The Auto Lovers Daily Chit - Chats

Blind goes driving

2008-06-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Since birth Sascha Schulze has been blind. Whatever he is doing Sascha Schulze cannot see. Only by touch he has to fell the gear lever and change gear, while he still grips the steering wheel resolutely with both hands. He experiences the force of gravity when he accelerates, goes round a corner and during breaking which pushes and pulls him. A guide of dog during everyday life shows him where to go, and now he is placing his trust in the BMW instructor who is sitting next to him in the vehicle and calmly telling him what he should do next. At the Munich Airport Training site, BMW Driver Training provides the opportunity for this unusual opportunity. There’s lots of space to move around and the vehicle is equipped with pedals on the passenger side. For an an unforgettable driving experience this scenario provides the perfect framework.

Sascha Schulze summarizes his impressions: “For me as a person who has been blind since birth, this is an incredible experience - just to sit behind the wheel myself. The freedom and mobility which the automobile gives people able to see is impossible for a blind person to achieve, even with public transport. There are lots of times when I’ve wanted to be able to drive at times and places when I want to. However, since that will never be possible for me, an event like driving for blind and a visually impaired person offers the opportunity to at enjoy the feeling of freedom at the wheel of a car at least for a little while.”

The participants get another surprise after driving themselves in a car. The instructors at Driver Training invite them for a ride in the X5. The car climbs into an obstacle circuit with steep ups and downs, and tight bends. On the mountain side these are so steep that you cannot open the doors. The X5 still has adequate reserves even if the passengers are thinking: “This can’t be possible”. You might assume the same if you reflected on whether people with visual impairment would be able to drive - But this is possible!

It was held in cooperation with the Bavarian Association for Blind and Visually Impaired People. BMW Driver Training offers a wide range of training courses. On the other hand, the driving experience for visually impaired people is not part of the standard programmed.

ROLLS-ROYCE RELEASES FIRST SKETCHES OF RR4

2008-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.

Ian Cameron, Chief designer, said, “Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

“RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars”, Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”

BMW 3.0L twin-turbo honored 2008 engine of the year

2008-05-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

The “9th International Engine of the Year Awards” victors have just been declared, and it’s a large success for BMW comes again. The 3.0L straight-six double-turbo engine set coming from 335i got the title, by three additional engines in the list also winning in their relevant groups. One tip to note is that the 335i is underrated when it leaves the place. While executives’ record says it build ups ‘only’ 302hp, reproductions that have been frequently pump out can reach than 350hp.

BMW has been introduced the entire champ of the International Engine of the Year rewards for a record-breaking straight up to fourth year in progression. An international board of judges rewarded the top tribute to the automaker’s 3.0L twin-turbo straight six petrol engine.

This 300hp power plant is found in a lots of BMW designs ranging as of the compact 1-series to the X6 xDrive35i and was selected for the reason that it has flexibility and combined reliability, performance along with good fuel consumption.

These events, which are moderated by 65 motoring press from 32 countries coming from four continents, in addition, pleased a selection of further carmakers for engine superiority across a number of special category such as the VW, Porsche, Toyota with Subaru all receiving a honor.

India sales network, outsource by Nissan

2008-05-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Nissan Motor Corporation from Japan alleged last May 2008 that it had selected Hover Automotive India Private to expand its sales set-up in India, consisting a plan of creating 55 traders by 2012 to produce more than 100,000 automobiles that year.

Japan's third-biggest auto manufacturer, have 44 percent by Renault SA, at this time has just five sales store and outlets in India, where it trades and put up to the market the X-Trail sport utility automobiles along with Teana sedans coming from Japan. In India, It sold an overall 533 cars last year.

Nissan proclaimed it would start on eight other models and production by this coming 2012, together with the crossover automobile “Murano” due for opening in year 2009. Four out of all the new vehicle reproductions will be locally launched.

Earlier this year, Renault and Nissan pronounced a $1 billion automobile factory and plant near southern India to begin manufacture in first month of 2010.

Nissan also has a contract to procure automobiles coming from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, a part of Suzuki Motor Corp, and is learning a probable scheme to expand and build up $3,000 vehicles with Renault and Indian motorcycle producer Bajaj.

Hover, established last March, is associated with the Westmont, a worldwide consortium trading in hotels, real estate plus marketing.

According from Nissan. The process will be led by GM Singh, a businessman with knowledge in auto retail as well as rental authorizations, and Kevin Whalen, an entrepreneur with know-how in increasing trader networks in the United States.

Ford Shelby Brands a GT40 For 85th Birthday

2008-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

With respect of rejoicing Carol Shelby’s 85th anniversary of Ford Motor Company fable, which is famous as one of the most generous and important auto-maker around the globe, Carol Shelby has determined to reveal its new Ford GT40 for his 85th birthday.

According to Superformance, the Shelby vehicles are made to simulate the mark of GT40s that completed 1-2-3 at the “1966 24 Hours of Le Mans”. All cars are built as Mk. IIs (while Superformance does propose an Mk. I replica) as well as for the body color, it is highlighted or fashioned with your option by blue with white stripes, black with silver stripes, and red with white stripes.

With narrow making of this car, merely 85 copies of Ford GT40 will be created and all will be endowed with several signs and symbols with Carol Shelby, it also loaded with sporty suspension with Bilstein springs H & R, quality braking system and 15 inches disks with 225/50 and 275/60 tyres and added with a prevailing Shelby-badged V8 crate engine but the price of this GT40 is unknown.

Positively, there are a lot of methods to go about acquiring homage to the GT40. I believed, if you're wanting for a truthfully reliable recreation and you want to wish Shelby a happy birthday, this may be one for you.

I adore this GT40 but I think will never get a possibility to get this vehicle. It's the innovative dream car and that’s part of its looks, I am happy cars similar to this are made from this time and the development cycle one can mark out it's lineage back to the old classic in the 60's. Thanks to Ford’s great creations, I wonder what the next is.

Beijing’s Ban For Diesel Cars On Hold

2008-02-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

China is soon to be one of the significant and giant components in the automotive industry. They appeared on the scene with an explosion, following the series of automotive developments in the country. They mean serious automotive business and they want Beijing to be clean, as far as they are concerned.

Beijing planned to raise a ban on diesel vehicles with alternators. But for the moment, the ban will be on hold according to a higher official from Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau last week.

"Currently pollutants produced by diesel vehicles pose more serious environmental problems in Beijing than those produced by gasoline engine vehicles," said Du Shaozhong, the deputy director of the bureau.

The Auto Channel reported that Mr. Shaozhong stated that diesel engine vehicles produce 3.13 times more nitrogen oxides compared to petrol vehicles and has 10 times more inhalant particulate substance than the others.

"We will consider removing the ban once light diesel vehicles can meet the same emission standards as light petrol vehicles," Du added.

Beijing will prohibit the market and sales of new cars failing to congregate the new China IV emission standards beginning from March 1, 2008 which is alike as the Euro IV. On the other hand, each and every heavy vehicle used for public transit, mail services and sanitation should also meet the standards starting July 1, 2008.

"About one third of the major pollutants in Beijing's air -- nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and inhalant particulate matter -- come from vehicle exhaust emissions. Tougher standards will help relieve the situation," Du added.

Alfa Romeo To Unveil New Spider In Geneva

2008-02-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Geneva International Auto Show is just around the corner and auto enthusiasts are no doubt excited with what the event will bring. Being a European-based event, one can easily infer that European automakers will be unveiling fast and stylish cars at the said event.

Alfa Romeo, one of the supercar brands I really love will be unveiling the Alfa 8C Spider in Geneva according to The Auto Channel. The said vehicle will really be valuable and only people with money to burn can afford them. But those who cannot afford it can simply just wonder at its beauty.

Only 500 units of the 8C Spider will be built.

Alfa Romeo has been known for high-performance cars such as the Gran Turismo. To make the car really sleek and slice through the air, all its exterior components have been designed using a wind tunnel. By doing that, the automaker ensures that the vehicle will be aerodynamic.

What that means is the 8C Spider can travel at a really fast speed without those vibrations and noise one can experience in a low-end car customized to perform like a supercar. The body is made up of carbon fiber and its frame is rigid. This combination would inspire confidence on any driver taking this 8C for a ride.

The outside of the Alfa Rome 8C can be described as "pretty". This beauty is complemented with a brute of an engine. The 8C uses a V8 engine which provides plenty of power to the driver when needed. It is coupled to a five-speed tranny.

The combination of the V8 and the gearbox allows the smooth flow of power from the engine to the wheels in any gear. With this, it could easily outstrip any heater core-equipped Acura MDX.

Hertz Just Made Being Lost Very Hard

2008-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

The advancement of technology has made life a lot easier for us. For example, back in the good old days, one can easily get lost. But today, it is getting harder and harder to do that.

Just look at what Hertz has come up with. According to The Auto Channel, the company is offering the Online Trip Planning service in their Hertz NeverLost navigation system.

Here's how it works: first, plan your trip online. For that you would have to go here and plan your trip. Then, save it in a personal USB storage device. Then, just load it up in your NeverLost navigation system and you are bound to never get lost. What's so cool about this is that no matter what you drive, whether it be a luxury car with a Acura EGR valve or just an ordinary car, you van have this navigational system as long as you can afford it anyway.

Here are other features of the new service offered by Hertz:

Yellow Pages - Finds businesses near destinations. For example, travelers can find restaurants near their next destination.
Corridor Search - Finds establishments between destinations, such as finding a gas station on the way back to the airport
Trip Optimization - Changes the order of stops for efficient route planning
Address/Intersection - Allows easy entry of addresses or intersection information
Favorites - Downloads the most up-to-date information on favorite points of interest, such as museums, sporting events, shopping malls, meetings and conventions
City Guides - Provides city guides for top markets that highlight the most noteworthy tourist attractions

So if you are one of those people who travel to different places, I think this navigation system is a good investment.

Excellence In Lean Manufacturing Brought By Chrysler LLC

2008-02-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

The new face of Chrysler has brought a lot of difference in the group’s recent success in the business. Chrysler LCC has just won the Shingo Award for Excellence in Lean Manufacturing! The Auto Channel reported that the facility for Chrysler products which manufactures fuel-efficient engines and clean water pumps, the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Michigan has been given the 2007-2008 Shingo Silver Medallion for operational distinction.

"We congratulate this year's recipients in expanding their lean focus to all their business processes," says the Shingo committee in announcing the honors. "This year's recipients have demonstrated various best practices in world- class processes and have achieved outstanding results delivering high quality, competitive cost and high customer satisfaction."

Furthermore, for twenty years now, the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence distinguishes industry excellence in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The idea of the Shingo Prize is that outstanding performance for quality, cost and delivery can be attained through lean philosophy and methods in center manufacturing and trade procedures.

"We are pleased to have been recognized by the Shingo Award organization for our GEMA plant," says Richard Chow-Wah, Vice President for Manufacturing for Chrysler LLC and a member of the GEMA Board of Directors.

"At GEMA, our mission is clear - to set the pace in engine manufacturing with cutting-edge people, processes, systems and technologies. This award is further confirmation that we are accomplishing that mission," Chow-Wah added.

"Our success starts with great people, and the Shingo Silver Medallion is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of our GEMA team members who make our Michigan facility one of the finest manufacturing operations in the world," says Bruce Coventry, President of Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC. "At the same time, in the spirit of continuous improvement we recognize there are many opportunities in our processes. We understand that manufacturing excellence is a never-ending journey, not a final destination.”

BMW In China

2008-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Asian auto market is growing steadily. India and China are the two countries to watch as more and more consumers at these countries are now looking for vehicles to purchase. This means that we can see major automakers expanding their presence in these Asian countries.

Nissan already announced its plan to turn India into an auto parts production hub. In China, automakers like General Motors are already making their presence felt. Recently, The Auto Channel reported that German automaker BMW is looking to increase their sales in Asia. The automaker announced that they will be aiming to increase sales by a quarter over the next five years.

Stefan Krause, sales and marketing chief of BMW, said that the company is expecting to improve just a little bit from last year's 12 percent sales growth. "This is a conservative target, because we like to exceed expectations," said Krause. According to him, the automaker's 1 Series will be marketed in the region in hope that it will be attractive to consumers in the region who can afford luxury vehicles.

The German automaker though is careful in dealing with the Chinese auto market as a dramatic shift in the trend would leave them losing money. "It's too early to say what will happen in the next three or five years," said Christopher Stark, the head of the German automaker's arm in the Asian country. "As and when market demand grows, we will look again into how to proceed with an expansion," he added. After all, BMW vehicles are not as inexpensive as an Acura car cover. That's why they should take every precaution to avoid overproduction.

Krause though concluded that: "In 2008 we expect further substantial increases in retail volume in China, despite increasing competition in the market."

Pothole Damage

2008-01-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

Watch out! That’s a pothole!

Too late. You just hit it and your vehicle may just have suffered some damage.

The Car Care Council has come to inform you of how you can detect if damage has been inflicted on your precious vehicle and its precious Ford truck parts. Those potholes may look harmless but they can really do that much damage.

You may notice that you have lost some control over your vehicle. There can be some swaying when you are doing those simple turns. Quite some bouncing while going through rough roads too. These are just some of the signs of symptoms that your car has been given a reminder by the pothole never to hit it again. When you notice such, you can be sure that the steering system has been damaged. The suspension may also have gotten quite a whack.

Rich white is the Car Care Council’s executive director. On their complete list of tips, he has disclosed, “Every driver knows what it feels like to hit a pothole. What they don't know is if their vehicle has been damaged in the process. If you've hit a pothole, it's worth having a professional technician check out the car and make the necessary repairs to ensure safety and reliability.”

There you go.

Used Car Buying Myths Revealed

2008-01-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

New car shoppers today are smart enough to know what they want before they begin searching for used or brand new car. According to the Auto Channel, studies done by Joe Lecosta of Northwood University Automotive Marketing Chair revealed that more than thirty percent of used car shoppers considered to get a new vehicle at first. However, they were convinced to buy a used car instead of getting a brand new one at some point in their search process. So what are the factors to consider in searching for the best vehicle? It’s easy! It’s as simple as repairing fuel pumps... check this out!

According to AutoTrader.com's statistics, 64% of AutoTrader.com clients merely search between "All" vehicles and selecting "New" or "Used". As a result, buyers are generally open to both new and used car. It depends if the car suits their standards.

"With better long-term reliability and certified pre-owned programs bringing a new-car confidence to used-car purchases, buyers who wouldn't consider used cars in the past are increasingly looking at and buying used cars. One of the things we'll talk about at this presentation is how to leverage this trend and merchandise your used cars effectively to reach this new market of used-car buyers. Our aim is to explode some of the myths and 'conventional wisdom' that might be getting in the way of dealers getting the most profit from their used-car inventory," says Lescota.

"There are so many opportunities to sell more cars more profitably if people will look at their business practices - many of which worked in the past but that now needs updating or outright change. With technology, marketing channels and customer preferences changing so quickly today, things that might have been true even five years ago may now be myths and should be revisited. With this up-to-the minute research and information we'll be presenting, dealers will have actions they can implement the day they return from the show that will help build their business and maximize profitability,” says Chip Perry, AutoTrader.com CEO and President.

Learning Balance

2008-01-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

An era of concept cars is expected to follow after the on-going 2008 Detroit Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit .

Eco-friendly - that best describes them. These cars are powered by alternative fuels like ethanol, a biofuel made out of indigenous materials such as sugarcane that serves as an alternative to gasoline. In other words, cars that economize fuel use and therefore, set less hazards to the environment.

From luxury cars like Ferrari to Mitsubishi's sports cars, auto makers had approved to the US government's vision of improved fuel economy through promotion of alternative fuel use.

General Motors' Cadillac Provoq is one of those concept cars that offer luxurious rides through an innovative fuel cell system and a lithium-ion-battery that doesn't use petroleum and emit nothing else but water.

"Cadillac is a natural fit for GM's next step in developing the E-Flex platform," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. He added, "At its very essence, it is about premium luxury, design and technology."

The E-Flex refers to a platform for electrically driven vehicles. According to GM Vice-President Beth Lowery, GM foresees energy independence with diversity playing one of the key roles.

Cadillac's latest car concept is said to drive up to 300 miles or 483 kilometers on a single fill of hydrogen, 280 miles from hydrogen and 20 miles with pure, battery electric energy.

Indeed, a product of excellent minds. And speaking of excellence, to ensure an excellent car travel, it would be best if GM would utilize even better wheel bearings in their concept car models. Why not? Isn't it that there must always be a balance between environment and consumers' protection?

NAIAS: LRX Steals The Show

2008-01-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

The cars of the future swarm this year’s North American International Auto Show. If happen to drop by the motor show, you probably have the idea how stunning cars would be…

At the NAIAS, there are so many cars to feed your imagination and auto appetite. There are plenty of choices; you might lose your count. Japanese automakers flaunt their masterpieces. European counterparts also sported their breath-taking obra maestra. But American auto manufacturers won’t let the show pass without staging a nice fight.

The 2009 versions of Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram turn heads. A slice of the future is also presented by Land Rover in its LRX concept. The latter is said to have stole the show. "LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting - because Land Rover has never built ordinary cars...it's a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn't flinch at getting its wheels dirty," said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director.

The LRX 4x4 concept boasts of bolder new look for Land Rover styling. It comes in a much smaller and more flexible package without sacrificing the core values of the British automaker.

"The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," said Phil Popham, managing director of the company. "The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

"LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction – but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take," Popham was quoted as saying.

The maker of Land Rover Range Rover 3.5 radiator equips the concept with an integrated Electric Drive Rear Axle Drive otherwise called as ERAD. The feature allows the vehicle to run efficiently both on-road and off-road.

"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfill people’s practical needs," concluded Popham. "No one technology delivers all the answers to whole life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the future ideas that interest us, into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."

Lincoln MKT Concept In Detroit

2008-01-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

Detroit… home of the world’s biggest auto manufacturers! Talk about Ford Motor Company, GM and more. Today, the breeding ground for premium vehicles opens the annual Detroit Auto Show for 2008. Once again, the event will showcase several brand new concept cars, vehicle technologies and great surprises. It is rest assured that the 2008 Detroit Auto Show will be as bright as all headlights with all the best vehicles that the world has to offer under one roof.

One of the hottest surprises uncovered in the show is the Lincoln MKT Concept. Like any other cool concept car, the MKT exemplifies the automotive industry in the future, which is radically awesome and successful. The MKT concept exemplifies supreme balance of roominess, convenience and fuel efficiency. It sure is a brand new kind of driving experience which is being offered to drivers.

According to the Auto Channel, the Lincoln MKT concept is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that generates the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6.

Lincoln is introducing EcoBoost engines that will carry out over 20 percent enhanced fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles yearly in North America in the next years to come.

“EcoBoost engines can deliver better fuel economy and performance on a full range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks,” said Mark Fields, the president of The Americas. “The Lincoln MKT concept offers the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster - executed with new technologies and materials that make it as environmentally friendly as it is elegant. The Lincoln MKT concept is understated but powerful - inside, outside and under the hood.”

“We envisioned this concept as a modern grand tourer, really a Learjet of the road. With the Lincoln MKT concept, you find a premium utility that could as easily accommodate a businessperson slipping into the back seat on the way to his or her next meeting in the chaos of Manhattan as a family packed up for a weekend getaway to the coast,” says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas.

Hybrid Luxury Car At NAIAS

2008-01-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

The increasing price of gasoline and the awareness of the threat of global warming have increased the demand for green vehicles. Toyota is currently being touted as the leader in the design and production of green vehicles thanks to its Prius. But large automakers are not the only ones making great stride in the development of green vehicles. This is what Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc and Fisker Automotive Inc are proving with the unveiling of the Fisker Hybrid sedan at the North American International Auto Show.

At the said event, two Fisker Hybrid sedans will be showcased. The first one will be the main display and will be located in the Oakland Hall at Booth OAK9. The second will be showcased in the Michigan Hall at Booth MH24. The second Fisker Hybrid will be displayed along with a solar energy based recharging station. Said recharging technology is developed by Quantum along with its German partner, Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH.

The first Fisker Hybrid employs the technology developed by Quantum, the Q-Drive. Said technology allows the luxury sedan to go for 50 miles on battery power alone. It means a dramatic decrease in the amount of greenhouse gas emission of the vehicle. For longer distances of travel, the Q-Drive allows the integration of battery power and the power produced by the internal combustion engine. The engine of the Fisker Hybrid uses advanced auto parts which means it might not be using distributor rotors.

Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum had this to say about the hybrid car: "The new Fisker Hybrid sports sedan, which incorporates Quantum's proprietary Q-Drive system, will change the way we look at the automotive world. Featuring the design aesthetic of Henrik Fisker, world renowned automotive designer of the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage and BMW Z8, the Fisker Hybrid premium sports sedan provides discerning environmentally conscious consumers with no compromise of performance or luxury together with its energy efficient, low emission signature."

Car Care Tips From Car Care Council

2008-01-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal and NBC News conducted a poll asking consumers what their major economic concern is. The result is not quite surprising as respondents of the poll pointed to the increasing price of gasoline.

In response to this, the Car Care Council's executive director, Rich White, had this to say: "The best way to fight higher costs at the gas pump is to keep your vehicle running properly. You can't control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn by proper maintenance and how you drive. Performing simple and inexpensive maintenance can save as much as $1200 a year in gas cost."

To help motorists save on fuel, the Car Care Council had these tips posted in The Auto Channel:

Check your vehicle gas cap. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.
When tires aren't inflated properly, it's like driving with the parking brake on, and can cost a mile or two per gallon.
A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents on a gallon.
Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 22 percent on the highway and five percent on city streets, which results in seven to 49 cents per gallon.
Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mph driven over 60 results in an additional 10 cents per gallon. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended.

These tips mean that you do not have to shelve your car and hide it under a car cover just to save on the pump.

Fender Vents Are Destined To Die

2008-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same,” said the famous fashion icon Coco Chanel. Along this line, another auto part is destined to die. What would it be?

The fender vents.

Auto experts say the famed ornamentation is likely to fade notwithstanding its enduring existence in the auto industry. To note, fender vents have been used cool off the engine in performance cars. This was the practice for years now. But today, the auto part is likely to be upstaged by the latest innovations in the industry.

“It has become a design cliché for this millennium,” said John Manoogian, director of design at General Motors for Cadillac exteriors. It’s a bitter conclusion for Manoogian, who included fender vents in the Cadillac CTS’s curriculum vitae, and also in its cousins, adding fender portholes on the Buick Lucerne full-size sedan, according to MSNBC.

“But those cars have a history of fender perforation, and the new models’ fenders are actually punctured so there is a real vent,” he stressed. “There are holes in [these cars’ fenders] and they are functional. But it has become so ubiquitous now, everyone is using them in all manner and it is getting out of hand. It has gotten so they are decorative pieces that are just tacked on the car.”

Manoogian said a vent’s legitimacy hinges on two things – historical use by the manufacturer and actual functionality.

According to the report, BMW is claiming that its history gives it license to glue fake plastic vents to its M3 sport sedan. The automaker used them on its classic 507 roadster and, more recently, on its Z3 sports car, so fake ones on the M3 are fine, said spokesman Oleg Satanovsky “I’ve seen [added-on] M3 vents on Honda Civics,” he added.

“A vent helps eat up a lot of space in what can be an empty area now that the front wheels are so far forward,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director for design for the Americas, although he admits the use of the vent is primarily for fashion purposes. “Part of car design is fashion. We have to expect to use [a device like vents] and do away with it as fashion dictates,” he explained.

Now the obvious trend is the use of plastic cladding; just take a look at Pontiac Aztec. Who will defy the flourishing trend?

“They will become the vinyl tops of the new millennium,” predicted Manoogian. “Twenty or thirty years from now, people will look back and say, ‘That car must have come from between 2004 and whenever’ because of the vents.”

Auto parts like engines, filter, wheel hub assembly and springs are vital to a vehicle. But who knows, innovations might upstage them in the near future.

Toyota President Highlights Sustainable Activities

2008-01-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

We all know that Toyota is leading all automakers when it comes to producing green vehicles. The Toyota Prius is one concrete example that the Japanese automaker is the leader. Last year, the automaker announced that they have sold more than a million hybrid vehicles with Toyota Prius sales boosting the figure.

But green vehicles are not green enough to some unless they are produced in such a way that nature is not put in jeopardy. Thus, Toyota is putting a lot of effort in meeting producing green cars the green way.

The automaker's president, Katsuaki Watanabe said: "In the area of sustainability in manufacturing, we are currently implementing our sustainable plant activities, which emphasize the role of nature in creating production sites that are in harmony with their natural surroundings. The Tsutsumi Plant in Japan where the Prius is manufactured has been positioned as a model plant and these activities are being conducted there."

"The main feature of the sustainable plant concept is plant development from the following three perspectives: achieving groundbreaking environmental performance by introducing innovative technology and kaizen (improvement) activities; using renewable energy, including biomass and natural energy sources, such as solar power and wind power; contributing to the local community and conserving the environment by planting trees in and around plants. We recently selected model plants in various regions to expand these activities globally. In the Americas, we have designated our Mississippi plant, currently under construction, as a model plant. In Europe, the Toyota plants in the United Kingdom and France, respectively, and in Asia, the Ban Pho Plant in Thailand, have also been designated as model plants."

Apart from manufacturing green vehicles, the automaker is also known for its reliable auto components which are as durable as Acura fenders.

Acura Recalls RLs For Faulty Power Steering Hose

2007-12-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, Acura recalls 2005-2008 RL sedans due to faulty power steering hose. The recall, which covers 43,200 Japan-built Acura RL sedans sold in the United States, is made to fix the power steering hose that may crack from engine heat and possibly cause a fire. Good thing, no injuries or fires have resulted from the faulty hose as of press time.

"On certain passenger vehicles, prolonged high underhood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid," said the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in its recall summary of the Acura RL. "Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an underhood fire."

The maker of Acura CSX engine mounts determined the potential safety-related defect on Nov. 20, according to documents on NHTSA's web site.

"On certain passenger vehicles, prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid," according to the NHTSA file. "Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire."

The recall started last Monday.

Honda dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge, according to the documents. "Owners may contact Honda at 800-382-2238," according to the document, and they may also contact the NHTSA's "vehicle safety hotline" at 1-888-327-4236 or go visit http://www.safecar.gov.

Owners will also be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicles to an Acura dealer, according to American Honda Motor Co. Inc.'s documentation, Morning Star reported.

If you are of the owners of the mentioned models, better have your car checked at your dealer.

New High-Performance Car For Ford

2007-12-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Detroit automaker Ford's European arm recently announced that a new high performance car is in the works. The Auto Channel reported that the Focus RS will be launched in 2009 and it will be a cool-looking and rubber-burning car.

According to the report, the RS version of the Focus will be created in the likes of the Focus ST and will be developed by Ford Team RS.

John Fleming, Ford of Europe's president and CEO, had this to say: "With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS. With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers." Jost Capito will be leading the development team.

Capito meanwhile added: "We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results. Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus. Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking." Those are some strong and fighting words but I think that Ford can back it up and actually create a vehicle which can outperform any Acura CSX with its reliable engine mount.

CarMax's Sales Report

2007-12-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a new vehicle but do not have the dough to buy a shiny new car or large vehicle, you can still have a car if you know where to look. There are companies like CarMax which offers used vehicles for sale. The used vehicles that the company offers top consumers are still in good condition even down to their wiper blades so it is a good choice for cash strapped auto buyers.

Recently, CarMax reported its performance in the market for the third fiscal quarter. Here are the most noteworthy figures according to The Auto Channel.

Total sales increased 7% to $1.89 billion from $1.77 billion in the third quarter of last year.
Comparable store used unit sales were flat compared with a 13% increase during the prior year's third quarter.
Total used unit sales grew 9% versus an 18% increase in the third quarter of fiscal 2007
Net earnings declined 34% to $29.8 million, or $0.14 per share, compared with $45.4 million, or $0.21 per share, earned in the third quarter of last year.
As previously reported and included in the September revision to our fiscal 2008 expectations, CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) income was adversely affected by increased funding costs for our 2007-3 public securitization, which reduced CAF income by $8 million before taxes.
An increase in the cost of funding receivables through the asset- backed commercial paper market resulted in an additional $4.6 million pretax reduction in third quarter CAF gain income related to receivables in the warehouse facility that had been originated in previous quarters.
The increase in the cost of funding receivables through the asset- backed commercial paper market also had an adverse impact on CAF's gain percentage in the third quarter. CAF's gain on loans originated and sold in the quarter declined to 3.6% compared with 4.3% in last year's third quarter.
For the fiscal year ending February 29, 2008, we now expect comparable store used unit sales growth of approximately 2% and earnings per share in the range of $0.87 to $0.93. Compared with our prior expectations, the decline in the expected earnings range is largely the result of higher funding costs at CAF.

Looks like not only the Big Three are having problems with selling vehicles to auto buyers eh?

Moms, Keep Your Cars Clean Before The New Year

2007-12-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a tradition to some people who believe in lucky charms and stuff during the holidays and New Year. They put them into practice usually before the New Year arrives. However, there are some things that we should as well try to apply prior to the celebration of the New Year. This goes to all the sweet-loving moms out there.

Mother Proof™, the leading provider of online car reviews and information dedicated to women and mothers, asks every mom to clean-up their “landfill” vehicles as soon as possible… probably before 2008 comes in. Mother Proof challenges every hard-working mom to refresh their cars to symbolize a great new beginning! Talk about car bras and other stuffs!

"We've learned a lot through our own personal experiences at Mother Proof and from other clean-car mamas who've shared their wisdom about how they manage their car clutter. One friend uses her wait time in the carpool lane to pick up trash in the front seats. Another splurged on cool, mesh pencil bags to keep small items organized. She keeps her garage door opener, toll-pass transponder and change in one, while another houses Band-Aids, lip balm, sunscreen and lotion. It is just a car, after all - you shouldn't need a drugstore-sized cache of supplies," says Mother Proof's Chief Mother, Kristin Varela.

Mother Proof will aid all moms with useful tips they have come up along with some pieces of advice from more experienced and clean mothers. Check out some of Mother Proof’s Official Rules of Car Cleanliness published at The Auto Channel:

Rule No. 1: Don't put a lot of stuff in your car in the first place. This sounds simple, but that's only because it is.

Rule No. 2 (if you simply must bend Rule No. 1): Keep a small basket or organizer in your cargo area to house items like first-aid kits, sunscreen, wipes and diapers, plus anything else you like to keep in there.

Rule No. 3: Don't buy CD holders, sunglass clips or anything else that attaches to the sun visor.

Rule No. 4: Hit the car wash regularly. One of the best things to happen to your new found car-cleanliness habit is the neighborhood drive-through car wash. For around $3, you get a handy super-sized wet-wipe, a drive through the wash and unlimited use of the vacuum. Kids love the car wash, and they love to help vacuum up their areas in the back.

Houston Defensive Driving Online Course Offered To Teens

2007-12-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

Teen drivers can now enroll and learn defensive driving through the most powerful tool in the planet, the Internet! The program is called the Houston Defensive Driving Online Course for Teens. It is sure to be more informative than our usual car repair manual!

Houston Defensive Driving online offers a modern and interactive course configuration through suitable teachings by enrolling one of the several programs included in the defensive driving courses.

Here's the description about the course provided by The Auto Channel. Check this out:

The knowledge to handle a vehicle defensively gives you safe passage on the roads. Unless you gather some insight of safe driving you may face one of the unfortunate outcomes like being issued with a traffic ticket. It may accumulate some unwanted traffic points, make your insurance costlier or you may be implicated in the Houston traffic courts. Some of the advantages of *Houston Defensive Driving online* is, you can reduce points on your record and possibly even lower your insurance rates. The course provides you a TEA approved certificate that helps you to gain insurance discount.

The Court Approved defensive driving course from T*exas Houston Defensive Driving* claims to inculcate the safe driving habits through an interactive and comedy mode of learning, covering the varied disciplines like Speeding, Braking, Backing, Emergency maneuvering, Evasive steering, Defensive Parking, Alcohol consumption and its effect on driving.

The course administrators believe that course from *Houston Defensive Driving online* need not be confined to those looking for ticket dismissal or point reduction but can be pursued by everyone in order to cultivate the defensive driving habits.

In brief *Houston Defensive Driving online* provides the following benefits:

1. 24 hours and 365 days availability of course.
2. State approved curriculum.
3. Multiple sittings completions.
4. Higher end course with low price.
5. Live 24/7 customer support facility.
6. Unlimited Texas state specific test preparation materials.
7. Comedy and interactive online course.

Ford’s New Vice President

2007-12-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer, announced the new Vice President of their company today. Joe Hinrichs was the new appointed Vice President for Global Manufacturing and his new job will be starting this January 2008.

Hinrichs was the vice president of North America Manufacturing and handled other operational appointments like engineering support for vehicle, powertrain and stamping. In his 40’s, Hinrichs has already made a huge contribution to the Ford company.

Mulally said, “Joe has been successful in leading the restructuring of our North American manufacturing operations and was a key participant in the recent contract talks with the UAW. In his new role, Joe will focus on delivering a global manufacturing plan that allows us to improve our efficiency while leveraging our scale worldwide. A global manufacturing footprint supporting a global product plan that delivers the vehicles people want and value are key to creating an exciting and viable company - that delivers profitable growth for all."

He will be doing the job of the previous executive vice president and president Mark Fields. He said, "Our plants in North America are more competitive and our launches are stronger, thanks in large part to Joe's leadership. Integrating manufacturing around the world and aligning it with product development on a global scale will make the entire business stronger."

Hinrichs also added, "I am excited by the opportunity to bring our plants and engineering functions around the world together into one, cohesive manufacturing. Integrating a global process plan and combining it with our global product plan allow us to accelerate our ability to produce the vehicles customers want around the world while continuing to improve quality."

It’s good to hear news like this online. Just like Acura CL heater core and other auto parts, auto news like this are also available online.