As GM eBay Program Extends, Edmunds.com Advises Car Shoppers on "Buy it Now" and "Make an Offer" Prices  
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--In its evaluation of the General Motors eBay pilot program, Edmunds.com thinks that in most cases, shoppers should avoid the “Buy it Now” pricing option and instead choose the option to “Make an Offer.”

Edmunds.com analysts looked at the "Buy it Now" price on GM eBay and found the average to be 2 percent higher than True Market Value® pricing. On a $25,000 car that is about $500.

Each shopper who pursues “Make an Offer” should make a realistic offer that is likely to be accepted quickly. The Edmunds.com True Market Value® pricing tool allows for free and straightforward research for car-shoppers. Tomorrow Edmunds.com will begin publishing specific vehicle pricing recommendations to consumers.

“So far, the program has inadvertently encouraged lowball offers and resulted in frustration on the part of consumers and dealers,” commented Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “In our continuing efforts to empower the automotive consumer, we are listing realistic discounts that shoppers can expect to get so that the purchase process is smoother, simpler and faster for them.”


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Impact of automobiles on daily living  
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The car industry was in its infancy at the beginning of the 1900’s. Those who owned a car where affluent and had little paved road to drive upon. They many times would end up stuck in a quagmire when driving if weather conditions were poor.

The first transcontinental car ride in 1903 took over two months to complete. Many days the car was immobilized due to repairs needed from riding on such poorly conditioned roads.

Henry Ford brought the concept of the assembly line to the automobile industry in 1914. This lowered the time needed to build a new car and dropped its price substantially. The Model T made an automobile affordable to the general public and revolutionized the industry within the United States. The Model T was basic transportation at its finest. It was made for economy and not for luxury. The no frills package came with little or no options. This includes the color of the automobile as well. It came in one color black.

This doesn’t mean that the horse was entirely eclipsed by the automobile in these early days. Many Americans still did not own an automobile. It had a limited range, poor transportation routes, and was primarily driven by the head of a household. I can still remember my grandmother telling me of her and her siblings riding horses to and from high school in the late 1920’s in north central Illinois.

The Model A, pictured above, was the next big selling automobile for Ford. It was sold between the years 1927-1931. It expanded the features available to the consumer and was available in four colors. None of which were black. Roads continued to improve over the years as well as the automobiles available to the consumer.

The automobile had become a necessity and general pert of the American dream and lifestyle by the late 1940’s after the Great Depression and WWII. This was later furthered by the introduction of the interstate highway system during the 1950’s. This was done by President Eisenhower for military purposes originally, but soon became the network of roads used commercially to crisscross the American continent from that time forward.

An automobile can cross the United States in three or four days depending on how long its driver or drivers wish to drive each day. They can do it on relatively safe roads, and they can do it in relative comfort. Individuals can travel to neighboring towns and back in just a few minutes. Many families own three or four cars and teens frequently drive to high school each day. It is almost impossible to imagine our current society as it is today without the automobile in its many makes and models and for its many uses in our everyday lives.


Source : http://www.examiner.com (9/2/2009)

Hyundai introduces all-new Santro  
NEW DELHI: Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Wednesday introduced the new model of its flagship brand Santro. According to the company, the new Santro has been designed with luxurious interiors and improved exterior features to further enhance its appeal to the customers.

Commenting on the launch, HMIL managing director H S Lheem said, “Through the launch of the new Santro, we intend to thank all our customers who have chosen to drive this product and make Hyundai into what it is today. The new version of Santro is further aimed at delighting our customers with luxurious interiors, advance styling and enhanced comfort.”

Apart from being powered by the 1.1 eRLX Epsilon engine, the new Santro has many added features to raise the bar for cars in this segment. On the exterior it will be distinguished by a body coloured Radiator Grille and Full Wheel Cover and the rear gets decidedly more sporty with the addition of a Rear Spoiler which further highlights the new look Santro.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: Lexus LS  
TOKYO — The face-lifted 2010 Lexus LS sedan will join the LF-Ch hybrid concept on the Lexus stand at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The luxury brand's flagship sedan will be mildly revised inside and out, with new front- and rear-end styling, redesigned seats and updated hardware. Lexus also promises "enhanced driving dynamics," which previously have not been an LS strong point.

The brand said the LS 600h hybrid will get more bespoke styling cues to distinguish the car from the standard LS 460, and will feature an improved hybrid drive system.

Also on display in Frankfurt will be the updated GS sedan range, including the GS 450h, which like its larger, more expensive sibling gets unique design cues and upgraded equipment.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Maruti Suzuki expects to emerge stronger; battles slowdown  
Maruti Suzuki India, India`s largest passenger car manufacturer said today that it expects to emerge as an even stronger company by the time the economic slowdown ends.

R C Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki (Q, N,C,F)* India (MSI), said, ``The worldwide recession which started in 2008 has taught us many lessons and also confirmed the validity of our strategies... We have weathered the recession much better than others. We are debt free and have a healthy cash balance. We have financed all growth from internal resources. ``

On R&D capabilities, Bhargava said, ``With strong support from Suzuki, we are on course to develop our ability to design and manufacture small cars. ``

The company is a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation. The other activities of the company comprise facilitation of pre-owned car sales, fleet management and car financing. It is the market leader in the passenger car segment with a share of 60%.

Shares of Maruti Suzuki gained Rs 74.15, or 5.16%, to settle at Rs 1,510.80. The total volume of shares traded was 230,595.00 at the BSE (Wednesday).


Source : Myiris.com (9/2/2009)

Tata Motors surges 5.45% on good Aug sales numbers  
Shares of Tata Motors are trading at Rs 516, up Rs 26.65, or 5.45% at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m.

Tata Motors` total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in August 2009 were 49,810 vehicles, a growth of 14% over 43,600 vehicles sold in August 2008.

The scrip has touched an intra-day high of Rs 526.90 and low of Rs 503. The total volume of shares traded at the BSE is 875,796.

Currently, the stock is trading down 1.46% from its 52-week high of Rs 523.65 and above 322.95% over the 52-week low of Rs 122.


Source : Myiris.com (9/2/2009)

Lexus compact is called LF-Ch  
The car is an upmarket compact with a 5-door body, an area of the market not currently catered to by the Lexus line-up.

It utilises a version of the tried and tested Lexus Hybrid Drive system, as found in the 450h off-roader and LS600h saloon.

Benefiting from an electric-only driving capability, a key feature of Lexus Hybrid Drive, the LF-Ch will allow for virtually silent urban driving with zero emissions.

Although a concept, its arrival reinforces Lexus' position as the only manufacturer to offer a range of hybrid vehicles.

The LF-Ch concept will make its world premiere the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th.

It is joined on the Lexus stand by the world debut of the updated LS model range and revised versions of GS, IS and IS F.


Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (9/2/2009)

Frankfurt Preview: Audi reignites electric car rumors with new mini-site  
The internet's been abuzz with talk of Audi's plan to bring something electric to the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, and the German automaker has just thrown a bucket of fuel on those flames in the form of a new micro-site called electricityuntamed.com.

Naturally, details are in short supply, but Audi has put up a countdown clock that's set to go off on September 15th. Not coincidentally, that's the first day for media previews in Frankfurt. Yes, we'll be there with digital SLRs in hand and internet connections at the ready.

We really can't say if Audi's planning to show off an electric version of its awesome R8, but that's got to be the most likely candidate as its been constant rumormill material (although its been reportedly denied by Audi) for at least the last few months. It also seems to go along with the overall theme of the site, which focuses in on the power made possible by electric drivetrains. Click past the break to see what we mean. Warning: videos autoplay.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

They Come From a Land Down Under: Australian V8 Supercars join in on the Forza 3 action  
Whatever kind of cars you're into, Forza 3 looks like it'll have you covered. The XBox 360 driving game from Turn 10 Studios is quickly emerging to be the best simulator yet, packed with four hundred cars from fifty automakers on a hundred different tracks.

We've recently brought you screen shots and gameplay video footage of some of the most tantalizing machinery under the sun on Forza's virtual circuits – from American muscle cars and sport-utes to Bugattis and Japanese Super GTs – and now Turn 10 has announced a partnership with race organizers Down Under to include Australian V8 Supercars into the game as well. The additional car selection boils down to Holden Commodore VEs and Ford Falcons in a variety of actual liveries, so if you can't make it half way around the world to see the Aussie touring cars go wheel to wheel, you'll soon be able to drive them (virtually) at home.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Maruti to decide on expansion at Manesar in the next few days  
Maruti Suzuki India will decide on expanding its Manesar, Haryana, plant in the next few days.

Mr R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, said the company would need to increase capacity to meet the growing demand for its cars. Capacity at its Manesar facility could be increased by 1,00,000 vehicles, Mr Bhargava told reporters on the sidelines of the company’s AGM here on Wednesday.

The Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp, Mr Osamu Suzuki, attended the AGM. Mr Suzuki is on a two-day visit to India and investment plans in Maruti Suzuki are expected to be decided during his stay.

The country’s largest automaker sold 84,808 cars in August and will look at expansion to meet rising demand for its hatchbacks and sedans.

Maruti aims to export 130,000 cars in the financial year ending March 2010 and raise that number to over 150,000 in 2010-11. Selling nearly a million units a year, the company would face a constraint if production is increased.

Mr Bhargava said Maruti would duplicate the facility at Manesar in stages. The plant produces 3,00,000 cars and 2,00,000 diesel engines each year. The company also has a plant at Gurgaon with a capacity of 7,00,000 cars a year, but the unit allows no scope for expansion.

Maruti expects to come out even stronger after the slowdown. “The recession has taught us many lessons and also confirmed the validity of our strategies.… We are debt-free and have a healthy cash balance. We have financed all growth from internal resources. Our continuous efforts at cost cutting and improving productivity, even in the good times, helped us in making reasonable profits despite the impact of higher commodity prices and a weaker rupee,” Mr Bhargava told shareholders.

The company also appealed to the Government for tighter norms in issuing driving licence. “India’s record of road safety is despicable” and its (road safety’s) importance was being underestimated, said Mr Bhargava. India had 80 times more road fatalities than Japan. Time-bound plans by State Governments, attitudinal training and medical fitness or vision fitness have also been suggested.

Maruti Suzuki’s Institute of Driving Training and Research and Maruti Driving Schools offer courses. As part of its National Road Safety Mission programme, it will train five lakh people in safe driving over three years, said the company.


Source : The Hindu (Online Edition) (9/3/2009)

Maruti mulls capacity expansion at Manesar; decision in 2 days  
NEW DELHI: The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday said it is considering increasing the production capacity at its Manesar facility, and a decision on this is likely in a day or two.

"We are considering a capacity expansion at our Manesar plant... The decision on capacity expansion will be taken in one or two days," Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Chairman R C Bhargava told reporters on the sidelines of the company's Annual General Meeting here.

The company would decide on increasing the capacity and investment needed for the same in presence of its parent Suzuki Motor Corporation's Chairman Osamu Suzuki, who has come to India to attend the AGM.

Last week, Bhargava said the company would have discussions with Suzuki on a range of issues such as further investment in the country, ramping up production capacity and handling the European export market.

The Manesar facility of the company, which manufactures A-Star, SX4, Swift and Swift DZiRE, has a capacity of three lakh units a year and last month crossed five lakh units mark in production within 35 months of its commercial operations.

MSI also has a diesel engine plant, located inside the Manesar facility, that produces 2.4 lakh units a year.

Speaking in the AGM, Bhargava said: "The worldwide recession which started in 2008 has taught us many lessons and also confirmed the validity of our strategies... we have weathered the recession much better than others."

"We are debt free and have a healthy cash balance. We have financed all growth from internal resources," Bhargava said.

The company's efforts at cost cutting and improving productivity, even in the good times, helped in making "reasonable" profits despite the impact of higher commodity prices and a weaker rupee, he added.

"We have recruited about 300 engineers in this period, all other reqruitments were stopped," he said.

On MSI's R&D capabilities, Bhargava said, "With strong support from Suzuki, we are on course to develop our ability to design and manufacture small cars."

The company is investing up to Rs 1,500 crore in building test tracks and an R&D centre in Rohtak, Haryana.

Earlier last week Bhargava said the company had planned to increase its exports over two-fold this fiscal to 1.5 lakh units from about 70,000 units during 2008-09.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

Porsche to launch special edition 911 Sport Classic  
STUTTGART: Porsche AG has refined the DNA of the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

The 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche's Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

A newly developed double-dome roof is added to the 911. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73" and the wider track on the rear axle. The SportDesign front apron with its spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the look of the 911 Sport Classic.

Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection engine. The 911 Sport Classic comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Porsche has also worked on the interior of the 911 Sport Classic. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.

The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country.


Source : EconomicTimes (9/2/2009)

Huge Oil Field Discovered in Gulf of Mexico  
SANTA MONICA, California — BP, the U.K. energy group, has discovered an oil field off the Gulf of Mexico that could hold as much as 3 billion barrels of oil.

The Financial Times is reporting that the Tiber field, located approximately 250 miles southeast of Houston, is holding at least 500 million barrels of recoverable oil.

Found by drilling nearly 6 miles below the seabed, the new oil field is one of the biggest discoveries in years.

However, the Financial Times reports, BP says that there is more work to be done to confirm the size of the field.

"Production at extreme depths, at very high pressures and temperatures, is extremely challenging, and the field is unlikely to be on stream until the second half of the next decade," reports the FT.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Third World Charmer: Renault Fluence  
PARIS — The potential synergies between French automaker Renault and Japan's Nissan, as well as such overseas affiliates as Renault-Samsung in Korea, are coming into sharper focus with the impending arrival of the Renault Fluence, a new midsize sedan that goes into production in November in Turkey, replacing the aging Megane II in such emerging markets as Russia, Romania and Turkey.

The Fluence name dates to a well-received Renault concept from the 2004 Paris Auto Show, but the production car has virtually no connection with that one-off design. Rather, it is based on the Samsung SM3. Both cars sit on Renault-Nissan's global C-platform.

The new Fluence won't be marketed in Western Europe. But for Eastern Europe and Turkey, it looks fresh and modern and is remarkably well-equipped, with such options as a Carminat Tom Tom navigation system, keyless entry/ignition and iPod connectivity. Safety gear includes up to six airbags, plus ABS and stability control.

Renault plans to offer a broad range of two gasoline and five diesel four-cylinder engines, along with a choice of manual, automatic and continuously variable transmissions. A new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) will be available from the end of 2010.

Further leveraging the Renault-Nissan alliance, the Fluence will come in an all-electric variant in 2011, presumably borrowing technology from the Nissan Leaf.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: Porsche 911 Sport Classic  
STUTTGART, Germany — The Porsche 911 Sport Classic will join several new 911-based siblings on the German automaker's stand at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The limited-edition 911 Sport Classic, which will not be marketed in North America, will be built in a run of only 250 cars and will go on sale in January, priced from $240,500.

The 911 Sport Classic is the creation of the Porsche Exclusive special department and is based on the rear-drive Carrera S, with the wider rear body of the Carrera 4S. In addition to the wider rear track, visual cues include a SportDesign front apron with lip spoiler, a fixed "ducktail" rear spoiler, a new double-dome roof and custom five-spoke 19-inch wheels with black-painted centers. The exterior is finished in Sport Classic Gray.

Porsche Exclusive has put its expertise to work in the cockpit as well, fitting new adaptive sport seats upholstered in woven leather with light-gray piping. The dashboard is finished in natural leather.

The 911 Sport Classic gets a 408-horsepower version of the 3.8-liter flat-6 engine that is an option in the Carrera S, and will be offered only with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Standard hardware includes Porsche ceramic composite brakes, a mechanical locking rear differential and PASM sport suspension, which lowers ride height by 0.8 inch.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Cash for Clunkers Fuels Car Sales to Best Month This Year  
DETROIT — The U.S. government's Cash for Clunkers program, which ended in August, boosted U.S. car sales to their highest level this year.

Automakers sold 1,261,799 vehicles in August. That was a tad over a 1 percent increase from a year earlier but, more importantly, a 27 percent boost from July, as American consumers rushed dealerships to turn in their well-used vehicles for more fuel-efficient new ones under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. Robust sales pushed the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate of sales to 14.1 million vehicles — about 5 million units faster than the sales rate for the first half of the year.

The big question remaining is how long will the hangover last after the Cash for Clunkers party.

Of note in the August sales reports was the continued boom of Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia, which combined, surpassed the 100,000 sales mark for the month, shattering all previous records combined and individually as well as for individual models.

Subaru kept up its record-setting pace. Ford benefited from Cash for Clunkers. So did Toyota and Honda, which had its best August ever and second-best month ever. The Honda Fit saw a gigantic 194 percent increase in year-over-year sales. Mazda, on the strength of the Mazda 3 and Mazda 5, had its best August since 2003. Volkswagen had its best month since December 2005.

In contrast, General Motors and Chrysler didn't benefit so much from CARS. Luxury cars and sports cars continued to struggle as they weren't in the clunker game. Of the luxury makes, only Audi posted a sales gain and on the strength of its products like the Q5 and Q7, not Cash for Clunkers, as only 10 percent of its sales came from the program.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Rendered Speculation: Volvo C30 earmarked for a 2010 refresh?  
Now that a series of images of Volvo's refreshed C70 hardtop convertible have hit the interwebs, the enterprising group at Swedespeed have put together an interesting preview of the C30 hatchback, a model that is expected to get a similar revitalization.

Up front is likely to be a new fascia that mimics the changes made to the C70. As such, expect a larger, more shapely grille flanked by blocky, upright head lamps that sweep well back into the front fenders. In the rear, the changes figure to be far less dramatic, with Swedespeed projecting alternations including a larger Volvo script across the trademark rear glass hatch along with LED tail lamps and a smoother rear bumper.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

DriveCam Supports National Ban on Texting While Driving  
SAN DIEGO--DriveCam Inc., a global Driver Risk Management (DRM) company, announced today it voiced support for legislation requiring states to pass laws banning text messaging while operating a moving vehicle. DriveCam also expressed support for the Distracted Driving Summit announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation where transportation leaders, members of Congress and safety groups will come together to reduce accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving. DriveCam has been invited to participate in the Summit.

The bill (S. 1536) – Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers (ALERT Drivers) Act – was prompted in part by studies by Virginia Tech and the University of Utah, which found that drivers were much more likely to crash if texting while driving, according to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, one of four sponsors of the legislation. These studies found that texting was more distracting to drivers than using a hand-held cellular telephone or being intoxicated.

"DriveCam unequivocally supports the goals of this bill," said Brandon Nixon CEO of DriveCam. "With a database of 13.5 million risky driving events, we see what’s happening on our nation’s roads every day. Texting is on the rise, as are the number of incidents – and deaths – as a result of this selfish behavior. Road safety is of paramount importance in ensuring every American’s right to get from one place to another safely."

Currently, texting while driving is banned in the District of Columbia and 14 states, including Alaska, California, Minneapolis, New Jersey and Virginia. Maryland's ban takes effect Oct. 1. The New York legislature recently passed such a measure and sent it to the governor for signature. This federal bill would require other states to write laws prohibiting text messaging by drivers or risk losing 25 percent of their annual federal highway money. States would have two years to enact such laws.

About DriveCam Inc.

DriveCam is a global Driver Risk Management company that helps clients dramatically reduce claims costs and saves lives by improving the way people drive. By combining sight and sound, expert analysis and driver coaching, DriveCam has reduced vehicle damages, workers' compensation and personal injury costs by more than 50 percent in over 110,000 commercial and government vehicles. DriveCam has the world's largest database of more than 13 million actual risky driving behaviors, which the company uses to optimize its proprietary analytics and scoring. DriveCam has been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in the U.S. for three consecutive years.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

In Case You Missed It: Antron Brown, Buddy Rice and Boris Said  
NHRA Top Fuel Dragster Antron BrownTop Fuel dragster, Antron Brown checked in with "On Track On Radio" this afternoon to preview the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Labor Day weekend. Brown is on a roll as he recently swept the "Western Swing" grabbing NHRA wins at Denver, Seattle and Sonoma in successive weeks.

Also on the show: Former Indy 500 winner now driving in the Grand-Am Series, Buddy Rice, gave us a preview of the first-ever Grand-Am test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Thursday. And one of the top road racers in the country, Boris Said called into review his run at the NASCAR Nationwide race at Montreal...

If you missed any episode or guest, "On Track On Radio" archives are available "On Demand" or via Podcast. Anchor Tim Tuttle has been covering motor racing for over 30 years and currently is a columnist for SI.com, a contributing writer for NASCAR Scene and a contributing editor for Road & Track. Co-Host Steve Page has been in motorsports coverage for over a generation and now writes for the Mooresville-Decatur Times.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

10 best-selling cars of 2009  
Vehicle sales in the United States don't look all that much different for 2009 than they have for the past few years in terms of which models are going out the showroom door in the greatest numbers. Ch. 5: Top 10

Sales are down across the board, but generally last year's sales leaders are this year's sales leaders. Only the Ford Fusion is new to this list. With pump prices down to pre-summer-2008 levels, fuel economy has been less of an issue the first six months of this year than it was the third and fourth quarters of last year -- good news for domestic carmakers and their sales of pickup trucks.

For the first half of 2009, a full-size pickup truck remains the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. and two more are in the top 10. Toyota Camry is the best-selling car.

Only four of the top 10 are domestic nameplates, with the Ford Fusion being the only domestic passenger car to make the "Automotive News" top 10 list; although the Honda CR-V just made the cut by edging out Chevrolet's Impala by 231 units.

Here are the best-selling vehicles through the first six months of 2009 and the number of vehicles reported sold: Top 10 sellers 1. Ford F-Series: 179,632 6. Honda Civic: 118,459 2. Toyota Camry: 150,242 7. Nissan Altima: 96,428 3. Chevrolet Silverado: 149,949 8. Dodge Ram: 94,516 4. Honda Accord: 131,043 9. Ford Fusion: 85,146 5. Toyota Corolla: 121,643 10. Honda CR-V: 78,917 [bestsellers-ford-f150.jpg]

1. Ford F-Series: At least through the first two quarters it looks as though Ford's full-size pickup is on schedule to make 2009 its 28th consecutive year as the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Sales numbers include the F-150, as well as Super Duty models F-250, F-350 and F-450. Units sold: 179,632 Starting price: $22,540

[bestsellers-toyota-camry-le.jpg] 2. Toyota Camry: Only once in the past 11 years has the Camry failed to take top honors as the best-selling passenger car in the U.S. It is available in five trim levels with a choice of two engines. Toyota also offers a hybrid version. Units sold: 150,242 Starting price: $20,145

[bestsellers-chevy-silverado.jpg] 3. Chevrolet Silverado: Despite consumer angst over the future of General Motors, Chevy's full-size pickup still performs well in the showroom, managing to nearly maintain its traditional second-place position on this list. Contributing to the total tally are the Silverado 1500, 1500 Hybrid, 2500HD and 3500HD. Units sold: 149,949 Starting price: $20,370

[bestsellers-honda-accord.jpg] 4. Honda Accord: Honda sold fewer than 19,000 Accords in 1976, when it was first introduced at a price just under $4,000. It was the top-selling car for more than a decade spanning the 1980s and 1990s before Camry began dominating in 1997. It beat out Camry for No. 1 honors in 2001. In addition to a hybrid version, it comes in five trim levels with a choice of two engines. Units sold: 131,043 Starting price: $21,615.

[bestsellers-toyota-carolla-xle.jpg] 5. Toyota Corolla: With more than 30 million sold worldwide, Corolla is the most popular nameplate in history. It first went on sale in the U.S. in 1968. Today it's available in five trim levels with a choice of two, four-cylinder engines. Toyota lumps Matrix sales numbers into the Corolla total. Units sold: 121,643 Starting price: $16,100.

[bestsellers-honda-civic.jpg] 6. Honda Civic: Honda's timing couldn't have been better when it introduced the 40-mpg Civic to America in 1973 as the first oil crisis was ramping up. It has been one of the top-selling models in the U.S. ever since. Two, four-cylinder engine choices, two body configurations, four transmissions, a hybrid version and several trim levels provide consumers with a wide spectrum of possibilities and prices. Units sold: 118,459 Starting price: $16,015

[bestsellers-nissan-altima.jpg] 7. Nissan Altima: Introduced in the U.S. in 1993, the Altima replaced the Stanza in Nissan's lineup. As Nissan's bread-and-butter car, it is currently assembled in U.S. plants. Nissan offers the Altima as a coupe or sedan. The sedan has four trim levels and the coupe comes in two levels. A four-cylinder or V-6 engine powers this mid-size car using one of two transmissions. Units sold: 96,428 Starting price: $20,620

[bestsellers-dodge-ram.jpg] 8. Dodge Ram: The third domestic model in the top 10 and the third pickup truck, Ram was primarily a work truck until its major redesign in 1994, which introduced the brawny exterior design still used today. A trio of cab configurations and a mix of V-6 and V-8 engines, trim levels and bed lengths contribute to Ram's popularity. The sales numbers also include the 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty versions. Units sold: 94,516 Starting price: $22,420

[bestsellers-ford-fusion.jpg] 9. Ford Fusion: Available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Fusion comes in four trim levels. It gets almost a total redesign for 2010. Two engines and two transmissions provide its go. There is also a hybrid version that is EPA-rated at 41 mpg in the city. Units sold: 85,146 Starting price: $19,995

[bestsellers-honda-crv.jpg] 10. Honda CR-V: The CR-V assumed the role of Honda's entry-level SUV in America in early 1997, replacing the Isuzu-sourced Passport. Choosing among its three trim levels and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive are the consumer’s toughest decisions. Only one engine and one transmission provide its get-up-and-go. A versatile crossover aimed at soccer moms, CR-V offers scads of utility and comfort. Units sold: 78,917 Starting price: $21,955


Source : http://www.bankrate.com (9/2/2009)

A tightwad's 10 tips to trim car costs  
With gas prices zooming up and down like a roller coaster and financial cutbacks continuing, many drivers are looking for ways to save a few bucks.

Whether it's reassessing your insurance needs, reducing fuel consumption or simply putting off that new vehicle purchase for another year, here are 10 good ways to save money behind the wheel.

1. Drive your car longer. The easiest way to save money on your vehicle is to simply drive it longer, and with the current economic climate, more Americans have been doing exactly that. In 2005, a survey by AutoPacific of 32,000 consumers found that 46 percent of respondents would not be shopping for a new vehicle in the next four years. This year, that number has risen to 59 percent.

Many consumers typically replace a vehicle every three to five years, but today's vehicles are built to last longer, and some manufacturers offer up to 10-year warranties. According to Edmunds.com, the average monthly payment on a new vehicle is $479. Considering your existing car is trouble-free, saving that $479 per month means an annual savings of $5,748 by postponing the purchase of a new vehicle.

2. Reassess your insurance needs. Adjusting the insurance you're carrying can dramatically reduce the amount of insurance premiums you pay. According to Bob Sullivan at MSNBC.com's The Red Tape Chronicles, raising the deductible from $200 to $1,000 on a comprehensive insurance policy will save an average of 40 percent or $100 per year on the comprehensive portion. Those with older cars may want to consider dropping their comprehensive and collision coverage also. Consumer Reports recommends dropping the coverage if the annual auto insurance premiums are 10 percent or more of the book value of the vehicle.

3. Skip the accessories at the dealer and buy after-market products. From sound systems and alarms to wheels and roof racks, auto manufacturers offer a variety of accessories and upgrades for new cars. Dealers often tack substantial markups on their accessories and consumers can usually save up to 50 percent or more by buying after-market accessories on their own. For a 2009 Honda CR-V LX, a portable NAVI navigation system from the dealer adds a whopping $710 to the bill while a similar after-market product can be had for less than $300. advertisement

4. Buy pre-owned cars. The old saying that a car loses a large chunk of its value once it drives off the lot is true. When you purchase a brand new car, you pay the retail price, but as soon as it leaves the lot, the car is only worth the wholesale price, the amount the dealer would pay if you were to sell it back to them. In many cases, that difference is up to 20 percent and on average, a vehicle typically loses 15 to 20 percent of its value each year. Buying a pre-owned vehicle can save thousands of dollars by letting someone else take that initial depreciation hit. Many manufacturers also have "certified pre-owned" programs that take the risk out of some used cars by offering extended warranties and putting the vehicles through rigid certification tests.

5. Buy what you can afford. Buying more car than one can afford is perhaps one of the biggest ways that consumers waste money on their vehicles. Conspicuous consumption often leads many to drive fancy cars at the expense of savings, retirement funding and debt management. Experts typically recommend not spending more than 20 percent of after-tax household income on all vehicles in the household. So an adult with a take-home pay of $50,000 per year should spend no more than $10,000 per year for car payments, insurance, gas and maintenance. If you calculate that each year you will spend $1,804 for insurance, the average national insurance premium according to the CarInsurance.com Premium Index, and $3,000 for fuel and maintenance ($250 per month), your total annual car expenses would be $4,804. That would leave you only $5,196 of the original $10,000 limit for car loan payments -- or $433 a month. Bankrate's auto loan calculator shows a monthly payment of $433 a month for 48 months at a current auto loan rate of 7.25 percent equates to a loan amount of $17,994.


Source : http://www.bankrate.com (9/2/2009)

Survey: 80% of public considering American brand for next car purchase  
It seems like only yesterday we brought you news that Consumer Reports recommends the Mustang over the Camaro and Challenger. In fact, it was yesterday. Now, if you read the post's fine print, you saw that the Ford racked up 78 points to the Chevy's 71 and the bloated big old Dodge managed just 53. We mention this because CR just released the results of a new survey where 80% of the respondents said they would consider purchasing an American car, whereas less than 50% said they would consider an Asian or European brand. But as it turns out, not all American cars are created equal.

Almost least surprisingly, confidence in Ford is up the most -- a big 17% over last year. Why aren't we surprised? With products like the new 2010 Mustang, Flex, Taurus (and SHO), F-150 and Transit Connect (with the Euro-Focus looming) how could consumers not stop and take a second look? And with all-stars like the Shelby GT500 and Raptor SVT, third, fourth and fifth looks are in order.

Most surprisingly, confidence in recently bankrupt and mondo-pruned back General Motors is up 6% compared to last year, possibly proving the maxim that GM is too big too fail. Least surprising is the word on Chrysler -- consumer confidence has fallen off a whopping 25%. True, like GM they went belly up. Unlike GM, the Pentastar'd maker sells the Caliber, Sebring, Journey and Nitro -- Jeep Compass, too. And of course, Mopar's fate now rests in the hands of Fiat. Not exactly a sleep-easy prescription. Fun poll for you to participate in after the jump.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Despite low take-rate, GM reportedly extending eBay experiment  
General Motors' experiment in selling new cars and trucks on eBay hasn't exactly been a raging success story. Despite this, America's largest automaker has extended the program, which will now run through the end of the month instead of halting on its originally scheduled ending date of September 8th.

According to estimates from Automotive News, GM has listed some 16,000 new vehicles on the auction site but has sold only 50 of those machines. That's not the entire story, though, says Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales:

We are very pleased with the progress of the initial promotion and its ability to raise awareness and consideration for our outstanding new-vehicle inventory... The numbers on eBay itself aren't significant, but we didn't think it would be. The dealers want to continue it, and so we are working on making some tweaks to it and continue.

The General says that 4,000 or so eBay shoppers have negotiated with the automaker to purchase a vehicle, but the vast majority of those transactions have not taken place online. Instead, a large portion of those buyers contacted the dealership directly to finalize a sale or haggle on a price after viewing the auction. And so the experiment continues...


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Ginetta developing all-new G40 for the road and track  
Race cars are usually designed one of two ways. Either a company's engineers take an existing road car and adapt it towards racing (as with most touring, GT racing and rally cars, for example) or they start with a clean sheet of paper and design a race car from the ground up (as they do for Formula One and Le Mans prototypes). Ginetta appears to be taking a different approach, however. The British sportscar manufacturer has announced the development of a new product, dubbed G40, to slot below the G50 in its road car lineup – but there's a competition-spec model planned right from the start.

Few details have been released on the G40's specifications, but Ginetta does say that it will be powered by a 1.8-liter Ford Zetec inline-four and should weigh in at about 850 kg (1874 pounds), pack two seats and exceed FIA regulations for crashworthiness.

On the track, the G40 will be used in the Ginetta Junior Championship – a British one-make racing series for racers between the ages of 14 and 17, currently campaigned with purpose-built Ginetta Juniors in support races for the British Touring Car Championship. The G40 could also be made ready for GT4 racing as well.

Just 20 examples are planned for the first batch, and the G40 will start at £24,950 (around $40,600 USD). Interested? You can learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Sean.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen preparing Golf CC for Frankfurt?  
Think the German auto industry is packed enough with segment-busting five-door whatchamacallits? Apparently the Germans don't, because they keep on rolling 'em out. With BMW showing its 5 Series GT and Audi unveiling the new A5 Sportback, Volkswagen may be joining the fray as well with a baby brother to the slick Passat CC based on the Golf.

Although some reports suggest that Wolfsburg could be preparing to unveil the new Golf CC at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we'd be surprised if it were ready so soon. The five-door coupe/sedan/hatchback is expected to be based on the next-generation Golf VII, which isn't due until 2012 at the earliest.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

VIDEO: Michael Schumacher gives us a walk around of the Ferrari 458 Italia  
The marketing team in Maranello has been putting in a lot of effort to keep the Internets drooling over Ferrari's newest creation, the 562 hp 458 Italia, with a steady flow of information hitting the web.

The newest piece of 458 propaganda comes in the form of the world's most famous Ferrari employee talking about why the new Italia kicks ass. Hit the jump to listen to Michael Schumacher go over the finer points of the all new 458 Italia. Brakes, suspension, F1-style seven-speed gearbox and driving experience are all covered in a mere 1:32, and we agree with Mr. Schumacher when he calls the 458 Italia "una bella machina."


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Review: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a tarnished Golden Oldie  
It wasn't so many years ago that Chrysler's design department was considered among the best in the industry. Attractive, innovative shapes came one after another, then they took a sharp detour into the crash test building and the rest is Sebring/Compass/Caliber history. In the late '90,s when Chrysler design was still on a roll, one of the highlights was the debut of the PT Cruiser.

As insolvency fast approached, CEO Bob Nardelli and his staff were scrambling to find cars to kill and, unsurprisingly, the nearly decade-old PT wound up on that list. Surprisingly, after exiting bankruptcy court in July, Chrysler decided to keep the PT alive through the end of 2010 when new models start arriving. After perusing our review list and realizing that, like the S2000, we've never tested the PT, we called Chrysler to get one last go-'round in the retro-hatch.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

1910-2010: The RV Industry Celebrates 100 Years of Exploration and Innovation  
RESTON, Va., ; A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America's passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born. In 2010, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV industry will mark this centennial with an array of special activities celebrating the 100-year journey of a uniquely American product.

In 1910, there was no TV, no air conditioning and no phone, but there were RVs. Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured and is still going strong, even in today's challenging economic times.

"Think about how far we've come in the past 100 years in terms in technology, yet the reasons to RV remain the same," says RVIA President Richard Coon. "RVing has been able to thrive and grow because people still enjoy the freedom that it provides."

The industry will celebrate its centennial in 2010 with a series of events that showcase today's innovations and new products while emphasizing America's century-long love affair with RVs.

"Recognizing and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RV industry is a unique opportunity to tell our story to the media and public," says Coon.

The roots of RVing are as old as pioneers and covered wagons. But 1910 is the year that America's leading RV historians -- David Woodworth, Al Hesselbart and Roger White -- cite as the beginning of what has become the modern RV industry.

"The first motorized campers were built in 1910," says Woodworth, a preeminent collector of early RVs and RV camping memorabilia. "Before then, people camped in private rail cars that were pulled to sidings along train routes. The year 1910 brought a new freedom to people who didn't want to be limited by the rail system. RVs allowed them to go where they wanted, when they wanted."

Hesselbart, archivist for the RV/MH Heritage Museum in Elkhart, Ind., also pinpoints 1910 as the birth of the RV industry. "Camping has been around for centuries, but 1910 is when the first auto-related camping vehicles were built for commercial sale."

Known as "auto campers" or "camping trailers" a century ago, these vehicles were a forerunner of today's modern RVs.

"There were one-offs [individual units] built prior to 1910," says White, an associate curator for the Smithsonian Institution. "But 1910 is a good benchmark for the industry."

"The 1910 RVs offered minimal comforts compared to today's homes-on-wheels," says Woodworth. "But they did provide the freedom to travel anywhere, to be able to get a good night's sleep and enjoy home cooking. One notable exception to today's RV was the bathroom. In 1910, it was usually either yonder tree or yonder bush."

Hesselbart points out that one brand of auto camper in those days was equipped with a bathroom onboard. "Pierce-Arrow's 'Touring Landau' had a potted toilet," he says.

A version of today's Type B van camper, the Pierce-Arrow "Touring Landau," was unveiled at Madison Square Garden in 1910.

In addition to Pierce-Arrow, there were several other companies or auto-body builders producing motorized RVs. These companies and innovative products were featured in a Popular Mechanics issue in 1911, but Woodworth says the motorhomes highlighted in the article were actually built in 1910.

Camping trailers made by Los Angeles Trailer Works and Auto-Kamp Trailers also rolled off the assembly line beginning in 1910. Hesselbart says the earliest RV on display at the RV/MH museum is a 1913 trailer, ancestor of the contemporary travel trailer.

Photos of 1910 RV models appear in White's book on the history of RVing and exist in both Woodworth's and Hesselbart's libraries.

To mark the centennial, RVIA is creating a special 100th anniversary logo and commemorative decal that everyone in the industry will be invited to use in their own promotions and marketing. RVIA is planning an industry party on June 7 during the 2010 Committee Week in South Bend, Indiana, to which media and political guests would be invited.

RVIA will soon announce details of an RV caravan led by Woodworth with one of his early RVs, as well as a menu of celebration and promotion ideas for dealers, campgrounds, clubs and shows to use on their own.

"Celebrating our centennial will create excitement and pride throughout our made-in-America industry and provide an opportunity for manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and campground owners to unite under one banner," says Coon. "For 100 years, we've been helping Americans explore their scenic treasures and heritage more comfortably, affordably and enjoyably. That's something to celebrate."

RVIA is the national association representing approximately 450 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Cars.com Names Most-Improved and Worst Cars of the Decade  
CHICAGO, -- With 2010 model year vehicles already on dealer lots, Cars.com editors reminisced on the good, the bad and the ugly of the past decade to compile their top ten most-improved and worst cars of the decade.

"Despite the current gloom, automakers have really stepped up the past decade and have put out some great vehicles," says Patrick Olsen, editor in chief of Cars.com. "We've seen mass adoption of new vehicle types like crossovers and hybrids. On the other hand, we've also seen a lot of duds."

In order to be considered as one of the most-improved or worst cars of the decade, a car had to be sold at any point in the 2000s; some of these models were only on the market for a few years, while others are still being sold today.

Worst Cars of the 2000s:

Whether poorly executed, ill-conceived or downright dreadful to look at, the 10 cars listed below stood out to the Cars.com editors for all the wrong reasons.

10. Pontiac Aztek (2001-2005): The Aztek was criticized for the duration of its life for its ghastly styling. Were the critics wrong? Yeah, we didn't think so.

9. Daewoo Anything (1999-2002): We had just tested a Suzuki Esteem and marveled at how competent even the cheapest little econoboxes had become when a leather-lined Leganza midsize sedan showed up -- the best Daewoo had to offer. We mused over which would kill us first: the toxic gases from the cheap interior or the recalcitrant transmission and inconsistent acceleration. Three days into the loan, the first Daewoo crash tests in U.S. history came out, and we called Daewoo and told them to come pick up the car. We'd never done that before, and we haven't since.

8. Isuzu VehiCROSS (1999-2002): The outrageous Isuzu VehiCROSS two-door SUV, whose extreme styling drew varied reactions, lasted from 1999 to 2001, and even that's surprising. The fanglike grille uprights made it look like it would eat you, which was scary mainly because inside the VehiCROSS was a place no one wanted to be.

7. Jaguar X-Type (2002-2008): In the early 2000s, the class of entry-level luxury cars was growing. Wanting in, Jaguar came out with the X-Type. Sharing its front-drive platform with a European Ford Mondeo, the X-Type was a too-small, not-so-sporty sedan with all-wheel drive that was hamstrung by some of the forewarned quality issues.

6. Pontiac Sunfire (1995-2005): The Sunfire managed the rare feat of having a worse interior than its GM twin, the Chevy Cavalier. Cheap interior plastics run amok, a coarse four-cylinder engine and horrendous crash-test ratings sealed its fate.

5. Cadillac Catera (1997-2001): In the late '90s, the Opel Omega begat a Cadillac that was sporty in theory but soft and underpowered in practice, rear-wheel-drive in design but front-wheel-drive in feel. And that's just the car. Cadillac didn't help its case with advertising that included the tagline "The Caddy That Zigs," supermodel Cindy Crawford, an animated duck, and the suggestion to "lease a Catera" with the response, "Who's Lisa Catera?" The geniuses responsible for the Catera should have been exiled, but we suspect they went on to develop something called the Pontiac Aztek.

4. Toyota Echo (2000-2005): The Echo subcompact's high seating position and center-mounted instrument panel were two well-intentioned features that were summarily rejected by consumers (though they would find their proponents in later years and other models). Call the Echo ahead of its time if you must; mainly it just wasn't a very good car.

3. Jeep Compass (2007-present): The Compass doesn't belong in the Jeep lineup, a brand known and respected for its off-road ability. It's a soft-roading poseur, and not a good one at that.

2. Chrysler Sebring (1995-present): The previous-generation Sebring wasn't a bad car in its day, but Chrysler dropped the ball with the redesigned 2007 model. With a weak base powertrain, uncomfortable front seats, poor interior quality and haphazard styling, it never had a chance in the highly competitive midsize-sedan segment.

1. Smart ForTwo (2008-present): We don't have a problem with small cars in general (we're big fans of the Mini Cooper), just with ones that don't deliver on the benefits of going small. The pint-sized ForTwo sacrifices a lot of passenger space for a relatively unimpressive 41 mpg on the highway, has an SUV-like propensity to roll over, and is equipped with an aggravating sequential manual transmission. Sure, the ForTwo looks cute, but after you drive it you won't be smiling anymore.

Most-Improved Cars of the 2000s:

Most-improved awards are a mixed blessing: part insult, part praise. Such is the case with Cars.com editor's top 10.

10. Saturn Vue: The Saturn Vue was in a relatively good position when it launched in 2002. Unfortunately, the Vue was underwhelming. The 2008 Vue redesign garnered a reaction more often attributed to the all-new Chevy Malibu: "This is a GM interior?!" The classed-up Vue is worlds better than the original.

9. Cadillac Escalade: 10 years ago Lincoln was dominating pop culture with a concept any reasonable auto exec would have thought ridiculous: a full-size luxury SUV. GM saw the popularity and promptly slapped some Cadillac badges and leather on a Chevrolet Tahoe and called it the 1999 Escalade. Not enough lipstick, too much pig. But Cadillac went all-out for the 2001 model, which leapfrogged the Navigator in terms of power and interior quality, and before long it was the Caddy that you saw in the hands of hip-hop artists, real and imagined. For posterity, drive a late-model Escalade or Escalade Hybrid before they're extinct. You'll be impressed.

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The painfully plain 2000 C-Class counted among its engines a supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that had all the refinement of a burr grinder. Its aesthetics were as appealing as a larger Mercedes, which is to say ... yawn. Thankfully, a 2001 redesign updated the C's exterior styling, though it still looked like an S-Class that had shrunk in the wash. For 2008, Mercedes got the message, and the C-Class leaves the decade with edgier styling, more interior space and even some sporty reflexes to lure buyers away from Audi and BMW.

7. Cadillac CTS: When the Cadillac CTS hit the market in 2003, American auto writers went overboard with praise. The car's handling was the closest any domestic car had come to competing with European luxury sedans, which was promising, but the exterior styling looked like it had been yanked off the drawing board unfinished. The CTS makes the list because of the brilliant 2008-09 model, perhaps the most world-class vehicle ever to come out of Detroit. The styling, performance and interior quality are stunning and quintessentially American.

6. Kia Sportage: Kia resurrected the Sportage name in 2005 after a two-year hiatus, so perhaps this is a technicality. We're citing the Sportage compact SUV because it represents a couple of important milestones: the move from truck-based to car-based SUVs, and Kia's transformation from a punch line to a formidable market competitor. Though a decent-looking little SUV, the 2000-02 Sportage was based on a rear-wheel-drive truck platform with old-fashioned recirculating-ball steering, an unrefined drivetrain, a noisy interior and -- at best -- 19 mpg. The 2005-09 Sportage is a roomier, more refined car-based model that gets 22 mpg despite its added features and improved crashworthiness. The Sportage has come a long way.

5. Nissan Altima: A little-known fact: The Nissan Altima is the third-best-selling midsize sedan in the U.S., nipping at the Honda Accord's and Toyota Camry's heels. Its accomplishment since 2002 is how it's provided sportier looks and driving than the big dogs have, without sacrificing livability.

4. Hyundai Sonata: The 1999-2005 Sonata wasn't exactly exceptional. It was a step up from the previous generation, yes, but it had a lingering low-budget finish and was a step behind the class leaders in crash tests. The 2006 redesign was a sucker-punch to the competition -- a bargain-priced entry loaded with standard features, including six airbags and stability control. It had sharp styling and competitive interior quality, both of which improved in 2009, along with power and efficiency.

3. Toyota Prius: The 2004-09 Toyota Prius is a marvel -- not simply because it's so efficient, affordable and reliable, nor because it has single handedly brought about global acceptance of new and scary technology. No, it's a marvel because even when it yielded its position to the next-generation 2010 Prius, it still reigned as the most efficient and affordable hybrid on the market. The original Prius that was sold in the U.S. -- from 2001 to 2003 -- was a technological triumph for its time, but it was nothing like the phenomenon that soon took its place.

2. Ford Mustang: The Mustang's redesign for 2005 made it a very good car -- and, at the time, the only remaining model in the muscle-car class. It's on this list, though, because its predecessor was beat. The 2004 model year was the car's 25th year on a platform Ford had long since abandoned for other purposes. Those 'Stangs shuddered out of dealerships as if bolts and welds were missing. The seating position and interior quality were equally unrefined. Come 2005, the new Mustang's retro styling was the highlight of auto shows and the driver of many, many sales, but the new chassis is what really kept this model in the game.

1. Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu has been a critical and sales success since its redesign for 2008, especially in terms of its interior quality and refinement. It's not only competitive with leading midsize sedans, it surpasses a few in some respects, including mileage. Its spot atop our most-improved list, though, has more to do with its poor showing in its prior two generations. It was a rental-car staple through 2003, followed by an overly hyped redesign in 2004 whose peculiar styling, vague steering and interior quality didn't deliver.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Cash for Clunkers Boosts August 2009 Sales  
The government’s popular Car Allowance Rebate System, better known as Cash for Clunkers, is credited with driving sales through August, resulting in the first month-to-month increase since October 2007. “These improved numbers are exactly what dealers hoped for from August. Cash for clunkers was an unparalleled success,” said Wisconsin auto dealer and AIADA Chairman Russ Darrow. “The focus now is on speeding Clunkers reimbursements to dealers. Cash flow is the lifeblood of small businesses, and dealers need those funds to pay our own employees.”

International Brands Build Market Share According to numbers from Autodata Corp., international brands sold 747,689 vehicles in August, up from 562,988 in July and 683,328 in August 2008. Asian brands accounted for 52.3 percent of the market, up from 48.7 percent in July 2009, and Europeans had a 6.9 percent share, down from 7.8 in July. Domestic brands finished the month with 40.8 percent of the market, down from 43.6 in July.

Top Selling Vehicles Seven of the top ten selling vehicles in August were international makes, up from six in July. Thanks in part to Clunkers sales, the Toyota Camry took the number one spot away from the Ford F Series pickup for the first time since April 2009. The Hyundai Elantra also benefited from the program, making the top ten for the first time, moving from the number 17 spot to number ten. International vehicles held 11 of the top 20 vehicle slots for the month of August. Eight of the 10 cars that saw the most sales through the Clunkers program were international makes. Honda and Toyota dominated the Clunkers list with three vehicles from each brand making the top ten.

Trucks vs. Cars In July, consumers purchased more Asian cars than domestic light trucks by a difference of 146,026 units. In July, the difference was just 58,648 units. This trend, which began in March of this year, is expected to grow as international vehicle shares continue to rise. Purchases of small cars, like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Spectra, accounted for 22.2 percent of auto sales in July, up from 20.5 percent in June


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

World Premiere of Toyota Auris Hybrid Concept at The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show  
EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM : The Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept will take centre stage for Toyota at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show.

The concept represents a milestone in Toyota’s strategy: introducing Toyota’s full hybrid technology to a mainstream model, and the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive across the company’s model range.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept will also make its world premiere in Frankfurt. Prius Plug-in Hybrid expands the capabilities of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, enabling pure electric operation for short-range day-to-day transportation. In early 2010, an extensive field trial in Europe will see over 150 units being leased to selected fleet customers.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Frankfurt will also stage the European Premiere of the iconic, all-new Toyota Land Cruiser, which will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Two customised iQ show cars, iQ for Sports and iQ Collection, will also be on display.

The Toyota stand is located in Hall 8 of the Frankfurt Motor Show exhibition centre, where the Toyota press conference will take place on Tuesday 15 September at 15:30


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

New Swift SZ-l - On Sale in Time for "59"  
MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM: Suzuki GB is pleased to announce the introduction of a limited edition model to the Swift range; the SZ-L, which goes on sale from September 1 ready for the new ‘59’ registration plate.

Swift has become a highly popular model in the range since launch and in this months Glass’s Guide industry pricing update it is noted as having a particularly strong residual value of 59.5% at three years old and with a mileage of 39,000. This places it ahead of the Citroen C1, MINI, Honda Jazz and VW Fox; proving that a Swift is an intelligent choice as either a new, scrappage, or used purchase.

The new SZ-L is based on the popular 1.3-litre GL five-door but has a higher luxury specification for added customer value. The additional equipment list includes air conditioning, pearlescent or metallic paint, 15-inch alloy wheels, side protection mouldings, interior carpet mats and chrome finish for the exterior door handles, front grille and rear tailgate trim. The heated door mirrors on the SZ-L incorporate turn signal indicators and are electrically retractable for added safety when parked.

For the interior, chrome bezels are added to the instrument meters and the door trims and audio surround have aluminium effect detailing. The limited edition SZ-L is priced at £10,250 and available in four colours; Cool White Pearl, Cosmic Black Pearl, Supreme Red Pearl and Silky Silver metallic. Just 500 cars will be available.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The SZ-L offers all the appearance and more of the 1.5-litre Swift but with group 4 insurance rating for lower cost of ownership; combined fuel consumption is an impressive 48.7mpg and emissions are 140g/km.

The 92PS 1.3-litre engine Swift also appeals to younger buyers, offering impressive performance for its size with 0-62mph achieved in 11 seconds (just one second behind the 1.5-litre model) and a top speed of 109mph (where permitted)

As with all other Suzuki cars; the new Swift SZ-L is eligible for the government scrappage scheme which provides a £2,000 discount when trading in a 10 year old car or LCV. Zero per cent finance is also available on the Swift until 30th September with a 30 per cent deposit, payable over three years.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

The New Audi Logo: Trade Fair Debut at the IAA  
INGOLSTADT, GERMANY: Visitors to the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main can expect to witness an extraordinary debut at the trade fair from September 15 onward. In addition to the international launch of numerous technical innovations, AUDI AG is also unveiling the further evolution of the four rings at this year’s trade fair stand. Even more progressive and contemporary than its predecessor, the new Audi logo elevates the brand essence to its key message: Vorsprung durch Technik.

“As we see it, Vorsprung durch Technik is a clear promise to our customers – and an obligation for all Audi employees to render our design even more innovative, our drive systems even more efficient and our product range even more emotion-packed,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG.

Audi has made it possible for customers to experience Vorsprung durch Technik firsthand with technical innovations such as quattro all-wheel drive, intelligent aluminum lightweight design and highly efficient diesel technology. For the first time, the brand claim has now been combined with the brand trademark, the four rings, in the various versions of the new logo. The rings are still the visual focus of the new logo, but their altered surface and new profile give them an even more contemporary look.

The new typeface “Audi Type” is also part of Audi’s evolved Corporate Design. It was the result of an international typography competition and has already been in use since the start of the year. Its aim was to enhance the independent character of the Audi typeface – clear, minimalist and technical.

The Audi color code, used in all communication media, has also been further developed and will be used even more stringently with the new Corporate Design. As main color, aluminum silver represents technical innovative power and lightweight design, an Audi core competency and one of the most important future technologies that set the brand apart.

“Audi is the most progressive premium brand,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer. “This orientation to the future is in our genes – and in time for Audi’s 100th anniversary has consequently now become a part of our brand logo.”

Starting in September, the new logo will be used in all communication measures: from classic advertising, publications and Audi press kits to sponsorship and the Audi website. The redesigned logo already made an initial debut at the Audi brand’s 100th anniversary celebrations. The new Audi logo will be used internationally for the first time during its trade fair debut at the IAA. There it will add the crowning touch to the white, red and black AUDI AG exhibition stand, which covers 6,000 square meters and has been designed to reflect Audi’s characteristic “terminal” architecture.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Volvo Presents the New C70 Convertible - VIDEO ENHANCED  
GOTHENBURG: The new Volvo C70, to be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, has the same three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. The new version has an updated design and is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible.

Click PLAY to watch the video

The new Volvo C70 rewards the owner with extra self-assured elegance

The new Volvo C70 launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the C70 also delivers an "I want" aura of absolute world class.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.

"The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today's and tomorrow's Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

Modernised, self-assured front With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting "V". The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who want to be seen even more can specify a dramatic new red colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.

"The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face. The car's natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date, the most sophisticated backdrops," says Fedde Talsma.

Exclusive new rear design PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The exclusive high-tech LED lamps, of the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.

As at the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise the depth and dynamism of the design language.

Interior that rewards the driver PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.

The exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car's premium feel has been emphasised still further.

"We've focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in a new type of soft hide and there is even better detail finish to make driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before," continues Fedde Talsma.

World-leading safety among convertibles The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, as regards both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.

Protection in roll-over accidents The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective survival space should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System - ROPS - are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a proper glass rear window, the hoops shoot up through the glass if the roof is up. They have therefore been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee proper protective function.

Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the door since there is no roof rail in which to fit it. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of panels that are offset somewhat in relation to one another. As a result, the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head in an effective way even if the window is open. What is more, the curtain deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

Side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners for all seats In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to shield both the chest and hips. What is more, the inflatable curtain interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to contribute to the best possible protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

Elegant three-part steel roof The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a cosy coupe into an open convertible. Just press a button and the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.

Facts about the roof of the Volvo C70: l The car has to be at a standstill when the roof is raised or lowered l The car only needs 2 metres of free vertical space when the roof is raised or lowered l There is no need for extra space behind the car while the roof is being raised or lowered l The roof takes about 30 seconds to open/shut (irrespective of climate) l An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer are used to open and shut the roof l The boot lid has two opening modes: for handling of the roof or to provide access to the luggage compartment l The roof is divided into three sections l The roof panels are made of steel l The seams between the sections are sealed with rubber l The side windows slide up against the roof rail after roof closes. l The boot lid is made of aluminium and steel l The body's torsional rigidity improves by about 15 percent when the roof is raised

Engine range, Volvo C70 Advanced engine and exhaust filtration technology means Volvo's engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to versions with a manual gearbox running in the mixed driving cycle.

Petrol engines Power output Fuel consumption CO2 T5 230 hp/320 Nm 8.9 l/100 km 209 g/km 2.4i 170 hp/230 Nm 9.0 l/100 km 215 g/km 2.4 140 hp/220 Nm 8.9 l/100 km 212 g/km Diesel engines Power output Fuel consumption CO2 D5 180 hp/400 Nm 6.6 l/100 km 174 g/km 2.0D 136 hp/320 Nm 6.0 l/100 km 158 g/km


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Tesla Motors Hires Veteran Technology and Media Executive, Jon Sobel, as General Counsel and Secretary  
SAN CARLOS, Calif.--Highly regarded Silicon Valley executive Jon Sobel will join Tesla Motors as general counsel and board secretary, starting in late September.

Sobel, 45, is currently group president for media of SourceForge, an open source and social media company. There, Sobel spearheaded an innovative business strategy to strengthen the company’s twin roles as a community trust and a for-profit public company. Previously, Sobel was senior vice president of strategy and business development at CBS Interactive, and he was partner at San Francisco-based law firm Folger Levin & Kahn.

Sobel spent six years as a top executive at Internet search pioneer Yahoo, where he was senior vice president, general counsel, board secretary and a member of the company’s executive committee. He joined Yahoo in 1998 and was rapidly promoted to lead the team, which grew to include more than 75 attorneys.

During his tenure, Yahoo grew from an early stage Internet startup to one of the best known brands in the world, a publicly traded company with extensive international operations and thousands of employees. Sobel guided Yahoo on a wide range of critical issues, including risk management and litigation; patent, trade secret and copyright matters; international law; mergers and acquisitions; privacy and consumer protection; securities regulation; contract and licensing matters; and international jurisdiction and tax laws.

“Jon really understands how to solve the challenges of a fast growing, international consumer technology company. His high tech background serves as a good complement to the auto industry expertise on the Tesla team, consistent with our strategy is to recruit outstanding talent from both industries. I particularly liked that he managed Slashdot, one of my favorite sites,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. “Jon will provide invaluable counsel on complex issues at the nexus of law, finance, communications and public policy. ”

Tesla announced a significant financial milestone in July, when it achieved overall corporate profitability and shipped a record 109 vehicles to customers. The company – which remains the only automaker producing and selling highway capable electric vehicles – has enjoyed a surge in new Roadster purchases this summer. The Department of Energy recently announced that Tesla will receive a $465 million loan for Model S and powertrain production. Initial fund disbursements from the loan are expected to begin in the fall.

Early in his career, Sobel worked as a reporter for a daily newspaper in Michigan and an adviser in Washington DC to U.S. Sen. John Danforth of Missouri. Sobel has an MBA from Wharton, a law degree from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University.

“Tesla already serves as an industrywide example that an automaker can create a successful business model while being socially and environmentally responsible,” Sobel said. “I’m thrilled to be joining such an exciting company at the beginning of its rapid growth phase.”

About Tesla

Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms in New York, Seattle, London, West Los Angeles and California’s Silicon Valley. Tesla will open stores in Chicago and Munich in the upcoming weeks, and it also plans stores in South Florida, Washington DC, Toronto and Monaco this year.

Tesla Motors is the only automaker worldwide that is manufacturing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla, which achieved overall corporate profitability in July, has delivered about 700 Roadsters to customers so far. The company’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EV technology. Tesla also sells patented power train components to other automakers, including the battery pack and charger for the electric Smart, built by German luxury carmaker Daimler.

The Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. With an EPA-estimated range of nearly 250 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to refuel and is faster than street-legal Porsches and Ferraris.

Teslas consume no gasoline whatsoever, never need routine oil changes and require far less maintenance than internal combustion engine vehicles or complicated hybrids. They qualify for numerous incentives, including a $7,500 federal tax credit nationwide, and sales tax waivers in several states, leading to a dramatically lower total cost of ownership than conventional sports cars.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Spy Shots: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept snagged at Munich photo shoot  
Excited by BMW's new Vision EfficientDynamics concept car? So are we. But while the rest of us have to wait another couple of weeks to see the future-think show car at the Bavarian automaker's show stand in Frankfurt, one lucky enthusiast got an early glimpse while visiting the company's flagship BMW Welt in Munich.

Looks like he got quite an eyeful too, as Car and Driver has a comprehensive gallery of the car shot from every angle while BMW was apparently doing some photography and video work itself. Follow the link to check it out.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

Insurance.com RateWatch: Drivers with Drinking Violations Pay Up to $2,356 for Auto Insurance  
CLEVELAND, -- As Labor Day approaches, Insurance.com, the largest online auto insurance agency in the United States, urges drivers to use caution when on the road this weekend - especially if attending events where alcohol is served. If you intend to have a drink or two, remember that driving under the influence is not only dangerous, but also if you are stopped or get into an accident, your car insurance rates could increase by as much as 38 percent.

According to Insurance.com's 2009 RateWatch data, the average lowest rate quoted to drivers with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) violation was $2,148 per year, $435 more than a driver with no violations. Drivers charged with a DWI who also are responsible for an accident received an average car insurance rate of $2,356, paying $643 more than those without violations.

"Insurance companies consider drivers with drinking violations to be extremely risky," said Sam Belden, vice president at Insurance.com. "Drivers with drinking violations tend to be involved in more accidents, and the accidents are more severe. Some insurance companies refuse to insure drivers with these types of violations."

2009 Average Rate Quotes Based on Driving Record

Driving RecordQuoted Premium* DWI$2,148 DWI + Accident$2,356 No Violations$1,713 All Drivers$1,863

* Auto insurance quotes are based on the average of the lowest rate quotes by Insurance.com in 2009. Insurance.com completes quotes for more than one million drivers each year.

In addition to paying higher insurance costs, most drivers convicted of a DWI face a driver's license suspension, reinstatement fees and must file an SR-22 for three years. These additional costs can reach thousands of dollars until the DWI drops from your motor vehicle report.

View the complete RateWatch Report for more auto insurance rate trends.

About Insurance.com

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Insurance.com is the top online auto insurance agency in the U.S., and offers comparison auto insurance quotes consumers can buy online or by phone. By linking directly to the rating systems of fifteen top insurance companies, Insurance.com provides instant, accurate comparison rates that help consumers make smarter decisions about auto insurance.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Rolls-Royce Phantoms driven  
Hit the jackpot? Then chances are a Learjet will top your transportation wish list – but when you touch down, nothing will announce your arrival quite like a Rolls-Royce.

Of course, if you intend to let someone else do the driving, then the stretched Phantom saloon is the default choice, but for those who prefer to drive themselves, a Coupe or Drophead Coupe (convertible) will create an equally sensational impression.

Both cars exude elegance from every panel and each has a pair of forward-opening coach doors that enable you to make a swaggering entrance with a casual swivel of the hips.

With those doors ajar, your adoring public can catch a glimpse of the hand-finished interior that's built to the highest standards from the finest-quality materials.

You can also make an equally nonchalant departure by sliding behind the big, thin-rimmed steering wheel, pressing the dash-mounted button and reclining as the doors seamlessly close by themselves.

Not that everything is as hassle-free. The electric seat controls are awkwardly located in the centre armrest and rear visibility is extremely limited due to that swooping roof line, a pillar-box slot of a rear window and tiny rear-view mirrors.

Still, if you're determined to keep a watchful eye on the paparazzi, then dropping the electric hood in the convertible will give you a panoramic view out and allow a gentle breeze to ruffle around the cabin.

Should you wish to bask in the heat of attention, however, you can park up, drop the rear split tailgate, repose on your own private posing perch and breathe in the sweet smell of success.

Everything else is as near perfect as you could wish for, provided you bear in mind that parking bays and narrow country roads were not designed with cars of this magnitude in mind.

The air suspension-controlled ride is hushed and sublimely comfortable, while the Rolls's sheer size and weight dictates that a suitably special engine is required. That's no problem, thanks to the 459bhp 6.75-lire V12.

Whether you're wafting around town or effortlessly accelerating up to motorway speeds, the engine remains unobtrusive, with just the merest burble from under the bonnet and the swing of the power reserve gauge's needle indicating the engine flexing its muscles.

Of course, the swing of the fuel gauge needle will be a more conspicuous indicator, as you'll average just 17.9mpg on a good day.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

Finally, Subaru's Impreza range has got what it has needed for a long time – a diesel engine.  
Until now, Subaru's 2.0-litre 'boxer' diesel engine has been available in only its Legacy, Outback and Forester models.

Cleaner and more economical The new Impreza 2.0D comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and manages average economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 155g/km. That's not a patch on figures of the best small family hatchbacks, but it's a big improvement on petrol-powered Imprezas, which can manage only 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 176g/km at best.

The diesel-powered Impreza is available in two trim levels, RC and RX. RC includes:

The Impreza 2.0D models are on sale now, at £20,000 for the RC and £22,225 for the RX.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

Tuner Special: Manhart Z4 V10  
GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany — Manhart Racing didn't think the 343 horsepower offered on the Euro-spec 2009 BMW Z4 roadster was enough, so it dropped the 5.0-liter V10 from the M5 sedan into the two-seat roadster. The results, needless to say, are spectacular, if just a bit excessive.

The Manhart Z4 develops 542 hp, which is 42 horses more than the stock M5. That power gain can be attributed to its AC Schnitzer exhaust, HJS racing cats and a reconfigured ECU. The six-speed manual gearbox and differential from the E60 M5 are used, but Fichtel & Sachs provided a new clutch.

Manhart claims the modified roadster makes it to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 208 mph. With a curb weight of 3,212 pounds, its power-to-weight ratio comes in at 5.93 pounds per horsepower — better that the Ferrari F430's 6.5 pounds-per-hp figure.

Suspension changes include the addition of Bilstein B16 PSS10 coil-overs. Nineteen-inch blacked-out BBS Challenge rims wrapped in 235/35ZR front and 285/30ZR rear tires also improve handling.

The 2009 Z4 Roadster with the Manhart V10 treatment costs the equivalent of just over $137,000.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Chrysler Group LLC Returns Second Shift Production to Illinois Assembly Plant  
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., -- Anticipating customer demand for the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Group LLC is returning the second shift of production at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant effective October 5, 2009.

The action will increase Dodge Caliber production by 10,000 units for the North American and international markets through the end of the year, while maintaining planned production levels of Jeep Compass and Patriot, the other fuel-efficient Chrysler Group vehicles built at the facility in Belvidere, Illinois.

"We are taking this action in response to increasing demand for our most fuel-efficient products," said Michael J. Accavitti, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "However, we are cautious about the continued volatility in the industry and will monitor demand in order to respond to market conditions."

The increased second shift production will add approximately 850 employees at the Belvidere facility. This action is in addition to the more than 50,000 units added to production plans at other Chrysler Group plants, that was announced earlier this week.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber offers top government safety ratings, value, bold styling and many interior innovations in a compact car that combines Dodge attitude, SUV versatility, fuel efficiency and affordability.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Consumer Reports Survey: Car Buyers Are Thinking American, But Not All Brands Are Equal  
YONKERS, N.Y.,; "Buy American" resonates strongly with new car shoppers -- 81 percent of respondents looking to buy a new car are likely to consider a domestic brand, according to a nationally representative survey by Consumer Reports.

The interest in buying American was significantly higher than the percentage of new car shoppers considering Asian (47 %) and European (46%) models.

Respondents did not view all domestic brands the same. Ford has benefited the most from the recent turmoil in the auto market, with the largest gain in new-car buyers who say that they are likely to consider buying a Ford model -- up 17 percentage points compared with a year ago.

Those considering buying a GM model were up six percentage points, but those considering a Chrysler model were down 25 percentage points among new-car buyers and 28 percentage points among all respondents. With relatively few new models in the short-term pipeline, it may be some time before the restructured Chrysler can improve on the attributes that now matter most to consumers.

"The Detroit 3 have been in the spotlight all year," said Rik Paul, Automotive Editor, Consumer Reports. "Ford was the only one of the Detroit 3 that did not seek federal assistance, and this has likely helped bolster its reputation among car buyers."

A full story detailing the survey results were made available this morning at www.ConsumerReports.org and at http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars.

Only nine percent of those interviewed are likely to buy a car in the next year. That's less than half of the percentage (19%) of new-car buyers in a June 2008 survey, suggesting that the market may not rebound for some time. Overall, four in 10 consumers said they have put off purchasing a new vehicle, a percentage that reflects the national sales decrease. Among those considering a purchase, 61 percent are looking specifically to buy a used car.

Among respondents who said that they were less likely to consider buying a model from a Detroit automaker, the top reasons for Chrysler and Ford were that the company's products aren't appealing. By contrast, the leading reasons for not considering a GM model were concern about the company's future and the economic condition of the company, even though GM had emerged from bankruptcy weeks prior to the survey.

The most important factors to consumers

For most respondents, the most important consideration in deciding which vehicle to buy is price, followed by fuel economy, safety, and quality. But among active new-car buyers, fuel economy was the most important factor, with quality and safety also rising above price. These are considerably more important than brand, styling, an automaker's stability or incentives.

In these lean times, however, automakers are becoming increasingly creative in addressing the age-old question, "What can I do to sell you this car today?" With a broad range of offers available, new-car shoppers who consider manufacturer incentives important to their choice of vehicle cite a long warranty, discounted price, and low interest rate as most influential to their purchase decision. These are considered more important than cash rebates or programs involving a "job-loss protection" promotion and free or discounted gasoline.

Help for car buyers

Consumer Reports offers a wide range of tools to help guide car buyers in making smart decisions:

--Ratings and recommended vehicles: Subscribers to www.ConsumerReports.org can access all Consumer Reports road-test reports, as well as test scores and ratings for reliability, owner cost, owner satisfaction, and overall safety. --Price reports: Car buyers who want to get the best deal can take advantage of Consumer Reports' New Car Price Reports and Used Car Price Reports.

--Free auto buying advice: Car buyers interested in learning a step-by-step strategy on the smart way to buy a new or used car, from 'how to do your homework' to 'negotiating at the dealership,' are welcome to read Consumer Reports' new- and used-car buying advice.

This latest Auto Pulse survey was conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center using a nationally representative probability sample. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,777 adults (aged 18+) whose household owns at least one vehicle. Interviewing took place from July 30 to August 3, 2009. The full Auto Pulse survey report is available online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS - Electric Vehicle With ICE Range Extender  
Stuttgart; The near-series Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS is part of a family of modularly constructed electric cars, which will enable Mercedes-Benz to meet all customer requirements for sustainable mobility in the future. In this variant of the concept vehicle, the electric motor of the purely battery-powered BlueZERO E-CELL is combined with an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. Putting out 50 kW, the compact combustion engine is installed in the area of the rear axle and can charge the battery while the car is being driven. The CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode reduces the vehicle’s emissions to only 32 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The range extender enables the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS to drive for up to 600 km, of which up to 100 km can be driven in electric mode with zero local emissions. The long combined range makes the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS fully suitable for everyday use and assures that the customer will reach his or her destination even with a depleted battery. After all, the car can be refuelled quickly and easily at any normal filling station.

Battery with superior lithium-ion technology

During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours. Special on-board electronics support the intelligent charging stations and billing systems used by electric fuelling stations. Advantages of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies include their compact dimensions, high output and energy density, high charge efficiency and long service life.

Concept BlueZERO - the triad of electric mobility

Mercedes-Benz is showing the way to environmentally compatible electric mobility with the near-series Concept BlueZERO. The vehicle’s intelligent modular concept enables a single vehicle architecture to be used to create three models with different drive system configurations.

•The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS is equipped with an electric drive and a supplemental combustion engine with an electrical generator (range extender). The car has a total range of up to 600 kilometres, of which up to 100 kilometres can be covered solely on electricity.

•Originally presented in Detroit at the beginning of the year, the BlueZERO E CELL is propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive that allows the car to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single battery charge and completely free of local emissions.

• The third drive version is the fuel cell powered BlueZERO F-CELL, with a range of about 400 km on electric power and therefore also without any local emissions.

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The drive components have been modularly organised by the Mercedes engineers and can be combined as needed. These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with up to 35 kWh capacity, and a compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (sustained output: 70 kW). The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from the electric motor’s first revolution, and it surpasses the value attained by today’s V6 petrol engines at 2,500 rpm. Like its two sister models, the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO F-CELL, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than eleven seconds. To ensure optimum range and energy efficiency, the top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

"The Concept BlueZERO offers a triple demonstration of the technical maturity of alternative drive systems from Mercedes-Benz. Electric vehicles with battery electric or fuel cell drive systems will not truly be on an equal footing with today's combustion engine drive systems until the customers are confident that there is a sufficient infrastructure of electricity and hydrogen refuelling stations,” says Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive and Future Mobility and also Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler.

Concept BlueZERO: Modular architecture for flexibility and efficiency

The three BlueZERO variants were developed on the basis of the unique sandwich-floor architecture known from the A-Class and B-Class. The advantage of the enhanced design is that the key drive components are installed in the vehicle’s underbody in such a way that they take up little space, ensure a good centre of gravity, and are maximally protected. The BlueZERO models therefore differ considerably from conventionally designed electric cars, which have heavy and voluminous storage batteries installed in the boot, for example, or in the area of the backseat. All three BlueZERO variants share key technological components and have identical designs and vehicle dimensions. Even though they have compact exterior dimensions, the 4.22-meter-long BlueZERO models have a spacious and versatile interior and cargo space. The vehicles’ five full-size seats, approximately 450 kilograms of payload, and more than 500 litres of cargo capacity make them suitable family cars.

“Our modular system permits different drive configurations for each customer requirement,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The improved sandwich floor platform serves as the perfect basis for a diverse range of vehicles with electric drives. We are currently developing an additional platform for future compact models that have drive systems using optimized internal combustion engines. The smart linking of both architectures will allow us to expand our product range in an extremely flexible and efficient manner. Beginning in 2009, we will manufacture the first small batch of Mercedes fuel cell cars. In 2010, they will be followed by a small batch of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that run solely on electric power supplied by a battery. Thanks to these measures, we are excellently positioned for the future.”

Electric powered vehicles are fun to drive

Mercedes-Benz vehicles will continue to combine environmental awareness and driving fun in future. One way in which the Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration is by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: Confident ALU-BEAM Copper was chosen for the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. The BlueZERO E-CELL is painted a fresh ALU-BEAM yellow; the BlueZERO F-CELL appears in ALU-BEAM green.

Mercedes-Benz feels it won’t be just one technology that paves the way to sustainable mobility in the future, however. Instead the company is responding with solutions that are every bit as varied as the demands. The individual technologies are being used in specific applications where they can provide the greatest advantage with respect to optimal consumption and emission values. Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing the extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY and hybrid vehicles already available today. However, the unrestricted and convenient operation of electric cars still faces a series of challenges, including high system costs, insufficient infrastructure and short cruising ranges. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain the driving force for automobiles for a long time to come - not only for individual mobility in passenger cars (especially over long distances), but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks. Despite all the progress that Mercedes-Benz has once again so emphatically documented with the Concept BlueZERO, electric cars will not be replacing vehicles with combustion engines any time soon. The electrification of modern, high-tech engines will, however, play an increasingly important role in the drive system mix of the future.

Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS

•Electric powered concept car with a battery-electric range of up to 100 kilometres

•A combustion engine that serves as an electrical generator (range extender) extends the range to up to 600 kilometres (total)

•The concept vehicle can be recharged simply and conveniently at a common household outlet

•With a charging capacity of 20 kW, the Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can be recharged within around half an hour for a 50 kilometre range

•The liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries used as an energy source have an energy content of up to 17.50 kWh

•Front-wheel drive

Electric drive CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Range: up to 100/600 km Battery: Lithium-ion Rated output: 100 kW/136 hp Max. torque: 320 Nm Top speed: 150 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: < 11.0 seconds

Range extender Cylinders 3 Displacement 1.0l turbo Output 50 kW at 3500 rpm


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Five premieres for Kia at Frankfurt Motor Show  
WeybridgeWEYBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM: To celebrate the world premiere of the all-new Kia Venga at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show on 15 September, Kia Motors will be displaying five examples of its uniquely spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV – in a special ‘Venga’ zone throughout the 13-day event.

The Venga heads an impressive Kia line-up that will include the re-engineered and re-styled Kia cee’d, the all-new Kia Sorento SUV (with up to seven seats), the new ‘EcoDynamics’ sub-brand and the first showing in Europe of Kia’s new Forte LPI Hybrid sedan.

“Kia’s exciting presence at Frankfurt will embody five premieres and highlight our brand’s stylish design, creative engineering and world-class build quality, for all the world to see,” enthuses Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation.

“Throughout the current global economic downturn Kia products have maintained their appeal to consumers and enabled us to increase our market share in many regions. I am confident that next year in Europe, the new Venga, new cee’d and new Sorento will spearhead a successful sales drive to attract more newcomers to our brand,” added President Lee.

‘Uniquely spacious’ Kia Venga Kia’s all-new Venga B-segment car features a wheelbase of 2,615 mm, unusually long for it’s class, and a 1,600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space. Skilful packaging will ensure the Venga redefines its class by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the latest Kia will be equipped with a sliding rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, depending on model, a tilt-&-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go) technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards. Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe and offered with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines, both in petrol and diesel formats, generating between 75 and 126 ps.

‘New look’ for best-selling Kia cee’d range Kia’s top-selling model in Europe has been thoroughly re-engineered and re-styled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. The ‘new look’ Kia cee’d is 25 mm longer, will have a more distinctive appearance and a stronger road presence.

Comprehensively updated, the new Kia cee’d range will deliver a host of customer benefits, with numerous exterior and interior design refinements, plus upgraded standard equipment. Inside, buyers will enjoy a new-style steering wheel and gear lever, all-red dashboard illumination, new centre stack and audio system and dual-zone climate control.

Technical innovations enhance the driving experience while also significantly reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions – down to a ‘estimated low’ of 110 g/km and by an average of 5 per cent across the cee’d line-up.

New cee’d will be available with ISG technology on both petrol and diesel engines for the first time, whilst a hill-holder function will be added to the ESC system and brighter projection-style headlamps. The new ‘U2’ 1.6-litre diesel engine will be matched to a new six-speed manual transmission.

‘Stand-out’ styling for all-new Kia Sorento The all-new five- or seven-seater Kia Sorento SUV is longer and lower, with futuristic styling and a bold sense of power and dynamism, incorporating Kia’s new design DNA into its ‘stand-out’ looks. New Sorento is a ‘Highline Cruiser’ that features a much more spacious and luxurious cabin. Available high-tech features will include: keyless entry, engine start button, safety reversing camera and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Kia engineers have replaced the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new monocoque bodyshell – achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg and greatly improved refinement. The 4.7-metre long SUV is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38.

The most popular engine choice in Europe is expected to be the all-new 2.2-litre diesel which produces 197 ps. It will be offered with a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission. New Sorento’s ride and handling balance has been biased more towards European on-road driving styles, without diminishing the original model’s renowned off-road talents.

Introduction of Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ sub-brand The Frankfurt Motor Show will mark the world premiere of Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics’ sub-brand – the name which will be applied to the most eco-friendly cars within each Kia model range, as innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies are progressively introduced.

The EcoDynamics vehicles at the show will be equipped with ISG to automatically switch off and then restart the engine in congested city driving, a power-saving alternator management system, a gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage an economical driving style and low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.

Future EcoDynamics vehicles will also feature additional C02 and pollutant reducing technologies such as streamlined body parts, alternative fuel capabilities, high-efficiency transmissions and hybrid, electric or fuel-cell powertrains.

While delivering significant environmental benefits, Kia’s EcoDynamics vehicles will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart. The ‘EcoDynamics’ zone at Frankfurt will display three new models – the Forte LPI Hybrid, Kia cee’d Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid.

Kia Forte LPI Hybrid Kia has transported a Forte LPI Hybrid to Europe for the first time to preview an extensive ‘real world’ research programme it will undertake in 2010. Although the C-segment Forte is not marketed in Europe, next year Kia is planning to operate a test fleet of 36 Forte LPI Hybrid cars across the region. The fleet will be used to assess the feasibility of large-scale commercialisation of LPI hybrids for the future.

This new model, which is already on sale to the public in Korea, is powered by a 114 ps, 1.6-litre engine running on liquid petroleum gas, mated to a hybrid powertrain with a 15 kW, 105 Nm electric motor, a 180V lithium polymer battery pack and a CVT gearbox, fuel-stretching ISG and ‘regenerative braking’ to re-charge its power pack. Aerodynamic drag is reduced to just Cd 0.26, fuel consumption is lowered to 50.4 mpg and C02 emissions are only 99 g/km.

Hybrid power for new-look Kia cee’d and new Kia Sorento Also making their first appearance at Frankfurt are the new-look Kia cee’d Hybrid and the new Kia Sorento Hybrid concept cars. Created at Kia’s European R&D Centre as research ‘tools’, these vehicles will be tested over many thousands of kilometres across Europe and will generate data for inclusion in the design process of Kia vehicles during the next decade.

The new-look cee’d Hybrid powertrain is similar to the Forte, but the 1.6-litre engine runs on petrol. The New Sorento Hybrid is powered by an all-new powertrain, with Kia’s new U2 1.6-litre diesel engine fitted with twin-turbochargers to generate more than 163 ps (120 kW). The diesel engine is mated to an electric motor and drives the front wheels via a new double-clutch transmission offering a choice of fully-automatic, or manual sequential gear changes. C02 emissions are reduced to just 119 g/km.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Bajaj Auto August sales up 6% (y-o-y)  
Bajaj Auto`s August 2009 total two wheelers sales were at 183,051 units compared to 176,631 units in the same period last month, increase by 4%. Total two and three wheelers sales for August 09 is 213,072 units compared to 200,955 units in the same period last year, up 6%.

The new Bajaj Discover received an overwhelming response enabling a sale of 48,000 units, possibly setting a new record for sales of a motorcycle in its first full month of launch.

Total Discover brand sales (including those of the larger Discover 135) were 65,000 units, and Bajaj is planning to increase this to approximately 80,000 units each for September and October.

Simultaneously, with sales of the new Pulsars continuing to hold firm, Bajaj plans to sell almost 500,000 motorcycles over these 2 months.

Commercial Vehicle sales and exports are on plan; exports for the month at 75,164 units were the highest ever.

Shares of the company declined Rs 50.05, or 4.09%, to trade at Rs 1,174.75. The total volume of shares traded was 76,492 at the BSE (3.56 p.m., Wednesday).


Source : Myiris.com (9/2/2009)

Hold Your Horses: 2011 Mustang details leak out on internet forum?  
Some potential future Mustang news comes by way of an internet forum user who calls himself TheInsider. With a handle like that, he must know what he's talking about, right? We kid. But some of the rumors he spills gives with what we've been hearing too. In any case, this source tells the masses at The Mustang Source that the 2011 Mustang's 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 315 horsepower, neatly outperforming the direct-injected 3.6-liter unit installed in the Chevrolet Camaro by a handful of ponies. But wait, there's more!

Moving up the power ladder a step, the 2011 GT will see a bump up to an even 400 horsepower, which we're expecting to come from the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and those horses will be corralled though a new six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, because the base V6 will sport so much additional power, the mooted EcoBoost model may never come to fruition.

As we've previously heard, rumor has it that the '11 Stang with the new Coyote V8 and Track Pack with Pirelli P Zero Corsa R tires was able to lap GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan at the same rate as a current BMW M3 – fine company indeed. The final two insights of note are that next year's GT500 will be blessed with an aluminum block and that a Boss edition is slated for 2012. Not surprisingly, six pages have accrued on the thread since yesterday morning. Click here to check out the banter in its entirety.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Official Honda Crosstour Facebook page all lit up with early negativity [w/POLL]  
Ruh roh. Looks like Honda's "friends" aren't so happy about the upcoming Crosstour. And rather than us tell you why that might be, we'll let the people speak for themselves. And we'll let Honda's marketing types speak back to the people. Here's the first three comments on the page, warts and all:

Was really hoping this car was going to look like the JDM or the Tourer...but we got neither. Very dissapointed!!! -- Ciamaris R.

The bad move here was teasing a wagon and delivering this Aztec/Venza, why? They don't appeal to the same people (wagons appeal to existing Honda, Subaru & VW owners and CUV's to people who buy cars solely for their street presence (it... helps if they aren't ugly btw)). Through inept PR you've set yourselves up for an instant backlash that is going to dominate the press narrative for this car's launch...and you deserve it. Were you trying to keep a lid on the new Venza competitor? To what purpose? Did you really think that Toyota didn't know this was coming down the pipe? You've dissapointed and angered existing, money in hand customers by raising their expectations and then showing them a product you must know they would consider a betrayal of your brand heritage. If you had announced the CUV aspect of this ahead of time all those buyers would have tuned out this release and just kept on waiting for the wagon, faith in brand intact... -- Ted G.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

VIDEO: Porsche 911 Sport Classic wags its ducktail  
How many versions and permutations of the 911 can Porsche churn out? Apparently one more, as we discovered this morning with the release of the new, limited-edition Sport Classic.

The 911 SC packs an extra 23 horsepower over stock, retro duck-tail spoiler and carbon ceramic brakes in a body with tone-on-tone racing stripes, classically-inspired Sport Classic wheels, and a special woven leather interior. But with only 250 to be made and a price tag approaching a quarter-mil, the video after the jump may be the closest any of us get to this exclusive sportscar. Check it out.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

"Bonkers" is Relative: Heffner Performance cranks out the 1100-hp twin-turbo Lamborghini Murcielago  
Sure, there are some cars on the road more bonkers than the Lamborghini Murcielago. But not many. After all, how do you best over 570 horsepower driving all four wheels? Well, how about nearly doubling the output and channeling it all through half the wheel count? That's exactly what Heffner Performance has done with its twin-turbo upgrade for the aging raging bull. By bolting on a set of turbochargers, the Sarasota, Florida-based tuning garage has boosted the corral up to 1,100 horsepower, all driving through the rear wheels.

As you can see from the photos in the high-res image gallery below and the pair of videos after the jump, the craftsmanship looks flawless. But it's the acceleration that really boggles the mind. With that much power channeled through two wheels, we don't want to ask about the standstill sprint to 60 mph, but Heffner's given us a hint at the twin-turbo Murci's in-gear acceleration times, which is really what it all comes down to. A stock Murcielago can jump from 60 miles per hour up to 130 in 9.5 seconds. Pretty impressive, but that's just for reference. The Heff? 5.1 seconds. In 90-degree heat. With "only" 950 horsepower dialed in. With all 1,100, Heffner figures she'll do it in less than four.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

Autoblog Podcast #143 - with automotive legend Denise McCluggage  
Racer, skydiver, magazine editor, and Automotive Hall of Fame inductee but a smattering of accomplishments that Denise McCluggage has racked up during her tenure as one of the car-craziest people on the planet. For Episode #143 of the Autoblog Podcast, Denise takes time to join Chris, Sam and Dan to talk about current automotive news and answer some of your questions. We start off what turns out to be a record-length podcast with the news of a lawsuit against Toyota by one of its former lawyers, and move on to talk about the Hyundai Sonata Photochop that turned up in a dealer's ad showing a close approximation of the 2011 car. We wrap up by waving the diesel flag and talking about Ford's new Scorpion engine before taking a couple of questions and calling it a night just shy of the two-hour mark.

Hit us up at Podcast at Autoblog dot com with questions, comments and feedback, check out the survey we've been relentlessly asking you to fill out, and thanks for the new reviews in iTunes – we even went popular! In the meantime, you can get your Weblogs podcast fix from our friends at Engadget and Joystiq. Thanks for listening, see you next week!


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

R8 V10: could do better  
The Audi R8 V10 was one of the true heroes of our Big Top Gear Performance Test. (If you don't know what we're talking about, where the hell have you been for the last fortnight?)

A potent blend of power, pace and absolute control, there's not much we'd change about Audi's ultimate supercar.

But what do we know? German tuning house Abt - already responsible for this Golf, Tiguan, Scirocco and, most worryingly, this terrifying Q5 - has decided that what the R8 V10 really needs is an extra 82bhp and a big dirty bodykit.

That means a nice round power output of 600bhp and the visual impression of a rhino in full ninja garb. Abt hasn't released performance figures for its hardened R8, but does state that it is ‘very, very fast' - a claim with which we shall not argue.

However, in the same statement, company boss Christian Abt also says the R8 is ‘not just intended to exist on paper, but also be available on the road', which we'd always assumed was a minimum requirement for anyone in the car building industry.

That's not even the best bit of the press release. Oh no. We're loving Abt's description of the R8 as a ‘medium-engined super sports car'. Yes, we know what they meant, but we think this could be start of an interesting new taxonomy.

Foremost-engined Corvette ZR1 or foster-engined Porsche 911, anyone? Yeah, work that one out...


Source : http://www.topgear.com (9/2/2009)

In Case You Missed It: J.R. Hildebrand, Brandon Wagner, Cap Henry and Grand-Am's Andrew Davis  
2009 Firestone Indy Lights Champion J.R. Hildebrand"PitFit Presents the Next Level" Tuesday nights at 8pm EST / 5pm PST and 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Champion, J.R. Hildebrand was our featured guest. Hildebrand clinched the title at Chicagoland by finishing in 5th place and we talked about his impressive season and plans for 2010.

Also joining us, Firestone Indy Lights Chicagoland Pole-Sitter, Brandon Wagner, called in to talk about his shocker on Saturday, laying down the fastest lap and grabbing his "first-ever front row start" in the series.

Returning to the show was RFR winged-sprint car driver Cap Henry, who just won the "Attica Speedway Rookie-of-the-Year" title putting him in a better position to win the "F.A.S.T. Rookie-of-the-Year" title as well.

As a surprise addition, Grand-Am's Stevenson Motorsports driver Andrew Davis joined the show and previewed the Grand-Am test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, September 3rd...

“The Next Level Presented by PitFit” is a new show on RaceFanRadio.com geared to exposing drivers “working their way to the top level in motorsports, regardless of age or series.” The sixty minute fan interactive show can be heard live every Tuesday night at 8pm EST / 5pm PST or via Podcast and On Demand.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

In Case You Missed It::John Wiegand On Karting Live Yesterday Evening  
Tuesday night at 9pm EST / 6pm PST, one of the top "karting dads" in the sport, John Weigand, (father of TAG and shifter driver, Kyle Wiegand), was "In-Studio" and talked about the pressures of working your "karting kid" through the ranks as well as asking the question, "What happened to my kart racing?"

The marathon show went well over two hours with numerous call-ins and emails from listeners in reaction to the numerous topics covered. What did they solve and what did that leave for future thoughts? It happens this way every Tuesday night...

Join hosts Greg Wright and Matt Long every Tuesday night at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific for the latest karting industry news and conversation with those making it happen. If you have missed any episode or guest, "Karting News Live" archives are available "On Demand" or via Podcast.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Rolex Series Sets Special Test At Indianapolis Motor Speedway  
DAYTONA BEACH,: Grand-Am Road Racing will sanction a test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday. Nine teams in the Daytona Prototype and Acxiom GT classes of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 will participate in this historic event.

The teams will test on the 2.534-mile Formula One circuit from 10 a.m. to noon, and then switch to the 2.621-mile MotoGP configuration from 1 to 3 p.m.

"This is going to be very cool and exciting, because this is a very historical place," said Buddy Rice, winner of the 2004 Indianapolis 500 and 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona. "Every time I go underneath the tunnel at 16th Street it gives me the chills. It's an awesome place to be able to drive on."

Scott Pruett, a top-10 finisher in both the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400, agrees.

"It's a dream come true to come back to Indianapolis," said Pruett, the 1989 Indy 500 co-Rookie of the Year. "This is a magical place, and going back there will give me goose bumps."

Rice will drive the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Racing Porsche Coyote, while Pruett will be joined by Memo Rojas in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley.

Others expected at the test include 2007 champion Jon Fogarty with Bob Stallings in the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley; Wayne and Ricky Taylor in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Ford Dallara; and Michael Valiante, John Pew and Michael Shank in the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Ford Riley.

Acxiom GT teams and drivers include Leh Keen and Dirk Werner in the No. 87 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche GT3; Spencer Pumpelly and Kevin Buckler in the No. 67 TRG Porsche GT3; Robin Liddell and Andrew Davis in the No. 57 Stevenson Motorsports Pontiac GXP.R; and Sylvain Tremblay in the No. 70 Speedsource Syntec Castrol Mazda RX-8.

"I can't wait to drive across those bricks at top speed," said Tremblay, GT winner of the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona. "We're very honored to participate. As a sports car racer, I never thought that I could get to actually go out and test at Indy."

Buckler, overall winner of the 2003 Rolex 24 At Daytona, has curtailed his driving to concentrate on running his Grand-Am and NASCAR teams. He only drives on special occasions - such as this test.

"This is one of those boxes I can't wait to check off," Buckler said. "Every team owner and driver would love to get behind the wheel at Indianapolis. I was fortunate to participate in the NASCAR race there this year, and now being there with Grand-Am is like the cherry on top. This is a big deal for everyone with the series, to be testing at one of racing's hallowed grounds."

Spectators can enter the track at the Main Gate for free and sit in the bleachers in the infield adjacent to the Hall of Fame Museum. Those bleachers always are open. There will be no admission fee to the infield or garage.

The next Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race will be Sept. 19 at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah (SPEED Live, 5:30 p.m. ET).


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

US traffic gridlock hits bottom; climbing back up  
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- At least there's one bright spot to this freight recession: less time stuck on congested highways for truckers and commuters.

According to a National Traffic Scorecard report by Inrix -- a provider of traffic and navigation services in North America -- traffic congestion across the U.S. is on the rise after bottoming out in the second quarter.

Signs of economic recovery, new stimulus-funded highway construction projects and lower fuel prices are all contributing to the rise.

Inrix found that 64 of the top 100 most populated cities in the U.S. had increased traffic congestion levels at the beginning of this year.

The company also said its freight corridor analysis showed the need for a national freight strategy.

"Traffic congestion decreased over the past 18 months and hit bottom in the second quarter of 2009," said Bryan Mistele, INRIX president and CEO. "Now, our nation's roadways are starting to jam up again. Traffic is a great indicator of the pulse of the economy, and as the economy improves, we expect gridlock to head towards 2007's record levels as people return to work, freight transportation increases, and consumers switch back to vacations from staycations."

According to the scorecard, New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago were ranked the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country, with the westbound side of the Cross Bronx Expressway in New York the worst.

Inrix also analyzed commercial freight traffic concentration, and found that while the nation's busiest long haul freight roadways cut across 28 states, more than 95 percent of this mileage comes from just 10 states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. There appeared to be more long haul freight usage on roads in the middle of the country that serve as thoroughfares, such as I-40, I-75, I-81 and I-35.

"Our findings highlight the national interconnectivity of the truck and highway portion of our national freight system and demonstrate that changes in freight movement trends and the effects of system improvements can have a significant impact on overall traffic congestion," said Rick Schuman, vice president of public sector at Inrix. "The analysis highlights that long haul freight movement is spread equally between urban and rural roadways, underscoring that the development of a national freight strategy to optimize highway network efficiency and reliability - for both trucks and passenger vehicles - is in the interest of both rural and urban constituencies."


Source : http://www.todaystrucking.com (9/2/2009)

Equipment regulators finalize ABS lamp rule  
WASHINGTON -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made permanent an interim existing rule requiring that trailers with antilock brake systems be equipped with an external antilock malfunction indicator lamp.

The indicator lamp requirement, which is included in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 that governs vehicles equipped with air brakes, was originally scheduled to sunset on March 1, but had been extended to Sept. 1.

The rule was created in response to a petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which had asked that the requirement be made permanent. The agency decided to make the rule permanent as a result of additional safety purposes served by the external lamp.

According the final rule documentation, the indicator lamp not only warns the driver of a malfunctioning trailer ABS, but it also indicates which trailer in a double-trailer application has a malfunction, and assists federal and state roadside inspectors and maintenance personnel in identifying a malfunctioning trailer ABS.


Source : http://www.todaystrucking.com (9/2/2009)

Porsche to offer proper paddle shifters on all models?  
The new Porsche 911 Turbo is packed with sports car goodness, primarily with the inclusion of a new steering wheel with proper paddles for tapping your way through the gearbox. The replacement of the silly up-down switches on the spokes will be an option on the Turbo and it seems like the wiring from the wheel to the column is the same regardless of which style you choose.

That means the new wheel can plug into the connection on any new Porsche steering column including the 911, Boxster or Cayman. So if you aren't content with Porsche's admonishment that the two-switch setup is technically superior, you will soon have another way to pay an absurd premium for an option on your Porsche.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (9/2/2009)

Updated 2010 Lexus LS sedan headed to Frankfurt  
Following the leaked brochure revealing the entire revised Lexus LS range, a solitary image of the updated LS 600h L has popped up on the internet.

The revisions are fairly minimal, restricted primarily to new bumpers and lights front and rear, turning indicators integrated into the mirror housings and, of course, new wheels. There've been some modifications made to the interior as well, while the hybrid system on the top-of-the-line model shown has been optimized. The hybrid model has also been subtly visually distinguished from the conventional LS 460.

The image appears to confirm that Toyota's luxury division will be unveiling the new model at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the LF-Ch concept car, so we should be getting official confirmation along with more details and photos in the coming days.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins?  
When it comes to isolating the two most important stats automakers consider when determining a vehicle's success or failure, the Lexus ES350 is a smash it. The stats in question are sales volume and profit, and the ES typically tops the entry-level luxury sales chart while often exceeding its competition in terms of price. Conversely, Buick has been stuck at the opposite end of the spectrum, with little in the way of product or respect – at least until recently. The well-received Enclave proved that General Motors' one-time bastard child could make competitive product, but the 2010 LaCrosse is tasked with taking on the likes of Acura and Lexus.

Inside Line was impressed enough with a LaCrosse it reviewed earlier that the online publication pitted Buick's upstart against the long dominant ES350. IL notes that the Lacrosse outweighs the ES by nearly 500 pounds, generates 2.5 fewer miles per gallon and has a .6 second slower 0-60 mph time, yet it handily bests the aging ES in nearly every category. Hit the read link below to check out the comparison. Has Buick arrived as a legitimate contender to Lexus? It's definitely too early to tell, but it looks like the division could finally be ready to put up a good fight.


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

911’s touch of Class  
Every four seconds our inbox glows with an email from a Porsche tuner promoting some gruesome modified 911. Today we received something more official and less hideous from Porsche.

It’s called the Sport Classic, and it’s taken the chaps in Stuttgart about three years to finish. Maybe that’s because they spent so many hours locked in their museum, pinching bits from old cars for inspiration. Or maybe they were distracted by their dedication to beard cultivation.

But we’ll forgive the tardiness because it’s actually quite cool. There’s a double-domed roof like the original Batmobile's and perched on its boot is a fixed ducktail spoiler, just like the one from a 1973 Carrera RS 2.7, according to the Beards. It gets bumpers like those on all-wheel-drive Porsches (that’s the Turbo) and some lightly redesigned lights.

And, of course, it gets some classic ‘Fuchs’ style alloys. Possibly our favourite kind of rims, those Fuchs.

There’s a sprinkling of special touches in the cabin, but the best changes lie beneath all that. The Sport Classic gets a special Resonance Intake System with six switching butterflies (that’s vacuum controlled flaps to the Beards) which, along with some other bits of engine tweakery, increase the power by 23bhp over the Carrera S to 402bhp.

Just 250 will be made worldwide and the Sport Classic will cost – wait for it – £140,049. Ouch.

That sort of money will buy you a 911 GT2. So while you dream, why not watch Jeremy thrash one around our track?


Source : http://www.topgear.com (9/2/2009)

Kart attack  
Things to do if you have scant concern for your own physical wellbeing, #34: wedge a Honda Fireblade superbike engine into a go-kart.

That's what these enterprising gents from Escondido in California have done, and we must commend the dedication to danger, if not that decidedly Halfords rear wing.

There's some mighty impressive driving in there, too - just check out the roundabout drifting around the one minute mark.

Just a couple of questions, guys: don't you think a helmet might have been a good idea? And are you absolutely sure it's road-legal?


Source : http://www.topgear.com (9/2/2009)

GT-Rally  
This is the GT-R Targa, a rally-prep version of Nissan's awesome Godzilla from American tuning firm Stillen.

It features just about every performance bolt-on, with a new exhaust, revised ECU and a whole bunch of extra shiny engine bits boosting power from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 by 134bhp to a whopping 611bhp. The 0-60mph run stands at 2.9 seconds, half a second down on the road car's 3.4-second time.

The GT-R Targa is far lighter than the road car, too, with its stripped-out interior, lightweight racing seats and carbon fibre body panels. It'll clock the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat.

Stillen plans to run the GT-R in the Newfoundland Targa rally, a 1,400-mile, all-road race across Canada. We're a little disappointed that it doesn't feature any gravel or dirt sections, though - just imagine the GT-R sliding between trees, dust cloud billowing behind it, men in bobble hats scattering to either side...

Which got us thinking. Ignoring all those pesky WRC regulations, what road cars would you like to see on the rally circuit? We're thinking Return of Group B, but even scarier...


Source : http://www.topgear.com (9/2/2009)

Libyan Rocket: Colonel Muammar Gaddafi designs a "safe" car  
It's been a big month for Libya. First, convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset al-Megrahi was returned to the northern African nation by the new Scottish government because he's dying of prostate cancer. Second, Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution (aka Muammar Gaddafi) designed a car. Called the Saroukh el-Jamahiriya (Libyan Rocket), Gaddafi's car seats five, has a 230-hp V6 and the nose and tail of a rocket. While different, it's not entirely terrible. Kinda like how the 2024 Honda Civic might look. Hey Muammar, quit your day job.

Launched at a conference called the Organization of African Unity and organized by Colonel Gaddafi, the Rocket is set to be be produced in Tripoli, Libya's capital where a factory is set to be built next month. Why is Libya building a car, and why did Col. Gaddafi design it? Safety. In response to the high numbers of people killed and injured annually on Libya's roads, Gaddafi had to act. Says a spokeshole, "The leader spent so many hours of his valuable time thinking of an effective solution. It is the safest car produced anywhere."

How so safe? We're not entirely sure, the Libyan Rocket does come with airbags, an "electronic defense system" (no idea) and collapsible bumpers that supposedly help out in a crash. Somehow we don't think Volvo's losing any sleep. However, the spokeshole goes on to say, "The invention of the safest car in the world is proof that the Libyan revolution is built on the happiness of man." We were wondering. Hat tip to Peter


Source : http://www.autoblog.com/page/2/ (9/2/2009)

Energy-efficiency tags for vehicles from 2011  
NEW DELHI: It will be mandatory for automobile manufacturers to sell vehicles with energy-efficiency tags from 2011, minister for environment & forest Jairam Ramesh said on the sidelines of a Ficci conference on climate change here Wednesday.

The rating will be done on the basis of fuel consumption per kilometre, he said. “Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will be responsible for administration of the programme and label vehicles as per their energy efficiency,” he added. The move will help customers take informed decision while buying a vehicle.

The decision has been taken in a recent meeting of the Prime Minister’s council on climate change. The government is now working on guidelines for labelling vehicles. There will be “different standards for different categories of automobiles” such as small cars and commercial vehicles, Mr Ramesh said. Once the guidelines are in place, BEE will start voluntary labelling of vehicles, before making it mandatory.

“The standards citing fuel economy in terms of km per litre can be better interpreted by the end user as compared to the standards based on net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The standard should be based on fuel economy rather than the parameter of CO2 emission that is technical for consumers to understand,” a senior official in the ministry of power said.

The transport sector is contributing almost 15% of the total CO2 emissions. While the sector is expected to grow by 25% in next three years, it is important to regulate the emissions at this stage, the official said. “Agreement on adoption of fuel efficiency standards is a first step and we are glad that the industry and government has come on board on the issue,” Mr Ramesh said.

The minister also viewed mandatory fuel efficiency standards as an important development against the backdrop of the forthcoming `Copenhagen summit on Climate Change’ where India can showcase its commitment to emerge with solutions to tackle global warming. Mr Ramesh also said that the developed world should cut their emissions by 40% by 2020.


Source : Economic Times (9/3/2009)

Bajaj motorcycle sales rise 4% in August  
NEW DELHI: The country's second largest two- wheeler maker Bajaj today reported 4.09 per cent increase in its motorcycle sales at 1,82,441 units in August.

The company had sold 1,75,274 units in August last year, Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) said in a statement.

Total two-wheeler sales during the month also increased by 3.63 per cent to 1,83,051 units compared with 1,76,631 units in the same period a year ago, it added.

BAL's exports went up by 5.71 per cent to 75,164 units in August from 71,105 units a year ago.

Total vehicle sales of the company last month stood at 2,13,072 units compared to 2,00,955 units in the same period a year ago, the statement said.

"Commercial vehicle sales and exports are on plan... exports for the month were the highest ever," it added.

The company sold about 48,000 units of its new 100cc Discover DTS-Si in August.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

Ashok Leyland August sales decline by 0.7 pc  
NEW DELHI: Hinduja Group flagship firm Ashok Leyland on Wednesday reported a marginal decline of 0.7 per cent in commercial vehicle sales at 4,784 units in August this year as compared to the same month in 2008.

The company had sold 4,819 units in the same month last year.

Domestic sales stood at 4,233 units in August against 4,225 units in the same month last year, down 0.1 per cent, Ashok Leyland said in a statement.

Exports fell by 7.23 per cent to 551 units in the month compared to 594 units in the year-ago period.

The company reported a decline of 1.56 per cent in total domestic sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles at 4,161 units from 4,227 units in the same month last year.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

BMW to foray into financing biz; to invest $50 mn  
NEW DELHI: Luxury car maker BMW on Wednesday announced an investment of about Rs 250 crore to set up a financing subsidiary in the country to serve the credit needs of retail customers, fleet owners and dealers, for which it has sought regulatory approval.

"We are going to invest USD 50 million (Rs 250 crore) over the next two years in the project. We have applied for the NBFC status and we are hopeful of securing government permission by May 2010," BMW India President Peter Kronschanabl told reporters here.

BMW sought the Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC) status for its proposed retail financing arm -- BMW Financial Services India -- which would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, on par with BMW India, and would be run by a new head. It would be headquartered at Gurgaon.

BMW India sold 2,908 cars in 2008 and hopes to cross the 3,000 mark this year and the financing arm could help in achieving this number.

The investment for the financing arm would be made by the Munich-based BMW Group, Kronschanabl said.

"I believe we will be competitive in the market. But at this moment I cannot say anything about issues like interest rate and other technicalities," he said.

BMW Financial Services was established in 1993 and it has subsidiaries in 31 countries, besides presence in more than 60 nations across the globe.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

Maruti not worried by increased competition  
NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India, the country's top car maker, is confident of maintaining profits and growth despite increasing competition, including from Tata Motors' Nano, the world's cheapest car.

Chairman R C Bhargava also said Maruti, 54.2 per cent owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp, had been well served by its conservative fiscal policies and prudent cash management through the auto sector downturn and would not abandon them as the market picked up.

"We are fully aware of the competition that is coming. But despite the competition we will maintain margins, profitability and growth. Don't worry," he told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Apart from the Nano, which hit the roads in July, Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen are all set to launch small cars in India next year.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

New vehicle sales in Japan post 1st rise in 13 mths in Aug  
Tokyo: New vehicle sales in Japan scored the first year-on-year rise in 13 months in August, backed by recent tax breaks and subsidies for purchases of eco-friendly vehicles, an industry body has said.

The sales in the month increased 2.3 percent from a year earlier to 198,265 units, excluding minivehicles with engine displacements of up to 660 cc, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said.

Sales of new passenger cars increased 8.2 percent to 179,766 units, while truck sales plunged 33.8 percent to 17,673 units. Bus sales fell 22.5 percent to 826 units.

Among brands, Lexus of Toyota Motor Corp. posted the largest percentage sales growth of 46.9 percent to 1,745 units, followed by a 22.8 percent rise to 4,519 units for Mitsubishi, a 13.4 percent increase to 31,115 units for Honda, and a 9.0 percent expansion to 90,802 units for Toyota, excluding the Lexus brand.

The strong growth for Lexus came on robust sales of the HS250h gasoline-electric hybrid car launched in July. Among Toyota brand vehicles, the new Prius hybrid was also popular.

Honda sales increased for the fifth straight month on the strength of the popular Insight hybrid. Mitsubishi posted a year-on-year sales rise for the first time in 19 months, supported by brisk sales of the Colt subcompact.

In contrast, new vehicle sales declined 1.4 percent to 31,015 units for Nissan, which has no hybrid models applicable for the tax breaks or subsidies. Mazda sales dropped 2.5 percent to 13,543 units, although passenger car sales increased.


Source : http://www.zeenews.com (9/2/2009)

Hyundai launches smarter Santro  
Hyundai Motor India, on Wednesday, launched a refurbished model of its entry-level hatchback, Santro. The cost ranges from Rs 2.64 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the non-AC version to Rs 3.69 lakh for the GLS (LPG) variant.

According to a company press release, the new Santro will have body coloured radiator grille, full wheel cover and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the Santro gets new fabric in dual tone beige and brown with silver touches at multiple locations. A rear parcel tray has been added. - Our Bureau


Source : The Hindu (Online Edition) (9/3/2009)

Bajaj rides on Discover in August  
Bajaj Auto’s new 100cc Discover has been the best piece of news to the company in August with sales of 48,000 units in its first full month of launch. Overall motorcycle sales totalled 182,441 units which was four per cent up from 175,274 bikes in August 2008. The company has stated in its release that customer feedback “corroborates Bajaj’s hypothesis that the Discover’s design and performance are perceived to be ‘bigger & sportier’ than current 100cc bikes, thereby clearly differentiating it and creating a category of its own.” Total Discover brand sales (including the Discover 135) were 65,000 units, and Bajaj is planning to increase this to approximately 80,000 units each for September and October. “Simultaneously, with sales of the new Pulsars continuing to hold firm, Bajaj plans to sell almost 500,000 motorcycles over these two months,” the statement adds. The other piece of welcome news is on the export front with the company recording its highest ever at 75,164 units (two and three-wheelers). Indications are that September could see this rise even further.


Source : The Hindu (Online Edition) (9/3/2009)

BMW Vision hybrid concept on show  
As well as its striking looks, the car promises to blend supercar performance with supermini fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Advanced technology The Vision Efficient Dynamics has an advanced diesel hybrid powertrain, which uses a mid-mounted, 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 161bhp and 214lb ft of pull.

There are also two electric motors – one to power the front axle and one to power the rear. The rear motor normally produces 34bhp, but can provide a maximum of 51bhp, and is linked to a double-clutch gearbox.

The electric motor at the front axle normally produces 80bhp, but can deliver 113bhp for up to 30 seconds and 140bhp for up to 10 seconds. Lithium polymer batteries are used to power the motors, with recharging achieved through brake energy regeneration and plug-in technology.

BMW says that the Vision Efficient Dynamics will be capable of supercar-style performance, with 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 155mph.

CO2 emissions of just 99g/km are also predicted, with an average fuel economy of 75.1mpg. The car will have a range of 400 miles using just the diesel engine and 31 miles in electric-only mode.

Futuristic looks are F1-inspired BMW says that the Vision Efficient Dynamics' futuristic looks have been influenced by the company's Formula One experience and are dictated by the car's lightweight construction and areodynamic efficiency.

The sleek front end helps to channel the airflow over the car, with 'active louvres' in the radiators closing completely when the need for cooling is low. The underfloor of the car is fully covered from front to rear, to help it cut through the air as efficiently as possible.

The 2+2 interior uses a number of high-tech, low-weight materials, including body-contoured seats with a Kevlar shell.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

New Suzuki Swift limited-edition  
The Suzuki Swift is now even better value, thanks to a new limited-edition model.

The Suzuki Swift SZ-L gets loads of standard equipment, yet costs little more than £10,000.

Cosmetic upgrades Based on the 1.3 GL five-door model, the Swift SZ-L gets a range of additional cosmetic upgrades. These are: • Pearlescent or metallic paint; • 15-inch alloy wheels; • Side protection mouldings; • Chrome trim for the front grille, door handles and tailgate; • Chrome instrument surrounds; • Aluminium-effect interior trim; • Interior carpet mats.

Air-conditioning is also added, along with electrically retractable, heated door mirrors. Four colours – white, black, red and silver – are available.

The Suzuki Swift SZ-L is on sale now at £10,250, a £1150 premium over the 1.3 GL model it's based on. Just 500 cars will be available in the UK.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

Toyota Auris hybrid unveiled  
Toyota will unveil a range of exciting new models at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

New Auris hybrid Toyota will expand its range of hybrid vehicles with a petrol-electric version of the Auris small family car.

The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept will be displayed at the Frankfurt motor show and a production version of the car is expected to go on sale early next year.

The Auris hybrid, which will be built in the UK at Toyota's factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, will use the same 'Hybrid Synergy Drive' technology as the latest Prius. That means a 1.8-litre petrol engine working with an 80bhp electric motor and an engine stop-start system to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The lighter Auris should improve on the Prius's 89g/km of CO2 and average fuel economy of 72.4mpg. It's expected to be cheaper than the Prius, too, bringing the Auris Hybrid closer in price to its key rival, the Honda Insight. Special badging and aerodynamic tweaks will differentiate the Auris hybrid from the standard car.

The Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept also has new front-end styling, with fresh headlights, bonnet, bumper and grille. The same changes will be applied to the entire Auris range early next year.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid concept car Toyota will also display the Prius Plug-in Hybrid concept car at the Frankfurt show. The production model is adapted from the latest Prius, and can be charged using a standard domestic socket.

It uses a lithium ion battery that extends the Prius's electric-only range, cuts CO2 emissions and improves fuel consumption. For longer journeys it operates like a standard Prius, with a petrol engine that provides power, while also charging the battery.

The first examples of the new plug-in Prius will be leased to customers in Strasbourg, France, at the end of 2009. Toyota expects to lease over 150 examples in Europe by the middle of 2010 and predicts that over 500 cars will be on trial in Europe, Japan and the US by the end of 2010.

More new models Toyota will have an all-new Toyota Land Cruiser on display at the show, too – prior to its launch later this year. There'll also be two special iQ models – the iQ for Sports and iQ Collection, which showcase potential new versions of Toyota's clever city car.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

Updated: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZero E-Cell Plus  
STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has released more details on its Concept BlueZero E-Cell Plus, one of a trio of low-emissions BlueZero vehicles based on the current A/B-Class architecture that were unveiled earlier this year at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Described by the automaker as a "near-series" battery-electric concept, the BlueZero E-Cell Plus is powered by an electric motor coupled with a "range extender" — a 67-horsepower turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine that isn't directly coupled to the wheels, but generates additional electricity that is stored in the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack.

The BlueZero E-Cell Plus can run up to 62 miles on pure battery power and up to 375 miles with the gas engine running. The battery pack takes six hours to fully charge on standard household current and can be quick-charged in less than an hour.

All three BlueZero variants are built on a common front-wheel-drive, rear-engine platform that employs the modular "sandwich" architecture of the current A- and B-Class. Each one features a slightly different drive system, based around a compact electric motor that delivers peak output of 134 hp and torque of 236 pound-feet.

The BlueZero E-Cell is a pure-electric vehicle that operates only on battery power. The BlueZero E-Cell Plus adds the extended-range gas engine, while the BlueZero F-Cell features a hydrogen fuel cell. All three vehicles can accelerate from zero to 60 in less than 11.0 seconds, and top speed is limited to 93 mph.

The BlueZero vehicles share a common body that measures 166.1 inches long — about the size of a Honda Fit — with accommodations for five occupants plus ample cargo capacity.

To supplement the BlueZero range, Mercedes said it is "developing an additional platform for future compact models that have drive systems using optimized internal-combustion engines."

Closer to production is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell, which goes into production late this year, with the initial batch of 200 cars shipped to customers in the U.S. and Europe in early 2010.

Mercedes said the B-Class F-Cell will be followed later in the year by a small batch of vehicles that run solely on battery power.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Jean Pool: Alfa MiTo Inspires London Fashionistas  
LONDON — Talk about a brilliant pooling of talent: TV style expert Louis Roe, of Vogue.tv, designers Kattis Bjork and Sophie McElligott, and London boutique owner Donna Ida have teamed with Alfa Romeo to create the limited-edition "skinny fit" MiTo jeans.

At first blush, any tie-in with the Alfa MiTo may seem a bit nebulous. But as Bjork explains: "We created something that would appeal to the cool younger female market, just like the MiTo has."

Bjork and McElligott started with recycled denim — literally, 150 pairs of used jeans, which they cut up and resewed into unique, one-off designs that feature leather waistbands and Alfa Romeo red stitching, with the Alfa serpent embroidered on the right back pocket and the B and M logo on the left pocket.

The jeans can be ordered online for around $120 or purchased at one of two London boutiques owned by Donna Ida, with a share of the proceeds going to Jeans for Genes, a U.K. children's charity that raises money for the care and support of children with genetic disorders.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Suzuki Splash awarded as 'Hungarian Quality Product®'  
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Splash, latest model of Magyar Suzuki Corporation (MSC) has been awarded with prestigious ‘Hungarian Quality Product’ certificate. Hungarian Product Quality Award® embodies important driving forces of competitiveness such as knowledge, innovation and quality. Products and services carrying the emblem express guarantees that the manufacturer or distributor voluntarily takes towards consumers and users. The Hungarian Quality Product Award® Ceremony in 2009 was held for the 12th time at the Parliament building.

The Hungarian Quality Product Award is a non-profit initiative which has identified in its tender the promotion of quality-sensitive attitude as the fundamental aim contributing to the establishment of conscious consumer behaviour. The applicants for the award were such exemplary models which contribute to the development of the economy, personifying and expressing Hungary's acknowledgement and commitment for attested quality through these products. Innovation and the application of active quality policy referring to reliable, premium quality products can be important alternatives of the way out from the global economic crisis, which are symbolized by the Hungarian Quality Product Award® trademark.

By nominating Suzuki Splash, under the category of ‘Machines, units, equipment, vehicles’, it was a pre-condition that the product or product line must be manufactured, mass-produced or distributed in Hungary. In case of Splash, Hungary is the sole European manufacturing location, where the car is produced mainly for Europe and to some overseas markets as well. In terms of looks and driving characteristics, Splash excites people all over the world. Designed as a contemporary, family-friendly all-rounder for negotiating the daily urban rush, Splash combines attractive looks and economical performance with a comprehensive safety package, technological refinements and plenty of space and comfort. With CO2 emissions of just 120g/km, the vehicle is in line with the latest European emission needs as well as requirements of environmentally conscious customers.

On behalf of Magyar Suzuki Corporation the Hungarian Quality Product Award® was received by CEO Mr Hisashi Takeuchi and vice CEO Dr László Urbán in the Upper House Hall of the Hungarian Parliament.

Announcers of the Hungarian Quality Product Award® are EXIMBANK Pte Ltd, INDUSTORG-VÉDJEGYIRODA Llc, ITD HUNGARY ZRt., MEHIB Pte Ltd, National Consumer Protection Authority, TERC Ltd. and TÜV-SÜD KERMI Llc. In addition to the above, special supporters of the Award are the Ministry for National Development and Economy, the Ministry for Local Government, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour and the Ministry for Environment and Water.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Background information on Splash parameters Splash is produced with a variety of three engines (two petrol and one diesel), each of which meets the Euro 4 emissions standard. The petrol engines were newly developed by Suzuki, and the diesel engine is produced by Suzuki Powertrain at a new factory in India. The smallest engine is the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit that can develop 48 kW (65 hp) using, on average, just five litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The most powerful engine in the range is a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit that’s made of aluminium and smoothly delivers a maximum output of 63kW (86 hp) with fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The diesel engine features a 1.3-litre DDiS common-rail, four-cylinder unit that develops a maximum output of 55 kW (75 hp) and uses an average of just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

Suzuki has taken a no-compromises safety approach in designing the Splash. To help the driver avoid hazards, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a brake-assist function, and an electronic brake-force distribution are standard and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is optionally available. But in the case of a mishap, the car´s body combines rigidity with superior energy absorption and dispersion and incorporates six airbags (dual front airbags, dual seat-side airbags, and dual curtain airbags that extend into the rear), front-seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and foot-protecting brake and clutch pedals that mitigate injuries in the event of a collision. For child safety, the rear seat incorporates ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.

Design, Comfort and practicality # A versatile, emotionally appealing and attractive mini-MPV

# A departure from conventional boxy looks to a more streamlined, aerodynamic design

# Sporty and youthful styling expressing urban mobility

# Raised seating positions for good visibility and for easy getting in and getting out of the car

# High-mounted shift lever for easy operation

# Pleasant feeling of space; fresh colours and upholstery

# Easy-to-operate, clearly arranged buttons and instruments

# Above-average luggage capacity

# 60:40-split rear seat with one-action-folding feature to create expanded, full-flat luggage area

# Luggage-area underfloor compartment for small luggage items and emergency triangle

# Information display (showing fuel consumption and other data) in speedometer

Performance and environment # Quiet, economical three-/four-valve petrol engines with an aluminium block and cylinder head

# Modern diesel engine with common-rail direct injection and optional diesel particulate filter

# 1.0-litre petrol/1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine’s CO2 emissions: 120 g/km

# Superior handling stability, ride comfort and driving performance

# Specially tuned dampers yielding a smooth, comfortable ride on European roads

# Aerodynamic coefficient of drag: 0.32

# Maximum Speed of 1.2-littre petrol engine: over 170km/h

# 0-100km/h acceleration of 1.2-littre petrol engine with five speed transmission: 12.3 sec.

Safety # Six airbags (dual front airbags, dual seat-side airbags and dual curtain airbags)

# Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)

# Crash-optimized body structure with high rigidity characteristics

# Energy-absorbent trim materials near occupants’ heads

# Front passenger airbag deactivation system


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

GM Sales in China Increase 49.6% in First Eight Months Record Sales in August  
SHANGHAI, CHINA: General Motors Company announced today that its sales in China in the first eight months of 2009 increased 49.6 percent on an annual basis to 1,111,401 units.

GM and its joint ventures benefited from record August domestic sales, which increased 112.7 percent year on year to 152,365 units. This continued a series of single-month sales records for the automaker that began in January 2009.

“We are now looking at a market of 11.5 to 12 million vehicles, up from 9.1 million units last year,” according to GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale. “We expect GM sales for the year as a whole to rise by more than 40 percent from 2008.

“Industry sales have kept up their brisk pace,” said Wale. “With more potential buyers taking advantage of the growing selection of affordable products, we expect sales to remain robust through the end of the year. The continued introduction of new products will help GM remain ahead of the market.”

Driven by unprecedented demand for its Chevrolet and Buick models, Shanghai GM experienced domestic sales growth in August of 99.6 percent on an annual basis to 63,303 units – an all-time monthly sales record. Buick sales were up 102.8 percent year over year to 38,905 units, while sales of Chevrolet products hit an all-time monthly high of 23,771 units on annual growth of 99.4 percent.

“All of our new products registered remarkable sales performance,” said Joseph Liu, Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM. Sales of the new Buick LaCROSSE totaled 7,887 units in its second month on the market, while sales of the Chevrolet Cruze reached 9,812 units in its fifth month on the market and sales of the Buick New Regal exceeded 7,000 units for the third consecutive month.

SAIC-GM-Wuling more than doubled its domestic sales, with growth of 122.6 percent from last August to 88,711 units. Its Wuling Sunshine minivan remained the overall market leader, as monthly sales reached 49,298 units. Sales of its high-end minivan, the Wuling Rong Guang, once again topped 20,000 units.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Audi sales up 69 per cent in August  
MUMBAI: German luxury car-maker Audi India on Wednesday said it has achieved an impressive sales growth of 69 per cent by clocking a sale of 171 cars in August compared to 101 units in the same month a year ago.

The upward growth continued in August 2009 and has been strengthened by new launches, the Audi Q5, the new Audi A6 and the introduction of three new engine offerings to the Audi A4, a company press release said.

The company sold 1,128 cars in the first eight months of 2009, surpassing last year's annual sales of 1,050 cars, a 62 per cent growth, the release said.

"The first-half of 2009 was remarkable both in terms of sales and launching new products, Audi Q5, new Audi A6 and three new engines of the Audi A4," Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers said.

"Audi India has strengthened its footprint through a dealer appointment in Kolkata and will soon be introducing the new Audi Q7 in India," Tiers said.

Audi plans to significantly increase the number of models to 40 by 2015. Audi started its Indian arm production unit in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, two years ago.


Source : Economic Times (9/2/2009)

GM Extends eBay Experiment Through September  
DETROIT/SAN JOSE, California — Saying it is "pleased with the progress of the initial promotion," General Motors on Tuesday said it will extend its experiment of selling new vehicles to consumers in California on eBay until the end of September. The program had been slated to end September 8.

But it is not clear whether GM intends to do a nationwide rollout of the program, as it discussed earlier. In a statement, the automaker said it would decide about a national rollout at the end of the California promotion.

GM also quantified the effectiveness of the eBay promotion. It said nearly 4,000 new-car buyers entered into negotiations online, over the phone and in person as a result of the promotion through August 30. It did not spell out how many of those negotiations ended in actual sales. Automotive News said it looked at the results of 3,000 GM vehicles with seven-day eBay auctions that ended September 1 and "none was listed as sold."

But GM and its dealers apparently think the promotion is worthwhile.

"We are very pleased with the progress of the initial promotion and its ability to raise awareness and consideration for our outstanding new vehicle inventory," said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Tapping hydrogen  
The plan to use hydrogen as fuel to run a small fleet of vehicles, to ferry athletes from their “village” to the contest arenas during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi, is experimental in nature, but a “first” nonetheless in a city which has put its entire public transport system on the pollution-free compressed natural gas (CNG). The world is looking to hydrogen as a future source of clean energy to run automobiles and also to power factories, businesses and homes. Hydrogen is of course the most abundantly available element on earth. When used as fuel in an engine, it is reckoned to be about 30 per cent more efficient than conventional fuels like petrol. And when it is used through the fuel cell route, its efficiency betters petrol by between 100 per cent and 200 per cent. The Indian Oil Corporation, which has mooted the plan to operate hydrogen vehicles during the Commonwealth Games, plans to use a mix of hydrogen and CNG in a 20:80 ratio. Such a mix will require only minor adjustments in engines that are already using CNG. Several leading international vehicle companies have already put hydrogen vehicles on the road in the US, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Some Indian automobile manufacturers have developed prototypes of vehicles that can be driven using hydrogen, and are likely to test-drive them soon.

These examples notwithstanding, there are quite a few technical issues which need to be tackled before hydrogen can become a practical and economically viable vehicular fuel. Despite being plentiful, hydrogen is invariably found in compound form, such as in combination with oxygen in water, or in combination with carbon in hydrocarbons like methane and coal. A major challenge before scientists and engineers is how to produce it at a cost lower than competing conventional fuels. Besides, as a gas, hydrogen is voluminous, requiring large tanks to store it for the uninterrupted running of vehicles over long distances. Its most efficient and practical use, therefore, is deemed to be in the form of hydrogen-based fuel cells but that technology is still evolving. At present, these cells are costly to produce. Intensive research and development work is on in several countries to refine this technology, so hydrogen could well become cost-effective before long.

India is has made a belated beginning in this field and is now trying to play catch-up. While the initial attempts have been oriented towards using hydrogen as engine fuel, singly or in combination with CNG, work is simultaneously apace to develop fuel cell technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is collaborating with vehicle manufacturers to develop hydrogen fuel cells for automobiles, using the cryogenic technology which it evolved for advanced rocket launch vehicles. Hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen will combine in these cells to produce electricity to drive vehicles in a pollution-free manner, emitting nothing more than water vapour as exhaust. Considering the potential that hydrogen holds out as a renewable and sustainable source of clean energy, and its positive implications for energy security, the work should get appropriate funding and priority.


Source : http://www.business-standard.com (9/2/2009)

Buick Is Alive and Well - in China  
SHANGHAI, China — Despite General Motors' troubles in its home market, the Buick brand is enjoying a resurgence — in China. GM said it sold more than four times as many Buicks in China in August as it did in the U.S.

The automaker's joint venture with Shanghai Auto also posted record sales in China. In total, GM and its local partner delivered 152,365 units to Chinese customers, up 113 percent from a year ago. For the full year, GM has sold a record 1,111,401 units, up 50 percent from the previous year.

In comparison, GM had a dismal month in the U.S., where August sales of 246,479 units were down 20 percent. Eight-month sales of 1,390,278 vehicles were down 35 percent for the year.

Buick has fared even worse in the American market, where it sold a mere 8,612 vehicles, down 52 percent from a year ago. The eight-month U.S. sales total for Buick of 62,934 units is off 36 percent.

Meanwhile, the brand is flourishing in China, driven by robust sales of such premium sedans as the LaCrosse and the Regal. GM sold more than 7,000 Regals in China in August and nearly 8,000 LaCrosses. Total Buick sales in China were 38,905, up more than 100 percent from the previous year.

GM said it expects full-year sales in China to climb by more than 40 percent from 2008.

Another driver of the U.S. automaker's success in this market is the SAIC-GM-Wuling partnership, which delivered 88,711 mini-vehicles in August, up 123 percent from last year, including 49,298 units of the segment-leading Wuling Sunshine.


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

First Evora is Delivered to Customer  
NORFOLK, UNITED KINGDOM: Matthew Melling of Twickenham, UK received the keys of a Storm Titanium Lotus Evora from Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited at the Lotus Headquarters where the new mid-engined 2+2 sportscar is hand built.

Many Lotus dealers around the world have already received their demonstrators and Lotus has, so far, received orders for the next 5 months of production. Demand for Lotus’ award winning Evora has meant that 150 extra new manufacturing staff have been recruited to support assembly operations in Norfolk, UK, a very positive sign at a time when the global motor industry faces huge challenges. Full production is expected to reach the maximum rate by the end of November 2009.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited said, “It is quite an emotional time to deliver the first Lotus Evora to Mr. Melling. The whole team has worked incredibly hard to design, engineer and produce such a stunning and high performing sportscar and it is a great feeling to hand over the keys to the first customer today. The Evora has won many awards around the world already so we are not surprised that there is high demand for the car and I am sure that each customer who receives their car will be delighted with their purchase.”

Matthew Melling, a customer of Stratton Motor Company, in Norfolk said, “I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company’s help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year. I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!”


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

More Grande Punto Vans On Way To E.On  
SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM : Leading power company E.ON, which earlier this year took delivery of more than 100 new Fiat Grande Punto vans, has ordered a further 77 of the popular commercial vehicles.

In April, 101 Grande Punto vans were supplied to E.ON’s meter reading division by Fiat Professional, Fiat UK’s commercial vehicle section. The new vans were funded by contract hire company Lloyds TSB Autolease, and were specially prepared for this particular activity. All are equipped with air conditioning, reverse parking sensors, rear window protection grille, protective mats, speed limiter and alarm.

The original deal was designed to generate new savings in fuel, CO2 levels and cost of ownership, and that has clearly been a success, as this latest agreement proves.

“It’s fantastic news that E.ON have chosen to take further Grande Punto vans from us, following the excellent deal earlier this year,” says Colin Parnell, regional corporate sales manager, Fiat Group Fleet. “The first vans have been well received by E.ON and have already proved their fuel efficiency, environmental-friendliness and superb value in terms of ownership cost.”

Combining all the comfort, style and quality of a car with the convenience and robustness of a commercial vehicle, the Grande Punto van is proving a top choice among fleets. Powered by Fiat’s tried and tested 75 bhp 1.3 16v MultiJet engine, the range starts at £9,495 plus VAT


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

The World's Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in Their Classes  
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY: What would be technically feasible if money were no object? What is the maximum fuel economy that a truly affordable car could attain? And how clean would its emissions be? Are there cars that can be purchased today that are already eco-friendly for the world of tomorrow? Is it possible for a car optimised for fuel efficiency to be just as uncompromisingly practical in everyday driving? These questions are becoming increasingly important to more and more people. On September 15, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Volkswagen will be showing what is feasible when the best available yet affordable technologies of our times are sensibly combined – in the new generation of the Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion. All three Volkswagens are the world’s most fuel-efficient models in their respective size classes; all three are celebrating world premieres as production versions at the IAA; and all three can be ordered later this fall.

Polo with 3.3 litre fuel economy The new Polo BlueMotion (55 kW / 75 PS) – with an average fuel consumption of just 3.3 litres diesel (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2!) per 100 kilometres – is advancing to become the “3-liter fuel economy car” of the modern era and the most fuel efficient five-seater in the world. Compared to a conventional Polo TDI with 75 PS, CO2 emissions were reduced 20 percent, and fuel consumption was reduced by 0.9 litre per 100 kilometres – thanks to BlueMotion¬Technologies that include a new high-tech 1.2-liter TDI. They make the commute to work, vacation trip and long weekend affordable again. A person driving a Polo BlueMotion from Berlin to the IAA in Frankfurt, for example, can cover the 545 kilometre route for just 19 Euros* in fuel costs. Refueling becomes an afterthought, since the 45 litre tank of the Polo BlueMotion leverages a theoretical range of 1,363 kilometres. One more example related to costs: According to the German Federal Bureau of Statistics, the average German car driver drives a total of 11,000 kilometres per year. For Polo BlueMotion drivers this means that they can cruise the entire year on just eight fuel fill-ups and 377 Euros* in fuel costs. The Polo BlueMotion, which can move at 173 km/h if necessary, makes its market debut in 2010.

Golf with 3.8 litre fuel economy Motoring at a cost level practically as pleasing as that of the Polo is the new Golf BlueMotion (77 kW / 105 PS). Thanks to its fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel (99 g/km CO2), it is the world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class. Its theo¬retical range is 1,447 kilometres (55 litre tank). Average annual fuel costs: just 439 Euros or about 37 Euros* per month

The most fuel-efficient Golf of all times is powered by a new, quiet common rail turbo-diesel. Like all TDIs, this engine does not lack in power by any measure. Just the opposite is true: The 105 PS sixteen-valve, four-cylinder engine generates its maximum torque of 250 Newton-Meters at a low 2,000 rpm. Equipped with these key performance parameters, the engine accelerates the Golf BlueMotion to 100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds. Its top speed: 190 km/h. The new Golf BlueMotion will first arrive at European dealers in late fall of this year.

Passat with 4.4 litre fuel economy The driving range of the new Passat BlueMotion may just be record-setting. With an average fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres diesel (114 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometres, it can cover 1,591 kilometres on one fill-up of its 70 litre tank! That adds up to just seven fill-ups per year. Cost point: 502 Euros*. There is no other car of this size on the road today that is more fuel-efficient. Advance orders start in early October, and the new Passat BlueMotion will be at dealers one month later – as a saloon and an estate car. The Passat shares its 77 kW / 105 PS common rail TDI with the Golf BlueMotion. A look at the Passat’s superior performance data reveals the tremendous potential of this engine and the aerodynamic properties of the Passat: 193 km/h top speed and 12.5 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

TDI + Start-Stop + Regeneration The BlueMotionTechnolo¬gies aboard the three super-economizers make up a comprehensive package of extremely diverse high-tech components and detailed solutions. Building the foundation for the extremely low fuel consumption and emission values of these cars are their new common rail TDI engines with modified engine management software and reduced idling speed. Power transfer is handled by five-speed gearboxes with longer gear ratios. A gear-shift indicator integrated in the instruments ensures that the BlueMotion models are always driven at the gear stage that is optimal for fuel economy.

Other BlueMotion features include energy recovery (regenerative braking), a Start-Stop system (automatic engine shutoff, such as at red lights), tyres optimized for low rolling resistance, especially lightweight low-drag wheels, improved fine tuning of body aerodynamics and a lower chassis (Polo and Golf). In addition, the new BlueMotion models are distinguished from other versions of their respective model lines by stylish modifications and a customized interior. For the first time, Volkswagen – and this represents a clear reversal of market trends – is giving its BlueMotion models dynamic styling features that bridge the gap between sustainability and sporty appeal. The Golf and Passat, for example, are making their appearance with bumpers and side skirts from the avant-garde R-Line; the Polo meanwhile is distinguished by such features as completely new radiator grille styling and special alloy wheels. The Polo and Passat Estate also have an independent rear tailgate spoiler.

Pricing is not left out of the equation by any means, and it is consistent with our declared goal of offering very advanced eco-friendly cars at affordable prices. And BlueMotion is certainly affordable.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Proton Returns To Profit in June Quarter With Some Green Shoots of Recovery  
BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM : Proton Holdings Bhd has reported a pre-tax profit of close to $AUD 25 million (RM 64.379 million) for the first quarter of the Malaysian financial year, up 9.7 per cent on the same quarter last year.

The result for the quarter ending June 30 this year was achieved on an eight percent increase in revenue up from RM 1.71 billion (approx $AUD 579 million) to RM1.85 billion (approx $AUD 627 million).

Proton says the improved performance was the result of a better product mix, which also helped to minimise the impact of a decline in Malaysian car sales during the period.

Total industry volume (TIV) in Malaysia was down almost 11 percent during the period while Proton sales were down just 2 percent.

The strong sales from the newly launched Proton Exora people mover helped the group to increase its market share to 31 percent in Malaysia in June.

For the six-months to June 30, Proton sold 69,977 units, which accounted for 27 per cent of TIV.

Proton's chairman Dato Nadzmi Salleh said the results show the group's efforts to enter a new segment of the car market have produced the desired outcome.

Proton's revenue has also grown despite the 2 percent decline in sales volume against 39,888 units sold in the same quarter last year.

The Chairman said Proton's first quarter performance was also an improvement on its before tax loss of RM 374 million (approx $AUD 126 million), in the preceding quarter which included write-downs totalling RM 360 million (approx $AUD 122 million).

Proton's managing director Dato' Syed Zainal said there have been positive signs of recovery in the global automotive industry as consumer demand stabilised and improved.

"Our prospect for acquiring more domestic sales volume and market share is encouraging, driven largely by the sales of Exora," he said.

"Internationally, the group will focus on introducing the Exora in the Asean region which will further increase its sales volume," Dato' Syed Zainal added.

Despite the improved sentiment, he said Proton was still cautious of the sustainability of the global economic recovery and would continue to expand into key markets, improve quality and intensify branding as well as invest in research and development for products refreshers and new models.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Porsche 911 Sport Classic  
ATLANTA -: Porsche has created a special limited edition of the 911 with the 911 Sport Classic, available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

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Special Series of Limited Edition Models from Porsche

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Porsche has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73" and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.

The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79”, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.

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The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.

The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.

Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a poloshirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.

Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.-.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Buick Boss: Pontiac G8 Won't Become the Buick Grand National  
DETROIT — Don't look for a resurrection of the Grand National nameplate on a Buick, said Susan Docherty, the general manager of Buick GMC, in a Web chat this week on the corporate GM FastLane blog. Docherty used the occasion to mainly confirm what won't be — no Grand National, no Buick coupe and no return of Pontiac.

In response to the question: "Any chance of the (Pontiac) G8 becoming the Buick Grand National?" Docherty replied: "The G8 won't become the Buick Grand National."

In 1982, the Regal Grand National debuted. It was named for the NASCAR Grand National Racing Series. In 1984, the Grand National returned in all-black paint, earning it the nickname the "Darth Vader car," according to Wikipedia.

Docherty also said there were no plans for a Buick coupe.

"There continues to be lots of questions about a Buick coupe and even specific questions about a Riviera for Buick's future," she said. "We don't have any plans in the short term, however, we'll continue to evaluate what would be best for Buick. We have had great response for the Riviera concept revealed in Bejing (sic)."

Later in the Web chat, she added: "We're keeping our fingers crossed on a future Buick Riviera — it would be a nice addition.

Docherty also held out no hope for a reversal of Pontiac's death sentence. "Pontiac won't be back," she said.

Buick appears to be focused on sedans, if her Web chat is any indication.

"We plan to introduce two more sedans, both smaller," she said. "One sedan will be mid-sized and one will be compact."


Source : http://www.edmunds.com (9/2/2009)

Chrysler Group LLC Returns Second Shift Production to Illinois Assembly Plant  
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., -- Anticipating customer demand for the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Group LLC is returning the second shift of production at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant effective October 5, 2009.

The action will increase Dodge Caliber production by 10,000 units for the North American and international markets through the end of the year, while maintaining planned production levels of Jeep Compass and Patriot, the other fuel-efficient Chrysler Group vehicles built at the facility in Belvidere, Illinois.

"We are taking this action in response to increasing demand for our most fuel-efficient products," said Michael J. Accavitti, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "However, we are cautious about the continued volatility in the industry and will monitor demand in order to respond to market conditions."

The increased second shift production will add approximately 850 employees at the Belvidere facility. This action is in addition to the more than 50,000 units added to production plans at other Chrysler Group plants, that was announced earlier this week.

The 2009 Dodge Caliber offers top government safety ratings, value, bold styling and many interior innovations in a compact car that combines Dodge attitude, SUV versatility, fuel efficiency and affordability.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

HAMANN- Motorsport Presents the TYCOON EVO as a World Premiere at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).  
LAUPHEIM, GERMANY: Already for the eights time, HAMANN-Motorsport presents its exclusive refining programme at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

In hall 5.0, exhibition stand B.32, the renowned BMW specialist and tuner of the most excellent luxury sports cars presents it latest developments. One of the displayed highlights of the 450 square metre large HAMANN stand is the world premiere of the TYCOON EVO which is based on the BMW X6. The revolutionary difference to its predecessor is the newly designed fender extensions and the striking rear. The visual and sonorous highlights of the rear part are the earthy sports exhaust system with the remarkable centre double end pipes.

The TYCOON EVO– an auto-body pack which sets benchmarks Already the design department at HAMANN-Motorsport ensures that the TYCOON EVO meets the expectations in his name. They designed and developed an impressive broad makeover for this BMW crossover model and ensured that all accessories reflect and perfect the shape of the car. The masculine appearance of the TYCOON EVO is mainly emphasised by its new front wings and back wing extensions made of light composite material. They broaden the body by striking 60 millimetres. The perfectly designed side skirts render the optical connection while the front apron is an outstanding eye-catcher with its large air inlets and the LED daytime running lights under the serial headlights. At the rear of the X6, HAMANN engineers replaced the original skirt with an own development. This makes place for the sporty and earthy exhaust system with the centre double end pipes. The back appearance of the TYCOON EVO is enhanced by a rear- and roof spoiler. It goes without saying that all used HAMANN-components do not only convince with their design but also with their aerodynamics. They ensure an optimised air flow over the car silhouette and render an additional downthrust.

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Perfectly styled from head to toe – the suitable rim in XXL format The suitable rim for the broad makeover of the BMW X6 is the DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED. The ultra-light forged wheel combines both agility and also elegance. The black rim star and the titanium bolting underline the dynamics of the wheel. The highly polished rim flange on the contrary gives the car a noble impression. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel with tyres sized 315/25 R 23. Special chassis springs fantastically enhance the light alloy wheels. Thereby, progressively coiled springs lower the barycentre of this Sports Utility Vehicle by maximally 40 millimetres at the front- and back axle.

HAMANN performance kits – from tycoon to typhoon The choice of different HAMANN performance kits is as manifold as the selection of BMW engines. The tuning expert bestows the X6 xDrive35i with an engine output of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm. Parallelly, the maximum torque rises by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the rpm-range between 1300 and 5000. At the same time, HAMANN also suspends the speed limit of 250 km/h and allows impressive 275 km/h.

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The Diesel series also profits from extra power. After the serial motronic is re-programmed, the xDrive30d has 265 PS / 195 kW and transfers a maximum torque of 600 Nm to the crankshaft. The engine variation xDrive35d also turns into a racy sprinter: HAMANN is able to tease 320 PS / 235 KW and a sensational torque of 660 Nm at 2000 rpm out of the Diesel car

The maximum performance enhancement HAMANN offers is for the eight-cylinder model xDrive50i. By using a new motor electronics map and by applying metal catalysts and the matching sport exhaust system, the engine output increase to 501 hp / 368 kW at 5,600 r.p.m. (serial version: 407 hp / 300 kW at 5,500 r.p.m.). The maximum torque rises to enormous 700 Nm at 3,700 r.p.m (serial version: 600 Nm at 1,750 r.p.m.). Also the maximum speed rises significantly and only misses the 300 km/h notch by a whisker.

The inner values of HAMANN – noble accessories for the TYCOON EVO interior In addition to the present, serial inner design, HAMANN offers accessories made of high-quality aluminium. Pedals and foot rests render motorsports sensations and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An instrument dial with a scaling up to 300 km/h and a 3-spoke sport steering wheel further underline the sportive overall appearance of the TYCOON EVO. For the boot of the X6, HAMANN offers an elegant and also practical boot mat with chequered decorative stitching and an embroidered logo.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

ARKNAV: 3D G-Force Recorder for Reducing Vehicle Maintenance, Monitoring Driving Habits and Recording Impact  
TAIPEI, Taiwan--Based in Taiwan, ARKNAV is fast becoming a leader in the provision of superior Global Positioning System (GPS) peripherals and innovative integrated tracking solutions.

Producing GPS devices for 20 years, we lead the industry with innovations. One of our best-selling items is the featured web-based AVL tracking system. Its popularity has led us to develop many optional accessories. We’ve even developed a g-force recording attachment. Triggered by sharp cornering, braking and acceleration by drivers, it has customizable settings and can record 3-D g-force data on microSD cards. This accessory is ideal for detecting and preventing reckless driving habits in fleet management applications.

With help of ARKNAV G-Force Recorder, vehicle tracker can be mounted on special vehicles, such as ambulances, chemicals or petrol delivery vehicles and buses. It can also be used with any vehicle tracker or GPS receiver. ODM projects on G-Force Recorder are very welcomed.

Features of G-Force Recorder:

1. Monitoring drivers’ driving habits

2. LED indications and buzzer for warning drivers

3. Recording 3D G-force values and corresponding GPS data

4. Using micro SD as storage method

5. Configurable G-force triggering values

6. Internal clock for giving time stamp on each record

7. RS-232 interface for connecting with vehicle tracker or GPS receiver

Contact us today to get complete technical information!!


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Smart Strengthens Its Appeal With More Power and More Pleasure  
MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM: Smart looks set to power ahead of its rivals, with news of performance improvements to its acclaimed diesel model and further enhancements across the rest of the product range.

The revised smart fortwo cdi – the world’s most efficient production car – will provide a winning blend of exhilaration, economy and low emissions as a result of engine advances. An additional 9bhp unleashes 21 per cent more power from the state-of-the-art three-cylinder engine, which also delivers an extra 18 per cent torque (130Nm).

And whilst the 54bhp smart cdi will be quicker off the blocks – its 0-62.5mph acceleration time cut by three seconds – it remains the CO2 champion amongst all production cars with a combustion engine, emitting just 89g/km of CO2.

Across the smart range, significant improvements to standard specifications will strengthen the cars’ appeal and add considerable value to a customer’s purchase.

The sporty pulse now features air conditioning and softouch transmission as standard, with customers able to customise their car with optional extras such as a panoramic roof and front fog lights.

In-car communications technology comes to the fore in passion models, which include a Pioneer navigation and entertainment system as part of an impressive specification. This high-tech package offers full sat-nav capability, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity, CD and radio operation via a 4.3-inch detachable screen. Dash dials and a lockable glovebox are also standard features.

All smart model lines produced from October 2009 onwards will boast stylish interior revisions too. The instrument cluster, dash dials and light/wiper levers will become pearl black rather than pearl grey, with the exception of passion models where these accents will be red or beige when ordered with design red or design beige upholstery.

From October 2009 production, on-the-road pricing of the smart model range starts from £8,517.55.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Follow RaceFanRadio On Twitter!  
Follow RaceFanRadio on Twitter!Go to www.twitter.com/RaceFanRadio and click "follow" to stay in touch with the easiest updates on the web!

While in your Twitter account, send us your song request or a "shout out" by simply typing the song title and artist to: @RaceFanRadio

It's another way that fans can stay interactive with show hosts, guests and any motorsports personality on RaceFanRadio. Twitter fans can follow along with the show and send in their questions, shout-outs and other comments without the using your email.

"This is just another way for fans to get interactive to request songs, ask questions of guests and even win contests because twitter is so easy" said Rick Carlton, RaceFanRadio's Marketing Director.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Tata Motors unveils 3 models in sub-one-ton to 3 ton segment  
Tata Motors, India`s largest automobile company today unveiled its all new `Tata 407 Pickup` and the new offerings from the Ace Platform -- `Tata Super Ace` and `Tata Ace EX` -- across the country.

The introduction of these new products- Tata 407 Pickup, Tata Super Ace and Tata EX are all set to vitalize the sub-one-ton to 3 ton segment with more payload options and greater power for the changing demands of its customers. These vehicles signal Tata Motors (Q, N,C,F)* commitment to provide better quality vehicles at affordable price to enable consumers to enhance their business needs

Commenting on the launches, President of Tata Motors commercial vehicle business Unit,Ravi Pisharody said, ``It has always been our commitment to continually refresh our product portfolio, with both, new products and improvements on proven platforms, guided by our customers feedback.``

Tata 407 Pickup

The Tata 407 Pickup comes with a payload of 2.25T which offers nearly double the payload of any other pickup vehicle in the market. Thus customers do not face any hassles of overloading. Further, the vehicle gives customers the benefit of a relatively small turning circle radius of 5.5m which, along with an overall length of only 4700 mm, helps in maneuverability even in narrow lanes. The inherent ability of this vehicle gives the customer an opportunity of carrying 2T loads for longer distances, which translates to more business.

The vehicle comes with a service interval of 20,000 kms enabling the customer to spend less on maintenance. The legendary 407 platform with 3 years / 3 lakh kms warranty gives confidence and assurance of extended life.

Tata Super Ace

The Tata Super Ace is a powerful, fuel efficient, ultra stylish 1 ton truck with unmatched 70 HP and top speed of 125 kmph to hit the Indian roads. The vehicle is a four cylinder, 475 IDI turbo inter-cooled diesel engine which comes with a payload of 1,000 Kg. It offers a larger deck length of 8`7`, perfect for voluminous loads. It offers superior comfort for the driver, sleek styling, with fully a functional dashboard with lockable glovebox, provision for mobile charger, ORVMs on both sides and sun visor. It also has power steering, bucket seats with front to rear adjustment for better drivability and roomy car like interiors. The overall length is 4340 mm allows for easy access in narrow lanes. The Tata Super Ace comes with 12 months/50,000 kms warranty which gives confidence and assurance of extended life.

Tata Ace EX

The Tata Ace EX, offers an increased mileage of upto 6%-10% over the current ACE. It has been equipped with superior features such as five speed gear box in order to reach out to farther locations in less time with more savings, bigger tyres with higher ground clearance to negotiate off-terrain with ease, unique electronic stop and start arrangement that saves fuel at traffic jams by auto ignition and clutch start.The Tata Ace EX comes with a warranty of 36,000 kms /12 months.

Shares of the company gained Rs 30.65, or 8.3%, to settle at Rs 400.00. The total volume of shares traded was 288,332 at the BSE (Wednesday).


Source : Myiris.com (9/2/2009)

Freight tackles fuel duty rise head on  
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been urging the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give the UK logistics sector an eleventh-hour reprieve.

It says the logistics sector is now shouldering more than three quarters of a billion pounds extra tax, thanks to three fuel duty hikes in less than a year.

Jo Tanner of the FTA said: "With oil prices already rising and many businesses on their knees as a result of the recession, is this really the best time to be increasing fuel duty, again?"

The number of HGV drivers claiming for Jobseekers' Allowance has risen by 258 per cent between July 2008 and July 2009.

There is continued concern within the sector that we have yet to see the worst of the recession's impact.

The FTA is also angered by the Government's reliance on 'greenwash' as a reason to increase the tax burden on the sector.

Tanner concluded: "For an industry with little in the way of green shoots to shout about the last thing we need is greenwash.

"While higher fuel costs may force private motorists onto public transport, logistics doesn't have that luxury.

"We're already at the forefront of reducing emissions, both through more fuel-efficient driving and by using newer, greener vehicles.

"The irony is that, if the Government keeps increasing fuel duty, our members will be less able to invest either in the training of their drivers or in their fleet."

She said, "We're always going to be caught in a Catch-22 situation, and we'll continue to be the Government's cash cow."


Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (9/2/2009)

CPx sale keeps company in familiar hands  
Are you planning to pre-buy trucks in '09, ahead of the 2010 emissions regs? Yes. I think there are more unknowns with SCR than previous engines No. SCR is proven in Europe and it'll be just fine here. SCR or not, who can afford new trucks next year anyway? view results

SURREY, B.C. -- The co-owner of long-haul trucking firm Coastal Pacific Xpress has sold his stake in the company, but the in-house sale is expected to keep the carrier running with business as usual.

CPx co-president and co-owner Glen Parsons recently sold his interest in the Surrey, B.C.-based carrier to Scott McIntosh, currently the company’s Calgary-based Prairie Region General Manager.

McIntosh, who began his trucking career in his native Alberta two decades ago, assumes the title of President (Operations) and will relocate to CPx’s head office in Surrey in September.

Co-owner Jim Mickey assumes the position of President (Administration). He retains his equity stake and will now manage all the administrative and financial roles, while McIntosh will oversee operations, driver management, and customer strategy.

“Glen’s innovative, tireless commitment to customer service is what built this organization into what it is today,” says Mickey. “He leaves a tremendous legacy and a strong foundation for future growth. We will tap Glen’s expertise when necessary, as he has agreed to be available as a consultant to the company well into the future.”

Parsons started in the industry in the late 1970s, when he worked for his father’s trucking company as a driver. He then owned and managed other trucking companies before joining CPx in 1995.

“My greatest career accomplishments were at CPx, where I worked with the finest professionals in the business to build a $2-million operation into one with sales last year of over $100 million,” he says. “But now it’s time to set my sights on something new. I am confident that I am passing the torch to a stellar group of managers, professional drivers and staff who will propel CPx to new heights. I leave on a high note.”

Mickey and Parsons had a 50-50 partnership in CPx since 2000. The pair had planned for many years to pass the company along to employees of the company, and not sell off to a large company.

“We’ve had that plan for six or eight years, and have invested a tremendous effort into creating a company culture that puts its people first,” says Mickey. “We wanted continuity of what we have that’s special and intended not to end up in the hands of a big company.”

There are four individuals who Mickey and Parsons have been working with over the past few years, who will become the “caretakers of the culture.” But Mickey does point out, he’s not going anywhere yet.

Along with the equity transaction, CPx appointed Laurie Forbes as vice-president, administration; Will MacLean as vice-president, marketing; and Marcelo Bohm as vice-president, strategic initiatives and senior finance leader; while acknowledging their equity participation in the company.

“The same basic business philosophies of honest value, trusting partnerships and long-term vision will continue through the transition and into the future, as the entire senior-management group embraces these as the essence of the organization,” says Mickey.


Source : http://www.todaystrucking.com (9/2/2009)

BMW concept peers into the future  
The design brief: the performance of a BMW M Car, a highly emotional character, with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class.

The result is a full-hybrid; the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is powered by a three-cylinder turbodiesel and two electric motors.

The overall system output is 356 hp, with maximum torque of 800 Nm on tap.

Power is put to the road via all-wheel drive, thanks to an electric motor on both the front and rear axle.

It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, while still capable of 75.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover the entire fuel consumption drive cycle under electric power alone.

It may look like it's melting, but those funky aerodynamics were actually developed with know-how from Formula 1.

And the interior designers have been having fun too, opting to install gullwing doors that open up to the side.

Quirks aside, the interior of this unique 2+2-seater intentionally demonstrates the very latest in modern technology.

The roof and door inserts made of polycarbonate glass automatically become darker as a function of incoming light.

The public will get a first look at the futuristic BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009.


Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (9/2/2009)

Drivers wanted for electric MINI trials  
Pioneering drivers wanting to be part of the research project can now apply online to lease one of twenty prototype cars destined for British roads.

Each MINI E will be available to lease for six months from December this year.

A second round of applications will then be invited in 2010, allowing a further twenty drivers to lease an all-electric MINI for a six month period.

Accounting for current development and manufacturing costs, the monthly lease fee for a MINI E is expected to be £550 per month.

The MINI E driver also pays for the electricity used. Fully re-charging the battery using off-peak electricity at current prices will cost around £1.50.

Using higher-rate daytime electricity, the cost will still be less than £4.00.

All applicants to the research trial will have to meet certain criteria to be eligible to take part.

Firstly, customers must reside in South East England, within a triangular geographical area joining Andover, Oxford and West London.

MINI E test drivers must also have a private garage, car port or parking space at their home.

Not only for safety and security reasons, but primarily to ensure that a high power charging unit in the form of a wall box measuring approximately 0.6m x 0.6m can be installed by Southern Electric.

Maintenance, servicing and technical assistance will be provided by dedicated BMW Group UK 'flying doctors'.

The online application form is now accessible at www.electricMINI.co.uk until 30th September 2009.

Full details of the project and entry criteria are available on the website, so if you're keen, get your application in without delay...


Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (9/2/2009)

Volvo revises C70  
The new car retains the three-piece retractable roof, spacious seating for four adults and class-leading convertible safety standards as the outgoing model.

The front takes inspiration from the S60 Concept and is closely aligned with the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo range.

There are new headlamps which now have a more pronounced upward orientation, whilst more detail has been added around the fog lamps and the lower grille.

From the front, the bonnet and grille form an open, inviting "V" shape, whilst the enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intakes reinforce a strong on-the-road stance.

A dramatic Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced at the paint shop.

High-tech LED lamps at the rear are as found on the XC60, and the entire lamp unit is now clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.

Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with improved finish.

And the seats have been upholstered in a new, softer hide offering all occupants a greater level of comfort.

The revised Volvo C70 will be offered with a choice of diesel D5 and 2.0D, or petrol T5 and 2.4i powerplants.

The new C70 will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show from September 15th. Full details, including prices will be released closer to the on-sale date.

The first C70s are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.


Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (9/2/2009)

Chinese vice premier stresses economic restructuring in old industrial base  
CHANGCHUN, -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday said the country's old industrial base should coordinate economic growth and industrial restructuring to revitalize regional development.

During an inspection tour in northeastern Jilin Province on Monday and Tuesday, Li urged stepping up innovation, pushing forward industrial restructuring, and improving people's lives, in order to achieve sound economic and social development.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday said the country's old industrial base should coordinate economic growth and industrial restructuring to revitalize regional development.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L Front) visits Bajiazi Forestry Bureau's shantytowns in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 31, 2009. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour in Jilin Province from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.(Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery

During an inspection of the First Automobile Works, Li encouraged the pioneering auto maker to innovate based on its own technology, in order enliven the enterprise.

Li also visited several other enterprises, including the Jilin Aodong Medicine Industry Group Co., Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company, and encouraged firms to diversify their product mix to meet various demands and explore new markets.


Source : http://news.xinhuanet.com (9/2/2009)

Green Kias at Frankfurt show  
Kia will display a range of new models and green technology at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show later this month.

There'll be plenty of new cars, in the shape of the all-new Venga MPV and Sorento SUV, and the face-lifted Cee'd.

The Cee'd and Venga will both feature the company's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop-start system.

Eco Dynamics brand Kia will also premiere its Eco Dynamics brand of environmentally friendly cars. The 'Eco Dynamics' zone at the Frankfurt event will showcase three new models – the Forte LPI hybrid, Cee'd hybrid and Sorento hybrid.

All are equipped with ISG, a power-saving alternator management system, a gearshift indicator and special low-friction Michelin tyres.

The Forte LPI hybrid has a 1.6-litre engine that runs on liquid petroleum gas and is mated to a 20bhp electric motor, with a continually variable transmission (CVT) gearbox and ISG. It produces 99g/km of CO2 and can achieve 50.5mpg.

There are no plans to sell the Forte LPI hybrid in Europe, but Kia has confirmed that it is planning a 'real world' research programme in 2010 and will run a test fleet of 36 of the cars across Europe.

The fleet will be used to assess the feasibility of large-scale commercialisation of LPI hybrids for the future.

Hybrid Cee'd and Sorento Alongside the Forte will be hybrid versions of the C'eed and Sorento. The C'eed has the same powertrain as the Forte, but runs on petrol, while the Sorento has a 1.6-litre twin-turbo diesel engine combined with an electric motor. It also has a CVT gearbox plus CO2 emissions of 119g/km.


Source : http://www.whatcar.com (9/2/2009)

Subaru Boxer Diesel Meets Impreza Hatchback Practicality  
COLESHILL, UNITED KINGODM: Having already earned its stripes in Legacy, Outback and Forester, Subaru’s widely-acclaimed 150 PS Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the stylish Impreza, offering the perfect complement to the model’s supreme five-door practicality. The sporty, yet sophisticated, Impreza 2.0D offers customers a unique take on the small family car, combining spacious, hatchback flexibility and diesel frugality with the superb, confidence-inspiring grip delivered by Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system.

The newcomer clocks up a refreshing 47.9mpg on the combined cycle to give a potential range of 670 miles on a full tank. In true Impreza tradition it’s no slouch, capable of hustling from 0 to 62 mph in a distinctly crisp 9.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 127 mph.

The Boxer engine layout – very much a Subaru speciality – comes with all the benefits typical of its kind. Its compact size means that it sits low-down in the chassis to give every Impreza an ultra-low centre of gravity for outstanding handling, great grip, reduced body roll and agile steering. The horizontally opposed cylinder layout ensures class-leading noise, vibration and harshness and a smooth response that should maintain Subaru’s established reputation as a manufacturer of engines that last for years.

But beyond its exceptional refinement this punchy turbodiesel offers excellent flexibility and good throttle response, delivering a massive 350 Nm (258 lb ft) of peak torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm. Ably assisted by the carefully selected ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox, effortless performance in everyday driving conditions comes as standard.

Teaming the front strut/rear multi-link chassis with the sure-footedness of Subaru’s permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive makes for a winning combination. Backed up by Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system, it means owners can drive safely in the knowledge that their Impreza will instantly divert power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip – it providing the security and reassurance of active safety at all times, whatever the road conditions.

What makes the Impreza Boxer Diesel driving experience all the more satisfying is the host of luxuries that come as standard, such as climate control air conditioning, Xenon headlamps complete with pop-up washers, four power windows, 6CD autochanger, front foglamps, heated front seats and cruise control. The large door mirrors, which can be folded in at the touch of a button, are electrically heated and adjustable.

The Impreza 2.0D comes in a choice of two grades, RC and RX. The former comes with all the equipment described above yet is still priced at a competitive £20,000 on the road. Step up to the RX at £22,255 and gain keyless smart entry, an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, full leather trim and electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.

Spacious and practical Like its petrol-engined siblings, the diesel Impreza is an altogether more practical proposition than its predecessor, designed with the express aim of appealing to a wider audience. All models share the same spacious five-door body, wider than the previous Sport Wagon and with a 95mm longer wheelbase for a comfortable and accommodating interior. It’s also a lighter car with a lower drag co-efficient to aid fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The Impreza’s styling is a subtle blend of elegance and assertiveness, with a sporty stance created by the wide track, broad shoulder lines, side sill spoilers and stylish side body creases. The distinctive ‘hawk-like’ headlamp surrounds, overt bonnet scoop and short rear overhang give it a distinct personality, while 17 inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Beyond its stunning looks is a car that is easy to live with and easy to use. Wide-opening doors and excellent headroom ensure effortless access to the cabin, and once inside, the driver has the benefit of a reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, plus a height-adjustable seat to create the ideal driving position.

The light and airy cabin provides great visibility, while the cargo area has been designed to make the most of all the available space – helped in no small part by the compact multi-link rear suspension. It delivers the flexibility to fold in a pushchair, swallow the contents of the weekly shop or load up the family’s luggage for that long trip away. An electronic one-touch tailgate release makes the process that little bit easier.

On those cold winter mornings the standard equipment windscreen wiper de-icers and heated front seats will rapidly get you underway in comfort.

In-car sounds are delivered by a 6CD autochanger/radio with full MP3 and WMA playback via a high fidelity 10-speaker set up. And for those who prefer to listen to their favourite sounds on their portable MP3 player, there’s a handy aux-in socket located in the centre storage box for playback through the car’s speakers.

The RX model has the convenience of keyless access which simply requires a smart key to be kept in a handbag or pocket and a button to be pressed on either of the front doors to gain access. Once behind the wheel, the engine is fired up using a push button on the instrument panel.

All models come with a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

Other premium touches on both models include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, LED (light-emitting diode) tail lamps, metallic interior decoration and leather trimmed steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever. Design cues for the interior call upon the multi-million pound investments Subaru has made in improving interior quality, as seen first in the Subaru Tribeca.

Clear, highly legible main instruments are illuminated with ambient blue lighting for improved visibility and surrounded by chrome plated bezels. Switching on the ignition prompts the instrument needles to sweep satisfyingly around their dials before returning to their rest position.

Outside temperature, fuel consumption and a digital clock are displayed at the top of the centre panel which falls easily within the driver’s line of sight. Beneath it is the audio system with its ergonomically-designed buttons, backed up by steering wheel mounted controls.

Climate control air conditioning also comes as standard, with simple to use dial controls for fan speed, temperature selection and distribution.

All four doors have useful storage bins, large enough to hold a 720 ml drinks bottle, while the glovebox with its damped lid and LED lighting is able to swallow 12 CDs. On the centre console there’s a useful storage tray complete with blue illumination, two cupholders and a large storage box/centre armrest. The latter contains the audio aux-in socket plus a 12V electrical socket.

Subaru has over 40 years of experience with the horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine layout – indeed Boxer petrol engines powered the company to three Drivers’ and three Manufacturers’ World Rally Championships – and, not surprisingly, that experience has been brought to bear in producing this first diesel unit.

This approach has allowed Subaru’s engineers to create a light, compact unit which provides all the strength necessary for the added stresses of diesel combustion, while reducing vibration, noise and internal friction compared to an in-line engine. There’s also the added advantage of a low centre-of gravity. A liquid-filled engine mounting system ensures even less vibration and better handling performance.

Superior balance The flat-four layout with its horizontally-opposed pistons effectively cancels out the second harmonic vibration (vibration at double the frequency of the engine speed) which means there is no need for balancer shafts, which in turn drastically reduces inertia and friction. A lively throttle response and good fuel economy are the result. Furthermore, a compact crankshaft sandwiched by the highly rigid cylinder blocks helps minimise vibrational noise.

Even more compact Compared to Subaru’s 2.0 litre petrol engine, the Boxer Diesel has an 11 mm longer stroke and 6 mm smaller bore for a capacity of 1,998 cc versus 1,994 cc. Cylinder bore spacing is also reduced in comparison – 98.4 mm, down from 113 mm – which means the engine block length is only 353.5 mm compared to the petrol engine’s already compact 414.8 mm.

The good rigidity has allowed the blocks to be constructed from aluminium alloy for reduced weight. The block design uses the semi-closed deck type that has proven its durability in the turbocharged petrol engine, while all five main bearings use metal composite supports for superior refinement thanks to their higher rigidity and thermal expansion properties similar to that of the crankshaft.

The crankshaft has a special surface treatment to withstand the diesel engine’s high combustion pressures while the uprated cylinder heads have roller rocker arms. In addition, the cam-drive is via a chain system that better handles the variations in torque of a diesel engine.

Advanced fuel-injection and turbocharger The new Boxer Diesel uses an advanced common-rail fuel-injection system with the fuel being pressurised at 180 MPa before being fed into the common rail. This maximises efficiency, both in terms of power, fuel consumption and emissions.

The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost at all engine speeds and placing it beneath the engine contributes to the Impreza’s low centre of gravity, where it also connects directly to the catalytic converters, boosting environmental performance.

The Impreza Boxer Diesel meets Euro4 emission standards thanks to an oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation.

New six-speed manual gearbox Like the Forester Boxer Diesel, the Impreza boasts a new six-speed manual gearbox. The wide spread of ratios ensures excellent flexibility across all driving conditions, strong acceleration and relaxed, high-speed cruising. Even at 70 mph the engine is running at just 2100 rpm.

A cable-type gear change gives a consistent feel while isolating transmission and engine vibration.

Outstanding ride comfort matched to Impreza agility Imprezas have always boasted outstanding chassis dynamics thanks to their sophisticated All-Wheel drive system, long travel four-wheel independent suspension and the low centre of gravity Boxer engines.

Driving enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the latest generation continues that tradition with a completely new platform that features a 95 mm longer wheelbase, front and rear tracks widened by around 50 mm and a sophisticated multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension.

The new front MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar layout is based on that used by the highly-praised Legacy. Special bushes and attachment points reduce road shock, while the previous subframe has been substituted for a 20 kg lighter, yet equally rigid cross-member. The result is a high level of lateral rigidity, improving both steering response and cornering stability.

An economical electric power steering system has been selected for the Impreza Boxer Diesel, carefully tuned for strong feel and response which is further enhanced by the more rigid mounting common to all of the latest Imprezas.

The compact multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension replaces the previous struts, freeing up valuable luggage space. Furthermore, because it is attached to a sub-frame via bushes, with the mounting section moved under the floor, road noise is reduced. Ride comfort is helped by mounting the springs and shock absorbers behind the rear wheel centre-line – with the wheel stroke itself moving rearwards.

Naturally, shock absorbers, spring rates and anti-roll bar settings have all been finely tuned to the characteristics of the new diesel-engined models.

The result is a supple, composed ride with precise geometry control for accurate straight-line running over uneven road surfaces, backed up by extremely responsive steering and handling.

Stylish 17 inch alloy wheels on both RC and RX models are shod with 205/50 tyres.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive plus Vehicle Dynamics ControlUnlike its competitors, the Impreza boasts permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, so owners have the security and reassurance of active safety at all times.

Front to rear torque split in the full-time system is nominally 50:50, but the centre viscous-coupling senses which axle has the best grip and varies this ratio instantaneously according to the road conditions.

The security provided by All-Wheel drive is backed up by Subaru’s electronic stability system, Vehicle Dynamics Control. Using sophisticated sensors to detect side to side and front to rear slip, plus sudden steering movements, VDC controls oversteer and understeer and potential loss of control by braking individual wheels and regulating engine power in milliseconds.

Passenger and pedestrian safety boost The Impreza Boxer Diesel’s raft of safety measures are aimed at achieving the highest standards of both occupant and pedestrian protection.

Curtain and side airbags as well as driver and passenger front airbags are part of the standard specification, as are front seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Brake and clutch pedals are designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the driver’s lower limbs. Two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings are provided on the rear seats complete with top tether anchors.

Impreza’s active safety package includes 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist, with discs all round, ventilated at the front.

On the outside, the risk of pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour to the top of the front bumper, a gently curved bonnet with increased space beneath and windscreen wipers which collapse, softening any impact.

High tensile steel of varying thickness is used extensively throughout the body, providing good crushability where needed while protecting the passenger area. The engine and transmission are designed to drop down beneath the floor thereby minimising cabin intrusion in the event of a severe front-end impact.

Key features that take the Impreza to new levels of impact safety include enhanced rear absorption characteristics and a rear frame height that’s been optimised for the average height of the frontal crush structure of other vehicles, more effectively dispersing energy throughout the body. The side frame is designed to ensure both front and rear doors can be opened after a collision, while the door handle and latch are connected with a cable to retain their functionality.


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Spirited VW Tiguan styling  
DREIEICH, GERMANY: Power and wildness stand for the successful Tiguan. The Volkswagen Accessories products for this model also reflect these characteristics. Volkswagen Accessories now offers the practical and visually enhancing underride guard set for the front and rear ends of the series Tiguan. An underride guard variant is also available for those who have already selected aerodynamics products or the R-Line for their Tiguan.

While the underride guard set in brushed aluminium look for the front and rear ends of the series vehicle has a substantially larger and more striking design, the matte silver front underride guard for the Tiguan already equipped with aerodynamics products from Volkswagen Accessories lends the vehicle’s appearance a noble and yet powerful element.

The smoothed stainless steel running boards ensure safe entry and exit and are suitable for both the series Tiguan and models already equipped with aerodynamics packages. The underride guard and running boards lend the wild youngster among the Volkswagen vehicles an even more powerful appearance and a more spirited presence both on and off road.

Volkswagen Accessories offers those interested in the products for the all-round aerodynamics package for the Tiguan the following components: The front spoiler accentuates the powerful front end of the Tiguan while reducing lift on the front axle. The rear spoiler with diffuser provides both off-road character and optimal aerodynamics. The matching roof edge spoiler reduces drag and thus perfects the Tiguan's road handling. The wing expansion promises additional accents and, in addition to the visual aspect, the edges of the wings simultaneously protect and guarantee the legally required wheel coverage for 19 inch wheels


Source : http://www.theautochannel.com (9/2/2009)

Fortuner orders outstrip targets  
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd is facing a problem of plenty. The bookings for the newly-launched SUV Fortuner, priced at around Rs 19 lakh, have exceeded the company’s expectations by nearly 50 per cent.

Having set a target to sell 2,000 Fortuners between August and December 2009, Toyota has received orders for over 3,000. Admitting that the bookings exceeded the company’s production target of 550 Fortuner a month, Mr Sanjay Gupta, Deputy General Manager (marketing), said that moves had been initiated to ramp up production to supply the vehicles on order within this calendar year.


Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (9/3/2009)