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• History of the Audi Automobile Sold by Car Dealers in Audi Oakland

  19Apr
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  The company that manufactures the cars sold by Audi Oakland and other Audi dealerships can be traced to August Horch, whose company produced the first Horch car in 1901 in Zwickau, Germany.
  
  Horch was forced out of the company in 1909 by his partners but he established a new company in Zwickau and continued to sell cars with the Horch brand. However, he was sued by his former partners for trademark infringement and was forced to refrain from using his own name for his new automobile manufacturing business, which was the forerunner of the present Audi company that produces the cars sold by auto dealerships like Audi Oakland.
  
  Horch and his family decided to call the company Audi, which is the Latin word for the German word “horch.” The company merged with DKW, Horch and Wanderer in 1932 which resulted into the establishment of Auto Union. It was during this period that the four interlinked rings were first used by the company, but only for the Auto Union racing cars. Each ring represents the four companies which merged.
  
  Auto Union was fully acquired by Daimler-Benz in 1959 and Volkswagen purchased the factory in Ingolstadt, Germany and the brands of the Auto Union in 1964. Auto Union merged with NSU in 1969 to produce Audi NSU Auto Union AG. However, the company was simplified into Audi AG when the NSU and Auto Union brands lost some of their market appeal in 1985.
  
  Audi sales declined in the early 1990s for the Audi 80 series when some basic construction problems were discovered. A “60 Minutes” report in the U.S. revealed that the Audi automobile accelerated even when the brake pedal was pushed. It was later discovered that the accelerator and brake pedals were located too closely which resulted in the driver confusing one with the other.
  
  Sales in the U.S. started to climb back up in the middle of the 1990s with the emergence of the Audi A4 in 1996. Audi’s sales continued to improve with the release of the A4, A6 and A8 series, which were co-developed with Volkswagen and other sister brands. Record sales figures were reached in 21 out of the 50 major sales markets in 2004. The biggest sales increases were obtained from Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
  
  The latest development in the Audi automobile is the computerized control system called Multi Media Interface (MMI), which is considered more user friendly. The MMI control system for Audi automobiles sold by Audi Oakland and other Audi dealerships has been well-received because it needs less menu surfing due to the alignment of its buttons which are concentrated around a central knob, with shortcuts to phone or radio functions. The screen is available in monochrome and color versions and is mounted on the upright dashboard.
  Tags: A4 A6, Audi Dealerships, Brake Pedals

• How Smart Are Smart Cars?

  12Apr
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  Smart cars took Europe by storm. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said in the U.S. territory. For some reason, Smart Cars didn’t spark the same amount of interest in the American market as much as it did in European countries such as the U.K., France, and Italy.
  
  Smart cars are the small, two-seat coupes of 60 mpg. They are made by a company based in Europe named Smart. And that’s precisely how they got their name. Whether the car is really smart or not is out of question. The only concern is that will it suit the streets of the U.S.?
  
  If you have watched the film “Da Vinci Code”, you must have seen what the Smart Car really looks like. It is a very small car indeed, with not much leg room or space for anything else that you might be carrying other than yourself. It is a car that can contain you and one passenger, perhaps.
  
  Smart Cars can be regarded as smart because they are relatively nifty and thrifty. You don’t have to worry about high gasoline costs because this car doesn’t consume twice as much as your gas guzzler. It isn’t much of a headache as far as maintenance is concerned. This car is very basic in form, shape, and essence.
  
  Parking isn’t a problem with this car either. With a car as small as this, you can squeeze it even in a jam-packed parking lot without causing any problems. Merely eight feet long, you can also speed your way at one side of the road when the traffic is heavy. Of course, you still have to make sure that you’re within the bounds of the law so as not to get caught by the traffic enforcers.
  
  However, the biggest concern of Americans with Smart Cars is safety. Americans tend to drive fast and freely. And since these cars are very small, how could they fair in a crash rating system? Are there adequate safety devices in the car like seat belts and airbags? Well, this is actually one of the problems why the mass importation of Smart Cars didn’t totally materialize in the U.S.
  
  American car safety agencies require the Smart Cars of Europe be converted first to get approval for use in the U.S. highway. This is yet another hurdle that Smart Cars have to overcome in order for them to penetrate the American car market.
  
  It was believed that Smart Cars don’t offer as much protection to the driver and his passenger in cases of crashes. It’s primarily because they’re lightweight and small. Smaller cars tend to suffer worse impact than bigger cars. With this said, the sales of Smart Cars in the U.S. became just a vision.
  
  Right now, the American car market is more interested in SUV’s. The manufacture and importation of luxury SUV’s are on a roll. Almost all major car companies have their own versions. With them standing beside Smart Cars, will you able to pick which one really is smart?
  Tags: Coupes, European Countries, Gas Guzzler

• Rover 2000: Car of the Future in the Past

  10Apr
  Categories: Car of the Year Comments Off

  

  Picture via (motorbase.com)

  One of the first known recorded (in their website at least)European Cars of the Year was the Rover 2000. Although don’t be fooled by the number attached to the name, it went into production in 1963. Yes, this 4-door Saloon was Car of the Year of 1964, folks.

  Just one of the reasons that it won was because of its radical design. During its time, it was considered to have a “futuristic” look similar to the Gas Turbine prototypes by Rover in the 50’s. The body used a base unit bodyshell with unstressed body panels bolted on it for quicker repair.

  Source

• Toyota Parts Online Features High Quality Parts for Toyota’s Top Models

  04Apr
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  Toyota Parts Online is a leading auto parts distributor dedicated to OEM-quality Toyota parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. Looking up to Toyota, the biggest and the leading Japanese automaker and the fourth largest in America, Toyota Parts Online is proud to supply the finest quality and perfect-fit replacement auto parts to wide range of Toyota car users. Like Toyota, this top Toyota Parts Discount store cares for your satisfaction more than anything else and it is committed to continuous improvement to give you only the best service and highest quality automotive parts.
  
  Fervent passion in making top-caliber autos underlies every Toyota vehicle; thus, you can expect the best from each Toyota vehicle the most up-to-date technology, the smartest exterior and interior design and the best fuel economy and efficiency. No wonder, each Toyota masterpiece vies successfully in the very competitive auto industry dominated by American and European cars. Various vehicles carrying Toyota’s name have made it to the top; among them are Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander.
  
  It is with pride that Toyota Parts Online features this time top quality auto parts for these top Toyota models. All Toyota parts featured are made by prominent auto parts manufacturers and are sure to have met the highest industry standards. Like the original Toyota parts, they are designed and engineered to give you long and lasting service and the most efficient performance.
  
  Toyota Corolla parts. Comfort, performance and economy–these qualities are perfectly combined in a Toyota Corolla, making it one of the best vehicles ever made and no doubt, the best-selling car in the world. It is loved for its lively acceleration, agile and smooth handling, seamless ride, excellent interior and exterior design and excellent fuel economy.
  
  Through the years, we have been introduced to different versions of Toyota Corolla. This vehicle has been restyled, upgraded and modified many times since its introduction in 1966. If you have old Toyota Corolla, upgrading its performance and keeping it in tune with the latest in the automotive market is not a problem with Toyota Parts Online’s high quality Toyota AC condenser, Toyota window regulator, Toyota headlights, Toyota tail lights and Toyota radiator.
  
  Toyota Camry parts. This car needs no further introduction. The mere look at a Camry can give you an idea what it is and what it can do. Its admiringly sporty stance and sleek sculptured body are highlighted by the its handsome Toyota wheels and dual crease line in the Toyota hood. The Camry’s superior comfort, sound insulation, economy and reliability make it the America’s best-selling sedan.
  
  Maintaining a Camry isn’t that hard nowadays with the wealth of auto parts available for old and new models alike. Toyota Parts Online is your excellent choice among Toyota Parts Discount stores. It offers replacements designed like those original Toyota Parts Used in a Camry. For older Toyota Camry cars, there are available stylish Toyota grille, tough and durable Toyota bumper cover, crystal clear Toyota headlights and high quality Toyota mirrors.
  
  Toyota Prius parts. Toyota Prius is the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid in the United States and in the world and not to mention, the world’s most environment-friendly car. Its engine is specially designed to significantly reduce harmful fuel emissions and to be more efficient.
  
  For a safer ride with the Toyota Prius, you can check out the store’s available Toyota lights (Toyota Prius side marker lights), Toyota Prius reinforcement, Toyota Prius fender (front), Toyota Prius wheels.
  
  Toyota Highlander parts. Another first from Toyota is the Toyota Highlander, the word’s first seven-passenger hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle. This vehicle features a unique Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that is designed to meet the vehicle’s load-carrying requirements. Its battery is said to hold more power than that of a Toyota Prius can and its motor operates at a higher speed, giving you more exciting and powerful ride.
  
  Driving the Toyota Highlander off-road can be more exciting if it’s well-equipped with performance parts and high quality auto accessories. Check out Toyota Parts Online’s Toyota AC condenser, Toyota radiator, Toyota bumper, Toyota headlights, Toyota grill, Toyota wheels, Toyota lights (rear) and Toyota door handle for the Toyota Highlander.
  Tags: Car Users, Prius Toyota, Toyota Vehicle

• What You Should Know About Tire Size

  31Mar
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  Your tire size is one of the most important things that you should know about. What is the importance of the right tire size and what can happen if you fit the wrong tires? How do you find out your size and what do the size figures stand for?
  
  Size Importance
  
  It’s a big mistake to try to fit the wrong sized tires on your car. A lot of things can happen. At the very least you can reduce the performance capacity of a car that would ordinarily work fine with the right tires. You therefore get less for what you bargained for. More importantly though, ill-fitting tires can be the cause of accidents and on-road mishaps. These can result in injuries and life threatening situations. You should never underestimate the value of proper sized tires.
  
  How to Find the Size
  
  You can identify your tire size in many ways. The most logical place to start is to look into your car manual. You can however also find the size of the tires on the placard on the driver’s door or on the sidewall of the tire itself. If you are online and you do not have your car beside you, you can log on to some websites that will allow you to enter your vehicle type and model to find the size that will fit it.
  
  What the Figures Say
  
  A series of letters and numbers are located at your tire’s sidewall. These constitute your complete tire size information. It may seem like a foreign language but the letters and numbers stand for important information that you may have to keep in mind.
  
  - The first letter stands for what kind of vehicle the tire can be used for. It could be intended for a passenger vehicle, light trucks, heavy cargo trucks and European cars. Some tires can also be designated as temporary spares. Following its intended use will be numbers that stand for the tire’s width in millimeters.
  
  - Other important pieces of information that you will be able to get from your tire sidewall are the aspect ratio, tire construction, tire and wheel diameter, load index and speed rating.
  
  Asking Your Dealer
  
  Even if you have some knowledge about sidewall information you may still not be sure about your tire size. You may also be uncertain that you can interpret the information correctly. If this is the case, you should consider asking your tire dealer.
  
  Choose your tire dealer, though. You need one who has had considerable tire knowledge. A good tire dealer will look into your type of vehicle, brand, driving conditions and your personal performance preferences before giving you some advice on the right tires to use. This means you need customer oriented employees who are more than just salespeople but tire and car experts as well.
  
  The importance of getting the right size can never be stressed too highly enough. When in doubt, the safest route is to ask experts for advice and help.
  Tags: Aspect Ratio, Sized Tires, Speed Rating

• Touareg vs. Boeing

  10Mar
  Categories: SUV Comments Off

  

  For those who own a Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, here’s something else to brag about. Last 2006, this muscular car was able to pull a plane, not just any plane mind you—a Boeing 747-200 Jumbo jet!

  Although, we do have to inform you that it was “modified” a bit. A ballast weight and fitment of 4.56 axle was added to the vehicle and the plane’s engines were replaced by wing tanks and mocked up dual pylon engine pods. For more info, here’s a youtube video for more proof.

  Cheating? Probably. Good ad? Well, we’re talking about it right?

• Car Safety Devices to Look Out For When Buying a Car

  19Feb
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  We all know that driving can sometimes be a perilous activity. However safe a driver you are there is always the threat of the “other driver”, those who pay scant attention to the laws of the road and drive with no regard for your or their own safety. Such drivers will always exist.
  
  Due to technological advances however modern cars provide a fairly safe environment to be in. These advances made by car manufactures help ensure that in the event of a crash you and your passengers will have maximum protection. If you are thinking of purchasing a new or used car the key technologies to look out for are:
  
  Anti-lock brakes (ABS). With ABS when you press the brake pedal hard ABS technology kicks in and automatically stops the wheels locking up. This permits you the ability to brake and steer the car simultaneously which provides you a much greater degree of control and will help prevent the car going into an uncontrollable skid. ABS works by activating the brakes on and off many times a second. Normal drum brakes can not do this which is why, in the event of an emergency stop if you car has drum brakes you should pump the brakes on and off yourself.
  
  Air bags. In the split second after a collision is detected an air bag will inflate and act as cushion for your body. Initially designed to protect the drivers face from hitting the steering wheel air bags can now be fitted to protect all car occupants. Front air bags are routinely fitted as standard these days. For even more safety look out for side and rear passenger air bags.
  
  Traction control. This is basically a piece of software that constantly assesses the amount of grip the car tyres have with the road. When it detects grip is being lost it acts to stabilize traction. Different systems work in different ways but as a rule traction control works by sending power to the wheels which have adequate grip or braking wheels that do not. Different car manufactures call traction control names i.e. EPS or TCS
  
  Active head restraints. All head restraints are designed to reduce the effects of whiplash when a car is involved in a collision, specifically a rear end shunt. Active head restraints are more effective the normal head restraints because when they detect a collision they will automatically move towards your head as thus provide crucial support more quickly and for longer.
  
  Crumble zones. These are energy absorbing zones which surround the cabin. In the event of a crash the absorb the energy and crumble. This protects the people in the cabin.
  
  Euro NCAP star rating. NCAP having been independently testing most new European released cars since 1997. The tests they put cars through are designed to realistically assess the safety performance of the car. Tested cars are awarded between one and five stars. It is wise to buy a car that has at least four stars.
  
  These technologies have been designed to aide driver and passenger safety. Cars are heavy and travel at considerable speeds. Given this no technology can keep driver or passenger completely safe. This is why it is always wise to drive in a mature and responsible manner whilst always abiding be the laws of the road.
  Tags: Air Bag, Technological Advances, Traction Control

• NAIAS 2003: Detroit rediscovers cars

  10Feb
  Categories: Information, News Comments Off

  One observation was made at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The Japanese manufacturers are going out with a swarm of new trucks and SUVs, and the Big Three. Detroit are finally rediscovered cars. European automakers have been building high-quality, fun-to-drive cars all along, and debuts at this year’s show reaffirmed Europe’s expertise in this area.

• BMW Diesel Engines To Be Made Available For U.S. Market

  19Jan
  Categories: Automotive Comments Off
  

  
  
  The increasing prices of gasoline in the U.S. have forced a huge number of motorists to turn their backs on gas guzzling vehicles. Furthermore, car makers are developing fuel efficient vehicles to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil. The demand for fuel efficient vehicles is evident on the demand for hybrid cars. These hybrid cars are equipped with an electric motor to help a gasoline engine produce a greater amount of power without having to add to the worsening problem of pollution. Since the engine is not the only source of power, motorists can save on their fuel consumption. This technology however is not the only means for motorists to reduce the amount of money spent on fuel.
  
  Another engine technology that has been gaining ground in the European market is the diesel engine. This kind of engine has been introduced in the past in the U.S. although the public has lost interest on the use of such engines because of the amount of emission that it gives off. But development in the automotive industry is constant and a result of this is the birth of a diesel engine with its trademark high torque output but with less emissions. In fact, the use of diesel engines is so widely accepted in the European market that luxury cars now even employ diesel engines. While the use of diesel engines has become popular in the European region, in the U.S., the use of the engine is just slowly attracting the attention of the motoring public.
  
  To further promote the use of diesel engines which are more environment-friendly today, BMW announced that they will be selling diesel powered cars in the U.S. next year. BMW CEO Norbert Reitholder announced that: “Next year we are also going to offer our diesel vehicles in the U.S. – another step in protecting the environment”.
  
  The use of diesel engines will help in the protection of the environment since with the use of current technology, the emission of greenhouse gases is reduced. This is far from the reputation of the past generation of diesel engines which were known to produce black soot and is known for producing too much noise during operation. But with the advent of technology, better filters were developed to trap the greenhouse gases produced in the internal combustion engine. These filters are as efficient as EBC Greenstuff brake pads in stopping a vehicle.
  
  The decision of the European car maker to market their diesel engine-equipped vehicles in the U.S. is the strong acceptance of the public of the said vehicles. In fact, 40 percent of the total number of BMW vehicles sold last year is equipped with diesel engines. BMW hopes that the level of acceptance in Europe for these diesel powered vehicles will be the same in the U.S. market.
  Tags: Automotive Industry, Bmw Diesel, S Market

• Salon de Geneve 2004

  10Jan
  Categories: News Comments Off

  The Salon de Geneve has always been one of my favorite auto shows on the circuit It’s relatively small, allowing for easy traverses from one side of the show to the other for press conferences, and it is the international host for the majority of concept vehicle debuts, giving it an extra dramatic flair.