Monthly Archives: April 2010

Author: Art Gib Title: Volkswagen Beetles: A Long History Article: Volkswagen Beetles have long been one of the most popular cars and most recognizable symbols of the auto industry. The Beetle has a long history, one that begins before World War Two, and stretches all the way to modern day automobile manufacturing. Let’s take a look bag through the history of the Beetle, so that we can understand why is has become such a symbol of popular culture today, and check out the new options for Volkswagen cars at your local VW dealers NJ today.

The Beetle was first introduced in Germany, as an alternative to more expensive cars. It was meant to be a mass produced, affordable automobile for the average German. Adolf Hitler was one of the first supporters of the Beetle, thinking that it would be a great alternative and meant to be a “people’s car”. Hitler helped to design the car that could carry two adults and three children and go the speed of 60 mph. The original price was 1000 Reichmarks. It was originally though that the car could not be built, but there were prototypes unveiled by 1935. Hitler himself laid the cornerstone for the new factory that would continue to roll out these revolutionary family cars. Unfortunately, with the start of the war in 1939, the thousands of people who had hoped to buy the car were turned away. The factory was retooled to make military vehicles instead.

Finally, as the war ended the production of the Beetle could start again, using the same factories that had originally been built for that purpose. As the Beetle slowly made its way to America, in 1972 it became the most popular car ever made, a position that was previously held by Ford’s Model “T”. The last Beetle to be made in Germany was in 1978, but production was moved to Mexico, where the cars still sold as a symbol of peace, happiness and freedom.

After a short falling out, the new version of the Beetle was rolled out in 1997, and were an immediate hit for not only Americans looking for a nostalgic link to their past, but a generation of new drivers who loved its innovative design and features. The Volkswagen Beetle has been a pinnacle of American automotive history, as the “Little Big That Could.”

Today, you can still see Volkswagen Beetles of each variety, both new and old, still on the streets. Check out your local VW dealers NJ for a better look at one of these classic German-American cars. Bernardsville Volkswagen (http://www.bernardsvillevw.com/) is one of several VW dealers in NJ. Art Gib is a freelance writer. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Mike Trudel Title: In-Vehicle Entertainment Systems Help End The Question, “Are We There Yet?” Article: As consumers discover the advantages of in-vehicle entertainment, the automotive industry is experiencing surging interest in further developing the automotive technology. Features such as rear-seat DVD players and satellite radio have been especially successful. Modern consumers’ desires for on-the-move infotainment may be further fueled by the needs of larger families and longer travel times.

Indeed, vehicle manufacturers have indicated they will continue to use electronics to gain an edge with consumers. A particularly family-friendly feature, in-vehicle entertainment systems are increasingly integrated into SUVs and minivans. Children who once insisted “Are we there yet?” may now be the last to leave the vehicle when a favorite movie is in play.

Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) systems are factory-installed and integrated into the vehicle’s interior to allow rear-seat passengers to play DVD movies, watch broadcast media or plug in a game platform via an LCD color monitor. The DVD player forms the core of the system, which can also play audio CDs and MP3s as well as display JPG format images.

Automotive technology for video/wireless systems with tailored occupant options continues to be explored and fine-tuned. With this technology, drivers can listen to satellite radio while passengers can separately use headphones to listen to MP3 players or watch DVDs.

Due to the appeal of DVD-based RSE systems and mobile satellite television systems, the focus on the automotive infotainment industry has shifted recently. Once a predominantly car audio systems-based entertainment market, audio-video-based infotainment systems have allowed the industry to realize the concept of multi-zone infotainment in passenger vehicles.

Backseat television, the next big wave of in-vehicle entertainment, is becoming a reality with the introduction of Sirius Backseat TV (TM). When equipped with this service, parents can leave the DVDs at home and click on satellite television programming instead.

According to a Sirius press release, Chrysler LLC was announced as the exclusive automaker to offer Sirius Backseat TV(TM) beginning with its 2008 model-year vehicle lineup. Another press release in February 2008 announced an agreement to extend Sirius(TM) exclusive relationship with Chrysler through September 2017.

The Sirius system boasts a dual DVD system, which can play different media at the same time through an innovative multimedia system. While rear-seat passengers watch Sirius Backseat TV(TM), front-seat occupants can listen to Sirius Satellite Radio. The system is operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. The channel name, program title and rating are also displayed on the screen. In addition, when the vehicle is in park mode, programming can be displayed on the multimedia screen for front-seat viewing.

Developing technology that retains its shelf life and exceeds consumer demand is a challenging endeavor to fulfill. And it’s the type of challenge OEMs and their suppliers expect to overcome for the in-vehicle market. Given the developing nature of the market, parents who once struggled to get their kids into the car may have a new fight on their hands, getting them out. Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.

Delphi Corp. is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corp., please visit www.Delphi.com/4Innovation or www.Delphi.com/4Connected. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Bailey Title: What Can Make Your Car Look Extremely Cool Article: When it comes to your car, there are a lot of people that want to invest in making their cool look better, go faster, and do more things. Unforunately, these things often come at a hefty price. Along with that, they need to be installed, and that is more expensive than the product itself half the time.

There is one way that you can definitely add the “cool” factor to your car, through a body kit. The great thing about a body kit is the ability to customize. There are so many different variations of body kits that it would be practically impossible to find every one of them.

Body kits are somewhat like spoilers, ground effects, rims, and other accessories you can add to your car that make it look better. Overall, body kits are the most bang for your buck. Aftermarket companies have done a great job creating the best looking body kits for the camry.

The reason that body kits are such a good investment is only when you buy them online. You can get them very affordable, and have a lot more options then local shops. You can have custom-made body kits where you pretty much tell them what you want the body kit to emphasize and then they will do it, but that comes at a bigger price tag.

Other than that, there are pre-designed and pre-built body kits that the company has put together which they feel looks best for what they are trying to achieve. These are always a good bet to make especially if you have seen their work on several cars, and the price you are going to be will be extremely cheaper.

A great money saving tip is that if you plan on buying a new car, and you want to get the top of the line manufactured version, don’t. They overcharge you way too much for what it really costs to have the parts and accessories made.

Take the time and buy the stock, and get your own body kit, get your own accessories, and get your own engine modifications. Not only will it cost you less, it will be more customized to your likings, so you will enjoy it more. Also, you will get a better deal on what your doing as well, whether it be better performance, better look, or better accessories, you will often find that to be true.

Many body kits can be assembled by yourself, but sometimes they ask for alterations to certain parts, and if you are not experienced with what you are doing, you definitely don’t want to ruin your brand new body kit, or even worse your car. Take the time and money and go to a shop that can help you get it installed right, even if you have to pay a few extra dollars.

On top of that, most body kits come unpainted, thus you would need to get it painted. Some people know how to paint a body kit well, but if you have a brand new beamer, your not going to want to do it yourself. Because, those glossy paint jobs aren’t easy to replicate on your own, getting it done by a professional is the best bet to keep your car looking smooth.

What you have to watch out for is their return policy, make sure to test every piece, without drilling or altering the original body kit at all, you want to make sure all of the pieces will fit into place before you do anything. A lot of body kit sellers will not allow you to return ot exchange your product, thus you want to make sure that you got the right thing.

There are many different styles you will find from wide, to normal, customized or not, and some with more material than others. It’s all about preference when it comes to a body kit, you have to look around and see what you like the best, and then go from there.

If you have the knowledge, tools, and the ability to install the body kit on your own, go ahead and go for it. Even though it may say it is recommended to have it installed by a professional, that is so that people who don’t have any experience with cars, specifically body kits, won’t try to put it together and mess something up to the point where they can’t assemble it anymore.

Make sure, if you’ve been thinking about getting a body kit, compare prices between different websites, and make sure to look at all of the body kits you can find for your car’s make and model before you purchase one, because often times you’ll find one you like more later on. Kevin Bailey loves Inexpensive Body Kits.
He knows that the Camry,
especially 2007 Camry Body Kits,
do it the absolute best. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Thomas Pretty Title: The Four Rings, Overtaking The Competition Article: Audi are still considered part of the Big 3 car makers from Germany. They together with BMW and Mercedes make up a large part of the car market in the world as well as Europe. This is because all three are famed for making excellent luxury and business saloons such as the 3 series, E class and the A5. All of these cars are also reliable and can last a long time without having any mechanical problems.

Due to Audi having to compete with the other two German companies as well as the rest of the world, they have to be able to produce great cars, this will allow their reputation to be retained and gain even more potential customers. The current Audi range is very big with a large amount of different vehicles spanning the range. This has allowed Audi to cover nearly all the different parts of the car market and reach a lot of different people’s needs that means there is potential to gain a lot more customers.

The current model range consists of 9 vehicles that span from one end of the market to the other. Their smallest car is the Audi A3 that has direct competition from other cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus. Their saloon range is extremely large ranging from the family saloon to the business and then luxury saloon. The A4 and A5 are family saloons that are used by people all around the world. The competition to these cars includes the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes C class. The two top range saloons are the A6 and the A8; these are the cars that are mostly chosen by the business sector of the market.

This means that top range business and executive fleets are normally made up of these top of the range cars from Audi and other manufacturers. This at the moment is where the car market is most popular due to more and more businesses using fleets of cars have been leased. The sports car market has also been touched with the new Audi TT that also comes in a convertible. This market is also very competitive with many different well known car manufacturers trying to grab the market by the scruff of the neck. The TT has direct competition from the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes SLK. This can make it hard for the customer to decide on what car to buy, leaving it purely to personal preference.

The 4×4 market is also covered by the new Q7 range that goes into direct competition with the Range Rover and the BMW X5. Audi have incorporated their Quattro system into the Q7 to allow it to drive off-road as well as on-road which means it can be used for variety of purposes. It is quite spacious and has got strong performance, which in some cases allows the Q7 to overtake all its rivals.

The Supercar market has also been entered by Audi as they have designed and revealed their new car the R8, which has had inspiration from their R8 race car. Its direct competition is from the Porsche GT3 and the Ferrari F430. It uses the same 4.2 litre V8 from the RS4 variant of the A4 and it capitalises on the Quattro 4WD system that has been placed into the R8 allowing it to have complete drivability whatever the weather conditions. Today with a range of cars for all purposes the four rings are now competitive with both of the leading German car manufacturers. Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks into the cars in the Audi range and how they are competing with cars from around the world. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Paul Fitzgerald Title: Hydropower an Old Energy Source That Has Re-emerged Article: One large concern over the past few years, has been the concern for our environment. Everywhere you see the need and the effort to going green. Grocery stores sell tote bags to help cut the cost of petroleum made bags. Even dry cleaners are opting for a more green, environmentally friendly way of operation.

Vehicles have always been known as a major source for pollution in our world. People have tried to cut the amount of ozone damaging fumes by walking, or riding bicycles to work. However, some of us need our vehicles. We live in places where walking to work or school is impossible. How can these car-dependant people do their share for cutting down harmful pollution?

The answer may be here. Hydropower is an energy with water as its base. Where can it be used? It can used in vehicles, in can be used for homes even on farms. One way to look at it is by comparing it to solar energy. They have the same goals and characteristics, one is just water, and one the sun.

Vehicles can take part in the Hydropower trend by combining a fuel with water that serves as energy. Homes and businesses can use hydropower as a back up or instead of traditional electricity.

Farms can use it by having water be their source of energy. Many major manufacturers have already made cars with that take this new found fuel type. It is said that as time goes on the popularity of these car types will outweigh what we already have now.

How is this beneficial for the economy? Hydropower is good for the economy because it cuts down on cost. Water is a natural resource that is everywhere. We do not have to import it, ship it or make it.

How does Hydropower help the environment? It helps the environment because it is clean making it pure and not in any way harmful to the atmosphere.

One way this new energy benefits both the economy as well as the environment is that it is reusable.
This keeps the energy source clean and cuts the cost down by a large amount.

How long has this energy been known? In actuality, we have always used water for some sort of energy support. For instance, the water wheel that was used to churn water in mines. Also, the simple use of pressurized water and pipe usage. Farmers have always used the tilt of their fields to irrigate there crops. Hydropower has increased popularity because there are more modern ways of using it. Its biggest claim to fame is the combination of water and fuel for car energy.

In one sense, we have been using this kind of energy for a long time. The present time, with our energy crisis and economy concern has made us think more about it. Having this goal will help us. Now that technology is greater we may learn and advance more in this direction. Did you know that you can convert your car to a water-burning car? You can run your car on water, supplemental to gasoline, to increase your car”s fuel efficiency and reduce your fuel costs significantly. Works on gas or diesel powered cars, vans, trucks, and SUVs. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Andy West Title: Truck Accessories: Making The Most Out Of Your Delivery Trucks Article: Trucks are very useful. Aside from the fact that they provide transport for people, trucks are used for carrying other heavy cargo over long distances and difficult conditions. Many businesses rely heavily on trucks. Product deliveries cannot be possible without them. Farms use trucks to carry farm needs such as fertilizers and farm produce are carried on trucks to be distributed to the markets. Due to it’s wide uses, truck accessories are making a comeback.

Many people love to accessorize their trucks. There are hobbyist groups dedicated to customizing trucks especially the smaller pickup trucks with all sorts of stuff ranging from billet grilles, bull bars, emergency lights, rocker panels, tonneau covers. There are also interior additions such as electric horns, floor mats and liners, windshield covers and sun shades.

Buying some of these products may be costly. And this can even cost more when compounded by buying a lot of options. Knowing the needs and wants for your vehicle should be a serious matter.

Some customization products are just there for looks. If that is all you are looking for, then so be it. But to get the best bang for your buck, look for products that are for looks and for function. For instance, buying a Hella LED Mega Beam Work Light may seem like an additional expense for your truck but if you sum up the benefits such as low energy consumption and no sudden light failure, one can actually save on power and be ensured of better safety. Another instance is that buying a better air horn system that can generate louder sound can be installed not just to gain inappropriate attention but to make sure that the presence of your vehicle is known in dangerous situations.

Perhaps one option to have that can combine beauty and utility is a tonneau cover. It is a cover for the bed of your vehicle, keeping your possessions safe and sound. A tonneau cover has many different uses. It provides protection of the things placed at the back of the truck so that these items are protected from dust and forces of the elements. It also provides safety for your possessions from potential thieves. Also, it adds additional beauty for the pick up truck especially if the colors and design are match well. It may not seem obvious but using a tonneau cover actually results in improved gas mileage because tailgate drag is reduced.

Tonneau covers come in different styles such as fiberglass, folding, roll-up and drop down truck covers. The style right for you depends on the size of the truck bed and choice of materials for the cover.

Businesses relying on delivery automobiles will indeed find great use for customized additions. Not only will accessories protect items from the elements but will also can help organize your items well such that they don’t get affected with too much shaking and slipping when the road gets rough.

The key to finding the best truck accessories is intensive research to compare the best prices. There are hundreds of websites selling them and with advance e-commerce technology, buying online has become very safe. Online forums dealing with relevant topics are also very helpful and one can ask questions and get quick answers. It is also easy to find them in local shops in town. Accessorizing a truck can be a fun thing to do. One can add personality to the truck that reflects the owner. There are plenty of accessories to choose from but wise investment should be considered to get your money’s worth. Andy West is a writer Buy Auto Truck Accessories, dedicated to providing it”s customers with guaranteed lowest prices on truck accessories. For more information please visit BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Andy West Title: Truck Tool Boxes: Uses You May Not Have Known Article: Most truck enthusiasts know that your truck bed can be a blessing when you lack space in the cab of your truck. There are some items however, you may need to have at hand daily that aren’t suited for the bed of your truck. Whether you have emergency supplies, tools, or food for your crew, truck tool boxes can secure goods in a locked compartment, protected and organized. There are many other uses that might seem odd but could be beneficial to you depending on your need.

In the winter the roads can be extremely dangerous for drivers. Trucks are more likely to rollover than most cars; therefore it’s extremely important to weigh down the bed of your truck when the roads are icy. Some might not think this is required if you have four wheel drive or studded snow tires, but you’d be surprised how icy the roads can get. Hauling 50-100 pounds of sandbags or salt bags in your toolbox could help you out during the winter. Potting soil, gravel, or concrete can also be used to weigh down your truck and are easily kept in these storage areas. Plus, if you ever find yourself stuck in a ditch you can cut open the bag and use the salt or sand for traction and de-icing.

As a vehicle owner you must be prepared for any situation. Vehicle crashes in the United States hit over six million in 2005. With that many accidents on roadways each year owners must be prepared. Carrying blankets, jumper cables, radio transmitters, tools, flares, emergency lights, and an emergency kit is essential for any vehicle owner. With the limited space in most trucks it’s a great idea to put essential items in the bed of your truck. But, with changing temperatures, it’s harder to guard these essential items against rain, sleet or snow unless you stow them in a protected area.

A toolbox can also be handy if you are an active outdoorsman. Fishing rods, lures, nets, skies, snowshoes, and other gear can be securely locked inside and shielded from the outdoor elements during transport. Oftentimes these items cannot be placed in the truck bed for fear of being stolen, flying out when driving at high speeds, or being damaged in bad weather. Hauling these items in the house after every single outdoor adventure seems exhausting. Keep them year round in a secure area.

Not only are active outdoorsmen able to utilize them, but coaches for sports teams can use the space too. Coaches for football or baseball teams can keep vital paperwork like team consent forms, stats and flyers in a safe spot. You are also able to hold soccer balls, baseballs, bats, footballs, kicking stands, and uniforms in one compact area that is guarded from the elements. The last thing you want is to be the unorganized or unprepared coach. Don’t let your team down.

Artists can also utilize safe transport in their vehicles. Interested in driving up a forest service road to get the perfect view for your next painting? Easels, sketching pads, painting supplies, chalk, and canvasses can be stored easily while you make your way up that big mountain. Supplies can be expensive, so protecting them is of the utmost importance.

As you can see there are a multitude of uses for truck tool boxes. It’s always important to utilize space in a day and age where more space is always needed. Find a place to store your gear. Andy West is a writer for Buy Auto Truck Accessories, the best online retailer for your trucks needs, including great truck tool boxes. For more information please visit BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com. Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →

Author: Thomas MacIntosh Title: Hybrid Cars Article: The use of the term hybrid with plant and animal species is both old and common. The phrase “hybrid car” is, however, relatively less common. A hybrid car generally consists of a combination of gas engine, electric motor, and high-power battery. Hybrid vehicles were first developed over a century ago, and since then they have undergone various changes. They provide more mileage and cause less pollution.

Hybrid cars vary both in terms of internal structure and external appearance. There are mild hybrid cars as well as full hybrid cars. Leading car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Ford offer hybrid cars. Nissan has announced that its first hybrid car will be launched next year.

Both mild and fully hybrid cars utilize gas engine and electric motor. In mild hybrid cars, the electric motor plays the role of assistant to the gas engine, which propels the vehicle. In other words, the electric motor cannot function independently and only provides assistance to the gas engine when extra power is required. The motor has the capacity to obtain electricity from the battery and generate electricity for it. However, it cannot perform these tasks simultaneously.

In full hybrid cars, the gas engine, electric motor, and battery are integrated. The electric motor functions independently under certain conditions, generally, under low speed. It can also consume and generate electricity simultaneously. At higher speeds, the gas engine starts automatically and takes over from the electric motor. In the case of hard acceleration, both parts work in tandem to provide the necessary power. An important feature of hybrid cars is that the battery does not have to be recharged by plugging in. In addition, hundreds of miles can be covered using less fuel than a conventional vehicle would require.

In addition to the above varieties, there are muscle and plug-in hybrid cars. The former concentrates on increasing performance, but not reducing fuel consumption. Therefore, it is an expensive variety. A plug-in hybrid car needs to be recharged from an electric grid. This enables it to work as a battery-electric vehicle for several miles, providing known environmental benefits.

While choosing a car, differentiate between conventional and hybrid varieties by checking out the following features:

- Idle-off function: This saves fuel as the gasoline engine is turned off when the car stops. However, conventional vehicles also offer this feature and the difference between them and hybrid vehicles lies in the power source and power intensity used to perform the task.

- Regenerative braking: In conventional cars, the vehicle is stopped by applying brakes. In hybrid cars, apart from the mechanical breaks, the electric motor also helps to stop the car. This is possible due to regenerative breaking.

- Power assistance and smaller engine: The power assistance provided by the electric motor to the gas engine is the most important and distinguishing feature of a hybrid car. A smaller engine is another feature, and these two combine to provide more mileage than conventional cars. Thomas MacIntosh writes about on Hybrid cars to visit :- camry hybrid review Syndication Source: ArticleMind.com Continue reading →