Groups Reach Out To Inform Teens About DUI - June 30, 2006

We all do know that driving while under the influence of alcohol has never been a really good thing to do. First off, you do not have total control of your vehicle. You may be familiar with all the Eagle performance parts you have added to your vehicle but you would not be able to actually control your vehicle once your senses have been already affected by the alcohol and liquor that you have ingested.

Many have lost their lives and their loved ones because of driving under the influence of alcohol or have suffered because they have encountered people who driving under the influence. And it is quite alarming that the statistics seem to be going up instead of lessening and going down. Because of this, groups have come up with various ways so as to bring about awareness of such behavior and in the process alleviate the numbers of those who get involved in wrecks and crashes because of these being under the influence.

The Michigan State Police have come up with a program that they are calling the Education and Prevention of Impaired Crashes so as to bring about awareness. And they are using GEM electric vehicles from Daimler Chrysler to inform people about their campaign. They are also utilizing these special goggles which they call “Drink Busters” so as to let people have that feeling what it is to be behind the wheel of a vehicle while being influenced by alcohol. The demonstration would be held at the Oakland County Traffic Safety Meeting. And with this program, they are aiming at informing and educating teenagers about the mentioned situation. The event would be happening on the 2nd of October at eight to nine thirty in the morning.

So how would the demonstration go about? With the use of a GEM electric vehicle crafted by GM’s Global Electric Motorcars division, there would be a course that would have safety cones. Teenagers and those interested drivers would be outfitted and suited with the previously mentioned “Drunk Busters”. These special goggles would actually simulate any effects that one would experience when being influenced by drugs or alcohol.

Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine. You can visit autopartscorner.com/eagle.html Eagle performance parts .

Chinese Luxury Car Market Creates a Great Leap in the International Forum -

Automakers are enjoying its sales figures in great parts of the globe. Moreover, one of the biggest leaping territories when it comes to automobile market is China. China’s luxury car market consists of Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Porsche and Volvo. These automakers have benefited in the increase of market to more than 45 percent in just one year. The remarkable market growth has occurred in the early part of 2004 to the later part of 2005.

According to R. L. Polk & Co., a reliable provider of automotive information and marketing solutions, the most significant growth of the luxury market can be attributed to Jiangsu province which has created 84 percent increase. Next to Jiangsu is Guangdong, making 79 percent recorded growth in market. On the other hand, Zhejiang province also bagged a 54 percent increase.

The information about the remarkable growth of luxury car market in China was delivered by Stephen Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. at the International Forum of China Automotive Industry Development. His presentation of the information is intended to open new doors of opportunities to support Chinese automakers in developing strategies to boost the growing marketplace.

Polk said “We’ve studied the Chinese market very closely and can provide important business intelligence data to enable manufacturers to control some inevitable change. Building on our U.S. expertise, we are mindful of similarities, but well-educated on the unique customer behavior and automotive trends in China today.” Polk further noted “Chinese automakers must continue to strive for excellence in customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, while offering competitive prices. Both are critical to winning market share.”

On the other side of it, while the luxury car market has dramatically increased, the retail price of the top ten registered cars plummeted. The retail price was slashed to about 15 percent since 2005. The figures manifest the pressure behind the increase in the market and the automakers are finding it hard to adjust with the new flow of demands. It was also obvious that customers are opting for larger engines in their luxury cars. Moreover, it is expected that Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Porsche and Volvo auto parts will be addressing this demand from its market.

autopartsdeal.com/volvo/parts.html Volvo auto parts

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

The VW Eos - Closer to Audi Territory -

Better than a Rabbit and a bargain compared to Audi, the Volkswagen Eos has a sunroof or convertible setup considered so revolutionary that it snagged a “2006 Best of What’s New” award from Popular Science magazine in the automotive category.

However, some automobile analysts say the operation of the retractable hardtop is not particularly special, though quite well done. When the lid is up, it is not folded nicely into the truck but snug and tight over your head. This process takes 25 seconds. While this is being done, the passengers may simply slide a panel over and get light, but just a bit more, in the cabin. The Eos has an integrated, power glass sunroof, making it a true four-season ragtop.

Nonetheless, the Eos starts at a very reasonable $36,900. This price makes it one of the best, if not the best, value in hardtop convertibles. The Volvo C70 hardtop convertible, for instance, lists for $56,495. It is of course way more expensive and definitely up there by most standards, but yes, it is a reasonable comparison. The closest competitor to the Eos is probably Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Spyder that costs $31,998-$36,998. The Spyder only comes with a power soft-top, although the Spyder GT-P ($36,998) has a 260-horsepower V-6.

The Eos 2.0T has its 200-horsepower inline-four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual. If you want the six-speed Tiptronic automatic, one will needs to the $1,400 tab. The Volkswagen in Canada, however, does not offer the top-of-the-line Eos 3.2L model with a 250-horsepower V-6 engine.

The name Eos comes from the Greek goddess of the dawn, who is also the mother of the winds Passat and Jetta.

Don’t go thinking though that the front-wheel-drive Eos is your regular, cutesy ragtop because it is definitely not. The VW Eos is a grown-up convertible with substantial, but not bulky, styling thanks to design highlights that include the wide chromed grille, expressive headlights and black louvers. Generally speaking, the coupe-style body looks good.

And here’s another thing — the cabin departs a little from your traditional VW interior design, this time sporting a pleasing contemporary look, accented by metallic-look trim. The front seats feel roomy, the controls including the ones for the convertible operation are simple and straightforward and the rearward visibility is thankfully good.

Upgrades include a sport leather package at $3,885, a removable wind blocker at $375, a removable ski bag at $250 and a park distance control at $350.Standard for the Eos are power windows, door locks, a good stereo, cruise control. With the usual durable VW ball joints, the Eos has an interior with two small cup holders that do not adjust.

It has turbocharged engine, which delivers 200 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, and six-speed manual transition. Fuel economy with the manual is pegged at 10.1 litres/100 km city/6.8 highway.

The cars safety features include the usual four-wheel disc brakes with anti lock and electronic brake assist, and an anti-skid program. Also, front and side airbags with a head extension are standard.

The Eos running gear is patterned to the Rabbit/Jetta platform, and the rear suspension is based on the Passat.

Thanks to all the smart engineering and design work by the brilliant minds at Volkswagen the Eos is seemingly moving closer to Audi territory. 547

For more about your VW parts needs like