Monthly Archives: December 2009

All-New Third-Generation Toyota Sienna Makes World Debut

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Toyota Sienna

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 2, 2009) – Toyota unveiled the all-new, third-generation Sienna minivan at a media conference today at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto show.
The Toyota Sienna is well known as a transportation solution for moving people and cargo comfortably and efficiently.  The third-generation Sienna will look and drive more like a sedan, conform to new ideas about personal comfort, easily accommodate cargo, and handle big loads.
The 2011 Sienna has been reinvented to handle these needs as it shifts to a more expressive and dynamic vehicle with a stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling.  With state-of the art features and rewarding driving dynamics, it is a vehicle that car-lovers will find satisfying to drive.  Sienna will offer new models, including a sporty SE and a four-cylinder powertrain, as it continues to be the only offering in the segment with an all-wheel-drive option.
“The all-new Sienna is an example of Toyota’s commitment to lead the marketplace as it anticipates consumers’ needs and changes in lifestyle,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  The third-generation Sienna combines a contemporary style with features not previously seen in a minivan, and a fun-to-drive spirit that will surprise many, along with the flexibility, spaciousness and features that have defined the segment.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 2, 2009) – Toyota unveiled the all-new, third-generation Sienna minivan at a media conference today at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto show.

The Toyota Sienna is well known as a transportation solution for moving people and cargo comfortably and efficiently. The third-generation Sienna will look and drive more like a sedan, conform to new ideas about personal comfort, easily accommodate cargo, and handle big loads.

The 2011 Sienna has been reinvented to handle these needs as it shifts to a more expressive and dynamic vehicle with a stronger profile, high shoulder character and responsive handling.  With state-of the art features and rewarding driving dynamics, it is a vehicle that car-lovers will find satisfying to drive.  Sienna will offer new models, including a sporty SE and a four-cylinder powertrain, as it continues to be the only offering in the segment with an all-wheel-drive option.

“The all-new Sienna is an example of Toyota’s commitment to lead the marketplace as it anticipates consumers’ needs and changes in lifestyle,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  The third-generation Sienna combines a contemporary style with features not previously seen in a minivan, and a fun-to-drive spirit that will surprise many, along with the flexibility, spaciousness and features that have defined the segment.

Source: Toyota

Car related gift ideas this Xmas (Part 1)

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With Christmas just around the corner, its time to start thinking about what gifts to get the car enthusiasts in your life. In previous years this could have been a problem, as the only real options were car wax, new wiper-blades and a car wash voucher. These days there are a huge amount of options, with every random gadget accounted for and many different car manufacturers getting in on the act and offering car related gifts.

Traditional gifts

Volkswagen offers quite a large range of contemporary gifts and memorabilia from their shop. There are branded jackets, caps and other items of clothing to choose from. I’m actually surprised more of the big car manufacturers don’t have an online shop like Volkswagen does; it makes a lot of sense.

Volkswagen Golf Balls
Volkswagen golf balls

They are officially called: “Volkswagen Commercial vehicles power distance golf balls”, which is a bit of a bizarre name for what is nothing more than a bunch of balls. It’s a good combo though, as any car enthusiast is guaranteed to be a golf enthusiast as well, I’m not sure why the connection exists but it definitely does. The balls are good quality so they would definitely see some use on the course as apposed to some gifts which just occupy space on a mantle somewhere.

You get 3 balls for R80.99 which is not a bad deal but I suggest making sure the gift recipient is actually a VW fan, else this gift might be a tad on the strange side.

The Volkswagen Key ring

Volkswagen Key ring

This is the Scirocco gear shift key ring and it is the best gift there is. That isn’t an official statement, so please don’t hold it against me if this gift does not live up to that expectation. But there is just something about key rings and sitting for hours flicking a piece of metal up and down while you wait at a bus stop or in a doctor’s room with nothing else to do.

It’s a life-saver and this one takes it one step further by giving you a little gear stick to shift through the gears. I cannot imagine this ever becoming boring and at only R77 this is a no-brainer gift. You can even hang them on the Christmas tree like an ornament, so you don’t even have to wrap it!

* Continues in Part2

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Audi e-tron at the Los Angeles Auto Show to see the future of electric mobility

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Audi e-tron LA Auto show 2

LOS ANGELES, Ca., Dec 4, 2009  -  Today at the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a special visit to the Audi booth to review firsthand the Audi e-tron fully electric concept study model firsthand. Earlier this week at the LA Auto Show, Schwarzenegger had expressed his support for automakers raising the bar on environmental responsibility and acted upon that enthusiasm today by visiting the Audi booth to learn more about e-tron.
A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the e-tron, which runs on four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack, from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. Governor Schwarzenegger joins the ranks of a very select few individuals globally who have sat inside the e-tron to date.

LOS ANGELES, Ca., Dec 4, 2009  -  Today at the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a special visit to the Audi booth to review firsthand the Audi e-tron fully electric concept study model firsthand. Earlier this week at the LA Auto Show, Schwarzenegger had expressed his support for automakers raising the bar on environmental responsibility and acted upon that enthusiasm today by visiting the Audi booth to learn more about e-tron.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the e-tron, which runs on four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack, from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. Governor Schwarzenegger joins the ranks of a very select few individuals globally who have sat inside the e-tron to date.

Audi e-tron LA Auto show

“It was a great pleasure meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger and I’m thrilled that he shares our excitement about the e-tron,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing. “We believe the e-tron will become a lasting icon of electronic vehicle design so it’s great fun to share it with a green design supporter like Governor Schwarzenegger in these early stages.”

Beyond its powerful electronic engine system, the striking visual design of the e-tron affirms its spot among the major leagues of sports cars. Its performance alone renders its independence from gasoline a compelling afterthought.

Source: Audi

Further signs of gradual recovery in the South African vehicle market

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VW GTI

2nd December 2009
During November 2009 a total of 22 929 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November decreased by -6.7 percent when compared to October 2009, but were 4.6 percent up on November 2008.
This is the first time since January 2007 that the monthly total new car market has been larger that the corresponding month of the previous year. The January to November 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -22.5 percent below the same period for 2008.
“New passenger car sales in November continued the more positive trend of the past number of months. However, the car rental industry purchases in November were largely responsible for this growth. Sales recorded in the consumer retail segment remain muted. The new passenger car sales cycle does, however, appear to have bottomed out and is currently beginning to reflect some slow growth,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at VW of SA.
“From a VW of SA perspective, the new 6th generation Golf, with sales consistently over 500 units per month, vindicates its SA Car of the Year finalist status,” continued Glendinning.
“The Audi Brand sold 812 units into the premium segment last month, thereby recording its second most successful month in 2009,” said Glendinning.
“The export of the all New Polo to Right Hand Drive markets around the world is now gaining momentum, with 6 927 units exported in November. We look forward to bringing New Polo to the South African market early in 2010,” said Glendinning.
Returning to the state of the market in South Africa, Glendinning remains cautiously optimistic.

2nd December 2009

During November 2009 a total of 22 929 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November decreased by -6.7 percent when compared to October 2009, but were 4.6 percent up on November 2008.

This is the first time since January 2007 that the monthly total new car market has been larger that the corresponding month of the previous year. The January to November 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -22.5 percent below the same period for 2008.

“New passenger car sales in November continued the more positive trend of the past number of months. However, the car rental industry purchases in November were largely responsible for this growth. Sales recorded in the consumer retail segment remain muted. The new passenger car sales cycle does, however, appear to have bottomed out and is currently beginning to reflect some slow growth,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at VW of SA.

“From a VW of SA perspective, the new 6th generation Golf, with sales consistently over 500 units per month, vindicates its SA Car of the Year finalist status,” continued Glendinning.

“The Audi Brand sold 812 units into the premium segment last month, thereby recording its second most successful month in 2009,” said Glendinning.

“The export of the all New Polo to Right Hand Drive markets around the world is now gaining momentum, with 6 927 units exported in November. We look forward to bringing New Polo to the South African market early in 2010,” said Glendinning.

Returning to the state of the market in South Africa, Glendinning remains cautiously optimistic.

Source: Volkswagen

Volvo XC60 Wins Prestigious 2010 International Truck of the Year Award

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Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.
“This ties a very pretty bow around what’s been a truly amazing year for Volvo,” commented Speck. “The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it’s been extremely well received by our customers.”
The 2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.
The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of “honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles” when making their nominations.
“The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY’s creator and executive producer. “It’s about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with.”
“This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60″, said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.
Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.
The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

The Volvo XC60 was named 2010 International Truck of the Year by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury on December 2. The award was given to Doug Speck, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC at the Volvo display at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The XC60 was chosen over 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks by a distinguished panel of top automotive journalists.

“This ties a very pretty bow around what’s been a truly amazing year for Volvo,” commented Speck. “The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it’s been extremely well received by our customers.”

The 2010 XC60 has helped VCNA earn six consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases since June.

The XC60 was chosen the winner from a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. and Canada representing top newspapers, magazines and websites. The jurors must consider the ICOTY mission of “honoring vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles” when making their nominations.

“The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY’s creator and executive producer. “It’s about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with.”

“This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60″, said Stephen Odell, President and CEO Volvo Car Corporation.

Once approved by the ICOTY nominating committee, the awards jury then bases their decision on a number of important criteria: The vehicle must be new or substantially revised, it must be offered for sale to the general public by the judging deadline of November 16, 2009, and may not have been previously considered for the ICOTY Awards.

The International Truck of the Year award marks the 20th accolade the Volvo XC60 has received since sales began in Europe in late 2008. The XC60 is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment. This unique Volvo technology can help the driver avoid frontal collisions at low speed. If the driver is about to drive into the rear of a vehicle and does not react in time, the XC60 will apply the brakes by itself.

Source: Volvo

The new Audi A8 – the sportiest sedan in the luxury class

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Audi A8

Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.
With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”
The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.

With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

Audi A8 interior

Engine

Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.

The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.

The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.

Source: Audi

Obtaining competitive car insurance (My experience) (Part 2)

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logoshome

What to expect

There are a few ways you can prepare for the quote before you even receive the call. They will generally call you quite fast after you put in the quote, so make sure you are prepared before you even put the quote in.

If you are currently insured, know the specifics of the policy, as far as the premium and what is covered and included in the deal. They will ask about any previous claims and any no claims bonus’s etc.

Know the specifics of the car that you want insured. They will ask questions regarding its year, make, model etc. As well as its security features, including: if there is an immobilizer installed and possibly tracking, anti-hijack and gearlock. Also where the car is parked at night, and the suburb will effect the policy.

Have your ID number on hand, unless you know it off-by-heart, as they will need that number and whether or not you are a South African citizen.

It’s important to be honest with what you tell them, they will remind you of this during the quote, as any discrepancies will come back to haunt you in the event that you claim and something is not how you described it in the quote.

The call can take quite long, as there is a lot of information they need in order to give you a quote, so be sure you have a full battery on your cell phone and sufficient time required in order to take the call.

Outcome

I received quite a few quotes from different companies. As far as what they were offering; they were all quite similar, from courtesy cars and roadside assistance etc. And yet the prices they offered were still quite varied. That said though, surprisingly they were all quite a bit cheaper than what I was currently paying.

I ended up signing with one of the companies as their price on the monthly premium was the lowest by some margin. Also they were the first company to call me as well, so there was an instant positive association with that company to start with.

The process itself was largely hassle-free. It’s just a case of a few phone calls, and other than that I didn’t have to do much. There is one extra thing to note, in that there is a good chance you will need to take your car into a specific garage, one specified by the insurance company you are going to sign with, in order for them to confirm the immobilizer and anti-hijack components in the car.

All in all it was a pain-free experience and I ended up saving quite a bit on my monthly premiums, which at the end of the day was my primary goal. I can recommend it to anyone else, its obligation free, so there really isn’t anything to lose and even if you don’t find any of the insurance companies quotes useful to you, it’s still interesting to get a feel of the market and just what they are offering.

Mazda Delivers Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Yamaguchi Prefectural Government

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Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered one Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid vehicle to the Yamaguchi prefectural government in western Japan. Mazda’s Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a unique hybrid system and a hydrogen rotary engine (RE) that burns hydrogen as a fuel.
Mazda has now delivered four hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleet customers. One unit was leased to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009, followed by one unit each leased to the City of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture in September 2009. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid leased to Yamaguchi Prefecture will be used at environmental events and in daily operations.
The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered one Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid vehicle to the Yamaguchi prefectural government in western Japan. Mazda’s Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid features a unique hybrid system and a hydrogen rotary engine (RE) that burns hydrogen as a fuel.

Mazda has now delivered four hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleet customers. One unit was leased to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009, followed by one unit each leased to the City of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Prefecture in September 2009. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid leased to Yamaguchi Prefecture will be used at environmental events and in daily operations.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda is committed to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. Mazda constantly strives to offer vehicles that “look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.”

Source: Mazda