Geneva Motor Show to showcase latest technology in automotive industry

GENEVA, March 13 — Geneva is dubbed the auto show for the one per cent for good reason. Because it is here more than at any other event on the automotive calendar where the world’s most exclusive brands decide to showcase their latest wares. However, alongside this automotive exotica were unveiled a host of mainstream motors big and small, exciting and practical, making this year’s show one of the most inclusive in recent memory and as a result offering clear insight into the trends, functions and features that will be driving the industry forward at both ends of the spectrum over the coming years. The supercar market is literally on track The McLaren 675LT, Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 all made breath-taking debuts at this year’s show and each is a car designed for track-day racing rather than boulevard cruising. As McLaren’s chief test driver Chris Goodwin explained of the 675LT, it is a car built to be driven to a track, round the track and then back home again. In other words, it would be impossible to live with as a daily driver. McLaren and Aston Martin took things one step further, unveiling cars that were track only and therefore illegal for road use. The need for speed is universal Alongside supercars, there were a raft of hot hatchback unveilings, most notably the new Ford Focus RS and the Honda Civic Type R, both of which boast phenomenal performance but can and will be used as everyday cars. During its unveiling, Ford’s executive vice president and president Europe, Middle East and Africa Jim Farley, said of the Focus: “It’s our mission to make performance accessible to as many people as possible.” He also promised that 12 performance models to suit all budgets were heading for European Ford dealerships. “This promises to be a vintage era for driving enthusiasts,” he said. Luxury has no limits As well as speed, comfort was high on the list on most stands. Ford introduced the new Titanium X specification for a number of models at the show, which takes creature comforts and cabin materials up to a new level for mass-market cars, and also showcased the Vignale sub brand that will offer clients bespoke levels of service and huge personalisation choices for a new car. However, nothing came close to Serenity, a one-off Rolls-Royce Phantom with a hand-woven, hand-dyed, hand-embroidered and hand-painted silk interior, even though Mercedes made a huge effort. The German company unveiled the Maybach Pullman, which, at 6.5m from nose to tail, is the longest production car in the world, designed to seat two rear-seat passengers in absolute fully reclining luxury. Everything crosses over eventually Geneva was big for SUVs and crossovers. Renault showcased the family-friendly Kadjar, which wants to offer an alternative to the Nissan Qashqai; Mazda’s CX-3 wants to be a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur; and Seat’s 20V20 concept will be competition to all of these when the production model launches in 2016. Geneva also saw a refreshed Range Rover Evoque and the confirmation that a convertible version is in the works but the biggest surprise in terms of off-roaders came from Aston Martin with its DBX concept that signals that nothing is immune from the crossover treatment. Boutique brands are booming The increasing crossover-fication of the industry highlights the fact that most companies are now part of larger groups that share platforms and technology. The Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai share many of the same components, for instance, and often it’s just exterior design flourishes that separate an elevated Audi from a VW crossover or SUV. Yet despite this homogenisation, tiny independent marques are still performing. Niche British company Morgan showcased a new Aero 8 flagship model, coachbuilder Touring Superleggera wowed the crowds with its bespoke take on a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Swedish supercar firm Koenigsegg unveiled two new models, one of which, the Regera boasts over 1800bhp, a hybrid drivetrain and no traditional form of transmission system. — AFP/Relaxnews

NCM® Institute Center for Automotive Retail Excellence to Deliver Free Weekly Operations Guidance to Automotive Dealers and Managers

NCM® Associates is expanding its reach to retail automotive dealers and managers with the addition of an informational blog and newsletter from the NCM® Institute (NCMi®) Center for Automotive Retail Excellence devoted to dealership best practices, management tips and professional guidance designed to improve the performance of their dealerships. The first issue of the Up To Speed newsletter is scheduled for release on November 7th and will feature a structured process for identifying and managing unsold prospects to deliver more vehicles and service sales each week. As an incentive for potential subscribers, NCMi is offering a free, 34-page report entitled, "It's All About The Numbers! Understanding the Mathematics of Dealership Sales." Up To Speed subscribers can expect two to three quick-hitting, insightful articles each week delivered to their email in-boxes.

Overland Park, KS (PRWEB) November 07, 2011

NCM Associates, a leading provider of retail automotive 20 Group services, dealership training, retail operations consulting and the originator of the NCM Benchmark® for Success program for automotive dealers, today announced the launch of its newest information resource for auto dealers and their managers. According to Garry House, director of the NCM Institute Center for Automotive Retail Excellence (NCMi®) the Up To Speed online blog and e-Newsletter will feature informational articles from House and the entire NCMi faculty on topics including merchandising strategies and processes, improving transactional quality and employee productivity, expense and asset management, goal setting, and leadership and accountability. From time to time articles from industry-recognized guest experts will be featured to provide additional perspectives.
The NCM Institute is a division of NCM Associates, Inc. and was designed to equip automotive dealership operators and managers for long-term success in retail automotive management through its core curriculum and value added training features that support its students long after they leave the training room. House expects the Up To Speed information service to expand the Institute's reach and help make skills development and learning a bigger part of the retail automotive culture. He explained, "I am excited to now offer broad-based exposure to the exceptional insights and guidance the expert NCMi faculty shares in our training curriculum through Up To Speed. We want all automotive retail managers to have access to this kind of valuable information to not only enhance their professional skills, but to serve as the catalyst for driving increased efficiencies and profit improvement in their departments and throughout their dealership operations."
"The introduction of Up To Speed caps off a banner year for the NCM Institute," said NCM Associates CEO and President, Paul A. Faletti, Jr. "With focused energy, the NCMi team has developed fresh new content, expanded its offerings via strategic training alliances, and added convenient regional training options for its students," Faletti continued. "NCMi is striking the right chord with our franchised, independent and Buy Here, Pay Here dealers and by their support, have made this NCMi's most successful year ever."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/11/07/prweb8939342.DTL

Car Shipping Service Reviews

The car shipping services that are offered throughout the world may be categorized by several sections. This may generally be the type of vehicles that are accepted for shipment, the scope of services offered per one vehicle transportation and the geographical coverage. This offered classification is conditional of course but we deem it as most fair to give you the basic understanding.
The type of the carrier that you intend to place your order with must perfectly relate to the type of the vehicle you are to ship. Of course there may be carriers equally capable of shipping the used scooters using the open trailer as well as your custom vintage bolide worth several hundred thousand dollars. To ship the latter, not only will you require the shipper company using the enclosed type mover but also the necessary insurances that are able to cover the cargo and public damages, if such case arises.
The geographical coverage would relate to the so called door to door transportation in which case you may be capable moving the inoperable from any location possible to your front porch or in the reverse direction. Sometimes there are special regulations affecting the insurance costs and thus the overall costs of the shipment which depend on the technical condition of the car submitted which relate to leakages, operability, etc which may be reflected in the shipment quote.
Speaking about the scope of shipper services offered: some additional papers may need to be collected to have your vehicle cross the inter state borders, let alone the international transportation or even the overseas transportation. Not only will you be able to save on the overall costs while using the appropriate shipper for the overseas transportation, but equally warrant that this shipment can in fact be realized. It is about the plenty of guidelines and regulations that makes such type of shippers a convenient choice.
Understanding the types of shipping services offered for your vehicle transportation may definitely help you select the proper shipper and avoid the unfair turmoil.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Shipping-Service-Reviews&id=5880474

AUTOMOTIVE: Manufacturer says sale still possible

General Motors’ new board could still sell its money-losing European Opel unit to a group led by Canadian auto parts maker Magna, but it needs guarantees that Opel’s technology won’t be used in Russia to compete against GM’s Chevrolet, according to a person briefed on the sale talks.

The GM board, according to industry analysts, has legitimate concerns about GM’s global small and midsize car underpinnings being used by Russian automaker OAO GAZ to update its vehicles and compete with Chevrolet.

Olympian news services

http://www.theolympian.com/business/story/949608.html

Personalizing Your Pickup Truck

Truck accessories became part of the aftermarket used to enhance the function or style of original OEM pickup trucks. These are often differentiated from other accessories or parts referred as "cores" or "hard parts" including water pumps, radiators and distributors. Examples of popular accessories built for light duty trucks are grille guards, toolboxes as well as nerf bars.

During the 1990s, truck accessories are not very popular since it changed the appearance or the style of the vehicle. Other major US manufacturers such as General Motors, Chrysler, American Motors and Ford Motors considered their duty trucks namely Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep and Ford as working vehicles. They did nothing to accommodate the need for appearance accessories. Instead they focused their specialty on enhancing the work done via accessorizing. Examples are spreaders as well as lift gates and snowplows.

On the other hand, market segments stretched out as producers offered variations of pickup truck sizes and types. With the advent of extended cabs, trucks began taking more of the urban appeal and purchased it for their style along with their utility. The new spectators of truck owners demanded more complex toolboxes complementing the appearance of their trucks.

Consequently, manufacturers accommodated the desires of their consumers. Products such as chrome fender trims, nerf bars, billet grilles as well as hood deflectors became widely available. Manufacturers also began to work together in designing their different truck models so as to easily put up the accessories using the bolt-on simplicity.

Dodge Truck Accessories

Here is a list of large companies that sell accessories for Dodge trucks.

Dodge Truck World
This is a pioneer company that aims to deal with the consumer's navigational needs. The company released its newest navigational system called AVIC-N4. It changes the way commuters feel or think about their lives. Travels take longer than usual now but the time spent in cars due to traffic jams is more bearable with the AVIC-N4 of Pioneer's DVD.

It is the perfect gear for people who look forward to improving their driving experience. The product serves as a hub for data, entertainment and communication via the vehicle by releasing detailed route guides of drivers, video and audio playback as well as connectivity to portable devices.

The product's in dash system features over 12 million interest points, voice prompting, XM NavTraffic integration and CD, DVD, phone number search as well as iPod audio, audio playback and video integration. It also features extended Bluetooth potentials including a wireless streaming of audio controllable via their 7 inch high quality display touch panel.

Dodge
This is a major company that builds trucks ever since 1917. It introduced a wide variety of innovative vehicles including the popular and original aerodynamic, suburban and airflow model trucks as well as the super power capable Power Wagon. In 1994, this same company introduced a groundbreaking Ram in the market of light-duty trucks along with its iconic crosshair grille and big rig styling.

Its latest gadget, the 2009 Dodge Ram, made a whole new light for truck history. The new product referred as the "new generation Ram" has no boundaries when it comes to power and comfort ability.

Line X Spray
This is a company that deals with painting, styling and personalizing trucks. Santa Maria, California opened its newest branch just recently. The company gained reputation with individual customers and auto dealers for being honest, reliable and efficient enough to turn trucks into an expression of art.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Personalizing-Your-Pickup-Truck&id=2677535

A summer of automotive supply chain bankruptcies is possible

The bankruptcies of Chrysler and, now, General Motors will trigger a major restructuring and reduction in force of an already fragile supply base, according to an auto parts industry procurement chief who is working to ensure his suppliers stay afloat during the transition.

“The bankruptcies have created an enormous distrust among the supply base as companies try to determine if they will remain suppliers to the two bankrupt automakers or have the financial wherewithal to stay in business in a smaller motor vehicle marketplace,” says the chief procurement officer, who declined to be identified.

Noting that while his firm doesn’t supply either of the bankrupt firms, he has initiated a major risk management study of his supply base to ensure a continue flow of parts and components. “There’s only room for so many ‘key suppliers’ to the auto industry and the decimation of the GM and Chrysler purchasing organizations means that a lot of suppliers will be gone by the end of this summer,” he says in a telephone interview .

An analysis of the supply base by IHS Global Insight economists notes that Visteon, Hayes-Lemmerz and Metaldyne already have filed for bankruptcy in the past two weeks and Delphi has teetered on the brink of liquidation. So, “production blackout by Chrysler during its bankruptcy and a nine-week shutdown at GM this summer means fractional revenues for the North American supply base until late July at the earliest.” So, with North American vehicle production being dramatically reduced, more U.S. suppliers--from die casters to metals service centers, from stamping plants to components manufacturers, from injection molders to systems fabricators--will shut their doors, says the CPO.

Noboby doubts that this summer will be traumatic for suppliers. The U.S. government's $5 billion bailout program for the supply base has done little to bring relief – in part because of the extreme complexity of the payout system. The situation is critical, even if Chrysler and GM Chapter 11 filings turn out to be quick and clean. “There'll be a series of supplier bankruptcies,” according to a series of comments by Kirk Ludtke, an investment adviser with CRT Capital Group in Stamford, Conn.

However, many suppliers aren’t declaring bankruptcy yet, according to the Global Insight report, precisely because carmakers aren’t producing. “When GM and Chrysler assembly plants resume output, and the parts makers require working capital, banks will resist, industry insiders predict, and that’s when the dominoes will begin to fall.”

The CPO agrees with the analysis that whenever demand increases, suppliers will need cash to accelerate and maintain their operations. Altogether, parts makers will need cash injections of up to $33.5 billion over the next four years to avoid a rush of bankruptcies, according to an A.T. Kearney Inc. study. The study projects that U.S. suppliers as a group will lose $23.7 billion in 2009 and won't be profitable as until 2011.

In the interview, the parts company CPO says this means that “there will have to be a lot of CFO to CFO, COPO to CPO and manufacturing executive to manufacturing executive communication to keep the auto industry’s supply base from collapsing.”
http://www.purchasing.com/TalkBack/Comments?talk_back_header_id=6604082&articleid=ca6663055&article_id=6663055

Contact Patch - The Critical Element in Car Control

Let's image that you are cruising down the highway at 65 miles per hour and suddenly you see an animal jump out in front of your car. Could be a 2 lb rabbit or a 100 lb plus deer, either way you want to avoid hitting it.

So you yank the wheel to turn the car away from the critter. Did you make it? Was it just a close call, or is there something behind the car lying in the road?

One of the determining factors that helped decide what just happened is the "contact patch" of your tires. So just what is a "contact patch"?

Let's use our imagination again. This time we will image driving our car up a ramp onto a platform made out of very thick glass. Don't worry, its strong enough to hold your car, you and your mother-in-law up in the air.

Now walk under the platform and look up. Do you see where the tires are touching the glass? Well that's the contact patch. The contact patch is that portion of your tire that is in contact with the road surface.

Not too much touching is there? If we looked at a 3,000 car with 30 lbs per square inch of tire pressure it would have about 100 sq-in of contact patch. Since there are four tires, each one would have about the area of a 4 x 6 inch index card. Or another way, about the size of one your hand prints.

This is all that is touching the road, and every maneuver you make with the car is transferred to these small patches of rubber.

The more you have, the better you apply the thrust the car has against the road surface to accelerate, brake or corner the vehicle. When you hear about racing terms such as "oversteer" and "understeer" they are referring to how well the rubber of the tire grips the road and what happens when that grip starts to slip loose from the road surface. Typically either the rear or the front end of the car breaks loose before the opposite end.

So I hope your tires were in good shape and properly inflated when you encountered the situation we started out with.

By the way, what happened in your mind? Did you miss that poor helpless animal or are you attending a funeral?

Dennis Dater has been involved with cars for over 50 years. His first love was sports cars when he drove a 1952 MG to high school.

He has produced over 50 articles for EzineArticles on cars, and almost a hundred on his web sites.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Contact-Patch---The-Critical-Element-in-Car-Control&id=2347083