Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The hottest electric cars and technologies of 2013





Its 2013, a year of hopes some say. As everyone was expecting end on the world in December 2012, here we are celebrating another new year with much anticipation. What’s more in store for you? Some pretty cool technologies that will not only surprise you but also will strike a question in your mind; is it for real? Yes it is. We’ll soon see a tremendous inflow of manufacturing of electric cars. With all the car makers taking different routes to fit in electric motors to their lineups, we’ll soon see some fascinating cars hitting the road which will give tough competition to petrol and diesel cars in the true sense of the word.



Everybody knows that electric cars are now just not something which you can see in sci-fi movies. It’s the need of the hour. With our environment taking toll of poisonous gases from millions of vehicles every day, there is definitely a need for environmental efficient cars. Well, its easy for us to say but its tough to make it practically viable. As of now, we cannot see everybody driving electric cars because manufactures have to solve some major problems, so as to create an alternative for combustion engine.



Majority of the car manufacturers have at least one such car in their assembly lineup which uses a combustion engine and an electric motor to run it. This system would lead to increased power with reduced emissions. But still, using an electric motor solely is not practical for all cars because cars powered by electricity don’t have the range which a combustion engine has and also they take a lot of time to get charged. Many major car manufactures have proposed such cars which would run only on electricity providing more torque than conventional diesel and petrol cars but such concepts are more futuristic than practical in the current market scenario.



Many electric car models are available with many models getting added with the increase in advanced technologies. Nissanhad launched Leaf in December 2010, adding 11 new models to the list. The most popular car in this segment is the Tesla Model S which is the fastest electric vehicle as of now which comes under luxury car category and also has the longest range. Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV is one such car which is giving Nissan Leaf a tough competition. Honda, Fiat and Toyota have lined up their cars for limited selling.



Keeping in mind the environmental impact, we can say that electric vehicles won’t get much resistance from consumers but like any fresh technology that comes up, buyers will have to get used to the benefits and troubles of electric vehicles before pulling out money from their pockets.

12 Most Excellent Redesigned Cars for 2013

12 Most Excellent Redesigned Cars for 2013

1. 2013 Porsche Boxster
The 2013 Porche Boxster is the ultimate sports car for the year. It has become longer, lower, quicker and also lighter. The redesigned Boxster now has a longer and wider aluminum infused platform and will offer better speed with its powerful pair of flat-6 engines.
2. 2013 Lexus GS
The 2013 Lexus GS is this midsize luxury sedan that has been redesigned to incorporate faster speed. The style of the vehicle has changed and both GS350 and GS450h configurations have enhanced vehicle dynamics. The GS series is available as rear and all-wheel drive, has chassis tuning that is driver oriented and an elegant and comfortable passenger compartment.
3. 2013 Acura RDX
The all-new 2013 Acura RDX is now visually appealing and lightweight. This second generation car is small, luxury SUV and has a V6 engine. With a price of about $35,000, it is all set to rule the luxury SUV market.
4. 2013 Toyota Avalon
The previous version of Toyota Avalon lacked advanced technology and styling. However, in 2013, this will not be the case. The 2013 Toyota Avalon has an alluring design, touch control and there is even a new hybrid variant that can offer a mileage of up to 40 miles per gallon. What more could you ask from a car this size?
5. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
The earlier model of the Nissan Pathfinder made use of body-on-frame construction. But, in 2013, the vehicle has transitioned to a unified construction that adds style, elegance and fuel efficiency to the Pathfinder. It comes backed by a powerful V6 engine, spacious interiors capable of seating 7 passengers, a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is the perfect vehicle for on or off road.
6. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The Sante Fe has been divided into two models in 2013. The Santa Fe Sport has the ability to accommodate 5 passengers, while the other model, Santa Fe, can seat 7 passengers. Both models offer great features and styling that will keep attracting consumers to take a second look at the 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe.
7. 2013 Ford Escape
While the previous Ford Escape was touted as the vehicle for the rugged outdoor person, the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape is going to be one of the sleekest and sportiest compact SUVs of the year. The other features that you can opt for are a 240 horsepower engine, 33 mpg engine, and a strong MyFord Touch infotainment suite and power liftgate that opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper.
8. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is all set to attract eyeballs. This midsize sedan has decided to do away with its generic reputation and has turned into a high-tech and beautiful vehicle both inside and outside. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is available in three engine choice, right from 37 mpg to a 256-horsepower per onramp; and there is even a user-friendly infotaiment system in the trims.
9. 2013 Ford Fusion
The all new redesigned Ford Fusion is different from all other midsize sedans available on the market. It has a couple of fuel-efficient and power EcoBoost engines and this allows the vehicle to achieve a beautiful 47 miles per gallon. In addition, there is even a plug-in variant to choose from.
10. 2013 Nissan Altima
With its redesign, no one will mistake the Nissan Altima as an alternative to the Camry or the Accord. It is all set to give these brands a run for their money with its appealing design and driving dynamics. The 2013 Nissan Altima comes with NASA-inspired zero gravity seating and a 4-cylinder engine that can achieve 38 miles per gallon on the highway which is the best mileage in its class.
11. 2013 Honda Accord
For as long as consumers can remember, the Honda Accord has been a reliable mode of transportation that had many attributes that were not available in other midsize vehicles. However, the 2013 Honda Accord has made driving even more fun with its two extremely fuel efficient gasoline engines, body style that is available in two-door and four-door style and many other outstanding and brilliant features, such as side view camera that does the work of the passenger side mirror.
12. 2013 Nissan Sentra         
The 2013 Nissan Sentra is spacious, attractive and stylish. Consumers who like technology will appreciate the Google, Pandora and text messaging features that are incorporated in the model, while other consumers will enjoy its fuel efficiency of 34 miles per gallon.

Monday, February 25, 2013

10 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers: An Insightful Overview

Purchasing a car for the first time can give you some anxious moments. To ease your stress given below are 10 tips that will effectively guide you through the car buying process.
 
1. Work out a naturalistic budget: It is desirable to make the complete down-payment, however the hefty price tags call for a financing option. One should carefully work out the cost of living and then calculate the amount left for car installments, insurance, fuel price and maintenance overheads.
2. Consider purchasing a used car: If your financial position restricts you from purchasing a used car you can go for a used car. Consult your trusted dealer to help you find a well-maintained car of your choice. Buying a used car will bring down your budget as well as stress.
3. Assess your transportation requirements: The first time buyer would be overwhelmed by the sheer varieties of cars that glut the market. However, one should figure out the car that would satisfy their requirement. For instance, you need to find out whether you need a sedan, a compact car, an SUV or a MUV.
4. Let your needs take precedence: While buying the car, look for features that may come in handy over a period of time although they may appear extra at the moment. This will save you from doing rounds of car dealer again within a few months. The dealer will try to convince you into buying a car that may carry features redundant to your needs. Considering the parking fee, fuel prices, insurance costs and other incidental costs going through the roof; it is prudent to buy a car that exactly fits the bill.
5. Research thoroughly before reaching a decision: Online portals offer a slew of information and perspective regarding the cars on sale and their suitability to a particular group. Trust your instincts. Refer expert, car owner and car makers reviews. Ask your friends about the mileage and ownership experience.
6. Carefully pick up a dealer according to your convenience: The dealer should be chosen based on the location, showroom ambiance, responsiveness to consumer needs (based on feedback’s from past car buyers) and professional attitude.
7. Opt for a test drive: Test drive cannot be relegated under any circumstance. It gives a first hand experience of what the car is like from behind the wheel. The steering feel, seat height, visibility, control, throttle tip-in can be accurately gauged by driving the car for a significant amount of time not lesser than five minutes.
8. Ascertain the correct purchase price: Once the decision to purchase a particular model has been arrived at, online sites should be checked to know the price tag at which the model is being purchased by others in your area. Credit union or showroom contact can also offer the correct perspective. Start haggling over the price from a lower range and then gradually work up to a reasonable rate.
9. Lining up the finance: Various financing options should be explored. A poor credit rating can thwart your efforts to arrange the finance. You can approach the credit union, insurance agency or the bank to know their willingness to finance your car. The dealer’s option should be accepted if it is competitive.
10. Savor the process: The automotive market has started to look up. Your passion for cars will be amply rewarded if you take quality time out to diligently pursue the entire process with zeal.
 
                                                                                                                                                                           Courtesy: carcluster.com

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Honda Accord Brakes: Know Them Now!


One part of your car is extremely important and needs to be in its perfect condition all the time. It is the Brakes. There are two types: Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes. You have to know what your Honda Accord have. Disc Brakes are mostly used in front wheels while drum brakes are used for rear wheels. However,the cars before 2007 used to have drum brakes but after 2008, disc brakes are more common as they are more reliable. Let’s talk about them!
Disc Brakes not only make the car slow or stop but do more important work by stopping it in immediately in emergency situations. So, with standard quality disc brakes all in working condition, you are comparatively safer even with a little high speed.

What does Disc Brakes are made of?

They are called disc brakes because they slow or stop the car by pushing brake pads against brake discs using certain mechanism. Apart of the master brake pedal and cylinder which can be found in all the brake systems, the disc brakes consist of the followings –
  1. Cast Iron Disks
  2. Brake Pads
  3. Slave Cylinder / Piston
  4. Brake fluid Lines
The cast iron discs are attached to the wheel and the brake pads are on both sides of a wheel with hydraulic piston to apply pressure to them. Your Honda Accord has all these parts assembled in the latest fashion to assure the security of working in severe most conditions.

How do the Disc Brakes work?

There are few simple steps which easily explains how do they work –
  1. When the driver applies brakes, hydraulic fluid is forced from master cylinder to the slave cylinders on each side.
  2. With the slave cylinders at work, the piston of slave cylinder pushes the brake pads against the cast iron discs
  3. Since the discs are attached to the wheel, the wheel slows down and eventually stops due to generated friction.
You can visit YouTube Channel of The Auto Part Shop to get an idea of how car brake works. Also, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such videos!

What does your Honda Accord have?

Your recent Honda Accord comes with latest featured brakes that enable the state-of-the-art security to your vehicle. Two types of discs are used in Honda Accord:
Location
Type
Disc Dimension in Inches
Front
Multilateral Discs
11.8 for EX models
11.1 for LX models
Rear
Solid Discs
11.1 for all models
The specification of the brakes remains same for almost all the latest Honda Accord Models. The Honda Accord Disc Brakes is made for ultimate safety. However, they work well only if they are cared much. For taking care, you should get your car checked time by time by a mechanic and after certain use; the brake pads and discs should be replaced. It will be even better if you replace the whole brake system to ensure longer life of your vehicle.

Japan vs Korea: Automobile industries

If the current trend in world economy is scrutinized very well, we can say that South Korean economy is dethroning Japan steadily. And SK is doing that through its electronic shops. The giants Samsung Inc and LG. You know the current trend in the world of electronics. Japanese's electronics are expensive and offer less features compare to South Koreans'.



 I see the same thing happening to Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and others if care is not taken. No one can deny the geometric growth of Hyundai and KIA. with the global economy not yet in shape, everyone want to have value for every penny.





Monday, July 23, 2012

This blog is dedicated to automobiles and virtually everything that goes it with: brands, models, sales, history, repairs and probably future releases. so, please join me as we dive into the world of automobile.

Automotive industry






The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the Earth's most important economic sectors by revenue.
The term automotive industry usually does not include industries dedicated to automobiles after delivery to the customer, such as repair shops and motor fuel filling stations.

The first practical automobile with a petrol engine was built by Karl Benz in 1885 in Mannheim, Germany. Benz was granted a patent for his automobile on 29 January 1886, and began the first production of automobiles in 1888, after Bertha Benz, his wife, had proved with the first long-distance trip in August 1888 (104 km (65 mi) from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back) that the horseless coach was absolutely suitable for daily use. Since 2008 a Bertha Benz Memorial Route commemorates this event.
Soon after, in 1889, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Stuttgart designed a vehicle from scratch to be an automobile, rather than a horse-drawn carriage fitted with an engine. They also are usually credited as inventors of the first motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen, in 1885, but Italy's Enrico Bernardi, of the University of Padua, in 1882, patented a 0.024 horsepower (17.9 W) 122 cc (7.4 cu in) one-cylinder petrol motor, fitting it into his son's tricycle, making it at least a candidate for the first automobile, and first motorcycle. p.26 Bernardi enlarged the tricycle in 1892 to carry two adults.p.26
Until 2005, the U.S.A. led the world in total automobile production. In 1929 before the Great Depression, the world had 32,028,500 automobiles in use, and the US automobile industry produced over 90% of them. At that time the U.S. had one car per 4.87 persons.In 2006, Japan narrowly passed the U.S. in production and held this rank until 2009, when China took the top spot with 13.8 million units. By producing 18.3 million units in 2010, China produced nearly twice the number of second place Japan (9.6 million units), with the U.S. in third place with 7.8 million units.

 Around the world, there were about 806 million cars and light trucks on the road in 2007, consuming over 260 billion US gallons (980,000,000 m3) of gasoline and diesel fuel yearly. The automobile is a primary mode of transportation for many developed economies. The Detroit branch of Boston Consulting Group predicts that, by 2014, one-third of world demand will be in the four BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Other potentially powerful automotive markets are Iran and Indonesia. Emerging auto markets already buy more cars than established markets. According to a J.D. Power study, emerging markets accounted for 51 percent of the global light-vehicle sales in 2010. The study expects this trend to accelerate

Top vehicle manufacturing groups by volume

The table below shows the world's largest motor vehicle manufacturing groups, along with the marques produced by each one. The table is ranked by 2010 end of year production figures from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA)[24] for the parent group, and then alphabetically by marque. Joint ventures are not reflected in this table. Production figures of joint ventures are typically included in OICA rankings, which can become a source of controversy.[25][26]
Marque Country of origin Ownership Markets
1. Toyota Motor Corporation ( Japan)
Lexus United States Division Global
Scion United States Division North America
Toyota Japan Division Global
Daihatsu Japan Subsidiary Global, except North America and Australia
Hino Japan Subsidiary Asia Pacific, North America and South America
2. General Motors Company ( United States)
Alpheon South Korea Division South Korea
Buick United States Division North America, China, Israel, Taiwan
Cadillac United States Division North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa
Chevrolet United States Division Global, except Australia, New Zealand
GMC United States Division North America, Middle East
Holden Australia Subsidiary Australia, New Zealand
Opel Germany Subsidiary Global, except North America, United Kingdom
Vauxhall United Kingdom Subsidiary United Kingdom
3. Volkswagen Group AG ( Germany)
Audi Germany Subsidiary Global
Bentley United Kingdom Subsidiary Global
Bugatti France Subsidiary Global
Lamborghini Italy Subsidiary Global
MAN Germany Subsidiary Europe, Asia, Africa, South America
Scania Sweden Subsidiary Global
SEAT Spain Subsidiary Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, Mexico
Å koda Czech Republic Subsidiary Global, except North America
Volkswagen Germany Division Global
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Germany Division Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia
4. Hyundai Motor Group ( South Korea)
Hyundai South Korea Division Global
Kia South Korea Subsidiary Global, except Mexico
5. Ford Motor Company ( United States)
Ford United States Division Global
Lincoln United States Division North America, Middle East, Japan, South Korea
Troller Brazil Subsidiary Latin America, Africa
6. Nissan ( Japan)
Infiniti United States Division Global, except Japan, South America and Africa
Nissan Japan Division Global
7. Honda Motor Company ( Japan)
Acura United States Division North America, China
Honda Japan Division Global
8. PSA Peugeot Citroën S.A. ( France)
Citroën France Subsidiary Global, except North America, South Asia
Peugeot France Division Global, except USA, Canada, South Asia
9. Suzuki Motor Corporation ( Japan)
Suzuki Japan Division Global
Maruti Suzuki India Subsidiary India, Middle East, South America
10. Renault ( France)
Dacia Romania Subsidiary Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, except Japan
Renault France Division Global, except North America, South Korea
Renault Samsung South Korea Subsidiary South America, Asia, except Japan and China
11. Fiat S.p.A. ( Italy)
Abarth Italy Subsidiary Global
Alfa Romeo Italy Subsidiary Global, except North America
Ferrari Italy Subsidiary Global
Fiat Italy Subsidiary Global
Lancia Italy Subsidiary Europe and Japan (except UK and Republic of Ireland)
Maserati Italy Subsidiary Global
12. Daimler AG ( Germany)
BharatBenz India Subsidiary India
Freightliner United States Division North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand
Master Pakistan Subsidiary Pakistan
Mercedes-Benz Germany Division Global
Mitsubishi Fuso Japan Subsidiary Global
Orion Canada Subsidiary North America
Setra Germany Division Europe, Asia, USA
Smart Germany Division Global
Thomas Built United States Subsidiary North America
Western Star United States Subsidiary North America, Australia, New Zealand
13. Chrysler Group, LLC ( United States)
Chrysler United States Division Global, UK and Republic of Ireland, except Europe
Dodge United States Division Global, except Europe
Jeep United States Division Global
Ram United States Division North America, South America, Middle East
14. BMW AG ( Germany)
BMW Germany Division Global
MINI United Kingdom Division Global
Rolls-Royce United Kingdom Subsidiary Global
15. Mazda Motor Corporation ( Japan)
Mazda Japan Division Global
16. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ( Japan)
Mitsubishi Japan Division Global
17. Chana Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
Chana China Division China, South Africa, Europe
18. Tata Motors, Ltd ( India)
Hispano Spain Subsidiary Europe
Jaguar United Kingdom Subsidiary Global
Land Rover United Kingdom Subsidiary Global
Tata India Division Global, except North America
Tata Daewoo South Korea Subsidiary South Korea
19. First Automotive Group Corporation ( People's Republic of China)
Besturn China Division China
Freewind China Subsidiary China
Haima China Subsidiary China
Hongqi China Division China
Jiaxing China Subsidiary China
Vita China Subsidiary China
Xiali China Subsidiary China
20. Geely Automobile ( People's Republic of China)
Geely China Division China, Russia, North Africa
Maple China Division China
Volvo (Cars) Sweden Subsidiary Global
21. Chery Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
Chery China Division China, Africa, South East Asia, Russia
Riich China Division China
Rely China Division China
22. Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd ( Japan)
Subaru Japan Division Global
23. Dongfeng Motor Corporation ( People's Republic of China)
Dongfeng China Division China
24. Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
BAW China Division China
Foton China Subsidiary China
25. OAO AvtoVAZ ( Russia)
Lada Russia Division Global, except North America and Portugal
26. BYD Auto ( People's Republic of China)
BYD China Division China, Russia
27. Isuzu Motors, Ltd ( Japan)
Isuzu Japan Division Global, except North America
28. Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
JAC China Division China
29. Brilliance China Automotive Holding, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
Brilliance China Division China, North Africa
Jinbei China Subsidiary China
30. Great Wall Motor Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
Great Wall China Division China, South Africa, Russia, North Africa, Australia
31. SAIC Motor ( People's Republic of China)
MG Motor United Kingdom Subsidiary China, United Kingdom, South America
Roewe China Division China
Soyat China Division China
Yuejin China Division China
32. Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd ( India)
Mahindra India Division India, South East Asia, Europe, North Africa, North America, Australia
SsangYong South Korea Subsidiary Global
Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited India Division India
Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd India Division India
33. Hafei Motor ( China)
Hafei China Subsidiary China
34. AB Volvo ( Sweden)
Mack United States Subsidiary Global
Nissan Diesel Japan Subsidiary Global
NovaBus Canada Subsidiary North America
Prevost Canada Subsidiary North America
Renault Trucks France Subsidiary Global, except Japan
Volvo Trucks Sweden Division Global
35. Jiangxi Changhe Automobile ( China)
Changhe China Division China
36. Qingling Motors Company Ltd. ( China)
Qingling China Division China
37. Proton Holdings, Bhd ( Malaysia)
Proton Malaysia Division Asia Pacific (except Japan and South Africa), United Kingdom, Middle East
Lotus United Kingdom Subsidiary Global
38. Hunan Jiangnan Automobile ( People's Republic of China)
Jiangnan China Division China
39. Chongqing Lifan Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China)
Lifan China Division China
40. Fujian Motor Industry Group Company ( People's Republic of China)
Soueast China Division China
41. Kuozui Motors, Ltd ( Taiwan)
Kuozui Taiwan Subsidiary Taiwan
42. Shandong Kaima ( China)
Kaima China Division China
Jubao China Division China
Aofeng China Division China
43. Porsche Automobil Holding SE ( Germany)
Porsche Germany Division Global
44. Chenzhou Gonow Nanyan Chifeng Vehicle ( People's Republic of China)
Gonow China Division China
45. Ziyang Nanjun Automobile Co., Ltd. ( People's Republic of China)
Nanjun China Division China
46. Rongcheng Huatai Motor ( People's Republic of China)
Huatai China Division China