Most new shows that gas is here to stay

WASHINGTON, DC/DETROIT Automakers agree with-the quarter of a century the most fuel-efficient cars, and when the carriages, which will use the new design and technology, but still strongly relies on gasoline engines.

Blueprint announced on Friday, President Barack Obama would increase fuel economy requirements 53 percent by the year 2025. This objective is not likely, as some of the course, prompting a dramatic ramp in the production of electric cars and hybrids, which are only a fraction of the sales market in the us.

Brendan Bell clean vehicles program, Union of concerned scientists "Automakers will meet the standards by improving the technology on the road today," he said.

Bell, automobile manufacturers, and other experts say industry will accelerate the development of cleaner burning gas engines, advanced transmission systems, lighter materials – such as stronger steel and alloys, and other aerodynamic designs.

These changes are already taking place, as is the shift towards the production of small cars to meet consumer demand and new government mandates, at the time of high gas prices.

In particular, the American carmakers, led by the Ford Motor Co, feverishly working on the adoption of these changes after long over-relying on the popularity of trucks, and minivans. Large trucks, including the full size sensor, will have the worst of times, meet the new objectives.

"Detroit three heads and finally discovered the fuel and it is a real focus for them," said Executive Director Tim Manganello BorgWarner Inc. analysts.

Manganello, whose company makes the superchargers and other engine technologies, noted that better fuel consumption, undoubtedly comes with higher costs.

The background for the notification of Obama's Convention Center, Washington, to include General Motors What Chevrolet Cruz, compact four cylinder, which is the revival of the American automaker car. It is not present, if the GM is the majority of the production Volt electric sedan, GM is promoting innovation in Washington to draw attention to their efforts for the consumption of fuel.

Obama is more interested in the production of electric cars and the development of the traffic on the battery technology as part of the green jobs and to reduce oil consumption.

Environmentalists warn of potential deficiencies, which would skew the new fuel standards program can be as effective as possible from the fleet. But overall, the industry has a good faith so far, to focus on the improvement of fuel savings.

The emphasis was not deducted from the many features that American motorists in their cars to help them sell, engine performance, smooth processing, cargo space, and as the motorist aid services and systems, which enable the compatibility of mobile phones and GPS.

The strategy is built around a number of advances, some of which can be described as the "low hanging fruit" that offer incremental gains, but overall, it may be a game changer.

Vince Muniga, a spokesman for the product on the Chrysler "Eat the elephant a piece at a time," he said.

GM four cylinder Cruz and Volta, and the Ford Motor Co boasts Ecoboost technology — a combination of fuel injection and Turbo-Supercharger to smaller gasoline engines more energy and better efficiency. The popular F-150 pickup with Ecoboost was returned to the Congress Centre on Friday, Obama's events.

Manufacturers and suppliers are also invest hundreds of millions of dollars in traffic more effectively with other fishing gear, which reduce the RPM to increase the productivity of the machine.

Chrysler, Fiat, which uses these technologies in an upcoming version of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Jake Fisher, senior engineer with the Consumer Reports auto test Division, said that a number of high-strength steel and other metals, and materials that are lighter, but offer a good stability and the failure of protection – although they may be more expensive.

The story: the new rules require much better fuel economy

Aluminium, which is very expensive for the construction of a large car, may find its way into the suspension systems and other components to reduce weight. Less obvious is the role of composites such as carbon fiber materials, which are used more in other sectors and the aircraft.

Foreign automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor, will continue with the signature of the hybrids. Ford also initiated the production of the hybrid. European car makers such as Volkswagen AG wants to shift more clean diesel in the US market.

The Boston Consulting Group estimated in June, plug-in hybrids and other electric cars make the 5 percent or less of sales in the us by the year 2020. The prognosis is linked to the growth of oil prices and improvement in the engines, which come with a lower cost.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click constraints.

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GM'S quarterly profit nearly doubles.

DETROIT-General Motors quarterly profit nearly doubled in the second quarter, beat expectations, as the top American automaker to a greater share of sales globally and increase prices on their vehicles.

Based on bankruptcy, Executive Director of GM Dan Akerson and other executives said the company had stripped the wreck enough cost to make business and thrive even in the weak car market. The first major test for this allegation could provide a decline in industry sales in the second quarter and the risk of double-dip recession.

GM chief financial officer Dan Ammann, "a higher degree of uncertainty," he told reporters. "But what we are trying to do and what we did, the configuration is trade with the low profitability and a strong balance sheet so we can handle either scenario will come."

Earlier in the week fell to its lowest level since the initial public offering of shares of the company in November last year, as investors worried how the GM, if consumers increase their purse strings in the crackling of the economy.

American automaker pushes heavily into smaller, fuel-efficient cars, such as the popular Cruz Chevrolet, but part of its profit still relies heavily on the sale of more profitable trucks in the US market.

Net profit in the second quarter rose to $ 2.52 billion, or $ 1.54 per share, from $ 1.33 billion, which is 85 cents a share, a year earlier.

Earnings per share slipped past in the average of the estimated $ 1.20 analysts polled Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Revenue rose 19 percent to $ 39.4 billion, over $ 36.74 billion that analysts had expected during the quarter in which the US sales of cars into a soft patch.

The results represent the whole of the second quarter from the GM IPO and restructuring in order to maintain the largest u.s. automaker to punish industry profit through cycles of boom and bust.

GM emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 for the taxpayers ' money a bailout of $ 52 billion, orchestrated by the Obama administration. The US Treasury still owns 32 percent of the GM common stock.

The company thanks to its second-quarter earnings before interest and taxes of $ 1 billion by higher prices of its vehicles globally.

GM said its share of global sales increased to 12.2% in the quarter from 14.0% a year earlier.

GM said its operating profit in all regions, including Europe, restructure their unit Opel. It was the first time all four regions have been profitable since the IPO.

Life Inc.: no new car this year, I'm broke

These gains, however, came as their Japanese rivals, led by Toyota Motor Corp., with fewer vehicles for sale due to the earthquake in Japan in March.

Analysts fear that if the US recovery, "dent" in the second half, the GM would be forced to increase the incentives for his vehicle to lure customers. Results for the first quarter of the GM have been marred by a strong motivation, but the automaker dial again these shops.

The automaker also faces a new challenge in the second half as Toyota and other automakers go back to the level of production of the whole and take a look at a lost sale.

Story: July car sales tags, but I doubt the consumer

For the second half of the year, GM expects its adjusted profit before interest and taxes "slightly" lower than in the first half, but the whole year leads to improvement after 2010.

GM ended the quarter with a total liquidity of almost $ 40 billion, from $ 36.5 billion at the end of June. However, investors will likely have to wait for share buybacks or dividends as the company would focus on Ammann maintain his "fortress balance sheet" to invest in business and endure any economic shock.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click constraints.

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Automakers in the effort to increase fuel efficiency

Mazda offers a sneak peek at his new crossover, the CX-5, which will be introduced next month in Frankfurt Motor Show. While shaped styling down reveals the practical application of the Japanese manufacturer new Koda language design, what's really important is hidden under the hood.

The driving unit SkyActiv is intended for the CX-5 and other products of Mazda performance and a significant thing, and perhaps more importantly, in the fuel. Like its competitors, Mazda is fighting to consumer demand for better distance-pressure, which comes down to it now that the Obama administration has approved a plan to strengthen the corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, standard, 34.3 mpg by the year 2025.

It is a modest retreat from earlier proposals, which should be as high as 62 mpg, but even if the leaders of the industry with the new rules, approved by the warn that it will be costly and difficult task, which may require a considerable amount of technical breakthroughs to achieve.

Paris is cheating life management, Inc.: business is not all, of what to do when visiting Paris. Reuters reports that this is also the place for extramarital affairs. Why firms are hiring more staff, life Inc.: August, a month's work, the automakers in the efforts to increase the fuel efficiency of life Inc.: the cost that most concerns my mom

"Of course, there is still great uncertainty," said Jim Lentz, Toyota's top u.s. Executive, "and so we're implementing and testing a number of alternative fuels options."

As GM dropped, but still very active "car Czar," Bob Lutz, actually likes to say, "there's no silver bullet."

What Motorists can see in their arrival in 2025 as a result of the changes?

On the driving front:

Internal combustion engine will not go away, not that soon, so gasoline engines will pay even more advanced forms of direct injection, more aggressive Turbo-Supercharger, and perhaps the use of lasers to replace the traditional candles. New and even cleaning vehicles will almost certainly migrate from Europe to the US Chevrolet hopes to more than 50 mpg on the highway with sedan Cruz diesel engine, which announced last month. Automatic transfers will continue to add more speeds, as Chrysler 9 speed develops, while more cars to switch to a "manumatic" clutchless manual, or. Rationalisation will be necessary. Ford is working on version 1.0 litre, 3v?lec its EcoBoost, while the small V-6s could deliver performance V-8 in his big F-Series pickups. The number of experts believe that the new rules may force the industry to migrate to CAFE more towards alternatives to internal combustion engines.

One possibility is the OPOC, developed by the company on the basis of Detroit EcoMotors International.

Abbreviation for "against the piston/opposed the war," the engine can be run on a wide range of fuels and advocates argue that it may have a significantly better fuel economy from a package at a fraction of the size of a traditional engine. Claims with resonated with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who has a lot of money pumped into the boot, while include Navistar International truck manufacturer is looking at ways to use this technology in its large trucks.

There are a number of other alternative engines are touted as the answer to the challenge of the CAFE, but a major obstacle: the car does not want a significant change, given that he has invested in the development and production of conventional gas and diesel powertrains.

"There's a lot of juice from the Orange," said an analyst at AutoPacific, Dave Sullivan, from the existing internal combustion engine. "But to be able to spread the costs," how the creators consider alternatives, such as the OPOC, could use around the world may open the door to an alternative powertrains.

It almost certainly will lead to increased use of technology based on the battery. Few expect electric vehicles to take over soon-without main battery breakthroughs. But expect more and more gas or diesel electric models in various flavors; the mild, full, and plug-ins.

By 2025, planners believe almost every car to offer some basic battery technologies, starting with the so-called. stop and start systems. Come to light or waiting in a line of fast-food outlets and the engine will automatically shut down, restart immediately When you lift the foot from the brake.

Perhaps the most radical solution to the nation's automobile emissions would bring the fleet of hydrogen power. Fuel vehicles have the advantage, moreover, be issued only water vapor as exhaust.

Even the most modern engines will require significant technical changes. Industrial designers already focus on aerodynamics, wind cheating proposals to increase vehicle fuel economy by 5, 10, even 20 percent of the good. The number of new models, including Cruz Eco, shutter allows you to block and reduce drag when the engines are running great. Don't be surprised, side mirrors, go away, small cameras and monitors in the car.

Tomorrow's the tyre will continue to reduce rolling resistance, with the new rubber-or synthetic substance – and modern structure of the tread.

Like most of America acquired the cars a lot of weight for years, partly because of regulatory requirements, but also because of the consumer desires for greater comfort of the Chair, the louder the players and car navigation systems.

Toyota, along with the Journal to develop the Green edge of audio at half the weight of the sound system in the new Prius in and next-generation Camry models.

BMW will use large ultra-light yet strong carbon fiber to its new i3 and i8 models, the first two items to the new battery car sub-brand. The German automaker has invested heavily in efforts to transform costly consisting of a niche with respect to the material and can show results on a little Rocketman Mini develops.

There are plenty of other technologies, the new CAFE rules – and even tougher requirements of European distance – will be in demand, such as systems that can capture and reuse normally lost as heat energy.

One thing is certain: the cars by the year 2025 will be technically sophisticated so that the average car of the year 2011 is about as primitive as the Model T to us today.

© 2011 on msnbc.com.  Literature

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2010 was a great year (stolen) American cars

American automakers are beating their foreign rivals, though probably not in the way he wanted.

For the first time since 2002, the car thieves prefer rather to focus on u.s. models than foreign. It is the result of the national insurance Crime Bureau counting the annual list of most stolen vehicles in 2010.

National level, the most stolen car model was the 1994 Honda Accord-the champion of the 2009 and 2008.

Divided by the automaker, Ford had three places in the top 10, Dodge and Chevrolet, one of the two. Toyota, Honda and Acura were held for the remaining four places. The report noted that the three places on the list continue to Japanese models. This trend held since 2000.

The good news is automotive theft continued to decline, said the report. If the preliminary FBI statistics used in the study does not match with the FBI 's, by the year 2010 will see the least stolen vehicles from 1967.

NCIB said that the decline in the total theft was largely due to improvements in technology, noting that nearly 52 000 mnoholetou stolen in 2010, more than 44 000 from the model in the 1990s.

Paris is cheating life management, Inc.: business is not all, of what to do when visiting Paris. Reuters reports that this is also the place for extramarital affairs. Why firms are hiring more staff, life Inc.: August, a month's work, the automakers in the efforts to increase the fuel efficiency of life Inc.: the cost that most concerns my mom

Of course, what they are, on average, he was the national average. Most stolen vehicles in Wyoming was the Dodge Ram, and the Convention nor the State of the top 10. Ram I place in the New York State in the top 10, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee has burst in the list.

List of most stolen vehicles nationally for 2010:

1995 Honda Accord 1994 Honda Civic 1991 Toyota Camry 1999 Chevrolet Pickup truck (full size) of the 1997 Ford F150 Series/2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 2000 Dodge Caravan 1994 Acura Integra 2002 Ford Explorer 1999 Ford Taurus

An overview of the study of State-State, and read the full report, go to the site's NCIB Hot Wheels.

© Literature at msnbc.com 2011

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RECALLING the 2.5 million cars, the popularity of the Honda

DETROIT-Honda is RECALLING millions of cars, minivans, and small, including the popularity of its popular Accord sedan, correct the problem with the software that could damage the automatic transmission.

The appeal includes 1.5 million vehicles in the United States, 760 000 in China and 135,142 in Canada, the automaker said Friday.

Appeal globally, affecting 4 cylinder Accord made sedans model years 2005 to 2010.

The company is also RECALLING vehicles in parts of Europe, the Middle East, South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The appeal does not affect the vehicles sold in Japan market Honda.

In the United States and Canada also includes the recovery of the CR-V crossing for model years 2007 to 2010, as well as the small SUV element from 2005 to 2008.

The automatic transmission in these vehicles without updating the software may be damaged if the driver quickly shifting between gears. This could cause the engine to stall or hard to put the car into the Park.

The automatic transmission in these vehicles without updating the software may be damaged if the driver quickly shifted between gears. This could cause the engine to stall or hard to put the car into the Park.

In China, the appeal also contains more than 160 000 Odyssey minivans from 2005 to 2009 and the Spirior 4000 cars, which are based on the European version of the agreement, in the 2010 model.

Chris Martin, a spokesman for Honda in the headquarters of the company in the USA in California, said the appeal was the result of "a very unusual circumstances. Indeed, it would never be far away most of our consumers. This is the programming of the software. It's not a weakness in the transmission per se. "

This problem was reported no injuries or deaths, "said Martin.

Honda said the problems could arise if transmission is quickly shifted between the rear, neutral and drive positions. So the driver of the vehicle in an attempt to, in the mud or snow.

In this scenario can be damaged bearing the secondary shaft automatic transmission.

Software updates management module transmission will facilitate the transition between gears and reduces the possibility of damage.

Honda will begin informing the consumer in the UNITED STATES at the end of August. Did not disclose the expected costs of the appeal.

The update will take about half an hour, but customers may have to leave their cars to dealers for Honda for a long time, said Martin.

This week, Consumer Reports, said that it was recommending 2012 Honda Civic. This led some industry analysts to ask, if it is a symptom of bigger problems at the automaker, which is fifth in the US sales this year.

The company disagreed with the influential American consumer advocate reviews.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click constraints.

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RECALLING nearly 300,000 minivans, Chrysler

WASHINGTON, DC – Chrysler is RECALLING nearly 300,000 minivans, heating and air conditioning problem that would inadvertently run the air bag, covering the second appeal for nine months.

Chrysler, Fiat SpA, he said in his letter to regulators on Wednesday, a 2008 Grand Voyager, town and country and Dodge Grand Caravan of vehicles have been affected by the recall.

The automaker and the Highway Safety Administration, said that the condensation from the heating and air conditioning can penetrate a sensor module. This could lead to the activation of the warning light and accidental air bag deployment.

Dealers in North America, will replace the part free of charge.

Replace heating and cooling outflow in tube model of these vehicles was the condensation potential appeal last November.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click constraints.

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A former Night selling for $ 350 000

Lineup for the upcoming auction car Quail Lodge in California has tons of impressive vehicles, but this may be our favorite.

This 1964 Lincoln Continental Limousine was specially adapted to the request from the Vatican, Pope Paul VI in the streets of New York, when he visited the United Nations to discuss world peace in Bonhams in 1965, under which the auction is running (via The Guardian).

Special Pope approved facilities include outdoor step plates and handrails for safety, additional seating "collaborators and prelates," a raised seat for the Pope and the public address system.

The car also has a transparent rear part and a removable roof, which the Pope addressed the crowds, who came to him. Today, the Pope travels in a bulletproof hybrid.

Business Insider: transparent Pontiac from 1939 to hit auction

But that's not all.

Three years after the limo driver was used for the Pope Paul IV, carrying astronauts from several Apollo missions, including Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, in the streets of Chicago during the show tapes in their honor.

Business Insider: the international entrepreneur pays $ 8 million in gold-Rolls

It is expected that the car is sold between $ 250,000 and $ 350,000.

Copyright 2011 business Insider, Inc., all rights reserved. With the consent of the company from the business Insider, Inc.

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Why thieves find 1994 Honda Accord so irresistible

Chris Kasson/associated PRESS

By Jessica Mintz, msnbc.com Contributor

Read the highest stolen cars by 2010 from the Office of the national insurance crime, I wondered: what is it with 1994 Honda Accord that thieves so irresistible?

Some of the agreement and the Honda Civics from the 1990s, together with the 1989 Toyota Camry, dominated in the past eight years. In the name of the variety NCIB cuts duplicates from his top 10 lists, said public affairs director Frank Scafidi. It is possible, then, that the next year of the agreement would be another candidate from the list. (Version of 1996, he was also a very popular destination in 2010.)

the 1994 Accord, however, was special. Year, changed the Honda Accord and changed under the hood. That change in the full model, as they say, would be accompanied by a big publicity push, said Chris Martin, a spokesman for Honda, in an interview.

Thieves are likely to be interested in the mid-1990s, mnoholetou simply because there's so many of them still on the road, said Martin. Demand for spare parts may hold shady actors in the business.

"I think a lot of vehicles are stolen in order to Split it," Martin said.

Honda stopped, sales contracts, but that's a lot harder to steal. In 1997, Honda started a tiny microchip within the car keys. If someone tried to start the car without a key, the car just wouldn't start. (This may be outdated, but other methods, such as the management of the tow truck with a foldable bed, still functioning, Scafidi notes.)

The report divides the NCIB State theft, offering plenty of opportunities to draw links between thieves aut preferences and the way in which we now live. For Example:

Texas is the only State where full Chevrolet Tahoe is a list, and five of the remaining nine vehicles on the list are pick-up trucks, in Michigan, list of the top 10 was comprised solely of American cars;The Dodge Caravan minivan--mostly--were among the most frequently stolen cars in Delaware, Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota and Vermont. In Missouri, the caravan was the No 1 choice for thieves, 1990s. Subaru Legacy are prized cars in particular, the thieves in Montana, Oregon, Maine and Vermont;In New York entitled to fame: it is the only State with a Ford Econoline E350 van on its list.In Maryland, 1999 Ford Crown Victoria-vehicle promoting cult rights — made the list.

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Nissan on the solar energy worksheet

YOKOHAMA, Japan-Japanese automaker Nissan is testing a super green way to recharge your sheet of electric vehicles, solar energy, part of a wider drive to improve energy storage systems.

Nissan leaf in sales late last year, but the automaker is looking to the future about five years time when aging leaves the vehicle may offer an alternative business opportunities for using their lithium-ion batteries for electricity as a storage area.

Nissan Motor Corp. takes note that, when the leaves, the flood of batteries could lead to battery life is longer than the electric vehicles.

Production of electric power and storage are launched in Japan after the 11. March of the earthquake and tsunami caused widespread blackouts in the northeast of the country. She went into meltdown, Fukushima Dai-ichi, after backup generators were destroyed in the tsunami, nuclear power is also the renewal of emergency powers.

In the new system of charging, demonstrated that the journalists Monday, the electricity is created through 488 solar installed on the roof of the building in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo Nissan headquarters.

Four batteries of the leaves have been placed in a box in the basement as part of the building and saving electricity from solar cells, and that is sufficient to fully charge the 1800 sheets of vehicles per year, in accordance with the Nissan.

While interest is growing in the area of renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, the challenge is to save electricity, which remains costly without a breakthrough in battery technology.

Such interest is likely to grow in Japan due to concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants. Hamaoka nuclear power plant is being shut down due to such concerns, and more may appear.

Other Japanese automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., are working on similar projects, such as link hybrids with houses equipped with solar energy as part of a Community called "Smart grids".

Electric cars no pollution or gases, global warming, but they need electricity, whose production mostly relies on polluting oil or natural gas.

Even if the list is ready for disposal, her battery is probably 80 percent of its capacity. On the plus side sheets with its high capacity battery can store the equivalent of two days of the use of household electricity, said Nissan.

"What is important for the Nissan is a solution available through the EDS, step by step," said company Vice President Hideaki Watanabe.

A joint venture with Sumitomo Corp. called 4R Energy Corp. plans to offer electricity storage systems such as the Nissan Directorate-General for enterprise and public facilities as a commercial product by the year 2016.

Nissan also hopes to start selling such storage systems for the regular fiscal year starts in houses April 2012. It will carry out field tests in December, 4R energy President Takashi Sakagami said.

© 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Toyota is a new technology pre-crash, power steering

SUSONO, Japan-Toyota develops security technology, which takes over the management of such a vehicle may slip away when he is not able to stop before the crash.

Toyota Motor Corp., showed some of his up and coming safety upgrades in a demonstration to the press on Thursday in his establishment in this town, West of Tokyo, near Mount Fuji.

All the world's automakers working on special security technology in an effort to woo customers, intensification of competition between manufacturers has been neck and neck in the provision of common functions for their products.

Cars that stop or slow down automatically before the object or in anticipation of a possible failure of the person are not new. But Toyota is the latest pre-collision management system control functions.

In the new system uses a Toyota super sensitive camera and millimeter wave radar, called, "installed in the presence of the vehicle, see failure as a pedestrian crossing on the road.

Vehicle counts, as braking and management must be subject to prevent the collision, said the Chief Security technology officer of Moritaka Jan.

"We must learn from the accident and to keep the improvements in the safety elements," he said.

The Japanese automaker refused to say when the function may be offered on business model, or in which markets, but the officials hinted it was ready to offer soon.

Toyota said that goal was zero deaths and injuries, even if it did not say when it would achieve this objective.

The deaths have decreased in car accidents, due to the improved security features, but deaths in traffic accidents of pedestrians decreased in Japan.

Protection of pedestrians is increasingly a key, according to Toyota, which is a hybrid Prius and Lexus luxury models.

Toyota showed what is called a local hood, which slightly mitigate the impact of the crash, for pedestrians, he gets hit by a car, like the features offered by the Europeans.

It also proved to be a part of the beam-beam headlamps would be blocked, that drivers are still clearly saw what was in front of him, while the light would be on the low beam for the driver in the car from the other direction.

Toyota also showed that the steering wheel in the development, which measures the pulse to prevent fails, the driver can happen when drivers suffering from a heart attack.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Best and worst States to own a car,

If you bought a car in Alaska or Hawaii you'd probably expect to cost more than if you bought in, say, Michigan or Ohio, because of the additional cost of transport concerned. Gas prices are higher in those States, too, so one expects the car to cost more in the long run.

But why should cost $ 9,000 more to own and operate a car in Connecticut, than it does in New Hampshire, just 100 or so miles the road?

The answer is because New Hampshire has no sales tax, and the cost of everything from insurance companies for fuel and maintenance is low. So a machine costing $ 29,000 will $49,890 in five years if you live in Connecticut, but only $40,602, if you live in New Hampshire.

Forbes.com slide show: best and worst States to own a car

Where you live may make a big difference in the cost of owning a vehicle — a lesson worth remembering the next time you're shopping for a new car. The price may vary State to State, thanks to the regional incentives, for example, and destination, or the transport expenses may vary depending on the distance that the car must be shipped. In addition, you must consider more than just the sticker price or monthly payment of the lease. You must ensure that it, finance, maintain and keep the gas tank full.

Automotive research site Edmunds.com lets car buyers to see the big picture with its proprietary formula "true cost to own", which takes note of where you live to calculate the cost for depreciation, financing, taxes, taxes, insurance premiums, the five-year average fuel costs, maintenance and repairs on a range of new and used vehicles.

Forbes asked Edmunds analysts to come up with a weighted average sales by the State, which revealed that the New Hampshire, South Dakota, and South Carolina were better to own a vehicle, while Hawaii, California and Alaska are the most expensive. The gap between the cheaper, New Hampshire and the most expensive, Hawaii, is nearly $ 13,000.

Forbes.com: common car purchasing Errors 13

The two biggest factors tend to be taxes and the cost of insurance. In Oregon, for example, car buyers are charged an average of $ 129 in taxes, but in Arizona, which will pay an average of $4,346. Insurance is cheaper in South Dakota ($4,723) and more expensive in Alaska ($11,481). In West Virginia and Louisiana insurance will run about $ 11,000 in five years, but you pay half that if you live in Georgia or North Dakota.

The costs of maintenance and repair may also affect how much the car in time. Work rates for service technicians in your State can vary, for example. And if your State has no sales tax on spare parts, will cost less. Maintenance and repairs will cost an average of $ 1,350 more in Maryland than in nearby New Jersey, for example.

You're not likely to lead to New Jersey to get your car maintenance, so if you're one of those States with a high cost to own, at least you can compare the total cost of ownership for the various vehicles on your shopping list. Remember that purchasing a vehicle more expensive means that probably pay higher VAT and more interest on your car loan, you could end up costing more than they bargained for.

Forbes.com: Anatomy of a solar car
Forbes.com: the next wave of green cars
Forbes.com: 20 ways you're getting ripped off
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© 2011 Forbes.com

REV your next rental car

By Rob Lovitt, msnbc.com Contributor

If the prospect of hiring more Chevrolet Aveo or Ford Fusion you yawning, be construed as wake-up call: car-hire companies are expanding their fleets of high-performance and exotic cars.

Last week, Avis has announced that it was adding a Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles with the collection of a great car. 400 horses Camaro SS, Camaro LT and 312kon? will be available in select locations in the United States.

Avis.com

Why the sub-compact, high performance when you can go?

A few days later, Hertz, announced that expanded its collection of adrenaline by the addition of the Lotus Evora sports car (top speed: 162 mph). Unfortunately, it is the only place in Europe, so you won't be able to pick up the LAX or JFK.

"High-performance/exotic car business is bigger," said the industrial Advisor, Jim Schalberg. "It is more and more players in it."

This is good news for fans of fast cars and stylish ride, but it should raise a yellow flag for everyone who has access to their ranks. Rental of the Corvette or Camaro, Lamborghini Murcielago, as rent is not your average Aveo or Yaris.

Needless to say, should take the usual precautions – do-checking already existing damage, maybe for a few photos, attachments, etc. But there are also special fact, which you should have in mind before you get behind the wheel:

Get what you deserve:"people to build their vacation around these cars," said Philip Reed, managing editor of advice on Edmunds.com. "Before you get there, be sure to call the car that you want exists and that it is spent, fuel tank, and is ready for you."

Make sure you're covered: While your credit card may be providing some insurance coverage, there is no guarantee that it will cover your rental hot rod. "Don't ask me is, if you have insurance you need," said Schalberg. "The better question is," I want to rent a Corvette. When you break it, you'll pay for it? ' "

Ride defensively: When we're talking about insurance, understand that it will otherwise be governed by these cars. That Lotus will be very low to the ground, which can lead to the visibility of the issues, and the Mercedes and BMW are so well insulated, 90 may turn out like 60. Even ding could become a serious scratch.

Watch your wallet: Of course, you'll pay a higher daily or weekly rates, but keep in mind that many high-performance rent that includes unlimited mileage. Hertz and Avis are 700-1 000 km free, but charge anywhere from $. 40-$ 75 one mile after that. "Rent a Rolls-Royce, and you pay the fee for the distance from the driveway," said Schalberg. "We're talking $ 1 $ 2 per mile."

Your age: Sorry kids. Although it is easier for those under 25 rent these days, the same does not apply to a number of high-performance and exotic cars. Even if it is possible, can be expected to pay a remuneration premium "young renter".

Enjoy: "When you rent an exotic car, people assume that it's yours," said Reed. "It is an opportunity to pretend that you're a big fish."

For more stories, which:

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Chevy Cruze new cruises to first place

For the first time in years, a U.S. automaker surpassed the passenger car sales charts.

New Chevrolet Cruze compact was the best-selling car in the United States in June, Show sales data, new cruise past chart-toppers perennial as the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic.

Wave of small car Chevy reflects increasing emphasis on parent General Motors, fuel efficient small cars. But Cruze benefits from a current shortage of key Japanese models including the Civic update 2012.

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GM — like the other domestic automakers — Meanwhile, saw a strong buildup in unsold inventory and other pickup trucks in recent months, a development that could produce problems going forward, especially if fuel prices surge again.

"With demand for continuous and strong consumer vehicles of fuel consumption of GM, June was another solid month for us," said Don Johnson, Vice President of automobile operations for U.S. sales. "The month caps a successful first half of 2011 in the US market for us — our sales are up and we got share profitably."

Chevy Cruze, GM's new model compact introduced last year, was not only the best-selling passenger car in the United States in June, was also the third best seller overall, coming behind the Ford F-Series pickups and Chevrolet Silverado.

Sales amounted to approximately 1,100 more 24.896, Chevy Malibu largest and well before the Toyota Camry. Normally one of the nation's best-selling car, the Camry squeaked in eighth place for June, with a turnover of 21.375, though the saloon car that Toyota still leads year ranks.

Toyota Camrys sold 147.469 in its first six months of 2011, representing a year-on-year decline of 5 percent and reflecting the ongoing production shortfalls plaguing many of the major Japanese automakers. With 122.972 models sold so far this year, the popular Japanese sedan is still ahead of diminutive Cruze.

The Honda Civic, meanwhile, fell out of the Top 10 list in June, where normally it ranks close to the Camry. Top American Honda executive, John Mendel, recently warned that production civic 2012 update won't be back to normal until "some time in the fall."

Japanese producers, working with its suppliers hard-hit by the earthquake and tsunami-11 March, have been pushing to get their assembly lines rolling as quickly as possible and now expect to be up and running more quickly than previous projections.

Consequently, "we believe that June probably marked the nadir" to the Japanese recession, auto analyst Rod Lache said, Deutsche Bank. That could be good news for the industry as a whole, as shortage seems to have played a significant role in the unexpected slowdown in the United States auto sales in May. June's numbers have increased, but delayed his pace from earlier in 2011.

With Japanese production closer to normality, Lache added, "we expect [seasonally adjusted sales rate] to accelerate — perhaps to trend levels."

With more civics and Toyota Camrys and Corollas are now expected to arrive on a lot of dealer, is anyone's guess what the Top 10 list will look like in the coming months. Data from Experian Automotive and other industry sources suggest that the Detroit carmakers have "indefensible" relatively few Japanese buyers willing to wait for the shortage. (Hyundai did a better job of capturing import buyers, analysts say.)

History: Gas prices hit a sweet spot for us carmakers

Nevertheless, the automakers to Detroit "big three" are hoping to continue gaining momentum in small passenger car segments, and there are signs that recent offers of national manufacturers connect with the equivalent of the automotive world of independent voters.

Ford, who continued to lead the sales charts in June with its F-series pickup truck — the nation's best-selling car for more than a quarter of a century — also saw three other land vehicles in Top 10 of the month, including the small crossover Ford Escape, a fifth, the sedan media Fusion ninth in the standings, in sixth place andthe new Focus compact.

The timing of introduction of Cruze, focus and Chrysler new sedan 200 is critical, notes analyst Aaron Bragman automotive consulting firm IHS, since small cars are becoming the fastest growing segment in the US market.

It is that carmakers in a niche of Detroit traditionally have avoided because of the relatively low profitability of products like the Cruze and focus than the truck as the F-Series, and Silverado.

National carmakers have improved the business case for those models with the adoption of global models and strategies of production which "dramatically improve economies of scale," says Derrick Kuzak, Tsar of global product development at Ford.

Also helps to get new work arrangements, low cost, greater productivity in place with the United Auto Workers Union.

In 2006, before the collapse of the industry drove GM and Chrysler in bankruptcies, the Government-controlled labor cost all-in for a typical worker of the big three was about $ 76 per hour. Now it is closer to $ 52, according to industry estimates. And is even lower in some plants, like the Detroit suburban line producing new minicar Sonic Chevy. Here, many workers have always half the pay standard due to a new two-tier wage schedule.

U.S. automakers have not entirely abandoned truck. June sales numbers underscore a demand continues. Nevertheless, sales of trucks are still well short of what they were before gas prices has risen to near-record levels. And this means inventories have risen to levels not seen before to discomfort those failures of 2009.

At the end of June, there was a supply of 122 days of Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierra. The industry generally considers a supply of 60-70 days normal, although GM insists now that it is comfortable with 100-110 days of pickups.

GM Johnson and other officials of Detroit insist they are trying to match production to demand, rather than trying to force the market sop excess production. The concern is that if demand falls further national carmakers could force dole out the kind of budget-busting incentives that he got into trouble before the recession in the industry.

And that could more than wipe out profits, that producers can eke their increasingly popular small cars.

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The US Government ends Chrysler investment

WASHINGTON – the Treasury Department on Thursday said it has terminated its investment in Chrysler LLC, after the Italian automaker Fiat SpA, the US Government purchased the remaining holdings in the company car.

During the reign of 98,000 shares of Fiat paid $ 560 million to the Ministry. Fiat has run the company, because of bankruptcy protection in June 2009.

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The Ministry of finance, provided that the total of $ 12.5 billion on Chrysler and its financing arm, after the recession prevents the sale of cars and sent Chrysler and General Motors to the brink of collapse. Funds came from the Government's $ 700 billion Bank Bailout Fund.

Since then, she was returned to 11.2 billion dollars in aid, says the Ministry of finance. Chrysler pays 5.1 billions of dollars in loans from the Government in May. The Ministry of finance said it probably will not restore the remaining in the amount of $ 1.3 billion.

Also Thursday, Canadian federal and Ontario Governments announced that they sold their remaining shares of Chrysler to Fiat for $ 140 million. The money are the final repayment of the loans, the Canadian Government, which was given to the American automaker two years ago.

The purchase of American and Canadian Governments betting gives Fiat 53,5% ownership of Chrysler. It is likely to rise to 57% by the end of the year, when Chrysler starts producing 40 mpg small car in the US

Chrysler made a remarkable turnaround from two years ago, when she was rescued by the Government.

The company received net income in the amount of $ 116 million in the first quarter and is forecast to 2011 earnings of 200 to 500 million dollars. The company is led by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, reducing costs and reviving its sales of renovation most of its lineup of vehicles, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram.

Its sales rose 30 percent in June compared with the previous year.

Fiat has received a 20% stake in Chrysler after the collapse in exchange for knowledge management and technology. The Italian automaker has gradually increased its market share by meeting the standards set by the Government.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Chrysler recalls 242.000 Ram pickup

DETROIT — Chrysler is recalling nearly 250,000 pickup Ram because some evil in the steering system can cause drivers to lose control of the truck.

The Ram is the best-selling Chrysler vehicle. The recall covers 242.780 pickup Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 years 2008-2011 model.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday on its website that one side near the front left wheel can potentially cause accidents and fracture.

This problem occurs mainly at low speeds when drivers are making tight turns. Chrysler says drivers have reported some minor incidents and a minor injury.

Affected models include 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup four-wheel and 2008-2011 Ram 3500 cabs two-wheel drive chassis comprised February 14, 2008 until March 28, 2011.

Also affected are 2008 Ram 1500 mega cab 4 wheel drive models manufactured from February 14, 2008 to August 15, 2008.

Furthermore, Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks made from 2003 through 2008 model year might remember itself was replaced by mechanical during regular service.

Chrysler Group LLC sold more than 734.000 pickup Ram from 2008 until June 2011, according to Autodata Corp. The 1500 is the standard, while the Ram 2500 and 3500 models designed for heavier tasks.

Chrysler dealers inspect the truck and will replace the outer tie rod and left align wheels for free if necessary.

The company has not determined yet when it will notify owners. Owners concerned can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Copyright 2011 to the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ford, Chrysler, growth plans approaches Q2 bottom line

DEARBORN, Michigan, USA-Ford's ambitious plans for growth in Asia, the toll on its second-quarter profit, with a higher cost to design and sell car offset the increase in sales.

The company's net profit fell 8 percent to $ 2.4 billion for the period April-June. Ford blamed the higher prices of steel and other commodities, but also said that the company is after years of restructuring, strong enough, to spend heavily on future growth. Ford spent $ 400 million on new vehicle engineering and advertising than the year before.

"This is news for Ford that we invest in the future," said Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth.

Rival Chrysler Group also hit, reporting a loss of $ 370 million for the quarter. Like Ford, Chrysler announced that the loss was a manifestation of a healthier balance sheet. Royalty accounting 551 million for the refinancing of a bailout for the debts of the Governments of the United States and Canada, Chrysler would have earned $ 181 million.

Worldwide sales of Ford was 7 percent. Revenue rose 13 percent to $ 35.5 billion. But the company last month that its profits would slip by, citing the investment in future products.

Investment in Asia, is the next step in the President and CEO Alan Mulally in a plan to move outside the company near collapse in 2006, when it took in $ 23 billion in loans for the restructuring. Since then, reducing costs and sunk billions into the improvement of the wagon Ford, resulting in nine straight quarterly profits. Now, the company aims to extend its activities in Asia, where is the Akha General Motors co.

Ford plans to the implementation of the 15 cars in India and China over the next four years, and consequently spends millions more in product development than the year before. In Asia, Ford announced a pre-tax profit of $ 1 million, with $ 112 million from the same period of last year. The company also took a hit, because some of the prettiest cars are smaller and less profitable than its older models, such as Figo $ 8,000 in India. Hopes to make it, the more cars.

Investment now could mean a gift, and later for Ford. GM sells three more cars in China than in the whole of Asia, Ford, and GM has shown a profit of 600 million dollars in its international operations, including Asia-in the first quarter. Ford currently controls less than 3 percent of the market in India and China, but wants to increase its sales by 50% by mid-decade.

Ford also said it is spending on production to adapt to the demand in its early in the US, where it is expected to almost 2 million people to buy more cars this year than last year. Ford projects in the lower end of its forecast 13 to 13.5 million annual sales in the us. The company has reduced its forecast for the European sales, which have been weakened by debt crisis in the last quarter. Ford expects the sale shall not be more than 15,3 million vehicles, down from 15.5 million.

One of the reasons for the sale of the softer in the US was the lack of discounts. Chrysler and Ford have managed to bring higher prices for their cars and trucks last quarter, partly due to the small stocks of Japanese cars after the earthquake in the country.

Chrysler is the average sales price increased by almost 5% from a year earlier to $ 29,964 and Ford rose 1 percent to $ 31,179, according to Edmunds.com Automotive Web page. The two spent less on discounts and other shops.

While Chrysler was focused on paying off its Government loans, Ford paid $ 2.6 billion of its own debt during the quarter. The company now has a $ 14 billion in debt, heritage 2006 restructuring. Ford hopes that his gradual reduction of the debt will be to convince rating agencies to return the company to investment grade status, which would be cheaper to borrow money.

Ford may have to wait long. Standard and poor's ratings services said the companies ' financial performance is the monitoring of levels with a higher rating, "Although it said it is waiting to act until Ford completion of the contract talks with the United Auto Workers Union. Ford and the UAW are expected to start negotiations on a new four-year contract Friday.

GM is scheduled to release its profit for the second quarter ended 4.

Copyright 2011, the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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New technology pre-crash of Toyota steering heads

SUSONO, Japan — Toyota is developing a security technology that takes control of steering the vehicle can veer away when it is unable to stop before impact.

Toyota Motor Corp has shown some of its up and coming innovations in a demonstration to reporters Thursday at its facility in this city, West of Tokyo, near Mount Fuji.

Automakers from around the world are working on a special security technology in an effort to woo customers, intensifies competition among producers already neck-and-neck in expressing their regular features to their products.

Cars that stop or slow down automatically before an object or a person waiting for a possible incident are not new. But the latest pre-collision Toyota adds a steering control functionality.

In the new system, Toyota uses cameras and a super sensitive radar called "millimeter waves" is installed at the front of the vehicle to identify possible crashes as a pedestrian crossing the road.

The vehicle shall be calculated as steering and brakes must be applied to avoid an accident, said the security chief technology officer Moritaka Yoshida.

"We have to learn from incidents and keep making improvements in security," he said.

The Japanese automaker has refused to say when the functionality can be offered on a commercial model, or markets, but officials hinted it was ready to be offered soon.

Toyota said explaining zero deaths and injuries, although he did not say when that objective could be achieved.

Fatalities are down in auto accidents, because of better security features, but deaths among pedestrians in road traffic accidents in Japan not decreased.

Protect pedestrians is increasingly essential, according to Toyota, which makes the Prius hybrid and luxury Lexus models.

Toyota has shown what is called a pop-up hood that rises slightly in an accident, to mitigate the impact of a pedestrian getting hit by a car, similar to the functionality offered by European manufacturers.

He also shows how parts of the rays from beam could be blocked so that drivers still could see clearly what was next while would seem to be on dipped beam headlights driver in a car coming from the opposite direction.

Toyota also showed a steering wheel in development that measure the driver heartbeat to prevent crashes can happen when drivers suffer from heart attacks.

Copyright 2011 to the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Not all hybrids are a green deal

Raising the price of gas in recent years has made hybrid cars more attractive with each trip to the pump. Their promises of improved fuel economy, reduced environmental impact and cost are hard to resist.

But before you drive a hybrid off the lot waiting to change the world — or at least soften the blow to your gas budget — consider new discoveries from the Union of Concerned Scientists. The organization found that many hybrid models don't save consumers more money or as you might expect.

Engine power vs. price pump
It is important to understand what a hybrid motor vehicle really do it for you. Some will deliver strong fuel efficiency. But others apply new technology to give impetus to the power of the engine, thus offering less environmental benefit and improvement in fuel economy.

For fuel economy, Toyota Prius hybrid — the best-selling far — at the top of the list, with a combined city/highway rating of 50 miles per gallon. Next up are the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Insight, with 41 mpg each, followed by the Ford Fusion hybrid and Hyundai Sonata hybrid, with 39 and 37, respectively. (Check out HybridCenter.org hybrid scorecard to see how other vehicles measure).

The Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, in comparison, both recorded 33 mpg on the highway. That is close to what I have with my trusty old non-hybrid Volkswagen.

That said, getting 33 miles per gallon overall is a significant improvement on many conventional vehicles these days, although 50 mpg obviously seem more convincing. However, in future, the Prius can look like a gas guzzler. Environmental advocates have called on the Government to adopt stronger fuel economy standard of at least 60 mpg for cars coming out in 2017 and later.

Hold your breath about this hybrid
Results vary greatly when measuring the vehicle smog and its contribution to global warming.

If you buy a Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid thinking you're doing the environment a big favor, think again. It is located at the bottom of the list of luxury vehicle, scoring a mere 3.0 to 10 — and only gets 21 mpg in the process. The Touareg hybrid emits even 10 percent less than their global warming pollution equivalent to its conventional counterpart.

Once again, the Prius tops this list, with a score of 9.2, generating about 40 percent less smog stuff that an auto adjust in its size and class. Is followed by the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid, with a score of 7.2, and 6.5.

Get ready to shell out for ' features '
Finally, the Union of Concerned Scientists looked at the value of hybrids. After all, who wants to spend more than is reasonable for a set of wheels? Manufacturers of some hybrids their pack with "forced features" that you may opt to give up, but that you'll end up paying for it.

Luxury hybrid vehicles is not considered representative "very good" values include the Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Ford Fusion hybrid and the Honda CR-Z. Six models were rated "poor", and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid 2WD and Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid were rated "very poor."

Vehicles just rated as "top" were luxury vehicles: Lexus CT 200 h, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid.

Other costs to consider hybrid
Convincing fuel economy and environmental impact are only part of the equation auto-purchase, regardless of whether you are watching a hybrid.

Total cost of ownership includes a car financing, fuel, repairs, maintenance and insurance. According to Edmunds.com, the Prius will cost a driver 2011 in Washington, D.C., $42,219, compared to $35,841 for the Honda Civic Hybrid and $37,094 for a conventional Toyota matrix.

You should also consider the "recovery" period — the time it will take to the fuel savings offset the extra cost of your hybrid over its conventional counterpart. According to Edmunds.com, the Prius is less than a year; for the Nissan Altima Hybrid, more than a decade.

Even for a car allegedly "green", which is a long time to wait to get back your greenbacks.

© AOL Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.

Mercedes ' SLK roadster worthy of its heritage

Mercedes-Benz has a long, proud motorsports, producing the most incredible. racing machines and desirable sports cars in history. So it's gratifying to see that the automaker is now produced a compact roadster, which is the worthy heir of heritage.

Mercedes-Benz cars to wear their national colors, the tradition of master of sports car racing (Mercedes cars for Mercedes that the nickname "Silver Arrows", does that mean for Germany, the silver hue).

But the compact SLK roadster? old always something of a pretender to the title. If the 1998 SLK was a silver arrow, it was one of the children's toy bow and arrow set.

The new SLK is something else. It's bold, muscular style that is visibly influenced by line icing SLS sports car. He succeeds in showing the car and think, Bitchy message that, well, I wanted to SLS, but SLK was all he could afford.

Mercedes ' AMG the performance of the branch to fine tune some very fast SLKs in the past and the second generation SLK wore the style, whose goal was to emulate Mercedes lightning fast formula 1 racers, but these efforts somehow fell.

No SLK AMG version, not seriously, as a sports car. Indeed, the majority of the SLK is viewed as a woman from the car. It was probably partly due to the styling down first car. But it would also have been an indirect result of technical innovation, the SLK folding convertible roof of the picture.

Others had such roofs, mainly Mitsubishi 3000GT. But his SLK was the first sales success, which was apparently driven by a sense of security, which provided a solid roof.

Now, however, and affordable Mazda Miata offers folding picture convertible to allay these fears and urban residents, and anyone else who is reluctant to park a car on the street at the top of the canvas.

So why spend $ 68,000 to the compact Roadster from Mercedes-Benz when Mazda Miata quite precisely to the terms of the appearance, the capabilities and specifications for one-third of the price? For the same reasons you could buy a medium sedan Mercedes class E rather than the Honda Accord--improvement and pedigree.

Consider the SLK Magic Sky check roof. It is a glass sunroof in the rigid convertible top whose cover is adjustable. Press the button and the glass is clear, light, air cockpit with the roof up. But in the scorching sun for more pressing tints the glass block 95 percent of the sunlight.

In the cabin is wrapped in leather and wood, absolutely everywhere, all the men and ended, in contrast to some of the oldest furniture budget SLKs.

Contributes to the SLK poor reputation was his awkward handling. It deprived the SLK driver car reputation as competitors such as the Porsche Boxster. Even in the case that men control the same way as women, they think they must be able to win the race on time, and they knew that wasn't up to playing SLK Bullitt in the streets of San Francisco (or Mustang and charger, which implements the scene cult film, but that is really in the mythology in the age).

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If you want to emphasize that new car handled with precision and control of the demand of the purchasers of a sports car, the Mercedes decided to debut the new SLK in Western road, North Carolina, known as the tail of the Dragon.

In 318 curves in the tail, I found that the SLK in particular, consist of one stroke to the next. Brake pedal provided a similar confidence-inspiring atmosphere, allowing the driver to stomp on the brakes hard and then taper smoothly while bending to the deceleration curve of the nothing. There are features of the previous models, so they are welcome additions.

SLK350 standard seven transmissions, however, is confusing, as expected, if the car is decisively. Transmission, as virtually all of the machines, downshifting is prone to too many devices, and at the wrong time, extends into the driver's intention.

The current Mercedes SLK customers will never know, but if a company is serious about incursions into the Porsche and BMW in the territory of the customer, then allow the driver full control over the transmission.

The real problem is that Mercedes provides three shift modes for SLK: comfort, sport and something interesting is marked "manual", which automatically changes gears in most cases, in spite of its name. If the company is "manual" mode on their transfer and attach electrodes to offset car mounted, it is necessary to move only in the event that it said to do so.

Fortunately, the basic SLK250 – which will be powered by engines or turbocharged 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine, at the premiere in – will be offered with the actual drive manual transmission in addition to the Optional automatic 7 speed.

About Mercedes manual changer reflect the negligence of the company in the proletarian device, so you can only hope that the implementation of the manual transmission Shifter will be better than in manual mode automatic transmission.

SLK250 will have the advantage of a four-cylinder exhaust note. The sound of V12 never compete, but this may sound pretty athletic compared sometimes penance-sounding V6 in SLK350.

If SLK250 with the gearbox with a manual gearbox can deliver full sport driving experience as thoroughly as SLK350 offers a luxury cabriolet experience, these latest silver arrows will pierce the target target.

© 2011 on msnbc.com.  Literature

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A parallel parking that you must see to believe

This accidental parking work must be seen to be believed. Watch as the driver manages to flip and roll up his Porsche into a series of spots open to create his/her own place parallel. It's just a pity that actually was trying to keep him on the road.

Despite the massive stunts and accident, the driver still manages to get out of the Porsche Cayman and examines his work at hand, as if it were a scratch fender.

And this is why we say: never raise.

© 2011 Jalopnik, the most influential blog obsessed with the cult of cars, is top of the web source for breaking automotive news, gossip, sharp commentary and trusted vehicle reviews.

Nissan working on a leaf of solar energy

YOKOHAMA, Japan — Japanese Nissan is testing a super way to recharge his green electric vehicle leaf using solar energy, part of a wider drive to improve the electricity storage systems.

Nissan Leaf went on sale late last year, but the automaker is looking forward for about five years time when aging vehicles leaf can offer alternative business opportunities in using their lithium ion batteries as a storage place for electricity.

Nissan Motor Corp. recognizes that, once the catch leaf, a flood of used batteries could result because the lifespan of a battery is longer than an electric vehicle.

Storage and production of electricity are drawing attention in Japan after the earthquake of 11 March and tsunami caused massive blackout in the northeast of the country. A nuclear power plant that went into meltdown, Fukushima Dai-ichi, after backup generators were destroyed by the tsunami, renewed fears about a power crunch.

The new charging system, shown to reporters Monday, electricity is generated through 488 solar cells installed on the roof of the headquarters building Nissan in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo.

Four batteries from leaf had been placed in a box in a cellar-as part of the building and store electricity generated by solar cells, which is sufficient to fully charge leaf 1,800 vehicles a year, according to Nissan.

Although the interest is growing in renewable energy, like solar and wind power, a major challenge is the storage of electricity, which remains expensive without a breakthrough in battery technology.

This interest is likely to continue to grow because of concerns about the safety of nuclear power in Japan. Hamaoka nuclear power plant is shut down due to these concerns, and more may follow.

Other Japanese carmakers, including Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., are working on similar projects, such as the solar hybrid connection with houses equipped as energy efficient communities, called "Smart grids".

Electric vehicles do not produce no pollution or gas heater, but need electricity, whose production is based mainly on oil or gas pollutants.

Even after a leaf is ready to be demolished, its battery is likely to have the 80 per cent of its capacity. On the plus side, the paper with its high-capacity battery can store the equivalent of two days of using electricity, Nissan said.

"What is important for Nissan is to show the solutions through EVS, step by step," said Corporate Vice President Hideaki Watanabe.

A joint venture with Sumitomo Corp. called 4R Energy Corp. plans to offer electricity storage systems like the one at the headquarters of Nissan business and public facilities such as a commercial product by 2016.

Nissan will also hopes to start selling these storage systems for regular homes from the fiscal year starting from April 2012. Will conduct field trials by December, 4R energy President Takashi Sakagami said.

© 2011 to the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Nissan sets sights on big goals

With a buyer in a long series of Nissan is to honor the law of supply and demand, the increase in the prices of its new battery electric vehicle, the sheet by 7.4 per cent for the upcoming model year 2012.

At the same time, the manufacturer wants to continue expanding the availability of sheet, which so far has only seven States. Meanwhile, Nissan has only 4000 with a battery car, but production quickly and can zoom in on the original sales targets 20 000 sheets for 2011.

Nissan leaf is able to increase production, and most other products, it is significant, given that its main competitors, Toyota and Honda, are still trying to deal with the shortcomings caused by 11. March of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. While these two creators is working through a series of problems that the extreme sale and barred the profits, Nissan has been posting sharp gains and the determination of his sights on bigger goals: its Director-General to strengthen global volume by 50 percent during the next six years.

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With the opening last December of stealing a March on the Nissan leaf, the main competitor to the Toyota, the aim is to take a position as one of the automotive industry to the environment and technology leaders. Although the numbers were modest, Nissan claims that four of the five sheet buyer was conquested "from other brands. And what's more, the manufacturer of Japan provides much-needed a Halo.

"If Nissan can a product like sheet," suggests, Vice President for Product Planning Larry Dominique, "a lot of people ask, what else can we do."

Quite proposes. After a few years, the manufacturer of the products of the programme is also on the fast was traditional for his market Nissan Infiniti, siblings. The second, long slaughtered in the luxury segment, he began to show in recent years. It is largely based on the well-reviewed G-cars, such as the G37 Coupe, which compete with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Infiniti has three more bids for construction work, the closest, including compact crossover, which is OUT in August, and the luxury variant of the Nissan leaf. The main brands, but has a number of new 2012, among them is an upgraded version of its small vice versa sedan, which is under his feet with the Americans, who want to migrate to smaller, fuel-efficient models.

Nissan nor all right since March. In may, has been posting an American missile, a decrease of 9.1%. But while key Japanese rivals sharply again in June, Nissan sales are rising, rising 11 percent, year after year.

"They're a much better job" to overcome the shortage, says Aaron Bragman, an analyst with the automotive industry with consulting firm IHS. "They were much more effective at global sources" from the parts that would otherwise have been in short supply, he explains.

It is the main reason why the manufacturer was able to increase production at its four North American assembly plants by 9,1% during the first half of 2011, to 565,730. The leading position among the so-called "Transplant". Toyota is the year of vintage slid 28 percent, to 555,972, while Honda in North America, output fell by 20.8 percent, which is on the 516,603.

Last month, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, showed that sales in the US, the manufacturer should top 1 million in the current fiscal year, an increase of 7.7 percent over the previous year, which ended up 31. March. If there is a problem, is that Nissan four American and Mexican plants are pushing against the capacity constraints.

"What is clear is that when looking at our aspirations for growth in the US and the role of the (two Nissan), Mexican plants played for our growth in North and South America, we have to have a greater capacity," recognises the global marketing chief Simon Sproule.

Inside the company is now under discussion is whether to add additional factories or expand existing facilities. Original equipment manufacturer of the us in Smyrna, TN, is already update to start to produce sheet, starting from the end of the year 2012.

With less than one-third of its global capacity to the domestic market, the Nissan at least dependent Asian creators on Japanese production. And this trend will continue to move forward with plans to build factories in Brazil, inter alia, at the same time also force to extend its role in booming China. Nissan has a considerably stronger position here than the tradition of Toyota, analysts.

It helped Nissan became the second largest Japanese creators, the offset for the Honda last year. But Ghosn, Nissan in 1999, when the company is doomed to failure, it is just the beginning.

On the downside, as a result of the Japanese disaster, the increasing costs of raw materials and the skewed exchange rates, Nissan's net profit is now 15.4 percent, is expected to slip to 270 billion yen, or $ 3.4 billion, down from 319 billion yen in the previous fiscal year, which ended 31. March. Revenue on the other hand, are expected to climb 7.1 percent to 9.4 trillion yen, while unit volume is forecast to grow 9.9 percent to 4.6 million.

Longer-term, Ghosn is aiming for significant growth. His new power 88 for six years, the plan focuses on the global market share of 8 per cent of its worldwide sales-8 million--and 8 percent of the profits from the sale.

"It's the first time that Nissan begins with a plan of attack instead of reconstruction, or prevents something," Ghosn said last month.

It's an ambitious goal. Analysts note that under Ghosn, Nissan has a number of goals in the last ten years. But it's still a win. And so, "a lot of hard work and a little luck, the strength of the 88 plan is possible, said Kurt Sanger, Deutsche Bank.

While the list would be more than the asterisk business charts, however, a small car to charge the battery helps Nissan's image and helping to lure in buyers, which it needs.

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Toyota big bets on increasing family Prius

Betting that is better late than never, Toyota is preparing to roll out hybrid according to bring out the Prius in the u.s. market. The move should be followed by the introduction of an entire "family"-badged offers Prius.

Some skeptics warn that the strategy might wind to confuse consumers. Toyota planners argue that the name of Prius is well known and widely accepted will be easier to sell the new hybrid buyers who have proven surprisingly reluctant to embrace the technology of energy saving, even as gasoline prices were settling record levels.

"At the end we could see a point where [various models nicknamed] Toyota Prius could lead sales in the United States," noted And LaRoque, head of the Japanese automaker in the United States hybrid marketing.

Prius already accounts for about half of the electric hybrid vehicles sold in the United States as a result the disaster March in Japan, which seriously hampered car production in that market, supplies have dwindled severely.

American car dealers normally like having anywhere from 30 to 60 days for inventory of cars, but the so-called "days" for the original Prius is currently about four days, warned LaRoque.

Somehow that might work for the benefit of the Toyota Prius when V is the market around October, an estimated two months later than originally expected.

While sales of other hybrids actually have slipped in recent months, brand recognition and huge pent-up demand could send buyers scurrying to nothing with the badge Prius production starts picking up again.

Initial reviews were generally favourable to the new model. Adopts a Bill longer, taller and wider wagon similar offering in particular more interior and cargo space of Prius "classic" and a variety of new features. Among them are a system of audio-highly efficient "green", a choice of two updates of different navigation system and radar-guided cruise control.

With added space and features, buyers will be sacrificing some of the economy of the original Prius ' fuel, which the EPA rates to 51 mpg city and highway 48 to the year 2011-model. The Prius V, will launch as a 2012, will be assessed to Highway 44, 40 cities.

Both models share the same Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system, with only modest changes to gas-electric powertrain on the Prius V to accommodate the added dimension and weight.

Some surprising, Toyota decided not to adopt a more advanced lithium-ion battery, although overall sentiment echoes LaRoque industry that "lithium ion battery are the future".

Time-tested nickel-metal hydride batteries will still provide fallback to the Toyota third model to enter the new hybrid brand within-a-C, the Prius brand, due for launch next year. If the v stands for "versatile", the next model will be compact and cheap, family member, a class of smaller and probably thousands of dollars less than the original.

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At this time next year will also be the Toyota preparing to roll out its first plug-in hybrid, a classical version of the Prius that will migrate to the power of lithium.

This offer is already controversial because it is expected to provide only 13 miles range per charge before moving on to his internal combustion engine. Rival Toyota, General Motors gave its Chevrolet Volt plug-in a range of 38 miles. GM claims that it is enough to satisfy the daily Driving needs by about 70 percent of u.s. commuters. It allows them to go weeks — even months — without refuelling the tank of gas.

The plug-in Prius will cover a much smaller fraction of the population. Considering its already considerable mileage will likely yield additional fuel savings, at best, less than 1 $ per day. But also is expected to bring a price many thousands of dollars less volts. And it will be bearing that Prius badge.

But it's a safe bet? Not everyone agrees.

"That could cause confusion with the Prius V and c and other models, such as Lincoln did by calling his models MKT and MKS, MKZ and" warned analyst Aaron Bragman, consultancy IHS downtime,

The counter-argument, quickly, he added, is that "this could be the new standard," If Toyota can "build the reputation" of the original and convince potential buyers that all the various Ippc (the plural of Prius, as suggested by the owners) are a step above the competition.

Like many observers, analysts expect demand for battery be closely linked to what happens with the fuel economy standards here and abroad. A recent study by J.D. Power & Associates claimed that all forms of electric vehicles — from basic plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery — not more than 7 percent by 2020. Other experts have the number as high as the 20 percent to and grow even more if the Obama administration goes ahead with a proposed federal mileage standards 56 mpg for 2025.

The real winners, Bragman believes, will be products that stand out, like the original Prius and later models, says Toyota will only hybrid or based on drums.

Apparently, others are buying into this topic. Ford has scrubbed plans to produce a gasoline version of its C-Max "people mover" and it will launch next year exclusively in electrified buyers form, choosing a standard or a hybrid plug-in version.

"This is our Prius fighter," said Ford's global marketing director Jim Farley, pointing to studies saying that the creator of the U.S. needed a visually distinct in your model that will be hybrid, declare themselves as green and clean every time that goes by.

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Not all hybrids are green

Soaring gas prices in recent years has made hybrid cars more attractive with each trip to the pump. Their promises to improve fuel consumption, lower environmental impact and it is hard to resist.

But before driving a hybrid of the lot, waiting for that to change the world--or at least reduce the gas budget – to consider new findings from the Union of concerned scientists. The organization found that many hybrid models even save consumers money or fuel, as you might expect.

Engine performance vs. pump prices
It is important to understand what really makes the hybrid engine of the vehicle for you. Some will bring strong fuel. But others apply new technologies to strengthen the power of the engine, thus delivering less improvement in fuel consumption and environmental benefits.

For fuel economy, Toyota Prius-hybrid is far from the top-rated list tops the combined road/city 50 miles to the gallon. Furthermore, the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Insight, with 41 mpg, followed by the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 39 and 37, respectively. (See the HybridCenter.org hybrid scorecard to see how to measure the other vehicles.)

Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, in comparison with the two registered 33 mpg on the road. It is my faithful old non hybrid as a Volkswagen.

They say even 33 miles per gallon overall is a significant improvement over many conventional vehicles these days, when the 50 mpg, of course, it looks more convincing. However, in the future, and the Prius may look like gas guzzler. Environmental advocates, urges the Government to implement stronger standards for fuel economy of at least 60 mpg for cars is based in 2017 and later.

Hold your breath about this hybrid
The results also vary when measuring the vehicle smog and its contributions to global warming.

If you buy a Volkswagen Touareg hybrid environment you are doing a great favor, think again. It is located at the bottom of the list-luxury vehicle, a mere score 3.0 out of 10 — and gets only 21 mpg in the process. Touareg hybrid emits 10% less global warming related pollution as compared with the conventional counterpart.

Prius, not this list with a score of 9.2, generate about 40 percent less than the regular car an episode in its size and class. Followed by the Honda Civic Hybrid and understanding, with 7.2 and 6.5.

Get ready for the "Properties"
Finally, the Union of concerned scientists on the value of the hybrids. After all, who wants to spend more than is reasonable for a set of wheels? Some hybrids producers wrap functions "forced" would otherwise decide to give up, but end up paying instead.

Luxury hybrid vehicle constitute a "very good" values include the Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, hybrid, Ford Fusion and Honda CR-Z. Six models were rated "poor", and the Chevrolet Silverado hybrid runnable and Volkswagen Touareg hybrid was a mark of "very poor."

Only vehicles classified as "higher" was a luxury vehicle: Lexus CT 200 h, Lincoln MKZ hybrid and Hybrid Mercedes-Benz S400.

Other costs to consider hybrid ownership
Convincing the fuel and the impact on the environment are only part of the equation, buy a car, whether you're looking at hybrid.

The car's total cost of ownership includes financing, fuel, repairs, maintenance and insurance. According to Edmunds.com 2011 Prius driver will cost Washington, $ 42,219, compared with $ 35,841 for the Honda Civic Hybrid and $ 37,094 for conventional Toyota matrix.

You should also consider the term "payback" – the time, it will be for your fuel savings are for the price of your hybrid over its conventional counterpart. According to Edmunds.com for the Prius, it is less than one year; for the Nissan Altima Hybrid, more than ten years.

It is also for allegedly "green" car, waiting to get their money back.

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GM will spend $ 328 M to update the levy mich.

FLINT, Michigan — General Motors is spending $ 328 million to upgrade a factory in Flint, Michigan, where it will build the next generation of full-size pickups.

The investment will pay for equipment to build the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks, which are due in showrooms in early 2013.

The investment is 2 billion GM is spending to create or maintain 4,000 jobs in eight States over the next 18 months.

At the Assembly facility in Flint, will add about 150 jobs, said Dana Rouse, President of United Auto Workers Local Union at the bargaining.

The plant will hire 750 workers for another shift. The move is necessary to meet the increased demand for heavy versions of pickup. Sales of those trucks have continued to flourish even though total withdrawal demand has waned.

The Flint plant currently employs 115,000 2,047 people and trucks made last year.

GM truck sales rose about U.S. 13 percent in June from a year earlier, about the same as the increase in global market of the United States.

GM wouldn't say if plans to make an investment similar in its other U.S. pickup truck plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Cathy Clegg, vice President for labor relations, said Flint that the company has more investments to announce.

GM makes even pickup in Silao, Mexico.

Separately, GM started negotiations with the UAW on a new contract on 27 July. Both sides said the announcement Flint who want to work together to fairly pay employees still keep costs under control of the company.

Copyright 2011 to the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ford, Chrysler 2Q growth plans hit bottom line

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford's ambitious plans to grow in Asia, has taken a toll on its profit in the second quarter, with higher costs to design and sell auto sales increase compensation.

The company's net profit fell to 8 percent to $ 2.4 billion for the period April-June. Ford blamed for increase in prices of steel and other raw materials, but also said that, after years of restructuring, the company is strong enough to spend heavily on future growth. Ford spent $ 400 million more on vehicles engineering and advertising than it did a year earlier.

"This is the new thing for Ford, which we are investing in the future," said Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth.

Rival Chrysler Group has also taken a hit, reporting a loss of $ 370 million in the quarter. Like Ford, Chrysler said the loss was a sign of a healthier budget. Without a charge accounting 551 million for the refinancing debt bailout for the Governments of United States and Canada, Chrysler would have earned $ 181 million.

Worldwide sales of Ford were up 7 percent. Revenue Rose 13 percent to $ 35.5 billion. But the company warned last month that could slip his profit, citing investment in future products.

Investment in Asia is the next step in the plan of President and CEO Alan Mulally to go beyond the company's near collapse in 2006, when it took out 23 billion dollars in loans to restructure. Since then, cut costs and sunk billions into improving Ford cars, resulting in nine straight quarterly profit. Now, the company aims to expand its business in Asia, where it is dwarfed by General Motors co.

Ford plans to roll out 15 cars in India and China in the next four years, and consequently, is spending hundreds of millions more in product development than it did a year ago. In Asia, Ford reported a pre-tax profit of only $ 1 million, down $ 112 million for the same period last year. The company also gained a success because some of its hottest cars are smaller and less profitable than its older models, like the Figo 8,000 dollars in India. Hopefully compensate for that by selling more cars.

An investment now could mean a boon for Ford later. GM sells more than three times auto in China that Ford does throughout Asia, and GM booked a profit of 600 million dollars for its international operations — which includes Asia — in the first quarter. Ford currently controls less than 3 percent of the market in India and China, but wants to increase its sales of 50 percent of mid-decade.

Ford also said it is spending more on production to meet demand post-recession in the United States, where people are expected to buy nearly 2 million cars more this year than it did last year. Projects annual sales of Ford in the United States that will be in the lower end of its forecast at 13-13 .5 million. The company lowered its forecast for European sales, which were weakened by the debt crisis in the latest quarter. Ford now expects sales of not more than 15.3 million vehicles, down from EUR 15.5 million.

One of the reasons why sales softened in the United States has been a lack of discounts. Ford and Chrysler were able to command higher prices for their cars and trucks last quarter, in part because of tight supplies of Japanese cars following an earthquake in that country.

Average selling price of Chrysler reached almost 5 percent from a year earlier to $29,964 while Ford rose 1 percent to $31,179, according to automotive website Edmunds.com. Both spent less on discounts and other offers.

While Chrysler was focused on paying off its Government loans, Ford paid $ 2.6 billion of its debt during the quarter. The company now has 14 billion dollars in debt, a legacy of its restructuring of 2006. Ford is hoping that his constant reduction in debt will convince rating agencies to return the company to the status of investment grade, which would make it cheaper to borrow money.

Ford does not have to wait long. Standard and poor's rating service said the companies ' financial performance is consistent with a higher rating, tracking levels "Although time is waiting to act until Ford contract talks with the United Auto Workers Union is completed. Ford and the UAW are expected to start negotiations on a new four-year contract Friday.

GM is planning to release its second quarter earnings on August 4.

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The struggling Saab says it will lack the wages

AMSTERDAM – Struggling Swedish automaker Saab said Tuesday that it cannot pay off nearly half its workforce this month, because does not receive any resources, expected his concern about the precarious financial means of recovery.

Saab slid from one payment crisis to another in recent months, seeking financial resources so that it is possible to restart production.

Car Assembly was interrupted in April, when the suppliers refused to deliver parts, when they were paid and the Saab just closely said demand for one of its units, which declared bankruptcy last week.

The company's problems deepened; on Tuesday, when Saab said that the late payment of wages to their employees, because some resources published by the investors have not been paid at the time.

Saab spokesman Eric Geers told that the decision affects about 1600 people in 3,640 workers around 45 percent of its staff, but refused to say when they would be paid, or how much money the Saab still needed in order to pay wages.

"Money is one thing, has been delayed."It's very, very unfortunate for the people who are at risk, "said Geers.

In the Saab declined, dropping as 20.8 percent before partially recovering to trade with 11.6 percent to EUR 1.485, the biggest decliner on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

The company said it has received all the necessary steps to collect funds and continue talks with various parties to acquire additional short-term financing.

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Nissan sets its sights on big goals

With buyers waiting in long lines, Nissan is honoring the law of supply and demand, raising the price of its new battery-electric vehicle leaf of 7.4 per cent for the upcoming model-year 2012.

At the same time, the creator intends to continue the availability of the leaf, which until now has just seven States. Nissan has so far delivered only 4,000 cars battery of high-profile, but is quickly ramping up production and might be closer to his original goal of 20,000 sales for the 2011 leaf.

That Nissan was able to increase the production of leaf and most of its other products is significant considering that its main competitors, Toyota and Honda, are still struggling to cope with the shortages caused by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami-11 March. While those two producers of their work through a variety of issues that have reduced sales and profits, Nissan slammed was posting sharp gains and setting his sights on bigger goals yet: its CEO wants to Boost overall volume than the 50 percent over the next six years.

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With the launch last December of the leaf, Nissan has been stealing a March on lead rival Toyota, aiming to position itself as one of the auto industry and environmental technology leaders. Although the numbers have so far been modest, Nissan claims that buyers of leaf of four out of five were "indefensible" by other brands. In addition, the Japanese manufacturer is providing a Halo.

"If Nissan can make a product like the leaf," suggesting the Vice President of Product Planning Larry Dominique, "a lot of people are wondering what else we can do."

Rather, he suggests. After several years of slow, program product maker has been rapidly ramping up for the Nissan brand mainstream his brother up-market, Infiniti. The latter, along an also-ran in the luxury segment, started gaining traction in recent years. That is largely based on musical G-cars, as the G37 Coupe, which compete with the BMW 3 series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

Infiniti has three offers more jobs, short term, even the JX compact crossover, which will be inaugurated in August, and a high-end version of the Nissan leaf. The main brand, meanwhile, has a number of new offerings 2012, among them is an updated version of its tiny sedan, which was gaining ground with Americans who want to migrate to smaller models, more fuel-efficient.

Nissan did not escape unscathed from the disaster March. In may, was ruined by posting a decline of 9.1%, U.S.. But while the main Japanese rivals were beaten again in June, Nissan sales surged back, 11 percent, year on year increase.

"They have much better work" to overcome the deficiencies, says Aaron Bragman, an auto analyst with IHS. "They were much more effective at global sourcing" of the parties that would have been in short supply in the case, he says.

This is the fundamental reason why the creator has been able to increase production at its four North American assembly plants of 9.1% during the first half of 2011, to 565.730. That put him in a position of advantage among the so-called "transplant". Year-on-year production of Toyota slid 28 percent, to 555.972, while the North-American Honda was down 20.8%, to 516.603.

Last month, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn indicated that sales in the United States the creator should more than 1 million in the current fiscal year, an increase of 7.7% compared to the previous year, which ended on 31 March. If anything could provide a setback, is that Nissan four U.S. and Mexican plants are pushing against capacity constraints.

"What is clear is if we look to our aspirations for growth in the US and the role of (two Nissan) Mexican plants for our growth in North and South America, we're going to have more capacity," recognizes global marketing chief Simon Sproule.

What is now under discussion within the company, you should add more factories or expand existing plants. Original U.S. plant breeder, Smyrna, TN, is already undergoing an upgrade to allow him to start producing the leaf, starting at the end of 2012.

With less than a third of its global capacity based on the domestic market, Nissan is the Asian producers less dependent on Japanese production. And this trend will continue as we move forward with the intention of putting factories in Brazil, among other places, while pushing to expand its role in booming China. Nissan has a substantially stronger there than latecomer Toyota, analysts noted.

That has helped Nissan becoming the largest Japanese producers, nudging past last year Honda. But Ghosn, who took the Nissan in 1999, when the company seemed doomed to failure, that is just the beginning.

The disadvantage of the Japanese disaster, increased raw material costs and exchange rates, net profit of lopsided Nissan is now projected to slip 15.4 percent, to 270 billion yen, or $ 3.4 billion, down from 319 billion yen in the previous fiscal year, which ended on 31 March. On the other hand, revenues should rise 7.1 percent to 9.4 billion yen, while forecast to rise to 9.9%, 4.6 million units of volume.

In the longer term, Ghosn is aiming for significant growth. New power 88 year plan aims at global market share of 8 percent – worldwide sales rising to 8 million — and an 8 percent profit margin on sales.

"This is the first time that Nissan is starting a plan to rebuild something offensive instead of, or defend something," Ghosn said last month.

Is an ambitious goal. Analysts note that, under Ghosn, Nissan has lost a number of goals in the last decade. But it still came out ahead. And so, with "a lot of hard work and a little luck, 88 power plan is do-able, argues Kurt Sanger, of Deutsche Bank.

While the leaf will be little more than an asterisk on the charts, however the car battery is helping to charge up the bait of image and help Nissan buyers that need.

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