Advance Auto Zone

Volvo Cars took a stab at entering the now popular sports utility vehicle segment and its entry to this competition is the Volvo XC90 which would be racing with other vehicles like the BMW X5, the Acura MDX, and the Infiniti FX to the top spot. This vehicle has actually been in production since the year 2003 and it is known as a crossover sports utility vehicle.

Known as a midsize luxury crossover sports utility vehicle, the Volvo XC90 has been actually built on the P2 platform that is also used by the Volvo S80. This platform is also used by other larger Volvo vehicles as well. According to Volvo Cars, the Volvo XC90 is their top selling vehicle in the United States. This vehicle’s sales take up around twenty five percent of their total sales in that area. Rumors have it that another update on the Volvo XC90 would be coming next year in 2007. This vehicle has already proven itself worthy for it has already bagged the North American Truck of the Year award in 2003 as well as the Motor Trend magazine’s Sport Utility of the Year for the same year.

The present year’s version of the Volvo XC90 has been made available in two trim levels which are the 2.5 T and the V8. Both hold four doors and could take in up to a maximum of seven passengers inside its luxurious cabin. The Volvo XC90 looks more as a European vehicle rather than as an American or Japanese creation. In fact, some critics even find this sports utility vehicle to be more attractive that the already luxurious BMW X5. And yes, it is also much cheaper than the mentioned vehicle.

During its introduction, the Volvo XC90 2.5 T trim level comes equipped with a standard 2.5 liter I5 turbo engine producing 208 horsepower. It can achieve 17 mpg in the city and some 23 mpg for the highway. To assist in the excellent delivery of the vehicle, there is a five speed automatic transmission system made standard. As per the other trim level, the V8, this comes with a 4.4 liter V8 engine that could produce some 311 units of horsepower. Driving through the city would give you the statistics of 15 mpg while as per the highway would give you 21 mpg. Standard for this trim level is a six speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.

For the best quality OEM Volvo parts, Volvo replacement parts, and performance Volvo accessories, interested parties and Volvo owners could shop at

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No. This is not about those Ford L-Series parts and other automotive products in the market that have been rumored to be created by the Chinese labor force. Of course, that kind of rumor has brought about a huge wave of consciousness to the auto industry about buying just the right kind of parts and accessories and other products for their vehicles.

What this is about is the light that has been shone when a recent research was done. According to the mentioned study, Chinese auto makers are now getting greater and greater shares in the United States auto market. The study further reveals that Chinese auto makers are now enjoying an estimated US$18.3 billion in revenue last year. That is only for their light passenger vehicles.

This study was conducted by Technomic Asia which is actually an international market consultancy organization. Technomic Asia also specializes in strategies done by Chinese which could be very much applicable to companies in the United States. And perhaps if China is able to take their fair share of the US auto market, then perhaps ailing US companies like the Ford Motor Company could sure learn a lot about their techniques.

Steve Ganster is the managing director of the organization. He also is the author of the mentioned report. Ganster even assesses the situation by stating, “The aging and expanding parc, coupled with private ownership of new vehicles at more than 70 per cent today, supports strong growth in the parts and service market.” He even further adds, “The top ten auto groups in China have sold more than ten million units combined through 2005, making up about 70 per cent of the light vehicle parc. But we are seeing some interesting shifts in this area now. For example, the leader, Shanghai VW, is seeing its market share of vehicles on the road decrease rapidly as other leading international players like General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai become more established.”

The report was actually given the title “A Strategic Assessment of China’s Light Passenger Vehicle Aftermarket, Third Edition.”

premiumcarparts.com/ford-lseries-parts.html Ford L-Series parts

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

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When you purchase a vehicle chances are you want to outfit it the way you want it to look, no matter how many options or accessories may have come with it. There is just something about a car that begs for a personal touch beyond what a factory, dealership, or previous owner can give to you. Companies specializing in automotive accessories know this and have you in mind when it comes to designing and developing products they think that you will like. Let’s take a look at some proven products that have been popularized by the accessories crowd.

Car Covers — More and more car owners are opting to purchase a car cover to protect their investment. Even owners who regularly garage their vehicles know that investing in a car cover can go along way toward protecting a vehicle’s finish beyond what a top notch wax can do. Dust, dirt, debris, and falling objects can harm a garaged vehicle while bird poop, rain, snow, ice, pollution, tree sap, and the sun can mar the finish of a car left outside. One company, Covercraft, has designed over 600 car covers ranging from one layer basic covers to four layered covers offering top protection and fitted with side mirror pockets.

Brake Dust Shields — How very nice it is to have a set of expensive alloy wheels on your ride. How awful it is to have those wheels looking like crap because of brake dust. A weekly chore to clean and they never look quite right! Besides, applying wheel cleaner gets expensive and tedious. Brake dust shields solve the problem as they are easily fitted into the wheel just like an inside hub cap. They are a very cost effective and inexpensive solution to a noticeable problem.

Dash Trim — Pimp your ride! No, really! Chances are your dashboard doesn’t do a whole lot for you…or your car. Why not trim it with model specific dashboard trim? Made of high quality velour, dash trim looks cool and comes available in a variety of colors including red, taupe, tan, brown, black, beige, and more. Some are even covered with low pile poly carpeting for that special look. Dash trim can also protect your dashboard from cracking and reduce sun glare.

Splash Guards — There was a time when mud flaps were basically made from rubberized material and available in just a few sizes: small, medium, and large. They never looked or fitted quite right; even though they served a useful purpose. Enter splash guards. Taking the idea of mud flaps one step further, splash guards are customized for individual models for an undeniably good looking fit. Made of durable material, splash guards are designed to match the look of nerf bars and running boards to ensure that you have a product that doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb!

Brush Guards — Owning a 4×4 means you do some off-roading or at least you travel where the average vehicle doesn’t go. This can mean driving down unpaved roads surrounded by overgrown brush and branches, any of which can scratch your car or break your headlamps. With a stainless steel brush guard in place, you can prevent damage and keep your truck looking great. Combined with a center grille guard or push bar, your brush guard will help protect your truck from damage.

Fender Flares — Bushwhacking never got better than with a brush guard and fender flares installed on your truck. With custom fitted brush guards, your front end is assured of protection, but the sides of your truck are still vulnerable. By installing fender flares, you can keep your wheels from throwing mud and dirt on the sides of your truck. Fender flares are designed to enhance the look of your truck and add value to its worth.

Depending on your vehicle there are as many as 500 auto accessories you can purchase to give your truck, van, SUV, or car that special look; such is an industry in tune with what consumers want and need. Shop around for the best accessories available to you at the lowest prices.

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer who covers topics from car parts and accessories to specific models and industry trends. You can accessorize your car, truck, van or SUV for a custom look and save money in the process. Matt invites you to find the racepages.com auto accessories you want and need by shopping the Race Pages today!

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