Aug

14

CSIRO scientists are working on lighter and safer cars to suit your pocket

Filed Under Automobiles | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan | Leave a Comment

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With regularly happening traffic jams and increasing fuel prices, bigger and heavier cars are becoming a curse. Now, CSIRO scientists are working on constructing cars which are lighter, safer and inexpensive to drive.

They are working on lightweight alloy parts that can break 400kg to 500kg off the weight of cars, hence building them more efficient.

With the help of aluminium and magnesium alloys, around 27 percent of weight can be reduced from the average family car that usually has weight about 1250 kg.

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Jul

23

Tata open to Fiat selling Nano

Filed Under Automobiles | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan | Leave a Comment

Ratan Tata said that Tata Motors Ltd is open to Italy’s Fiat Spa helping to sell the ultra-cheap Nano model overseas.

Tata, India’s third-biggest car maker, plans to launch the Nano later this year, priced at about USD 2,500.

He said, “We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence. I am open to consider a partnership,”

Fiat has a joint venture with Tata to manufacture and distribute cars, engines and commercial vehicles.

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Jul

9

The top 10 cars

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Jun

23

Daimler says it will offer Electric Mercedes in 2010

Filed Under Automobiles | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan | Leave a Comment

Daimler plans to roll out a Mercedes-Benz model that runs on electricity in 2010. Chief executive of company said that we are planning an electric Smart and Mercedes electric model for 2010.Company already has in London a fleet of 100 first-generation Smart cars that run on electricity.

No decision has been made regarding the price for the electric models as General Motors Corp, which has promised to launch a Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car in 2010 for $30,000.

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Jun

19

Honda launches first Hybrid car in India

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Civic Hybrid, the first hybrid car in India, is launched by Honda, a Japanese car Company to protect the environment. This car gets powered by 1.3 litre petrol engine and an electric motor with 47 % enhanced fuel efficiency.

CEO and Honda Siel Car India president said that it is another step in the great success of Honda in India with our long term goal of bringing eco friendly vehicles. He said, “The Company is giving an opportunity of taking the benefit of technology to customers .This statement is given by Honda for protecting the environment.

An official said that we have received 100 inquiries from the 80 dealerships across India and bringing the car to India was a challenging task. Continue reading…



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May

15

Smart car receives top crash ratings

Filed Under Automobiles | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan | Leave a Comment

smart.jpgThe 2008 Smart fortwo micro car, the smallest car for sale in the U.S. market, has earned top scores in crash tests conducted by the insurance industry. The two-seat car did not earn the Institute’s Top Safety Pick designation, however, because it didn’t earn top marks for whiplash protection.

But even if the ForTwo improved its whiplash protection, it would not be named a Top Safety Pick, said IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. The institute does not have a specific size requirement, but the ForTwo is simply too small to be considered safe under all conditions, including highway driving, he said

“All things being equal in safety, bigger and heavier is always better. But among the smallest cars, the engineers of the Smart did their homework and designed a high level of safety into a very small package,” Lund said. Continue reading…



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Apr

28

Best gas mileage cars in 2008:

Filed Under Automobiles | Posted By Jennifer Sullivan | Leave a Comment

car1.jpgEach year, the Environmental Protection Agency compiles its Fuel Economy Guide to educate car buyers on fuel-efficient vehicles. The EPA recently revised its testing methods, lowering MPG estimates for most vehicles. The new testing methods go into effect for the 2008 model year.These cars top the rankings Continue reading…



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Mar

1

Subaru Forester

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subaru foresterWhat is it? The latest Subaru Forester has grown considerably bigger than previous models. Subaru says it is three inches longer, 4.5 inches taller, and has a 3.5-inch longer wheelbase, which the company says improves rear legroom. Two of Subaru’s signature flat-four engines are available, a standard 170-hp four-cylinder, and a turbocharged 224-hp version. The engine has been lowered nearly an inch in the chassis to keep the center of gravity low. But Subaru claims the Forester’s 8.9 inches of ground clearance will be the best of any small SUV.

What is new or notable? Standard safety equipment now includes electronic stability control and brake assist, which helps drivers apply maximum braking force in emergencies. The Forester has a center console that flips out from the center of the rear seat, which is within easy reach of the front seats. The rear seats recline for comfort. And the Forester now offers all the latest conveniences, from a rear DVD player to a navigation system with traffic updates. Subaru says a new double-wishbone rear suspension should improve cargo room.

CR’s Take: This is the Forester’s first full redesign since its 1998 debut. Since then, the market has changed and grown while the Forester remained a humble but competitive entry. The new one finally looks more like an SUV than a wagon. The redesign brings more room, especially in the rear seat; that shortcoming has always been the Forester’s Achilles heel. We’re happy to see that the Forester retains its practical squared-off body and compact dimensions.

When will it be available? Spring 2008.

Source:onlocation.consumerreports.org/applications/CROSHOWS/AutoShows/New-Car-Preview/2-Model.asp?ID=716