Porsche 60th anniversary

Porsche is celebrating its anniversary!

Happy Birthday Porsche!

A small company becomes the most profitable automobile manufacturer for 60 years of the sports car. Exactly 60 years ago the cornerstone was laid for the family-operated industrial company, whose rise from modest beginnings to become one of the most important sports car manufacturers in the world no one back then would have ever foreseen and on June 8, 1948 Porsche had its first prototype with the 356-001 VIN number. “It all started when I began looking around and just could not find my dream car. So I decided to build it myself.” Ferry Porsche used to say. And the genius and pioneering spirit Ferry Porsche to this day has shaped the philosophy of the company.

Porsche has not only experienced peaks, in the past six decades but also troughs. However gratitude to efficient production methods, clear branding and innovative models, such as the 911, Boxster, Cayenne, and the 356 and the 911, the once small sports car specialist quickly transformed into one of the most successful and profitable automobile manufacturers in the world.

To achieve this special image, mainly through its most varied innovations and also, in particular, in the area of environmental protection, Porsche has worked very hard to achieve all of this. Passed by the Lawmakers, Porsche engineers are never satisfied with only meeting current environmental regulations. It has always been their goal to exceed them. When it comes to environmental protection Porsche vehicles should also set an example. The first authorized emissions test in Europe was performed using a 911, as early as 1966.

Vehicles with the highest percentage of male drivers

When it comes to cars men have a desire for cars that exude power, performance and exclusivity. Vehicles with the highest percentage of male drivers are among the flashiest, loudest and most expensive models on the market.

If you see a canary-colored Lamborghini Gallardo cruising down the street, nine times out of 10 a man will be at the wheel.

Men’s desire to showcase power and aggression with the vehicles they drive stems from an “animal nature,” Men want to be seen and heard. Specifically, they want to be seen in a vehicle that others can’t have. Unlike women, rather than cars, women use jewelry, high-end fashion, make ups, expensive shoes, and expensive handbags to create a distinctive look. When it comes to creating an image of wealth and influence, men have fewer choices in attire and accessories — that’s where the cars come in.

Same goes for other attention-getting sports cars, chauffeur-worthy sedans and burly sport utility vehicles that make up the list of the Top 10 Vehicles Driven by Men.

Top 10 Vehicles with Highest-Percentage of Male Drivers.

10. Aston Martin: 81.25 percent male drivers
9. BMW 6 Series: 81.71 percent male drivers
8. Cadillac Escalade ESV: 85.13 percent male drivers
7. Ferrari: 85.82 percent male drivers
6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 88.84 percent male drivers
5. Dodge Viper: 89.87 percent male drivers
4. Rolls-Royce Phantom: 90 percent male drivers
3. Lamborghini: 90.32 percent male drivers
2. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: 90.47 percent male drivers
1. Maybach 57 and 62: 95 percent male drivers

Toyota Camry vs. Ford F-150 as U.S. top seller

Past year 2006 sources confirmed that Toyota overtakes Ford’s position as the number two carmaker in America. According to New York Times states that inner Ford projections explain that Toyota’s fast growing market share will be higher compare to Ford’s decreasing sales on year 2007. Still, Ford is competing in the auto market, but has practicing a strategy named “Way Forward” that will aid lessen the failures and raise the income by recovering efficiencies and productions. George Pipas, Ford’s head sales statistician, refused to give an idea on the projections, he says “Unless you think Toyota is going to go backwards, it’s a good possibility that they will gain market share.” Toyota is running amazingly fast, the first month it hit Ford in US sales was July 2006.

For this year, there is another issue about the Toyota Camry overtaking the Ford F-150 for the top seller vehicle in United States.

For the month of April 2008, the Camry model overtook the Chevrolet Silverado to go into second rank for the record in a year and is covering closer to the Ford F-150 productions. According to news from the AIADA trader group, Toyota Camry has been reach the top selling passenger automobile in the United States for ten out of the last 11 years but until lately the space involving it along with the F-150 and Silverado was so broad that no one expected their pickups might be beat from their perch.

Ford Motors and GM are from admitting defeat. According to some source, the Ford was set to launch a slighter, smaller and extra fuel-efficient mini-truck akin on the F-150, (in my research, I think it is the F-100 or they call it (“Baby Truck”) at the same time the GM is performing a innovative research revisions on the upcoming of SUV’s and pickups and tactics to bring up more crossovers that look like a typical car to maintain its previous and past SUV purchasers.

Nissan pronounces, Electric cars are future’s answer

Anyone could say that gas costs are going up but the economy is still down. For several issues, many of us wants to be capable to drive faster or buy an electric vehicle than everyone else on the highway, even it is highly-priced vehicles.

Examples are vehicles that can give that guarantee are built exclusively for swiftness. They’re not the types of cars that are mostly better for everything else, like dropping off the children at school or getting up a box of milk coming home from office. These vehicles attain obscene speeds maybe in seconds, similar amount of instance that usual cars have to warm up. Another thing is getting an electric car that obviously you will not need a gasoline or fuel.

Tuesday at Nissan’s headquarters in Tokyo - Carlos Ghosn presented the upcoming five-year plan for the auto manufacturer that is running to be Japan’s second largest auto marker. Carlos Ghosn says that he has seen the impression to the future and next generation vehicle and decided that the answer is electric automobiles.

Nissan is giving out its electric car know-how through its co-company Renault and using the French trademark. Carlos Ghosn has finished a special arrangement to provide products to Israel as piece of a state- backed project that contains generating a bunch of roadside locations where these electric cars can boost their battery.

While its latest factory unit in cut-rated nations such as China and India are generally to produce cars for local markets, Nissan intends to export vehicles from the factories near Morocco, Tangier, a combined project together with the Renault Company that will surely we can see in coming 2010.

Plug-Ins Could Actually Worsen Air Pollution

Plug-ins will soon invade our roads. And ‘soon’ may mean 5 years from now or lesser. But recent findings about plug-ins left me startled…

Reports say they could slash oil use but could worsen air pollution in some areas. They are built to cut harmful emissions at the same time improve mileage. How come they could worsen air pollution?

The reason behind is that the vehicle’s lower tailpipe emissions may be offset by smokestack emissions from the utility generating plants supplying electricity to recharge the big batteries that allow plug-ins to run up to 40 miles without kicking on their gasoline engines, according to USA Today.

The longer a plug-in runs on the batteries alone, the less gasoline it uses. The more electricity it needs, however, the larger are the batteries. Moreover, the longer the plug-in runs on electricity, the greater the charge needed and the more the pollution will be caused by power generation.

If more plug-ins were being recharged with power from the usual coal plants, “There is likelihood for significant increases of soot and mercury,” said a report from Natural Resources Defense Council. As we know, soot and mercury are dangerous to our health.

“We look at plug-in hybrids as the next generation of hybrids. They run cleaner, they save oil and they can save consumers money at the pump,” said Luke Tonachel, vehicles analyst at the NRDC. But, he stressed: “Until our oldest power plants are replaced or upgraded, there could be increases in local particulate matter and ozone.”

“Plug-in hybrids are perhaps not good for all areas,” said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. In “states that are heavily coal, that equation doesn’t work out very well for the environment.”

Another issue worthy of emphasis is that involving sulfur dioxide emissions. A study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that found plug-ins could result in more SO2 emissions. In large amounts, SO2 is toxic.

The said study concluded: “Alternative vehicles offer benefits, but no single technology currently stands out as a clear choice.”

Now, how do you rate plug-ins?

The Best Of The Best Family Vehicles For 2008

Looking for a new and great family vehicle? Now is your chance to make a great choice as Mother Proof presents the best of the best family cars this year! The leading website for helping mothers and women navigate the automotive industry came up with their hot list of winners. Let’s all check it out!

“There are countless family-friendly vehicle options on the market today, offering families a combination of style and features. Our goal is to help women, and moms in particular, evaluate the options best suited for their unique needs. Our awards are unique in that evaluations are based on our own experiences with test vehicles - taking our kids to school, loading up groceries for the week, commuting, even heading out for date night. We put each car to the test the way real families use them in their daily lives,” says chief mother Kristin Varela.

The Auto Channel reported that Mother Proof’s Awards was established in 2006. It is intended to recognize several of the premium new vehicles on the industry.

“Often when people think ‘family car,’ they think only of the minivan,” Varela said. “While that’s a great selection for many people, moms no longer need to limit themselves to the van. The Mother Proof awards showcase a wide range of vehicle types and body styles, all well-appointed for families.”

“All of these vehicles represent the best of the best for families and offer the complete package of safety, style and convenient features for families on the go,” says Varela.

“This year’s Mother Spoof award may be surprising because in terms of safety and family-friendly design, Volvo is known for getting it right. However, we’ve found that the Latch connectors in their models are much more difficult to use than any others we put to the test. This is an issue we have brought to the manufacturer’s attention in previous reviews and hope to see improvements in down the road,” Varela concluded.

2008 Mother Proof Award Winners:

• Minivan: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
• SUV/Crossover (three rows): 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
• Runner-Up: 2008 Mazda CX-9
• SUV/Crossover (two rows): 2008 Mazda CX-7
• Runner-Up: 2008 Mercedes M-Class
• Wagon/Hatch: 2008 Volvo XC70
  
• Runner-Up: 2008 Honda Fit
• Sedan: 2008 Chevy Malibu
• Hybrid: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Runner-Up: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
• Just for Fun: 2008 Volvo C30
• Top Overall Value: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
• Best Latch Connectors: Mini Cooper

BorgWarner Supplies Four Best Engines For 2008

Four of the “Top Best Engines 2008” selected by Ward’s Auto World are provided with components and systems courtesy of BorgWarner Engine group. The Auto Channel reported that the four acclaimed best engines are the Audi FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3), Daimler 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI), Ford 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt) and the Mazda 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3).

“About 70% of our global business is built on systems and components for engines. We are proud to contribute the important benefits of fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced performance to these notable powertrains. Congratulations to our winning customers — Audi, Daimler, Ford and Mazda,” says Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO.

Vehicles In Operation Approaching Billion Mark

Cars, it seems that everywhere you look; you see cars and more cars.  It is of course understood that there are millions of automotive vehicles in operation today. In fact, the number of these vehicles being used today is about to reach the one billion mark in three years time.

That is the prediction by R.L. Polk and Co. The announcement was made at the Automotive New World Congress. According to the firm, the one billion mark will be reached by 2011.  Much boost will come from the expanding Asian auto market.

Today, the Chinese and the Indian auto market are booming. With the unveiling of the world’s most inexpensive car in India by Tata Motors, we can expect that millions of those vehicles will be sold within three years.  That is not even including other Asian countries which are showing signs of increased sale.  And although the Japanese auto market is showing signs of decline, it is still a very large auto market.

Stephen Polk, president, chairman and CEO of the firm said:  “Growth in the Asian market will be volatile in the next three years, but is still likely to lead growth worldwide.  Obviously, Asia has been a burgeoning market for some time and global manufacturers are in a heated race to take advantage of opportunities in the region.”

Polk though said that automakers should not neglect the European and American auto markets.  “Despite the rapid growth in Asia, it is still imperative for automakers to focus on North America and Europe,” said Polk.  “Even with sluggish signs in the economy, these are still growing markets, with a passion for the automobile. Winning here is essential for any automaker’s global success,” he concluded.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: In The Shade Of Green

The Cobo Center in Detroit is probably filled with thousands of spectators from around the world since the opening day of the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Prior to the grand launching, auto manufacturers have revealed what vehicles they will be unveiling.

According to the Auto Channel, the 2008 NAIAS organizers expect that over 50 concept cars and production vehicles will make their international or North American debut at the event.

“We are expecting a very strong show,” said Carl Galeana, the senior show chairman for the NAIAS 2008. “Of the debuts planned that we know of - and there are sure to be some surprises - more than 75 percent are worldwide unveilings with some real blockbuster vehicles that will grab everyone’s attention.”

Here is the most up-to-date list of cars being introduced by manufacturers:

WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION

• Audi TTS
• BMW X6
• BMW 1-Series Convertible
• BMW X5 xDrive35d
• BMW 3335d
• Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
• Cadillac CTS-V
• Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Chevrolet Impala
• Dodge Ram
• Ford F-150
• Honda Pilot
• Hyundai Genesis
• Kia Borrego
• Mazda RX-8
• Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode
• Toyota Venza
• Subaru Forester

WORLDWIDE CONCEPT

• Chrysler ecoVoyager
• Dodge ZEO
• Jeep Renegade
• Fisker
• Ford Explorer America
• Ford Verve
• Hummer HX
• Lamborghini
• Lincoln
• Mazda Furai
• Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK BLUETEC
• Mitsubishi Concept-RA
• Nissan Forum
• Saab 9-4X BioPower
• Saturn Flextreme
• Toyota A-BAT

NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION

• Maserati

NORTH AMERICAN CONCEPT

• Buick Riviera
• Citroen C-SportLounge
• Dodge Hornet
• Honda CR-Z
• Mazda Taiki concept Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid
• Nissan Effis
• Suzuki X-HEAD
• Suzuki SXForce
• Suzuki X4 WRC

Clarion’s EZDrive

Clarion offers another ground-breaking technology that would definitely change everyone’s driving experience. Today, Clarion Corporation introduces America’s newest state-of-the-art portable navigation device… Ladies and gentlemen, Clarion presents the EZDrive or the EZD580!

Clarion’s EZD580 has a 4.3 inch touch-panel screen, a fixed rechargeable battery and sensitive operational controls.

According to the Auto Channel, the EZD580 is the world’s best navigation unit. It is equipped with plain destination input, text-to-speech operation, turn-by-turn voice prompts and selectable route directions. Convenience… That’s what EZD580 navigation device is all about! Furthermore, the device has instant recall of earlier destinations and consists of an astonishing 12 million points of interest in its list… The Clarion EZDrive (EZD580) portable navigation device will have its debut by springtime this year.

Product features of the Clarion EZDrive EZD580 (M.S.R.P. $399.99) include:

• 4.3″ Touch Panel Control
• 2GB NAND RAM Flash Memory
• Built-In 64MB RAM
• 12 Million P.O.I.
• Text To Speech (TTS) Operation
• Turn-By-Turn Voice Prompts
• RDS/TMC Ready (via NAVRDS accessory)
• Maps of USA and Canada
• Built-In Bluetooth Multiple Profiles (A2DP/ AVRCP/ HSP/HFP)
• SD/SDHC/ MMC Card Interface
• MP3/WMA Music Playback
• Picture Viewer/ Slide show
• Built-In Speaker and Microphone
• Lithium Rechargeable Battery
• Built-In SiRF Star III GPS ant.
• Mini USB 2.0 Interface
• Window Mount, Dash Mount Disc and Retractable Stylus Pen

“We are very excited to offer such an advanced portable navigation system. This year we doubled the memory size, added 4 times the POI’s, feature text- to-speech and Bluetooth audio streaming and remote control profiles,” states Bronson Peng, Clarion’s Product Planning Manager. Peng explains, “It is small, easy-to-use and now includes 12 million points of interest. The EZDrive will get you anywhere you want to go.”