Posted by Auto Bots: Two days ago, GM finally secured a contract with the United Auto Workers union (AUW), saving GM an estimated $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion per year. The new ratified labor contract was achieved when AUW voted 74% for the ratification. Read more: UAW - GM Ratified Contract [click]
Tags: renaissance tower detroit, gm michigan headquarters. Comments: 0.

Does global warming resonate with America?

Today, most Americans - most of Main Street - believe that hybrid cars are "strategically" important to the United States. Yet, most of these Americans have real doubts about global warming. So, how do most Americans reconcile this bit of irony?

Foreign oil dependency.

According to recent data, most Americans believe hybrid cars are "strategically" important because of foreign oil dependency, followed by saving auto jobs. For most Americans, global warming is not a reason to buy a hybrid vehicle.

Yet, Democrats, when discussing the issue of the oncoming auto revolution, always frame this conversation around global warming. Around carbon. Around cap and trade. Main Street, however, does not agree with Democrats on this issue.

Of course, once America also believed 'separate, but equal' was a fair policy until the government led America out of that insanity. So, the government leading the people, rather than the people leading the government, is sometimes a necessary evil.

Nonetheless, why not more of a focus on ending foreign oil dependence? Inevitably, ending foreign oil dependence would have a positive impact on global warming. Moreover, ending foreign oil dependency, like beating the Russians to the moon, is something almost every American could rally behind. Foreign oil dependence is the thread that can sew unity amongst the workers, industry, and and the government.

Ultimately, inevitably, American tax payers are going to risk as much as a few hundred billion on the US auto industry. Why not leverage this investment into a national campaign to end foreign oil dependency? Besides if you bring average Americans into this movement, it will probably be easier to work cap & trade legislation through Congress in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

Can you bring your vehicle to a sudden stop safely? A visitor to the Arrive Alive website sent an email with the attached photo of incorrect placement of traffic signs. I could not help smiling despite knowing that this is a potentially dangerous “road condition” – which I believe has since been addressed by the traffic authorities!

It also reminds us that sometimes we might need to bring our vehicle to a sudden stop – and to have our vehicles properly maintained and the brakes checked!

Also view the new section titled Road Traffic Signs of South Africa.

Ford better get ready to increase its hybrid production

In just a few years, shoppers of Honda hybrid cars will face a tough decision.

Should they buy the cheapest and smallest Honda hybrid, the Fit or the larger Honda Insight? Or, for those not interested in hatchbacks and desiring a little more passenger space, the Civic hybrid might be better . Then again, maybe some Honda hybrid consumers won't care about size, but instead prefer something sporty like the CR-Z sports hybrid.

So, why is Honda going hybrid crazy? Well, perhaps they've seen JP Morgan's latest hybrid prediction. By 2020, according to JP, hybrid sales in the US will reach 19.4 percent of the new car market.

Shoot. If gas prices pull another 2008 in the next few years, I'd say that JP is underestimating the hybrid market. In fact, the way that Honda is ramping up its hybrid efforts, I wouldn't be surprised if Honda was hybrid-only by 2020.

Now, US automakers, that's a whole other story.

Or will they fall further behind?

By 2015 it seems quite obvious that Toyota and Honda will be pumping out more than a million small hybrid cars per year.

Will GM or Chrysler offer any small hybrids?

Certainly, GM will offer the Chevy Volt, but it won't be either price competitive with these small Japanese hybrids, nor will it be profitable.

If efficiency is the driver of the future auto industry, how can GM and Chrysler compete in the new world order if they still cannot compete with the Toyota Prius or the Honda Fit hybrid either today, or in 2015?

Certainly the administration's efforts to protect the US auto industry, particularly to save as many auto industry jobs as possible, are noble in intent, but will they lead to profitable companies?

Also, is it fair that the government will ultimately pump, minimally, $50 billion into GM for its failures while Ford gets nothing for its business intelligence? Are we rewarding failure rather than success? Is that really the path to a healthy, profitable US auto industry?

We at Carblog have a passion for the `67 Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, but also enjoy the 2010 Ford Mustang. So now that there’s a chance to win one, we’re all game. All pimped up by the creative Chip Foos, here’s the custom Mustang GT that you can win if you enter yourself on PowerBlockTV.com. And if winning a car is not enough, this pony features an Edelbrock supercharger system for more power, a stylish Roush body kit, Magnaflow exhaust, stunning Foose wheels, Baer brakes, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, and a paint cover that charms upon a first glance. The car is going to be awarded on October 12th … [via Autoblog]

If you’ll end up for a couple of days in London you’ll see that these guys take cars really serious. Except for the Police. While I stayed 3 days in the city I *failed* at seeing supercars with the Police signs on them. Apparently, things are about to change because Jaguar UK is going to come up with a specil XF Diesel S model especially for the force. Stylish looks and good performances, the car is one fine addition to the motorpool. It runs on a 3-liter diesel engine that sends it naught to 60mph in 5.9 seconds and achieves a 42mpg.The first ever Police-spec XF is currently being evaluated by Police forces across the country, but I havea  feeling it’s going to stick with them …

If the stock Bentley is not enough, MTM has what you’ve been searching for. It’s called the Birkin Edition upgrade and is meant for the Continental GT, GTC, GT Speed, GTC Speed, Flying Spur and Supersports. The upgrade kit includes a chrome front grille, a stainless steel exhaust system, centre and end muffler with throttle control, a four-pipe rear spoiler and stylish 21-inch alloy wheels. But it’s not only a visual upgrade because MTM worked the engines, a bit, too. The Continental GT for example, has been upped from 560hp to 635hp and now reaches a max speed of 331km/h. But all these come at a price. MTM is going to charge you 20,000 Euro if you’re not opting for the Individual Programme.

We don’t know exactly who Lars is, but he’s got a great talent. Check out his interpretation of a Subaru WRX STI that edges away from the ugly exteriors we’ve been used with. Of course Subaru was never about stylish curves, since they had monsters under the hood, but this rendering exudes sophistication and beauty from every little joint. A new front-end, narrow honeycomb grille, steeper curves and modified headlights, that’s what makes it a great car to drive. [via Jalopnik]

Posted by Auto Bots: Wednesday is GM's worst nightmare. It was the day that will be written in history as GM will be officially entering bankruptcy after 101 years of existence. They failed in convincing their debtors to forgive their 90% debts, thus ensuring GM the Chapter 11 forced bankruptcy. Read more: US Government Will Be GM's Major Stakeholder [click]
Tags: gm bankruptcy news, general motors fate. Comments: 0.

MINI is turning 50. The guys are going to celebrate with a limited edition MINI WC50 that not only says “Happy Birthday” but also pays homage to John Cooper’s 1959 F1 Title. Under the hood nothing changed but if you take a closer look to the outside, it features bi-xenon lights, an aero kit with a carbon fiber bonnet scoop, carbon fiber mirror caps and a stylish rear diffuser. With only 250 units only meant for Europe, the green MINI WC50 is an interesting addition that will definitely cause head turns on the streets. [via TFTS]

The rumors continue to swirl

A while back Honda announced that it would convert its Fit into a hybrid version, but Honda has never been very clear about when exactly such a vehicle would be offered. Rumors have indicated it could go on sale as early as late 2009 or as late as 2015.

The latest rumors, however, indicate that the Honda Fit hybrid will go on sale sometime in 2010 at a cost of just $15,800, and that the automaker hopes to sell 50,000 Fit hybrids per year.

Not so many decades ago, most in America claimed small Honda and Toyota cars would never take off in America. And this American arrogance and ignorance helped pushed the US auto industry to the precipice of liquidity. Today, Honda and Toyota are preparing to roll out - combined - over half a million small hybrid cars per year, and yet Detroit has neither a product offering nor a plan to compete with such vehicles.

In this repeat of history, however, the Big 3 aren't sitting atop the automotive world. This time they are either in or near bankruptcy. Will America really be able to compete?

A hybrid pickup truck from GM

Can plug-in technology turn trucks and SUVs into fuel saving monsters? I guess that depends on your definition of good fuel economy.

Google's REChargeIT program converted a number of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids into plug-in hybrids. The Prius averaged about 93 mpg, but on city trips it averaged as much as as 115 mpg. The Ford Escape hybrid, on the other hand, averaged about 50 mpg, and that's a relatively small SUV.

The fact is, is that the fuel economy of most American trucks and SUVs is insanely pathetic. Yet, trucks, for instance, are the top selling vehicles in America, and turning these vehicles into plug-in vehicles is far too cost-ineffective today. Nonetheless, something has to give.

Either Americans have to give up these vehicles, or US automakers need to dramatically increase their fuel economy, and they need to start as soon as possible. So, why not some kind of government carrot and stick that forces US automakers to convert all trucks and SUVs into hybrid vehicles, while offsetting the price difference for the first few years? Also, as battery technology develops, many of these hybrid pickups could be converted into plug-in pickups.

Ultimately, can we really expect the US auto industry to survive without forcing great change? Moreover, shouldn't that change begin in the sector most important to US automakers?

A car for NBA fans?

I'm not the sport's fan I was growing up. Typically these days, I might watch a few bowl games, the Super Bowl, a little Final Four action, and the NBA finals.

This year, however, I've found myself watching quite a few NBA playoff games, and I've been shocked at the number of Toyota Prius commercials I've seen on the channels covering NBA games. And, it's not just TV, I've also seen Prius ads on ESPN.com's home page.

Sure. In the past, a few Super Bowl MVP's might have picked up a Cadillac Escalade hybrid as part of their award, but do hybrid cars really appeal to professional athletes and the cohort of consumers that follow these athletes?

Minimally, Toyota is willing to spend a good chunk of money to find out. Still, I find it hard to believe that environment-driven commercials are the right way to attract this segment to a vehicle like the Prius. Of course, since LA is still in the playoffs, maybe it's exactly the right way.

Found in Monterrey, Mexico, this custom Lotus Exige S is a sure bet to getting some Latina eyes on you. Running on a supercharged 1.8 liter DOHC engine supplied by Toyota and known as Exige Scuderia, the car features a custom body kit with rear diffuser and a huge wing, and a KOMO-TEC S300 Phase 3 intercooler upgrade kit that takes power output to a good 300hp. It’s a great tuning exercise, but too bad, we don’t have a price for the final version. [via gtspirit.com] (Photos by Jorge Rios)

Nurburgring is an amazing place to spy on, because there’s always something that gets the eye. Same goes for the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, which is a topless version of the new V12 Vantage that has easily become one of the most charming cars these days. Running on the same 6.0 liter engine as the coupe and sporting 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) with 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque, the convertible is going to be a BIT slower than its bigger brother because of the extra weight required to stiffen up the chassis. Only limited to 1,000 units (and some saying 500 units) the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is a gem we’d like to own if we’d have the money. [via WCF]

Coming much sooner to a dealer near you?

A couple of years ago a number of Chinese automakers started showing up at major auto shows. At the LA show, for instance, such Chinese vehicles usually found themselves in the basement - out of sight out of mind.

Nonetheless, I've been following some of these Chinese automakers, particularly BYD and its lithium battery business, ever since. Yet, it has been hard to take this automaker too seriously. Well, at least it was hard. Warren Buffett's recent stake in BYD certainly opened my mind.

Of course, BYD still doesn't have a history of quality car making, so BYD's big future still seems far into the future - which makes the news of a potential partnership between VW and BYD quite compelling. If BYD has hammered out the kinks of its hybrid vehicles, especially its lithium batteries, then VW could certainly help bring BYD's technology to market significantly faster than BYD could achieve on its own.

At this time VW and BYD are simply exploring options and possibilities, but the potential of this partnership seems like it could be a game changer.

 

 

 

 

 

Sports events are not only keeping us in front of the television, but the reason for thousands of sports enthusiasts travelling to and from sports stadiums across South Africa. We have added a few safety suggestions for our spectators travelling in their own and rental vehicles:

• Check your car’s roadworthiness. Headlights, indicators, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, tyre pressures, exhaust system and possible oil or fuel leaks.
• Ensure your windscreen is always clean and scratch-free, both inside and out.
• Make sure your headlight glass is clean, that the bulbs are in good working order and that the lighting system is properly positioned.
• Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheel brace.
• Do not overload your vehicle with passengers and baggage. The vehicle will be less stable, difficult to steer and take longer to stop.
• The driver’s control and operating space in the overloaded vehicle is diminished, escalating the chances for an accident.
• The overloaded vehicle cannot accelerate as normal – making it difficult to overtake
• Carry a roadside emergency kit.

We would like to invite all our sports enthusiasts to view the “Spectator Survival Guide to Safety on the Road to Sports Stadiums”

Posted by Auto Bots: Tokyo, Japan is one of the world's leading cities when ti comes to new technologies, especially with automobiles. They have the largest automaker in the world, Toyota, as well as other key players in the global auto industry. Read more: Tokyo Motor Show or No Show [click]
Tags: 2009 tokyo motor show, japan big three. Comments: 0.

Unlike Porsche which is not doing that great these days, Honda is among those that are being hit by the economic downturn, but not that bad. Rumors coming from Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport and Japan’s Holiday, have it that the Japanese automaker is currently working on a sleek four door coupe. Dropped between the TSX and the TL line range, the new Acura coupe is probably going to run on a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to Acura’s SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS system. An amazing ride that sure gets the eye, we’d love to see this beauty on the streets next year, but can’t help wondering how expensive it’s going to be … [via TempleOfVTEC]