The Rise Of The Electric Vehicles
Thursday, May 8, 2008
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The Auto Channel reported that RTEV, one of the pioneering electric vehicle (EV) companies to bring out affordable electric LSVs (Low Speed Vehicles), celebrated its official launch at Georgia Tech last May 6, 2008. Furthermore, the event took place at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Convention Center from 10am-12pm. The program was highlighted by a short presentation and Q&A followed by EV test drives.

The electric vehicle industry is on the cusp of remarkable development due to technological advances in the batteries and chargers used to make this things work, rising gasoline prices, increasing consciousness and apprehension over global warming tendency and a yearning to reduce U.S. need on foreign oil and its political implications.

"People are looking at their vehicles and looking at their drive cycles and saying 'Maybe I can use a battery EV in a way that makes a lot of sense,'" says Brian Wynne of the Electric Drive Transportation Association.

"There is a perfect storm of macro-events that are causing the American public to take personal inventory of their habits across a wide spectrum which includes personal transportation, and RTEV is entering the marketplace at this pivotal time. The long-held assumption has been that EVs are quirky and impractical for everyday life, and are of interest to only a small group of tree huggers. The more recent state of the market has been the development of vehicles that aim high-like Tesla and Fisker Automotives sports cars; and low-like NEVs and Golf Carts. Our vehicles will fill a middle market demand gap at the right time, with the right vehicles and a national dealer network to provide service and support," says CEO Mike McQuary, serial entrepreneur and the ex-president of internet service providers MindSpring and EarthLink.

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Forbesautos.com’s Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars
Saturday, February 16, 2008

As automakers recognize people’s awareness that cars are one of the major pollutants that cause climate change, the era of fuel-efficient vehicles begin.  However, aside from environmental conscience, there are a lot more reasons why our society must pick fuel-efficient vehicles as their number one car choice.  Greenmachinestour.com explains why.  Primarily, it reduces foreign oil dependence. Another point is that, it improves job security and creates jobs.  How?, you may be asking.  Well, logically, if demand increases, rise in production follows and that would require more manpower.

But among the various fuel-efficient vehicles available in the market today, which are the best models to buy?  Now, that’s the reason why forbesautos.com announces its list of top ten most fuel-efficient luxury cars.  Take note:  These are no ordinary fuel-efficient cars, these are luxury cars - known for their cutting-edge performance and style.

These include the Volvo C30, the Porsche Boxter or Cayman, the Lexus IS 250 and the Acura TSX.  Also included in the list were the Volvo S40 2.4i sedan or the V50 2.4i wagon, the Audi A4 2.0T, and the Lexus GS 450h.  Making it to the top two were the Audi A3 2.0T, the Audi TT 2.0T while making it on top of the list was the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six cylinder diesel engine that is available at a starting price of $51,900.

Quoting John Wolkonowics, senior North American automotive analyst from Global Insight in forbesautos.com,  he said, “Appearing to be socially conscious is becoming more important.  It may become unfashionable to drive a gas guzzler."

The ranking was made using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2008 Fuel economy Guide consists of criteria including combined city or highway mileage.

 

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Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Brands And All Qualifying Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Dealers: Subject For Expansion
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A few days ago, the Auto Channel reported that Chrysler LLC confirmed their plan in expanding its Certified Owned Vehicle (CPOV) program eligibility to all succeeding Dodge and Jeep® dealers in the country. The announcement was released just recently.

"We are pleased to announce the extension of our Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program to all qualifying Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge U.S. dealers. Opening the program to all of our dealers is a win-win situation; in which dealers can introduce certified shoppers to the best assortment of pre-owned, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles available, and customers are invited to experience the Chrysler LLC brand family of vehicles at a great value," says Darryl Jackson, Chrysler Vice President for U.S. Sales.

Furthermore, the headlines,  stated that Chrysler went underway with its national Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program as a Five Star Dealer exclusive six years ago. And since then, it has been the rapidly developing nameplate in the certified-used class.

"Given the considerable success Chrysler's Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle initiative has enjoyed already, we have high expectations for continued growth as we expand eligibility to more dealers this year," Jackson said.
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New Product Released By 3M
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I am sure you are familiar with satellite navigational systems.  These electronic products are really of great help especially if you are navigating through a city you are not familiar with.  These auto features are becoming more and more advanced.  And it is set for another step forward as 3M Touch Systems announced the launch of a new product.

The Auto Channel reported that the subsidiary of 3M has launched the MicroTouch Flex Capacitive Touch Sensors. Said product can be used for screens of electronic products especially navigational systems.  Having a touch screen navigational system will surely be more convenient for motorists.

Chris Tsourides, manager for Mobile Products at 3M, had this to say:  "We are very excited to provide the mobile handheld industry with a high-performance touch screen solution that will enhance its product offering and brand image.  With global demand exploding for touch-enabled mobile devices, 3M’s high-volume roll form production of MicroTouch Flex Capacitive Touch Sensors should help address the increasing demand for touch screen sensors."

The said product can have as much as 72,000 sensors for a display.  That of course depends on the size of the screen.  Another advantage of this product is that it comes in rolls.  Kelly Devin, development manager for capacitive business of 3M, enthused:  "Since Flex Capacitive Sensors are manufactured through a continuous, roll form production process, this helps device manufacturers manage their component supply chain from the prototype phase to pilot scale and full scale-up. Our ability to produce touch sensors on rolls means our customer scan get the quantities they need when they need them."

He added:  "A film-based sensor like Flex Capacitive allows product designers to explore new and unique industrial designs beyond the limitations of traditional square or rectangular touch sensor shapes. As personal mobile devices continue to converge, touch sensor design freedom helps provide product manufacturers a greater ability to differentiate their products."

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Daimler Gives QCUL with Freightliner Sprinter Van
Friday, December 28, 2007
As a part of the ongoing community relations initiative of Daimler Truck Financial, the company has recently donated a new Freightliner Sprinter Van to the Quad County Urban League (QCUL) of Aurora. QCUL is an organization that advocates programs to support the social and economic growth of African Americans. Daimler Truck Financial has been offering financial support to the group for about three years now and the company said it will continue this action in the coming years.

Richard Howard, vice president of Daimler Truck Financial said:     "The Quad County Urban League does amazing work with the disadvantaged communities of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties. This van will enable The Quad County Urban League to transport its students to more events such as job interviews, GED classes and after-school programs, and it is with great admiration and respect that we donate this van to the QCUL."

According to Theodia Gillespie, president and CEO of Quad County Urban League:
"Daimler Truck Financial has been an outstanding corporate citizen to communities in Aurora and the greater Chicago land area. The donation of the new Sprinter Van is just one example of their long standing support of at-risk and disadvantaged youth. We are honored to be co-partners in the effort to make sure that all youth have access to quality education and gainful employment. Daimler Truck Financial truly supports our mission of empowering communities and changing lives."
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AAA: Survey Says…
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
According to the recent travel survey conducted by AAA, there are about 2 million individuals from the state of Michigan alone that will travel more than 50 miles from home this holiday season.

Other significant findings of the survey include:

- 90% of travelers will take a car, truck or van to their final destinations this year, while 10% will travel by air
- The largest share of Christmas travelers nationwide will leave on Friday, December 21
The average price for an airline ticket is up 16% for travel during the week of Christmas and 9 percent during New Year
- Hotel rates for AAA-Rated Three Diamond hotels climbed 4% and 9% respectively compared with Christmas and New Year last year
- Michigan motorists can expect to pay 76 cents more for a gallon of gas this year

Claire Lockley, vice president of Travel for The Auto Club Group (ACG) commented: "Whether driving or flying, travelers face steep increases in their travel budgets this season. Gasoline prices remain at unprecedented levels for this time of year, with prices of $3 a gallon or more a common sight across much of the country. Airfares averaging 16 percent more than last Christmas mean that bargains may be harder to find for those who are flying to their final destination."

In addition, AAA also suggests that motorists should do safety measures before traveling, which include buckling up, avoid alcoholic drinks, and check the vehicle to avoid car troubles.
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Lexus Announces MSRP for Selected Models
Monday, December 17, 2007
ORRANCE, CA - December 15, 2007: Lexus announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) yesterday for the 2008 ES 350, LS 460, and IS model luxury sedans, and the 2008 RX 400h and 2009 RX 350 luxury utility vehicles.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Lexus LS 460
The ES 350 entry luxury sedan MSRP will increase 0.3 percent, or $100, to $33,820. The IS entry luxury sport sedans will increase 0.3 percent overall, or $100. The IS 250 rear-wheel drive model with a manual transmission will carry an MSRP of $30,555, while the IS 250 rear-wheel drive automatic will have an MSRP of $31,725. The IS 250 all-wheel drive and the IS 350 models will have an MSRP of $34,185 and $36,005, respectively. The MSRP for the LS 460 flagship luxury sedan will increase 0.8 percent, or $500, to $62,000 for the LS 460 and $72,000 for the LS 460 L.

The 2008 RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle MSRP will increase 0.2 percent overall, or $100, to $41,280 for the RX 400h front-wheel drive, and $42,680 for the all-wheel-drive model.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2008 RX 350 shown here
The 2009 RX 350 luxury utility vehicle MSRP will increase 0.3 percent, or $100. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 will have an MSRP of $37,500, while the RX 350 all-wheel drive will carry a base price of $38,900.

Mid-year price adjustments on the 2008 models are effective with vehicles arriving in the U.S. beginning December 18, 2007. RX 350 pricing changes are effective on 2009 models arriving at dealerships in early February 2008. MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $765.
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Lithium-ion Batteries To Hit the Market in 2009
Friday, December 14, 2007

During a recent interview at Fox Business News, Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman of Ener1 said that his company will provide the automotive market with their lithium-ion battery starting early in 2009. Not only that. Gassenheimer also said that the new energy bill that will implement 35 mpg as the standard gas mileage for all cars will have a strong impact to automakers. When approved, this energy bill will allow automakers to produce more fuel efficient car models, and the company's lithium-ion battery is an ideal choice for this situation as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles rely on battery packages.

Mr. Gassenheimer said: "Our batteries have already been tested by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium, which is General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. We are the only battery company today using this Lithium-ion technology, which has met or exceeded all of the Big Three's requirements, especially and most importantly best-in-class in safety. This is really a supply problem. Much of the world now, including Detroit, grasps that more efficient internal combustion engines and biofuels such as ethanol will not bring about the major environmental improvements and freedom from foreign oil that the times demand. The Lithium-ion battery is the Holy Grail is now a given, and we and others have proven that it's a fully realizable technology for revolutionizing automotive transportation."

Well, let’s just wait for this new bill to be implemented soon.

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Saab 9-3 Earns Top Safety Pick Award
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

General Motors' (GM) Saab Automobile continues to prove its commitment to provide the best protection to its customers in terms of vehicle safety. Three models from Saab * the 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible has recently earned the coveted “Top Safety Pick” for 2008 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

According to IIHS President Adrian Lund: “The Saab 9-3 performed well in front and side crash tests and the Saab Active Head Restraints provide state-of-the-art protection against neck injuries. The addition of electronic stability control as standard equipment confirms Saab’s commitment to vehicle safety.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan has earned the institute's “Top Safety Pick”. For the Saab 9-3 Convertible, this is the vehicle's second year of earning the award. The Saab 9-3 Convertible is also the only soft top model to earn the award.

Meanwhile, check out below for the safety awards received by Saab 9-3 models throughout the years.

* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2008
* 9-3 Convertible: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2008
* 9-3 Convertible: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2007
* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2007
* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick – Gold Award”, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: Activelifestyle.com “Active Lifestyle Award”, 2006
* 9-3 Range : “Wards top-10 best engine”, Wards, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: SmartMoney "Best mispriced wagon" awards, SmartMoney magazine, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: "Top sport wagon", buyacar.suite101.com, 2006
* 9-3 SportCombi: Intellichoice Award * Lowest Maintenance Costs in Class, 2006
* 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Double Best Pick” crash test rating, 2005
* 9-3 SportCombi: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
* 9-3 Convertible: “Good” rating for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
* 9-3 Sedan: “Good” rating for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2004
* 9-3 Convertible: Five stars, top rating from EuroNCAP crash tests, 2004
* 9-3 Sedan: “Green”, top rating for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Swedish Insurance Company Folksam’s crash tests, 2003
* 9-3 Sedan: Five stars, top rating
from EuroNCAP crash tests, 2002

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Mazda Verisa Gets “Stylish V” for Japan
Thursday, December 6, 2007

Japanese automaker Mazda is now offering a special edition model to its patriotic customers in Japan. Mazda recently announced the launch the Verisa “Stylish V” that is already on sale in Mazda dealer ships all over the country.

The Mazda Verisa “Stylish V" comes with distinctive styling and with fashionable design cues and high quality materials. The Mazda Verisa “Stylish V" is available in
front-wheel drive (FWD) electronically controlled four-wheel drive (e-4WD) versions, with 1.5-liter DOHC engine mated with an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic gearbox. The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Verisa “Stylish V" is at 1,640,000 Yen (about $14,905 USD) for the FWD variant, and 1,829,000 (about $16,623 USD) for the e-4WD model.

Other highlights of the Mazda Verisa “Stylish V" include:

Interior
    * Exclusive leather and flat-weave seat covers (black/red)
    * Individual design with black leather and red fabric
    * Exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel (black leather and red stitching)
    * Exclusive black leather steering wheel highlighted with red stitching
    * Exclusive door trim, upper glove box lid and dashboard
    * Red garnish throughout the interior
    * Audio-less spec allows for maximum variety of terrestrial digital GPS and digital   
       audio systems

Exterior
    * Four body colors: the exclusive Metropolitan Gray Mica and the standard Velocity Red Mica, Radiant Ebony Mica and Moist Silver Metallic.

Other features (factory-installed)
    * 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55R15 tires
    * The S package, including high intensity discharge headlights and Autolight system, rain-sensing wipers, immobilizer, and water repellant coating on the windshield, front door windows and door mirrors.

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The 9th Middle East International Motor Show
Thursday, November 29, 2007

Recently, the 9th Middle East International Motor Show has been held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 85,000 motor enthusiasts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and neighboring countries have gathered to witness the launches and displays of the latest car models from all over the world.

Prior to the event, 96 exhibitors were expected to participate. It includes Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Mercedes Benz, among others.

According to Helal Al Marri, director-general of event organizer Dubai World Trade Centre, “We are delighted with the overwhelming support and interest from the global automotive industry.”

The show featured two associated events, namely Motor Parts & Accessories and MotorPlus. The events have covered the aftermarket that is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East.

Motor Parts & Accessories featured vehicle parts, components, accessories and forecourt equipment. On the other hand, MotorPlus featured automotive-related products and services, which include racing gear, kit cars, car entertainment and high-end car finish products.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said, “Our vibrant exhibition sector is committed to supporting and boosting the country’s global presence and economic ties, and the Middle East International Motor Show 2007 is a prime example of how we continually strive to achieve these goals.

Galadari Automobiles joined ten of the world’s fastest production cars in the event to display Japan’s Mazda cars, being its exclusive UAE distributor.

For the first time in the UAE, Korean automaker Hyundai has showcased its new i30 car and new multi-purpose TQ van. It has also displayed several other new models, including the Azera, Elantra, Sonata, Tuscan, Santa Few, Veracruz and Centennial.

Guy Edmunds, Honda’s general manager, said that the company has planned to get the new Honda Accord premium sedan and luxury high performance Honda legends on display at the show, on the stand of distributor Trading Enterprise. Honda said that the eighth generation Accord has been inspired by technologies, sophisticated engineering and responsive driving performance and control of F1. In a statement, it said, “Therefore the new Accord boasts lower, wider and longer proportions than its predecessors, coupled with superior levels or refinement and equipment.”

Nissan, another Japanese carmaker also participated in the event, having the largest 2008 lineup of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the Middle East. Abdullah Wanzi, SUV brand manager at Nissan Middle East, said, “The success and popularity of Nissan’s SUV range motivated us to expand this lineup with new products that boast the best of Nissan quality and innovation.”

Volkswagen, a German automaker, has showcased its Tiguan SUV for the regional market, on the stand of its UAE distributor Al Naboodah Automobiles. Hans-Dieter Keller, managing director of Volkswagen Middle East, said that there were more than 10,000 advance orders placed for the four-wheel drive all-rounder Tiguan in Germany. He said, “And we are expecting an equal level of interest in the Middle East.

The 10th edition of the event is scheduled to be held on November 12 to 16, 2009. It seemingly proves that the market is actually growing and in a fast phase.
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Green Car of the Year: Chevy Tahoe
Friday, November 16, 2007

At the Los Angeles Auto show, Green Car Journal has awarded the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as the Green Car of the Year for its outstanding gas mileage, outwitting its competitors in the segment.

According to Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan, “This is a milestone in many respects.” “People don’t think ‘green’ when SUVs are concerned, and for generally good reason since most other vehicles. Chevrolet’s Tahoe Hybrid changes this dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 per cent compared to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8.”

The Tahoe hybrid, a 6.0 liter two-mode vehicle, achieves 50 per cent better fuel economy in city driving compared with the standard Tahoe with a 5.3 liter V-8 engine that has the same city rating with the four-cylinder Toyota Camry, last year’s winner of the Green Car of the Year award. This achievement in perspective is the industry’s first application of hybrid technology in a full-size SUV. Accounting all those facts, the Chevy Tahoe indeed deserves the award.

Another impressive aspect with the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid is its eight-passenger seat capacity and its convenient spacing. It features 1.8 cubic meters of cargo space, giving it the ability to carry about 700 kilograms of cargo and a tow rating of 2,800 kilograms.

The Tahoe Hybrid is significantly General Motors’ first model to use a hybrid system developed in collaboration with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler.

After the presentation of the award, California Governor Arnold Schwarzengegger said, “They’ve proven that they can make beautiful cars, keep the size, keep the safety, and all those kinds of things, and at the same time be more fuel efficient.”

The other nominees for this year’s Green Car of the Year award include Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Saturn Aura Hybrid.
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Labonte’s preparation for last weekend’s Checker Auto Parts 500
Monday, November 12, 2007

Let us look back to Bobby Labonte’s preparation for last Sunday’s Checker Auto Parts 500…

Last April, Labonte visited Phoenix, leaving the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team with an eighth place finish and their first top-10 with the new car. Last weekend, they have returned to the one-mile Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway for the weekend’s Checker Auto Parts 500.

The race was Labonte’s ninth top-10 finish at the track. Previously, he was able to earn three top-five finishes and has been a former pole winner in the track. More than fifty percent of his race in the track gave him top ten finishes. And, the last six starts at Phoenix brought up ninth or higher in five finishes.

Well, let us have Labonte’s comments for the race, courtesy of whowon.com:

Reviewing back their recent race, he said, “We finished eight at Bristol and eight at Phoenix earlier this year with the Avenger. I think that showed us, pretty early in the game, that we felt confident with the new cars. It certainly makes us breath easier knowing that we can be up front with this car. It came early for us, and we have had time to continue to work on it.”

Confident enough for weekend’s race, he said, “We’re coming back to repeat another good performance. I think you certainly look at what worked before, but now have a lot more notes to pull from too. We have a lot more information, but so does everyone else.”

Having to drive a great car in a challenging track, he said, “I’ve always felt pretty good about the ‘Car of Tomorrow’ races. Like I said, we had a good jump on it and that helped. It’s a boxier car, it’s top-heavier and everyone has had that struggle of making it turn. It’s just not designed to do what the other cars do. That was probably the purpose. It’s tough because there is such a small box to work in, especially when you are trying to turn on track like Phoenix. It’s tough on the mechanics and crew chiefs. The drivers are screaming to make it turn, but there is only so much you can adjust. You just have to learn to race with it.”

“Turning the car in the corner has been the biggest factor. All the cars are fine going straight. That’s not the issue, but getting them through the turn has been the puzzle. Petty Enterprises put in a lot of work on this program and we understand the car. That has helped us with the performance all year. We have more to learn, but we’re getting better and have a good understanding of it,” he added.

Acknowledging the potentials of the team in driving the new car, he said, “This car is just a new pair of shoes. We’re all wearing them and starting to get used to them. Everyone is breaking it in and it’s not a shock to see them race. They are quickly becoming the new cars and we’re ready to race them full time in 2008. That time is here and that’s fine. We’re all getting better, and when you have some good finishes it’s easier to make the transition.

It sounds that they are really looking forward to give out something great in the coming races.
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Top 5 Most Suitable Cars for Russian Winter
Friday, October 26, 2007

Russian winter will soon bring snowfall, ice, and the other ‘joys of life’. Anticipating, Russian experts recently published a list of cars best suit the severe conditions brought up by the Russian winter.

Here are the top five cars for Russian winter, featured in russia-ic.com:
  1. Nissan X-Trail that features improved cross-country capacity, optimal design, and affordable price. These cars will soon be manufactured in Russia, at Nissan plant near St. Petersburg.
  2. Suzuki SX-4 that has the ability to overcome all winter road peculiarities since it is equipped with all-wheel-drive system and a rich basic arrangement.
  3. Volvo XC70 that could boast up the improved cross-county capacity, ergonomic salon, and the impressive look. However, it is quite expensive that not everyone will have the chance to own them.
  4. Toyota FJ Cruiser that has been qualified in the list because of its prefect design and arrangement. Currently, the car is not available in the Russian market. But, dealers are planning to have it seen on Russian roads.
  5. Hummer H2, despite being huge and being a consumer of considerable petrol, has the ability to go over all terrain without even sustained with the all-wheel-drive system.
So, which would be your pick?

Regardless car you pick from the list, remember to take extra precautionary measures this fun but risky season for driving. No matter how tough your car is, there's no telling what cold happen in the middle of the road this winter.
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Top Roads in Britain
Monday, October 22, 2007

Would you believe that about half of all Brits couldn’t find a wonderful place to drive? Unfortunately, it is truth. And, it is because of endless traffic jams (85 percent), accidents (35 percent), boring scenery (26 percent) and confusing road signs (20 percent), according to the new research conducted by YouGov for Sat Nav experts Garmin.

Claire Carter of Garmin said, “Driving in America cojures images of Route 66 and Route 1 and in Australia it’s the Great Ocean Road. In Britain, we’re more likely to think of the M25 and the M6. It’s hardly surprising that driving in Britain is regarded as more pain than pleasure.”

The M25 was titled as the worst road in Britain to drive by approximately one in three people or 31 percent, considering that is often found with endless traffic jams.

London was considered as the worst city for driving, as there are a number of confusing road signs, one way systems and constant road works, which all made the experience relatively unpleasant.

On the other hand, the A591 between Keswick and Lake Windermire in the Lake District has been the voted best road in Britain to go for a drive. It has followed by the A82 Glasglow to Fort William in Scotland.

According to Carter, “The open expanses and sweeping hillside routes of Cumbria, Scotland and Devon dominate Britain’s best drives taking the top three spots in our poll. The stunning scenery, challenging twists and turns and almost traffic free driving on these roads are ideal for an enjoyable and relaxing journey.”

Former F1 driver Perry McCarthy said, “For most of us driving in Britain is one long traffic jam, but id doesn’t have to be like that. It’s easy to forget how much pleasure you can get from driving down a country road with its variety of corners, views and challenges.” “With all the headlines about congestion, speed cameras and poor road surfaces, it’s easy to forget that driving can be such a positive experience,” he added.

There are 22 per cent (over one out of five) of British men consider driving to a holiday destination as the most memorable drive. Ten percent (one in ten men) says taking their baby home from hospital for the first time was the most memorable journey. It is while Sunday has been considered as the best day to go for a drive, voted by about a quarter (23 percent). And, individuals aged 18 to 24 years prefer driving late at night on a weekday.

An article in autochannel.com has featured the Top Ten Worst Roads in Britain, which as are as follows:
  1. M25
  2. M6
  3. Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham
  4. North Circular in London
  5. Oxford Circus
  6. M1
  7. Hanger Lane Gyratory in London
  8. South Circular
  9. M62
  10. M5
It has also sited the following Top Ten Best Roads in Britain:
  1. A591 between Keswick and Lake Windermere in the Lake District
  2. A82 Glasgow to Fort William in Scotland
  3. A38 from Exeter to Plymouth
  4. M48 across the Severn Bridge
  5. A696 from Newcastle Upon Tyne to the Scottish Borders
  6. A3 overlooking the Devils Punchbowl in Surrey
  7. A1 or A167 when you see the Angel of the North
  8. A537 out of Macclesfield
  9. A25 from Dorking to Guildford
  10. Oxford Street in London
Lastly, here are the Top Five Most Memorable Drives:
  1. Going on a holiday
  2. Taking your baby home from the hospital for the first time
  3. Going to your wedding
  4. Going on a road trip with friends
  5. Going on a romantic drive/date
Those are results of the survey conducted by YouGov Plc., which held 2,010 adults as its total sample size, undertaken between August 13 to 15 of 2007.
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Bentley’s Azure and Continental GTC
Monday, October 15, 2007

Bentley Motors, the UK-based luxury car maker, has recently introduced two new luxury car models in the Indian market – Azure and Continental GTC. These two convertible models is priced at Rs 3.80 and 2.10 crore respectively.

The Azure is equipped with a V8 6.75 L twin-turbo charged engine that enables the vehicle to deliver a peak power of 450 bhp with an 875 Nm of torque. With such powerful engine, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and with a top speed of 274 kmph. The vehicle measures 5410 mm in length and 2125 mm in width.

On the other hand, the Continental GTC is powered with a 6 L V12 cylinder twin turbo charged engine. It delivers a peak power of 552 bhp with a torque of 650 Nm at 1600 rpm. With such engine, the vehicle holds a top speed of 312 kmph. The car measures 4804 mm in length and 1919 mm in width.

The two cars will be manufactured at the company’s UK plant. It will then be imported as CBUs. Bentley’s India partner Exclusive Motors Pvt Ltd. will be the distributor of the cars.

Bentley is in goal to sell about 25 units of the cars annually in the Indian market. Since 2003, the company was able to sell more than 40 cars in the super-luxury segment. By the end of 2009, as part of the expansion, Bentley will be opening another showroom in Mumbai.
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Cars 4 Causes Hit $20 Million mark in Car Donations
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Cars 4 Causes, “The Charity that Gives to Charities”, recently announced that they were able to surpass the $20 million mark in funds from car donations to charities.

Pat Jessup, Cars 4 Causes executive director, said, “When we tallied up the donations and saw that they were topping $20 million, we were thrilled.”

“We work every day helping people donating cars on the one hand and moving the proceeds on to charities on the other. How astounding it is to find out that we have passed $20 million on to benefit other charities,” Jessup added, overwhelmed with the achievement.

This is definitely a wonderful milestone in the line of charity car donations for the 501 (c)(3) corporation. Such excellent achievement puts the charity on top of car donation non-profit that serves other charities.

In 1997, Cars 4 Causes started its work in the charity car donation arena, with only fewer than 30 cars are being moved a month. At that start, they simply focused on their their goal: to turn the proceeds from donated cars into funds to benefit charity. So they began through funding youth education - which quickly grew - and now Cars 4 Causes already funds 11,000 qualified charities, which are mostly donor-requested.

Expansion has been delivered along with the number of its charity car donations. Currently, the non-profit corporation is moving approximately 1,500 vehicle donations each month, of which 500 of those pass smog requirements and are being sold as affordable transportation. The others are being recycled off the road, sent to wholesale auctioneers, and the classic or luxury cars are being sold to the highest bidders on eBay worldwide.

Jessup said, “We know we’ve been doing the right thing… because we’re busy and we have a file drawer full of testimonials. And that’s really why this $20 million mark is so gratifying.”

Jessup added, “All of the company’s expansions have been donor-driven,” like when they launch a certain program as per requested by a donor. Now, charities can apply for car donations for individuals who are in need. And, for the last 5 years, it has given about $1 million worth of vehicles to people who need them.

As with the unusable cars being donated, the non-profit firm’s Clean Air Program is held responsible. With such program, Cars 4 Causes recycles the cars that are uneconomical to repair, cannot meet smog requirements, or just cannot be upgraded into affordable transportation. Such cars are being taken off the road while its pollution potential is being removed. According to Jessup, about $10 million is the estimated worth saved for the last five years, which is through taking cars off the road that the state would have needed to pay much just to remove it.

Jessup said, “Car donations can make a tremendous difference in a person’s life.” That is because there are times that donors doesn’t realize how great difference they make in other people’s lives because of simply donating.

“Our work has won Cars 4 Causes a warm place in the hearts of many people in the charitable giving community,” Jessup said. “Charities love receiving that Cars 4 Causes envelope with a check inside due to our generous donors. And donors love how easy we make it to donate,” she continued.

“The road we’ve traveled to here is just the beginning… We have a lot of work ahead of us and some new programs we hope to be announcing in the near future, too,” she said, as per though of the $20 million achievement.

As they say, do something good and it comes back to you a hundredfold.
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Hyundai’s Plans for Fuel Cell Car Production
Friday, September 28, 2007

Hyundai Motor Co is currently South Korea’s top auto maker. It is one of the global car makers currently developing environmentally friendly vehicles, together with Toyota Motor Corp and General Motors Corp. All of them are eager to facilitate innovations to reduce the harmful emissions produced by their cars, primarily because of growing concerns on global warming.

Earlier this month at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Hyundai just unveiled the “i-blue”, which is their fuel cell crossover utility vehicle. The Korean automaker is planning to begin its mass production in 2012 being the earliest and 2015 being the latest. An anonymous Hyundai official said, “We will start mass production of a fuel cell model, like the i-blue, from 2012 at the earliest, or from 2015 at the latest.” However, price details, sales targets and development costs have been delivered.

According to reuters.com, “Proponents insist that 5 million to 10 million fuel cell cars could be on the road within 15 years, with the number growing to 350 million worldwide by 2050.” That is for considering the though fuel cell is not yet commercially viable, it emits only water, since it uses the interaction between hydrogen and oxygen in generating electricity in order to power a car. However, it has been considered costing far too much, considering that it has insufficient widespread infrastructure that “motorists will need to fill their tanks with hydrogen”.

Hyundai, along with its affiliate Kia Motors Corp, also plans to start its mass production of Elantra compact car, a hybrid model, in 2010.
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Hot Deals on New Cars
Friday, September 21, 2007

Why is late September a great time for deals?

Well, with the arrival of the new ‘57’-reg cars, car dealers will be having high sales targets and a good way to meet that is by dropping prices. Make sense? So, it’s a good, if not the best, to shop for new cars. But might as well for used ones, since many owners will be trading their old motors with those new ones that are priced low this month. And, a great thing is that you can afford to get picky for a lot of cars are laid out for you to choose from.

Now, let us check some of the hot deals available. I found some mentioned in which.co.uk:
  • “The Skoda Octavia is good, no-nonsense family transport, especially in 1.8 diesel guise.” They say that there is a “07-plate Ambiente hatchback with 5,000 miles at £12,500 this week.”
  • “More than £3,800 off 57-plate Ford S-Max 2.0-litre diesels with desirable X-pack, leather interior, and delivery miles only”. Saab 9-3s are also made available with “various trim levels, engines and body styles – including convertible – with discounts of up £5,149”.
  • You can secure at least £41,000 off BMW’s accomplished 330d from auction sites.
  • Hyundai i30 goes green when an 89 bhp version of its 1.6-litre diesel becomes available by January. “The resulting 119g/km CO2 emissions cuts the cost of annual taxation from £115 to £35”, which will turn the i30 exempted from the London Congestion Charge. It is an environmentally friendly vehicle without having any special modifications on its aerodynamics, gear ratios, and tyres. But, it includes a diesel particulate filter. And, the new model will only cost approximately less than £13,000.
  • Audi A4 Cabriolet includes £2,035 worth of extra equipment oven the standard 2.0 L turbo petrol S line version. It has unique 18-inch wheels, sports suspension, xenon headlights, upgraded Bose stereo with autochanger, parking sensors and aluminum pedals. And, it only cost £29,990, a bit cheaper than the regular S line with £30,260.
  • Ford summer promotions are just until the end of September. The Zetec Climate editions of the Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Fusion features free equipment upgrades, including alloy wheels. Prices range from £7,495 for the Ka to £12,995 for the Focus. If you buy the Zetec from £16,995, you’ll get free ‘Sport pack’ with 17-inch alloys sports suspension and rear spoiler.
  • This is not a good time to buy a convertible, considering the weather this year.
  • Citroën. “Discounts vary between £1,135 off selected C1s to £4,995 off the Xsara Picasso 1.6 petrol Desire – making the latter £9,995.”
Read more details in which.co.uk. And, decide which the best among the best deals is.
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2008 Vehicles Ranked on Cars.com
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Online searching has been a great help to people.  It provides ease in gathering information and in looking for much needed things or information.  Since I have always loved browsing, I get to see fresh news happening in the automotive industry and latest vehicles around, as they are my main interest.

Cars.com, according to an article from money.cnn.com, is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car.  It holds a list of more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties, offered to more than 9 million unique visitors.  Best selection has been provided with pretty detailed content, tools and advice for a more convenient shopping experience.  They provide inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and review to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers every month.

A Consumer Search Index is created to monitor internet search behavior of Cars.com visitors.  They track all visitors that log on and even records the most popular and most visited vehicles featured.

Cars.com managing editor Patrick Olsen, said, “New 2008 models are starting to hit dealer lots in significant numbers, and manufacturers are pushing their marketing efforts to make consumers aware of those new models.” 

“That being said, there are still plenty of new 2007 vehicles on dealer lots and valuable incentives that make this a pretty good time to buy for consumers,” he continued.

Let me share with you their latest ranked vehicles for August:

    Top New Car Searches
  1. Honda Civic
  2. Toyota Camry
  3. Honda Accord
  4. Nissan Altima
  5. Honda CR-V
  6. Toyota Corolla
  7. Toyota RAV4
  8. Toyota Highlander
  9. Ford Mustang
  10. Chevrolet Silverado
    Used Car Searches
  1. Honda Civic
  2. Honda Accord
  3. Ford Mustang
  4. Toyota Camry
  5. Ford F-150
  6. Toyota Corolla
  7. Toyota Tacoma
  8. Chevrolet Corvette
  9. Jeep Wrangler
  10. Nissan Altima
    New Cars With Largest Increase in Searches
  1. Saturn Vue - 34%
  2. Toyota Highlander - 33%
  3. Subaru Impreza - 23%
  4. Lexus RX 350 - 22%
  5. Toyota RAV4 - 19%
  6. Nissan Versa - 19%
  7. Honda Pilot - 17%
  8. Chevrolet Tahoe - 16%
  9. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - 15%
  10. Honda CR-V - 14%
    Used Cars With Largest Increase in Searches
  1. Volkswagen Touareg - 58%
  2. Subaru Tribeca - 43%
  3. Buick Enclave - 30%
  4. Mercury Grand Marquis - 22%
  5. Ford Crown Victoria - 20%
  6. Audi Q7 - 19%
  7. Buick Lucerne - 16%
  8. Lincoln MKX - 15%
  9. Toyota Highlander - 12%
  10. Land Rover LR3 - 12%
    Used Cars With Largest Decrease in Searches
  1. Acura CL - 15%
  2. Scion xA - 14%
  3. BMW Z3 - 14%
  4. Toyota Echo - 12%
  5. Volkswagen Cabriolet - 12%
  6. Infiniti M45 - 11%
  7. Pontiac G5 - 11%
  8. Volkswagen Eos - 11%
  9. Pontiac Aztek - 11%
  10. Subaru B9 Tribeca - 11%
    New Cars With Largest Decrease in Searches
  1. Acura MDX - 45%
  2. Lexus ES 350 - 30%
  3. Toyota 4Runner - 22%
  4. Nissan 350Z - 21%
  5. Nissan Altima - 18%
  6. BMW 328 - 13%
  7. Mitsubishi Eclipse - 12%
  8. Scion tC - 11%
  9. Infiniti G5 - 8%
  10. Nissan Maxima - 5%
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