The Car Guide

Archive for May, 2009

Volvo: No To Minivans But Yes To Wagons And Crossovers

Volvo is setting the spotlights ready and rolling the red carpet as it welcomes the newest wagons and crossovers into its stable. The new XC60 is scheduled to arrive in 2009 and by that time the automaker is expecting to have a total of 5 wagons and crossovers in its lineup. But Volvo will not be stopping there since it intends to make further expansions.

The automaker is considering the idea on moving both upscale and downmarket from the existing lineup of the V50 V70 XC70 XC90 and XC60. This information was revealed by Volvos top executives at the recently held North American International Auto Show. According to Steven Armstrong Volvo Car Corp. COO Volvo is wellknown for its versatility. We were producing crossovers before the term was even invented. There are still plenty of opportunities to fill in gaps with new things.”

It should be noted that Volvo has created a luxury wagon concept which it presented at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show called the Versatility Concept Car. The said concept if it makes production will be renamed V90. The automaker is also studying the prospect of producing smaller sized crossoversmuch smaller than the XC60 said Lex Kessermakers Volvo Car Senior Vice President of Brand Business and Product Strategy. He also added “If we were to further expand our model range likely it would be in the V or XC range.”

The XC60 concept was launched at the recent 2007 North American International Auto Show. The said vehicle will share the same Ford C1 platform technology with the Land Rover Freelander. The automaker said that the vehicle should never be confused with the XC50 which was the first name used for the XC60. The vehicle exudes brand new styling and design direction that represents future Volvo vehicles.

The size of the XC60 is likened to that of the BMW X3 or Acura RDX. It also possess outstanding features like the glass roof a newly styles grille new shifting mechanism mechanical tail gate a much larger Volvo symbol and 20inch rims. Armstrong said that the XC60 is a logical option for people who entered the Volvo brand with the C30 hatchback or S40 sedan. And as for the V90 Kerssemakers said it is “high on my wish list but we have to be realistic. There’s a limit to what a small organization can do.”

Although Volvo is planning of expanding its wagons and crossovers lineup but it stresses that it will not venture into the minivans segment. According to Kerssemakers “The XC90 is our sevenseat interpretation. We’re happy with it. Our customers are happy with it. he also added that Volvo needs to ensure first that its current lineup is profitable before it venture into new arenas. “All those variants cost a lot of money. But it is easier to cancel or reduce volumes of a vehicle than to suddenly have to play catchup.”

Volvo has built several wagons and crossovers. And each of them has undergone rigid and meticulous engineering starting from the fitting of large car parts down to smallest details like the installation of Volvo master cylinder. Volvo makes sure that everything is fitted perfectly.

Volvos Brief History
Volvo was formed by Assar Gabrielsson a businessman and Gustaf Larson an engineer in 1927. For its first year of operation it has been able to sell 297 carsall OV4 model which was based on an American design. The automakers early creations possess conservative design and technology which resulted to its lack of global recognition.

The low cost of labor in Sweden has helped the automaker in growing gradually until it began exporting cars abroad particularly in America. Volvo later became the largest car maker in Sweden beating Saab which is a GM subsidiary there.

In the year 1947 Volvo had begun concentrating on medium price to luxurious cars until the arrival of the PV44 which is the automakers first ever small car. Although it lacks in technology but the 4cylinder car was aggressively priced. The PV444 was also the first mass produced car by Volvo which later resulted in 100000 sales in nine years.

The next small car produced by Volvo was in the year 1956 and was called the Amazon or popularly known as 120 overseas. Almost 667000 units were produced during its 14 years of existence. Volvo has started expanding from the late 50s to the 60s and as part of its expansion it has built a larger plant at Torslanda to produced its needed 200000 cars.

Despite the larger plant the automaker has remained producing conservative products but excluding the P1800 sports car which was manufactured in 1961. The P1800 is powered by a 4cylinder 1.8 liter engine and was assembled in the UK. It was the development of Volvo 144 which has helped the automaker to establish a reputation for safety. The 144 was provided with safety features that include disc brakes all round 3point safety belts crumple zones front and rear and a failsafe dualchannel brake system.

The 240 series which was launched in 1974 is considered to be an important model of Volvo until late 80s. The 240 series was the first turbocharged Volvo and performed strong in motor racing. After the 240 series came Volvo 760/740 series which became the automakers flagship model. The design philosophy employed for the 760/740 series was applied today on the S80.

The PRV V6 engine of the S80 was developed jointly by PSA Renault and Volvo. The relationship with Renault could have ended in a merger but unfortunately the whole deal broke down.

About the writer:  Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

First Electric Mini Car To Hit Roads Of Japan

irst Electric mini car to hit roads of Japan is as early as 2009. Now it seems just around the corner by the efforts of MMC Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It is believed that other automakers worldwide are also making same efforts to make important announcements in terms of eco cars.

Research

MMC started a joint research with Tokyo Electric Power Company and The Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc. in November 2006 and with Kyushu Electric Power Co. Ltd in January 2007. The new research EV electric vehicle is based on MMC’s “i” minicar and named “i MiEV” which mean Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle. i MiEV is powered by a compact and lightweight motor and highenergy density lithiumion batteries. After removing the i’s a sister car by MMC combustion engine mounted on the platform with an original rearmidship layout a single motor *2 is mounted in its place. i MiEV became electricpowered with few modifications of the body structure.

Since her first display at the 22nd International Battery Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium Exposition EVS22 at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama on October 23 28 2006 the performance is highly revolutionized from a test vehicle to a real commercial project. By the assistance of Japanese government this mini electric vehicle will hit the roads of Japan as soon as 2009.

Performance

Since her first display there is remarkable overall improvement in every respect. The battery system is improved to run without any major knockdown for continuous 10 years. The commercial viability has become possible by continuous efforts to bring down the overall costs and simultaneously creating a CO2 free environment. This EV neither emits CO2 and nor makes any engine sound which makes it so dear and irresistible to many countries worldwide.

This revolutionary mini EV can run at a high speed of 140mph. The batteries can be recharged via cable plugged to 110V/220V house sockets. Full battery charge is done in total 14 hours pluggedin and no need for another charge till 140Kms. i MiEV shows stronger torque quieter noise and less vibration which are natural advantages of EVs.

Price and economy

MMC is planning to put a high JPY4.0M Approx.USD38000 price tag which includes the research costs. Looks like non practical and out of reach therefore Government of Japan is aiding of max. JPY1.0M approx.USD9500 to help end consumers. Obviously there is a great factor of clean environment involved and if you compare this mini vehicle with other KEI cars Japanese mini vehicles then the price can be bearable. A regular gasoline engine 660CC vehicle runs for about JPY9USD0.086 per Kilometer whereas iMEV will run for JPY1 USD0.009 per kilometer.

Let us join hands to protect our GREEN PLANET by vowing to emit no CO2 for traveling; a single step is the start to make this world greener and happier.

Limited Budget offers

But if you are low on budget for the new car then there are other good reasons to buy a used car. Your smart choice for the right dealer will reflect your final byeproduct. Let say that you have come across leading exporters like Nexuss International Company of Japan which are providing excellent advice and second to none service packages just fit for your needs. Moreover you have to know that:

• Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.

• Some used cars are still under the approved dealers warranty.

• Most approved dealers now sell certified used cars which include warranties.

• The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.

• Online buying and selling of used cars have increasingly gained numbers in recent years.

• Most Japanese cars are one owner and therefore reliability is more.

• Japanese online commission agents are providing less stressful deals by offering Inspected vehicles by qualified inspectors.

• Japanese auctions are nonbiased selling/buying places with limited members.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Lila Ivanova is a freelance writer and has been writing for the last 3 years.

Nexuss International is a Japan based used and new car dealer for import used cars from Japan and also export online Japanese auction cars.

Car Accessories Importance And Trend

Car is a must but with Trendy Car Accessories its a Cool Car!!

Cars are very much essential and important these days. But owning a cool and trendy car makes one feel on the top of the world and well accepted. Though most of the cars today are sleek and lithe shaped car accessories can be used to further enhance the look and feel of the car from the exterior as well as the interior.

On the exterior more people are opting for chrome finishes special paint work neon lightning trim and not to forget personalized licensed plates. Apart from selecting a particular shade of color you could even have a special figure painted on the car body as well giving your car a truly customized look.

Lets now move on to the interiors your car can set the mood for the drive by installing special colored lights maybe in neon shades too…. You could even provide a pleasurable driving experience to yourself and co passengers by installing the latest mp3 players DVD systems stereo systems or even video games etc.

For the upholstery and its related accessories you could opt for demure leather or suede seats or even faux animal prints if you like bold stripes especially. The trims could be custom made either of wood or metal with a chrome finish for the extra gleam.

Car accessories are unlimited and endless. Your decision making skills will be put through testing times as you will often wonder what to fit in and what to leave out most of the time. The present trend of car accessories and giving the car a customized look will very much be a reflection of your personality.

About the writer:  This article has been written by Divya one of the experts at Automobileindia. To know more about car accessories or to buy them visit our website www.automobileindia.com