Saab 9-3 Offers the Best Safety

The redesigned Saab 9-3 model range now comes with innovative features as well as enhanced safety features for its customers. According to Saab, the Sweden-based automaker has made more than 2000 changes to the 9-3 including the availability of an all wheel drive (AWD) model. With this, Saab aims to boost its sales all over the world.

According to Australia's GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish, the 9-3 model can achieve the companys target sales for the year 2007. He said: We did 1650 last year and this year we're tracking 16.5 per cent up on that. We're aiming for June 30 when we hope to be over 20 per cent up. It's been a great start.

Not only the Saab 9-3 comes with new features, but it is also available in several model trim levels on its model range. The vehicle can be ordered in various platforms like the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 SportCombi, and Aero XWD. There are also several power train options for the vehicle, a choice of 6 gasoline, 3 diesel and 2 Saab Biopower (E85) engines. These include the range-topping all-aluminum 280 hp/206 kW 2.8V6 Turbo with Saab XWD, new 180 hp/132 kW two-stage turbo diesel, and aluminum 2.0 turbo engine pumping out 150 hp/110 kW, 175 hp/129 kW or 210 hp/155 kW. A Saab head gasket is also included.

The main highlight of the Saab 9-3 is the safety features. The vehicle is equipped with a host of passive and active safety systems to provide the optimum protection for the occupants. Saab has conducted a real life simulation if the accidents and replicated those scenes to know what really happens when car crasher occurs. With this, Saab understands the way how vehicle crashes happen and prevent those things to occur in a Saab model.

Safety features include strong steel safety cage helps protect passenger compartment, Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) for front seats, side impact protection with 'pendulum' movement, roof-rail airbags, two-stage adaptive front airbags, pre-tensioning of seatbelts in side impacts, and wearer reminder system. Airbag deployment is being taken by the central sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). This can be triggered is a mere milliseconds.

Other safety features include It enhanced chassis dynamics and steering and brakes,
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Mechanical Brake Assistance (MBA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) Saab ComSense functionality, which uses the concept of 'dynamic workload management', and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

With these safety features, the Saab 9-3 obtained the highest five star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Moreover, the vehicle also received a "Double Best Pick rating in crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Detroit Automakers Mold Their Future

The previous years losses and gains in the automotive arena are already reported. On one side, the industrys victors are celebrating their success. On the other side of it, a significant few are lamenting. Conversely, every storm must come to an end and the respite must be used for the betterment of the industry. Now, Detroit automakers are in the process of recuperating from the ill effects of market shifts and evident crisis.

Earlier, Chrysler opened the $1 billion-worth Jefferson North Assembly Plant that mirrored the travails and triumphs of Detroit the Motor City. Lee Iacocca reluctantly opened the factory in 1992, despite forewarning from experts who said it was crazy to build an assembly plant in the inner city with an aging work force. However, Jefferson North persisted and the result was overwhelming.

Jefferson North blends the best of Chrysler and Mercedes. Said offer captures the fancy of auto aficionados. As a fact, the hot-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee produced by the plant exceeded the owners expectations. Fortunately, it pumped out billions of dollars plus a breath of new life on the financial ropes just after experiencing a near-bankruptcy difficulty. In the previous years up to the present time, auto competition is downright intense. It was coupled with rising petrol prices and the boom of diverse types of vehicles. With the production falling, the plant seems a likely object for shutting. Chrysler prepares to announce that its restructuring will affect the plant. The restructure will likely pave way for the rebirth of Jefferson North as the automaker unfolds its own renaissance in the coming years.

The restructuring plan calls for the Auburn Hills automaker to jointly develop more vehicles with Mercedes Benz - its sibling within Germany-based DaimlerChrysler AG. This information was divulged by individuals familiar with the plan. In view thereof, the next-generation Grand Cherokee will be built off the vehicle architecture designed for the Mercedes M-Class SUV and go into production about 2010 at the said plant in Jefferson North. The upcoming Dodge Durango SUV will be built off the same architecture at Jefferson North. Other vehicles like the forthcoming Chrysler Aspen and other Jeep vehicles will also be manufactured in said factory.

If the automakers plan comes to fruition, Jefferson North, once dubbed "the plant that never should have been built," could get a multimillion dollar investment and play a great role in yet another comeback in the boom of Chrysler. "It's a pretty significant deal for the plant itself," said Jeff Schuster, global forecasting analyst for J.D. Power and Associates in Troy. "(DaimlerChrysler) putting faith in the plant by bringing in Mercedes says a lot. It's giving the plant a vote of confidence."

"Iaccoca said he didn't think it was feasible building a plant in the city with a bunch of grandfathers building cars," said Aaron Taylor, the former president of United Auto Workers Local 7 who is now working for the UAW International as a service representative for Region 1. And he emphasizes, "We begged to differ."

"I had to convince the membership to drop about 144 classifications down to about 10," Taylor said. "I told them that our survival hinges on this agreement and that if we could not get this, the plant would not be built."

"We try to think positive," said Robert Ledgerwood, a nine-year veteran at Jefferson North. "Hopefully, Chrysler can continue to make some quality vehicles that people want to buy. That's the most important thing."

Ford, on the other hand, is also aimed at producing quality lineup to end its miseries in the industry. It is not only concentrating on how to improve the Volvo CV joint but the enhancements cover its entire brands and makes. Powerful lineup coupled with courage and positive vibes could pave way for the most-wanted change for the Detroit automakers.

Are Hybrids Losing Their Pull?

Gasoline prices are increasing and sales are slipping. In addition, the automotive industry is showered by lots of alternative options. These are the factors why critics in the industry are saying that hybrids are already losing their pull. Several automakers have ventured into hybrid manufacture and they are now coping with the change of heart of vehicle aficionados.

Last year, Carlos Ghosn, Nissan chief executive, told a convention of car dealers that the business case for the eco-friendly vehicles had yet to be proved. In a bid to keep up with auto giants, Nissan said it will be introducing a hybrid car developed for the U.S. and Japanese markets this month. This move is aimed at challenging the success of Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda.

According to Edmunds.com, an automotive shopping website, in July last year, when gasoline prices were hovering near record highs and consumers were eager to save on fuel costs, vehicles that run on both a gas-powered engine and an electric motor peaked at an annual rate of nearly 1.5 million units. However, since August of the same year, sales of hybrid vehicles have fallen sharply as the price of gas and fuel has declined and Toyota has run up against a federal limit for tax credits that have helped fuel sales of the vehicles.

Alex Rosten, Edmunds.coms manager of pricing and market analysis, said that from September to October, sales of Toyota hybrids, including the popular Prius model, tumbled 22.4 per cent, a downturn that can be attributed in large part to a quirk in federal law. Toyota had come up against the limit of 60,000 vehicles that are eligible for the full tax credit of up to $3,600 provided under a 2005 federal energy bill

The tax credit has played a large role, and it will expire at the end of 2007 unless Congress renews it, continued Rosten. But he added that other factors, including lower gas prices, also could reduce demand for hybrids. Theres certainly less buzz around hybrid vehicles consumers are burned out on all the hybrid hoopla, Rosten further noted. But the days of $3 for a gallon of gas are still in their minds when they shop for a car, so a hybrid is still on their list; its just that consumers will be less willing to pay a premium to own one.

Analysts said there will always be a demand for hybrids from green consumers who want to cut harmful emissions as well as the countrys reliance on foreign oil. In addition, automakers are also working making hybrids affordable for each one. The Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will be one of the most affordable hybrids in the industry. The hybrid costs just $1,000 more than the regular Saturn Vue.

The Vue Green Line is expected to be the lowest-cost hybrid-powered SUV in the market, said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. Its lower price allows us to offer the fuel-saving benefits of hybrids to a wider group of customers.

The Saturn Vue Green Line is equipped with sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission. To boost its braking functions, Saturn used EBC brake rotors and pads mated with state-of-the-art suspension. The car boasts of its simple and flexible hybrid design that provides additional power from the motor/generator during acceleration and allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration and the capability to make the most out of electrical energy through regenerative braking.

But there are significant misconceptions surrounding hybrids. Some enthusiasts believe that hybrids are superior to conventional gas-powered vehicles in all driving conditions. And when the car failed to meet those levels of expectation, drivers become disappointed shifts to another type of vehicle.

Some think a hybrid will get the stated EPA mileage returns of 50 or 60 miles per gallon all the time, Rosten said. But if you are using the hybrid on the highway you are using the gas engine, and cars like the Prius are much better-suited for around town driving in gridlock they are not meant to be long-distance driving cars.

Rebecca Lindland, an automotive industry analyst at Global Insight, who has studied how much consumers are likely to save with hybrid vehicles vs. their gas-only counterparts, concluded that a driver who buys a Honda Accord hybrid, which can cost some $3,000 more than a regular model, will need 10 to 12 years to break even in fuel savings, assuming the price of gas remains within the $2.50 to $3 range. She added, To get that saving you have to drive 15,000 miles a year, and if you are driving a hybrid 15,000 miles a year, you are doing a lot of highway driving and not maximizing the best use of your vehicle.

Lindland pointed out that when it comes to saving money at the pump, there are alternatives to hybrids. These include engines with a highly efficient continuously variable transmission or GMs Active Fuel Management, which allows a V6 or V8 engine to turn off cylinders under light-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. She added, The other possibility is diesel. New regulations requiring low-sulfur diesel fuels, which went into effect this fall, are likely to boost the popularity of diesel vehicles in the United States. Those vehicles are already popular in Europe. (Diesel) has got a really bad rap because most of us think of it as loud and smelly, but this is not your fathers diesel. Cars that run on diesel get consistently better mileage than gas engines, whether on the highway or in the city. Thats the huge advantage they have over hybrids they are not as duty-cycle sensitive.

What to Expect on the Jeep Trailhawk Production Model

Car fans across the world, especially those who are interested and starving for a new off-road vehicle are waiting for the production model of Chrysler Group's latest on- and off-road concept, the Jeep Trailhawk.

Unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) early in January, the Jeep Trailhawk concept "merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the new body-on-frame four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep", according to the Auburn Hills-based automaker.

Chrysler Group released the full details of the Jeep Trailhawk concept at NAIAS. Customers should expect the technical specs and features describe at the show to be installed on the production model of the vehicle. Chrysler Group did not release the exact time frame for the production version though.

The overall appearance of the Jeep Trailhawk concept embodies the traditional Jeep classic style along with new design cues like the open top roof resembling roof styling found on convertible coupe models. The Trailhawk concept features a bold and aggressive exterior body and has a long 116-inch wheelbase. Other exterior features include, stretched fender flares, tall trapezoidal vent, HID projector beam quad lamps, cross-car instrument panel, signature seven-slot Jeep grille, LED park and turn signals, four cup holders, sliding Jeep Load N Go cargo tray drop-down tailgate, and large 22-inch five-spoke wheels. The left and right lamps show the eyes of a bird of prey, that is why the designers called the vehicle Trailhawk.
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The Jeep Trailhawk comes with interior space for four passengers with premium leather seats. The two-tone leather-wrapped aluminum steering wheel offers an exciting driving feel wheter it is on- or off-road. Other interior features of the Jeep Trailhawk concept include steering wheel mounted switches and controls, remote control fold-away flat screen navigation unit, two front and rear armrest, storage bin modules, and a premium audio system with MP3 capability.

On the technical side, customers should expect a 3.0-liter BLUETEC CRD engine under the hood of the Jeep Trailhawk. The engine pumps out 215 hp at 4,000 rpm produces 376 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque at 1,600-2,800 rpm. To cool off the engine, a radiator with Jeep fan shroud will be included. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed automatic gearbox to power the four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain configuration of the Trailhawk concept. Suspension parts come with a front axle with 4 bar links, and rear axle with 5-bar links.

You should expect these specs and features on the production model of Jeep Trailhawk when it rolls out anytime soon.

10th Anniversary Edition of the Honda City ZX Offered with Added Features

In line with the ten-year anniversary of the Honda Cars in India, Honda Siel Cars India or HSCI, the leading manufacturer of premium cars in India has launched the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Honda City ZX with the addition of several features.

Here are the details of the new features added in each variants of the 10th Anniversary Edition of the City ZX:

EXi Onwards an MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers were added together with new key design, new design steering, accessory socket, central door lock switch, thicker chrome rings, and white rear lens
GXi Onwards front fog lamps, side step garnish, 2 keyless entry remote transmitters, new design combi meter, and new 1-Din MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers
VTEC Onwards superior 2-Din MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers, premium dark woody panel, truck spoiler as standard dealer fitment. Leather upholstery, ABS or anti-lock braking system, Dual SRS airbags for both driver and front passenger
VTEC are also offered without the leather upholstery, ABS & SRS Airbags

The City ZX V-TEC with quality Honda water pump is now offered with an extra host of safety and luxury features that include a G-Con body, ABS, SRS Airbags, and plush leather interiors. Likewise, the HSCI has also made several feature additions to City ZX which already an excellent vehicle on its own with combined excellent styling, interior comfort, fuel-efficiency, great performance, and lavish leather interiors.

Aside from the additional features to be equipped on every City there are also two new colors offered.

HSCI has been manufacturing vehicles in India for over a decade already and it has successful established itself as a premium brand in the automobile sector bringing in the latest global models from the Honda stable. The currently available Honda cars in India include the City, Civic, Accord, and CR-V which are all doing extremely well in their respective segments.

All of the Honda cars are E-10 ready or with 10 percent ethanol blended with gasoline. This is anticipation of the guidelines to be set by the Government of India in the near future.

Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. was the speaker on the occasion and said, "We have had a highly successful 10 years in India. Buoyed by the customer response, we are now preparing for the second phase of our growth and will be expanding our production and dealer capacities. As we augment our product portfolio, we will extend our presence into second tier towns and cities.However, as we grow our business, we are committed to aligning our business objectives to the basic humanitarian values that Honda stands for. As a corporate, our future strategy is to focus on three basic principles Safety, Environment and Energy Conservation."

Toyota Introduces 2008 Camry Models

Toyota Motor Sales USA now releases the 6th-generation 2008 model year of the Camry sedan, America's best selling car. For 2008, the car comes with numerous new features on the exterior and interior, as well as on the technical side. For the car's powertrain, Toyota offers 4-cylinder and V6 engine variants.

The 2008 Toyota Camry now boasts a distinctive and sporty exterior appearance highlighted by other exterior design cues. The car's wheelbase measures 109.3 inches, which in turn, offers 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.3 inches of rear legroom. The 2008 Toyota Camry comes with several model trim levels including Camry XLE, Camry LE, and Camry SE, Camry Hybrid featuring the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive. All models feature four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid) are offered. The Toyota Camry SE comes with a bunch of exterior enhancements including standard full body kit, 17-inch aluminum wheels, distinct black honeycomb-style grille, and smoked tint halogen headlamps.

Standard equipments on all 2008 Toyota Camry models include air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter, power windows and door locks, color-keyed power side mirrors, cruise control, halogen headlamps with automatic on and off feature, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack.

Other interior and comfort features found on the 2008 Toyota Camry include two-level dash and console, 60/40 fold-down rear seats, 15 cubic feet of luggage space, special seat fabric (four-cylinder XLE model only), dual-zone automatic climate-control system, rear seatbacks, console side-pockets, front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack, 354 cubic inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat (Camry LE only), optional heated front seats, voice-command DVD navigation system, leather-trimmed seating, rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system.

The well-equipped Camry XLE gets a wide range of exclusive standard features including an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, Plasmacluster ionizer and rear vents, a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones and AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers and an eight-channel, 440-watt digital amplifier, wood-style trim, power glass moonroof, reclining rear seats, fog lamps, and aluminum wheels. For the Camry Hybrid, additional standard equipment includes Smart Entry and Smart Start system, and push-button start.

Advanced active and passive safety equipments include body structure designed to absorb collision-impact forces, high-strength steel on the B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements, dual-stage advanced SRS airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design. In addition, technical safety feats include standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control, and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system for the Camry Hybrid.

At the heart of the 2008 Toyota Camry sedan is a standard 2.4-liter engine that is capable of pumping out 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and pulls out 161 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This standard power unit is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. For the LE, SE and XLE models, Toyota offers the more powerful DOHC 3.5L V6 engine that boost with 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The engine comes with chain-driven camshafts that employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i), providing optimum performance and fuel efficiency. A six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential mode for manual shifting completes the powertrain package for the LE, SE and XLE models.

Meanwhile, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with a powertrain system that combines the Hybrid Synergy Drive with 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. Power output is at 187 horsepower, coupled with an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously variable transmission. The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a full hybrid model, which means it can operate on gas fuel or a combination of gas power and electric motors. This allows the vehicle to achieve excellent fuel economy and low exhaust emission. The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is certified as an
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

All of these features of the Toyota Camry contribute to beat other models in the segment like the BMW 330i with quality BMW 330i parts.

Volvo Release March Sale for North America

With the month of March over, car manufacturers are now posting their sales for the past month. One of the car manufacturers which have reported their sales for March of 2007 is Volvo Cars of North America. The sales reports show reduced sale both in the United States and in North America as a whole. In the U.S., Volvo was reported to have sold 10,666 units for the month of March. That figure shows a 4.4 percent reduction in sales compared to March of 2006 when they sold 11,153 units in the United States and Puerto Rico combined.

Year to date sale for Volvo in the United States and Puerto Rico is now at 26,953 units and it is 5.3 percent lower from the sales for the first three months of 2006 for the same regions.

All over North America, the Ford Motor Company owned Swedish brand sold 12,002 units for the month of March 2007. That shows a 4.8 percent reduction compared to sales for March of 2006. In Canada, Volvo Cars sold 1,029 units and this is 18.4 percent lower than their sales for the same month last year. Year to date sales for the entire North America is now at 29,808 units, 5.7 percent lower than sales for the first quarter of 2006. In Canada, the year to date sales is at 2,102 units, 17.8 percent lower than the first quarter sales output for 2006.

While the Swedish brand lost ground in the United States and Canada, they have posted increased sales in Mexico. In the said country, Volvo Cars sold 307 vehicles and that is 60.7 percent more than their sales for the month of March last year. Year to date sale also improved. For the first three months of 2007, Volvo Cars sold 753 units in Mexico, 23.6 percent more than their sales for the first quarter of 2006 in the same country.

Volvos lineup in North America includes the Volvo S40 and its wagon version - the V50. Both are entry-level luxury cars. The XC90 is also a part of Volvos offering. It is Volvos entry to the mid-size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle segment of the North American auto market. It is the best selling vehicle in the lineup of Volvo.

Another vehicle from Volvo offered to its North American consumers is the entry-level luxury vehicle S60, its sedan version, the S60 R and the wagon version, the V70 R. Also part of Volvos offering is the mid-size station wagon V70. The new Volvo C70, a luxury cabriolet is also a part of Volvos lineup in North America. All these boast of safety features which Volvo is known for. They are also known for their high quality components like Volvo water pumps and the likes.

Toyota Launches 2008 Highlander Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA now releases the details, specifications, and manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the new 2008 Highlander Hybrid mid-size SUV that will roll out in Toyota dealer showrooms all over the U.S. this coming October.

As a hybrid model, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with Toyota's patented Hybrid Synergy Drive(TM). The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine under its hood, featuring four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i). This powertrain is capable of pumping out 270 horsepower and comes with a newly developed powertrain feature like the EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System Indicator. The EV Mode feature enables the driver to use only electric power within a limited distance and at low speeds. The ECON Mode allows the driver to have a smooth throttle response to limit excessive acceleration. This is acquired by activating a throttle-control program. Meanwhile, Toyota's Hybrid System Indicator allows the driver to have a visual guide regarding the car's fuel consumption and offers guides to maximize the car's fuel economy.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a host of interior features and amenities. Standard interior features on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base model include AM/FM/CD with six speakers, leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and two rows of fabric-trimmed seats.

Like the GMC Acadia with GM bed mat, its competitor in the SUV segment, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also offers comfort and convenience for both the passengers and cargo. The flexible second-row seating features captain's chairs with armrests. This seating feature can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. The "Center Stow(TM)" seat can be hidden in a compartment on the front center console when not in use, adding more interior space.

For the well equipped 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited model, standard components include three rows of leather-trimmed seats, rear glass hatch, power rear door, multi-stage heated front seats, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

In addition, both the Base and Limited models are equipped with a stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD screen and Smart Key System with Push Button Start.

As expected for a Toyota model, both the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base and Limited offer a bunch of active and passive safety systems. These include driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags, active headrests for the driver and front passenger, Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System, Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $33,700, while the Highlander Hybrid Limited carries a base price of $39,950.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe in Detail

General Motors Corporation's (GM) Pontiac division now releases the details and the availability of the 2009 model of the Pontiac Vibe compact car. Although GM did not release the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, the Detroit-based automaker said that the vehicle is scheduled to roll out in dealer showrooms all over the US early in 2008.

Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director commented: "With the 2009 Vibe, we knew we wanted to take everything we liked about the original and push it to the next level more power, more style, more versatility. It has the interior room and cargo capability expected of a larger SUV, but with the precise handling characteristics you would expect from any Pontiac."

The all new Pontiac Vibe will roll out in the US market available in three model trim level - base model, AWD, and GT. For the 2009 model year, the Pontiac Vibe comes with a host of new features and enhancements.

The car is now equipped with a standard DOHC four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine under its hood that is capable of delivering 132 horsepower (98 kW) and generates 128 lb. ft. (174 Nm) of peak torque. For customers who wanted more power and performance, Pontiac offers the 2.4L DOHC engine that pumps out 158 horsepower (118 kW) and 162 lb. ft. (224 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, this power unit is only available for AWD and GT models. Four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the AWD. The 2.4 L engine on GT models will be coupled with a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC).

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe also features a comfortable ride and handling performance, thanks to the improved driving dynamics which include MacPherson-strut front suspension design, torsion-beam rear suspension, and multi-link independent rear suspension.

The car's exterior design features sporty and muscular stance, resembling the design cues of a small SUV model. Exterior highlights include faster windshield angle, standard roof rack, larger fog lamps, lower-fascia air intake, rocker moldings, roof spoiler, and a bright exhaust tip (GT only). Chief designer Ron Aselton commented about the exterior of the Pontiac Vibe: "The new Vibe's design is sporty yet completely functional. Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle a muscular stance."

Inside the 2009 Pontiac Vibe comes a wide range of interior and safety features. These include an all-new driver-focused cockpit design with redesigned gauges and other components like New knit-fabric seating surfaces, standard leather-trimmed seats, six-way adjustable driver's seat and front active headrests, three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, floor mats (like Porsche floor mats), and steering column with telescoping/rake adjustability. For audiophiles, Pontiac offers AM/FM radio with CD and XM Satellite Radio and auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 players and other portable devices.

A host of active and passive safety features is also included like the StabiliTrak, dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system, head curtain side air bags, side thorax air bags for the front passengers, Active head restraints, three-point safety belts in all seating positions, front safety belt retractors, and rear-seat LATCH child safety seat, just to name the few.

MBFW Miami Swim Announces Designers To Showcase 2008 Collections

IMG Fashion announced the final lineup of designers for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim which will include shows by Bella Mar Swim by Jacquelyne Love, Badgley Mischka, Cia.Maritima, Xtra Life LYCRA, DE et DR, True Religion, Red Carter, Ashley Paige, ANK by Mirla Sabino, BECCA, Shay Todd, Rosa Cha, Zimmerman, Parke & Ronen and Jessica Simpson. The companies 2008 collections will be featured from July 10 to 14.

The 15-show MBFW event is entering its third season and has grown to five days and a record of 15 shows. The shows producer, global sports, entertainment and media giant IMG is also welcoming Mercedes-Benz as title sponsor.

The excitement as if powered by a Mercedes Benz fuel pump is building up. We are so excited to be coming back to Miami with such a fabulous group of designers, said Svp of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis. To have grown so quickly in three years is really rewarding and we continue to see more and more interest in this category as we become a destination for internationally recognized brands and designers. Also, having Mercedes-Benz as a partner across all of our events here in the U.S. continues to solidify and enhance our fashion platform.

MBFW will be held at Miami Beachs historic Raleigh Hotel, with all three venues accessed via an event lobby at Collins Avenue at 18th Street, directly next to the hotels main entrance. All three venues, The Cabana Grande, The Beachway and The Oasis, will feature the outstanding production elements and amenities that designers, media and the fashion industry have come to expect from IMG Fashion events.

In addition, on July 12th, the True Religion Swim Collection will showcase at the MBWF. We are very excited to showcase our first-ever swimwear line in Miami Beach, a city which caters to the year-round beachgoers and poolside fashionistas. You can expect the latest designs in our first-ever swimwear line, with an extensive range of vintage-inspired prints, bold hippie florals, intricate paisleys, crocheted patterns, ombr and beaded swimsuits in a bright, extensive range of colors. The suits will feature unique, novelty fabrics and embellishments, embroidery and beading in a mix of two pieces and coordinating cover-ups. InGears expertise in making quality swimsuits with exceptional fit and trendsetting fabrics and concepts makes it the ideal partner to translate True Religions cutting-edge appeal into this new swim collection, said Jeffrey Lubell, the chairman and chief executive officer.

Additionally, the Miami Beach trade show for swimwear and swim-related apparel is the largest show of its kind worldwide, and this is the ideal venue to debut our collection for the upcoming cruise season to the most comprehensive gathering of the industry professionals and buyers, said Michael Buckley, the president.

Joining Mercedes-Benz in sponsoring the shows this season will be LYCRA, Smashbox Cosmetics, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, DHL, The Raleigh, The new AT&T, Havaianas, Nivea, Continental Airlines, Sunsilk, Peroni, Vida Tequila, Ocean Drive, California Apparel News, The Swim Journal and ULTRA HD.

IMG Fashion, a division of international sports, entertainment and media giant IMG, is a world leader in the management and production of fashion weeks and designer fashion events and its portfolio of events in the united States includes Fashion Week Live presented by Sephora and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the US. This year, Mercedes-Benz USA became the title sponsor of IMG's New York, Los Angeles and Miami Fashion Weeks, signifying unity of all qualities under a sole sponsor.

New BMW 1 Series Coupe Makes U.S. Debut

The much awaited BMW 1 Series Coupe model has finally arrived in the United States and made its official North American debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. This high performance BMW coupe model is scheduled to arrive in BMW dealer showrooms all over the U.S. starting in the spring of 2008. Only two model variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupe will be available in the U.S. market, the BMW 128i and the BMW 135i. However, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of BMW 1 Series Coupe is not yet announced.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show is powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 230 horsepower and produces 200 lb-ft of torque. A more engine powerful variant for the 135i Coupe is equipped with BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and pulls out an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 rpm. These engines feature the most highly advanced fuel systems like Valvetronic valvetrain management, direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers, and on-demand engine coolant.

The all new BMW 1 Series Coupe for the U.S. market features a sporty and aggressive appearance with its muscular stance. The coupe's long hood and long wheelbase embodies the exterior design characteristics of BMW models. Other exterior highlights of the BMW 1 Series Coupe unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show include M Aerodynamic Kit, trunklid with integrated spoiler, and lip spoiler.

Moving inside, BMW 1 Series Coupe comes with a wide range of interior amenities and in-car technologies including high-quality Leatherette or rich Boston Leather, upholstery, 60/40 split rear seat, iDrive system with the optional Navigation system, Galvanized pearl gloss, sports steering wheel, SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface, auxiliary input jack, and USB port for connection of media players. BMW also offers optional buckets seats with finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.

On the technical side, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe comes with high quality suspension components with aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. Other technical features include BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and BMW active Steering, 18-inch wheels and performance tires, Sports Suspension and high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear. Watch out for other European vehicle models (like Saab models equipped with Saab tail lights) bound for the U.S. market.

Oil Prices Exceed $64 A Barrel

Oil prices increased above $64 a barrel after a rush in the preceding session. This is due to the fact that traders have reacted to warnings that OPEC production was at its lowest point in two years.

Iraq and Algeria as well as the (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) OPEC member nations also added to the upward pressure. As consumers predicted, the chaos has resulted to the squeezing of gasoline supplies as the summer driving season approaches. In Europe, light, sweet crude for May delivery increased 31 cents to $64.16 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by the afternoon.

The contract increased almost $2 Thursday to close at $63.85 a barrel. This happened after the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that output by the OPEC had dived to its lowest level in more than two years on production outages and self-imposed cuts.

According to the Platts survey of OPEC production last month, the average 26.54 million barrels pumped a day by OPEC members still represented overproduction of 740,000 barrels a day above the group's production target. In London, the Brent crude contract for May delivery increased 62 cents to $69.34 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

Oil prices were also supported after the U.S. government reported dwindling domestic gasoline stockpiles in the face of unflagging demand. A further rise in gasoline demand was necessary to boost crude towards $70 a barrel as Ken Hasegawa of Tokyo brokerage Himawari CX told Dow Jones Newswires.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that the sum of American gasoline stockpiles declined by 5.5 million barrels last week to 199.7 million barrels. Analysts had expected a 1.3 million barrel decrease as according to a survey by Dow Jones Newswires. Several refinery glitches in the U.S.... further raised worries concerning gasoline supply ahead of the summer driving reason," noted Vienna's PVM Oil Associates.

Another factor linked to the decline is geopolitics. After oil and gas-rich Algeria was injured by bomb attacks Thursday, worries about the oil producer's control over an Islamic insurgency that peaked in the 1990s heightened even more.

A car bomb blasted the walls off the Algerian prime minister's office in Algiers which, along with two other coordinated attacks at a suburban police station, killed 33 people. Separately, a suicide bomb attack hit the Iraqi parliament building in Baghdad just last Thursday. The attack occurred inside the Green Zone, the most heavily guarded area in the country. "What is there about this environment that could possibly produce a conclusion that prices are coming down?" said Fimat USA analyst John Kilduff.

In the past couple of weeks, oil prices have been volatile increasing about $5 a barrel after Iran detained 15 British sailors and marines. Enthusiasts seemed to have successfully sought the aid of active brakes direct to stop the phenomenal increase. Prices dropped on the release of the detainees last Thursday. Additionally, the prices slid almost $3 Monday on expectations of oversupply at a key North American delivery point before gradually improving. But fluctuations continue nonetheless

No Opel Corsa OPC for the US Market

Europe's much-awaited fuel-efficient small hatch, the Corsa OPC from General Motors' Opel European brand will roll out in markets across the continent anytime this month. The Opel Corsa OPC made its world debut at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show early this March and dubbed as the "most powerful Corsa ever". Why? Because it is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine capable of pumping out 192 horsepower (141 kW) and produces 169 pound-feet (230 Nm) amount of peak torque, combine with a six-speed manual gearbox powering its front wheels. Acceleration from zero to 62 mph can be achieved in 7.2 seconds with an electronically controlled top speed of 139 mph. Upgrading with GM power programmer can boost the Corsa OPC's performance.

General Motors Corp. has a very high expectation for this vehicle in terms of sales due to the rapidly growing consumer demands for fuel-efficient small cars in Europe and in the United States. Does it mean that General Motors would also bring the Corsa OPC to U.S. showrooms?

No. According to a report from the San Francisco online (www.sfgate.com), General Motors' Opel division will not bring the Corsa OPC in the U.S. anytime soon. This is because of some economic factors like the different range of gas prices in Europe and United States. In an interview with Robert Lutz, Vice Chairman for Global Product Development of General Motors Corporation, he said: "Europe and the United States are two different worlds. We could sell the OPC here (Europe) and make money because gasoline is near $6 a gallon. If we had $6 gasoline in the United States, we could sell it there at a profit, too."

"But it is unlikely that Americans would buy a little car at $30,000 when they are paying $2.50 for gasoline. We need $6 gasoline in the United States to make sense of the Corsa OPC in that market." he added.

Lutz was also asked if they will bring the other GM branded European fuel efficient models in the US. and said: "We also sell many fuel-efficient models in America. But the mix of smaller, more fuel-efficient models is bigger in Europe than it is in the United States. We need gasoline of 6 bucks a gallon to change that equation in America. If America really wants more fuel-efficient cars, which will mean more smaller models, it's up to the government to establish parameters in which that market will work."

GM's decision is final and Americans will not be able to see the Opel Corsa OPC to arrive in dealer showrooms.

Las Vegas Ranked The Hottest Spot In Auto Theft

For three years in a row, Modesto, California ranked as having the most number of auto theft in relation to its population. Recently though, Modesto gladly relinquished its throne to Las Vegas as according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

This year, Modesto ranks only fifth in this years top ten hot spots for auto thefts. Of the ten hot spots named by the NICB, five of them are in California. Aside from Modesto, other cities in California included in the list are Stockton which takes in the second place, Visalia/Porterville in third, Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/Roseville in seventh, and Fresno in the eighth place.

In order for consumers to protect their cars wherever they are, the NICB offered some insights on how to properly protect vehicles. Although there are steps that can be taken, the NICB admits that there are car thieves who will not be stopped by these precautions. With regards to that, NICB President and Chief Executive Officer Robert M. Bryant have this to say: People can take any number of precautions to protect themselves from vehicle theft and, in most cases, those are sufficient to prevent a theft. But a determined thief, a serial vehicle thief, is someone for whom there is no absolute deterrent-except prison.

Bryant cited what they have done to catch thieves in the Modesto area which resulted to the reduced number of auto thefts. NICB, through the support of its member companies, has pursued an aggressive Bait Vehicle and License Plate Reader Program around the nation, says Bryant. These cutting-edge enforcement tools offer law enforcement the latest in high- tech crime fighting, and are partly responsible for the absolutely outstanding results achieved in Modesto. When used in conjunction with comprehensive legislation and aggressive prosecution, police on the street can have a tremendous impact on vehicle theft and other crimes, added the NICB CEO.

To help consumers protect their vehicles from theft the NICB offers tips to consumers. These tips are necessary to protect vehicles which are investments on the part of its owners. For thieves determined to steal a car or a vehicle, even if it is upgraded by using Nissan body kits or not, one safety precaution is not enough that is why the NICB suggests a layered approach to protecting ones car.

The first layer is that thing that we call common sense. The NICB maintains that an open vehicle with the key in the ignition is an open invitation to thieves. Consumers are hereby urged to remove their keys from the ignition even if they are leaving their car even for a brief period of time. When parking, consumers should lock the cars windows and doors and check them before leaving the vehicle. They are also advised to park in a visible or a well-lit area if parking at night.

The second layer of protection is consisted of warning devices. These include protection which is visible or audible to thieves to deter them from stealing a vehicle. Warning and protective devices includes: audible alarms; steering column collars; steering wheel/brake pedal lock; brake locks; wheel locks; tire locks/tire deflators; theft deterrent decals; identification markers; VIN etching and micro dot marking.

The third layer of protection suggested to car owners are immobilizing devices. These devices prevent thieves from bypassing the ignition or hot-wiring a car. Some devices that can be used as immobilizing devices are: smart keys; fuse cut-offs; kill switches; starter, ignition, and fuel pump disablers; and wireless ignition authentication. While some of these devices may be costly, it would be a good investment towards protecting a car.

The final layer of protection against auto theft is tracking devices. These devices use different technologies to transmit the location of the vehicle to authorities. These devices are typically installed in an inconspicuous part of the vehicle where thieves cannot find them easily.

With auto theft still increasing, consumers need to protect their investments by any means they deem necessary. The NICB is working to increase awareness among car owners on how to protect their vehicles and only they can do anything to protect their cars from thieves.