Although there are many new harmonisation laws across the European Union , each country still has its own unique way of identifying the vehicles registered in each country. The only common element is the blue border on the left edge of the number plate with the EU flag and country of origin and even this is optional in many member country. This article compares some of the member countries display of car registrations.
Beginning with England, number plates have black digits on white background ( front ) and yellow background ( rear ) with EU border optional number plates generally stay with the car during its lifetime.The numbering system has 7 digits with age and area identifiers.The first two digits are alpha characters and depict the area the car was first registered the next two are numbers giving the year of registration and the last three letters are random.France is adopting a new system in 2008 of 7 digits comprising two letters three numbers and two letters all purely random any area identify will be by a logo on the blue strip at the right hand side of the plate.The number plates will remain with the car during its life. France’s current system comprises 3 or 4 numbers then two letters the two numbers , the last two numbers are the area identifier and if a car moves areas it is re-registered.Similar to England the digits are black on a white background for the front plate and black on yellow for the rear.
Spain adopted a new system in 2000 which comprises 4 numbers the 3 letters , black digits on white backgrounds front and rear, although the last 3 letters can give an indication of where and when the car was first registered it is not as blatant as the old system where the first two letters of the registration number indicated the capital city of the region concerned e.g M for Madrid and MA for Malaga.The blue EU border at the left hand side is compulsory on new number plates but was optional on the old system.Germany adopted its current system after re-unification in 1990 with a maximum of 8 black digits on a white background.
Much emphasis is placed on the area coding and if the owner changes his/her area of residence new plates must be bought. The registration will start with letters identifying the city and even district with numbers following. The exact combination of letters and numbers depends on how big the city/district is and how many cars are likely to be registered there.Curiously a space is considered to be a character so any a gap between digits would have a hyphen in it if it was not a space character. In between the area code and the rest of the digits there is a sticker signifying compliance with emmissions and safety testing.
The EU blue strip at the left is mandatory with the letter D for Deutschland. Italy adopted its current system in 1994 comprising 7 digits starting with two letters then 3 numbers then two letters. They discontinued the area identifier with this system but this proved unpopular so since there is option of having a regional code on the right hand side blue band which also displays the year of registration they also added the blue EU band at the LHS at this time. Both front and rear plates are white with black digits.Belgian car number plates differ enormously from the previous countries in that they are specific to the driver not the car and when you change the car you keep your registration number.
The rear plate is government supplied with red digits on a white background . It is usually mounted on a further plate which has the EU blue band at the right hand side. The front plate can either be the same as the rear or can be a European style similar to the previous countries covered earlier. Current numbering system is three letters followed by three numbers although because they are driver specific there are many still in use with one letter and four numbers or 2 letters and 3 numbers.Obviously area and age identifiers are not used as the registration number is specific to the driver not the car.Dutch number plates have followed the format of two numbers two letter two letters with hyphens between since 1999 , earlier systems were similar but varied the interchanged pairs of letters for numbers and vice-versa.Both plates are yellow with black digits and have the blue EU band at the right hand side.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Honda Matures In The Industry
The Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC earlier announced a new $64.5 million expansion project. The project of the Japanese auto manufacturer, which is set to begin on May 1, is expected to create 20 new jobs.
The HMA’s new project also include 27,000 square feet of extra building space that will house and operate a steel banking facility alongside the present steel stamping lines. The project also covers the multi-million dollar expansion to continuously enhance Honda’s annual vehicle turnaround to more than 300,000 units.
“The addition of a steel banking facility will offer improved efficiency in costs, quality and delivery for our Alabama manufacturing operations,” said Mark Morrison, the manager of corporate affairs and communication for the HMA. “We believe the investment and additional employment offered by this new venture also will benefit our customers and the community.”
With a motion from the District 1 Commissioner Ed Lackey and a second from the District 5 Commissioner John Carter, the commission approved the tax abatement of the company for sales, use, and property taxes. Land abatements will last over a period of a decade for each piece of property and start on a property-by-property basis.
As estimated by experts, Honda will receive a $167,700 break from the annual amount of non-educational ad valorem taxes and $1,710,000 which has been abated from estimated construction-related transaction taxes.
The agreement stated that Honda and Talladega County each agree to pay its own costs and expenses related to the abatement. The county will not charge HMA a fee to secure the abatements and the company will continue to be primarily liable for the agreement to be carried out as stated. “Anything that will bring more jobs in for the county is a wonderful project,” said Commissioner Jimmy Roberson. “The abatements will go away, but those jobs are here to stay.”
HMA, at present, employs over 4,500 associates. In the state of Alabama, the company has a total of $1.3 billion investment. Since October 2006, the company has shown plans for a $91 million additional investment and this project will bring the manufacturing company to well over the $100 million mark.
Honda is most notable in the manufacture of both automobiles and motorcycles. But it is also famed in the manufacture of trucks, scooters, jets and jet engines, robots, ATV, water craft, electrical generators, lawn and garden equipment, marine engines, and aeronautical and other mobile technologies. The automaker, headquartered in Tokyo, produces state-of-the-art auto parts accessories like the Honda fender, engines, radiator, filter, and more.
The HMA’s new project also include 27,000 square feet of extra building space that will house and operate a steel banking facility alongside the present steel stamping lines. The project also covers the multi-million dollar expansion to continuously enhance Honda’s annual vehicle turnaround to more than 300,000 units.
“The addition of a steel banking facility will offer improved efficiency in costs, quality and delivery for our Alabama manufacturing operations,” said Mark Morrison, the manager of corporate affairs and communication for the HMA. “We believe the investment and additional employment offered by this new venture also will benefit our customers and the community.”
With a motion from the District 1 Commissioner Ed Lackey and a second from the District 5 Commissioner John Carter, the commission approved the tax abatement of the company for sales, use, and property taxes. Land abatements will last over a period of a decade for each piece of property and start on a property-by-property basis.
As estimated by experts, Honda will receive a $167,700 break from the annual amount of non-educational ad valorem taxes and $1,710,000 which has been abated from estimated construction-related transaction taxes.
The agreement stated that Honda and Talladega County each agree to pay its own costs and expenses related to the abatement. The county will not charge HMA a fee to secure the abatements and the company will continue to be primarily liable for the agreement to be carried out as stated. “Anything that will bring more jobs in for the county is a wonderful project,” said Commissioner Jimmy Roberson. “The abatements will go away, but those jobs are here to stay.”
HMA, at present, employs over 4,500 associates. In the state of Alabama, the company has a total of $1.3 billion investment. Since October 2006, the company has shown plans for a $91 million additional investment and this project will bring the manufacturing company to well over the $100 million mark.
Honda is most notable in the manufacture of both automobiles and motorcycles. But it is also famed in the manufacture of trucks, scooters, jets and jet engines, robots, ATV, water craft, electrical generators, lawn and garden equipment, marine engines, and aeronautical and other mobile technologies. The automaker, headquartered in Tokyo, produces state-of-the-art auto parts accessories like the Honda fender, engines, radiator, filter, and more.
Toyota Camry Production Commences In Indiana
The Toyota Motor Corp. and the Subaru of Indiana automotive (SIA) earlier started the production of the Camry in Indiana. The joint venture of the Japanese automaker was made public in March last year. Said venture include the production of Toyota Camry at SIA.
A $230 million investment gives SIA the capacity to produce 100,000 Camry units annually. The Toyota Camry production will add 1,000 associates for a total of more than 3,200 at SIA. Attending the ceremony were FHI president Ikuo Mori and Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe. They commended SIA associates and Toyota team members involved in the project's development for their hard work and commitment to building America's best-selling car at SIA.
Mori said, “Production of the Camry at SIA represents an important start to our business collaboration with Toyota. Together, we were able to accomplish this goal in a short period of time through the efforts of all associates involved in this project." Watanabe added, "Fuji and Toyota faced many challenges for Camry production, including a short amount of preparation time, and we are grateful for the hard work of our associates and team members. We look forward to growing a long-term relationship with Fuji, SIA and the local community."
The new generation Camry is a redesigned version of the car. It is assembled at the Toyota’s Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky and at the Toyota Manufacturing in Aichi, Japan, in Melbourne, Australia. The new Camry does not only feature the striking Toyota fender, it is also equipped with the potent 2.4 L VVT-i I4 as the previous generation and come in four trim levels: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. The optional 3.5 L VVT-i V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a manual shift mode.
The Toyota Camry also features a navigation system with Bluetooth and heated leather seats (for the SE and the V6-powered XLE). Also, a keyless entry starter is made optional on the V6-powered XLE. The models intended for the American market typically feature JBL branded radios. Higher end models are made "satellite receiver ready" for Sirius Satellite Radio or XM receiver ready. The CE and LE have hubcap designs identical to its ancestors. The rear of the Camry features catchy headlight, grille, and the controversial "Bangle-butt."
"The Camrys are rolling and so is Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We are honored by the new investment in our state and the confidence in Hoosier workers." To express thanks to the local community for its support, SIA and the fast rising Japanese automaker announced a $60,000 donation to the Columbian Park Zoo for its owl exhibit.
A $230 million investment gives SIA the capacity to produce 100,000 Camry units annually. The Toyota Camry production will add 1,000 associates for a total of more than 3,200 at SIA. Attending the ceremony were FHI president Ikuo Mori and Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe. They commended SIA associates and Toyota team members involved in the project's development for their hard work and commitment to building America's best-selling car at SIA.
Mori said, “Production of the Camry at SIA represents an important start to our business collaboration with Toyota. Together, we were able to accomplish this goal in a short period of time through the efforts of all associates involved in this project." Watanabe added, "Fuji and Toyota faced many challenges for Camry production, including a short amount of preparation time, and we are grateful for the hard work of our associates and team members. We look forward to growing a long-term relationship with Fuji, SIA and the local community."
The new generation Camry is a redesigned version of the car. It is assembled at the Toyota’s Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky and at the Toyota Manufacturing in Aichi, Japan, in Melbourne, Australia. The new Camry does not only feature the striking Toyota fender, it is also equipped with the potent 2.4 L VVT-i I4 as the previous generation and come in four trim levels: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. The optional 3.5 L VVT-i V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a manual shift mode.
The Toyota Camry also features a navigation system with Bluetooth and heated leather seats (for the SE and the V6-powered XLE). Also, a keyless entry starter is made optional on the V6-powered XLE. The models intended for the American market typically feature JBL branded radios. Higher end models are made "satellite receiver ready" for Sirius Satellite Radio or XM receiver ready. The CE and LE have hubcap designs identical to its ancestors. The rear of the Camry features catchy headlight, grille, and the controversial "Bangle-butt."
"The Camrys are rolling and so is Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We are honored by the new investment in our state and the confidence in Hoosier workers." To express thanks to the local community for its support, SIA and the fast rising Japanese automaker announced a $60,000 donation to the Columbian Park Zoo for its owl exhibit.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Planning Your Consumption Based on Current Crude Oil Prices
One of the best things you can do for your household budget is to be aware of current crude oil prices and what those prices are anticipated to be over the next two to three months. When you have this sort of information at your fingertips, it allows you to make some decisions that will help to ensure the financial stability of your household. Here are some examples.
First, you will be able to project the cost of one of your monthly budget items, based on oil prices and your level of consumption. That budget item is gasoline. Most of us have a fixed monthly income, with little to no variation. We can only afford to invest so much of that budget in the purchase of gasoline. If you are able to look at current oil prices and notice the trends, you can predict whether the price you pay for gasoline is apt to increase drastically over the next few months, or remain fairly stable. From there, you can determine if you need to make some lifestyle changes that would allow you to absorb that increase in price at the pump.
There is also the matter of expenses outside the household budget, such as an upcoming vacation. If current crude oil prices remain stable, then chances are you will not see increases in such vacation expenses as airfare, car rental, or meals out. However, an increase in oil prices could mean you need to rethink where you go for your vacation, as well as how you get there, just so you can keep the vacation within the range of the funds you have set aside for the trip.
There are many ways that a change in current crude oil prices may impact your spending. If you spot a trend that indicates an upswing from the current prices, you may choose to forego some travel and some major purchases, so that your monthly budget remains stable. You may choose to frequent more local farmer's markets instead of buying shipped in produce that is suddenly higher. By being aware of current oil prices and using that data to project your expenses for the next few months, you will be able to adjust your spending to prevent any major issues with your financial stability.
First, you will be able to project the cost of one of your monthly budget items, based on oil prices and your level of consumption. That budget item is gasoline. Most of us have a fixed monthly income, with little to no variation. We can only afford to invest so much of that budget in the purchase of gasoline. If you are able to look at current oil prices and notice the trends, you can predict whether the price you pay for gasoline is apt to increase drastically over the next few months, or remain fairly stable. From there, you can determine if you need to make some lifestyle changes that would allow you to absorb that increase in price at the pump.
There is also the matter of expenses outside the household budget, such as an upcoming vacation. If current crude oil prices remain stable, then chances are you will not see increases in such vacation expenses as airfare, car rental, or meals out. However, an increase in oil prices could mean you need to rethink where you go for your vacation, as well as how you get there, just so you can keep the vacation within the range of the funds you have set aside for the trip.
There are many ways that a change in current crude oil prices may impact your spending. If you spot a trend that indicates an upswing from the current prices, you may choose to forego some travel and some major purchases, so that your monthly budget remains stable. You may choose to frequent more local farmer's markets instead of buying shipped in produce that is suddenly higher. By being aware of current oil prices and using that data to project your expenses for the next few months, you will be able to adjust your spending to prevent any major issues with your financial stability.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Volvo Repair Manual - Treasure Trove To Keep The Car Up To Specs
Volvo REPAIR MANUALS are far from the heady fine prints that usually come with the merchandise. They are, quite literally, illustrative guides on Volvo car care and repairs. Volvo REPAIR MANUALS familiarize car owners on the complicated inner workings of a car engine, in a language that is both terse and concrete. Whether you’re a professional auto mechanic or a car owner who wishes to have the inner workings of a car engine demystified, the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL can put you on a high ground to run the Volvo flat out.
Mechanics and writers have worked together to give both a reputable and intelligible account on car operations. The Volvo REPAIR MANUAL contains details of car construction, maintenance, and repair guides. It is a comprehensive source of service information and car specifications, contrary to the manual’s restrictive title. More than repair guides, fundamental automotive concepts form a considerable portion of the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, making troubleshooting and repair instructions not a lemming-like procedure. Available in soft covers and with editions measuring 8”X11,” the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL makes car information handy.
Subjects range from car engine operations to troubleshooting techniques and tool use. A footnote to model specs is the recommended car maintenance schedules tailor-fitted for specific Volvo makes. The bulk of the Volvo REPAIR MANUALS focuses on the emission control and engine management systems of the Volvo. This includes the car’s fuel injection system, breaker-less electronic ignition, Charge Air Pressure Control System, automatic and manual transmissions (including overdrives) and detailed procedures and specifications for four- and five-speed Volvo manual transmission overhaul. Also covered are Volvo engine systems that run on after market and performance parts, including but not limited toLH-Jetronic fuel injection (from LH 2.0, to 2.2, 2.4, and 3.1 versions), K-Jetronic, and EZ116 K.
For the more difficult repair procedures, texts are accompanied by diagrams and illustrations. The Volvo provides a clear picture of how repairs are ideally done: from valve clearances adjustments to heater blower replacements, suspension bushings restoration, and water pump replacement. Additionally, electrical wirings of the Volvo power drive are diagrammed, along with an illustrated troubleshooting and circuit description, including fuse, relay, and component locations. With the easy-to-understand illustrations of car operations in the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, car maintenance appears elementary.
On the maintenance part of the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, detailed are the useful factory tolerances, wear limits, adjustments and tightening torque specifications of critical maintenance items like stock brake lining, radiator, strut mount bushings, constant velocity boots, actuators, spark plug, and spark plug wires, among others. In cross-reference to this portion is the lowdown on car care and parts preservation that can allow you to save up on replacements.
Mechanics and writers have worked together to give both a reputable and intelligible account on car operations. The Volvo REPAIR MANUAL contains details of car construction, maintenance, and repair guides. It is a comprehensive source of service information and car specifications, contrary to the manual’s restrictive title. More than repair guides, fundamental automotive concepts form a considerable portion of the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, making troubleshooting and repair instructions not a lemming-like procedure. Available in soft covers and with editions measuring 8”X11,” the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL makes car information handy.
Subjects range from car engine operations to troubleshooting techniques and tool use. A footnote to model specs is the recommended car maintenance schedules tailor-fitted for specific Volvo makes. The bulk of the Volvo REPAIR MANUALS focuses on the emission control and engine management systems of the Volvo. This includes the car’s fuel injection system, breaker-less electronic ignition, Charge Air Pressure Control System, automatic and manual transmissions (including overdrives) and detailed procedures and specifications for four- and five-speed Volvo manual transmission overhaul. Also covered are Volvo engine systems that run on after market and performance parts, including but not limited toLH-Jetronic fuel injection (from LH 2.0, to 2.2, 2.4, and 3.1 versions), K-Jetronic, and EZ116 K.
For the more difficult repair procedures, texts are accompanied by diagrams and illustrations. The Volvo provides a clear picture of how repairs are ideally done: from valve clearances adjustments to heater blower replacements, suspension bushings restoration, and water pump replacement. Additionally, electrical wirings of the Volvo power drive are diagrammed, along with an illustrated troubleshooting and circuit description, including fuse, relay, and component locations. With the easy-to-understand illustrations of car operations in the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, car maintenance appears elementary.
On the maintenance part of the Volvo REPAIR MANUAL, detailed are the useful factory tolerances, wear limits, adjustments and tightening torque specifications of critical maintenance items like stock brake lining, radiator, strut mount bushings, constant velocity boots, actuators, spark plug, and spark plug wires, among others. In cross-reference to this portion is the lowdown on car care and parts preservation that can allow you to save up on replacements.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)