European Brands Posted Mixed March Sales

The United States is no doubt the biggest auto market in the world and because of that fact, international brands have been trying to increase their shares in the U.S. auto market. Following the end of the month of March, car manufacturers, both domestic and international brands, have posted their sales figure for the month.

In connection with that, the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) reported that international brands have cornered 48.4 percent of the U.S. auto market. It can also be remembered that experts in the auto industry predicted that international brands will corner a major share of the U.S. auto market before the end of the year. Some of the international brands are of European lineage and in general, European car brands have mixed sales figures for March 2007.

Audi is one of the fastest growing European car brands in the United States. Last month the German company sold 8,020 units and that equates to the posting of an increase of 14.7 percent as compared to March 2006 sales. For the first quarter of 2007, Audi already sold 21,028 units which is an increase of 17.6 percent over sales for the first three months of 2006.

The A4/S4 models are the best selling cars for the German outfit. The two combined for sales of 3,783 units. The A4 sedan racked sales of 2,304 units last month. Meanwhile, the popular and award-winning Audi Q7 sport utility vehicle posted strong sales of 2,075 units.

BMW, another German brand, also posted increased sales last month. The company sold 25,325 units in the United States on the way to post a 3.4 percent sales increase compared to March 2006. The company has already sold 67,360 units for the first three months of 2007 which marks a 6.7 percent sales improvement over the 2006 first quarter sales. The BMW 3-Series is still the best selling model from the outfit with 7,195 units sold.

Another notable BMW model which posted strong sales for the month of March is the 5-Series sedan. BMW sold 4,297 units of the said model in the United States. SUVs from BMW also posted increased sales, with 6,579 units sold posting an increase of 18.9 percent compared to March 2006 SUV sales.

While Audi and BMW may be enjoying success in the United States, the same cannot be said of Volkswagen. Another German brand, Volkswagen posted a 16.3 percent sales reduction in the U.S. auto market. The company sold 17,355 units for the month of March. For the first quarter, Volkswagen has already sold 50,332 units and that is a reduction of 5.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2006.

European brands like Audi and BMW has posted increased sales and Volkswagen posted reduced sales but one European brand remains flat in its sales output. Mercedes-Benz, another German brand, sold 21,627 units for the month of March.

While this may be an improvement over last year's March, the 0.9 percent increase shows that the brand is almost stuck as if the sales brakes have been applied. In spite of that, Mercedes-Benz managed to increase their year to date sales in the United States by 9.2 percent.

Roche Fleet Accommodates More Hybrid Vehicles

The global community is currently being confronted by a problem and that is the global warming situation. The increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases the surface temperature of the Earth. This problem is currently being addressed by the auto industry by developing fuel efficient vehicles which produces less greenhouse gases than their predecessors. These vehicles though needs to be used and replace the not so eco-friendly vehicles on the road today.

Helping car manufacturers put their green vehicles on the street are large companies with equally large fleets. It can be remembered that US President George W Bush commended UPS and FedEx for their use of hybrid vehicles on their fleets. Recently, another company took a step towards fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction by expanding their hybrid car fleet.

Roche, the well known Swiss pharmaceutical company, announced that they have increased the total number of hybrid vehicles on their fleet to 242 units. These vehicles are used by their sales representatives for different purposes. The company announced that with the increase in the number of their hybrid vehicles, they will be contributing to the battle against the threat of global warming.

More than a thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions will be eliminated with the use of the 242 units of hybrid vehicles. Fuel consumption for the company will also be cut down by as much as 80,253 gallons of gasoline annually. And all in all, those statistics are going to make much of a difference in the long run especially.

Terry F. Yosie, the President and the Chief Executive Officer of the World Environment Center, have this to say about Roche's expansion of hybrid car fleet: "Roche's hybrid-car program demonstrates the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Roche is a leader among pharmaceutical companies striving to make a difference, and this hybrid car program is a prime example of how all companies can make a contribution." The World Environment Center is a not-for-profit, non-advocacy organization which is based in Washington, D.C.

In July of 2004, the F. Hoffmann-La Roche, also simply known as Roche, started their hybrid car plan by commissioning 20 hybrid vehicles composed of the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid vehicles. The performance and fuel efficiency of these hybrid cars, better even than a vehicle equipped with an AEM Acura Intake, made the company decide to expand the fleet.

Aside from the proven fuel efficiency, performance of the hybrid cars was also found out to be of high level. Those reasons played a major role why the number of hybrid vehicle in Roche's fleet numbers 242 currently.

Jack Kace, the Vice President for Corporate Environmental & Safety Affairs of Roche, has this to say: "Roche is devoted to conserving natural resources and improving human health, and we believe in and practice environmental sustainability. The expansion of our hybrid vehicle program is a great example of this commitment. We are using less gasoline, reducing our emissions and reducing our fleet costs as well." Indeed, the expansion of the company's hybrid car fleet shows its commitment to the welfare of the current and subsequent generations.

Audi to Expand Business in the US

German car makers have been known for their production of luxury cars. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are known the world over for their production of luxurious vehicles.





In the past, Audi was shadowed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of sales. This trend though looks to be turning, with Audi now staking its claim as the fastest German luxury car maker.





While the sales of Audi is eclipsed by the thousand of sales of both BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi is now set to challenge the two car makers as the best German car maker. In the United States alone, Audi achieved an awesome feat by almost tripling its sales from 1997 to 2006 in 1997, Audi sold 34,160 units in the United States, small in comparison to the 90,116 units it sold in the country last year. The company has also set its sight to expand their lineup in the next eight years.





In that span of time, Audi plans to create 18 new models for their lineup. To increase their market coverage, the company is expected to increase its number of dedicated Audi dealerships. These exclusive Audi dealerships are planned to be set up on major cities in the United States. One of their vehicles to success in the near future is the company's first ever diesel engined race car.





Aside from their focus in the U.S. luxury car market, the company is also widening its coverage of the global market. The Audi AG reported good sales figures for the first two months of this year which means that they are performing well in the global market. For January and February, Audi AG sold over 144,000 vehicles which is nine percent higher than sales for the first two months of 2006. In February, the car manufacturer sold nine percent more vehicles compared to February 2006 and at the same time posted their best ever February sales.





In the United States, the Audi of America reported 6,609 units sold in the month of February, marking a 37.5 percent increase compared to February of 2006. For the first two months of the year, Audi of America sold 13,008 units which represent a 19.4 percent improvement over sales for the first two months of 2006. While Audi of America posted good sales figures, the country is not the biggest market for the luxury car maker, instead it is China.





In the said country, Audi sold 15,600 vehicles sold for the first two months if 2007. That figure only represents sales in mainland China and sales in Hong Kong are not included. In February alone, Audi sold 7,200 units in China, representing a 29 percent improvement over February 2006 sales. The high performance and the high level of luxury of their vehicles have played a major role in the company's surge. These vehicles are equipped with luxurious features which can be complemented with advanced safety features and highly efficient brake components like EBC brake rotors.

Land Rover Partners With SIRIUS

Land Rover, the British all terrain vehicle manufacturer, and SIRIUS, "the best radio in radio", jointly announced recently that they have formed a partnership to provide Land Rover vehicles with satellite radio as standard feature. Land Rover vehicles that will be equipped with the satellite radio are the flagship 2007 Range Rover and the Supercharged Range Rover Sport.

Aside from these two models which will come out of the factory already with the mentioned satellite radio, SIRIUS service will also be optional features for the all-new LR2 which will be hitting U.S. showrooms in the coming weeks.

Mel Karmazin, the SIRIUS' Chief Executive Officer, has this to say about their partnership: "Land Rover has been a great partner in the growth of SIRIUS, and we are very pleased that they have decided to include SIRIUS radio as standard equipment on select vehicles. Now, more Land Rover drivers will be able to experience for themselves The Best Radio on Radio." SIRIUS satellite radio offers commercial-free music round the clock. The company offers over 75 channels which allow subscribers to listen to talk shows, sports coverage, lifestyle and entertainment, and of course, also enjoy the different genres of music.

Land Rover is also ecstatic about the partnership with the satellite radio provider. Richard Beattie, the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Land Rover North America, has this to say: "Land Rover is delighted to offer SIRIUS as a standard feature or a factory option on all of our vehicles in the U.S. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the very best in-vehicle experience and SIRIUS' unique programming is a tremendous feature to have available on our vehicles. Land Rover can take you anywhere and with SIRIUS you can listen to your radio wherever your Land Rover may take you."

The newest edition of the Range Rover which will feature the satellite radio as standard feature has a slightly restyled front fascia and exhibits a slightly larger front bumper. Aside from this, minor adjustments are made involving other exterior features like the tail lights. The interior of the 2007 Range Rover is also slightly modified and you would notice that its hidden folding cup holder has been replaced.

Another redesign of the Range Rover involves the ignition switch which is now located at the dashboard next to the steering wheel. The emergency hand brake is upgraded with the 2007 model being electronically controlled. The redesigned Range Rover also sports a new engine in the form of Ford's 3.6-liter V8 engine which can produce 272 horsepower and that is a significant improvement over the previous BMW 6-cylinder engine that has the capacity to produce 177 horsepower. The supercharged version of the 2007 Range Rover will feature an electronically controlled rear differential to adapt to more rugged terrains.

Toyota to Launch Spring Traffic Safety Campaign

The forthcoming spring season will mark Toyota's Spring Traffic Safety Campaign. The surging Asian company has partnered with 429 companies to make the campaign possible.

Toyota's partners in this endeavor include vehicle dealers, logistic systems and organizations, parts distributors, rental or lease dealers and even forklift dealers. The campaign will start on the first of April and will run for the two months until the 31st of May. This is in connection with the Nationwide Traffic Safety Campaign which happens from May 11 until 20.

The Toyota Motor Corporation will focus on two areas of traffic safety this year. First, the company will address the issue of children running into the streets. This is a very well known cause of accidents and Toyota will try to educate young children of the hazards of running out into the street. Another issue that Toyota will pay attention to is the "traffic safety for the elderly".

As part of the campaign, Toyota and its partners in the crusade will be distributing educational materials to young children and to the general public as well. Educational picture books will be distributed to students at kindergartens and nursery schools across the country. These picture books emphasize the hazards of running out in the street.

About 2.65 million copies of these picture books will be distributed through car dealerships across the country. Aside from that about 47,000 copies of another picture book will put emphasis on how to avoid the hazards of children running out into the street where they face tremendous amount of risk. These will be distributed to kindergarten and nursery schools as well as libraries and children's services nationwide.

Toyota will also be distributing about 730,000 educational leaflets to children and motorists. These leaflets will also emphasize ways to prevent children from running into the street and how to protect elderly pedestrians. These leaflets will be distributed by car dealerships, parts stores, and rental or lease facilities which have partnered with Toyota in the campaign.

Aside from the leaflets, Toyota will also display educational posters around the country in about 7,400 locations. These posters will be displayed at car dealerships, parts stores, rental or lease dealerships, logistic systems, and forklift dealers scattered all across the United States. The said posters are aimed at the general public to educate them on "Consideration of Each Person Leads to Traffic Safety" topic.

The said campaign is a good step for Toyota to show that they care about their consumers. As the general public knows, traffic safety is of utmost importance and Toyota is one of the car manufacturers dedicated to traffic safety. Their dedication to safety for motorists and pedestrians can be likened to Volvo's dedication to provide safe vehicles equipped with Volvo plugs to their consumers.

Brabus Widestar Based On The Mercedes ML 63

Mercedes Benz-- manufacturer of ML series and producer of quality ML parts like Mercedes ML320 parts-- is one of the favorites of the tuning giant Brabus. Just recently the company engaged in a venture that involves the Mercedes ML 63. This special project has made its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

The Brabus Widestar does not only present a new and exciting wide track version of the SUV but also presented the new Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and Brabus B63 S performance tuning for the ML 63 with 550 hp/404.8 kW.

The Widestar concept which is available for all current M-Class models combines dynamic looks and maximum functionality. The graceful flowing lines of the fender flares front and back increases the vehicle's width by approximately 4 centimeters. The extra centimeters enhance the car's looks while the wide track improves handling. The multi piece Brabus Monoblock E wheels with size 11 Jx23 were custom fitted for the wide track version of the M-Class. Their forge wheel center ensures an optimal combination of light weight design and maximum strength. The new light alloy wheels are mounted with high performance tires that measure 315/25 R 23.

Brabus has also equipped its Windestar Concept with a control module for the standard Airmatic air suspension that lowers the vehicle's height by approximately 30 millimeters which further enhance its sporty road handling characteristics.

The Brabus Widestar body conversion kit is consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels that results to a more homogenous transition between the fender flares. There are also a complete front and rear fascias replacements for the production counterparts' front and back. The front spoiler bumper with its three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlights lends the M-Class more power while minimizing lift on the front axle.

In addition, the combination of the rear spoiler, the rear fascia with integrated diffuser, and four chrome tailpipes of the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system create a remarkable aerodynamic balance. And this very same aerodynamic property of the Brabus Widestar makes it the perfect platform for a tuned version of the ML 63.

The tuned ML 63 was developed by the Brabus motor engineers in the form of a B63 S performance kit. The production V8 engine produces 510 hp/375 kW and fitted with sport air filters together with high-performance metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. The combination of all these components gives off an increase in power output by 40 hp/31 kW to 550 hp/404.8 kW. The peak torque also increases from 630 Nm to 650 Nm.

Other benefits derived from the Widestar concept includes the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 4.9 seconds. Similarly the engine tuning as well as the installation of the Brabus V/max unit increases top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h.

Safety features were made even better by the Brabus Widestar concept like for instance using high-performance brake system which features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers with vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. Plus add to it the 355x28mm brake discs and 6 piston calipers in the rear enables this Widestar brake system to deliver an impressive stopping power that is comparable to purebred sports cars.

Interior designing is another specialty of the Brabus and for the M-Class they have created an exclusive interior options consisting of stainless steel door sills with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and a leather covered door trim pieces to upgrade the factory leather. The Brabus exclusive leather interiors were made from carefully crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The production front seats were also equipped with special rear consoles that reach all the way to the headrests in which a seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens with integrated DVD player. There is also an electric folding table made from precious wood added to complete the interior.

New York International Auto Show to Host Ford's Concept Cars

Motor shows have always been one of the foremost gatherings that auto makers take advantage of so as to showcase the advances they have made in the design and performance of their vehicles. More often than not, a motor show is characterized by an influx of concept vehicles.

This type of vehicles is designed using cutting edge design concepts, advanced engine technology and would also come loaded with futuristic features. These vehicles are only used to showcase the technologies developed by car manufacturers.

The features shown on these vehicles will only be used on production vehicles after some time. The reason for this is that the features on concept vehicles are significantly expensive to produce. This means that further development is needed to bring down the cost of production of features used on concept vehicles for them to be made available for mass produced vehicles.

The upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), dubbed as the biggest event of its kind, will be hosting concept vehicles from United States' second largest car manufacturer, Ford. This year, the Ford Motor Company will be showcasing three concept vehicles - two from Ford and one from Lincoln. All of these three concept vehicles are showing the path that Ford Motor Company is willing to take in the near future.

The first of the three concept vehicles is the Ford Airstream. The design of the concept vehicle is largely influenced by the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" which is a masterpiece done by Stanley Kubrick. The futuristic design of the vehicle is evident in its aluminum finish and radically designed windows and extended windshield. The vehicle is not only futuristic in terms of its exterior looks but also in the way it is powered. The Ford Airstream is a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell vehicle. This means that aside from the fuel cell, the vehicle is also equipped with a powerful battery pack which provides added power. The vehicle is an electric vehicle in a sense that it runs on electric power alone thus no harmful emission is released.

Another concept vehicle that Ford will be unveiling at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is the flex fuel vehicle that is the Ford Interceptor. The concept is loosely based on the Ford Mustang and provides just as much power as its cousin. The vehicle runs on E85 which is a combination of 85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent conventional gasoline. The bio-ethanol burning engine can produce as much as 400 horsepower. That amount of power could only be stopped by highly efficient brake components like EBC brake pads. To match the power of the vehicle, Ford gives the Interceptor advanced safety features like their patented four-point "belts and suspenders". For passengers on the second row of seats, the Ford Interceptor provides inflatable safety belts.

Aside from the two concept vehicles from Ford, one of its divisions, Lincoln, also developed a concept vehicle. Lincoln's MKR Concept is a four-door coupe packed with a long list of luxury features. What the Lincoln MKR brings to the table is the uniqueness of their luxury trims like the leather which is chemical free. The powerplant of the concept is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbocharger and direct injection feature. The engine runs on gasoline and can produce as much as 415 brake horsepower.

World War II Jeeps Displayed at the Sixth US Calvary Museum

Fort Oglethorpe Kiwanis was recently given the privilege to take a glimpse at the two unrestored World War II Ford Jeeps from 1944 and 1945 at the Sixth Cavalry Museum. According to Chris McKeever, the museum executive director, "The museum was originally organized by the Sixth US Cavalry Association. They always wanted a jeep here. We wanted an authentic one and so Matt Fox located these two Jeeps in South Carolina." McKeever also added that the US Calvary Association has purchased the Jeeps and donated them. "They were priced wonderfully and had so many original parts," although no Jeep fuel injector yet at that time was added but all the rest were guaranteed authentic Jeep parts. It was actually last March 9 when the Kiwanis came to visit and McKeever have encouraged them all to take part in the success of the museum.

McKeever said, "What we need to do is to let everyone in Catoosa Country know its here." The Kiwanis were given the royal treatment at the museum where they were served lunch, ushered to tour the museum and were given surprise presentations.

One of the volunteer at the museum Chris Lane made his museum display even more interesting by adding WWII memorabilia which include his grandfather's Marine uniform. McKeever also said that one of the huge attractions at military museums is the military hardware on display like the Patton tank.

Likewise, Matt Fox of Quarter Ton and Military Restoration Parts of Rising Fawn also shared with the group his plans on how to restore the 1944 Jeep. Fox recalled that he purchased his very first Jeep at the age of 13 with the money he earned from mowing yards unfortunately his dad took his Jeep away after Fox knock out a wall and drive the Jeep all through their garage.

Fox said, "It gets in your blood. It's very much addictive. There is so much history in these Jeeps." He explained also that the restoration process of the 1944 Jeep will take at least 18 months and will cost approximately $8,000 for parts and supplies to restore the Jeep in its original glory.

In return for Fox restoration efforts the museum will award him with the 1945 Jeep, said McKeever. The Kiwanis President Judy Jackson said after the tour that she is happy to see that Fort Oglethorpe has a place where the stories of soldiers who bravely fought during the war are recognized and shared.

She also recalls the effect that war films had on her father, which she said would usually make her dad cry although she could never get him to talk about his experiences but she knows from her father's reactions that he has been through a lot during the war.

McKeever has also taken the opportunity to invite all those who are interested to volunteer for their day-to-day assistance and for the upcoming preparations for the National Military Appreciation Month which will be held this coming May. The museum is open starting Tuesday to Saturday at 9:00 AM- noon and 1 to 4 PM. The admission only cost $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Children aged 6 and below are free of charge while families that will come to visit the museum will be charged $10.