Blind goes driving
Since birth Sascha Schulze has been blind. Whatever he is doing Sascha Schulze cannot see. Only by touch he has to fell the gear lever and change gear, while he still grips the steering wheel resolutely with both hands. He experiences the force of gravity when he accelerates, goes round a corner and during breaking which pushes and pulls him. A guide of dog during everyday life shows him where to go, and now he is placing his trust in the BMW instructor who is sitting next to him in the vehicle and calmly telling him what he should do next. At the Munich Airport Training site, BMW Driver Training provides the opportunity for this unusual opportunity. There’s lots of space to move around and the vehicle is equipped with pedals on the passenger side. For an an unforgettable driving experience this scenario provides the perfect framework.
Sascha Schulze summarizes his impressions: “For me as a person who has been blind since birth, this is an incredible experience - just to sit behind the wheel myself. The freedom and mobility which the automobile gives people able to see is impossible for a blind person to achieve, even with public transport. There are lots of times when I’ve wanted to be able to drive at times and places when I want to. However, since that will never be possible for me, an event like driving for blind and a visually impaired person offers the opportunity to at enjoy the feeling of freedom at the wheel of a car at least for a little while.”
The participants get another surprise after driving themselves in a car. The instructors at Driver Training invite them for a ride in the X5. The car climbs into an obstacle circuit with steep ups and downs, and tight bends. On the mountain side these are so steep that you cannot open the doors. The X5 still has adequate reserves even if the passengers are thinking: “This can’t be possible”. You might assume the same if you reflected on whether people with visual impairment would be able to drive - But this is possible!
It was held in cooperation with the Bavarian Association for Blind and Visually Impaired People. BMW Driver Training offers a wide range of training courses. On the other hand, the driving experience for visually impaired people is not part of the standard programmed.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 10:05 PM
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ROLLS-ROYCE RELEASES FIRST SKETCHES OF RR4
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.
The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.
Ian Cameron, Chief designer, said, “Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”
“RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars”, Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 8:54 PM
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BMW 3.0L twin-turbo honored 2008 engine of the year
The “9th International Engine of the Year Awards” victors have just been declared, and it’s a large success for BMW comes again. The 3.0L straight-six double-turbo engine set coming from 335i got the title, by three additional engines in the list also winning in their relevant groups. One tip to note is that the 335i is underrated when it leaves the place. While executives’ record says it build ups ‘only’ 302hp, reproductions that have been frequently pump out can reach than 350hp.
BMW has been introduced the entire champ of the International Engine of the Year rewards for a record-breaking straight up to fourth year in progression. An international board of judges rewarded the top tribute to the automaker’s 3.0L twin-turbo straight six petrol engine.
This 300hp power plant is found in a lots of BMW designs ranging as of the compact 1-series to the X6 xDrive35i and was selected for the reason that it has flexibility and combined reliability, performance along with good fuel consumption.
These events, which are moderated by 65 motoring press from 32 countries coming from four continents, in addition, pleased a selection of further carmakers for engine superiority across a number of special category such as the VW, Porsche, Toyota with Subaru all receiving a honor.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 11:47 PM
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India sales network, outsource by Nissan
Nissan Motor Corporation from Japan alleged last May 2008 that it had selected Hover Automotive India Private to expand its sales set-up in India, consisting a plan of creating 55 traders by 2012 to produce more than 100,000 automobiles that year.
Japan's third-biggest auto manufacturer, have 44 percent by Renault SA, at this time has just five sales store and outlets in India, where it trades and put up to the market the X-Trail sport utility automobiles along with Teana sedans coming from Japan. In India, It sold an overall 533 cars last year.
Nissan proclaimed it would start on eight other models and production by this coming 2012, together with the crossover automobile “Murano” due for opening in year 2009. Four out of all the new vehicle reproductions will be locally launched.
Earlier this year, Renault and Nissan pronounced a $1 billion automobile factory and plant near southern India to begin manufacture in first month of 2010.
Nissan also has a contract to procure automobiles coming from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, a part of Suzuki Motor Corp, and is learning a probable scheme to expand and build up $3,000 vehicles with Renault and Indian motorcycle producer Bajaj.
Hover, established last March, is associated with the Westmont, a worldwide consortium trading in hotels, real estate plus marketing.
According from Nissan. The process will be led by GM Singh, a businessman with knowledge in auto retail as well as rental authorizations, and Kevin Whalen, an entrepreneur with know-how in increasing trader networks in the United States.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 10:11 PM
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Ford Shelby Brands a GT40 For 85th Birthday
With respect of rejoicing Carol Shelby’s 85th anniversary of Ford Motor Company fable, which is famous as one of the most generous and important auto-maker around the globe, Carol Shelby has determined to reveal its new Ford GT40 for his 85th birthday.
According to Superformance, the Shelby vehicles are made to simulate the mark of GT40s that completed 1-2-3 at the “1966 24 Hours of Le Mans”. All cars are built as Mk. IIs (while Superformance does propose an Mk. I replica) as well as for the body color, it is highlighted or fashioned with your option by blue with white stripes, black with silver stripes, and red with white stripes.
With narrow making of this car, merely 85 copies of Ford GT40 will be created and all will be endowed with several signs and symbols with Carol Shelby, it also loaded with sporty suspension with Bilstein springs H & R, quality braking system and 15 inches disks with 225/50 and 275/60 tyres and added with a prevailing Shelby-badged V8 crate engine but the price of this GT40 is unknown.
Positively, there are a lot of methods to go about acquiring homage to the GT40. I believed, if you're wanting for a truthfully reliable recreation and you want to wish Shelby a happy birthday, this may be one for you.
I adore this GT40 but I think will never get a possibility to get this vehicle. It's the innovative dream car and that’s part of its looks, I am happy cars similar to this are made from this time and the development cycle one can mark out it's lineage back to the old classic in the 60's. Thanks to Ford’s great creations, I wonder what the next is.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 9:39 PM
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Beijing’s Ban For Diesel Cars On Hold
China is soon to be one of the significant and giant components in the automotive industry. They appeared on the scene with an explosion, following the series of automotive developments in the country. They mean serious automotive business and they want Beijing to be clean, as far as they are concerned.
Beijing planned to raise a ban on diesel vehicles with alternators. But for the moment, the ban will be on hold according to a higher official from Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau last week.
"Currently pollutants produced by diesel vehicles pose more serious environmental problems in Beijing than those produced by gasoline engine vehicles," said Du Shaozhong, the deputy director of the bureau.
The Auto Channel reported that Mr. Shaozhong stated that diesel engine vehicles produce 3.13 times more nitrogen oxides compared to petrol vehicles and has 10 times more inhalant particulate substance than the others.
"We will consider removing the ban once light diesel vehicles can meet the same emission standards as light petrol vehicles," Du added.
Beijing will prohibit the market and sales of new cars failing to congregate the new China IV emission standards beginning from March 1, 2008 which is alike as the Euro IV. On the other hand, each and every heavy vehicle used for public transit, mail services and sanitation should also meet the standards starting July 1, 2008.
"About one third of the major pollutants in Beijing's air -- nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and inhalant particulate matter -- come from vehicle exhaust emissions. Tougher standards will help relieve the situation," Du added.
Labels: Beijing
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 5:42 PM
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Alfa Romeo To Unveil New Spider In Geneva
The Geneva International Auto Show is just around the corner and auto enthusiasts are no doubt excited with what the event will bring. Being a European-based event, one can easily infer that European automakers will be unveiling fast and stylish cars at the said event.
Alfa Romeo, one of the supercar brands I really love will be unveiling the Alfa 8C Spider in Geneva according to The Auto Channel. The said vehicle will really be valuable and only people with money to burn can afford them. But those who cannot afford it can simply just wonder at its beauty.
Only 500 units of the 8C Spider will be built.
Alfa Romeo has been known for high-performance cars such as the Gran Turismo. To make the car really sleek and slice through the air, all its exterior components have been designed using a wind tunnel. By doing that, the automaker ensures that the vehicle will be aerodynamic.
What that means is the 8C Spider can travel at a really fast speed without those vibrations and noise one can experience in a low-end car customized to perform like a supercar. The body is made up of carbon fiber and its frame is rigid. This combination would inspire confidence on any driver taking this 8C for a ride.
The outside of the Alfa Rome 8C can be described as "pretty". This beauty is complemented with a brute of an engine. The 8C uses a V8 engine which provides plenty of power to the driver when needed. It is coupled to a five-speed tranny.
The combination of the V8 and the gearbox allows the smooth flow of power from the engine to the wheels in any gear. With this, it could easily outstrip any heater core-equipped Acura MDX.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 6:02 PM
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Hertz Just Made Being Lost Very Hard
The advancement of technology has made life a lot easier for us. For example, back in the good old days, one can easily get lost. But today, it is getting harder and harder to do that.
Just look at what Hertz has come up with. According to The Auto Channel, the company is offering the Online Trip Planning service in their Hertz NeverLost navigation system.
Here's how it works: first, plan your trip online. For that you would have to go here and plan your trip. Then, save it in a personal USB storage device. Then, just load it up in your NeverLost navigation system and you are bound to never get lost. What's so cool about this is that no matter what you drive, whether it be a luxury car with a Acura EGR valve or just an ordinary car, you van have this navigational system as long as you can afford it anyway.
Here are other features of the new service offered by Hertz:
- Yellow Pages - Finds businesses near destinations. For example, travelers can find restaurants near their next destination.
- Corridor Search - Finds establishments between destinations, such as finding a gas station on the way back to the airport
- Trip Optimization - Changes the order of stops for efficient route planning
- Address/Intersection - Allows easy entry of addresses or intersection information
- Favorites - Downloads the most up-to-date information on favorite points of interest, such as museums, sporting events, shopping malls, meetings and conventions
- City Guides - Provides city guides for top markets that highlight the most noteworthy tourist attractions
So if you are one of those people who travel to different places, I think this navigation system is a good investment.
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 5:42 PM
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Excellence In Lean Manufacturing Brought By Chrysler LLC
The new face of Chrysler has brought a lot of difference in the group’s recent success in the business. Chrysler LCC has just won the Shingo Award for Excellence in Lean Manufacturing! The Auto Channel reported that the facility for Chrysler products which manufactures fuel-efficient engines and clean water pumps, the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) facility in Dundee, Michigan has been given the 2007-2008 Shingo Silver Medallion for operational distinction.
"We congratulate this year's recipients in expanding their lean focus to all their business processes," says the Shingo committee in announcing the honors. "This year's recipients have demonstrated various best practices in world- class processes and have achieved outstanding results delivering high quality, competitive cost and high customer satisfaction."
Furthermore, for twenty years now, the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence distinguishes industry excellence in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The idea of the Shingo Prize is that outstanding performance for quality, cost and delivery can be attained through lean philosophy and methods in center manufacturing and trade procedures.
"We are pleased to have been recognized by the Shingo Award organization for our GEMA plant," says Richard Chow-Wah, Vice President for Manufacturing for Chrysler LLC and a member of the GEMA Board of Directors.
"At GEMA, our mission is clear - to set the pace in engine manufacturing with cutting-edge people, processes, systems and technologies. This award is further confirmation that we are accomplishing that mission," Chow-Wah added.
"Our success starts with great people, and the Shingo Silver Medallion is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of our GEMA team members who make our Michigan facility one of the finest manufacturing operations in the world," says Bruce Coventry, President of Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC. "At the same time, in the spirit of continuous improvement we recognize there are many opportunities in our processes. We understand that manufacturing excellence is a never-ending journey, not a final destination.”
Labels: Chrysler LLC
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 4:20 PM
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BMW In China
The Asian auto market is growing steadily. India and China are the two countries to watch as more and more consumers at these countries are now looking for vehicles to purchase. This means that we can see major automakers expanding their presence in these Asian countries.
Nissan already announced its plan to turn India into an auto parts production hub. In China, automakers like General Motors are already making their presence felt. Recently, The Auto Channel reported that German automaker BMW is looking to increase their sales in Asia. The automaker announced that they will be aiming to increase sales by a quarter over the next five years.
Stefan Krause, sales and marketing chief of BMW, said that the company is expecting to improve just a little bit from last year's 12 percent sales growth. "This is a conservative target, because we like to exceed expectations," said Krause. According to him, the automaker's 1 Series will be marketed in the region in hope that it will be attractive to consumers in the region who can afford luxury vehicles.
The German automaker though is careful in dealing with the Chinese auto market as a dramatic shift in the trend would leave them losing money. "It's too early to say what will happen in the next three or five years," said Christopher Stark, the head of the German automaker's arm in the Asian country. "As and when market demand grows, we will look again into how to proceed with an expansion," he added. After all, BMW vehicles are not as inexpensive as an Acura car cover. That's why they should take every precaution to avoid overproduction.
Krause though concluded that: "In 2008 we expect further substantial increases in retail volume in China, despite increasing competition in the market."
posted by: Joe Thompson @ 6:19 PM
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