Chevrolet Parts: Guaranteed Quality

Friday, November 16, 2007

The General Motors Corporation-produced Chevrolet boasts of a wide range of quality products from trucks to cars to sport utility vehicles for its customers worldwide. Since 1911, the Chevrolet brand has continuously evolved, as seen through its modern vehicles available at present. What made these even more appealing are the quality Chevrolet parts which can either be replacement parts or special add-ons that are easily accessible in the market.

The American automaker’s largest brand, Chevrolet, takes pride in the automotive parts equipped in its famous line of vehicles. The famous Chevy is represented not only by compact cars, but also by light, medium, and heavy duty trucks. Thus it must be ensured that all the Chevrolet parts are more than superbly manufactured to meet and even exceed the demands of its vehicles.

One of the best-selling models of Chevrolet is the medium-sized pick-up truck called the “Chevrolet Silverado.” Since this vehicle has to perform heavy tasks, which can include hauling or towing, it needs powerful Chevrolet parts. Thus all the Chevrolet trucks are geared to be tough. They usually have a 5.3-liter V8 engine that can guarantee up to 300 to 315 horsepower. Vehicles with beefed-up engines have to be matched with equally powerful suspension, transmission, and wheel systems to make it easier for the operator to control the vehicle. As Chevy trucks’ spacious cabin makes it suitable for the use of big families, their exterior are equipped with Chevrolet parts like the headlights and taillights assemblies for better road visibility, thus ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants. These principles do not only apply to trucks, but to other Chevy vehicles as well.

Aside from the basic Chevrolet parts, some models of this brand are also designed to exude an air of luxury. Special features like the backing sonar, power adjustable pedals, leather bucket seats, and satellite radio are just some of the innovations installed in Chevrolet vehicles. Customization of Chevrolet parts can also be done, but owners have to make sure that the quality of these parts is never compromised. The usability of the Chevrolet parts before the sleek and stylish look that they can provide should be prioritized.

Sports Cars. Power, Speed, Excitment - Yes Please!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Sports Cars. Reasons Why People Like Them

Sports cars are performance vehicles that provide driving satisfaction and pleasure.

They allow a person to engage in the absolute driving experience and be in touch directly with the highway or road, as diametrically as possible.

In the automobile industry where economy vehicles, "family sedans" and SUV's dominate the field, sports cars definitely stand out.

These types of cars, for the able and skilled drivers, can give optimum performance on the road.

Not all drivers are equally skilled, but to individuals who are capable of feeling and understanding the faint messages of these vehicles, they can indulge in a rewarding and satisfying driving experience since sports cars are intended to be driven fairly fast.

Because of this driving pleasure, many people are drawn to a sports car.

This is just one of the many reasons why people like these vehicles. Other reasons include:

1. Appearance. The aerodynamic design of a sports car makes it appealing to car fans. Although when you are making an automotive investment, this should not be the principal or only reason to purchase that vehicle. Functionality should be the primary consideration even though beauty will also enter into your decision.

2. Driving characteristics. While other vehicles are mainly designed for affordability and function, sports cars gives emphasis on performance and execution.

The trait and condition of driving a sports car is an experience often unmatched. Keeping in mind their very discriminating car drivers, sports cars easily out perform the road execution of other automobiles.

Drivers can quickly accelerate when required, hug turns, and have a certain driving management not provided by most vehicles.

3. Fun and excitement. The driving qualities of a sports car can provide excitement and fun.

A person can spend hours talking about exciting experiences such as curve hugging wile not taking one's foot off of the accelerator or zooming past slow moving traffic yet remaining in full control or talk about the feeling of gratification, and knowing that one is driving a car with superb engineering.

4. Duration and resale value. Each new automobile depreciates the very second it is driven.

However, sports cars will become more valuable as time passes, because of their above-mentioned qualities and are expected to become potential classics that will retain their value.

One does not need to make their car choice a statement, although if one chooses, the opportunity is right there.

Owning a sports car will make a statement about the owner's personality.

How To Buy A Used Car The Smart Way

Friday, October 26, 2007

How To Buy A Used Car The Smart Way Buying a Used Car

This year, more than 16 million Americans will buy a used car. If that’s what you are planning, this guide may help you.

It explains your protections under the FTC’s Used Car Rule and offers some shopping suggestions, even if you are not buying from a used car dealer.

Before you begin looking at used cars, think about what car models and options you want and how much you are able or willing to spend. You can learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified. Also, your local library and book stores have magazines that discuss and compare car models, options, and costs, as well as provide information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests, and mileage. The U.S. Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline (800-424-9393) will tell you if a car model has ever been recalled and send you information about that recall.


Before You Look For a Used Car, Consider


Costs. Remember, the real cost of a car includes more than the purchase price: it includes loan terms, such as interest rates and the length of the loan. If you plan to finance the car, you need to know how much money you can put down and how much you can pay monthly. Dealers and lending institutions offer a variety of interest rates and payment schedules, so you will want to shop for terms. If, for example, you need low monthly payments, consider making a large down payment or getting financing that will stretch your payments over five years, rather than the usual three. Of course, this longer payment period means paying more interest and a higher total cost.

Reliability. You can learn how reliable a model is by checking in publications for the frequency-of-repair records. Find out what models have repair facilities in a location convenient to you and if parts are readily available at the repair facility.

Dealer Reputation. Find out from experienced people whose opinions you respect which dealers in your area have good reputations for sales and service. You may wish to call your local consumer protection office and the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have any complaints against particular dealers.


If You Buy a Used Car From a Dealer


If you go to a dealer for a used car, look for a 'Buyers Guide' sticker on the window of each car. The Buyers Guide, required by the Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule, gives you important information and suggestions to consider. The Buyers Guide tells you:

* Whether the vehicle comes with a warranty and, if so, what specific protection the dealer will provide;

* Whether the vehicle comes with no warranty ('as is') or with implied warranties only;

* That you should ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy;

* That you should get all promises in writing; and

* What some of the major problems are that may occur in any car.

The Used Car Rule requires dealers to post the Buyers Guide on all used vehicles, including automobiles, light-duty vans, and light-duty trucks. 'Demonstrator' cars also must have Buyers Guides. But Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Individuals selling fewer than six cars a year are not required to post Buyers Guides.

Whenever you purchase a used car from a dealer, you should receive the original or an identical copy of the Buyers Guide that appeared in the window of the vehicle you bought. The Buyers Guide must reflect any changes in warranty coverage that you may have negotiated with the dealer. It also becomes a part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions that may be in that contract.

As you read this brochure, you can refer to the Buyers Guide, shown on pages 6 through 8.


'As Is--No Warranty'


About one-half of all used cars sold by dealers come 'as is,' which means there is no express or implied warranty. If you buy a car 'as is' and have problems with it, you must pay for any repairs yourself. When the dealer offers a vehicle for sale 'as is,' the box next to the 'As Is--No Warranty' disclosure on the Buyers Guide will be checked. If this box is checked but the dealer makes oral promises to repair the vehicle, have the dealer put those promises in writing on the Buyers Guide.

Some states (Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia) do not permit 'as is' sales for most or all used motor vehicles.


'Implied Warranties Only'


Implied warranties exist under all state laws and come with almost every purchase from a used car dealer, unless the dealer tells you in writing that implied warranties do not apply. Usually, dealers use the words 'as is' or 'with all faults' to disclaim implied warranties. Most states require the use of specific words.


'If the dealer makes oral promises, have the dealer put those promises in writing.'


The 'warranty of merchantability' is the most common type of implied warranty. This means that the seller promises that the product will do what it is supposed to do. For example, a car will run, a toaster will toast.

Another type of implied warranty is the 'warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.' This applies when you buy a vehicle on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for a particular use. For example, a dealer who suggests that you buy a specific vehicle for hauling a trailer warrants, in effect, that the vehicle will be suitable for hauling a trailer.

If you buy a vehicle with a written warranty, but problems arise that the warranty does not cover, you may still be protected by implied warranties. Any limitation on the duration of implied warranties must appear on the written warranty.

In those states that do not permit 'as is' sales by dealers, or if the dealer offers a vehicle with only implied warranties, a disclosure entitled 'Implied Warranties Only' will be printed on the Buyers Guide in place of the 'As Is' disclosure. The box next to this disclosure would be checked if the dealer chooses to sell the car with implied warranties and no written warranty. A copy of the Buyers Guide with the 'Implied Warranties Only' disclosure is shown on page 7.


Dealer Warranties


When dealers offer a written warranty on a used vehicle, they must fill in the warranty portion of the Buyers Guide. Because the terms and conditions of written warranties can vary widely, you may find it useful to compare warranty terms on cars or negotiate warranty coverage.

Dealers may offer a full or limited warranty on all or some of the systems or components of the vehicle. A 'full' warranty provides the following terms and conditions:

* Warranty service will be provided to anyone who owns the vehicle during the warranty period when a problem is reported.

* Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including such costs as returning the vehicle or removing and reinstalling a system covered by the warranty, when necessary.

* At your choice, the dealer will provide either a replacement or a full refund if the dealer is unable, after a reasonable number of tries, to repair the vehicle or a system covered by the warranty.

* Warranty service is provided without requiring you to perform any reasonable duty as a precondition for receiving service, except notifying the dealer that service is needed.

* No limit is placed on the duration of implied warranties.

If any one of the above statements is not true, then the warranty is 'limited.' A 'full' or 'limited' warranty need not cover the entire vehicle. The dealer may specify only certain systems for coverage under a warranty. Most used car warranties are 'limited,' which usually means you will have to pay some of the repair costs. By giving a 'limited' warranty, the dealer is telling you that there are some costs or responsibilities that the dealer will not assume for systems covered by the warranty.

If the dealer offers a full or limited warranty, the dealer must provide the following information in the 'Warranty' section of the Buyers Guide:

* The percentage of the repair cost that the dealer will pay. For example, 'the dealer will pay 100% of the labor and 100% of the parts....';

* The specific parts and systems, such as the frame, body, or brake system that are covered by the warranty. The back of the Buyers Guide contains a list of descriptive names for the major systems of an automobile where problems may occur;

* The duration of the warranty for each covered system. For example, '30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever occurs first'; and

* Whether a deductible applies.

Under another federal law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you have a right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty before a purchase. Examine the warranty carefully before you buy to see what is covered and what is not. It contains more detailed information than the Buyers Guide, such as a step-by-step explanation of hoax to obtain repairs if a covered system or component malfunctions. Also check who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the warranty. If a third party is responsible, the best way to avoid potential problems is to make sure that the third party is reputable and insured. You can do this by asking the company for the name of their insurer and then checking its performance record with your local Better Business Bureau.


Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties


If the used vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, the dealer may include it in the 'systems covered/duration' section of the Buyers Guide. This does not necessarily mean that the. dealer offers a warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s. In some cases, a manufacturer’s original warranty can be transferred to a second owner only upon payment of a fee. If you have any questions, ask the dealer to let you examine any unexpired warranty on the vehicle.


Service Contracts


When you buy a car, you may be offered a service contract, which you can buy for an extra cost. In deciding whether you want a service contract, consider:

* Whether the warranty that comes with your car already covers the same repairs that you would get under the service contract or whether the service contract protection begins after the warranty runs out. Does the service contract extend longer than the time you expect to own the car? If so, is the service contract transferable or is a shorter contract available?

* Whether the vehicle is likely to need repairs and their potential costs. The value of a service contract is determined by whether the cost of repairs is likely to be greater than the price you pay for the service contract protection.

* Whether the service contract covers all parts and systems of the car. Check out all claims carefully. Claims that coverage is 'bumper to bumper' may not be entirely accurate.

* Whether there is a deductible required, and, if so, consider the amount and terms of the deductible.

* Whether the contract covers incidental expenses, such as towing and the costs of a rental car while your car is being serviced.

* Whether repairs and routine maintenance, such as oil changes, can be performed at locations other than the dealership from which you purchased the contract.

* Whether there is a cancellation and refund policy for the service contract, and what the costs are if you cancel.

* Whether the dealer or company offering the service contract is reputable. Read the contract carefully to determine who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the contract. Some dealers sell service contracts that are backed by a third party. If a third party is responsible, you may wish to ask if the company is insured and to check the company’s performance with your local Better Business Bureau.

If a service contract is offered, the dealer must mark the box provided on the Buyers Guide, except in those states that regulate service contracts under their insurance laws. If the Buyers Guide does not include a reference to a service contract, and you are interested, ask the salesperson whether one is available.

When you purchase a service contract from the dealer within 90 days of buying the vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer from disclaiming implied warranties on the systems covered in that service contract. For example, if you buy a car 'as is,' the car normally will not be covered by implied warranties.

But if you buy a service contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied warranties on the engine, which may give you protection beyond the scope of the service contract. Make sure you receive a written confirmation that your service contract is in effect.


Spoken Promises


The Buyers Guide warns consumers not to rely on spoken promises. Oral promises are difficult, if not impossible, to enforce. Make sure all promises you want are written into the Buyers Guide and keep it.


Pre-Purchase Independent Inspection


The Buyers Guide also suggests you ask the dealer whether you may have the vehicle inspected by your own mechanic. Some dealers will let you take the car off the lot to get an independent inspection. Others may have reasons, such as insurance restrictions, for denying this request. In such a case, the dealer may permit you to bring an independent mechanic to the used car on the lot. A dealer who refuses to allow any independent inspection may be telling you something about the condition of the car.

Remember, a good-looking car, or a car that comes with a warranty, does not necessarily run well. An independent inspection lets you find out about the mechanical condition of the vehicle before you buy it. Although an inspection fee by a mechanic may seem high, when you compare it to the price of the car, it can be worth the cost.


Vehicle Systems


The Buyers Guide includes a list of the 14 major systems of an automobile and some of the major problems that may occur in these systems. You may find this list helpful to evaluate the mechanical condition of the vehicle. The list also may be useful when comparing warranties offered on different cars or by different dealers.


Dealer Identification and Consumer Complaint Information


On the back of the Buyers Guide, you will find the name and address of the dealership. In the space below that, you will find the name and telephone number of the person at the dealership to contact if you have any complaints after the sale.


Spanish Language Sales


If you buy a used car and the sales talk is conducted in Spanish, you are entitled to see and keep a Spanish-language version of the Buyers Guide.


If You Buy a Used Car From a Private Party


Many cars are available privately, such as through classified ads in a newspaper. If you are shopping for a car from an individual, you should understand several differences between sales made by individuals and by dealers.

* Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and therefore, do not have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you still can follow the Guide’s suggestions. For example, you can refer to the list of potential problems displayed on the back of the Buyers Guide shown in this brochure. In addition, ask the seller whether you may have the vehicle inspected by your own mechanic and whether you may take it on a test drive.

* Private sales usually are not covered by the 'implied warranties' of state law. So, a private sale probably will be on an 'as is' basis, unless your contract with the seller specifically provides otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller must live up to the promises stated in the contract.


'An independent inspection lets you find out about the mechanical condition of the vehicle before you buy it.'


Depending on its age, the car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. However, warranties and service contracts may not be transferable, or there may be limitations or costs for a transfer. Before you purchase the car, ask the seller to let you examine any warranty or service contract on the vehicle.

* Many states require that dealers, but not individuals, ensure that their vehicles will pass state inspection or carry a minimum warranty before they offer them for sale. Ask your state’s attorney general’s office or a local consumer protection office about the requirements on individuals and on dealers in your state.


Before You Buy Any Used Car


If you are interested in a particular car, ask the dealer or owner if you can take it on a test drive. Try to drive the car under many different conditions, such as on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

You also may want to ask the dealer or owner whether the car has ever been in an accident. Find out as much as you can about the car’s prior history and maintenance record. Getting an independent inspection by an experienced mechanic is a good idea before purchasing any used car.

Be prepared to negotiate. Many dealers and individuals are willing to bargain on price and/or on warranty coverage.


If You Have Problems


If something goes wrong with your car and you think that it is covered by a warranty (either express or implied) or a service contract, refer to the terms of the warranty or contract for instructions on how to get service. If a dispute arises concerning the problem, there are several steps you can take.


Try To Work It Out With The Dealer


First, try to resolve the problem with the salesperson or, if necessary, speak with the owner of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. However, if you believe that you are entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you can take other steps.

If your warranty is backed by a car manufacturer and you have a dispute about either service or coverage, contact the local representative of the manufacturer. This local or 'zone' representative has the authority to adjust and make decisions about warranty service and repairs to satisfy customers.

Some manufacturers also are willing to repair certain problems in specific models free of charge, even if the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the manufacturer’s zone representative or the service department of a franchised dealership that sells your car model whether there is such a policy.


Other Approaches You Can Try


If you cannot get satisfaction from the dealer or from a manufacturer’s zone representative, contact the Better Business Bureau or a state agency, such as the office of the attorney general, the department of motor vehicles, or a consumer protection office. Many states also have county and city offices that intervene or mediate on behalf of individual consumers to resolve complaints.

You also might consider using a dispute resolution organization to arbitrate your disagreement if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many warranties, this may be a required first step before you can sue the dealer or manufacturer. Check your warranty to see if this is the case. If you bought your car from a franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP), a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to see if they operate a mediation program.

If none of these steps is successful, you can consider going to small claims court, where you can resolve disputes involving small amounts of money for a low cost, often without an attorney. The clerk of your local small claims court can tell you how to file a suit and what the dollar limit is in your state.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also may be helpful. Under this federal law, you can sue based on breach of express warranties, implied warranties, or a service contract. If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorney’s fees and other court costs. A lawyer can advise you if this law applies to your situation.

Job Report Automotive Body Repairers

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Job Report Automotive Body Repairers

Published 1996 Mascor Publishing Co. P.O. Box 8308 Silver Spring, MD 20907

Nature of the Work

Thousands of motor vehicles are damaged in traffic accidents every day. Although some are junked, most can be made to look and drive like new. Automotive body repairers straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that are beyond repair. Usually, they can fix all types of vehicles, but most body repairers work on cars and small trucks. A few work on large trucks, buses, or tractor-trailers.

When a damaged vehicle is brought into the shop, body repairers generally receive instructions from their supervisors, who have determined which parts are to be restored or replaced and how much time the job should take.

Automotive body repairers use special machines to restore damaged frames and body sections to their original shape and location. They chain or clamp the frames and sections to alignment machines that usually use hydraulic pressure to align the damaged metal. For 'unicoupe' designs, which are built without frames, they also use bench systems to return body sections to precise alignment.

Body repairers remove badly damaged sections of body panels with a pneumatic metal-cutting gun or acetylene torch and weld in new section to replace them. Repairers pull out less serious dents with a hydraulic jack or hand prying bar, or knock them out with handtools or pneumatic hammers. They smooth out small dents and creases by holding a small anvil against one side of the damaged area while hammering the opposite side. They remove very small pits and dimples with pick hammers and punches.

Body repairers also repair or replace the plastic body parts used increasingly on newer model vehicles. They remove the damaged panels and determine the type of plastic from which they are made. With most types, they can apply heat from a hot-air welding gun or by immersion in hot water, and press the softened panel back into its original shape by hand. They replace plastic parts which are more difficult to repair. Body repairers use plastic or solder to fill small dents which cannot be worked out of the plastic or metal panel. On metal panels, they then file or grind the hardened filler to the original shape and sand it before painting. In many shops, automotive painters do the painting. In smaller shops, workers often do both body repairing and painting. A few body repairers specialize in repairing fiberglass car bodies.

Some body repairers specialize in installing glass in automobiles and other vehicles. Glass installers remove broken, cracked, or pitted windshields and window glass. Curved windshields are purchased precut from the manufacturer, but flat windows sometimes must be cut from a sheet of safety glass. Glass installers apply a moisture proofing compound along the edges of the glass, place it in the vehicle, and install rubber strips around the sides of the windshield or window to make it secure and weather proof.

Body repair work has variety and challenge -- each damaged vehicle presents a different problem. Repairers must develop appropriate methods for each job, using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques.

Body repairers usually work alone with only general directions from supervisors. In some shops, they may be assisted by helpers or apprentices. In large shops, body repairers may specialize in one type of repair, such as frame straightening or door and fender repairing.

Working Conditions

Automotive body repairers work indoors in body shops which are noisy because of the banging of hammers against metal and the whir of power tools. Most shops are well ventilated, but often they are dusty and smell of paint. Body repairers often work in awkward or cramped positions, and much of their work is strenuous and dirty. Hazards include cuts from sharp metal edges, burns from torches and heated metal, injuries from power tools, and fumes from paint.

Employment

Automotive body repairers held more than 221,000 jobs in 1990. Most worked for shops that specialized in body repairs and painting, and for automobile and truck dealers. Others worked for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking companies and buslines. A few worked for motor vehicle manufacturers. About 1 automotive body repairer out of 5 was self-employed.




Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Many automotive body repairers enter the occupation by transfer from related helper positions. Persons in good physical condition who know how to use handtools learn the trade as helpers, picking up skills on the job from experienced body repairers. Helpers begin by assisting body repairers in tasks such as removing damaged parts and installing repaired parts. They learn to remove small dents and to make other minor repairs. They then progress to more difficult tasks such as body straightening. Generally, skill in all aspects of body repair requires 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training.

Although there is no educational requirement, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Completion of a formal training program in automotive body repair is highly desirable because advances in technology in recent years have greatly changed the structure, the components, and even the materials used in automobiles, requiring many new skills and creating many new problems. Automotive body repair training programs are offered by many high schools, vocational schools, private trade schools, and community colleges. Formal training in automotive body repair can enhance chances for employment and speed promotion to a journeyman position.

Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which is voluntary, is recognized as a standard of achievement for automotive body repairers. To be certified, a body repairer must pass a written examination and must have at least 2 years of experience in the trade. Completion of a high school, vocational school, trade school, or community college program in automotive body repair may be substituted for 1 year of work experience. Automotive body repairers must retake the examination at least every 5 years to retain certification.

Automotive body repairers must buy their own tools, but employers usually furnish power tools. Trainees generally accumulate tools as they gain experience, and many workers have thousands of dollars invested in tools.

An experienced automotive body repairer with supervisory ability may advance to shop supervisor. Some workers open their own body repair shops. Others become automobile damage appraisers for insurance companies.

Job Outlook

Employment of automotive body repairers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2000. As the number of motor vehicles in operation grows with the Nation’s population, the number damaged in accidents will increase as well. Requirements for body repairers will also increase because new, lighter automotive designs are prone to greater collision damage than older, heavier designs. In addition, the new automotive designs increasingly have body parts made of steel alloys, aluminum, and plastics -- materials that are more difficult to work with than the traditional steel body parts. Nevertheless, the need to replace experienced repairers who transfer to other occupations or retire or stop working for other reasons will still account for the majority of job openings. The automotive repair business is not very sensitive to changes in economic conditions, and experienced body repairers are rarely laid off. However, most employers hire fewer new workers, during an economic slowdown. Although major body damage must be repaired if a vehicle is to be restored to safe operating condition, repair of minor dents and crumpled fenders can often be deferred. As a result, persons seeking to enter this occupation may face increased competition for jobs during recessions.

Earnings

Body repairers employed by automobile dealers in 18 large metropolitan areas had average weekly earnings of about $724 in 1990. Average earnings generally were highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast. Helpers and trainees usually earn from 30 to 60 percent of the earning of skilled workers.

The majority of body repairers employed by automotive dealers and repair shops are paid on an incentive basis. Under this method, body repairers are paid a predetermined amount for various tasks, and earnings depend on the amount of work assigned to the repairer and how fast it is completed. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned workers a minimum weekly salary. Helpers and trainees usually receive an hourly rate until they are skilled enough to work on commission. Body repairers who work for trucking companies, buslines, and other organizations that maintain their own vehicles usually receive an hourly wage.

Many automotive body repairers are members of unions, including the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America (Ind.). Most body repairers who are union members work for large automobile dealers, trucking companies, and buslines.




Related Occupations

Repairing damaged motor vehicles often involves working on their mechanical components as well as their bodies. Automotive body repairers often work closely with the following related occupations: Automotive repair service estimators, automotive mechanics, automotive painters and body customizers, and diesel mechanics.

Sources of Additional Information

More details about work opportunities may be obtained from automotive body repair shops and motor vehicle dealers; locals of the unions previously mentioned; or the local office of the State employment service. The State employment service also is a source of information about training programs. For general information about automotive repairer careers, write to:

Automotive Service Industry Association, 444 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Automotive Service Councils, Inc., 188 Industrial Drive, Suite 112, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

For information on how to become a certified automotive body repairer, write to:

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, 1825 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20006.

For a directory of accredited private trade and technical schools that offer training programs in automotive body repair, write to:

National Association of Trade and Technical Schools, 2251 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Auto Accident Lawyers

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Automobiles can cause grave accidents leading to serious injuries. A large percentage of auto accidents are caused by negligence and recklessness of drivers. Some are due to intoxication or drug influenced drivers. A number are caused by poorly designed roads and improper traffic signals. It can also be caused by a defective vehicle or tire.

In times of auto accidents, it is important to know how to react in order to protect your rights and to make sure that you do not commit errors that can finish up costing you a sum. There are certain measures that you should take to keep in control with the situation. When involved in an auto accident, do not leave the premises because it is against the law and it will be difficult to pinpoint who is to be held liable for the accident. Get medical attendance right away. If there is already a police, make an official report to help protect your legal rights in the future. In addition, you can also write down important details such as the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers and addresses of the persons involved or who has witnessed the accident. If possible, you can take pictures of the auto accident scene. Never discuss the accident with anybody other than your auto accident lawyers.

In today’s fast paced world auto accidents occur too frequently. The consequence varies. Majority results are minor property claims. Some car accidents result in substantial property damage, serious personal injury or death. The instantaneous aftermath of a serious auto accident are simply overwhelmed by the barrage of telephone calls, insurance paperwork, accident reports, treatment costs, medical bills, paperwork and other correspondence that are received immediately after an auto accident. It is almost unworkable for someone who has been severely injured and in the process of recovering to delve into this mass of paperwork, procedures and deadlines. Most of the time, while victims are under treatment for their injuries, the insurance companies are trying to mitigate their damages through personal injury payout or auto accident settlement. As a result of these instantaneous aftermaths, car accident victims do not receive reasonable compensation to which they are entitled.

Personal injuries can range from minor to critical state. As a result, this involves hospitalization, therapy, ongoing medical visits and loss of income. These things can be recovered through the assistance of skilled auto accident lawyers. Insurance companies usually defend accident cases. Their goal is to make and accumulate as much money as possible. On the other hand, an experienced auto accident lawyer uses his knowledge and expertise for the client’s advantage. Auto accident lawyers are the most credible persons to advice you of your legal rights and options and defend you in your legal battles. You should get the services of an auto accident lawyer early on in order to be enlightened and be assured of your case.

About the Author

Looking for tips and suggestions about legal matters, visit http://www.personalinjurylawyersinc.com

An Introduction to Air Compressors

Friday, April 6, 2007

Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and are often valuable components in automotive functions. Air compressors are typically available as both gas and electrically powered devices. It usually costs quite a bit to operate the compressors effectively, and this can form a large part of a business's utility budget.

Air compressors are often the single most important source of energy; they are also one of the largest expenses, both in terms of purchase and maintenance costs. They are usually available in a horsepower of three-quarters or larger and can have air tanks with up to an 80-gallon tank. Makes, model and features of an air compressor will vary among brands and models.

The governing body over equipment such as air compressors is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). An important safety component in all ASME certified air compressors is an air safety release valve. This valve allows air to escape if the tank pressure exceeds the maximum level as required by law. This prohibits accidents caused by excess pressure and the explosion of the compressor. Other safety measures include a cord that can be pulled to make sure the pressure is allowable and that the valves are not clogged or corrupted.

You should always choose an air compressor based on quality and protection; cost is important but should be a secondary factor for choosing an air compressor for your needs. The only way to guarantee your safety and the quality of workmanship is to purchase an air compressor that is certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These air compressors have undergone quality testing and will have a label attached to the unit. Not all air compressors will be ASME certified, although some states do not allow the sale of any compressor that has not been tested and certified by ASME.

About the Author

Air Compressors Info provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. Air Compressors Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Volkswagen Lowers Prices in China

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

It is a known fact that car makers are always looking for ways to expand their market to boost profit. Recently, most car makers are investing in Asia, particularly in the Indian and Chinese markets where the demand for automobile has increased significantly in the past few years.

The number of competing brands in the Chinese market has increased competition and different marketing strategies are being employed by these car makers. Recently, Volkswagen reported that they have cut down the price of their automobiles for sale in China. This is an effort to make their vehicles more accessible to a large number of Chinese car buyers. The country with its huge population and increasingly growth in terms of economics has been a good place for car makers like Volkswagen to do business in.

Shanghai Volkswagen, the Chinese subsidiary of German Volkswagen AG, recoded 65,000 vehicles sold for the first two months of the year. The figure is 41 percent higher than their sales for January and February of 2006.

In order for the company to sell more products and to tighten its grip on the Chinese market, they have implemented the price reduction scheme. The parent company of Shanghai Volkswagen reported that they have reduced the price of their vehicles by as much as 11,000 yuan or $1,420. The reduction involves different models like the Volkswagen Polo and Santana.

The move by the company is hoped to spark more interest on their product among Chinese car buyers. Of course, the performance and overall features of their vehicles also plays a key role in selling the vehicles. With precision made engines and other components integrated into Volkswagen's cars of high quality like H&K filters, it can be expected that more and more Chinese will be opting for a Volkswagen in the coming months.

The reduction of the price of Volkswagen models came after its rival, Shanghai GM, announced earlier this year that they have cut down the sticker price of their models. Shanghai GM is the Chinese arm of the world's largest car manufacturer, General Motors. The company sold 67,500 vehicles for the first two months of the year. This is an increase of 39 percent from last year's sales for January and February. The company announced that they have cut down as much as ten percent from the prices of their domestically produced vehicles like the Chevrolet Lova and the Aveo.

The reduction of sticker price by these two car companies shows that the competition in the Chinese auto market is intense. While the country is economically improving thus making it a strong market for automobiles, the competition has become so intense when car manufacturers increased their production for the region.

The result, of course, is a huge number of cars that needs to be sold and one way of selling them fast is to lower their price. In the end, Chinese car buyers will be most benefited by these moves from General Motors and Volkswagen.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

German Car Manufacturers Going "Green"

Monday, March 12, 2007

The global community is now under siege of the global warming issue. To counter the huge amount of greenhouse gases being released by vehicles all over the world, car manufacturers continue to develop ways to cut down the fuel consumption of their production vehicles.

The American International Automobile Dealers Association's (AIADA) newsletter recently reported that German carmakers are among the players in the auto industry which have taken a keen interest in producing environment friendly cars. This may be their response to the ongoing debate on the stricter EURO6 emission standards set to be implemented in the year 2015. The steps being taken by German car makers are also a big help in the protection of the environment.

While according to the German newspaper Deutsche Welle, German car makers have yet to produce a true hybrid. And several car makers from the region expressed their interest on producing mild hybrids in the near future.

BMW has already announced that they will be teaming up with American car maker Chrysler in developing a mild hybrid transmission system for rear-wheel drive performance cars. This effort by the two car makers will further enhance the hybrid technology being used on cars today.

Another European car maker which has taken steps to produce environmentally friendly vehicles is Volkswagen. The German car maker has presented their lineup of super-efficient, ultra-low emission cars under the BlueMotion line. The company has already announced this technology in 2006 in the famous VW Polo. The technology is named after the color of Volkswagen's logo. Today, the BlueMotion technology is being planned to be incorporated on other Volkswagen vehicles like the Golf, Passat, and the Touran.

The Polo BlueMotion is equipped with a specially designed 1.4 liter diesel engine which has an astounding gas mileage rating of 60.3 miles per gallon. The fuel efficient Polo is also a very low emission vehicle with only 102 grams of CO2 released per kilometer. These figures beat the stats by the renowned Toyota Prius. The further enhancement of the BlueMotion technology will only help the car manufacturer produce more and more environment friendly vehicles.

Aside from the accomplishment of Volkswagen with the BlueMotion technology, they have also announced that they will be working with another German car manufacturer - Porsche. The two famous car maker has announced that they will be working together to produce eco-friendly cars which will be out in the market by the year 2008.

The partnership between the two forward thinking companies is hoped to bring revolutionary technologies which will help not only the companies but the entire auto industry in their battle against global warming. With Volkswagen leading the way for German car makers, it is only a matter of time before we see them as serious competition to Asian car makers who seemed to have the upper hand in the eco-friendly vehicle market all over the world.

Toyota and Honda has been leading the way when it comes to producing green cars. The Toyota Prius, the first successful electric hybrid car, is still selling in large quantities. The popularity of the Prius is well documented, aside from being the best selling hybrid car in the U.S., the owners of these cars have created a group to celebrate their concern for nature.

A website dedicated to hybrid car owners is put up with the cooperation of Toyota. Another hybrid car which has been racking up sales in the U.S. is the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Honda Civic in itself is already famous thanks to its fuel efficiency and good performance in handling and in ride comfort. But with the introduction of the hybrid version, the buyer base of the Asian brand in the U.S. quickly supported the hybrid version.

The accomplishments of Honda and Toyota are what German car makers are shooting for. With continued developments, German car makers will surely be coming up with hybrid cars as efficient and as reliable as Dodge Rancho shocks.

About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.

HONDA STORY

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

The Honda story is the story of one man, Soichiro Honda, and his unparalleled achievement of bringing motor cycles to the masses. Soichiro Honda was a racer, a businessman, and a manufacturer. But most of all he was a dreamer. He dreamed of a better way of making piston rings, founded a small company, and began production. He dreamed of giving people everywhere an economical form of transportation, and began producing small motorcycles, including one built in 1949 called the D-Type Dream.

He also loved racing too. So his company built bigger and faster machines, two, four, five and six-cylinder race bikes and won the Isle of Man.

Honda Motor Company is by far the world's biggest motorcycle maker. Honda's first motorcycle was born out of necessity in immediate post World War II Japan, where public transportation was desperately overcrowded and gasoline severely restricted.

Looking for a solution to his, and thousands of others', personal transport problems, Honda came across a job lot of 500 war surplus two-stroke motors designed to power electric generators; nobody else wanted them so Honda picked them up cheap.

His aim was to adapt them for attachment to push-bikes and, by October 1946, his small factory in Hamamatsu was making complete, makeshift motor bikes using proprietary cycle frames. Because gasoline was in short supply, Honda adapted his motors to run on turpentine, a fuel that he himself distilled from pine trees and sold throughout Japan. Turpentine (or gas thinned out with turpentine) was not the best thing for powering motorbikes, and required a lot of strenuous pedaling to warm the engine up enough before you could get going.

Honda's first bikes were very successful and supplies of the surplus engines ran out after a few months. Business was good by then, so he decided to manufacture his own motors. Using the surplus motor as a model, Honda designed and built his own 50cc engine.

In November 1947, the 1/2 horsepower A-Type Honda was being manufactured and sold as a complete motorbike. Because the motorbike gave off a lot of smoke and a stench of turpentine it was known as the "Chimney".

Soichiro Honda started Honda Motor Company in 1948, at the age of 41. Soon after he hooked up with financial whiz Takeo Fujisawa and together they built an empire.

1948 saw Honda introduce a 90cc version of the A-Type known as the "B-Type".

By 1949 Honda came out with the "D-Type". Mr. Honda was involved in every step of the two-stroke D-Type Dream's design and manufacture. This was Honda's first motorcycle. This was far from simply slotting a motor into a pushbike frame. Honda called his machine 'The Dream', because his dream of building a complete, motorcycle had come true. Soichiro Honda was an engineer and was always looking to produce better and more sophisticated machines.

It turned out to be the 146cc, OHV, four-stroke E-Type Dream. A powerful machine producing 5 1/2bhp capable of 50mph. It had a steel frame and proper suspension front and rear. By October 1951 the new Dream was in production at the rate of 130 units per day.

In 1952 Honda produced the first "Cub" F-Type, a 1/2 horsepower, 50cc, two-stroke engine that was produced in huge numbers. You could get one to fit to your pushbike or buy the complete red and white Honda "Auto Bai". Less than a year after its Introduction, production was 6500 units per month, at that time it was 70% of Japan's powered two-wheeler market.

In 1953 Honda produced the 90cc, four-stroke single, a motorcycle of even greater sophistication. This was known as the Benly, in Japanese this means "convenience". The J-Type Benly had a three-speed gearbox, produced 3.8bhp, a pressed steel Frame, rear suspension with the engine and swinging arm on a sprung pivot, and telescopic front suspension. Before long they were selling at a rate of 1000 units a month.

In 1954 a 200cc scooter, the Juno, was introduced to capture some of the sales from the Vespa scooter copies that were being built in Japan. Honda produced different versions of the Dream and Benly motorcycles over the next few years incorporating different size engines (up to 350cc) and other refinements.

In September 1957 Honda introduced their first twin-cylinder motorcycle, the sophisticated 250cc OHC four-stroke C70 Dream. It was the forerunner of Honda's high-performance 125 and 250cc twins.

In early 1958 Honda fitted an electric starter to the 250cc Dream and named it the C71 and, in 1959, the latest Benly an incredibly sophisticated 125cc OHC four-stroke twin, capable of 70mph was introduced as the C92.

In July 1958 Honda introduced in Japan what became the world's most successful motor cycle, the C100 Super Cub.

The Super Cub was developed over three years to be a cheap and practical motorcycle that literally anyone could use. It used a 50cc four-stroke OHV motor and centrifugal clutch with three-speed transmission. It was so easy to operate that even new riders could ride it as easily as a pushbike. Its innovative frame without a crossbar made it popular with the ladies and set a new trend in commuter motorcycling. The word "scooterette" was coined to describe this step-through style motorbike which sold in 50, 70 and 90cc versions.

In 1959 it was the first Honda motorcycle sold in the U.S., eventually becoming the world's best-selling vehicle (30 million to date). As proof the original concept and design was perfect is the fact that today's C50, C70 and C90s have only detail changes to set them apart from the machines of 25 years ago.

That same year, 1959, Honda introduced the 250cc C72 Dream in Amsterdam. This was the first Japanese bike to be officially shown in Europe. It surprised the crowd with its unusual pressed steel frame, swing arm and front leading link forks, sophisticated OHC all aluminum engine, electric starter and indicators.

In the UK learners had just been restricted to motorcycles of this size and wanted the fastest bikes they could legally ride. The Honda's were the fastest 250s around, and the C72 with its improvements like 12-volt electric's and wet sump lubrication, successor of the C71, was capable of 80mph and could still get 66 miles per gallon.

The CB92 retained the pressed-steel frame and leading link forks while the CB72 received a tubular style frame and telescopic front suspension.

In 1961 two years after Honda started selling Super Cubs, Honda stunned the racing world with "Mike the Bike" Hailwood's twin victories at the Isle of Man. It was the first of an unprecedented string of victories that was only the beginning of Honda's racing tradition.

From the beginning, Mr. Honda dedicated his company to racing, racking up over 100 major motorcycle championships around the world. What was learned from building high-performance racing machines later led to the development of groundbreaking production motorcycles.

The classic CB72 and CB77 helped fuel interest in riding, got America on two wheels, and established Honda as a serious player. The Hawk name has appeared on Honda models CB72, CB77, CB400T, NT650, VTR1000F ever since, the latest being the 1998 VTR1000F.

In 1962 this breakthrough advertising "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" shattered the myth that motorcycles were only for tough guys and rebels. It reached out and made Honda and motorcycling in general, appealing to everyone.

The C77 a 305cc version of the Dream and the CB77, a Super Sports motorcycle producing 28.5bhp were introduced in 1963.

In 1964 the C95 a 154cc version of the Benly and a 161cc version Of the CB160 was also offered.

The Hondells recorded "Little Honda" in 1964. Honda entered the American pop culture as the subject of this hit song.

In 1965 Honda, always eager for a new market, jumped into the big leagues with their first big, fast production motorcycle, the innovative 43bhp CB450 twin. This was a double overhead-camshaft machine with torsion bar valve springs that would do a genuine 104mph, a machine to challenge the 500cc-plus bikes.

Despite its performance, sales of the CB450 worldwide were Poor. A number of engineering changes were made, in 1967 a five-speed gearbox was added.

In 1967 Honda had their first big off-road win in the "first" Baja 1000.

In 1968 Honda stopped production of the CB72 and CB77 and produced a new line of high performance SOHC twins with five-speed gearboxes, called the CB250 and CB350, with the CB350 able to hit 106mph.

At the Tokyo Show of 1968 Honda, after months of tantalizing rumor, unveiled a landmark achievement that would change the motorcycling world forever. A 750cc bike with four cylinders and a disc brake that was so fast and powerful a new word, "superbike", was coined to describe it. The CB750F four was the biggest bike out of Japan, proving that a high-performance motorcycle could also be very reliable.

In April 1969 Honda set the motorcycle world on fire with the introduction of the CB750. Performance was staggering, easily hitting 120mph and at the time it had better acceleration than anything else on the road.

In 1969 the first Honda automobile sold in the U.S., leading Honda to become a preeminent automotive power.

Lean Manufacturing Through Factory Floor Innovation

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Taking the concepts of the Toyota System and enhancing them with today’s information systems technology has been the key to allow some manufacturers to unlock the door that leads to a short-cut in process improvement projects. They are rethinking the good ideas of lean manufacturing and are using today’s factory floor information tools to quickly and easily improve factory floor performance, customer responsiveness and their bottom line.

Process improvement through a leaner approach and finite scheduling for the factory floor can be demonstrated in a number of ways:
Minimize cycle time
Minimize inventory
Meet customer expectations in quality and delivery
Look for ways to improve changeover
Empower the workers
Create a culture for continuous improvement

Creating a “culture” for continuous improvement can be realized through another lean concept… the use of visual aids. By making the factory floor activity visible through the use of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and measuring the flow times of parts on a continuous basis, the factory has a benchmark from which to identify areas that need improvement and the system to demonstrate those improvements.

For example, of the factories that are moving to lean manufacturing, how many have put a machine monitoring equipment in place to measure the flow time of a part? If there is a system that allows this basic metric, how many can tell the percentage of time that parts are being “value-added” verses the waste (or non value-added) time? Time is wasted during a downtime occurrence, waiting for a tool/die/mold or other necessary piece of equipment. Other examples of waste are times spent waiting for a quality check or unnecessary time in changeover/set-up.

With information systems for factory floor data collection, the analysis of the factory floor processes and the flow of parts, sometimes referred to as a “current state map”, can be made visible. If your company is going take action to improve the process then why not make the process flow visible and available all day, everyday. If improvement is truly continuous, then why make the evaluation of the flow episodic.

So why not think creatively from the get-go and put a factory floor information system in place that can help you and your company move forward with Lean concepts of identifying problems, the flow of parts, and measure change over times? Just because Toyota did not use electronic information systems, does not make it wrong to install them on the floor. To the contrary, it is the American Manufacturer that has the opportunity to improve on these Lean concepts with information systems that can be married into a Lean process improvement program.

1. Make sure the entire factory floor is involved with the system and that they are empowered to identify problem/alert situations.

2. Allow the system to provide a JIT production approach, which is dynamic and can be reactive to customer and floor demands.

3. Find a way to record changeover times tracked to specific assets and people.

4. Identify the opportunities for process improvement and keep a record of it.

5. Allow the floor personnel access to better communications like email where appropriate.

6. Improve the operator’s access to data by providing electronic “paperless” display of current, as well as, newer style electronic image and video documents.

7. Make the quality checks part of the process and capture it electronically so alert conditions of non-conformance conditions can be captured in real-time.

Implementation of Lean Manufacturing through a factory floor system can save time and money and put you in the driver seat towards more profitable production.

Think creatively. Use information tools creatively. Use the information tools that are designed to improve the process.

For more information, visit MDSS-manufacturing shop floor software company


About the Author

About MDSS:
Since 1984, MDSS has been a leader in the development, implementation, and support of software products for manufacturing companies. MDSS sells products that help manufacturers better manage inventory, shrink cycle time, and increase productivity. The current focus of MDSS is on FACTIVITY, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with modules for time and attendance, shop floor management, machine monitoring, and more.

BMW

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

BMW AG (an initialism for Black Mans Willy Aktiengesellschaft, or in English, Bavarian Motor Works; ISIN: DE0005190003), is an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands, and formerly, Rover.

The company's tagline in English is currently "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The original German slogan is "Freude am Fahren," which translates to "Joy in Driving" in English. In certain regions, BMW also uses the English tagline "sheer driving pleasure" (e.g. Hong Kong).

BMW's main competitors include Alfa Romeo, Acura, Audi, Daewoo, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab and Volvo.


HISTORY

Pre-WWII
BMW was founded by Karl Friedrich Rapp, originally as an aircraft engine manufacturer, Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke. The Milbertshofen district of Munich was chosen, apparently because it was close to the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik site. The blue-and-white roundel BMW still uses (illustrated above right) alludes to the white and blue checkered flag of Bavaria. It is often said to symbolize a spinning white propeller on a blue-sky background, although this interpretation developed after the logo was already in use. [1]

In 1916 the company secured a contract to build V12 engines for Austro-Daimler. Needing extra financing, Rapp gained the support of Camillo Castiglioni and Max Friz, the company was reconstituted as the Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. Over-expansion caused difficulties; Rapp left and the company was taken over by the Austrian industrialist Franz Josef Popp in 1917, and named BMW AG in 1918. [2]

After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) prohibited the production of aircraft in Germany. Otto closed his factory and BMW switched to manufacturing railway brakes.[2]

In 1919 BMW designed its first motorcycle engine, used in a model called the Victoria, which was built by a company in Nuremberg. [3]

In 1923 BMW built its first model motorcycle, the R32. This had a 500 cc air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, a feature that would resonate among their various models for decades to come, albeit with displacement increases and newer technology. The major innovation was the use of a driveshaft instead of a chain to drive the rear wheel. For decades to follow, the shaft-drive boxer engine was the mark of the BMW motorcycle. [3]

In 1927 the tiny Dixi, an Austin Seven produced under licence, began production in Eisenach. BMW bought the Dixi Company the following year, and this became the company's first car, the BMW 3/15. By 1933 BMW were producing cars that could be called truly theirs, offering steadily more advanced I6 sports and saloons (sedans). The pre-war cars culminated in the 327 coupé and convertible, the 328 roadster, fast 2.0 L cars, both very advanced for their time, as well as the upscale 335 luxury sedan.

Future of the car

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The future of the car is controversial.

There have been many efforts to innovate automobile design funded by the NHTSA, including the work of the NavLab group at Carnegie Mellon University. Recent efforts include the highly publicized DARPA Grand Challenge race.

Relatively high transportation fuel prices have not seriously reduced car usage but do make it more expensive.[citation needed] One environmental benefit of high fuel prices is that it is an incentive for the production of more efficient (and hence less polluting) car designs and the development of alternative fuels.[citation needed] At the beginning of 2006, 1 liter of gasoline cost approximately $0.60 USD in the United States and in Germany and other European countries nearly $1.80 USD. With fuel prices at these levels there is a strong incentive for consumers to purchase lighter, smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, or to simply not drive. These changes are resisted by those with an interest in maintaining the massive economy of car culture. Individual mobility is highly prized in dominant societies so the demand for automobiles is still strong. Alternative individual modes of transport, such as Personal rapid transit, cycling, walking, skating, and organised cargo movement, could serve as an alternative to automobiles if they prove to be socially accepted.

Electric cars operate a complex drivetrain and transmission would not be needed. However, despite this the electric car is held back by battery technology - a cell with comparable energy density to a tank of liquid fuel is a long way off, and there is no infrastructure in place to support it. A more practical approach may be to use a smaller internal combustion (IC) engine to drive a generator- this approach can be much more efficient since the IC engine can be run at a single speed, use cheaper fuel such as diesel, and drop the heavy, power wasting drivetrain. Such an approach has worked very well for railway locomotives, but so far has not been scaled down for car use.

What to do when in an automobile accident?

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

In 2002, there were an estimated 6.3 million car accidents in the United States. About 2.9 million injuries and 42,815 people were reported killed in auto accidents.

Every year, the rates are increasing. More and more, people are getting injured, if not killed, from automobile accidents.

Unfortunately, most of us will experience this type of accident at some time. That's why it is important for us to know certain things that will provide significant assistance when we are in a car accident.

Remain at the scene of the accident.
If you are in an auto accident involving injury, or substantial damage to property, stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive and tell you that you can leave. There are laws requiring people involved to stay put and wait for the police to arrive and investigate. Leaving the scene of the accident can get your license revoked, or worse, your behavior can result to criminal charges.

Protect the injured.
If you are trained in providing first aid, administer if somebody is injured. However, it is important to remember never to move an injured person. Moving him/her may result to further damage. Ask for somebody to contact the police and report the incident. The person to contact the police should inform that people are injured, and if possible, the number of persons injured so that there will be enough emergency personnel to respond to the accident. If the accident occurred on the roadway, turn on your flashers, or use flares to warn approaching traffic of the accident.

Get information.
In any accident, it is important to get information that you will use later on, especially during your insurance claim. The following are the information you should know:

•The other driver's name, address, driver's license number, insurance information, and license plate number.
•If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
•Ask for a business card from the police officer who investigated the traffic scene. Also get the "incident number" so that you can obtain an accident report. Most officers will provide you with the information even if you don't ask.
•Take note of the location—the road conditions, speed limits, traffic control devices, the weather, and the lighting.
•Take note of how the accident occurred—the direction of travel of the vehicles involved, and what the cars are doing at the time of the accident. It is significant to note that you will be asked to share your notes with the person you are suing or the person who is suing you if the accident may result to litigation.

Never admit liability.
Even if you believe you are at fault, do not admit liability. There may be other factors which you don't know that may turn the fault to the other driver. Do not make statements, on print or tape, to anybody at the accident scene, except for the police. Nevertheless, when speaking to the police, tell them only the facts of what happened. Let them make their own conclusion from the facts.

Seek medical care.
See a doctor. This is to eliminate the probability of the inability to obtain "no fault" benefits for your injuries. There are statutes in every state pertaining to what the insurance can cover. If you do not see a doctor, you might find later on that the insurance company or the other driver involved in the accident argue that your injuries were not related to the accident. In addition, the "adrenaline rush" from the accident can mask symptoms, which a physical examination can otherwise reveal.

Tell the doctor your symptoms--- any loss of memory, headache, blood or fluid in the ear, dizziness, disorientation, ringing in the ears, nausea, confusion, or any other unusual physical or mental feeling.

It is best to be safe. Report your symptoms so that a medical expert can rule out the possibility of a much greater damage.

Dealing with automobile accidents can be overwhelming, especially of you are not aware of the ins and outs of the legalities regarding this problem. So if you or a family member is a victim or have suffered from an automobile accident, it is better to have a reliable and competent lawyer to assist you in your claims. The lawyer will provide you the opportunity for a fair outcome, as well as recover damages that you deserve.


About the Author

For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com

How to Get Better Automotive Service

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Today’s cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of repair facility you patronize-- dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise--good communications between customer and shop is vital.

The following tips should help you along the way:

Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

Today’s technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading is much less.

* Read the owner’s manual to learn about the vehicle’s systems and components.

* Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don’t ignore its warning signals.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

* Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.

* Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.

* Worn tires, belts, hoses.

* Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.

Note when the problem occurs.

* Is it constant or periodic?

* When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?

* At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?

* When did the problem first start?

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs.

Once you are at the repair establishment, communicate your findings.

* Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger shops you’ll probably speak with a service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.)

* Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service manager.

* Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it’s been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved... Ask questions.

* Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.

* Don’t rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.

* Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

* Leave a telephone number where you can be called.