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Latest Xanga weblog from mbatom2
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New Small Diesel Pickup
Small diesel pickup will be built in the U.S. You may be aware that many foreign car companies actually manufacture their vehicles within the United States. Well the good news is that we will have another player added to this market. The surprising part of this story is that the vehicle manufacturer is an Indian-based company.
Mahindra LTD is India's biggest maker of sport utility vehicles and tractors. This company plans to assemble a new diesel powered pickup in Ohio in the beginning of 09. Mahindra is in the final negotiation stages, with a major automotive manufacturing and assembly plant.
 The Indian vehicle maker plans to start selling this small diesel pickup model with an innovative 2.2 L four cylinder diesel engine, as early as the beginning of 2009. This truck will have a standard payload of 2,600 pounds and will be covered by a 60,000 mile 4 year bumper to bumper warranty. An SUV model sporting the same four-cylinder diesel power train will join this pickup truck. The efficient four-cylinder diesel engine is proposed to get around 50 miles per gallon and meet all of the US emissions requirements.
Mahindra has signed up 300 automotive dealers in the United States so far and has a sales goal for its first full year of 45,000 trucks. If all goes well Mahindra will also start development of a diesel electric hybrid for possible rollout by 2010. The diesel engine coupled with an electric hybrid motor would be a very interesting development in this popular and growing segment of automotive technology and manufacturing.
Breakthrough Electric Vehicle
 Finally the electric vehicle industry is moving forward, and beginning to mass-produce very interesting vehicles. I came across one company based out of Ontario Canada, that is applying some very cutting edge technology to their latest offering.
Currently, this company is offering a sport utility vehicle and also a four-door pickup truck that is 100% electric powered. So far, this company has had most of its sales from US government municipalities.
Phoenix motorcars announced in a press release that they have received over 75 fleet orders from several US government municipalities for its new zero emissions all electric freeway ready sport-utility truck. The company is on target to manufacture and sell 500 of these fleet ready vehicles by the end of 2008.
The sport-utility truck can travel up to 95 mph, which makes it truly freeway ready. This vehicle is capable of carrying five passengers and a full payload in its pickup bed. This sport-utility electric powered truck exceeds all specifications for type 3 electric vehicles and has a driving range of 130 miles. Its battery can be recharged in less than 10 minutes and has a lifespan of 12 years. This company’s use of the latest lithium battery technology truly separates it from all other electric vehicle and hybrid car manufacturers.
I will provide more information about the company as posted in this press release and from their website. I'll also provide a link so that you can visit their website and see additional pictures of their products.
Phoenix Motorcars manufactures zero-emission freeway speed all electric vehicles. It is an early leader in the mass production of fully functional, green electric trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). These where developed originally for commercial and fleet applications but the program has been expanded to include general automotive consumers as well.
Based in Ontario Canada and with offices in the state of California, Phoenix Motorcars uses the revolutionary lithium titan ate battery solution, This is a non-toxic, long lasting, and quick charging lithium ion battery pack that eliminates noise and toxic vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.
I do not know how much this vehicle costs, but you can visit their website and contact them for more information. But what I have learned from the vehicle so far is that it could be priceless in our country's future energy requirements, as well as environmental concerns. Here is a link to the Phoenix motorcars website.
Fuel Economy Leads to Engine Downsizing
The recent rise in the automotive fuel economy standards will affect car manufacturers around the world. General Motors states, the new rules mandating an average of 35 miles per gallon will lead to smaller engines in their US vehicles. A General Motors representative stated at the North American international auto show in Detroit that they will not invest a lot of money in eight cylinder gas engines in the future.
Large pickups and sport utility vehicles probably will have six cylinder engines or diesel power plants instead of the eight cylinder gasoline versions. General Motors will also use more aluminum and magnesium to make vehicles lighter and more fuel-efficient. This will cause production costs to rise, and along with it the window sticker price of these vehicles.
 The US government will require average fuel economy to rise 40% by the year 2020. Under tough energy legislation signed into law by President Bush. General Motors stated that complying with the tougher standards might cost an average of $6,000 more per vehicle. General Motors has also stated that they will try as much is possible to preserve the size of the vehicle the American public wants to buy.
More GM auto news.
General Motors is the largest overseas automaker in China, and they will start making hybrid cars in that country this year. The automaker debuted its first hybrid car, the Buick lacrosse in Shanghai. Toyota and GM both are betting that rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness will convince drivers in the world's second-biggest auto market to buy more expensive hybrid cars. 6.3 million passenger cars were sold in China last year and only .03% of them were hybrids.
Visit my updated hybrid cars page. I also added a home made video about how to fix your own car at home with online auto repair manuals.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Hi everyone! I'm just getting started on Xanga... Drop me a comment if you've got some ideas on what to do first - or just to say, "Hi!" :-)
Alternative Fuels Update
Alternative fuels update report In the United States, the Alabama state government is switching its vehicle fleet to ethanol and will spend $324,000 to install a 12,000 gallon E 85 fuel tank and two pumps at the state motor pool. This information is according to the Associated Press, who quoted the governor of the state of Alabama.
All of the equipment should be in place and in operating condition by the end of the first quarter of 2008. The Alabama state motor pool provides vehicles for state employees to use on trips across the state as well as local responsibilities. Currently the state of Alabama has 207 vehicles that are flex fuel capable.
Fuel stations for alternative fuels will also be installed at the Department of transportation's pumping stations. This will be used in all its equipment. the state of Alabama has a total of 3000 vehicles. The state plans on replacing equipment or converting existing vehicles so that they all burn The E85 grade fuel. A $312,000 federal grant will help them make these changes.
Alternative fuels in IllinoisIt is reported by the Associated Press, that Illinois State owned vehicles will all be able to run on fuel derived from Illinois crops in the near future. The Illinois governor has signed a bill requiring state agencies to purchase flexible fuel and biodiesel powered vehicles.
The chief sponsor of the legislation said the law would not only create cleaner air, but also a bigger market for Illinois corn and soybeans. Farmers will have more money to spend in their communities, and new markets will lead to the building of more ethanol and biodiesel plants, which would create hundreds of construction jobs. The new Illinois legislation also encourages state agencies to purchase hybrid vehicles.
Visit marks automotive website for his latest pages that include free gas mileage tips!
Biodiesel alternative fuels
Friendly Biodiesel the Alternative Fuel
First what is biodiesel? This is a clean burning fuel that is derived from naturally accruing renewable organic material such as vegetable oil. Although the fuel does go through a strict refining process that separates unwanted but useful byproducts. If you are interested in the refining process here is a link to a 1 page chart and explanation of the process.
The most important quality of this fuel is it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create bio-diesel blends. This allows the petrol diesel to be stretched using a product that enhances all of our lives instead of destroying it.
Wide spread use of this alternative fuelMost fleet managers understand biodiesel is blend able with petroleum diesel, and serves as an excellent low emission fuel and has good lubricating properties to minimize internal fuel system wear and problems. New Jersey is a leader in biodiesel operation and its largest program operates in the Medford township school bus fleet. This local municipality has replaced 20% of its petroleum diesel with bio diesel since 1997.
Bio diesel fuel is the easiest alternative fuel to incorporate into a green fleet program. Any existing diesel powered engine can use it without changing their refueling facility or the vehicle, As long as the fuel systems are clean. The starting point for a biodiesel program is the use of B5 biodiesel. B5 simply means 5% of the total fuel contents are biodiesel. This is a good starting point to gain confidence with this renewable fuel.
Biodiesel for all
New Jersey is not alone in using this alternative fuel source. The New York City sanitation department is currently using b five at a depot in the Bronx with expectations to increase their usage to a b20 fuel. The township of Medford, New Jersey has had good experience with the bio diesel fuel since 1997. No changes in fuel economy, noticeably reduced emissions and quieter engine operation have been the only results.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation headquarters now dispenses biodiesel, as do several municipalities. Take note that a high percentage blend of biodiesel for example, above 20% are not restricted during warm weather as they are in cold weather. This may be useful when diesel prices exceed the bio diesel prices during the summer months.
Biodiesel is slightly more sensitive to cold temperatures than Petrol diesel; so higher concentration blends could be used only where and when temperatures don't approach freezing. The bio diesel has a tendency to thicken and gel at temperatures below freezing. This can cause fuel injection problems as well as drivability issues.
Mark is a master mechanic and a member of the society of automobile engineers or SAE. You can learn more about the latest alternative fuel powered vehicles at his website. Also visit this page for his true feelings about the latest wave of electric hybrid vehicles!
Car Insurance The Online Quote
Car insurance companies all over the country are offering certain perks that will make a policy with the company more attractive. And, since you can go online now to find insurance quotes, you may want to know if the quotes for car insurance you view on the Internet are accurate. Here are some tips you can use to better understand your online car insurance quote, and make the right decision for purchasing your insurance policy.
Your car insurance quote will be as accurate as you make it in most cases. When you go to sites for companies like Geico or State Farm, you will have to fill in your zip code first, so that the rates in your city or state can be located. You will then have to input information such as your address, telephone number, and the registration information for all of your vehicles. This will determine how much you can expect to pay every month for your car insurance, and will tell you whether or not you are eligible for some of the benefits that the car insurance company has to offer.
Keep in mind that while the car insurance online quote that you will receive is based on the information you supply, it is only an estimate. So, if you think you may be interested in purchasing a policy based on the quotes for car insurance you have received, be sure to talk to an insurance agent before making a final decision. You should also find out all you can about the benefits that will be available to you as a result of your purchase from the car insurance company. For instance, you could be rewarded every year for being a safe driver if you have a policy from All State, and you can choose from platinum, gold, and standard packages that will include features like new car replacement if your car is damaged in an accident, and insurance for other areas of your life, such as motorcycle or boat insurance.
You may also receive additional benefits when you've been a customer for a while, such as travel insurance from AIG, as well as flexible payments plans that you can find out about online. Your car insurance online quote may also include options for payment, and in most cases, you can pay your car insurance bill online through your bank account, and you can find out about changes to your account or policy at your own pace.
On the topic of saving money on your car mark has a new page on his website that includes real life online auto repair stories that can help you save money on car repairs. Learn from the success and failure of others. Also take a look at marks view on automotive maintenance and what is really recommended for your vehicle at specific mileage!
Parts Auto Accessories
One of the best things about buying a new car (or one that is new to you) is shopping for car accessories to deck out your new ride. Many people can't afford to buy the car of their dreams with all the bells and whistles included. This is where discount auto accessories come in, or purchasing high performance car accessories for considerably less than a dealership would offer.
Set Your Budget For Auto parts and accessories
Simply gauge what you're willing to spend on that new auto body kit or spoiler to determine if you need to go the way of discount auto accessories or performance car accessories. Depending on what you're planning to add, expect to spend between a few dollars up to thousands, but you'd be surprised what kind of quality you can find buying or trading for these car accessories secondhand.
Every town has a shop that sells custom accessories that can fit any vehicle. However, the selection in a lot of these stores is very similar, carrying the most popular brands from the big auto makers like Ford, Chrysler, Honda, and Dodge. There is nothing wrong with any of these brands and all offer performance car accessories and aftermarket discount auto accessories. If you are looking for something to make your car stand out when you drive it down the street, you may need to dig a little deeper to find a deal.
A quick browse through the auto section of your local newspaper or Yellow Pages can pinpoint if there are any stores or warehouses that specialize in rarer items. If there are none or if they are too far away to travel to, there are plenty of useful resources online.
Let's face it; a vehicle is an extension of your personality. If you feel good and look good in your car or truck, you're on your way to showing the world what you're all about. Car accessories can help you change the look of your vehicle to match the image you want to convey. Like hotrods? Get a paint job that displays your personality. Into pickups and heavy-duty trucks? Then you need car accessories that make your truck the mean machine it needs to be.
If you're looking for great car accessories, or you want to know what options you have to make your vehicle stand out from the rest, click here for more information on why I use this online auto and truck parts store. 
truck-accessories car-accessories famousmudflaps automotiveaccessories
Automotive maintenance get what your paying for
when you are buying automotive maintenance you want to make sure that you receive what you paid for. A good example of this is that if you frequent a dealership and you purchase their 15,000 or even 30,000 mile maintenance service, there are a lot of things that are supposed to be performed on these checklists.
The 15,000 or 30,000 mile service is usually very expensive and includes many important vehicle safety checks. If you are going to shell out $400 for a 30,000 mile service. Please take the time to review what is supposed to be accomplished During this expensive service.
How to buy automotive maintenance
A good way to verify that some of these vital safety checks were performed is to ask the dealership to provide information about some of the individual items that are checked. For example, there maybe a spot on the service that requires a brake inspection. Ask the dealership to document the percentage of the brakes that are remaining. In yet another example if the tire inflation is to be checked, again ask the dealership to document the tire pressure in all four tires as well.
As a mechanic that has worked at dealerships for more than 23 years, I can tell you that the technician is paid on a flat rate or percentage basis. The technician is motivated to move as fast as he can and may elect to take some shortcuts, which in turn means you have not received a good value for your automotive maintenance dollar. Take some time to review, what is included in the maintenance service and ask lots of questions about each item to your service adviser. This will inform the dealership that you are very hands on an involved in what is being done to your vehicle. This will make the dealership more likely to complete the service properly and to cut corners and rush on somebody else's car.
Another automotive maintenace tip
If your service includes a tire rotation take a minute to mark each tire with a crayon. So that you can verify the tires were rotated during the service. Also when the technician sees these marks on the tire. He is immediately informed that you are watching him and is more likely to perform all the steps that are included in the maintenance service that you have paid top dollar for.
Let me tell you more about the subject and how I feel about shceduled automotive maintenance
The most common car repair scam
The most common car repair scam is the up sell of an unneeded brake job. Brakes are easy to sell due to the safety factors involved with the repair. When a brake job is recommended by a shop, you need to ask questions about why the repairs are needed. This is much more the case when you haven't noticed any problem with your brakes and your vehicle is stopping as normal.
On my own personal vehicle, I will not replace brake parts, unless the pads or shoes are 10% remaining. On my customers vehicles I recommend replacing brake pads and shoes when 20% of the pad is remaining. I have seen some auto repair shops recommend brake pads and shoes at anywhere from 50% to 60% remaining.(Depending how slow the shop is that day)
Look out for car repair scams
If you take your vehicle in for an oil change and have not seen or felt any problems with your brakes. Be wary of the brake job up sell. If you are brake light has been flickering or flashing on or you have experienced pulsation in the brake pedal or even a pulling condition when breaking well this is a good sign that brake work does need to be done.
In some cases auto repair shops will recommend more work than a standard front brake job. Some of these auto repair shops will recommend a complete brake system overhaul and replacements of rotors and drums that can drive a standard brake job from under $100 to well over $500.
How to handle the car repair scam
Asking questions about the repairs that are recommended is your first line of defense against common car repair scams. And this includes the brake job up sell. Ask the shop, why you cannot get away with a standard front brake job and just replacing the pads or shoes.
If the shop claims that calipers are binding This would be evident while driving the vehicle and would cause a pulling condition to the left or right while braking. If they say the calipers are leaking This may also be accompanied by a red brake warning light on in the dash. If a brake fluid leak is indicated ask to see the leaking fluid!
If things seem fishy do not be afraid to move the vehicle to another auto repair center for a second opinion. It's your money and your vehicle and you do have the right to do so!
For more information about car repair scams
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