Friday, April 14, 2006
Small Fuel Efficient SUV by General Motors
By Lance Winslow
With US Automakers under the careful eye of investors and analysts they realize that they must adapt to the changing market. With fuel prices up and Japanese Automakers capturing another 4-5% of the United States Auto Market it is clear that car buyers want more efficient vehicles. It is quite evident with the 284 million dollar loss at Ford and the Delphi bankruptcy that it is time for a change. General Motors is even discussing dumping GMAC and has already made a deal with the Unions to cut back on some of those healthcare benefits and start discussing the under funded pensions.
As a sign to shareholders and analysts General Motors announced its plans to come out with a new small SUV, as well as introduce some new cross-overs, as many as 14 by 2010. Will it be enough? That is for time to tell, but it shows that GM is serious about fixing some of its ills. There will be smaller versions of the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox and the Pontiac Torrent. It is hard to say if this is enough to get buyers to take their names off the waiting lists for Hybrids at the Japanese Automaker Dealerships of Toyota and Honda. The soccer mom has spoken, but one does have to wonder if it is a little too late to bring GM out of a downward spiral as our nation enters a change in our business cycle.
Simply building smaller cars and SUVa may not be enough because it is more about the $100 monthly gasoline bill that the average American Family is looking at than merely the size of the vehicle. In fact people would drive around school buses if they got 50 miles to the gallon. Size does matter, but efficiency in the revolutions per minute is even more important, because that means fuel economy. Think on this.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
With US Automakers under the careful eye of investors and analysts they realize that they must adapt to the changing market. With fuel prices up and Japanese Automakers capturing another 4-5% of the United States Auto Market it is clear that car buyers want more efficient vehicles. It is quite evident with the 284 million dollar loss at Ford and the Delphi bankruptcy that it is time for a change. General Motors is even discussing dumping GMAC and has already made a deal with the Unions to cut back on some of those healthcare benefits and start discussing the under funded pensions.
As a sign to shareholders and analysts General Motors announced its plans to come out with a new small SUV, as well as introduce some new cross-overs, as many as 14 by 2010. Will it be enough? That is for time to tell, but it shows that GM is serious about fixing some of its ills. There will be smaller versions of the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox and the Pontiac Torrent. It is hard to say if this is enough to get buyers to take their names off the waiting lists for Hybrids at the Japanese Automaker Dealerships of Toyota and Honda. The soccer mom has spoken, but one does have to wonder if it is a little too late to bring GM out of a downward spiral as our nation enters a change in our business cycle.
Simply building smaller cars and SUVa may not be enough because it is more about the $100 monthly gasoline bill that the average American Family is looking at than merely the size of the vehicle. In fact people would drive around school buses if they got 50 miles to the gallon. Size does matter, but efficiency in the revolutions per minute is even more important, because that means fuel economy. Think on this.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
Fuel Economy Guidelines Change and Nobody's Happy For Now
By Peter J.H. Johnson
Whenever new regulations regarding the auto industry are imposed, it reminds me
of two parents arguing about their child. One parent wants to make an unpopular
decision that will better their son or daughter in the long run. The other doesn't see
any long-term gains just short-term pain. The child usually takes the side with no
short-term pain. Last week the Bush Administration announced new Corporate
Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) guidelines to automakers that now include large
SUV's. Under the new rules, light trucks and SUV's must average 24 miles per gallon
by 2011, up from 21.6 mpg, an increase of more than 10% in 5 years. Automakers
say these new regulations pose serious challenges and prices will rise a few hundred
dollars per vehicle, hurting consumers. The Bush Administration said the new
regulations will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil over the next few
years.
Like before, an automaker can use vehicles that get above the requirement to offset
those that get below. However, in order to achieve the higher average, automakers
will need to introduce new technologies to make fuel efficient vehicles even more
fuel efficient, and make gas guzzling SUV's drink fuel at a slower pace. Today many
new technologies improve power and reduce fuel consumption. Improved
aerodynamics, reduced weight and more efficient drive trains will help achieve these
gains. As automakers point out, there is a price to pay for all of these impending
improvements.
Although these are the biggest changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
guidelines we've seen in a long time, they are long overdue. Over the last 10 years
we've seen a dramatic rise in large SUV sales like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln
Navigator and Hummer H2. As these vehicles have become more commonplace, it's
time that they meet more strict regulations.
We've come a long way since the 1970's when the government made their first big
push to increase fuel economy. Today, our cars are cleaner, more fuel efficient and
more powerful. But we wouldn't have any of these improvements unless the
Government took the action it took. Whenever there is a challenge, automakers can
turn to there best and brightest for the solutions.
As it stands right now, large SUV's don't make much sense. Hopefully these new
guidelines will force automakers to downsize their offerings and push customers
into more sensible vehicles. And it's best to get this done before the next spike in
fuel prices. When prices spike due to a supply issue, vehicles like the Hummer H2
will become the hot potato that nobody will want to be caught with. Who's side will
you be on then?
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
By Peter J.H. Johnson
Whenever new regulations regarding the auto industry are imposed, it reminds me
of two parents arguing about their child. One parent wants to make an unpopular
decision that will better their son or daughter in the long run. The other doesn't see
any long-term gains just short-term pain. The child usually takes the side with no
short-term pain. Last week the Bush Administration announced new Corporate
Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) guidelines to automakers that now include large
SUV's. Under the new rules, light trucks and SUV's must average 24 miles per gallon
by 2011, up from 21.6 mpg, an increase of more than 10% in 5 years. Automakers
say these new regulations pose serious challenges and prices will rise a few hundred
dollars per vehicle, hurting consumers. The Bush Administration said the new
regulations will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil over the next few
years.
Like before, an automaker can use vehicles that get above the requirement to offset
those that get below. However, in order to achieve the higher average, automakers
will need to introduce new technologies to make fuel efficient vehicles even more
fuel efficient, and make gas guzzling SUV's drink fuel at a slower pace. Today many
new technologies improve power and reduce fuel consumption. Improved
aerodynamics, reduced weight and more efficient drive trains will help achieve these
gains. As automakers point out, there is a price to pay for all of these impending
improvements.
Although these are the biggest changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
guidelines we've seen in a long time, they are long overdue. Over the last 10 years
we've seen a dramatic rise in large SUV sales like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln
Navigator and Hummer H2. As these vehicles have become more commonplace, it's
time that they meet more strict regulations.
We've come a long way since the 1970's when the government made their first big
push to increase fuel economy. Today, our cars are cleaner, more fuel efficient and
more powerful. But we wouldn't have any of these improvements unless the
Government took the action it took. Whenever there is a challenge, automakers can
turn to there best and brightest for the solutions.
As it stands right now, large SUV's don't make much sense. Hopefully these new
guidelines will force automakers to downsize their offerings and push customers
into more sensible vehicles. And it's best to get this done before the next spike in
fuel prices. When prices spike due to a supply issue, vehicles like the Hummer H2
will become the hot potato that nobody will want to be caught with. Who's side will
you be on then?
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
Whenever new regulations regarding the auto industry are imposed, it reminds me
of two parents arguing about their child. One parent wants to make an unpopular
decision that will better their son or daughter in the long run. The other doesn't see
any long-term gains just short-term pain. The child usually takes the side with no
short-term pain. Last week the Bush Administration announced new Corporate
Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) guidelines to automakers that now include large
SUV's. Under the new rules, light trucks and SUV's must average 24 miles per gallon
by 2011, up from 21.6 mpg, an increase of more than 10% in 5 years. Automakers
say these new regulations pose serious challenges and prices will rise a few hundred
dollars per vehicle, hurting consumers. The Bush Administration said the new
regulations will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil over the next few
years.
Like before, an automaker can use vehicles that get above the requirement to offset
those that get below. However, in order to achieve the higher average, automakers
will need to introduce new technologies to make fuel efficient vehicles even more
fuel efficient, and make gas guzzling SUV's drink fuel at a slower pace. Today many
new technologies improve power and reduce fuel consumption. Improved
aerodynamics, reduced weight and more efficient drive trains will help achieve these
gains. As automakers point out, there is a price to pay for all of these impending
improvements.
Although these are the biggest changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
guidelines we've seen in a long time, they are long overdue. Over the last 10 years
we've seen a dramatic rise in large SUV sales like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln
Navigator and Hummer H2. As these vehicles have become more commonplace, it's
time that they meet more strict regulations.
We've come a long way since the 1970's when the government made their first big
push to increase fuel economy. Today, our cars are cleaner, more fuel efficient and
more powerful. But we wouldn't have any of these improvements unless the
Government took the action it took. Whenever there is a challenge, automakers can
turn to there best and brightest for the solutions.
As it stands right now, large SUV's don't make much sense. Hopefully these new
guidelines will force automakers to downsize their offerings and push customers
into more sensible vehicles. And it's best to get this done before the next spike in
fuel prices. When prices spike due to a supply issue, vehicles like the Hummer H2
will become the hot potato that nobody will want to be caught with. Who's side will
you be on then?
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
By Peter J.H. Johnson
Whenever new regulations regarding the auto industry are imposed, it reminds me
of two parents arguing about their child. One parent wants to make an unpopular
decision that will better their son or daughter in the long run. The other doesn't see
any long-term gains just short-term pain. The child usually takes the side with no
short-term pain. Last week the Bush Administration announced new Corporate
Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) guidelines to automakers that now include large
SUV's. Under the new rules, light trucks and SUV's must average 24 miles per gallon
by 2011, up from 21.6 mpg, an increase of more than 10% in 5 years. Automakers
say these new regulations pose serious challenges and prices will rise a few hundred
dollars per vehicle, hurting consumers. The Bush Administration said the new
regulations will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil over the next few
years.
Like before, an automaker can use vehicles that get above the requirement to offset
those that get below. However, in order to achieve the higher average, automakers
will need to introduce new technologies to make fuel efficient vehicles even more
fuel efficient, and make gas guzzling SUV's drink fuel at a slower pace. Today many
new technologies improve power and reduce fuel consumption. Improved
aerodynamics, reduced weight and more efficient drive trains will help achieve these
gains. As automakers point out, there is a price to pay for all of these impending
improvements.
Although these are the biggest changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
guidelines we've seen in a long time, they are long overdue. Over the last 10 years
we've seen a dramatic rise in large SUV sales like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln
Navigator and Hummer H2. As these vehicles have become more commonplace, it's
time that they meet more strict regulations.
We've come a long way since the 1970's when the government made their first big
push to increase fuel economy. Today, our cars are cleaner, more fuel efficient and
more powerful. But we wouldn't have any of these improvements unless the
Government took the action it took. Whenever there is a challenge, automakers can
turn to there best and brightest for the solutions.
As it stands right now, large SUV's don't make much sense. Hopefully these new
guidelines will force automakers to downsize their offerings and push customers
into more sensible vehicles. And it's best to get this done before the next spike in
fuel prices. When prices spike due to a supply issue, vehicles like the Hummer H2
will become the hot potato that nobody will want to be caught with. Who's side will
you be on then?
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J.H._Johnson
P. Diddy Makes Sean John Rims For Luxury SUV's, Trucks, And Cars
By Steve Farber
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has already made his mark as a musician and all-around entertainment entrepreneur. P. Diddy has built up his empire from a record label to a conglomerate of "gangster chic" consumer items, he now has another money making machine on his hands. Diddy is now in the auto parts business designing luxury custom car and truck rims with Weld Wheel Industries Inc.
The 50-50 joint venture between Combs' Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group and Kansas City's Weld Wheel Industries Inc. was announced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show and targets sports trucks, luxury SUVs and high-end American and German automobiles. The Sean John signature wheel designs retail between $700 to $3,000 each and are a high-end, quality alternative to mainstream custom wheels.
Styling and innovation is synonymous with Combs, and Sean Jean Wheels are all about hot styling. Designed specifically to reflect the sexy, sophisticated P. Diddy lifestyle image. Sean John Wheels are custom crafted for unmatched strength, lightness, and optimum brake cooling ability, and combine stylish, aggressive multi-spoke designs with an aura of elegance that will top off any custom or luxury ride.
In the urban market, custom rims have become a fashion statement if not a "badge of honor". Can any urban lifestyle brand now be complete without a line of dubs? Seriously, chrome rims are the new cologne. Sean's personal choice is the Zeus model which he's added as the finishing touch to his Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The way they've designed the Diddy's line of wheels, they look like they're moving even when they're not. Each of the nine designs- from the elegant six-spoke to the amazingly intricate 18-spoke versions - are built to Weld's legendary toughness and durability standards, delivering low moment of inertia for improved acceleration and air flow to help cooling and reduce lift and drag. They have even given them ancient Greek names like: Zeus, Atlas and Apollo just to name a few.
Your car really is not finished until you buy your custom rims for it. That kind of dictates who you are, like in your Benz, Phantom Rolls Royce, or your Chevy, Ford or whatever car you drive.
Before you go out and spend three to twelve thousand dollars, you need to do some research. You need to read up on the following wheel characteristics: backspace, bolt patterns, centerbore, offset, plus sizing, spacers, wheel adapters and proper torque.
Sean John rims by Steve Farber - http://www.Custom-Wheels-n-Rims.com and http://www.Just-Spinner-Rims.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Farber
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has already made his mark as a musician and all-around entertainment entrepreneur. P. Diddy has built up his empire from a record label to a conglomerate of "gangster chic" consumer items, he now has another money making machine on his hands. Diddy is now in the auto parts business designing luxury custom car and truck rims with Weld Wheel Industries Inc.
The 50-50 joint venture between Combs' Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group and Kansas City's Weld Wheel Industries Inc. was announced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show and targets sports trucks, luxury SUVs and high-end American and German automobiles. The Sean John signature wheel designs retail between $700 to $3,000 each and are a high-end, quality alternative to mainstream custom wheels.
Styling and innovation is synonymous with Combs, and Sean Jean Wheels are all about hot styling. Designed specifically to reflect the sexy, sophisticated P. Diddy lifestyle image. Sean John Wheels are custom crafted for unmatched strength, lightness, and optimum brake cooling ability, and combine stylish, aggressive multi-spoke designs with an aura of elegance that will top off any custom or luxury ride.
In the urban market, custom rims have become a fashion statement if not a "badge of honor". Can any urban lifestyle brand now be complete without a line of dubs? Seriously, chrome rims are the new cologne. Sean's personal choice is the Zeus model which he's added as the finishing touch to his Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The way they've designed the Diddy's line of wheels, they look like they're moving even when they're not. Each of the nine designs- from the elegant six-spoke to the amazingly intricate 18-spoke versions - are built to Weld's legendary toughness and durability standards, delivering low moment of inertia for improved acceleration and air flow to help cooling and reduce lift and drag. They have even given them ancient Greek names like: Zeus, Atlas and Apollo just to name a few.
Your car really is not finished until you buy your custom rims for it. That kind of dictates who you are, like in your Benz, Phantom Rolls Royce, or your Chevy, Ford or whatever car you drive.
Before you go out and spend three to twelve thousand dollars, you need to do some research. You need to read up on the following wheel characteristics: backspace, bolt patterns, centerbore, offset, plus sizing, spacers, wheel adapters and proper torque.
Sean John rims by Steve Farber - http://www.Custom-Wheels-n-Rims.com and http://www.Just-Spinner-Rims.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Farber
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Jeep Commander: Stuck in a Sales Rut
By Matthew Keegan
Just months after its much publicized release, the 7 passenger Jeep Commander is a major disappointment for DaimlerChrysler to the point where it has become an albatross around the automaker’s neck. Stung with bloated inventories in excess of 100 days – an industry killer – the Commander is now commanding discounts of over $5000 per vehicle. What went wrong? Plenty, especially if you read what the pundits and prognosticators have to say about the new Jeep.
No vehicle introduction should be problematic however, as for the Jeep Commander this model has fallen well short of sales goals. There are many reasons why the Commander may be failing to live up to expectations including:
High Fuel Prices – Gasoline pushing past $2.50 per gallon cannot help any SUV. With the Commander’s three thirsty engine choices, the price at the pump can be painful. Yet, the even bigger Chevrolet Tahoe is selling well despite high fuel prices.
Dated Styling – Jeep mentions the Commander’s “heritage exterior design” as one of the chief draws for the vehicle. Take one look at the Commander, and the styling cues of the 1984 Jeep Cherokee quickly come to mind. While some vehicles successfully incorporate “the look” of an earlier model without copying the style, the Commander looks awfully like the earlier Cherokee, only stretched out. Personally, I find the style to be dated and awkward.
Cramped Interior – Put the Commander up against the next biggest Jeep, the Gran Cherokee, and you will see that the interior space is just about the same. This is bad because the Commander comes equipped with a third row of seats so there should be more room. Many have complained that only two small children could fit in the last row which, incidentally, does not completely fold into the floor like the “stow ‘n go” feature on the DCX minivans.
Overpriced – Fully loaded Commanders are retailing for well over $40,000. While this price range can be expected for the likes of a Yukon, Tahoe, or Expedition, it can’t for the Commander. Of course, the Commander is bigger than the Gran Cherokee which is priced just under $40,000. However, if you put the two models side by side, many would say that the Gran Cherokee is the better of the two.
So, will DaimlerChrysler actually discontinue the Commander? That isn’t likely. Instead, look for big rebates to remain in place and production to be permanently cut back. For the long term, DCX will need to give some serious consideration as to whether the Commander will remain part of the Jeep line up. In my opinion, if it does, it needs to be seriously overhauled in order to compete in today’s marketplace.
In all, the Commander is a costly mistake for the automaker. During these times of strong and aggressive competition, the Commander is a misstep that cannot be ignored by DaimlerChrysler. Goodness knows the Commander is being ignored by Jeep faithful who are spurning the model altogether.
Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a full time freelance writer covering the best selling cars as well as niche models. To keep your car running well, shop the Catalytic Converters and Oxygen Sensors shop for the best selection of automotive parts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Just months after its much publicized release, the 7 passenger Jeep Commander is a major disappointment for DaimlerChrysler to the point where it has become an albatross around the automaker’s neck. Stung with bloated inventories in excess of 100 days – an industry killer – the Commander is now commanding discounts of over $5000 per vehicle. What went wrong? Plenty, especially if you read what the pundits and prognosticators have to say about the new Jeep.
No vehicle introduction should be problematic however, as for the Jeep Commander this model has fallen well short of sales goals. There are many reasons why the Commander may be failing to live up to expectations including:
High Fuel Prices – Gasoline pushing past $2.50 per gallon cannot help any SUV. With the Commander’s three thirsty engine choices, the price at the pump can be painful. Yet, the even bigger Chevrolet Tahoe is selling well despite high fuel prices.
Dated Styling – Jeep mentions the Commander’s “heritage exterior design” as one of the chief draws for the vehicle. Take one look at the Commander, and the styling cues of the 1984 Jeep Cherokee quickly come to mind. While some vehicles successfully incorporate “the look” of an earlier model without copying the style, the Commander looks awfully like the earlier Cherokee, only stretched out. Personally, I find the style to be dated and awkward.
Cramped Interior – Put the Commander up against the next biggest Jeep, the Gran Cherokee, and you will see that the interior space is just about the same. This is bad because the Commander comes equipped with a third row of seats so there should be more room. Many have complained that only two small children could fit in the last row which, incidentally, does not completely fold into the floor like the “stow ‘n go” feature on the DCX minivans.
Overpriced – Fully loaded Commanders are retailing for well over $40,000. While this price range can be expected for the likes of a Yukon, Tahoe, or Expedition, it can’t for the Commander. Of course, the Commander is bigger than the Gran Cherokee which is priced just under $40,000. However, if you put the two models side by side, many would say that the Gran Cherokee is the better of the two.
So, will DaimlerChrysler actually discontinue the Commander? That isn’t likely. Instead, look for big rebates to remain in place and production to be permanently cut back. For the long term, DCX will need to give some serious consideration as to whether the Commander will remain part of the Jeep line up. In my opinion, if it does, it needs to be seriously overhauled in order to compete in today’s marketplace.
In all, the Commander is a costly mistake for the automaker. During these times of strong and aggressive competition, the Commander is a misstep that cannot be ignored by DaimlerChrysler. Goodness knows the Commander is being ignored by Jeep faithful who are spurning the model altogether.
Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a full time freelance writer covering the best selling cars as well as niche models. To keep your car running well, shop the Catalytic Converters and Oxygen Sensors shop for the best selection of automotive parts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Newly Designed Chevy Tahoe
A few weeks ago Chevy released it’s newly designed 2007 Tahoe. The vehicle is receiving great reviews, and Chevy is offering several new features this go around. For the past 5 or 6 years the Tahoe has maintained pretty much the same blocked exterior but the new 2007 model sports a more round and futuristic look. The interior has also received a facelift by adding wood accents, and offering such features as a navigation radio, heated seats, power lift gate, power fold down 2nd row seat, remote vehicle start, and a rear view camera system. These are all new features to be added to the already long list of extras if you should decide to upgrade. As you might of guessed most of the new features listed above come stock with the pricier models, but also be sure to remember that most of the extras aren’t limited to a specific model. You can always make request to add certain features to meet your needs. The new Chevy Tahoe also stepped up it’s game on safety features. The 2007 version boast the same safety features as previous models like stabilitrak, and antilock brakes. This version also has new head curtain side air bags and all rows have rollover sensors. The new heated windshield washer system is also a helpful safety measure. Probably the next question on everyone’s mind after safety is fuel economy. Chevy is well-known for providing America’s #1 and most fuel efficient full size suv’s and the new tahoe keeps the tradition alive with a new active fuel management system and C85 flexible-fuel capability. Highway fuel economy is estimated to reach the low-20s. Other notable features are the newly designed wheels, which come in sizes 17in x 7.5in and 20in x8.5in. The LS starts at $33,990 and the LT and LTZ are priced at 35,740 and 44,015. These of course are manufacturer suggested prices the actual dealership price will vary.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The New Truck From Honda: Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s new pickup truck on the market. It uses Honda's unibody large vehicle platform, shared with the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey. It is powered by an all aluminum 255 hp 3.5 L V6 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive capable of towing 5000 lbs. The Ridgeline will be the first pickup truck with a fully-independent suspension.
Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.
The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.
Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.
The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.
Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.
The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.
There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.
The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.
All in all, looks to be a pretty good and well thought out truck from Honda. Check out my pictures of the Honda Ridgeline at the car show on my website.
About the Author: Stuart Simpson http://www.hondalinks.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Some of the more innovative features of the Ridgeline are its tailgate, which can fold down or hinge to the side, and an 8.5 cubic foot “In-Bed Trunk" below the truck bed. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. The Ridgeline comes with anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.
The bed is 49.5” x 60” with the tailgate up. With the tailgate down, you get 49.5” x 79”. And remember, the tailgate also swings to the side so you can easily access the in-bed trunk. The tailgate is designed to support 300 lbs. While driving. The steel reinforced composite bed resists dents and corrosion. Another neat feature were ample tie downs in the beds and several cargo lights.
Standard towing features include prewiring 4 pin and 7 pin, along with a brake controller. Heavy duty radiator, power steering cooler, and transmission cooler keep things cool when the work begins. Huge 4 wheel disk brakes help stop quicker with the aid of the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). All the dealer has to do is install the hitch and harness.
The 8” ground clearance works well with the 4 wheel independent suspension. Yes, all 4 wheels. Unheard of in a truck, but this is a Honda. They wanted their truck to instill confidence in the corners and a stable, responsive feel while maintaining ride quality. The closed box frame and unit body construction means this truck is tough and ready to work.
Traction control is standard along with a locking rear differential for extremely low traction conditions. It can stay locked with a push of a button up to 18 mph. Along with traction control, you get stability control called Vehicle Stability Assist. This corrects your cornering problems before they even become a problem.
The tires come with tire pressure monitoring systems which will be standard in all vehicles very soon (government mandate). Air bags are all around in front, side, and side curtain. It will only deploy what is necessary depending on the type of accident. These safety features along with ABS braking make this one of the safest trucks on the road.
There are three trim levels starting with the RT, RTS and the luxury RTL. You can get heated leather seats and a moonroof. These amenities were only thought to be available in cars. This truck also has available navigation system, homelink, and a hidden in dash cd changer.
The 22 gallon tank is ample for the 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway EPA mileage estimates. The six color combinations come with 3 interior choices. Options include a bed extender, tail light “garnish”, chrome bumper trim, 17” wheels, body side protectors, roof rack, fender flares, running boards and a towing package mentioned above. I’ve also seen hard tonneau cover-locking for the bed, and in-bed trunk dividers. There’s a larger brush guard for the front bumper available for you off roaders.
All in all, looks to be a pretty good and well thought out truck from Honda. Check out my pictures of the Honda Ridgeline at the car show on my website.
About the Author: Stuart Simpson http://www.hondalinks.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
SUV Owners Pay More
by: Rob Sliver
Hortencia Privett is like thousands of other owners of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Privett admits that she loves what she drives, a silver 2002 Jeep Liberty, but insurance experts caution that she and other SUV owners have to pay considerably more for insurance than those tooling around town in smaller cars.
The cost to insure an SUV is generally 10 to 20 percent more than a car, depending of course on a driver's location, claims experience, credit history and other factors, confirms Loretta L. Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute, in New York. "Yes auto rates for SUVs are generally higher than for automobiles," says Worters. "Rates of course correlate to risk -- and there are a lot of risk factors with SUVs. Not so much what affects them, but what they do to other vehicles."
Cutting to specifics, Worters pointed out that an SUV's "potential for liability and medical payments coverage losses is a real concern to the industry. Pedestrians hit by SUVs have a 300 percent higher risk of serious injury than if they were struck by a passenger car. There's also greater injury in cars that are hit by SUVs than it would be with another car."
Privett acknowledges that she has to pay more for coverage, but that's okay with her under the circumstances. "I feel safer in my SUV," explains Privett, an office secretary in Illinois. "I've had an SUV for three years, and I wouldn't go back. Even though I have to pay more for insurance, it's worth the added cost to me."
Privett's SUV sentiments are hardly unique. It's been reported that SUVs accounted for upwards of 24 percent of all new-vehicle sales in the United States for 2003 and, with well over 20 million on the road today, SUVs represent almost 12 percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S.
The safety reputation of an SUV or other vehicle type certainly has a bearing on insurance costs. On the subject of SUV safety, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) brings up what he considers to be a misconception about SUVs.
"The misconception is that many people think that SUVs are safer than cars, and they're not,” says IIHS's Russ Rader. "Vehicle crash statistics that we compile each year show that pound for pound, if you're comparing vehicles of a similar weight, SUVs tend to be less safe than cars."
Rader says that cost of repair is a big issue from an insurance standpoint. "SUVs can be costly to repair in minor crashes, because they don't have to meet the federal government's standards set for bumpers on cars in terms of withstanding crashes in commuter traffic or parking lots," explains Rader.
Says Rader: "Most SUVs aren't built like cars and don't drive like them. Yes, they're higher and you can see the road ahead better, but that height also gives them a higher center of gravity, which makes them less balanced than sedans -- and more likely to flip."
Insurance trade organization officer Dan Kummer focuses on high liability claims costs involving large SUVs in vehicular accidents. "If you have a large SUV and you hit a mid-sized or smaller vehicle, you are likely to pay higher liability costs when your policy comes up for renewal," says Kummer, director of personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, in Des Plaines, Ill.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
Insurance.com
feedback@insurance.com
Hortencia Privett is like thousands of other owners of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Privett admits that she loves what she drives, a silver 2002 Jeep Liberty, but insurance experts caution that she and other SUV owners have to pay considerably more for insurance than those tooling around town in smaller cars.
The cost to insure an SUV is generally 10 to 20 percent more than a car, depending of course on a driver's location, claims experience, credit history and other factors, confirms Loretta L. Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute, in New York. "Yes auto rates for SUVs are generally higher than for automobiles," says Worters. "Rates of course correlate to risk -- and there are a lot of risk factors with SUVs. Not so much what affects them, but what they do to other vehicles."
Cutting to specifics, Worters pointed out that an SUV's "potential for liability and medical payments coverage losses is a real concern to the industry. Pedestrians hit by SUVs have a 300 percent higher risk of serious injury than if they were struck by a passenger car. There's also greater injury in cars that are hit by SUVs than it would be with another car."
Privett acknowledges that she has to pay more for coverage, but that's okay with her under the circumstances. "I feel safer in my SUV," explains Privett, an office secretary in Illinois. "I've had an SUV for three years, and I wouldn't go back. Even though I have to pay more for insurance, it's worth the added cost to me."
Privett's SUV sentiments are hardly unique. It's been reported that SUVs accounted for upwards of 24 percent of all new-vehicle sales in the United States for 2003 and, with well over 20 million on the road today, SUVs represent almost 12 percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S.
The safety reputation of an SUV or other vehicle type certainly has a bearing on insurance costs. On the subject of SUV safety, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) brings up what he considers to be a misconception about SUVs.
"The misconception is that many people think that SUVs are safer than cars, and they're not,” says IIHS's Russ Rader. "Vehicle crash statistics that we compile each year show that pound for pound, if you're comparing vehicles of a similar weight, SUVs tend to be less safe than cars."
Rader says that cost of repair is a big issue from an insurance standpoint. "SUVs can be costly to repair in minor crashes, because they don't have to meet the federal government's standards set for bumpers on cars in terms of withstanding crashes in commuter traffic or parking lots," explains Rader.
Says Rader: "Most SUVs aren't built like cars and don't drive like them. Yes, they're higher and you can see the road ahead better, but that height also gives them a higher center of gravity, which makes them less balanced than sedans -- and more likely to flip."
Insurance trade organization officer Dan Kummer focuses on high liability claims costs involving large SUVs in vehicular accidents. "If you have a large SUV and you hit a mid-sized or smaller vehicle, you are likely to pay higher liability costs when your policy comes up for renewal," says Kummer, director of personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, in Des Plaines, Ill.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
Insurance.com
feedback@insurance.com
Monday, December 19, 2005
New Jeep Commander Receives Warm Welcome
In spite of reported over-all declining sales in SUVs, Jeep has seen its two largest entries into this Auto segment enjoying surprising results for the month of October 2005. As reported in the article “Topic: Big trouble for big SUVs: Sales and prices of used-utes continue to slide” in an edition of the Automotive News, "Prices are falling, and they are falling fast," Webb says.
Sales of new large SUVs plummeted 48.1 percent in September from a year ago. For the first nine months of 2005, those sales were 15.5 percent below the same period last year.
Daimler-Chrysler reported that sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the newly available 2006 Jeep Commander were surprisingly strong during October 2005. Reported sales of the Grand Cherokee were 14,298 Grand Cherokees sold, a 6% increase from October 2004, and it was reported that there were 3,241 units for the Commander sold in October 2005. This sales figure was achieved in spite of the fact that the Commander was still being distributed to dealers during the month.
Why has Jeep been able to go against the tide? Maybe its because they are staying in touch with their past while offering improved technology and more features. This can be seen with Jeep’s latest introduction to their family, the Commander. The Commander is Jeep’s answer to the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, Cadillac Escalades, and Toyota Sequoias. In body style the Commander is a bit of a throwback, recalling the boxy design of the once popular Willys Station Wagon, the Jeep Wagoneer, and the more recent Cherokee. While Jeep returned to its roots in the body style, it has added quite a few new features and options. The more basic additions are a 3rd row of seating and stadium styled seating (each row is slightly elevated above the row in front of it), which offers a good view for all seats. Some outstanding features include All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS), BeltAlert, Digressive Load Limiting Seat Belt Retractors, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist, Enhanced Accident Response System, Parksense Rear Back-up Detection System, and the Tire Pressure Monitor and Warning Signal.
Many of the new technology systems are designed to improve vehicle handling and safety. ESP enhances driver control and helps manage directional stability under various driving conditions. When the system picks up a noticeable difference between the vehicle’s direction and the driver’s intended track, ESP offers selective braking and throttle control to place the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path. The Electronic Roll Mitigation system monitors the vehicle’s roll attitude and lateral pressures to determine rollover potential. When necessary it will reduce engine torque along with a burst of braking applied to the appropriate wheel to assist in stabilizing the vehicle. In other words, it monitors, anticipates, and takes the necessary steps to help avoid rollovers. TCS improves mobility and helps to prevent wheel slippage when accelerating on slick driving surfaces. This system utilizes throttle control as well as the brake application of older traction systems. This state-of-the-art technology provides a more smooth and controlled response over past systems. Other available options are third seat comfort controls, a DVD entertainment system for the back, power sun-roof and Command-View skylights above the second row, digital read-out for tire pressure, alarm system, a hands-free communication system, a DVD navigation system, and Daimler-Chrysler’s patented SmartBeam headlamp system. An offroad package is also available that includes a steel transfer case skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, and all-terrain tires.
What about the engine? You can choose between two V-8 choices and a 3.7 liter V-6. An option sure to gain the automotive enthusiast’s attention, is the powerful 5.7 liter V-8 Hemi with Daimler-Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS) option. MDS turns off unnecessary cylinders (up to 4) for maximizing fuel efficiency when the additional power is not needed. This system is said to boost fuel economy up to 20%! With MDS you have the power when you want it, but enjoy better fuel economy when you don’t.
There’s no mistaking it, the Commander is feature loaded and that’s probably why its been received warmly in the marketplace while other SUVs are taking a pounding. It’s not a complete love affair, however. The Commander already has its critics. In his article “2006 Jeep Commander” on http://www.autoblog.com, Dave Thomas states, “The Jeep Commander has to be one of the most unappealing vehicles, as far as appearance, we’ve seem in this site’s ten months of existence. In recent times, only the Pontiac Aztec has been uglier.” Later on he says, “I’m sorry DCX, this is the first misstep you’ve made since the 300.” While I agree with him that the Commander is boxy, I do not agree that it’s ugly. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. To me, a long-time Jeep enthusiast, the Commander brings back memories of past Jeeps I mentioned earlier and this look should play well with other Jeep enthusiasts looking for an SUV. Further, the feature loaded Commander looks like it is priced to sell with a basic dealer MSRP of $27,290.00.
Volvo made the boxy look sexy with safety as its core feature, and who is to say that Daimler-Chrysler cannot do the same. The early vote says that this boxy-looking vehicle with its outstanding features is winning people over. Americans want safety on the road, and as long as gas prices do not go absolutely crazy again, it looks like demand will hold up well for this new feature packed SUV.
About The Author
Al Oberm is a Jeep enthusiast and an Internet Services Manager for one of the leading Jeep Parts and Accessories retailers in the country, Xtreme Terrain Concepts. Their site can be found at http://www.xtremeterrain.com. In his spare time, Al likes to research and learn the latest news and developments about the vehicles under the Jeep brand.
Sales of new large SUVs plummeted 48.1 percent in September from a year ago. For the first nine months of 2005, those sales were 15.5 percent below the same period last year.
Daimler-Chrysler reported that sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the newly available 2006 Jeep Commander were surprisingly strong during October 2005. Reported sales of the Grand Cherokee were 14,298 Grand Cherokees sold, a 6% increase from October 2004, and it was reported that there were 3,241 units for the Commander sold in October 2005. This sales figure was achieved in spite of the fact that the Commander was still being distributed to dealers during the month.
Why has Jeep been able to go against the tide? Maybe its because they are staying in touch with their past while offering improved technology and more features. This can be seen with Jeep’s latest introduction to their family, the Commander. The Commander is Jeep’s answer to the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, Cadillac Escalades, and Toyota Sequoias. In body style the Commander is a bit of a throwback, recalling the boxy design of the once popular Willys Station Wagon, the Jeep Wagoneer, and the more recent Cherokee. While Jeep returned to its roots in the body style, it has added quite a few new features and options. The more basic additions are a 3rd row of seating and stadium styled seating (each row is slightly elevated above the row in front of it), which offers a good view for all seats. Some outstanding features include All-Speed Traction Control System (TCS), BeltAlert, Digressive Load Limiting Seat Belt Retractors, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist, Enhanced Accident Response System, Parksense Rear Back-up Detection System, and the Tire Pressure Monitor and Warning Signal.
Many of the new technology systems are designed to improve vehicle handling and safety. ESP enhances driver control and helps manage directional stability under various driving conditions. When the system picks up a noticeable difference between the vehicle’s direction and the driver’s intended track, ESP offers selective braking and throttle control to place the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path. The Electronic Roll Mitigation system monitors the vehicle’s roll attitude and lateral pressures to determine rollover potential. When necessary it will reduce engine torque along with a burst of braking applied to the appropriate wheel to assist in stabilizing the vehicle. In other words, it monitors, anticipates, and takes the necessary steps to help avoid rollovers. TCS improves mobility and helps to prevent wheel slippage when accelerating on slick driving surfaces. This system utilizes throttle control as well as the brake application of older traction systems. This state-of-the-art technology provides a more smooth and controlled response over past systems. Other available options are third seat comfort controls, a DVD entertainment system for the back, power sun-roof and Command-View skylights above the second row, digital read-out for tire pressure, alarm system, a hands-free communication system, a DVD navigation system, and Daimler-Chrysler’s patented SmartBeam headlamp system. An offroad package is also available that includes a steel transfer case skid plate, fuel tank skid plate, and all-terrain tires.
What about the engine? You can choose between two V-8 choices and a 3.7 liter V-6. An option sure to gain the automotive enthusiast’s attention, is the powerful 5.7 liter V-8 Hemi with Daimler-Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS) option. MDS turns off unnecessary cylinders (up to 4) for maximizing fuel efficiency when the additional power is not needed. This system is said to boost fuel economy up to 20%! With MDS you have the power when you want it, but enjoy better fuel economy when you don’t.
There’s no mistaking it, the Commander is feature loaded and that’s probably why its been received warmly in the marketplace while other SUVs are taking a pounding. It’s not a complete love affair, however. The Commander already has its critics. In his article “2006 Jeep Commander” on http://www.autoblog.com, Dave Thomas states, “The Jeep Commander has to be one of the most unappealing vehicles, as far as appearance, we’ve seem in this site’s ten months of existence. In recent times, only the Pontiac Aztec has been uglier.” Later on he says, “I’m sorry DCX, this is the first misstep you’ve made since the 300.” While I agree with him that the Commander is boxy, I do not agree that it’s ugly. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. To me, a long-time Jeep enthusiast, the Commander brings back memories of past Jeeps I mentioned earlier and this look should play well with other Jeep enthusiasts looking for an SUV. Further, the feature loaded Commander looks like it is priced to sell with a basic dealer MSRP of $27,290.00.
Volvo made the boxy look sexy with safety as its core feature, and who is to say that Daimler-Chrysler cannot do the same. The early vote says that this boxy-looking vehicle with its outstanding features is winning people over. Americans want safety on the road, and as long as gas prices do not go absolutely crazy again, it looks like demand will hold up well for this new feature packed SUV.
About The Author
Al Oberm is a Jeep enthusiast and an Internet Services Manager for one of the leading Jeep Parts and Accessories retailers in the country, Xtreme Terrain Concepts. Their site can be found at http://www.xtremeterrain.com. In his spare time, Al likes to research and learn the latest news and developments about the vehicles under the Jeep brand.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Truck Parts Are In The Eyes of The Beholder
by: Chris Casarez
In the performance parts industry, people tend to use the words parts and accessories interchangeably, while others see a difference. So what’s the difference, for example, between truck parts and truck accessories if many of them serve the same basic function? It depends on who you ask.
Because the words parts and accessories each encompass a large number of products that overlap and can therefore be categorized as either, people tend to the use the words interchangeably without any regard to the difference. In reality, when dealing with the performance parts industry, the word only overlaps in certain instances, and even then opinions will vary as to which factors apply. Truck parts and truck accessories each have their own list of included products, which ‘meet in the middle’ depending on their intended use, as well as their categorization as an OEM or aftermarket product.
A truck parts advisor for example, may tell you that a truck part has a more generic definition, and includes everything from repair, maintenance, and restoration, to interior and exterior enhancement. Such products may include oil filters, air filters, shocks, spoilers, or headlamps, as they in effect, are part of the truck. So long as they are the original part of the truck, or even a replacement or repair product, it can be described as a part whereas an aftermarket part created to enhance the vehicle after the initial purchase tends to fall into the accessory category.
In the meantime, the same parts advisor may tell you that the word accessory is synonymous with the word part when referring to a product in general, but the specific make and use of the product will determine which category it falls into.
Car covers, sun shields, make-specific paraphernalia and such products that serve mainly to enhance a car or truck (such as lift kits) would most likely be considered solely accessories. A sport utility rack could potentially fall into either.
Even oil filters, brake pads or rotors, or air filters could fall into either category. The standard, OEM version will typically be considered a truck part whereas a performance-based aftermarket version thereof will more likely be considered a Truck accessory (such as K&N oil filters, which take advantage of advanced filtration technology you won’t find in its standard OEM counterpart). A lift kit, which isn’t something that’s included with the truck but rather used as an enhancement will typically be classified as an accessory, though some will still call it a truck part.
The items that tend to be categorized specifically as accessories are aftermarket products made to enhance (whether it be performance or aesthetic). For example aftermarket air filters, high quality seat covers, and floor mats for trucks are typically considered truck accessories if they are not the original OEM part. The issue becomes even more clouded once you get into OEM-made accessories vs. aftermarket accessories or even aftermarket parts, but that’s a completely different article.
In the end, the difference between the two will always vary from person to person, even among truck enthusiasts and professionals within the repair or performance parts industry.
About The Author
Chris Casarez
