Friday, October 23, 2009
A Women's Point of View: Car Maintenance in a Perfect World
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 7:08 AM
by Colette Cooley, Office Manager for Cars For Keeps
Car maintenance in a Perfect World would mean that our cars would need no maintenance to run perfectly at all times until we decide that we want a different car. Or a different color car. Or a different looking car. You know, like a pair of shoes.
Unfortunately, cars do need maintenance and they need it regularly. On a women's list of favorite things to do, this falls somewhere just above going to the dentist and cleaning the toilet. The oil needs to be changed. The fluids need to be checked. The brakes need to be looked at for wear. The oil filter needs to be changed. The air pressure in the tires need to be checked. The freon in the air conditioner needs to be checked. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Since we would rather clean spiders out of the garage then do these things ourselves, here are a few tips to make this regular chore a little more pleasant.
First, find a car repair facility that is woman friendly. Like Cars For Keeps. A pleasant waiting area with coffee, tea, and soft drinks, internet to check your email, soft music, television with CD's to play, and most important of all - a clean restroom with a baby changing station. Coloring books and readers for kids, a service manager who thinks women are intelligent and shuttle service if you don't want to wait.
Second, if you are waiting, you can catch up on your reading, do business using our wireless internet, copy recipes out of our up-to-date magazines, return those phone calls that are stacking up, or if you have had a particularly stressful day, we will give you some crayons so you can color. Don't laugh, we have several adults who find this very therapeutic. In other words, come on in, relax, have a few laughs while you're attending to car maintenance in an imperfect world.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Just-debuted $375,000 Toyota Lexus LFA supercar is coming soon to USA -- but will it sells?
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 1:55 PM
Toyota became the massive hit of the Tokyo Motor Show yesterday with the debut of its $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar. The 747 freighter that will carry it to America is already warming up its engines.
Toyota plans to demonstrate the car at the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas next month -- Drive On will also be there to bring you the blow-by-blow -- and the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Whew! When you have got it, flaunt it.
But will Lexus sell any? We have to see the full specs, but if it performs as intended, more than little rich sports-car freaks may possibly defect from German and Italian exotics. But as is with most two-seated supercars, selling out all 500 that will be built isn't the point:
The goal is to obtain Lexus lovers' hearts pumping and get them to see Lexus in a new way. The LFA will be hand-built, so whether Toyota can sell plenty or a few isn't a big issue. What is a big issue is that each one can see that everyone can see that Lexus can kick sand in the face of BMW and Mercedes Benz and play in the similar sandbox as Ferrari.
Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager said” Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled based on customer order, offering an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”
Let us see about the performance. The LFA is a rear-wheel drive sports car with a 4.8-liter V-10 that puts out 552 horsepower. The top speed of Lexus LFA is 202 miles per hour, with a six-speed gearbox along with paddle shifters.
The car is all about dazzling weight reduction and the lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components is been complemented by carbon ceramic brake discs. The body is carbon fiber reinforced polymer and it is going to be done in-house: Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team is developing its personal carbon-fiber processes for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment during the future.
Toyota plans to demonstrate the car at the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas next month -- Drive On will also be there to bring you the blow-by-blow -- and the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Whew! When you have got it, flaunt it.
But will Lexus sell any? We have to see the full specs, but if it performs as intended, more than little rich sports-car freaks may possibly defect from German and Italian exotics. But as is with most two-seated supercars, selling out all 500 that will be built isn't the point:
The goal is to obtain Lexus lovers' hearts pumping and get them to see Lexus in a new way. The LFA will be hand-built, so whether Toyota can sell plenty or a few isn't a big issue. What is a big issue is that each one can see that everyone can see that Lexus can kick sand in the face of BMW and Mercedes Benz and play in the similar sandbox as Ferrari.
Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager said” Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled based on customer order, offering an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”
Let us see about the performance. The LFA is a rear-wheel drive sports car with a 4.8-liter V-10 that puts out 552 horsepower. The top speed of Lexus LFA is 202 miles per hour, with a six-speed gearbox along with paddle shifters.
The car is all about dazzling weight reduction and the lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components is been complemented by carbon ceramic brake discs. The body is carbon fiber reinforced polymer and it is going to be done in-house: Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team is developing its personal carbon-fiber processes for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment during the future.
Just-debuted $375,000 Toyota Lexus LFA supercar is coming soon to USA -- but will it sells?
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 1:55 PM
Toyota became the massive hit of the Tokyo Motor Show yesterday with the debut of its $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar. The 747 freighter that will carry it to America is already warming up its engines.
Toyota plans to demonstrate the car at the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas next month -- Drive On will also be there to bring you the blow-by-blow -- and the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Whew! When you have got it, flaunt it.
But will Lexus sell any? We have to see the full specs, but if it performs as intended, more than little rich sports-car freaks may possibly defect from German and Italian exotics. But as is with most two-seated supercars, selling out all 500 that will be built isn't the point:
The goal is to obtain Lexus lovers' hearts pumping and get them to see Lexus in a new way. The LFA will be hand-built, so whether Toyota can sell plenty or a few isn't a big issue. What is a big issue is that each one can see that everyone can see that Lexus can kick sand in the face of BMW and Mercedes Benz and play in the similar sandbox as Ferrari.
Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager said” Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled based on customer order, offering an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”
Let us see about the performance. The LFA is a rear-wheel drive sports car with a 4.8-liter V-10 that puts out 552 horsepower. The top speed of Lexus LFA is 202 miles per hour, with a six-speed gearbox along with paddle shifters.
The car is all about dazzling weight reduction and the lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components is been complemented by carbon ceramic brake discs. The body is carbon fiber reinforced polymer and it is going to be done in-house: Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team is developing its personal carbon-fiber processes for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment during the future.
Toyota plans to demonstrate the car at the SEMA aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas next month -- Drive On will also be there to bring you the blow-by-blow -- and the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Whew! When you have got it, flaunt it.
But will Lexus sell any? We have to see the full specs, but if it performs as intended, more than little rich sports-car freaks may possibly defect from German and Italian exotics. But as is with most two-seated supercars, selling out all 500 that will be built isn't the point:
The goal is to obtain Lexus lovers' hearts pumping and get them to see Lexus in a new way. The LFA will be hand-built, so whether Toyota can sell plenty or a few isn't a big issue. What is a big issue is that each one can see that everyone can see that Lexus can kick sand in the face of BMW and Mercedes Benz and play in the similar sandbox as Ferrari.
Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager said” Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled based on customer order, offering an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”
Let us see about the performance. The LFA is a rear-wheel drive sports car with a 4.8-liter V-10 that puts out 552 horsepower. The top speed of Lexus LFA is 202 miles per hour, with a six-speed gearbox along with paddle shifters.
The car is all about dazzling weight reduction and the lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components is been complemented by carbon ceramic brake discs. The body is carbon fiber reinforced polymer and it is going to be done in-house: Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team is developing its personal carbon-fiber processes for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment during the future.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sales of branded new cars in Britain increased by more than 11 per cent last month, providing clean evidence of the motor industry's recovery from recession, new figures showed today.
There were 367,929 new car registrations in September 2009 which is 11.4 per cent more than the same month a year ago, as motorists sustained to take advantage of the scrappage scheme, in which they receive a £2,000 discount on vehicles more than 10 years old when they purchase a new model.
According to “The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders” (SMMT), today's figures showed the third monthly increase in a row after an increase of 6 per cent in August 2009 and 2.4 per cent in July 2009.
Chief executive Paul Everitt alleged: "Market conditions remain challenging with demand being underpinned by the extremely victorious scrappage incentive scheme.
"The extension of the scheme will help out to sustain demand throughout the latter part of this year and into 2010 and this will allow economic recovery to strengthen as well as safeguard valuable industrial capability."
September is a significant month for the car industry, with a new registration plate and sales worth more or less a fifth of the annual total.
There were 367,929 new car registrations in September 2009 which is 11.4 per cent more than the same month a year ago, as motorists sustained to take advantage of the scrappage scheme, in which they receive a £2,000 discount on vehicles more than 10 years old when they purchase a new model.
According to “The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders” (SMMT), today's figures showed the third monthly increase in a row after an increase of 6 per cent in August 2009 and 2.4 per cent in July 2009.
Chief executive Paul Everitt alleged: "Market conditions remain challenging with demand being underpinned by the extremely victorious scrappage incentive scheme.
"The extension of the scheme will help out to sustain demand throughout the latter part of this year and into 2010 and this will allow economic recovery to strengthen as well as safeguard valuable industrial capability."
September is a significant month for the car industry, with a new registration plate and sales worth more or less a fifth of the annual total.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that, about 1.5 million new cars have been sold in the year to date, losing 15.5 per cent on the same period last year.
Sales of private cars drove last month's increase, whereas fleet and business sales were mutually down. Fleet sales were 13 per cent lower than a year ago also by 25 per cent in the year to date, whereas business sales were 11 per cent down on the month and 29 per cent on the year to date.
The top 10 best-selling models in the previous month were the Ford Fiesta (22,635 sales), Vauxhall Corsa (16,379 sales), Ford Focus (13,622 sales), Vauxhall Astra (13,190 sales), VW Golf (11,787 sales), Peugeot 207 (9,161 sales), Mini (8,634 sales), BMW 3 Series (7,465 sales), Toyota Yaris (6,896 sales) and BMW 1 Series (6,671 sales).
The Ford Fiesta is the top-selling car in the year to date with sales of 92,580, followed by the Focus (73,864 sales), Corsa (67,955 sales), Astra (49,242 sales) and Golf (43,611 sales).
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the car scrappage scheme sustained to boost up the market. Modest growth of 2.5 per cent had been forecast for September; however the scrappage scheme has been credited with boosting sales in recent months.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) , the week's proclamation by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson of an extension toward the scrappage scheme from £300 million to £400 million was an "extremely important decision" that would give more consumers the chance to buy a new car.
The sales of private cars rise by 41.3 per cent last month also year-to-date volumes are now within 1.9 per cent of last year's level, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Demand for little cars continued to grow, while alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations rose by 45 per cent in September 2009, due to new models.
Sales of private cars drove last month's increase, whereas fleet and business sales were mutually down. Fleet sales were 13 per cent lower than a year ago also by 25 per cent in the year to date, whereas business sales were 11 per cent down on the month and 29 per cent on the year to date.
The top 10 best-selling models in the previous month were the Ford Fiesta (22,635 sales), Vauxhall Corsa (16,379 sales), Ford Focus (13,622 sales), Vauxhall Astra (13,190 sales), VW Golf (11,787 sales), Peugeot 207 (9,161 sales), Mini (8,634 sales), BMW 3 Series (7,465 sales), Toyota Yaris (6,896 sales) and BMW 1 Series (6,671 sales).
The Ford Fiesta is the top-selling car in the year to date with sales of 92,580, followed by the Focus (73,864 sales), Corsa (67,955 sales), Astra (49,242 sales) and Golf (43,611 sales).
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the car scrappage scheme sustained to boost up the market. Modest growth of 2.5 per cent had been forecast for September; however the scrappage scheme has been credited with boosting sales in recent months.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) , the week's proclamation by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson of an extension toward the scrappage scheme from £300 million to £400 million was an "extremely important decision" that would give more consumers the chance to buy a new car.
The sales of private cars rise by 41.3 per cent last month also year-to-date volumes are now within 1.9 per cent of last year's level, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Demand for little cars continued to grow, while alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations rose by 45 per cent in September 2009, due to new models.
The Ford Fiesta has been the top-selling model for 7 months in a row.
According to AA president Edmund King: "The boost up of new car sales is not just useful to the economy and employment but will also be a boost to the environment and road safety as the vast majority of cars bought beneath the scrappage scheme are cleaner, greener as well as safer than those they have replaced."
RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: "Today's figures are a greeting sign for manufacturers as well as motorists alike. The scrappage scheme has clearly had some victory in driving sales and its extension will allow another 100,000 motorists the possibility to buy a cleaner, safer, more reliable car.
"Still, it remains to be seen how the industry will be impacted once the extension to the scheme ends, and as soon as VAT returns to 17.5 per cent in January."
According to AA president Edmund King: "The boost up of new car sales is not just useful to the economy and employment but will also be a boost to the environment and road safety as the vast majority of cars bought beneath the scrappage scheme are cleaner, greener as well as safer than those they have replaced."
RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: "Today's figures are a greeting sign for manufacturers as well as motorists alike. The scrappage scheme has clearly had some victory in driving sales and its extension will allow another 100,000 motorists the possibility to buy a cleaner, safer, more reliable car.
"Still, it remains to be seen how the industry will be impacted once the extension to the scheme ends, and as soon as VAT returns to 17.5 per cent in January."
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