Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Transport News - Sales Report of Best Luxurious Cars

German luxury automobile manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have all managed to sustain strong sales growth in China over the first three months of the year.

BMW 7 Series

According to a report appearing in the Guangzhou Daily today, Chinese sales of BMW and Mini cars in the first quarter totaled 80,014 units, a 37 percent increase from 2011. A total of 30,593 vehicles were sold last month, growing 41.1 percent from last March and setting a new monthly record. 75,008 BMWs were sold in the first quarter. Sales of the 7 Series grew nearly 40 percent, while the X series of SUVs saw their sales grow a full 92 percent, with over 20,000 units sold. Meanwhile, Mini sales totaled 5,006 units, 32 percent higher than first quarter of 2011. Over 4,000 BMWs and minis were sold in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, combined.


Audis Q5
FAW Volkswagen Audi's sales totaled 89,475 units in the first quarter of the year, a 41 percent increase from 2011. The joint venture sold 31,245 Audis in March alone, equivalent to a year-on-year increase of 37.8 percent. It's three major domestically manufactured models, the A6L, A4L and Q5, managed to bring in 25,237 orders in the month. Among them, sales of the Q5 SUV totaled 7,802 units, growing 155 percent from the previous year. The JV sold over 6,000 imported Audis during the month. A total of 346,100 Audis were sold worldwide in the first quarter of the year.

A total of 19,080 Mercedes-Benz, Smart, AMG and Maybach vehicles were sold last month, while quarterly sales totaled 54,720 units. Mercedes' flagship S-Class managed to bring in 3,420 and 13,400 orders in March and the first quarter, respectively. Sales of the domestically manufactured long-wheelbase E-Class and C-Class grew 36.4 percent in the first quarter. Smart car sales in March and the first quarter totaled 1,860 and 4,760 units, respectively.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

World’s fastest motorcycle | Kawasaki ZZR1400 2012

The world's fastest accelerating motorcycle 2012 ZZR1400 is offered by Ninja. Ninja is the trademarked name of a series of Kawasaki sport bikes, which started with the 1984 GPZ900R. Kawasaki is promising the new 2012 ZZR1400 (Ninja ZX-14R in the US) is the world's fastest accelerating production motorcycle.

No power figures have been released but the new bike’s engine has had a stroke increase to 65mm, bringing capacity up nearly 7 per cent to 1441cc from the old model’s 1352ccThe torque spread is huge too, with a claimed 69lb.ft (9.5kgm, 93Nm) available at just 2,000rpm!

The outgoing model made a claimed 197bhp (200PS, 147.3kW) and 114lb.ft (15.7kgm, 154.6Nm) torque, so it’s likely the new model will produce around 207bhp (210PS, 154.5kW), with a peak torque of approximately 120lb.ft (16.6kgm, 163Nm).

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Top Speed Car - Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 2012

Bugatti is lighting up the Auto Show floor with a special edition Bugatti Veyron Super Sport developed especially for the Chinese market. The special edition will be completely painted in black visible carbon, and then combined with an interior that mixes "Snow Beige" and "Beluga Black."


The black carbon paint is combined with polished and anodized aluminum insertions, a new set of alloy wheels, EB logos on the wheel caps, and a fuel filler cap and rear lid. The interior of the Bugatti special edition will get "Snow Beige" leather for the seats, and that color will transfer over to the floors mats and the stitching on the steering wheel as well. The doors and center console are all dressed up in carbon fiber.

Under the hood, everything remains unchanged. This beautiful beast will feature a 16-cylinder engine with a total output of 1200 HP. With this amount of power, the Super Sport will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of 267 mph.

Shelby Reveals 950bhp Tuned Mustang

'They' say absolute power corrupts absolutely. We say pish: more is definitively better than less. And with that, may we present to you the Shelby 1000.

It is the most powerful Shelby ever built, and arrives on a wave of history: exactly 50 years ago Carroll Shelby premiered the Cobra at the '62 New York motor show, announcing the arrival of a new tuning house.

So for this year's milestone show, he wanted to set another marker for the ages. Having already achieved Big Numbers with the 800bhp Super Snake, his team of mechanics took the GT500 Mustang, stripped its 5.4-litre Ford V8 down to the block and beefed it up.
The head was flowed, the cooling was revamped and the exhaust was upgraded, and there's now a choice of either a Kenne Bell 3.6-litre or Whipple 4.0-litre supercharger on offer, that can, in Shelby's words, "crank out serious power all day long".

Ah yes, power. The street version produces around 950bhp, while a S/C 1000 track version offers up 1100bhp. The driveshaft is now stronger, mercifully, while the suspension includes new struts, sway bars and bushings, and Shelby tells us they worked closely with Ford Racing, Boria and Tremec to hone the wild ‘Stang.

They also held focus groups with Shelby customers too, who "overwhelmingly" asked for an understated exterior approach. "Everything was engineered and designed with a form follows function philosophy", Shelby VP Gary Davis says.

"For our return to the New York auto show," says Carroll, "I wanted something just as incredible that will show how far we've come and where we're headed for the next 50 years."

Just 50 will be built, and it'll cost you close to $200,000 - around £125k.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Skoda Is Panning a Volkswagen Touareg


Skoda has revealed plans to expand its range with a pair of new SUVs. And we got all the details following a chat with Eckhard Scholz, Skoda’s technical director, at the Geneva show.

Scholz told us: “There are several volume segments we are not currently in. We’re discussing both directions at the moment [MPV and SUV]: personally, I prefer SUVs.”

He continued: “There’s certainly space in the range for two SUVs, one bigger and one smaller than the Yeti. Whatever models we bring, they have to be compatible with our international markets – India, China and Russia.”

While the small SUV will use the VW Group’s new MQB platform, as shown on the VW Cross Coupe concept, the large one would need to be based on the Touareg’s underpinnings.

Scholz hinted: “Our big SUV needs an attractive price. It can’t be luxurious like the Touareg. It has to be practical and attractive. The Yeti is fantastic on road, but not so great off-road. In the bigger SUV segment, it needs to be a different concept with bigger wheels plus different engines and transmissions.”

Scholz didn’t offer a timeframe for these two cars, yet with the VW Group’s parts bin at his disposal, they could arrive in two years. In the meantime, a seven-seater Yeti is on the way.

He denied a Citigo vRS was also planned, using the 109bhp three-cylinder turbo from the VW up! GT, but said that an electric Citigo is in the pipeline and a two-cylinder petrol engine is under consideration.

2013 BMW M6 Convertible to unveil in New York

BMW has revealed their most powerful ever production drop-top in the form of the 2013 F13 M6 Convertible, a car who’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 needs no introduction.

We’re already quite familiar with the car already, but the Bavarians still wanted to show it at a major auto show in America before it hits the market, and so New York was chosen as a venue.

2013 BMW M6 Convertible to unveil in New York

Of the two models, first to arrive on US shores will be the M6 Convertible as a 2012 model year starting in June, while the Coupes will come this summer as a 2013 model year. Pricing will only be revealed at the car’s launch date.

As you might already know, both come with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 560-hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated as standard to a high-torque, seven-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Top 10 Fastest Cars In The World 2012-2013

The all-new edition showing the fastest production cars in the world right now, and the ones you will be seeing in the future. Here are the top 10 best and fastest cars in world for this year 2012.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Launching New Models to the Annual Bangkok International Motor Show

Auto-makers in Thailand are busy intorducing new models prior to the annual Bangkok International Motor Show. Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Suzuki are the latest auto-makers to introduce newest models for the Thai market this month.

Yesterday, Korean auto-maker Hyundai launched the 1.8-litre Elantra compact sedan, which is priced from Bt1.089 million to Bt1.199 million. There is also an entry-level model priced at Bt899, 000, apart from the other two.

Launching New Models to the Annual Bangkok International Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz earlier introduced the M-Class and Viano, while Mitsubishi and Suzuki are scheduled to officially launch the Mirage and Swift Eco Cars next week. The ML 250 CDI Blue-EFFICIENCY 4MATIC, priced at Bt4.499 million to Bt5.99 million for the Sports AMG version, is powered by a 2,143cc four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler capable of producing 204hp at 4,200rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1,600-1,800rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes nine seconds and the top speed is claimed at 210 km/hr. The transmission is a new seven-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus) with four wheel drive off-road package.

The Viano also comes with a 2,143cc engine, but has a lower output of 150hp and 330Nm.
Grey importers are also quick in offering new Mercedes-Benz models.

Benz NK has also announced that it is offering the M-Class as well as the B-Class imported from the UK.

The B-Class is powered by a 1.6-litre engine capable of producing 122hp and 200Nm.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

London transport confident of staving off Olympic tube strike

London, uk transportation managers ignored concerns of a reach on the undercover practice system during this year's Olympic games saying they were assured a cope could be arranged that would prevent disorder for individuals and sports lovers.

London tube strike
However, transportation managers are still in contest with three boroughs who item to constraints on the Olympic Path Network ORN.L, something organizers must apply to boat authorities, the press and others between locations and accommodations.

TfL was also criticised for the potential effect the ORN might have on air quality during a London, uk Construction reading.

Transport is a major issue for organizers, having to cope with filter roads that are generally blocked with traffic and a creaking undercover system congested during high times.

Organisers are wanting to prevent the preconception that has dogged the 1996 Atl Game titles after some sports sportsmen never appear for their activities on time because of transportation problems.

Last week, associates of the RMT track partnership who perform on the London, uk Underground, known as the pipe, were provided a reward of 850 pounds each to perform during the Game titles, the newest provide in a long-running contest.

RMT had denied past provides, saying too many post were connected, and had officially announced a contest with London, uk Underground, one move short of contacting a poll. But partnership managers said they would consider the newest provide.

Deals have already been arranged with employees on the overground, track system and the key Olympic artery the Docklands Light Train.

"Discussions with the RMT are continuous," the TfL's Movie director of Game titles Transport Level Evers informed the London, uk Construction.

"We are assured that we will have a cope in place with them ... well before Game titles."

The questions by three boroughs to parts of the 109-mile ORN could lead to a judicial evaluation.

The boroughs, in reaction to an established appointment, dispute the ORN could cause traffic jam for companies and control citizens.

Halloween Costumes

Sunday, February 26, 2012

CDA directed to improve public transport facility

The Prime Minister's Task Force on Islamabad has aimed at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to launch a decent public transport facility for residents of the central assets at the earliest.

public transport

Prime Minister's Task Force on Islamabad Chairman Faisal Sakhi Butt in a meeting held with CDA Chairman Engineer Farkhand Iqbal said that the provision of transfer facility for the residents is a main concern of the task force, which would help overcome the ever-increasing complexity of civic and development problems. He called for some viable solution to resolve the chronic issues of transport facilities, which is the need of the hour to facilitate the residents.

Faisal Sakhi Butt said that development projects worth billions of rupees had been executed without having any consultation with the residents of the city and other relevant stakeholders. The authority must take the residents of the city on board while executing any development project, he said. The government is committed to promoting the concept of public-private partnership to make the city the hub of economic activities.

He said that the prime minister had taken keen interest in development of the federal capital on modern lines and for this purpose the issues neglected during successive regimes had to be resolved. On the occasion, CDA Chairman Engineer Farkhand Iqbal said the authority was already working on the plan to launch a decent transport facility, providing the best travelling facility to the residents at nominal charges.

Thanks: dailytimes.com.pk

Halloween Costumes

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Suzuki Swish 125 Launched

suzuki swish
A month after the Suzuki Swish 125 was reveal at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the Japanese two-wheeler producer has launched the gearless scooter at Rs. 45,431 ex-showroom, Delhi. The Swish 125 carries the same design idiom as the Suzuki Access 125 but looks better and exudes a more premium feel.

Powered by the same 125 cc, air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke petrol engine as on the Access, the Swish 125 has a maximum power of 8.7 PS @ 7,000 rpm and 9.8 Nm @ 5,000 Nm of torque – decent enough for the urban two-wheeler commuter. The scooter also features CVT, telescopic front shock-absorber with drum brakes in both wheels. The fuel tank and under-seat storage capacity of 6 litres and 20 litres, respectively, is the same as the Access 125’s. The Swish 125 also sports an attractive instrument panel, an aluminium grab rail for the rear passenger and a better looking muffler cover.

The scooter is targeted at those looking for a handsome vehicle that offers a little more attention-to-detail in terms of design. At Rs 4,000, it’s also priced a notch higher than the Access 125, which will continue to be sold alongside the new model that is being pitched as a slightly more premium option by the manufacturer.

In terms of competition, the Suzuki Swish 125 will lock horns with the Mahindra Rodeo and Duro apart from its own Access. So far, Suzuki Motorcycles have maintained a very conservative approach in terms of its offerings in the Indian two-wheeler commuter market, preferring to take one step at a time. With the Swish 125, Suzuki hopes to attract young urban buyers who want a bit of style and power from their scooters.

Thanks:zigwheels.com/news-features/news

Halloween Costumes

Monday, February 06, 2012

Adult pirate costumes for your Halloween dress up

Adult Pirate Halloween Costumes
Halloween is one among the most auspicious times of the year that is cherished and celebrated with a lot of spirit all around the world.

Everyone loves to dress up in some costume or the other on this day, trying to look as realistic as possible and fit pretty well into the character. On this day, everyone around the world irrespective of their age or size dress up in bizarre costumes and party all through the night. Irrespective of which character you dress up as, authenticity is very appropriate and important. At least everyone expects to look as real as the character while they dress up and they put in a lot of effort, money and time to create that appropriate character look.

Children on this same day dress up in children’s costumes and run around the neighborhood playing trick or treat. Trick or treat is a very popular concept. Children visits their neighborhood homes and asks for trick or treat while they are supposed to perform as the character in which they have dressed up as and authenticate their character. In return, neighbors give them sweets, candies and chocolates as treat. Traditionally it is believed that the concept to have originated from the fact that children ought to be treated on this spooky day or they can trick you into a scheme. Some people believe that children could cast a spell or jinx their neighbors with their special magic powers when neighbors fail to treat them. However, this is just a superstitious concept and every household all around the globe cherish the concept with a lot of passion that they always end up treating these kids with chocolates and candies irrespective of whether children performs as the character or not. In fact, every year during Halloween, they see to that they include large quantities of chocolates and candies in their grocery shopping lists. When it comes to costumes, you have two choices. You can either choose to purchase the outfit at retail or wholesale costume shops or you can make your own outfit from your own closet using simple accessories and clothes.

There are also retail shops that rent these costumes instead of selling them which works out all the more cheaper and convenient for you. However, in order to look authentic it is advisable for you to opt for purchasing these costumes which allows you to use them for several years to come or rent these costumes for Halloween instead of making them on your own. Jack Sparrow and Pirates of the Caribbean has been a very popular theme ever since it hit the market. Everyone loves the movie and rejoices Johnny Depp’s performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. The character has some wide base of fanatics as well. So it’s understandable that many would love to dress up as pirates for the upcoming Halloween.

You can find these adult pirate costumes across several websites online and retail stores. However, if you choose to purchase it, it is very important that you purchase it from a reputable store or a website in order to ensure the costume’s quality. These costumes are considerably expensive and no one would like to waste on poor quality costumes. Hence, it is very important that your research thoroughly on the background of the website or store before purchasing or renting these costumes. And always remember to never compromise over quality for cheap price at any given day.

Jackson is a Expert author for Halloween costumes and Women Costumes.He has written many articles like Adult pirate costumes. For more information visit our site http://www.costumecenterusa.com.
Contact him at ccusamaster@gmail.com

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Short History Of The COSTA CONCORDIA

The COSTA CONCORDIA was structured in January, 2004 as a bigger, modified version of the 102,587 gross ton COSTA FORTUNA and COSTA MAGICA which entered service in 2003 and 2004 respectively. The newest vessel would be the name ship of the “Costa Concordia Class” of five (5) nearly identical 114,147 gross ton ships that would take just about three hundred (300) more passengers than their predecessors.

costa concordia

Based on double-occupancy the latest Costa entrant would carry 3,004 passengers and a crew of over 1,000. At full capacity there could be up to 3,780 passengers aboard occupying the 1,502 staterooms. The overall length of the ship is 952 feet (290.2 meters), a beam of 116 feet (35.5 meters) and a draft of over 26 feet (8.2 meters). The newer Costa ships are based on a common platform as vessels in parent company Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. The same basic design for the COSTA CONCORDIA, originated with the CARNIVAL CONQUEST class of ships beginning in 2002.

The rapid pace of building is well illustrated by the large number of ships delivered by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyards during the decade from 2002 to 2012. For just the two brands, Carnival and Costa, the yard produced 19 cruise ships, 11 of which share similarities of design with the COSTA CONCORDIA. Among their many subsidiary companies, Costa Cruises and their affiliated Aida Cruises brand were the primary beneficiaries of Carnival’s new building largesse. The COSTA CONCORDIA entered salt water for the first time from the Sestri Ponente yard of Fincantieri near Genoa, Italy, on September 2, 2005. The floating out ceremony was somewhat unusual in that it resembled a traditional ship launch more than a mere move to the builder’s wet dock. Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison was present for the blessing which was performed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Archbishop of Genoa. An employee of the shipyard, Graziella Frisone, acted as Godmother. As she sent the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the hull, the bottle did not break. Widely regarded in seagoing lore as an extremely unlucky omen, another shipyard worker successfully smashed the bottle against the hull on the second attempt. On June 30th the largest Italian ship in history was delivered, followed by the official christening ceremony on July 7, 2006 by supermodel Eva Herzigova. Again underscoring the rapid building pace, the next ship of the class, the COSTA SERENA was floated out on August 4th and commenced her own maiden voyage in May, 2007.

Thanks: http://maritimematters.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

Motorcycle among prizes for Jubilee

Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Corporation will contribute a high-end motorcycle to the 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, to be raffled off as part of the Jubilee's fund-raising efforts, organizers of the event said.

The annual Jubilee is a benefit for NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement.

The donation is part of the motorcycle company's new national program to help nonprofits, according to Ed Forbush, president of Iron Steed Harley-Davidson of Vacaville, and the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee in April is the first nonprofit organization to benefit from the corporation's generosity. Forbush worked with NorthBay Healthcare Foundation staff to prepare the winning grant that is bringing the donated motorcycle to Solano County.

The bike, a 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited in Vivid Black -- with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $23,999 -- will be raffled off as part of the Jubilee's $35,000 cash and prize raffle. It will be on display at venues to be determined, as well as at the Jubilee itself.

"We are extremely honored to have been chosen by Harley-Davidson to be their program's first recipient and want to thank Ed Forbush, who brought the opportunity to our attention," noted Brett Johnson, NorthBay Healthcare Foundation president. "We're already planning a number of events -- such as a Poker Run through Suisun Valley on April 21 -- to showcase this top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson motorcycle."

Thanks : http://www.thereporter.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

European Car Market Slipped in 2011

European Car Market
The European car market fell by 1.4% to 13.6 million vehicles in 2011, marking the fourth-consecutive annual decline and the outlook for this year looks bleak as tough austerity measures are expected to eat into demand.

“In 2011, most of the significant markets declined,” the European automobile manufacturers association, or ACEA, said Tuesday in a statement.

The French market dwindled by 2.1%, the U.K.’s fell 4.4%, while new-car registrations in Italy contracted by 10.9% and in Spain by 18% year-to-year, reflecting the region’s economic woes, particularly in Southern Europe, ACEA said.

Still, Germany—Europe’s largest car market—posted an 8.8% increase compared to 2010, backed by a more robust economy and better consumer confidence. There was a similar divide between car categories, with makers of luxury cars faring better than mass-market manufacturers. Registrations for BMW AG rose by 7.7% last year to 810,199 cars in Europe, helped by a 19% rise at its Mini brand. German rival Daimler AG’s market share in Europe was flat year-to-year as it eked out a 0.4% rise to 671,480 cars in 2011. Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker by sales, posted a 7.8% rise in new-car registrations to 3.17 million vehicles, driven by its luxury Audi brand as well as its VW and Skoda brands.

Thanks: http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Bajaj RE60 four-wheeler unveiled

bajaj RE60

Four (4) years after Bajaj Auto showcased its ‘small car’ at the 2008 Auto Expo, the two- and three-wheeler giant has unveiled what it calls the RE60. “It is not a car. It’s a four wheeler,” said Rajiv Bajaj while addressing the media at hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi.

The RE60 will be built at Bajaj Auto’s Aurangabad plant and the launch will take place in a few months from now. The company refused to divulge the price. However, it said that the RE60 will deliver close to 40 kmpl and emit only 60g/km of CO2, making it one of the most fuel-efficient and green vehicles in the market.

The RE60 caters to the commercial passenger segment and is designed to gradually replace the autorickshaw as a mode of transport. And the Bajaj MD has a point, as the RE60, complete with four wheels and doors, is a much safer and convenient mode of transport compared to the three-wheeler autorickshaw.

The four-wheeler will have a 200cc, water-cooled, fuel-injected DTSi engine that will put out roughly 20 PS of power but the light kerb weight of just 400 kgs gives the vehicle a power to weight ratio similar to A-segment cars in India. The engine is mounted at the rear of the four-wheeler and as a result boot space is limited to 44 litres.


Read More : http://www.zigwheels.com/

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Acura’s New NSX, 2013 Buick Encore, 2013 Dodge Dart, 2013 SRT Viper

Acura’s New NSX
Been away from your computer this week and missed all the automotive news? We’ve gathered a few of the top stories of the past week for your convenience.
Acura’s Future Product Plans — Including New NSX

Acura shared some its future product plans, the most exciting of which were promises of a new NSX supercar. A concept version of the NSX will bow at the Detroit auto show in January 2012, but we probably won’t see the finished production model for another three years. The aggressive, angular new coupe will showcase Honda’s technology know-how, with a hybrid SH-AWD drivetrain that uses a gasoline engine to power the rear wheels, and twin electric motors to power the fronts. In addition, Acura dished on the 2013 ILX, which is a small Honda Civic-based sedan; the 2013 RDX, which is an updated version of Acura’s small crossover; and a new flagship model that might be as large as a BMW 7 Series.
Buick Teases 2013 Encore Crossover Before Detroit Unveiling

Buick revealed a small teaser image of the 2013 Encore, a small crossover that will make its official debut at the Detroit show. The Encore will slot below the Enclave in Buick’s lineup, and is slated to offer the same range of upscale amenities, including QuietTuning noise reduction, we’ve come to expect from all Buick products. Both four- and six-cylinder engines are likely in store for the Encore.

Inside Look: Dodge Releases More 2013 Dart Interior Photos

Dodge has revived the Dart name from its archives and will apply it to a new small sedan, the 2013 Dart. Having granted us a look at the outside, Dodge has now shared photos of the interior of the upcoming Dart. A high-quality, Dodge Charger-inspired dashboard is home to a touch-screen infotainment system and a customizable LCD in the instrument cluster. The new Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, although that platform will be lengthened and widened slightly for use in the American-spec Dart. The new car will make its debut at the Detroit show and should go on sale next year.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Toyota, Yamaha unveil connected electric trike, e-bike

e-bike
With populations in urban centers expected to surge over the next few decades, auto manufacturers are looking beyond cars to find ways to mobilize the population without using more fossil fuels. Toyota teamed up with Yamaha to show off a couple of electric bicycle concepts at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. They're not the first companies to tackle e-bikes, but they could be the first companies to show how these non-traditional EVs can be connected to smart grids.

The three-wheeled EC-Miu and the electrically power-assisted Pas With bicycle are designed to work with the Toyota Smart Center, an advanced smart grid energy-management system designed for homes, businesses, and power companies, which means your e-bike will be another appliance you can manage online.

Commuters will be able to recharge these e-bikes using the same G-Station charging stations used by electric vehicles. Embedded Wi-Fi capability will give riders a way to use smartphone-based navigation and telematics services.

The manufacturers went one step further and modeled how electric bicycles could be integrated in city-wide bike-sharing programs, creating a mashup of Daimler's electric Car2Go program in San Diego and Paris' Velib project. By giving commuters a way to get from A to B without breaking a sweat, these electric bike concepts could make it easier to opt for two or three wheels instead of four, which would help ease congestion on city streets. However, they'll still have the problem of creating helmet hair.

No information on range, speed, or charging times were given in the news statement, but for comparison, the Smart eBike has a range of about 62 miles and a top speed of about 15 mph.

source:http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57333645-1

Monday, December 05, 2011

Honda Adds Almost 1 Million New Vehicles To Airbag Recall

honda
Honda‘s airbag woes grew significantly after they recalled an almost 1 million additional vehicles.

The issue involves airbag pressure in 2001 and 2002 Accords, Civics and Odysseys from 2001 through 2003, CR-Vs from 2002 to 2003 and 2003 Pilots. The recall also affects 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TLs and 2003 3.2 CLs.

The latest development primarily includes vehicles sold in North America. Owners can expect to receive notice soon if their car is included The recall started three years ago, so far Honda has recalled 2.8 million vehicles.

source:www.autoguide.com