Japanese automaker Mazda announced recently that it will be testing the Mazda ASV-4 in public shortly. The said vehicle is designed by the automaker loaded with safety features pursuant to the Japanese government's call for the creation of vehicles which would reduce traffic accidents.
Development of the said car is already on its fourth phase and it will commence on Hiroshima public roads on March 11 this year. Mazda will be working with Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. during the public test of the ASV-4.
The fourth phase of the development of the safety car will be focusing on vehicle to vehicle communications. The said Mazda car is equipped with sensors which enables it to communicate with other vehicles similarly equipped with the same sensor. The theory is that even during driving conditions when the drivers will not be able to see another car, the car will be able to detect a vehicle ahead. This principle is designed to reduce traffic accidents on blind curves.
Mazda and the other automakers will be gathering and analyzing data from phase four of the development process. The result of the testing is expected to give Mazda enough information to forge ahead in the development of safety features for vehicles.
According to the automaker, vehicle to vehicle communication will be able to reduce traffic accidents caused by driver error. A misjudgment in distance and speed during turning maneuver could lead to accidents without a sensor on the vehicle warning the driver if a presence of a vehicle is detected.
Mazda plans to conduct tests on two-vehicle blind collision avoidance shortly. Thereafter, the automaker will be testing the right turn and rear end crash avoidance systems. These systems have been designed by the Japanese automaker to immediately alert the driver if a vehicle on potential collision course is detected. Apart from warning the driver, said systems are also designed to take over braking when needed.
The first three phases of testing the vehicles has resulted to Mazda developing a safety feature which warns the driver if a speeding vehicle from the rear. By warning the driver of this, the system reduces the risk of the driver being unaware of a potentially dangerous situation behind him.
Apart from vehicle to vehicle communication, Mazda is also testing road to vehicle communication features. This involves sensors embedded on the road and the vehicles which interact with each other constantly to give the driver an idea of how well the vehicle is moving with respect to the road.
The safety features that Mazda are developing can be expected to come with future Mazda vehicles also equipped with Mazda valve cover gasket.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lutz From General Motors Defends His Shitty Remark About Global Warming
Guess we have to be careful about what we hope for, we might get it. Funny, we have been waiting in vain for someone at high levels in the automotive industry to blow the whistle and reveal their crimes. Finally the truth comes from a top executive at General Motors. But rather than attempting to seek improvement or conversely attempting to hide the truth he adamantly stands in defiant opposition to public opinion and continues to assert his surprisingly insensitive remark. I am curious about how this fellow would describe his responsibilities and the products that he is supposed to be making to the public and towards GM’s public relations.
The most important thing we should take home from this, I think that it broadcasts loudly and clearly that if we the people wish to make any substantive changes then it won’t happen by hoping for some hero in the high levels of the big car making industry to step up. In case that you missed it, what I am referring to is that GM Corp Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has gone on the record in defense of his own statement he made dismissing global warming as a "total crock of shit", saying his views had no importance in regards to GM's dedication towards manufacturing environmentally friendly vehicles. Lutz, who is, unfortunately, the exec in charge of product development for General Motors, has been under fire from the blogosphere after his remarks to reporters in Texas made the airwaves. Apparently not knowing enough to stop putting his foot in his mouth in a posting on his corporate blog last Thursday, Lutz said the individuals "spewing virtual vitriol" in his direction for ridiculing the threat of climate change were "missing the big picture." He went further on condescendingly,"What the protestors should be doing in earnest is basing their opinions, not about me but about General Motors and what this company is doing that is ... of great benefit to the causes they so enthusiastically claim to support," Lutz said in a posting confronationally titled, "Talk About a Crock." In 2006, as part of General Motors’s effort against increased fuel performance standards, Lutz stated in a blog posting that requiring automakers to sell smaller vehicles would be "like trying to address the obesity epidemic in this country by demanding that clothing manufacturers to sell smaller, tighter sizes."
So what do we do to overcome such arrogance? We have a revolution!
WATER4GAS is offering information at a low price which consumers can use in their garage or wherever to create a small gizmo which infuses hydrogen into the gasoline/air mixture that their car runs on. What this does is make smaller particles out of the ones that the engine uses as fuel. Therefore the system is able to use a lot more of it. By doing this you can reasonably expect to lower your fuel usage by 12%. In reality though many are getting 30-50% improvement or significantly more. Those goblets must have been pretty "blankin'" big in some systems before. But with WATER4GAS they are made usable so you can lower your fuel usage. It also helps to lower emissions significantly. This package of info has been purchased by over NINE THOUSAND people already and the percentage of happy customers is about 99%! So that's a start!
About the Author
GARKO shows you increase your mpg and save gas and how to save fuel and gas through hydrogen generation which is the best of the inexpensive ways to save gas
The most important thing we should take home from this, I think that it broadcasts loudly and clearly that if we the people wish to make any substantive changes then it won’t happen by hoping for some hero in the high levels of the big car making industry to step up. In case that you missed it, what I am referring to is that GM Corp Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has gone on the record in defense of his own statement he made dismissing global warming as a "total crock of shit", saying his views had no importance in regards to GM's dedication towards manufacturing environmentally friendly vehicles. Lutz, who is, unfortunately, the exec in charge of product development for General Motors, has been under fire from the blogosphere after his remarks to reporters in Texas made the airwaves. Apparently not knowing enough to stop putting his foot in his mouth in a posting on his corporate blog last Thursday, Lutz said the individuals "spewing virtual vitriol" in his direction for ridiculing the threat of climate change were "missing the big picture." He went further on condescendingly,"What the protestors should be doing in earnest is basing their opinions, not about me but about General Motors and what this company is doing that is ... of great benefit to the causes they so enthusiastically claim to support," Lutz said in a posting confronationally titled, "Talk About a Crock." In 2006, as part of General Motors’s effort against increased fuel performance standards, Lutz stated in a blog posting that requiring automakers to sell smaller vehicles would be "like trying to address the obesity epidemic in this country by demanding that clothing manufacturers to sell smaller, tighter sizes."
So what do we do to overcome such arrogance? We have a revolution!
WATER4GAS is offering information at a low price which consumers can use in their garage or wherever to create a small gizmo which infuses hydrogen into the gasoline/air mixture that their car runs on. What this does is make smaller particles out of the ones that the engine uses as fuel. Therefore the system is able to use a lot more of it. By doing this you can reasonably expect to lower your fuel usage by 12%. In reality though many are getting 30-50% improvement or significantly more. Those goblets must have been pretty "blankin'" big in some systems before. But with WATER4GAS they are made usable so you can lower your fuel usage. It also helps to lower emissions significantly. This package of info has been purchased by over NINE THOUSAND people already and the percentage of happy customers is about 99%! So that's a start!
About the Author
GARKO shows you increase your mpg and save gas and how to save fuel and gas through hydrogen generation which is the best of the inexpensive ways to save gas
Progressive Auto Insurance: Getting The Best Car Insurance Plan
Progressive Car Insurance Ads is almost everywhere and it is impossible not to hear or see any of these ads when you turn on a radio or TV. One of the major thing that made Progressive very popular is the fact that every consumers has a privilege to compare rates on car insurance from the different insurance providers.
Founded in 1937, Progressive have worked hard to established a superior approach when it comes to auto insurance. The company considerably achieved that by continuously providing every consumers its competitive car insurance rates with exceptional products and services.
Joseph Lewis and Jack Green started the company by providing every automobile owners with security and protection for their vehicles. They are the first insurance company which offered drive-in claims and allowed every policyholders to pay their premium on installment payment option instead of annual payment which many of these consumers could not afford.
Today, through the company's efficient online services, every consumers can purchase car insurance plan instantly. Every efficient policies are readily available for consumers who wants to shop online. Every possible consumers can also purchase over the phone through its efficient and friendly customer service representative or by an accredited and independent insurance agents.
Progressive has an over 28,000 employees in more than 450 offices throughout the country which offers an over 10 million policies and continuously growing as more consumers choose Progressive for their car insurance needs. Offering various insurance products such as boat or personal watercraft insurance, commercial auto insurance, homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, SegWay insurance and automobile insurance.
The company also recognized and honored by some independent organizations. Some of these are the Forbes magazine's one of the best managed companies in America for 2005, 2005 Fortune 500 which the company ranked as top 10, 2005 Standard of Excellence WebAward from The Web Marketing Association, 2007 best insurance site as the Webby People's Voice Award from the Webby Awards and other prestigious awards in United States.
About the Author
To know more about Auto Insurance visit the site autoinsuranceselect.com
Founded in 1937, Progressive have worked hard to established a superior approach when it comes to auto insurance. The company considerably achieved that by continuously providing every consumers its competitive car insurance rates with exceptional products and services.
Joseph Lewis and Jack Green started the company by providing every automobile owners with security and protection for their vehicles. They are the first insurance company which offered drive-in claims and allowed every policyholders to pay their premium on installment payment option instead of annual payment which many of these consumers could not afford.
Today, through the company's efficient online services, every consumers can purchase car insurance plan instantly. Every efficient policies are readily available for consumers who wants to shop online. Every possible consumers can also purchase over the phone through its efficient and friendly customer service representative or by an accredited and independent insurance agents.
Progressive has an over 28,000 employees in more than 450 offices throughout the country which offers an over 10 million policies and continuously growing as more consumers choose Progressive for their car insurance needs. Offering various insurance products such as boat or personal watercraft insurance, commercial auto insurance, homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, SegWay insurance and automobile insurance.
The company also recognized and honored by some independent organizations. Some of these are the Forbes magazine's one of the best managed companies in America for 2005, 2005 Fortune 500 which the company ranked as top 10, 2005 Standard of Excellence WebAward from The Web Marketing Association, 2007 best insurance site as the Webby People's Voice Award from the Webby Awards and other prestigious awards in United States.
About the Author
To know more about Auto Insurance visit the site autoinsuranceselect.com
The Benefits Of Searching Online For A Used Automobile
Now that online searches are a breeze, searching for a used automobile is no different. In fact, it's not complex, and you can find what you want faster than you would if you were to look through the classifieds or trade magazines. With the classifieds, the print is so small; it may take magnifying glasses to read it. That's because they have so many ads lumped together at once.
By searching for a used automobile on the internet, you have a better chance of getting what you want because there are so many selections to choose from. You can also get more information without necessarily having to let people know that you're browsing online. When you come upon different selections, it's usually what's available now. Even if you miss out, there are always more automobile selections added frequently.
There is some information you will need prior to starting your online search. It's good to at least have the brand and the model of the automobile you're interested in getting. For a more advanced search, you can put in the year, price and mileage information. The more information you provide for your search, the better chance you have of narrowing your selections and getting better results.
Some sites that allow you to search online are CarMax, Edmunds and Enterprise Car Sales. These sites and others have a search feature that can help you with what you're looking for. Some additional guidelines to go by for better results are:
* Use your zip code - This will give you a more refined search result in your local area.
* Search outside your local area - You can do a search within several hundred miles of your zip code.
* Limit your range of years - Provide a limited range of years that you're looking for. In the event you don't find the year you want, there may be an alternative vehicle in an older or newer year.
When you find an automobile or (more than one) get in touch with the seller(s) either by e-mail or telephone. Be sure to inquire as thorough as possible regarding the automobile and if need be, make a request to see more pictures either by snail mail or e-mail.
If this is something you really want, ask the person to provide you with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Go to the CARFAX website and check the number. The CARFAX website allows you to check the VIN and the history of the automobile. If it checks out, see if you can set up a meeting with the seller, preferably in a public facility.
The biggest benefit of this is the search can be conducted in the comfort of your own home. You don't have to get up and go to the dealership and deal with salespeople that may or may not be looking out for your best interests. Even though you won't be up close with the vehicle, seeing it online can give you a general idea of what you want.
Don't be in a hurry to get the first used automobile. Take your time and make sure when you have a selection to still check it out thoroughly. The last thing you need is on online lemon!
About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap online auto insurance from respected insurance companies.
By searching for a used automobile on the internet, you have a better chance of getting what you want because there are so many selections to choose from. You can also get more information without necessarily having to let people know that you're browsing online. When you come upon different selections, it's usually what's available now. Even if you miss out, there are always more automobile selections added frequently.
There is some information you will need prior to starting your online search. It's good to at least have the brand and the model of the automobile you're interested in getting. For a more advanced search, you can put in the year, price and mileage information. The more information you provide for your search, the better chance you have of narrowing your selections and getting better results.
Some sites that allow you to search online are CarMax, Edmunds and Enterprise Car Sales. These sites and others have a search feature that can help you with what you're looking for. Some additional guidelines to go by for better results are:
* Use your zip code - This will give you a more refined search result in your local area.
* Search outside your local area - You can do a search within several hundred miles of your zip code.
* Limit your range of years - Provide a limited range of years that you're looking for. In the event you don't find the year you want, there may be an alternative vehicle in an older or newer year.
When you find an automobile or (more than one) get in touch with the seller(s) either by e-mail or telephone. Be sure to inquire as thorough as possible regarding the automobile and if need be, make a request to see more pictures either by snail mail or e-mail.
If this is something you really want, ask the person to provide you with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Go to the CARFAX website and check the number. The CARFAX website allows you to check the VIN and the history of the automobile. If it checks out, see if you can set up a meeting with the seller, preferably in a public facility.
The biggest benefit of this is the search can be conducted in the comfort of your own home. You don't have to get up and go to the dealership and deal with salespeople that may or may not be looking out for your best interests. Even though you won't be up close with the vehicle, seeing it online can give you a general idea of what you want.
Don't be in a hurry to get the first used automobile. Take your time and make sure when you have a selection to still check it out thoroughly. The last thing you need is on online lemon!
About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap online auto insurance from respected insurance companies.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sport Exhaust - BMW
Some of the best BMW exhaust suppliers include Ansa exhaust, Eberspaecher (OEM), Bosal exhaust, Borla, and Ernst. Bimmerphiles can also find BMW brackets, BMW flange nuts, BMW mounts and BMW hanger brackets. It is recommended to always replace the system gaskets whenever you replace or fix the exhaust system or BMW muffler. BMW exhaust has a tuned low back pressure design that reduces backpressure to result in a considerable jump in power. Along with this boosted performance comes with a racier sound that is distinctly different.
The Power Sound control on the outlet lets you modify a perforated baffle to customize the exhaust sound to your exact specifications (e.g. slightly louder or softer). The system uses stock installation points, therefore installation is simple. These systems are made in Europe from the finest quality stainless steel and are frequently supported by lifetime guarantee.
Their systems are designed for sport driving while adhering to noise and smog laws. These three issues are sort of mutually-exclusive, meaning that there is a bunch of design that goes into the exhaust. To begin with, there is the picking of exhaust pipe components.
On performance vehicles, you typically will see stainless steel, while mild steel is utilized on lesser makes to save money. Next the method of holding the system together comes into picture. Most OEM BMW exhaust systems are welded as an alternative to clamped to produce leak-free connections.
The challenge lies is in producing the mufflers and catalytic converters as high flowing as possible while still getting them to do their jobs; namely, lowering sound output and also cleaning up the exhaust gasses, respectively. The stock BMW exhaust performs well, too. However if you do not mind a slightly more aggressive exhaust note, consider replacing your factory BMW exhaust with an aftermarket high performance exhaust system. This will build more horsepower, your motor will rev more freely, and you'll get the awesome note of a free flow exhaust system.
A nice set of BMW headers can add considerable increases in HP to your Bimmer, though likely the most accurate way to say it is that such an addition will allow your Bimmer to utilize the power that it already has in the best possible way. When your Bimmer expels exhaust from the motor, if you are not using a sport headers, the odds are that your engine is spending precious power to push that exhaust.
About the Author
Harvey Goddard is a master technician with over 13 years experience working on BMWs and currently manages the BMW parts department for a large BMW dealer.
The Power Sound control on the outlet lets you modify a perforated baffle to customize the exhaust sound to your exact specifications (e.g. slightly louder or softer). The system uses stock installation points, therefore installation is simple. These systems are made in Europe from the finest quality stainless steel and are frequently supported by lifetime guarantee.
Their systems are designed for sport driving while adhering to noise and smog laws. These three issues are sort of mutually-exclusive, meaning that there is a bunch of design that goes into the exhaust. To begin with, there is the picking of exhaust pipe components.
On performance vehicles, you typically will see stainless steel, while mild steel is utilized on lesser makes to save money. Next the method of holding the system together comes into picture. Most OEM BMW exhaust systems are welded as an alternative to clamped to produce leak-free connections.
The challenge lies is in producing the mufflers and catalytic converters as high flowing as possible while still getting them to do their jobs; namely, lowering sound output and also cleaning up the exhaust gasses, respectively. The stock BMW exhaust performs well, too. However if you do not mind a slightly more aggressive exhaust note, consider replacing your factory BMW exhaust with an aftermarket high performance exhaust system. This will build more horsepower, your motor will rev more freely, and you'll get the awesome note of a free flow exhaust system.
A nice set of BMW headers can add considerable increases in HP to your Bimmer, though likely the most accurate way to say it is that such an addition will allow your Bimmer to utilize the power that it already has in the best possible way. When your Bimmer expels exhaust from the motor, if you are not using a sport headers, the odds are that your engine is spending precious power to push that exhaust.
About the Author
Harvey Goddard is a master technician with over 13 years experience working on BMWs and currently manages the BMW parts department for a large BMW dealer.
The Tata Motors People's Car - Tata Nano
If ever the history of cars be rewritten, then India's leading auto maker and an industrial giant Tata's Nano will be firmly etched in golden words as a car that became 'a dreamer's dream come true.'
There was a dream, and a dream team behind the most prestigious and challenging project ever undertaken by an Indian company. Nay, shall we say in all modesty, but for Tatas to launch a car price tagged at sub or near sub Rs 1,00,000 amount.
The dream was conceived by its architect (even by educational qualification) - Ratan Tata, about four years back when he heard Maruti Suzuki honcho belching out the now famous challenge of building a car at that 'price' was next to impossible.
This challenge not only fired Mr Tata but also his dream to set up a team of dedicated pros and ace auto experts to realise it in just shade under four years!
It was a sight when Mr Tata addressed a jam packed auditorium at Auto Expo 2008 last January at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi when the car was unveiled in front of invitees comprising Union Ministers, VVIPS, dignitaries and journalists.
Mr Tata in his unassuming yet charming fashion unraveled the mystery behind the 'dream turned reality' and the travails and the truth clearly gleaned out of his dreamy and sparkling eyes. The sense of relief was much more than evident as he explained the entire project without missing out vitals that would fail even a Sherlock Holmes who could possibly never be able to reveal in its entirety but for those of us who were present at the occasion, it was like the proverbial 'from the horses mouth.'
Dream turned reality was not easy to come as costs had to be scaled to proportions that matched the sourcing of required part in terms of quality and deliverance. Power train, engine design, exteriors as well as interiors, all were challenging in their own fashion and yet integrated in to one 'small yet 'big' car.
This project, according to Mr Tata, would not have been accomplished without techno savvy, young and ambitious engineers and pros, who put in their sweat and toil throughout the entire exercise.
There were all elements of a blockbuster in the making as one went through the motions but the project being prestigious as it was led by a dreamer-innovator and a true leader leading upfront, the result was all there to be seen in Nano. For all ye doomsayers' -be it environmentalists, competitors and 'fence sitters', Mr Tata gave a befitting reply and it was only 'Nano.'
Nano in Gujarati aptly means 'small' and the name itself exuded the Gujarati ethos - by fate or otherwise (are you listening Mr Tata?). A family of four comfortably ensconced in the safety, comfort and 'luxury' of a car was exactly what Mr Tata dreamed all about when he conceptualized this prestigious project.
There may be more to Mr Tata's 'Nano' car what with the entire world miniaturizing its individual plans (Bajaj - Renault, Toyota, and others to follow) to put up a small car. But then Tata's Nano is in a different league having stolen the initiative definitely over the rest.
Choke the streets; let parking space shrink to millimeters Mr Tata with your Nano, but you have definitely brought dream to 'reality' on the streets with Nano for the 'middle class' Indian family.
Let the Indian farmer fire his imagination to use his Tata 'Nano' to ferry milk cans (perched precariously out of the car windows or placed on its hood. Allow him to transport his calves and implements. May the rural sari vendor take different route each day to cater to his clients with family in tow, or allow the cabbies using Nano to provide relief to bus passengers left in the lurch when there is a breakdown or strike!
Nano is here for sure, even before it hits the roads!
Mr Tata, shall we conclude for now? Forget environmentalist fume over emissions norms; let Government fight over bureaucratic and administrative hassles; and finally, even allow opponents to raise a 'war cry,'
We shall only say this.
Mr Tata, you have made it 'Nano,' for all!
About the Author
InfiBeam.com is an exciting new online destination focuses on new cars like tata nano, used cars, bikes at guaranteed lowest price.
There was a dream, and a dream team behind the most prestigious and challenging project ever undertaken by an Indian company. Nay, shall we say in all modesty, but for Tatas to launch a car price tagged at sub or near sub Rs 1,00,000 amount.
The dream was conceived by its architect (even by educational qualification) - Ratan Tata, about four years back when he heard Maruti Suzuki honcho belching out the now famous challenge of building a car at that 'price' was next to impossible.
This challenge not only fired Mr Tata but also his dream to set up a team of dedicated pros and ace auto experts to realise it in just shade under four years!
It was a sight when Mr Tata addressed a jam packed auditorium at Auto Expo 2008 last January at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi when the car was unveiled in front of invitees comprising Union Ministers, VVIPS, dignitaries and journalists.
Mr Tata in his unassuming yet charming fashion unraveled the mystery behind the 'dream turned reality' and the travails and the truth clearly gleaned out of his dreamy and sparkling eyes. The sense of relief was much more than evident as he explained the entire project without missing out vitals that would fail even a Sherlock Holmes who could possibly never be able to reveal in its entirety but for those of us who were present at the occasion, it was like the proverbial 'from the horses mouth.'
Dream turned reality was not easy to come as costs had to be scaled to proportions that matched the sourcing of required part in terms of quality and deliverance. Power train, engine design, exteriors as well as interiors, all were challenging in their own fashion and yet integrated in to one 'small yet 'big' car.
This project, according to Mr Tata, would not have been accomplished without techno savvy, young and ambitious engineers and pros, who put in their sweat and toil throughout the entire exercise.
There were all elements of a blockbuster in the making as one went through the motions but the project being prestigious as it was led by a dreamer-innovator and a true leader leading upfront, the result was all there to be seen in Nano. For all ye doomsayers' -be it environmentalists, competitors and 'fence sitters', Mr Tata gave a befitting reply and it was only 'Nano.'
Nano in Gujarati aptly means 'small' and the name itself exuded the Gujarati ethos - by fate or otherwise (are you listening Mr Tata?). A family of four comfortably ensconced in the safety, comfort and 'luxury' of a car was exactly what Mr Tata dreamed all about when he conceptualized this prestigious project.
There may be more to Mr Tata's 'Nano' car what with the entire world miniaturizing its individual plans (Bajaj - Renault, Toyota, and others to follow) to put up a small car. But then Tata's Nano is in a different league having stolen the initiative definitely over the rest.
Choke the streets; let parking space shrink to millimeters Mr Tata with your Nano, but you have definitely brought dream to 'reality' on the streets with Nano for the 'middle class' Indian family.
Let the Indian farmer fire his imagination to use his Tata 'Nano' to ferry milk cans (perched precariously out of the car windows or placed on its hood. Allow him to transport his calves and implements. May the rural sari vendor take different route each day to cater to his clients with family in tow, or allow the cabbies using Nano to provide relief to bus passengers left in the lurch when there is a breakdown or strike!
Nano is here for sure, even before it hits the roads!
Mr Tata, shall we conclude for now? Forget environmentalist fume over emissions norms; let Government fight over bureaucratic and administrative hassles; and finally, even allow opponents to raise a 'war cry,'
We shall only say this.
Mr Tata, you have made it 'Nano,' for all!
About the Author
InfiBeam.com is an exciting new online destination focuses on new cars like tata nano, used cars, bikes at guaranteed lowest price.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
