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Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence 1.18k

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About Keene Auto Body Keene Auto Body has a long and successful history dating back to 1928 when it was founded by Ensio Piispanen who was an immigrant from Finland. Ensio began Keene Auto Body after growing to love the town of Keene and its people. Ensio moved his business, Keene Auto Body and Welding Co., to 543 Main Street in 1928. Ensio poses next to the Shell gasoline pumps in this 1932 photo shown on the right. Pictured right is a photo of Ellen Piispanen, Ensio's wife, with their son Paul Piispanen who would one day become a 2nd generation owner. The business is still located on the original site of 543 Main Street where it was originally founded. Although the building has been expanded throughout the years, our dedication to excellent quality workmanship and customer satisfaction has continued to be our compass throughout the years. Family Owned With Family Values Keene Auto Body has been owned by 3 generations of Piispanens starting with Ensio. Paul and Katherine Piispanen took over the family owned business in the 1950's, and are shown in the bottom most picture on the right. Later in the 1990's Steven Piispanen took the reins and has continued in the heritage of excellence that has become the trademark of the business. Penguin Plunge Keene High School Project Graduation Monadnock Regional High School Project Graduation Swamp Bats Area Sports Teams Keene High School Department Keene Auto Body specializes in auto body repair and offers 24 hour towing service. We invite you to stop in or call us with any need you may have. 543 Main Street Keene, NH 03431 Mon-Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: By Appointment only

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You are hereHome › Road signage › Speed limits Speed limits throughout most of the world are set in kilometres per hour (km/h). The UK remains the only country in Europe, and the Commonwealth, that still defines speed limits in miles per hour (mph). Speed limits in kilometres per hour (km/h) would provide Traffic Authorities with a more versatile range of speed restrictions and enable speed limits to be more finely tuned to the circumstances of individual roads. To set a speed limit in the range from 30 to 70 km/h (19 to 43 mph), a Traffic Authority would be presented with a choice of five km/h options, whereas there are only three options using current mph speed limits. Again, in the range from 70 to 120 km/h (43 to 74 mph), there would be a choice of six km/h options, whereas there are only three mph options. All vehicles registered in the UK since 1977 have been required to have a speedometer capable of displaying speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) as well as miles per hour (mph). Foreign registered vehicles are generally not required to have speedometers capable of displaying miles per hour. This means that the majority of drivers visiting the UK have vehicles fitted with speedometers that display speeds in kilometres per hour only. It has been estimated that more than 3 million foreign registered vehicles enter the UK each year and 140 000 of them are present at any given time. Across the whole of the UK, foreign registered vehicles travel a total of almost 5 billion kilometres each year. The vast majority of these vehicles have speedometers incapable of showing speeds in miles per hour. Changing all UK speed limits to kilometres per hour will mean that practically every vehicle on Britain's roads will be able to show speeds in the relevant units. UKMA believes that this can only improve the safety of all drivers in the UK. Digital tachographs Digital tachographs are instruments that are used to record driver and vehicle activity to ensure compliance with drivers' hours rules. Distances and speeds are recorded and displayed exclusively in kilometres and kilometres per hour. Many goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, and some coaches, are legally required to be fitted with a digital tachograph. Speed limiters Speed limiters are devices that are fitted in order to physically restrict vehicles from exceeding a pre-defined maximum road speed. To comply with UK legislation, by 1 January 2008, speed limiters will have been fitted to many older, and all recently registered, buses, coaches and goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. All speed limiter settings are specified in kilometres per hour. This vehicle is fitted with a 90 km/h speed limiter For certain classes of vehicle, the speed limit on motorways, as shown in the Highway Code, is now significantly greater than the maximum legal speed permitted by these vehicles' speed limiters. This anomaly is acknowledged by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) in their leaflet "New Speed Limiter Legislation", which states, "It is likely, once all the changes to vehicles requiring road speed limiters have taken place (after 1 January 2008), the national motorway speed limit for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and buses will be lowered". Currently, 70 mph is the maximum speed limit on motorways for goods vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight, and 70 mph is also the limit for buses and coaches. Will these speed limits be brought into line with speed limiter settings? i.e. 90 km/h (approx. 56 mph) and 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph). UKMA believes that using two incompatible systems for the legal definition of speed limits makes no sense. UKMA contends that the best way to resolve such anomalies is to set all national speed limits in kilometres per hour, as part of a comprehensive programme of conversion to metric units for all of Britain's road signs and regulations. The case for change Road signageIs changing expensive? Metric road signs Are metric signs legal? Speed limits

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Ford models acquisition Filed to: Rachel Hunter Bob Gutkowski Charles Koppleman The NY Daily News reports that Magnum Sports & Entertainment's $22 million acquisition of Ford Models never happenedand probably won't. Michael Gross writes that "Magnum failed to come up with the cash." Ford, in its heyday, was home to supermodels Rachel Hunter, Christie Brinkley, and Stephanie Seymour. The deal included more than 80% of the Ford family's equity, which was perhaps indicative of the company's struggle in recent years to attract new talent. The potential acquirer was in much worse shape and Katie Ford is probably thanking her lucky superstars that the transaction never happened. The $22 million was mostly equity, and Magnum's stock is currently trading at $0.002 a share. This image was lost some time after publication. The acquisition was being shopped to potential investors in early 2001, when former EMI Chairman, Charles Koppleman, and ex-Madison Square Garden CEO, Bob Gutkowski, had just been brought in to turn around the ailing sports agency, which had been plagued by, among other things, a founder and CEO with travel and entertainment expenses in the millioin-dollar range and a penchant for corporate orgies at the China Club. The unimpressive client list's most recognizable name was washed-out boxer, Shannon Briggs. Bringing in grown ups Koppelman and Gutkowski to plan turnaround strategies over dinner at Elaine's hasn't helped. Koppelman has since left the company and Magnum was de-listed in 2002. The Word: Ford tough [NY Daily News] Magnum Sports & Entertainment [PinkSheets.com]

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Francis 'Frank' McCarthy Category: Competitor, Promoter Division: Sports Car Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia Mr. McCarthy was 26 years old when he competed in, and won, his first sports car race. He is a multi-time winner and champion with notable accomplishments including the 1968 Atlantic Sports Car Club title, the 1969 and '70 CASCAR Atlantic Region driving skills championship, the 1970 Ice Dice in Dartmouth - where is undefeated winning five events in seven years. In 1971 he won an endurance race as part of a team of four - one of his proudest moments in motorsports. He has operated driving schools, is a past director of the Atlantic Sports Car Club, and an honorary founding member of the Atlantic Sports Car Club.

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Buick, Cineplex and Other Stray Thoughts I continue to be perplexed by television advertising. So often, the person using the product is portrayed as a complete buffoon — either manically in love with the product or driving others crazy with talk about the product. The fellow in a suit of armour who tries to talk a driver into buying his brand of car insurance insinuates himself into the guy’s car, eats his snacks (which the driver has earlier wrenched away from him), and asks for a lift home. It’s amusing, in large part because the actors are good, but who would identify with the guy selling the product? He’s our worst nightmare. The latest commercial to befuddle me is one for Buick. The point of more than one ad is that Buick’s new car looks nothing like a Buick, so people looking out for a Buick walk right by it or assume it’s not the right car. The message? That even Buick doesn’t like the way most Buicks look. Very strange. While I’m at it (mini-rant while I take a break from turning Aesop’s fables into verse for a spring release from www.nestlingspress.com), there is yet another story about Cineplex having troubles because not enough people are spending money to see its films. Their story is that the movies just haven’t been up to snuff. Well, maybe, but let me rehearse a different argument: that many of us are staying away from theatres (and waiting for DVDs or Netflix or other online services) because of all the commercials stacked up before the movies. Going to the movies is supposed to be a special experience. There’s nothing special in turning up at the theatre and being treated like someone who has just turned on over-the-air TV at home. Here, they seem to be saying, in return for the money you just paid us we’re going to let a whole bunch of people try to sell you something. Oh, and you can’t watch the movie until we’re through. I had a long conversation a few months ago with one of the people at Cineplex who deals with the inclusion of ads. She was very generous with her time, and she answered my questions directly and clearly, for which I give her full marks. But the gist of what she said was that they get so much money from the ads that they couldn’t afford to turn back that tide. As for the higher-end options, in which you get a reserved seat in some theatres and the right to annoy the person next to you by ordering food and a drink in-theatre, they have fewer ads than most Cineplex films, but they still have ads. It reminds me of the Monty Python skit about Spam, in which the person ordering a meal insists on having something other than Spam, and is told that there is no Spam-free option. (“It’s not got as MUCH Spam in it,” the server says to mollify him.) The point is, I’d urge Cineplex to conduct an experiment. Find a couple of theatres in a few of the cities it serves and, for a week or a month, let people know that if they spend another $2 or $5 a ticket — whatever the margin is that would cover the loss of advertising revenue — they will get a special film experience with not a single commercial or static ad. (Coming attractions are fine; that’s part of the movie-house charm.) Cineplex might resist this because essentially it would be dissing its own advertisers. But if it’s truly interested in luring missing patrons to its theatres — particularly older ones, since the younger ones are often just grateful for a place to take their dates where they can kiss and don’t have to think up conversation — it should give this a try. A thought, anyway. If it works, I won’t ask for royalties. Back to Aesop’s fables, coming in spring WITHOUT ADS! This entry was posted in Uncategorized on November 28, 2014 by nestblog. Post navigation ← Aesop’s Fables-in-waiting Katzenjammer, Thus Owls, and two new additions to the fold →

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2016 New York Auto Show - Toyota Prius Prime Reveal - Bill Fay 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Reveal Bill Fay, Group Vice President and General Manager – Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. ----- Good morning everyone, and thanks for helping us kick off the 2016 New York Auto Show. We have a lot of great product news to share with you today…so let’s get started! About two months ago, we started to transition the Scion brand over to Toyota, bringing with it, over 13 years of knowledge on how to attract and engage young customers. As part of the brand transition, remaining Scion vehicles will join the Toyota brand lineup…and I’m happy to introduce the first to join the family…the 2017 Toyota 86. We’re really excited to have a bona fide sports car back in the Toyota lineup. The name 86 is shared globally, and is passed down from the car that inspires it, the Corolla GT-S, known by its true fans as the AE86 or “hachi-roku,” which means 8-6 in Japanese. The AE86 didn’t rely on brute horsepower, but instead a remarkable combination of a lightweight design, responsive power and perfect balance…much like the 86 of today. As you can see, the name isn’t the only thing that has changed. We’re investing in the 86 to make it better than ever, with styling updates, new wheels and more premium materials throughout. We’ve increased performance with: superior shock and spring tuning and for you manual transmission enthusiasts…a 5 horsepower bump…combined with a change in the differential ratio…results in improved acceleration The new 86 will go on sale at all Toyota dealerships this fall. Another exciting vehicle that will soon enter the Toyota lineup is the C-HR. The timing couldn’t be better, as the small SUV segment has increased 20 percent in the last year to become the largest segment in the industry…and half of that growth is coming from entry level models. If you haven’t yet seen this concept in person, I encourage you to visit the Toyota display today and have a look. We’ll have more news on a production version later this year. So we’ve got the youth and entry level market covered…Now let’s turn our attention to the hottest part of the market….trucks and SUVs. In 2015, light trucks dominated, accounting for 58% of the total market. With historically low gas prices and favorable interest rates, we don’t see a cool down in the near future…and we have great news to share. Just three years ago right here at the NY auto show, we introduced an all-new third generation Highlander…and it has been a huge success. We’re selling them as fast as we can make them at our factory in Princeton, Indiana. But in the spirt of “ever better cars”, we found ways to make it even better for our customers. Ladies and gentlemen, the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Available for the first time on Highlander, this new SE grade features an aggressive attitude, complete with: new front fascia, with darker accents on its front grille, headlamp housings and roof rails unique 19-inch wheels a sporty interior with black leather seats and of course, a performance-tuned suspension to back it all up Sure the new Highlander looks fantastic…but it’s the upgrades that you can’t see that are the most significant. For 17, all V6 Highlanders will feature a new, more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter engine with D-4S direct injection and Stop and Start technology. We also paired it with an all-new Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2017 Highlander Hybrid will also benefit from this new V6, further enhancing its already impressive driving performance and fuel economy. The hybrid model will also be available in two additional grades, LE and XLE, making hybrid technology more accessible to a wider variety of customers. The new Highlander also raises the bar on safety…with the class-leading Toyota Safety Sense package available on all grades. The 2017 Highlander will begin arriving in dealerships this fall. There’s no question that trucks and SUVs are driving today’s market. But at Toyota, we still have our eyes firmly affixed on the future. We continue to invest significantly in what is already the most advanced hybrid technology in the world. In January, we launched the all-new fourth generation Prius. The hybrid that started it all, was reinvented…elevating it in ways that were once thought to be…beyond possible. We gave it a striking new exterior design, impressive driving dynamics, and of course…we couldn’t call it a Prius if we didn’t give it the world’s most thermally efficient engine. So what happens when you take all these great product enhancements…and you challenge the very same team of engineers to make it even better? Well…you get…the 2017 Prius Prime. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the most technologically advanced hybrid in the world…the Prius Prime. We gave it the name Prime, because it represents the BEST: the best hybrid MPG the best driving range (600+ miles) and the best MPGe (120+ miles) of any plug-in in the world. So how did we do it? It all revolves around an obsession for efficiency and balance. With the Prius Prime’s 22 miles of electric range, over 50% of Americans could get to work and back home, without using a drop of gas. And for those drivers that can charge at work…that number jumps to almost 80%. And for those with longer commutes…they can rely on the most fuel-efficient hybrid system in the industry. By optimizing the size of the 8.8 kilowatt-hour lithium battery, the Prius Prime achieves critical weight savings. It can also be charged faster…simply by plugging it into a standard household outlet…no other equipment needed. It’s just the smarter approach. Of course, we know that our customers want more than just the best MPGe…they want stand-out styling… next generation technology… a fun-to-drive character… active safety systems… and they want it all at a great value This new Prius Prime checks all of those boxes. Our designers gave the Prime unique styling that is both innovative and modern…perfect for those who strive to make a difference…and love to look good doing it. The striking front-end adds a futuristic touch with quad LED headlights and DRLs. Around back, the iconic rear spoiler is illuminated with a techy LED glow. A Toyota-first carbon fiber rear hatch saves precious weight, and embraces the unique dual-wave rear glass that helps reduce drag. On the inside, owners will appreciate its cutting edge design…and its luxurious features like standard heated front seats. But most importantly, they will love how the engineers maximized the space of this mid-size car, with fold-down seats, ample cargo room, and comfortable seating for 4 full-size adults…with plenty of leg and headroom for rear passengers. One feature that you can’t miss, is the Prime’s available 11.6-inch HD touch screen that displays all of your important information in one place. This gorgeous screen features intuitive finger controls with the ability to swipe…just like on your phone. a color head up display Premium JBL Audio, and …round out the list of impressive technology features. The Prius Prime delivers on fun-to-drive…and it starts the moment your foot hits the pedal. The Prime utilizes the reliable and proven Prius Hybrid system, but takes it a step further, allowing for both of its electric motors to power the wheels. The second motor helps deliver ultra-smooth acceleration…and speeds up to 84 miles per hour in electric mode. Also new for Prime, when EV mode is selected, it will be solely powered by the battery…even when you floor it. This is a feature that we added based on customer feedback from drivers that wanted a pure electric experience. Take the fun-to-drive characteristics, the extraordinary fuel economy and adopt the same dynamic handling enhancements of the all-new Prius…and you get a car worthy of its Prime name. The safety of our customers is our top priority…and that is why every single Prius Prime will be available with Toyota Safety Sense with pedestrian detection. By the way, we just announced that TSS and Lexus Safety System Plus will be available on 25 out of 30 Toyota and Lexus models by the end of 2017…earlier than any other automaker…and four years ahead of NHTSA’s target. Prius Prime will also offer great features like blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, intelligent clearance sonar and park assist. To top it all off, we expect the Prius Prime to offer the best value in its class…making it more attractive to customers who may not have ever considered a hybrid, let alone one with a plug. I’m also happy to announce today that Prius Prime will be available in all 50 states when it launches later this year, broadening the market even further. It’s Prime time all across the nation! To enhance the ownership experience, we have partnered with Chargepoint, the leader in public vehicle charging. Our partnership will give owners access to over 20,000 U.S. charging stations…over 60% of which are free to users. Add to that an updated suite of Prius Prime Apps that manage vehicle charging, climate control, location services and other vehicle functions, and owners will experience a new type of connection to their vehicles. So there you have it. The auto industry is more dynamic than ever. And with our broad portfolio of new and refreshed products, we are poised to continue taking advantage of opportunities in every part of the market. These three new products are just the beginning. We look forward to sharing even more exciting product news throughout the rest of the year. In the meantime, we’ll get back to work striving to make ever better cars. Before you leave today, be sure to get your Prius Prime hat and cell phone wallet…to get them, just snap a picture of the Prius Prime…and post it with the hashtag Prius. Thank you for joining us. Please enjoy the rest of the show. nyas 2016 NYIAS - 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Reveal 2017 Toyota Prius Prime (available for download) 2016 NYIAS - Toyota press conference - 2017 Toyota Prius Prime 006 Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay (left) and Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima stand with the 2017 Prius Prime after its reveal at the 2016 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Download Low Res. Download High Res. Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima stands with the 2017 Prius Prime after its reveal at the 2016 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay reveals the 2017 Prius Prime, Toyota 86 and the 2017 Highlander at the 2016 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. 2016 NYIAS - 2017 Toyota Prius Prime (Photos) Toyota Financial Toyota Motorsports Toyota en Español Toyota Social

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US Hot Rod Publishing Legend to Appear at BDRHoF Gala Whilst there is no substitute for being at the track and witnessing drag racing first hand, a crucial role in its history has been played by publishing, in spreading the word about the sport and promoting it. So the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame is excited to announce that the former publisher of Hot Rod magazine Harry Hibler will be attending the BDRHoF Gala to be held on 19th November 2016. Harry (pictured with Don Garlits) started by building and racing dragsters and jet cars in the early 1950s, becoming known as ‘Hand Grenade Harry’ after a number of on and off-track incidents. He was manager of San Fernando Raceway for over 15 years and then spent almost 30 years with Petersen Publishing, becoming publisher for numerous automotive publications culminating with Hot Rod. He sat on the Board of Directors of SEMA and was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. He was part of the team that created the concept of CadZZilla for ZZ Top member Billy Gibbons in 1989. In 1994, he was inducted into the Northwestern College Hall of Fame for his contribution to its High Performance Motorsports Education Program. He was named California Business Man of the Year for 2002 by the Business Advisory Council. Currently, Harry sits on the Board of Directors of Quarter Mile Foundation/Project 1320, and the SEMA Hall of Fame committee and Task Force. He was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2013. Harry Hibler said 'I've had a great career and have plenty of stories to tell about San Fernando Raceway which I look forward to sharing with folks in November. It was a real privilege to become publisher of Hot Rod and that opened a lot of doors for me including the heads of major auto manufacturers and politicians. It's certainly been a blast'. BDRHoF Chairman Stu Bradbury said 'It is a real privilege and honour to have Harry, such an important person in the development of hot rodding, to be able to attend the Gala Dinner and other exciting events we are planning for the daytime on 19 November. He has a fund of amazing stories about his experiences on the track and in publishing. Everyone should make sure they are available for the whole day and book their tickets because they are going fast!' Photos: Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing 2016 Gala Award Tickets Ticket prices for the 2016 BDRHoF Gala Awards Dinner remain unchanged at £60 per person. Corporate tables of 10 are available at £580. To reserve tickets please email stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk or telephone Stu Bradbury on 01933 279102. News about the Gala and other events will be published on the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame website, www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk, and at www.eurodragster.com, the sport’s premier website in Europe. The names of 2016’s inductees into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame will be announced on these sites during Santa Pod Raceway’s Dragstalgia meeting, 15th-17th July. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the Hall of Fame’s founding and the admission of its first members. The Gala Awards Dinner was first presented in 2014.

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Auto Biography: Warwick man's ’64 Vespa is a classic way to get around Bill Nixon�s cheerful Signal Red 1964 Vespa GL150 scooter seems almost impertinent sitting next to his 1988 Jaguar XJS and 2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6.He bought the Vespa in 1964 while on a break... By Peter C.T. Elsworth WARWICK, R.I. � Bill Nixon�s cheerful Signal Red 1964 Vespa GL150 scooter seems almost impertinent sitting next to his 1988 Jaguar XJS and 2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6.He bought the Vespa in 1964 while on a break from touring a number of technical colleges in Britain courtesy of the English Speaking Union. He had already owned several while living in Boston and teaching at the Wentworth Institute. �It was the best way to get around the city,� he said. �Traffic was no problem and you could park on the sidewalk.�He rode the Vespas the three miles from his home in Back Bay to Wentworth every day, including most winter days. �Not on the highway.� he said. �150 cc, four-speed shift, top speed 60 (mph) with the wind. It�s a zippy little thing.�Nixon had intended to use the Vespa in England, but a customs strike in Italy delayed getting it out of Italy and so he ended up shipping it to the U.S. directly. Indeed, that was not the only delay. �I bought it in Milan and the woman selling it did not speak English and I did not speak Italian, so I took half a day to buy it,� he said laughing.Nixon traces his heritage to England and Ireland, noting his Irish grandmother was a Catholic and his grandfather a Protestant. �So they fled Ireland to marry,� he said, adding his grandfather worked as a printer at The Providence Journal.Following his tour of seven or eight technical colleges in Britain in 1964, he used a Eurail pass to visit 16 European countries by train.Nixon�s Vespa has unusual roll bars round the front fender and main body to protect the paint work, and the license plate reads VES 64. The small wheels have whitewall tires, and he has attached an old-fashioned looking chrome LED flashlight to the front fender to augment the existing headlight integrated into the handlebar which he said was not very bright.�It�s like a [Ford] Model T,� he said, citing the lack of turn signals and battery. �It�s a kick start.�The Vespa made its debut in 1946 and its bulbous body, thin platform connecting the body to the front wheel and antennalike handle bars not only earned it the name Vespa (wasp in Italian) but also gave it unisex appeal, as women could easily drive it while wearing skirts.By 1960, two million had been sold, and it had become an icon of post-war Italy with the help of such movies as �Roman Holiday� (1953) with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and Frederico Fellini�s classic �La Dolce Vita� (1960).Nixon, an athletic 84 who still ski races in his age group, is married to Madeline, who teaches children�s literature at Rhode Island College. They live in a large 1901 house on Warwick Neck that has a colorful history, notably for being formerly owned by Carl Rettich, who was involved in liquor smuggling during Prohibition.Nixon showed off a large vault hidden under a trap door in the basement, which was originally accessed by an elevator. The vault is some 75 feet long and one wall has a number of pockmarks. Nixon said they are rumored to be connected to the 1933 disappearance of Rettich�s partner Danny Walsh, a big-time Irish-American bootlegger.He said the house serves a happier purpose now, with the front lawn overlooking the bay being the rallying point for Warwick Neck�s annual grassroots Fourth of July Parade.Nixon grew up in Cranston (Madeline is from Brooklyn, N.Y.) and apprenticed with Brown & Sharpe before taking a teaching post at the Wentworth Institute. He said he subsequently earned degrees in management and developed a career in real estate in addition to technical education.He said he has owned numerous antique cars over the years, including a 1925 Franklin, a 1927 Studebaker and a 1929 Nash. But he said he has a particular fondness for Jaguars and has owned 25 or so. He currently owns a 1955 XK 140 that he worked on extensively and two XJS models � a red 1990 convertible in addition to his 1988 coupe. He said he recently sold his Lexus LX470 and was looking for a replacement � �a Range Rover perhaps.�Nixon said he had few mishaps with the Vespa. He recalled one time getting a flat front tire riding round Block Island with Madeline. �I had to sit at the back [to keep the weight off the front tire] and she had to walk,� he said, adding ruefully, �She did not let me forget [that episode].�

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Petersen Automotive Museum auctions off classic cars, plans revamp Susanne Whatley Steve Aubrey with his son, MacCorkle Aubrey look at a car in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles Tuesday, April 26, 2011. The museum has begun auctioning off some of its classic cars. Nick Ut/AP The Petersen Automotive Museum has begun auctioning off some of its classic cars, with sales intended to help revamp the 20-year-old auto museum. "With 400 cars, you can't take care of all of them all of the time and there's really been no space," said Terry Karges, executive director at the museum . "The other part is that, for 20 years, we haven't necessarily done much with culling the collection or being really specific in a direction toward what we want to do. " The LA Times reported this week that some former museum employees are concerned the sales will deter people from making donations to the museum in the future. "I couldn't disagree more, but everyone has their opinions," Karges said. "We have 500 members who are premier collectors in the world, and if they don't have a car that we need in their collection, they certainly know who does, so there's really never going to be a car that we can't get our hands on if we want for an important exhibit." Karges said the Petersen Automotive Museum has sold some important cars, but none of them are cars that can't be replaced or taken out on loan for exhibits. He added that not all of the cars that the museum owns are necessarily collectibles and some were never intended to be exhibited. "There were an awful lot of cars that had been donated by generous folks that we took in with the intention of later on selling it for a lot less money than you'd look at for a collector car," Karges said. The Peterson Automotive Museum will begin to focus on featuring more galleries on art and design, Karges said, while staying true to the museum's original mission of showcasing how automobiles have impacted culture in Los Angeles. "We're the car center of the world," Karges said. "And we intend to maintain that." With contributions from Ashley Bailey Court orders government to let Yemen plaintiffs fly to Los Angeles 3 Hollywood Hills homes affected by hillside collapse

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Used Cars Honda Make CR-Z Model Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings 2012 Honda CR-Z Safety The 2012 Honda CR-Z has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the CR-Z its highest rating of "Good" for frontal offset and side-impact crash tests, as well as for roof strength. It's worth noting that the earlier 2011 model, however, was rated by the IIHS only as "Acceptable" for roof strength.Visibility is the biggest issue in the Honda CR-Z. The CR-Z comes standard with dual front, side, and side-curtain airbags, along with active head restraints for the seats. It has the usual suite of electronic safety systems, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and tire-pressure warning sensors. It also has a feature we particularly like, known as hill assist, which keeps the brakes engaged on manual-transmission cars when they are stopped on a slope. Where the CR-Z falls down on driving safety is its visibility, or lack of it. The rear three-quarter view is almost non-existent, with no good angles to show what's to the side and rear. The pillars are thick, the quarter windows are tiny, and the scene in the rear-view mirror is split by the bar connecting the two slit-like tailgate windows, one short and vertical, the other long but almost horizontal. So while the little Honda will slot into minimal parking spaces, the process of getting it in won't be any fun. Research Other Topics Looking for other models of the Honda CR-Z? Compare the 2012 Honda CR-Z against the competition 2012 MINI Cooper Convertible Popular Cities Similar Cars For Sale For Sale By Year Used Honda CR-Z in New York, NY Used Honda CR-Z in Los Angeles, CA Used Honda CR-Z in Chicago, IL Used Honda CR-Z in Houston, TX Used Honda CR-Z in Philadelphia, PA Used Honda CR-Z in Phoenix, AZ Used Honda CR-Z in San Antonio, TX Used Honda CR-Z in San Diego, CA Used Honda CR-Z in Dallas, TX Used Honda CR-Z in San Jose, CA Used Honda CR-Z in Jacksonville, FL Used Honda CR-Z in Indianapolis, IN Used Honda CR-Z in San Francisco, CA Used Honda CR-Z in Austin, TX Used Honda CR-Z in Columbus, OH Used Honda CR-Z in Fort Worth, TX Used Ford Fiesta For Sale Used Mitsubishi Eclipse For Sale Used Volkswagen Beetle For Sale Used MINI Cooper Convertible For Sale Used Scion tC For Sale 2016 Honda CR-Z For Sale 2015 Honda CR-Z For Sale 2014 Honda CR-Z For Sale 2013 Honda CR-Z For Sale 2012 Honda CR-Z For Sale 2011 Honda CR-Z For Sale Follow Us

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From sea to shining sea /Oberholtzer motorcycle trip visits four corners of United States Megan Edwards Published: October 11, 2006 12:00 AM 1 of 1 Photos | View More PhotosBy MEGAN EDWARDST-G Staff WriterWhen Bonnie and Larry Oberholtzer decided to take a trip this summer, they wanted to do something unique.So, when the Ashland couple came across the U.S.A. Four Corner Motorcycle Tour, they knew the trip would be once in a lifetime.The tour involves a trip to four designated points in the United States in no particular order Madawaska, Maine; Blaine, Wash.; San Ysidro, Calif. and Key West, Fla. Participants are required to take the tour in 21 days or less, beginning at arrival at the first point. As part of the tour, which is sponsored by the Southern California Motorcycling Association, participants are instructed to take a picture of their motorcycle in front of various appointed spots in the four cities, as well as get a gas receipt, to send to the organization.We have traveled for many years and have been to every state in the United States and every province in Canada several times, said Larry Oberholtzer. We thought, what can we do next? Oberholtzer is a retired steel mill worker and worked at North Central State College. He purchased his first motorcycle in 1958, and married his wife in 1961. Oberholtzer estimated the couple has put more than 300,000 miles on motorcycles.Weve always had a bike, he said.Their most recent bike is a 2001 Honda Gold Wing with a trailer, painted sapphire blue. The couple set out on the Gold Wing at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 15, and decided Maine would be their first stop. That stretch of the trip took two days and covered about 1,200 miles, according to Larry Oberholtzer.From Maine, the couple took the long haul and headed to Washington. They arrived Aug. 23 after traveling about 3,100 miles. After their arrival, they toured a bit before heading to San Ysidro, arriving there Aug. 27 after about 1,400 miles. The couple then hit the road and got to Key West on Sept. 4, after about 2,700 miles.According to Oberholtzer, the trip covered 10,893 miles. They tried to average about 500 miles a day. Though they were on a time crunch, they were able to see some spots they never had seen before, as well as visit favorite sites, such as Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park in California, and Glacier National Park in Montana.One of our favorite spots is the Cascade Mountains, said Bonnie Oberholtzer. They are just awesome. Pictures cant really capture the beauty of them.Of course, the couple couldnt take a 10,000-mile trip and not run into incidents and accidents.You have to have a bad experience on every trip, said Bonnie Oberholtzer.One of the roads they were to take, ironically, to Ashland, Maine, was completely demolished. Then, they had to deal with 110-degree heat in the desert, and a downpour of rain between Fort Myers and Naples in Florida. In Los Angeles and Seattle, they ran into heavy traffic.On a Sunday afternoon in L.A., five lanes of traffic were going nowhere, Larry Oberholtzer said. We went one mile in 10 minutes. It took us three hours to get through there.In Houston, Texas, their trailer was hit by another vehicle, marking the first time the Oberholtzers ever had been in an accident on their motorcycle. Thanks to their membership with the American Gold Wing Association, they were able to find another Gold Wing member, who happened to own an automobile body repair shop, to help fix their trailer.People in Houston, Texas, were so wonderful, Bonnie Oberholtzer said. If we were to ever get in an accident, that was the place to do it.Overall, the trip was a great one, the couple said. But Bonnie Oberholtzer said she is unsure if she would ever go on such a trip again. Her husband, however, politely disagreed.I would do it again, he said, adding the couple has talked about planning a motorcycle trip to Alaska in a couple years.Riding a motorcycle is such a different experience than riding in another vehicle, said Bonnie Oberholtzer.You can see things, she said. In a car, you have a roof, but with the motorcycle, youre out there with it. You can turn your head and see. And you can smell all of the smells good and bad.Her husband agreed.We feel were really able to enjoy the countryside, he said. It makes it a little more of an adventure, to be on a bike.n Megan Edwards can be reached at 419-281-0581, ext. 239, or medwards@times-gazette.com.

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Tesla to Release Affordable EV in 3-4 Years, Talks Future Buyout Tiffany Kaiser - May 27, 2013 9:45 AM Tesla wants to release a quality, yet affordable EV (unlike the Nissan Leaf) Now that Tesla Motors has freed itself of federal debt, many are wondering, "What's next for the automaker?" According to its CEO, creating a quality electric vehicle that is also affordable is the main goal. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that his company's Model S is a great EV, but it's a luxury car that is out of the price range of many consumers. He compared it to the Nissan Leaf, which is an affordable EV, but lacks quality (in Musk's opinion). “With the Model S, you have a compelling car that’s too expensive for most people,” said Musk. “And you have the Leaf, which is cheap, but it’s not great." Musk said the ideal affordable Tesla EV would be available in about three to four years, and would be sold for under $40,000 USD. It would also have a range of about 200 miles per charge. Tesla CEO Elon Musk With Tesla paying off its $465 million federal loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) an entire nine years earlier than expected last week, some suspected that Tesla's next move would be an acquisition by larger companies like Daimler AG and Toyota Motor Corp. Daimler AG has 4.87 million Tesla shares valued at $425 million and Toyota has 2.94 million shares valued at $257 million. While Musk recognizes that an acquisition is possible in the future, he doesn't see his company being sold to another automaker. “Tesla just seems very expensive [to other automakers],” said Musk. "I’d guess it would come from outside the auto industry. It would be a buyer with a very large cash position." Musk said Apple is a large company that could qualify as a suitable buyer for Tesla at some point. However, Musk isn't selling anytime soon. He wants to stick around to continue selling Tesla's popular Model S sedan (the company sold 4,900 in the first quarter), seeing profits soar (Tesla's profit came in at 12 cents a share for Q1, which was a boost from a loss of 76 cents a share in Q1 2012) and developing the affordable Tesla EV. "What the world really needs is a great, affordable electric car," said Musk. "I’m not going to let anything go, no matter what people offer, until I complete that mission.” Source: The Detroit News "Mac OS X is like living in a farmhouse in the country with no locks, and Windows is living in a house with bars on the windows in the bad part of town." -- Charlie Miller Tesla Repays $465 Million DOE Loan 9 Years Early Tesla Reports First Profitable Quarter; Hires Aston Martin's Chief Vehicle Engineer

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Detroit Gearing Up for Electric Cars The Dodge Circuit Electric Vehicle Regular readers know that I am hopeful that electric cars can start to become one of our transportation options in the next few years. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, it is because there are so many different options for making electricity. We currently make it primarily from coal and nuclear power, but over time renewable electricity production is expected to grow sharply. The car performs the same way whether the electricity comes from coal, natural gas, wind, geothermal, or solar power. The second major factor behind my desire to see us move toward electric transportation is that the efficiencies of electric motors are much higher than for gasoline engines. In an essay that I wrote last year, I linked to an analysis that showed that the overall efficiency of an electric vehicle is about double that of the internal combustion engine. The final reason I favor a move toward electric vehicles is that it simply diversifies our transportation options. I want to see us develop expertise in that area, but also in the areas of improving diesel hybrids, CNG vehicles, etc. In an age of limited fossil fuel supplies, diversification provides more protection against supply disruptions. Over the weekend, the New York Times published a story on the electric vehicles in the pipeline: Detroit Goes for Electric Cars, but Will Drivers? Some excerpts summarizing what we should expect: DEARBORN, Mich. — Inside the Ford Motor Company, it was called Project M — to build a prototype of a totally electric, battery-powered car in just six months. When it was started last summer, the effort was considered a tall order by the small team of executives and engineers assigned to it. After all, the auto industry can take years to develop vehicles. But Ford was feeling pressure from competitors, and decided it could not afford to fall behind in the rapidly expanding race to put electric cars in dealer showrooms. Ford plans to make only 10,000 of the electric vehicles a year at first — very few by Detroit standards — to test the market cautiously. The competition over electrics is picking up speed and players. Toyota, which has so far focused its efforts on hybrid models, will display a battery-powered concept car at the Detroit show. Nissan’s chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, has promised to sell an electric car in the United States and Japan as early as next year. Two Japanese automakers, Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, are also testing electric cars. And Chrysler, the most troubled of Detroit’s three auto companies, has vowed to produce its first electric car by 2010. Of course one of the major limitation is the energy density of the batteries, which by fossil fuel standards is quite low. However, the push by the auto industry has boosted investments into storage technologies: The surge toward electric vehicles also appears to be jump-starting investments in advanced-battery production in the United States. General Motors will announce plans at the auto show to build a factory in the United States to assemble advanced batteries for its Chevrolet Volt model, which it expects to start selling next year. Ultimately, though, whether consumers will embrace these vehicles will come down to cost and convenience. At the $40,000 price tag that was mentioned in the story for the Chevy Volt, consumers aren’t going to embrace them. There is also the matter of convenience. Ford indicates that it will take six hours to put a charge on that will give the vehicle a range of 100 miles. While that’s a pretty good range, what if I forget to plug my car in? Running out of gas is preferable to that. But as the article goes on to point out, the average American drives less than 35 miles a day, so even if I forgot to plug in overnight, I still have a 2nd (and maybe 3rd) chance to get the vehicle charged overnight. We will always need liquid fuels, though, as long-haul trucking and airline transportation are well-suited for the high energy density of liquid fuels. Here’s hoping, though, that the electric vehicle can finally make some inroads. Chevy Volt, electric cars, electricity, Ford | 46 Comments Detroit Gearing Up for Electric Cars

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First pictures of new Formula Renault 3.5 revealedRenault Sport Technologies today revealed the first images of the new Formula Renault 3.5 which is due to make its track debut in the 2008 World Series by Renault. The new chassis, whose design was inspired by that of the Renault F1 R27, will be powered by a 24V V6 engine featuring flex fuel technology and capable of delivering up to 500bhp with E85 bioethanol. This will be a first at this level of motorsport in Europe. The star category of the World Series by Renault since the series was created in 2005, the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 championship has established itself as one of the higher rungs of the ladder leading to Formula 1. After a three-year cycle, the current race car is due to be replaced in 2008: New Formula Renault 3.5 will be given the task of continuing this success. Ever committed to the principles of controlled costs, and sporting and technical equity between competitors, Renault Sport Technologies has defined a new package which anticipates the changes set to be introduced in motorsport. New Formula Renault 3.5 has been developed to comply with a strict set of technical specifications covering aspects such as performance, reliability, safety, sustainable development and its appeal to drivers and teams alike. Inspired by the shape of Renault F1 R27, Dallara has designed a new carbon bodyshell. Narrower than its predecessor, the bodyshell has a raised nose cone which delivers improved aerodynamic performance. The spoon-shaped front wing, hollowed sidepods and multiple side deflectors attest to the permanent drive to improve performance. As demonstrated by the imposing rear crash-box, recent advances have been used to reinforce the car's safety features. New Formula Renault 3.5 has therefore been designed to meet F1-level safety standards. Based on the same block used on the current race car, the 3.5-litre 24V V6 engine will be fitted with flex fuel technology, which means that the car is able to run on either premium unleaded petrol (SP98) or E85 bioethanol. By totally redesigning the engine architecture, Solution F has increased its power from 425 to 500bhp. The efficiency of the ‘push-to-pass' system has also been improved. However, reliability will be unaffected by these changes, since services will be scheduled every 4,500 kilometers. In order to keep costs under control, several elements of the current Formula Renault 3.5 will be kept on the new car: the wheels fitted with Michelin tires of identical dimensions, the semi-automatic gearbox and the entire rear suspension system, the carbon brakes, the Magneti-Marelli electronic management and data acquisition system, etc. The 2008 World Series Formula Renault 3.5 championship will be open to thirteen two-car teams. Prior to publication of the list of selected teams by the Organizing committee, New Formula Renault 3.5 will be unveiled to the public at the French round of this year's World Series by Renault at Magny-Cours (September 22-23).

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Look out for riders during National Ride to Work Week National Ride to Work Week is taking place this week. Motorists are reminded that this week is national Ride to Work Week (June 20 to 26), which means the number of regular motorcycle and scooter commuters on the roads across the UK is likely to swell. According to insurance quote data, only a third of riders insure their motorbikes for commuting, but this is likely to change over the next few days, as four motorcycle insurance providers are making commuter cover free for existing policy holders for Ride to Work Week. The Ride to Work campaign highlights the benefits of commuting via motorcycle or scooter, which include saving time, money, easy parking, improved road skills and the fun factor! This year, the campaign is also highlighting the work of Northamptonshire County Council, which is the first local authority in the UK to actively encourage a modal shift from cars to motorcycles, through its Motorcycle Northants project. More motorcycles and scooters would help reduce congestion for all road users, according to a European study. It found that when just 10% of car drivers swapped to a motorcycle or scooter, congestion was reduced for all road users by 40%. When 25% swapped, it was eliminated altogether.Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which leads the industry-wide Ride to Work Campaign, says including motorcycles in mainstream transport planning would benefit both the economy and rider safety:“Park the biker stereotype and think ahead to the contribution that small motorcycles and scooters could make as an efficient and sustainable form of personal commuter transport. We are heartened by the example of Northamptonshire County Council, which has made good use of ‘Realising the motorcycling opportunity’; a policy document written by the MCIA and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.“This explores a growing body of evidence that more motorcycles on the road would lift productivity by reducing congestion, while at the same time boosting motorcycle safety. Concern about rider safety is often cited as a reason not to encourage motorcycle use, but the strength in numbers argument is a valid one, backed by statistics from countries where powered-two-wheeler use is greater, but the ratio of accidents significantly less. It is also the same argument being used by the cycling lobby.” Motorcyclists also enjoy their commute more. A one-off survey by the Office for National Statistics found that those who rode a motorcycle, scooter or moped didn’t experience any negative affect on well-being on journeys up to half an hour and after that it was negligible. In contrast, those who cycled, walked, took the bus or drove, all experienced a negative affect after just 15 minutes. This is why the campaign uses the hashtag #commutehappy

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Why Car Dealers Want to Take You for a Ride Well-equipped models like this Ford Fusion are very profitable for the automakers, but most mainstream new-car dealers operate on much thinner margins than customers realize. Source: Ford Motor Co.Did you feel like you got ripped off when you bought your last new car?Maybe "ripped off" is a little strong. But a lot of people feel like they're giving up too much money when they buy a new car.But it turns out that most buyers aren't giving up anywhere near as much money as they think. A new survey shows that, on average, people think that new-car dealers make a 20% profit on the sale of a new vehicle. But the reality is that it's far, far lower.In fact, in recent years, new-car dealers selling mass-market brands like Toyota or Ford have seen their profit margins shrink quite a bit -- to less than 4%, on average.That might explain why car dealers use every trick in the book to try to get you to pay a little more on your new vehicle. But as Motley Fool senior auto specialist John Rosevear explains in this video, those tricks might not be in anybody's best interest.A transcript of the video is below.Warren Buffett's worst auto nightmare (Hint: It's not Tesla Motors!)A major technological shift is happening in the automotive industry. Most people are skeptical about its impact. Warren Buffett isn't one of them. He recently called it a "real threat" to one of his favorite businesses. An executive at Ford called the technology "fantastic." The beauty for investors is that there is an easy way to invest in this megatrend. Click here to access our exclusive report on this stock.John Rosevear: Hey Fools, it's John Rosevear, senior auto specialist for Fool.com. Interesting study came out this week from the folks at TrueCar. They found that consumers believe that car dealers make about five times more profit on the sale of a new car than they actually do, and they say this highlights what they call a "trust gap" between consumers and car dealers."Duh", right? If you're nodding and laughing right now, as I was when I first heard this, then stay with me because this is interesting.So back in February, TrueCar surveyed over 3,000 consumers across the country, and they were looking to, as they put it, "identify consumers' perspectives regarding perceived profits made by car dealers with questions aimed at determining what consumers believe a fair profit would be."And they found that a lot of people buying cars fear that they're overpaying, which isn't a surprise, and that people think that dealers make about 20% profit on the sale of a $30,000 new car. The reality, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, is that the average dealer's profit margin on a new car is a little less than 4%. So there's a big gap here. Customers feel like they're getting taken for a ride, and the dealers feel like they're totally getting squeezed.TrueCar's CEO Scott Painter says this shows that "fear and mistrust have a cost in the car buying process", and he's totally right. We as buyers have all experienced, or at least heard about, these games that dealers play with hard-sell techniques that might be a little deceptive, where they focus on the monthly payment to kind of distract you from the overall cost of the car, or they add all these charges and fees at the last minute or whatever.But the truth is, nowadays most new-car dealers who are selling the mass-market brands are operating on pretty thin margins, that's why a lot of the little local dealers have gone out of business over the last decade, the ones that have survived are either making most of their money on used cars or they're doing very high volume business, a lot of pickups or commercial fleet business that keeps the numbers up and gives them enough to turn a decent profit at the end of the month. But because there are so many games that have been played over the years, and the games still get played with sticker prices and invoice prices and the incentives and loan terms and all the rest, people buying cars don't trust dealers.Look at Tesla Motors and how their customers love that sales process, with a Tesla the price is the price and there's no pressure at their stores, just help. Of course, this is TrueCar's thing, the idea that their service gets a price that's good for both parties up front so there's no need to worry about hassles, but there's a reason that TrueCar exists and is thriving.So something for consumers to think about here when you go to buy your next new car, and something for dealers to think about, maybe no-hassle pricing and low-pressure sales really is the way to go to preserve your margins. Thanks for watching. The article Why Car Dealers Want to Take You for a Ride originally appeared on Fool.com. John Rosevear owns shares of Ford. The Motley Fool recommends Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Copyright © 1995 - 2014 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Auto-Buying Information-Technology

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Government extends plug-in car grant Government's £600 million package to encourage development and purchase of ultra-low emission vehicles includes commitment to extend plug-in car grant to 2018 Words by: Andy Pringle First published: 23rd December 2015 Plug-in car grant extended to 2018 Backed by £400 million package Maximum grant falls to £4500 Buyers of some of the greenest new cars will continue to be eligible for a grant from the government after it announced an extension to the plug-in car grant. Originally guaranteed until February 2016, the grant has been extended to March 2018 with the backing of a £400 million package. The government hopes that more than 100,000 people will take advantage of it over the coming years, leading to a trebling of the number of ultra-low emission vehicles on British roads. At the same time, there will be some changes to the way the scheme operates. From the beginning of March 2016, qualifying vehicles will be split into three categories, with only those in Category 1 eligible for the highest grant of £4500 (a £500 drop from the current figure of £5000).The categories are defined as follows: Category 1 - CO₂ emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range of at least 70 miles Category 2 - CO₂ emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range between 10 and 69 miles Category 3 - CO₂ emissions of 50 to 75g/km and a zero emission range of at least 20 miles Typically, that means that only electric or hydrogen fuel cell cars will qualify for the maximum grant, while cars in Categories 2 and 3 (mostly plug-in hybrids) will be eligible for a £2500 grant. According to the government, this difference in the level of grant is to focus the financial support on the greenest vehicles. At the same time, to maximise the support for everyday motorists, the government has said that only cars with a value of less than £60,000 will qualify for the category 2 and 3 grant. However, there is no such cap for vehicles in Category 1. Finally, the announcement also included a commitment from the government to help people who have a dedicated charge point installed at their home. From March 2016, a grant of £500 per installation – which typically covers about half the cost – will be available. View gallery Since the plug-in car grant was started in 2011, some 50,000 people have benefited, and the extension to the grant is one element of a £600 million package of measures from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles over the course of this parliament which also includes funding for charge points, as well as funding for innovative technology such as lighter vehicles and longer-lasting car batteries.Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and the plug-in car grant has been key to that success. Extending the grant in a sustainable way ensures more than 100,000 people will benefit from financial support when purchasing these cheap-to-run and green cars. We are determined to keep Britain at the forefront of the technology, increasing our support for plug-in vehicles to £600 million over the next five years to cut emissions, create jobs and support our cutting-edge industries.” Related topics: Electric Car Zero Emissions Government extends plug-in car grant image gallery

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MotorWeek Credits John H. Davis, Producer, Host and Creator As the Emmy Award-winning producer, host and creator of MotorWeek, John Davis puts all new car models through extensive road tests and judges their practicality for buyers. He also serves as final editor on all of the new-car road test segments and writes many of the test opinions as well as other portions of the program. In 1998 Davis received an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his role as host and executive producer of a MotorWeek-related special broadcast. Davis is a co-founder and board member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards, the only independent journalistic automotive award in North America. He is also an organizer of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is president of the pioneering International Motor Press Association. In recognition of his 20 years covering the auto industry, Davis received two Golden Wheel Awards in 1999—including the grand award—from the Detroit Press Foundation. Davis also received a 1999 First Place Silver Dome Award for "Best Special Program and Feature" from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for the WGN special "Live at the 1998 Chicago Auto Show." A 1970 mechanical and aerospace engineering graduate of North Carolina State University, Davis also holds a master of business administration degree from the University of North Carolina. Prior to joining Maryland Public Television, Davis worked for the Wall Street brokerage firm of Kidder, Peabody and Company as a transportation analyst. Davis has owned a variety of high-performance cars, including vintage Ford Mustangs, a Chevrolet Corvette and a deTomaso Pantera. Pat Goss, Master Technician MotorWeek's resident automotive guru, master technician Pat Goss has hosted the "Goss' Garage" segment for 24 years. His weekly "tool kit" of information helps extend the life of the automobiles Americans love to drive. This 34-year veteran has helped millions of car owners gain knowledge and confidence. "Proper maintenance" is Pat's mantra to the mainstream, encouraging drivers to change the fluids and check the components in their cars on a regular basis. The most common and confusing consumer problem? According to Pat it's the ubiquitous yellow "check engine" light. Mostly misunderstood by drivers, "check engine" lights make technicians dig deep to diagnose their cause. Pat can be heard weekly on his wildly popular radio show, "Goss' Garage," which has been consistently rated one of Washington, D.C.'s top radio shows for the past 20 years. When he's not dispensing advice on radio and television, Pat trades his dipstick for a pen. Pat's articles on car care have appeared in publications such as U.S. News & World Report and Reader's Digest, in addition to his bi-weekly column in The Washington Post and his column in the National Corvette Owners Association magazine. This native New Yorker's first foray into automotive repair was when he opened a body shop as a high school freshman. By the time he was a senior, Pat was operating an 11,000-square-foot garage with 23 employees and was grossing $870,000 a year. Anqoinette Crosby, Consumer Reporter Anqoinette Crosby, MotorWeek's consumer reporter, has a passion for cars, a finger on the pulse of the news and designer stilettos on the gas. From Texas and California to the nation's capital, Anqoinette has immersed herself in the headlines of the day. She thrust herself into the thick of things during the Washington, D.C., sniper coverage and has covered national stories for Conus Communications, Fox TV's "America's Most Wanted" and local news markets in Lubbock, Texas, and San Francisco. These experiences have given Anqoinette an uncanny understanding of consumer needs and wants. When she's not driving in her designer slingbacks, she's dancing in them. A sports fan and devotee of decorating shows, R&B, Asian cuisine (both cooking and enjoying) and politics, Anqoinette is the perfect fusion of two coasts. Her razor sharp news instincts and an inimitable style make her a standout for all the right reasons. Henry Kopacz, Associate Producer and Feature Reporter Whether he's blasting along the motorways of Europe on test drives or cooking dinner on a car engine, Henry Kopacz's refreshing approach to the automotive world is seen during MotorWeek's "Over the Edge" segments. As an associate producer/feature reporter, Henry enjoys sharing his behind-the-scenes experiences with viewers, who get a peek behind the glossy showrooms and into the psyche of manufacturers on everything from automotive engineering to modern styling. Henry serves his automotive segments straight up, with a twist, in his ongoing quest for the unusual, bizarre or just plain interesting in the automotive world. A native of northern New Jersey, Henry possesses both bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in mass communication but never expected to be an on-air personality. A devotee of motorcycling—both riding and restoring—Henry's also a fan of exotic cuisine, a variety of music genres and guitar playing, and he modestly displays an Emmy Award at home for his work on the documentary "Images of Maryland: 1900 - 2000." Henry's degrees were earned from the University of Tampa and Towson University. Dave Durso, Head Writer and Feature Reporter Ask Dave Durso something about automobiles and he easily reels off facts and figures, punctuated by colorful descriptive phrases. He should; he diligently researches and writes this stuff every week. But mention anything on two wheels, and the longtime MotorWeek head writer lights up. Dave's love of the more challenging ways to travel from point A to point B comes to life in his "Two Wheelin'" segments. Whether on a Harley, a Honda or his favorite two-wheeled ride (a Trek road bicycle), it's the challenge of riding well that inspires him to keep coming back. Similarly, it's the challenge of writing well that inspires this voracious reader and Shakespeare fan, who finds as much satisfaction in a well-turned phrase as he does hammering out the miles on hot asphalt. Perhaps growing up in a well-read family in a northeast Pennsylvania coal-mining town explains such an eclectic mix of passions. Whether cycling, reading, writing, listening to music, hunting and target shooting, or meditating, it's all Zen to Dave when he finds himself in the zone where he loses all track of time. But on most days it's business as usual, writing MotorWeek scripts and artfully turning phrases as he has so faithfully for the past 19 years. Dave earned a bachelor of arts degree in television production, with a minor in anthropology, from Kutztown University. Jessica "Jessi" Choksey, Writer and News Reporter Jessica Choksey's love of transportation is genetic. This MotorWeek writer and news reporter's parents own a bus company, and her father, also a private pilot, took her from wheels to wings. Family time included living on the water, going from houseboat to speedboat, and bunking in the luggage racks in her parents' buses on trips to Atlantic City. As a writer for Road Test, Car Keys and MotorNews, Jessi combines her passion for both writing and automobiles. Her first international flight, a personal transportation triumph, landed her on the Autobahn, where she experienced the thrill of the coveted BMW M5—an experience she described as "awesome." Prior to joining MotorWeek, Jessi's articles could be read in regional and national publications, including Chesapeake Home Magazine. When she's not scribing for MotorWeek, Jessi writes poetry, short stories and scripts. Return to Video Car Reviews Our Company Cars.com is a proud sponsor of "MotorWeek" on PBS.

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DealsSALE Vans and Minivans Car Buying Car Buying Tips Car Companies Car Shipping Finding the Right Car Featured Articles » Buying Diesel: What You Should Know Top Cheap Supercars Under $25,000 How to Find out If Your Car Has a Factory Warranty Cars for No Money Down and No Credit Check: Bad Credit Auto Loan Advice Vans and Minivans Where to Find Great Station Wagons for Sale Find out the top resources for finding station wagons for sale (beyond CarsDirect), and get a checklist of what to look for in a station wagon. Station Wagons for College Students and TeenagersA Buyer's Checklist for Used Station WagonsQuestions to Ask the Seller Whether you're looking for new or used station wagons for sale, saving money on your purchase is important. Use this list to help you in your search for the best station wagon at the best price. Right Here on CarsDirect If you're reading this article, then you're already on the best site on the web to purchase a new or used station wagon. We have more than one and a half million vehicles listed for sale, and have thousands of new and used station wagons from all over the country. Regardless of the type of station wagon you want to buy, CarsDirect has one available at a price you can afford. eBay Motors Auction Site If you're looking for a used station wagon and have never participated in a car auction, you definitely want to consider eBay Motors for your next used station wagon purchase. eBay allows you to set your own price for a station wagon by bidding on vehicles that interest you. If your bid is the highest, and meets the reserve price set by the seller, you'll be able to purchase a used station wagon at a price you normally wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. Just keep in mind that you should always be careful when purchasing a vehicle from a stranger on the Internet. Classic Car Sites If you're looking for a high-powered classic station wagon, like those produced in the 1960's and 1970's, you need to find classic car sites that offer these vintage automobiles. You can find classic car sites online that have hundreds of classic station wagons by using a search engine. Wholesale Car Buying Clubs If you're a member of wholesale membership clubs like Costco or Sam's Club, visit the customer service desk and ask about programs designed to save money for members on the purchase of a new vehicle. Many times, the wholesale club can help you locate a new station wagon and buy it for much less than you would be able to at your local dealership. If you're not a member of one of these clubs, you may want to consider joining one. The money you can save on a new station wagon can more than make up for the cost of membership. Your Local Classifieds Don't forget to check out the classified ads section of your local newspaper. Sometimes, dealers have station wagons that have been sitting on the lot just a little too long, and are willing to sell them at a discount. These types of station wagons are usually offered as "loss leaders" in order to attract customers to the lot; therefore, be sure you act quickly in order to take advantage of sale prices offered on harder to sell station wagons. Station Wagons for College Students and Teenagers Due to the popularity of the sport utility vehicle, or SUV, station wagon cars sales dwindled in the USA, despite being more practical and fuel efficient than their SUV counterparts. But the recent economic recession has changed all that. Station wagons are slowly gaining ground, as the high price of gas continues to draw people away from the lumbering, gas guzzling sport utility vehicle. The European market still considers the station wagon as the vehicle of choice, and is perfect for students and teenagers to carry their friends and all their stuff. Here are 3 station wagons that are perfect for college students and teenagers. Kia Rondo Also known as the Kia Carens in other parts of the world, the Rondo is a practical car that scores high points in safety and durability. For less than $25,000 the Rondo comes well equipped and offers a smooth ride with lots of space to carry all your friends and personal belongings as well. The Rondo comes equipped with a 2.4-liter inline 4-engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission maximized for torque and fuel economy. For those who want more, a 2.7-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission is available to satisfy your quench for power. Parent company Hyundai is doing a good job with Kia these days and offers the same 10 year 100,000 mile warranty found on all models available. The Rondo strikes the right balance between car like handling and minivan practicality, which is the reason why this MPV (multi purpose vehicle) is slowly gaining popularity around the world. College students will certainly agree that the Rondo is a stylish wagon worth considering when looking for a practical everyday vehicle. Honda Accord Crosstour Japanese automaker Honda is known to inject science and technology in their entire vehicle lineup and the Accord Crosstour is no exception. The sleek, aerodynamic shape emits a kind of attraction that older Accords could only dream of. The innovative 271 horsepower 3.5-liter i-Vtec V6 engine incorporates Honda's VCM (variable cylinder management) technology and enables the engine to run in 3-cylinder, 4-cylinder or 6 cylinder mode--depending on traffic conditions--and works in conjunction with the excellent 5 speed automatic transmission for enhanced fuel economy. The availability of Honda's real time 4WD makes the Accord Crosstour a worthy companion on slick or frozen roads, ensuring traction and control for a safer drive. Subaru Outback It's no wonder that the Subaru Outback is the station wagon to beat, as parent company Fuji Heavy Industries managed to inject the Outback with the same driving dynamics found on the iconic Subaru Impreza. In typical Subaru fashion, the Outback comes equipped either with a 2.5-liter or 3.6-liter horizontally opposed Boxer engine, for a lower center of gravity and Subaru's famous symmetrical all wheel drive system for unparalleled performance whatever road conditions or hazards the weather might bring. Driving comfort and control is assured with the Subaru Outback wagon, as the technology works in symphony with the driver for excellent road feel and predictable handling. Used Station Wagons for Sale: A Buyer's Checklist When looking for a station wagon for sale, it is important to know how to find good deals on reliable vehicles. Just because a used station wagon seems to be priced affordably does not mean that it is a good deal. Here is a list of things you can do to avoid buying a lemon. Get a Mechanic's Inspection Because station wagons have a lot of space and are very practical, they get used a lot for carrying large amounts of cargo or large numbers of children. Therefore, they can be driven hard and may experience an unusually high amount of wear and tear. Have a mechanic thoroughly inspect any station wagon you are thinking of buying. It will cost you a few bucks, but could save you a bundle in avoidable car repair bills. Find the History of the Station Wagon View a car history report on any station wagon you are considering purchasing. Make sure the station wagon has not been involved in a major accident or doesn't have a junk, rebuilt or salvage title. Read Reviews about the Car Unless you're buying a really old station wagon, you should be able to find ratings and reviews on any modern model of cars. Look for reviews or ratings for a make and model wagon online by entering search terms that will display relevant results. Alternatively, you could visit sites like the Kelley Blue Book pricing guide or the Edmunds Pricing Guide. Both sites have in-depth reviews on many popular make and model station wagons. You can search for them by year, make, model or even use the station wagon section to start your search for the vehicle of your choice. Have Classic Station Wagons Appraised If you are thinking of purchasing an expensive classic station wagon, such as those made 40 or more years ago, you should have the vehicle appraised by a professional. These types of vehicles can be excellent investments; however, they are usually only worth the high price you pay if the vehicles are in good to excellent condition. Professional antique car appraisers are very knowledgeable about these types of cars and can help you determine if you are getting a good deal or not. Ask a Lot of Questions Even if the mechanic gives the car an OK, always ask the seller enough questions to feel comfortable about buying the station wagon. Ask about maintenance (request records and receipts), inquire about any major repairs that have been done, and always ask about any signs of body damage that could be an indication of a previous accident. Even though a car history report may tell you if a vehicle has been involved in accident, sometimes reports are not always updated. Put the seller on the spot and ask him or her directly. Questions to Ask the Seller What Is the VIN Number? Before you even go to see the vehicle, you should contact the seller and ask him or her for the VIN number. This will allow you to do a vehicle history report and check the status of the title, as well as see if the vehicle has been in any major accidents that were reported to the insurance company. Is the Odometer Reading Accurate? Always ask the seller if the odometer reading, or mileage, on the vehicle is accurate. If the seller tells you that the odometer reading is different from the actual mileage of the vehicle for any reason, you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Are You the Original Owner of the Vehicle? You should always ask the seller if he or she is the original owner of the vehicle. It is important to know the history of the vehicle, and also who may have previously owned it. Informed buyers always know the history of their vehicle; if the seller doesn't know how many owners the vehicle has had, walk away. Do You Have Receipts and Records for Maintenance and Repairs? Ask sellers if they have records or receipts for maintenance and repairs that have been performed on the vehicle. A seller that has kept good records on the vehicle is a good sign that the vehicle has been well maintained. Avoid buying a station wagon from a seller that doesn't keep good records or receipts, because you have no idea how well the vehicle has been maintained. Where Has the Vehicle Been Stored? If you live in an area that is subject to frequent rain, storms or other types of inclement weather, ask the seller where the vehicle has been stored. Vehicles that have been kept in garages will usually have fewer problems with rust or corrosion of the frame, and will usually require fewer repairs for belts, fittings or gaskets. Has the Vehicle Been Involved in Any Accidents? Even if you have viewed a vehicle history report on the station wagon, you should always ask the seller if the car has been involved in any accidents. A minor accident should not disqualify a car from being considered for purchase. However, if the vehicle has been involved in a major accident, you may want to think twice about buying. Do You Mind If My Mechanic Inspects the Car? Ask sellers if they mind if you have the vehicle inspected. If the seller shows any sign of disagreement, politely excuse yourself and find another station wagon to buy. What Kind of Gas Mileage Are You Getting? Although you can find information about fuel economy and gas mileage in station wagon reviews, you should ask the seller what kind of gas mileage they're getting in the real world. If the numbers vary considerably from those you find in ratings and reviews, ask the seller about the discrepancy and make sure to inform your mechanic so that he can check for problems. The Top Selling Woody Station Wagon Models If you're looking for a vintage woody station wagon, be prepared to spend some serious money. Classic station wagons are more popular now than they've ever been, and collectors are paying several times the prices that were paid only 10 or 20 years ago. Ford Model A Woody Wagon Although the Ford Model A wagon was not the first true woody station wagon, it is perhaps the most famous. Because the original Model A (which was not a station wagon, by the way) was so wildly popular during its first few years on the market, Ford continued to brand other vehicles under the Model A moniker as well. Although many Model A woody wagons are nearly 80 years old, there are still quite a few of them around. If you're willing to do a lot of work, you can find one for less than $10,000. If you want one in pristine condition, be prepared to pay between $100,000 and $500,000. Buick Roadmaster During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Buick Roadmaster was one of the most popular station wagons in America. It was offered in both metal and woody versions and was loved for its spacious interior and exceptional highway performance. You can find a Buick Roadmaster Woody that needs a lot of work for less than $20,000. If you want one that has been fully restored, you'll pay between $80,000 and $250,000. Ford Country Squire Wagon The Ford Country Squire wagon is one of the most popular station wagons ever made. In fact, it was the best-selling station wagon almost every year it was offered to the public. The Country Squire Wagon is also a favorite among those that like to customize or modify large 50s and 60s station wagons. You can find a high-performance modified version for around $30,000 to $50,000. However, if you want one in original condition, be prepared to pay four or five times more. Chrysler Town and Country Long before the Town and Country was a popular Chrysler minivan, it was one of the company's best-selling Woody station wagons. Offered during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Town and Country was considered to be one of the most luxurious station wagons on the road. There are many of these wagons still available in excellent condition, and you can find one for between $15,000 and $30,000. Pontiac Tin Woody Beach Wagon In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Pontiac created a station wagon that was geared toward people that lived near the ocean. The Pontiac Tin Woody Beach Wagon actually didn't include very much wood in its design. However, the vehicle was popular because of its huge interior, which had an open-air feel because of the large amount of glass that was used. Today it's a favorite among station wagon collectors because of its classic design and relatively low price. You can find these vehicles in fair to good condition for less than $20,000. Classic Station Wagons: The Top 5 Classic Station Wagon ModelsHow Much Does a New Station Wagon Cost? Average Prices for Top Selling Models5 Station Wagon Models that Offer the Most Seating CapacityWhat is the Best Old Station Wagon to Buy? 6 Models that Hold Their ValueThe 2009 Station Wagon: A Comparison Guide of the Most Popular Models Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Classic Station Wagons: The Top 5 Classic Station Wagon ModelsHow Much Does a New Station Wagon Cost? Average Prices for Top Selling Models5 Station Wagon Models that Offer the Most Seating CapacityWhat is the Best Old Station Wagon to Buy? 6 Models that Hold Their ValueThe 2009 Station Wagon: A Comparison Guide of the Most Popular Models More Vans and Minivans Articles » Recent Deals Articles Is the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Right for You?Finding the Right Car - April 14, 2017 Is The 2017 Mazda CX-3 Right For You?Finding the Right Car - March 31, 2017 The Top 10 New SedansFinding the Right Car - March 30, 2017 Which New Sedan Should You Buy?Finding the Right Car - March 30, 2017 The Best New Cars Under $25,000Finding the Right Car - March 30, 2017 Get Financing We can help you get financing, no matter your credit situation. Just enter your zip code to start. Car Trade-Ins CARSDIRECT IS AN INTERNET BRANDS COMPANY. COPYRIGHT 1999-2017 CARSDIRECT.COM, INC.

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Drop in gas prices benefits drivers, economy NEW YORK -- A sharp decline in the price of oil this month is making gasoline cheaper at a time of year when it typically gets more expensive. It's a relief to motorists and business owners and a positive development for the economy. Over the past three weeks, the price of oil has fallen by 9 percent to $89 a barrel. That has helped extend a slide in gasoline prices that began in late February. Nationwide, average retail prices have fallen by 27 cents per gallon, or seven percent, since Feb. 27, to $3.52 per gallon. Analysts say pump prices could fall another 20 cents over the next two months. The price of oil is being driven lower by rising global supplies and lower-than-expected demand in the world's two largest economies, the United States and China. As oil and gasoline become more affordable, the economy benefits because goods become less expensive to transport and motorists have more money to spend on other things. Over the course of a year, a decline of 10 cents per gallon translates to $13 billion in savings at the pump. Diesel and jet fuel have also gotten cheaper in recent weeks, which is good news for truckers, airlines and other energy-intensive businesses. "It makes a big difference to my bottom line," says Mike Mitternight, owner of a heating and air conditioning service company in Metairie, La. He has five pickup trucks that can burn $1,000 of gas per week when prices are near $4 a gallon. Lately he's been paying as little as $3.19, and saving $200 a week. Gasoline prices typically rise in the late winter and spring as refiners shut down parts of their plants to perform maintenance and begin making more costly blends of gasoline required by federal clean-air regulations. The trend was earlier and less dramatic this year. Pump prices only came within 15 cents of last year's peak. Oil production is growing quickly in the U.S. and Canada, helping boost global supplies. And some of the factors that pushed prices higher the two previous years -- political turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East and refinery disruptions in the U.S. -- haven't materialized this spring. At the same time, demand for fuels is growing slower than expected. China, the world's biggest oil importer, is experiencing slower-than-expected economic growth. And much of Europe is in recession. In the U.S., wintry weather in the Midwest and Northeast has kept more drivers off the roads this spring, analysts say. The typical U.S. household will spend an estimated $326 on gasoline this April, the equivalent of 7.8 percent of median household income, according to Fred Rozell, an analyst at GasBuddy.com. That's $38 less than last April, when households spent 8.8 percent of their income on gas. "It's the difference between going out to dinner one more time or not," says Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial. "It matters." The U.S. government releases its initial estimate of economic output during the first three months of 2013 on Friday. Economists forecast the economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 percent, compared with 0.4 percent in the final three months of 2012. Philip Verleger, an economist who studies energy prices, says that many monthly household expenses are fixed, but gasoline is one of the few big expenses that varies. That means when gasoline prices rise -- or fall -- people notice. "This is the equivalent of a pay raise," he says. Shippers and airlines are also benefiting. Fuel is by far airlines' biggest and most volatile cost. A one-cent decline in the price of jet fuel saves the U.S. airline industry $180 million over a year, according to the industry group Airlines for America. Lower energy prices also give potential customers more money to spend on air travel. Airlines aren't ready to celebrate yet because the relief could prove to be short-lived, says John Heimlich, chief economist at Airlines for America. "It looks promising but we're not counting our chickens," he said. Political turmoil or refinery problems could crop up at any time. Analysts are particularly worried about the transition of power in Venezuela, a major oil exporter, after the death of President Hugo Chavez. Violence has erupted in the wake of a closely contested election, and the financial situation of the country is precarious. Analysts worry that the country's oil production could slip. Also, refinery maintenance in the Midwest is already affecting prices there. Drivers in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana are paying only slightly less than they did last year at this time, and prices there have been creeping up over the last couple of weeks. Gasoline prices reached a high this year of $3.79 per gallon on Feb. 27. Last year's peak was $3.94, and it came on April 6; last year's low was $3.22 on Dec. 20. The average price for all of 2012 was $3.63 per gallon. The Energy Department forecasts the 2013 average will be $3.56. Analysts say there are limits to how far oil and gasoline prices will fall. Countries in the developing world are still growing fast and pushing world oil demand higher, perhaps to a record this year. And if oil prices fall too far drillers will be forced to cut production to try to stem the decline. That means Mike Mitternight, the small business owner in Louisiana, won't likely get his wish: He'd like to see gasoline prices between $2 and $3 per gallon. "I still think it's high and we could bring it lower," he says. Jonathan Fahey can be reached at http://twitter.com/JonathanFahey.

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Firms/companies > R > Renault More reports on: Cars Renault makes fresh start in Indian market news Looking to leave behind a false start, French carmaker Renault is positioning itself to make a vigorous re-entry into India's fast-growing auto market for which it has lined up a slew of new models. Announcing its entry with billboards saying, "Bonjour India. We are Renault," the company last month launched its luxury sedan Fluence in the country and plans to add four more models by the end of 2012. Renault India managing director Marc Nassif said the company had just launched the brand (Renault) in India where it did not exist before. He said it was a fresh start for the company. Renault last year gave up its attempt to crack the Indian market, an unhappy tie-up with India's top sports utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra that produced the Logan, a dated-looking car that never took off. The French company, has designated India, Brazil and Russia as its top three strategic markets for international expansion. The partially state-owned group is targeting a 2.5 per cent share of the Indian car market by 2013 and 5 per cent over the longer term. search domain-b Renault makes fresh start in Indian market

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About Hayes Automotive Welcome to our new website!Hayes Automotive is made up of FIVE DEALERSHIPS in North Georgia. The company has been family owned and operated for 40 years. Being guided by the same philosophy all this time has kept us in business even during these hard times. All our stores are healthy and ready to continue to provide great service to our customers for years to come.Our HistoryIn the early fifties, A.D. Hayes bought a gas station with a couple of service bays in Atlanta, and began what would become Hayes Auto Service. His father, C.A. Hayes came on board in 1954 as a working partner in the business. In 1956, following a stint in the military, A.D.'s brother, Donald, joined the Hayes Auto Service team, and two years later, bought his father's share of the business. Soon, the brothers expanded their facility to 10 service bays, and before long, Hayes Auto Service boasted 30 employees and many loyal customers.The seeds for something much larger had been sown.In 1971 A.D. and Donald opened Hayes Chrysler in Lawrenceville, and in 1980, moved the dealership to its present location across from Gwinnett Medical Center. From modest beginnings, Hayes Chrysler has grown to its present position of leadership in the automobile business, one customer at a time. A.D. and Donald saw their business as a family enterprise, and treated each customer as a member of that family. And that's the attitude that has driven the Hayes dealerships ever since. In 2010 we boast more than 350 employees and have 5 dealerships in North Georgia. Hayes Automotive is now on its third generation of family operation. Each year we demonstrate our commitment to the communities we do business in through numerous donations of time and money. Our management teams work hard to develop new best practices that improved departmental efficiency and better serve our customers. Despite a downturn in the economy, our dealerships continued a long standing record for the highest Customer Satisfaction Index in the south east. In the recent past we've had challenges both in business and at home, but the strength and character of our employees and family brought us through each one. 2010 has served as a confirmation of our family business philosophy.Our company is the definition of "family". Our fathers founded the dealerships, and each of the following generations have taken roles in the business. To date, there are thirteen family members employed in the company at various levels. Many of the second and third generations began at Hayes part-time after schoolwork and moved into various positions after graduation. In fact, all of A.D. and Donald Hayes' children are partners in the business and work in management and a few of their spouses work for the company as well. The grandchildren who have graduated also work in various levels in the dealerships, and those still in school work for the business part-time. The spirit of any family's relationships are constantly being pushed and strengthened. When family members work together daily, it is likely to cause strain. But, by following our fathers' examples of honesty, loyalty and hard work our family becomes stronger with adversity. To lead a company like ours you need management with integrity. From the beginning our family members strive to be that kind of example both to ourselves and our employees. We also look to hire other managers with the same principles and values. As evidenced by our longevity in business, we keep the people who share our philosophy, for as long as they want to be with us.The Hayes dealerships have been very involved with helping the community that they do business with since the very beginning. As in any business, our people are what keep us here. They are the heart of Hayes. In 1971, A.D. Hayes, started the first dealership with the simple belief that treating everyone like family was the key to success. He was right! We know that times have changed, and people have become too cynical to believe any business truly cares. But seeing is believing! At Hayes, our dad's wisdom, 40 years later, still rings true. If we expect the people in our community to support us, then we in turn should support them. The Hayes' dealerships sponsor or help to support many programs and organizations in every community we're in. Schools and educators are very important to us, and we enjoy being able to help our schools any way that we can. Each store is a Partner in Education with two or more area schools. We also give special incentives to Board of Education employees and provide the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year with a convertible for the summer. We also support various school clubs and activities during the school year. As we said, education is very important to us and that is true at all levels. We took a leading roll in the Chrysler Apprentice Program with Gwinnett Tech to sponsor any student who wants to train as a technician. We sponsor a student and buy the tools he or she will need for the classes, and after they complete the program, they work full time at Hayes. Each year during the Christmas season, we collect for the Toys for Tots drive in each showroom, and at our yearly car show we raffle a prize with all proceeds from the raffle going to Krogering for Kids. We were a major sponsor in the raffle of a New Vehicle during this year's Relay for Life to help raise money for the fight against cancer. Three of the partners are heavily involved with Rotary International. Mike Hayes is a Charter Member and past President. Mike is on the National Dealer Council. One of the purposes of the council is to help improve relations between the manufacturer, the dealer, and the customer. The Lawrenceville dealership is a member of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful; a program that provides for the beautification of the area and improves the environment. An underlying challenge for us is defeating the perception of the car dealership. In our communities we are striving to change the stereotypical way people view our business by being highly involved in many more things like Secret Santa for foster kids, the Chamber of Commerce activities, and donating to support local school activities. Our industry suffers from perceptions in the past that we hope to change for the future.Thank you for considering Hayes Automotive! Hayes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Baldwin 3660 Ga Hwy 365 Baldwin, GA 30511 Sales: 719 Duluth Highway 120 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Sales: 3115 Frontage Road Gainesville, GA 30504 Sales: 3656 Highway 365 Baldwin, GA 30511 Sales:

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Published May 10. 2013 12:01AM Connecticut should join a handful of other states and change its motor vehicle laws so that undocumented immigrants can obtain driver's licenses, and in so doing gain eligibility to register their vehicles.There are many good reasons to do this.Most Connecticut cities have large populations of people who came here illegally, some with their parents, others overstayed visas. They survive in the shadows. Unable to register a car, or obtain a license, some will drive unlicensed, sometimes in unregistered cars. That is wrong, certainly, but it is happening and to everyone's detriment.Providing a means for such individuals to obtain a license and register vehicles would have numerous benefits.Owners must pay taxes on registered vehicles. That revenue is vitally important to cash-strapped cities. The resulting registration fees would also raise state revenues. And more of these individuals, already using the roads, would be paying more to maintain and police them.To get a license a person has to get training and demonstrate proficiency. So ending this prohibition to licensing will mean fewer untrained and unsafe drivers on the roads.A person driving unlicensed in an unregistered motor vehicle, particularly an individual without proper documentation to be in the country, is more likely to leave the scene of an accident. The more that happens, the more everyone's premiums go up. The group Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut - a multi-faith organization of 28 diverse congregations working in support of social and economic justice - estimates that unlicensed immigrants boost auto insurance premiums by $20 million annually in the state.As state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, rightly noted, preventing so many people from gaining a license, registration and insurance is "not particularly helpful to the rest of us who have to use the road with them."An estimated 50,000 undocumented immigrants would qualify for licenses.There are other advantages, not directly linked to driving. A person who can identify herself with a driver's license is more likely to contact police if she sees something wrong or needs help. These immigrants will be able to cash checks, meaning they won't have to continue dealing in large amounts of cash, vulnerable to crime and exploitation.New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, an advocate for the change in licensing laws, tells us that his city cannot afford to shut out from public life a large portion of its population. This is why, in one of his first acts after his election in November 2011, Mayor Finizio issued an executive order directing police not to inquire about the immigration status of people seeking assistance or reporting a crime (unless tied to a federal investigation). These individuals need to see police officers as a source of help and deserving of their assistance, not as an enemy to fear and avoid, Mayor Finizio said.It is vitally important for parents, despite a lack of legal resident standing, to feel comfortable enough to be involved in their children's schools and to serve as their advocates. Steps like licensing and the mayor's order make that participation more likely.There are certainly downsides to taking the licensing step. It can be seen as rewarding those who did not play by the rules (though this would not apply to individuals brought here as children). It would add a layer of legitimacy that is arguably undeserved.We can dispense, however, with a couple of canards. A license would not allow such individuals to legally vote. To vote you must be a citizen and swear under oath to that fact. State driver's licensing would not interfere, as some claim, with the ability of federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.On balance, the benefits of allowing licensing prevail.

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Turkey United Kingdom United States Images ImageRelated:Releases (4) ImageRelated Releases (4) The all-new Volvo XC90 High (.jpg) 1.8MB The designers and engineers behind Volvo’s all-new XC90 have completely re-conceived the way drivers operate their cars by dispensing with the normal array of buttons and replacing them with a large tablet-like touch screen, a head-up display and thumb controls on the steering wheel. The result is the most modern in-car control system on the market, which is crucially easier to use, ensuring drivers will be able to keep their eyes on the road as much as possible while operating or making adjustments to the system. It also uses the car’s interior space far more efficiently and offers a range of additional benefits such as integrated cloud-based applications for music streaming and other services, such as the world’s first integrated Park and Pay application, and the ability to mirror and use Apple iOS devices in the touch screen display. Keywords: Life Style, Interior, Technology, Design, Interior, Detail, XC90 The contents are copyright Volvo Car Group, Public Affairs, SE-405 31 Gothenburg, or its associated companies. All rights reserved.Images may not be altered, but may be downloaded for editorial and strictly private use.For commercial use, the prior written permission of Volvo Car Group is required. Please contact the local Volvo Cars representative. See Media Contacts. By downloading and using images and other material, the user automatically accepts the above conditions. Related Releases All-new Volvo XC90 to transform the in-car driving experience World premiere: the all-new Volvo XC90 All-new Volvo XC90 to transform the in-car driving experience

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Alfa Romeo » Alfa Romeo 1970 1750 GTV The Afa Romeo 105/115 Coupés were a range of cars built from 1963 until 1977 and following on from the celebrated Giulietta Sprint Coupé. Using a shortened floorpan from the Giulia Berlina (Saloon) and a basic body shared by all models designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. All featured the 4 cylinder all light alloy twin cam engine in various capacities. Also common to all models was a 5 speed gearbox and disc brakes all round. Production started in 1963 with the Giulia Sprint GT (Gran Turismo) and Sprint GTV (GranTurismo Veloce – Veloce meaning ‘fast’ in Italian!) introduced in 1965 with a 1570cc version of the twin cam engine. These were replaced in 1968 by the 1750 GTV with a more powerful 1779cc engine producing 120hp. There were also many updates and enhancements to the 1750 GTV including chassis, suspension and brakes resulting in significant improvements to handling. There were also several external changes mainly to the front of the car with a new bonnet line and grille and the introduction of four headlights. The interior was also changed with new dashboard and instruments, new seats and new handles and levers. The 1750 GTV continued in production until 1973 when it alfa romeo 1970 1750 gtv 5-speed alloy-wheels restored alfa-romeo Alfa Romeo > 1750 Year 58000 mi Closed 3-19 High Street Olney, MK46 4AA, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom Advertisement Related content Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider (916): Buying guide and review (1995-2006) For any Alfa Romeo to be considered a success, it needs two important fe... Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3 to be sold at RM Sotheby’s 2017 Paris auction As the first major European classic car event of the new year, Rétromobi...

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AvD History Traditions which bind us In 1899, the car was still light-years away from becoming the "Mass Transport" that it is now. It had however already formed as a part of the street scene. This subsequently sparked off the contest of motor sports.Car enthusiasts created on 10th July 1899, an association called the "Deutsche Automobilclub" (DAC), which later became the "Kaiserlichen Automobilclub" (KAC) from which today's Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) descended.As a result, the AvD is the most steeped-in-tradition automobile club in Germany and one of the most well known worldwide. Traditions which bind us. AvD Philosophy A representative of interests from the beginning.The original aim of the association was indeed the "Cultivation of the Automobile Sport". The club did not take long to demonstrate its competence in representing the interests of this new form of transport.It was however, not just a representative of drivers interests as opposed to industry, politics, authorities and other socially relevant groups, in 1900, the AvD organised the first ILO, under whose roof the car manufacturers united to form on 19th January 1901, the "Verein Deutscher Motorfahrzeug-Hersteller" (The Association of German Motor Vehicle Manufacturers), known today as the VDA. AvD Development Change with the passage of timeIt would no longer be seen as justified in the eyes of modern club philosophy to view the AvD exclusively as a "Drivers' Lobby". In the meantime, by virtue of its constant reorientation as a service company, the AvD has become far more than just an automobile club.As far as its members are concerned, it's a benefit community with special, and at times, unique services.It is a consumer protector with creative and intelligent mobility concepts, which serve the interests of society as a whole, as well as being a service provider with professional logistics and service availability round-the-clock. In all issues relating to traffic safety, it's a competent partner. Today, it is still the classic emergency service for members with breakdowns or accidents, just as it was over a hundred years ago. The AvD is one of the most reputable companies in Germany and in international motor sports. AvD Clubs A rendezvous for individualists. Membership is still an important basis of the AvD, since it guarantees friendships on a personal level and social contacts at the highest level amongst varied interested members of the mobile generation.The AvD – in addition to the general membership with its exclusive services – places particular value on its regional and local AvD Clubs, who maintain the tradition-conscious and cared-for club life, which continues to be shaped by social responsibilities. AvD Club Life A society which connects. The AvD Clubs represent in a very special way the AvD in your respective region and in many cases have done so for decades. This is achieved by providing an intensive club life with an individual character. The AvD Clubs organise as such, attractive trips both in Germany and abroad, experience enriching motor sport weekends, sport and tourist excursions, vintage car excursions as well as many unforgettable events, which always feature amongst the social high lights of the respective club region.Furthermore, many clubs show their commitment by organising for example, kart tournaments, manoeuvring tests for vintage car lovers and mobile AvD safety training. The AvD Representing Germany nationwideThe AvD-Clubs are spread throughout Germany. This therefore guarantees that all motorists' interests are represented, even on your own doorstep. AvD facts Headquarters:Automobilclub von Deutschland e.V.Lyoner Str. 16D - 60528 Frankfurt am MainTel.: +49.(0)69.6606-0Fax.: +49.(0)69.6606-789eMail: avd@avd.deWeb: www.avd.de 1,4 million members and customers125 employees in Germanyca. 600 service partnersca. 2000 rescue vehicles in Germany

汽车

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Michelin-brand tires now being made in Mexico by Autos - July 13, 2006 Michelin-brand tires now being made in Mexico Greenville, South Carolina – Michelin has announced that, for the first time, its Michelin brand passenger and light truck tires are being made in Mexico. The company says that strong consumer demand in Mexico drove the decision to upgrade production capacity at its Queretaro plant to include the Michelin brand. “In the past three years, Michelin’s replacement tire sales in Mexico have jumped more than 60 per cent, outpacing the market more than six times,” says Jim Micali, Chairman and President of Michelin North America. “Mexico is one of the top ten tire markets in the world, growing at almost twice the rate of the U.S. market. Until today, every Michelin-brand tire sold in Mexico was imported. It is crucial for us to have in-country production to meet the phenomenal demand in Mexico, and to increase our total North American capacity for Michelin brand’s high-quality tires.” The tires will feature the same technology and meet the same standards as tires made in the U.S. and around the world. Two months ago, the company announced that a new plant will be constructed in Queretaro adjacent to the passenger car tire facility, for producing tread rubber for retreading commercial truck tires. The new facility will open in spring 2007 and bring 120 additional jobs to the city. Currently, Michelin’s Mexican workforce represents approximately five per cent of its North American total.

汽车

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The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: What To Look For In A New Car By Ben DeMeter Share The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: Introduction The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: How To Negotiate Prices The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: How To Finance A New Vehicle The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: Conclusion When shopping for a new vehicle, the world is your oyster. Every vehicle in every automaker's lineup is available for your perusal. You can purchase a fully loaded minivan for those big family vacations, a sleek new sports coupe for your next mid-life crisis toy or a stripped down compact for your new college graduate. The sky is quite seriously the limit. With hundreds of different models of sedans, sports cars, trucks and SUVs on the market right now, it's up to you to pick out which type of vehicle suits you best. This isn't as tricky as it sounds. Once you know what size vehicle you're looking for, you can do research online to figure out which ones you'd like to test drive. To help you out, here are some things you should consider when narrowing down your list of new cars.Features Automakers offer just about every feature imaginable on their newest model year vehicles. Some will make your car more comfortable, others make it more attractive and some will even make it safer. Depending on your price range, some of these features like heated seats and darkness-detecting lights may come standard. In other cases, you'll have to pay extra for anything above the baseline. Since some of these features are worth more than others, we've created a rundown of everything you'll be able to add to a new car accompanied by our opinion on their values.Interior FeaturesBackup Cameras Backup cameras can be incredibly useful gadgets if you find yourself needing to Parallel Park regularly. They can make squeezing into a space easy for even the shakiest parkers. And the technology they use is constantly becoming more advanced. The backup cameras featured in Infiniti's 2013 lineup can monitor a 360-degree area around your vehicle and alert you if you're about to hit something. The only downside is that these cameras are usually included as part of a "premium" package on midrange cars, making them a bit pricey for some budgets.Remote Entry Remote entry has come a long way in the last couple of years. Every new model comes with a remote key fob these days and you can unlock many of them simply by approaching the car with the key in your pocket. The newest models of the Ford Escape and Mercedes-Benz SUVs offer hands-free access not only to the doors, but also to the back hatch as well. Just wave your foot under the bumper and the door will open on its. If you have to haul a lot of things around, this will definitely be a useful investment.Inductive Charging Those power mats that charge your electronic devices just by touching them have finally made their way to vehicles like the new Dodge Dart. Unfortunately, these mats are often more trouble than they're worth – you have to install an accessory onto every device you wish to charge plus you need to pay the dealership a premium to install the mats in the first place. In our opinion, you should just stick to the good old fashioned outlet chargers that you can buy for about $10.Heated Seats Nothing feels better than a warm seat after you've just come in from the rain or snow. However, their utility is limited unless you live in area that sees a significant amount of inclement weather. Luckily, most vehicles that offer heated seats include them as a standard feature. If your vehicle requires you to upgrade to heated seats, you may not t be missing much by skipping them.In-Car Wi-Fi Some automakers like Dodge offer the option to turn your vehicle into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. It's a novel idea, but we really don't see the value in it, especially considering the pricey subscription required to use the service. Unless you take monthly family vacations and every one of your children has their own iPad to play with, we think you'd be better off just browsing the Internet through your cell phone provider.Automatic Temperature Control Automatic Temperature Control typically comes with the first upgrade package above the baseline model of a vehicle. In our opinion it's an incredibly useful investment. Not only will automated air conditioning and heat keep the temperature in your vehicle constant using a thermometer, it can actually save you money on gas in the long run.Sunroof The value of a sunroof is a controversial topic here in the Investopedia offices. While there's a lot to be said for driving with an automated sunroof on a summer's day, this upgrade typically only comes with the highest-level vehicle packages like the "Titanium" Ford models and the "Limited" Hyundai cars, making it an expensive indulgence. If you can't be happy without one, then take the plunge. However, don't feel bad if you can't justify the cost of clearing up your roof.In-Car Navigation What's the difference between a Garmin navigator and an in-car navigation system? + Sure, those touch screens might look cool, but they're little more than a useless sales gimmick. There are only three reasons your car should have an installed navigation system: 1) You had to get one to get a backup camera, 2) You had to get one to get a sunroof and 3) You bought a luxury model that comes with navigation standard. Other than that, avoid these at all costs.Leather Seats Leather or no leather? It's oldest question of preference in the book. Cloth seats are pretty comfortable in our opinion. Leather seats are also comfortable – more comfortable, according to some of us – and they're easier to clean and don't hold the smell of smoke as long as cloth. But leather seats can also get volcanically hot or frigidly cold depending on the weather, and they cost about a thousand dollars more to install. So that's something to consider when making your decision. SEE: 5 Best-Selling Cars EverExterior FeaturesPower Doors In our experience, power sliding doors on minivans are more trouble than they're worth. An able bodied passenger will be able to open and close the door much more quickly on their own. And in many cases they would prefer to do just that instead of wait the fifteen seconds it takes for the motor to open the door for them. On the other hand, power hatches and trunks certainly have their utility when trying to put away groceries or luggage. If you want powered portals, skip the former and invest in the latter.Rooftop Storage Racks If you take long trips or want to carry large cargo like bikes and kayaks, rooftop storage racks can definitely be useful. However, many automakers charge up to $500 to get a roof rack installed when you buy. Since you can get an aftermarket rack that fits your vehicle for as little as $200, we recommend waiting to put the rails on yourself.Tow Packages Tow packages are a curious feature. If you tow a lot of cargo, then getting one is a no-brainer. If you don't tow things often but your vehicle has the capacity to do so, we recommend picking one up anyways. Even if you only use the tow package once every five years, the one time you use it will still make the investment worthwhile. Plus, tow packages make an excellent mount for a bike rack and other carriers.Upgraded Wheels If you don't like the stock wheels on your new vehicle, then do yourself an upgrade them before you buy. Upgraded wheels produced by the manufacturer cost about half as much as aftermarket alloy rims – sometimes as little as $500 for the set – and don't charge you an additional premium for installation.Mud Flaps, Bumper Guards, Paint Protection, Etc. Though we hate to be the bearers of bad news, we feel compelled to tell you that any "small" exterior features like a paint protecting film or mud flaps simply aren't worth the money. At least not at the price most manufacturer's charge for them. If you're interested in a bumper protector or any other exterior accessory then we recommend purchasing one from a third party retailer. It will be much cheaper. In the end, it's up to you to decide which features are worth it. Everyone has their own preferences and this guide is simply meant to help you make your decision if you're on the fence about an upgrade. It's important to mention, though, that your budget – not your desire for luxury – should dictate how much you spend on your new car. If you can't afford a feature, then don't risk your financial stability by trying to get it. SEE: Budgeting BasicsThe Drive Train The drive train or power train is the term applied to the system of components that makes a vehicle go. This includes the engine, the transmission and the powered axles. Since every new vehicle comes with several options for its drive train, it's important to consider how each of them will function before you make your decision. Here's an overview of the three major components of the drive train and the options you'll find available for them.The Engine The engine is a car's power plant. It's the biggest factor in determining how fast the vehicle will go and its overall fuel efficiency. Typically, engines are categorized by two statistics – the number of cylinders inside of the engine and the motor's overall displacement in liters. Most engines use a configuration of four, six or eight cylinders. Smaller motors, like the 1.6 liter four-cylinder engines found in compact cars and small SUVs will enjoy the best fuel efficiency but suffer from a lack of power, making it a struggle to accelerate quickly, especially up steep hills. Conversely, larger engines like the 6.2 liter supercharged V8 in the Chevy Camaro ZL1 deliver massive amounts of torque but suffer from abominable fuel efficiency. To put the relationship between acceleration and fuel economy in rhyme – If you want to save dough, you're going to go slow. If you want to go fast, you're going to use a lot of gas. Most vehicles will give you the option to choose from two or three different engine sizes. The difference between the options won't be as massive as you might think, but they will still be noticeable. For instance, upgrading the Ford Escape's 1.6L V4 to the 2.0L V4 isn't going to make the SUV into a racing vehicle, but the larger power will give the Escape a little more hitch in its giddy up – especially on steep inclines. In some cases, experts actually recommend taking the upgrade because the smallest engine option is underpowered, as is the case with the Mercedes C250. In light of this, you should check reviews for every model you're considering to see how each engine option fares on the road before making your choice.The Transmission As far as the transmission is concerned, you'll have two options to choose from. Most new vehicles come with an automatic transmission that will engage the clutch and shift gears on its own. Many modern automatic transmissions also come with a "semi-automatic mode" where you can shift gears on your own using an automated clutch. On the other hand, manual transmissions or "stick shifts" require you to engage the clutch and shift gears on your own. These transmissions are more difficult to operate but are considered to be more fun by some drivers. However, if you're looking for a manual transmission you'll likely have to buy a sports car or a stripped down budget-model sedan or compact.The Powered Axles If you've ever heard the term "front wheel drive" or "rear wheel drive," the speaker is referring to the specific axle in a vehicle that receives power from the engine. There are several different configurations of powered axles found on modern vehicles, and each makes a significant impact on the way the car drives. Here are the four primary types you'll encounter.Front Wheel Drive (FWD) In a front wheel drive configuration, the front two wheels of a vehicle receive power. Front wheel drive vehicles tend to have better traction than rear wheel drive vehicles, which makes them easier to handle in inclement weather. They also tend to enjoy a better fuel economy because the drive train weighs less. However, because the weight of the car moves back when accelerating, front wheel drive cars tend to be slower off the mark than vehicles with rear wheel drive.Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Cars with rear wheel drive don't often handle as well at high speeds as cars with front wheel drive, but they accelerate much faster. Because of this many sports cars, like the Ford Mustang, use rear wheel drive instead of front wheel drive. For some cars, rear wheel drive is actually preferable because it can create a more even weight distribution, which improves the vehicle's handling instead of detracting from it.Four Wheel Drive (4WD) A four wheel drive configuration means that every wheel on a vehicle is receiving power from the engine. This system gives the vehicle much, much better traction on slippery surfaces like mud, dirt and snow. Expectedly, four wheel drive systems are most often found on "rugged" vehicles like pickup trucks, larger SUVs and some full-sized luxury sedans. There's a drawback to all the traction, though. Four wheel drive systems aren't as fuel efficient as two wheel drive systems and they can actually damage a vehicle's axles if they're used constantly on pavement. Because of this, most four wheel drive vehicles come with the option to switch to 2WD when you're driving on the road.All Wheel Drive (AWD) Some cars, such as Subarus, come with all wheel drive configurations. This means that every wheel receives constantly receive power when driving, like they do in four wheel drive configurations. Though these systems can't be turned off, they can be driven on pavement because they adjust the power ratio that each wheel receives to minimize the wear on components. However, the complexity of an all wheel drive system isn't always a good thing. Because the system is so sensitive, it isn't as capable as true four wheel drive configurations in extremely rough conditions. SEE: 5 Reasons To Buy A New CarA Note on Alternative Fuel Vehicles While we're on the subject of drive trains, let's take a minute to talk about vehicles that use alternative fuels. Recently, many companies have begun to offer hybrid models of their most popular cars and SUVs. Several automakers also offer (almost) fully electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. Additionally, diesel motors can still be found in larger pickup trucks and some European sedans. Though the drive trains in these vehicles can offer several advantages over standard gasoline engines, their true value is a topic of contention among auto experts. Here's what we think about them.Hybrids The Toyota Prius isn't the only hybrid on the roads these days. Many automakers have released hybrid editions of their flagship vehicles like the Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Tahoe. The hybrid drive trains in these vehicles can boost their fuel efficiency to nearly 40 miles per gallon. However, you've got to pay to play with this kind of technology. Hybrid vehicles will likely cost at least $2,000 and as much as $10,000 more than their standard counterparts. At the current cost of fuel, it would take an average of seven years to see the economic benefits of purchasing a hybrid. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for longer than that, then a hybrid is a good decision. If not, consider sticking with a standard.Electric Vehicles Electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt are supposed to be the ultimate "green" cars. However, much of the technology they use is still nascent. At the moment, electric vehicles can only go about 50 miles on battery alone and roughly 200 miles with the help of their gasoline engine. That's not great, especially considering that the Chevy Volt costs $39,000. Additionally, these vehicles aren't exactly as green as they appear. The pollution caused by the industrial production of electric vehicle batteries often offsets the good these cars do for the environment. A recent British study financed by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, found that an electric vehicle must be driven at least 80,000 miles before its positive impact offsets its negative. Though the technology may certainly be practical for the average auto owner in the next decade or so, we don't think it's there yet.Diesel Vehicles Diesel engines have long been an economic alternative to standard gas engines in large trucks like the F-350. The advantage of the diesel engine is that it provides the same amount of power as a large standard combustion engine but with much better gas mileage. However, the World Health Organization recently announced that diesel fumes are carcinogenic. As a result, we advise consumers to avoid purchasing a diesel engine. We're all for new technology, but as a consumer-oriented resource we feel that it's our responsibility to inform our readers of the limitations of alternative fuel vehicles. We're looking forward to the day that hybrid and electric technology becomes both affordable and reliable enough for the majority of American drivers, but it will be a few years before it even comes close. As such, we highly advise leaving the gasoline-driven power train in your new vehicle alone. SEE: What Does It Mean To Be Green?The Automaker Which automaker is the best automaker? It all depends on the year. The quality of different vehicles is in a state of constant flux. While Ford might boast the best compact car one year, Toyota might win the award the next. In reality, the differences between automakers really come down to personal preference. Do you want a car that's fun to drive and well-designed or do you want a vehicle that's safe and reliable? In general, Japanese automakers, such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan tend to produce the safest and most reliable vehicles. Cars made by European companies like Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen tend to boast better performance and are more luxurious, but are also much more costly to maintain. American companies tend to make the best pickup trucks but have recently been improving their fleet of compacts and sedans, a la the Ford Fusion. The best way to figure out which brand you prefer is to hit the dealerships and start driving models. Fifteen minutes on the road can often tell you more about a car than week's worth of research, so find some free time in your schedule and start test driving different models.Reliability Reliability should be one of your biggest concerns when purchasing a new vehicle. If your $15,000 car is prone to breakdowns, it could cost you more to own over a 10 year span than its $20,000 competitor. Even if most of these breakdowns are covered by the warranty, you can still be stuck for weeks without a vehicle while you wait for your new car to be repaired. The reliability of a vehicle varies by its make, trim line and model year, so it's important that you do your research to make sure that your new ride is a safe bet before you purchase it. Consumer Reports, Edmunds and Yahoo! Autos all have comprehensive reliability indexes that you can use for your research. In addition to a vehicle's reliability rating, there are a few other things that should factor into your final decision to buy. For instance, how close will you be to a certified repair center? Will the vehicle require parts to be ordered in, as is the case with many European models, or will there be parts in stock before you take the car in for maintenance? Though these factors don't hold as much weight as a car's overall reliability, they're definitely worth thinking about.Safety Safety technology has really evolved over the past years. We can confidently say that any new car you buy will be safe – to a degree. As always, some models of cars are still safer than others. If you transport children often, or have had a serious accident in the past, then you may want to invest in a car that specializes in keeping its driver and passengers safe and sound. To determine how safe a vehicle is, you simply need to check its IIHS crash test rating. Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety subjects every model of production vehicles to rigorous collision tests. Each car, truck and SUV receives a rating based on its performance in front, side and rear collisions. Your vehicle should rate at least "Acceptable" and ideally "Good" on these tests. There are also a number of upgrades available for some vehicles that can help make them safer than the competition. Here are a few worth considering.Curtain and Console Airbags Every vehicle comes with dash-mounted airbags these days, but a number of models – such as the Buick Enclave – also have side curtain and center console airbags to lessen the blow of side-impact collisions. In general, the more airbags your vehicle has, the better.Electronic Stability Control Electronic Stability Control is a system that prevents a car from sliding sideways in a turn by controlling the vehicles acceleration based on wheel traction. With ESC equipped, a top-heavy vehicle is much less likely to roll over during a swerve. For top-heavy SUVs and minivans, this feature is indispensable.Anti-Lock Brakes Anti-lock brakes prevent your wheels from locking up and skidding during a sudden stop. While not a necessary feature - you can also prevent wheel lock by pumping the brakes – anti-lock brakes can be incredibly beneficial when driving over ice or large puddles.Safety Alert Systems Sometimes the best way to handle a collision is to avoid it in the first place. A number of luxury sedans have numerous electronic safety systems in place to help drivers avoid potential crashes. Motion detectors around the vehicle will alert the driver when an object is close and cameras in the rearview mirror will sound an alarm if you get distracted and take your eyes off the road. A good IIHS rating and a myriad of safety features can help make your ride more secure, but the best way to stay safe in your vehicle is to practice defensive driving. Always check your blind spots before you change lanes, make sure to slow down when driving over puddles or ice and allow plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Also, never, ever text and drive! A little caution will go a long way towards keeping you safe and accident-free.The Warranty Your new car isn't going to run perfectly forever. Eventually, you're going to experience some sort of mechanical breakdown – and that's when the quality of your factory warranty will really be tested. Good warranties will cover any and all maintenance costs on your new car for years after your first serious repair job. Bad warranties will probably run out about a year before you start experience car trouble. Consequently, the quality of a vehicle's factory warranty should factor heavily into your decision to buy. After all, there's nothing worse than shelling out $500 for a broken engine belt that you had nothing to do with. Here's a look at some of the most common types of warranties and the time periods you can expect them to remain valid.Bumper to Bumper A bumper to bumper or standard warranty covers every component in the car, from air conditioning to power windows to the engine and paint job. The best bumper to bumper warranties are valid for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). These are offered by Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and recently, Volvo. . Besides these, bumper to bumper warranties will either be valid for three years/36,000 miles or four years/50,000 miles depending on the automaker.Power Train In addition to a bumper to bumper warranty, most automakers offer an extended warranty on the components contained in the Power or Drive Train. This applies to the engine, the transmission, and the axles – and in some cases the seats and seatbelts as well. Hyundai and Kia also win this category with a 10 year, 100,000 mile power train warranty for each brand.Perforation Finally, your new car should also come with a perforation or rust-proof warranty. Essentially, this warranty will pay for new body panels in case your vehicle begins to rust. These warranties last for 3-5 years for unlimited miles. In addition to your factory warranty, your dealership will offer their own extended warranty on your vehicle. Depending on which model of car you're buying, this may or may not be a good investment. If your new car is historically prone to breakdowns after five years, it may be worth your while to drop the money for the lengthened coverage. If you're warranty is already lengthy, though, there's no reason to throw your money away.SEE: When Warranties Aren't Worth ItCost of Ownership Finally, the biggest thing to consider when purchasing a new car is that the sticker price is just the beginning of your new vehicle's total impact on your bank account. There are a number of additional expenses you'll encounter which, if unaccounted for, could end up putting you in a financial nosedive. Before you sign on the dotted line for your new ride, make sure you can handle all of these additional costs of ownership.Insurance Insurance can be very affordable or very expensive, depending on what type of car you buy. Since you're getting a new vehicle, you should really invest in comprehensive insurance that covers both theft and collision. For standard compacts like the Toyota Corolla, this could be obtained for as little as $500 every six months. If you're buying a BMW or a Corvette, expect to pay several hundred dollars more per year. SEE: Top Tips For Cheaper, Better Car InsuranceFuel A car's fuel economy can mean the difference between spending $100 on gas every month and spending $1,000. If your new car has worse gas mileage than your current set of wheels, expect your monthly expenses to rise. If you live in a densely populated area, you can cut down on fuel costs by taking public transportation once in a while or arranging weekly carpools.Maintenance and Repairs Your warranty isn't going to last forever. If your car needs frequent maintenance to keep it running, you'll soon find yourself paying a steep price just to keep it on the road. Make sure that when your parts start to breakdown you have the money to cover the repair bill.Depreciation You also need to consider how much your car will depreciate over time when determining its cost of ownership. Some models hold their value better than others. If your particular car depreciates rapidly, you could end up losing a lot of money when it comes time to sell.To get a good idea of what a new vehicle will really cost you, check out Edmunds' True Cost of Ownership Calculator. You just need to enter the make, model and year of vehicle you're interested in purchasing and the calculator will present you with The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car: How To Negotiate Prices Related Articles Used Car Shopping: How to Avoid a Lemon Being prepared before buying will save you thousands in the long run. Personal Finance Your Car: Fixer-Upper Or Scrap Metal? Sometimes buying a new car can be cheaper than shelling out for repairs. Personal Finance Car Shopping: New Or Used? Don't get taken for a ride. Learn the pros and cons before the salesperson makes a pitch. Taxes 5 Reasons To Buy A New Car Even the most frugal drivers have a tipping point. Is it time for a new car? Trading Top 10 Ways To Get Top Dollar For Your Car Find out what steps you can take to reduce the depreciation of your vehicle. Personal Finance The Complete Guide To Buying A New Car Here's everything you need to know about buying a new car. Managing Wealth The Best (and Worst) Times to Buy a Car Timing your purchase – along with some attention to the features you need – can save you thousands on your new wheels. Personal Finance Wheels Of A Future Fortune Buy a quality car without driving your expenses through the roof. Personal Finance The Complete Guide To Buying A Used Car Everything you need to know about buying a used car. Frequently Asked Questions What are Common Examples of Monopolistic Markets? Discover what causes real instances of market monopoly, how it persists and where monopoly privilege is most common in the ... What is the gold standard? The gold standard is a monetary system where a country's currency or paper money has a value directly linked to gold, but ... What's the most expensive stock of all time? The most expensive publicly traded stock of all time is Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. What is a "socially responsible" mutual fund? As the name suggests, socially responsible mutual funds invest exclusively in socially responsible investments. Trending

汽车

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Sign in or Subscribe. See Offers Posted April 1, 2013 Competition shakes up car market Automakers offering sleek designs and luxury features have cut into the sales of the Camry and Accord. By The Associated Press Share Comment Read Article DETROIT — For nearly two decades, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord have ruled the midsized car market. Nobody accused them of being stylish or fast. But the cars rarely broke down, and they held their value better than competitors. For drivers who wanted a family car, Camry and Accord got the job done and were good enough to become two of the best-selling cars of all time. A Hyundai Sonata is seen outside a Hyundai car dealership last October in Des Plaines, Ill. For nearly two decades, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord have ruled the midsized car market. But now the dominance is starting to slip. The Associated Press Search photos available for purchase: Photo Store → But now the dominance is starting to slip. Cars like the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Kia Optima have cut into sales of the Camry and Accord by offering combinations of sleeker designs, luxury-car features and better gas mileage. The competition has shaken up the biggest segment of the U.S. auto market. The completely redesigned vehicles have made midsize cars appealing to a broader audience, from young families to downsizing baby boomers to people who want the look and feel of luxury but don’t want the cost. Midsize cars accounted for almost 25 percent of the total industry in February, up from 22 percent at the end of 2007. Automakers report March sales on Tuesday. Differences in quality and reliability in midsize cars have all but been erased, so buyers now look at styling and performance, industry analysts say. That puts added pressure on Toyota and Honda to stay ahead, but also on the other automakers, because brand loyalty isn’t what it used to be. Every time a new, sleeker car comes out, many buyers flock to it. As a result, automakers are redesigning midsize cars in about half the usual time. “Your latest and greatest are the ones that are selling the most,” said Glenn Mears, owner of Chrysler, Ford, Honda and Nissan dealerships in the Dover, Ohio, area south of Cleveland. Sales figures show how tough the competition has gotten for Camry and Accord, still the two top-selling cars in the U.S. The Camry’s annual sales have fallen by more than 68,000 since 2007, while Accord sales have dropped by more than 60,000. Five years ago, Camry and Accord combined sold 865,339 cars, accounting for almost a quarter of the midsize segment. But last year they slipped to just over 20 percent on sales of 736,758, according to Autodata Corp. The Camry, last redesigned in 2011, has all the newest bells and whistles inside, such as a touch-screen and voice command system, but isn’t as sleek-looking on the outside as its rivals. Still, Toyota doesn’t plan any major styling changes to the Camry because there’s no sense messing with the success of a car with sales over 400,000 per year, said Jim Lentz, Toyota’s North American chief executive. Lentz said that because other automakers improved their cars, Camry sales won’t grow much in the near term, even though the market for midsize cars is getting bigger. “So the pie is getting larger. Because of the increase in competition, our share of that pie is getting smaller,” he said. Honda came out with a well-received redesign of the Accord last year, and it’s gaining ground on the midsize leader. While Camry outsold Accord by 70,000 last year, the Accord’s percentage gain was bigger, 40 percent to 31 percent for the Camry. The large gains reflect the automakers’ recovery from the earthquake in Japan in 2011. Sales of the Camry fell in February, the second decline in three months. Accord sales rose 35 percent in February and trailed Camry by just 3,271. Ford’s Fusion has moved into third place. The fully revamped car hit showrooms in September, with a European design that looks like an Aston-Martin. That style led Susie Gates of suburban Dallas to lease a Fusion in February because it stood out from the Sonata and Camry, she said. “It just seems like everyone and their mom has one,” she said of the Camry. “There was nothing exciting about it.” Gates, 37, who works for a service that helps people having trouble paying their mortgages, is at an age where people typically would buy a Camry or Accord. She says her pearl-white 2013 Fusion turns heads. “It’s just absolutely gorgeous,” she said. That wasn’t a term associated with midsize cars until Hyundai remade the Sonata in April 2010. The hard angles were gone. Car reviewers said it had a sculpted exterior that gave the appearance of a car in motion even when parked. Sales rose 15 percent by the end of 2011. But Sonata’s numbers haven’t been quite as pretty lately. Sales were off 8 percent in February compared with the same month a year earlier, and have declined in five of the past seven months. The reason: Designs in the midsize market are changing so fast that analysts say the Sonata now seems dated. And Altima sales fell 16 percent last month, even though a brand-new design came out last summer. “The competition is so fierce,” said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst for automotive pricing site TrueCar.com. “It forces automakers into much more frequent updates.” Automakers used to redesign cars every six or seven years and update them every three or four. But in the midsize segment, that’s changing to redesigns every three or four years and updates every other year, Toprak said. General Motors, for instance, is freshening the slow-selling Chevrolet Malibu for 2014, even though it was redesigned last year. The update changes the look in the front and back. The car’s front grille, for instance, gets three chrome-accented horizontal bars rather than one solid bar, matching newer Chevrolet vehicles. GM also addresses criticism of a cramped back seat. Malibu sales rose just 3 percent in 2012. GM lowered the base price by $300 to $770 depending on model and raised discounts on the car in February. Since slicker styling is now commonplace, price is a bigger consideration for buyers, Toprak said. And that means better deals for consumers, particularly on older models. Carmakers are either dropping the base price or ramping up incentives. Average sales prices fell from January to February on seven of the segment’s 10 top-selling vehicles, according to the Edmunds.com auto website. Discounts also rose on seven of the 10 top sellers. The average price dropped by $131, to $25,729. Camry’s price went up slightly between January and February, but in the past year, it has fallen $136, to $24,211. The Camry’s average price is about $1,000 less than the Accord and Altima and $2,000 less than the Fusion. In late February, Toyota began offering no-interest financing on the 2013 Camry for 60 months.

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BusinessBusiness News Boris hails Chinese rescue of black cabs firm Manganese Friday 1 February 2013 12:25 GMT p46 taxi busines 01/02 BDAD3M London Black Taxi cab The Mall London England Great Britain Friday July 03 2009 One of China’s biggest private car manufacturers today snapped up the British maker of London’s iconic black cabs for £11 million.Mayor Boris Johnson said he was “delighted” that China’s Geely had bought taxi business Manganese Bronze out of administration, “ensuring the continuing manufacture of a world famous, fully accessible and instantly recognisable vehicle synonymous with London.”Johnson added: “London’s cabbies can now look to the future safe in the knowledge that the TX model taxi will continue to serve Londoners for many years to come.”Geely already owned a 20% stake in Manganese Bronze, after a joint venture set up in 2006 that saw the UK business buy China-made components and body parts.But today’s deal sees the Chinese firm ramp up its expansion into Europe’s auto industry; it bought Volvo Cars in Sweden from Ford for $1.8 billion (£1.1 billion) in 2010.Geely’s financial director, Daniel Li, is to become its new UK chairman. He promised to keep Manganese’s Coventry manufacturing plant open, even though since the company fell into administration in October, 156 staff have lost their jobs.Speaking at the factory in Coventry today, Li said: “The deal will secure the long-term future of the company and maintain the production, skilled jobs and plant in Coventry. Today we have 107 people working here, and we are confident we will create some new jobs with the recovery of the business.”One of his first hires was to appoint Peter Johansen, former finance director of Manganese Bronze, as executive vice president of Geely UK’s black cab operations. But Li said it was “too early to say” if any of the 156 staff who lost their jobs would return, adding: “it depends on their skills and the needs of the company. In time we will examine the potential to create new, lower-carbon vehicles which could be exported around the world. But that’s a discussion for a later day.” The Chinese group added it will be looking at new models to follow the current TX4 as well as “examining the potential for entering the private-hire market”.However, Li warned it would “take some weeks to restart production”.Manganese Bronze called in administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers after supply problems with steering boxes made in China, by a firm introduced to Manganese by Geely, led to a recall of 400 of its flagship £35,000 TX4 taxis.That was on top of reporting four years of financial losses and struggling under increasing warranty costs. Even the worldwide PR opportunity of having the Spice Girls dancing on top of five black cabs at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games this summer couldn’t turn around Manganese’s fortunes, especially when the company revealed a £3.9 million black hole in its accounts days after the Games that forced it to delay its half-year results.Manganese hadn’t posted a profit since 2007, struggling in the face of competition from listed Eco City Vehicles, which distributes Mercedes taxis. Manganese had a monopoly on supply to the taxi market until 2008 but now Mercedes-Benz has 40% of the sales.About 1400 new black cabs are registered each year, with London having almost 23,000 licensed taxis on the road.Li said all taxis affected by the steering box problems had been fixed and were back on the road. He added: “This is beginning of a new chapter for the London taxi.” More about:

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All BTUs Are Not Created Equally I sometimes have to pause and remind people that I am not anti-ethanol. As I have said numerous times, I am opposed to recycling fossil fuel into ethanol, and paying massive subsidies to do it. This is what we do with corn ethanol. That is a false solution to our fossil fuel dependence. If we could produce corn ethanol as we can sugarcane ethanol – with minimal fossil fuel inputs – that would address the vast majority of my ethanol objections. I think I made that clear over two years ago with my support for E3 Biofuels attempt to produce corn ethanol in a more sustainable fashion. But ethanol has one particularly compelling argument: Ethanol has a high octane rating (103), which means it does not easily pre-ignite. This means higher engine efficiencies could be obtained than can be achieved with gasoline. It is known that ethanol added to gasoline normally causes the fuel efficiency to drop. Ethanol contains about 2/3rds of the BTUs (heating value) as the same volume of gasoline, and gasoline/ethanol blends normally shows the drop in fuel efficiency one would expect. However, because of ethanol’s resistance to preignition, it should be theoretically possible to design an engine with a much higher compression ratio, which could then extract more useful work from the ethanol. Diesel engines are designed with high compression ratios, which is the key to their engine efficiencies of around 45%, versus 25-30% for a gasoline engine. Let’s take a simple example, to show how ethanol’s BTU deficit could be made up with an increase in engine efficiency. Gasoline contains about 115,000 BTUs/gallon. If the engine efficiency is 25%, then 28,750 BTUs/gallon ultimately power the vehicle. The rest are expelled as heat. Ethanol contains about 75,000 BTUs/gallon. One could in theory achieve the same fuel efficiency with ethanol as with gasoline if an engine was designed with an efficiency that resulted in the same 28,750 BTUs/gallon powering the vehicle (assuming same weight, frictional losses, etc.) That means that if the efficiency of the ethanol-powered car was 28,750/75,000 – or 38.33%, then 1 gallon of ethanol could provide the same power to the vehicle as 1 gallon of gasoline. And of course if the efficiency of the ethanol vehicle could be increased further, it is possible to use 1 gallon of ethanol to travel farther than one could travel on 1 gallon of gasoline – despite the BTU deficit. This has been true in theory, and some small scale engines have been created. The Saab Biopower, which debuted a couple of years ago, showed that the BTU-deficit could be partially compensated for. The Saab engine was designed with a higher compression ratio, so that on E-85 it showed a 12.5% drop in fuel efficiency instead of the typical 20-30% drop that one typically sees on E-85. The Saab also achieved a reported 20% extra power and 15% extra torque from this engine. But I was recently made aware that Swedish automaker Scania has been producing ultra-high compression ratio engines designed for ethanol usage, and they reach engine efficiencies as high as 43%: Scania’s Ethanol Diesel-Engine, Runs On Biodiesel Too That means that if all else was equal (no significant weight penalty from the high-compression engine), a gallon of ethanol could enable a vehicle to travel farther than it could on a gallon of gasoline. In reality, the comparison is not quite apples and oranges, as these Scania engines are used in heavy, commercial applications. I wrote to the company a couple of months ago and asked them some questions about any possible plans to produce a smaller engine for passenger vehicles, but they never responded. But the point of the essay was to show that all BTUs aren’t the same for liquid fuels, and that a modified compression ratio has the potential to give the counter-intuitive result that a fuel with few BTUs per gallon can actually provide better fuel efficiency in some cases. compression ratio, diesel engine, ethanol, fuel efficiency, octane, Scania |

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Bmw M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition introduced in UK Article by Christian A., on April 23, 2012 The new BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition will go on sale in the UK on June 1, 2012. It is powered by a class-leading 420hp V8 engine with power sent to the road through the standard seven-speed M DCT transmission and variable M differential. The car has a 10mm lowered suspension that comes with a three-stage Electronic Damper Control, a set of 19-inch light alloy wheels, and a revised DSC+ system. However, the car is made highly distinctive because of features not seen before on any BMW like its bespoke combination of Frozen Silver metallic paint, matt black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surrounds, and Jet Black bonnet intakes. Its exterior is enhanced with a high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. The interior gets Black Novillo leather with contrast stitching and Palladium leather armrests and inserts. Alcantara is used to cover the steering wheel and it also gets an M3 chequered flag motif, while the door sills have a similar logo. The interior uses carbon fibre generously to emphasize the sporting credentials. M Power is stitched onto the handbrake and it also comes with a plaque to indicate that it is a limited edition model. When taken individually, the equipment added to a standard M3 amounts to almost £9,000 but the price tag of the BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition is only £4,000 higher. The UK continues to be a major market for BMW M products. In 2011, the economic conditions were difficult in the UK but despite that, BMW UK sold 789 M3 Coupés, about 10% higher than the prior year. The starting price for the Bmw M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition is £58,720. With regards to the M model range from BMW, the M3 has been at the top of that list as it is the model that has managed to live up to its full motorsport tradition. This was seen not only when the first generation of the M3 was released in 1986 but also in the next two generations after that. Once again, the M3 reveals why it continues to reign supreme with the release of the 2007 version. Using the 3-Series Coupé platform, the high-performance 2007 M3 is different from the usual coupé when it comes to technical features and appearance. As expected, this model does have a distinct design with both the suspension and drivetrain technology developed at the very beginning to deliver excellent performance. However, what made the 2007 M3 different is the availability of the lightweight technology which was helpful especially for the BWM M engineers. To prove that this objective involving lightweight engineering was indeed met, the new M3 has a power-to-weight ratio of 8.4 pounds (3.8 kilograms) for every horsepower. One of the most significant factors that ensured the M3 would have a low eight is that the roof is composed of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. This is considered as a first for a production model in its class. Majority of the M3 Coupe is new when it comes to the design and engineering. Indeed, all the other parts were made specifically made for this new offering. There are features however that are similar to the 3 Series Coupé like the vehicle’s load-bearing structure, windows, rear lights, headlights, bootlid, and two of the doors. Topics: bmw, bmw m3, coupe, special edition, uk If you liked the article, share on:

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Say Watt? Shocking News from Electric Cars By M.E. Cribbs Posted on May 9, 2013 Since late April, headlines in the Automotive industry have been buzzing about electric car manufacturers. In two weeks time, we have learned more about Federal subsidies, price incentives and corporate strategies than 99 years of fossil burners could ever have taught us. REDUCING AND RE-VOLTING At a conference last week in California, Dan Akerson, CEO of General Motors, revealed that the company’s goal was to lop $7- to $10-grand off the price of Chevy’s next generation Volt —before subsidies—less than the current car’s base price. A company dropping the price of a car is shocking. Moreover, dropping the price of a car with new technology, especially after halting production for a few months, leaves me flabbergasted. GM is probably hedging its bets so that won’t happen again. If that statement wasn’t surprising enough, his next one will floor you: “…it will be profitable…” This seems far-fetched in light of the fact that the Volt hasn’t been profitable thus far. “GM has sold approximately 26,500 Volts so far, and we’re losing money on every one of them,” Akerson said, adding that the cost reductions will be made without “de-contenting” the vehicle. The base price of the 2013 Volt is $39,995; reducing that by $10,000 would put the Volt right in line with competitors like the Nissan Leaf ($32,670), the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid ($32,795), and the Ford C-Max Energi ($33,745). GM has been stingy with the details on the next-gen Volt, which we understand will arrive within a year or 18 months, but Akerson did indicate it would be lighter than the current model. Currently, the battery pack alone accounts for about 400 pounds of the Volt’s 3755-pound weight. Despite these circus barker announcements, it is refreshing to hear that GM has a pretty clear direction for the Volt. GM has been stingy with the details on the next-gen Volt, but the next-generation car, according to Akerson, will be competitively priced. C-O-D-A IS NOW D.O.A In other news, CODA, the company that produced what looked like 1992 Toyotas and sold them as 2013 electric cars, filed for bankruptcy on May 1st in order to make itself attractive for sale, which should be a done deal in the next month to 45 days. CODA failed because they didn’t have a good product to accompany their good idea. If Hyundai can have its entry level models offer heated rear seats and bluetooth connectivity wrapped in attractive styling, why would I buy a car that claims new technology but with a design that hearkens back to the George H. Bush era? My deepest sympathies go out to the 100 or so people who purchased one. Maybe the employees can go to Tesla or Detroit Electric with their newly refreshed resumes. …BUT THERE IS LIFE ELSEWHERE Speaking of Detroit Electric, seemingly out of the blue (but really a revived nameplate) announced itself in its Detroit headquarters in March, showed the car April 3 to VIPs and some journalists, and said the car will be in production and available in August. Detroit Electric also announced that it will partner with Chinese automaker Geely to co-develop electric cars for China. This deal will help the reborn electric car maker add an experienced partner to its portfolio to help it develop affordable electric car solutions for the world’s largest new car market. Things are busy around the plant these days and drive trains were being assembled as recent as last week. YOU CAN’T ALWAYS PICK A WINNER Fisker, a name synonymous with failure in the electric car market, is named here simply because we need to defend them. The company’s implosion should not be seen as an indictment on electric cars but a sign that the U.S. Government is not good at betting on winners in the private sector. The purpose of the Green Energy Loans was to help industry save the environment. Instead, it became a way to fund chic trinkets for the wealthy 1-percent. TESLA TRIMMING PRICES? While we’re talking about that 1-percent, Elon Musk said last week that Tesla Motors will make the Model S resale value guarantee the highest of any premium sedan brand on the market. Tesla also announced that it will provide longer-term loans that considerably reduce monthly payments. Private buyers of the Model S will now pay a monthly rate of $580 and take only gasoline costs into account when calculating deductions. Those who plan to use the car for business purposes can now do so if 70-percent of the miles are driven for business purposes rather than the former rate of 80%. That depreciation benefit further reduces the effective monthly cost of owning a Model S down to $350. Finally, for those who are too impatient to wait for their Tesla to be ordered, according to the company’s website, there are display cars and top-of-the-line 85-kWh 2013 Model S promotional versions available for immediate delivery. THE STRONGEST LEAF Clear off the mantle, the Nissan LEAF pure electric vehicle is bringing home another trophy. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the LEAF its “Top Safety Pick” designation, recognizing the vehicle for excellent performance in four passenger safety tests. In those tests, the LEAF achieved the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. Nissan LEAF joins Nissan Altima and Infiniti M37/M56 on the list of 2013 Top Safety Picks. In less than two weeks, the automotive world has been electrified with news from the plug-and-play car market. Okay, now unplug your Prius and let’s get back to some oil burners. What do you think of the recent news and advancements in the electric car industry? Comments The Audi RS6 Avant can Smoke a Nissan GT-R! Friday FAIL: 4,000-HP Corvette Goes Flying The new 1,000-HP Hennessey Exorcist is a Dodge Demon Killer Volkswagen Previews the Upcoming Design Vision GTI for WörtherseeWatch André Lotterer Take the new Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept for a Spin

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Goodyear To Announce 31st Highway Hero At Mid-America Trucking Show Names Finalists For The Trucking Industry's Most Prestigious Award from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, USA. (PRNewsFoto/Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company) Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, USA. (PRNewsFoto/Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company) AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will announce the winner of the 31st Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award on Thursday, March 27, during the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Ky. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO) The Goodyear Highway Hero Award honors professional truck drivers who put themselves in harm's way to help others. Finalists for the 31st Goodyear Highway Hero Award include a driver who rescued a two-year-old boy from a flame-engulfed car, a trucker who rescued a teenage driver who was trapped in a car at the bottom of a ravine, a driver who used his truck's boom crane to flip an upside-down vehicle that was stuck in a pond, and a trucker who rescued another driver who had fallen from a burning rig that was hanging over the side of a highway overpass. "The Goodyear Highway Hero Award recognizes truck drivers who put their lives on the line to help others," said Gary Medalis, marketing director, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems. "Each of our Highway Hero finalists took action without concern for his own safety in order to save another person from a life-threatening situation." The finalists for the 31st Goodyear Highway Hero Award are: Brian Dunn, a driver from Knoxville, Tenn. Dunn was driving down a highway in Oklahoma when he witnessed a car crash through a guard rail and land on its roof in the middle of the road. He ran to the car as its engine caught fire. Running back to his truck to grab a fire extinguisher, he heard a child crying. Dunn spotted a two-year-old boy who was trapped in the back seat of the burning vehicle. Braving the flames, Dunn yanked on the car's door until it gave way, allowing him to rescue the child, whom he then handed to bystanders. Dunn ran back to his truck for his fire extinguisher, while other bystanders tried to rescue the boy's mother, who had driven the car. They later learned that she had died as a result of the crash. Tim Horton, a driver from Sheridan, Ark. Horton was driving outside Tuscaloosa, Ala., when a small car passed his truck, spun around, and drove into a 35-foot-deep ravine, landing upside down in a creek bed. The car's driver, a teenager, was trapped inside the car and had suffered a large cut on his head. Horton got out of his truck and flagged down the driver of another vehicle, who happened to be a volunteer firefighter, to assist him. Horton and the firefighter made their way down the steep, brush-covered embankment and found the teenager alive, but bleeding heavily. Horton cut the teenager's seatbelt and pulled him from the car. After Horton and the firefighter stabilized the teenager's condition, Horton called for additional help. It took 10 men using a 50-foot fire ladder to transport the teenager to a waiting ambulance. Scott Rosenberg, a driver from Isanti, Minn. Rosenberg had just dropped off a load in Stillwater, Minn., when he spotted a pickup truck that was upside down in a pond, with steam rising from it. At the time, Rosenberg was driving a trailer with a boom crane used for loading heavy concrete products. Acting quickly, he positioned his crane in place, hoping to flip the pickup truck over and back onto its wheels. In the meantime, two other men had reached the pickup and were trying to pry its doors open, to no avail. Using his crane, Rosenberg turned the pickup right-side up. Its driver, a college student who had fallen asleep at the wheel, was still alive. Police then arrived and pulled the student from the vehicle. Ivan Vasovic, a driver from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Vasovic was at a stop sign when he witnessed a double tanker truck hit the concrete divider of a freeway overpass, careen off a wall, and slam into a guard rail. Its tanks, which were full of diesel, ripped open and the truck came to a stop with its tractor and first tanker hanging over the side of the overpass. The truck's driver was trapped inside and was trying to exit when the diesel ignited. The driver, now on fire, kicked out a window, slid down the truck and fell 20 feet to the ground, breaking his arm and leg. By that point, the suspended truck was engulfed in flames. Vasovic and another bystander tried to pull the driver to safety. However, due to the intense heat, they could only drag him a few yards at a time. Vasovic ran to his truck and poured water on himself, which enabled him to drag the driver 20 yards away from his original position. Moments later, the entire burning tanker truck crashed to the ground. Trucking industry journalists are now evaluating the above finalists. The driver who is named the 31st Goodyear Highway Hero will receive a special ring, a $5,000 award and a congratulatory plaque. Each of the other finalists will receive a cash prize and a plaque. "Each Highway Hero Award finalist is a true credit to the trucking industry," said Medalis. "We are honored that these individuals are part of our Highway Hero program, and we look forward to recognizing them for their bravery during MATS." About the Goodyear Highway Hero Award: Established in 1983, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award honors professional truck drivers who put themselves in harm's way to help others as they travel the highways and roads of North America. For more information about the Goodyear Highway Hero Award and to read about past Highway Hero Award winners, click here. About Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems: Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems offers The Total Package Solution of industry-leading tires, services and profitability tools to help commercial trucking fleets lower their total cost of ownership. To learn more, visit www.goodyeartrucktires.com. SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company RELATED LINKS http://www.goodyear.com Preview: Goodyear Reports Higher Fourth Quarter, Full-Year Results Preview: 2015 Chrysler 200 to Roll on Goodyear Tires Goodyear Will Redeem $700 Million in Senior Notes Goodyear to Announce First Quarter 2017 Financial Results Goodyear Declares Dividend on Common Stock

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A recent study reveals that car buyers prefer hybrid cars, eco-friendly washing liquids and other energy saving devices over cheaper alternatives which cause more harm to the environment to have a better social status. Researchers have indicated that the new generation of car buyers is more inclined towards benefiting from the perceived higher social status that is achieved by buying a product that causes less harm to the environment. They are even willing to sacrifice their luxury as well as performance of the vehicle in order to achieve the status of a responsible green citizen. Driving a large luxury car is certainly indicative of the wealth of the owner but at the same time, it also exhibits the lack of concern for the environment. On the other hand, someone who drives a hybrid car such as the Prius not only flaunts his wealth because hybrids cost way more than fuel efficient cars but also his concern for the environment which gives him a respectful place in the society. The study carried out three experiments. In one experiment, 168 students were divided into two groups out of which one read a story that conveyed social status while the other read a story without it. Subsequently when given a choice between a green car and a non green model at same price with better performance, 37% of the control group members chose the green option. This figure escalated to 54.5% when they were made to read stories fabricated to “activate status motives”. The experiment revealed that playing on the desire of getting a better status is one of the best ways to motivate people to make green choices. In another test, a group of 93 students was asked to make choices between similarly priced green and non green products at public as well as private places. It was found that preference to buy green products was more when the students were in public as compared to when they were in private. The third experiment revealed that those people who have a concern for their status in their mind buy greener alternatives when they are more expensive than the non green ones. The authors of the study which includes Joshua M Tybur of University of New Mexico and Vladas Griskevicius of University of Minnesota concluded that these experiments have led to untapped source of encouraging greener behavior. Adam Corner who has been working as a research associate at Cardiff University said that a number of people may try to flaunt their social status though conspicuous use of green products. They do not care about benefiting the environment from their actions but they do pay a lot of heed to what others think of them. Like most other psychologists and researchers, he also concluded that the power of social status can be channelized into promoting change in attitude towards environment protection. The study however had one drawback which casts a shadow of doubt over the authenticity of its results. None of the persons involved in the study had to dig into their wallets when they were to make choices. Michael Volvo of Toyota UK states that his company’s market research reveals that cost of ownership and attraction towards advanced technology has been the main reason behind the sale of Prius car and not concern about the environment or social status. The results of the study also failed to bring to light the complications in ethical human activity. Rob Harrison from Ethical Consumer Magazine says that if you have a look at ethical spending of a cooperative bank, you would notice that almost one thirds of it is on investment and banking which is not possible until the brochures keep lying around on the coffee table making it a non-green act. He further added that a number of the readers of Ethical Consumer bought green products because they were focused towards a goal and not towards achieving a higher social status. A different study concluded that ethical consumers display kindness less often and are more inclined towards stealing. This claim has been regarded by Rob as a shallow understanding of the larger ethical consumer movement. A number of leaders of big business houses such as Coca-Cola, Tesco and Reckitt Bencksier believe that disastrous climate change can be averted through green consumerism. Category: News Hybrid Taxis →

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Mitsubishi Motors: A Car Company from Hell We haven't gotten back to our roots in quite some time, but we still do look for Illuminati symbols in pop culture and commercial brands. In this case, we found something intriguing with the logo of Mitsubishi Motors. What appears as three red diamonds is really a representation of the Unholy Trinity contained within a triangle. This is one of the darkest symbols that can be found anywhere that serves as a direct reference to Armageddon. Each diamond in the logo represents either the Beast, the Antichrist, and Satan. To go even further, three more triangles are present in the design. What's scarier is that we've been finding more and more of these. From Lady Gaga's Pokerface music video to Ghostbusters, the Unholy Trinity is commonplace. The fact that a car company has chosen it for a logo comes as no surprise. Mitsubishi Motors is a multi-national corporation involved in the plan to convert the planet to a one world economy. An Illuminati reference is all too important. The symbolism of Mitsubishi's logo is too obvious to be a coincidence. Three red diamonds (red being the color of evil) contained within a triangle can only be a representation of the Unholy Trinity. The strategy behind placing these symbols is not to hide in plain sight but to implant subliminal messages that will ease the transition to the New World Order. Steve Bannon: An Illuminati Secret Agent on the Trump Team? The media has been in an uproar since President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Steve Bannon as one of his top advisers. Reporters and libtards alike are freaking out over this man's supposed anti-Semitism and leadership of Breitbart.com, the leading alt right news site, and in a strange twist of irony, we are also crying foul. Not because of this man's controversial statements but because of his role at what was once one of the most promising sources of journalism. When under the leadership of its original founder, Andrew Breitbart, Breitbart.com was most promising and delivered thorough conservative coverage. That all changed when Breitbart died under very mysterious circumstances. Of course, we know better than to believe the false reports that claimed he died of "natural" causes. Bannon may have been involved in his death. With the founder gone, a struggle for the website's control ensued and Bannon came out on top. Unlike Breitbart, he decided to take the site in a different direction. Instead of publishing credible articles that went into great depth on their subjects, Bannon opted for click bait intended to rack up page views. This generated more ad revenue and destroyed Breitbart.com's credibility turning it into easy fodder for libtard pundits. Bannon's biography also indicates strong Illuminati ties. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School and likely joined the order there. Then he advanced his career at Goldman Sachs and invested in several successful television shows such as Seinfeld before joining the board of Breitbart.com. Posing as an alt right conservative to convice the founder that he was for real, Bannon maneuvered himself into a perfect spot for Illuminati espionage. Once Andrew Breitbart was out of the way, he was able to take over the company and transform it into the media's favorite paper tiger. Why did Trump appoint this Illuminati poser onto his team is up for speculation? Is he scared that the order will come after him like it did with JFK, or does he want to return now that he has made his point? It's also possible that Trump's election was a pure Illuminati con and we're all screwed. Then again we would not have been better off with Hillary Clinton who espoused NWO beliefs up and down the campaign trail, so who knows? What we do know is that Steve Bannon is no true believer. The policies that Trump proposes run against everything that man learned at Harvard. He is little more than a shill to appease the extreme right element that propelled Trump to the presidency. Do not fall for it. Trump's election proved that Illuminati brainwashing has a long way to go before the population is subdued. We must hold him and his choices accountable. President Donald Trump, American Psycho, the Death of Anton Yelchin, and The Simpsons: A Myriad of Illuminati Symbols On November 9, 2016 Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. His candidacy defied all predictions and political trends to become the greatest upset since Harry Truman defeated Thomas Dewey in 1948. Trump's victory was more than a win for conservatism, it was a repudiation of the Illuminati's One World agenda. Trump promised to end illegal immigration, scrap free trade deals, and restore the middle class to its previous glory. All of his stances were distinctly anti-Illuminati, and the media's constant lies about him and his campaign go to prove it. Not only that, but he also defeated one of the secret order's most prized candidates, Hillary Clinton. Had she won, the New World Order would soon be at hand. Despite the positives of a Trump victory, we here at IW have discovered a trail of crumbs that lead us to believe that the Illuminati saw this coming or may have even planned it. Please do not get us wrong, we strongly believe that Trump was too strong to control and went rogue. We also think that he still colludes with the order when it suits his own needs or those of his agenda. The symbolism indicating this goes back to the 1990s beginning with Bret Easton Ellis's novel "American Psycho." Throughout the grisly tale of Patrick Bateman's life as a Wall Street banker who brutally kills by night, constant references to Trump appear. Bateman worshipped the real-estate tycoon as an idol and went giddy with glee if he happened to be eating at the same restaurant with the man or one of his family members. Although Ellis made no direct references to Trump becoming president, he left one significant message. Patrick Bateman was 27 years old, and it takes 270 electoral college votes to win. This symbol was reinforced with the "accidental" death of actor Anton Yelchin who was famous for playing Ens. Pavel Checkov in Star Trek. When leaving his house for a night on the town, the actor died from being crushed by his SUV. This was obviously a set up organized by the Hollywood Star Whackers that Randy Quaid warned us about, but there is one crucial fact that explains why Yelchin was killed. He was 27 years old, the same age as Patrick Bateman. The Illuminati had Yelchin killed because they knew Trump was going to win and wanted to release a message. Only those well versed in the code could decipher it. The next symbol indicates that the Illuminati had an inkling that Donald Trump would go rogue and attempt to become president and that was The Simpsons episode from March 2000 where Lisa is elected as his successor. According to the episode's plot, Trump becomes president and destroys the country. The writers indicated in an interview that they wanted to create a storyline so zany that it would be the quintessential example of America going insane. They also tried to say that the episode was meant as a warning. One that they argued went unheeded. In actuality, the episode was not a warning but the beginning of the Illuminati's brainwash emphasizing that a Trump presidency would be a disaster. That's the entire approach taken by the media and the entertainment industry, convince people that Trump is terrible. It began with The Simpsons and continued through the years with celebrity feuds from the likes of Rosie O'Donnell. All of it had one goal and that was to destroy Donald Trump. In the end, none of it worked and the Illuminati stood aghast on election night as the people they have worked so hard to brainwash showed just how much will they still have. Donald Trump dismissed the secret order and won the hearts of Americans everywhere. For that, he deserves a chance, and we here at IW will be watching to see how his administration transpires. Follow us on Twitter @Illuminatiwatc1 Posted by Steve Bannon: An Illuminati Secret Agent on the Tr... President Donald Trump, American Psycho, the Death...

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You are here:Homepage Newspaper Volkswagen: Breach of trust that reaches far beyond automotive industry Volkswagen: Breach of trust that reaches far beyond automotive industry Sarah Sakeena Marshall, B.S. Environmental Policy The world could not have been more surprised to learn that Volkswagen, a German car company known for its environmental stewardship and innovation, had employed so-called defeat devices to rig emissions tests in many of its diesel cars. A car company that has won awards like the World Environment Center’s 2014 Gold Metal Award for Sustainable Development, as well as two cars receiving the “most environmentally friendly vehicles” in all classes from AUTOTEST magazine in 2014; a car company whose name literally translates to, “The People’s Car” has now completely broken the trust of those people – its customers, manufacturers, dealers, and the governments under which laws it is supposed to abide. The news broke on September 18, and since then, the company’s CEO, Martin Winterkorn, has resigned; the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is launching a multi-faceted investigation into the company’s practices; and some UK MPs are even under scrutiny for making moves to block EU steps to clean up air quality, raising questions about their knowledge of the scandal before it became public. The day after the news broke, VW shares went down 20%, the following business day, another 17%. Some wonder if the historic car company, with an almost cult-like following, can survive such a blow. Needless to say, the company has its work cut out for it in terms of regaining the trust of its customers, dealers, and regulators. The scandal has many consumers up in arms about air quality, as according to Technology Review, “The EPA found the VWs actually emit 40 times the standard rates of nitrogen oxides. It’s difficult to say just how damaging that was, but there is no doubt that NOx – when combined with volatile organic compounds and in the presence of sunlight – creates ground-level ozone, otherwise known as urban smog.” With up to eleven million automobiles to be recalled worldwide, the scandal is set to cost the company billions. When the Engine Control Unit (ECU) that was designed to be a defeat device is replaced in the diesel cars, they will surely be more efficient, but not as powerful on the road as a result. The combination of power and efficiency is what drew many people to VW diesel, once marketed as “clean diesel.” There will be far-reaching repercussions for the entire diesel industry as a result. Research has also found that VW is also in violation of EU emissions standards. According to the Scotsman newspaper, “Greenpeace published figures which it claimed show manufacturers of diesel vehicles built to comply with European emissions standards spent up to £13.6 million lobbying EU politicians last year.” The UK, France, and Germany were shown to have lobbied MPs to keep flawed and outdated emissions tests as the standard, while publicly calling for an investigation into the VW scandal. “Leaked documents seen by the Guardian show the three countries lobbied the European commission to keep loopholes in car tests that would increase real world carbon dioxide emissions by 14% above those claimed.” Such loopholes would not only raise consumers’ annual fuel bill, but also violate EU emission limits, set at 95 grams of CO2 per km. The National Emissions Ceiling Directive, implemented by the European Union, and adopted by the US and other nations via the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, puts limits on four major pollutants; sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia. The transportation sector is largely responsible for NOx emissions. Volkswagen may never fully recover from this scandal, and it represents the importance of consumer confidence in a company. In order to market cars as powerful, efficient, and affordable, a formerly reputable company took drastic, unethical measures. They won awards, rebranded diesel, and sold millions of automobiles, yet in one day, all those profits, all the strides made for the diesel car industry, were halted, even reversed. ‘Get rich quick and don’t look back’ may work for a few, but it is often at the expense of the greater machine driving so-called progress. Honesty and transparency may take longer and be more expensive, but without it, we are left with a misinformed, distrustful public, who can easily take their business elsewhere. Leave a Comment

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This article was published April 20, 2017 at 11:26 a.m. FILE - In this June 19, 2009 file photo, a security guard stands behind a fence at the General Motors assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela. General Motors says it has halted operations in Venezuela after authorities seized a factory. The plant was confiscated on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in what GM called an illegal judicial seizure of its assets. GM says its due process rights were violated and it will take legal steps to fight the seizure. (AP Photo/Juan Carlos Hernandez, File) VALENCIA, Venezuela — General Motors announced Thursday that it was shuttering operations in Venezuela after authorities seized its only factory, a dramatic escalation of the chaos engulfing the South American nation amid days of deadly protests. The plant in the central city of Valencia was confiscated on Wednesday as anti-government protesters clashed with pro-government groups in a country battered by economic troubles including food shortages and triple-digit inflation. GM called the move an illegal judicial seizure of its assets. The Detroit automaker said in a statement Thursday that other assets such as vehicles were taken from the plant, causing irreparable damage to the company. GM has about 2,700 workers in the country, where it's been the market leader for over 35 years. It also has 79 dealers that employ 3,900 people, and its parts suppliers make up more than half of Venezuela's auto parts market, the company said. General Motors' announcement comes as Venezuela's opposition looks to keep up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, taking to the streets again Thursday after three people were killed and hundreds arrested in the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. It's not the first time the Venezuelan government has seized a foreign corporation's facilities. In July of last year, the government said it would take a factory belonging to Kimberly-Clark Corp. after the American personal care giant said it was no longer possible to manufacture due to a lack of materials. But the move against GM, the United States' biggest automaker and one of its most recognizable brands, was a much more powerful statement, and could lead to a further erosion of relations between the two countries. There was no immediate reaction from Washington. The seizure came as tens of thousands of protesters demanded elections and denounced what they consider to be an increasingly dictatorial government. They were met Wednesday by a curtain of tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to march to downtown Caracas. Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details. Agency sues mortgage servicer Ocwen Business news in brief Pesticide maker tries to kill risk study GM quits Venezuela after government seizes fa... Killer air bags can lurk in fixed cars China, EU tout trade, cooperation Quarter for bank weaker this year Volvo Cars to export China-made electric auto... More Business stories > Comment on: GM quits Venezuela after government seizes factory Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 total comment snakebite60 says... April 20, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. wasn't this socialistic government voted in by the people ? the ones that are starving now ? ( permalink | suggest removal )

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DUCATI:A BRIEF HISTORY This is an outline of the major models and triumphs in Ducati's history. I still need some photos obviously, but finally making this page was a big step. So, stay tuned. 1920's-1940's: Humble BeginningsDucati, a name long synonymous with motorcycle racing, actually started out manufacturing electronic components. Founded in 1926 by the Ducati family, and officially named "The Societa Radio Brevetti Ducati", they soon became a world leader in the manufacture of radios, electronic components, and even cameras!The company grew by leaps and bounds, employing over 11,000 workers before allied bombing campaigns during the Second World War destroyed the Borgo Panigale factory in 1944.Post-war life in Italy was extremely tough. The industries once producing transportation for the Italian people were gutted by the war, and the economy was horrible. The people needed something cheap and reliable to get them around. The bicycle became the main mode of transportation. But, in 1946 that all changed. At the Milan Fair the Ducati brothers, ever the capitalists, introduced the Cucciolo, or 'little pup' (so named for its barking exhaust)- an auxiliary engine that could be retrofitted to the frame of a bicycle. The Cucciolo was a smash, and soon Ducati was contracting out frames to be built specifically for the little engine. By 1950, Ducati had produced over 200,000 Cucciolos, and by the end of its run the motor had been increased to a capacity of 65cc and was producing a whopping 2hp.The 1950's: Burgeoning SuccessThe production of the Cucciolo continued into the early 50's, and by 1953, Ducati's racing success had mane a name for the company. Ducati was split into two separate operations- Ducati Elettronica S.p.A. and Ducati Meccanica S.p.A., which took over the Borgo Panigale plant. 1954 saw the introduction of a legend, a young engineer from Lugo di Romagna named Fabio Taglioni. Taglioni was the man responsible for the most famous of Ducati innovations, including the now famous Desmodromic valve gear.Prior to Taglioni's arrival, Ducati had ventured into the realm of higher capacity engines, introducing the '98'. Powered by a pushrod overhead valve engine displacing 98cc, it was somewhat successful in racing but still indicated Ducati's commitment to producing 'budget' machinery not specifically designed with racing in mind. The Gran Sport changed that. Taglioni's single cylinder racer (later referred to as the Marianna) incorporated Dell'Orto racing carbs, high compression pistons, and a single overhead camshaft with helical valve gear. Power output was 9bhp, and it showed on the track, devastating the competition.The 1950's saw motorcycle racing take Italy by storm, with thousands of privateers competing for victory. Ducati soon became synonymous with victory.In 1956, Ducati significantly revised the 125 Gran Sport's engine to include dual overhead camshafts with helical valve gear, and in 1957 the triple camshaft desmo debuted. It featured three camshafts and desmodromic valve control for precise, positive action and no valve float.The desmo valve gear made for an extremely powerful race bike, but it rarely made its way into the hands of privateers, who were still racing helical gear bikes with great success.The 1960's: The Sound of SinglesIn the 60's, Ducati became known for its successful singles, usually purebred racing machines available to the general public. Many other designs emerged, but the singles still dominated. It wouldn't be until the 1970's that Ducati would develop a successful twin and stick with it.Ducati pumped out numerous models of single cylinder sporting bikes, including the Diana, the Sport, the Mach 1, the Monza, and the Cadet all in varying capacities and power output. 1968, however, saw the arrival of the first production desmodromic head bike, the Mark 3 D. 1968 saw a change from the old narrow engine case to the new wide case. The wide casings became the most successful and powerful of all the Ducati singles, eventually reaching a capacity of 450cc and a power output of 50hp.1968 also saw the introduction of the Scrambler, a wide-bar sort of dual-sport bike not considered by purists to be a 'true' Ducati (much like the Monster). They feared it was too Americanized and detached from Ducati's racing philosophy, but nonetheless it went on to become one of the best selling Ducatis of all time (also like the Monster).The 1970's: Quiet ProgressThe 1960's were a somewhat successful time for Ducati in the racing field, but the Japanese bikes were soon dominating the finish line. Singles were still showing moderate success in racing, but Ducati needed a larger capacity bike, preferably a twin, if it was going to compete. The 500GP of 1971 showed promise, and although it never won any races it was still valuable engineering wise. 1971 also saw the introduction of the GT 750, Ducati's first l-twin street bike. It produced 60hp and was driven by desmodromic valve gear. 1972 saw great triumph for Ducati when its 750 twin (closely resembling the production version) piloted by legendary racer Paul Smart won the 200-mile race at Imola. Things were looking up for Ducati and they established themselves permanently with that win.1972 saw the introduction of the Sport 750, a sporting twin with a somewhat questioned helical valve gear rather than desmodromic. It still proved to be very popular with boy racers.The birth of one of the most legendary Ducati nameplates was seen in the Super Sport 750 in 1974. It was immediately praised by critics not only for its immense power, but also for its superb handling and docile road manners. Triple disc brakes, beautiful fairing and bodywork, 10:1 compression, dual 40mm Dell'Orto carbs, and a desmo driven 750cc L-twin engine all indicated that this was a pure-bred racing motorcycle, no doubt about it.During this time, Ducati attempted to capture a share of the touring market with its 860 GT and (gasp!) parallel twin GTL's. Neither were wildly popular bikes. By 1977 customers demanded higher capacity, higher horsepower sports motorcycles, and the Super Sport 900 was introduced. A legend for good reason, the 900SS was the pinnacle of sports bikes in 1977. Don't underestimate its performance even by today's standards, though, as it was and is still a very competent racer. Official horsepower ratings were never available, but a 9.5:1 compression ratio, desmodromic valve gear and a weight of only 196kg were enough to propel the 900SS to over 225kph.1978 was the year the world witnessed one of the most triumphant comebacks of all time, the kind of story legends are made of. Mike Hailwood, a former Ducati racer turned F1 driver, returned for one last hurrah and won the 1978 Isle of Man endurance race. Mike was a long shot to win but his NCR (initials of specialized tuners Nepoti, Carachi, and Rizzi) prepared 900 beat up the competition, and even went on to win a week later at Mallory Park to really embarrass the Japanese.1978 also marked the introduction of perhaps Taglioni's finest design and most lasting legacy- the belt drive Pantah (or 'panther') engine, a variation of which still powers two valve Ducatis today. These are also known as the "rubberband" Ducs, due to the rubber timing belts). Introduced in 500cc form, it later increased to 600 cc and was very successful in the TT2 600, the first Pantah-engined racer. The 1980's: Dark TimesThe TT2 continued its success into the early 80's, when Ducati took the big leap and punched out the Pantah engine to 750cc to compete in the TT1 class. The bike used, of course, was the TT1 750 F1 and today street and race variants both are highly coveted by collectors. Although built in the early 80's, the F1 combined world-class performance with modern amenities, including a rising rate linkage rear suspension, into a beautiful body that is regarded as one of the best looking sports bikes of all time.Just when Ducati enthusiasts were getting used to consistent factory support and distribution, Ducati made known its financial troubles. In 1984, control of Ducati was transferred to the Cagiva group, and luckily for enthusiasts Cagiva was interested in motorcycle production. Ducati would dedicate a large portion of its production to making engines that would power Cagiva motorcycles, and Ducati would continue its racing ventures. So, while Ducati was focusing on the F1, they were also spread thin making parts for Cagiva Elefants and Alazurras. And let us not also forget the Ducati Indiana, a large cruiser aimed at the American market. Nonetheless, mired in a sea of bikes that seemed to have gone off track, Ducati continued to devote its time to developing cutting edge sports bikes. 1986 saw the introduction of the Paso, a truly revolutionary and unique bike. Never before had a Ducati come with a completely enclosed fairing or a box section bolted-cradle frame. It was an extremely competent sports bike, and the Paso line eventually included a 2-valve per cylinder, liquid cooled 907cc engine, essentially a distant cousin of the 851. While only putting out 72hp, it was still capable of 218kph.The late 80's saw the introduction of two other Ducati milestones- the first desmodromic four-valve-per-cylinder (desmoquattro) engine that would power the superbike, and the all-new 750 Sport, whose style would later lead to the fantastic Supersport of the 1990's.The 851 was actually introduced in 1986 at Bol D'Or, and won at Daytona in 1987. However, it first raced in the new World Superbike Championship in 1988, where it placed fifth. Soon after, privateers got their hands on the amazing bike. It displaced 851cc, was liquid cooled, sported a new Weber Marelli fuel injection system and sported four valves per cylinder and pumped out a whopping 90hp in street trim. It was no wonder the bike was a huge success.At Phillip Island in 1990, Ducati brought home its first of many world superbike titles after Raymond Roche raced an incredible season. As they say, the rest is history. The 1990's and Beyond: RebirthA triumphant World Superbike victory meant that the 888 was now a legend. Doug Polen won an unprecedented 17 times on the 888 in 1991, and 9 times in 1992, bringing home the championship for the third time. But, by now the 851/888 had reached its capacity- the motor was stretched to the limit and the chassis was no longer able to contain the power. 1993 saw the title head back home to Japan with the Kawasaki team, causing Ducati to make perhaps one of the best decisions ever- 1994 saw the debut of the all-new 916 superbike. Completely redesigned by Massimo Tamburini (who also penned the Paso and Cagiva Mito), it was instantly recognized as one of the best designs in all of motorcycling's history. Powered by a new and improved 955cc race motor putting out 150hp, the 916 Superbike won its debut race much to the amazement of team Kawasaki, and went on take home the title in the capable hands of Carl "Foggy" Fogarty. 1995 saw Fogarty on the 916 win for the second straight time. 1996 saw Troy Corser bump Foggy from the top ranks and take the title home for Ducati, for the sixth time in seven years! 1998 was another unforgettable year, with Carl Fogarty (back again from Honda) winning by a nose, during the last round against the Honda on its own turf. 1999 also saw Fogarty keep the title in Italy. The 916 was replaced by the 996 in 1999, and featured numerous improvements. By 2001, the new testastretta (narrow head) motor made its debut. Displacing 998cc, the new engine had a larger bore and shorter stroke combined with less included valve angle and redesigned rockers for less stress at high RPM's. It developed 174hp at 12,000 RPM, more than enough to bring the title back home under the belt of Troy Bayliss. Unfortunately, even after a great start by the Italian camp, 2002 saw Colin Edwards aboard the Honda steal the title back. The 998 was replaced by the 999 in 2003, and the championship was again brought back to Italy by Neil Hodgson. Ten World Superbike titles in 13 years is quite a feat, considering the basic layout for the bikes (tubular space frame, v-twin engine) remained unchanged. These Italians must be on to something with their twins?SUPERBIKEAfter the 888 was retired, Ducati needed a bike that would captivate the world and establish Ducati as a household name. They did that with the 916 (and 996 and 998). One of the sexiest bikes ever made, it is instantly recognizable as a Ducati. But, looks aren't the only thing going for it- let's not forget that properly setup, this is perhaps the best handling motorcycle in the world, and power delivery (namely smoothness and torque) are unmatched by any Japanese four. A superb bike with few shortcomings (maintenance intervals and cost), no other sporting motorcycle in the world has been the subject of as many wet dreams. If you want proof of this bike's winning nature, take a look at the starting lineup of a World Superbike race and you'll notice how many 9**'s there are ready to trounce the fours. The arrival of the third generation superbike, the 999, caused a mix reaction among Ducatista. Many new innovations make the 999 a more comfortable and potentially faster motorcycle, but there are those who just cannot get past the god-awful styling, myself included. Only time will tell whether this is the next 916.MONSTERThe 1990?s weren't all about superbikes. In 1993, a designer by the name of Miguelangel Galluzzi put together a naked bike with the chassis of an 888 and the 900cc 2 valve motor and called it 'Il Mostro', or Monster. It was an immediate success, acclaimed by critics worldwide and went on to become one of the best selling Ducatis of all time. Numerous modifications abound, making the Monster the most popular Ducati for customizing. Don't let its upright riding position or standard styling fool you- the Monster is a very capable racing machine, with a superb chassis, light weight, and the same engine as the Supersport, except tuned for torque rather than horsepower. 2001 even saw the introduction a new breed of Monster, the S4. This new beast was not powered by the venerable two-valve Pantah, but rather the 916cc four-valve liquid cooled motor of the Superbike. The chassis, essentially that of the ST4, was wider to accommodate the new engine, and of course weight was up some 50 pounds, but that didn't matter. The new Monster was a screamer. Changes for 2003 upgrade the 750 to an 800 and the 900 to an all-new dual spark 1000cc, and the S4 to the S4R, which houses the 996 motor rather than the 916 motor. Should be very interesting. SUPERSPORTBased heavily on the 750 Sport (which used the old style Pantah motor), the all-new for 1990 900 Supersport was the birth of another legend. Light weight, excellent handling, beautiful, clean styling, and an affordable price tag meant that if you couldn't afford the 851 Superbike, you could at least have a small slice of heaven. The beauty of the Supersport lay in its simplicity, and these bikes are practically bulletproof. A well-tuned Supersport is a good match for a small capacity Japanese inline four any day of the week. Originally introduced in 900cc form, it was later expanded to include 750, 600, and even 350cc form! The 1990-1998 Supersport to this day remains a very competent and coveted Ducati sportbike.1999 brought out an all-new Pierre Terblanche styled Supersport. Drawing heavily on Terblanche's own Supermono, the new SS was more aggressively styled and also carried with it a more aggressive riding experience. It was a tad heavier, but performance was up, suspension components were upgraded, and the riding position was geared more closely to racing than street riding. A new model was introduced as a 'budget' Superpsort- the 750 Sport. A lower price tag meant that Ducati was reaching out to the financially challenged and the bike was very successful. As with the Monster, 2003 models include the all-new SS1000 Dual Spark and a new 800 and 620 Sport. SPORTTOURINGAs if an all-new Supersport and the new Monster lineup weren't enough, Ducati decided to corner the market with a new sport-touring bike. The ST2, first introduced in 1997 (Europe), carried a new fuel-injected, liquid cooled 944cc two-valve motor. While limited in ground clearance, the new sport tourer was well capable of handling twisty mountain roads with a 24.5 degree steering head, rising rate rear suspension, and short wheelbase. The ST2 was later joined by the ST4, powered by a 916cc desmoquattro liquid cooled superbike motor, and the awesome ST4s, powered by a 996cc world Superbike desmoquattro engine. Don't be fooled into thinking that a big, heavy tourer can't compete on the track, as a recent motorcycle magazine test proved that a Ducati ST4s was capable of 996 Superbike lap times. The MH900eLast but not least in the barrage of 1990's Ducatis is the MH900e, or 'Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluzione'. Using the running gear of a 900 Supersport and all-new bodywork by Pierre Terblanche to capture the style of Mike Hailwood's TT winning Pantah, the MH900e was a very limited collectible available to only a couple hundred lucky souls. Unfortunately, not much has been written about the performance of the MH, as not many people have actually ridden them. They have achieved cult status without actually achieving anything. Perhaps sometime when the collectible bike bubble bursts, owners will realize what they were meant to do- ride.ConclusionThis article is meant to be only a touchstone on the highlights of Ducati's illustrious existence, and is by no means complete. I suggest you surround yourself with a library of Ducati books for the most complete history, including "Ducati: 50 Golden Years Through the Pages of Motociclismo Magazine" by Bianchi & Masetti, "Ducati: The Official Racing History" by Masetti and the Ducati Museum, "Ducati" by Rafferty, "Ducati 2-Valve Belt Drive Twins" and "Ducati Desmoquattro Superbikes" by Ian Falloon, "Ducati" by Thompson and Bonello, and "Ducati" by Walker. This page is in no way associated with Ducati.com, nor is it an entity of Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A. All content, information, and views expressed herein are those of myself and do not reflect those of Ducati or its affiliates. The "DUCATI" logo and "Circle D" are registered trademarks of Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A., all other content on this website is copyright 2006, Monster Man Productions. If you would like to link to my page, feel free to do so.

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Viewing entries tagged with 'paradox' Trapped by the prospect of my new-found freedom on 15 April 2017, 1:26 pm Skoda Yeti, childhood regression As I posted on Facebook, yesterday I got trapped in my new car. I literally couldn't get out. My wheelchair was secured to the floor of the car and the boot wouldn't open to allow the ramp to deploy. After being freed by the AA, who were amazing, I reflected on the emotional toll it took on me, even though I was in my own driveway with my friend Jude there for support. It was really quite scary. And given the prospect of freedom it offered me, I can't help feeling a sense of betrayal, especially as it was such a large investment of money. The body paradox by Philip on 7 March 2017, 3:21 pm bodies, How often do you become aware of your body? I mean, really aware. Aware to the point that you can distinguish between your consciousness — the dynamic thinking, feeling, sensing, perceiving part of yourself — and the flesh, bones, muscles, tendons, veins, arteries, organs and more that make up your body. A friend of mine once said to me, "You're so in your body." I didn't know how to take it — was he criticising me for being too literal or not philosophical enough? Or was he complimenting me for being down-to-earth and grounded? Diversity: unique, common and both on 28 October 2015, 11:39 am "Conversations with God" author Neale Donald Walsche tweeted about good and bad a couple of days ago. It got me thinking about diversity. As you know, my perspective reframes the model of categorisation and representation, which most people associate with diversity. For me diversity is the synergy of our uniqueness and commonality. But Walsche's tweet got me thinking again. He said: Folic acid, thalidomide and HIV prevention — three social paradoxes thalidomide, This news item about encouraging bread makers to add folic acid to prevent Spina Bifida got me riled up, particularly because it totally excluded the voice of people living with the condition. I tweeted reporter Jerram Watts: @JerramWatts Hi Jerram - let me know if you'd like to speak with some adults with Spina Bifida to balance your @3NewsNZ folic acid story. Polarity in accessibility on 8 February 2014, 11:22 am polarity, value, An article in this morning's local rag gives me a perfect opportunity to begin to share with you some of the insights I gained at the retreat I attended last week on polarity, run by the superb Sue Davidoff and Allan Kaplan of the Proteus Initiative in South Africa (I've mentioned Allan and Sue, and the amazing insights I've had through their teaching, in other posts). The retreat looked at the impact of polarity in its many forms. More common examples of polarity are light and dark/shadow, finite and infinite, growth and decay. Some of the less obvious aspects we worked with were detail and form, extensiveness and intensiveness, and our impact on the world and others' impact on our world. Vodafone, window washers, irony and paradox on 22 October 2013, 6:02 pm window washers, [Update 23 October 2013: After making a complaint, I'm pleased to say I had a successful resolution to my issue with Vodafone.] Today I had shocking customer service from Vodafone and then watched news items saying the Government intends to legislate against window washers at traffic lights. Sure, those window washing guys are sometimes annoying – but usually they're good guys. I never have cash to pay them (and couldn't get to it if I did) and they've always been sweet. But then, they're earning $100 an hour tax-free, according to one transparent TV News interviewee. Freedom, security and the space in between on 24 November 2011, 1:57 pm synergy, Nearly 15 years ago, when I was 30 (he says, suddenly realising his age), I read millionnaire and "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" guru Robert Kiyosaki's second book, The Cashflow Quadrant. It changed my life in many ways, including increasing what Kiyosaki terms my Financial IQ. But most of all it began me thinking about the spectrum of freedom and security. Financial freedom, Kiyosaki believes, is the key to wealth. It requires a leap of faith, however, to abandon the security of a salary or welfare payment and become self-employed, a business owner and/or investor. Nevertheless, choosing financial freedom was why left my job in 1998 and became self-employed, rather than going on a benefit. I've never regretted it. If you know me well, you'll be aware I'm not a fan of the monetary system, but we're stuck with it for now, and better to know how it works than not. The idea of freedom and security reaches a lot wider though. Following but leading...nah but yeah seth godin, derek sivers, Seth Godin is a well-known entrepreneur. I'm not even sure what his claim to infamity is, I confess - hang on, let me Google... SETH GODIN has written thirteen books that have been translated into more than thirty languages. Every one has been a bestseller. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything. He's may not be specific but he's a great thinker. Generosity and conflict - a mighty combo I really can't believe it's been two weeks since I last blogged. So much is happening at the moment that I have this sense of simply lurching from one activity to another. But the catapulting is fun and the landing points are fascinating, so I'm simply observing with interest, sometimes wonder, at my varied trajectory. Yesterday saw me land at two destinations (incidentally among five, which saw me breach my cardinal scheduling guideline of no more than three major appointments per day) which involved conflict. One was a formal human rights process, where I was supporting the complainant; the other a collegial misunderstanding where, as "employer", I had a responsibility to facilitate an exploration and resolution. The content of each circumstance was meaningful to all parties, but is meaningless in this context, which is lucky, because I couldn't tell you anyway.

汽车

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Kenworth, Peterbilt working with microturbine developer on hybrid trucks Aaron Huff Capstone Turbine Corp., a clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced that it is working with Kenworth and Peterbilt to demonstrate Class 7 and 8 microturbine range extended series hybrid trucks. During the recent Hybrid Truck User’s Forum in Baltimore, it was announced that both Kenworth and Peterbilt are working with Capstone to demonstrate Class 7 and 8 microturbine range extended series hybrid trucks using Capstone’s California Air Resources Board-certified C65 microturbines. Both vehicles are concept trucks intended to quantify the performance, efficiency and economic benefits of a microturbine-based series hybrid solution. The Kenworth truck is operational and currently is running on the company’s test track in Washington state, and the Peterbilt truck is being assembled. “We’re excited to partner with two U.S.-based heavy-duty truck companies in Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company on exploring ways to integrate fuel-efficient microturbine technology into medium- and heavy-duty trucks,” says Darren Jamison, president and chief executive officer of Capstone. “We are committed to provide cost-effective business solutions for operators in the trucking industry while also helping to reduce emissions. These programs are an important first in a several-step process to potentially developing a commercially available microturbine-based hybrid product in the next several years.” Next ArticleGoodyear’s Uni-Maxx Truck Care network adds member

汽车

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The time mankind wanted to introduce electric cars to its everyday's life was quite far away from the XXI century. So, in the 1920s, the share of electric cars in the car market was a 20 per cent (Jeffries. Are electric cars…). The talks of using electric cars started when cars were invented and even more recently in the 70s, 80s and 90s the alternatives for combustion engine cars were widely discussed. For instance, in 1974 marketing actions for introducing electric vehicles were summarized by Naidu (Naidu. The role of marketing in the introduction…) in the article about the role of marketing in introducing technologically new products. However, the skepticism remained for decades due to a number of constraints which were difficult to overcome. The title of an article “Why electric cars make no sense” () serves as an example of the sepsis towards electric vehicles those days. In 1995, for instance, big Three automakers gave an ultimatum to regulators in the Northeast of the US against the sales mandate for electric cars there. (Big three fight sales…). In 1998 there were already several vehicles in the market but high prices, low driving range, scarce infrastructure and environmental concerns did not help to increase electric cars' sales then (Halliday and Cuneo 1998). For instance, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen sold 10 000 electric cars in the period from the late 1980s to 2005. The „old“ nickel batteries were used and the producer had to stop producing them because of a new directive against cadmium (Hall and Rowley. Are batteries in electric cars safe?). However, the burgeoning oil and gas prices together with a technological progress (the progress in lithium ion batteries capacity from the beginning of the 2000s was especially significant) and rising concern on environmental pollution gave a second birth for an exploration of fossil fuel cars' alternatives. Today it is widely recognized that the future lies in the field of “new energy” cars such as electric ones, hybrid, hydrogen, solar, etc. The environmental concern seems to prevail as there is no alternative for environmentally friendly energy sources in the future. Right now more than 60% of oil consumption belongs to transport (Are electric cars truly the future?) With today's combustion engines and overall rising wealth of population in Asia, Africa and eastern Europe the mobility is not sustainable and starts to pose questions for the future. Here are the words of CEOs of Toyota and VW, Katsuake Watanabe “There can be no future for our cat business. We need to develop powertrains for alternative energy sources” and Martin Wintercorn, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, “There is no way to replace diesel and petrol cars over the next few years, but the future belongs to the plug-in electric car”. Burkhard Goeschel, BMW's head of research added “It starts with small things like an electric plugin in an underground parking garage”. (Are electric cars truly the future?) Additionally, an electric car uses approximately 75% less energy than a combustion engine one. Moreover, the cost of electricity per 10 km is approximately 0.20-0.25€ or more than five times less than the price for gasoline. (Electric vehicles: Using electricity for transport) However, changes are not going to happen immediately even with electric cars introduction. Firstly, still, if the consumers really want to buy an electric vehicle they need to pay a premium because of the costly batteries inside. Secondly, the fact that the car uses electricity does not mean that there are no emissions as it strongly depends on how the electricity is produced. If electricity is derived from carbon sources, CO2 emissions reductions will be marginal. This is why EU plans to increase constantly the share of renewable energy sources. For instance, Germany's goal is to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its electricity mix from around 15% today to as much as 40% by 2020. (figure) So the more decarbonised electricity will be, the more emissions savings will occur. However, another concern that is always raised in public discussions on the readiness of the grid for electric cars is overestimated. An increase in electricity consumption is not high. For example, in the US the Electric Power Research Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council calculated that “if 60% of U.S. light vehicles were electrified by 2050, it would increase national electricity consumption by less than 8%. But it would cut total U.S. carbon-dioxide emissions by 450 million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking 82 million cars off the road.” (Hey, auto industry…) So, the benefits clearly outweigh the contras. If closer perspective of 2020 is considered, according to the report of German Renewable Energies Agency (The German approach to electric mobility…) the presence of 1 mln electric cars on the roads by 2020 will equal 2 bio. kWh power consumption and about 0.3% of all German final consumption of electricity in 2007. Therefore, the situation in the market is as follows: there is a need to change to alternative energy sources, there is a public awareness about electric mobility, there is a growing environmental concern which seems to be a trigger in the field of electric mobility, the price for an electric vehicle is still higher than for a conventional one, the infrastructure for electric mobility is not here. If there appears a solid quite cheap electric car prototype, infrastructure will start to grow. Wulf H. Bernotat, E.ON's CEO, said at the national strategy conference on electric mobility in Berlin in November 2008: “Today, the question is no longer if but when we will be driving electric cars”. Advancing technological progress makes these costs lower and lower. As Mr. Kai Kinast from E.ON suggested E.ON be interested more in short-term knowledge and forecasts on e-mobility industry. Therefore, the situation in the electric mobility market and E.ON's suggestions on the project formed the objective of this work ─ to understand how the industry is going to fulfill the consumers' expectations in the next five years. What will be the situation in the market of electric mobility now and in five years? What are challenges E.ON will meet in this period of time? What will happen and what won't? 2. The consumers' expectations First of all, in order to understand how the industry is going to fulfill the consumers' expectations we need to know what are these expectations. As the penetration of electric vehicles (EV) is not deep there are not many surveys available about the consumers' perceptions on EV. On the other hand, there are investigations on the choices of hybrid cars' owners. The hybrids are also more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly than conventional, combustion engine cars. They are already in the market for several years and have been targeted at the same type of consumers as electric ones. Hybrids' prices are usually higher than those for similar conventional models by several thousands of Euros. The same holds true for Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle as the most popular hybrid car nowadays. Here we assume that Toyota Prius' buyers, especially initial ones, are from the same segment as the buyers of electric vehicles, we apply the results of marketing investigations on the Toyota Prius drivers on the consumers' expectations from truly electric cars. Here is the data from a survey conducted by Toyota targeting Prius owners in the UK and Germany (http://www.toyota-europe.com/images/Chapter_6.pdf). Key purchase reasons: - low fuel consumption (spontaneously mentioned by 50% of buyers), - environmental/ green issues (41%) and - the new technology (21%). When asked what they like best about their car, buyers of the new Prius are very likely to spontaneously mention fuel consumption (43%), quietness of operation (28%), low running costs (19%) and environmental friendliness (18%). Satisfaction has also significantly increased on: - Interior-related items such as interior styling (62% completely satisfied buyers), roominess (73%, up from 53%), luggage capacity (36%). - Equipment level (61% completely satisfied buyers, up from 51%), - Quality-related items like safety (71% completely satisfied buyers) and reliability (77%), - Value for money (29% completely satisfied buyers), - Performance-related items such as acceleration (52% completely satisfied buyers), road-holding (61%), braking (69%) and sportiness (30%) Satisfaction is very high on environmental friendliness (with 91% of buyers completely satisfied) Satisfaction remains high (though it has decreased vs. previous generation, due to high and increasing customer expectations) on fuel economy (with 64% completely satisfied buyers), quietness when driving (with 67% completely satisfied buyers), body workmanship & finish (with 71% completely satisfied buyers), no squeaks and rattles (with 67% completely satisfied buyers). Next survey by “Frost and Sullivan” identified main causes of why people are not going to buy alternative (electric and hybrid) cars in the upcoming years: (European Consumers: Attitudes) 67% of respondents across Europe stated that high prices would stop them from purchasing such vehicles; 61% stated that the inconvenience of fuelling stations was a deterrent; 51% are held back by the limited availability of models, a problem associated with an early stage market; 35% cite the inconvenience of monitoring battery charge. Some researchers into this issue identify the segment more clearly. Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff University says that ‘Historically, battery electric vehicles are usually sold to well-to-do ladies in urban areas who use them to do a bit of shopping, do lunch, visit friends. If such niches can be identified, there is a future for electric vehicles even with their existing limited range — as long as we don't expect them to do the same things as our internal-combustion cars.' (Jeffries. Are electric cars…) I will add more opinions Summarizing these surveys the consumers' expectations on electric vehicles could be divided into those on prices; environmental friendliness; driving distance without recharging; easy infrastructure; comprehensive metering devices; other (price reduction, inapplicability to congestion charge, etc.). 2.1. Expectations on prices Generally speaking, to be attractive to general public the price for electric vehicle should be comparable to that of combustion engine car. However, several segments of buyers are willing to pay premium for a number of reasons such as the environmental friendliness of the electric vehicle (EV), reduced fuel consumption, smoother acceleration and braking. The segment which is going to pay a premium for electric car - environmentally conscious and/or technology-driven part of population. Basically, this part of population mostly belongs to so called upper segment of the middle class and they are not very cost-conscious. It is impossible to say how much premium an average electric car buyer is going to pay to buy an electric car. It depends on the particular person's attitude towards electric car and purchasing power of an individual. However, general vector is clear: EST survey conducted in 2004 suggested that 80% of car buyers would buy a “greener” car if they got some financial assistance. (New Vehicle Survey…) According to Toyota survey on its Prius model owners (see above), the price for a car was not listed as a key reason to buy. However, it was implicitly mentioned as low fuel consumption ─ the main reason to buy. This holds true for Prius segment as fuel consumption does not play a big role among general public as they assume that in a particular car class there is not much difference in fuel consumption. On the other hand, there is another side - the purchases of Toyota Prius have been driven by the volatility of oil and gas prices. If oil prices are down, and consistently down, the number of potential hybrid cars' buyers would be reduced significantly. But this scenario is not highly probable. Another point is the most expensive part of electric vehicle nowadays - a battery. According to the University of California, Berkeley study on the correlation between the time of EV technology adoption and separate battery ownership, car price seems to be lower significantly if batteries are included into the car price but are leased and consumer makes the monthly payments after the purchase. (Loveday. Should EVs Come With Batteries…). The study suggests that 64% of upcoming electric cars sales will include the vehicle and the battery as separate products. 2.2. Expectations on environmental friendliness Although it is almost always mentioned as a low priority among car drivers aiming to buy a new vehicle, for the segments who are interested in “green” issues, this aspect is important. As it was shown in Toyota Prius owners' survey (see above), environmental issues as one of the main reasons to buy a car mentioned 41% of Prius drivers. Moreover, satisfaction remains very high on environmental friendliness (91%). Assuming that it is possible to extrapolate these findings on the electric cars, their potential buyers would be satisfied with their share into “green” issues. According to Accenture report, a lot of consumers (89%) are going to change their energy provider if a new one helps to reduce carbon footprint. See Figure These figures are quite supported by the 2006 Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey of Consumer Reports subscribers where Toyota Prius became the most satisfying vehicle of all cars and 95% of Prius owners said that they would buy Prius again. Owners of the other hybrids (Honda Civic and Ford Escape) rated their choices higher than those of the same vehicles with combustion engines (Consumer reports Which cars…). 2.3. Expectations on the distance without recharging (batteries) Today we assume that general public expects from electric cars to go without recharging the distance comparable to conventional cars' one without refueling - equal or more than 350-400 km. Today purely electric cars could go 100-150 km without recharging (see Table 1… below). Taking into account that recharging stations do not make sense right now except quick charge slots which have their own limitations, an electric car could be attractive to potential users in case it is purchased for city-driving with less 100-km a day distance. Thus, the distance gap (~200-300 km) between expectations and reality is a major constraint from the consumers' point of view. 2.4. Expectations on the infrastructure The first and foremost concern of potential electric cars' drivers is charging. Here are major points which could influence consumers' decisions to buy an EV. 1. Time. We might assume that normal expectations are comparable to that of the experience ordinary driver who has his/her combustion engine car refueled/recharged the car in less than 5 minutes. Nowadays electric cars have got an energy consumption level of 15kWh per 100km. Assuming a normal voltage of 230V and a current of 16A, it would take around 12 hours to completely charge such a battery. Therefore, generally there is one only place to recharge an electric car - the place where drivers leave the car at night. But at 400V and 25A, a driver could recharge in just two hours," says Professor Gernot Spiegelberg, who heads an electric mobility team at Siemens Corporate Technology. Every German household has 400-V potential because that's the voltage used by a normal three-phase current connection. (Innovations for new markets…) 2. New experience. In Paul Jacobson's survey potential EV buyers mentioned that it could be a bit uncomfortable to recharge the vehicle every day as they used to different practice using conventional cars. Moreover, charge anxiety, according to some opinions, may stay drivers away from electric cars. Tony Posawatz the vehicle director for the Chevy Volt, said: „When consumers plug in their vehicles at home, they will worry about disruptions from power outages, tripped circuit breakers or somebody monkeying with the cord.“ (Loveday Eric. Charge Anxiety Yet…) On the other hand, almost every driver has got an experience in recharging the mobile phone connecting it to the plug for the whole night. Another important point is the need for standards. A driver who has just bought an electric vehicle would not expect that the whole infrastructure would be available for his particular car, not a part of it. About the agreement on the common plug - add! 2.5. Expectations on metering devices Actually consumers' expectations on metering devices are mainly the expectations on the easiness and transparency of the billing system. According Mr. Robert Pfluegl's, E.ON Metering managing director, opinion, the usage of metering devices for electric cars could be subdivided into three categories Installation of an additional plug in a garage with one bill for electricity; Installation of an additional plug in a garage. Separate calculations for electricity at home and for the car. Two bills; Smartmeters inside a car. In Accenture report on electric utilities in the US they provide the foresight into the shifts in consumers behavior in the nearest future. These shifts actually represent major expectations on billing and metering systems: - More accurate billing. This means the accuracy of the bill and more accurate bill forecasting; - More reliability in the grid. Actually, it is not applicable in Germany as the outages here are very rare and the grid is reliable; - Better price management. Also “Building new generation utility …) - add more from Accenture report. 2.6. Expectations on other benefits buying an electric vehicle There are some other benefits an electric car owner can get and potential buyers will also keep them in minds at the time of purchase. Often these benefits are the result of a local authorities' policy. To name a few main ones: - financial assistances - tax initiatives, discounts, etc.; - special carpool lanes for hybrid and electric vehicles that could be used regardless of the number of people in a car; - cheaper parking, congestion charge. For example, the sales of G-Wiz, Indian-built electric vehicle, have been rising even during the turmoil of automotive industry. It could be explained by the fact that G-Wiz is not subject of the London congestion charge and parking for it is cheaper (Sales of electric cars defy the recession). London, Stockholm and Milan levy on congestion charge. According to the survey conducted by the South & West London Transport Conference (SWELTRAC) 14% listed exemption from the congestion charge as a key motivation. (Provision of Electric Vehicle Recharging…) 3. Industry progress 3.1. Cars in the market Combustion engine will live long in the market. Phillip Goti, director of automotive consulting with Global Insights Inc. told he did not see a time without the internal combustion engine (Are electric cars…). However, the future of electric cars market is not under question right now. Recent oil prices race and the threat of mandatory carbon dioxide emissions standards have made major car manufacturers prepare their electric variants for the future market. Some not big, innovative companies are also working on it. As small car manufacturer's Nice co-founder, ex-Lotus executive Evert Guertsen said: "There is no need to sit back and wait for the majors to come with EVs, This market is for new entrants." (Lewin. Electric vehicles …) There are still some doubts in the market concerning small car producers such as Tesla and Fisker. There are doubts as they - Do not have a large network of distributors which big automative multinationals do; - Are not still able to lease the cars which is quite important for affluent people who would like to try an innovation; - Do not produce a lot of components in-house (e.g., Fisker which outsources almost entire vehicle production). (Welch. A long bet on electric cars) For instance, NICE, small car producer is under administration, from December 2008. The number of electric cars in the streets depends on different parameters. However, some predictions are made. "I can see up to 3 percent of all cars being pure electrics by 2020, with a further 19 percent being plug-in hybrids," said Wolfgang Bernhart, a partner at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Stuttgart. (Lewin, Electric vehicles …) Here are the models which are going to enter the market in the next several years or already there: Table 1. Electric cars and hybrids on the roads and in the nearest future. Electric cars and hybrids ( expected price, year and other characteristics ) Already in the market Major manufacturers Z.E. (from zero emissions, 2010); Fluence (2012) Project with Better Place (2011) LEAF (2011, battery: 24kWh, estimated $35-43 000) Mini E (EV, range: up to 250 km) Smart (Berlin, battery: 14kWh, range: 115 kilometers, 100 for lease in London, €400/month, top speed: 100 km/h) Smart (EV - commercial sales, 2012, 10 000 cars) PSA/Peugeot-Citroen Hybrid - 2011 BB1 (EV, 2014, range: 115 kilometers,) Chevrolet Volt (hybrid, $30 000, 2010), Ford Escape, Vauxhall Ampera (hybrid, up to 37 miles on batteries) Stella (EV, $48 000) i MiEV (EV, 2010, $48,000 - $15 000 (gvrntal subsidy) = $33 000, 160 kilometers on a charge) (lithium ion batteries, €10 000, range: ~200 km) Saturn Vue (hybrid) (under administration) NICE mycar (lead acid batteries, €10 000, range: ~100 km, top speed: 65 km/h) NICE Ze-0 (lead acid batteries, €16 000, range: ~100 km, top speed: 90 km/h) Th!nk Global Th!nk city (target: 10 000 cars a year) G-Wiz (in the UK -the best selling fully electric vehicle) Reva G-Wiz I (EV, lead acid batteries, €9 000, range: ~75 km, top speed: 80 km/h) 950 cars sold from 2004 Tesla Roadster (EV, €112 000, range: 350 km, top speed: 200 km/h) (130,000 plug-in hybrids by 2013) Indica Vista EV E3, E6 (EV, 2010, 300km to 400km without recharging) Needs to be finished!!! Volkswagen and Ford are still reluctant to go with electric cars right now. Here are the points spokespersons of both companies gave about electric cars. "VW has a strategy for electric cars, but only in the long term. In the short term, we believe that other methods, such as hybrids, synthetic fuels and diesel and gas combined combustion engines have more potential." About the range of current batteries which is around 100km. "When new battery concepts become available, VW will start doing more work in this area.” At Ford: "All-electric cars are not off the agenda for Ford, but they are not at the top of the agenda. Ford has a lot of other priorities, for example hybrids." (Hall and Rowley. Are batteries in electric cars safe?) Conclusion: there are a lot of cars going to the car market or already there. The most important is that the first electric cars were from small car manufacturers but now almost all big car companies prepare their electric vehicles. To consider how the industry is going to fulfill the consumers' expectations on prices we need to understand what are and will be prices and what are will be charging and maintenance costs. These two factors combine the economic effectiveness of an electric car. 1. Car prices Definitely, electric cars are priced higher than their conventional analogues. The main reason for high prices are batteries which are the most expensive part of the car and count for up to 50% of the car price. That is why car manufacturers still have not decided is it worth to include the battery in the price of the car or lease it. For instance, Nissan LEAF, an all-electric car, is going to come up in 2011 and the price is not announced yet. All is said that it will be at the range of a well-equipped C-class sedan. They have not made a decision on the battery which could add from $10 000 to $24 000. This is calculated from the usual suggestion that lithium ion cells cost anywhere from $450 to $1000 per kwh and Nissan LEAF is going to have 24 kwh battery. And there are a lot of pros for leasing the battery. As Carols Ghosn, CEO of Nissan-Renault, said: "The monthly cost of the battery, plus the electric charge, will be less than the cost of gasoline." If it is going to be true there will not be any incentive to include batteries in the price of a car at least for the first years of electric cars large commercial sales. Additional reason why leasing batteries could be the best option is the fact that the most popular car models loose up to 50% of their initial price during the first three years of exploitation. Given that the batteries life is 2-3 years, it looks strange for an ordinary driver to buy a new battery which price is comparable to that of a car. Moreover, car drivers usually tend to underestimate the daily costs of possessing the vehicle which also is in favor of leasing batteries. 2. Charging and maintenance costs. As for electricity prices, they are usually lower than the costs for gasoline. For instance, Daimler states "Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free." (Graham Richard. Second-Generation…) Conclusion/Prediction: it seems that leasing the batteries will be the most popular option when selling electric cars. At least, up to the moment, batteries' prices go down and won't affect a car's price as much as it gets now. 3.3. Expectations on the distance without recharging The distance without recharging remains arguably the main constrain in the development of electric cars industry. The average distance without recharging for all-electric cars is 100-150 km. Tesla Roadster could meet consumers' expectations and go 400 km without recharging (Pierce. Beyond gasoline…). However, this distance could be reached in a very economic way of driving or, in other words, in a quite slow and consistent pace. Usually it is around 200-250 km between charges. This constraint seems so tight that the more reasonable solution looks like developing hybrids. Actually, they have already been in the market. However, hybrids are also sources of pollution as well as combustion engine cars. As Carlos Tavares, Nissan's executive vice president for product planning, explained why Nissan is going to develop its own electric car: „Certain European cities might someday set strict limits on the use of conventional vehicles inside the city limits. At such a time, wouldn't you want to market an electric city car? That's something we can anticipate. And it might not be limited to Europe. I would be blind if I didn't recognize this pattern." (Sedgwick. No need for pure …) Major automotive producers are ready or going to deliver electric vehicles to the market (Daimler and BMW up the pace…). The main question is what to expect from the technical progress in batteries? Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff University indicates that the main cost of a hybrid vehicle is in its battery - around £15,000 at present — the cost to produce the rest of the car is comparable. According to Dr. Nieuwenhuis, “It is probably reasonable to assume that by 2020, battery costs will have halved as a result of mass production — which will begin for plug-in hybrids, but pure battery-electric vehicles will also benefit.” (Jeffries. Are electric cars…) Right now the batteries costs are going down with 8% rate annually. Right now the best offer in the market is lithium ion batteries. They are used in so-called converted Toyota Prius cars - plug-in hybrids (Stoffer Lithium ion batteries…) As Ulrik Grape, chief executive of EnerDel, the first and only US domestic manufacturer of commercial-scale automotive-grade lithium-ion battery systems, said: “Lithium ion is the Holy Grail of batteries. It's the lightest metal and offers many attractive properties. Lithium ion holds a lot of promise because there are so many chemistries in the lithium ion family. You can develop very high-power chemistries needed for hybrid electric vehicles, the pure hybrids. Then there are modifications of those chemistries that provide advantages for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, where you're clearly going to need more energy density.” (Berman, The Quest for …) They've got lighter weight and taking up less space. However, previously there were some security issues with lithium-ion batteries which cought on fire in mobiles and lap top computers. This is another reason why, for example, Toyota uses in its Prius model nickel metal-hydride batteries only introducing to the market Priuses with lithium-ion ones. The probability is quite rare (1 of 5 or 10 million cells for mobiles) but for electric cars which will be likely to use 70-80 cells it could become a problem (Hall and Rowley. Are batteries in electric cars safe?). There is still no consensus in the market why batteries get overheated and explode. Right now batteries producers are working on better safety of lithium-ion batteries, mainly enforcing their frames and improving the chemistry of them. So it was recognized that lithium titanate could make the batteries more stable chemically, avoiding being overheat and ignite. But that imposes limits on the power and the ability to store energy and suitable for bigger vehicles (Shirouzu. Race to Make Electric Cars Stalled by Battery Problems). They claim that the batteries would be different and no accidents are expected as General Motors Vice-Chairman Robert A. Lutz said. (Welch. GM and Toyota's…) Right now the leadership in batteries comes from Asia: BYD, Mitsubishi, Renault-Nissan, Tata are among the leaders in the industry. However, some experts think that the advantage in batteries production is not the determinant for occupying the market of electric cars. Gupta and Wang (Gupta, Wang. Electric cars. A wide-open race) compare this situation with that in PC some decades ago where Intel started with microprocessors and did not go with producing the whole computer. Therefore, the market has not formed yet and some changes could be expected. To protect the first-comer position two main conditions should be satisfied - the industry should be susceptible to rapid growth, so the late entrants would not be able to catch up with early entrants; - other components (except batteries) should not be significant when a consumer makes a decision to buy a product. In case of electric vehicles, of cause, cars are not only the pack of batteries wrapped up in plastic and metal. So, the first movers unlikely will get the advantage. Add forecast on batteries Prediction/conclusion: the distance without recharging depends heavily on the progress with lithium-ion batteries'' prices and capacity. For an energy company it is not a best option to buy a battery producer. At least, the company should think twice before deciding to acquire it. One of the most important parts in electric vehicles value chain is the infrastructure. For combustion engines cars the infrastructure is there: drivers have gas stations, repair services. They have the easy algorithm what to do with the car if they need to recharge, if they need to repair it, if they need to sell or lend it. For electric cars it is not that easy. The model of conventional cars could not be copied easily as there are some constraints which are typical for electric vehicles only. Here are the major of them: - Recharging technique. New infrastructure to build recharging stations needs a lot of investments. However, it is not needed until researchers do not elaborate on the way how to recharge the car quickly, following consumers' expectations, in three-five minutes. Right now, as it was pointed out above, the average time to recharge batteries is hours. Therefore, there is no reason to build recharging stations all over the country as nobody would wait for so long. One alternative is the way a company “Better place” is acting. Their conception is to own the batteries and build recharging stations to change the batteries, not to recharge them. In this case, drivers own cars without the batteries and change them as soon as batteries' level is low. This is an opportunity to charge batteries in the time of low tariffs. There is some critic to this approach. The network of battery-changing stations requires a lot of investment. In Denmark and Israel where “Better place” started to operate actively there is a huge support from the governments - Israel just boosted the sales tax on conventional cars to 60% and offered to buy old cars to get them off the road. (Hamm. A Better place …) In fact, these countries are ones with the highest need for electric vehicles as gas prices are high there and small territories give a good chance to develop infrastructure in a quite short period of time and without spending too much. Better place orients the model towards a similar one in cell phone industry. While purchasing a car, a client is offered to subscribe to monthly services and he/she could recharge the vehicle at the stations and change batteries in a carwash-like service station in several minutes. Better Place people expect that after a smooth start of the program the cost of owning for a particular driver will be 50% lower than for a combustion engine car driver. Another concern about this model - what will happen at the time scientists and industry will find the way to recharge batteries in a very fast pace, at least comparable with the time needed to refuel combustion engine car? As Susan Cischke, group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering at Ford Motor Company, said: “One thing that would change (Better Place's) model is if quick charging technology was available.” (Riddell. Five Better Place challenges …) Another alternative is charge a car in approximately 20 minutes to 80% capacity. (Loveday. Quick Charge Stations To Become Primary…) This opens the door for different variants where to locate charging stations and give the opportunity to establish a lot of them as 15-20 minutes are hours and this period of time is not usually that critical for drivers. Better Place is also considering to establish charging stations in addition to their swapping stations. "If you look at our investment in the infrastructure, the majority would actually go to quick charge spots. There EV owners can top up their charge whenever and wherever their vehicles are parked… We'll put them down. A lot of them. Hundreds of thousands. " These are the words of Sidney Goodman, vice president of Better Place. However, there are still several constraints that may postpone the introduction of these quick charging points at commercial scale. First of all, costs. This quick recharge needs operating at 50 kW compared to standard 220 V plug operating at 1.5 - 3.5 kW of power. And the costs differ dramatically for one unit: $50 000 for a quick one and $1 000 for an ordinary one. Secondly, fast-charging units have additional hardware requirements that would add costs to the car. Thirdly, fast charging could reduce the battery life as the additional heat could damage the battery and this fact also would add costs to the vehicle. In Ford's Director of Electrification Nancy Gioia's opinion: “We want to make sure any type of fast charge doesn't degrade the life or performance of cells. Technology probably won't be viable until at least second generation EVs hit the road." (Loveday. Should Ford Not Offering…) - Recharging standards. As drivers and their cars need unification in parts of infrastructure the main participants have already started establishing the standards. Leading automotive and energy companies agreed on a common plug to recharge electric cars at industrial technology fair in Hanover. Now this is a threeprong, 400V plug. (A common plug for electric cars) 3.5. Expectations on the metering (billing) system The consumers expect the technology which will allow the consumers to receive comfortable receiving bills and knowing that they are not overpaying is in the market. However, first steps to adapt this cost- and timesaving technology are the most difficult as it requires a lot of effort and the „first mover“ advantage is not clear-cut. The utility companies and car manufacturers are the key drivers. However, the main role in the point of view of general public belongs to energy providers. There are some examples of car manufacturers that the industry is ready and waiting. For example, Ford Motor Co. launched a technology that lets the drivers recharge electric cars when energy rates are low. In-car device allows a driver to control the level of recharging and postpone recharging, for instance, for the middle of the night where tariffs are lower and electric grid does not work in a “pick mode”. The owner uses a computer inside the car to choose these options: time, duration and price. This technology is going to be introduced next year when plug-in Chevrolet Volt comes to the market. The problem with the smartmeters and billing system is not about technology. As Bill Ford, the Ford Motor Co.‘s executive chairman, said „Developing an electric vehicle was relatively easy compared with working with "our partners at energy providers“. As there only a few car manufacturers but a lot of utility companies (Dolan. Ford plans…). In Germany there are more than 900 electricity providers. Actually, this is an example how car companies elaborate their own technology not waiting for the solution from the side of utility companies. Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for the Volt program, said „“The point is some of our competitors will rely on technology that requires smart meters, which is years away,“ (Dolan. Ford plans…) However, more and more energy companies introduce smartmeters which are different from place to place but have several common characteristics: - Smartmeters are able to deliver interval data instead of getting monthly one only. This allows the company to create a lot of different tariffs and allows users to be very flexible and to choose the best variant to use the energy. The target is to allow customers as much choice as they have in mobile phone industry; - With smartmeters there is no need to visit customers' houses to read a counter. The information is delivered automatically. What also could do smartmeters is to allow vehicles providing energy to the grid when parked. The environmental aspect of consumers' expectations could be fulfilled by the establishment of a smart grid and, as a consequence, the increased part of renewables in the energy mix. In this case the use of energy becomes more efficient and the use of renewable means that emissions are minimized, not relocated to power plants areas. (The German approach to electric mobility) In this case, cars could be considered as mobile storage units and a usual driver would be able not only to buy the electricity from the grid but also sell it back to the grid. It is so called vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. In this case, helping saving energy electric cars could serve as grid integrators - not only climate protectors. The alternative which could exist is another new technology called vehicle-to-house (V2H). The difference is that the vehicle in this case is connected to the house network, not to the grid. (More!!!) Conclusion: energy companies and car manufacturers still have not decided who is going to be in a driver's seat for a process of a billing system establishment. Smartmeters are ready but not in the market. V2G solution could be helpful not only for an optimization of electricity costs for drivers but also for the benefits of renewables. 3.6. Industry expectations on other benefits buying an electric vehicle 1. Congestion charge Renault-Nissan Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn on electric vehicles in the market: "We think in cities -- Paris and London -- we think cars will be forbidden unless they are zero-emission" vehicles. He said Renault-Nissan's plans reflect a judgment that lithium-ion-battery technology will soon be mature enough to power purpose-built electric cars in cities. He stressed that Renault and Nissan don't plan to convert their entire fleets to all-electric power. On the other hand, electric cars industry feels now and will feel in the future a sort of competition in the field of favorable legislation from the side of public transport, bikes and just walking. As, for instance, free or cheap electric cars parking could divert people from public transport, biking and walking in the center of the cities. As an example, the City of London recently revoked its decision to provide cost free parking for electric vehicle owners for the reason mentioned above. (Understanding existing…) 2. tax initiatives. They could differ from place to place; Right now in Germany there is no special financial discount for a driver to buy electric vehicle. However, in several countries there are such initiatives: (More!!!) 3. special carpool lanes. For instance, in Virginia, all hybrid and electric cars' drivers have the advantage of having these lanes for hybrid and electric vehicles could be used regardless of the number of people in a car. (Consumer reports. The dollars…) 4. E.ON current state and possible next steps 4.1. Current involvement in e. mobility compared to other big German energy suppliers 1. Testing project: Munich cars with BMW The only E.ON current practical involvement in e-mobility is the rest project with BMW in Munich where they built 14 recharging stations for 15 all-electric E Mini cars. This involvement does not seem big compared to other big German energy suppliers (RWE, Vatennfall and EnBW). E.On is still right now reluctant to be actively involved in e.mobility because a lot of uncertainties remain in this field. 2. Billing system as of now E.ON billing system is based on SAP Warehouse database. The basic device is a counter which is not capable to send data automatically. There are also smartmeters and EDL-meters. EDL-meters according to EU Directive 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency are determined as “… competitively priced individual meters that accurately reflect the final customer's actual energy consumption and that provide information on actual time of use.” Smartmeters could be imbedded in “smart homes” and with in-home display could show how the energy is spent on the computer (web-portal), kWh, prices for every 15 minutes. 3.Recharging (More!!!) The E.ON's involvement in recharging stations for electric cars is minimal and represented by the project in Munich (see above). As for home recharging, technically it is possible to attach smart meters. 4.2. The other big German energy suppliers' current involvement in e. mobility Here are the activities of the other three German energy suppliers. 1. RWE RWE is to set up 500 special charging sites (supply points) at owners' homes, workplaces and in car parks and shopping centers. Owners will be automatically billed for recharging, similar to the way they pay mobile phone bills. These 500 spots serve 100 electric cars. The cars are all-electric Smarts (Daimler corporation). (Daimler, RWE to Roll out Electric Cars in Berlin). The project is going to be launched at the start of 2010. RWE also built a series of recharging stations in different cities. 2. Vattenfall Vattenfall has made a joint project with BMW in Berlin, quite similar to E.ON's one in Munich but the number of cars is 50 with up to 50 recharging stations. (Electric vehicles: Using electricity for transport). Vattenfall also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Berlin with leading industrial companies on the evaluation of the setup of a hydrogen infrastructure in Germany with the final aim to promote production of fuel cell vehicles. Other partners are of the initiative "H2 Mobility" are Linde, Daimler, EnBW, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall and the NOW GmbH National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. 3. EnBW EnBW activity in new energy is more broad than for other big energy suppliers as it concentrates on global initiatives. EnBW also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). EnBW is a leader of another consortium called MEREGIO (“Minimum Emission Region”) which is focused on the development of a minimum emission certificate. The model region is Karlsruhe/Stuttgart. Actually, this project is aimed at smart grid development and will consequently add value to e-mobility. (EnBW, Siemens plan first ever…) Conclusion: E.On's involvement in e-mobility is the lowest one compared to the other three big German energy suppliers by now. 4.3. E.ON readiness for next steps in e. mobility in five years According to plans of car manufacturers - major and niche ones, no massive introduction of electric cars to the market will occur up to 2014. 4. Billing systems (Rewrite!!!) EDL-meters will be used in new households. Metering is liberalized. There is a possibility for consumers to install a smartmeter for additional money (15 Euros as of today). Only smartmeters could “understand” different tariffs. There are smartmeters which could read day and night tariffs, and there are tariffs which could read more than 2 two daily tariffs (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, night tariffs) There are two types of opportunities: DSL-driven (as in Italy, Spain, Sweden). Consumers install a smartmeter for 15 Euros/year or a bit more; E.ON-driven. E.ON installs smartmeters itself. Additional costs - 100 Euros per smartmeter; E.ON has got a competitive advantage: international experience, overall experience, IT solutions as it would take a lot of effort to get this state of IT solutions for competitors. Dominant position on the market makes it possible for E.ON even influence the market and to create its own standards. Short-term the introduction of smartmeters is not profitable for energy providers. It is more for better image among customers and keeping up with the competitors. It could become profitable as long as more consumers will engage in smartmeters installation. There are three possibilities: Install an additional plug in a garage. Still one bill for electricity; Install an additional plug in a garage. Separate calculations for electricity at home and for the car; Smartmeter inside the car. 5. Recharging: a. E.ON needs to focus research on quick charging points to eliminate constraints and introduce best solution when market would be ready. b. At home (smartmeters, smart homes). Thinking about smartmeters, E.ON should take into account the easiness of energy calculations for perspective drivers. As one of the main constraints in e-mobility field are high costs due to batteries prices, initial buyers, according to surveys (see chapter 1) will worry about the energy consumption. To offer the most suitable tariff for EVs drivers will be the order winner for the company. c. Vehicles as storage units. Introduction of the smart grid. Right now the E.ON position is as Mr. Robert Pfluegl, E.ON Energie managing director, said - technologically E.ON is ready for smart grid launch but batteries are expensive (10-30 th Euros per battery) and their life time drastically reduces if they are charged and recharged almost permanently. Therefore, he estimates the introduction of a smart grid in more than 5 years. Marketing steps for E.ON in the next five years: In case of any public awareness programs E.ON has to actively participate as this part seems to be one of the most important as in electric cars drivers face a new practice and several worries. It is very important to link the company's name with any sort of actions conducted in the field of e-mobility. Any initiatives highlightening the energy consumption and infrastructure response for a particular car would be welcomed. Some marketing steps proposed: it would be useful to contact Google to add E.ON charging points to Google and Nokia maps (German editions). The same could be applied to road navigators such as Garmin or TomTom; private E.ON columns in respected and popular magazines for car drivers with the main topic about energy for electric and hybrid cars (More!!!) (Think of more!!!) Conclusion: What will or will not happen in the next five years: No (won't happen): mass production of electric vehicles; fast cost reduction of Li-ion batteries; electric vehicles prices comparable to combustion engine cars'; V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology mass use, in other words, - no smart grid. There is a high probability to happen: Big OEMs will get involved in electric cars production; Growing market of Lithium-ion batteries; Introduction of smartmeters, smart homes, advice on the best tariffs for different types of energy use. Seems reasonable for energy suppliers to combine efforts with car producers to add a smartmetering system to the package when the buyer purchases an electric vehicle. The same holds true for commercial vehicles. Infrastructure is very important and should go first. 4. Increase in the population segment which is going to buy electric cars. 4.4. Going further. For what E.ON should be prepared in the next decade. (I am not sure I will fill it in - only in case, I've got time and enough thoughts) Massive penetration of electric vehicles to the market could happen. The improvements in lithium-ion batteries could make EVs significantly cheaper. However a lot will depend on external factors such as legislation, marketing campaigns, oil prices. Longer range of vehicles Cars ready for quick recharging (80% capacity) Different schemes of cars' sales UKEssaysEssaysBusinessElectric Cars

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Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel At The Pump Oct 15 Oct 10: U.S. EPA announced that Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), which they said is the "single, most far-reaching environmental and public health achievement since lead was removed from gasoline," will be available for consumers at the pump by October 15, 2006. According to EPA, the clean-burning fuel has 97 percent less sulfur and will deliver billions of dollars in environmental and public health benefits. Under the administration's clean diesel rules, ULSD combined with new engine technology will not only enhance environmental protection, but will also prevent nearly 20,000 premature deaths and tens of thousands of cases of respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said, "America's pumps are primed to deliver on President Bush's goal of clean diesel and cleaner air. Over the last century, diesels have been our nation's economic workhorse – reliable, fuel efficient and long lasting. Today, through the president's investment in clean fuel technology, America's economic workhorse is also becoming America's environmental workhorse." The availability of cleaner-burning diesel at the pump will allow for the use of new pollution control technology in cars, trucks, and buses. The clean diesel rules are addressing diesel fuels and engines as a single system that will reduce air pollution from diesel engines by more than 90 percent -- or about 13 million -- of today's trucks and buses. Once fully implemented, ULSD will result in the annual reduction of 2.6 million tons of nitrogen oxides and 110,000 tons of particulate matter. The new fuel will help to open up markets to clean diesel passenger cars, pickup trucks, and delivery vehicles that are 30 percent more efficient than current fleets with similar reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to the fuel economy and carbon emission benefits, a new fleet of clean diesel vehicles will have lower maintenance costs, longer engine life, and typically lower fuel costs. On June 1, refiners and fuel importers were required to start producing ULSD, which contains 15 ppm sulfur, down from 500 ppm. The roll-out of clean diesel fuel is smart environmental and fiscal policy. When fully applied, clean diesel fuels and engines will result in more than $70 billion annually in environmental and public health benefits at a fraction of the cost ($4 billion per year). Expanded use of ULSD also will enhance energy security since diesels tend to be more fuel efficient than gasoline engines. Richard Kassel, head of Natural Resources Defense Council's (NRDC's) Clean Fuels and Vehicles Project said, "Diesel is the invisible force that moves the American economy, but until now it has also been a big polluter. Combining the new fuel with cleaner and more energy-efficient engines will mean healthier air and help reduce our dependence on oil." Diesel trucks move 94 percent of the nation's goods -- more than 18 million tons of freight each day. Half a million diesel buses take 14 million people to work and school. The new fuel opens the door for auto companies to begin offering cleaner diesel cars that deliver greater fuel economy. Access an EPA release (click here). Access EPA National Clean Diesel Campaign website (click here). Access EPA's Heavy-Duty Highway Diesel Program website for additional information (click here). Access the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance, a stakeholder group dedicated to providing the public ULSD-related information (click here). Access a release from Natural Resources Defense Council (click here). [*Air]

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Canadians seek to beat Butler’s Jeep record A group of Jeep enthusiasts in Canada are banding together in an attempt to beat the world record for most Jeeps in a parade. That record was set in Butler in August 2011 at the first Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler County. The group from Quebec, called Mega Convoi Jeep, or Mega Jeep Convoy, is trying to beat the Guinness Book of World Records-recognized feat. The group must assemble more than the 1,106 Jeeps that drove from Butler County Community College into Butler in 2011. The Canadian group was established in December. Its event in Montreal is set for May 18-19.

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HomeBTCCNews ArchiveWrathall confirms plans for 2013 Wrathall confirms plans for 2013 Dynojet's Toyota will once again be the only Avensis on the BTCC grid to be powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged Toyota engine developed by X CTech R, and Wrathall believes it will be an advantage: “After two years of development, we are in a good position with the engine. It's already very powerful and we are further developing it to make sure it's bullet-proof.” There are a number of changes planned to the BTCC regulations for the coming season, not least the adoption of an F1-style tyre rule which demands that every driver must use soft-compound Dunlop slicks in one of the weekend's three races. Wrathall is unsure how it will pan out: “We've not been able to test the tyre, so it's impossible to say how much quicker it will be, nor whether the tyre will last a full race distance, which is quite a concern. Generally, a softer tyre is not as durable, so even if the tyre is quicker over the first half of a race, if it then drops off dramatically it might actually hamper your chances. “It will be interesting, and I think there will be quite a bit of confusion at the start of the year. I'm sure that the bigger teams will get their heads around it quicker than the smaller ones.” Wrathall hopes his third full season of BTCC competition will cement his reputation and help lead to a long career in touring cars. “I'd love to still be in touring cars in five years. If I had to stop tomorrow, with two years in the BTCC and having won a race, I'd say that I'd achieved more than I ever imagined. But I always want to do well and to progress, and to be still in touring cars in five years time would be a massive achievement. And if I was, I'd like to think it was because I'd proved myself to be a genuine title contender. Which would be a nice feeling,” he concluded. , Mac Tools , Toyota Avensis , Dynojet Racing comment(s) on this Story Pauline - Unregistered Done a bit more research, there cant be two Frank Brian Wrathells in the Preston area both aged 26 ? Pauline - Unregistered Is this the same Frank Wrathell that's due a court case for a road traffic accident that a man died on a push , because if you google his name that's what comes up, surely not !

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TOPICS > Economy Toyota Forecasts $5 Billion Fiscal Year Loss BY Admin February 6, 2009 at 12:17 PM EDT Toyota Prius; Washington State government imageRELATED LINKSToyota's Losses Reflect Troubles Across the Global Economy Rescue Plan Would Force Auto Companies to Restructure Chrysler, Ford Announce Plans to Shutter Plants Less than two months ago, the company announced it would see its first annual loss since 1950 and estimated a 150 billion yen shortfall due to a collapse in consumer demand for vehicles amid the global economic downturn. Now the company is upping the damage, saying it expects to lose $5 billion, or 450 billion yen, in its vehicle making operations for the fiscal year ending March 31. The news marks an abrupt reversal from the record 1.72 trillion yen profit Toyota posted in the previous fiscal year and is another indicator that no automaker is immune to the current financial climate. The industry as a whole saw dramatic declines in 2008, with sales dropping to their lowest since the 1980s and American car companies struggling to stay afloat by the end of the year. Toyota overtook General Motors in 2008 to become the world’s top selling automaker, but only because GM sales fell faster than Toyota’s. Toyota posted a net loss of 164.6 billion yen for the third quarter and sold about 443,000 fewer cars than in the same period the previous year. The yen’s rise against the dollar and the euro in the last quarter of 2008 cut overseas earnings for the company as well. “The financial problems have spread directly to the real economy,” Toyota executive vice president Mitsuo Kinoshita told reporters. “We cannot tell what will happen for the next fiscal year, but we hope we are now hitting the bottom.” The maker of the popular hybrid Prius, Toyota had positioned itself as the go-to company for fuel efficient cars and pushed expansion until last year, adding plants around the world. While sales of the Toyota Camry and Lexus LS sedans were particularly hard hit, sales of hybrid cars have dropped with the rest of the auto industry, and Prius has seen a 29 percent drop in sales in January versus a year ago. Many of the new factories that were built are now idle, reported the New York Times. “Toyota is going to get worse before it gets better,” Tairiku Sakaguchi, an auto analyst at Shinko Securities in Tokyo told the paper. “The question is how quickly they can move to deal with inventory, excess production capacity and other problems.” Friday’s shut-down of all but one assembly line is the first in a series of production breaks the company has planned “The production suspensions scheduled for Japan in February and March are part of our effort to keep production in line with market demand,” the company said, reported CNN. “We are carrying out these suspensions fully aware of the necessity to even out production volumes and maintain employment levels.” There are no plans to shut factories completely, but the Japanese company is aiming to cut its fixed costs by 10 percent. Toyota has cut about 3,000 temporary workers in Japan. Earlier Friday, Moody’s Investors Service cut Toyota’s credit rating for the first time in a decade, from the highest possible “Aaa” to the second-highest “Aa1.” automakers car credit loss plants recession sales toyota yen Are you aware of our comment policy?

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Peugeot RCZ : 2010 1.6 litre 2010 View all cars for: Peugeot Search for Peugeot RCZ : 2010 on: More than just a concept car which has become a reality, the RCZ marks a new chapter in the history of Peugeot “lifestyle vehicles”. Its expressive and innovative styling, its luxurious interior, its efficient and environmentally- friendly engines and the driving enjoyment they create will project the Marque into a future which promises to be more exciting than ever. 2010 Peugeot RCZ. Drawing inspiration from the passion and know-how of its designers and engineers, Peugeot instills its brand values in every vehicle it manufactures. Sometimes however, freed from constraints and fi red by creativity, Peugeot takes a bold new step and introduces “lifestyle” vehicles that are truly exceptional. The latter always arouses emotion, inspiring admiration among motoring enthusiasts and immense pride on the part of their makers. Certain concept cars exhibited at international motor shows also follow this example. Sometimes their power of attraction is so great that the desire to see them take to the road becomes unstoppable. As a result in September 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot unveiled an exercise in style that left no observer unmoved: the 308 RCZ concept car. The idea of marketing the car on a commercial basis quickly became a reality. However, the transformation from concept car to production vehicle required real determination, boldness and inventiveness… qualities for which the manufacturer is renowned. Stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that all of the vehicle’s specifi cation lived up to the promise of its exterior styling. Indeed while the main aim was to conserve the stylistic blueprint of the concept, despite the considerable constraints imposed by its production and commercialisation, the challenge went much further. Highly ambitious targets were fixed in terms of driveability and production quality, to give the car its own strong and unmistakable identity. This compact 2+2 coupé was, therefore, designed to become an exclusive vehicle, “something special”, a melting pot of emotions, aimed at modern and particularly demanding customers with expert opinions on what constitutes driving pleasure. Its name, RCZ, symbolises this distinctive and singular positioning in relation to the Peugeot range, since it is the first passenger vehicle not to use the numbering system with a central “zero” or “double zero”. The RCZ therefore illustrates the sum of Peugeot values, which are constantly realigned with the times. Designed to enhance the sheer enjoyment of driving, the RCZ is also dynamic (the top of the range model features an all new 1.6 litre THP 147 kW/200 bhp engine), and responsible, offering an innovative blend of performance and environmental-friendliness. With its reduced weight, fine-tuned aerodynamics and modern engine technology, the entry level model has CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km. An extension of this thinking is the RCZ equipped with HYbrid4 technology which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This RCZ is based on the same power train as the 3008 HYbrid4 which will be available in Spring 2011: a 2.0 litre HDi FAP 120 kW (163bhp) in front and a 27 kW (37bhp) electric motor at the rear. This concept has emissions of only 95 g/km of CO2 whilst benefiting from a potential of 147kW (200bhp) and four wheel drive. This reflects Peugeot’s wish to offer this type of technology on different vehicles in its range; vehicles which can be very different (crossover, coupé…) which may be based on different platforms but with a common theme: to offer renewed driving enjoyment. Another challenge the project faced was to successfully develop this new vehicle within a particularly short time span. With this in mind, it was decided the vehicle would be assembled at a production centre that specialises in exclusive vehicles built in small production runs, inside the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. As a result, just two years after being exhibited as a concept car, the RCZ will be unveiled for the first time in public, in its definitive form, at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show. The RCZ will go on sale in the Spring of 2010. Stylistic Emotions. Sculptural, dynamic and elegant, the style of the RCZ offers new harmonious and vibrant proportions based on a compact and original three-compartment coupé architecture. The “double bubble” of the roof and rear windscreen is not only a remarkable feat of engineering, but also the stylistic signature of a car in which every detail evokes an overwhelming sense of quality and expressiveness. The front windscreen, black roof and dark-tinted rear windscreen ensure a visual continuity strikingly set off by two aluminium roof arches. From the side, its unique profi le creates an original continuity between the plunging design of the front and the fl owing lines of the rear of the car. The front feline look, a characteristic of the Manufacturer, the soft contours of the wings and the large diameter wheels, the spoiler and ruby-red LED rear lights with their crystal look create a general appearance that combines sensuality and power, technology and distinction. Lastly, the vehicle’s proportions (1.36 m high) and the beautifully designed lines of the body with its double bubble roof, optimises air flow to create superb aerodynamics. The active rear spoiler also contributes to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency: it can be deployed in two positions according to the speed of the car, to ensure an ideal balance between road holding and fuel consumption. Interior Emotion. The passenger compartment of the RCZ instantly immerses the driver in a subtly elitist ambience echoing the world of motorsport. “Getting into” the vehicle, the driver discovers an ergonomic driving position, ideal for enjoying the road-holding qualities of the RCZ: the wraparound seats with their integral head restraints fit like a glove around the front occupants, and all controls are easily within reach of the driver’s hands. The fluid and streamlined design of the fascia panel follows the steeply inclined style that has won many plaudits in the manufacturer’s latest models, and here fits perfectly into the distinctive world of this coupé. The use of high quality materials combines with the elegant contours to enhance the refi ned overall atmosphere. Beneath the eye line of the driver, mirroring the clock located in the centre of the fascia panel, the instrument panel dials are contained in metal cases, with photo-etched, back-lit markings. The fascia panel is covered entirely with an innovative soft feel material, hi-tech in appearance and very elegant. The customer can also choose from several different colours, including a Nappa integral leather trim (a luxurious thick leather with a particularly fi ne, smooth grain). This interior, its elegance enhanced by the range of hi-tech equipment it can accommodate (new WIP Com 3D multimedia system, JBL™ Hi-fi system, USB connector on all versions, etc, ...), is also versatile, allowing users to adapt to any situation. For example, for a long weekend, the boot offers a capacity of 384 litres (321 dm3 according to the VDA standard) added to which are storage spaces under the floor. There is potential to increase this capacity further by folding the rear seat backs down, which gives a maximum boot volume of 760 litres (639 dm3 VDA). Finally, it offers two occasional seats, fully sculpted and perfectly usable, especially since the design of the roof with its double bubble offers extra headroom to these occasional rear passengers. Here, good looks combine with practicality… Engineering Emotion. I n 2010, three engines will fi nd their place under the large aluminium bonnet of the RCZ. High-performance engines in every sense of the term: generous torque and power, low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and compliance with the Euro 5 standard. These environmental concerns were one of the project’s key priorities, constituting a modern and responsible approach for a vehicle in this segment. 1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) BVM6. This all new engine (which will appear in the summer of 2010) allows the car’s chassis to fulfil its true potential. With its maximum torque of 255 Nm at 1700 rpm (or 275 with overboost) and a maximum power of 147 kW at 5800 rpm, the RCZ benefits from dynamic acceleration (80 to 120 kph in 6.5 seconds in fi fth gear); 0 to 100 kph in 7.6 seconds...) while its fuel consumption does not exceed 7.1 litres/100 km in the combined cycle (less than 165 g/km of CO2). For this purpose, this 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1598 cm3 combines all of the most recent technology to create a world fi rst: Twin-Scroll turbocharger for performance and instant response at very low engine speeds, direct petrol injection, and variable valve lift coupled with variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts (VTi technology), for reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The “sound of the engine” during acceleration has also been optimised through the specifi c development of the engine acoustics. Using Sound System technology a different sound is created according to the engine speed. Just like a musical instrument, a vibrating diaphragm delivers a controlled sound output which is amplified by an acoustic duct, this results in a sound level that remains constant over long journeys. 1.6 litre THP 115 kW (156 bhp) BVM6 or BVA6. This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine achieves a remarkable synthesis between performance (240 Nm from 1400 rpm and 115 kW at 5800 rpm) and fuel consumption (6.9 litres/100 km; 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). It will also be available from the summer of 2010, in association with an all new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox. 2.0 litre HDi FAP 120 kW (163 bhp) BVM6. With a capacity of 1997 cm3, this engine – launched this year – develops a maximum power of 120 kW at 3750 rpm and a generous maximum torque of 340 Nm at 2000 rpm. To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Convent ional Combust ion System) combustion chamber, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure pump allowing a pressure of 2000 bar in the common rail and solenoid injectors with eight apertures. This engine gives free rein to the RCZ’s potential in terms of road holding while limiting its fuel consumption to only 5.4 litres/100 km in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. Dynamic Emotion. The renowned “passion” which Peugeot gives to its cars here acquires its full meaning. Based on the manufacturer’s know-how in terms of driveability and road holding, the aim of the RCZ is to take the notion of driving pleasure to new heights. The RCZ benefits fundamentally from a highly efficient suspension set-up developed from the marque’s other platform two vehicles (McPherson type front suspension and rear torsion beam). In addition, the car’s ride height and centre of gravity have been lowered by 20 mm and 40 mm respectively compared to a 308 Hatchback. Furthermore, compared to the latter, the RCZ is wider (+ 30 mm) with wider front and rear tracks (+ 54 mm and + 72 mm). The suspension and dampers have been adapted accordingly and, with the addition of wider tyres (18’’ ou 19’’ !), the end result is road holding of the very highest order. Lastly, when the RCZ is equipped with the THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine, the front axle incorporates a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile, while at the same time guaranteeing remarkable efficiency. The hydraulic power steering is designed to offer accuracy of the highest order and excellent responsiveness. Braking, meanwhile, is powerful and durable and is assured by generously dimensioned ventilated discs with a diameter of 302 mm and a thickness of 26 mm on the 1.6 litre THP 147 kW (200 bhp) engine notably of 340x30mm. All models are equipped with rear brake discs with a diameter of 290x12 mm. To facilitate manoeuvres on steep gradients, all versions of the RCZ come with Hill Assist. This function is coupled as standard with ESP which, except on versions with an automatic gearbox, includes an intelligent traction control system (a sophisticated ASR which automatically adapts the traction of both front wheels according to the available grip levels), and of course dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The DSC, ASR and EBA functions can be disconnected simultaneously (ESP Off) so that experienced and demanding drivers can fully exploit the car’s capabilities. Emotion A La Carte. So that every customer can make their car unique, the RCZ lays great store on personalisation, to keep within the vehicle’s exclusive positioning. The range includes: a real carbon roof, roof arches in different colours (black chrome, “sand”), a range of 18 and 19’’ alloy wheels in several finishes (matt black, dark grey, diamanté), black lacquered body parts at the front, carbon door mirror shells, bodywork decorations, etc. These elements of personalisation can be ordered at the time of purchase and will be available individually or grouped together. Maximum Safety. In addition to primary safety assured by the excellent road holding, secondary safety, which benefits from a particularly optimised structure and efficient means of restraint, also includes an active bonnet which “pops-up” due to a pyrotechnic triggering system and limits the degree of injury a pedestrian is likely to suffer in the event of a collision. In terms of tertiary safety, Peugeot will be deploying in 2010 at no extra cost throughout the RCZ range – a world first – a range of call services including Peugeot Assistance and Peugeot Emergency. The latter, launched in 2003 on Peugeot telematic systems, has already assisted nearly 3,000 people by pinpointing the location of their vehicle in the event of an incident and arranging the dispatch of the appropriate emergency services. In keeping with the RCZ philosophy of personalised offers, these services, operational today in eight European countries, will be accessible free of charge and for an unlimited period not only on vehicles equipped with WIP Com 3D, but also with WIP Sound thanks to the adoption of a “localised communication unit” system. (source: Peugeot) 2010 Peugeot RCZ interior trunk. 2010 Peugeot RCZ interior. 2010 Peugeot RCZ interior interior. 2010 Peugeot RCZ cut-away. 2010 Peugeot RCZ interior sketch. 2010 Peugeot RCZ capacity. 2010 Peugeot RCZ emblem. Old Peugeot type. Carlos's comments Looks like a TT wanna-be. Peugeot ads LINKS Peugeot Official site. Luis Carlos2805 days ago Lmao ur right carlos...or like an Eclipse mixed with a 350 z. I personally wouldn't want to buy it. By the way I noticed you're from Chicago like me...What is your profession which allows you to buy and own so many vehicles?? Nino2581 days ago Gbenga Oluwasanmi2519 days ago Pure beauty mated with brutal power delivered with optimum finesse all at affordable cost. European Car

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- BMW News - - BMW Manufacturing Recognized for Export Success - Remains Largest Vehicle Exporter pix335i BMW Manufacturing Recognized for Export Success - Remains Largest Vehicle Exporter 1 Attachment(s) Spartanburg, S.C. – September 20, 2012….BMW Manufacturing Co. announced today that the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) recognized the company as its Exporter of the Year. In addition, the NAFTZ recognized BMW as the recipient of its Export Achievement Award for being the member that showed the most improvement in value. BMW's plant in South Carolina has steadily increased its export activity. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, based on the 2011 value of BMW exports from South Carolina, the company's Spartanburg facility is the largest automotive exporter from the U.S. BMW's plant in Spartanburg currently produces over 1,000 vehicles each day and is the exclusive exporter of X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe through the Port of Charleston. This year, the plant is projected to produce more than 300,000 vehicles and will export approximately 70% of those vehicles to more than 130 global markets. Accepting the award on behalf of BMW, Sky Foster, Manager for Corporate Communications at BMW Manufacturing, stated, "We are very proud of our accomplishments. I wish to thank our associates, Tier 1 Suppliers and the South Carolina Ports Authority for their support in our shared success." Lewis Leibowitz, Board Chairman for NAFTZ, stated that "the FTZ program has proven to be especially successful to ensure the U.S. remains a strong global competitor. BMW's plant in South Carolina continues to be a leader in the passenger vehicle segment and we applaud their results." The plant originally began vehicle production in 1994. In the last 18 years, BMW Manufacturing has produced over 2 million vehicles. Earlier this year, the company announced another $900 Million expansion to increase capacity to 350,000 units by 2014 and will bring a new model to its Spartanburg operation. Congrats!! Nice win.

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More than a million foreign motorists obtain a UK driving licence despite never taking a test here Around 80,000 licences exchanged in 2011 alone, three times the amount exchanged 15 years agoSouth African, Polish and Australian drivers account for highest number of licence exchanges since 1997UK licence exchanging has almost doubled in past ten years – up 37,057 since 2001 More than one million motorists from around the world have exchanged their foreign licences for a British one in the last 15 years, it emerged today.According the figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the number of licences exchanged per year peaked at 96,935 in 2007, before falling to 79,187 in 2009. Over the past three years, the number has risen steadily once again, reaching 83,553 in 2011. Currently, the UK recognises the driving licences awarded to drivers by 50 other countries, meaning they can be exchanged after 12 months of residency for a UK licence without the holder needing to pass any UK test. Drivers from 50 countries can exchange their licence for a British one after 12 months without taking a test Almost half of the licences swapped since 1997 have been gained in a country where the driving test doesn't include driving on the left. Robin Reames, chief claims officer at swiftcover.com which uncovered the figures, said: 'These figures reflect Britain's multi-cultural society demonstrating that we are welcoming an increasing number of motorists to our shores who are choosing to live and drive here. RELATED ARTICLES Serial drink-drivers could have their cars seized as... Astonishing CCTV of early morning drink-driver who... 'However, UK roads are very different to those overseas so it's vital that new motorists learn as much as they can, which could include taking a few lessons from an instructor if necessary.' Since 1997, drivers from South Africa and Australia accounted for the highest number of licences exchanged with 149,897 and 103,053 respectively. However, as more countries entered the EU in 2004, allowing licences to be exchanged from eastern European countries, Polish (135,079 – average of 8,442 per year), Bulgarian (18,719) and Hungarian (21,714) motorists are actively exchanging their licences. About 88,000 Polish drivers exchanged their licence for a UK version in the five years between 2004 and 2008.The data goes on to show that on average each year since 1997, 2,334 drivers exchanged Japanese licences for UK one. Figures also show 2,895 drivers exchanged Hong Kong licences and 836 drivers exchanged South Korean licences for full British permits.Research carried out by the BBC earlier this year highlighted a scam where drivers obtained a UK driving licence by exploiting the arrangement that the UK has with Hong Kong – which saw more than 6,000 exchanged every year for the past five years, even though the average is much lower. Agreements also exist with some African countries. Around 950 Zimbabwean licences were exchanged in 2011, down from 1,282 in 2010 and a peak of 6,168 in 2002. Nearly half of the licences exchanged since 1997 are from countries where the test does not require driving on the left hand lane The UK's agreement with Kenya was suspended in 2002 then later reinstated, resulting in 242 Kenyan licences being exchanged in the early part of 2012.Robin Reames added: 'While the fact that the UK recognises licences issued in certain countries shows that driving tests in those countries are likely to be of a high standard, it's important to recognise that driving in the UK is unique in many ways. 'As such, it's important for everyone planning to drive in the UK to take the time to become familiar with UK road signs and speed limits, as well as driver etiquette – exactly as British motorists should when driving abroad.'Nick Perry, driving instructor at Bristol-based Oasis Driving School, commented: 'People who learned to drive abroad will often face difficulties driving in the UK. 'The obvious differences include driving on a different side of the road and new signs and speed limits, but there are also more subtle differences such as etiquette on the road that seem obvious to us, but are extremely important. 'I've taught a range of drivers who have originally learned to drive outside the UK, some of whom have settled in with no problems and others who've needed a little help. 'It's a good idea for anyone new to UK roads to take a short lesson or two with an approved driving instructor in order to be on the safe side.' Share or comment on this article

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home > Firms/companies > M > Mahindra & Mahindra labels: cars Mahindra Scorpio SUV, Pik-Up range launched in Brazil news Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today announced the launch of the Mahindra Scorpio SUV and its Pik-Up range (single and double cab) in Brazil, in partnership with Bramont-Montadora Industrial e Comercial de Veiculos Ltda. A special state-of-the-art facility has been set up to assemble the vehicles with an annual capacity of 5,000. Usiparts, a Usiminas System company, will undertake body assembly while Bramont will assemble the chassis, suspension and engine (power train) at its plant in Manaus. "Mahindra has carved a distinct niche for itself in markets across the globe with its unique combination of rugged utility and style," said Pravin Shah, executive vice president, international operations, on the eve of the launch. "The Brazilian economy and automotive industry is highly evolved and has strategic importance for Mahindra. This is the first assembly facility in South America for the Mahindra Scorpio platform and helps consolidate our presence in the Mercosur region. Our partner Bramont has a professionally managed network of dealers which will ensure our success in the competitive Brazilian market. Elaborating on Bramont's association with M&M in the Scorpio launch in Brazil, Eduardo de Castro, chairman, Bramont, said, "It is an honour for us to represent Mahindra in the fifth largest market in the world. Launching the Mahindra Scorpio in the Brazilian market is in tune with our objective of offering the customer world-class vehicles. We believe that the Mahindra Scorpio offers a strong value proposition that will make it a preferred vehicle in this market." The 2.6-litre Mahindra common rail engine that delivers 110 hp powers the models introduced in the Brazilian market. The models are available with 4X2 and 4X4 electronic shift on the fly and the engine conforms to Euro III emission norms. From 2009, Mahindra vehicles will be offered with a Euro IV compliant engine. "We intend to provide the market with vehicles incorporating quality and technology of an international standard, offering customers a strong value for money proposition, Given the company's strong track record, Mahindra vehicles will be able to compete successfully in the Brazilian 4x4 diesel utility segment. " said Jose Francisco de Oliveira Neto, general manager of Bramont." Since its launch, the Mahindra Scorpio has not only emerged as the leader in the UV (utility vehicle) segment in India but has also won several prestigious awards from the automotive media, including the CNBC - Autocar car of the year award, BBC Wheels' best SUV of the year and best car of the year awards and the BS Motoring car of the year award. M&M has a global footprint with a presence in major markets including South Asia, Middle East , Europe (where it is known as Mahindra Goa) Africa, and Chile and Uruguay in South America. Over the past year, it has been launched in Australia, Turkey and Ghana and commenced its first assembly operations outside India in Egypt earlier this month (See: Mahindra & Mahindra to assemble Scorpio in Brazil, Egypt). The company plans to launch the vehicle in the US market in 2009. The $6 billion Mahindra Group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India and Mahindra & Mahindra is the only Indian company to feature among the top tractor brands in the world. Mahindra's farm equipment sector holds the Deming Prize and recently won the Japan Quality Medal, the only tractor maker worldwide to acquire these quality badges. M&M entered the passenger car segment with the Logan in collaboration with Renault in April 2007. search domain-b Mahindra Scorpio SUV, Pik-Up range launched in Brazil

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California Regulators Approve Rules For Car Sharing Services SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Web-based car-sharing companies will have to make sure drivers undergo training and criminal background checks and have commercial liability insurance under rules approved Thursday by California regulators. The state Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously in favor of those rules and others for such companies as Lyft and Sidecar. Both companies rely on smartphone applications to connect riders and drivers who use their own vehicles. Commissioners said the rules were needed to ensure public safety and level the playing field with traditional taxi services. "Today, we have an opportunity to introduce groundbreaking regulation in the transportation industry," commission President Michael Peevey said before the vote. The regulations put car-sharing firms in a new category of business called transportation network companies that are separate from taxi cabs and limousines. In addition to training, criminal background and insurance requirements, the companies will have to implement a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol and ensure vehicles undergo a thorough inspection. Messages seeking comment from Lyft and Sidecar were not immediately returned. The vote came amid debate over how government should regulate the burgeoning "sharing economy." New businesses using the Internet are trying to make it easy for people to share their property, be it cars or houses, and earn some money. But they face opposition from traditional service providers that complain about being undercut. Commissioners heard from numerous taxi cab drivers and owners before the vote. "This is not real ride-sharing," said Hansu Kim, president of San Francisco-based DeSoto Cab Co. "This is a commercial business that venture capital is backing, and the rules for commercial vehicles need to apply. That is the bottom line." Supporters of ride-sharing companies said they fill the gap left by a dearth of taxis, which are often hard to find on the streets of San Francisco. Commissioner Michel Florio said he has found some people rely solely on taxis, while others only use companies such as Sidecar and Lyft. "People have different preferences and different needs. This decision allows both to take place on what I think is a fair basis," he said.

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Mahindra First Choice Wheels inaugurates 2nd authorized dealership in Calicut, Kerala Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. – USPs India’s No.1 multi-brand certified used car company, Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL), (www.mahindrafirstchoice.com) has a network of 507 outlets spread across 276 locations in the country which includes metros, mini metros and smaller towns. The company is growing at a rapid pace with a CAGR of 35% by volumes over the last 5 years.The cumulative retail footprint under the Mahindra First Choice brand is in excess of 8.5 lakh sq feet The company has created a unique (first globally) franchisee driven business model and is on a mission to transform the way used cars are retailed in the country. It is also the winner of the prestigious Franchisor of the year award in the Automotive business category by Franchisee India MFCWL is the market leader in the online auction space, having sold in excess of 1.5 lakh vehicles through the eDiig’ auction platform (www.ediig.in) The company has recently launched a new product called the Indian Blue Book (IBB) URL: www.indianbluebook.com which is India’s first and only used car pricing guide that incorporates transaction data with an analytical engine. IBB has got immediate traction with most leading banks and NBFCs, car portals, auto magazines, auto OEMs, dealers and customers subscribing to it A new product for car evaluation called Autoinspekt’ (www.autoinspekt.com) has been launched. Autoinspekt is an unbiased third party vehicle evaluation report to determine the condition, quality and value of a used vehicle. The report itself covers 53 parameters across 8 vehicle systems of the car and is prepared after physical inspection of the vehicle by a trained engineer. The company has delivered over 1 lakh inspections to date May 25, 2015, Calicut, Kerala: Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL), India’s No. 1 multi-brand certified used car company, today inaugurated its second outlet in Calicut, Kerala. The new outlet, Marikar Pre Owned Cars is spread across 6000 sq. ft and is located at Kannur Road, Puthiyangadi PO, Calicut. It was inaugurated by Tarun Nagar, National Head - Operations, Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. This is the company’s 29th outlet in Kerala. We are delighted to partner with Marikar group which is an established name in Calicut. Their expertise and knowledge of the local auto market coupled with our innovative and industry first products and services will enable us to increase our customer base in the region. This is our second outlet in Calicut and we look forward to expanding our strong franchisee network further, said Mr. Nagar. Mahindra First Choice Wheels enjoys strong brand equity in Calicut as India’s pre-eminent multi-brand used car company. Marika Motors will serve as a one-stop shop, offering customers a range of services, including purchase and sale of multi-brand certified used cars, car finance, insurance, fitment of car accessories and assistance with paperwork and documentation, said Zulfikar Marikar, Managing Director, Marikar Group. The origins of the Marikar Group can be traced back to 1926 when it was established as a simple trading house by H.O.L. Marikar and today, it is one of the most successful and trusted business houses in South India. Spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Group today has eighteen sales points and eighteen service points. The company has been in the automotive dealership business for over 8 decades. The Group is professionally managed and has a chain of Sales and Service outlets for Skoda Auto India, Fiat Group Automobiles, Nissan Motors, Hindustan Motors, Royal Enfield Motors, Honda (HMSI) and Piaggio (Vespa) spread across Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu. It is also involved in the distribution of automobile spares, accessories and lubricants throughout this territory. Mahindra First Choice Wheels’ footprint in the South currently encompasses 90 dealerships and it further plans to expand this number to 150 outlets by year end. Key focus areas include Kannur, Kasargode, Wayanad, etc Over the past seven years, Mahindra First Choice Wheels has not only emerged as India’s leading used car company but has also contributed to the creation of a used car ecosystem by bridging wholesale and retail channels while leveraging physical and online infrastructure. From its humble beginnings in 2007 when its first franchisee outlet was established, MFCWL has achieved a dominant status in retailing of multi-brand used cars in the country. The company is driven by its mission to transform the way used cars are retailed and has introduced several innovations along the way. The list of innovations include developing a unique franchisee based business model, selling certified multi-brand used cars under warranty and offering the most comprehensive warranty product available on used cars in the country, in addition to a differentiated consumer experience through launch of its Highline’ stores for selling high-end multi-brand used cars. MFCWL has also developed a variety of industry first products which use technology to ease used vehicle operations. The company has recently launched seven innovative products which are smart, simple, standalone tools that solve many challenges for every kind of stakeholder including consumers, dealers, financiers, leasing companies and manufacturers. The used car market, with an estimated size of 3.2 million units, is already larger than the new car market and is growing faster than the new car market. The current slowdown notwithstanding, it is expected that the used car market will become almost double the size of the new car market in the next 5 years. About Mahindra First Choice Wheels Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL) (www.mahindrafirstchoice.com) is the country’s preferred used car mart and is India’s number one multi-brand certified used car player. The company plans to expand this number to 1000 outlets over the next three years. This implies that customers will soon be able to choose from a range of certified used cars throughout India, including the metros and tier-2 towns and cities. MFCWL closed F-14 with sales of 57,000 used cars, which is 30% growth over the last financial year. The company also provides value added services including but limited to third party inspections (www.autoinspekt.com) and pricing guides (www.indianbluebook.com) A USD 16.5 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 200,000 people in over 100 countries. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position intractors,utility vehicles,information technology, financial services and vacation ownership. In addition, Mahindra enjoys a strong presence in theagribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, industrial equipment, logistics,real estate, retail, steel, commercial vehicles andtwo wheeler industries. In 2014, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000, a comprehensive listing of the world’s largest, most powerful public companies, as measured by revenue, profit, assets and market value. The Mahindra Group also received the Financial Times Boldness in Business’ Award in the Emerging Markets’ category in 2013. Sunil Gate, General Manager, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. Mahindra Towers, Worli, Landline: +91(22) 2491 6633 Fax: +91(22) 2490 0830 Mobile: +91 98230 93000 Email: gate.sunil@mahindra.com

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Naturally free-from produce in position to pounce by Samantha Lyster Tracy Hamilton, a director of Mash New legislation has raised awareness of the growing trend for ‘free-from’ foods, now a multi-million pound business. While it is has not been a major part of the evolving sector to date, fresh produce is in a great position to grab a slice of this market Just before Christmas, the first wave of the European Union Food Information for Consumers Regulations came into force, which requires foodservice operators to provide information on 14 listed allergens on all food sold. In the next two years there will be further changes to the labels on pre-packed foods, all designed to help consumers with allergies or intolerances to make informed purchases. However, the free-from market is not being entirely driven by those who genuinely suffer health problems associated with different foodstuffs. For example, although only 1% of the population has Coeliac disease, which requires a gluten-free diet, according to the Food Standards Agency, the British market for such products is worth £238 million annually and grew by more than 15% in 2014. Products are typically gluten-free versions of bread, cereals, and confectionery as well as pasta and grains. While Christmas is often seen as a time of indulgence, Waitrose reported a huge rise in the purchase of free-from treats such as dairy-free advent calendars, with sales up 72% year on year. The supermarket even had to order in more gluten-free mince pies to cope with demand. Waitrose buyer Chloe Graves says: “While many of our customers do suffer from food allergies, we can attribute these unprecedented sales to the rising popularity of gluten and wheat free diets.” Clearly this is a trend in healthy eating that the fresh produce trade is in the perfect place to take advantage of, given that fruit and vegetables are already naturally free-from. Raw food chef Renee Maguire says that despite the obvious benefits of fruit and vegetables, she has come to realise through her work that many shoppers do not know how they can use produce to not only replace ingredients they want to eliminate, but also to cut down on waste. Maguire says the industry is missing out on opportunities to help educate consumers, and therefore boost sales of fruit and vegetables. “If you take broccoli for example, people often just eat the head but the stalks are just as nutritious and can be used in a green juice,” she says. “I show clients how they can make courgette pasta, or cauliflower couscous – there are a lot of vegetables that can replace particular grains. You can even use something like an avocado to replace dairy. I make a chocolate mousse that has avocado rather than cream.” Maguire adds that the fresh produce industry could do more to take away a lot of the confusion that she says the people she meets have over organic versus conventionally grown foods, pesticides and genetically modified foods. “Sometimes people are nervous about what’s ‘safe’ to eat,” she says. “I tell people to get in touch with their local greengrocer, as they often have a great deal of knowledge to pass on.” Sitting alongside the free-from trend is an increased interest in vegetarian food. A recent consumer survey undertaken by foodservice insights consultancy Horizons showed that one in 10 consumers sought vegetarian options on menus while a similar number looked for calorie information, while 4% were looking for gluten-free dishes. Combining vegetarian with gluten-free has been a willing formula for Northern Irish vegetable accompaniment brand Mash Direct. Tracy Hamilton, one of the directors of Mash Direct, says that the company converted its range of vegetable side dishes to gluten free in response to consumer demand. Hamilton adds that while changing the products to free-from required investment and a variation in sources for ingredients such as breadcrumbs, it has paid off in terms of broadening their appeal. “Converting our products to free-from has opened up new markets for them, we are accessible to everyone, and that has added to sales,” she says. “All of our 40 products are gluten free, and that’s a large range to offer in a supermarket.” Mash Direct is endorsed by the Coeliac Society and works closely with the organisation, which inevitably helps with the promotion of the products. The company has invested in an appealing website, and is active in social media to get the message across that its dishes are free-from. “We’re appealing not just to those who have a free-from diet because they are gluten intolerant, but also to people who are looking for a healthy but convenient meal solution.” The rise in popularity of bloggers and chefs like DeliciouslyElla and Hemsley & Hemsley, which feature sugar, gluten and dairy free recipes and inspiration, is also impacting on consumer shopping habits. Waitrose has attributed the success of the green vegetable Cavolo Nero, with sales up by 343%, to it being championed by bloggers. Amari Thomsen, of consumer insight and marketing agency Fleishman-Hillard, says the surge of social networking has had a definite impact on consumer food choices. “Food companies, retailers, and nutrition experts are using resources like blogs, recipe networks, apps and social media platforms to communicate nutrition messages to the public,” she explains. “More and more dieticians are relying on consumer influencers and social media to weigh in on nutrition trends and encourage the public to make healthier food choices.” While many growers and suppliers of fruit and vegetables do so in ‘white label’ form, the world of social media does provide opportunities for the produce industry to promote itself. As Hamilton comments, Mash Direct has benefited from being a brand and a small business that could move quickly to capitalise on the trends. With the free-from trend expected to keep on growing, it’s becoming an area of the business that fresh produce specialists can no longer ignore.

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Globalization of our Nation As I proclaimed previously in “Cash for Clunkers”, the creation of Government Motors has firmly placed the Government in bed with the United Auto Workers (UAW). The UAW still has a labor contract with Chrysler, who was bought out by FIAT. The Italian Government subsidizes FIAT, to offset the taxes paid from the sales of FIAT’s products in the U.S. Just one big, happy, global, auto industry family, and you and I, the Taxpayers, are on the hook to pay for the wedding. Gee, not only did we not get a piece of cake, we were never invited to the wedding. No, we were never even consulted about the new arrangements of intimacy. Then too, we cannot forget to add our new “Dutch Uncle”, the Chinese, to the equation. The Chinese will not be reduced to eating leftovers after becoming the single largest holder of American debt. Now that the Chinese have bought the Hummer line from GM, you can bet they will play heavily in the final formula. I believe you are beginning to get the picture. President Obama is taking drastic steps to globalize our market. The creation of a partnership between the Labor Union and the Government is a major step toward Socialism. The UAW is acting as the modern day proletariat, as described by Karl Marx in his Communist Manifesto. The UAW, as the modern day proletariat, will now have direct access to influencing policy and increasing their funding, by tapping into tax money. On the other hand, the Government will have a way to launder money through the auto industry, and the UAW, into political war chests, to finance the campaigns of their favorite liberal stool pigeons. Upon further review, there is the little matter of “conflict of interest” on the part of the UAW. The UAW is still contracted to provide labor to Chrysler, now owned by a foreign carmaker, while at the same time being part owner of a domestic carmaker. I cannot help but wonder how much influence the Italian Government will have in our Government through a proxy relationship, using FIAT and the UAW as a conduit. Now doesn’t that make for a nice, cozy little package? But, hey! If we play our cards right, this comfy little arrangement could put us in line for a membership in the European Union. As for our new “Dutch Uncle” from China, of course, because they own so much of our debt, we will be told that we must enter into a free trade agreement with them. Then they will have a market for those fuel efficient Hummer’s. You know, the SUV’s the Government keeps claiming nobody wants to purchase. This is starting to look a lot like a solidification of “Global Citizenry”, or more commonly known as “One World Government”. Do you think that is a stretch? Then argue the points I have made. While you are at it, try to explain what constitutional role we play in a “Global Justice” effort, using our military as an “International Police Agency” instead of the highly trained fighting force of our nation. Try to rationalize why we are sending FBI agents to Afghanistan to read Miranda Rights to captured “enemy combatants”, before CIA agents can question them, thus extending the Constitutional Rights of American citizens to the people of other nations. Did I mention that these individuals are “enemy combatants”, caught on the battlefield? The policy, quietly adopted by President Obama, seeks to protect those who actively target U.S. military personnel, and citizens, in attempts to harm and kill us. What is next? I wonder how long before we attempt to concede more sovereignty to the United Nations. That could begin to pave the way to extend voting privileges to Castro, Kim Jong-il, or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Or, maybe we can release the detainees at Guantanamo Bay and have them create a Jihadist Party and a Hamas Party to vie for political power against the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. As I claimed in “Just an Average American”, I will attempt to provoke thought. Think about my comments here. As troubling as it sounds, it makes sense. Think about the actions and proclamations of President Obama in his short tenure in the Oval Office. He has travelled the globe, apologizing for America’s exceptionalism, admonishing our standards of living, and condemning our past foreign policies. According to that which Barack Obama preaches, America is a portrayed as a cancer to the rest of the world, and the President alone has the cure. His policies of reaching out to empower and appease our adversaries and the endless degradation of America are the answers he proposes. Let me give you a news flash. France and Spain tried this method of achieving peace. They were bombed for their trouble, demonstrating that their practice of appeasement was an exercise of futility. Maybe, then State Senator Obama, was too busy studying and perfecting the implementation of Saul Alinsky’s radical teachings, to pay attention to the unfolding real life events. Then again, Barack Obama is not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to learning lessons from History. After all, the President espoused the belief that the Constitution of the United States is a list of “negative rights”. He went on to express, and I paraphrase, the Founders only mandated the restrictions of Government, they failed to express what Government is supposed to do for the people. In my opinion, this is the most troubling public statement Barack Obama has ever made. As a graduate of Harvard, and a Constitutional Professor, he should understand, better than most, that the Founders intentionally set out to limit the authorities and power of the Government. They believed that authority and power should be reserved to the people and the States, respectively. In his mind, instead of being elected into an office of servitude, Barack Obama has succeeded in his bid for power through the mantra of “Hope and Change”. Now he fully intends to push our nation in a direction it was never intended. He is adopting policies of socialism, at the cost of individual liberty and responsibility. He works tirelessly toward the induction of our exceptional nation into the mediocrity of globalization. In doing so, he attempts to reduce the greatness of liberty and freedom, to the oppression of a socialized, tyrannical dictatorship. If you still think that is a stretch, think about the power President Obama has already seized for the Government. We now know that the banks were forced into the financial bailout, and that they were repudiated when they attempted to return the bailout money. We also know that a large amount of the bailout money for the financial industry went to foreign owned banks. We have watched President Obama lead the way for a hostile Government takeover of the auto industry; farming pieces of it out to foreign ownership. He espouses support of failed energy policies, restricting domestic production of energy sources and forcing our dependence on foreign entities. He marches lockstep in supporting the vilification of the corporate world, consistently attempting to persuade people to vacate “Corporate America”. He preaches that greedy CEO’s make too much money, and therefore require “Government imposed salary caps”. What’s next, more Government ownership? Maybe the President does not understand that part of our country’s greatness depends on our industrialization, which by the way is profit driven. Conversely, could he be setting the stage to sell corporate ownership to foreign interests, as a means to promote further globalization? In short, the examples are numerous and the evidence is clear; you only need to look past the sycophant media spin to see that all indicators point to our being led into a socialistic state. I for one, appreciate my liberty and freedom, and my right of self-governance. I revel in the opportunity to make the best of myself, without limitations placed on me, through the process of rulership. I reject any individual that would pervert the standards and values of my nation, and any efforts to devalue that, for which so many have fought and died. I know what America is, and what it represents, and oppose any who attempt to redefine it. There you have it. I leave no questions as to what I believe, or where I stand. What do you think? Are you American enough to stand with me, “just an average American”, in support of individual freedom and liberty, and oppose the socialization of our nation? Are you willing to stop the induction of our country into a doctrine of globalization, under which we would become just another member state of a “One World Government”? Step back from your party affiliations and the rhetoric. Try to personalize the events of our nation, as if the events were limited to your life, your household, within your community, and the neighboring communities. Look at what is happening and what has already transpired. Understand the implications, and the consequences of current events. Are we, as a nation, protecting individual liberty and freedom? Are we promoting self-governance, and personal responsibility? Are we preserving the vision of our Founders? Or, as a people, are we allowing the government to lead us into a state of dependency? Are those we elected, attempting a form of tyranny? Worse yet, are they conceding our sovereignty? You decide. Do you want to be part of an independent nation based on liberty and freedom? Or, would you rather become a “citizen of the world” and therefore reduce our nation’s status to that of a simple, socialistic member state of the world? Leave a Comment » | congress, Conservatism, Constitution, free market, political, politics, takeover, Uncategorized | Tagged: auto industry, bail out, car makers, Cash for clunkers, Chinese, Chrysler, Constitution, corporate America, dutch uncle, enemy combatants, exceptionalism, FIAT, freedom, global citizen, global justice, globalization, GM, government, government motors, hamas, hummer, independent, industrialized, Italian government, jihadist, labor union, liberty, Miranda rights, negative rights, one world government, political, politics, proletariat, salary caps, servitude, socialism, socialistic, suv, taxpayer, tyranny, UAW, united auto workers, united nations | Permalink

汽车

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Richard KeilPurple Strategies202-251-4470 Jana WilsonSchool of Public and Environmental Affairs wilsonjs@indiana.edu Public and Environmental Affairs School of Public and Environmental Affairs Plug-In Electric Vehicles: A Practical Plan for Progress Last modified: Wednesday, Expert panel: Obama's goal for electric vehicles requires 'bold action' Blue-ribbon panel says auto industry, government must do far more to ensure electric vehicles have a fair shot at commercial acceptance in the U.S. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 2, 2011 BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- While President Barack Obama's State of the Union address displayed a big vision for electric cars in America, a new blue-ribbon study sponsored by Indiana University concludes that the president's vision needs bold action from the auto industry, federal government and the scientific community to ensure those goals are realized. The report, Plug-In Electric Vehicles: A Practical Plan for Progress, lays out the short-term and long-term steps the United States must take to be assured of a global leadership role in the emerging electric vehicle industry. © GM Corp This study represents a first-ever evaluation of one of President Obama's chief environmental campaign goals -- putting one million alternative-energy vehicles on US highways by 2015. "President Obama's dream is appealing and it may be achievable, but there are big barriers to overcome before the mass commercialization of electric vehicles will occur," said John D. Graham, dean of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. The chairman of the IU panel, former Ford Motor Co. executive Gurminder Bedi, stressed that "a successful national program for electric vehicles will require an unusual degree of cooperation between industry and government, and a clear focus on the needs and concerns of consumers." The 13-member panel's work was released today at a news conference in Washington, D.C. Among its specific conclusions: Obama's goal, while achievable before the end of the decade, is unlikely to be met by 2015, both because automakers and suppliers do not have sufficient production targets, and the demand from consumers is not yet robust enough to hit the one-million target. Uncertainty about reliability and resale value, coupled with a general lack of consumer understanding of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), contributes to a lack of demand for these new products. More importantly, the high cost of PEVs and challenges related to recharging the vehicles pose significant obstacles to broader adoption and acceptance of this new technology. The panel also makes a series of recommendations to better ensure that consumers have a fair opportunity to make informed decisions about whether to purchase PEVs, including: The federal government should create a national PEV demonstration program in up to 20 communities around the country to help motorists and consumers become more familiar with plug-in hybrid electric and pure electric vehicles, and create an instructive "pilot program" for consumers, utilities, municipal officials, dealers and manufacturers. Additional cost-effective incentives to encourage more consumers to invest in these new vehicles should be enacted. Broader investment in PEV infrastructure technology, particularly in recharging capability at the homes of potential PEV buyers, should also be a priority. Long-term research and development investment by both government and the auto industry to help bring down the cost of batteries and related PEV technology must be enlarged. "We believe that PEVs are an idea whose time has come," Bedi said. "But it's clear that the technology needs a redoubled investment in time, energy and money from both government and the auto industry before PEVs become part of our automotive mainstream." The report comes as the administration and Congress are preparing a fresh push for electric vehicles. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., last week introduced legislation that would more than double the $7,500 tax credit consumers currently receive if they purchase a plug-in electric vehicle. If enacted into law, the Levin bill could cost up to $19 billion over 10 years. Separately, Vice President Joe Biden announced on Jan. 26 that the administration is seeking to create a competitive grant program worth up to $10 million apiece for up to 30 communities for the development of charging stations and electric-car requirements. The U.S. is not alone in the quest to be a leader in the emerging electric vehicle industry. The IU report catalogues recent initiatives in progress in China, Korea, India, and in the European Union, all of which pose competition to the U.S. for leadership in this key emerging industry. The panel's yearlong evaluation is the work of experts from government, the auto industry and environmental groups, including representatives from Ford Motor Co., the Center for Automotive Research, the International Council on Clean Transportation and others. The full report is available online at http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/pubs/TEP_combined.pdf. Copyright © 2013 The Trustees of Indiana University | Copyright Complaints

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Obituary - Terry Davey Terry Davey, the man behind the iconic Haynes Owners Workshop Manual cover illustrations, has died. Founded in 1960, Haynes Publishing released its first workshop manual, for the Austin-Healey Sprite, in 1965. But it was not until 1972 that the talented and largely self-taught Terry Davey joined the company as an illustrator. In his 19 year career with Haynes, he produced the cover artwork for over 400 cars. But his true talent lay in his attention to detail. It took up to 3 months to deconstruct and document a car’s repair operations in the workshop, and it fell to Davey to illustrate every component. Whether an exploded diagram, cutaway line drawing or shaded sketch, Davey’s incredible ability to visualise the interaction of every component in a scale and angle that was easy to comprehend became the cornerstone to the huge success of the Haynes manuals. Today, the instantly recognisable spidery lines of his magnificent full car cutaway drawings set against their ubiquitous pastel-coloured backgrounds have become an iconic image and can be seen on T-shirts, mugs, coasters, bags and all manner of other paraphernalia, catapulting the Haynes manual from something that was merely useful into a cult British design classic. Terry Davey on P6 Davey made two full cutaway drawings of P6 - a 3500S and a 2200 TC - but neither is a true reflection of the cars they portray. In fact, both drawings are based on a single template that was itself (rather confusingly!) drawn from two separate cars. Davey joined the company in 1972 long after the first paperback editions of the Rover 2000 manuals had been published. The cover illustration for that manual was a cutaway drawing borrowed from The Motor magazine, for whom it had been drawn in 1963 for their full feature on the P6 launch. It was only after Davey had joined the company that the Rover 3500 manual was completed, at which point there was a requirement for two new cover illustrations - a Rover 3500 and a four-cylinder Rover P6 for the upcoming revised Rover 2000 manual which would also contain the supplements for the then-new 2200 models. As such, Davey chose to base the illustrations for both cars around a single template showing a P6 that was around 80% complete. That image was then duplicated and each version further worked to portray either a 2200 or 3500S. The common template can be easily deduced from comparing the two images. But there are many anomalies that belie the ultimate origins of the drawing, and many hours of fun to be had for the P6 anorak! Haynes famously deconstructed whole cars to document their repair procedures. For the P6 manuals they had two cars, BGO 407B, a very early Sharkstooth Rover 2000 from 1964, and a 1973 Rover 3500S (registration unknown) for the 3500/3500S manual published in 1974. When sketching out the template for the cover illustration, Davey clearly chose to base the structure of the car on the 3500S. The V8 rear suspension and exhaust system show that in the core of the drawing. But it’s obvious that the remnants of the Rover 2000 that had been deconstructed a few years earlier were still lurking at the Haynes workshop. The template drawing is a complete mismatch of the two cars! The bonnet is clearly series 1, so too are the external door handles, it has a very early steel brake fluid reservoir, and the radiator is vertical-flow. All these are giveaways of the Sharkstooth car behind the draughtsman’s board. But the box pleat seats, upswept armrest and later interior of the 3500S show that Davey clearly drew from two cars. All of these details made their way onto both covers. From there, the drawings were altered to portray the cars they reflected. For the four-cylinder models, Davey wisely chose to portray a 2200 TC engine, meaning the V8 style rear suspension (also fitted to 2200 models) needn’t be altered. He also chose to retain the 3500S’s box pleat seats - also fitted to 2200 models - but added texture to suggest the brushed nylon upholstery which was standard on the four-cylinders by that time. For the engine bay, however, only the cam cover, carburettors and air cleaner box are a genuine reflection of a 2200. All of the other ancillaries, including the placement of the battery (needlessly relocated from the boot where it ought to have stayed as in the 3500S drawing) were clearly drawn from the early Sharkstooth car. The only other difference was the slight rotating of the 2200 image to give the impression the car was drawn from a slightly different viewpoint. The two images offer hours of fun for P6 anoraks who can pull the drawings apart to identify which parts came from which cars. But it is a remarkable insight into the mind and working practices of a man whose talent and creations came to symbolise an entire generation of home mechanics and classic car enthusiasts. His is a great loss. Words: Michael Allen Drawings: Terry Davey With thanks to Haynes Publishing

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The McLaren F1 is more than just a fast car. This is a car that has made its stable mark in automotive history. Having had the advantage with some of the most best and impeccable engineering of its time, it was a watershed moment for the automotive industry, specially when the likes of McLaren, Lambo's, and a host others continue to push the pedal to the metal. Length: 168.9 in. (428 cm) Wheel Base: 107 in. (271.8 cm) Curb Weight: 2513 lbs (1140 kg) Engine: V12 Mid Engine RWD On the engine department, Murray wanted a naturally aspirated engine that allows it to be more reliable and easy to manipulate. After going through some candidates, the McLaren team settled on a BMW-designed 6.0 liter V12 engine that weighs in at 266 kilograms and yet generates 627 horsepower. Having a powerful engine means producing a lot of heat on the engine compartment that may damage the carbon fiber parts. McLaren’s solution? They had the compartment plated by gold foil for insulation. Combined with the frame’s light frame, the power to weight ratio of the McLaren F1 can only be described as amazing: 550 horsepower per ton. It is no secret that one of the most time tested formulas in performance vehicles is to have high power and low weight. It is interesting how the McLaren F1 attained its low weight. For starters, this is the first production car to use a monocoque chassis made out of carbon fiber. In addition, other components of the car such as the body, interior, and all those other parts are made out of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and Kevlar just to name a few. Getting its inspiration from the Honda NSX, they improved the ride quality of the car as to get the perfect balance between handling and comfort, performance and usability. And to top it off, it proves its excellence in safety during a crash while testing, and the test driver, rumored to be wearing just a shirt and shorts, left the crash unscathed. History It all started when a car designer by the name of Gordon Murray, the same guy who designed Formula 1 cars for both Brabham and McLaren. Its blueprint was quite simple: it is light, it is streamlined, and it incorporates a host of proprietary technologies that most supercar manufacturers took literally decades to match. The first thing that you will notice about this car is that it is unconventionally designed. Possessing a unique 3 seater configuration, the driver is situated at the center of the interior, with 2 passenger seats flanked along the back of the driver. This configuration allows for maximum visibility. But there are modifications that were done on this car. For a very long time, the McLaren F1 had been the world’s fastest car, and even now, it is still very difficult to beat. Zero to 62 mph, it comes in at 3.2 seconds, 0 to 100 miles per hour comes at 6.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 248 mph. But this car is more than just that. The McLaren F1 has set a standard in the sports car industry. Featuring many innovative techniques that had been way ahead of its time, it is one of the greatest cars ever built. Indeed, it lived up to Gordon Murray’s dream of building the ultimate road car. I am the biggest fan of yours i am a 9 year old boy and i wish to have such a beautiful and incredible car please reply back issabendeck1, Learn to spell. The F1 is an amazing car, it has a high value because not only was is ground breaking when it was first made but it is also a rare care because of the low number of cars built. It’s a true drivers car thought, just awesome. I am an American, (USA) I love old Muscle Cars and Hot Rods but the F1, just wow. Great Adventures Um you spelled car wrong. I think you should learn how to spell before you tell someone else to learn how to spell. Your welcome. nicolò de laurentis i think that is the powerful mclaren ever built. Raheel its the most awesome car because this car ruled the market for about 17 years and still has its own value. this car is totally change from other cars and the thing which makes it valuable is that they are only manufactured 106 cars all over the world…..:-) sprattman101 wow mclaren is still my favorite car in the whole wide world The F1 is still my favorite super car. Gordan Murray is the master. senran issabendeck1 your kidding right the mclaren is better than the car you want and learn how to spell please and its priced high cause of the way its made and because it made automotive history when it was made its a legendary car. The Bugatti veyron super sport cost € 1.6 million and its only made of carbon fiber, not gold Just like what prajwal chandra said he Mclaren F1 is my dream car. I would love to have it i would love to drive jordan in it. THE BEST super sport’s car of all times ,as it leaded the market for nearly 15 years. sumhow a day ill earn it, this z nt jst a car 4 me, its my dream..! Prajwal chandra McLaren F1 is my all dream favourite car!! I like its style! I really love this car! Its the fastest car in 20th century! Mclaren F1 is also one of the lightest supercars in the world and faster than Lamborghini,Pagani and Ferrary and many other supercars! In fact Mclaren F1 is an exception! I want to have it and show it off! engineer_T I tested this car many years ago for a buyer at a Japanese race track with all the electronics turned off. This is a very well designed automobile than the ones I have driven before namely Honda NSX and Farrari 348. The G force may knock out drivers with less than perfect fitness…..only recommeded for those fit drivers with perfect eyesights. I won’t call this a car, it;s a fighter aircraft! Some auto mechanic knowledge will be a plus+ if you own this one. The Pinnacle of a Naturally-aspirated Supercar. That describes the F1. From every aspect, be it engineering, exterior, engine, compatibility, stability, and even safety. Not to mention it is almost two decades since it was born in the car industry. The McLaren F1 proved itself as the “Legendary Supercar” Titanium Solutions Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in internet explorer, could test this? IE nonetheless is the market leader and a big portion of other people will omit your wonderful writing due to this problem.

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The GMC/Chevy Nationals This Show Attracts Both Old and New Sport Trucks Dan Sanchez – Photographers: Sport Truck Staff The trip up the California coast to Paso Robles is an enchanting one. Especially when you combine the beauty of California’s sand and surf with the expectation of seeing a multitude of great sport trucks gathering for the annual Chevy/GMC Nationals. The show is hosted by Seth Doulton, former owner of Golden State Pickup Parts, and is sponsored by Brothers Truck Parts, Danchuck Manufacturing, and Napa Auto Parts. In its heyday, the show attracted nearly 1,000 vehicles, when it was held in the parking lot of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Although it has been struggling since, it has found a strong following in Paso Robles. Doulton tells us that more than 400 vehicles were registered for this March show—of which the majority were trucks. Many of these vehicles wait for this show to strut their stuff. Since this is one of the first shows of the truck season, many vehicles are under construction. Because of this, it’s a great opportunity for us to get a look at many trucks that come from the Sacramento, Fresno, and Santa Barbara areas. If you come up to the show, we’d recommend getting in either Friday night or early Saturday morning, as both of these times are the easiest to register. Furthermore, you get the choicest spots to settle into with your group. The show takes place at the local fairgrounds. It was built for horse shows and showing off your best head of cattle. Because of this, it’s best to park in one of the shaded areas among the food and vendor stands. Most of the newer trucks parked there, while the older trucks had to park in the field. Although the shaded area also has its disadvantages, such as the local rock band that obliterated every ’70s rock song it could think of. We guess it takes some talent to turn a Lynyrd Skynyrd song into a ballad, and the band did have a following of pregnant, tattooed biker women clapping at every missed beat of “Stairway to Heaven.” Thank heaven for the bass emanating from some of the cooler trucks at the show. This was also the area where the sound of exploding airbags filled the fairgrounds as contestants tried to outdo themselves using high-pressure air tanks chained to their beds. We met up with several owners and spoke with them about their latest projects. One was Soupy Garcia from Santa Barbara, who had been taunting us with e-mailed images of his phantom dualie Chevy, equipped with a supercharger and custom tweed upholstery. The truck was as good as he said, which is normally not the case. Another interesting ride at the show was Finish Line’s Dodge Ram, which was equipped with a Vortech supercharger and an air-spring system that allowed it to set the truck on the ground. Since the truck is used to scraping the frame the owner of the truck went ahead and added some skidplates to the bottom of it, giving us his version of a fireworks display as the sun was setting that evening. Paso Robles is a farming town, so we figured there would be plenty of places to photograph a few trucks. We drove up and down the town until we finally found the Paso Robles Hot Springs & Spa, located along Buena Vista Drive at the far east side of town, off of Highway 46. Aside from offering massages and mineral spas, it also had a long driveway that wound its way around grass-covered hills, providing a perfect spot for us to shoot. Although we didn’t bring our swim trunks, we will most definitely dip our butts into some hot mineral water during our next visit. All of the participants at the Chevy/GMC Nationals received a nice nylon bag, an event T-shirt, and the experience of a great weekend. The show has plenty of awards for its participants, meaning lots of winners. If you want more information on this show, contact Horsepower Promotions to find out when next year’s event will take place. Dan Sanchez news Chevrolet Does Massive Rollout of CarPlay, Android Auto Mobile Interfaces Offered Across Line for 2016 Volvo and Uber to Collaborate on Autonomous Vehicles Nick Crouch of Surface DVD creates some very detailed renderings 2017 Grand National Roadster Show

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Can hydrogen be the fuel of the future? by Talal Al-Khatib Science | Energy Production What are the drawbacks of hydrogen? Next Hydrogen is expensive to store. Corbis Images Unless you happen to live in California, which has taken some initiative in building the infrastructure to support hydrogen fueling, chances are you’ve never seen the option of filling your car up with hydrogen last time you were at the gas station. On the other side of the coin, if you’ve been to a car dealership recently, chances are you’ve seen vehicles with ordinary gasoline engines, diesels and probably even a few hybrids. But hydrogen-powered cars? Not likely. Sweet Sorghum: The Sweetest Fuel You'll Ever Taste! 5 Ways to Use Algae for Fuel And this one of the biggest hurdles to implementing a new energy technology: Energy producers and distributors need the infrastructure to supply demand for their fuel. But the demand cannot really exist without the infrastructure to support it. It’s like the “chicken and the egg” problem, but the difference is the solution is probably worth billions. Another significant drawback of hydrogen is that, although it’s abundant, hydrogen fuel can be difficult and costly to store. At normal room temperatures, hydrogen exists as a gas. To get hydrogen into a liquid state that can be stored, transferred and eventually used as fuel requires a temperature of -423 degrees Fahrenheit (-253 degrees Celsius). Keeping hydrogen fuel that cold requires specialized containers such as the one in the photo to the left. Finally, hydrogen-powered cars are currently too expensive for the average consumer to purchase. Last year, Toyota announced that by 2015 the car manufacturer intended to produce a hydrogen-powered vehicle that cost around $50,000, a 90 percent reduction in the current price of these same vehicles now, according to a report from Bloomberg News. At one point, production costs of each vehicle ran as high as $1 million. In other words, while hydrogen is promising and has considerable attention and investment from energy companies and auto manufacturers alike, it’s time hasn’t yet come. So yes, hydrogen may be the fuel source of the future, but tomorrow, you’ll still probably need to fill your car with regular, old gasoline.

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Home Ford Models Ford Fiesta Club Fiesta and Cologne - interesting facts... Fiesta and Cologne - interesting facts... Started by Nightowl, August 17, 2009 Nightowl 3 Ford Model: Titanium 3-door + full bodykit Squeeze The Fiesta has been one of Ford’s best selling models in Europe ever since it went intro production in July, 1976, and until the advent of the Ka in 1996, it was the Blue Oval’s entry level model. During its 25-year history, the Fiesta has gone through many iterations, some, better than others, and it is currently undergoing another transformation prior to production starting at the end of November. Important though it is to Ford, there is more to the new Fiesta than just being a revised model for it represents new thinking in the manufacturing processes with flexibility, pay-on-production, and a new supplier park all being vital ingredients.One of the most important aspects in this new initiative is the establishment of the Cologne plant in Germany as the lead Fiesta plant. Until now, the model also used to be made in Dagenham, England, but following the rationalisation policy pushed through last year, the British plant is becoming Ford’s principal diesel engine center. The Valencia plant in Spain becomes the second production source for the new Fiesta, a back up should demand exceed supply out of Germany.The Cologne plant has been the recipient of some substantial investment with new production facilities, a new supplier park, revised work arrangements, and modern logistics systems. More than $500 million is being invested in new presses, robots, and the development of new production processes. Around $225 million is being spent in an extensive renewal of the body plant and stamping facility. A further $60 million is going into the infrastructure of the new supplier park, which is linked to the main plant by a conveyor system. The paint shop is also being expanded with the dip tanks for pre-treating the bodies being enlarged and equipment for a new wax process being installed.The Ford Cologne plant has undergone significant reconfiguration for the production of the Fiesta.The plant also is further automated with the installation of another 698 robots. In addition to performing the welding, transport, bolting and adhesive work, they also will be sealing the hem-flanges on the inside of the doors with a sealer in the new body assembly system. They apply the adhesive to the doors before they are fitted to the bodies in the body assembly section. This sealing work is not normally carried out until the bodies reach the paint shop. Robots also apply an adhesive to the joints between the stamped parts.The 11 laser-supported measuring robots that check the work of the automatic production machines are now integrated completely into the line instead of being on separate stations. The underbody is therefore automatically checked once finished, while the lasers detect any inconsistencies with tolerances of less than a tenth of a millimeter.The five presses on the new Schuler stamping line produce 305 bodyside parts per hour on a 24-hour basis. With a maximum stamping force of 2,000 tonnes and extremely precise die cushions operated by hydraulic servos, the stamping line produces, among other things, the bodyside inner panel of the new Fiesta. With the emphasis on flexibility, the robots working between the individual presses change the pick-up tools when required. The changeover from one stamped part to the next is fully automatic and therefore particularly fast and precise.In the new pay-on-production concept, equipment suppliers retain ownership of the machinery and are paid on a unit output basis. This close partnership, claims Ford, represents the first application of this risk-sharing principle in the automotive industry.A total of 11 suppliers are located on the adjacent supplier park delivering modules such as instrument panels, or pre-fitted engines with transmission, front axle and suspension via a suspended electric rail over 800 metres long on a just-in-time basis.The use of smart-card or so-called “call systems” for parts coming in from elsewhere reduce storage time at the assembly line from six hours to just two. With the smart-card system, as soon as the production workers open new batches, they place an order card in a special letterbox at the station in question. They are then collected and distributed to the in-house marketplaces that form the link between incoming freight deliveries and the production line. This ensures a constant supply of new material to the assembly line exactly matching requirements, and so ruling out unnecessary production delays.The call system is designed for the supply of larger, heavier parts and the worker on the assembly line simply presses a button to order new material. The ideal moment for such an order is precisely defined in terms of a minimum number of parts that should always be stored at the line. The result is that at the exact moment when a worker fits the last part in a batch, a new one arrives on the production line.There are 515 teams comprising six people who are responsible for organising and carrying out the assembly process, as well as parts orders, equipment maintenance, and quality controls. Apart from each team having workers with various specialised skills, which helps with devising innovative ideas or with problem-solving, it means that fluctuating workloads can usually be ironed out. Ford believes that a more cohesive force between team members can be achieved by a team of six than it would be in larger groups.To ensure uniform quality over three shifts, the teams have standardised their work processes down to the last detail. On specially designed boards, the work groups record all the necessary assembly steps visually and in writing. All tasks and the exact location of all tools are described simply and clearly.Ergonomic improvements have eliminated heavy physical labor from the factory floor. For example, robots automatically apply adhesives to the edges of the front and rear screens before inserting them. “Lazy arms” are used in the fitting of seats, fuel tanks, spare wheels, rear axles, batteries, front modules and doors. Mobile platforms move parallel to the production line and are height adjustable.Training the work staff of 4,000 was a huge undertaking with a total of 180,000 hours at a cost of more than $16 million. Topics ranged from the most varied of technical training, such as robot operation and maintenance, to seminars designed to strengthen communication and problem-solving skills.“Not a single job in the Fiesta production process will remain as it was,” says Hans Peter Sulser, Cologne’s operations manager. “Nearly all employees will be receiving completely new and more involved tasks.”Product specialists have been carrying out virtual assembly since mid 2000, and more than 500 pre-series vehicles will be built by this fall. When production is fully ramped up the maximum daily capacity at the plant will reach 1,800 units a day, for an annual capacity of 405,000 units. This represents a 45% increase on previous production.There is a great deal resting on the success of this small model for Ford. Not only is its future in Europe dependent on the Fiesta, but as a proving ground for new manufacturing ideas and processes, Cologne bears a great deal of responsibility. _______________________________________________________;) paulworthing 2 Ford Model: Titanium S So if this plant is pumping out 1,800 a day and the Valencia one an additional 1,950 a day ( sure I read that on another thread) so thats 3,750 a day or over 26,000 cars per week - and they STILL cannot keep up with demand . . . . . pikestones 6 Ford Model: Titanium Tdci UK/Ireland Location: Lancashire Doesnt the above post refer to te launch of the MK6, it was written in 2001?dave Quote:Valencia one an additional 1,950 a dayValencia also builds focus within that number.They have announced a 30% reduction in production at Valencia and 600 job losses,due to falling demand.dave So if this plant is pumping out 1,800 a day and the Valencia one an additional 1,950 a day ( sure I read that on another thread) so thats 3,750 a day or over 26,000 cars per week - and they STILL cannot keep up with demand . . . . .Valencia also builds focus within that number.They have announced a 30% reduction in production at Valencia and 600 job losses,due to falling demand.daveOr maybe not then . . . . . I think the idea is to cut supply,thus increase lead times and percieved value.Ie keep the prices up and discounts low.dave That only works if all the dealers work together and stop giving hugh discounts - I know there was a price rise after I ordered mine but I am paying about £2,700 less than list for my car!

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Carole Nash CEO David Newman revs up to buy more business by Andy Phelan More stories about Ageas Insuring against digital transformation disruption Ten dos and don’ts for BIBA 2017 Loose cows and melting dentures: The wackiest claims of 2016 The ink’s not yet dry on the contract which will see Ageas transfer 20,000 policies to Carole Nash, but the Altrincham-based motorcycle insurance specialist’s CEO David Newman is already looking for more acquisition opportunities, Insurance Business can reveal. The deal to transfer Express Insurance Services, Kwik Fit Insurance and Green Insurance Company brands’ books completes on June 1, but Newman is in buying mode and is already looking further ahead. “I’m always interested in talking to anyone who might have a book of motorcycle, classic car or specialist vehicle that maybe isn’t core to their business,” he said. “I’d be confident we could offer them very good commercial terms, that we could do the acquisition and integration very simply – they wouldn’t need to spend a lot of time on it – and best of all we’d do a great job for their customers.” Carole Nash controls a little over 25% of the UK motorcycle insurance market, with more than 300,000 bikes insured for a GWP of £60m. The company also insures classic cars and other specialist vehicles, and their approach of offering added value on a direct-to-customer basis has served them well, according to Newman. He said: “What we offer is very different to our competitors. What we’ve seen in a lot of the market is a race to the bottom, it’s all about price whereas for us it’s about the benefits.” Those benefits include full European breakdown cover – “that includes home start, it’s as good as you can buy in the market,” says Newman - and £100,000 legal protection as standard, as well as unique add-ons like a forensic coding system to deter theft and the innovative ‘Rider Cover’ element, which allows bikers to ride their friends’ machines. “Our view has always been that we don’t want to wholesale because we think we need to be able to go to directly to the customer with and have that relationship,” he added. Newman recently revealed that average customer call times had increased, a development which would be enough to bring a management consultant out in cold sweats but one he was entirely comfortable with. “There’s always a balance to be had,” he explained. “Conventional wisdom in call centres is you keep the average handling time to a minimum because that way with a given capacity you can take more calls, whereas our view is very different. When we’re talking to a customer they’re probably only going to talk to us once a year so we want to make the most of that opportunity and reinforce the benefits of our policy, remind the customer why they’re insuring with Carole Nash, and also take the time to find out when their car’s coming up for renewal, when their home insurance because we have a number of other products we can offer to bikers.” To ensure the call opportunity is maximised, Carole Nash operates a lengthy training and induction scheme to make sure its agents can relate to customers. Newman said: “What we do religiously is we train in. We have a six-week induction programme for every colleague. Bikers have nicknames for their bikes so we make sure our agents know all the nicknames, they know what’s going on in the racing and biking world. When they’re having that conversation, to most consumers at one end of the spectrum there’s insurance, which is dead boring, at the other end of the spectrum there’s their hobby – biking or cherished cars, which is dead interesting. So it’s about introducing the interesting bits into the parts some people might see as boring. It’s all about customer intimacy.” That approach has allowed Carole Nash’s core offering to fight off the threat of commoditisation and the aggregation-driven price wars – although the company does still operate in that space. “There are some parts of the market where having a totally standard product on a really keen price is the be all and end all,” said Newman. “We do offer brands which have that standard offer on the aggregators but we firmly believe that’s incremental business, it’s a different type of buyer that doesn’t want the full package we offer under the Carole Nash brand.”

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Audi: Record victory at Le Mans with new technology Audi has achieved a record victory at the 24 hours of Le Mans with the support of a new technology. For the ninth time Audi has won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and thus equalized Ferrari’s position in the roll of honor in the French endurance classic. Only Porsche’s track record reflects more victories. At the 78th edition of the race, efficiency and reliability were the decisive factors yet again – both are special fortes of the Audi brand which has a reputation of developing highly efficient automobiles. The three Audi R15 TDI cars of Audi Sport Team Joest ran without the slightest technical problems over the entire distance and occupied the top three places after the fastest Le Mans race of all time. After 2000, 2002 and 2004, Audi thus managed to achieve a one-two-three triumph at Le Mans for the fourth time. “Everyone at Audi can be proud of this historic exploit. Reliability, efficiency and sustainability are particularly important topics for car manufacturers today. And these are exactly the areas in which we have demonstrated our expertise this weekend,” commented Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler, who witnessed the captivating race live on location. “It was one of the most thrilling races in Le Mans history, a do-or-die battle. This one-two-three victory is the fourth 1-2-3 for Audi at Le Mans and no doubt the most valuable victory claimed after the fiercest battle in our company’s history. I express my thanks and great respect to the entire squad. They have performed an incredible and flawless feat of energy. Peugeot was a formidable rival who required us to give everything. We express our respect to the French squad for this.” “After taking third place last year, it was our declared aim to bring the Le Mans trophy back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, and we managed to do this in an impressive way,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “I’m incredibly proud of this squad and sincerely thank the entire team and everyone who has contributed to this achievement.” The ninth triumph – in total – of the brand at Le Mans was also made possible by a technology which Audi Sport developed for racing during the past three years in strict secrecy: the V10 TDI engine of the Audi R15 TDI with an approximate power output of 440 kW has a turbo-charger with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). VTG turbo-chargers are standard with Audi TDI engines in production vehicles. Their use at Le Mans helps the Audi engineers to continue to develop the technology for smaller, highly efficient turbo engines to be used in the future. “At Le Mans we’re dealing with temperatures above 1,000 degrees centigrade which have not been encountered with production engines so far,” explains Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport. “As a result of downsizing, production development will enter into similar temperature ranges. This makes VTG another good example of how the technology transfer between motorsport and the production side of the house works at Audi.” In 2010 the demands made on diesel engines were particularly high due to the restrictions imposed by the regulations. “Squeezing higher output out of the engines without sacrificing reliability posed a great challenge which our team mastered in an outstanding manner,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich after the race. “We did not use the full potential of the V10 TDI engine this year in order to be absolutely on the safe side. That’s why it was clear to us even before the race that we wouldn’t have the fastest car – but a very reliable and efficient one. The development objective of the R15 plus was 20 percent higher efficiency. We managed to achieve this. We’ve been working very hard for this exploit over the past few months. This makes this success, which was enabled by a perfect team performance as well, even more rewarding.” 24 hours of Le Mans, Audi Variable Turbine Geometry, Next post: Bugatti Veyron SuperSport: 1200 bhp model in the works? Previous post: Porsche 911 Turbo: This is how the first ever copy looks like

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View resultsStory TOpicsRod BarclaySearch Yellow PagesPopular Searches Apartments in Washington Attorneys in Washington Auto Dealers in Washington Auto Parts in Washington Auto Repair in Washington Beauty Salons in Washington Car Rental in Washington Dentists in Washington Doctors in Washington Flowers in Washington Hotels in Washington Insurance in Washington Loans in Washington Mortgages in Washington Movers in Washington Pizza in Washington Realtors in Washington Restaurants in Washington Storage in Washington Tax Preparation in Washington Travel in Washington Featured More... Print By TERRY BOX - Associated Press - DALLAS (AP) - Bankers, butchers and bricklayers all faced the same summer misery in 1950s Dallas: sizzling car seats. Back then, “hot car” described just about every vehicle on the road because few had air conditioning - a situation unimaginable today. Most relied on “4-by-40” cooling - all four windows down at 40 mph, making cars feel like the inside of a dry cleaner’s. But a small group of Dallas-area manufacturers and car dealers started changing that 60 years ago, the first significant steps toward today’s Big Chill, where everything is air-conditioned, even Smart cars. When Detroit balked at installing air conditioning on mainstream sedans in the early 1950s, several North Texas manufacturers developed and sold units on their own to demonstrate the demand for them. “People take it for granted today, but in the early ‘50s, Detroit didn’t think many buyers even wanted air conditioning,” said North Texas author Rod Barclay, who has written a book on the influence Dallas wielded in the development of auto air conditioning in the U.S. “Detroit would not have responded as quickly as they finally did if we hadn’t had these companies in Dallas pushing and creating the market,” Barclay told The Dallas Morning News (http://dallasne.ws/1jFOFNJ). The center of the U.S. auto industry simply had no clue what a sidewalk-smoking Dallas summer felt like. “Their concept of summer was relaxing in straw hats on the shores of little lakes in Michigan, sipping whiskey,” he said. In the introduction to his book, Boy, That Air Feels Good, Barclay says the tiny cluster of the Dallas-area air-conditioning pioneers looked a lot like an early Silicon Valley. Although manufacturers competed hard for sales, they also cooperated for the common good of their fledgling industry and often shared technical information. “The Dallas A/C guys would gather around a new car in September and build a prototype air-conditioning unit and then document it for all the companies to use,” he said. As a result, Dallas had a burgeoning air-conditioning base in the early 1950s that got more competent each year, while Detroit mostly debated the systems. In 1951, Gen. Douglas MacArthur came to Dallas for a visit, and he and his party were whisked from Dallas to Fort Worth in a fleet of Cadillacs fitted with local air-conditioning units, Barclay said. “This was two years before Detroit introduced their first models,” Barclay said. You could get air conditioning as far back as 1939 on expensive luxury cars such as Packard. Cadillac also built a handful of air-conditioned vehicles in 1941. But the bulky units had to be mounted in trunks, were not especially effective and cost about 10 percent of the car’s sticker price. In the late 1940s, Lone Star Cadillac in Dallas began fitting some of its new cars with after-market air-conditioning systems, mostly from North Texas. They sold dozens of them, getting $300 or more for the option, Barclay said. The dealership’s early adoption of air conditioning and its push for new and better units helped sustain three local suppliers: Frigikar, Mark IV and A.R.A. “They made up the nucleus of companies in the early ‘50s that gave air conditioning a boost,” Barclay said.Barclay, 77, a mechanical and industrial designer and editor of a newsletter for the Studebaker Drivers Club, was interested in writing an article on air conditioning for a classic-car magazine. “I knew air-conditioning kits had been made in Dallas in the ‘50s,” Barclay said. “But before I got into it, I didn’t realize that almost all of the units had been made in Dallas.” As he gathered material for the article, he realized that he had far more information than he could squeeze into a magazine story. That’s when he decided to write the book, which he also published. “Hey, I figured no one else had written this,” said Barclay, who lives in Argyle. “Why shouldn’t I?”Barclay said that other after-market air-conditioning suppliers in the U.S. were doing similar work, but “those centered in Dallas and Fort Worth were the first and most influential.” The Big Three in Detroit were also working to develop air conditioning, but they “were not really committed or focused,” he said. “No executive decision on air conditioning was made until 1954,” Barclay said. Some of the Dallas manufacturers had been building and fine-tuning them for years by then. By the mid-‘60s, the Dallas cluster had grown to “six or eight” suppliers, he said. Most began to fade in the 1970s after the automakers finally began fitting all their vehicles with air conditioning. Now, of course, a car with no air conditioning practically stops traffic, especially in deep-fried Texas. Toyota dealer Pat Lobb was recently stunned to see a used Mazda in his service department being fitted with an after-market air-conditioning system. “I have no idea how the car even got built without air conditioning,” said Lobb, the owner of Toyota and Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram dealerships in McKinney and Frisco. “Can you imagine trying to sell that car today?” he said. “No one would even glance at it.” Brian Huth, general manager of Five Star Ford in Plano, couldn’t recall seeing a car without air conditioning in the last 20 years. “It’s not even an option today,” Huth said. “It’s expected in every car on the lot.” ___ Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com

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Home | About Batteries Search & Explore Most Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), cell phones and laptop computers use Lithium-ion batteries because they are safe, highly efficient, cost-effective, and made from supplies found throughout the world. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) car batteries are designed for recyling and contain no toxic materials or rare earth elements. Recycling of PEV batteries can cut U.S. demand for virgin lithium for automotive use in half, according to the Argonne National Laboratory. PEV car batteries come with warranties from 8 to 10 years and 100,000 to 150,000 miles, so PEV battery recycling may not be needed for several years to come. Because PEV batteries may have up to 70% of life remaining after their automotive use is exhausted, making it economically compelling for automakers, battery manufacturers and others to explore potential secondary uses. Secondary use of PEV batteries could postpone recycling needs further. Lithium Reserves Batteries account for 25% of lithium demand and future demand is likely to be dominated by batteries. Lithium reserves are large and widespread, with supply concentrations present on most continents, and production is increasing. Worldwide lithium reserves are conservatively estimated to be 11 million metric tons (United States Geological Survey, USGS) but other experts estimate reserves of 14 to 30 million metric tons. This makes world supply of lithium sufficient for many decades of growing PEV battery production, according to recent Department of Energy studies. PEV batteries require very small amounts of lithium: about 2.5 to 4 grams for the Chevy Volt or Nissan LEAF. Just one million tons of lithium is enough to produce 365 million units of Chevy Volts (16 kWh battery) or 250 million units of Nissan LEAFs (24 kWh battery). Lithium is estimated to account for only about 2% to 4% of the cost of a PEV battery today. Rare earlth elements are not used in Li-ion batteries but are needed for PEV power electronics and electric motors. Many rare earth metals used in PEV electric motors and power electronics are mined in China, raising concerns about supply vulnerability. While China currently produces over 95% of the world's rare earth elements, about half of the proven global resources are located in other nations with both global and domestic supplies expanding. University of California, Davis, Institute for Transportation Studies U.S. Department Alternative Fuel Data Center Find a PEV

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UAE MOTORISTS WARNED NOT TO IGNORE CAR MAINTENANCE AFTER FOG, SANDSTORM THREAT TO VISIBILITY ON THE ROADS • Dubai Autodrome backs Bosch call for drivers to get their cars checked for damaged wiper blades Dubai, UAE: After recent fog in the UAE following a spate of summer sandstorms, motorists have been warned not to ignore basic car maintenance in order to ensure maximum visibility on the roads.Bosch, which operates a nationwide network of workshops in the Emirates, says windshield wipers are an integral part of vehicle safety but can be damaged by the region’s harsh weather conditions, even when not in use.The company has urged UAE motorists to get their cars checked for cracked and brittle wiper blades, and the call has been backed by Dubai Autodrome which promotes road safety year round.“Good visibility on the road is so important, and while windscreen wipers aren’t used in this region as much as in other parts of the world, the recent fog and sandstorms were a reminder of how vital they are,” said Dubai Autodrome spokesman Paul Velasco.“The very high temperatures can damage the wiper blades and reduce their effectiveness. Our advice to motorists is to service their cars to the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure windscreen wipers and other vital parts are regularly maintained.”Andreas Bodemer, Regional President for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, Middle East and Africa, says just as snow and ice in other regions damages wiper blades and poses a threat to visibility on the roads, the climate in the Gulf countries has similar effects.“Wipers in this part of the world are constantly exposed to sunlight and very high temperatures which can cause degradation and cracking, and a damaged windshield wiper can hamper visibility,” said Bodemer.“In heat the rubber dries out completely and hardens which leads to unsatisfactory wiping and rattling. Ozone and UV radiation breaks down the chemical structure of the wiper and leads to cracks, roughness and brittleness.”Bosch is a leader in wiper innovation and has been manufacturing electric windshield wiping systems for more than 80 years.Bosch wiper blades are tested for their ability to withstand stress over 750,000 wipe cycles. The wiper rubber compound contains substance that protect against ozone and these significantly extend the service life of wiper rubber. Providing top value for money on the market, Bosch offers high quality wiper blades in its ECO, Aerotwin and Aerofit range for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.Wiper blade service intervals range anywhere from six months to a year, dependent upon driving conditions and the quality of the wiper, and Bosch service centres are present across the UAE for maintenance checks.About BoschThe Automotive Aftermarket division (AA) provides the aftermarket and repair shops worldwide with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment and a wide range of spare parts – from new and exchange parts to repair solutions – for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and manufac­tured in-house. More than 16,000 associates in 150 countries, as well as a global logistics network, ensure that some 450,000 different spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its “Automotive Service Solutions” operations, AA supplies testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information services. In addition, the division is responsible for the “Bosch Service” repair-shop franchise, one of the world’s largest independent chains of repair-shops, with some 16,000 franchises.Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch-automotive.com.The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, active in the fields of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology, and con­sumer goods. According to preliminary figures, more than 306,000 associates generated sales of 52.3 billion euros in 2012. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some 4.5 billion euros for research and development in 2012, and applied for over 4,700 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Further information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com

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Rob Loaring Member inducted 2016 Rob Loaring is one of the most versatile and accomplished engineers in European drag racing. Working as I.C.E. Automotive from premises at Silverstone, he has won six UK Pro Modified Championships as crew chief or tuner, created a highly respected engine building business, fostered the introduction of new class regulations into the sport in the UK and built and run some of the sport's best performing and spectacular race cars. He was in his late teens, when he first ventured to Santa Pod with the Draper Brothers, carrying out minor roles on their first few cars. He then acquired a dragster from them which became his grounding as a crew chief and tuner. In the mid-eighties Rob made the momentous decision to work in drag racing for a living. The name I.C.E. Automotive was coined as it was a suitable length to place on his customers' hood scoops and fenders. The initials stand for Internal Combustion Engine. Pro Modified had just started by 1988 and Rob had an opportunity to work with Tim Cook on his '56 Chevy and, later, a smaller '55 Chevy, The class technology was growing quickly, albeit solely with nitrous engines, and the pair won winning the championship in 1990 and 1991. Rob then joined with Tony Rose for two years, who ran the first six second pass by a European doorslammer in July 1993. Subsequently, they both took the 1994 Pro Mod Championship. A further collaboration, with Dave Mingay in 1995, gave Rob his fourth Pro Mod title. Rob teamed up with current business partner Nick Davies in 1997, the pair winning the Championship in 1999 and 2000 with Nick driving. He drew up plans for a heads-up doorslammer class which would be more affordable and yet be highly competitive - Super Modified. The class was an instant hit and fields of eight cars were common during its ten year reign. And during recent years, he has developed turbo engines for Pro Mod and Street Eliminator and built the iconic Havoc Altered, which he and Nick raced memorably against the legendary US Fuel Altered Pure Hell at Santa Pod Raceway's 2014 Dragstalgia Meet. Rob also turned his attention to Nostalgia Funny Cars and built the superb Apache for Tim Garlick and he found time to help with the recent restoration work on the Allard Chrysler dragster. It is for his continued determination to pursue engineering excellence and influence drag racing's development in the UK, along with his willingness to help others that Rob Loaring is being inducted into the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Simon Groves If you have any questions or are interested in any of our sponsorship packages please get in touch by clicking the button below © Copyright 2017 British Drag Racing Hall of Fame

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Aptera’s Uncertain Future, Foretold by Buckminster Fuller Sorry there are no photos! Hide Does the Aptera futuristic three-wheeled vehicle have a chance to succeed in the real-world market? Or is it destined to become another visionary, but entirely impractical vehicle, much like Buckminster Fuller’s 1933 three-wheeled Dymaxion Car? Top: Aptera 2e, 2009. Bottom: Dymaxion, circa 1934. Aptera fans will not like the comparison between the two visionary vehicles. The Aptera 2e and 2h—all-electric and plug-in versions respectively—earned an almost cult-like following nearly from the moment the first images of the vehicle hit the web in 2007. The vehicle, something like a cross between a motorcycle and an ultralight single-occupant airplane, garnered tens of millions of dollars of investment, thousands of $500 deposits, and innovation awards and cover shots from prestigious publications. The Aptera’s lightweight aerodynamic design, and electric drive, promised hundreds of miles per gallon. But in recent days, it appears that the visionary reach of its founders may have exceeded their grasp. Wired.com, the Los Angeles Times, and the unofficial online Aptera Forum are reporting that founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony were ousted from the company over a dispute with Paul Wilber, the CEO hired to run the company in 2008. Apparently, the founders wanted to push the vehicle into production ASAP as a way to generate cash for the struggling company, while Wilber insisted on modifications to satisfy the needs of real-world customers. For example, Wilber reportedly wanted the Aptera to have windows that could roll down, instead of the fixed windows built into the gull-wing doors. As much as its remarkable efficiency, unusual appearance, and three-wheel design appeal to devoted followers, its lack of practicality is an obvious obstacle to commercial success. Tensions have been rising at the company, as it struggles through tough financial times prior to delivering the first model to a customer—delayed by about a year. The company has gone into cash conservation mode—while it waits on an application to receive a federal loan from the Department of Energy. Fuller’s Dymaxion Car held similar promise. Like the Aptera, the Dymaxion was built as a lightweight aerodynamic tear-shaped vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency. It got 30 miles per gallon—an achievement at 20 feet in length with capability to carry 11 passengers. Fuller, the legendary architect and inventor, first sketched the vehicle in 1927 under the name “4D transport” as part aircraft and part automobile (with wings that inflated at sufficient speed). Archival footage of Buckminster Fuller’s 1934 Dymaxion Car Fuller found an angel investor who helped him build a couple of prototypes, which were fawned over by the media and celebrities. However, an accident at the 1933 Chicago world’s fair damaged the first prototype badly, killing the driver and the prospects of a production version. The Dymaxion is now considered an oddball of automotive history—but it’s credited as the inspiration for many streamlined aerodynamic designs that would follow, including the Aptera. Hopefully, Aptera and its founders will bounce back. But regardless of the fate of Aptera 2e, it has already earned its place in history alongside Buckminster Fuller’s creation—as an inspiration for what car designers might achieve with innovative body design, propulsion system, and fresh ideas. Posted in History, News Tagged as Plug-in Hybrid Related Readings Five Great Green Cars For Under $30,000 There are now more than six dozen alternative energy cars for sale in America, but we thought we’d summarize five Volvo S90 To Be A Luxurious, Semi-Autonomous Plug-In Hybrid Over the summer, Volvo released its XC90 SUV as the world’s first seven passenger plug-in hybrid. The Study Says EV Buyers Are Younger and More Affluent While not the first to reveal EV buyers tend to be financially better off, a TrueCar.com study has refined the data shoop The Aptera is a 3 wheeler and therefore does not have to pass federal crash tests. The designers claim that it is strong, but that is not enough. There are very specific rules on g forces in collisions. I have invented a way to make vehicles safer in collisions. http://www.safersmallcars.com Please help me promote the idea.

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Deb in the Globe Boston Globe, Front Page of the Automotive SectionBill Griffith for The Boston Globe Deb Brewster visited Planet Subaru in Hanover back in 2003 to look at a Forester for transporting her rowing shell. She not only bought the car but also in the process, sold herself so well, the dealership offered her a job selling cars. That's a little like former Patriot owner Victor Kiam's advertising slogan, "I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company [Remington Razors]." "I've done a lot of things," says Brewster, "but sell cars? When they asked me if I'd ever thought about it, I said it's not on the list of things I want to do." Brewster has a degree in biochemistry and had an established career as a doula, someone who provides emotional support during childbirth. "When I first started as a doula, we were called labor support. Most people thought I worked for a labor union," she says. In a way, she did, serving as president of the group's fledgling national organization. But being on call for 18 years had exacted a toll; so had the recovery process after staying up all night. It also was at the time when Brewster's older daughter was heading off to college so she thought, "Let's check this automotive thing out. I met everyone and shadowed them and realized, 'I can do this.'" "At Planet Subaru, we pride ourselves in being an un-dealership," says co-owner Jeff Morrill. "We only hire people who've never sold cars before. We want to be different from the stereotype. My brother John, who runs our Chrysler Jeep and Dodge dealership in Franklin, says, 'Subaru is a status symbol for people who don't like status symbols.' " Brewster fit the un-stereotype. "This is a fun place to work. We've got a beautiful facility and a great product. People here have interesting backgrounds and degrees." She arrived as the internet was becoming a major player in car sales and soon became a player herself, selling 227 new cars and 123 used cars in 2005 to become the top-selling Subaru salesperson in New England. She's kept up the pace, remaining in the Top 10 or 15 every year since. "My role here evolved with the internet's role in car sales," she says. "The internet replaced a lot of driving around to dealerships. It's a whole new way of shopping for a car. "The one thing I always try to convey to people is that there are still humans on the other end of the sale. You never expect anyone to buy a car if you're not competitive on price. But an automobile is a big purchase. It's important to be sure the vehicle fits your needs." Subaru buyers, as a group, tend to be extremely environmentally conscious. "When people realize our environmental focus, they tend to come a long way to see us," says Brewster. Half of the dealership's 11-acre site is planted in hardy grass and wildflowers that don't require watering. The security "fence" is a sturdy barrier of black raspberry and other thorn bushes. The buildings are energy efficient with passive solar heating, windows that actually open, and highly efficient lighting systems. "Those things are important to Subaru buyers," says Brewster. "People come from a distance, including one guy who drives up from Staten Island, N.Y., for service several times a year." As the company's internet gatekeeper, Brewster finds herself shipping cars all over the country, often from the used car inventory. She meets prospective customers online. "Both the buyer and I understand this is a big purchase," she says. "I help them see the vehicle, both with words and lots of photos. I try to get a clear photo of even the tiniest flaw because any used car has some, and we don't want any surprises." On a recent "quiet" Monday, Brewster fielded 10 new leads from the internet, exchanged emails with 18 other customers, sent out 41 emails of her own, made 80 outbound phone calls, and fielded 11 incoming calls. Several of the outgoing calls were to customers who'd referred friends who bought cars. "There's nothing like word-of-mouth support," says Brewster. "One of the things we do here is try to give customers some perks, such as loaner cars, free tires for life, and gift certificates for referrals. I love making the call to ask a customer who made a referral whether they want a gift certificate for dinner or one for service here." "This business surprises me every day," she says. "I love dealing with people." Especially when she greets someone who's just come in the door and discovers it's someone she's been exchanging emails with for weeks. One imagines the feeling is mutual. Would you like to work with Deb on your next vehicle purchase? Click to see our new inventory or pre-owned inventory! Or, send Deb an email.To read other news stories about Planet and its special team, click here. Planet Subaru. Your unDealership.

汽车

2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/15205

Motul extends partnership with Jaguar Simola Hillclimb March 15, 2017March 15, 2017 Andries van der Walt Comments Off on Motul extends partnership with Jaguar Simola Hillclimb The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is proud to announce that Motul, the international oil and lubricant specialist, has renewed its partnership agreement with the event which runs from 4 to 7 May 2017. Motul first partnered with the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb for the 2016 event but has now signed a multi-year extension. As one of the world’s leading oil and lubricant manufacturers, Motul has a rich motorsport history, and is a headline sponsor and partner to preeminent motorsport categories and events around the world. “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb,” says Steven Lurie, Motul’s Area Manager for Southern and East Africa. “After our first year as a partner in 2016 we are convinced that the event is a good fit for Motul and want to see the partnership develop over the coming years. Motul focuses its sponsorship on extreme events that link directly to our product strengths. The 1.9 km course may be short in comparative terms, but the amazing effort that competitors put into the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb with a dazzling array of rare, exotic and even purpose-built extreme performance vehicles creates a perfect synergy with our brand.” “In seven years, the Hillclimb has become one of the premier events on the South African motorsport calendar, and it provides the ideal fit for Motul’s technical prowess and its extensive range of high performance oils and lubricants for cars and motorcycles,” Lurie adds. According to Ian Shrosbree, managing director of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, the Motul partnership gives the award-winning Knysna event even greater prominence, both locally and internationally. “Motul is a highly respected and proven brand, with strong links to the top echelons of motorsport around the world, including the renowned Pikes Peak Hillclimb in the USA. To have joined its family of international motorsport events is an honour as Motul only partners with premier properties. “This reflects how far the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb has come in a relatively short time. With an increasing number of international competitors participating and spectators attending the event, the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is becoming one of the recognised ‘must-do’ hillclimbs on the international calendar,” concluded Shrosbree. International Motorsport Internationally, Motul’s illustrious portfolio of motorsport and technical partnerships includes the likes of the 24 Hours Le Mans and the Endurance World Championship – both encompassing the car and motorcycle events – along with the Super GT series in Japan, Pirelli World Challenge in the US and the Trophée Andros ice racing championship in France. On the motorcycle front, Motul is a partner and event sponsor in MotoGP, the Bol d’Or 24-Hour and at the legendary Isle of Man TT. It is also the title sponsor of the 2017 Superbike World Championship and FIM Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship. Closer to home, Motul is the title sponsor for the Roof of Africa in Lesotho – renowned as one of the toughest enduro motorcycle races in the world – and a technical partner to the SA Motocross Championship and the SuperGP superbike series. Aside from its involvement in motor racing, Motul has a proud heritage spanning more than 160 years. The French company has a global footprint across the world, and is a true pioneer in the lubricant industry. It launched the world’s first semi-synthetic oil in 1966, followed by the very first 100% synthetic oil for cars in 1971. This legacy continues today with its extensive product range covering the various automotive sectors, including cars, motorcycles, scooters and commercial vehicles, as well as marine and leisure applications. Iain Pepper returns with Thompson RacingPirelli tames Baberspan

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2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/16746

Ford Adds Second-Gen Wi-Fi to Turn Vehicles into Mobile Hot Spots By: () Ford says it will introduce the second generation of its Sync in-car connectivity system, which turns a vehicle into a Wi-Fi hot spot, at an undisclosed time in an undisclosed number of models in 2010. The first generation of the Sync is currently offered in 13 Ford models. Wi-Fi technology is being increasingly integrated into vehicles by a variety of manufacturers, perhaps building on consumer demand for constant connectivity. Ford plans to roll out the second generation of its Sync in-car connectivity system, which establishes a Wi-Fi hot spot inside a vehicle, sometime in 2010. However, the company has not yet disclosed which of its hot rods will be hot-spot-enabled. To activate the second-generation Sync, a driver or passenger will insert a USB mobile broadband modem into a USB port, creating a secure wireless connection and allowing everyone within the vehicle to use Wi-Fi devices. "You're not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have," Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, said in a statement Dec. 21. Standard WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) security protocols will require users to enter a "randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet," said a Dec. 21 statement issued by Ford, and drivers must specifically allow a device to connect. In theory, this prevents unauthorized users from piggybacking off an owner's signal. The first generation of the Sync is offered on 13 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Originally developed in conjunction with Microsoft and introduced at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 8, the feature supports Apple's iPod and Microsoft's Zune, will sync with Bluetooth-capable phones to access their contact lists, and can play music from USB thumb drives. Click here for more on how Ford is integrating IT into its cars. As smartphones and other devices encourage users to remain always connected, vehicle makers have been incorporating more features into their vehicles that play to that perceived need. For example, a consortium of companies showed the LTE Connected Car, a proof-of-concept vehicle, to reporters in New York on Nov. 3. That concept car featured four touch screens, allowing access to navigation, entertainment, communications and vehicle diagnostics applications. A variety of companies, ranging from Alcatel-Lucent to Toyota, contributed their particular knowledge bases to the endeavor. The vehicle included an in-vehicle Wi-Fi environment. While that particular car remains firmly in the concept stage, other automakers have taken more concrete steps. Ford has built a number of next-generation features into its vehicles, such as a 76GHz radar system that alerts the driver to oncoming obstacles. Ford also developed a MyKey feature that lets a parent program vehicle keys to enable default modes for specific drivers; for example, limiting a teen driver's speed and volume level. Microsoft's Traffic, Directions and Information Sync application provides real-time traffic reports and other data. These new abilities at least partially stem from new technologies introduced by hardware manufacturers such as Intel, which in March rolled out a series of Atom processors designed for in-vehicle systems. Paired with the Microsoft Auto software platform, the processors power vehicle features such as mobile device syncing and speech recognition. Google Releases Mobile Device Security White Paper Galaxy Book 12 Preorders Start on April 21 Previous Story 10 Reasons Not to Buy the Google Nexus One Smartphone Next Palm Releases Beta of Ares Mobile Development Platform Next Story

汽车

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Sub NavigationMotoringDriven Driving safety: The future's now By David Linklater 5:30 AM Saturday Oct 5, 2013 Cars that won't let themselves crash are already here Hands-free driving, cars that talk to each other and sense danger, and even more airbags are all on the way. Volvo is still adamant that by 2020 it will produce a car that cannot crash. Mercedes-Benz recently sent a modified version of its new S-class 100km on public roads without a soul on board - not that it was an extraordinary achievement, because Google has already clocked up over 300,000km in driverless versions of ordinary production vehicles. This much is clear: much of the future of car safety depends on autonomous technology. Because like it or not, the most dangerous element of driving is the human being behind the wheel. Most car crashes are caused by human error, so giving cars the ability to evaluate potential danger and take control away from the driver to prevent or minimise a crash is the next big development in car safety. Does that sound like future tense? In fact, it's happening already, with some production vehicles employing semi-autonomous safety technology. Let's take a look at what's new in vehicle safety, how existing technologies are continuing to develop, and what might come next. THE NOT-QUITE-AUTONOMOUS CAR At this point you cannot buy a genuinely autonomous vehicle. However, we are still getting a taste of what's to come, in terms of self-steering and braking. Steering first. The growing popularity of electric-power steering (EPS) has been the key here. For years, makers such as Honda and Mercedes-Benz have offered power steering assistance that can alter its weighting to subtly suggest you steer one way or the other in an emergency situation. But that was just the beginning. Some new-generation cars can actually steer themselves, taking control of EPS and using on-board cameras to keep themselves on track. Such systems are offered on both the Mercedes-Benz E-class and new Honda Accord. Continued below.Related Content Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Model of safety Subaru Outback a real winner Driving safely: Smarter, safer cars No, you cannot simply put your hands in your lap and let the car do the work. At least not yet. In the E-class, for example, you must keep some tension on the steering wheel or the system will self-cancel. Same goes if the curve is too sharp. And you do of course need to be on a road with painted lanes. Self-steering is an extension of lane-departure warning technology, which is now quite common. The simplest systems will detect if you are straying out of your lane and flash a warning on the dashboard. Others beep. Some (such as one launched by Citroen a few years ago) even send a vibration through the driver's seat. So cars can almost steer themselves. They can stop automatically as well. Adaptive cruise control - enabling a car to automatically keep itself the correct distance from the vehicle in front - has been around for decades. But with the advent of camera-based systems (as opposed to radar or laser), cars also have a greater ability to "see" ahead, analyse the situation and automatically brake if necessary. Volvo's City Safety is perhaps the most well-known automatic braking system, due to the company's highly publicised claim at launch in 2008 that it could prevent a nose-to-tail crash in traffic at up to 15km/h. The same technology is also used on many Ford vehicles. The latest versions of City Safety now stay active at up to 50km/h and incorporate pedestrian recognition. Volvo also offers full automatic braking at higher speeds as part of a different technology package. Subaru's EyeSight works solely by camera: twin lenses behind the windscreen that create a three-dimensional view of the road ahead. EyeSight handles all the usual cruise control functions, but also administers autonomous braking (as well as lane-departure warning). EyeSight-equipped cars were the top performers in recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Front Crash Prevention (FCP) testing in America. The Legacy and Outback were the only cars to score the maximum of six points for their autonomous braking performance between 19-40km/h. ANTI-COLLISION WARNINGS Not all anti-collision systems have autonomous braking. But many do use cameras and radar to warn you of trouble ahead, by comparing the closing speed of your vehicle with the one ahead. Warnings range from a simple flashing light, to an audible alert, to a vibration in the driver's seatbelt. Blind-spot monitoring is also generally based around radar technology. By projecting a beam out at an angle from (usually) the rear pillar of the car, it can warn you that there is another vehicle sitting where you can't see it. A more recent development of that same technology is cross-traffic alert, which works when you are backing out of a parking space by warning you if another car is approaching at a right angle. Some versions of the new Holden Commodore VF have this feature. But sometimes the simplest ideas are the best: reversing cameras are now widely available as both factory-fit and aftermarket items. They supplement parking radar nicely and are especially relevant for tall SUVs. Then again, it's natural for carmakers to take a simple idea and make it complex. Many premium brands offer 360-degree parking cameras, which give you a Google Earth-type image of the vehicle as you manoeuvre. Mainstream brands are getting on board as well: Nissan has its own version, called Around View, on some models. ACTIVE SAFETY What about our old favourites: anti-lock braking and stability control? Both are still key active safety technologies and continue to be developed and calibrated for specific applications. It's a sign of the times that neither rate much of a mention these days because almost every new car has both systems as standard. Twenty years ago they were a rarity. Given that stability control is arguably the most important automotive safety innovation of modern times, that's real progress. Active and passive safety are united in the pre-crash preparation technology employed by some carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. When camera, radar and stability control systems determine that a crash is imminent, these cars can prime brakes and airbags, adjust occupant seating positions, close windows and pretension seatbelts - all in the blink of an eye. SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINTS This is the bad-news section: passive safety, or the features of a car that help protect you should the worst happen. Seatbelts, for example, which still do pretty much the same thing they have always done (albeit with developments like pretensioning technology) and are still crucially important. Airbags continue to multiply. Front, side and curtain airbags are now accepted and often expected. Some cars go further with an airbag for the driver's knee, or extra bags in the back doors for side-impact protection. Volvo has introduced an external airbag for pedestrian protection, on the latest V40. Belts and bags have also now come together with the introduction of inflatable rear seatbelts. Ford got there first, but Mercedes-Benz soon followed. Essentially, this technology incorporates an airbag-like structure within a seatbelt, which instantly inflates to around three times its normal diameter in a crash. We'll probably see this safety feature on 2014 models such as the new Ford Mondeo and next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-class. FURTHER INTO THE FUTURE Take all of the above as read - even those self-driving cars - and it's hard to imagine what new automotive safety developments could possibly come next. But here's a big one that's already being worked on by many carmakers: vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, sometimes called V2V and V2I. Basically, the thinking goes that if cars can talk to each other, it'll be much easier for drivers and on-board safety systems to avoid crashes. If you know there's another vehicle over that blind crest, you can be ready for it. Or if a car is out of control, it can tell other vehicles approaching to take avoiding action. Similarly, if your vehicle can talk to traffic lights and even emergency services, you can be better prepared for traffic conditions and unexpected problems ahead. V2I can also help with more mundane stuff like finding a parking spot, which is more convenience than crash-avoidance. But happier drivers are safer, too, surely? - NZ Herald Read more by David Linklater Email David Linklater

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2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In: Driven 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Drive - March 2011 When the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale about this time next year, it will be the first mass-production vehicle from Toyota that plugs in. Yet, despite that, the Plug-In feels more like a value-added version of the Prius than a model that will be itself iconic or radically new. It’s value-added, because owners will have some of the benefits of an electric vehicle, without the worry that they won’t make it back on a charge. After a relatively short three-hour charge on standard 110V household power, you can drive approximately 12 to 15 miles without the gasoline engine contributing to propulsion. After that, it’s just a standard Prius and gets about the same mileage as the standard-issue model (which has an EPA-rated 51 mpg city, 48 highway). A Prius…just one with an added charge And it looks virtually identical to a standard Prius. The little charging door just ahead of the driver’s door is about the only difference you’ll see from the outside compared to a normal 2011 Prius. To simplify a bit, the Plug-In drives much like a regular Prius—just one that’s a bit heavier. The new lithium-ion battery pack that’s crammed under the Prius cargo floor allows the Prius Plug-In to go up to 14 miles on electric power alone; after that it’s, for all practical purposes, a standard Prius, and still capable of creeping along in parking lots and some of the slowest residential streets, in some situations on only electric power as well. The Prius Plug-In’s larger pack takes up more space than the standard Prius pack, of course. It leaves no space under the rear cargo floor, no spare tire even; it’s all batteries. The Prius is hauling around an extra three hundred pounds all the time with the larger battery pack, and it’s a difference you can feel in the way it rides and handles. More jarring ride quality at the rear wheels is the main difference you’ll feel, and while it’s probably just a bit slower than the standard Prius’s 0-60 time of around ten seconds, it feels noticeably more sluggish in low-speed transitions, when you’re getting back on the power out of a corner, for instance. Keeping the Prius on electric mode requires some restraint. Push the throttle past the three-quarter point or so and the gasoline engine comes on; that’s not so much because the Prius wouldn’t be able to move quickly enough in EV mode, but it’s to best use the limited battery power toward better efficiency. At higher speeds and higher loads, well, that’s where the gasoline engine is better for bursts. Enough EV pep to keep up with traffic, but not like Leaf Driving the Prius Plug-In is actually nothing like the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt, even in EV Mode. While the Leaf feels surprisingly strong and torquey at stoplights, the Prius is a little sluggish, with few hints of that churning instant-on EV torque. The Prius can move respectably with most traffic in EV mode, though. Very carefully feathering the throttle at the three-quarter-or-so point before the gasoline engine comes on, we saw 60 mph take about 20 seconds from a standing start. Even if you do drive slowly and mindfully, you’ll probably hear the gasoline engine firing up from time to time, even during ‘EV’ operation. We had the gasoline engine come on once just -after- cresting a gentle 55-mph crest; we observed it turn on and off during 35-mph boulevard cruising; and we noticed it turn on for all but two of our fully cold starts. It’s puzzling, and you just have to trust that it’s keeping the accessory system charged even though it’s not needed for propulsion. After a few days, we came to think of it in the same vein as as an A/C compressor. EV Mode button on the way Although the Prius PHEV will be available for purchase beginning next year in virtually the same form, it will by then get an EV Mode button, which won’t lock EV Mode on after you charge, as the system does now, but rather allow you to lock it out—if you have to drive almost immediately at higher speed or up a mountain pass, for instance, where you’d rather not exhaust all your charge quickly. While you can, no doubt, go through charge quickly with the Plug-In if you’re heavier on the throttle, we saw much less of the variability we saw with the Nissan Leaf. That’s the case, reminded Toyota environmental spokesman John Hanson, because with a smaller capacity comes a shorter, albeit more consistent, range. We averaged a bit more than 12 miles in EV Mode, but over many charges we never saw significantly less than that. Flaws: harder ride, less effective defogger Other than the jarring ride, the other significant weakness we found was with the climate control. We had the Plug-In during some particularly cool, rainy days, and while the heater itself seemed plenty strong, the climate control system seemed unable at some times to quickly purge moisture. We switched from Eco Mode to the norma mode for the hybrid system, but that seemed to make no difference. In one instance, with three people in the vehicle, the windshield started re-fogging while the defogger was still on. You can turn on the climate control in advance—something we recommend—and at the time it’s publicly available, about a year from now, the Plug-In will have an app for remote control of climate and charging functions. Tested this year, on sale next In the meantime, more than 160 Prius Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles are being placed with U.S. academic institutions, public utilities, local government, and corporations in an effort to gather more data on how Plug-Ins perform and are used. And they’re part of a test fleet of 600 PHEVs worldwide. We were able to borrow one of the official program cars for six days, and over about six full charges and 103 miles of local errand-running, we got into the habit of plugging in. The catch with the Prius PHEV’s short range is that you truly do need to plug in after nearly every errand. As to whether the Plug-In is value-added in terms of traditional dollars and cents, well, that’s not so certain. Toyota plans to sell the Prius Plug-In for $3,500 to $5,000 more than the standard Prius. We’ll follow this post up with a look at the numbers. Overall, the Plug-In feels like the ultimate Prius—perfect for those who want a little extra EV ability in a worry-free vehicle they can still drive cross-country. This story originally appeared at All Cars Electric

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Prominent people A website dedicated to famous people, celebrities, VIP's, actors, actresses, musicians, politicians Welcome to Prominent People About Isak Heath 14 July 2013, 12:19 pm Her Majesty Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard by the Grace of God Queen of the Netherlands Princess Beatrix was born at the Soestdijk Palace in Baarn as eldest daughter of prince Bernard von Lippe-Biesterfeld and Queen Juliana (1909-2004). The family lived in Baarn until May 1940. For two years after her birth, Beatrix played around in the Soestdijk Palace. With the German invasion of the Netherlands, they left for the United Kingdom and from there, Beatrix and her younger sister Princess Irene (born 1939), moved with their mother, Juliana, to Ottawa in Canada. They lived in Canada for five years before they went back to The Netherlands on 2 August 1945. The second sister, Princess Margriet was born in Canada in 1943 and the third sister is Christina. Beatrix attended nursery and primary school in Canada. On their return to the Netherlands, she continued her primary education at De Werkplaats (The Workshop), a progressive experimental school in Bilthoven. In April 1950, Princess Beatrix entered the Incrementum, part of Baarnsch Lyceum, and in 1956 passed her school-leaving examinations in arts subjects and classics. Beatrix celebrated her 18th birthday on 31 January 1956. Under the provisions of the Constitution of the Netherlands, she was, from that date, entitled to assume the royal prerogative. Also from that date she was installed in the Council of State. In 1956 she became a student at Leiden University, and in her first years at Leiden she attended classes in sociology, jurisprudence, economics, parliamentary history and constitutional law. In the course of her studies she also attended lectures on the cultures of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles (Dutch colonies), the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, international affairs, international law, history and European law. While she was still a student, Beatrix visited various European and international organisations in Geneva, Strasbourg, Paris and Brussels. She was an active member of the Leiden Women Students’ Association. In 1959 she passed her preliminary examination in law, and obtained her degree in July 1961. In 1961 she succeeded the doctoral examination and began to enter the duties that will be expected of her in the future. She was now seen in public, performing official duties, some where she acted on her mother’s behalf both at home and abroad. In 1963 she decided to live on her own at Drakensteyn in Lage Vuursche, a former “Ridderhofstad” (place of accommodation for Knights) dating from 1640. On 28 June 1965 Princess Beatrix, the heiress to the Dutch throne, got engaged to Claus George Willem Otto Frederik Geert von Amsberg, a German diplomat. The Lower House of the States General passed a bill introduced by the government consenting to the marriage on 10 November 1965. The bill was then passed by the Upper House on 8 December 1965. The Mayor of Amsterdam in the City Hall conducted the civil marriage ceremony on 10 March 1966, and the marriage took place during a service in the Westerkerk (Wester Church). During this occasion, Claus von Amsberg received the title of Prince of the Netherlands and the designation Jonkheer van Amsberg. Three sons were born – Prince Willem-Alexander in 1967, Prince Johan Friso in 1968 and Prince Constantijn in 1969. The eldest son, Willem Alexander, will succeed her under the name of Willem. Queen Juliana signed the act of abdication and Princess Beatrix became Queen of the Netherlands on 30 April 1980. This date became a National Day (Koninginnedag). Beatrix views her duties as Queen very seriously, and makes a proper study of the affairs of state. Her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands passed away at the AMC university hospital in Amsterdam on 6 October 2002. Hereditary titles of Queen Beatrix: Her Majesty Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard by the Grace of God Queen of the Netherlands Princess of Orange-Nassau Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld Marchioness of Veere and Flushing Countess of Katzenelnbogen, Vianden, Diez, Spiegelberg, Buren, Leerdam, and Culemborg Viscountess of Antwerp Baroness of Breda, Diest, Beilstein, the city Grave and the land of Cuyk, IJsselstein, Cranendonk, Eindhoven, Liesveld, Herstal, Warneton, Arlay and Nozeroy Hereditary and Suzerain Dame of Ameland Dame of Borculo, Breedevoort, Lichtenvoorde, Het Loo, Geertruidenberg, Clundert, Zevenbergen, Hooge en Lage Zwaluwe, Naaldwijk, Polanen, Sint-Maartensdijk, Soest and Baarn « Pelé Edson Arantes do Nascimento Cecil John Rhodes, first Chairperson of De Beers » Manosuthu Buthelezi Latimer Courtenay Baron de Coubertin Natalie du Toit Edward Fenech Indra Gandhi Edmund Hillary Joseph Jacquard Simon Kimbangu Paul Kruger Lekganyane Livingstone Martin Luther Albert Lethuli Mmusi Maimane Gill Marcus Queen Modjadji Kgalema Motlanthe Mrs. Ples Hosni Mubarak Robert Mugabe Beyers Naude Veldemar Poulsen Sol Plaatje Prince Rainier III Ernst Siemens General Jan Smuts Elmer Sperry Sir Arnold Theiler Archbishop Tutu Pierre van Ryneveld Hendrik Verwoerd Manfred von Richthofen Charles Wheatstone Zheng-he © 2013 Prominent people

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2009 Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminar - Akio Toyoda President, Toyota Motor Corporation Center For Automotive Research (CAR) Conference “Reinventing the Automobile” Good morning! ...and thank you Dave... It is great to be back in America...and Michigan! I have a strong affection for the United States. I spent seven years here in school and at work ....so it feels like home to me. And what I miss most about this country is the tremendous energy I have always felt here…energy that drives creativity, powers initiative and produces an unsinkable can-do attitude. I admire that very much in Americans. I first came to America in 1980 to attend graduate school, and I stayed in America to work in consulting. After that, I went back to Japan and raised the idea of working at Toyota with my father. Let me tell you, he was less than enthusiastic... He told me that nobody wanted to be my boss. I would have to officially apply for the job...take a test...and start at the bottom. I think that is what you call “tough love” in the U.S. I passed the test and started as a junior manager. After various jobs in accounting, finance and production research, I came back to America to work at NUMMI, a joint Toyota-General Motors plant in Northern California. It was a great opportunity for us to test production in America and for General Motors to learn more about the Toyota Production System. I learned a lot about the factory operations...a lot about America...and how the car business worked in the most successful market on earth. That experience was priceless. I am forever grateful to the fine people in the U.S. for showing me the ropes and sharing their expertise. As to the status of NUMMI today, GM’s decision to withdraw from the joint venture has created some extremely difficult issues for us to resolve. We are still studying the situation and hope to make a decision soon. After two great years in America, I moved back to Japan and worked in nearly all areas of our business. As I moved along and moved up, I was lucky to be able to receive advice from many experienced people at Toyota. There is no doubt that my name helped my career. But I also worked very hard to overcome perceptions as well as the difficulties I faced. So...like many of you...I have had my ups and downs in this business. And, like you, I believe those difficult experiences have prepared us to tackle some of the most profound changes ever seen in the auto industry. And that’s what I want to talk about today...where Toyota is headed...my belief in the U.S. market...and the challenges we must overcome as an industry. Let’s begin with the new direction I am setting for Toyota. It starts with the vision created by my grandfather, Kiichiro Toyoda, who founded the company in 1937. He wanted Toyota “to contribute to society through manufacturing cars.” That vision is important because it calls upon Toyota people to aspire to a higher cause than just building cars and making money. Kiichiro wanted Toyota to create great cars in such a way that it contributes to the betterment of society and future generations. We have tried to stay true to that vision, but the severe drop in the economy and auto market has created some of the most challenging times Toyota has ever faced. So my first objective as new president is to put Toyota back on the right track so we can fully contribute to every region around the world, including the U.S. To do that, I aim to take us back to what made Toyota successful for many years... making high-quality products at an affordable price. Quality is Toyota’s lifeline. Quality must be built in by each employee at each stage of our operations…from developing and designing our cars to delivering them to customers. In doing so, we must follow two important principles. One is genchi genbutsu...which means “to go and see” the front lines of our business...gather the facts...and make better decisions. The second is Customer First...which puts the customer at the center of everything we do. I believe that if we work hard with our suppliers and dealers to do these things well, we will create cars that satisfy our customers and success will follow. Beyond that, I want to see Toyota build cars that are fun and exciting to drive. I am what you would call in America...a car nut. I am passionate about driving and I race as well. I race for three reasons. First, because racing helps us develop cars. Second...because the feel of a great car on an open road is one of the best in the world and I want to share that feeling with our customers. And third, because racing under extreme conditions helps develop Toyota people. You see...in a race...you have limited time and resources to work through countless challenges and problems that come at you. So you have to develop concentration and skills to overcome them. That’s why I like to say that “racing helps develop people as well as cars.” So, I have worked hard over the years to qualify to race professionally. I recently took a turn behind the wheel of the Lexus LF-A supercar during a 24-hour endurance competition in Germany on one of the world’s toughest tracks. It was a great test for me and a good way to improve an exceptional car that we will soon bring to market. Now it may be hard to tell that it is me in the helmet, but here is a brief video from the race. [Roll 30-second Nurburgring footage] I am happy to report that the No. 14 car I was helping drive came in fourth in its class. My hope is that I can transfer some enthusiasm from the race track to our vehicles and make driving fun for our customers around the world. And to that point, I am happy to announce this morning that Toyota plans to build an exciting...fun-to-drive...affordable sports car and launch it within the next few years. I am very excited about it...and I plan to fast-track it. Along with my hope for getting Toyota back on track, I believe the U.S. market will not only recover, but come back stronger than ever. You know, America is vitally important to Toyota because we have been able to learn, grow and prosper along with this country. When we first started out in business, our leaders visited Detroit automakers and discovered a lot of great techniques on how to manufacture automobiles. In fact, much of what we learned in those early days became the seeds of our Toyota Production System. Two years ago, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in America and we are nearing our 25th anniversary of manufacturing here. In fact, just six days ago, we built our 20 millionth vehicle here in North America. These are great milestones and we are extremely proud of our contributions and citizenship here. Today, Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 Americans...and according to our host, the Center for Automotive Research, when you add dealer, supplier and “spin off” jobs...we contribute to over 380-thousand American jobs. That’s equal to a city the size of Miami. I’m also proud that Toyota has made significant contributions to American business and culture by: § providing high fuel economy engines and hybrid technologies that reduce greenhouse gases... § sharing lean manufacturing processes through our Toyota Supplier Support Center § and funding community education and enrichment programs. The point is...we care about America...we invest in America...and we believe in America. That’s why we operate 14 manufacturing plants in North America, a design studio and an R &D center in Michigan we recently expanded to accommodate 1,000 engineers. It all goes back to our company vision to contribute to society through manufacturing cars. We are most grateful to have been a part of this country for more than half a century and proud to have made contributions to its success. And we are confident that the U.S. auto market will recover. In fact, with 250 million vehicles on the road and the best population growth in the developed world, the United States will serve as a major engine of growth for automakers for many years to come. Market Outlook, a research firm, says that, during the next seven years, the U.S. population will grow by nearly 21 million people and the driving population will expand by another 17 million. All I can say to all that is...”God Bless America!” With these positive trends and our efforts to work more closely with our suppliers and dealers, I’m confident our industry will overcome the current crisis and move forward to a brighter future. Believing as we do that the market will come back, it’s important that we begin to focus on some big challenges we face as an industry. In fact, this current shift in the market goes far beyond the economic slowdown. I see an auto industry set to make its biggest transformation in 100 years. And there are interesting parallels between today and the early days of our industry. Back then, there was a variety of cars with different energy sources, including gasoline, steam and electricity. Mr. Henry Ford’s affordable Model T, together with large volumes of cheap oil, emerged as the winner and replaced the horse as transportation. The industrial revolution further improved workers means so they could buy cars. And their enthusiasm drove the auto industry’s amazing growth for more than a century. Now, conditions that supported the prosperity of the auto industry have started to crumble. We are fast approaching “peak oil” when the demand for oil exceeds supply. And today, oil continues to be sourced in places that are geographically remote and environmentally sensitive. In addition, our customers are more and more concerned about environmental issues like global warming, air pollution and recycling. So...today...we are at a new once-in-a-century crossroads. Our primary aim is to find ways to use oil better and develop vehicles that are less dependent on it. And, we must do it in a way that is affordable to today’s customers. In other words, we are back where we began 100 years ago...at a point where we must reinvent the automobile. It will take all of us...automakers…suppliers...government...universities... energy companies...and other businesses...working together to accomplish it. And we can do it. I have started the ball rolling at Toyota by asking our associates around the world to develop answers for the next 100 years. We intend to pursue those answers with a passion…and efforts are already under way. Twelve years ago, we developed the first 21st century car...the hybrid Prius. So far, we have sold 2 million hybrid vehicles around the world ...and more are coming. Late this year, we will launch a plug-in hybrid for fleet customers...followed by a pure electric vehicle in 2012. We’re also making great progress on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hope to make this technology available and affordable for customers within the next half dozen years. As to alternative fuels, we have extensive research projects under way...in house...and with outside partners...and will not rest until we find a suitable substitute for oil. We are proceeding on all these fronts because there is no ONE solution for future needs, but the need for many. Because energy solutions that work for Traverse City may not be the best for Shanghai, or Sydney, or Sao Paulo. And it is here that industry suppliers and other partners are absolutely vital to our success. Even the largest automakers cannot find these solutions alone. We must depend on help from our suppliers, dealers, business partners and alliances to provide fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Today, Toyota relies on a network of 500 suppliers in North America and thousands of other logistics, service and equipment providers. And we are supported by more than 15-hundred Toyota, Scion and Lexus dealers in the U.S. Many of our suppliers and dealers are here today, and I want to thank you for your support and dedication. So, what do we need to turn this industry around? Fresh thinking...new approaches...taking another look at customer’s needs...and delivering just what the customer wants and society needs. All of us in this room might think we are driving change in our companies and in our industry. But we are not. It is the customer who is driving change. And if we want to make something happen, we’d better listen and learn the customer’s habits. If we watch and listen carefully, someplace in the process we will discover a need so big that it calls for a true breakthrough idea. Something bigger than just worrying about how many cup-holders our competitor has in their new model. Once, the computer world was ruled by hardware companies. Then came the age of software. Now, the dominant force is web service companies that respond to the latest customer trends. As an industry, we must change and evolve so we stay relevant to our customers. We cannot permit the future to slip away from us. Now is the time for us to the moment...to be leaders...and to work together for the good of our customers and for the good of society. By listening to our customers and working together... WE CAN better meet customer needs... WE CAN reinvent the automobile.... And WE WILL create a dynamic auto industry for the next century.

汽车

2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/18658

Ford Transit Connect EV Battery Maker Azure Dynamics Files for Bankruptcy Tiffany Kaiser - March 28, 2012 11:19 AM The bankruptcy filing caused a halt in Ford Transit Connect production While the electric vehicle (EV) industry seems to be moving forward in many ways, it has also experienced some setbacks over the last year. Unfortunately, many of these setbacks involve EV batteries, and now, Ford is in the same boat. Azure Dynamics, a British Columbia-based EV firm, has filed for bankruptcy in the United States. Azure Dynamics is responsible for installing the battery electric powertrain in Ford's Transit Connect. Azure Dynamics filed for bankruptcy on Monday, and was forced to lay off 120 employees worldwide. Layoffs occurred in Boston, Michigan, Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition to layoffs, Azure Dynamics said it will no longer proceed with a planned stock offering because the company just doesn't have the liquidity to move forward with an appeal of a ruling that opposed its planned stock offering. "We wish to convey to the company's stakeholders our terrible sadness at this outcome," said Azure Dynamics in a statement. Azure Dynamics received a four-year contract from the Government Services Administration for about $112 million. The contract gave the U.S. military and government agencies the ability to order the Transit Connect EV, and Azure said it had about 2,200 orders. In addition, Azure was attracted to Michigan because of the state tax credit, which is over $1.7 million over a seven-year period, and an 11-year local tax abatement approved by the city of Oak Park valued at $55,400. On Ford's side of the situation, the bankruptcy means having to stop production of the Transit Connect EV, and it's currently unclear if this situation will be temporary or permanent. So far, Ford has produced 500 EV Ford Transit Connect vehicles since 2010, when it began its partnership with Azure. Despite Azure's recent news of bankruptcy, Ford is standing behind the company. "Our priority is to ensure that Azure's Transit Connect Electric customers continue to have support throughout their ownership experience," said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman. Azure definitely isn't the only EV battery company (or alternative energy company) to file for bankruptcy within the past year. In January, EV battery maker Ener1 filed for bankruptcy after its subsidiary, EnerDel, received a $118 million Department of Energy grant in August 2009. Other EV battery issues that have occurred recently include General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, which experienced a series of battery fires last year, and problems with Fisker Automotive's Karma plug-in hybrid batteries, which will be replaced entirely by A123 Systems Inc. for $55 million. Other failed alternative energy companies that have filed for bankruptcy include solar panel company Solyndra, which received a $535 million loan guarantee from the government despite warnings of Solyndra's viability, and Beacon Power, which received nearly $43 million from the government in August 2010 and filed for bankruptcy in November 2011. Source: The Detroit News "If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." -- Scientology founder L. Ron. Hubbard Battery Maker EnerDel/Ener1 Received $118M DOE Grant, Now Filing for Bankruptcy DOE Deals Another Bad Energy Loan as Beacon Power Files for Bankruptcy $500 Million Wasted on Bankrupt Solar Panel Company; White House was Warned Ford Transit Connect Commercial Electric Vans Ships Ford Reveals All-electric 2011 Transit Connect with 80-Mile Range

汽车

2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/19069

NHTSA Considering Mandating EDRs In Automobiles New cars and light trucks may soon be required to come equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) similar to the "black boxes" that log information for review in case of an accident, according to Associated Press (AP) reports. According to the AP, a review of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) black box proposal was completed Friday by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the official proposal is expected within the next few days. Most new automobiles from Ford, General Motors (GM), Toyota and other manufacturers already come equipped with the devices, explains Slashgear's Brittany Hillen. Should the new regulations be enacted, EDRs will be mandated in all new cars and light trucks starting on September 1, 2014, she added. However, some groups are concerned the devices will invade driver privacy. "Event data recorders help our engineers understand how cars perform in the real world, but looking forward, we need to make sure we preserve privacy," Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman with the industry group The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in a statement Friday, according to the AP. "Automakers do not access EDR data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install EDRs on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy," she added. The devices have been used in vehicles for nearly two decades, though the AP reports black boxes designed by different manufacturers collect different sets of data. The NHTSA issued a rule in August 2006 to standardize the information collected by EDRs -- a regulation that went into effect for the 2013 model year beginning on September 1. The mandatory EDR proposal was first discussed by the organization back in February of 2011. "Besides the upcoming proposal to put recorders in all new vehicles, the traffic safety administration is also considering expanding the data requirement to include as many as 30 additional types of data such as whether the vehicle's electronic stability control was engaged, the driver's seat position or whether the front-seat passenger was belted in," AP reporter Joan Lowy noted in a December 8 report. While Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the black box requirement would "give us the critical insight and information we need to save more lives," Representative Bill Shuster, who is expected to become chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next month, shared Bergquist's privacy concerns. "Many of us would see it as a slippery slope toward big government and Big Brother knowing what we're doing and where we are," he told Lowy. "Privacy is a big concern for many across America."

汽车

2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/19135

Scottish drivers committing motoring offences when under the influence of emotions 4.5 million UK drivers have committed a driving offence as a result of their emotions. Scottish drivers admit to committing motoring offences when under the influence (of emotions) – 60% of those that do admit to speeding when angry, according to new research from motoring experts Confused.com The survey of UK drivers revealed that 4.5 million motorists admit to committing motoring offences, such as running red lights or speeding, as a result of feeling emotional. And it turns out 12% of drivers in Scotland alone do this. The survey also shows that 3.2 million drivers in the UK have had an accident or near miss as a result of feeling emotional, including 11% in Scotland. This is despite over half of UK motorists (51%) believing that their emotional state behind the wheel does not impact their ability to drive. Following the findings, which show drivers do not take their emotional state while driving seriously, Confused.com has partnered with TV behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings to explore the ways in which driving under the influence of emotions impacts our mind, body and actions, and therefore our ability to drive safely. Together we have explored the effects of the following emotions and these can be explored using our interactive tool here. The research found that anger behind the wheel causes more accidents or near misses than any other emotion, with 992,0004 UK drivers admitting they have crashed or had a near miss while feeling angry. 83% of Scottish motorists felt anger would affect someone’s driving capabilities the most followed by exhaustion (68%).Looking at the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland was found to be home to the drivers that let anger affect their concentration the most, with 47% admitting this. Northern Ireland also has the highest number of drivers that admit to arguing with their partner while behind the wheel (39%). The South West region was found to be one of the areas where drivers that commit the least amount of emotion-related road offences, despite being the region with the second highest amount of drivers that let anger in their car affect their concentration on the roads. However, it is those within East Anglia that are the safest, with the least amount of people committing road offences due to their emotions in the UK (9%).Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says: “What’s worrying about our findings is that over half of the nation don’t believe their emotions impact their ability to drive. And yet our research overwhelmingly tells us that they do. “With a third of all emotion-based accidents or near misses – over one million each year - being triggered by anger for one reason or another, it’s critical that we keep our emotions in check while we’re on the road.“Refusing to get embroiled in an argument while driving – or letting your feelings affect you – is key to road safety. Drivers that do find themselves involved in road accidents caused by their emotions will need to notify their insurer, which could result in increased insurance premiums. To save money on your essential car costs, from insurance to MOTs, visit the motor experts at Confused.com.”For further information, please visit: http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/driving-emotions

汽车

2017-17/0059/en_head.json.gz/19990

In Robots We Trust Ways to make money online by listening to the music. Learn how to get paid to listen to your favorite tracks online. Incredibly Fast Cars that use Alternative Fuel and Produce Zero Emissions After the success of Tesla cars we can truly say that gasoline cars will slowly lose the title of the most widespread means of transport. Here are some good vehicles that use alternative fuels (electricity, hydrogen fuel cells) and can become popular in the near future. 7 Alternative Fuel Cars of the Future and Best Upcoming Tesla Rivals Pininfarina H2 Speed Mahindra, Indian multinational automobile manufacturing corporation, may use the technologies of the newly acquired company called Pininfarina in order to create a worthy competitor for the rapidly expanding sports EV segment. Recently the designers and engineers at Pininfarina reveled H2 Speed – a sports car that uses hydrogen fuel to power two massive electric motors. Such technology was developed and tested by Green GT, a Swiss company that has spend years on researching the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in performance cars. As a result, Pininfarina H2 Speed’s setup is capable of producing about 500 horsepower and pushing the car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 186 miles per hour. Learn more: H2 SPEED < Pininfarina: www.pininfarina.com/it/h2_speed Quant FE The futuristic look of Quant FE sports car is being completed by not-less-futuristic technology that powers its electric motors. NanoFlowcell technology generates electricity from the ionic fluid – half positively and half negatively charged; the electricity is then transferred to the four electric motors that power each wheel with the peak output of 1090 horsepower and 2130 pound feet of torque. With the specially adapted automatic transmission, Quant FE can go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and drive at speeds close to 190 miles per hour. Quant FE will also be able to overtake electric cars that use standard lithium-ion batteries with its range – with a full tank of ionic fluid this vehicle can go about 400 miles. Learn more: QUANT FE - nanoFlowcell AG: www.nanoflowcell.com/solutions/quant-fe/ Quantino The NanoFlowcell technology usage will also be expanded to other automotive products, for example in Quantino. Quantino is a compact hatchback car that is equipped with four electric motors that produce 108 horsepower and 147 pound feet of torque in total. Such power output is capable of pushing the car to the speed of 62 miles per hour in just 5 seconds and allows the car to reach the speeds of up to 125 miles per hour. With two build-in 42-gallon tanks, the car will have enough ionic fluid to cover up to 620 miles, without stopping at the refueling station. The experts from nanoFlowcell calculated that once the industrial production of ionic fluid is complete, fuel for every mile travelled will cost about 5 cents. Learn more: QUANTiNO - nanoFlowcell AG: www.nanoflowcell.com/solutions/quantino/ NextEV, a Chinese car manufacturer, presented Nio EP9 - their first version of the megawatt electric hypercar. This electric vehicle was designed and engineered in collaboration with Formula-E specialists, who helped Nio EP9 to become a car that belongs to a very short list of road-legal vehicles with over 1300 horsepower. The carbon-fiber monocoque positively reflected on the overall weight of the car. And 3825-pound EP9 is brought into motion with the help of four electric motors, one for each wheel. As a result, this hypercar is capable of hitting the speed of 62 miles per hour in just 2.7 seconds and continuing up to the top speed of 195 miles per hour. The installed an interchangeable battery system can guarantee up 265 miles of continuous driving and comes with a quick-charge option technology that needs only 45 minutes to be restored to the 100% charge. Learn more: NIO - EP9: www.nio.io/ep9 Fisker EMotion The news about the upcoming EMotion was released by Henrik Fisker, a reputable automotive designer, who is already known for his partnerships with Aston Martin and BMW. Several years ago he was managing the Fisker Karma project, a production of an electric sports car that unfortunately didn’t receive the desired attention of the automotive community. The newest creation by Henrik Fisker is indented to compete with Tesla Model S in the luxury EV segment. Fisker EMotion is expected to have the total driving range of 400 miles, owing to the use of the graphene battery technology. Right now we can say that this will be the only breakthrough technology in this car, but EMotion will come with some luxury features that were already presented by other manufacturers, mainly an interactive control and entertainment system, stylish "butterfly doors" and an advanced autopilot, similar to that of Tesla Model S. Fisker EMotion looks incredible in theory but now we can just live in hope that this EV will actually roll of the production line and will reform better than the Karma. Learn more: Fisker EMotion - Henrik Fisker: www.henrikfisker.org/products/production-cars/fisker-emotion/ LeEco LeSee Pro Recently we have heard a lot of news about so called "Tesla rivals" from China but LeSee LeEco Pro seems to be the most promising of them all. The exterior of this 4-door coupe is complemented by a stylish panoramic roof and a smooth body line. When looking at the interior you won’t be able to miss the fact that the manufacturer made a huge bet on interactive technologies and advanced electronics. LeSee LeEco Pro comes with a fully autonomous control system, after the activation of which the steering wheel automatically hides inside the dashboard. LeSee Pro is designed mainly for Chinese consumers, who can’t afford Model S, which is even more expensive in China than in the US. At this time this Chinese Tesla rival is doing though final road tests and is expected to be produced in newest company factory in China soon. Learn more: LeSEE – LeEco: www.lesee.leeco.com/ Renault has entered the competition for making the best electric sport car by released the Trezor. It’s a concept EV, which is equipped with an electric motor technology that has been tested by the Renault racing team in Formula-E. This very electric motor makes 350 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque and is powerful enough to push this sports car 0 to 62 miles per hour in less than four seconds. The electric motor is powered by two batteries that are using their own cooling systems to guarantee maximum performance. Body components that were made of carbon fiber prototype positively influenced the overall weight of the car, while the Formula-E-type regenerative braking system helps to fill up the batteries "on the go" and increase the overall range. The last thing everyone should know about the car is that it doesn’t have any doors and in order to get inside, the drivers has to lift the upper part of the vehicle. Learn more: TREZOR Concept: www.renault.co.uk/vehicles/concept-cars/trezor-concept.html 10 Great Electric Cars Similar to Tesla Model 3 that You Should Buy Under the influence of global eco-trends the idea of producing electric cars has become popular seemingly fast. And car manufacturers try to make a profit on this trend by producing their vision of the electric vehicles. But, while for some people such cars seem to be a good solution, there are many consumers, who understand that most electric cars on the market today suffer from three major setbacks: - driving range; - battery charging time; - and the price. But the official presentation of Tesla Model 3 in March 2016, became a breath of fresh air to the automotive community. The newest Tesla car seems to have everything that every electric car owner wants to have – a higher-than-average driving range, quick acceleration and, most importantly, a comparatively affordable price. Cheaper than Tesla Model 3? Top 10 Alternative Electric Cars with Good Battery Range Model 3 ($35,000) Model 3 seems to combine all features of the ideal mass-produced electric car – it has a range of up 215 miles on a charge, decent performance characteristics and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in about 6 seconds and the affordable price of only $35,000, while providing the Tesla build quality. As a result, Model 3 is designed to seat 5 adults comfortably and attain the highest safety ratings in every category. The vehicle production is scheduled to begin in 2017, while the deliveries are expected to start as early as mid 2018. Up to date there are over 400,000 Model 3 reservations and it seems that Model 3 is the best upcoming electric vehicle. But are there any cars capable of competing with such a tempting offer, let’s take a look! Mercedes B250e ($39,900 MSRP) Mercedes B250e, a 3800-pound electric vehicle, is brought to motion by an advanced 177 horsepower electric motor with the torque rated at 251 pound-feet. This electric motor is powerful enough to push Mercedes-Benz B-class Electric Drive to the speed of 62 miles per hour in just 7.9 seconds and drive at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Mercedes-Benz B250e has a decent driving range – it can go up to 87 miles on a charge, courtesy of 28 kW/h lithium-ion batteries. When a 240-volt charger is used, the battery can be fully charged in just 4 hours. Apart from having good technical characteristics, this EV has many premium features that we usually expect from a Mercedes-Benz, including a radar-based regenerative braking, a stylish design and pleasant interior materials. All-right, many of these cars do look weak compared to the Model 3 with its performance characteristics, but this EV is still several years away from being mass produced, so to be fair we decided to add some great upcoming all-electric cars, which may become great alternatives to Model 3 in the future. After getting a massive reputation hit by the emissions scandal, Volkswagen seems to be working on the recovery plan that is supposed to help them regain international approval but this time in the electric vehicle segment. They plan to use the newest MEB platform to produce one million electric cars a year, once they get the technology right. This very platform can be adapted to producing all-wheel-drive vehicles of much higher performance and much bigger sizes. The first vehicle to use this platform will be the VW I.D. Scheduled to hit the market less than 2 years after Model 3, the I.D. shows very similar technical specifications. By using a 125 kW (167 horsepower) motor this electric car is expected to travel up to 370 miles on a charge, and, as the manufacturer claims, "provide the level of comfort as in Passat, but be sold at the price of a Golf." In terms of design, the futuristic traits can be spotted both outside and inside. In the high tech interior the most crucial data is either shown on the 10-inch display or projected onto the windshield. The car will also be equipped with an advanced autopilot, which can be activated by pressing the Volkswagen logo. Bolt EV ($37,495) As of today, Chevy Bolt EV is one of the best compact electric cars that can travel over 238 miles on one charge. A nickel-rich lithium-ion 60 kWh battery is the main reason why this vehicle has a bigger driving range, compared to other EVs in this market segment. By using a DC Fast Charging option this very battery can get up to 90 miles of range after just 30 minutes of charging. But if you are using the standard 240 volt charging option, the full battery charge will take almost 9 hours. A lightweight construction and a 200 horsepower motor, capable of making 265 pound-feet of torque, helps Bolt EV to show zippy acceleration and reach the speed of 62 miles per hour in just 7 seconds. BMW i3 (MSRP: $43,396) In 2016 BMW started producing their i3 car with a 94 A/h (Ampere-hour), 33 kWh lithium-ion battery. With a denser battery pack, the car’s 170 hp engine that produces 250 Nm of torque can keep the vehicle running for up to 114 miles. Apart from getting a better range, in this i3 you can enjoy the agile driving experience and the 0-62 acceleration of just 7.3 seconds. The latest model also comes with a more efficient charging technology. As a result, with an i-Wallbox setup, the i3’s battery can be charged to 80% of its capacity in less than three hours. Now BMW also comes with a range extender option: an additional 2-cylinder 38 hp internal combustion engine is mounted over the rear axle and without compromising the cargo space, so this engine can produce enough power to charge the batteries and boost overall driving range to 180 miles. e-Golf ($28,995) VW e-Golf is an all-electric version of the internationally popular German hatchback. e-Golf comes with a 115-horsepower electric motor that makes about 200 pound-feet of instant torque. This is enough to show the acceleration of about 10 seconds from 0 to 62 miles per hour. The 24.2 kWh (kilowatt-hour) batteries are positioned underneath the car, which helped the engineers to make the car’s interior even more spacious and practical. The installed battery-pack can guarantee up to 83 miles of pure electric driving. The battery can be juiced up by activating one of the three regenerative braking modes or via a universal charging port, which works with both household outlets and CCS charging stations. But, while charging the vehicle at home can time hours, the CCS technology can boost the charge to 80%-level in about 30 minutes. KIA Soul EV ($31,950 MSRP) Under the hood the electrified version of Kia Soul hides a compact electric motor, capable of making 109 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. (pound-feet) of torque. With such lightweight setup KIA Soul EV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in about 11 seconds. The latest generation Soul EV is equipped with an ultra-dense battery that is placed under the vehicle in order to provide more interior space for passengers. With a fully charged 27 kWh (kilowatt-hour) battery and active well-engineered regenerative braking system that helps to recharge the battery, you can enjoy the all-electric drive for up to 93 miles. And finally, when the battery charge runs low, the DC Fast Charge technology enables this EV to get a boost to an 80% charge from an empty battery in about 30 minutes. Toyota Mirai ($57,500 MSRP) Although Toyota Mirai is not technically an electric car, as it uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology to power its electric motor, we couldn’t resist adding to the list a car, which had won the 2016 World Green Car Award. Equipped with a 152 horsepower electric motor that makes 247 pound-feet of torque, Toyota Mirai can drive up to 312 miles on a tank, while showing good performance characteristics for a daily commuter. The vehicle finishes the 0 to 62 sprint in 9.6 seconds and can be well handled at speeds up to 108 miles per hour. Toyota Mirai is a pricy alternative but with such range, a refueling process, which takes just five minutes, and free fuel provided by Toyota in the first three years of ownership, Mirai may have future after all. If you are running on a smaller budget but still would like to get a compact electric car for city driving you can learn more about: Chevrolet Volt ($33,220), which is a hybrid-electric car that gets 53 miles of pure electric driving but also can use 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a generator for extended trips. In total, Volt can travel up to 420 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas. Or get the latest generation Nissan Leaf ($29,010). It has an upgraded 30 Kwh (Kilowatt hour) battery, an efficient 80 kW (Kilowatt) AC synchronous electric motor that can get up to 107 miles of pure electric driving range. Or get a pre-owned Tesla Model S, before the newest Model 3 rolls off the production line. Today the cheapest Tesla Model S60 modification costs about 66 thousand dollars. It has a driving range of 218 miles and can accelerate from standstill to 62 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds. So Tesla Model S is still the best electric luxury sedan that you can buy, even if you get a pre-owned one for a lower price. How to Make Money Online by Listening to the Music? I have always wanted to listen to my favorite tracks whenever I am, even at work but not very long ago I have found out that it is possible to turn music listening into a fun earning activity. As I have found out there are hundreds of artists, who want to know real opinions about their music – they are even willing to pay money for your evaluating their music work. The website is called SlicethePie.com and here you can listen to the latest music tracks and even receive money for leaving your honest reviews and comments. If I got it right, members could invest their earnings in the promotion of their favorite band and receive royalties later on. This image and other interesting ways to make money listening to music were found on this awesome blog. Now lets get back to review. Additionally, you, being member of this website, will have an opportunity to invite your friends and receive extra points for their daily activity. As for now, SlicethePie accepts members only from the USA, so if you reside in this country, you can easily earn some money online by listening to the music. Earning money by rating music and leaving feedback to the latest music tracks sounds more than exciting and as for me this site is really worth giving a try. I will be trying to make the most of it and will surely write another follow-up post on how to make money on the Internet by listening to the music. Posted by earn money online, get paid to listen, get paid to rate music, listen music for money, listen to the music for money Internet technology helps us to get access to awesome music 24/7. I am a huge music fan and I will share my thoughts and ideas here. This blog will be as creative as the title it. Incredibly Fast Cars that use Alternative Fuel and... get paid to listen get paid to rate music listen music for money Copyright (c) 2011 In Robots We Trust. Design by WP Themes ExpertOptimized for Acuerdo Blogger. Themes By Buy My Themes And JustHost Review.

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2009 Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminar - Josephine S. Cooper Josephine S. “Jo” Cooper Group Vice President, Toyota Motor North America Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminar “Sustainability of the Auto Industry in an Era of Climate Change: Auto Sector Climate Policies in an Uncertain Economy” “Reinventing Industry-Government Relations” Good afternoon and thank you, Kim and John, for having me here today and for your kind introduction. I appreciate the opportunity to be here in Traverse City for this important discussion of sustainability and government policy. Throughout my professional life, I have worked to advance sound environmental public policies, as a young EPA analyst in North Carolina, on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as a political appointee at the U.S EPA’s office of external affairs, at trade associations for chemical, forest and paper industries, and today at Toyota. It is more important than ever before that Washington and the auto industry work together and be serious about resolving our differences, which can lead to more sensible and effective policies. On May 19, 2009, I believe we turned a corner on doing just that. Let me tell you how we got there. Last October, as America prepared to vote for a new President, a group of people representing several automakers, environmental groups and the California Air Resources Board met in Los Angeles. The objective was to put an end to the uncertainty, legal maneuvering, mistrust and complexity surrounding a myriad of state and federal fuel economy and greenhouse gas regulations. Everyone wanted to get to a place where vehicles contribute to solutions to climate and energy problems. Getting agreement on “how,” was the difficulty. The answer was – as it often is – simple: try some trust. Talk to each other. And just as important, listen to each other. Participants agreed to leave legal and political squabbles at the door, and focus on making sound public policy. This scenario gained momentum soon after President Obama took office. New Presidential appointees Carol Browner (White House Climate Change Advisor), Lisa Jackson (EPA Administrator) and Ray LaHood (Transportation) saw an opportunity to forge a consensus among federal and state agencies, environmental groups and automakers that would enable us to move forward and tackle the issues of fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. After four months of discussion,… and bringing in the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, as well as an array of environmental groups, together…those efforts bore fruit. On May 19th, President Obama announced in the White House Rose Garden his One National Program – comprised of individual company commitments to a single national program to control vehicle greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. This agreement was a landmark achievement. It streamlined compliance requirements, which was essential for automakers, and pulled forward already- ambitious fuel economy requirements from 2020 to 2016. This leaves an extremely difficult task ahead for us, but accomplishes a key goal for environmental groups. I tell you this story because it’s an example of how government and industry can – and should – work. But, without broadening the process, and enlisting the might of a variety of powerful organizations, little might have come out of the earlier discussions. This story illustrates one of the cornerstones of how Toyota approaches public policy – through partnerships. At Toyota, our top public policy priority is sustainable mobility. This means making vehicles that meet customer needs and expectations, while also being safe, sustainable, and better for the environment. We take a systemic approach to sustainable mobility, with four basic components: The first part involves our Vehicles and the vast array of emerging automotive technologies. We must reduce CO2 and smog-forming emissions through pursuit of diverse and alternative technologies. The second component is the Energy required to power these products. What sources and forms of energy will be sustainably available in the future? Which of these can be scaled up to accommodate hundreds-of-thousands, or possibly millions, of vehicles? Can we contribute to energy security? The third component is Partnerships like the one I described earlier. The issues we all face – auto manufacturers, cities, states and countries – are so great that solutions require partnerships across many different sectors. None of us acting alone can solve these. Finally, our approach considers tomorrow’s Urban Environment. For example, we know urbanization is increasing globally. This year, the United Nations reported that half the planet’s citizens now live in cities for the first time in history. We need to address this trend with new kinds of vehicles. At the same time, we must localize production and ensure our business decisions result in sustainable communities in which our products contribute to improving people’s lives. It’s no surprise to anyone here that hybrid technology remains at the core of Toyota’s sustainability strategy. We’ve said this a million times…..actually, nearly two million times, by putting that many Toyota hybrids on the road globally. The Toyota Prius remains the most elegant, flexible and scalable technology in the mass market today. Our new 2010 Prius is better than the model it replaces in every respect: It is roomier, More fuel efficient More aerodynamic And, more powerful The beauty of hybrid technology is that it can be used with every other promising innovation to increase fuel-efficiency, whether for high-tech gasoline engines, clean diesels, bio-diesel, ethanol, plug-in hybrid technology, or hydrogen fuel cells. Today, to punctuate this point, I am pleased to report the results of a recent U.S. government fuel cell hybrid vehicle range and fuel economy field evaluation. The Toyota Highlander Fuel-Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced recently achieved a range of 431 miles on a single fill of compressed hydrogen gas. This represented an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles per kilogram, equivalent to 68 miles per gallon, during a day-long, 331.5 mile trip down the southern California coast. Take a look at what happened . . . . [FCHV video here] (Total Running Time = 3:30) You can view download this video on YouTube starting today. This test demonstrates how rapidly Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology has advanced over the last few years. The FCHV-Advanced vehicle has the ability to achieve over twice the range of a current gasoline Highlander Hybrid, while producing zero emissions. Based on this and other research, Toyota sees a clear path toward commercial introduction of a fuel cell vehicle by 2015. Our primary concern is, of course, the need for the infrastructure necessary to support vehicles on the road. And, the cost of the product will have to be lowered significantly. But we believe hydrogen-fueled fuel cells have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the automobile. In our more immediate future, Toyota is planning to launch a short-range, urban commuter battery-electric vehicle in the U.S. in 2012. It will be designed to meet the needs of the urban commuter, and be capable of overnight charging on 110 volt household power. While our researchers focus on new innovations, there is work to prepare the consumer marketplace for tomorrow’s vehicles. We know that regulatory mandates and the desire to get advanced technologies on the road cannot get too far ahead of the market. In the 1990s we launched a retail version of our RAV4 EV to comply with a demonstration program required under California’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. We were the most successful automaker to develop the most capable EV at that time. But, our experience confirmed that three conditions must be satisfied before a new technology will be accepted by consumers: All technical problems MUST be resolved The consumer and the market MUST be prepared Regulatory policy MUST ALIGN with both these conditions. Retail customers were not prepared for the realities of cost and range limitations of the EV. Regulatory policy was ahead of the market. Partly based on our experience with that initiative, California revised the mandate. Since our RAV4 EV project, demographics and consumer tastes have changed and technology has advanced. Americans are now more aware of the need to conserve energy and address climate change. We now see a potential new market – albeit small -- among younger buyers for that urban commuter vehicle. Hopefully, this time, government will let the market pull EV technology forward and support infrastructure development more effectively than it has in the past. This brings me to the technology du jour, plug-in hybrids. President Obama is challenging the auto industry to put one million plug-in hybrids on America’s roads by 2015. In today’s market, that is 10% of all vehicles. And, I remind you that it has taken 12 years to get to just about 2% of the market for conventional hybrids. Toyota hasn’t been waiting for government mandates or Presidential suggestions to move on hybrids. And we aren’t waiting on fuel cells or plug-ins, either. We have been doing our due diligence to reach this goal for some time, to ensure that the vehicle, the infrastructure, and consumers will be ready for this technology. Toyota will bring a fleet of 150 Plug-In Hybrid Priuses to the U.S. later this year as part of a global initiative to field-test this technology. The vehicle will be based on the new 2010 Prius, with a Lithium Ion Battery Pack; We will test consumer acceptance and battery durability in real-world operations; And we will evaluate the suitability of PHVs in various markets around the world, where consumer expectations may differ from the U.S. to Europe to Japan. Expectations for plug-in technologies are great. We have heard claims of more than 100 miles-per-gallon from third-party plug-in conversion proponents. But actual results in fleets are likely to be much lower. Plug-in conversion fleet customers like Google, U.S. DOE and Portland General Electric are averaging less than 55 miles per gallon in real-world driving conditions. And the durability of the battery technology has yet to be proven. So, after telling you some of the ways Toyota is pursuing the ultimate eco-car, you can see why hybrid remains our core technology. It can be applied to all the other technology options. And -- most importantly – the consumer has already demonstrated an acceptance of it. Remember, if the consumer doesn’t buy it – we fail. Now, how do we unite the array of technological possibilities with sound public policy? Where are we going from here? A national cap and trade initiative is on the menu again, to be considered in September when Congress returns from recess. Getting an agreement, not just one for autos but all of American industry, is an enormous challenge. With respect to vehicles, this is best addressed by performance standards, such as CAFE, the upcoming EPA GHG regulations, and the harmonized rules now being developed by NHTSA and EPA that will address CO2 emissions from vehicles. This is sufficient and – appropriately – vehicles are not a part of the legislation as currently proposed. Second, on fuels, putting transport fuels under the cap is fine, but it may have relatively minor impact. There are tough questions to consider: Is it sufficient to send a message to consumers to support advanced technologies? Are higher gas prices the only answer? Is the potential Open Fuel FFV mandate really a sound idea? Third, we cannot regulate individual vehicle owners. Government can support green technologies and green manufacturing. That support should be available to all U.S. producers of vehicles. It should provide greater consumer incentives, because creating demand spurs investment – not the other way around. The current success of the new Cash-for-Clunkers program is strong evidence that consumer incentives work. Finally, with respect to manufacturing, we prefer the cap to be upstream. However, if the cap is to be source-specific, then we believe 100,000 tons of CO2 per year is the preferable limit for an assembly plant. We support providing stationary sources with early action credits. And it is imperative that overlapping state and federal programs be avoided. Now that we’ve finally found One National solution on the mobile source side, we certainly want to avoid the same pitfall on the stationary source side. Above all, government should not pick winners and losers in the technology arena. We should not mandate flexible fuel vehicles or a discriminatory definition of a plug-in hybrid, as the government of Ontario, Canada did just recently. Let the market decide. We need all new ideas to fight global warming. Government must be consistent in its direction, even as new ideas lead to different technology solutions. Because, with any technology, only mass-marketization makes a real difference. As I said before, Toyota has not waited for government regulation to address the challenges of tomorrow’s sustainable transportation. We are the leader in fuel-efficient vehicles among full-line manufacturers in the U.S. We are the leader in hybrid technology, having launched our first hybrid a dozen years ago and put nearly 1.9 million in the market to date. We are bringing a plug-in, a pure EV, and other advanced technologies to market in the near future to complement our hybrid dominance. And, we’ve already cut emissions from our manufacturing plants by over 150,000 metric tons – or 23% -- since 2000, reduced energy use more than 24%, and achieved a 95% reduction in waste. Ten of our 14 plants have achieved true zero landfill. This is just the beginning. Our sustainable mobility strategy means you’ll be seeing more hybrids and more advanced technologies and fuels on America’s roads. We are listening to customers to understand market preferences and expectations. We are localizing decision-making, manufacturing and production to better serve communities where we do business. We will be ready for whatever is thrown at us. I conclude by returning to where we started: the importance of partnerships. It will take monumental cooperation among all key players – automakers, energy providers, suppliers, labor unions, dealers, government, educators, NGOs, individuals and communities – to solve our transportation challenges. Our customers and other stakeholders are challenging us to take what we learned from our work toward One National Program as we look to future policymaking. They want and expect us to come together for the greater good of society. We have the model. Now we must be the leaders that our generation – and generations to come – will thank for tackling our energy and environmental challenges.

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Alamo and National car rental brands enter Uruguay market Enterprise Holdings announced that it is franchising the use of its Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands to Olecram SA, a leading transportation company based in Montevideo, Uruguay. This agreement will bring the Alamo and National brands to three locations in Uruguay during the first year of the partnership: at the Montevideo airport as well as in the exclusive resort of Punta Del Este, both at the airport and in the city-center. The new franchise agreement enables both companies to better meet customers’ needs. It also marks Enterprise Holdings’ entry into the Uruguayan market and completes the company’s footprint in South America’s “Southern Cone” region, consisting not only of Uruguay, but also Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. In addition, last month, another franchisee, São Paulo-based Unidas, opened Alamo and National locations at five airports in Brazil. “This partnership brings the dependability, affordability and convenience of the Alamo and National brands to customers in Uruguay,” said Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising for Enterprise Holdings, which also owns and operates its flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in North America. “We share a strong focus on customer service, and we will work together to expand options for travelers throughout South America.” Dr. Martin Grande, Director of Olecram, stated, “Alamo and National will provide business and leisure travelers in Uruguay with the kind of service they have come to know and trust. Together, we’ll continue our commitment to excellence and quality.” Currently, through its regional subsidiaries, Enterprise Holdings owns and operates the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands, as well as its flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in North America. The company also operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in the UK, Germany and Ireland, and a franchise network that operates the National and Alamo brands in 23 countries throughout the Americas. Earlier this year, Enterprise Holdings acquired Citer SA in France and Atesa in Spain, and made a strategic investment in China-based eHi Auto Services.ADVERTISEMENT Work to start on new multi-million pound station in Wokingham EVEN™ Hotels announces first property signing National Car Rental to offer airport lounge access National Car Rental signs on as sponsor to PGA America Alamo Rent A Car welcomes Which? fuel policy campaign National Car Rental’s launches third annual “Go Like A Pro” National relocates at Toronto Airport Alamo Rent A Car enters Turks and Caicos National Car Rental releases new business traveller mobile app Alamo Rent A Car launches Games 2 Go

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NTSB: Distracted driving led to fatal Ariz. bus crash On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that last year’s fatal tour bus accident near Dolan Springs, Ariz., was a result of the driver being distracted by his manipulation of the driver’s side door as he was traveling about 70 mph on a divided highway. As the driver attended to the door, the vehicle drifted out of its lane. The driver then made an abrupt steering maneuver to correct the drift resulting in a loss of directional control of the medium-sized bus. On Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at 4:06 p.m. MST, a 2007 Chevrolet/Starcraft 29-passenger bus, operated by DW Tour and Charter and carrying 16 passengers and the driver, crashed on U.S. Highway 93 on a return trip from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. The bus came to rest on the southbound side of the four-lane divided highway after veering out of its northbound lane, crossing the median and rolling over. Seven passengers were killed, while nine passengers and the driver sustained minor to serious injuries. In its investigation the NTSB found that other factors, in addition to the driver’s failure to maintain control of his vehicle, contributed to the accident and its severity. Had the vehicle been equipped with a lane departure warning system, the driver would have been alerted upon the initial drift from the driving lane. A stability control system, already widely used in automobiles, could have reduced the likelihood of the driver losing control of the bus and rolling over. “Along with the efforts being made to address the issue of distracted driving, lane departure warning technology and stability control systems can help prevent accidents like the one in Dolan Springs from ever occurring,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. The NTSB determined that because the U.S. Department of Transportation has yet to establish consistent classifications for each bus body type in operation, it is unclear whether current bus safety initiatives affect medium-sized buses. The NTSB also found that if there were federal standards addressing occupant protection, roof strength and window-glazing, the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes in medium-sized bus and motorcoach rollovers would be reduced. From this investigation the NTSB made the following recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Require new commercial vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds to be outfitted with lane departure warning systems, stability control systems and safer overhead luggage racks. Develop standard regulatory classifications and definitions for all bus body types. Include all buses above 10,000 pounds, other than school buses, in rulemaking on occupant protection, roof strength and window glazing; and require all buses above 10,000 pounds to be equipped with data recording systems. A synopsis of the Board’s report, including the probable cause, conclusions, and recommendations, is available on the NTSB’s Website. The NTSB’s full report will be available on the Website in several weeks. Tags: Arizona bus crash NHTSA NTSB Fare Collection trends of the 21st century

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Honda Performance Development Will "Race to the Clouds" with HPD Desert Pilot, B-Spec Fit Entries at Pikes Peak Honda Performance Development (HPD) has raced - and won - at some of the most renowned racing circuits across the globe, from the Indianapolis 500 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now HPD adds one more historic venue to its competition resume: the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. HPD will field a pair of vastly divergent entries in the 89th running of the "Race to the Clouds": a rally version of the B-Spec Honda Fit introduced at last year's 25 Hours of Thunderhill; and an exotic, tube-frame, V-6-powered HPD "Desert Pilot". HPD B-Spec Rally Fit Designed for both stage rallying and Rallycross, in addition to Pikes Peak, the HPD B-Spec Rally Fit expands the concept of low-cost "B-Spec" competition from its road-racing origins. The Fit utilizes all of the same competition components introduced with the debut of B-Spec racing last November by Team Honda Research-West (THR-W) at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, including the roll cage, suspension, camber adjusters, brake lines, brake pads and exhaust system. The transition from pavement to dirt is completed by raising the car on its suspension, and installing large, 205/50R15 BFGoodrich R1 tires. The HPD B-Spec Rally Fit will be campaigned by the Ohio-based Team Honda Research (THR) Rally team, and driven by Honda R&D Ohio engineer James Robinson. Additional rallycross events will be run by THR in the B-Spec Rally Fit in 2011, following its Pikes Peak debut. HPD Desert Pilot Also making its competition debut at Pikes Peak, the HPD Desert Pilot is a significant departure from all previous Honda off-road race vehicles. The HPD Desert Pilot will be driven by Gavin Skilton and his California Race and Rally team. The new program will replace the successful CR-R stock Honda Ridgeline off-road racing program, a two-time class winner of the grueling Baja 1000. Based around a tubular space-frame chassis, the heart of the HPD Desert Pilot is its 3.7-liter Honda V-6 engine, a racing-modified development of the alloy V-6 found in a variety of Honda and Acura automobiles and trucks. The mid-engined powerplant is located just behind the central driver's seat, providing more than 400 horsepower to all four wheels. Replica Honda Pilot bodywork, featuring widened wheel arches to cover the 35-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires; King Shocks; four-wheel independent suspension and Baja Design lights complete the package. After Pikes Peak, Skilton and his California Rally and Race team will campaign the HPD Desert Pilot as a Class 6 (unlimited chassis, 6-cylinder engine) entry in a variety of off-road races, culminating with November's Baja 1000. First run in 1916, the June 26 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb starts 9,390 feet above sea level, at Mile 7 of Pikes Peak Highway, on the Rocky Mountain located outside of Colorado Springs, Colo. The 12.42-mile long course includes more than 150 turns, as it rises another 4,721 feet over both gravel and paved sections to the summit of the famous mountain. More than 150 competitors take part in the Hillclimb in multiple classes, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs. Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. In addition to its grassroots motorsports support programs, it offers race engine products from karting to pinnacle, HPD is the single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series and competes in prototype sports-car racing under the HPD banner in the American Le Mans and European Le Mans Series.

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Home » Car crashes Ferrari F430 Spider gets crashed by kid in Geneva By Cristian Gnaticov on July 25, 2014 in Car crashes, Ferrari, News The young driver of this Ferrari F430 Spider has managed to crash his ride after pushing the gas pedal too hard and losing control of the wheel. The newest supercar incident is coming all the way from Geneva, Switzerland, and it is affecting a Ferrari F430 Spider. The Italian supercar in question has been crashed by its 22-year old driver who lost control of the wheel on the wet road, entered a ditch and then bounced off a wall. Despite this looks pretty severe, the damages made to the supercar weren’t that significant but even so, the service bill will be quite high. The driver of the F430 Spider has walked away from the accident after being picked up in a Bentley and he will probably get punished to drive his Porsche 911 from now on. As a small reminder, the Ferrari F430 Spider has been introduced in Geneva a few years back. This is the convertible version of the regular F430, which has been in production between 2004 and 2009, being replaced by the 458 Italia. Power is coming from a 4.3 liter V8 engine, rated at 483 HP (360 kW) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque. Source: Wrecked Exotics

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Volkswagen goals, corporate structure highlighted in Autoblog Chloé Morrison Volkswagen leaders are working to position the company to become the largest automaker by 2018. (Photo: Staff) This week, Autoblog.com highlighted Volkswagen's corporate structure and leaders' aims to become the world's largest car manufacturer by 2018. In the article, writer John McElroy discussed the company's unique, sometimes seemingly inefficient, business operations. He wrote about how Volkswagen operates similarly to how General Motors did when it was the biggest, most profitable worldwide corporation. Despite overlap, duplication and a large number of brands, Volkswagen has seen more sales success lately than it has had since the '70s. In May 2011, Volkswagen opened its Chattanooga plant. At that time, leaders said the opening represented a major milestone for the company and a big step toward its 2018 goals. For Volkswagen leaders, the grand opening was about sending a message, CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga Frank Fischer said. “The message is that we are now producing vehicles in the U.S., and we are now back in the U.S., that this factory is completely dedicated to passion for detail and that we will have excellent cars out of Chattanooga," he said, according to archives. In March of this year, local VW leaders said they added more than 1,000 jobs in 2012, bringing the total number of employees to more than 3,000. That's more than VW leaders initially promised for Chattanooga. The increase in employees was needed to keep up with demand and production. In July of this year, leaders announced their soaring sales and said they had the best first half of a year since July 1973. And that trend has continued. This month, leaders said their momentum continued to build. Volkswagen of America leaders reported they sold 36,728 vehicles in November. That's a 29.3 percent increase over last year's sales and a 35 percent year-to-date increase. "Volkswagen continued its oft-sung refrain of best month since 1973," Michelle Krebs, senior analyst with Edmunds.com, said in a prepared statement this month. "With a 29 percent gain over last November, the beefy year-to-year comparisons will have to come down eventually, but for now, Volkswagen is on a roll." Volkswagen's main goal is to increase the company's market share. By 2018, they want to sell 1 million vehicles per year, officials have said, according to archives. Part of that plan involves the Chattanooga-made Volkswagen Passat—a car that was designed and priced to reach a larger portion of the American market. At about $20,000, the new car is about $7,000 less than the previous model. Autoblog.com reported that the company employs 549,300 people worldwide and that Fortune Magazine ranked VW as the eighth-largest employer in the world, in the top 10 with corporations such as Walmart. Although auto analysts have told Nooga.com in the past that the company's goals are not impossible, but certainly lofty, McElroy ends his article by wondering "how many of VW's competitors are even aware of what they are up against." Recent Posts New Volkswagen commercial advertises locally made SUV Volkswagen pleads guilty to emissions cheating New VW eLabs program to boost education, workforce development Yanfeng Automotive Interiors opens in Chattanooga to supply VW VW execs indicted; company agrees to criminal penalty in emissions scandal fallout

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Bugatti unveils three Middle East versions of the Veyron Grand Sport in Dubai Article by Christian A., on November 10, 2011 Bugatti unveiled today three unique models of the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, in order to honor the Middle East market because as you may know already, this is the place where the big customers are found. The first Grand Sport model is priced at 1.58 million euros and features a bright yello body and a underside in black carbon, including the blac-tinted wheels. The same theme is continued at the interior, where the company used yellow-colored leather with black stitching, while the middle console is in black carbon. The dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are encased in black leather with yellow stitching. The second model comes with a two-tone horizontal colour split consisting of visible blue carbon, framed in polished, anodised aluminium. The design is completed by the wheels in an aluminium polished and Diamond Cut two-tone finish. The interior features tangerine leather. Only the door panels, steering wheel, dashboard and console are covered in dark blue Indigo leather or exposed blue carbon fibre with tangerine stitching on the steering wheel and gearshift knob. This model is priced at 1.74 million euros. This model comes in the newly developed green carbon fibre tone with polished aluminium. The rims, side mirrors and the EB-logo at the rear are of polished aluminium in order to create an elegant appearance. The interior uses the same green and silver colors as the exterior. This model is priced at 1.74 million euros. French high-performance car maker Bugatti has unveiled at the eve of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance a new sports car that should complement the Bugatti Veyron. While the Veyron features a fixed roof, this new model -- the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport – features a distinct removable roof. Due to insistent demand from customers, engineers and designers at Bugatti worked hard to add a new dimension to the Veyron high-performance sports car – open-top driving. To this end, Bugatti made substantial modifications on the Veyron’s complex structure and infused an array of new safety and equipment elements. As a result, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport could be considered as the fastest and the most exciting roadster in the world. Certain elements like stylized daytime running lights, lightweight yet transparent polycarbonate roof, and slightly higher windscreen. During the creation of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, one of the main hurdles was how to carve the roadster from the structure of Bugatti Veyron coupe. Thanks to Bugatti’s engineering expertise, two-seater sports coupe is provided with a lightweight yet very rigid monocoque passenger cell, which serves as the central element of the vehicle's structure. However, the roof is considered as an integral part of the monocoque passenger cell, and its removal would mean having to completely redesign the load paths in order to maintain the structure’s rigidity and crash safety, including from rolling and side impacts. This meant reinforcing the monocoque structure around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel as well as cross-stiffening the B-pillars with a carbon fiber support. In addition, Bugatti positioned a central carbon plate beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure that the Veyron Grand Sport experiences less torsional flexing. Likewise the carbon fiber doors of the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport have been reinforced inside by an integrated longitudinal beam. This beam transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, allowing a better dissipation of impact energy. Also, two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine are provided with 10-cm wide carbon-fiber elements that allow for better protection during a car roll. Topics: bugatti, bugatti veyron, grand sport, dubai If you liked the article, share on:

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BMW's $50k ActiveHybrid 3 Gets Official Hybrid has a 2.5 mile all-electric range BMW has announced its ActiveHybrid 3 compact sedan that uses a turbocharged combustion engine combined with hybrid components. BMW promises a total system output of 340 HP from the TwinPower Turbo technology that works along with an eight-speed automatic hybrid transmission and intelligent energy management system. The car can operate on electric power alone at speeds of up to 46 mph and has a scant 2.5 mile all-electric driving range. The short electric driving range makes a bit more sense when we consider that this is a performance car capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds. The combustion engine is the same 306 HP in-line six-cylinder engine using dual turbochargers that most car enthusiasts are already familiar with in a plethora of BMW models. The electric motor generates another 55 HP on its own and gets power from a high-voltage, lithium-ion battery that is located under the luggage area of the vehicle. Both the combustion engine and the electric drivetrain send power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid construction of the transmission allows the vehicle operate on electricity alone when driving in the city or when coasting. The special transmission allows the vehicle to fully decouple the combustion engine while coasting at speeds of up to 100 mph using Eco Pro mode. The car also uses a hybrid start-stop function. The car can be optioned with 18-inch Streamline light-alloy wheels for more aerodynamic efficiency and BMW offers all 3-series packages on the vehicle including Sport, Modern, and Luxury lines (the ActiveHybrid 3 can also be fitted with BMWs M Sport package.). The ActiveHybrid 3 will have special badges on the outside and under the hood the set it apart from standard versions of the car. Overall fuel economy is rated at 47.9 mpg on the European Cycle – U.S. EPA figures have not yet been announced. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be priced from $50,195 when it launches in the U.S. this fall. BMW and Toyota recently announced a joint effort to develop hybrid cars. Sources: BMW, Inside Line "It's okay. The scenarios aren't that clear. But it's good looking. [Steve Jobs] does good design, and [the iPad] is absolutely a good example of that." -- Bill Gates on the Apple iPad BMW, Toyota Come Together for New EV/Hybrid Tech, Sports Cars

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the best 4X4 sites on the web check out vote for jeepfan.com-visit offroaders.com- jeepfan.com Guide to a Jeeper's Garage Like most tools a punch can come in many sizes and varieties. In this article we cover the most common types of punches that may be used in a typical Jeeper's garage. As with all tools use proper safety equipment and procedures when in use. Center Punch A center punch is typically used as an aid to drilling operations; a drill, when brought into contact with a flat surface, will have a tendency to wander on the surface until it gains sufficient purchase to start cutting a hole. A center punch forms a small dimple in which the tip of the drill (if it is small enough) will fit. When drilling larger holes and the web of the drill is wider than the indentation produced by a center punch, the drilling of a pilot hole is usually needed. A center punch usually has a tip, that when viewed on a profile, has sides at a 90 degree angle to one another. Prick Punch A prick punch, while easily confused with the similar looking center punch, serves an entirely different purpose. A prick punch is primarily used for the purposes of layout. By design it produces a smaller indentation than a center punch, which acts as a useful datum point in layout operations. When layout is complete, the indentation made with a prick punch can be enlarged with a center punch to allow for drilling. A prick punch usually has a tip, that when viewed on a profile, has sides at a 30-60 degree angle to one another. Transfer Punch A transfer punch is a punch (usually in an index set) of a specific outer diameter that is non-tapered and extends the entire length of the punch (except for the tip). It is used to tightly fit the tolerances of an existing hole and, when struck, precisely transfer the center of that hole to another surface. It can be used, for example, to duplicate the hole patterns in a part, or precisely set locations for threaded holes (created by drilling and tapping) to bolt an object to a surface. Pin Punch The purpose served by pin punches is somewhat different to the center or prick punches. A pin punch is used as a driving tool, typically, as the name implies, to drive pins that are used to affix a fixture to a rotating shaft. Pin punches are typically characterized by a hexagonal body, with a long, flat ended cylindrical section. A drift "punch" is misleadingly named; it is not used as a punch in the traditional sense of the term. A drift punch, or drift pin, is used as an aid in aligning bolt or rivet holes prior to inserting a fastener. A drift punch is constructed as a tapered rod, with the hammer acting on the large end of the taper. The tapered end of a drift punch is placed into the semi-aligned bolt holes of two separate components, and then driven into the hole. As it is driven in, the taper forces the two components into alignment, allowing for easy insertion of the fastener. Unlike most punches, force is never (and should never be) applied to the tip, or end of a drift pin. A set of center punches, drifts, and pin punches. Usually best bought in a set from a quality tool reseller. A set of transfer punches in common hole sizes would be an add on. Popular Punch Manufacturers and Resellers Matco This page uses some content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Punch(Engineering). The list of authors can be seen in the page history Jeep Parts and Accessories contact us about jeepfan.com Write for us! We are always looking for informative articles, make an information contribution to the Jeeping community. DISCLAIMER: Demonstrations and procedures contained in jeepfan.com may not provide all necessary or relevant information. Applicable local laws and regulations may vary and should be checked before any project is commenced. Be sure to follow all applicable safety procedures. jeepfan.com makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, or practicality of any such demonstration or procedure or any information. Jeep® is a registered trademark of Chrysler Corporation. jeepfan.com is not associated with Chrysler Corporation. The material contained within this web site, www.jeepfan.com, unless otherwise noted may not be reproduced, copied, re-posted or presented in any other media without the prior written approval of the author or www.jeepfan.com. © 1997-2011 Sevenslot Media, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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Back to index News & Views HERE'S SOME STUFF WE LIKE AND THOUGHT WE WOULD SHARE WITH YOU JJ’s Geneva Round Up Geneva. Known for mountains, the UN, lakes, watches and a giant water spout. And for two weeks every March, it’s also home to one of the world’s largest and most influential motor shows. It’s the only annual motor show in Europe and, ironically, it’s held in a country that doesn’t produce a single car. Every year, the world’s car manufacturers and motoring press descend on this Swiss city to showcase and appraise the latest metal before it goes on sale to consumers. Achieving standout in this melee of debuts is increasingly challenging as the various PR machines and glitzy ceremonies fight for airtime and attention. Nonetheless, there were some launches that stood out to the team at JJ. Here’s a selection of our favourites from this year’s show…. Geneva Motor Show Marketing Round Up Andi Holbrook, Account Director My highlight of Geneva is the Noble M600 Carbon Sport. It’s not a ground up new car with the original M600 being launched in 2009. However, this latest version, festooned in eye-catching green carbon at Geneva is a glorious exponent of pure British engineering. Currently Noble produces around 12 vehicles per year, completely bespoke to the customers’ demands. There are plans for expansion to around 50 cars per year within the next five years but Noble are keen to protect the essence of their brand – hand crafted rarity and raw driving experience. Noble also produces a Speedster version for those wanting to hear more of the 4.5 litre V8 roar! Amy Garrett, Marketing and New Business Manager Small hatchbacks are my bag – so for me, it has to be the new Suzuki Swift. Lighter, more powerful, and more economical than its predecessor – it ticks all the right boxes. Arguably prettier than the leader of the pack: the Ford Fiesta (and far less ubiquitous!), and with an impressive list of options as standard – I’ll be front of the queue to take one for a spin when it goes on sale in the UK this summer. The moment you’ve been waiting for! Introducing the all-new Suzuki Swift. See the full video: https://t.co/lhhWxGdSid #NewSwift #GimsSwiss pic.twitter.com/RHMEPbHjrj — SuzukiCarsUK (@SuzukiCarsUK) March 7, 2017 Andrew Andersz, PR Director My ‘star car’ from Geneva is the Alpine A110, recreating a motorsport icon of the 1970s resplendent in French racing blue. Combining the timeless Alpine principles of light weight, agility and performance, this mid-engined two-seater sports coupe is true to the spirit of its predecessors and in particular the A110 ‘Berlinette’. The A110 is equipped with a new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 252hp and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in only 4.5 seconds. Deliveries in the UK will start in 2018 – can’t wait. Fergus Cable-Alexander, Client Director Volvo XC60. Most will say the McLaren or the Ferrari. But I have kids so the Volvo appeals most from a practical perspective. It looks great too. Volvo is on top form at the moment. Also impressive is its ironclad approach to sticking to what it does best and not trying to copy the Germans. It is quietly yet effectively appealing to the masses who want a premium car that isn’t German. The current trend for ‘Hygge’, the rise of ‘Scandi style’ and values, superb product and consistent and innovative marketing is translating to record sales figures for the brand. Highlights from the reveal of the All-New #VolvoXC60 at the #GenevaMotorShow this week. Head to volvocars.us/allnewXC60 to learn more. A post shared by Volvo Car USA (@volvocarusa) on Mar 10, 2017 at 8:30am PST Mark Thomas, Creative Artworker It’s all very well having a great car but due to congestion, you can often find yourself sat stationary, wishing there was another way to get to where you’re going. With the emergence of self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and the recent beginning of construction on Elon Musk’s ‘Hyperloop’ in the US, may be a combination of this emerging tech could help us stick to our increasingly busy work schedules? Airbus and automotive designer Italdesign have come up with the electric powered ‘Pop.Up’ which does just that with a ‘multimodal’ system. With an ever-increasing population maybe this is the answer to avoiding gridlock in a varied autonomous travel network? Whatever your views, it’s an interesting glimpse into the impending, autonomously driven future. Simon Hollis, Brand Designer For me, whilst I am not usually a huge fan of estate cars, the star of the show has to be the new Mercedes-AMG E 63 Estate. Basically because “It’s the worlds quickest wagon”, reaching 62mph in just 3.5sec, making it 0.2sec faster than its main rival, the Audi RS6 Avant. Using the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine as the saloon, the standard E 63 4Matic+ has 563bhp and 552lb ft of torque. The range-topping E 63 S 4Matic+ has added turbocharger boost pressure, allowing it to produce 603bhp and 626lb ft, and it even comes with a ‘Drift Mode’ setting…sounds like good fun. Not only is this a complete beast of a car, Mercedes have done marvels in the cockpit, I have never been overly impressed with their interiors, but with this model they have certainly upped their game…it’s a beautiful thing. Fiona Spencer, Senior Account Manager I love Italian cars and predictably my choice would be the Ferrari 812 Superfast. It is simply beautiful. Coinciding with the 70th Anniversary of the first Ferrari V12 and the company’s most powerful Ferrari road car of all time, Ferrari says the V12 has a sonic boom to match its heritage and that is something I can’t wait to hear. Tom Hunter, Senior Account Manager Like any petrolhead, I always look forward to the Geneva Motor Show. But this year, it wasn’t reveals from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani that got me excited – it was something far more practical. Perhaps I’m getting old, but for me, my favourite reveal was Land Rover’s ‘Project Hero’ Discovery – from its SVO division. Built for the Austrian Red Cross to assist emergency response teams, the TD6 features a sliding boot floor which doubles as a table, multi-frequency radios, power supply points, and last but certainly not least, a roof-mounted rescue drone (!) – providing rescuers with a bird’s-eye view of landslides, earthquakes, floods and avalanches. As if that isn’t enough, the drone is even able to launch and dock whilst the vehicle is in motion, through the use of self-centring and magnetic-retention tech. Great PR for Land Rover, and the perfect way to demonstrate the versatility and robustness of its vehicles to current and prospective customers. After all, if it’s good enough for the Austrian Red Cross, then it’s probably good enough for a school run … Emily Bray, Account Manager As one journalist at the Verge put it so well, Geneva is not a typical show. Rather than having a big tech focus (although we can’t deny that was in abundance this year), Geneva is more about automotive art. And that’s why my pick of the show has to be the McLaren 720S. We may not be close to owning one, and it might not be as regular a sighting on the motorway as the XC60, but like high fashion couture shows, Geneva is just as much about unobtainable but glorious art as it is a car show. More than just a thing of great styling, the 720S is an incredible work of engineering and sums up Geneva perfectly for me. Automotive Share: Comments are closed. Instagram FeedPopular TagsSocial media

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Ford considers selling Volvo to raise $8bn Ford, the struggling US motor industry group, is considering plans to sell off Swedish car maker Volvo in a deal that would fetch it some $8bn (£4bn) and enable chief executive Alan Mulally to focus on building the company's American brands. The group, which lost a record $12.7bn last year, is understood to be weighing up the option of offloading Volvo in the wake of the £497m disposal of Aston Martin earlier this year and the planned sale of Jaguar and Land Rover later this year. The mooted sale of Volvo - bought for $7bn in 1999 - would complete the dismantlement of Ford's premium car division (PAG) under Mr Mulally, who has closed 13 North American plants and axed 35,000 jobs. But the Swedish carmaker is said to be highly profitable, contributing the bulk of the $420m earnings the PAG made in the first quarter. A PAG spokesman said: "Ford Motor Company is not in any discussions with any companies relating to selling Volvo. But since last year we have been assessing our operations around the globe and looking at strategic options which any responsible business would do." Sources dismissed reports that a decision to sell Volvo had been taken, pointing out that this would require filings to stock market regulators such as the SEC. They also indicated that Mr Mulally will be under pressure to give details of the Jaguar/Land Rover sales process and any planned Volvo move when he delivers second quarter results on July 26. Indicative bids for the two UK-based companies are due a week earlier but no decision is likely before the end of the year, with unions last week demanding a say in the outcome. These moves come amid signs that Ford could be having second thoughts about its disposals policy. Land Rover, whose US sales went up 8% in the second quarter, is expected to make $1bn profits this year while Jaguar is said to be improving.

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LoginAdd ClassifiedYour Classifieds Subaru Confirms Sponsorship of 2017 Canadian Rally Championship Category: Rallying View Comments Subaru Canada will continue as the presenting sponsor for the Canadian Rally Championship. By: Subaru Canada IncJanuary 17 2017 Mississauga, Ontario - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is delighted to confirm it will continue its support as presenting sponsor of the 2017 Canadian Rally Championship (CRC) season, with the winning combination of driver Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Alan Ockwell leading the Subaru team. The 2016 season was truly impressive, with Subaru winning its second consecutive manufacturer's title and its 12th Canadian Rally Championship for Marques since joining the CRC. Subaru vehicles consistently achieve excellent performance in this gruelling and extreme motorsport, proven by eight Subaru vehicles finishing in the top ten at the final event of the 2016 season, the Big White Winter Rally in December. After overcoming some difficulties in the first half of the 2016 season, Subaru Rally Team Canada (SRTC) driver Antoine L'Estage won the 2016 Driver's Championship, making this his ninth time winning the title. The other half of his team, Darren Garrod, won the co-driver's title. SRTC has a change for the 2017 season with co-driver Alan Ockwell returning to the team. Having driven with L'Estage for many years on the SRTC team and winning the co-driver title in 2015, Ockwell is sure to make this experienced pairing the quickest car and driver team to ever compete in the CRC. "I am so excited for the new season," said Antoine L'Estage, SRTC driver. "We are very happy to be driving the Subaru WRX STI and are confident that we will get excellent results, including the chance for a 13th title for Subaru." The seven-event 2017 season starts on February 3 and 4 at the Rallye Perce Neige in Maniwaki, Quebec. Subaru is confident that our 2017 Subaru Rally Team Canada team, led by L'Estage and Ockwell, will perform superbly. About Subaru Canada, Inc. Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 92 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter. You may be interested in:Shaken, Not Stirred Crerar Takes A Run At The Famed Rallye Monte-Carlo View the discussion thread.

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thatgeekdad TECH NEWS, OPINIONS, AND REVIEWS Tesla reveals the Model 3, the mid size car with a much lower price Tesla on Thursday officially unveiled the Model 3, finally giving the world a glimpse of its most important car yet. We already knew some of the car’s big stats, such as mileage and price, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk also shared other big details, ensuring the 115,000 people that have pre-ordered in the last 24 hours (at $1,000 a pop) get their money’s worth.Here are the big stats for the Model 3. Remember that all of this will be standard: At least 215 miles per charge, minimum range 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds $35,000 base price Front and rear trunks Enough interior room for five adults Autopilot hardware To say hype for this car has been high is an understatement. Tesla has gained a cult following over the past few years with its Model S and Model X vehicles. However, the Model 3 will be the automaker’s biggest test yet. Not only is it catering to the average consumer, but the company needs to ensure it meets demand. As mentioned above, over 115,000 pre-orders have been made in the first 24 hours. With the car not expected to launch until the end of 2017, you can bet that number will go up considerably.The design is a mix between the Model S and Model X, sitting somewhere in the middle in the form of a mid size sedan like the Ford Fusion; it’s a really, really nice looking car, and one that Musk promises will feature the most cargo capacity of any car with similar external dimensions. Musk even said it passes the “surfboard test,” allowing beachgoers to comfortably fit a 7-foot surfboard inside the car’s cabin without issue.Speaking of the car’s cabin, it features an enormous screen that sits in the middle of the dashboard, which displays the car’s stats and other information. Musk didn’t spend any time talking about the car’s interior configuration, but it looks like drivers will rely solely on what’s displayed on that tablet (more like a small TV).How is Tesla going to fulfill such demand? Well, according to Musk, every Model S and Model X purchase has contributed to the Model 3’s existence, from the platform to the battery technology to the automaker’s gigantic gigafactory. By the end of next year when the Model 3 launches, Tesla is hoping to double the number of super chargers, up to 7,200; it’s also hoping to quadruple the number of destination chargers up to 15,000.Meanwhile, Tesla is hoping to have 441 locations around the world by the end of 2017. Basically, if you live near a big metropolitan area—or even if you don’t—there should be a Tesla location nearby. As of now, there are only 215 locations around the globe—something consumers have criticized the company for. But Musk promises that will change.Again, all of the stats Musk shared on stage are for the base Model 3, which means there will be versions that will far exceed what Tesla shared tonight. Of course, it will depend on how much money you’re willing to spend—chances are most people will fall into the $50,000 range with all the bells and whistles though that’s just speculation on my part.The next 12-18 months are going to be a huge test for Tesla. In addition to starting production on the Model 3, it’ll still have Model S and Model Xs being built on the assembly line. Not only that but the Chevy Bolt, which is roughly around the same price, is going to be available to consumers later this year—a full twelve months or more before the Model 3 is on roadways across the world.Musk assured fans that Model 3 deliveries will hit their target schedule for the end of 2017, a lofty goal that will challenge Tesla more than anything it has ever done. Can Tesla actually produce enough to meet demand? 115,000-plus people sure hope so. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!! I love technology and geek culture. Oh yeah, the family too!

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VW CEO Says That Hydrogen Fuel Cells Have Failed to Live up to Promises Shane McGlaun (Blog) - March 22, 2013 9:36 AM No fuel cell vehicles from VW on the horizon A few years ago there were a number of automotive manufacturers putting serious money into hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. These vehicles promised to have a driving range similar to a conventional gasoline-powered automobile, but produce no emissions to pollute the atmosphere. However, the vehicles faced several daunting challenges, including the lack of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure and the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable and difficult to store. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stated this week that hydrogen fuel cells have failed to live up to promises and are unlikely to become an efficient and cost-effective way to power cars in the near future. Winterkorn said, "I do not see the infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles, and I do not see how hydrogen can be produced on large scale at reasonable cost. I do not currently see a situation where we can offer fuel cell vehicles at a reasonable cost that consumers would also be willing to pay." While Volkswagen doesn't see a near-term future with hydrogen vehicles, other manufacturers continue to move forward with the technology. Mercedes-Benz reached a deal with Ford and Nissan-Renault with a goal of selling the first production fuel-cell vehicle starting in 2017. Back in 2010, a study was published predicting 670,000 fuel cell powered vehicles would be sold annually within a decade. So far, that prediction doesn't seem likely to come true. Source: Auto News "This is from the DailyTech.com. It's a science website." -- Rush Limbaugh Study: 670,000 Fuel Cell Vehicles to be Sold Annually Within 10 Years CES 2008 Ride and Drive with GM's Fuel Cell Equinox and DARPA Tahoe

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NEWS: With EVs, it’s not all Tesla all the time Posted by Lexie Briggs Sep 20, 2013 3:15:00 PM Surprise! Electric vehicle-maker Tesla is once again in the news. Earlier this month, CEO Elon Musk announced that he will take a six-day road trip from Los Angeles to New York City later this year to demonstrate the capacity of Tesla’s forthcoming cross-country charging structure. He plans to spend about an hour and a half charging the car each day. In the midst of all the hype, Bloomberg Businessweek cautioned that it’s “easy to overlook just how few of these mean, green, electric machines” are driving today. Although Tesla is on track to produce its planned 21,000 vehicles by year’s end, only 12,700 of its Model S have been delivered to consumers so far. Bloomberg Businessweek went on to point out, however, that the Tesla Model S cars are selling in markets across the U.S.—not just California. One out of every 100 new passenger vehicles registered in Washington State between January and July was a Tesla Model S, thanks in part to a waived emissions inspection and no sales tax. In an article charmingly titled “Tesla in the Tropics,” the Christian Science Monitor points out that Hawaii is an ideal market for EVs. Hawaii boasts some of the most expensive gas prices in the country—regularly reaching $4.30 per gallon. Purchases of EVs are ramping up in Hawaii, too: EV sales during the first half of 2013 already exceeded EV sales for all of 2012. Hawaiians bought 388 electric vehicles during the first half of 2013, compared to 341 for the year in 2012. Although California is Tesla’s biggest market, the company is facing a legal challenge there. The California New Car Dealers Association claims that Tesla’s marketing “inflates the savings customers accrue from various federal and state incentives” to unfairly encourage EV sales. “Tesla fails to provide required information and shatters the notion of comparison finance shopping by including the potential availability of incentives, gas savings, and tax savings into final payment quotes for prospective customers,” the complaint claims. Tesla’s advertised prices deduct the value of a federal tax credit. To take advantage of the tax credit, the buyer’s federal taxes must exceed $7,500 – the amount of the credit. The New Car Dealers Association wants to see Tesla’s advertised sticker price reflect the true cost of the vehicle without incentives or tax breaks. Tesla declined to comment to the L.A. Times. Tesla has run into an even bigger roadblock in Texas. The Tesla showroom sales model, which sells cars directly to consumers without going through dealers or franchised car lots, is a new way to sell vehicles. Many states ban or limit direct sales of vehicles to protect the interests of locally owned businesses, but in Texas Tesla gallery employees are unable to disclose the vehicles’ price, offer test drives, or give out their company’s website address. But the EV market is a lot bigger than one (media-savvy) company. General Motors is working on an improved EV that would be able to go 200 miles on a single battery charge and would cost about $30,000, the company announced. This increased range would represent a huge jump for the company—currently the $35,000 Chevrolet Volt hybrid has an electric-only range of 38 miles (though it can run on gasoline beyond that), and the $26,685 Chevrolet Spark can go 82 miles on a single charge. Not all the EV news is good. Fisker Automotive has been struggling this year to stay afloat. This week news broke that the Department of Energy will auction off its nonperforming Fisker loan. The auction will allow the DOE to make back some of its capital, “offering the best possible recovery for the taxpayer,” said Peter Davidson, executive director of the DOE’s loan program office. Reuters reports that several investors have made offers to DOE for as much as $30 million. Meanwhile, Ecotality filed for bankruptcy this week. The San Francisco-based vehicle charging company has struggled with slow sales, although Nissan North America has agreed to bankroll the company up to $1.25 million so the company might continue to operate through the bankruptcy process. In an SEC filing, the company said it plans to auction off its assets. Overall, EV sales in 2013 are seeing a huge jump over the same period of 2012. According to EVObsession.com, all-electric vehicle sales are experiencing “tremendous” growth, with 2013 sales up 522% over the first half of 2012. That said, the thousands of EVs sold are still a tiny portion of the overall automotive market, which sold more than 7.8 million units during the first half of the year. For more news about the entire advanced energy economy, click below to sign up for AEE's weekly newsletter.

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CHINA MOBILES OTHER MOBILES LATEST LAPTOS HP(COMPAQ) OTHER LAPS LATEST TABS LATEST!!! LATEST TECHNOLOGIES LATEST INVENTIONS SOFTWARE BOOKS HARDWARE BOOKS EXAM BOOKS INTERVIEW BOOKS REDUCE FAT YOUGA TIPS TOLLY GOSSIPS BOLLY GOSSIPS HOLLY GOSSIPS Flipkart Add Amazon Add HONDA NEW VARIO LAUNCHING !!!!!!!! Varmas Datla Astra Honda Motor is not likely to show patience matic newest products. Therefore, today's New Vario akan first time on view in the media. This strategy is carried out, in addition to a description of the potential early customer, can also simultaneously provide a warning against the competitors who have more first exist. New Vario switch is not only clothes, but the species is a new generation of Vario, and is the highest caste of Vario which has been circulating in the market at this time. Marketing Director of Astra Honda Motor (AHM) Julius Aslan has asserted that the detikOto some time ago. 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Contact Us Scrap a car for cash in Southam, sell your car for scrapping in Southam We can scrap your car legally in Southam, free collection and disposal, scrap a car and get cash today! Southam or Suham in the Domesday Book developed on high ground rising from the Stowe Valley. Roman coins have been found in the area, but the Manor of Southam was first mentioned in 998 when King Ethelred granted it, together with the ‘Haliwell', to the Priory of Coventry. Thus until the Reformation, Southam had a strong connection with Coventry. The ‘Haliwell', now known as the Holy Well, is the oldest surviving structure in Southam, situated near the river about half a mile west of the town. The principal reasons for Southam's development were its location on the east-west drovers' road and the north-south Coventry to Oxford road, and its ownership by the Priory. The small medieval settlement to the east of the church was soon enlarged by development north-south. In 1227 the Prior obtained a stature allowing Southam a weekly market, thereby giving it town status. Later, permission was also granted for a monthly market and four fairs which increased the size of the community with inns and trades connected with livestock. Southam became an important stagecoach stop with many hostelries catering for this trade, and a tannery existed until 1821. The town was encompassed by 13,000 troops in 1642 when Royalist and Parliamentary forces skirmished in the area. Later, King Charles I stayed in the Manor House (now Southam Pharmacy). Owing to its market town status, the Magistrates Court for the area and also the Union Workhouse were located in Southam. Much of medieval Southam was destroyed in four disastrous fires in the 1740s when 30 houses were burnt. Small cottages and several three-storey Georgian houses replaced these. In 1818, Mr Lilley-Smith, a local surgeon founded the Eye and Ear Infirmary, now the Stoneythorpe Hotel. In 1823 he also founded the country's first free dispensary nearby. Philanthropy also inspired some German Sisters to found a Roman Catholic orphanage and school in 1876 - the latter is still one of the town's three primary schools. The secondary school, Southam College was built in 1957. Southam's first gas supply came in 1853 and electricity was supplied in 124. Later in the 1960s natural gas arrived. The Holy Well and other springs were used for water until mains water supplies were connected in the 1920s. St James' thirteenth century church was pre-dated by a Saxon one, possibly a wooden structure. During the nineteenth century, and independent chapel was built in Pendicke Street, and also the Congregational church in Wood Street. The Catholic church existing today was built in 1925. We will collect the scrap car from Southam or the surrounding area and dispose of it through our nationwide network of 23 fully licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) Sites who will scrap your car in line with End of Life (ELV) Legislation, and provide you with a Certificate of Destruction which we file online with the DVLA. So you can rest assured your car has been scrapped legally. For a hassle free fast way to scrap your car in Southam please complete the fields in the form to the right and we will call you back to arrange a convenient time to collect your car for scrapping.

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Dear MKE Film Series goes behind the scenes with Bill Davidson and Willie G. Davidson The following is an industry press release... Milwaukee – April 2, 2013 – In advance of Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee this August, the acclaimed Dear MKE Film Series has launched “All in the Family,” a behind-the-scenes video about a father and son who share one of the most recognized names in the world. Willie G. Davidson, chief styling officer emeritus, and his son, Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum, give viewers an unprecedented glimpse into their personal story through family photos, home movies and a visit behind the doors of the Harley-Davidson Museum ® archives. Along the way, they trace the path of one of Milwaukee’s most famous legacy brands in this latest release of the 12-film series created by VISIT Milwaukee and the local creative community. A “must-see” for motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, the video is of added interest to the thousands of bikers riding into Milwaukee this summer for Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary (Aug 29 – Sept 2). “All in the Family,” along with three previously-released films giving riders a little taste of Harley-Davidson’s beloved home town, can be found on Dear MKE Youtube channel and on dearmke.com. “The story of Harley-Davidson epitomizes the hard work, ingenuity and creativity that built this city and that continue to shape who we are today,” said VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO Paul Upchurch. “110 years ago Harley-Davidson put Milwaukee on the map. We’re proud more than a century later to be home to this internationally-recognized brand and the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum.” Dear MKE’s film crew joined Bill Davidson and his father, Willie G. Davidson, on a journey through Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum, which for Bill and Willie G. reads like a well-loved family album. From Willie G. pointing out dozens of his designs along the Museum’s tank wall, to Bill reminiscing about one of his favorite motorcycles, “All in the Family” tells a heartfelt, made-in-Milwaukee story. This film is the fourth to be released in the Dear MKE film series, a first-ever collaborative project that brings together an all-Milwaukee creative team under the direction of VISIT Milwaukee and Hollywood producer Jack Turner, who grew up in Milwaukee. When complete, the 12-film series and image campaign will paint a picture of Milwaukee as told through the stories of Milwaukeeans. To see an additional 300+ video clips, stories and photos of Milwaukeeans sharing their love, pride and stories about the city and what makes life good in here, go to Dearmke.com. ©2013 American Motorcyclist Association. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions | Sitemap | Advertise | Contact |

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Home | Cars | Infiniti | M35 Infiniti M35 Select Another Model EX35 EX37 FX35 FX37 FX45 FX50 G20 G25 G35 G37 I30 I35 J30 JX35 M35h M37 M45 M56 Q40 Q45 Q50 Q50 Hybrid Q60 Q70 Q70 Hybrid QX4 QX50 QX56 QX60 QX60 Hybrid QX70 QX80 The Infiniti M35 debuted in 2006 and lasted until 2010. The brand brought it back in 2012 as the platform for Infiniti’s entry into the hybrid sedan class. Originally meant to compete with the Lexus GS, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars, this is the midsize sports sedan of choice for Infiniti fans. It sells for less than the pedigree competition in keeping with the maker’s goal of providing a lot of bang for the buck. It is the most expensive of the Infiniti sedans with a suggested price notably higher than the I or G series. More on the Infiniti M35 About the Infiniti M35Infiniti has a tendency to use model numbers to denote engine differences. The M series at one point included the M35 with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and the M45 with a 4.5-liter V-8 engine. Beyond this basic difference, both cars have most traits in common. The M35 succeeds the M45. The M45 debuted in 2003 and was joined by the M35 after a major redesign in 2006. In 2011, the M35 was succeeded by the M37, much in the same way that another Infiniti luxury performance midsize car, the G35, changed to the G37.The M35 faces a lot of competition, some of which have more luxury and others more performance, but few match the M35 when it comes to marrying the two concepts. As it lives on in hybrid form, and as a slightly redesigned version with numerical change, it can still be considered a successful entry in the auto market, even though it no longer goes by the same name.Infiniti M35 FeaturesThe M35 is known for the most part as a well-designed and comfortable sedan that provides real performance and many features at a price that really beats the competition. Critics make a few minor complaints about the lower quality interior materials that keep the price down, but the M35 does not lack performance. It has the handling and power, just not in excess like some other luxury sedans in this class.In regards to size, the interior offers plenty of space. All of the driving and handling features that a buyer expects from this type of vehicle can be found in the M35. In a short time, the car built a reputation that keeps with the auto world’s view of Infiniti’s luxury performance cars. That reputation is for making a fun vehicle to drive that offers comfort and great value in a competitive vehicle class.In some ways, the M35 beats its highly touted European competitors at their own game. By including a lot of features in a car with a generous interior and performance that will surprise most drivers, Infiniti makes a great luxury sedan well worth looking at as a well-priced used car. A buyer can have all the comforts and driving experience of a more expensive luxury sedan and save plenty of money.The M35 provides a great value for buyers who can accept slightly less than perfect. The ride isn’t as refined as the competition; the materials are not top-notch, and the performance and power can’t match the European vehicles in this class, but none of those cars match the M35 in value.The M35 no longer exists in its original form. The M35h is a hybrid that should not be confused with the gas-powered and higher performing original M35. That car still exists as the M37, a redesigned and upgraded M35.Infiniti M35 EvolutionDuring its few years of production, the M35 came in two trims: base and Sport. Originally, Infiniti offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option on the base model and standard on the Sport. Later in the production run, the all-wheel drive model became its own trim called the M35x. The base model comes rather well-equipped, but the Sport trim manages to add rear active steering, sport suspension, upgraded wheels, adaptive HID headlights, and climate-controlled sport seats.The M35 gets the 35 designation because of the 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It couples with a five-speed automatic transmission. In later years, alterations allowed this engine to produce 303 hp, but it lost a little bit of torque as a trade-off. All models use the same basic V-6 engine. The upgraded engine pairs with a new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and downshift rev-matching for the rear-wheel drive models, while the M35x keeps the five-speed.Standard safety items include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front-seat head restraints on all models. Later models have an optional lane-departure warning system that signals during unintended lane drifting. Select an Infiniti M35 Year Year (Newest - Oldest) Year (Oldest - Newest) 2010 Infiniti M35 Luxury, Sedan (1 consumer reviews) 2009 Infiniti M35 (1 consumer reviews) The 2009 Infiniti M35 serves as a midsize option for the Infiniti family. The 2007 Infiniti M35 is a five-person luxury sport sedan available trim levels: Base, X, and Sport. The 2006 Infiniti M35 begins as a new car for the 2006 model year. Latest Infiniti News Infiniti G37 Revived as Q40 2015 Infiniti QX50 and QX70 Priced Infiniti and Poltrona Frau Create Leather-Loaded Special Edition Cars Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Running Prototype Revealed 2014 Infiniti Recalled for Direct Adaptive Steering Failure Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Shows U.S. Preview for Formula 1-Inspired Sedan Red Bull Racing Celebrates Championships with Donuts on a Helipad Nissan Recalls Pathfinder, Infiniti JX35, and QX60 Infiniti CEO Says Company Looking at Expanding with Halo Car, Diesel Engines Video: Head 2 Head Episode 40

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3D scanning technology addresses multiple applicationsAlex Tagliani had to be set straight, so to speak, and Murray Roddis’ metrological measuring service provided the solution. “Sam Schmidt Motorsports had a couple of wings and one was like the ‘golden wing’ and the other they said no matter what they did they couldn’t get it to run right,” Roddis says. “They narrowed it down to the rear mainplane and we scanned them both and compared them to the nominal. One was within one-thousandth of an inch across the surface the same as the nominal and the other was six-thousandths of an inch high on one side and three-thousandths of an inch low on the other side, which is the thickness of three pieces of paper. “ ‘Tag’ figured that because it was twisted like that he had to lift off the throttle because he was getting an unusual lift on one side going into corners. He felt it gave him a 1 mph loss in speed.” Roddis 3D, which offers a range of scanning, probing and modeling services for motorsports and industrial uses, has been working in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series technical inspection team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month to scan bodywork components of the new Dallara chassis. A scale demonstration, a more enhanced system could be incorporated for the 2013 season. Basically, the system is a camera that tracks the movement of the scanner or probe in a calibrated space. The collected data can then be used to construct digital, three-dimensional models. The handheld scanning system being used by Roddis incorporates 1,000 lasers across a 4-inch-wide swath. A separate probe measures density. “Information collected could be used for manufacturing tolerances, to determine actually how long these wings last before they come apart,” says Roddis, an Alberta native whose industrial scanning company branched out to assist INDYCAR teams. “We could tell, based on measurements comparing recent scans to previous scans how that wing has changed over time.” Such as the new-for-2013 aero bodywork kits that will differentiate the chassis. “How are we going to measure these cars in technical inspection when they become more than one shape?” Roddis says. “So lasers and scanners and databases are the simplistic method. We can take a nominal or a calculated volume based on shape, mathematical total, physical features, and by scanning over a surface and then comparing it to that nominal within a few seconds we can provide a multitude of measurements across the car. That is one of the huge advantages to this system.” Added IZOD IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch: “The best application is for the expected diversity of body kits. We want to make sure they’re the same as the week before and after any repairs. As a team repairs some component, you could go back and scan it, compare it to the former in the database and re-certify it. If we can get it incorporated, then we wouldn’t have to carry body fixtures for all the different pieces on cars.” Safety applications, such as scanning a driver’s helmet after a crash to identify any deviation or making 3D models of driver seats, also would be valuable. “It’s a very powerful system and has lots of applications,” Roddis says. IndyCar.com

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- About cambio CarSharing - how it works CarSharing Wuppertal About cambio cambio is one of the biggest independent CarSharing providers. Over 61,000 customers are using more than 1,700 cambio cars in 15 German cities and in 29 cities throughout Belgium. The history of cambio begins with the ecological movement in the early nineties. In 1990 and 1992, environmentally committed people in the German cities of Aachen, Bremen and Cologne started a new way to use cars on a joint basis. The number of customers increased continuously throughout the nineties and the service became more and more professional. In March 2000, the three formerly independent CarSharing companies in Aachen, Bremen and Cologne decided to merge and to found the cambio Group. With joint forces it became possible to improve the service and to extend it to other cities. Today, the cambio Group is still exclusively owned by its customers and its staff members. 45 percent of all cambio trips are made for corporate use. Currently, more than 1,550 companies and authorities are using cambio.

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1969 Cougar 428 Cobra Jet "Dyno Don Super Cat" This 69 "Super Cat" Cougar 428 Cobra Jet was the 1969 Car Craft Magazine Project Car featured and built by "Dyno Don" Nicholson in conjunction with Lincoln Mercury, and Coca Cola. If you remember the "Mod Generation" and "Flower Power" times, you will see those influences in this car. It was featured in a series of Car Craft magazine issues in 1969 as built by "Dyno Don". He balanced, blueprinted the 428, and added some of his personal tricks and touches. It was then shipped around the country to various Auto Promotional Events. Additionally "Dyno Don" took it to various Races to make exhibition runs during a major NHRA event.At Auto shows Lincoln Mercury had the exhibit of this car with "Dyno Don" in attendence. They had a slogan saying join the "Streep Scene". It was a word derived from Street/Strip combined to make one word. We know, it sounds corny to us too! But what they did have which was neat, was an early version video exhibit as part of their display. It was comprised of two seats behind a screen in which a person was able to sit alongside "Dyno Don" and go for a trip down the dragstrip as if you were in his race car. Possibly the first type of virtual reality video. This was in the "Dyno Don" Funny car that he campaigned with the name "Eliminator" on the side of it. It is most likely the origin of the name for "Cougar Eliminator". After this, the "Super Cat" was turned over to the Coca Cola Corporation to became a give away contest car. Coca Cola expanded on the "Eliminator" theme in their contest by saying become a "Thirst Eliminator" by buying a coca Cola card, and enter the contest for the car. You would see this full page contest ad on the back of many car magazine covers. Click here to see a copy of one of these vintage ads. MPC model company made a model of this car in that time frame as well. When the "Super Cat" was re-found several years ago, it still sported the original graphics/names and logos as it had not been re-painted. But it was severely faded and deteriorated, requiring extensive restoration to the way you see it here today. Home

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