Garmin has done it again, this time with Volkswagen. VW's Click & Ride is a cradle that integrates a Garmin Nuvi into the vehicle's power and audio systems.
Volkswagen and Garmin have teamed up to create Click & Ride, an integrated GPS system made exclusively for VW vehicles. The system is based on the Garmin Nuvi 7X5 Series of portable navigation devices and features a cradle that connects the device to the vehicle. The Click & Ride switches to pedestrian mode when removed from the crade, so at least it continues to be useful outside of the vehicle.
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 and Volvo have had similar arrangements with Garmin.
To read full article click cnet.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Nissan Hybrid To Look Different From Other Ev’s.
Automobile News reported that Nissan Motors wants a bold design for its upcoming electric vehicle--one that doesn't make it look like a hybrid.
The goal is a look that screams green but stands apart from the wedge-shaped silhouette that has come to signify environmentally friendly driving in the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids.
"We need some kind of difference so that when people see our car, they will realize this is an EV, not a hybrid," Nissan chief designer Shiro Nakamura told Automotive News.
Nissan has not released pictures of the car, which is scheduled to go on sale next year. But its new styling cues include:
• No grille, to underscore the electric drivetrain
• A low hood enabled by the lack of an engine
• A visible recharging plug at the nose of the car
• A profile that is flowing, instead of triangular
A concept version of the EV will be unveiled in August and will be a front-wheel-drive, five-seat hatchback, Nakamura said.
The working design has a drag coefficient of 0.30, he said. The third-generation Prius has 0.25 and the Insight 0.28. Nakamura expects to eke out further improvements in drag by tweaking the design and adding underbody fittings to smooth air flow.
In pursuing a design that stands out, Nakamura is taking a page from Toyota--which gambled on the Prius' wedge shape and scored a hit when the car became the benchmark for green styling.
Because EVs lack a bulky engine and gasoline tank, they open up new design possibilities. Nakamura said he couldn't maximize such flexibility because the EV uses an existing platform. He wouldn't be specific about the platform, but said the car will be comparable in size to the Cube or Versa.
"It is not designed completely from scratch," Nakamura said. "We will go step by step. Later on we will bring more advanced, tires-extreme designs. We want to be economical."
To read full article click cnet.com
The goal is a look that screams green but stands apart from the wedge-shaped silhouette that has come to signify environmentally friendly driving in the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids.
"We need some kind of difference so that when people see our car, they will realize this is an EV, not a hybrid," Nissan chief designer Shiro Nakamura told Automotive News.
Nissan has not released pictures of the car, which is scheduled to go on sale next year. But its new styling cues include:
• No grille, to underscore the electric drivetrain
• A low hood enabled by the lack of an engine
• A visible recharging plug at the nose of the car
• A profile that is flowing, instead of triangular
A concept version of the EV will be unveiled in August and will be a front-wheel-drive, five-seat hatchback, Nakamura said.
The working design has a drag coefficient of 0.30, he said. The third-generation Prius has 0.25 and the Insight 0.28. Nakamura expects to eke out further improvements in drag by tweaking the design and adding underbody fittings to smooth air flow.
In pursuing a design that stands out, Nakamura is taking a page from Toyota--which gambled on the Prius' wedge shape and scored a hit when the car became the benchmark for green styling.
Because EVs lack a bulky engine and gasoline tank, they open up new design possibilities. Nakamura said he couldn't maximize such flexibility because the EV uses an existing platform. He wouldn't be specific about the platform, but said the car will be comparable in size to the Cube or Versa.
"It is not designed completely from scratch," Nakamura said. "We will go step by step. Later on we will bring more advanced, tires-extreme designs. We want to be economical."
To read full article click cnet.com
New Toyota Prius Demand In Japan High
Automotive News reported that booming Japanese demand for the new-generation Prius could mean fewer U.S. deliveries of the popular hybrid vehicle when it goes on sale next month.
Toyota Motor Corp. booked 80,000 advance orders for the car in Japan before its Monday, May 18, sales debut. That nearly meets the local sales goal of 100,000 units for the year.
Incoming President Akio Toyoda said he wants to sell between 300,000 and 400,000 units worldwide by Jan. 1, about half to North America and roughly 17 percent to Europe.
But Yoshimasa Ishii, managing officer in charge of overseas marketing, said Toyota may have to reconsider planned shipments to North America so it can meet demand at home. Japanese customers placing an order today have to wait about four months for delivery.
"We have an initial allocation for the United States, according to the original annual plan. But because of the very strong demand from Japan, we may need to review this sales plan and reallocate the production plan," Ishii told Automotive News on the sidelines of the Prius launch here.
The key will be how fast Toyota can boost output at the two Japanese plants making the car.
Prius chief engineer Akihiko Otsuka said current capacity stands at more than 40,000 units a month. Toyota aims to lift output higher through overtime shifts, he said.
Toyota's companywide capacity for all hybrid vehicles is limited by battery availability to around 500,000 vehicles. But that will expand to 800,000 by year
end, Otsuka said.
Toyota wants to sell between 500,000 and 600,000 Priuses globally in the car's first full 12 months on the market, he said. "We have to think about the appropriate ratio of allocating those vehicles," Otsuka said.
The first Prius shipment left for the United States in late April. They will go on sale as soon as they arrive at dealerships in late May or early June.
Further eating into Toyota's hybrid production capacity are plans to keep making the
current-generation Prius as a fleet vehicle for sale only in Japan. That model will be rechristened the Prius EX and will have a monthly sales target of 2,000.
The new Prius is bigger, better-looking and performs better than the earlier versions.
To read full article click cnet.com
Toyota Motor Corp. booked 80,000 advance orders for the car in Japan before its Monday, May 18, sales debut. That nearly meets the local sales goal of 100,000 units for the year.
Incoming President Akio Toyoda said he wants to sell between 300,000 and 400,000 units worldwide by Jan. 1, about half to North America and roughly 17 percent to Europe.
But Yoshimasa Ishii, managing officer in charge of overseas marketing, said Toyota may have to reconsider planned shipments to North America so it can meet demand at home. Japanese customers placing an order today have to wait about four months for delivery.
"We have an initial allocation for the United States, according to the original annual plan. But because of the very strong demand from Japan, we may need to review this sales plan and reallocate the production plan," Ishii told Automotive News on the sidelines of the Prius launch here.
The key will be how fast Toyota can boost output at the two Japanese plants making the car.
Prius chief engineer Akihiko Otsuka said current capacity stands at more than 40,000 units a month. Toyota aims to lift output higher through overtime shifts, he said.
Toyota's companywide capacity for all hybrid vehicles is limited by battery availability to around 500,000 vehicles. But that will expand to 800,000 by year
end, Otsuka said.
Toyota wants to sell between 500,000 and 600,000 Priuses globally in the car's first full 12 months on the market, he said. "We have to think about the appropriate ratio of allocating those vehicles," Otsuka said.
The first Prius shipment left for the United States in late April. They will go on sale as soon as they arrive at dealerships in late May or early June.
Further eating into Toyota's hybrid production capacity are plans to keep making the
current-generation Prius as a fleet vehicle for sale only in Japan. That model will be rechristened the Prius EX and will have a monthly sales target of 2,000.
The new Prius is bigger, better-looking and performs better than the earlier versions.
To read full article click cnet.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Fiat Now Producing New Multiair Engines.
Fiat has begun production of its new Multiair engine which is designed to reduce fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions.
Developed by its Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) division, the new engine will make its debut in September inside the Alfa Romeo MiTo, the subcompact sports car which was voted 2009 European Car of the Year.
The new technology behind the motor was the result of an investment of some 100 million euros and will be made available to all Fiat`s current and future partners, including Chrysler in the United States and Opel, should Fiat succeed in acquiring
General Motor`s European division marque.
Fiat`s cutting-edge technology in fuel-efficient, low-emission cars, as well as small car platforms, was key in its successful bid for Chrysler.
The Multiair engine is an innovative twin-cylinder engine developed to meet future Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards while maintaining the same performance as a
larger engine.
Aside from reducing consumption and emissions, respectively by 25% and 10%, the new engine is also 20% lighter than a conventional four-cylinder motor and is 25%
smaller in volume.
The maximum output by the new twin-cylinder engine in its current Fire 1.4 version is 105HP, while a crankshaft balancing system significantly reduces vibration and noise levels compared to other small engines.
The new engine will initially be produced in FPT`s plant in Termoli, on the central Adriatic coast, but all Fiat`s factories in Italy and abroad will be able to produce them in the future in order to meet market demand.
The new technology is easily adaptable to all gasoline engines and in the future Fiat intends to apply it to diesel ones, perhaps in two years' time.
Get full article click lifeinitaly.com
consumption and CO2 emissions.
Developed by its Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) division, the new engine will make its debut in September inside the Alfa Romeo MiTo, the subcompact sports car which was voted 2009 European Car of the Year.
The new technology behind the motor was the result of an investment of some 100 million euros and will be made available to all Fiat`s current and future partners, including Chrysler in the United States and Opel, should Fiat succeed in acquiring
General Motor`s European division marque.
Fiat`s cutting-edge technology in fuel-efficient, low-emission cars, as well as small car platforms, was key in its successful bid for Chrysler.
The Multiair engine is an innovative twin-cylinder engine developed to meet future Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards while maintaining the same performance as a
larger engine.
Aside from reducing consumption and emissions, respectively by 25% and 10%, the new engine is also 20% lighter than a conventional four-cylinder motor and is 25%
smaller in volume.
The maximum output by the new twin-cylinder engine in its current Fire 1.4 version is 105HP, while a crankshaft balancing system significantly reduces vibration and noise levels compared to other small engines.
The new engine will initially be produced in FPT`s plant in Termoli, on the central Adriatic coast, but all Fiat`s factories in Italy and abroad will be able to produce them in the future in order to meet market demand.
The new technology is easily adaptable to all gasoline engines and in the future Fiat intends to apply it to diesel ones, perhaps in two years' time.
Get full article click lifeinitaly.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Big Car Discounts By Foreign Carmakers In Japan
With car sales stalling amid the global recession, foreign carmakers in Japan have launched discount campaigns in a bid to overcome the double disadvantage they suffer as many of their products are not subject to tax breaks or government purchase subsidies for eco-friendly car buyers.
The foreign carmakers' strategy is to play up the distinctive and luxurious features of their new models, while simultaneously calling consumers' attention to their reduced prices.
On May 8, Mercedes-Benz Japan began offering a discount of up to 450,000 yen(US$4,746) on three models, including one equipped with a low-emission diesel engine. Meanwhile, BMW Japan is offering a discount of up to 250,000 yen(US$2,637) for its Mini cars. The Japanese arms of Fiat, Volvo and Audi, are also offering discounts at their own initiative in a bid to boost flagging sales of imported cars--many of which are not subject to tax breaks and the government's subsidy system for those who buy new eco-friendly vehicles.
As part of its pump-priming policies, the government implemented in April a tax reduction for eco-friendly cars. It also has included a subsidy system in the supplementary budget for fiscal 2009, under which up to 250,000 yen(US$2,637) would be paid to people who trade in their older cars for a new environmentally friendly automobile. The extra budget is under deliberation in the Diet.
But many imported car models are not covered by the tax cuts or the subsidy system as they do not meet Japan's fuel-efficiency and emission standards, prompting their manufacturers to conclude that they needed to come up with their own discount system to compete with their Japanese counterparts.
To read full article click yomiuri.co.jp
The foreign carmakers' strategy is to play up the distinctive and luxurious features of their new models, while simultaneously calling consumers' attention to their reduced prices.
On May 8, Mercedes-Benz Japan began offering a discount of up to 450,000 yen(US$4,746) on three models, including one equipped with a low-emission diesel engine. Meanwhile, BMW Japan is offering a discount of up to 250,000 yen(US$2,637) for its Mini cars. The Japanese arms of Fiat, Volvo and Audi, are also offering discounts at their own initiative in a bid to boost flagging sales of imported cars--many of which are not subject to tax breaks and the government's subsidy system for those who buy new eco-friendly vehicles.
As part of its pump-priming policies, the government implemented in April a tax reduction for eco-friendly cars. It also has included a subsidy system in the supplementary budget for fiscal 2009, under which up to 250,000 yen(US$2,637) would be paid to people who trade in their older cars for a new environmentally friendly automobile. The extra budget is under deliberation in the Diet.
But many imported car models are not covered by the tax cuts or the subsidy system as they do not meet Japan's fuel-efficiency and emission standards, prompting their manufacturers to conclude that they needed to come up with their own discount system to compete with their Japanese counterparts.
To read full article click yomiuri.co.jp
Toyota To Share With GM Hybrid Technology.
Toyota Motor Corp. is considering offering the company's core technology for hybrid vehicles to struggling General Motors Corp. of the United States, it has been learned.
According to sources, Toyota is essentially ready to provide the technology if GM asks it to do so, even if the U.S. firm becomes subject to the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
The technology Toyota is considering providing to GM is patented technology for increasing fuel economy by controlling the movement of the engine and the motor. The technology is used in the Prius and some other Toyota vehicles. Fuel economy using Toyota technology far exceeds that achievable with technology developed by GM.
GM fell behind in the field of environment-friendly cars, which, coupled with spiraling gasoline prices caused by high oil prices in the first half of 2008, resulted in a sharp fall in sales of large gas-guzzling vehicles.
Toyota’ support to GM would make their hybrid technology the de facto world standard. In addition, the move will ease Japan-U.S. tensions in the auto industry. Futhermore Toyota wants to prevent further weakening of the North American market, for the sake of their own sales and that of their parts suppliers who supply also to GM and other manufactures.
To read full article click yomiuri.co.jp
According to sources, Toyota is essentially ready to provide the technology if GM asks it to do so, even if the U.S. firm becomes subject to the Federal Bankruptcy Code.
The technology Toyota is considering providing to GM is patented technology for increasing fuel economy by controlling the movement of the engine and the motor. The technology is used in the Prius and some other Toyota vehicles. Fuel economy using Toyota technology far exceeds that achievable with technology developed by GM.
GM fell behind in the field of environment-friendly cars, which, coupled with spiraling gasoline prices caused by high oil prices in the first half of 2008, resulted in a sharp fall in sales of large gas-guzzling vehicles.
Toyota’ support to GM would make their hybrid technology the de facto world standard. In addition, the move will ease Japan-U.S. tensions in the auto industry. Futhermore Toyota wants to prevent further weakening of the North American market, for the sake of their own sales and that of their parts suppliers who supply also to GM and other manufactures.
To read full article click yomiuri.co.jp
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tips On Caring For New And Used Cars
Wrong information about handling new cars can speed up wear and tear. Erroneous beliefs persist from the pioneer days of motoring, such as that new cars need to be broken in by taking them up to high speeds or that they need a protective layer of coating to make the paint retain its hue longer.
Some drivers think they must take their new cars out on to the freeway to break them in like horses. But this is precisely the wrong thing to do. Owners of new cars should avoid driving them at high speeds until the vehicle has been driven 2,000 km, because minute particles are left on the cylinders and transmissions. Taking new cars to high speeds is a short cut to wearing them down.
Park Yong-sung, a researcher at the Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute, advises drivers of new cars to keep their vehicles at speeds of less than 100 km/h until the engine, joints and other components are given time to adjust to their dimensions.
There are those who think new cars need to be polished right after they roll off the assembly line. But the paint on new cars needs at least three months to dry completely. Although the surface may be dry, the inner layer of paint is still in the process of drying, so polishing can actually deteriorate the condition of the paint.
Many drivers also drive with their windows open, saying that turning on the air conditioning burns more fuel. This is true when driving at low speeds. But when driving over 80 km/h, it is better to close your windows and drive with the air conditioner on. If you drive with your windows open, there is more drag. Research shows that driving with the air conditioner on is actually 2 percent more fuel efficient than driving with your windows open.
There is also a popular belief that keeping new cars in the garage prolongs their life spans. But all machines need to be used moderately to keep them in good condition. The same goes for cars. If a car must be parked for a long time, it is good to take it out for short drives around once a week or at least leave the engine on for a short while. Choi Kyung-wook, a researcher at a used car sales website says the best used cars are those that have been driven between 10,000 km to 20,000 km a year.
To read article click chosun.com
Some drivers think they must take their new cars out on to the freeway to break them in like horses. But this is precisely the wrong thing to do. Owners of new cars should avoid driving them at high speeds until the vehicle has been driven 2,000 km, because minute particles are left on the cylinders and transmissions. Taking new cars to high speeds is a short cut to wearing them down.
Park Yong-sung, a researcher at the Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute, advises drivers of new cars to keep their vehicles at speeds of less than 100 km/h until the engine, joints and other components are given time to adjust to their dimensions.
There are those who think new cars need to be polished right after they roll off the assembly line. But the paint on new cars needs at least three months to dry completely. Although the surface may be dry, the inner layer of paint is still in the process of drying, so polishing can actually deteriorate the condition of the paint.
Many drivers also drive with their windows open, saying that turning on the air conditioning burns more fuel. This is true when driving at low speeds. But when driving over 80 km/h, it is better to close your windows and drive with the air conditioner on. If you drive with your windows open, there is more drag. Research shows that driving with the air conditioner on is actually 2 percent more fuel efficient than driving with your windows open.
There is also a popular belief that keeping new cars in the garage prolongs their life spans. But all machines need to be used moderately to keep them in good condition. The same goes for cars. If a car must be parked for a long time, it is good to take it out for short drives around once a week or at least leave the engine on for a short while. Choi Kyung-wook, a researcher at a used car sales website says the best used cars are those that have been driven between 10,000 km to 20,000 km a year.
To read article click chosun.com
Smarter Cars Offer Convenience, Comfort & Safety.
Today's high-end vehicles come with a host of electronic equipment designed to make driving easier and more comfortable.
Electronic equipment range from wide scanning laser sensors cruise control, assisted parking systems as in Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz MyB and lane departure warning systems.
Volvo XC60 has City Safe and Collision Warning with Autobreak system.
2010 Volvo XC60
Other than electronic equipment, self-repairing components are also being incorporated, such as Nissan’s Scratch Shield Paint and Mobility Tires self-repairing tyres.
BMW is currently developing a system that allows the driver to park the vehicle with a remote control, whereas General Motors Corp. has successfully showcased the possibility of developing a fully automated vehicle, “the Boss”.
According to GM, such automated vehicle control systems can produce vehicles that prevent collisions, thus lighter and more fuel efficient as heavy components designed to protect passengers will become less essential.
It seems like car makers are trying to take the intelligence of automobiles to a whole new level, in which the driver has to do little more than turn the engine on and off.
Electronic equipment range from wide scanning laser sensors cruise control, assisted parking systems as in Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz MyB and lane departure warning systems.
Volvo XC60 has City Safe and Collision Warning with Autobreak system.
2010 Volvo XC60
Other than electronic equipment, self-repairing components are also being incorporated, such as Nissan’s Scratch Shield Paint and Mobility Tires self-repairing tyres.
BMW is currently developing a system that allows the driver to park the vehicle with a remote control, whereas General Motors Corp. has successfully showcased the possibility of developing a fully automated vehicle, “the Boss”.
According to GM, such automated vehicle control systems can produce vehicles that prevent collisions, thus lighter and more fuel efficient as heavy components designed to protect passengers will become less essential.
It seems like car makers are trying to take the intelligence of automobiles to a whole new level, in which the driver has to do little more than turn the engine on and off.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Magnetic Road Strips To Power Electric Cars
SOUTH Korea's top technology university has developed a plan to power electric cars through recharging strips embedded in roadways that use a technology to transfer energy found in some electric toothbrushes.
The plan, still in the experimental stage, calls for power strips about 20cm to 90cm wide and perhaps several hundred metres long to be built into the top of roads.
Vehicles with sensor-driven magnetic devices on their underside can suck up energy as they travel over the strips without coming into direct contact.
"If we place these strips on about 10 per cent of roadways in a city, we could power electric vehicles," said Cho Dong-ho, the manager of the "online electric vehicle" plan at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
The university has built a prototype at its campus in Daejeon, about 140km south of Seoul, for electric-powered golf carts and is working on designs that would power cars and buses.
To read full article click news.com.au
The plan, still in the experimental stage, calls for power strips about 20cm to 90cm wide and perhaps several hundred metres long to be built into the top of roads.
Vehicles with sensor-driven magnetic devices on their underside can suck up energy as they travel over the strips without coming into direct contact.
"If we place these strips on about 10 per cent of roadways in a city, we could power electric vehicles," said Cho Dong-ho, the manager of the "online electric vehicle" plan at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
The university has built a prototype at its campus in Daejeon, about 140km south of Seoul, for electric-powered golf carts and is working on designs that would power cars and buses.
To read full article click news.com.au
Lexus LS & Cadillac Escalade On Top In U.S.
In this year's edition of AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards conducted by the U.S.-based auto industry consulting firm AutoPacific, Cadillac was named the "Highest Satisfaction Brand" while the Lexus LS was the highest scoring model among all cars, sport utility vehicles and light trucks. The top scoring SUV or light truck was the Cadillac Escalade.
Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. received most awards, six, followed by Ford Motor Co. with four.
Hyundai Motor was the Rising Star of 2009.
The survey asked 25,000 motorists who bought new vehicles between September and December last year questions in 48 categories including performance, safety and comfort.
Sportage by Kia Motors Corp. won the award for the compact crossover utility vehicle segment.
Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. received most awards, six, followed by Ford Motor Co. with four.
Hyundai Motor was the Rising Star of 2009.
The survey asked 25,000 motorists who bought new vehicles between September and December last year questions in 48 categories including performance, safety and comfort.
Sportage by Kia Motors Corp. won the award for the compact crossover utility vehicle segment.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Lexus IS250C Alluminium Roofed Convertible Hits Japans Market
Toyota Motor Corp.'s four-seater Lexus IS250C convertible has gone on sale in Japan. Boasting an aluminum (forget about canvas) roof capable of opening and closing itself in 20 seconds, the fastest in the world, the standard model costs US$52,000, with the upgraded Version L costing US$ 56,000.
Features of Lexus IS250C-photo credit:revueauto
Lexus lovers were waiting for the unveiling of this model, because Lexus SC series has been out of reach for many. The new Lexus should hit the European market this summer of 2009 and a little latter it should be selling in the US. and in Canada.
Features of Lexus IS250C-photo credit:revueauto
Lexus lovers were waiting for the unveiling of this model, because Lexus SC series has been out of reach for many. The new Lexus should hit the European market this summer of 2009 and a little latter it should be selling in the US. and in Canada.
New Prius By Toyota To Battle Honda’s Insight
There has been a dash among hybrid car producers to outdo each other in the manufacture of low-cost hybrids. A stiff challenge has been between Toyota’s Prius gasoline-electric hybrid and Honda's Insight hybrid.
Honda Insight Hybrid
Honda's Insight hybrid was the first hybrid to rank as best-selling car in Japan in April’09, after being on sale for only 3 months, it has been the cheapest model on the market. The trend is likely to trigger a price-war in the hybrid sector.
Toyota Prius Hybrid
On a scale of 20 the two hybrid models have been graded by experts with the outcome below: -
Aesthetics: Honda 13/20 Toyota 10/20
Driving: Honda 14/20 Toyota 12/20
Comfort: Honda 14/20 Toyota 12/20
Security: Honda 15/20 Toyota 16/20
Ecology: Honda 15/20 Toyota 17/20
Budget: Honda 14/20 Toyota 14/20
Overall: Honda 14.2/20 Toyota 13.8/20
Honda Insight Hybrid
Honda's Insight hybrid was the first hybrid to rank as best-selling car in Japan in April’09, after being on sale for only 3 months, it has been the cheapest model on the market. The trend is likely to trigger a price-war in the hybrid sector.
Toyota Prius Hybrid
On a scale of 20 the two hybrid models have been graded by experts with the outcome below: -
Aesthetics: Honda 13/20 Toyota 10/20
Driving: Honda 14/20 Toyota 12/20
Comfort: Honda 14/20 Toyota 12/20
Security: Honda 15/20 Toyota 16/20
Ecology: Honda 15/20 Toyota 17/20
Budget: Honda 14/20 Toyota 14/20
Overall: Honda 14.2/20 Toyota 13.8/20
Thursday, May 14, 2009
GM Lovers Get Ready For Made In China Cars
A list of the corporations that have been devastated by the economic downturn will place GM at the cream of the list. GM has suffered plant closures, job cuts, dealership axing, losses of up to $6b in a single quarter, government imposed restructuring deadlines and has $15.4b in federal loans.
In a report issued on Wednesday by GM Shanghai, it is no surprise that General Motors Corp. plans to begin exports of mainly small vehicles (similar to Chevrolet Spark) made in China to the United States within two years, ramping up sales to more than 50,000 by 2014. This figures are based on a company recovery plan given to US lawmakers.
GM intends to sell 17,335 made-in-China passenger cars in the US market by 2011, and more than 51,000 by 2014 according to Shanghai Securities News.
If it works out, they will be the first automaker to export to the US from China, since stringent US safety standards and consumer confidence has kept Chinese players at bay.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Cars Post Production Ingenuity
Many at times we get to accord standing ovation to individuals and corporate persons for outstanding innovations, simply because the innovations were properly marketed. Nevertheless we do have very creative minds amongst us that we may never recognize, neither appreciate unless we are observant enough.
Check out this video and judge for yourself. Click 4shared.com
Enjoy your day.
Check out this video and judge for yourself. Click 4shared.com
Enjoy your day.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Genepax Water and Air Powered Car-We Are Still Waiting!
Image:credit nikkei electronics
Its been almost one year from the time Genepax Co. Ltd. CEO Mr. Kiyoshi Hirasawa, unveiled a prototype of their water and air powered car in Osaka, Japan. The prototype could not have been unveiled at a better time than it was. The global economy is eagerly waiting to sample the first units as soon as such roll out from the production line. Taking into consideration the effect of the global economic down-turn, a water and air powered vehicle if offered at an affordable price, would cannibalize all other players in the automobile industry unless they adopt the new technology with haste.
At this time of economic downturn, who wouldn’t want to walk into the kitchen to fetch tap-water instead of driving into a filling station? Besides, high gas prices have a ripple effect and they get to affect every other item on our shopping list.
Another advantage of the water powered engine is that it is eco-friendly since it has no CO2 emissions. And this particular car unlike other electric cars, does not require charging of batteries.
According to Mr. Kiyoshi Hirasawa, as was reported by Reuters (click Reuters)this car can run on any type of water, tap, rain, sea water, tea or even soda. Once water is poured into the cars tank, the car has an energy generator that extracts hydrogen from water that is in the tank. The generator then releases electrons that produce electric power to run the car.
The unveiling of such a car would be welcomed by the ultimate users because of the gas savings, by car dealers since the no-gas advantage would create massive virgin demand and by environmentalists because it has no CO2 emissions.
On the other hand we have the losers who will naturally fight this idea as long as they can hold it back. Amongst the potential losers are the petroleum rich nations and cartels, due to the expected fall in demand and price of petroleum. Government revenue collection agencies are also expected to put up a fight since petroleum is one of the biggest revenue earner for most governments; most governments collect between 40% to 65% of the pump price as petroleum tax and levy. The third lot of losers are car manufacturers who are not willing to invest in the new technology, since they might die a natural death.
According to Genepax CEO, the production cost for mass produced units was to be about ¥500,000 or lower. This amount translates to approximately US$ 5,050.
Did Genepax get a Japanese auto manufacturer to partner with so as to get the car into mass production? Many questions remain unanswered, but we hope and pray that soon we will have such cars available.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Volkswagen's Passat CC-Elegance, Power & Comfort
Credit: Aaron Gold
Volkswagen's Passat CC is one outstanding four door coupe. CC designers have borrowed the creative CLS from Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
The 4-door coupe is seductive and comfortable, the body finish and engine performance impeccable. The well cut sports seats which come in black and beige leather are beautiful and leave enough leg room, even for the two back seat passengers. The trunk is also roomy.
Characteristic of coupes, the rear view visibility is compromised, and it takes a little effort to access the rear seats.
It comes with two engine options, a 2 litre and a 3.6 litres engines, both manual and automatic transmission systems. The 2 litre model accelerates to a speed of 63 m/h in less that seven seconds.
Like other German cars, the Passat CC comes with ABS, electronic stability control and airbags for safety.
Two other features that are unique to the CC are the Lane Assist, which keeps the car in its lane, unless the turn signal is activated. The Lane Assist is an outstanding safety feature, though the driver can choose to override it. The other feature is the park assist feature which automatically parallel park the car into an empty space, the driver only working on gas.
The Passat CC has some characteristics that are typical to the Volkswagen family, teardrop headlamps and wide front grill. Other characteristics of the CC include 18-inch alloy reams and front and rear spoilers.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Daimler’s Strategy to Maintain Market Share and Survive
Mercedes Benz Classe E 220 CDI Elégance Executive
Daimler, a car manufacturer whose operations have been significantly affected by the ongoing global economic downturn, leading to a 65 percent fall in their 2008 profits, has been registering significant alterations in its shareholders registry. Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments tops the registry with a 9.1% stake in Germany’s Daimler, followed by the state of Kuwait. Meanwhile, negotiations with the Chinese Sovereign Wealth Fund are ongoing, as was revealed by Daimler’s CEO Mr. Dieter Zetsche during the just concluded 2009 Shanghai auto show.
Daimler’s flagship brand is Mercedes Benz, a conveyor of choice for big shots. Daimlers vehicles offer style, durability and class.
For the oil rich Abu Dhabi and Kuwait investors, if past trends are anything to go by, they will probably settle at sharing in the profits or losses of the company. The Chinese on the other hand will probably want to do more than share in the profits or losses alone, having established themselves as a force in global manufacturing circles.
The Chinese have a reputation for production cost control; every manufacture needs those skills nowadays.
Most probably Daimler hopes that with the Chinese link, they will be able to trim down costs while maintaining their high quality standards so as to survive the ongoing economic downturn.
Auto Shangai 2009 - Style & Splendor Show
The just concluded 2009 Auto Shangai Show dubbed the “13th Auto Shanghai” ran from 20th to 28th April 2009 at the Shangai New International Expo Center.
Going by the trend for the past years, where more than 500,000 visitors have been drawn from more than 100 countries, and more than 1300 exhibitors drawn from more than 20 countries, this years show was no exception.
International automakers displayed models ranging from GM’s Buick new Business Concept car model, Porsche’s Panamera, Chevrolet’s Camaro, Lexus GS450h hybrid Car, Lamborghini’s Murcielago, BMW’s AC Schnitzer, Jaguar’s XJ Sedan, Audi’s Q7 and Toyota’s HI CT plug-in hybrid. Chinese auto manufactures were not left behind they had their own models on display ranging from BYD e6 electric vehicle, Geely’s model GE and Dongfeng Motors Mengshi “Brave Soldier”.
To get the highlights of the range of International and Chinese vehicles on display click the Telegraph
Friday, May 1, 2009
BG Products are reliable.
From the language tone on their website bgprod.com, the company BG Products Inc. sounds like they have confidence in their products, and like they do invest a lot of time and resources into research & development. Their elaborate distribution chain also testifies for them. I have seen some of their lubricants in the European market.
For more on their range of products visit http://www.bgprod.com
For more on their range of products visit http://www.bgprod.com
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