Archive for January, 2008

Vehicles In Operation Approaching Billion Mark

January 26, 2008

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

January 16, 2008

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

January 10, 2008

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.”

Nissan Announces New Price Adjustments

January 3, 2008

Ah-hah. It’s high time for automakers to announce their price adjustments for 2008. Get the ball rolling, okay, it’s Nissan first…Nissan recently announced interim price increases on all 2008 models (except base 2WD Rogue and 2008.5 Titan models), effective on the 8th of this month. The MSRP raises range between $80 and $170.

Models receiving increases include:

Versa Hatchback and Sedan ($80)
Sentra ($80)
Altima Sedan Hybrid and Coupe ($100)
Maxima ($140)
350Z Coupe ($140)
350Z Roadster ($170)
Quest ($120); Frontier ($100)
Rogue ($120 for all models except for base 2WD)
Xterra ($110)
Pathfinder ($140)
Armada ($170)

For this year, the Japanese automaker’s lineup features a number of innovations and enhancements including the launch of the 2008 Rogue. The Rogue, which went on sale last September, was engineered to add a new dimension to the crossover sport utility segment – satisfying both the functional and emotional needs of its buyers.

Key Dimensions and Specifications

Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque
Transmission: Nissan Xtronic CVT with adaptive logic control and available paddle shifters
Platform: Nissan “C” platform
Drive Configuration: Front engine, front wheel drive; Available all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw moment control; Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System
Steering: Electric power-assisted steering system
Suspension: Subframe-mounted independent front strut suspension with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, stabilizer bar; Independent multi-link rear suspension with aluminum-alloy upper links, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs
Wheels/Tires: 16-inch steel with 215/70R16 tires (base) or available 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires
Brakes: Power-assisted front and rear vented discs with standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist

Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Dimensions
Length: 182.9 inches (4645 mm)
Width: 70.9 inches (1800 mm)
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches (2690 mm)
Height: 65.3 inches (1658 mm)

Additionally, the Altima extended its lineup with the debut of its coupe version in addition to the sedan and hybrids.

Nissan’s roster of adventure-ready trucks and SUVs received significant upgrades for the 2008 model year, with major revisions to the Titan full-size truck, including new Long Bed models and new PRO-4X off-road grade, reported The Auto Channel. The 2008 Armada features a revised exterior and technological enhancement, and the 2008 Pathfinder offers a V8 for the first time in its 22-year history, along with a variety of new features, the report continued.

To learn more about the latest from Nissan and Infiniti, visit www.nissannews.com.