New and rapidly growing smaller displacement engine segment to reach 4-6% of North America market by 2014

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 21 -- Honeywell is taking the lead in turbo technologies designed specifically for small gasoline engines (1.4L) destined for the US, with the breakthrough launch of GM's Chevy Cruze - foreshadowing the emergence of a new and rapidly-growing sector expected to reach up to 4-6% penetration in all US light vehicle sales by 2014.

The GM 1.4L engine is equipped with Honeywell's latest gasoline turbocharger technology which incorporates new advances in bearing technology and aerodynamics specifically suited for small gasoline engines.

"Thanks to a turbo's unique ability to increase the performance output of smaller displacement engines, a downsizing revolution is underway in the US and around the world," said Alex Ismail, President and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems. "Honeywell is excited to be leading the way in this sector. Over the next 10 years, this mega trend will see average engine displacement in the US reduce from 3.6L to 2.9L moving from V8 and V6 engines to 4 cylinders - a major reflection of this trend being high volume growth in smaller, 4-cylinder turbocharged passenger cars of around 1.4L. As the world's leading turbo manufacturer, we are well positioned to benefit from the move, which will help drive greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the auto industry."

Turbo growth is strongly linked in the US to CAFE standards that require fuel economy improvements of around 40 percent in light vehicles by 2016. Overall, turbo penetration is expected to reach 25 percent by the year 2014 up from 5% in 2009, driven mostly by the growth in gasoline engine boosting,

Honeywell Turbo Technologies is the leading automotive turbocharger developer in the world, and is a business unit of Honeywell Transportation Systems, which also consists of Consumer Products Group and Friction Materials. As a leading automotive supplier, Honeywell Transportation Systems enhances vehicle performance, efficiency and appearance through state-of-the-art technologies, world-class brands, and global solutions tailored for its automotive customers around the world.

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

The $1,000 car – it's an often-quixotic purchase. You go into it an optimist, but very soon after, the newness of your latest old thing wears off, and you're left with a four-wheeled sarcophagus of rattles, forgotten receipts and gum wrappers. Still, there's a certain romance to the idea of a fantastic deal on a reasonably-good car, and they are out there. To prove their point, the founders of Carsforagrand.com purchased a Colonnade-era Pontiac for $800 and drove more than 3,000 miles across the country. Boo-ya.

The site aggregates ads from the internet and eBay Motors, and wraps them all up in a neat, zip-code-searchable form. The bigger point we take away from Carsforagrand's stunt is that there are cars in California that we'd consider nearly perfect in the rustbelt. For a grand. Three-hundred days of sun per year not enough for you guys, you have to hoard all the cheap, non-rusty old cars, too?

Source: www.Autoblog.com, www.carsforagrand.com

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Despite a torrent of high-profile recalls that have tarnished Toyota's once stellar reputation, a study published Wednesday reveals that the automaker actually gets fewer customer complaints per car than the majority of its competitors.

Edmunds.com reviewed more than 200,000 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the last decade and found that Toyota ranked 17th among the top 20 automakers in the overall number of complaints per vehicle sold.

The results come amid a series of recalls totaling more than 8.1 million Toyotas worldwide, including 400,000 of the popular 2010 Prius hybrid for problems associated with sticking brake pedals, software glitches and faulty floormats.

The study was based on the percentage of complaints each automaker received versus the total number of vehicles they sold in the United States between 2001 and 2010.

As a result, British carmaker Land Rover had the highest proportion of complaints relative to the number of cars it sold. The company received 0.6% of the total complaints in the database, while its sales amounted to only 0.1% of all new cars sold in the United States.

Meanwhile, Toyota had 9.1% of all the complaints in the database. But the company was number 17 on the list because its sales made up 13.5% of the U.S. market.

According to the study, Toyota had fewer complaints than its American rivals. Ford was number 10 on the list, while General Motors came in at number 11.

The only automakers to receive fewer complaints than Toyota were Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and the Mercedes-made Smart Car.

Among the other automakers that ranked high on the list were Suzuki and Isuzu, which came in at numbers 2 and 3 respectively. German automaker Volkswagen came in at number 4.

The complaints lodged against Toyota ranged from minor problems with lighting to more serious issues such as sudden acceleration and difficulty steering. But the study did not rate the reported incidences for severity.

Edmunds.com said that it found some unreliable reports in the database, including one complaint indicating that 99 people had died in one vehicle as a result of an accident. It also said that about 10% of the complaints appeared to be duplicates.

Quality control: Not just Toyota's problem

While the issues raised by Toyota's recent recalls shouldn't be overlooked, quality control concerns are apparent across the entire automobile industry, said Jeremy Anwyl, Edmunds.com chief executive.

"A broader view shows that consumer complaints reflect an industry issue, not just a Toyota issue," said Anwyl. "It is no longer an option for car companies to dismiss consumer complaints, even if the event is difficult to replicate or diagnose."

Some automakers assume that customer complaints are the result of driver error and not necessarily a reflection of design problems, said Jeannine Fallon, an Edmunds.com analyst.

"It depends on the culture of the car company," she said. "But it's clear now that Toyota has not had very many conversations with NHTSA."

Bring on the Whip. That's the feeling behind the announcement today that Wheego Electric Cars, a division of RTEV, is officially launching its U.S. dealer network. Wheego says their entry into the U.S. market is well-timed because, "There is a perfect storm of macro-events that are [sic] causing the American public to take personal inventory of their habits across a wide spectrum which includes personal transportation, and RTEV is entering the marketplace at this pivotal time." The first car will be the Wheego Whip (above), which is most certainly not a smart fortwo, and the plan is to find 50 dealers in America who want to sell them. Wheego president Jeff Boyd says that applications have come in from dealers who currently carry major brands (he listed Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Saturn, and Suzuki) as well as more niche, electric-vehicle-only dealers. Despite being a low-speed NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), Wheego and RTEV say that feedback has so far been overwhelmingly positive. The Whip goes on sale in May, so we don't have long to find out if they're right.

For more information visit http://wheego.net/

Millions of drivers rely on their vehicles in order to get to school, work and other places. Automotive mechanics are integral in keeping a costly investment from turning into a costly mistake. Mechanics keep engines and car parts from failing. They are also important in extending the lives of car parts and engines with routine and scheduled maintenance.

With the number of drivers out on the road, there is a high demand for skilled and professional automotive mechanics. Formal training programs are important and useful for those interested in the field. Automotive service technician training programs may be offered by high schools, community colleges, or vocational and technical schools.

Associate Degree- Automotive Maintenance Technology

If you enjoy cars, working with your hands, and solving problems, a career as an automotive technician may be for you. The first step on the career path is to get formal training in the field. An Associate Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology will provide the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the automotive field.

Automotive Technology Certificate

The Automotive Technology Certificate gives students practical, hands-on training in the complex automobile industry using computerized and traditional tools to troubleshoot car and engine problems. Students become knowledgeable about vehicles from various car and light truck manufacturers and learn to fix electronic, engine and brake systems.

Mechanic and Repair Technologies

Industry and performance standards are on the rise and with progressive reliance on technology, commerce has dictated a need for individuals able to maintain electronics, machinery and other complex systems. Without knowledge of circuit and machine technology, success is increasingly difficult in this constantly evolving industry. Technology is also advancing and creating new and more efficient methods of repairing mechanical systems making certification an absolute necessity. Students interested in mechanic and repair technologies will be subject to comprehensive testing, as well as hands-on training to ensure they join the work force as competent professionals.

Automotive and Commercial Technology Certificate Programs

Positions in trucking companies, repair shops and mass transit systems are available to those with education in specific areas. An automotive technology certificate program will teach students about diagnosing, repairing and maintaining engines in cars, buses, trucks and heavy equipment. Automotive, diesel and industrial technician certificate programs are one to two year programs that give students theoretical knowledge of engines with hands-on maintenance experience using computerized tools. Students will install parts, weld exhaust systems and become experts in maintenance issues for automotive and commercial transportation vehicles and equipment.

Auto Tech Coursework:

• Introduction to Automotive Technology
• Brakes and Suspension
• Vehicle Inspections
• Basic Diesel Engine Tune-Up and Troubleshooting
• Diesel Electronics Systems
• Diagnostic Strategies
• Repairing Diesel Engines
• Power Trains
Skills Acquired

Graduates of Automotive Technology, Diesel and Industrial Technician Certificate programs will be proficient in;

• diagnosing and servicing automobiles
• heavy duty trucks and equipment
• keeping fleet logs
• repairing fuel systems
• testing engines.

Courses in computer science and communication will enhance career options and can lead to management positions.

Job Outlook and Salary Information

Nearly every industry relies on vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment to transport products to consumers. Most diesel technicians work in the trucking industry and steady employment is common. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence is just one entity offering certifications for diesel service technicians as heavy truck technicians, master school bus technicians and in components of repairing trucks including diesel engines, electronic systems and inspection. Diesel and industrial technicians may seek employment as diesel and heavy equipment technicians, fleet maintenance technicians or engine specialists. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov  , median annual salaries for diesel technicians and mechanics were $37,232 in 2004.

The towing capacity of a vehicle is an often misunderstood subject and as much as people don't want to believe it, it really is not just about horsepower.

Most vehicles have enough power to tow a trailer. A small car or even a motorcycle has the capability to pull a trailer. It’s not always recommended, but it can be done. An average sedan can tow about 1,000 lbs while larger cars and minivans can tow around 3,500 lbs. Go up a step and light trucks and SUVs can tow close to 5,000 lbs with the heavy duty trucks being able to tow much more.

The difference isn’t just the horsepower or the torque of the engine. There are many factors that determine towing capacity. Some of those are:

• Horsepower
• Torque
• Overhead camshafts versus overhead valves
• Engine configuration
• Axle ratio
• Rear wheel drive versus front wheel drive
• Engine
• Frame design
• Hitch-to-car mounting
• Wheel load ratings
• Tire load ratings
• Suspension load ratings
• Transmission and oil cooling equipment
• Brake size
• Electrical systems

Towing capacity is built into the vehicle during manufacturing based on what the company thinks the vehicle will be used for, by whom and where these people live. The towing capacity is based on a vehicle’s ability to tow a specific load up a steep incline as any driver might come across when driving in mountainous terrain with steep hills.

This really means that it isn’t horsepower as the main requirement but low RPM torque. Major highways in the US normally have only a seven percent grade at the most. The easier a vehicle can make it up this grade will determine the towing capacity of that particular vehicle.

Generally, automatic transmissions with torque converters are more capable of towing a heavy load than the same vehicle with a standard transmission.

There are several ways to change RPM torque for hauling. Some of these are:

• Increasing tire size will reduce torque and the reverse is true as well
• Installing a 4.10:1 axle ratio instead of the 3.7:1 will increase torque by about 10 percent to the wheels.

Instead of changing axle gear ratios or tire sized, most drivers change the gear they are driving in. It’s usually better to drive in a lower gear for towing. Both manual and automatic transmissions are built with overdrive gear ratios. An overdrive gear does reduce engine rpm, make the vehicle more fuel efficient, with less wear and a quieter ride, however it also lowers torque to the wheels.

If you are driving a five- or six-speed, either automatic or manual, then driving in fourth gear is often recommended for towing heavy trailers. If you are driving a four-speed automatic then it’s better to drive in third gear. The lower gear decreases the load on the engine while increasing the torque to the wheels. When the engine isn’t overworked, the driver doesn’t need as much throttle and therefore it will still use less fuel than by driving the other way.

Once the various elements have been worked out for a new vehicle, the engineers can then determine the towing capacity. With this information they then, match wheel bearings, braking capability, axle strength, and even the frame design to the towing capacity to create the best combination to suit the consumer’s towing needs.

Acronyms for Towing Capacity

Like any industry, it helps to understand the language commonly used to explain the science. There are a few acronyms for towing that need to be understood.

GVWR – the stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR of a vehicle is the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle including the vehicle, driver, passengers, cargo and the fuel the vehicle carries.

GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight. This is the total weight of the driver, passengers, cargo, car components and any accessories.

GTWR – Gross Trailer Weight Rating. This the maximum weight recommended for the trailer and its contents.

GTW – Gross Trailer Weight. This is the total weight of the trailer including all cargo.

GCWR – Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum recommended gross weight of the trailer and the vehicle plus the driver, passengers, cargo and contents of both vehicles.

GCW– Gross Combination Weight (also called GCVW). This is the total weight of the vehicle and trailer plus driver, passenger, cargo, and contents of both vehicles.

GAWR – Gross Axle Weight Rating. This is the maximum allowable weight for a single axle to safely tow.

www.autotropolis.com

There is no doubt that cars are getting smarter and more fun with the help of new tech. Conservative manufacturers are getting quicker about moving new gadgets and systems into our autos.

Tech has become the cup holder of the 21st Century, helping set models apart from each other. Wading through the many options, AAA recently compiled its list of top car tech for 2009 and 2010 models:

MyKey. Introduced by Ford, MyKey employs a computer chip in the vehicle's ignition key to limit teen drivers to a top speed of 80 mph. Parents can also program the teen's key to limit audio system levels and sound a continuous alert if the driver doesn't wear a seatbelt. Another MyKey option is the ability to sound a chime if the teen driver exceeds 45, 55 or 65 mph. While this technology does not replace the need for parental involvement with teen drivers, MyKey can be a helpful tool when used in conjunction with AAA's driver training and parent-teen driving agreement.

MyKey will be introduced as a standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus, Escape hybrid, and selected other vehicles before spreading to the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup as models are updated.

Solar Roof Panels. Some hybrid models now integrate solar roof panels into their designs, making this technology one of two environmentally-friendly features on AAA's top-10 list. The Karma luxury hybrid sedan, due out in November 2009 from American sports car company Fisker Automotive, will have a solar roof partitioned into four zones with 20 solar cells in series that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The power generated can be sent to the electric motors that drive the car, used to power the climate controls or stored for future use.

The 2010 Toyota Prius uses a solar roof to power a fan that circulates fresh air through the interior when the vehicle is parked. This keeps the passenger compartment cooler and reduces the load on the electrically powered air conditioning system the next time the car is driven.

Lane Departure Warning Systems. Though not new for 2009, the increased availability of lane departure warning systems is an important safety feature that earns this technology a spot on the list. These systems monitor a vehicle's path of travel, typically through tracking of lane markings, and sound an audible and/or tactile (through the steering wheel) alert when the vehicle drifts outside its lane. Some systems are able to provide corrective steering input in addition to sounding an alarm.

First introduced in North America by Infiniti, lane departure warning systems also are now available on selected new models from Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, Buick, Volvo, Audi and Mercedes Benz.

Blind Spot Warning Systems. A few of today's new cars offer blind spot warning systems as an added safety feature. These systems monitor the areas at the rear sides of the vehicle that are often invisible in the mirrors. The systems provide a visual indication, usually on the applicable side mirror, when an obstacle is present in the monitored area. Mercedes Benz, Mazda, Volvo, Buick, Cadillac and Lincoln are among the manufacturers offering blind spot warning systems.

Driver Alertness Monitors. The dangers of drowsy driving are frequently overlooked by motorists, which earns driver alertness monitors a spot on AAA's top-tech list. Mercedes Benz will introduce the Attention Assist feature on select 2010 models to combat the threat of drivers falling asleep while at the wheel. Attention Assist monitors the driver's steering and throttle inputs, and when they vary too far from normal patterns a loud voice announces, "Attention Assist! Brake!" to alert the sleepy driver. Volvo began offering similar system called Driver Alert in 2008 and has it available on several upcoming models.

Though a great new technology, driver alertness monitors do not replace the need for a good night's sleep and knowing when it is time to stop and rest when traveling. Motorists should not view these monitors as an excuse to test their endurance behind the wheel.

Collision Preparation Systems. These systems are programmed to recognize situations that indicate an accident may be imminent, such as when the closing rate with the vehicle ahead exceeds a certain limit, the vehicle begins to skid or the driver initiates hard braking. Once triggered, collision preparation systems take steps to reduce the possibility of a collision while providing maximum protection for the vehicle occupants. Depending on the model, a collision preparation system may: tighten the seat belts, close open windows and sunroofs, lock the doors and apply the brakes. Acura, Lexus, Toyota, Volvo and Mercedes Benz are among the manufacturers that offer collision preparation systems.
Automatic Air Recirculation with Smog Sensor. Some Lexus models offer a unique feature on their climate control systems that automatically switches the ventilation system to recirculate when high levels of outside pollutants are detected in the cabin. The system reverts back to fresh-air intake once detectable levels of pollutants have been reduced.

The system's ability to detect dust, pollen, smoke and carbon dioxide make it a helpful feature in both urban and rural environments.

"Green" Driving Assistance. Several new hybrid models offer drivers a choice of operating modes that can help them obtain maximum fuel efficiency. A couple of manufacturers have gone a step farther and integrated visual cues into their instrument panel displays that help "teach" motorists how to drive more efficiently. In the Ford Fusion hybrid, a plant grows branches and leaves when the car is driven in a fuel efficient manner-and withers as economy goes down. The 2010 Honda Insight hybrid has a speedometer display that varies in color from blue to green as efficiency increases and offers guidance on braking techniques.

Ford and Honda have taken care in designing these displays to ensure they are not too distracting for drivers. The desire to obtain maximum fuel efficiency should never take away from drivers' awareness of their surroundings and the need for safe vehicle operation.

SplitView. Mercedes Benz's 2010 S-Class cars will debut a new display technology that allows the driver and passenger to see two totally separate programs from the same display. The driver can access navigation information, receive turn-by-turn directions and monitor various vehicle systems on the eight-inch screen, while the passenger can watch a DVD on the same screen at the same time without distracting the driver. The system allows the audio program on the passenger's side to be routed through headphones to further reduce distractions.

While an innovative technology, the SplitView system is most noteworthy as the first in-car video entertainment system for front-seat passengers that does not pose a distraction to the driver.

Enhanced Vehicle Stability Controls. The next item on AAA's list is not one technology, but rather a group of features that began with anti-lock brakes and has evolved into a wide range of electronic suspension controls that improve ride, handling and safety. Most cars today have some form of stability control that works to offset vehicle skids by using the anti-lock components to apply the brakes at selected wheels. Rollover control extends the operation of stability control into a third dimension to counteract the tendency of tall SUVs to tip over under extreme cornering. The latest enhancement to stability controls is towing sway control that detects cyclical side loadings on the vehicle and uses the ABS components to counteract trailer sway.

In a related area of stability, many highline vehicles now offer some form of active suspension control that provides real-time variable shock absorber damping to improve ride and handling. This is done through computer controlled shock absorbers that have electrically switched internal valving or use a special fluid that changes viscosity (thickness) when an electrical current is passed through it. BMW offers a further enhancement called Active Roll Stabilization that can uncouple the suspension's anti-roll bars for a smooth ride in a straight line, then selectively re-couple the bars as needed for optimum cornering performance. Most active suspensions also have a control that allows the driver to select between a number of modes that vary from comfort to performance.

[Source: Dave Lagesse www.usnews.com]

When it comes to car repair you basically have two options; you let others do it or you or do it yourself. In this article we will focus and the last option; Do It Yourself car repairs. A vehicle breakdown can happen any time and, dependent on where and when it happens, it can be a really bad experience. So it is smart to be prepared for doing a little auto repair work by yourself.

The easiest way out is of course to use other people to fix your car. But what if it stalls in the middle of a desert? Then the service of an auto club (AAA) comes in. If you haven't already, you can register with one and always remember to keep their phone number in your car. If you cannot solve the problem yourself, an auto club suddenly becomes very convenient.  If you join a good auto center they will appear promptly with a tow truck if necessary, taking your vehicle to the nearest repair shop for a decent price.

Nevertheless, it is good to have at least some knowledge on how to troubleshoot and fix your vehicle, so here are a few things that will help you get the necessary skills.

Educate yourself to become as a 'Do-It-Yourself' Mechanic
This will indeed help you to tackle the problem, not only to identify it. Begin trying your hands on some little repair and maintenance work now. Join a car repair website for guidance and instruction. This is particularly important to the vital parts of your vehicle so as not to fail. You will be happy you did when next you have a breakdown.

Carefully read your car repair manual
Get yourself a well detailed and well illustrated auto repair manual, and familiarize yourself with your auto parts, systems and their functions. These are the basics of Do-It-Yourself car repairs jobs. Study the parts dealing with troubleshooting vehicle engines very well, so that you can smoothly discern what happen when your car breaks down, and you know where to go to fix the problem.  You can check for your specific service manual here.

Keep some vital car parts in your vehicle
You can purchase and keep some necessary, highly susceptible to breakdown car parts and accessories in your car, such as plugs, fan belt etc, and you can just find them and use them to replace faulty ones instead of wasting your time buying another one.

Keep some vital tools in your car
Get a little toolbox, with necessary repair and maintenance tools and never go without them. You can get the details of the tools you need from your vehicle repair manual. You can't fix anything without the right tools, and with them Do-It-Yourself auto repair can get as easy as it can be.

Have some cash on you when you're driving
If your car should break down, it sometimes requires that you need to buy car parts and accessories. Money can in fact bail you out, so always keep some cash on you.

 
Last but not least: Your mental preparation
If a breakdown should occur you are sitting there half shocked and wonder; 'what the heck shall I do?'. In such cases it is very easy to be caught by panic, especially if you don't have any particular or general knowledge of vehicles or car repair skills. What you can do to prevent panic and immobility, is to follow the tips above and visualize yourself practicing the knowledge or skills you have learned and everything will go just fine.

www.buzzle.com