The New Pricing Program from the Total Parts Plus

I visited the official website of Total Parts Plus hoping to find the best deal on Dodge shocks but I was surprised when I found something even better. Total Parts Plus Incorporated has developed a new Value Pricing Program that will sure favor the practical needs of their clients. Under the new program, the customers can avail of the newest offers of Total Parts Plus in terms of budget-friendly services which does not have extra fees for those who avail of the program. This will definitely attract more clients to avail the new program.

I was able to find about this content on the New Pricing Program of Total Parts Plus on theautochannel.com. Here, take a few minutes learning the new program. The Parts Plus Content Tracker provides:

• Complete BOM/AVL management for obsolete components
  
• Identification of No-Lead components
  
• Daily PCN/PDN Alert Service for obsolescence and material changes
  
• Lifecycle forecasting and alternate component sourcing - Manufacturing Process Information (MSL and Reflow Temperature)
  
• Lead finish analysis and reporting for entire BOM/AVL
  
• RoHS compliance data and reporting in IPC-1752-2 format
  
• Full material disclosure per JIG-101 A and B
  
• Reliability information JESD 201 (Tin Whisker Management)
  
• Manufacturer Datasheets and suggested replacement parts
  
• 100% coverage of your BOM/AVL

These are the content of the new pricing program on the Total Parts Plus. This seeks to provide the customers with more services based on the customer’s budget. So, they don’t have to spend much on services without paying too much. The program also allows complete access to the online site Parts Plus Content Tracker which manages 100% of the customer’s electronic components.

The Total Parts Plus is an engineering services company which provides management as well as environmental compliance solutions in the web-based products forms as well as custom engineering services. This is also according to theautochannel.com.

The Chief Executive Officer of Total Parts Plus Keith Biggs was also quoted saying, "We are very excited to offer this cost saving solution to our customers. Companies, whether large or small, require a solution for RoHS compliance and obsolete components which is both affordable and inclusive.”

Toyota Recalls 55,000 Camry, Lexus Floor Mats

Looks like Toyota has tainted its reputation for quality. And I think this incident has a great chance of purging shoppers’ confidence if not responded to in due time.

As reported by Detroit Free Press, the Japanese automaker will recall 55,000 floor mats due to complaints of unintended acceleration caused by the mats sticking underneath the accelerator pedal, federal safety officials and the automaker said Wednesday.

Toyota Camry and Lexus floor mats can slip and trap accelerator pedal, hence the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took the unusual step of highlighting Toyota’s recall announcement, advising owners of other Toyota models, including the Prius hybrid and Avalon sedans, to ensure their floor mats are properly installed.

NHTSA data show 40 complaints for the ES 350 believed to be related to the problem. There were seven crashes and 12 injuries due to unintended acceleration, Reuters divulged. Unsecured floor mats were found in the majority of vehicles involved in crashes, NHTSA said. There were a handful of complaints for the Camry.

In some reports, drivers traveled for miles and reached speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour before the car stopped, safety officials said.

“We have also received complaints about the RAV 4 (crossover) and Tacoma (pickup),” said Rae Tyson, NHTSA spokesman. “We will continue to monitor all of the other Toyota vehicles not involved in the recall."

As was previously reported by the Free Press, NHTSA had opened an investigation into the floor mats after amassing 40 reports of unintended acceleration in 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedans, including 8 crashes and 12 injuries. Since then, the federal safety agency has received complaints from owners of other Toyota models about the problem. In a number of original complaints, drivers said the vehicles only stopped after an accident.

One driver told NHTSA the vehicle had hit speeds of 100 mph. over a 6-mile stretch of freeway due to the problem, the report added. A Michigan-resident woman said the problem caused her to lose control of her Lexus, triggering a rollover crash.

Also, driver-complainants said they were unable to shut off the engine by pressing the button as the car accelerated. This is because some ES 350s are sold with stop/start buttons rather than conventional ignitions.

It was then when Toyota told safety officials that if an optional all-weather floor mat is not properly secured by clips to the floor, it could stick under the accelerator pedal. In certain cases, the Japanese automaker said owners had simply put the rubber mat over the standard floor mats. The company added it had dealt with the problem through a mailing to customers earlier this year.

In an interview, the Japanese automaker said the recall involves 30,500 mats for the ES 350 and 24,500 mats for the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Camry. Car owners will be told of the recall in October, and offered replacement mats in November. The automaker also warned drivers to check their floor mats and make sure that only one was installed.

Listen To Forbes

Are you thinking about buying a car? If you are, then I wish you luck because you're definitely gonna have a tough time choosing from a lot of new cars today. Would you go for a hybrid? Or would you go for a diesel engined car? If you have read the New York Times article I think you might consider buying a diesel unit since they are going to have better resale value than a gasoline vehicle. If you are going to the dealerships, don't forget to brush up on your bargaining skills as you would definitely need them, since you would haggle more when buying a car than when you are just purchasing auto parts such as Honda racing parts.

Forbes gives us a rundown of things that you should never say to a car dealer. The first one is: "I'm ready to buy now". According to Forbes: "It shows that you're too eager and willing to consider an offer, and it also gives salespeople the advantage by allowing them to talk you up as opposed to you talking them down."

Another is don’t say "I can afford this much per month". The reason according to Rob Gentile of Consumer Reports is that "often the dealer will focus on a monthly payment scheme, insisting you are receiving a great deal, but at the end of the day you won't really know what you paid."

You should never mention that you have a trade-in. This is because dealers will highlight the pros of trade-in but in the end, you will get less for your old car than when if you sell it on your own. Forbes also advises you not to say "I'm only buying the car with cash" but advises to say something like "I haven't really thought that through yet. Maybe we'll see what you have after we agree on a price." The other things that you should never say are: "I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?"; "Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life."; "I'll take whatever the popular options are."; "What's the lowest price you can give me?"; "Sure, I'll look at the numbers with you."; "I think you can do a lot better than that."

This site gives humorous approach to the tips which reads: "I'm ready to buy (ka-ching!), I can afford this much (over twelve years then), Yes, I have a trade in (let the games begin!), I'm paying cash (we HATE you), I'm not sure what vehicle I want (we know EXACTLY what we want to sell), I've wanted on of these forever (SUCKER), I'll take the popular options (yum!), What's the lowest price? (and we can't go ANY lower), Sure I'll look at the numbers (step into my parlor said the spider to the fly), I think you can do better than that (**** you!)."

The 2008 Jaguar XJ8: Feel The Roaring Power!

All Jaguars are accounted as fast and splendid cars. This is the reputation that Jaguar holds on to over the years. Beautiful… it’s the constant character of all Jaguars… Unrivaled? Definitely! One of the Jaguars that claims these qualities plus an exceptional aluminum body shell, and reduced weight… almost as strong as the man of steel in fact. So step aside Subaru tune up parts and to all those who dare… Ladies and gents, hear the mighty roar of the 2008 Jaguar XJ8!

All the amenities and comfort you can possibly experience in a luxury car is in the 2008 Jaguar XJ8! A spacious legroom both in the front and back allows you to experience the most convenient ride inside a mean and powerful vehicle. Speed? As quick as a cunning jaguar ready to take on its prey and go for the kill… definitely fierce!

I did find some pretty interesting quotes about this vehicle too. Read on, you know.

"The American Automobile Association (AAA) announced its top cars for 2006 in 13 distinct categories and selected the Jaguar XJ8L as its top pick in the $50,000+ category." - American Automobile Association

"The Jaguar XJ has already collected its first award of 2006, topping the Luxury Car category at the Fleet Excellence Awards, voted for by readers of Fleet Week and Fleet Management magazines." - Carpages.co.uk

Check out some of the standard features of the 2008 Jaguar XJ8 courtesy of http://www.jaguarusa.com/:

• 300-horsepower V8 engine
• 6-speed ZF automatic transmission •18-in. Tucana wheels
• Optional 19-in. Polaris wheels (no cost option)
• Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) - provides unique protection through the use of ultrasonic sensors to continually calculate the front passenger position along with the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, and seat belt use to determine which safety systems to activate and, when applicable, the airbag energy levels most appropriate
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Self-leveling and adaptive air suspension
• Body-colored exterior mirror caps and grille surround
• Electrochromic self-dimming power-adjustable heated door mirrors
• Automatic Xenon headlamps with adjustable shut-off delay and power wash
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers - Discreetly built into the rearview mirror mount, sensors sense rain and appoint the windshield wipers. The speed and frequency perfectly match the amount of precipitation, so you never have to lift a finger.
• Reverse Park Control
• Acoustic Laminated Glass - The addition of an acoustic laminate to the windshield and side glass helps to reduce interior noise and block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while simultaneously increasing occupant safety and security by making "smash and grab" theft particularly difficult.
• One-touch power moonroof
• Premium softgrain leather front and rear seats with piping
• 16-way adjustable front seats with 3-stage heating
• Power adjustable pedals and steering column with memory settings •Burl Walnut interior trim
• Elm interior trim option
• 140-watt AM/FM sound system with single in-dash CD player
• Bluetooth® wireless technology
• New accessory Audio Connectivity Module for iPod® or mp3 player2

Fashion and Cars in One

What does a dress and a luxury car have in common? Well, it may be the weirdest question you may encounter today but if you look closely, these two exactly different things are related to each other. The spirit of creating both with passion, style and details made these two different things related to one another. Just like the Dodge Ram pickup car cover, the news was early delivered to us by The Auto Channel on their official website. Click this link to read more.

This may be the reason why people were not surprised upon knowing the British luxury car maker Bentley Motors and the great English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood collaborated. The two powerful forces had their very first collaboration last year on “Vivienne Westwood Shoes 1973 – 2006” which happened in Castello Visconteo Sforzesco of Vigevano outside Milan. And this year, the two expensive personalities will be joining forces again to push through a fascinating venue of both elegance and creativity on the forthcoming Milan Fashion Week.

The collaboration of Vivienne Westwood and Bentley Motors will be happening on the highly anticipated fashion exhibition happening on the 26th day September 2007 at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. We all know Milan is the design and style capital of the world so this is just the right place where fascinating things could happen. On the show, she will be displaying some of her creations which was first seen in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The collaboration of elegant English fashion plus the master of luxury vehicles Bentley Motors can also be seen on an exclusive event that celebrates the sponsorship of sophistication of the car manufacturer in Düsseldorf's German Fashion Week. The event enhances the bonding between the two fabulous individuals which further adds more daring lines especially with skills and talents working together.

On the particular event, the British luxury car maker will be showcasing the ever glorious bright yellow 1992 Bentley Continental convertible in front of the Piazzetta Reale. The presence of this classic, timeless and enticing luxury vintage car will convey the sprit of individuality, fashion, uniqueness and elegance. This will also be highlighted by the passion toward fashion as given more justice by the signature of Vivienne Westwood’s creations.

Vivienne Westwood is also blessed to receive the Bentley Continental Flying Spur she can use the entire time she is in the city during her visit in Milan. Bentley Motors will also give the world famous fashion designer a chance to take a seat in another fine creation - the iconic Continental GTC. The newest cabriolet made by the British car maker that shows how fashionable and stylish a car can be. It is also the car that shows the styling mobility of the British car maker.

The show-off will be happening at the Women’s Fashion Week and they will have another exhibition at the Men's Fashion Week coming this February 2008.

The Dodge Dendro

Here's a new concept car called a Dodge but not actually made by the engineers from Dodge. This new concept vehicle is made by a pair of students. Designed by Nicolas Ren Stone of the College for Creative Studies and engineered by Alok Pradhan of the University of Michigan, this new concept cart is named after a snake. And not just an ordinary snake but the fastest and the most venomous of them all. This would surely put to shame the iconic Dodge Viper which has been the favorite of performance enthusiast for years.

According to Mr. Stone, the cars we see today are "built much like humans, with a structure under a layer of cosmetically pleasing skin". He added that: "All of the strength of the vehicle is hidden. While the structure may be strong, the external parts outside the structure are easily susceptible to damage." Thus he set out to "take the automobile and apply evolutionary design principles and the new technologies in steel to explore (and push) the possibilities for the next generation of cars."

He looked for inspiration and found it with Mother Nature. He said that the frame of the concept car is based on snakes. "For the frame design, I combined the strength of exoskeletons with the flexibility of a creature that appears to have no skeleton, the snake. Able to flex its body into almost any position was a perfect compliment to steel technology currently being developed for airplane wings," said Mr. Stone.

He explained his work of art saying: "I designed an exoskeleton frame to enclose the occupants in a triangle shape. This unique shape allowed for the absence of a typical B-pillar, allowing the front grill to serve as an intrinsic part of the structure, rather than as decoration. The bumpers are connected through a long vertical structure that travels the length of the car through the interior. This anchors the structure, while providing stiffness to the rear “tail bone,” which also serves as the trunk."

And as for the choice of giving the car a Dodge name, Stone said: "With this much innovation, strength and character, the car was unmistakably Dodge from the start. Dodge creates the impression of strength on the road, with a style and attitude that is unmistakable. And with their history of venomous serpentine sports cars and concepts, I wanted to offer the next step in the blood line." Surely, some Dodge brake pads will not look out of place in this concept car. And the name of the car? The Dodge Dendro, from "Dendroaspis polylepis".

Let’s Take It Slow…

We’ve been judging cars by their speed and performance. The fastest is always the best - I guess that’s the world’s standard for a great car. The need for speed is the most essential stuff to some adrenaline junkies… zoom! I myself prefer speed rather than cool cars with their clean and perfect parts like Subaru struts. Anyway, the top fastest cars in the automobile world have always been the talk of the town. Names such as Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, and Mercedes are a few of the fastest nameplates in the world…

Now let’s put the pace in a much slower speed shall we? If we often talk about the top fastest cars, let’s put it on the other way around - let’s talk about the top slowest cars in the planet!

The slowest vehicles… these are the cars that you really need to avoid when you’re on a two lane street and you’re in a hurry going to the office. Actually, slow drivers can be determined by the car they are driving. Of course, if the car’s speed is just quite fair, the tendency is that he’ll be moving too slow as a sloth. But there’s nothing wrong if your cars are included in the slowest list. Slow cars can be the safest way to hold you from getting hurt because of such cravings for speed. The thing is, if you want to start your day right, avoid the slow cars as much as possible!

I found a list compiled by http://www.autothing.com/ about the top 10 slowest cars in the world according to their opinion of course! Check out if your car is included on the list below. Now dig in… slow:

1. TOYOTA CAMRY- Old or new, by far the worst... we'd rather get run over by one.

2. TOYOTA COROLLA - Older models electronically limited at 5 miles per hour
3. NISSAN SENTRA - Steer clear!- old Sentras don't respond to gestures or horns
4. FORD ESCORT - So slow, you may almost think the one ahead is parked
5. GEO METRO - Don't let this small car fool you! It can be very, very slow
6. FORD & CHEVY CONVERSION VANS - Older models only, especially those with mismatched doors
7. CADILLAC DEVILLE - Older models are huge Cadillac's with four doors - enough said
8. FORD AEROSTAR & CHEVY ASTRO - They're literally boxes with wheels, so please do not follow
9. BUICK CENTURY - Many visitors say ALL Buicks, but we'll single this one out
10. CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY - Do soccer moms realize there's a world outside the minivan?

How Sweet Is That Chocolate-Coated Jeep?

Finger-lickin’ goodness - that’s a Jeep. Sweet and luscious Jeep! Huh? Yes, Jeep is offering a chocolate-coated treat…with a driver’s seat!

But why? The company has this to say:

Are you a chocolate lover? Do you believe anything is better when it's covered in chocolate? What about a Jeep?

With Sweetest Day right around the corner, the Jeep brand is inviting consumers to prove just how "sweet" their "sweet tooth" is in the Sweetest Day the Jeep Way challenge.

On Thursday, Oct. 18 in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Sweetest Day tradition began, 7 randomly selected participants will lick their way through 1 of 7 chocolate-covered Jeep vehicles, representing each of the models in the brand's lineup. The first two participants to lick their way through the layers of chocolate will make their way to the Jeep Liberty, filled with wrapped chocolate and candies, in search for the keys to an all-new Jeep Liberty 4x4 with a Sky Slider roof.

And because Sweetest Day revolves around the giving of sweets, the Chrysler Foundation, on behalf of Jeep, will make a "sweet" donation of $7,000 - $1,000 for each of Jeep vehicle - to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.

How sweet are those vehicles? There’s only one way to find out. Lick it!

For complete registration details, official contest rules, or more information about the full line of Jeep vehicles click here http://www.jeep.com/en/pr/sweetestday/. Consumers with a “sweet tooth” for a Jeep can register online at http://www.sweetestdaythejeepway.com/.

The sugary stunt, called "Sweetest Day the Jeep Way," is in conjunction with Sweetest Day, a holiday invented 85 years ago by Cleveland candy makers.

If you think you have what it would take to lick six other chocolate-chomping contestants, go to Chrysler's Sweetest Day Web site, fill out the form and write a 250-word essay on why you should be picked to lick. Hopefuls also must be residents Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania or West Virginia and at least 18 years old.

“With the growing popularity of Sweetest Day, the Jeep brand wants to give consumers the opportunity to celebrate ‘Sweetest Day the Jeep Way.’ Jeep vehicles love to get dirty, but instead of covering the vehicles in mud, we’re going to cover them in chocolate and let participants have fun getting the chocolate off. The prize - an all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty,” said John Plecha, the Director of Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications.

According to a national survey conducted by the Jeep brand, 67 percent of Americans do not know the history behind Sweetest Day. In fact, the survey results revealed:

• The Sweet Spot: Only one in three adults are aware that Sweetest Day was founded by candy makers in Cleveland as an act of goodwill.
• Chocolate Covered Confusion: Nearly one in five adults (20 percent) mistakenly believe that Sweetest Day was founded by greeting card manufacturers, while 13 percent believe it was founded by a floral company.
• Nuts About Chocolate: Forty-six percent of Americans agree that nuts are their favorite chocolate-covered food.

Jay Leno With The BMW Hydrogen 7!

Jay Leno, not only the lively and comic host of the most watched program, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - he is one hell of a car collector! Several of the rarest vehicles lie in Jay Leno’s garage! And oh, if you want to get familiar with these cars, just visit his site on http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/! Anyway, talking about Jay Leno’s collection with his unlimited supplies of wholesale auto parts, the Emmy-winning comedian and host will add another great vehicle to his line-up of vehicles! He will soon hit the road with the BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan!

The news was published on TheAutoChannel.com yesterday. According to this featured story, BMW has handed down the keys to a brand new BMW Hydrogen 7 to Jay Leno, the newest owner of this one of a kind hybrid car next to actor Will Ferrell and other known personalities as announced by BMW Company. The host is very much excited to shelter his brand new car under his infamous garage in Burbank, California!

"As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future," says Jay Leno with immense energy and excitement.

Jay utilizes a massive steam and natural gas engines from the 19th century to efficiently decrease his energy needs in his "green garage”. Leno changed his garage into a self-reliant power station. There is no reason why a garage full of old cars can't be environmentally responsible according to Jay - even if it means having to go back more than a century for the technology. Jay is dedicated to the improvement of his almost 20,000-sq.-ft. garage with the hottest environmentally friendly shop equipment and products. He is also working with professionals in an array of fields to study his garage's energy use and planned alternative energy systems. Now, he is setting an example by driving the BMW Hydrogen 7!

The BMW Hydrogen 7 basically discharges nothing but water vapor when running in hydrogen mode, on behalf of a significant step in decreasing destructive CO2 emissions. The Hydrogen 7 is not a concept car but it is a production model vehicle that has effectively completed the entire Product Development Process. It is believed to be a major milestone in bringing up hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation despite the fact that the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale yet.

It is expected that hydrogen will replace petroleum as the long-term alternative to fossil fuel according to BMW. They also hope that Hydrogen 7 will play a ground-breaking part in driving forward the hydrogen technologies that will guarantee our mobility in the next years to come.

Toyota Wants another Japan Assembly Plant

The Toyota Motor Corporation is looking forward to building another facility plant in Japan. The company said that the new plant will be its second plant in the home turf following the first plant built two decades ago. The officer from Toyota mentioned that news last Monday.

Katsuaki Watanabe revealed that the fastest growing Japanese car maker is planning to build another Japanese assembly plant. When he was asked about the company’s plan, he said that "it is true that are we are considering" building a plant in Japan, but he did not further elaborated on that. I assume the plant will be making Toyota car parts like the Mazda plant that makes the Mazda distributor rotor for their car models.

The famous maker of the Prius was noted to have impressive car sales in the US car market accounting their Camry sedans including their Lexus luxury car brand. These car models were reported to a have huge amount of sales against the reputed top selling car maker in the US General Motors Corporation. The Japanese car maker was even reported to overpower GMC this year.

The news last week revealed that the Japanese car maker is looking between Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido as well as the northern region of the main island where they can build their new Japanese assembly plant.

The automaker’s official also revealed that Japan is the best place where certain models like hybrid cars and luxury cars can be made best. The automaker is also looking into building more cars with better mileage in the new plant.

We can never deny the fact that almost all car makers are venturing into hybrid cars because of this vehicle's popularity. Japanese car makers are the number one producers of these hybrid cars making them build more facility plants for their hybrid cars.

Toyota also revealed that the plant in southern Japan will be doubling its production of luxury cars for the different markets of the world.

Top Ten Cars We Can’t Get in the US Car Market

This is in connection with the recently opened Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany where most of the cars will only be available in the European car market. The car show displays lots of new gorgeous cars. But sadly, we Americans can only see whatever's happening at the auto show through pictures because only those who are in European countries would be very much accessible to the show.

As we all know, Europe is the home for small cars... say the SmartForTwo. They are also into diesel propelled cars like Acura which is a little greener now because of its Acura 2.2 cl radiator. European car owners are also looking for small cars, oil-burners, touring vehicles, wagon type cars and hybrid cars as well. Of course, the US car market also need more car buyers who are looking for these types of vehicles.

Motortrend released the '2007 Frankfurt Motor Show: Top 10 Cars We Can't Get in the U.S.' on their official website. Here are the top ten cars on the list.

1. Audi RS 6 Avant
   
2. Artega GT
   
3. BMW M5 Wagon
   
4. Ford Kuga
   
5. Honda Civic Type R
   
6. Peugeot 207 RC and Clio Renaultsport 197
   
7. Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI
   
8. Fiat 500
   
9. Mazda2
   
10. Suzuki Swift

Among all the cars, American would look at the Audi RS 6 Avant as one among the most interesting car models at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. But sadly, just like Artega GT and the BMW M5 Wagon which took the second and third spots, the Audi RS 6 Avant will only be available in the European car market. The ever famous Ford Kuga comes at the fourth notch followed by the Honda Civic Type R - a Japanese car brand that hits the fifth spot on the list. The Peugeot 207 RC and the Clio Renaultsport 197 both take the sixth spot. The Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI landed on seventh place. The Fiat 500, also a European car, made it to the top eight. The Mazda2, another Japanese car brand, took the ninth spot leaving another Japanese car model, the Suzuki Swift, at the last rank.

Green fabric From Mazda

Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and General Motors as well as Nissan are focusing on the development of the so-called green vehicles. We already have the Prius. That looks weird but it saves a lot of fuel. The Insight, looks even weirder which might be the reason it has gone the way of dodos, but is also very frugal at the pump. Then we have promises from General Motors. These promises include the Chevy Volt (a sleek car that may not look as good when it comes to production), the Opel Flextreme and the plug-in Vue. Although the Yukon and Tahoe Hybrids are coming this fall, I still count them as promises.

While these automakers are so absorbed in the greeness of a vehicle, other automakers are striving to make green auto components. Although paint may not be considered as a component, I would just like to add here that Ford has succeeded in making the painting process a much greener task. The fumes given off during spray painting new cars are recycled by the automaker to be used as fuel. And then, there's this automaker from Japan known for the use of Wankel engines - Mazda.

The automaker which also makes the Mazda control arm recently announced that they have created the first fabric derived from plant fibers for automotive application. The biofabric, as the material is called, was made by the automaker in partnership with other Japanese companies which are Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. According to them, the biofabric does not contain any traces of oil-based materials.

The fabric will be used as seat covers and door trims for the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid which will be unveiled by the automaker at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show this October. For those who are wondering what the Premacy looks like, well, in the United States and in Europe, the Premacy goes by the name of Mazda5.

"Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area," said the company's senior executive officer for R&D Seita Kanai. "We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly," he added further.

Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 Results

MotorSport.com released Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 results. Among the 22 competing car racers, Dario Franchitti from Scotland was able to win the grand price with an impressive result of 200 laps in 1 hour, 44 minutes and 53.7950 seconds at 279.783 kph. Scott Dixon of New Zealand followed on the second spot with 200 laps as well making Sam Hornish Jr. of United States catch the third spot garnering a total of 199 laps close to 198 laps given by Ryan Hunter-Reay of United States on the seventh spot.

These car racing teams battled up to win the grand prize displaying their gorgeous car parts like the spoilers, Chevy brake pads and many more.

Motorsport had quoted Franchitti saying, "They were telling me it's close on fuel. When he (Dixon) ran out of fuel he wiggled a little, and I had to dodge him by going high. After I collected the car I knew we had won the race, and won the championship."

Dixon was also disappointed with the result but he was quoted by Motorsport saying, "I can take being beaten on the track in the heat of battle, but it's a little harder running out of fuel. Ultimately it was about mileage and we didn't make any today."

Herald Tribune released these eesults from Sunday's Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 on their official website.

1. Dario Franchitti, Scotland, 200 laps, 1 hour, 44 minutes, 53.7950 seconds, 279.783 kph (173.886 mph).
2. Scott Dixon, New Zealand, 200, 1.8439 seconds behind.
3. Sam Hornish Jr., United States, 199.
4. Helio Castroneves, Brazil, 199.
5. Scott Sharp, United States, 199.
6. Tony Kanaan, Brazil, 199.
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay, United States, 198.
8. Hideki Mutoh, Japan, 198.
9. Buddy Rice, United States, 198.
10. A.J. Foyt IV, United States, 198.
11. Danica Patrick, United States, 198.
12. Sarah Fisher, United States, 196.
13. Dan Wheldon, England, 193, out of fuel.
14. Marty Roth, Canada, 190.
15. Milka Duno, Argentina, 184.
16. Ed Carpenter, United States, 164.
17. Kosuke Matsuura, Japan, 156, electrical.
18. Vitor Meira, Brazil, 133, contact.
19. P.J. Chesson, United States, 94.
20. Tomas Scheckter, South Africa, 73, mechanical.
21. Darren Manning, England, 62, mechanical.
22. Marco Andretti, United States, 34, contact.

Point Standings
1. Dario Franchitti, Scotland, 637.
2. Scott Dixon, New Zealand, 624.
3. Tony Kanaan, Brazil, 576.
4. Dan Wheldon, England, 466.
5. Sam Hornish Jr., United States, 465.
6. Helio Castroneves, Brazil, 446.
7. Danica Patrick, United States, 424.
8. Scott Sharp, United States, 412.
9. Buddy Rice, United States, 360.
10. Tomas Scheckter, South Africa, 357.

BMW, DCX: Chinese Are Copying Cars

True. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But too much of it is quite repulsive. In the auto industry, the latest victims of the alleged copying of cars are Germany’s BMW and DCX.

BMW AG claims that a Chinese automaker’s sport utility is very much similar to one of its own. This week, the German automaker filed suit in Frankfurt against Shuanghuan Automobile. The suit intends to preclude the Chinese automaker from selling its car model called the CEO. The Munich-based automaker said that the SUV was a copy of the BMW X5. ‘‘China is here and we are here at the fair,’’ said Karl Schloessl, the CEO of China Automobile, which plans to import and sell the car in Europe. He said that the car was designed independently.

‘‘We do not deny. We do not admit,’’ Schloessl told AP Television News. ‘‘One gets inspiration from every SUV, no matter whether it is Japanese, Chinese, German or French. When you look at a car today, no matter from which perspective, you will always discover similarities, even at the wheels.’’

The spat reflects wider concern among Western companies, many of whom want to do business in China's vast markets but also protect their own copyrights. Shuanghuan maintains that the CEO bears no resemblance to the X5, either in style or price, reported the Associated Press.

The X5's base price in Europe is 59,000 euros equivalent to $85,207, while the CEO's base model will sell for 25,900 euros or $37,396. At a glance, similarities cannot be denied. Additionally, the difference in price could lure shoppers into purchasing.

"The issue directly concerning BMW is that there is a Chinese carmaker trying to copy the side and rear view of the previous generation of our X5 model," said Wieland Bruch, a BMW spokesman. He added that a close inspection would reveal any differences, but a first impression would not.

Fearless, Shuanghuan's European importer, brought the sport utility to the Frankfurt auto show.

"China is BMW is not alone in its concern. Last week, DaimlerChrysler AG said it might take legal action against Shuanghuan Auto because its Noble resembled its Smart fortwo, a tiny two-seater aimed at buyers in big cities. Offering a vehicle so obviously similar to the Smart fortwo would be a violation of intellectual property," DCX said in a statement.

DCX Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche told reporters at the show that having cars that look too similar could be confusing "to our customers.''

Shuanghuan, on the other hand, has said that it does not think its Noble is similar to the fortwo, telling Dow Jones Newswires late last month that it was "only the media stirring things up.'' The Noble will not be displayed in Frankfurt Auto show which is scheduled on Sept. 13-23.

Similarities to Audi brake dust shields and other auto accessories could be tenable but imitation of the entire styling of a car is another story. Fair competition should prevail. It isn’t a simple issue to be ignored.

Jaguar XF In Frankfurt: The Debut!

The long days of waiting are all over! The 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show has opened its doors to all automotive eyes and enthusiasts! Now is the right time to unveil the best concept units and the best 2008 year model vehicles! The event holds the launching of all awesome cars that are expected to create an impact to the industry soon. And of course, the show is highlighted with ground-breaking concept cars for the future! Oh yes, the future of the automotive industry is clearly obvious - it’ll be successful for sure! These cars are the solid evidence that shows a good tomorrow for the automobile world. It is as clear as a windshield wiped down by a Mercedes Benz wiper blade!

One of the debuting vehicles that are very much anticipated by critics and fans is the Jaguar XF! The cat has been missed by its fans because it has rested for quite awhile. But fans don’t need to worry because the Jaguar is here with a brand new sedan - the Jaguar XF! The crowd will never be disappointed because this brand new sedan is packed with a lot of splendid features that will satisfy consumers way beyond their expectations.

"The XF is a stage in a personal journey for me. It has always been my career goal to return Jaguar to its rightful place as leader in automotive design. Cars like the original XJ6 left a lasting legacy and my ambition has been to create something as seminal. The XF is that car," says Ian Callum, the Jaguar Design director in a featured story in Media.Ford.com.

According to the article, the Jaguar's new design direction was first utilized in the XK sports car and the XF is the next step that follows. Indeed, the XF's proportions are closely matched to the XK - the angle of the windshield rake being the same on both cars. Callum and his team aimed for a sporty, muscular look and gave the XF an extensive outline inspired by the XK with a powerful grille and well-built shoulders. One-piece headlights wrap around the corners onto the front wings together with the grille.

"It was time for Jaguar to be bold and the XF fits that brief perfectly. With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful flowing lines and a distinctive face, the new XF looks like no other Jaguar sedan - and yet it could only be a Jaguar," says Wayne Burgess, the XF senior manager for Jaguar Design.

"The engineering disciplines behind the XF are as ground-breaking as its new design language," said Phil Hodgkinson, the Jaguar Programmes director. "New development processes and computer tools allowed us to work through the program at a quicker pace than anything previously. New technologies and materials combine strength with lightness."

The Volt's European Counterpart

We already know what the Chevy Volt is all about. It is just a matter of waiting until the fuel miser that is the Volt reaches the production stage. But the Volt is not the only General Motors car which boasts of superb fuel economy and limited greenhouse gas emission. That's because the Chevy Volt has a European counterpart in the Opel Flextreme.

The Flextreme is a concept car just like the Chevy Volt. It is also a vehicle that will get you to your office and back without ever burning a single drop of fuel if your daily mileage amounts to about 34 miles. And I think, just as the Volt will use components as sturdy as Chevrolet Tahoe step plates, the Flextreme will also be using reliable and safe parts.

While American automakers are more focused on the development of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, European automakers are focusing on the use of clean diesel engine. And since Opel is a German brand, the automaker will equip the Flextreme with a fuel efficient, clean as gasoline 1.3-liter diesel powerplant. This engine will act as a 'range extender' as General Motors call it. When the juice of the car's battery runs out, the diesel engine will start charging it.

According to the automaker, this is not a technology they will display just to keep environmentalists out of their back. The technology used by the Volt and the Flextreme are already in the developmental stages and may soon be practical enough to be mass produced. Thus, for those looking to own a vehicle as green as the Volt, the wait may reach four or five years but the wait will be worthwhile once General Motors makes these cars available to the general car buying public.

The Flextreme may have a lot in common with the Volt, after all, it is the Volt's European counterpart, but there is one thing that the Flextreme has which I think the Volt does not have. And that is a Segway. This technologically-advanced two-wheeled personal mobility device gives you an added 23 miles of clean transportation although the use of the Segway on public roads is prohibited in some countries. I think that the Segway will not make it into production since it would cost too much. But for those willing to do more for the environment for additional cost, I think a Segway can be stowed in the Flextreme when it comes to production.

Toyota Motor Corporation Reveals Another Plug-in for France

The leader in making quality hybrid cars is now making a new wave in another car market. The Toyota Motor Corporation, the maker of the famous Prius, is now making another breakthrough. This time the new product is not going to be sent to the US car market, nor to Japanese car market. Now, the Asian famous fast growing car maker is venturing to France and it is building a new plug-in hybrid for the French car market.

The news was from theautochannel.com. According to the one among the most reputable sources of car information, Jiji Press reported that Toyota is cooperating with France's state-owned power supplier EDF in the test of the plug-in vehicles for the French car market. After two years of perfecting these four new plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, the collaboration between the two famous companies will bring the test on the road of the French capital. This is to identify the effectively of the plug-in in terms of recharging as well as the billing systems of hybrid cars.

After the tests done in the European car market, the Japanese car maker is planning to launch the particular plug-in car, according to the car maker’s officials.

The wide-area billing system of the EDF made the Toyota Motor Corporation decide to go in partner with the company in France.

Toyota has always been successful in every plan they made. In terms of quality, their car parts may not be as expensive as the Mercedes Benz vent visor but the Japanese car maker always make it a point that every car they make is of great excellence and quality. Hybrid cars may have been started by the Honda Motor Corporation but Toyota has perfected hybrid technology with the existence of its Toyota Prius. This was proven because of the numerous amounts of award that the vehicle has received because of it real time fuel efficiency.

Frankfurt Reveals Race-Inspired Aston Martin Cars

Gorgeous looking cars are lining up for the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show which is happening this September 11. Almost every car maker has a piece their whole line of car models to show off. Japanese car makers are also giving more new technologies to the cars that they are going to reveal on the mentioned show. Concepts and production cars will also pile up the entire European car show. Audi cars are also mentioned to show up with their new car parts like those Audi tail lights, Audi hoods and many more.

Of course, nothing beats the original James Bond car. Of course I am talking about Aston Martin. After it was completely sold to the private equity group who are the new owners of the UK luxury car, Aston Martin is back - and perhaps with more colors to spread. And now, the new Aston Martin reveals another batch of amazing vehicles with two limited-edition models at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage 400 will be the newest hottest car models of Aston Martin and they would be parking their gorgeousness on the said show. The maker also announced that the presence of these new cars was inculcated with racing events.

The Aston Martin gave the DB9 LM a sportier new look from the 24-hour Le Mans race last June. It was derived from the DBR9. However, the new car which is going to show up on the auto show does not wear a fire extinguisher and roll cage but it has the Sport Pack including a revised suspension as well as the diamond-turned alloy wheels and color-keyed features as options. The interior parts are also painted with silver coats and there would also be an elegance attached to the leather upholstery on the seats.

The V8 Vantage 400 also had its platform taken from the 24-hour Nürburgring race last June. The N24 that was driven by the Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez was given a production vehicle standing as the V8 Vantage 400. It handles the same engine part of a V8 4.3L engine with 400 horsepower running on a 310 pound-feet of torque. It is also offered in a sport package.

So if you think being at the Frankfurt Auto Show is a bore, then think again. Hmm... two gorgeous sporty Aston Martin vehicles will be there. You don’t want to miss that, do you?

Strong European Sales For Japanese Automaker

In the past, I've always assumed that Japanese automakers will post more sales in Japan than their sales in the United States and in Europe. And same goes for European or American automakers. But that was when I still had no inkling what the whole industry is all about except that vehicles are composed of thousands of parts and that our neighbor's Nissan 240SX's radiator is leaking. But present tense, I know that Nissan has better sales output in the United States and in Europe than in their domestic market.

In Europe, the automaker posted an increase of six percent in sales for the month of August. The European arm of Nissan reported that they have sold a total of 36,570 cars and light trucks last month. And for the first eight months of the year, Nissan Europe has already sold 359,271 units. According to the automaker, August is the fifth consecutive month that they have posted an increase in sales compared to last year for the same period. Russia, Ukraine, the Nordic region, Belgium, Austria, and Italy are among the countries where Nissan sold the most vehicles in for the month of August.

Nissan sold 12,304 vehicles last month in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan last month. That number is 50.6 percent higher than the number of vehicles Nissan sold in the three countries for August of last year. And for the first eight months of the year, Nissan has already sold 83,908 cars and light trucks in these countries. That corresponds to an increase of 73.62 percent compared to Nissan's sales in the said three countries for the same period of time last year.

In Norway, Nissan has sold 4,010 vehicles in the region for the eight months of the year. That is an increase of 25.7 percent compared to the same period last year. In Sweden, the Japanese automaker sold 6,090 vehicles for the first eight months of the year, an increase of 21.33 percent.

Nissan's compact crossover SUV, the QASHQAI, is still racking up a lot of sales for the Japanese automaker. According to Nissan Europe, they have sold 7,757 units of the QASHQAI in the continent for the month of August. All in all, 65,808 units of the QASHQAI have already been sold since its launch earlier this year. The Nissan Note, Navara, and the Pathfinder also gave Nissan sales a boost as the nameplates continue to perform well sales-wise in Europe.

Special Edition Mercedes C350 To Raise $1M For ‘Key To The Cure’

Mercedes for a cause. The German automaker reaches out to lend a helping hand and touch other people’s lives. It intends to put a stress on benevolence and not just profit-making ventures.

The German automaker’s American division has engineered a special edition version of its sleek 2008 C350 sport sedan to raise $1 million for Saks Fifth Avenue's “Key To The Cure” - a women's cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund.

To raise awareness of the cause, actress Renee Zellweger has been named the Entertainment Industry Foundation ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's 2007 Key To The Cure and will show her support by wearing this year's Key To The Cure t-shirt designed by Juicy Couture. The actress will appear in promotional materials and in a national public service announcement (PSA) to bring attention to this critical issue.

As a national sponsor of “Key To The Cure,” MBUSA expects to contribute $1 million through the sale of 1,000 exclusive C-Class vehicles scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this month, The Auto Channel reported. Sales of this well-equipped, powerful and fun-to-drive sedan will benefit charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide. Over the past five consecutive years, MBUSA has supported Key To The Cure and has raised over $5 million for women's cancer research.

The agile new 2008 C350 Sport Sedan combines the power of a 268- horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine with the most desirable new options and technology available from Mercedes-Benz and the exclusive Sahara Beige and Black leather interior to create the Special Edition C350 for “Key To The Cure.” This sophisticated sedan offers auto enthusiasts not only cutting-edge style, superior technical innovations and performance but the chance to help make a difference in the fight against cancer, the report continued.

"The new C-Class is one of our most eagerly awaited new models," said Steve Cannon, the vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "We're pleased to be able to take advantage of that enthusiasm in support of a cause that touches so many lives."

The Special Edition Mercedes-Benz C350 is equipped with:

• Obsidian Black Metallic Paint
• Exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather Interior
• 18 inch AMG twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
• Multimedia Package (HDD Navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, DVD changer, Voice Control)
• iPod Integration Kit

Each of the 1,000 special-edition sport sedan features the athletic new profile of the AMG lower bodywork and rear spoiler, sport sedan interior elements including gauges, sport steering wheel and pedals, and a Black Birdseye Maple trim. The winning style of this new model combined with the exclusivity of the Special Edition for Key To The Cure leather interior creates a striking addition to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line. The car also features a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a central controller, and an LCD display screen.

Funds raised will benefit over 50 charitable programs nationwide.

Affordable And Safe Cars for Teens!

Back in the days when our parents were in college, enjoying the music of the Beatles, Billy Joel or the Temptations, hanging out on the park during sunsets, the most special thing that they almost always reminisce about is driving their own cars! Whether it’s the Love Bug, a Mustang, a Chevy with Chevrolet Tahoe brake pads, etc., our parents classically remember their first owned cars as young adults with huge affection.

Today, teens that are headed back to school this semester are also looking forward to their own wheels and this is a primary concern for parents. The question is: are they ready to drive their first car going to school? Is it safe?

In several studies, teens are the highest at-risk group when it comes to car accidents. Motor vehicle collisions are the primary cause of death for young people ranging from 15 to 20 years of age according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Studies said that crashes caused approximately one-third of all fatalities in this age class. On the other hand, the youngest drivers are at highest threat for accidents in the first months after getting their licenses according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Roughly 60 percent of teens are driving cars that are at least seven years old - with 27 percent of those teens actually driving cars that are 12 years old or older. This is as according to a latest national study of more than 900 teen drivers as conducted by Liberty Mutual Group and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Are these the safest cars for teens that are already tremendously at risk? All of us ask…

"Choosing a car for your teen to drive can be a tricky situation for any parent. Typically the transportation need must be addressed within a practical budget, which often means giving the new teen driver a hand-me-down or purchasing an affordable used car. Safety is often a second or third consideration, but it should be an equal if not leading consideration. Does this mean used cars should be avoided? No. It means parents need to weigh carefully the safety features available and ensure that the important ones are present and working properly ," says Dave Melton, the director of Transportation Technical Consulting Services at the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety in Hopkinton, Mass. in a news from TheAutoChannel.com.

At least four latest significant safety features have become customary in newer car models for the past 15 years which includes advance frontal airbags, side air bags, tire pressure monitoring systems, and electronic stability control. Today, with 88 percent of teens with cars using them to drive to school, now is the time for parents to consider the safety of their teens' vehicles according to the Liberty Mutual/SADD study.

"Getting a driver's license and a first car are rites of passage for teenagers, but this research proves it is vital for parents and teens to choose cars carefully. Safety should be the number-one priority," says Stephen Wallace, the chairman and chief executive officer of the national SADD organization.

Chinese Women Prefer...

We cannot deny the fact that more and more vehicles are being sold in the Chinese auto market. And in that said market, women buyers are increasing. By last count, of the total car buyers in the Asian country, 32 percent are women. That means that automakers, in order to have a strong foothold on the Chinese auto market should design cars which can attract Chinese women. According to this article from the autochannel.com, Chinese women auto buyers prefer small cars. Although ordinary folks like us will not be involved in the designing of a new car for the Chinese, I would still share to you what these cars are.

The Chery QQ with the round headlights is a bit on the bad side of things for me but Chinese women dig it, or so the article said. The Honda Fit or the Jazz as it is called in other markets is also a favorite of Chinese women. I kinda like this car because even if it's small, it has that aggressive look to it thanks to that headlight. In the United States, the Fit is the eighth most favorite car by American ladies.

The third car on the list is the Nissan Tiida or the Versa. I believe that this car was just recently launched and the fact that it has become the third most favorite cars by Chinese women shows that Nissan is doing well in its expansion of operation outside of Japan and the United States. The Chevrolet Spark which is the mold of the Chery QQ is number four on the list. Maybe its the price which makes the Chery more attractive than this Chevy.

Next on the list is from a European automaker. It's not an Audi with reliable and sport-tuned shocks but a Volkswagen. The VW Polo which I also like is the fifth most favorite car by Chinese women. The hatchback version of this car is very popular among women in the said country. Last year, 90 percent of the total number of Polo units sold were bought by Chinese women.

Sixth on the list is the Suzuki Swift. Sales of this car was given a boost by a commercial featuring Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. Number seven on the list is the Chevrolet Sail - a global car from General Motors. Number eight is the Peugeot 206 with the Audi A4 on number nine and the redesigned Toyota Yaris which is marketed as the FAW Vizi in China.

Featured Features of 2009 Dodge Journey: Technologies for Flexibility

Just recently, I have learned about an upcoming Dodge model for 2009 that has been engineered to provide everyone’s preference for a car. It is the 2009 Dodge Journey with SUV capabilities. From jalopnik.com, several features amazed me. These are the following I found:

• Innovative and Clever Technologies for Flexibility
• MyGIG™ cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system
• Available ParkView™ Rear Backup Camera displays the view behind the vehicle in the navigation display when backing up or parking
• Available Full-color, GPS Map Navigation System with 7-inch (17.8 cm) display provides convenient directions and traffic alerts
• Chill Zone™ cooled beverage storage bin located in the glove box helps keep two cooled 12-oz. (330 ml) cans cool through the air conditioning system or fresh air inlet
• YES Essentials Premium Cloth Seats are stain resistant, odor resistant and anti static for easy cleaning and a long-lasting appearance
• Available Aimable LED Map/Reading Lamps provide focused light without distracting the driver
• Available Removable, Rechargeable LED Flashlight is stored in the rear cargo area for convenient light when needed
• Illuminated Cup Holders glow blue green for easy nighttime access
• Available Rear-seat Entertainment System includes an 8-inch (20.3 cm) color monitor that works with the radio DVD player. The display conveniently folds down from the headliner to entertain rear seat passengers
• Available 115-volt, 150-watt Power Inverter on the rear of the console powers small household appliances (available in North America)
• Available SIRIUS™ Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of subscription-based radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment (available in North America)
• Available UConnect™ provides convenient, hands-free communication with BlueTooth™ cellular phones
• Four 12-volt Power Points for powering small electronics. Two are in the front, one is in the second row and one is in the cargo area
• Available Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob for added convenience (available in North America)

Those are just not all. More have been discussed in the site. You could simply check it out for a more elaborated version. And, expect it to be shown on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show.