century of American dominance. I hope you enjoy the series as much as I have doing this research.

OwnerSIllustrated.com • 59

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED

TECHNOLOGY » INTERVIEWS by Damola Idowu

One on One with

The late 70's in Northern California was an innovative and transformative era in American history. The technology introduced and the companies formed then are influential to this day. Personal computing, software development, and electronic hardware became well advanced to the benefits of humans worldwide. Companies like Apple, Oracle, and an electronics company, Monster which is now making electronics, cables, wiring to electronic products like headphones and automotive accessories, were founded in this burgeoning period What Monster founder, Noel Lee, has done is of legend and is the essence of American exceptionalism. Noel Lee designed and engineered the Beats by Dre headphones and together with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine quadrupled annual sales of the headphone industry. The decision to partner with a “ gangster rap” producer was risky for a company that once owned naming rights to Candlestick Park in San Francisco where the 49ers play Football on Sundays. Noel Lee had the insight and vision of the future where the influence of hip-hop can be commercialized and transform the technology industry. The partnership with Dr. Dre created $600 million in value over approximately 4 years as electronics manufacturer HTC paid $300 million this year for a 50% stake. That deal has since been restructured but other companies like HP and even Chrysler have generated billions in revenue partnering with the Beats brand after the credibility the Monster deal provided. Noel Lee has also influenced his son to create his own headphone company, Sol Republic targeted towards DJs. I was fortunate to get time with the Silicon Valley legend who is also a staple at CES, moving around on his Segway and known for the incredible concerts Monster hosts for the attendees. Our fascinating dialogue is as follows.

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OWNERS ILLUSTRATED

TECHNOLOGY » INTERVIEWS by Damola Idowu

Head Monster Noel Lee OI: So...introduce yourself. I mean you have such a storied history and...kind of show that off too but introduce yourself and...what we’re learning here today at Monster.

NL: Well, I am Noel Lee, the head Monster, founder of Monster Cable in the old days. We’re now known only as Monster ‘cause we make so many products and a recent venture - the headphones has been like game changing for the whole industry. We created the fashion, lifestyle, gotta-have product along with our friends at Beats With Dre and with Jimmy Iovine. We really popularized the concept of headphones as a must-have lifestyle product. Now we’re on our own and we’re introducing our first Monster-only headphone with Inspiration launching here in New York City today.

OI: So now kind of let’s take a journey back because looking at your history ‘78, coming into cable, seeing this connectivity of electronics. How did you see that, the profitability and the margin to be in the wires and connecting these electronics, especially in a time where all these electronic pieces were nascent. Everything was kind of new. You know, systems were bulky. Kind of give us that...background.

NL: Well, if told you it was all planned I’d be lying. That’s one thing. You know...I’m an audiophile. I designed the first Monster Cable because I wanted to get better-sounding music.

You know, I’m a recording engineer...I’m a musician so I work with bands. I know what the real thing sounds like and I wanted to improve my speakers. You know the last thing left was a cable. I had good amplifiers, a good phono cartridge in those days, good preamps, amplifiers, but the speaker cable just looked lame. How do you get all the sound through that? That’s why I took my engineering knowledge and I introduced the first Monster cable.

So every step of the way through Monster Power, through our speakers that we designed in the old days, now through our headphones, it’s all been about better quality music, a better experience, being closer to the musician, you know, hearing what the audio engineers and producers intended.

OI: You’ve been very effective actually, getting there, so kind of talk about that, like the evolution of how did you start seeing these opportunities to take a cable company and actually now make that more of a brand out front because you actually pioneered using that word Monster into lifestyle. Talk about that evolution and what you saw.

NL: Well, you know in the old days when I first started nobody had the name Monster. I mean you wouldn’t name a company called Monster. And you gotta remember in the old days everything was pretty straight and pretty corporate so Monster was a ridiculous name and Monster, people didn’t get it. Monster? What do you mean, Monster? Now, Monster - that’s cool. So every step of the way we’ve thought about how we evolve our journey and so even PowerCenters was to get the better quality sound in picture. If you filter out the dirty noise, then you get better quality sound especially with the wide bandwidth amplifiers in those days. So now that we’re into the headphones Monster is really appropriate okay, ‘cause it’s Monster sound. It’s big sound. It’s great sound. So very seldom do you have a company that started 30 years ago, 30 plus years ago, 1978, that’s still relevant today.

When I think of all of the audio companies when I first started, you know, 95% of them aren’t around anymore.

OI: Especially in technology.

NL: Especially in technology. You’ve got all these new names, new startups which is just great. You know we feel like an old company. We also feel like a new company. And so those who knew us in the old days, hey, Monster is evolving. We’ve got kids who buy our product who don’t know we make cables so, you know, it’s a great place to be. And the name Monster when we first started was a very strange name; today it’s a relevant name.

It’s happening and people love it. The kids still love it so God bless.

OI: Now segueing now to - you took a big risk and always seeing you. You’ve always been a person on the cutting edge. Monster events, always, the performances always kick off CES in Vegas. You’re always riding on the Segway. You always have this evangelism of this technology culture. And when I say you took a risk, doing the Beats by Dre at that time even though it’s so huge now, nobody could have foresaw that partnering with a hip-hop producer to launch a line of headphones would actually quadruple the market so talk about how did that come about?

we had to get into headphones in a way that other people weren’t in headphones and so although we felt very confident that we could do the game-changing product, it’s really about the marketing and lifestyle marketing so hooking up with...the folks at Interscope, with Jimmy and Dre, was that formula. So they were looking for something else to do in the music side of things so we just started talking and the very similar cultures and similar passion for music and you know, combining a record company with a artist of stature, Dre, you know, a marketeer like Jimmy...we put it all together and it just blew up and it became... really explosive and viral. At the time, nobody knew it. It was a vision for them. It was a vision for us and we were thinking, you know, what if we put this together and I would say there are very few companies in the world that could have done that. So we were the first and now everybody is following in our footsteps.

OI: But getting even deeper there, when I dissect the strategy, the tentacles...at that partnership spread ‘cause I remember you had Lebron James having his own semi-brand so that got into the athletes, the Olympic team 2008. You had Lady Gaga. That was an international launch with the product. You had Diddy. That got into the lifestyle - into the clubs.

You had Dr. Dre. It’s like you had this brand, but then you had ambassadors and partners in that subset that kind of allowed the lifestyle to engage people in different demographics that a typical corporate company wouldn’t seek out. Like how were those decisions...I mean I’ve been fascinated. I’ve been wondering actually like, wow, they took a risk, but you were actually ahead of the curve.

NL: Well, first of all it was a tremendous risk because we didn’t know if...I’m not...I don’t even want to call this an endorsement. It wasn’t an endorsement. It was really a partnership and be able to bring the music to audiences that sounded like Dre and Gaga and Diddy here in the studio like nobody ever heard before; it was the first time it ever happened. We had the technology to do it and the manufacturing expertise so I have to give as much credit to Jimmy’s vision as anybody because his vision was to leverage his power with tastemakers, the right people in sports, the right people in the music industry to bring them into our world, the audio world, you know, to let them hear what their music sounds like ‘cause they never heard their music horrible like this. I mean they go into their studio and a tiny, tiny fraction of the people that listen to music get to ever be in a recording studio with Dre or Gaga so they never hear it that way so the quest, the vision was to bring that to everybody, bring that to the masses and that’s what we focused our technology on. So it took a long time to engineer the first headphone with Beats studio, but when we did it, that was the quest and we accomplished it.

OI: So when you say a long time, about how long were you developing the product?

NL: Uh, it took over two years.

OI: Over two years.

NL: Yeah over two years and lots of trial because we had to break new ground. I mean there were a lot of headphones out there already but we couldn’t copy them and you know Monster’s mantra, if you will, on product development is, always lead and never follow. So we’re always looking for innovations and we never copy the trend because if we copy the trend we’re just a me to. It can’t be me to. We want everybody, if they are gonna come in, to copy us. We always want to be the leader so we’ve been able to demonstrate that time and time again. That innovation, entrepreneurial spirit permeates throughout Monster.

Every person you talk to at Monster is always about pushing the envelope.

OI: Now...to say the success was massive would be an understatement. You actually wound up quadrupling the whole market for headphones?

NL: I don’t know where you got that number, but that’s close to right.

OI: When they look at estimates, the industry was roughly around six hundred million, now it’s a multi-billion dollar – at least over a billion so the multiplier effect...Obviously the recent acquisition of 51 stake by HTC kind of shows the value that was built...So I’m just curious to your insights as this has been a remarkable growth. You launched that brand.

It’s sort of like here is a child. They’ve grown up. But now you’re bringing new lifestyle products so kind of talk about that. Your’e doing things with Earth, Wind & Fire. You have - you’re launching new products in the lifestyle realm. So kind of talk about that segue, the maturation of Beats and then new products that you’re launching and new partnerships.

NL: Well what we did with Beats was in a specific lifestyle, you know, a very urban, very hip-hop, very cutting edge in terms of music, but it wasn’t conservative. Okay, so it was edgy so this is – spans both. Okay. So you’ve got great, great sound that we’ve been able to accomplish but also you can see it’s rather plain. It’s understated.

For more of our facinating interview visit toyznation.com or http://ownersillustrated.com/ profiles/blogs/exclusive-interview-with-head-monster-noel-lee-detroit-is-back-se

NL: Well that came about you know, first of all, on our vision to get into headphones but Ownersillustrated.com. 61

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED

TECHNOLOGY » INTERVIEWS by Damola Idowu

United Heathcare VP of Innovation Nick Martin With an impact on over 16% of our economy, the issue of healthcare and managing its costs has long plagued public policy and its effects on Americans reverberates from all segments. Most Americans obtain their health care through their private employer and in industries like manufacturing, where the legacy of care-taking for generations of workers carries a legacy load on balance sheets, the results have been definitive and were instrumental in the collapse of GM and Chrysler. The longterm health obligations of the workers of GM and Chrysler reached into the billions and a huge consideration in the restructuring of these companies was how to account for overlooked workers’ healthcare and pension benefits. A solution came in the form of a conversion of workers’ pension benefits into equity in the then bankrupt companies, a testament to the risk the American worker contributed to the iconic American companies. Earlier this year, GM offered retirees a pension buyout and under a mutually beneficial agreement, GM transferred its pension obligations to Prudential Financial Inc. in a $29 billion deal. Policy argument aside, as issues of pre-existing conditions, treatments, and delivery converge, the essential issue in America is that the insurance industry is how we pay for healthcare.

By financing our healthcare treatments through insurance we essentially create risk management where companies pool customers and manage the risk of payment. In essence, if 100 people pay insurance but only 2 need service at a given time, then if the cost of service is less than the collected payments of 100 customers the companies can operate at a profit. With catastrophic patients or pre-existing conditions, the risk is high for companies so the goal is to mitigate the risk or cap how much expenditure outflows for services rendered by the healthcare professionals.

This here becomes the rub. The services received by majority of Americans is financed by companies and to be profitable they must manage risk. The objective of the PPACA (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) was to ensure a larger pool of healthy paying customers, hence the individual mandate. The flip-side is to also reduce risk of illness which is where wellness and fitness come into play. I had a chance to interview a senior executive of one of the largest healthcare insurance companies, UnitedHealthcare, which boasts over 70 million customers. Our discussion follows.

OI: We would love for you to introduce yourself and kinda give us a little background of your journey at UnitedHealthcare.

NM: ...Thanks for speaking with us...I’m Nick Martin...I’m the Vice President of Innovation and R&D at UnitedHealth Group. We help to facilitate innovation in research and development across all of our business segments from OptumHealth to Ingenix to UnitedHealthcare Prescription Solutions and many others...

OI: ...Talk a little bit about research development. Obviously, when you’re talking about apps, you’re talking about the next generation of Americans who are using more mobile technology. They’re more on the go. They have different lifestyles so talk about some of the R&D and the solutions you guys have to kinda help them manage their health and wellness better using technology.

NM: Sure...At UnitedHealthcare we recognize that not every individual is gonna have a mobile phone or certainly want to interact with their health and well-being via mobile phone, but there is definitely a segment of individuals that do choose to not only manage their health but their life through mobile devices. So we’ve developed a number of different applications that have helped enable individuals to get access to health information as well as an application...specifically that application, DocGPS allows individuals to search out a facility or a specific physician that’s near them or maybe even in a remote city if they were away from home, being able to find a provider that is in-network to help them with their care when they’re on the go. That app also allows you to map out how to get to that location, single click to call as well as services at UnitedHealth Premium Designation program, which you know is the quality and cost efficiency of our providers and the application will allow our consumers to make good decisions on not only quality of care which is the utmost important stuff at United, but also the cost as well. So, in addition to that application which is available on a number of different mobile platforms, we recently launched OptumizeMe as a mobile application for encouraging individuals to live healthier lives through healthy challenges. Those challenges could be fitness based. They could be health based. They could be eating based as well, encouraging individuals to eat foods that help them keep their caloric intake down and things of that nature. That app also pulls in a concept of social networking and as certain folks recognize, the social aspect of health is very important. Individuals tend to hang out in groups of individuals of similar health status and so getting people to encourage you in your social network is a very important piece to getting success in the health and wellness type program.

OI: Yeah and that’s pretty interesting...Now with social networking, you are able to put a goal there; people could encourage you on the goal. Also, I’ve seen a lot of interaction with entertainment. For example, there are games such as EA Active, the Wii Fit. So talk about...do you guys have any solutions to integrate gaming with health wellness?

62• Ownersillustrated.com

OWNERS ILLUSTRATED

TECHNOLOGY » INTERVIEWS by Damola Idowu

NM: Currently we don’ t have any in market solutions for gaming. Certainly I’ m excited to see some of the products that are out there that are encouraging people to get active and stay healthy and looking forward to the opportunities that may arise from those types of applications and technology that you saw are quite pervasive throughout CES. OI: Of course, and then I guess another thing that we were kind of curious about, we hear a lot about medical technology, medical records...Can you kind of give us an overview on some of the things that UnitedHealth is doing to be able to aggregate a lot of people’ s information with medical technology and what are some of the innovations to now be able to provide a more efficient healthcare service for your members?

NM: ...We certainly have one of the largest data structures in our health and wellness through our Ingenix business unit and we have products and offerings that allow us to mine data in an anonymous fashion to find patterns around the Natural History of Heart Disease and those solutions. Not only those solutions, but solutions around clinical trials inside our Ingenix business unit also help – help us gather analytics on what types of individuals are getting types of diseases and how we might take that data and put in clinical care plans around it to help them live a healthier life.

OI: ..The new Census data is going to be coming out. America is getting a lot younger and then it’ s getting also a lot more diverse and we talk about communication, so kind of give me an idea as these demos are changing - obviously new things are coming into play. You’ re having new communities coming online and the medical challenges that might be coming online might be different so...what are some of the solutions that you guys have to kind of alert [policy] holders or your members to be able to better manage their own individual health ahead of time, especially with younger people that think they’ re invincible?

NM: You know...you may not have the right person to go the level of depth that you’ re looking to explore here...but certainly we have a significant amount of data in our eSync Platform that allows us to do somewhat of clinical surveillance and put in clinical care plans for individuals and via then our nurse channel as well as our portal capabilities, we are able to help individuals, give them information that they want at the time that they want it and allow them to make the decisions about their health based on the mining of the data that we’ ve done in our eSync Platform.

OI: Martin talk about small business then and some of the innovations I guess NM: Currently we don’ t have any in market solutions for gaming. Certainly I’ m excited to see some of the products that are out there that are encouraging people to get active and stay healthy and looking forward to the opportunities that may arise from those types of applications and technology that you saw are quite pervasive throughout CES. OI: Of course, and then I guess another thing that we were kind of curious about, we hear a lot about medical technology, medical records...Can you kind of give us an overview on some of the things that UnitedHealth is doing to be able to aggregate a lot of people’ s information with medical technology and what are some of the innovations to now be able to provide a more efficient healthcare service for your members?

NM: ...We certainly have one of the largest data structures in our health and wellness through our Ingenix business unit and we have products and offerings that allow us to mine data in an anonymous fashion to find patterns around the Natural History of Heart Disease and those solutions. Not only those solutions, but solutions around clinical trials inside our Ingenix business unit also help – help us gather analytics on what types of individuals are getting types of diseases and how we might take that data and put in clinical care plans around it to help them live a healthier life.

OI: ..The new Census data is going to be coming out. America is getting a lot younger and then it’ s getting also a lot more diverse and we talk about communication, so kind of give me an idea as these demos are changing - obviously new things are coming into play. You’ re having new communities coming online and the medical challenges that might be coming online might be different so...what are some of the solutions that you guys have to kind of alert [policy] holders or your members to be able to better manage their own individual health ahead of time, especially with younger people that think they’ re invincible?

NM: You know...you may not have the right person to go the level of depth that you’ re looking to explore here...but certainly we have a significant amount of data in our eSync Platform that allows us to do somewhat of clinical surveillance and put in clinical care plans for individuals and via then our nurse channel as well as our portal capabilities, we are able to help individuals, give them information that they want at the time that they want it and allow them to make the decisions about their health based on the mining of the data that we’ ve done in our eSync Platform.

OI: Martin talk about small business then and some of the innovations I guess with the new emphasis on getting small businesses to start using more of the health care plans? Can you kinda give us an overview about the small business angle and some of the solutions that you guys are creating for small businesses?

NM: ...You know and I hate to keep coming back to the same thing over and over but honestly, individuals managing their health and understanding what they can do to make themselves healthier is gonna be a critical component to the overall success of small business health insurance so the OptumizeMe Platform again would be a huge asset for small businesses where they can encourage the members of their employee base to go out and challenge themselves to health and fitness goals and to manage them through their social network and their peer groups to really bring down those costs of health care for small businesses. The individual managing their health and fitness is a critical component to understanding and bringing those costs down for small business in my mind.

For more of our inteview visit www.toyznation.com or http://ownersillustrated.com/profiles/blogs/exclusiveinterview-with-united-healthcare-vp-of-innovation-nick-

OwnerSIllustrated.com • 63

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