Latest Articles by kimberlymeyer

"Scrap 100 percent of the Cougar Ace vehicles" - Mazda

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Mazda Motor Corporation announced that all of the U.S.- and Canada-bound Mazda vehicles from Cougar Ace, a car-carrying which nearly capsized off the Aleutian Islands in late July, would be scrapped.

“After thorough testing by engineers from our North American and Japanese R&D centers, we decided the most appropriate course of action – with our customers foremost in mind – was not to sell any of the 4,703 Mazdas aboard the ship,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, based in Irvine, California.

Cougar Ace was carrying 4,703 Mazdas, half of which is Mazda 3 and about one-fourth is Mazda CX-7. Mazda 3 and CX-7 are two most precious vehicles of the automaker. Mazda 3 auto parts as well as those of CX-7 are exactly engineered to satisfy quality and safety features of the vehicles.

Cougar Ace vessel sat listing at more than 60-degrees for nearly a month after an incident at sea, before it could be towed to the Port of Portland, Oregon for repairs and to have its cargo off-loaded. O’Sullivan added that even though some of the Mazdas aboard the vessel showed little or no visible damage there is still the potential for future problems. This is the very reason why the automaker decided not to sell any of the vehicles on board Cougar Ace. He continued, “We always put the customer first. This drove our decision to scrap every one of the Mazdas involved in this incident.”

Said decision to all vehicles on board the Cougar Ace and to disclose their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) was applauded by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). The VINs are displayed at Mazda customer website. "Even though little visible damage existed on some of the vehicles, Mazda put the customer first and made the right decision to scrap 100 percent of the vehicles because of potential safety concerns." said David Regan, VP of Legislative Affairs with NADA. "This is clear example of good corporate citizenship."

Regan added, "Mazda has been an ardent supporter of ensuring that insurance companies disclose the VINs so that consumers and dealers have the information they need to make an educated decision on the value and safety of vehicles. By publicly disclosing the VINs of the questionable vehicles and then choosing to scrap them all together, they show how committed they are to the health and well-being of their customers."

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Kimberly Meyer is an expert when it comes to automotive issues. She is the manager of her own car parts manufacturing company. This 33 year-old maiden is also a talented writer.
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Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Auto Industry In China To Slow Down

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

The Asian country of China has been known to be a sleeping giant. However, it looks like the present state of the country is actually showing the world signs that the sleeping giant is already starting to stir and wake up. In the process, it would soon be considered as one of the largest manufacturers and powers in the entire world.

The country is known not only for its low cost labor but also for the products that it can actually send out to the world market and this does include vehicles and automotive parts. The entire automotive industry has been on the lookout for the Chinese entrants for they actually do know what kind of products the country could bring. However, it does seem like the country itself has already started to put a damper on things and would be putting a slow down sign for the Chinese auto makers. Although if you are a Mazda fanatic and you are on the lookout for those auto parts Mazda Navajo, you need not worry for Mazda products are primarily based in Japan, and not China.

Anyhow, this report has been given out by Reuters and the report does continue to say that such a damper has been brought about because the Chinese auto industry has quite gone into rapid development. If this does continue to happen, the mentioned industry could have overproduction problems in the near future. Even the country’s National Development and Reform Commission was reported to have said, “Signs of overcapacity have already appeared, and could worsen.” The NDRC is China’s top economic planner.

At present, it has been noted that China is currently the second largest in the world when it comes to production of automobiles and of auto products. Compared to a year earlier, the current year recorded an increase of twenty five per cent which equates to 6.45 million vehicles produced and this does not yet include the month of December.

A statement given out by the NDRC said that they would be asking auto companies in China to actually hit a given target when it comes to sales. The downside would be that if these companies do not hit the target. The commission could actually close the businesses down.

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As a former news correspondent for an auto-related websites, Kevin has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry. This 34 year old father of three from Pennsylvania is a genuine car lover.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Europe To Welcome Mazda BT-50 Pickup

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Europe. The land where you get to see real palaces and queens and princes. The place where you get to discover new culture. In fact, the place where you get to learn about and feel a culture that has been well preserved through time. A land where Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes Benzes roam.

This land may be quite familiar with other foreign vehicles like Mazda and its Mazda 323 parts but it may not quite yet have gone familiar with the Mazda BT-50. After all, the Mazda BT-50 has already been designed, manufactured, and marketed in other auto markets. Europe has yet to be introduced to this vehicle.

But the waiting would soon be over for Europe. You see, most markets in the continent of Europe would have to open up its arms and welcome in the Mazda BT-50. This vehicle is a pick up truck and come the end of this year, it would have been able to enter the gates of the European car market. Mazda says that they have set the price of the Mazda BT-50 pickup to start at around 23,900 euros which, when converted, would amount to around $31,690.

The Mazda BT-50 pick up first was introduced to the automotive industry just this March of 2006. It first was glimpsed at by the auto audience at the Bangkok Motor Show. During that time, Mazda offered the Mazda BT-50 with two different versions. One was the Mazda BT-50 XL-Cab. This one held five seats and had four doors. The other version was the Mazda BT-50 L-Cab and the difference with this one was that its doors could be opened opposite each other. Most people who were able to take a look at the mentioned version were very much reminded of the Mazda RX-8 sports car. You see, aside from the doors, the latter version also had the fold-down seats in its second row.

For power, the Mazda BT-50 uses the MZR-CD 2.5 liter common-rail turbocharged DOHC diesel engine which held sixteen valves. This engine is supposed to be more refined and was better at fuel efficiency.

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Kimberly Meyer is an expert when it comes to automotive issues. She is the manager of her own car parts manufacturing company. This 33 year-old maiden is also a talented writer.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Cougar Ace's Sea Tragedy Leads to Mazda Vehicle Scrapping

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Mazda Motor Corp. announced earlier that all Mazda vehicles from Cougar Ace, a car-carrying vessel would be scrapped. Said vessel nearly capsized off the Aleutian Islands in late July this year. Said Mazda vehicles are US and Canada-bound.

Cougar Ace was reported to sit listing at more than 60-degrees for about a month subsequent to the sea tragedy before it could be towed to the nearest port in Portland, Oregon. At the port, its cargoes were unloaded and the vessel undergone repairs.

At the time of the tragedy, Cougar Ace was carrying more than 4,700 Mazdas, more than half of which are Mazda 3s and about one-fourth are Mazda CX-7s. After the incident, Mazda announced that none of the Mazdas carried will be sold as new. The automaker also added that it is possible that those vehicles which are undamaged or repairable will be made available for sale as used cars through Mazda's dealer network in the US and Canada. In addition, to avoid confusions as to the Mazdas on the vessel, the automaker also posted the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of the concerned vehicles in its customer websites.

However, lately the automaker decided to scrap the vehicles on board. This decision was finally made despite the efficiency of auto parts for Mazda 3 and other vehicles on board. "After thorough testing by engineers from our North American and Japanese R&D centers, we decided the most appropriate course of action -- with our customers foremost in mind -- was not to sell any of the 4,703 Mazdas aboard the ship," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), based in Irvine, California. MNAO is responsible for overseeing the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

O'Sullivan added, "Although some of the Mazdas aboard the Cougar Ace showed little or no visible damage from being tied-down at severe angles for an extended period, the potential for future problems led the company to reconsider its initial decision to sell any of the vehicles as used."We always put the customer first. This drove our decision to scrap every one of the Mazdas involved in this incident."

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Kimberly Meyer is an expert when it comes to automotive issues. She is the manager of her own car parts manufacturing company. This 33 year-old maiden is also a talented writer. Check out auto parts for Mazda 3 for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Ryuga Concept From Mazda Goes To NAIAS

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Auto shows have become channels and avenues for car manufacturers to show off the best of their stuff. These events have also been branded as the stage for new products and new vehicles. Sure, vehicles like the Mazda Protege took off at some auto show and made everybody stare at its Mazda Protege car parts shining underneath all the lights and every flash of the camera.

Now, at the upcoming 2007 North American International Auto Show, or the NAIAS, the Mazda Motor Corporation along with its North American arm would be showing off yet another new vehicle. This time, they would be sending out one of the newest concept vehicles that the company has been able to complete. They call the new concept vehicle the Mazda Ryuga. The vehicle would be shown off alongside yet another new production vehicle which has been dubbed as the Mazda Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). Together, these two vehicles would brave the press, the eager beavers, other new vehicles, and the lights and cameras of the 2007 NAIAS.

So what is the Mazda Ryuga? According to the global design director for Mazda, Laurens van den Acker, “Ryuga is Zoom Zoom defined. It combines vibrance, confidence, fun, and youth all in one ingeniuos package.” Other than that, the Mazda Ryuga has also been said to have been built on the basis of one word – flow. And Ryuga, a Japanese word, actually translates to “gracious flow”. The Mazda Motor Corporation does promise that the Mazda Ryuga would be having a much higher kind of sophistication which can be quite felt and seen at the materials used to create the vehicle. The interior holds rich fabrics and leather. The Mazda auto parts used are of top quality and have been engineered to fit well and work well.

As per the other new Mazda vehicle, the Mazda Tribute HEV, this new vehicle has already been in the industry. However, this time around, the vehicle would be coming in after quick a major revision of its parts, features, and style. It is also considered to be the very first vehicle with advance technology which has the power and capacity to help clean up the air from Mazda.

Mazda Shows Off Concept Car

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

A press conference was held at November 29th this year. And what happened was that the Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled and showed off one of its newest concept cars. And it was amazing to behold another great vehicle from one of the automotive industry’s greatest manufacturers.

The new concept car from Mazda is called and named the Mazda Nagare and the auto manufacturer cleared that it was pronounced as na-gah-reh. The Mazda Nagare’s curtains went down for the very first time at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show. This auto show is one of the most sought and most attended international auto shows in the land of automobiles.

Experts who have attended the unveiling of the mentioned new concept vehicle have been able to say that the Mazda Nagare would surely be following the track marks of previous design concept vehicles from Mazda. Sure, it really was clear enough that the Mazda Nagare would yet be another Mazda Sassou, Mazda Kabura, and Mazda Senku in its own unique way. Of course, the creator of Mazda MX6 performance parts did make sure that their new vehicles – concept or production – would catch the attention of even the most ordinary consumers. All of these concept vehicles from Mazda have been created with the future in mind.

“Nagare is a celebration of proportions and surface language that will evolve into subsequent designs planned for presentation at future international auto shows. Nagare examines light and shadow, and begins to reveal the global design cues for the next generation of Mazda vehicles,” explains Laurens van den Acker, the newly appointed director for global design at Mazda. He even did further express that if the design of the Mazda Nagare was described using only one word, he would have used one simple yet powerful word – flow.

“Inspired by the movement of nature’s elements, our designers have captured motion, energy and lightness, translating into a beautiful language of lines and forms that are powerful yet effortless, provocative yet strikingly seductive,” describes Franz Von Holzhausen. He currently serves and works as the design director for Mazda’s North American Operations.

Driving Down the Road with Mazda Protege5

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Preferences vary. Some car enthusiasts prefer sporty cars while other aficionados favor vehicles with enormous space and admirable fuel economy. Nonetheless, other enthusiasts have found a mix of several preferences to come up with a vehicle that is difficult to beat. Aficionados agree that the characteristics they are looking for is in Mazda Protege5.

Mazda Protege5 is a variant of Protégé, also known as Mazda Familia or Mazda 323, was built in Japan. Protégé was later replaced by Mazda3. Eventually, Mazda Protégé5 maintains its enigmatic charisma that has thrilled aficionados of the past. With such vehicle around, driving will not mean compromises.

The vehicle is equipped with sophisticated Mazda Protégé5 performance parts to deliver sporty drive, energetic performance, efficient handling, and good fuel economy. To boost the popularity of Protege5, "Sport AT'' automatic transmission was added as an option. Sport AT is responsible for increasing manual-shift mode to the available four-speed automatic. This is done to improve the driving experience of those who need an automatic but desire easy control. Additionally, the automatic can be had without the manual mode. The 5-speed manual gearbox is standard. Enthusiasts find the car fabulous because it both appeals to logic, adventure, pleasure and functionality.

Mazda Protege5 is a combination of a wagon and a hatchback. It features high-profile tires, roof racks, huge foglamps, side sills, and low-profile speed-rated tires mounted on alloy rims. To enhance safety features of the vehicle, the automaker has incorporated side airbags, antilock brakes, and "Triple-H" design around the passengers.

The vehicle is also famed for its ergonomics. The ambience of Protege5's interior reflects the contemporary sports styling cues. It is equipped with faux carbon fiber flanking the center stack, silvery trim around the window lifts and console, CD-sized console box, door pockets, black-on-silver instruments, large locking glovebox, and leather-covered steering wheel rim.

According to auto critics, Protege5's roadability features are somewhat similar to Mazda Miata. Several Mazda Miata body parts are incorporated to it to offer a state-of-the-art performance. Protege5's chassis, 4-wheel disc brakes, and the fully-independent strut-type suspension are aimed at transforming a routine trip into something thrilling and fun.

Prepare Your Car For Winter

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Winter. You may not realize it but it looks like it is finally here. Just a couple more days (and nights) and it will be here sooner than you would actually notice.

But you see, despite such changes in weather, from the heat of the summer sun to the cold winter breeze, not all car owners actually do try to make sure that they vehicles are actually able to adapt to that. In fact, the Car Care Council actually did a survey and the data they were able to collect just reflected that a huge amount of car owners, around seventy per cent, actually do not winterize their vehicles.

Such a change could actually be detrimental to the life of your vehicle. In fact, the American Automobile Association, or the AAA, does say that such an attitude towards winterizing their vehicles accounts for a huge portion of the five million breakdowns during the winter holiday season alone.

Even Danica Patrick, one of the famous drivers in the IndyCar Series does share, “I learned how to drive in the Midwest, famous for some of the most extreme winter weather conditions. This taught me that harsh weather can be very hard on a car. You’re risking a breakdown if you don’t take the time to prepare your vehicle for the winter, even if you don’t have your own pit crew.” Sure, you do need time to winterize your vehicle. After all, such a move does not just entail changing some Mazda MX3 parts with new ones.

Be sure that you do check the antifreeze in your vehicle. You see, the antifreeze actually does work so that the engine, radiator, and all the hoses are protected just right from the harsh cold. Also, it is important that you check the battery of your vehicle. With the cold weather, chances are that the life of the battery could be cut in half.

Before you do venture to long road trips, make sure you have an emergency kit available in your vehicle. Do not forget to put in a flashlight, some tire chains, your vehicle’s tool kit, and yes, jumper cables. Just in case you need some power from another car battery.

NHTSA Gives CX-7 Top Crash Tests Ratings

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Hats are off for the new Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV. Recently, the 2007 version of the vehicle received the 5-star frontal and side impact crashworthiness ratings, the highest ratings, in the U.S. government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

“The CX-7 combines performance and safety with a level of power and driving satisfaction seldom associated with a SUV,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations. “We are proud to offer a vehicle that blends these features with excellent crash test ratings.”

In addition, Mazda CX-7 also received a 4-star rollover rating for the all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions. So far, no sport utility vehicle has received better ratings than Mazda CX-7.

Frontal collision ratings given by the NHTSA, are established by placing crash-test dummies in the front-passenger seats as well as in the driver seat and securing them with seat belts. Then, the vehicle is crashed into a preset barrier at the speed of 35 mph. Said crash test is comparable to a head-on collision between 2 similar vehicles running at 35 mph. The top rating given to CX-7 in said crash test indicates a 10 percent or less chance of having serious injury when the occupants in the front seats are belted.

In the side-impact crash test, intersection-type collision is designed. It employs a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into the CX-7. This is done while the test dummies are buckled into the driver and rear passenger seats. CX-7also gets a 5-star rating in this crash test. This indicates a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury.

Mazda started the production of 2007 CX-7 early this year and went on sale last June. Said vehicle replaced Tribute as Mazda's small SUV. The latter is known for its refreshed Mazda Tribute 2004 parts. CX-7 is also the automaker's first midsize SUV since Navajo. Mazda Navajo, a 2-door SUV, is considered as the rebadged version of Ford Explorer Sport. Mazda Navajo performance parts underwent several redesigns.

Mazda CX-7 boasts its full complement of standard safety equipment that includes dual front airbags, front seat mounted side air bags, curtain air bags with rollover protection, anti-lock brakes, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control and tire pressure monitors. CX-7 competes against Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Acura RDX.

Mazda CX-9 Goes to Australia

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Mazda Motor Corp. will add the CX-9, a 3-row, 7-seat crossover SUV, to its 2008 lineup in Australia. Said model will be introduced to Australia in the early part of 2008.

Mazda CX-9 was introduced in 2006 at the New York International Auto Show. The model shares the CD3 platform with Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. The car shares the updated Mazda Tribute V6 parts as well as those of the CX-7. However, it is the first Mazda to utilize the 3.5 L V6. Said engine is capable of generating about 186kW and 325Nm of torque. Advanced features of the powertrain include the dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, 4 valves per cylinder, a high compression ratio and electronic throttle control.

The standard 6-speed automatic transmission of the car delivers a refined and sporty ride. According to critics, the car has superb acceleration and highway fuel efficiency. It is further boosted by its Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system that uses sensors to signal control modules. The latter will automatically distribute torque to the wheels to give solid traction.

Mazda CX-9 is also equipped with advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system to boost safety and comfort. The system employs wheel speed sensors and both body-roll rate to settle on the crucial corrective action needed by the car. For added safety, CX-9 also uses 4r-wheel disc ventilated brakes that include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to avoid lockup during emergency use. Extra protection is offered by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags that are extended from the first to the third row seats.

"The CX-9 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be, offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drive vitality, precision build quality and unexpected versatility. While other vehicles in this category focus only on what’s behind the driver’s seat for the family, Mazda has engineered a unique solution that is equally as exciting for the driver," says Doug Dickson, managing director of Mazda.

Mazda CX-9 is made more spacious, stylish, refine and advanced. The Japan-built version rides on an elongated 2875mm wheelbase to provide easy access to the 3-row seats and sufficient cargo space. The exterior of the car is given a dramatic-but-refined look. From its smooth and graceful silhouette yet prominent wheels and tires, muscular fenders and steeply angled windshield and backlight, to its sculpted sporty 5-point grille and wide, bold bumper - it can be ascertained that it is unmistakably Mazda.

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Kimberly Meyer is an expert when it comes to automotive issues. She is the manager of her own car parts manufacturing company. This 33 year-old maiden is also a talented writer. You can to check out Mazda Tribute V6 parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com