More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has formed a partnership with the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore to explore the development of Zero Emission Vehicles Program. 

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in the presence of Lawrence Wong, CE of EMA, Dr Beh Swan Gin, MD of EDB, Yam Ah Mee, CE of LTA and Thierry Koskas, Renault Electric Vehicles Programme Director, the organizations have agreed to set up working team of representatives and promote introduction and expansion of electric vehicles in Singapore. 

“EV development is an exciting new area particularly relevant to the Singapore context. Singapore is well-positioned for the deployment of EVs due to our relative small size, urban environment, robust electrical grid and IT infrastructure,” said Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, EMA. 

“Renault and Nissan aim to become leading brands in zero emission vehicles. Singapore is for us a key priority, as the geography of the country and the focus on environment issues make fast and strong development of electric cars,” said Thierry Koskas Renault electric vehicles programme director. We are eager to working closely with all partners involved to make this project successful.”  

 The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong. the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an EV infrastructure in the State of Tennessee in the US. 

The Alliance has formed partnerships with 26 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide. 

The Renault-Nissan Alliance The Renault Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,090,304 vehicles in 2008. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world’s top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability. 

EV Taskforce 

To spearhead Electric Vehicle (EV) test-bedding and infrastructure development in Singapore, a multi-agency taskforce chaired by Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been set up with members comprising the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Economic Development Board (EDB), National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) and Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).  

The EV taskforce was set up to assess the benefits and applicability of adopting EVs in Singapore. It will draw up the overall plan of EV test-bedding and evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits, with a view of a potential larger scale adoption of EVs in future. The taskforce will work with key industry players to examine infrastructural requirements, policy requirements and new business models arising from EVs, as well as identify industry development and R&D opportunities. It will also look into educating the public on EV technology though a nationwide EV sharing programme or through corporate fleets. The taskforce will set aside funding for interested parties to develop infrastructure and buy electric vehicle during the test-bedding process.  

Energy Market Authority Energy Market Authority (EMA) was formed on 1 April 2001 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to forge a secure, long-term electricity industry that thrives on healthy competition. We have been creating new market sturctures to promote competition in the electricity and gas industries. EMA will also continue to promote cost-competitive outcomes for consumers by ensuring a level playing field for competition within the electricity and gas. As co-chair of the EV Taskforce, EMA endeavors to establish strategic partners for test bedding, identify power grid regulation/licensing for EV charging systems and develop relevant codes and standards.   Land Transport Authority Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. LTA plans the long-term transport needs and spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. While serving commuters by providing an integrated and user-friendly transport system, LTA addresses wider issues such as sustainable development, economic growth, and community life. LTA helps ensure that relevant regulations, standards and infrastructure are in place and is a co-chair of the EV Taskforce. LTA looks forward to working with leading companies such as Renault-Nissan to develop innovative transport solutions, and making Singapore’s transport system greener, cleaner, and more people-centred. 

Economic Development Board EDB is the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business centre and grow the Singapore economy. In so doing, we attract economic opportunities and jobs for the people of Singapore, and help shape our country's economic future. EDB’s role in the MOU is to work with industry partners like Renault-Nissan to jointly identify industry development opportunities such as manufacturing and R&D. The MOU is aligned with EDB’s positioning of Singapore as a “Living Laboratory” where leading-edge urban mobility solutions, such as electric vehicles, are tested, developed and exported to the rest of the world. 

Click the link above this article for more automotive news, iCar is an independent webzine for a daily fresh input of automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

Interested in classic motorcycles or fan of special bikes? Have a look at: Classic Motorcycles

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The SLK gets its most prominent name from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). This car, the SLK R170, was Mercedes first attempt at a smaller version of its SLK sports car. The SLK R170 was first produced in 1996, and its fans were immediate. The initial sales started with a very respectable 50,000 units. Though, time and other competitors moving forward aged the SLK. It was going head-to-head unfavorably against the Audi II. Also, it became a technological has-been.

The SLK’s electrical hard top remains an interesting feature, but its engine is reviewed as rough and harsh. The steering was borrowed from the C-class, the recirculating ball, which wasn’t the best choice.

When compared to rivals, the TT Roadster, the BMW Z3, and the Alfa Romero Spider, the Mercedes SLK 170 still stands out with its sex appeal. While the engine was uninspiring, they say North American drivers wanted the better gas millage over the power.

The Mercedes SLK R170 was the first Mercedes with a retractable hardtop. For those who don’t like backwash, you’ll want to pick up a Mercedes SLK R170 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector. This automated, retractible hard top follows the likeness of the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.

the 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000 to take on these initial problems and provide new improvements. This car has more power, a body make over, greater refinement, and is more agile in handling. The engine is smooth and doesn’t stutter when idling. Mercedes did make upgrades with the transmission, making shifting smooth as silk. There was new six-speed transmission, pieced together from the E-class. There was an automatic option, providing five speeds. Top-down driving is still problematic, need a Mercedes SLK R170 windscreen, windblocker, wind deflector. Then, the chassis was upgraded for better handling and safety improvements.

These changes are small and minor over time. The Mercedes SLK R170 still draws the raves.

Technorati Tags: Mercedes SLK 170, Mercedes SLK 170 Wind Deflector, Mercedes SLK 170 Windblocker, Mercedes SLK 170 Windscreen

With gas costs sky high most individuals who drive are interested in ways they can make their automobile more fuel efficient and save as much money as possible. Whilst there are no fuel saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling up, there are some tips that really will help you economize on fuel over time. All of these tips focus on making your vehicle more fuel efficient.

Fuel Potency Tip one Drive When You Crank Up
This might appear obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you must drive off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only keep your auto running when it is absolutely necessary.

Fuel Efficiency Tip two Don’t Ride the Break
Many drivers hit the break more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could easily switch lanes. Not riding the break can raise your fuel efficiency by almost 30 percent, so this is a great tip you should follow.

Fuel Potency Tip #3 Turn Off Your Automobile
If you are going to be stopping for at least ten mins you need to turn off your automobile to keep fuel potency at its peak and not burn more gas than is mandatory.

Fuel Potency Tip four Don’t Turn Off Your Car
If you are only stopping for a quick moment or less than five mins then don’t turn off your car because the quantity of gas used to crank up is more than you would burn in that brief period of time.

Fuel Efficiency Tip #5 Inflate Tires Correctly
Too many drivers never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However, having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make your automobile more fuel efficient, saving you cash. Due to this, you check your tire pressure on a constant basis.

While gas prices don’t seem to be dipping significantly in the following few months each tip to help you make your car more fuel efficient is useful. So, follow the above fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is more fuel efficient.

Do you like fast cars? If yes, you may also visit www.thesupercars.org to get more information about the fastest cars in the world. Also, you might want to check out most fuel efficient cars.

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If you love antique race cars, you are probably always looking for antique race cars for sale. When you see a sign for antique race cars for sale, you almost certainly slow down to take a look. You probably look every now and then online for some deals on antique race cars for sale. Places like Ebay Motors and Craigslist offer antique race cars for sale—but you need to be careful. It is easy to get scammed on the internet without even knowing it until it is too late.

How To Catch A Antique Race Cars For Sale Scam

There are quite a few ways to know that you are most definitely being scammed. If you see an antique car for sale and the deal seems too good to be true, chances are it is indeed too good to be true. Nothing in life is free, and great deals are usually not so great. Another way to know that you are possibly getting scammed is if the antique race car for sale is not available to be seen. You can test this by telling the seller that you will be in the area to visit a family member or a friend and would like to swing by to see the car. If the seller stutters and stammers and will not let you see the antique race car for sale, chances are you are about to be scammed. Also look out if the seller says that he will ship the car to you and you can send it back if you do not like it, or if the seller says that you can only see the car after you put down a “refundable” deposit. If a seller will not send you a copy of the title or says he is selling the car for a friend, you might want to be careful as well. It is not necessary that the antique race car for sale should be a good deal after all.

Keep Your Eyes Open

You probably want the antique race car for sale, but remember that these scams can seem very realistic. If you find the antique race car for sale and it is your dream car, you want to believe that it is real. But you must keep your eyes open for scams. Even if it seems realistic, check it out before you send any money. And never send money till you have not checked the vehicle. Remember, you will also need antique car insurance so keep all of your ducks in a row before finalizing the deal.

Technorati Tags: Antique Race Cars For Sale, How To Catch A Antique Race Cars For Sale Scam

In recent years, many people are buying small trailers of one type or another. Considering the price of gasoline and the common act of downsizing family vehicles, owning a good utility trailer makes sense. Utility trailers can range from small open bed landscaping style trailers to larger enclosed cargo trailers with locking barn style doors. There are also snowmobile trailers, motorcycle trailers, all sizes of camping trailers, and boat trailers to mention some. First you should decide which typetrailer is best for your personal needs.The main reasons behind owning a trailer is usually based upon business or a family hobby which requires hauling motorcycles or quads.

If you intend to haul small recreation vehicles or motorcycles, then an open landscaping style trailer might be your best choice. Then again, if you need extra space at home for storing your toys, you might consider going with a larger enclosed trailer. These are very secure and can be stored in your driveway. You will be shocked at how much space you will free up in your garage when you start moving your recreation vehicles and such to a storage trailer.  If you are considering a larger cargo trailer to serve as storage as well as for its hauling capability, I’d recommend looking at one with ramp back doors and a side door.  This type of trailer comes in single or double axel form which should be taken into consideration if hauling heavier loads. The side door is is most convenient in reaching those things you placed in the nose of the trailer.

Through the years, I’ve bought several trailers related to business. You’ll find, locating a good used trailer can be a challenge at times but with the advent of online trailer sales, this problem has been solved. You can generally find exactly what you are looking for if you have a bit of patience. Its very convenient to be able to purchase all your trailer parts and accessories on the web also. You can easily find everything from trailer hitches to axles and tires for just about any utility trailer without leaving your desk.

If you see a new trailer in your future, you really should click through and read this excellent article that will help you select the best utility trailer for your personal needs.

Technorati Tags: Automotive, car, motorcycle, RV, snowmobile, trailer, truck

Cars that are equipped with a manual transmission require the driver to maneuver a knob that controls gear switches. If you’ve never driven a stick shift, you may have a number of questions. As an Example, one wonders how just moving the knob on the stick actually change the gears? And what makes the grinding noise when the driver doesn’t move it correctly? In this article, I’ll describe how manual transmissions work, answering those questions and others along the way.

Transmission Basics

First, let’s talk about why your transmission needs to switch gears while you’re driving. Car engines are limited by something called a “redline.” The redline is the highest number of RPMs that the engine can endure without failing (or bursting from the stress). When your car accelerates, it requires horsepower. That horsepower has a maximum efficiency at any given range of RPMs. By shifting gears, your transmission keeps the RPMs below your engine’s redline while leveraging the existing horsepower.

Your transmission and engine are bridged by a clutch. In essence, the clutch is the connection between you, the transmission, and the engine. Also, keep in mind that the gear ratios shared by your engine and the drive wheels can vary in different gears. A 5-speed transmission changes the gear ratios as the driver shifts from first through fifth. Doing so allows the engine to make the best use of the available RPM range as your car accelerates.

How To Shift Gears

If you’ve been driving a stick shift (or manual transmission) for awhile, you’ll be able to imagine the stick positions easily. From a top view, they looks like 2 capital “E’s” placed back-to-back. When the stick rests in the center, the transmission is in neutral. Shifting from neutral to first gear requires moving the stick to the top right. Second gear is located in the top left. Shifting through subsequent gears involves moving the stick to the middle right, middle left, and finally, lower right to shift into fifth.

As a point of interest (to some people, at least), it’s interesting to note that shifting the stick through the gears - specifically from left to right and back to left - uses different rods and forks, which engages different collars.

Learning To Like Manual

One of the reasons why many drivers enjoy manual transmissions is because they can better control the car’s power. They’re able to maximize the horsepower and torque available from the engine in a given range of RPMs, shifting to the next gear when it’s most efficient to do so. Not everyone though will enjoy driving a stick shift. But, understanding how manual transmissions work in order to power a car can be valuable for any driver.

Technorati Tags: autos, Car Transmission, Car Transmissions, Cars, Vehicles

Used car parts now not only named as scrap from the wrecking yard. The value of used car parts is incredibly improved in recent years as this scrap metals is popular by a lot of people. People will use used car parts to do low-cost car repair or just for collection of car parts that may perhaps contemplated as antique.

On account of the high want of this scarp metal, all used car parts dealer must have numerous software which will assist the dealer to acquire even more money. In addition establish a Web page to show the parts and automobile inventory, noble software for the business should be able to record the complete vehicle inventory. On the contrary, not loads of of the excellent software are well-suited to Windows. For that reason, finding one that meets the requirement is almost certainly turn out to be the most complicated job.

Used Car Parts – Salvage Yard Software

Most important element in salvage yard software must be able to record inventory and sales history of 100% of the automobiles. The system ought to also include used car part finder interface and automobile finder interface. Once a preferred automobile is pulled up on the screen, the system will mechanically show which parts have already been sold from the car.

The user of the software system should be able to look up used car parts by car application, part type, or part number. The parts inventory part of the system can include pulled used car parts and new parts such as radiators and windshields. What is more, any salvage software system for used car parts should also be able to track the sales of parts that were not inventoried as well as towing and storage charges.

A sales program for used cars and used car parts is broadly added as in fact salvage yard also serving used cars selling and trucks rebuilding. This system can continuously add up your sales and sales tax. This software system can record client account files which give counter people an easy way to build fine will with regular clients. This software system will also have ability to print receipts, invoices, and vehicle and parts catalogs, will give your business a professional feel.

Used Car Parts – Auto Parts Industry and Job Shop Software

The basic software for auto parts industry and job shop ought to include, inventory, Point-of-Sale, and electronic cataloging features. The other vital component of the software is part number cross reference, application cataloging engine, and user configurable Part-Finder and Model-Finder menus.

Noble software will also include point-of-sale invoice printing, automatic inventory modification; re-order report, shopper file, complete sales history file, inventory editing spread-sheet screen, and a payables file. The counter person ought to be able to look up items by catalog application, by part number, by cross reference number, by vendor product line, by description or by make and model by using this software.

Used Car Parts – Used Car Lots and Dealers

The finest software for used car lots and dealer should include a automobile locater function. With this software, the used car parts brokers can see the vehicles expenses below each vehicle. These brokers are generally enthusiastic to pay for the entire used car even though they projected to sell several costly parts in the end. They can calculate quickly on the subject of how much money he has invested in that automobile with the support of this software.

Want to know further about used car parts? Let’s explore more on the links here and you will get much more about car parts as well as any thing related.

Technorati Tags: Automotive, autos, car_and_automotive, car_parts, driver

More of these articles and much more automotive news can be found on: Automotive News

Bentley Athens has moved into its new showroom in the northern suburbs of the Greek capital. So our Bentley representant told to us recently. Marking three years of a very successful presence in Greece, Bentley Athens has moved into its impressive new home, right on the Attiki Odos, Athens’ peripheral motorway.

The new and spacious showroom, situated in the northern suburbs of Athens, the ‘natural habitat’ of the majority of its clientele, offers customers a fresh view of the entire Bentley range, including selected pre-owned models, in an environment befitting the British luxury marque.

The past years have been very profitable for Bentley Athens with 46 cars sold and an 8% market share in the local high luxury segment.

The Service department, has been equally successful; over 120 cars - also a number of pre-2003 Rolls-Royces - have visited its state-of-the-art workshop which remains at its present site, but is now only 15 minutes (and a few exits) away from the new showroom, on the same main thoroughfare.

“The new Bentley Athens dealership will no doubt, prove to be a stepping stone in boosting sales and reinforcing Bentley Motors’ presence in Greece”, commented Michael Mayer, Regional Director for Europe and UK of Bentley Motors.

Bentley Athens can be found from april on at 21, A. Papandreou & Eratous street in 15124 Maroussi, Athens, Greece. Bentley Athens can be found at www.bentley.gr.

Click the link above this article for more automotive news, iCar is an independent webzine for a daily fresh input of automotive news. When your are interested in classic cars then we could recommend Auto Motor Klassiek, thousands of classic cars for sale when you click on Classic Cars for Sale Auto Motor Klassiek is a magazine for Classic Cars.

Motorcycle fan? Have a look at: Motorcycles Oldtimer Motoren

Technorati Tags: Automotive, automotive news, bentley, car, Cars

Antique car collecting has never been a more popular hobby than it is today. They are gorgeous and if you fix them up, they can run just as great as the new cars.

Anyone who has an antique car knows how special and valuable it is, and wants to make sure that they have all the best antique car parts and of course the best antique car insurance. There are hundreds of different antique car insurance companies out there today, but how do you decide on just the right one for you?

Well one name that certainly stands out of the crowd is Taylor Antique car insurance, also known as J.C. Taylor. With this Taylor antique car insurance you know that you are going to be getting the very best and that you are going to be getting the best rates more than anything. If you wish to go through with the Taylor antique car insurance company, all you have to do is go online to their website where you can get a free online antique quote.

Getting a Quote From The Taylor Antique Car Insurance

Getting a quote from the Taylor antique car insurance company is a very quick and simple process. All you have to do is check out the application form, fill out all the required information such as your name, address, and the make and model of your vehicle, and you will then be presented with a quote.

This quote is an estimate of the rate that you are probably going to get, but you should keep this fact in your mind that nothing has been finalized till you actually go through and sign up for the insurance.

If you ever read any reviews on the J.C. Taylor antique car insurance company you will see that the J.C. Taylor antique car insurance company is one of the most popular and well reviewed out there today. This is the reason they have been in the business enough time to gain devoted customers and that makes you trusting in them if you are just a new customer.

Of course there are plenty of other car insurance companies that you could go through as well if you needed to get insurance on an antique car, but this is a great one to use as an example, of the different qualities that you should be looking for in such a company. They are definitely one of the best of their kind and one that is going to be the most worth checking out.

Technorati Tags: Antique Car Parts, Taylor Antique Car Insurance

Looking for a great deal on a car? Try a public auto auction. There you’ll find everything from luxury automobiles to junk projects. Many people purchase vehicles this way either for themselves or to sell at a profit. This pleasant experience, however, can quickly turn sour if you don’t know a few things.

Maybe the car isn’t as wonderful as it seemed. The car won at auction might turn out to be a lemon. The rule of the auction jungle is “as is”. The old children’s show “Electric Company” taught children about this with a man considering a used car with an “as is” sign in the window. He makes a cursory look at the car, but every question is met with “the car is as is” from the salesman. Finally the man agrees to buy the car, pays for it, but when he opens the door to get into the car it falls to pieces. The unfortunate buyer shouts “I want the car as was!” Nobody wants to become that guy.

Reputable auto auctions give buyers ample opportunities to check out the cars before bidding or purchase. If an auction won’t do that, run. Take the time to do some leg work. Look around and test drive the cars of interest. Always have on site car knowledge, meaning bring a mechanic who knows about cars if you don’t. If that can’t happen then test drive it to a quick inspection at a garage. It doesn’t take long to check key components like the engine and breaks. Anyone with a decent eye can check the body, interior and other physical elements for wear and tear .

Auctions also come with a built in problem. Auction prices can be terrific, but sometimes people assume a bargain where there is none. That holds true for auto auctions too. The car’s value can be quickly eclipsed by excited bidding. Add the fees often associated with the auction and it means great care must be taken to know the real value of a car. Be armed with Kelly Blue Book values as well as real sales examples of similar models and years. No need to even look it up in advance since the information is online and phones can access it. Don’t pay more than the car is worth, even if it’s a coveted antique.

Keep in mind there are deals to be found. But come armed with information and expertise. An auto auction follows the rule of thumb of every sale, buyer beware.

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