Automotive News

Winter Driving Tips: Prepare for the worst

Like the human body, preventative maintenance in cars often means the difference between safe and healthy travel and catastrophe, particularly during winter driving conditions. Here’s  the second in a series provided the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to held drivers prepare and participate safely in winter driving conditions. Stocking your vehicle is appropriate supplies for the season of the first priority.  Carry the following items: * Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper. * Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. * Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers. * Blankets for protection from the cold. * A cell phone with charger, water, food,

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Winter Driving Tips: Wild animals, strong planning

Winter driving can be safe and it can be treacherous. Learning how to best handle your car or truck in inclement weather conditions is paramount to safe driving. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA) offers a detailed list of safety instructions for during winter  — from knowing your car to planning for trips during poor weather conditions to being aware of wild animals’ changing winter behavior. And there’s is stocking your vehicle with severe weather conditions equipment to properly servicing your car before driving in winter driving conditions. Here’s the first in a series of article that include a checklist and tip for safe winter driving. * For electric or hybrid-electric vehicles, several things can be done to

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2015 Ford Mustang

The 2015 Ford Mustang has been unveiled with a new engine option, updated interior and technology features and a stylishly tweaked sleek exterior design that further enhances the iconic American muscle car. The carmaker Ford also announced the 2015 Ford Mustang will be sold in several countries in Asia and Europe and on four continents. The original Mustang, which debuted in 1964, was available as either a coupe or a convertible. And it had several engine options: A 101-hp 6-cylinder engine, a 164-hp V-8, a 210-hp V-8, and beginning in June of that year, a powerful 271-hp V-8. Many of its other parts were taken from the Ford Falcon and Fairlane. It cost $2,368. The 2015 Ford Mustang, which will

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RVs: Mobile Homes on Wheels

Traveling in recreational vehicles is, for some, the ultimate way of travel. No airports, no security lines. No luggage hassles or rude or sick fellow travelers. The beauty of the country at close range. Although its history is older on other continents, modern-day recreational vehicle travel in the United States dates to the 1920s. Several manufacturers began to offer what were then called house trailers or trail coaches. Airstream was among the the earliest and still among the most well-known RV makers. In their early years, RVs were often associated with the mobile home industry and few units were longer than 30 feet. But in the 1950s, RVs evolved out of the mobile home designation and became a singular industry.

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Paul Walker: car crash death leaves Hollywood uncertain

The death of the actor Paul Walker two days ago (Nov. 30) in a single-car automobile accident in Santa Clarita, California, has reverberated throughout the film industry and among the popular star’s global fan community. Walker, 40, was the star of the “Fast & Furious” film franchise. He was preparing to resume production of the film’s seventh installment. Walker played the rogue ex-cop Brian O’Conner. Walker had already filmed scenes the movie, the pending edition of which features a vengeful rivalry between racing crews. James Wan, the director of the film, Neal Moritz, the lead producer and executives haven’t made decision to continue make the film, set for release July 11. According to a report via Associated Press, Walker hadn’t

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AUTO RECALL: 2013 Ford Escape — eighth time

For the eighth time since it was redesigned and debuted in early 2012, the Ford Escape sport utility vehicle is being recalled. This time, the recall is to fix oil leaks that could cause engine fires. The recall will affect more than 161,000 Ford Escapes from the 2013 model years with 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines. The oil leaks can occur, according to the carmaker, when the cylinder heads overhead and crack. Additionally, approximately 12,000 of the recalled Ford Escapes have incorrectly installed fuel lines that could chafe and leak gas. Many of the problematic fuel lines were repaired under a previous recall. Ford reported the oil leaks caused 13 fires but no injuries. There haven’t been any fires from the fuel

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Two Mazdas, Honda Accord among Car and Driver’s 2013 Best

Two Mazda models, the perennial favorite Honda Accord and several sports cars and sedans have been selected in Car and Driver’s 32nd annual 10 Best list of 2013 cars with prices less than $80,000. Car and Driver this year recognized five all-new cars to redefining excellence for the entire industry. Half of the 10 vehicles selected have starting costs of less than $25,000. Car and Driver writes, “These are the vehicles that offer the most value, that elegantly and comprehensively fulfill their missions, and that engage their drivers in spirited conversation. They are not always the newest or the trendiest, but they are the consistent overachievers.” The 32nd Car and Driver 10Best and publication’s comments: Porsche Boxster/Cayman – “The secret

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Honda Accord 2014: Green Car of the Year at LA Auto Show

The 2014 Honda Accord was named the Green Car of the Year at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, getting top honors over the Audi A6 TDI, BMW 328d, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. The award was given to the Accord for all of its iterations, including the Accord, Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-In. According to the editors of the Green Car Journal, which has presented the award since 2005, the Honda Accord has evolved to meet the needs of an increasingly changing market that seeks ever-higher fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and improved environmental impact. The 2014 Honda Accord brings notable efficiency with its conventional gasoline powerplants with Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-In hybrid choices that achieve up to

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Seven ugliest car colors at the 2013 LA Auto Show

New cars are rarely identified as simply painted blue, green, white, black or gray. The color names are most often embellished with fancy-sounding word combinations. It’s no different at the 2013 LA Auto Show. I recently drove the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. It had several rich exterior color options,  including an inviting shade of blue. It was called Metallic Peacock. At the LA Auto Show there are plenty cars with exteriors that simply could be called red, white or blue. But manufacturers and going to extremes not only to come up with fancy names for the colors of their cars, they’re introducing more colors, some not very attractive. Of course, the beauty of cars, like many things, is in the

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2013 LA Auto Show: Money, statistics, prices

The 2013 LA Auto Show presents a sensory overload of new cars — entry level Chevrolet and Toyota models to exotic models from Lamborghini and Aston Martin. But the auto show is also showcase for a varying array of auto industry statistics. J.D Power, the automotive industry analysis company, annually presents the statistics at LA Auto Show. Here’s a varied list of the 10 most interesting statistics from 2013 LA Auto Show: 1. The current average new-vehicle retail transaction price is $30,205. 2. The average customer cash rebate amount on a new vehicle transaction is $2,362. 3. Fifty-one percent of new-vehicle transactions include a customer cash rebate. 4. The average of a vehicle traded in for a new model is

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Women of the 2013 LA Auto Show

As per tradition, the 2013 LA Auto Show open this week not only featuring about two dozen stunning world debuts and many North American unveilings  — Toyota to Porsche to BMW — but the manufacturers’ equaling stunning product specialists. The automakers may not be willing to admit it, but the choice of models they choose to present their new products around the world may be as important as the cars presented. It all means one thing: pretty women. The history of the car show models is detailed in the 2008 book called “Sirens of Chrome” written by Margery Krevsky. The author owns an agency that books the product specialists and Krevsky also has extensive knowledge of the tradition of the

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Hyundai full-speed ahead with hydrogen Tucson in 2014

Hyundai will announce details Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show that beginning in 2014 it will become the first manufacturer of a mass-produced car that will run on a hydrogen fuel cell. The vehicle will be the Tucson sport utility vehicle. Hydrogen-powered cars have been discussed in the automotive industry since the 1960s. General Motors and Honda both experimented with limited offering of hydrogen cars in the mid-2000s, respectively the Chevy Equinox and FCX Clarity. Hyundai will begin selling the hydrogen Tucson in Southern California and will further distribute the SUV as filling stations are constructed. According to an Associated Press report, the California Air Resources Board reports there currently are nine hydrogen filling stations open to the

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History of the LA Auto Show: VW, Lincoln, Mini-me?

Product specialists at the LA Auto Show and other auto shows around the globe enjoy their work on serious and not-so serious occasions. Two women product specialists who had just met worked for Buick at the LA Auto Show in 2012. They looked liked twin sisters despite a substantial height different. “Doesn’t she look like my personal “mini-me?,” one of the women said during the first media day and in a reference to the character in the Austin Powers movies. And when asked if she was prepared for the first public day of the show, she said: “This is my first show; Is there a difference?” The product specialist concept dates nearly 90 years and it’s detailed in the 2008

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History of the LA Auto Show: Chrysler to Concepts

The LA Auto Show in 2012 attracted slightly more than 1 million visitors. They viewed 42 car brands, American mainstays General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to international heavyweights Honda, Toyota, Audi and Hyundai. Organizers have announced more than 50 global and North American debuts from nearly a dozen manufacturers for the 2013 edition and with a promise to “Blow Your Doors Off.” The multiple concourse convention center showcase is in the hub of the Southern California entertainment scene. Concerts and major sporting events are held nearby during the show at LA Live entertainment monolith and nearby Staples Center. For the past several years, the Moroccan-styled Figueroa Hotel, a few blocks away, has hosted the show’s kickoff party. Last year, while

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History of the LA Auto Show: Pretty Girls to Aston Martin

New and shimmering, value priced to vastly expensive, the auto industry shines when its machines are showcased on the yearly auto show circuit, particularly at the LA Auto Show. Under bright lights and spinning platforms, cars and trucks just don’t get any more awe-inspiring — unless it’s from behind the wheel. Nearly every carmaker, Audi to Volkswagen and Bentley to Volvo, displays its lineups at auto shows. Electric vehicles, family sedans, performance sports cars and futuristic concepts all have their place in auto shows from Los Angeles to Tokyo. It’s as if the vehicles are presented to the media and public for at least a week by one giant indoor dealership representing all manufacturers. Held throughout the year in major

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2013 Chevrolet Corvette: Performance Car of the Year

Throughout its 60-year history, the Chevrolet Corvette has attracted a collection of enthusiasts as loyal as any in the auto industry Often called “America’s Sports Car,” the Corvette is now in its seventh generation. It has undergone a lot of design challenges, but it’s still uniquely a Corvette and made like no other car via design, performance and ride. The Corvette has also received a lot of awards through the years, including its most recent honor as Performance Car of the Year in the Road & Track inaugural “Best Cars” List. The publication’s editors tested 13 of the industry’s best on mountain road and on the Motown mile, the publication’s private circuit. “We selected the Corvette because it represents an

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