General Motors CNG & LPG Vehicles
by Robert Jent
American demand for CNG (compressed natural gas) or LPG (liquefied natural gas) powered vehicles may not be high currently, in part, because American car companies like Detroit’s General Motors are not actively promoting them to U.S. customers. However, overseas in European and Asian markets, General Motors has quite an interest and prolific production of alternatively fueled vehicles with production continuing through GM’s foreign subsidiary companies. Truthfully, the amount of CNG and LPG filling stations that exist within the fueling infrastructure of the United States would necessitate expansion. While there do exist nearly 1,100 CNG filling stations across the U.S., many are for private or commercial fleets, and a large amount of them are located within California’s borders, so a cross-country trek in a natural gas powered vehicle would currently be out of the question. In Europe, because of the smaller distances to travel, and the more readily available filling stations, natural gas powered automobiles are on the rise.
Most American consumers are not familiar with the popularity of natural gas powered vehicles in Europe and do not realize that the same products could be marketable in the United States as well, with the right promotional help from General Motors and other American motor companies. In addition to producing natural gas fuelled vehicles for European motorists, General Motors is currently working with natural gas distributors and providers to expand and enhance the compressed natural gas infrastructure in Europe. With General Motors help, Germany’s number of filling stations will rise to 1,000 this year, Austria and Switzerland are expanding their numbers, and France will have over 300 in the next few years. Western European totals are currently around 2,000 and growing. General Motors Korean subsidiary, GM Daewoo, has an increasing number of liquefied natural gas powered vehicles on the road, 117,270 vehicles since 2002, helping to improve the overly polluted air of South Asia. GM Thailand hasn’t missed a beat either, with their Optra model being the first and only compressed natural gas vehicle offering a three-year/100,000 kilometer full warranty. General Motors is stepping up efforts in the United States, if hesitantly, with an increased focus on the renewable fuel E85 ethanol, made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol can be produced locally and domestically from a large selection of different materials such as corn, grass, sugarcane, and agricultural waste.
As U.S. motor companies like General Motors increase their products’ relationships with natural gas, American companies such as Triple Diamond Energy Corp will undoubtedly be prepared to fill the new fueling needs.
Senin, 05 Mei 2008
Fighter jets at your local Saab dealer : New Saab 2008
Fighter jets at your local Saab dealer
by Gareth Jones
It could be argued that I’ve never grown up, well mentally anyway ��" I’m far from being Peter Pan (I’m not ginger to start with), however when I was literally ‘growing up’ I wanted to be a fighter pilot. The thought of cruising the earth at warp speed seemed a delightful idea until one fateful day, when some dream shatterer proclaimed: “You’ll have to go to war you knowâ€. Suddenly this well crafted career choice from a six year old was shot down. Then developed the fear of flying, the poor eyesight and technophobia ��" not exactly Top Gun material (although I do feel the need, “The need for speed!â€) Now I’m older and mildly wiser than my six year old self, I can nip to my local Saab dealer and pick up a luxury 9-3 and have a fighter jet for the road ��" sort of. Speed is very nice indeed you see and Saab cars are a bi-product from the Swedish giant that started life building planes. With this in mind let’s take a wander down memory lane and talk all things 9-3. The original Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Company ��" must’ve picked up Swedish from my hours spent lost in Ikea) was established in 1937 with the remit of building planes for the Swedish Air Force. However, with World War Two drawing to a close, the company decided on the production of passenger cars to prolong it’s business. It’s very first car, the 92, so called as it was the 92nd design in Saab’s history was perhaps unsuprisingly the most aerodynamic car available ��" although it couldn’t take off. By 1970, Saab had built and Saab dealers had sold their 500,000 car. In the late 70s and throughout the 80s, Saab became renowed for turbocharging their cars to give customers the formidable cocktail of power and aerodynamic efficiency. As a result sales throughout the 80s were strong, until the competition caught on and Saab suddenly found themselves with more cars than they could sell and a heap of debt. In 1990, General Motors snapped up the company, initially with a 50% share with Swedish company Investor AB, before aquiring the entire business. With this steady footing, Saab made a profit in 1995 ��" its first since 1988 and with it’s new-found confidence and finances, the 9-3 was born. Replacing the outgoing and profit making 900 model, the 9-3 was launched in 1998 and can be found nestling either new or used at any Saab dealership. The car featured curvy lines and innovative features including the ‘Night Panel’ which only lit up crucial instruments on the dashboard at night to lessen distraction. Both the 9-3 and its big brother the 9-5 were the first cars in the world to achieve the maximum side impact safety score, based on NCAP testing. The first generation also featured the fighter jet for the road ��" the Viggen. Named after its namesake that actually is a plane and meaning ‘thunderbolt’, the Viggen was a madcap limited edition return to Saab’s glory days of turbocharging. Less than 3,000 were produced worldwide and critics complained of torque steer in low gears due to its uncontrolled power. In an effort to keep things on the black stuff, a special spoiler was fitted to add 50% more downforce and a revised bodykit reduced drag incredibly by a further 8% over the already slippery design. Enough statistics though, put simply, if like me you’ve ever wanted to be a fighter pilot but have a host of reasons why you can’t, a 230bhp Viggen will sort that. Just think when you’re next asked by the pretty lady in the office what you drive, you can say “I drive a thunderboltâ€. Just don’t put your foot down too rapidly or the critics will say “told you so†as you’re climbing out of the hedge with a rapid termination of relations with office lady. If the above is too vulgar though, the 9-3 second generation and facelifted 2008 models may be to your liking. The best selling derivative is the convertible, under the bonnet of which is a turbo tuned in three stages depending on how quickly you want to get a speeding ticket. Unlike the Viggen however, the second generation goes about it’s business in a grown up way and is suitable in equal measure for speed freaks and businessmen. Once again the 9-3 features a host of gizmos ��" particularly ones that will save your life, such as head restraints that reduce whiplash. Unfortunately ejector seats are not listed as an option in the brochure. So there we have it - ten years on the 9-3 continues to deliver the very Saab combination of opulent aerodynamic design and council estate ferocity under the bonnet. Saab is also the exclusive royal warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden, so you get a crown on the badge too ��" take that BMW man.
by Gareth Jones
It could be argued that I’ve never grown up, well mentally anyway ��" I’m far from being Peter Pan (I’m not ginger to start with), however when I was literally ‘growing up’ I wanted to be a fighter pilot. The thought of cruising the earth at warp speed seemed a delightful idea until one fateful day, when some dream shatterer proclaimed: “You’ll have to go to war you knowâ€. Suddenly this well crafted career choice from a six year old was shot down. Then developed the fear of flying, the poor eyesight and technophobia ��" not exactly Top Gun material (although I do feel the need, “The need for speed!â€) Now I’m older and mildly wiser than my six year old self, I can nip to my local Saab dealer and pick up a luxury 9-3 and have a fighter jet for the road ��" sort of. Speed is very nice indeed you see and Saab cars are a bi-product from the Swedish giant that started life building planes. With this in mind let’s take a wander down memory lane and talk all things 9-3. The original Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Company ��" must’ve picked up Swedish from my hours spent lost in Ikea) was established in 1937 with the remit of building planes for the Swedish Air Force. However, with World War Two drawing to a close, the company decided on the production of passenger cars to prolong it’s business. It’s very first car, the 92, so called as it was the 92nd design in Saab’s history was perhaps unsuprisingly the most aerodynamic car available ��" although it couldn’t take off. By 1970, Saab had built and Saab dealers had sold their 500,000 car. In the late 70s and throughout the 80s, Saab became renowed for turbocharging their cars to give customers the formidable cocktail of power and aerodynamic efficiency. As a result sales throughout the 80s were strong, until the competition caught on and Saab suddenly found themselves with more cars than they could sell and a heap of debt. In 1990, General Motors snapped up the company, initially with a 50% share with Swedish company Investor AB, before aquiring the entire business. With this steady footing, Saab made a profit in 1995 ��" its first since 1988 and with it’s new-found confidence and finances, the 9-3 was born. Replacing the outgoing and profit making 900 model, the 9-3 was launched in 1998 and can be found nestling either new or used at any Saab dealership. The car featured curvy lines and innovative features including the ‘Night Panel’ which only lit up crucial instruments on the dashboard at night to lessen distraction. Both the 9-3 and its big brother the 9-5 were the first cars in the world to achieve the maximum side impact safety score, based on NCAP testing. The first generation also featured the fighter jet for the road ��" the Viggen. Named after its namesake that actually is a plane and meaning ‘thunderbolt’, the Viggen was a madcap limited edition return to Saab’s glory days of turbocharging. Less than 3,000 were produced worldwide and critics complained of torque steer in low gears due to its uncontrolled power. In an effort to keep things on the black stuff, a special spoiler was fitted to add 50% more downforce and a revised bodykit reduced drag incredibly by a further 8% over the already slippery design. Enough statistics though, put simply, if like me you’ve ever wanted to be a fighter pilot but have a host of reasons why you can’t, a 230bhp Viggen will sort that. Just think when you’re next asked by the pretty lady in the office what you drive, you can say “I drive a thunderboltâ€. Just don’t put your foot down too rapidly or the critics will say “told you so†as you’re climbing out of the hedge with a rapid termination of relations with office lady. If the above is too vulgar though, the 9-3 second generation and facelifted 2008 models may be to your liking. The best selling derivative is the convertible, under the bonnet of which is a turbo tuned in three stages depending on how quickly you want to get a speeding ticket. Unlike the Viggen however, the second generation goes about it’s business in a grown up way and is suitable in equal measure for speed freaks and businessmen. Once again the 9-3 features a host of gizmos ��" particularly ones that will save your life, such as head restraints that reduce whiplash. Unfortunately ejector seats are not listed as an option in the brochure. So there we have it - ten years on the 9-3 continues to deliver the very Saab combination of opulent aerodynamic design and council estate ferocity under the bonnet. Saab is also the exclusive royal warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden, so you get a crown on the badge too ��" take that BMW man.
Sabtu, 03 Mei 2008
Mazda Dealers Baltimore And Negotiating For The Best Deal : new Mazda car 2009
Mazda Dealers Baltimore And Negotiating For The Best Deal : new Mazda car 2009
by Rex Freiberger
Not long ago I came to the conclusion that I had worked enough overtime, I was ready, and the time had come to purchase a new vehicle. My old car from the 1990s was showing its age. With several Mazda dealers in the Baltimore area, I decided to go and check out some my favorite cars.Sometimes car shopping can be quite enjoyable rather than a chore. It helps if you know exactly what you want before you go out there. It can difficult to find what you want if you don't know what choices of colors and accessories are available for the car you want. That's where the Internet comes in.Before online shopping began, finding and buying a car was much more labor intensive. Now, with online shopping you have a virtual showroom at your fingertips, showing you almost every car on the lots in full detail without ever leaving the comfort of your home. As I checked on a number of Baltimore Mazda dealers on line, I didn't have to waste time and gasoline to find what I was looking for.It's important to know that I do not negotiate. I wouldn't be the person for you to come to if there was a major emergency or you desperately needed to secure that new contract. Unfortunately, I get a little too excited. Ever since I first got into that car all those years ago I've completely loved the smell of the seats and the smooth surface of the dashboard. I would give practically anything to be able to drive off in it.When the need for a new car turns into a yearning, there isn't much you can do other than succumb to it. I ventured out to a few of Baltimore's finest Mazda dealers in Baltimore to see what they had to offer, then I called up a few of my friends. This can be tricky, because you need to be sure the friend you contact is level-headed. It can't be someone who will drool the minute he lays eyes on the car, and talk you into buying it. Anyone that makes a "vroom" sound when he gets into the car should be crossed off the list. Pick people you trust, and who you know are reasonable.When it all comes down to it, you need a new car, and there are many people who would like to sell you one. Try your best to locate as close as possible what exactly your are looking for then just get down to business. Lets be honest, once you've found your baby it's really just a matter of how long you can hold out till you give it. Good Luck!
by Rex Freiberger
Not long ago I came to the conclusion that I had worked enough overtime, I was ready, and the time had come to purchase a new vehicle. My old car from the 1990s was showing its age. With several Mazda dealers in the Baltimore area, I decided to go and check out some my favorite cars.Sometimes car shopping can be quite enjoyable rather than a chore. It helps if you know exactly what you want before you go out there. It can difficult to find what you want if you don't know what choices of colors and accessories are available for the car you want. That's where the Internet comes in.Before online shopping began, finding and buying a car was much more labor intensive. Now, with online shopping you have a virtual showroom at your fingertips, showing you almost every car on the lots in full detail without ever leaving the comfort of your home. As I checked on a number of Baltimore Mazda dealers on line, I didn't have to waste time and gasoline to find what I was looking for.It's important to know that I do not negotiate. I wouldn't be the person for you to come to if there was a major emergency or you desperately needed to secure that new contract. Unfortunately, I get a little too excited. Ever since I first got into that car all those years ago I've completely loved the smell of the seats and the smooth surface of the dashboard. I would give practically anything to be able to drive off in it.When the need for a new car turns into a yearning, there isn't much you can do other than succumb to it. I ventured out to a few of Baltimore's finest Mazda dealers in Baltimore to see what they had to offer, then I called up a few of my friends. This can be tricky, because you need to be sure the friend you contact is level-headed. It can't be someone who will drool the minute he lays eyes on the car, and talk you into buying it. Anyone that makes a "vroom" sound when he gets into the car should be crossed off the list. Pick people you trust, and who you know are reasonable.When it all comes down to it, you need a new car, and there are many people who would like to sell you one. Try your best to locate as close as possible what exactly your are looking for then just get down to business. Lets be honest, once you've found your baby it's really just a matter of how long you can hold out till you give it. Good Luck!
Jumat, 02 Mei 2008
How Can I Improve Gas Mileage? : New hybrid cars
How Can I Improve Gas Mileage? : New hybrid cars
by Doogster
We all know that the price of gas is spinning out of control and it seems to be cutting into everyone’s personal budget or your business’s bottom line. Well you can continue doing the same things you’ve done up until now, and expect different results……however, doing nothing, gets you nothing! If you are really serious about saving fuel, perhaps buying a hybrid is in your future, those vehicles are now getting anywhere from 25-54 mpg. But for those of us who can’t take that financial leap will have to use common sense, and creativity in generating fuel savings. I have outlined a few tips and suggestions that perhaps will get you more bang for your buck at stretching your cars fuel mileage. Taking advantage of simple gas savings opportunities will definitely reduce your spending at the pump on every fill up.
Shop around, find the station in your area either while shopping or an internet search (ex: gasbuddy.com) with the best gas prices and fill up weekly or bi-weekly while you are out doing your normal errands or doing business. Pump prices can vary up to 20% within only a few blocks!Inspect and replace the air filter in your vehicle if needed. Yes, savings can be upwards of 10% in mpg. That could be a savings of 35-40 cents a gallon at today’s prices!Check tire pressure monthly and rotate tires regularly. It’s best to check the tire pressure in the cooler hours and go by the brands suggested pressure fill. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by 2% of each pound it is under inflated!DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT! For every 5 miles you drive over 60 mph, you add an extra 10 cents (or more) per gallon of fuel that you purchase!Avoid Rush Hour if at all possible.Use your cruise control on the open road. Acceleration is the big enemy of fuel economy.Consider taking a basic vehicle maintenance course. Properly maintaining your vehicle is the #1 way to save in fuel consumption. Get a book or check into a local college course. Only 15% of your fuel is used, the rest is lost for many different reasons. It is absolutely critical that your vehicle is running as efficient as possible!Reduce the load in your car with heavy items. You can add 1-2% in fuel mileage by eliminating unnecessary heavy items in your vehicle.Buy gas at wholesale clubs (Walmart, Costco). You will often save upwards of 10 cents per gallon.Reduce drag. Remove the ski-, bicycle- or luggage-rack on your roof, that will seriously reduce wind resistance and save you money. Drop the tailgate on your truck when driving if not needed.Coast to a stop signal. Keeping a foot on the gas and braking abruptly wastes gas.Use gas credit cards. You can save 5-10% with gas rebates.Use public transit or carpool. Just drive to the depot or designated park n pool commute from there. You will notice a substantial savings in a short period of time!
I have covered just a handful of simple gas saving techniques that can be applied to start saving on fuel bills and stretching your vehicles mpg stats. I hope you find these tips and suggestions useful to ease your pain at the gas.
Tags: hybrid automotive, hybrid cars review, hybride auto
by Doogster
We all know that the price of gas is spinning out of control and it seems to be cutting into everyone’s personal budget or your business’s bottom line. Well you can continue doing the same things you’ve done up until now, and expect different results……however, doing nothing, gets you nothing! If you are really serious about saving fuel, perhaps buying a hybrid is in your future, those vehicles are now getting anywhere from 25-54 mpg. But for those of us who can’t take that financial leap will have to use common sense, and creativity in generating fuel savings. I have outlined a few tips and suggestions that perhaps will get you more bang for your buck at stretching your cars fuel mileage. Taking advantage of simple gas savings opportunities will definitely reduce your spending at the pump on every fill up.
Shop around, find the station in your area either while shopping or an internet search (ex: gasbuddy.com) with the best gas prices and fill up weekly or bi-weekly while you are out doing your normal errands or doing business. Pump prices can vary up to 20% within only a few blocks!Inspect and replace the air filter in your vehicle if needed. Yes, savings can be upwards of 10% in mpg. That could be a savings of 35-40 cents a gallon at today’s prices!Check tire pressure monthly and rotate tires regularly. It’s best to check the tire pressure in the cooler hours and go by the brands suggested pressure fill. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by 2% of each pound it is under inflated!DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT! For every 5 miles you drive over 60 mph, you add an extra 10 cents (or more) per gallon of fuel that you purchase!Avoid Rush Hour if at all possible.Use your cruise control on the open road. Acceleration is the big enemy of fuel economy.Consider taking a basic vehicle maintenance course. Properly maintaining your vehicle is the #1 way to save in fuel consumption. Get a book or check into a local college course. Only 15% of your fuel is used, the rest is lost for many different reasons. It is absolutely critical that your vehicle is running as efficient as possible!Reduce the load in your car with heavy items. You can add 1-2% in fuel mileage by eliminating unnecessary heavy items in your vehicle.Buy gas at wholesale clubs (Walmart, Costco). You will often save upwards of 10 cents per gallon.Reduce drag. Remove the ski-, bicycle- or luggage-rack on your roof, that will seriously reduce wind resistance and save you money. Drop the tailgate on your truck when driving if not needed.Coast to a stop signal. Keeping a foot on the gas and braking abruptly wastes gas.Use gas credit cards. You can save 5-10% with gas rebates.Use public transit or carpool. Just drive to the depot or designated park n pool commute from there. You will notice a substantial savings in a short period of time!
I have covered just a handful of simple gas saving techniques that can be applied to start saving on fuel bills and stretching your vehicles mpg stats. I hope you find these tips and suggestions useful to ease your pain at the gas.
Tags: hybrid automotive, hybrid cars review, hybride auto
Chinese Automakers Step Into Hybrid Vehicle Production : New Hybrid car review
Chinese Automakers Step Into Hybrid Vehicle Production
Chinese automaker Chery has announced that it plans to begin production of a hybrid gas-electric sedan this summer following the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. To publicize the availability of the vehicle, the company is providing the Olympic Committee with 50 vehicles for use during the Games.
The first hybrid off the line for Chery will be a gas-electric hybrid of the A5 sedan. The standard gasoline version retails for about USD$10,000 and the hybrid version will come with a $1,500 to $3,000 premium added to that. Other Chinese manufacturers, including Geely, Chang’an, BYD and SAIC all plan to introduce hybrids by the end of 2008.
BYD has announced its plans to develop a gas-electric hybrid for the European market within the next two to three years. BYD was formed in 2003 and initially developed lithium-ion battery technology. Based upon its successes in that field, the company has committed to the production of hybrid vehicles. The company reports that its prototype can travel 110 km on battery power alone. Initially, the company expects to make 500 units per month, but could expand its production to 2,000 units per month within the next year.
The manufacturers have not indicated whether they plan to bring hybrid vehicle designs to the US market, however Chery has developed a number of vehicles designed to appeal to US consumers that will be distributed through Chrysler as part of a twenty-five year agreement between the companiesSource:hybridcarchat.com
Tags: hybrid automotive, new car, new hybrid cars review 2008
Chinese automaker Chery has announced that it plans to begin production of a hybrid gas-electric sedan this summer following the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. To publicize the availability of the vehicle, the company is providing the Olympic Committee with 50 vehicles for use during the Games.
The first hybrid off the line for Chery will be a gas-electric hybrid of the A5 sedan. The standard gasoline version retails for about USD$10,000 and the hybrid version will come with a $1,500 to $3,000 premium added to that. Other Chinese manufacturers, including Geely, Chang’an, BYD and SAIC all plan to introduce hybrids by the end of 2008.
BYD has announced its plans to develop a gas-electric hybrid for the European market within the next two to three years. BYD was formed in 2003 and initially developed lithium-ion battery technology. Based upon its successes in that field, the company has committed to the production of hybrid vehicles. The company reports that its prototype can travel 110 km on battery power alone. Initially, the company expects to make 500 units per month, but could expand its production to 2,000 units per month within the next year.
The manufacturers have not indicated whether they plan to bring hybrid vehicle designs to the US market, however Chery has developed a number of vehicles designed to appeal to US consumers that will be distributed through Chrysler as part of a twenty-five year agreement between the companiesSource:hybridcarchat.com
Tags: hybrid automotive, new car, new hybrid cars review 2008
Kamis, 01 Mei 2008
Talladega!
399
that was awesome,such a tight race,a monster save by Kyle Bush,
drafting,close racing,lots of possible winners...F1 please take notice.
acrylic on paper 8x11"
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