Mazda BT-50 gets facelift

By: Kittipong Unparsert

Mazda has given its BT-50 pickup truck a minor change and announced that the new model will help it achieve a total pickup truck sales of 12,700 in 2008, up from 11,000 units in 2007.

Produced at the AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) plant in Rayong, the BT-50 is also exported to 130 global markets from Thailand. The facelifted BT-50 maintains its sporty appeal, with the new design adding a more dynamic and robust look.

There is a new front pentagonal grille, along with new front bumpers, multi-reflector headlights and turning lights. Meanwhile, the rear lights are larger and come with chrome trim. The side profile is highlighted by a new wheel fender kit, as well as 15-inch or 16-inch 5-spoke wheels. There are 11 colours to choose from as well.

Mazda Sales Thailand Co Ltd marketing director Sureethip La-ongthong says that the company will focus on two-wheel-drive pickup models this year. As much as 97 per cent of Mazda pickup truck sales are made up of two-wheel-drive models, while the remaining 3 per cent are four-wheel-drive models for fleet customers.

“Previously the ratio between two- and four-wheel-drive models was 85/15, but presently the popularity of thr four-wheel-drive models have grown,” she daid.

Sureethip said the company will emphasize on the 4×2 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter models, with prices starting at Bt489,000 foi the standard cab and Bt541,000 for the Freestyle cab. The 4×2 Hi Racer starts at Bt602,900 and the 4-door model at Bt612,900.

Mazda is also planning to spend Bt20 million for a countrywide roadshow to 12 provinces from March to June. Caravans of the BT-50 and Mazda3 will be shown along with special activities including special stunt shows, concerts, games and prizes. Sureethip said the automobile market should finish the year at 650,000 units, and Mazda plans to sell 16,000 units, which is approximately 2.5 per cent of the market.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2430.shtml

Automobile Insurance Claim – How to File an Auto Insurance Claim

By: David Ackland

Filing an auto insurance claim is one of these things everyone hopes they never have to do, but unfortunately some of us will have to do just that on occasion. It is never easy to deal with the aftermath of an automobile accident. Many automobile insurance companies advertise that their claim process is the easiest and that they will help you through the entire process. Now is the time you hope your car insurance company will stand behind those statements.

After an accident it is recommended that you call the police. Even if the other driver is pressuring you it is a good idea to have an officer come to the scene. They are an impartial witness that can be invaluable when it comes time to deal with the car insurance company.

Exchange all of your information with the other driver. It is essential to make sure you have their auto insurance information, license plate number, and a copy of their driver’s license. This way there can be no confusion or deception later as to who was driving the other vehicle.

Ask the officer at the scene if your vehicle is safe to operate. If it is you should drive home immediately and call your car insurance company. If it is not you should call the insurance company from the scene and ask if there is a specific repair shop it should be towed to. Auto insurance companies often have relationships with certain garages. This will save you the aggravation of having to have the car towed to a certain shop after it has already been towed somewhere else.

When you call your auto insurance company be sure to have your policy number handy. Explain exactly what happened, even if it was your fault. Telling the truth is always preferable to hiding something that will probably come to light later anyway. If the other parties insurance company contacts you it is best to refer them to your insurance company and not to comment further.

Your car insurance company will likely send someone to assess the damage to your vehicle. The insurance company will pay your claim based on the assessment. If you believe your auto insurance claim was denied unfairly you can appeal with the car insurance company itself. If this does not resolve your dispute you should file a complaint with the state division of auto insurance or your Attorney General’s Office.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2477.shtml

Hybrid Cars: List Of Real Drawbacks To Owning A Hybrid Vehicle

By: Alex Baumm

As oil prices continue to increase amid depleting supplies and rapid growth in demand, all economies globally are feeling the setbacks of the need to curtail excessive consumption of fuel.

For quite some time, research and development has been actively finding ways on how problems regarding very high demand could finally be eliminated. With the advent of the hybrid car, car owners and users all over the world are now finding relief that indeed there is hope.

A hybrid car is a specially designed and manufactured vehicle that combines the power of the conventional gasoline engine and electricity. In the past, many have referred to hybrid vehicles as electric vehicles.

Technically, a hybrid car could not be classified as purely electric because only about 40% of the energy consumption of the vehicle is from electric sources, in the form of stored electricity in batteries.

Though the wide use of hybrid cars provide hope that in the future, when oil supplies finally and completely runs out, the transportation industry would not feel the drawback. Yes, for now, driving a hybrid auto could equate to a lot of savings on the part of the car owner.

At least, the overall consumption of oil could be significantly lowered. Research is still ongoing so that in the near future, further better versions of the modern hybrid auto could be developed and launched into the market.

However, just like many other predecessor technologies, there are actual setbacks to owning and using a hybrid car. Many people hope that in the coming months or years, people could finally realize a better and more effective hybrid car. Here are the most practical and obvious of those drawbacks.

1. Because the hybrid car technology is still a relatively new car technology, it is just logical that the vehicle is expensive. On the average, a hybrid car these days costs more than the regular and usual cars by around $2,000 to $5,000. That is just right and is expected with the high demand for the car as more consumers get excited about it and manufacturers continue to produce the vehicle models on a limited ability.

2. Any hybrid car needs to allot a significant amount of space for battery. Because the hybrid car needs batteries to keep it going and for the use of some if its functions, the overall weight of the car gets more and more.

3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.

4. If the hybrid car gets into possible crashes and collisions in the future, there is a risk that the incident would be more tragic. A hybrid car typically and normally has high voltage wires within it.

5. A regular and even simple hybrid car is made of a very complicated car system. Thus, ordinary mechanics would not have the needed and required skills and knowledge to attend to any technical need for maintenance of any hybrid car.

6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.

7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2392.shtml

Dodge Chrysler 2.7L Engine Problems, Oil Sludge, Defects and Failure

By: John Stanley

From 1998-2000 2.7L Engines are prone to premature catastrophic engine failure due to a defectively designed Timing Chain Tensioner that Chrysler quietly redesigned. Unfortunately, many consumers have had to pay out of their own pockets for this while Chrysler avoids responsibility.

From 1998-2004 Dodge / Chrysler 2.7L Engines are prone to Oil Sludge often caused by internal coolant leakage that has to do with the design of the Water Pump that allows coolant to enter the Engine over time and cause oil sludge, experts at a well known remanufacturing company say. The second common cause of engine sludge is from poor oil circulation caused by oil passages that are too narrow causing the oil to wear down more rapidly unlike normal engines. Another contributing oil sludge factor is possibly due to an inadequately designed PCV system that can also accelerate engine oil breakdown, which Chrysler later made improvements to for the 2005 model year along with other changes knowledgeable sources state. Although Chrysler is aware and there is nothing consumers could have done to cause this, Chrysler still regularly blames consumers for 2.7L Engine Oil Sludge.

Chrysler is aware of certain problems and vulnerabilities the 2.7L Engine is prone to have and has quietly made various design changes over the years such as redesigning the Timing Chain Tensioner that was prone to premature failure in 2000, to making changes to try and prevent internal coolant leakage over time into the crankcase. For 2005, changes included improvements to the PCV system and for oil circulation, to even later increasing oil capacity by an extra quart in an attempt to make the engine more robust. Unfortunately, even with all of these modifications we have been informed of premature Dodge / Chrysler 2.7L Engine failures in 2006 Dodge, Chrysler vehicle models.

Chrysler refuses to cover prematurely failed engines even when under its own 3 Year / 36,000 mile warranty while blaming consumers for these problems. These problems are so common and so well known that extended warranty companies also decline to cover Chrysler 2.7L engines. In many cases consumers have changed or had their oil changed every 3,000 miles with name brand motor oil. Many consumers have been able to provide proof while Chrysler still refuses to cover failed 2.7L engines under warranty. It is a common misconception that sludge is caused by brand or type of motor oil since all motor oil sold must meet the same basic standards. However, if the oil was changed regularly then Chrysler might say ‘it must be the brand or type of oil you used then’. If you can prove that you used a leading motor oil, ‘where did you have it changed?’. Chrysler might then tell you they are not going to be able to cover it then because you changed your oil yourself or had it changed somewh ere else. In fact Federal Law (Magnuson-Moss Act) prohibits an automobile manufacturer to void a warranty or deny warranty claim based on using aftermarket tune up or maintenance parts, such as spark plugs or motor oil for example or 3rd party service, unless provided free of charge. There are other consumers who have followed the intervals recommended by Chrysler in their vehicle’s owners manual that state oil changes up to every 7,500 miles are acceptable in normal conditions where they’ve changed their oil every 5,000-6,000 miles only to be told ‘you didn’t change your motor oil enough and your engine failed due to neglect’. In fact, Chrysler even currently recommends oil change intervals of every 6,000 miles for normal conditions in current owners manuals. When vehicles are purchased used from dealers and used car lots where consumers often believe they have no proof of regular oil changes prior to their ownership, Chrysler typically automatically refuses warranty claim s blaming the previous owner. When a consumer has proof or reg ular 3,000 mile oil changes performed by a dealer we’ve heard of Chrysler going as far as to blame the dealer’s lube technician!

To find out more and how to fight this, visit http://www.dodgechryslerengineproblems.com

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2399.shtml

Save Your Money – Import Your New Car Into Canada Yourself Without The Need For A Broker

By: Robert C.C. Lamb

It is not difficult to import a new car into Canada by yourself. In the process you should save yourself a fair chunk of money. The steps are fairly simple and straightforward. It simply comes down to following the rules as laid down by the Canadian government agency – the Riv, which is the (Canadian Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles). The Riv publishes a list of “Motor Vehicles Admissible from the United States”. Follow this list, and in addition ensure that you have completed any additional requirements from your local Canadian province or territory (For example Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut). It’s no more complex than this procedure. It should be noted that to import a new car without the use of a professional auto import broker is relatively easy and straightforward. If you have a more exotic or challenging case then you may wish the services of an established, professional automotive broker and / or importer. If you are importing a used car, then it may not be as simple a matter of importing a new car, where everything is relatively new and standards and procedure have all been set and established by the government agencies. In such a case as well you should consider the services of a broker. In the end it may be an easier and less expensive route.

The main webpage of the Registrar can be found at the website: http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html

The specific list of vehicles admissible to Canada can be found at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm

The list is available in simpler html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm

And a more elaborate html format at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/VAFUS/list/menu.htm

Basically the list is composed of a few columns. Admissible vehicles, inadmissible vehicles and a column for “notes”. Simply put ensure that your vehicle that you wish to purchase and import is listed in the “admissible” section , not listed ( pay special and specific attention to year of manufacture) in the “inadmissible section” and lastly that there are no special notes referring to your vehicle of choice, in the area marked “notes”. If you are unsure or need clarification, it is always better in these situations to be safe rather than sorry. Call or email the registrar to confirm and clarify. A car stranded on the “other side” of the border is of no use to you. You will be left with no car to drive in Canada and a car that must be sold to a person residing in the United States. In such a case you will to go through the trouble and expense of having to sell the car to a willing American buyer – perhaps for ease of sale sold on eBay. Again the key is to do your homework as well as taking the time to check and verify. By doing so you should be able to easily import your new car, at less cost than you would pay otherwise, with little trouble and fuss.

If your vehicle that you plan to import into Canada is less than 15 years of age you will have to find out if it qualifies for importation under Transport Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV’s program is set up to ensure that qualifying models imported into Canada are modified , inspected and certified to meet Canadian standards, You can most easily visit the Riv site online at http://www.riv.ca/. Alternatively you can phone the toll free number, email or snail mail.

The key question to have answered on the Riv site or in direct communication with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that your car, truck or S.U.V. is admissible for importation into Canada according to the gold standard – “Transport Canada’s List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. Next it is essential totally that your vehicle is NOT on the Inadmissible List. This Transport Canada list is your bible for importation of your vehicle into Canada without a broker. Lastly ensure in the third column marked “notes” that there are no overriding further restriction in regards to your vehicle and that any modifications noted and insisted on in the column can be completed as well as accomplished within a cost factor within your choice and budget.

Assuming that you have accomplished all the above. Before your vehicle can leave the United Sates it must be cleared for export by U.S. Customs. Fax the bill of sale, title and relevant documents to the appropriate U.S. Customs office at least 72 hours prior to your arrival at U.S. / Canadian Border.

Your next process will be to clear Canadian authorities. Again if you have prepared the proper documentation – Bill of Sale , title , clearance letter from the U.S. Customs office and a recall clearance letter on official letterhead from the dealer or manufacturer of the vehicle stating that all recalls have been performed on the vehicle. You will be asked to pay approx $ 300 Riv fees at that time, GST (General Sales Tax) on the price of the vehicle. If your vehicle was manufactured in the NAFTA (North America Free Trade) areas of the United States, Canada or Mexico you will not pay additional import duties and taxes on the vehicle, which are generally about 6 %. Depending on your geography and jurisdiction you may or may not have to pay provincial sales tax at the time point or later when the car is registered and licensed. Lastly if your car has air conditioning installed you will be asked to pay an excise fee of $ 100.

You can now cross the border. You are almost home free. Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.

The Riv has appointed the national automotive chain Canadian Tire to conduct the final inspection of your vehicle and perform any modifications required. The fee of inspection is included in the Riv fee at the border. Any modifications or work necessary is at your expense. In the case of some luxury brands inspection, modification and certification can only be done at factory authorized retailer. You can only be given the essential recall clearance letter until this authorized dealership route is completed.

You are now cleared, almost at the successful completion of importing your new car into Canada, without a broker. The final step is to register and license your new vehicle in your local provincial or territorial area. You have imported your new vehicle – all without a professional import car broker. It is all a process, which is carefully outlined. Follow the steps. If you are unsure – call or email. In the process you will have your new vehicle and saved a lot of your hard earned money.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2363.shtml

Vehicle Airbag Defects

By: Alan Haburchak

Airbags have been an important innovation in the way Americans live their lives and drive their vehicles. Since the airbags became mandatory in vehicles have we seen a decrease in deaths and injury among many vehicle drivers involved in crashes. Airbags are supposed to protect an individuals head from being smashed into a window or steering wheel during a severe auto crash.

Sensors are the main determinant of the severity of a crash after an automobile accident. An onboard computer, called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), processes the information and, in an event of moderate to severe crash, it sends a signal to the inflater inside the air bag module. At that point the airbag is supposed to inflate, protecting the vehicle’s occupants from serious injury as a result of striking the vehicle’s interior. As a result of the effectiveness of initial driver and passenger front airbags, the adoption of rear-passenger and side-impact curtain airbags has become more common over the last decade, in an attempt to create the highest degree of safety possible.

Unfortunately, as the number of airbags being placed in new cars has increased, so has the overall need for the airbags themselves. The quality of airbags has decreased as the increase of airbag manufacturing has occurred. One way this decrease in quality has become apparent is in the increasing incidence of defective airbags and airbag failure in automobiles produced both in the United States and abroad.

There is a possibility that an airbag is defective or faulty in many types or brands of vehicles, which is why there are many manufacturer recalls. If there is the potential for airbag malfunction or airbag failure.

The following is a non-comprehensive list of airbag failure-related automobile recalls instituted in April through June of 2007 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

April 2007 BMW is recalling 225 MY 2007 6-Series passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, ‘Occupant Crash Protection. The front passenger seat has a sensing system that detects if the seat is occupied. This sensing is programmed to detect if the seat is occupied by a small adult or certain child restraint seats. Automatic deactivation on a the passenger’s front seat may occur when a child seat is placed in this front seat. In some cases, the sensing system may misinterpret a properly seated small adult as one of these specific child seats, resulting in deactivation of the front passenger airbag when the airbag might be beneficial for the adult, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

May 2007

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 270,958 MY 2005 Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the 27 states plus the District of Columbia that use greater amounts of salt for winter road deicing. Brass bushings that were installed into vehicles may over time corrode causing water to enter the sensor in the up-front airbag sensor. These sensors provide enhanced air bag performance in certain types of frontal crashes. In one of these crashes, with one or both of the vehicle’s UF sensors inoperative, the occupants will not benefit from the enhanced air bag protection that these sensors would provide.

Hyundai de Puerto Rico is recalling 2,967 MY 2005-2007 Tucson vehicles. Static airbag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated that a small stature adult driver not wearing a seat belt and involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, the deployment of the driver air bag may result in an insufficient margin of compliance as measured by the test dummy used in the NHTSA test. In severe vehicle crashes, this could increase the potential risk of injury to a driver.

June 2007

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 798 MY 2007-2008 Sebring and MY 2008 Dodge Avenger vehicles. The front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly. In certain vehicle crashes, front seat passengers risk of injury is increased.

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 39 MY 2007 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 trucks. Hairline cracks and fractures may exist within airbag module diffuser material in a window. In the case of a crash with a trigger signal for the window airbag module, it is possible that such a diffuser may crack at the beginning of the airbag activation.

As one can see from this small sampling of the defective airbag recalls that have been instituted either voluntarily by auto makers, or at the insistence of the NHTSA, there are many occasions in which one or many of the airbags installed in a vehicle will not operate as intended and therefore be a defective airbag that might cause an airbag failure in an accident.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2378.shtml