Latest Articles by shanemorgay

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible to Debut at the 2007 NAIAS

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

In the news: The Chevrolet Camaro concept was one of the vehicles that received high praises during the 2006 American Auto show. And for this year, it is expected that the Camaro will once again reign. This time however, it’s going to be the Camaro convertible.

The Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept is to debut on the eve of the North American International Auto Show at GM Style which is an exclusive fashion-splashed event that combines celebrities, couture and automobiles. Chevrolet is optimistic with its new Camaro convertible and announced that they already made production plans for it. They further stated that if things will go smoothly with the production then the US auto market can expect it by 2009.

The Camaro convertible concept was derived from the original Camaro concept with little changes to make way for the convertible body style. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Camaro convertible and the original Camaro concept basically are the same L/W/H: 4,730/2,022/1,344 mm. Their only difference is the windshield since the convertible concept’s features a bright anodized finish and altered slightly to make room for the convertible top. The Camaro convertible concept is going to be equipped with a potent V-8 engine that powers the rear wheel via manual transmission. It will also feature a four-wheel independent suspension system and a four wheel disc brakes.

The convertible will also feature sophisticated Chevrolet Camaro accessories with some additional design details that include: tonneau cover, “Halo” headlamps, LED tailamps, rear spoiler with LED-lit CHMSL, racing-inspired fuel filler door, front-inlet hood scoop (inspired by the Corvette Z06), and a heritage-inspired rear fender grills. The Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color of the Camaro convertible was more of a contemporary update of the classic hue offered in 1969.

The twin gunmetal gray sport stripes together with its classic color accentuate the Camaro’s heritage and help it in portraying a contemporary look. The Camaro convertible is equipped with 21 inch front wheels and 22 inch rear wheels that have a deep-dish, five spoke design with charcoal center sections with bright outer edges and an orange outline on the wheel edge.

According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice president, Global Design, "The best follow-up to last year's award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible. The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response - it's a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage."

--
Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

GM, Ford Sales Crash In '06, Toyota, Honda Climb

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Brand new year calls for an analysis of the previous year's performance for the benefit of improvement. In the automotive industry, Toyota and Honda stand on the bright side of 2006. Said automakers experienced a rewarding increase in sales. On the contrary, GM and Ford stand on the bleak abyss of the industry because of sales doldrums.

GM reported US sales of 4.1 million vehicles in 2006, down by 8.7 percent from 2005. The decrease is attributed to the shift of market demand in favor of small cars. GM is famed for its sophisticated sport utility vehicles and pickups. Enthusiasts believe that 2005 GMC truck accessories are manufactured with excellence just like other auto parts from the automaker.

Paul Ballew, chief sales analyst of GM said, “It was a challenging one. It’s a year that came in below expectations and deviated from our plans at the start of the year.” In December, GM reported a 13 percent drop in sales. According to the automaker the decline was due in part to sticking with GM's decision to lower rental fleet vehicles sales and other marginally profitable sales. Ford parts accessories did not show any luring effect. According to some enthusiasts, Ford's 2006 reports aren’t likely to help the ailing automaker.

Ford also reported sales of 2.9 million vehicles, 7.9 percent down compared to 2005 sales. For the month of December, Ford vehicle sales was down by 12.8 percent - 9.9 percent for cars and 14.0 for trucks.

On the bright side of 2006, Toyota and Honda enjoy a gratifying increase in sales. Toyota's sales were up by over 12 percent in December and for the entire year. Consumers purchased 2.54 million cars and trucks with the Toyota, Scion or Lexus brand name. Leading Toyota sales is its Camry that retains its title as the best-selling car in America. There are 448,445 Camrys sold in 2006, about 3.9 percent up from 2005 sales. 05 Toyota Camry accessories are playing significant part in making the vehicle a top-seller.

Jim Lentz, executive vice president for Toyota Motor Sales USA said, “2006 was a respectable year for the industry if you consider the strain of erratic fuel prices and a housing bubble on an industry weaning itself from incentives.”

With regards to Honda, its December sales fell by 0.8 percent but its 2005 sales were up by 3.2 percent. According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda, the automaker has benefited from having a line-up of fuel-efficient vehicles.

--
Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a http://www.articletrader.com

Volkswagen GTI, Automobile Magazine's Car Of The Year

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Automobile Magazine named Volkswagen GTI as its 2007 car of the year. Said title is part of a series of year-end industry awards that automakers use to support their marketing efforts. The car emerged as the cream of the crop vehicle for the magazine. Said choice is anchored on the combination of affordability and performance of the car.

Gavin Conway, editor-in-chief of Automobile Magazine, said the sporty version of the VW Golf, which is now in its fifth generation, was the unanimous pick of the magazine's senior editors because of the way it combined performance and affordability. "It's a great car to drive as well as being an easy car to live with," Conway said.

Conway expected that the selection would generate some controversy among the readership of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based magazine, with some readers questioning the choice of the magazine. But, he said, the magazine had wanted to highlight "a more responsible approach to performance driving," considering factors such as fuel economy.

Volkswagen GTI is a compact car that belongs to the best-selling models of the automaker and third best-selling model worldwide. It boasts cutting-edge its 2002 Volkswagen GTI parts accessories that offers efficiency, power and elegance. It is also given a four-cylinder engine that takes the 2-door version to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The car has a reported fuel economy of 30 miles to the gallon.

Last year, Automobile Magazine named Ford's Aston Martin V8 Vantage as its design of the year. Conway said Aston Martin, deserved credit for building its $110,000 two-seater sports car in a way that harkened back to classic designs while incorporating more stringent safety regulations. "Without question, the V8 Vantage is the best Aston Martin ever produced," Conway said. He added that the car is "arguably the best-looking design car in the last couple of decades."

Automobile Magazine is one of several industry publications that give various car and truck of the year awards. It has a circulation of 550,000 and has established a reputable name in the motoring press industry. The honors given by the magazine is highly appreciated by the automakers.

2007 Auto Shows: To Entice And Sell

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Crises overwhelmed 2006. This is especially true with the automotive industry. Last year is a year full of fluctuations, sales doldrums, failures of several alliance talks, and more business miseries. To cope, automakers are making brand new resolution – and that is to entice and sell. Enthusiasts and aficionados alike can expect more thrilling auto shows which have the knack to turn lookers into purchasers.

This year is a critical time for automakers to make up for the lost penny and tainted reputation. With the growing Japanese sales in the United States, US-based automakers are expected to struggle even harder to produce cutting-edge vehicles. Kevin Tynan, auto analyst in New York-based Argus Research Co. said, "Much of the focus in 2006 was on cost-cutting moves. Products will be the story in 2007. After cutting tens of thousands of jobs and laying out plans to shutter factories, General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. must show they have cars and trucks that resonate with customers." Tynan added, "You can only back up for so long and not get knocked out. At some point, you have to move forward to win the fight. That's where product comes into play. At what point do you step forward and try to win?"

This week at the 2007 Detroit auto show, enthusiasts can expect a whole new automakers perspective. The show will be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a Detroit Auto Dealers Association-managed event. Said show could serve as a fresh milestone for the industry. "You have industry leaders here," said Carl Galeana, cochair of the show. "That's what has separated the Detroit show from all the rest around the country. The leadership of the auto industry comes to Detroit whether they're from the Detroit area or not."

The Detroit show, which is now famed around the globe, has started as a local showcase of vehicles. Now, it has evolved into an international auto event that lures over 6,000 journalists and about 800,000 visitors. Detroit auto show is known for providing sanctuary to promising new vehicles. In fact this year's show flaunts more than 50 production or concept vehicles.

Automotive industry critics said this year should be a good year for GM and Ford otherwise, they would be unseated by Toyota in all segments. The rebirth of Camaro last year etched a good start for Chevrolet. Chevrolet Camaro parts and accessories are engineered to promote style and performance. Dodge accessories are also showing off its elegance and charisma. However, no one could overlook the grandeur of accessories for Toyota Camry.

"I think this is the year of the visible turnaround at GM," said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. "I think it shows that the home team has a lot of life left in it yet."

2008 Super Duty

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Lights flashed and music blasted to introduce the equally rugged new truck from Ford – 2008 Super Duty. Mark Fields, Ford president for the Americas, and Bob King, UAW vice president emerged from the huge, bright red pickup truck. They were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd composed of about 1,200 KTP employees, media members and government dignitaries.

"The passion for Super Duty is absolutely boundless. This truck already has received one of the highest accolades, Texas Truck of the Year," said Fields. "More than 10,000 consumers -- some current customers, some new -- have already expressed serious interest in Super Duty." King added, "Boy, are we excited about Super Duty! Ford has given us a great design, and we have a great membership here who can build the best product in the world."

The 2008 Super Duty is given increased capabilities. It is also equipped with enhanced Super Duty Ford OEM truck parts including the new chassis and the combination of high performing powertrain, suspension and axle to provide greater towing capacity and maneuverability without sacrificing comfortable ride.

The remake version of the truck also boasts its Ford Super Duty power mirror, clean-diesel engine, redesigned grille, sculpted fender flares and fender-mounted air vents, and a host of innovative features. Simply, the truck carries with it the "Tough Ford Built." Production versions of the truck are now manufactured at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP). According to KTP plant manager Todd Bryant, the new Super Duty is meeting or exceeding the company's internal targets. "Super Duty is a week ahead of schedule, and the quality is right where we want it to be. The trucks will be in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2007, as promised."

The introduction of a powerful and striking Super Duty is crucial to Ford. According to Jim Sanfilippo, auto analyst of Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc., "Super Duty is pivotal to Ford's North American vehicle lineup, considering that the truck represents about 40 percent of total F-Series sales in a very profitable full-size truck market."

Ford's F-Series has established a reputation for Ford. When one speaks of the F-Series, they mean no less than quality and performance. This fact is not only known by Ford F-Series parts dealers but by aficionados and critics as well. These trucks alleviate the company's ailing existence to stand the complexities and rigorous demands of the automotive market. For the model year 2008, Ford will be keeping its boundless passion in the manufacture of trucks and this will be mated to all-new Super Duty.

Driver, Be More Careful This New Year’s Eve

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

You simply adore those new Volvo accessories you have been gifted by your hubby just this Christmas. And you simply love showing them off each time you drive through the streets. But you could easily lose those accessories and even damage your car, did you know? Especially if you would not be too careful in driving this coming New Year’s Eve.

You see, statistics show all of us drivers that during the night before the New Year come in, the numbers of those who get involved in crashes and accidents jump up in spikes. Primarily, this is because most people are too busy celebrating and getting themselves drunk and high so much. And after everybody has gone ahead spent on celebrating, these drivers still do choose to take the spot behind the wheel and do their driving home. This, of course, is a very grave mistake. We all do know the perils of driving while under the influence of liquor and alcohol.

One thing that you could do is to actually take the time and use your sober head to plan ahead. Yes, it is very important for drivers to actually plan before the actual celebrations for the New Year begin. After all, planning has never been a pitfall and it can prove to be a real good ally once the event is already in full zoom. You can have one of your friends who does not drink take you home after everybody has gone tired of celebrating the New Year. Or you can choose to call a cab to take you home instead of driving your vehicle yourself. You can also leave your car in your friend’s residence and just drive it back when you are already sober enough.

Most people underestimate the powers of alcohol and liquor which is not right. After all, scientific studies were done and the results did show that alcohol really affects not only our skills and coordination but it also does affect our brain. So it is very much likely for drivers who have been drinking to meet accidents since their skills and coordination that they need to drive have already been affected, perhaps even lessened, by the alcohol that they took in.

First Glances At Three New Remarkable Vehicles

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Would you want to be left behind on the latest? I sure would not want to. You may not also want to and so would all the other people in the automotive world. But it certainly does look like The Car Connection (whose web site can be found at TheCarConnection.com) has already been so far ahead of us all and has have had the opportunity to take the ultimate first look at three of the most remarkable vehicles to be sent out to the automotive market.

The very first peek at the newest vehicles can be experienced if you are a show goer. Well, most especially if you were lucky enough to go ahead and attend the upcoming North American International Auto Show. You may have been able to take just a quick glance at the shining Ford accessories or that of the Mitsubishi accessories. But you have only seen the trees and not the whole forest, if one may actually say.

We all know what the Ford Mustang is and what the Ford Mustang looks like. However, venture into the NAIAS and you would be meeting the Ford Mustang look alike which happens to come with two additional doors. The Ford Motor Company calls the new vehicle the Ford Interceptor and it has been built and created to be yet another of the company’s amazing and interesting concept vehicles.

And there is also another new vehicle which you may want to take a glimpse of. It is from General Motors and it looks like quite to be a product that some people in the auto industry have been waiting for. It has got an upscale kind of design which is quite a far cry from the previous design that it held. The vehicle is known as the Chevrolet Malibu and take a good look at it and you would be drooling for the interior that it comes with.

There is also the Mitsubishi entrant, the Prototype X which is yet another concept car. If you are familiar with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, this new concept vehicle from Mitsubishi would surely remind you of the Lancer Evo. The only difference is that this new concept is much thinner.

A Peek At 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

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

Chevrolet has earlier released an exterior image of its 2008 Malibu. The vehicle will have its global debut at NAIAS 2007 in January. The new version of the car will arrive at dealerships late next year.

The image, which exposes a partial shot of Malibu's front, was released by the automaker purposely. It is in conjunction with its announcement of a $208 million investment in the Fairfax, Kansas Assembly plant. Said plant has to prepare for the production of the car.

It can be reflected in the released image that Chevrolet Malibu parts accessories used in the car include a dual-port grille. The latter mirrors the "new face of Chevrolet." Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager said, "The 2008 Malibu design is expressive and brings new proportions and a fresh perspective to the mid-size market. The new Malibu boasts a poised, wheels-at-the-corners stance with a longer hood and shorter deck appearance that conveys motion, agility and attitude."

It can be recalled that Chevrolet earlier released a sneak peak of the car. Said preview features a more chic look and feel. The car is also equipped with more premium Chevrolet accessories to blend with the striking new face. Enthusiasts are saying that the new Malibu exudes a new level of sophistication that could compete well in midsize car segment.

Chevrolet Malibu, named after Malibu, California. Said car is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Israel. The current version of the car has been built with limited size to make a distinction with the larger Impala. The redesigned version, on the other hand, is built on a revised version of the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform. Said platform is also used by Aura to complement accessories for a Saturn car. Aside from Saturn Aura, the advanced platform is also used to fit Pontiac accessories in the G6.

Malibu also comes with a redesigned cabin and more powerful engine performance. Further, the car maker will no longer be offering the wagon-like Malibu Maxx. Chevrolet is reported to be concentrating on a new hybrid variant of the car which will be introduced to the auto market in 2009.

Never Fall Prey to Auto Thieves

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Auto theft can spoil an otherwise blissful holiday season. State Farm(R) claims data reflected that in the previous year, more than 9,000 vehicles were stolen between November 12 and December 31. Said period is the prime time for holiday travel and shopping and seasons like this is the favorite of thieves. Last year, over 1.2 million vehicles were stolen causing over $7 billion in losses the information was divulged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The holiday season is the perfect time for thieves to roam around and accomplish their plans. This time of the year, mall parking lots are filled due to the lengthened store hours. Also, families are excited to pack up for one memorable travel. Moreover, authorities are warning the people to take necessary precautions to avoid theft.

Authorities have also given steps to secure your vehicle against auto theft. First, you must always lock your car and roll up the windows when the vehicle is parked. Second, never forget to bring with you your car keys. Third, avoid hiding your car keys around the car for it will be easy for thieves to search for them. When parking inside a commercial lot or garage, give only the ignition key to the attendant. Fourth, cover your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Thieves can use the number to get a duplicate key. Finally, invest in additional theft protection auto accessories and devices. Be sure that the codes are unalterable.

If you plan to purchase a car, you have to consider having factory immobilizer. It is a computer chip in the key. Also consider having locking steering wheel and anti-theft devices like alarms and GPS tracking systems.

For the year 2005, the top 5 most stolen cars are 1991 Honda Accord, 1995 Honda Civic, 1989 Toyota Camry, 1994 Dodge Caravan, and 1994 Nissan Sentra.

To avoid car theft, be sure to equip your car with trusted anti-theft devices and accessories. Some of the renowned names in auto devices are Ford accessories, Porsche auto accessories, and Toyota car accessories.

Furthermore, authorities urge motorists to report any suspected theft activity in the locality to local law enforcement agencies and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Holidays can be expected to merrier if motorist would cooperate.

VW Touareg Does An Unbelievable Feat

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

A Volkswagen Touareg did quite an unbelievable feat. No, it cannot jump right out of buildings or even scale vertical heights. What a Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI did was to actually able to tow a Boeing 747-200.

Yes, compared to the Boeing 747-200 (a huge airplane), the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI becomes a small dwarf. However, size did not matter in this, just like how David defeated the giant Goliath. The airplane weighed around 155 tonnes but the Volskwagen Touareg V10 TDI was able to tow the huge vehicle. It was not disclosed however if little parts of the vehicle like the Volkswagen accessories were damaged because of the pressure that it had to go through.

The whole event was attended by personnel and even engineers from the Volkswagen Cars itself. There were even spectators and passers by who were quite amused by the sight of a little Volkswagen towing a huge airplane that they stopped to watch.

Where did the little car tow the huge airplane? It all happened on the auxiliary runway at the Dunsfold Aerodrome which is located forty miles south west of busy London. And yes, the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI did not just tow the Boeing 747-200 for some mere inches. In fact, the vehicle did tow the airplane for seven complete turns on the mentioned runway. Talk about power.

To be able to have the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI tow a huge airplane, the company actually outfitted a standard production unit of the mentioned make with a special towing adaptor. This adaptor was actually connected to the vehicle and to the airplane’s towing link. To make sure that it does detach itself from the connecting device, the company also loaded the adaptor with 4.3 tonnes of metal ballast. The total weight of the vehicle (including the driver) was over seven tonnes or around 7030 kilograms.

If you think there some special things running underneath the hood of the Volkswagen Touareg, there are actually none. You see, even the engine, the air suspension, wheels, structure, and tires that were mounted on the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI can all be found on all production vehicles.