It's no surprise to anyone that the car industry has been in a slump these past couple years. Automakers have tried everything from redesign to rebates to get people onto their lots. We have seen hybrids take over the roads, SUV's disappear and well-loved brands cease to exist. There have been a lot of changes for sure and GM was another on the list when they announced that production of Saturn would end and they would phase out the Pontiac name md802 update.
While Saturn has been a well-known brand for GM, in the 20 years it has been around it has never been profitable for the company. This stems from an original brand image problem when Saturn was first introduced. Saturn became synonymous with cheap and poorly made cars. Whether or not that was true, the reputation stuck. While GM improved the models over the years, consumers never really jumped on the Saturn bandwagon.
When Saturn was first introduced back in the early 1990's, it was supposed to be "a different kind of car company". The idea was to attract young buyers with efficient maxisys pro, affordable, trendy cars that could compete with the ever-growing Japanese brands. Unfortunately, developers were slow to promote the new brand and found it difficult to find and attract these buyers they were hoping for. In the end, it looks as though it was just never meant to be for Saturn.
Former race car driver Roger Penske had been in negotiations with GM to buy the Saturn brand and reintroduce it to the world. They had planned on allowing GM to manufacture Saturn through 2011 and then let Penske and the Saturn brand run on its own two feet. After deals with Penske fell through, GM was left with no choice but to shut down the brand. The Saturn brand will most likely be completely halted by the end of 2010.
Another blow to the GM brand is the phasing out of the Pontiac name. When GM was initially forced to rework their infrastructure because of government intervention, they wanted to phase out the Pontiac name. GM was hoping to keep certain well-marketed models under the Pontiac brand name but sell them at Chevrolet dealerships. After reviewing the entire plan, it became obvious that there was no hope for Pontiac. The brand has not been profitable for the company for the past few years so GM was again, left with no choice but to shut down production. Like Saturn, GM believes production will come to an end by December 2010.
While these were hard decisions for GM to make, it did provide them with a bit of hope. By shutting down two unprofitable brands within the company, they are able to devote the rest of their resources to developing and promoting their other brands - Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. It's always difficult to see a huge brand name go under but it is much better than the alternative. What we really can't afford to see is an entire American icon fold under economic hardships. Americans need industrial staples like GM to push through this hard time and serve as a beacon of hope for the future of American industry. So, while we say goodbye to Saturn and Pontiac, let's hope this is a push in the right direction for GM to get back on its own two feet and help pull America out of this economic slump.
Scott Conklin is the president of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas GMC, Kansas Chevy, and Wichita Cars. Conklin Cars can be found online at: ConklinCars.com . Related Links
The 2011 Honda Odyssey is no ordinary minivan. Already a winner with such awards as the ‘2011 Best Redesigned Vehicle' from kbb.com and a 2011 ‘All Star' from Automobile Magazine, it's no wonder the Odyssey is a bestselling minivan. The 2011 model does not disappoint; it is packed with a lot of great features and offers efficiency, top safety amenities, comfort and convenience, hi-tech goodies, and plenty of space.
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 248 horsepower powers all 2011 Odysseys. Its Variable Cylinder Management system allows for excellent power, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. A six-speed automatic transmission is available that delivers an impressive 28 mpg highway estimated fuel economy. As an eight-passenger van, 28 mpg make the Odyssey a class leader.
Honda is committed to providing safe vehicles, and the Odyssey is no exception. It comes equipped with sophisticated safety technology that can help avoid accidents and protect occupants. The Odyssey's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure helps absorb impacts in the event of a collision. A slew of standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, anti lock brakes with brake distribution, front and front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and active head restraints. Also included to help prevent accidents from occurring is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system uses a warning icon to notify the driver when significantly low pressure is detected in a tire autel md802.
The Odyssey's cabin screams comfort and convenience with useful features and smart engineering. The very user-friendly interior is designed with the purpose to make lives easier. The comfortable driver seat features 10-way power adjustment and power lumbar support included on EX models and above. Drivers can choose a soundtrack with Song By Voice, get directions with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, or make a call with Bluetooth all hands-free in the Odyssey. Space is also bountiful in this minivan with room for eight passengers and plenty of cargo space to fit loading needs.
Also enhancing the Odyssey's appeal, other cutting-edge hi-tech goodies available include a 16.2-inch Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with HDM Technology and blind spot information system on the Touring Elite and the multi-view rear camera with the navigation system maixidas ds708. The Odyssey can even handle any mess with its Flip-Up Trash Bag Ring and can keep any drink cold with the beverage cool box, available on the EX model and above.
Improving upon its predecessor, the 2011 model is also better-looking. The modern styling gives the minivan a unique and desirable appearance. The 2011 exterior is sure to grab attention with its low-slung and aerodynamic features. Also depending on model, the Odyssey is equipped with great features including power tailgate, power sliding doors, high-intensity headlamps, and power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators.
The Odyssey features it all: efficiency, safety, comfort, convenience, technology, space and modern styling. Whether driving to work or hauling the family around town, the all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey is the perfect vehicle for everyone.
Honda Cars of McKinney, , is the #1 Certified Honda Dealer in Texas. Honda Cars of McKinney carries an extensive inventory of new, used, and certified Honda cars, including the Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V and more. Related Links
Headlights look fascinating whether they are of a child抯 toy car, or a real car big or small, or a luxury car. A car flashing headlights on a dark night on a road is a striking sight that you will remember and cherish Autel VAG505 Scanner. The headlights are not primarily meant to be seen by you and appreciated but to make you see traffic on the road. In day time if there is bright sunshine there is no problem for the driver to see other traffic on the road, but at night, or if the visibility is poor due to fog or any other reason headlights are of use. A driver can proceed safely only if he can see clearly on the road.
Headlights are an assembly consisting of source of light, reflectors, lenses, and a housing to cover them. These are generally mounted in pair at the front end of a car. If the lights are bright the driver will be able to see farther on the road which will help him in taking timely action. New sources of light like LED lights, Xenon lights, and halogen lights are very bright. Moreover the beam of light should be cast in the right direction and area. The reflectors and lenses which can be manipulated by the driver ensure that the beam of light is cast in the right direction. It has also to be seen that the headlights should not blind the driver of the vehicle coming from the opposite side. This is managed by appropriately locating the headlights or by using the devices like dimmers.
As headlights are so highly visible their designers make them to look very attractive to also serve as an adornment. The housings of the latest aftermarket headlights are therefore beautifully designed. Housings can be made in different colors and of different materials to offer a wide choice to the customers. Not only during night but even in day time a beautifully designed headlight will attract attention and evoke admiration from the onlookers. Even if your existing headlights have not faded or have been damaged you can replace them just to get a new feel of your car autel ds708 update. You can see the latest car headlights at
Did you know Minnesota is the safest state to drive in the USA? It抯 the only place where you抣l find drivers that stop instantly at the sight of pedestrians on the street, even without the painted lines intended for crossing pedestrians.
In reference to the Road Rage Survey 2006, Minneapolis was listed among the cities with the most courteous drivers. You抣l find in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul the coolest drivers! No wonder these cities are often mentioned in our family whenever a nervous adult wants to take driving lessons. St. Paul and Minneapolis are the best cities to be when you抮e getting behind the wheel for the first time, as you抣l find here more disciplined individuals on the road, thus having extremely low number of road mishaps.
I guess, road safety is the main reason Aunt Carmen encouraged her daughter and my cousin, Ione, to take up Fine Arts in a Minneapolis community college as opposed to a Los Angeles university. Ione drives her own car there but no matter how cautious a driver she is, Aunt Carmen can抰 help but feel nervous so she has decided to join her daughter and take up adult driver training in Minnesota.
Mom had been to that part of the Midwest countless times auditing in the different branches of the insurance company that she works for. Not once did she ever complain about reckless driving or drivers in the Twin Cities. That is why when Aunt Carmen mentioned she抯 seriously contemplating an adult driver training in St. Paul, MN, Mom jumped for joy. Aunt Carmen is leaving for Minnesota in two months so Mom advised her to check an adult driver education in Minneapolis online.
There are many driving schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul according to Mom, but Aunt Carmen would require special driver training, a school for nervous adults in Minneapolis; or, perhaps, private lessons are more suitable for Aunt Carmen so she doesn抰 embarrass herself every time she screams. At the start, I was vehemently against the idea of my aunt driving because she might only get herself into trouble. Mom autel, however, stressed Minnesota is the only place that can tolerate people like Aunt Carmen maxisys pro. If she doesn抰 learn how to drive in Minnesota, she will never get to do so in Los Angeles, New York or elsewhere.
Who can help having a soft spot for Volkswagen? Call it a throwback to the days of (possibly) ill-conceived student politics, but there's something about a company that names itself for the 'people's car'.
The design history of Volkswagen models has generally been quite pleasing, from the iconic Beetle to the smoothly executive Passat. In fact the only possible black mark on their record may be the early Polos. Less than attractive, abrupt metal boxes on wheels that looked like they were made to serve a utilitarian purpose. The Volkswagen Polo was the car of the people if those people managed to keep their eyes closed whilst getting into their vehicle Autel MaxiDiag MD702. However over the years the harsh lines softened into something quite alien to its ancestors, and the Polo developed from an awkward teen into a curvaceous adult.
The Mark V Polo has elements that hark back to the angular nature of its forebears, but combines these with the more alluring sweeping lines that denote Volkswagen's successful return to the integration of graceful bodywork. It may not yet have the symbolic factor of the Beetle, but it is instantly recognisable as a style unique to the Volkswagen camp that may very well become another generational place marker.
Whether you're looking for something to transport the family or a car that will set you apart from the rest of the executive world, Volkswagen can provide a model that will fit like a favourite pair of gloves. There's nothing pretentious about a VW Autel VAG505, but likewise no model is humble. Seeing a Volkswagen is like seeing an old friend, a welcome recognition that makes you feel good for the rest of the day.
A used Volkswagen is the ideal choice for the discerning buyer, combining affordability with the reliable elegance that we have come to expect from the makers of the Phaeton and Jetta. With a vast range of models and engines on offer there's an ideal VW for everyone, from lovers of vintage styles to those with yen for the more futuristic. With Volkswagen there is the perceived assurance that everything is going to be rosy. It's a part of the public consciousness, a brand automatically associated with fond memories and high standards.
If you're looking for a car that feels more like a companion than a tool, a used Volkswagen is the choice to make. The popularity of the Volkswagen brand is a well-earned mark of respect, and an excellent indicator of their ability to keep abreast of public demand with vehicles that marry innovative designs with top notch performance. With budgets tightening, the second hand Volkswagen market is the obvious port of call for those looking to save money whilst still being able to attain an attractive and reliable car. A used VW still has the charm of its brand new brethren, but comes with the comfortable feeling of community that embodies what the People's Car stands for.
With their keen eye for design and an investment in reliable, high quality technology, it seems doubtful that we'll ever see the day that Volkswagen says "That's all, Volks."
Pete Ridgard is writing about the Used Volkswagen market. Related Links
Try starting a conversation with most people (aside from the haulage companies) about trucks, and they'll be asleep before you even get to discuss the merits of a mid-lift axle. But it seems that there is a new guard emerging - a breed so dedicated and eagle-eyed, that they are turning the talent of high speed number plate reading into an art form. Well ok, there's a little bit more to it than that. But what it amounts to is being in the right place at the right time, and being quick enough to be able to recognise or decipher the truck make and model, the registration plate and the haulage companies' identification. This lot are quick-witted, they are patient and they are serious.
So who are these lorry spotters? Are they bookish statisticians on their holidays from Cambridge? Or are they frustrated accountants hanging around service stations in their macs with a secret penchant to be truckies? Well no, according to the haulage companies' they're just normal people who happen to like trucks - and if numbers quoted by the website lorryspotters.co.uk are anything to go by, the hobby is taking the UK by storm.
Hovering off a bridge over a busy motorway as half the world's traffic sprays you with muddy road water; or sitting on the side of the M1 as the other half of the world's traffic hurls empty coke cans at you isn't everyone idea of fun autel ds708 update. But for the lorry spotter it's a pretty good day out.
Dictaphone in hand, pencil at the ready, these enthusiastic hunter-gatherers slowly but surely collate the information they need - make, model number, registration and the holy grail - the haulage companies' identification. In years to come "spotting the spotter" could become a hobby in its own right as once you start looking out for the lorry spotters, it becomes a fascinating skill to spy them at work from their preferred hiding spots. (Pun intended.)
The beauty of lorry spotting over, say train spotting is that it is a moveable feast. Not restricted by the constraints of the train lines, you can travel freely to carry out your research. There are of course some particularly popular spotting sites, usually involving a motorway. Groups of spotters sometimes meet up at the intersection of the M5 and the M6 because of sheer volume of traffic. Haulage companies' have stories of dedicated spotters who make round trips of up to 18 hours just to get another notch on their clip board!
www.lorryspotting autel.co.uk has over 4000 users who each pay £25 a year to join. The site has a database of over 13,000 lorries from nearly 100 haulage companies. The idea is to log on and record all the data from the lorries you have spotted, and join the league table vying against other members for the most sightings.
Of course, it's not all about competition and impressing your favourite haulage companies, and many lorry spotters do it for their own satisfaction. The web is awash with sites where you can download photos of trucks and lorries; blogs and forums devoted to lorry spotting; and software designed to help you collate your spotting data.
But the last mention would have to go to Alf Cooper - a well-known lorry spotter. Travelling up to 40,000 miles a year to pursue his hobby, the 78 year-old died on the job one day. But his dedication paid off and two months after his death he was still at number two on the league table.
Lyall Cresswell is the Managing Director of Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for haulage companies to buy and sell road transport and freight exchange in the domestic and international markets. Related Links
If given regular maintenance and proper car, your car tyres can last longer, run smoothly and save you a lot of money at the end. A cautiously chosen pair of car tyres can play a significant role in ensuring the safety of you and your passengers in the car, while on the road.
The right selection of tyres may also help you improve your fuel economy and provide you with better control over the vehicle; you can stop your car in any road condition safely and easily.
Considering a fact that the tyres of your car bear the whole weight of the vehicle, it is undeniably one of the most crucial components of your car. Tyres connect the car to the road, enabling it for forward and backward motion, as well as lateral control. And thus, it is vital that you spend some time to choose the best tyres that fall in your budget.
How do I choose the best tyres for my car?
Check the owner’s manual and the information placard to learn about the size and type of tyres that best suits your car, as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. For manufacturers, it is mandatory to imprint this information on your vehicle. You will typically find this information at the inside edge of the driver’s-side door or inside the car boot.
While you may find it a better alternative to replace only the tyres that is most worn, it is suggested that you buy tyres as a full set as the suspension of your car is designed to work with optimal efficiency only with matching set of tyres.
However, in case you are not afford to buy a full set of tyre and buying a single tyre is the only alternative left autel, make sure to you buy an original brand tyre. If you need to go with another brand, you must ensure that the tread pattern on the tyre is almost same as found in the rest of the tyres of your vehicle.
Every car tyre has a story
Every marking on the side of a car tyre shares some important details about the tyre such as the date and place where it was manufactured Autel Maxivideo MV400, maximum load rating, maximum inflation pressure, composition, materials, tread wear, and traction and temperature grades.
Many online guides are available that can help you learn how can you decode these information on own. You may also take assistance of a tyre retailer to learn about each code and help you select the best tyres for your car.
However, it is wise to look for some details on own while buying tyres.
Know about the age of the tyre
If you check the sidewall of your tyre, you will find a four digit number that tells the age of the tyre. The first 2 digit are the month of manufacturing and the last two digits indicate the year.
Check the size of markings on the tyre
Size markings of the tyres are standard all across the globe. You will find size markings, i.e. the dimensions of the tyres, on the side of the wheel. For example, if you found something like195/60 R15 88V - 195 indicates the width of tyre in mm, 60 refers to the profile of the tyre, “R†refers to a radical tyre, 15 is the rim diameter in inches, and last two digit “88’ is the load index of the tyre at the speed rating “Vâ€.
You may contacts a reputed dealer of car tyres in surrey for more details. Order the best tyres for your car today!
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