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Will the Mazda Microcar pass US standards?

March 15, 2009 – 1:47 am

2008 saw a surge in the popularity of minicars and compacts, with 16,000 two-seat minicars imported to the US which did not satisfy the demands of the long list of buyers. Because of this small-is-more trend, many are now wondering whether the North American market is a ripe one for micro cars.

Mazda has recently redesigned the micro-mini AZ Wagon in Japan, offering more flexibity and room as well as better fuel efficiency. And thanks to a few tweaks and touches (which we see in the Custom Style rendition offered in Japan), the AZ Wagon has easily changed its image from being just cute to cool and comfortable.

Posted in Concept Cars, Mazda | Comments (0)

Italdesign to reveal speedy but penny-wise hybrid car at Geneva motor show

February 27, 2009 – 12:56 pm

Italdesign Giugiaro will reveal its latest concept of a speedy but fuel-efficient hybrid car at the Geneva motor show.

Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.a , commonly called Italdesign, is a famous automobile designer and is a highly-specialized engineering company that is located in Turin, Italy.

It was founded in the year 1968 with its first name as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A that worked in collaboration with the Volkswagen. At present, the company is recognized for the famous works of its subordinate, the Giugiaro Design, the home of the renowned car designer Giorgetto Guigiaro.

Today, with their innovative concept, Italdesign revealed that the hybrid coupe is a two-seater and can achieve a top speed on the road at 186 miles per hour, or 300 kilometers per hour. It can also be accelerated from an amazing zero to 62 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds.

Posted in Hybrid Cars | Comments (0)

Car Insurance for Green Cars

February 2, 2009 – 11:02 pm

So you have just gone in for the latest conversion kit to renovate your car into an eco friendly vehicle. Or you might be among the lucky ones who have just purchased a brand new green car. There is no doubt that you are helping the earth with your decision that will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide pollution. Surely the insurance companies too will help you by offering lower insurance rates for your eco friendly cars. Be prepared for a shock, for recent research has shown that it costs nearly 100% more to insure a green car, compared to insuring normal cars.

In fact one can find comparison charts on may sites on the Internet that will testify how costly it is to get a green car insured. While it is laudable to go in for green car insurance, you need to weight the pros and cons before you make up your mind and finalize the insurance deal. All said and done, there are some insurance agents, though they are a minority, who do offer lower premiums to owners of green cars. They believe that they too should play their part to help those who are helping the world to overcome pollution caused by normal cars. I guess this is a PR-reason, but who cares, as long as you get your discount, no?

Posted in Car Insurance | Comments (0)

Johnson Controls Unveils re3 Concept in Detroit

January 19, 2009 – 5:11 pm

Johnson Controls is known to auto makers as a tier 1 supplier of car parts. The company shows off in the Detroit Auto Show the re3 Concept which is a preview of what else they can offer.

The goal of the concept car is to create a smart driving environment in more efficient vehicles that have lighter bodies and good engine fuel economics. With the re3, Johnson Controls eyes all green bases and is sure to hit a run.

The tag re3 actually means re-think, re-new, and re-spond. The car draws a new picture of what small cars should be like in the future. Through innovative engineering the re3 Concept aims to deliver an overall experience of comfort and sustained appeal with the consumers.