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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 –
- Cast Iron Disks
- Brake Pads
- Slave Cylinder / Piston
- 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 –
- When the driver applies brakes, hydraulic fluid is forced from master cylinder to the slave cylinders on each side.
- With the slave cylinders at work, the piston of slave cylinder pushes the brake pads against the cast iron discs
- 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.
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
Automotive industry
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 | Division | Global | ||
Scion | Division | North America | ||
Toyota | Division | Global | ||
Daihatsu | Subsidiary | Global, except North America and Australia | ||
Hino | Subsidiary | Asia Pacific, North America and South America | ||
2. General Motors Company ( United States) | ||||
Alpheon | Division | South Korea | ||
Buick | Division | North America, China, Israel, Taiwan | ||
Cadillac | Division | North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa | ||
Chevrolet | Division | Global, except Australia, New Zealand | ||
GMC | Division | North America, Middle East | ||
Holden | Subsidiary | Australia, New Zealand | ||
Opel | Subsidiary | Global, except North America, United Kingdom | ||
Vauxhall | Subsidiary | United Kingdom | ||
3. Volkswagen Group AG ( Germany) | ||||
Audi | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Bentley | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Bugatti | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Lamborghini | Subsidiary | Global | ||
MAN | Subsidiary | Europe, Asia, Africa, South America | ||
Scania | Subsidiary | Global | ||
SEAT | Subsidiary | Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, Mexico | ||
Å koda | Subsidiary | Global, except North America | ||
Volkswagen | Division | Global | ||
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | Division | Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia | ||
4. Hyundai Motor Group ( South Korea) | ||||
Hyundai | Division | Global | ||
Kia | Subsidiary | Global, except Mexico | ||
5. Ford Motor Company ( United States) | ||||
Ford | Division | Global | ||
Lincoln | Division | North America, Middle East, Japan, South Korea | ||
Troller | Subsidiary | Latin America, Africa | ||
6. Nissan ( Japan) | ||||
Infiniti | Division | Global, except Japan, South America and Africa | ||
Nissan | Division | Global | ||
7. Honda Motor Company ( Japan) | ||||
Acura | Division | North America, China | ||
Honda | Division | Global | ||
8. PSA Peugeot Citroën S.A. ( France) | ||||
Citroën | Subsidiary | Global, except North America, South Asia | ||
Peugeot | Division | Global, except USA, Canada, South Asia | ||
9. Suzuki Motor Corporation ( Japan) | ||||
Suzuki | Division | Global | ||
Maruti Suzuki | Subsidiary | India, Middle East, South America | ||
10. Renault ( France) | ||||
Dacia | Subsidiary | Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, except Japan | ||
Renault | Division | Global, except North America, South Korea | ||
Renault Samsung | Subsidiary | South America, Asia, except Japan and China | ||
11. Fiat S.p.A. ( Italy) | ||||
Abarth | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Alfa Romeo | Subsidiary | Global, except North America | ||
Ferrari | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Fiat | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Lancia | Subsidiary | Europe and Japan (except UK and Republic of Ireland) | ||
Maserati | Subsidiary | Global | ||
12. Daimler AG ( Germany) | ||||
BharatBenz | Subsidiary | India | ||
Freightliner | Division | North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand | ||
Master | Subsidiary | Pakistan | ||
Mercedes-Benz | Division | Global | ||
Mitsubishi Fuso | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Orion | Subsidiary | North America | ||
Setra | Division | Europe, Asia, USA | ||
Smart | Division | Global | ||
Thomas Built | Subsidiary | North America | ||
Western Star | Subsidiary | North America, Australia, New Zealand | ||
13. Chrysler Group, LLC ( United States) | ||||
Chrysler | Division | Global, UK and Republic of Ireland, except Europe | ||
Dodge | Division | Global, except Europe | ||
Jeep | Division | Global | ||
Ram | Division | North America, South America, Middle East | ||
14. BMW AG ( Germany) | ||||
BMW | Division | Global | ||
MINI | Division | Global | ||
Rolls-Royce | Subsidiary | Global | ||
15. Mazda Motor Corporation ( Japan) | ||||
Mazda | Division | Global | ||
16. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ( Japan) | ||||
Mitsubishi | Division | Global | ||
17. Chana Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Chana | Division | China, South Africa, Europe | ||
18. Tata Motors, Ltd ( India) | ||||
Hispano | Subsidiary | Europe | ||
Jaguar | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Land Rover | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Tata | Division | Global, except North America | ||
Tata Daewoo | Subsidiary | South Korea | ||
19. First Automotive Group Corporation ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Besturn | Division | China | ||
Freewind | Subsidiary | China | ||
Haima | Subsidiary | China | ||
Hongqi | Division | China | ||
Jiaxing | Subsidiary | China | ||
Vita | Subsidiary | China | ||
Xiali | Subsidiary | China | ||
20. Geely Automobile ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Geely | Division | China, Russia, North Africa | ||
Maple | Division | China | ||
Volvo (Cars) | Subsidiary | Global | ||
21. Chery Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Chery | Division | China, Africa, South East Asia, Russia | ||
Riich | Division | China | ||
Rely | Division | China | ||
22. Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd ( Japan) | ||||
Subaru | Division | Global | ||
23. Dongfeng Motor Corporation ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Dongfeng | Division | China | ||
24. Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
BAW | Division | China | ||
Foton | Subsidiary | China | ||
25. OAO AvtoVAZ ( Russia) | ||||
Lada | Division | Global, except North America and Portugal | ||
26. BYD Auto ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
BYD | Division | China, Russia | ||
27. Isuzu Motors, Ltd ( Japan) | ||||
Isuzu | Division | Global, except North America | ||
28. Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
JAC | Division | China | ||
29. Brilliance China Automotive Holding, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Brilliance | Division | China, North Africa | ||
Jinbei | Subsidiary | China | ||
30. Great Wall Motor Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Great Wall | Division | China, South Africa, Russia, North Africa, Australia | ||
31. SAIC Motor ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
MG Motor | Subsidiary | China, United Kingdom, South America | ||
Roewe | Division | China | ||
Soyat | Division | China | ||
Yuejin | Division | China | ||
32. Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd ( India) | ||||
Mahindra | Division | India, South East Asia, Europe, North Africa, North America, Australia | ||
SsangYong | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited | Division | India | ||
Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd | Division | India | ||
33. Hafei Motor ( China) | ||||
Hafei | Subsidiary | China | ||
34. AB Volvo ( Sweden) | ||||
Mack | Subsidiary | Global | ||
Nissan Diesel | Subsidiary | Global | ||
NovaBus | Subsidiary | North America | ||
Prevost | Subsidiary | North America | ||
Renault Trucks | Subsidiary | Global, except Japan | ||
Volvo Trucks | Division | Global | ||
35. Jiangxi Changhe Automobile ( China) | ||||
Changhe | Division | China | ||
36. Qingling Motors Company Ltd. ( China) | ||||
Qingling | Division | China | ||
37. Proton Holdings, Bhd ( Malaysia) | ||||
Proton | Division | Asia Pacific (except Japan and South Africa), United Kingdom, Middle East | ||
Lotus | Subsidiary | Global | ||
38. Hunan Jiangnan Automobile ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Jiangnan | Division | China | ||
39. Chongqing Lifan Automobile Company, Ltd ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Lifan | Division | China | ||
40. Fujian Motor Industry Group Company ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Soueast | Division | China | ||
41. Kuozui Motors, Ltd ( Taiwan) | ||||
Kuozui | Subsidiary | Taiwan | ||
42. Shandong Kaima ( China) | ||||
Kaima | Division | China | ||
Jubao | Division | China | ||
Aofeng | Division | China | ||
43. Porsche Automobil Holding SE ( Germany) | ||||
Porsche | Division | Global | ||
44. Chenzhou Gonow Nanyan Chifeng Vehicle ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Gonow | Division | China | ||
45. Ziyang Nanjun Automobile Co., Ltd. ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Nanjun | Division | China | ||
46. Rongcheng Huatai Motor ( People's Republic of China) | ||||
Huatai | Division | China |
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