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Nissan Prepares Five Concept Vehicles for the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/476970

The 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon will be the venue for the debut of five concept vehicles of Nissan. However, it’s going to be different from the concept show that we have been accustomed to. This year’s concept show is much broader in scope although will not focus on actual concept study but more on new body kit, suspension, wing and other components.

Nissan has already released photos of the vehicles but no details.

The vehicles to be presented by Nissan at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon include the new Skyline in coupe and sedan form, SUVs like the Nissan X-Trail X-tremer and Dualis or Qashqai Premium Concept, and then two race cars: the Nizmo Z Super GT 2007 and Endless Advan Z.

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- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/482911 We all know how important it is to see clearly through your windshield during driving.  And if you want to be sure that your view is clear, you should ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition.  A clean wiper blade may spell the difference between life and death if you are driving down the road on a stormy weather.  With 90 percent of our decision in driving impacted by vision, it is important to have a clear windshield.

Automotive expert Barbary Terry, according to The Auto Channel had this to say about the importance of wiper blades:  "Many drivers consider their wiper blades a service replacement item, when in fact they are a vital component of a vehicle's safety features.  A simple way to improve driving safety visibility is to clean the windshield every time when filling the gasoline tank and carefully inspect the blades. In most cases, wiper blades are not difficult to replace and for those who are not certain of the procedure, most major auto retailers offer free blade installation with purchase."

"In addition to keeping those weather items handy, drivers should also keep additional safety items in their vehicle including flares and a tire inflator," Terry continued. "Drivers should also regularly walk around their vehicle to check if all lights and signals work and pay extra attention to the vehicle's tires by routinely inspecting them for adequate tire tread, and proper tire pressure. Using Groundhog Day as a reminder for changing a vehicle's wiper blades and safety checks can help keep us all safer on the roads."

So if you want to be on the safe side, I also recommend that you should always check your wiper blades.  Remember that rubber does not last a very long time especially if it is exposed to extreme weathers.

Ford’s Newest Advertising Focus

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/488131

‘Focus on the music.’ That’s the most recent theme for Ford’s advertising campaign this year. According to Ford’s press release, the company’s most up-to-date marketing promotions will spotlight and concentrate on music when it's broadcasted in UK starting February 4, 2008. Orchestra instruments produced totally from car parts that can actually play executes the official soundtrack to the freshest Ford Focus television commercial in a very bright act of harmonious creativity.

“When we got it to the mechanics shop, it had less than a mile on the clock. We took the doors and fenders off, but we had the body shell intact and we later cut out of that the parts we wanted,” said Bill Milbrodt, the New York sound designer.

Better watch the ITV channel on February 4 and witness how car parts create lovely music in Ford’s newest ad campaign!

This should be pretty interesting.

 

AFS To Match Tata's 2 New ACEs

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/489293

Two additional Tata vehicle models will be using compressed natural gas (CNG) supplied by Alternative Fuel Systems Inc. (AFS Inc.), a Canadian company with a mission of providing solutions to the global problem on harmful car emissions using commercialized electronic engine management systems.

Three years ago, Tata Motors, India's largest auto manufacturer, launched ACE, the country's first indigenously develop sub-one tonne mini truck that has car-like feature. The vehicle was made after a study discovered that customers wanted a last-mile distribution vehicle with low-maintenance costs, higher driver safety sand better convenience while driving.

Two years after its release in the market, Tata Motors sold about 30,000 units of ACE. Now, Tata will expand its ACE project using AFS CNG in two of its newest ACE models, which was announced last year.

"We are pleased that Tata Motors has selected AFS to provide engine control electronics for these two new platforms. Our partner in India, Advantek Fuel Systems Pvt. Ltd. will be supplying other fuel system components, as well as coordinating delivery of the controllers," said AFS President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Perry.

He added that the CNG version of the Xenon pick-up truck is intended to be launched in the first half of 2008. "This 4 cylinder vehicle will require a significantly more sophisticated engine controller than is required for the 2 cylinder ACE project. The Xenon has many more features and options, and as a result, the controller will feature a more powerful central processor and considerably more capability. This engine controller will also form the basis for the second new project, the Winger delivery van. The Winger is scheduled to begin production later in 2008," Perry explained.

Furthermore, he said that sales volume of the Xenon and Winger engine controllers is dependent on the CNG variants in the market.

According to wikipedia.com, CNG is another environmentally clean alternative for gasoline, diesel or propane fuel, made by compressing natural gas consists of about 75 percent of methane stored and distributed in hard containers at a normal pressure of 200/220 bar commonly in spherical or cylindrical-shaped containers. CNG is said to have lower cost production compared to liquefied petroleum gas (LNG). Plus, CNG's power could be compared to that which an Acura Legend cold air intake produces.

Tata Motors' Winger and Xenon were just two out of 17 new range vehicle models launched during the Auto Expo held at New Delhi last January 11 to 17.

A Strong Start For Ford

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/490677

Sales gets better for Ford this January.

Ford Edge sales increase 151%
Ford Escape sales rise 60%
Ford Focus sales up 22%
Ford Ranger saw a 56 % sales jump
Ford Taurus X sales increase 36%
Ford Explorer up 31 %
Ford Expedition sales rise 18 %
Ford Mustang sales increase 7 %
Lincoln MKX up 29 %
Ford trucks saw a 15 % increase

Ford Motor Company is now starting to reap the harvest of its efforts to stay on the list of the world’s largest auto makers. In its recent sales report, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. declared a 9.8 percent sales increase.

Ford trucks took the lead spot with a 14.8 percent sales climb. Ford Focus was up by 22 percent while Ford Mustang got a 6.5 percent increase in January. However, Ford car sales declined by 5.1 percent.

According to Barry Engle, president and chief executive of Ford Canada, application of marketing strategies such as giving what car buyers want was one of the reasons for their soaring sales.

“Canadian vehicle shoppers look for quality, versatility and style. We’ve listened carefully to our customers and we are delivering the kinds of vehicles they want to drive,” Engle said.

Engle was confident that Ford’s strong start this year will continue with Ford’s new innovations including the Ford Flex crossover, featuring an all-wheel-drive (AWD) transmission, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the new 2009 Ford F-150, a light-duty pick-up truck, chosen by AutoWeek Magazine as “Most Significant Vehicle” during this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) held last month.

According to financialpost.com, Ford’s share of the domestic market fell from 18.2 percent in 2000 to 13.5 percent last year.

Hopefully, Ford will finish strong this time.

Why They Are So Good

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/494407

For years, I have been in awe of Aston Martin cars.  After all, if it wasn't so cool, 007 would not have made it his preferred marque.  Last year, Aston Martin was sold by Ford because it needs the money.  It was a really baffling move on the part of the automaker as Aston Martin is not as bad as Jaguar or Land Rover in terms of sales.  But the two British luxury brands are still under Ford ownership while Aston Martin is out of their hands already except for a small stake.

Last year also saw the automaker open its design studio in Warwickshire.  Today, the automaker announced that it is to open yet another test center near the Nurburgring race circuit.  The said test center will be opened near the legendary track for a reason that seems quite obvious.

Aston Martin which has produced really fast and high performance cars have been testing their vehicles at the track.  So you see, the cars that they built are being tested not on some simple tracks but on the tracks where Formula One cars battle year after year.  In fact, the Nurburgring is so famous that a victory on this circuit means a lot more than a win in some circuits.  That's saying a lot as the Formula One calendar covers some of the best tracks in the world.  No wonder Aston Martin cars are so good.

The opening of the new test center is also a sign that the new owners of the automaker are paying more attention to its operation than Ford did.  Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO said:  "When we open the Aston Martin Nurburgring Test Centre at the end of May this will be our second major new facility in less than 12 months since the company entered new ownership."

Tata Nano Or Tara Tiny?

- posted: 01.08.08
http://CarJournal.iblog.com/post/218419/495973

According to treehugger.com, Tara Tiny will be a four-seater, battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) with a top speed of 43 miles per hour and a range of 62 miles. 

 

Tara's EVs  are also known in India as Titu, Micro, Mini and you got it, Tiny.  It was designed to offer Western-style freedom as well as mobility to middle-class Indian car buyers—same vision as the Nano.  Set to be release in the market four to five months from now, the tara Tiny will cost buyers only 99,999 rupees, that’s one rupee less than the one lakh (100,000 rupees) Tata Nano.

 

An article reported that the Tara Tiny needs to be recharged daily at a 220 volt per 15 Amp socket.  In addition, reports said that Tara is also planning to release electric two-wheeler vehicles. 

 

News whether Tara Tiny will also be sold in other global markets is yet to be confirmed.

 

So what’s gonna be the world’s cheapest car?  Is it the Tata Nano or the Tara Tiny? 

 

We’ll see.

Lexus Makes December to Remember

- posted: 01.08.08
http://talksaboutcars.blogspot.com/2007/11/lexus-makes-december-to-remember.html Lexus is bringing back the "December to Remember" marketing campaign this holiday season. This year, Lexus will promote the campaign as a part of the December Sales Event and will feature TV broadcast spots, print ads, and radio spots. The "December to Remember" marketing campaign has already started to conquer several media last November 21.

David Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing commented:
"December to Remember has become a signal that the gift giving season is upon us. While the storylines may change from year to year, consumers always look forward to that joyful feeling they get from watching the recipient discover a brand-new Lexus in the driveway, complete with the red bow. This year, we took it a step further and reached out to those consumers who work hard all year and are looking to reward themselves. We hope the purchase incentives will inspire consumers to give their loved ones—including themselves—the gift that they can appreciate all year."

The "December to Remember" campaign will feature three TV spots entitled "Hockey Practice," "Self-Gift", and "Baby Its Cold Outside". Each TV spot features unique story line focusing on persons receiving brand new Lexus models adorned with a red bow as their gifts. Two radio spots are also included entitled "Surprise Methods" and "The One Thing".

Suzuki at the Arizona Auto Show

- posted: 01.08.08
http://talksaboutcars.blogspot.com/2007/11/suzuki-at-arizona-auto-show.html American Suzuki Motor Corp made the recent 2007 Arizona International Auto Show as the stage for the presentation of two of its newest vehicle models. The automaker stirred the crowd at the show with the all-new 2008 four-door Suzuki SX4 Sport and the Suzuki BaseCamp concept models.

Mark Harano, president of American Suzuki's Automotive Operations commented:
"As we begin the new model year, we're excited to introduce an expanded line of fun-to-drive vehicles, including the all-new SX4 Sport. With the SX4 Sport now in showrooms, the Arizona International Auto Show provides the perfect venue for local residents to preview the car's impressive styling, roomy interior and attractive price point before the holiday shopping season."

Check out what these two Suzuki models has to offer.

Suzuki BaseCamp Concept
- based on the XL7 midsize crossover SUV
- liquid metal body paint exterior with titanium cladding
- unique gullwing passenger side door
- full media connectivity, including Wi-Fi Internet access, Bluetooth integration and iPod/MP3 capabilities
- custom roof rack system with an integrated dual slot bike rack and Santa Cruz mountain bikes
- eight high-intensity LED light clusters
- enclosed cargo/luggage area
- forward-mounted miniature camera
- modern canopy with carbon fiber frame
- mica-hued light-toned seating and titanium accents
- in-dash CD/DVD and GPS/Navigation system with real-time traffic

Suzuki SX4 Sport
- 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine
- five-speed manual transmission
- six airbags (front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags)
- four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- electronic brake-force distribution
- tire pressure monitoring system
- front seatbelt pretensioners
- AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers
- tilt steering wheel
- aero body package
- 17-inch alloy wheels and floor mats

Optional packages are also include for the SX4 Sport including the Convenience Package and Touring Package, both equipped with a wide range of exclusive additional features.

Hyundai i30 is CARSguide's Car of the Year

- posted: 01.08.08
http://talksaboutcars.blogspot.com/2007/11/hyundai-i30-is-carsguides-car-of-year.html Hyundai's i30 CRDi SX diesel model has recently bagged the 2007 Car of the Year award from CARSguide. The Hyundai i30 stand out among the other vehicle contingents from all over the world. Judges for the award were impressed by the vehicle's small turbo diesel engine and other standard features inside and out like the electronic stability control (ESP).

Kevin McCann, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Australia, commented: “We’re extremely proud that the i30 has received these two esteemed awards . With several class -leading innovations and our traditional outstanding value, we had no doubt that the i30 would succeed in giving all its competitors – including hybrids – a run for their money.”

McCann added: “The new i30 is a reflection of Hyundai’s world-class design capabilities with its inspired European styling, innovative iPod®/USB-compatible audio and outstandingly frugal turbo-Diesel engine. The i30 offers a suite of intelligent safety features and Australian-optimised suspension and steering, together with the class-leading quality and reliability for which Hyundai is increasingly recognized.”

Below are the results of the 2007 CARSguide Car of the Year award

Final Rankings

1. Hyundai i30 CRDi (94pts)
2. VW Golf GT TSi (86pts)
3. Mazda2 Maxx (75pts)
4. Mitsubishi Lancer VR (71pts)
5. Mercedes-Benz C280 (66pts)
6. Holden Ute SV6 (56pts)
7. Ford Mondeo Zetec (37pts)
8. Subaru Impreza RS (32pts)
9. BMW X5 3.0d (31pts)
10. BMW 335i sedan (25pts)
11. Volvo C30 T5 (21pts)

Diesel Compact Hatch comparison (Fuel Use and CO2 emission)

Hyundai i30 SX CRDi 4.7 125
Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi 4.7 125
VW Golf Trendline TDi 5.5 149
Ford Focus TDCi 5.6 148
Citroen C4 SX HDi man 4.8 128
Peugeot 307 XS HDi 4.9 129
Holden Astra CDTi 5.9 159
Citroen C4 SX HDi 6SA 4.5 120
Mazda3 Diesel 6.0 n/a
Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 5.9 157

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