Auto Moving News

Fiat exposes the 500C by Diesel

2010-04-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fiat has exposed the information about its special edition, the 500C by Diesel.

It was exposed at the Fiat Cafe in Japan. The convertible features are 16-inch alloy wheels, yellow brake calipers, & satin chrome accents. Inside, the cabin receives special treatment with a denim-style textile, a Mohican gear knob, satin chrome smart, and likely, Diesel branding all over.

It will be having the available of 4 engines in the special model: the 69 hp (51 kW) 1.2, the 100 hp (75 kW) 1.4 16v, the 75 hp (56 kW) 1.3 Multijet, & the 95 hp (71 kW) 1.3 Multijet II. It having the traction to the tarmac will be a 5/6-speed manual or a 5-speed Dualogic robotized automatic. It had priced from €18,000, in Italy. In this 500C is available from May.

Wartime Alfa Romeo

2010-04-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

One of the attractive and rare interim-bodied Alfa Romeo 6C 2500s is the case provided here. Chassis number 915128 was completed in June 1942. Alfa's chassis records show it being carried in April 1943 to General von Carnap in Berlin.

Its quality has earned it invitations to The Quail Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2009. Depending to Anselmi's 6C 2500 book, it is trusted to be 1 of only 3 cars bodied in this style by Touring. Of the 2 that survive, this is the only 1 with its original engine.

This car sold for $345,400, plus buyer's premium, at the Worldwide Group's auction at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on November 1, 2008.

Launching Renault Clio most innovative car

2010-04-09T16:27:00.001-07:00

Renault has state to launch of an innovative car interior with Renault Clio. For the very first time Renault has initiated Swivel seat in its latest model Renault Clio. It will be available in 6 European markets Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy from June 2010.

The swivel seat is designed to cater to the wants of senior citizens & customers with limited mobility. It is the right car for tall people providing them a hassle free entry & exit.

Ferrari’s Got a New GTO

2010-04-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ferrari showed off its latest Laboratorio Technologico 599XX experimental car based on the regular 599 GTB Fiorano. It features a 599XX derived 6 into 1 manifold. Sending drive to the rear wheels Is Ferrari’s 6 speed automated manual transmission, which has shift times as low as 60 ms.

The F430 Scuderia & the 360 Challenge Stradale before that, the new 599 GTO is, in fact, Ferrari’s fastest yet road car. The engine is derived from the 599XX but tuned to meet environmental standards. Its peak output of 670 horsepower (HP) arrives at a lofty 8,250 rpm, as does its torque of 457 pound feet, which arrives at 6,500 rpm.

Hydropower used in BMW electric car

2010-04-07T16:32:00.001-07:00

The ease of use of hydropower has attracted BMW to establish a $100 million manufacturing facility in Washington State, to making parts for its new electric car.

The German motor maker revealed yesterday that it will build a state-of-the-art plant in Moses Lake to make carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) body panels for its new “Megacity” electric vehicle.

The project is part of a united venture with BMW’s German carbon fiber associate SGL Group. BMW is aiming to launch the Megacity by 2015, & the Moses Lake facility will form a “key piece” of the vehicle’s making, said.

European Premiere: Kia Rio Hybrid

2010-04-06T17:10:00.001-07:00

Kia Motors is showing a very unique version of the Kia Rio Hybrid saloon at the 77th Salon de l, Automobiles in Geneva.

The European premiere celebrates the recent announcement that Kia Motors, together with Hyundai, are to deliver the Korean Ministry of the Environment with an additional 3,390 hybrid vehicles over the next 2 years, as part of the country’s current programme of ‘real-world’ testing to extend hybrid vehicles for the future.

The growth of this hybrid test fleet creates the Korean operation one of the world’s largest future-technology test programme’s & it is just 1 of several Kia research & development tasks aimed at manufacturing eco-friendly cars for volume production by 2010.

Nissan LEAF price and launching

2010-04-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Nissan is to begin the advanced booking from US consumers later this month for its latest LEAF electric vehicle. It is having the refundable down payment of just US$99. The order will begin in August, with nationwide rollout expected early 2011.

The manufacturer's recommended retail price for the LEAF has been set at US$32,780 but with eligibility for a US$7,500 federal tax credit guaranteed. The company has also said that monthly lease payments from as little as US$349 can also be arranged.

Nissan LEAF comes with a GPS navigation system; Internet, Bluetooth & Smartphone connectivity; energy-efficient LED lights; an intelligent key push-button start system; stability & traction control & benefits from six airbags. Optional features spoiler complete with solar cells, rearview monitor, fog lights & automatic headlights.

The hottest BMW Hybrid Sports Car

2010-04-01T16:02:00.001-07:00

BMW has newly hit the board with their prototype that is just flat out sexy. Having access to 356(HP) horsepower & 4.8 second 0-60 speed has speed freaks sitting up & taking notice that there may actually be a car out there that is both economical & fast.

The 63 mpg tag that it boasts is totally unreal in terms of conservation. The combination of electric & diesel offers mileage that is up there with pure electric cars. The difference is the way of design. Based on their Active Hybrid 7, it will cost well over $100,000.

Most hybrid & electric cars are scarcely aerodynamic or built to be very nice. It is the season of hybrid & electric car design.

Electric car: Mitsubishi cost £38,699

2010-03-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

The firm said that the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car would be delivered to customers from January next year. The price had been supposed to be increase, but the weakness of the pound against the yen has pushed it higher than expected.

In this Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car is the biggest change in the automotive industry since it began, so to be able to give our zero emissions car for this price is a really great achievement. It takes the fuel cost only £115 for 12,000 miles driving, with a full charge from a household mains point costing 96 pence.

It having the features like 4-seater car, top speed of 81mph & a claimed range off 80 miles, is exempt from road tax, qualifies for zero benefit-in-kind company car tax & is congestion charge-free. It also has the wide range of accessories customers able to choose what they needs. Mitsubishi has opened its Electric Vehicle Centre for customer inquiries & demonstrations in the capital.

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010: A moving motor show

2010-03-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will set up a dedicated Manufacturer Preview Day, a one day extension of the event that allows the public to test drive the standard vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

The new feature, called “Moving Motor Show” will be held on July 1 - one day before the Festival introductions & will gives customers the option to view the latest & hottest creations that have joined the automotive market & test them on a special evaluation course. Visitors will have the ability to perform a drive-test on the famous Goodwood hillclimb, recreating the parade held during the annual festival, where motorsport personalities from all times drive automotive icons.

The new project has been developed from the previous-years Supercar Run, which facilitated carmakers to display case their vehicles. The Goodwood Festival of Speed has become a fast-developing new vehicle display - last year, over 30 vehicles made their UK debut at the event.The Moving Motor Show will be downsized versions of an auto show, as it will feature vehicles form all sectors of the market, displayed in manufacturer-dedicated stands.

The Moving Motor Show is an express response to the nonstop enthusiasm & demand from vehicle manufacturers & the general car-buying public alike for an annual motor show in Britain. In current years the British Motor Show has been bi-annual, & has now been cancelled altogether for 2010, says Lord March, Festival of Speed founder.

Automotive museum at Los Angeles

2010-01-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

The Petersen Automotive Museum was started On June 11, 1994, by Margie and Robert E. Petersen .contributing $5 million to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. In April 2000, the Petersens made an additional payment $24.8 million dollars to the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum to withdraw the bond debt and establish the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation as a self-governing nonprofit organization. Now, the Petersen Automotive Museum is treated as the nation's prestigious automotive museum.

Petersen Automotive Museum has four floors; where the first floor exhibits the history of the automobile. Visitors are not only invited to walk through the exhibits but to experience settings of the early hours Los Angeles where the world's first shopping district was intended. The second floor presents classic cars, vintage motorcycles, five rotating galleries with state-of-the-art displays of racecars, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars, and auto design and technology.

The Family Discovery Center is situated on the third floor. Designed to kindle interest in science by way of explaining the working of automobile, the 6,500 square-foot, interactive hands-on learning center teaches children fundamental scientific principles by explaining the fundamental functions of a automobile. The fourth floor comprises of an impressive all glass penthouse conference centers, Founder's Lounge and kitchen, which is available for special events and functions.

Innovations in transport engineering

2010-01-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most important key factors for the survival for any medium to large sized automobile industry is innovation. The research and development efforts of the automotive industry are primarily focused on technologies that will make the automobile as environmental friendly, as reasonable, and as secure as possible. Invention of such technologies is the goal of the vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers. Many innovations introduced in cars and trucks have come from merchant companies, including, electronic fuel injection electronic stability control anti-lock braking systems (ABS), auto-dimming mirrors and a host of others.

While the vehicle manufacturers initiate the research and development work, they require their parts suppliers also to develop and refine many of the technologies and devices necessary to make the new systems feasible. The results of new innovations include sophisticated batteries capable of long range on the road without frequent recharging, bio fuels for both gasoline and diesel engines, economical catalysts for fuel cells.

Fuel cell is the next big revolution in the automobile industry. Research into the development of viable fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is intended for producing economical fuel cells, improving their efficiency, and creating effective ways to produce and store hydrogen and other fuels. U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), Department of Energy (DOE) and CaFCP, the California Fuel Cell Partnership formed; are intended to encourage private companies and government agencies to work together for FCVs commercialization.

NAIAS trend setter in automobile industry

2010-01-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

The 2010 North American International Auto Show(NAIAS) which was started on January 11th is the place where the worldwide automotive community will once again meet together to know about the latest innovations and products in automobile industry. This auto show will wind up on January 24th 2010. Besides several new vehicle debuts, in national and international level, the 2010 NAIAS will also consists of some of the world's most eagerly awaited automotive news and products.

The North American International Auto Show has declared the introduction of Electric Avenue, a 37,000-square foot facet on the main floor of the 2010 show that will showcase electric vehicles and technology of both conventional automakers and pioneering entrepreneurs. The display area will exhibit nearly 20 vehicles as well as symposiums and other special proceedings on the nearby NAIAS stage.

One of the most fascinating debuts in the 2010 North American International Auto Show is Lexus's LFA supercar of worth $350,000. It is named as the two seat supercar by Lexus; the vehicle holds the top position in Lexus's F portfolio, a lineup of high end sports performance vehicles. LFA's public sale will start in early 2011, and only 20 hand built cars will be produced each month and a maximum quantity of 500 can be produced. Production starts in December at Toyota's Motomachi manufacturing plant in Japan, and customers can customize their cars with various colors and wheel designs along with other options.

On the road, the LFA will be able to speed up from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds with a peak speed of 202 mph, appreciation to its 10 cylinder, 552 horsepower engine. The car is made up of strong yet lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer, which makes it comparatively lighter than aluminum design.

Volkswagen increases sales and market share

2010-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen, Europe's biggest car maker, has reported record results for 2009 despite a difficult year for the automobile industry, as it pursues Japanese rival Toyota for the title of world number one.

Volkswagen said it sold 6.29 million vehicles, an increase of 1.1 percent from the 2008 figure, and won 11.4 percent of the global market, up from 10.3 percent a year earlier.

The global car market shrank by more than 6 percent, the group said in a statement. It added that 2010 market share have to be even stronger, as it works to overtake Toyota by 2018 as the biggest car maker all over the world. Toyota has not yet posted results for 2009.

Volkswagen vice president Mr. Christian Klingler was quoted as warning, however, that 2010 would be 'another challenging year', with no signs of a sustained recovery. However he said China as well as Brazil would show an upward trend.

Amongst the German group's 10 brands, the Volkswagen nameplate reported a 7.8 percent increase to 3.95 million vehicles last year, while its high-end unit Audi posted a drop of 5.4 percent to 949,700. Volkswagen benefited from car scrapping premiums worldwide in 2009, as buyers focused on smaller, less expensive cars to make the most of state-subsidized windfalls.

In China, now Volkswagen's biggest market, sales soared by 36.7 percent to 1.4 million units.

Global survey on alternative fuels

2010-01-10T21:25:00.001-08:00

Automotive manufacturing senior managers have recognized discovery of alternative fuel resources as the important trend in front of the automobile industry and the industry is also focused on manufacturing low-priced cars and hybrid vehicles to meet up with consumer demands, this is according to a yearly global survey by KPMG.

The results of this automobile survey is based on three criteria they are, Fuel efficiency was ranked as the first, while environmental friendliness was second followed by safety innovation in third. The rating of most important alternative fuels in the automobile industry in future is as follows,

1. Hybrid systems
2. Battery electric power
3. Fuel cell electric power
4. biodiesel

A car's design and model is least bothered by the consumers as per this survey.
“Automobile producers are in the difficult situation of being asked to contend on both knowledge and rate. With worldwide customers still in the effect of recession, those OEMs who can manage with both technology and cost will be driving the automobile industry" Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG, said in his statement.

US Advanced Battery Consortium's new R&D venture

2010-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC (USABC), an association whose associates are General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Group LLC. This organization is looking for tender information (RFPIs) for four plans associated with sophisticated battery development for advanced combination of electric vehicles.

USABC's four projects for development are:

1. Development of sophisticated batteries with high efficiency for electric vehicle (EV) purpose;
2. Development of sophisticated energy storage structures for high-power, lower energy, energy storage system (LEESS) for power assist hybrid electric vehicle (PAHEV) applications;
3. Development of sophisticated batteries with high efficiency for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications;
4. An expertise evaluation of planned sophisticated battery technologies for EV applications.

The RFPIs for sophisticated battery advancement are meant for developers with electrochemical energy storage expertise that are competent of meeting the USABC long term requirement for electric motor vehicle applications. The RFPI for the Development of Advanced High Performance Batteries for electric motor vehicle applications. The new Applications look for high energy to power ratio batteries, which use a carbon based substance as the negative electrode active substance.

The major technological confronts, which should be tackled to progress market penetration of energy storage structures are power density discharge rate, energy storage, life expectancy complexity and cost effectiveness.

Go green hybrid taxi launched in Seoul

2010-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated the test run of hybrid taxis from December 3, to renovate existing gas taxis into eco friendly ones which will facilitate the improvement of air quality of the city. To launch this taxi, the city government has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment of Korea on introduction of hybrid taxis.

Korea LPG Association, Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association and Hyundai Kia Motors have approved that upgrading the air quality and sinking the emission of greenhouse gases in the city are burning problems. For this reason, these associations have agreed to support the distribution of hybrid taxis. The Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will choose participating taxi companies. Hyundai Kia Motors as an automobile manufacturer will observe and develop new technologies and ensures durability of components. Korea LPG Association will offer fuel for the taxis, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Environment will take care of overall administration of the project.

Eco friendly taxis use LP gas as fuel and adopted liquefied petroleum direct injection engine to boost 1,600cc engine power. The taxi also has a set up of 15kw electric motor as supplementary power unit to produce electricity for charging the battery. The hybrid taxi also shut down the engine when the car is not running to reduce fuel consumption. The vehicle is expected to be particularly effective for the taxi fleet as taxis spend most of the time waiting with their engine on.

Hybrid taxi is extremely eco friendly as one hybrid taxi is likely to lessen more than six tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Source: http://automotive.einnews.com/article.php?nid=24563

Positive sign in U.S automobile industry

2009-12-30T22:52:00.000-08:00

North America's worn out automobile industry is in the middle of an improvement and its gaining thrust. D.J Power and Associates, a leading industry analysis firm, declared that compared to the same period in the previous year the automobile sales are likely to secure 2009 up about 10 per cent from 2008. That's on pinnacle of December sales that are likely to be up about 7 per cent from the same phase a year back.

The marketplace is enduring to recover, with the comparative potency of December trades supporting a year end gathering. The December trading rate is trailing at 11.2 million units, nearly one million units high compared to one year back which sets up 2010 for extra revitalization. This sign of recovery comes at the end of what the company called the most awful economic situation since the immense Depression, a year that saw business leaders make an embarrassing trip through bankruptcy after being successfully taken over by the American administration.

The U.S supported authority's encouraging evaluation is similar to a report earlier this month by Scotia bank economist Carlos Gomes that saw better trade in North America and also all over the world. Canadian sales have recorded a second successive double digit year increase compared to the same period in the previous year this is the best performance since near the beginning of 2008.

During this year, North America's automobile industry worked at just below 60 per cent of their ability which means extensive periods of unemployment and small shifts for workers. A mass of data and market analyst forecasts shore up in general optimistic outlook of the industry. The upturn is being determined by numerous factors, including enhanced labor markets and profits, steady new automobile prices in Canada and the United States.

Source: http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/696781

U.S. DOT's Short Term Lending Program to motivate small businesses

2009-12-30T01:38:00.000-08:00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that Carver Federal Savings Bank will become the first to partake New York lender in the U.S. Department of Transportations Short Term Lending Program (STLP).This bank is the major African-American bank in the United States and the only participating lender in New York. The partnership with DOT continues Carver's long history of service to the petite business community.

This program is administered by the USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. It is designed to help small and deprived businesses gain right of entry to the financing where they need to contend for transportation-related contracts, such as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA) projects. Under STLP, the DOT guarantees up to $750,000 in loans with participating banks for small & deprived businesses. The loan guaranty provides a spinning line of acclaim for effort on transportation associated contracts.

"This statement is another instance of the Obama Administration's dedication to helping minority-owned small businesses realize the American revelation and contribute to making our transportation systems even better," said Secretary LaHood.
The part of petite businesses in creating superior quality and stable jobs is vital to the American dream, and we are grateful to the Obama Administration and Secretary LaHood for their recognition of the significance of small businesses in underserved communities." said Carver

The accord between Carver Federal Savings Bank and the Department of Transportation marks a fantastic chance for marginal owned businesses, not just in Brooklyn but across the region. This notice should offer much-needed admission to capital for minority businesses, which will lead to more jobs.

The US DOT's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization was created as part of the Small Business Act (SBA) to ensure that petite and deprived businesses are provided highest feasible chance to participate in the agency's astringent process.

2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

2009-12-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

Six finalists for the 17th annual North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year were announced Dec. 16 at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

The winners will be announced Jan. 11 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada has selected the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Volkswagen Golf/GTI as finalists for North American Car of the Year. Finalists for the North American Truck of the Year are the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, and Subaru Outback.

Vehicles are selected based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, and value for the dollar.

To be eligible, vehicles must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks.

Last year's winner of the North American Car of the Year was the Hyundai Genesis and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford F-150.

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees:

* BMW 335d
* Buick LaCrosse
* Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
* Chevrolet Camaro
* Ford Fusion
* Ford Fusion Hybrid
* Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
* Honda Insight Kia Soul
* Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
* Mercedes-Benz E-Class
* Porsche Panamera
* Subaru Legacy
* Suzuki Kizashi
* Toyota Prius
* Volkswagen Golf/GTI/TDI

2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees:

* Acura ZDX
* Audi Q5
* Cadillac SRX
* Chevrolet Equinox
* Ford Transit Connect
* Honda Accord Crosstour
* Land Rover LR4
* Lincoln MKT
* Subaru Outback
* Volvo XC60

Source: http://www.automotive-fleet.com

Bid to cut UK transport emissions

2009-12-21T04:01:00.000-08:00

UK transport emissions could be cut by a quarter by 2020 if the government shifted its policies, a report claims. The Campaign for Better Transport study urges ministers to focus on the biggest possible savings by tackling Lorries, vans, and long distance commuters. It also proposes an extra tax on air passengers, with proceeds redistributed among the entire population. The government says it is moving freight off roads, and helping people make greener local travel choices. The report says that by 2020, the government could achieve emissions cuts of 26% on 2006 figures.

This is broken down as:

* Reductions in passenger travel emissions of 32%
* Freight emissions reduced by up to 19%
* Cars 25% more fuel efficient
* Car traffic reduced by 15%
* Domestic aviation emissions down 30%

However, the report says government attempts to make people who drive children to school feel bad about causing climate change have been misdirected. Using the government's own figures, it shows that the school run accounts for just 4% of the UK's passenger-transport carbon emissions.

For more info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7742917.stm

GM to discontinue Saab after deal talks collapse

2009-12-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK - General Motors Co. said Friday it will unwind Saab after talks to sell the brand to Dutch carmaker Spyker Cars collapsed.

General Motors said in a news release that issues arise during the sale talks that cannot be resolved.

"Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction cannot be executed in a reasonable time," General Motors Europe President Nick Reilly said in a statement. "In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution."

General Motors was scheduled to provide more details in a conference call with reporters Friday morning. The Detroit automaker said it will go on to honor Saab customer warranties.

General Motors first sought a buyer for Saab in January as part of its restructuring, which included plans to downsize its brands to four from eight. It was previously in talks to sell Saab to a consortium led by the Swedish sports car maker Koenigsegg Group AB, but it turned to Spyker after Koenigsegg withdrew from the talks in November.

Speculation has since been rampant on the future of Saab. Earlier this week, General Motors Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre told reporters he had "a sense it is possible" that the sale to Spyker would go through, but conceded the brand will close by the end of the year if the talks fell apart.

On Monday, China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings - originally part of the Koenigsegg consortium - announced it had decided to buy some powertrain technology from Saab. It gave no information about costs or timing of that purchase.

GM to present 6 concept vehicles in Delhi Expo

2009-12-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) US car maker General Motors today said it will display six production and concept vehicles during the Auto Expo here next month, as well putting on display its soon-to-be-launched mini car "Beat". The production and concept vehicles which are to be displayed include the company's hybrid sedan Chevrolet Volt, sports-car Chevrolet Camaro, sports usefulness vehicle (SUV) Captiva Extreme, electric version of its small car Spark, the CNG version of Chevrolet Aveo and its race car WTCC Cruze.

"The Auto Expo in Delhi is the most ideal platform in India to highlight our new product range that will showcase GMs technological advancement and innovation," General Motors (GM) India Vice-President P Balendran said in a declaration. GM India will also display its mini car Beat during the January 5-11 expo.

The company had previous said it will be launching the car in January 2010. "The new addition to the companys product portfolio - Chevrolet Beat - will further combine GM's position in the small car segment," Balendran said.

The company will also display many of its existing models from the Chevrolet stable during the occasion including Cruze, Captiva, Tavera, Optra, Aveo U-VA and Spark, the statement added. GM India is a wholly-owned supplementary of the US-based car major.

Nissan 370Z set to scorch Indian roads

2009-12-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Japanese auto maker Nissan is scheduling to launch its iconic sports car 370Z next month in India as the company looks to expand portfolio in the country. "The new sports car model 370Z will be introduced in India from January and it will be the third in the series of entirely imported cars launched here, after Teana and X-Trail," a company spokesperson said.

Known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, the 370Z is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L DOHC V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. The whopping 332 bhp delivered from this potent motor is transferred to the rear wheels through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission.

With its standout performance, the car stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces include an extended front nose with a canard design at all the corner for better downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler.

A uniquely bolstered driver's seat along with an anti-slip material on the seat cushions hold you in place during spirited driving. Also, fine stitching and quality materials create one of the best-looking interiors ever put into a sports car.

The 370Z go on with the tradition of the original by offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for straight from the factory.

Hudson Motor Car Company

2009-12-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

In 1909, former associates of Ransom Olds - Roy Chapin, Howard Coffin, Frederick Bezner and James Brady - began building a line of cars that became known for their value, performance and solid engineering. However, it wasn't until Joseph Hudson made the largest investment into the new motor-car venture that the car company received its official name; and,

The Hudson Motor Car Company quickly started production, with its first car driven out of a small factory in Detroit on July 3, 1909. The new Hudson Twenty was one of the first low-priced automobiles in the American market, with more than 4,000 cars sold in the first year; and,

Although the last automobile, that carried the Hudson name was produced in 1957, enthusiasts from all over the world still continue to celebrate it with its yearly International HET Club meeting; and,

With an expected number of nearly 1,000 Hudson automobile enthusiasts, the 2009 International HET Club meeting will feature tours of the historical sites and major car museums in the Detroit area;

That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of July 13, 2009, Hudson Motor Car Company Week in Michigan. On the 100th anniversary of the Hudson Motor Car Company and the 50th anniversary of the International HET Club, I offer my best wishes for a successful event.