Car News

Honda wanted to showcase its many engineering innovations and so decided to launch a brand new campaign which was developed by Wieden and Kennedy London. These engineering innovations that Honda has developed throughout its years in the industry aim to produce products that have less impact on the environment. Honda UK Communications Manager Ian Armstrong commented saying, “For the past few years our campaigns have told different stories about Honda. This campaign takes this to the next level and allows us to showcase some of the many environmentally focused technology innovations we have been developing since the 1950s, as well as some of our future products.” Sam Heath and Frank Ginger were the ones behind the campaign’s creative idea and what they did was to use a variety of popular puzzles and reworked them to portray Honda’s passion for solving problems. Hand-illustrated puzzles that are in the print and outdoor activity makes the viewer solve some simple visual teasers. With this, Honda is able to illustrate some of the various environmental products that the Japanese automaker was bale to develop over the course of 10 years. Of course, the automaker’s main focus remains to be its Honda Civic Hybrid. There are three radio spots which will be making use of the well-known tones of Garrison Keillor in order to present the philosophy of Honda which is “Why problems can be a joy.” Collective London developed and supports the bespoke micro-site of the campaign as problemplayground.com hosts a lot of puzzles and information regarding Honda’s range of environmental products and initiatives. The site has already gone live and visitors of the site will help build the homepage by completing a large puzzle. The visitors will each get a piece of the puzzle which should be placed on its correct location. By February 4, once the puzzle has been completed, ‘problem playground’ will present a variety of Honda products. It will make use of the puzzle to explain the technologies behind the innovative engineering achievements that Honda has developed over the years. Also on February 4, the finale of this campaign which is a TV ad will be launched. The Creative Director of Wieden and Kennedy, Kim Papworth, said, “This ad celebrates the optimism and ingenuity of Honda and the human way they approach environmental engineering.” The ad will also make way for the introduction of the new Honda FCX Clarity which is the first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to go into production. -autopartswarehouse-

Automaker Ford made a right decision in coming up with its Ford Mondeo model as this model now brings them much pride and joy. During the What Car? awards ceremony held in The Grosvenor, Parklane, Ford Mondeo garnered two awards both in the categories of Family Car and Estate Car. It was the Ford Mondeo 2.0-liter TDCi Zetec version which won tow awards from the said categories. Ford Mondeo can thank its economical but lively and refined diesel engine which is coupled with a specification-packed interior as it is because of this that it won the awards. What Car?’s Group Editor, Steve Fowler, commented on the Ford Mondeo saying, “The new Mondeo is nothing short of fantastic and head and shoulders above its rivals. Whichever model you choose you’ll have a great looking, well-built and well-equipped family car that’s a joy to drive or be driven in.”autopartswarehouse The award was presented to Mondeo’s Chief Engineer, Jens Ludman. He is the very man behind the impressive driving qualities of the Ford Mondeo. Upon receiving the award, Ludman said, “It’s an honour to collect yet another major automotive award for our new Mondeo.”autopartswarehouse Ludman added, “Competition is tough, and getting tougher, so the pressure was on to deliver something very special. The reception Mondeo has received across Europe suggests the car buying public like what everyone at Ford has created. Strong sales plus recognition from so many respected experts, including the What Car? panel, makes it all worthwhile.” -autopartswarehouse-

In 2007, BMW introduced EfficientDynamics program as standard in its BMW and MINI model ranges. This program aims to reduce emissions and fuel consumption but at the same time adds power and performance. Its efforts paid off as What Car? has honored BMW with the popular Green Award. Aside from that, the BMW 3 Series also won the “Best Compact Executive” car for the third consecutive year. It could be remembered that What Car? also named the BMW 3 Series as its 2006 Car of the Year. And to add more to its pile of awards is the MINI Cooper S which was able to keep its “Best Hot Hatch” award. What Car? had already commended the EfficientFynamics program of BMW in its special “Green Heroes” overview of 2007 which named 45 ‘planet saving car’ that people can buy today. Therefore, it is only natural for BMW to win the prestigious Green Award. Other than that, between the BMW and the MINI, the products of the Group have also been the “best Buy” choice if six of the fifteen categories. The Griup Editor of What Car? Steve Fowler said, “Nobody has done more than BMW and MINI to bring low CO2 cars to all car buyers over the past year, from the 104g/km MINI Cooper D to the BMW X5 3.0sd which sits in a tax band lower than most other large 4x4s. While other car makers are still talking about reducing the CO2 output of their cars, BMW and MINI have already done it and those cars are on sale now.” Meanwhile, the Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, commented on the awards saying, “The BMW Group is delighted to be honored for its EfficientDynamics program by such a respected motoring publication. I believe the car industry is taking great strides in addressing its environmental responsibilities and we are proud that our own developments have been recognized by the team at What Car?” Also, the first ever “Green Steering Wheel” award for environmental excellence in the industry of automotives was given to BMW by Germany’s top-selling newspaper, Bild am Sonntag. The Austrian motoring organization ARBÖ and AutoScout24 which is Europe’s biggest online car market also presented BMW with environmental award. Aisde from these awards, Car magazine also provided BMW with its own “Green Award” in 2007 because of its EfficientDynamic program again. -autopartswarehouse-

Nissan has its own eco-driving service and this is made available in its Nissan CARWINGS. Recently, the Japanese automaker’s eco-driving service has been given recognition by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE). The award given was the Director-General ‘s award during the 18th annual Energy Conservation Prize. The award had been presented to Nissan CARWINGS in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Energy Conservation Center in Japan. The purpose of the award is to identify and reward innovative ideas that aim to accelerate an expanded commercial applications of new energy conservation technologies. The ultimate objective is to be able to attain a more energy-efficient society through the adoption of new ideas about energy and environmental conservation, and decreased emissions. This award is open to the public and it includes a lot of energy conservation technologies and innovations. These can be the use of new energy, resource-saving, or high energy-efficient materials, systems and equipment that are for non-military use. The Nissan CARWINGS received this award due to its contribution to make better the road traffic congestion and driver behavior and also provide for sustainable results in fuel consumption. Some of the systems that aim to achieve these things are the Fastest Route Guidance System and the Eco-Driving Advice. The Fastest Route Guidance System helps in calculating the fastest traffic route to a given destination. It bases its calculation according to the real-time traffic information together with the statistical and historical database and it calculates it through the proprietary software of Nissan which would project the expected traffic conditions. With this, car owners can expect higher fuel efficiency because the commuting time is decreased and the average speed is increased. On the other hand, the Eco-Driving Advice is a service which allows members who published their vehicles’ fuel consumption patterns on the CARWINGS website to compare their eco-driving performance against other members. Of course, for this to have accurate comparison, the vehicles compared are of the same vehicle model. It also provides CARWINGS members with fuel efficiency rankings and weekly tips to make their eco-driving skills better. It also offers sustainable approach in changing driving behavior in order to help minimize the negative impact on the environment. -autopartswarehouse-

For the second consecutive year, two VW models have proved themselves to be great vehicles as they have both been given awards from the prominent What Car? Awards. These two VW models are the VW Golf and the VW Eos coupe convertible winning Best Small Family Car and Best Open-Top Car respectively. The awards ceremony were held at the London Grosvenor House Hotel last 17th of January 2008.

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In January of 2004, VW has launched its Mk V model which has been successful in maintaining the popularity of VW Golf vehicles. And just last year, on March 2007, VW celebrated the production of the 25-millionth VW Golf produced in its Wolfsburg factory. This means that the VW Golf has already surpassed the totals sales of the VW Beetle, also one of the most celebrated VW’s in history. 2007 had really been a great year for the German automaker as this year, VW had over 70,000 examples of the Golf were sold in UK.

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The Best Small Family Car award from What Car? was presented to the VW Golf 1.4-liter TSI Match. Te Golf 1.4-liter TSI Match is actually the latest Golf model and the most recent addition to the line up, thus proving that Golf vehicles are indeed one of the best small cars there are in the automotive world. It was the most recent addition yet it already received one of the prestigious awards. Perhaps the reason for its winning is because of VW’s skillful incorporation of the characteristics of a small capacity engine and the model’s natural efficiency. The natural efficiency of this model can be traced back to its having a performance edge thanks to the turbocharger. It is also because of this turbocharger that the Golf !.4-liter TSi Match can achieve a combined 44.8 miles epr gallon while emitting only 149 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2).

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The Group Editor of What Car?, Steve Fowler, said upon presenting the award, “Four years on from the Golf’s overall Car of the Year win, it remains our favourite small family car by some margin. The new 1.4-litre TSI engine is a gem, while Match trim offers sensational value. All that on top of the virtues that made Golf Car of the Year in 2004 – smart looks, a spacious and classy cabin, and a great drive.”

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On the other hand, the Gold Eos coupe convertible was able to keep the Best Open-Top Car award because of a lot of its great features which are better than what most open-top cars offer. It can be considered that the best asset of the VW Eos is its advanced five-piece folding roof and the skillful combination of the style of a convertible with the practicality of a coupe. This award was given to the VW Eos 2.0-liter T-FSI which remains as the UK buyers’ favorite vehicle. Just last year, 5,6000 examples of the VW Eos have been sold in the UK, proving that it is indeed one of UK’s favorite car.

Fowler commented regarding the winning of the VW Eos saying, “The Eos ticks every box when it comes to open top motoring – it’ll turn heads, it’s a great drive, it’s well built and that clever roof is the best of its kind. We’d buy one ahead of many more expensive convertibles.”

The Director of VW UK, Paul Willis, also commented saying, “‘For the Golf and Eos models to be chosen by the What Car? judges to retain both of their respective awards is a tremendous honour and testament to the sustained popularity of both models here in the UK.”

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The North American International Auto Show happening in Detroit this month will serve as the “playground” for a lot of automakers wanting to showcase their new models and concept vehicles. The automaker Audi will be among those wanting to get a limelight during this much-awaited event as it will be presenting its newest model – the Audi TTS. The Audi TTS is scheduled to be launched in UK in mid-2008. This model will be available in two styles – coupe and roadster. If you’re an avid fan of Audi vehicles, then you’d know that the Audi models carrying the ‘S’ emblem means that they’ve got extraordinary performance. And for the first time, the Audi TT has been graced with the ‘S’ emblem. This just means that the Audi TTS is now a more focused version of the iconic sports car. Another thing that made it earn its ‘S’ emblem is the specially-developed Turbo FSI petrol engine that’s able to produce 272 PS. This is hen coupled with a state-of-the-art technology. The 2.0-liter turbo charged and directly fuel injected petrol engine powering the Audi TT originally produces 200 PS. So, for it to be able to produce 272 PS, extensive revisions had to be made. On the other hand, the torque of the Audi TT is 280Nm and with the Audi TTS, it has been boosted up to 350Nm and this will be available between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. This engine is then mated to six-speed close ratio manual transmission, thus, the Audi TTS Coupe can speed up from 0-62 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. Other new and great features of the Audi TTS are the newly-designed bi-xenon headlights which have the trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, redesigned front apron with larger air intakes, and aluminum-look door mirror housings. Side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the ide profile view of the Audi TTS . these 18-inch alloy wheels can also be swapped for 19-inch wheels but at an extra cost, naturally. Audi TTS’ rear has been enhanced with a revised rear bumper, and for the first time in Audi TT, four tailpipes also adorn its rear, proving that indeed has potential for having extra performance. Once inside, passengers will be fascinated by the deep-set Alcantara and leather combination sports sears, exclusive instruments carrying the ‘S’ emblem and have white needles, metal pedals, and special aluminum trim elements. All these accentuate the already high-regarded interior cabin of the famous Audi TT model.

The 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit will be very lucky as it will be graced with the presence of two Ferrari models – the 430 Scuderia and the 599 GTB Foriano. Aside from these two Ferrari models, the automaker will also use this event to showcase its biofuel-powered technological demonstration prototype which ahs the F430 Spider as its base. The year 2007 served as a great year for Ferrari as it marked its 60th year in the automotive industry and it had been coupled by high-performing sales. Ferrari was able to record a 14 percent increase in sales compared to its sales in 2006. Detroit served as the perfect avenue for Ferrari to showcase its biofuel-powered prototype vehicle because of the increasing awareness and interest of North America in alternative sources of fuel for their vehicles. this vehicle is actually the result of the research and development program that Ferrari said it would be doing as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. There have been certain modifications made to the F430 Spider Biofuel’s fuel feed system and to the engine’s CPU just so the model can be powered by E85 fuel. By developing the technological demonstration prototype, Ferrari was able to prove that it can offer technological solutions that are being demanded by the market but still maintain the sporty and high-performance character of its vehicles. On the other hand, the 430 Scuderia is the new and impressive sporty berlinetta of Ferrari. This particular Ferrari model boasts of an Avio Met livery with Grey Alacantara interiors. Meanwhile, the 599GTB Foriano has a Rosso Corsa livery and Charcoal interiors. Both of these Ferrari models feature Brembo carbon-ceramic material ir CCM brakes. These brakes are now offered as standard on the models in the Prancing Horse range. Also, these brakes would offer a lot of benefits to these Ferrari models and so have been considered as must-haves for the Prancing Horse vehicles.

Swedish automaker Volvo has done it again. Volvo has pioneered another revolutionary technology that would serve to provide comfort for drivers and better fuel economy for its vehicles. This revolutionary Volvo technology is its newly-developed Volvo Powershift transmission which will be available from February on the 136 PS 2.0-liter turbodiesel versions of the Volvo C30, S40, and V50. The Volvo Powershift transmission is a six-speed unit featuring twin wet clutches to allow gear changing comforts that could only be felt from automatic gearboxes. However, it just feels like an automatic transmission but it works and provides the performance of a manual transmission. So, how does this advanced shifting technology works? It operates as two parallel manual transmission boxes and its twin wet clutches work independently of one another. Each clutch operates a set of gears – one clutch operates the odd gears (1, 3, 5, and reverse) and the second clutch controls the even gears (2, 4, and 6). As that is the case, the two work alternately – as one engages, the second disengages, working just like a skip clutch. Thus, at the same time that the engine achieves full power and maximum thrust in the first gear, the second gear is already placed and ready to be engaged. This is the same with the other gears as well. Therefore, one can expect a continuous flow of power without distractions or any loss of torque. The result naturally is faster and smoother gear changes all the while maintaining acceleration. Aside from smoother and faster gear changes and less power distractions, the Volvo Powershift also contributes to improved fuel efficiency. On the Volvo C30, the Powershift provides 47.9mpg on a combined cylcle and 156g/km of CO2 emissions, and with Volvo S40 and V50, combined fuel consumption is 47.1mpg and 159g/km of CO2 emissions. Senior Vice President of Research and Development in Volvo Cars, Magnus Jonsson, said, “Lower fuel consumption allied to increased comfort and higher performance sounds like an impossible equation. But with Powershift we have shown this is perfectly possible.”

Mercedes enthusiasts can now fully enjoy the benefits brought by its roadside assistance program, thanks to the unique Bluetooth pen and pad designed by Mondial Assistance exclusively for the luxurious German automaker. This unique device harnesses the power brought by Bluetooth technology to modernize the way the warranty information is passed from the Roadside Technicians to the claims administration team at the head office of Mondial Assistance. Simon Cook, the Automotive Director of Mondial Assistance explained saying, “This is an exciting addition to the level of service we provide Mercedes-Benz’s uniquely funded program. To conform with global warranty requirements the current system means every assistance needs an individual ‘write-up’, as costs are claimed through the Mercedes-Benz warranty system. The new Bluetooth pen and pad means we can reduce the number of manual processes, streamlining the whole warranty claiming process.” So how does this Bluetooth technological device works? The Bluetooth pen writes on the sensitized pad and converts the handwriting into text through its recognition software. When the form has been completed, a box is ticked and the information is sent via the Bluetooth to a mobile web device. This will then be sent to a pre-defined email address at the office. Mondial has actually combined four forms and converted them into only one, does reducing the time-cnsuming administration. The Support Director of Mercedes-Benz, Nick Denton, added saying, “The introduction of the Bluetooth system is yet another example of Mondial’s focus on finding new and innovative ways to bring us an efficient and unrivalled service. This technology will speed up the administration of our warranty product, helping us provide the same quality of service our customers have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz.” The form has been fully encrypted and so allows Mondial to trace the progress of each form when they are sent. Mondial can also specify the mandatory fields that need to be completed before the form can be sent and so minimizing delays as the correct level of information is sent every time. “We will be working closely with Mercedes-Benz to further develop this system and integrate other departments, for further efficiency benefits. We hope that Phase two will mean that we can utilise the Mercedes-Benz fault codes, giving us both greater clarity and detail when it comes to fault reporting and trend analysis. This is further illustration of Mondial’s forward thinking approach to warranty services, embracing new technology to streamline processes and bring a new level of benefits to our clients and their customers, said Simon Cook concluding.

The year 2007 showered a lot of blessings and good things to a lot of people and companies, and one of which lucky enough to catch its blessing is Toyota Motor Corporation. But since we’re talking about the giant Japanese automaker here, we know that it isn’t purely luck. It mostly because of the automaker’s hard work and dedication to bring forth successful models that made it able to celebrate its 15th successive year of sales growth in the UK in 2007. Because of the lot of new models, new engines, and a widened choice of hybrid-powered vehicles, Toyota Motor Corporation was able to total its Toyota and Lexus passenger cars sales and Toyota LCVs to 143,436 units in 2007. This is actually an increase of 3.2 percent of sales compared with 2006. The sales result of Toyota has actually outnumbered the passenger car and LCV market in their entirety as they only grow by 2.6 percent year on year. When Toyota introduced the British-built Auris and its sporting Toyota Yaris SR 1.8 to the auto market in UK, the sales of the Japanese automaker sky-rocketed to 118,432 units. And 8,750 units from the total units sold are Toyota Priuses. This is a record high achieved in an auto market where environmental performance and fuel efficiency have played a great role in influencing customers’ choice when it comes to buying their cars. The growth in the LCV market on year-on-year volume increased by 51 percent. The success of the growth of the LCV range was thanks to Toyota’s introduction of the Hilux and the completion of iys fully Euro IV-compliant engine line-up. The any-weather capabilities of the Hilux had been made known widely when it was driven to the Magnetic North Pole, the most extreme driving challenge ever made by the team from BBC Top Gear. Lexus also did well with regard to sales performance as mentioned earlier. Its sales actually increased to 2.9 percent as 15,113 units were sold, making its second year of successful sales performance. Toyota (GB) PLC Managing Director, Miguel Fonseca, said, “A fifteenth record-breaking year demonstrates the momentum behind the Toyota and Lexus brands in the UK and around the world. We are committed to providing motorists with cars of high quality that are safe, rewarding to drive and have less impact on the environment, supported by the highest levels of customer service from our centers.”