Little Vince
Little Vince
Archive for August, 2008
With an increase of 2.9 percent from the first four months of 2006, the BMW Group in the U.S announced that the company has sold 104,125 vehicles from January to April of 2007.
Last year’s first four months of sales totaled to 101,151 vehicles.
BMW US reported April 2007 is one of the strongest months of sales in the country. Twenty eight thousand six hundred ninety two (28,692) vehicles were sold in April 2007. It projects a 0.5 percent increase from April 2006 sales, which totaled to 28,563 vehicles.
Meanwhile, BMW brand this year still has strong sales with a 4.9 percent increase as compared to its sales last year. Ninety two thousand six hundred seventy (92,670) vehicles were sold from January to April this year, while 88,353 vehicles were sold last year.
Twenty five thousand three hundred ten (25,310) BMW brand vehicles were sold in April 2007, making a 0.2 percent increase from last April 2006’s 25,250 vehicles.
Sales of BMW automobiles from January to April 2007 were pegged at 71,907 automobiles. This showed a 5.3 percent increase from last year’s same period sales of 68,311. In April 2007 alone, a significant 10.1 percent increase was got by BMW from its 18,427 sales in April 2006 to 20,290 sales in April this year.
However, the company experienced a 26.4 percent decrease in its sales of sports activity vehicles. Only 5,020 vehicles were sold this April compared to 6,823 sold vehicles in April last year. The X5 showed a 21.8 percent increase in sales in April 2007 as compared to its sales during the same period last year.
Meanwhile, January to April sales of BMW sports activity vehicles increased 3.6 percent; from 20,042 sold vehicles during the same period last year to 20,763 vehicles this year.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales in April 2007 decreased 12 percent, which totals to 7,368 CPO sales, versus April 2006 sales. From January to April 2007, CPO sales also went down; but this time only 7.9 percent. From 28,630 last year, sales reached only 26,376 this year.
Two point one (2.1) percent sales on BMW automobiles increase was reported by MINI USA. Three thousand three hundred eighty two (3,382) automobiles were sold this April and 3,313 automobiles were sold on the same period last year. From April to January 2007, MINI USA reported a 10.5 percent sales decrease from 12,798 cars sold last year to 11,455 cars sold this year.
BMW, maker of quality BMW catalytic converter, and MINI brands combined, BMW Group in America was established to include BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars.
As what most do not know, BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, in German or Bavarian Motor Works, in English.
.About the Author
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To be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005,
the all-new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will be available in the
US beginning in October 2005.
The BMW Sports Wagon will continue
the highly successful tradition of combining more versatile
cargo space with the performance and handling of a sports sedan.
The Sports Wagon will be powered by BMW’s new, advanced N52 3.0
liter 6-cylinder engine. This includes magnesium/aluminum
composite engine construction, and BMW’s patented Valvetronic
variable valve lift system, which replaces the conventional
throttle for more efficient engine breathing and improved
responsiveness. The 325i Sports Wagon is equipped with a new,
standard six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed STEPTRONIC
automatic transmission is optional.
It is equally impressive in its space and roominess. Length
(+1.65″), width (+3.07″), height (+0.35″), and wheelbase
(+1.38″) are all increased compared to the previous generation
Sports Wagon, providing front and rear occupants with additional
space and comfort on the road.
Near 50-50 weight distribution, all-wheel drive, a long
wheelbase, and short body overhangs front and rear are simply
ideal for outstanding agility and driving safety under any
circumstances.
The double-pivot front suspension, newly developed for the 3
Series Sedan, offers an optimum balance of driving dynamics and
ride comfort in the Sports Wagon as well. Utilizing extensive
aluminum component, this innovative suspension design offers
superior tracking stability and low unsprung weight. The
five-link rear axle in lightweight steel, ensures precise wheel
guidance as well as excellent roll comfort, ensures
class-leading agility and dynamic handling.
Safety features include the first front-to-rear Head Protection
System to be offered in the 3 Series employs a curtain-type
system, which takes up less space in the headliner and can
remain inflated for several seconds after deployment, especially
important in case of rollover. The 3 Series is BMW’s first to
employ seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as opposed to the
door-mounted type of the predecessor and other current Series.
In their function of protecting occupants’ pelvis and thorax
regions in side impacts, the seat-mounted airbags are equal to
the door-mounted type, but offer greater freedom for the
interior designers to achieve their functional and esthetic
goals. It has a sophisticated electronic control strategy for
managing the deployment of airbags and safety belt tensioners.
This approach to optimal effectiveness of safety systems now
becomes more precise, thanks to a new sensing mat in the front
passenger seat. Called OC3, the mat is more highly sophisticated
than its predecessor; it measures the weight and analyzes the
pressure distribution of the occupant in order to distinguish
between an adult and an infant in a child safety seat. The front
passenger’s airbags will be deactivated, should the driver
install a forward-facing infant safety seat. The footrest is
designed to crush under the force of the driver’s left foot in
certain frontal impacts, so that the full impact force is not
transmitted to his or her foot and leg. The Mastervac (brake
master cylinder) is mounted so that as the front end deforms, it
rotates, and with it the brake and clutch pedals. The pedals
move forward, canceling much of the force transfer to the
driver’s feet and legs if they are on the pedals
The very best in BMW Performance Parts, OEM Parts, Replacement
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at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW , for the BMW
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About the author:
Have you heard about the ENV yet? It’s pronounced like “envy”
and stands for Emissions Energy Vehicle.
After many years of testing, Intelligent Energy of London has
developed a motorcycle-like vehicle that shows lots of promise.
The ENV was introduced in early 2006 and has shown great promise
by being embraced by the public.
The technology used in this vehicle is a fuel cell. For the
technology-minded, it uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
The cell converts hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity.
In short, the fuel cell takes the protons and electrons from the
hydrogen atom and this forms an electric current.
This electricity is then fed to a series of batteries which
powers an electric motor. This gives the bike its power to run.
The only noise emitted is from a cooling fan.
For the technology-minded, there is some fascinating usage of
greatly available resources (hydrogen is the most abundant
element). For many of us, though, all we are interested is: does
it work?
In short, the answer is a resounding yes.
The motorcycle will top out at about 50 miles an hour. True, not
freeway speeds, but not everyone has a need to travel at high
speeds. And it will run for up to 100 miles or about four hours
between fill-ups.
Now this is still a long way from giving many of us all the
benefits of our gas-guzzlers. But, it’s a terrific start. After
all, if this technology is available for a motorcycle, how far
behind is the ability to power the SUV?
Another nice advantage to the ENV technology is the quiet
operation. A nice quiet ride through the countryside can be just
that: quiet. And, who’s going to miss the smelly emissions we
get from our gas and diesel engines?
The cost for being the “envy” of your neighborhood? Intelligent
Energy says that it will sell the bike for somewhere between
$6,000 and $8,000 (US).
Maybe these high fuel costs are going to result in something
positive after all.
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About the author:
Best Hybrid Car
Author:
There are different modes of travel that people use. Among these is that of hybrid cars. The various hybrid car brands allow people the choice of having a stylish looking vehicle at the same time that fuel is conserved and the environment is kept pollution free.
The various cars which can be included in the range of the best hybrid car will include cars such as the popular SUVs.
With many choices like this you will be able to understand why people like to look at the best hybrid car to be of help to them. Understanding how the hybrid car works can make your hunt for a good hybrid brand easier. You should take a look at what is available on the internet. While this may seem time consuming it will save you time when you are actually shopping for the best hybrid car.
The internet will let you see the latest hybrid cars which are due to come on to the market. At this point you should see if there are any performance reviews available. This information will help you in deciding the best hybrid car to choose from. You need to understand that while there are many different brands of hybrid cars, some of these may not be that easy to repair or have their parts replace.
You will also be able to look at comparisons which have been made about the best hybrid cars, combustion engine cars and full hybrid cars. Some problems that owners can experience will be given in the reviews about these different cars. For your ease of selection you should look to see if there are any prices indicated for the listed hybrid cars. With this information you can make a decision about a suitable hybrid car.
There is one factor that you should keep in mind when you are shopping for the best hybrid car. In some instances you will not be able to find the exact car that you want. To keep this frustration level down, make a list of several different hybrid car types. Include the known best hybrid car types. You may also want to list down other qualities that you are looking for from a hybrid electric car.
While this list of requirements is no guarantee to your getting the car of your dreams, it can be of help. Having access to a list of the best hybrid car lines in the automotive world will cut down on this mass of complications which can arise..About the Author
Largely known as a cowboy town and home NASA base, who would’ve thought that by renting a charter bus, it’s possible for you to enjoy a totally cool nightlife in Houston! Don’t have any ideas at all? Worry not, you can start by asking the charter bus driver about where is the most fun to go.
But here are a couple of places that the charter bus can take you to so that you can party all night (and day too) long if you want…right there in Houston.
First, understand that the nightlife in Houston is very diverse. You can sit in the comfortable seats of the charter bus, look out of the charter bus window and see a very wide range of party places along the streets of Houston. There are nightclubs, lounges, sports bars…the likes and if you like variety, sit back and relax while the charter bus takes you bar hopping.
First up the list of hot party places in Houston, let’s take the charter bus to The Bronx Bar which is filled to the doorway with youngsters and young adults out to have fun all night long! You can hear the bass from the boom box even before you step out of the coach bus. The locals love to come and party in Houston’s The Bronx Bar because of the energetic environment.
If the young crowd is not really your thing, let’s hop back into the charter bus and go to our next party destination - somewhere quieter and calmer. Take the charter bus to some place where you can party and eat at the same time and that would be the Dark Horse Tavern. It’s an absolutely favorite with the local crowd because it is filled with the eclectic drinking crowd, especially during the weekends.
There many other places you can take the charter bus to to have loads of fun in Houston, so, go on ahead and book your charter bus now. .About the Author
Bras, For Your Car
Author:
Whoever coined the term, car bra, must have done so to attract a
lot of attention. Apparently, they have succeeded. Cars, trucks,
SUVs, and vans are all sporting bras and they are a very
attractive site.
Let’s take a closer look at car bras and what
they are all about.
Not all car bras are called car bras. Other names you will hear
are hood protectors or car masks. Personally, they
look like masks more than anything to me in that they cover the
front end [or face] of the car, leaving headlights and turn
signal lights free. Some are designed so that fog lights can
also be bra free.
Besides looking absolutely cool, car bras do have a practical
function to them. A properly installed bra will protect your
car’s front end from flying debris, rocks kicked up by other
vehicles while you drive down the highway, insects, and road tar.
Some bras cover the entire hood while others cover the grill and
a small section of the front of the hood. In the latter case,
two piece car bras allow for you to keep the bra on while still
being able to lift the hood, if need be. Some car bras must be
removed in order to access the hood.
Car bras are made of a leather looking material, typically
vinyl. The underside is usually made of a flannel material to
prevent scratches to your car’s surface.
Just like a bra you buy for yourself - or for your wife, guys -
there is no one-size-fits-all car bra. Make sure that the car
bra you purchase is for the specific make and model of your
vehicle. Size matters!
Installation is easy and takes fifteen minutes or less. No tools
are required as you simply fit everything into place.
So, protect yourself with a bra. Protect your vehicle, that is!
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About the author:
Toyota has long promoted environment responsibility through its
low-emission vehicles and manufacturing plants with
“zero-landfill producing operations.
” With the introduction of
the Toyota Prius in 1997, Toyota had taken a big step forward in
its efforts to create more fuel efficient and
environment-friendly vehicles. This feat is followed recently
with the introduction of the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota
Prius, being the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and the
Toyota Highlander, being the first seven-passenger hybrid Sport
Utility Vehicle, are great contributions to the industry. Having
one of them as your own vehicle certainly brings not only
driving satisfaction but a great sense of pride, too.
One of the country’s leading auto parts supplier specializing on
selling OEM-quality Toyota parts,
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beloved customers a comprehensive and updated line of automotive
replacement and aftermarket auto parts for the Toyota Highlander
and the Toyota Prius. With the same commitment as Toyota, this
Toyota Parts Discount store offers the most dependable products
that could make your Toyota vehicle more fuel efficient,
environment-friendly and more capable.
As Toyota’s latest and most sophisticated models, the Toyota
Highlander and the Toyota Prius are sure to give you a more
satisfying ride compared to earlier Toyota cars; however, these
vehicles are in the same way vulnerable to a lot of car problems
ranging from minor to major car damages. Accidents, too, would
surely require you to replace some of the stock
et=_blank'class='navigation' target="_blank">Toyota Prius Parts and
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Quality replacement parts available for your Toyota Highlander
include
retainer, Toyota grill,
Toyota A/C condenser. For additional safety and style, you can
add or replace your current Toyota headlights with first-class
and stylish headlamps offered in this store. Also available are
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Projector Headlamps, Toyota clear corner lights for Toyota
Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Toyota 4Runner and other vehicles.
Believing in Toyota’s dedication in providing its users the most
dependable passenger cars, SUVs, vans and trucks, this Toyota
auto parts dealer is proud to deliver the finest parts for
various Toyota models, old and new alike. With their auto parts’
tried and tested durability, you are sure to experience the same
satisfaction you get from Toyota Parts Used in your Toyota
vehicle. What’s even greater is that you get all those parts at
very exciting Toyota Parts Discount deals. Shopping for your
Toyota replacement parts needs online has never been more
fulfilling than buying them here at the country’s number one
Toyota parts dealer.
.
About the author:
It may be that you have been looking for a new car for a while.
Maybe you have succumbed to impulse and just ordered that new
ferrari. If you have you really thought about how you are going
to shift your current car.
Advertising it is the simple answer and there are lots of places
to do it but to be honest this is less than half the battle.
In the same way that clutter and mess will put off any potential
house buyer , a dirty, clutter filled car will have potential
new owners running for the hills.
Do not fear, www.motorcarloans.com have a vast knowledge in how
to best scrub up your car to make it irresistable to potential
buyers. We have identified 8 ways to help get rid of that car.
1.De Clutter
Get rid of all those CDs, Tapes, Tissue boxes , sweet wrappers
from the glove box, door panels and footwells. Remember you want
some else to think of themselves as the owner of this car. It is
hard to see past the junk!
2.Clean Thoroughly
Polish all the glass, dush the dashboard and vacuum the mats and
upholstery. Take out the mats and give them a good brushing or
slap with a broom handle to really shift that caked on mud. If
they are rubber mats give them a blast with a pressure washer!
If the car has a few bumps and scrapes , this is okay if the car
is a few years old BUT if it is under 2 years old and a prestige
vehicle then do think about having them repaired.
Also if you have any broken lights or mirrors - Fix ‘em!
3. Put the Boot in!
Don’t forget to empty out the boot and vacuum it out. Clean any
stains with a carpet cleaner. Check the spare tyre is in good
condition and has the right air pressure.
Stow any the jack and wheel brace properly, and check that the
toolkit has no missing pieces. Replace as necessary.
4.Smells
If you are a smoker, empty out the ashtrays and wash them. If
you are a pet owner and Fido loves to sit in the car with you
then make sure you remove all the pet hair from the seats. Use
an airfreshner.
Clean any spillages with a domestic carpet cleaner.
5.Engine
Ensure everything under the bonnet is tidy and that the engine
runs quietly. If you have a squeaky fan belt get it tightened
and make sure the bonnet stay is present and clips in place.
Check Oil, Screen Washer Water and Coolant. Top up as necessary.
DONT STEAM CLEAN THE ENGINE! It creates suspicion!
6.Electrics
If your car’s electrics aren’t working properly it can turn off
a buyer. Make sure all your lights work properly and that you
replace broken bulbs.
7.Documents
Put all the cars documents together in one place. This includes:
Onwers Handbook Service Book V5 Registration Document MOT
certificate if the car is over 3 years old Any invoices for
repair work carried out on the car
This puts any buyer at ease it is shows you cared for the car.
8.Know its true value
Don’t undo all the hard work by accepting the first offer that
comes along. Make sure you know your car’s true resale value.
This can be done either online at:
www.parkers.co.uk www.autotrader.co.uk
or you can buy their latest blue book which will show you your
cars value.
It is also worth looking at similar cars in the classifieds to
see what other owners are asking for their’s.
This may also give you an idea of the features others are using
to promote their car and give you some ideas.
Good Luck
.
About the author:
The cost of driving increases every year and due to this most drivers are often willing to do whatever it takes to keep their costs down. That means going to traffic school if they commit a traffic violation.
Traffic school saves drivers from having points added to their driving records, a necessary step to ensuring that already hefty insurance rates don’t skyrocket.
Fortunately through the use of the internet, today’s drivers aren’t forced to go to a traditional classroom traffic school as they once had to. No looking up streets and driving for hours… simply grab your favorite coffee (or tea) and pull your seat up to the computer to get started. New online traffic schools such as TrafficRelief are now making the task of doing such courses quick, easily and much more affordable. (Most online traffic schools charge anywhere from $17 to $50.)
But to give you an even better idea of all the pro’s and cons, let’s look at the following.
Traditional Traffic School
Social Interaction. Some critics of online traffic schools say that there’s simply nothing like a classroom setting for traffic school or any school for that matter and to some extent, this is true. Students who opt for traditional traffic school will have the chance to interact with their fellow students and the class instructor. For some people, especially those who thrive in social settings, this is often the ideal way to learn.
The biggest advantage to traditional traffic school may well be the social interaction, especially if the instructor is good. A charismatic instructor can excite students and make the day-long course not only educational but also fun.
Immediacy. If a student has a question, all he has to do is ask and he’ll have an immediate answer. Information that is unclear can be discussed and clarified for students immediately, instead of them having to call an 800 number or having to wait for a return email.
One session and it’s done. Traditional traffic school requires students to appear on the day of the class, participate throughout the day, complete the final exam, and that’s that, if the student passed the final exam. There’s no room for procrastination or thoughts of, “Oh well, I’ll just do it tomorrow.” Further, information will be fresh in the students’ mind when they take the final exam.
Certificate is awarded immediately. Students who opt for walk-in traffic school will receive their certificate of completion immediately following the session, an added bonus for those students who put off taking the course until the last minute.
Of course, there are also disadvantages to attending walk-in traffic school. No one knows that better than Mike P. Welch who completed a traditional walk-in traffic course in August 2005. In addition to having to shuffle his schedule to fit traffic school in, Welch found that much of the course material was grossly outdated.
“The instructor had us watch a video that was from the 1970s, and a big segment was on call boxes, which I felt was irrelevant, considering the majority of the population now has cell phones,” he says.
According to Welch, students were also required to reveal their ticket violations in front of the class. This ultimately led to some students, like Welch, feeling as though the course was more of a punishment than an opportunity to learn.
Finally, anyone who remembers high school likely can recall those one or two annoying students in the back of the class, out to give the teacher a hard time and cause a distraction. At first, it might be funny but then it just gets downright annoying. Unfortunately, those students who attend walk-in traffic school risk having to deal with such annoyances. “Other students were a distraction. Half of the students didn’t want to be there and were distracting to the learning process,” says Welch.
Welch - like thousands of other drivers before him - has already decided he’ll opt for online traffic school if he ever receives another traffic violation.
Online Traffic School
The popularity of online traffic schools and online defensive driving courses has some questioning the future of the traditional walk-in traffic school. Of course, there will likely always remain the traditionalists who will swear by walk-in traffic school. But, more and more people are discovering the vast advantages of fulfilling their court requirements by completing online traffic school.
Saves time. It’s a simple fact that time is a precious commodity and most people simply don’t have enough of it. Online traffic school allows students to complete the traffic course at their own pace.
It’s easy. There’s no roll of the dice and crossing of fingers, hoping against hope that the instructor is going to be interesting and enjoyable. With online traffic schools students know they’re going to receive clear, detailed instructions and easy-to-understand, comprehensive course materials. Questions can be answered quickly with a phone call or an email to a customer service representative.
It’s convenient. Complete traffic school anytime - wearing pajamas, lounging on the couch or in the middle of the night. It doesn’t matter. Online traffic school is generally available 24/7, allowing students to complete the course at any time.
It’s worry-free. Online schools make taking an online traffic course a breeze - students need only a computer and an Internet connection. Registering is simple and safe.
As with anything, online traffic school does have its disadvantages. In some instances, students don’t immediately get their certificate, but most online traffic schools promise next-day delivery of the certificate for an additional shipping fee. However, some counties process the completion certificate electronically and require students to simply call the court to confirm the certificate was received. A list, of counties that electronically process certificates, can be obtained by calling the court.
Those who opt for online traffic school won’t have the same advantage of being able to get immediate answers for questions they have, however online traffic schools respond in only a few hours.
Ultimately, the best way for students to decide which option is best for them is to consider each option carefully, talking with traditional traffic schools and also checking out online traffic schools.
Some people will simply not choose online traffic school because they learn best in an interactive environment such as traditional traffic school. Still others will swear by the ease and effectiveness of online traffic school. When it comes down to it, choosing the right traffic school all depends on the student’s individual personality, needs and preferences,.About the Author
BeeVan: Volvo’s Truck Concept
Author:
Volvo has made quite a racket at the recently concluded 2007 North American International Auto Show when it presented its BeeVan concept truck. The truck looks funny on the outside but is loaded with ultra amazing technology on the inside.
The BeeVan offers unparalleled driver visibility and innovative design ideas which are flawlessly integrated with advanced safety technologies for Class 8 trucks - something only Volvo can accomplish. The Volvo concept is part of the Michelin Challenge Design competition.
According to Ruben Perfetti, Director of design for Volvo Trucks North America, “All of our vehicle designs begin with Volvo’s dedication to its core values of Safety, Quality and Environmental Care. Whether a design is intended for large-scale production or developed as a future concept, it must be a true Volvo in its design, as well as in its approach to transportation and society.”
There is nothing conventional about the BeeVan concept truck from Volvo from its unique design down to its Volvo head gasket. It puts the driver front and centre which Volvo’s designers call the FVDP or Full View Driver Position — a far cry from the traditional left-side position. The FVDP has more than 180 degrees of uninterrupted visibility made possible by the huge windscreen arcs around the driver. There are also remote vision cameras that eliminate the blind spots. Additional features of the truck are the dual armrest consoles that place an array of other advanced technologies literally at the driver’s fingertips, including: lane tracking, vehicle proximity sensors and driver drowsiness detectors.
The advanced design concept begins even before the driver enters the vehicle, with its door sliding back instead of the usual “out into the traffic” opening and that’s not all - there are also hidden access steps slide to greet the driver. The steps retract when not in use for added security, safety and aerodynamic efficiency. Opening the door also causes the driver’s seat to move rearward and rotate toward the driver for easy access.
Inside the cab are innovative materials that help support, refresh and insulate the driver from the outside environment, and therefore promoting a comfortable working station to drivers. The cab also includes sleeper berths, a dinette table and other versatile components that combine office, relaxation, dining, personal storage and sleeping functions.
The dramatic windscreen is another bold design idea from Volvo that combines aerodynamics and improved engine efficiency. Engine cooling is also enhanced by two radiators that are positioned at the base of the A-pillar/dash transitions. The air is directed from the wraparound grille, through the radiators and exits via the roof. And what’s the significance of this? The heat is transferred from the radiator to the air is never in contact with engine, for increased cooling efficiency. The engine also benefits from the direct airflow through the traditional grille opening which provides it with additional cooling and reduced drag.
.About the Author