Morgan Motor Company marks its 100th anniversary for a new model called Aero SuperSports a "lightweight aluminum sports car with a luxurious specification".

The technology used on the anniversary model is the one introduced in the AeroMax coupes built in 2008 and 2009. Under the hood, the car uses an aluminum-block 4.8-liter V8 engine, sourced from BMW and mated to either a six-speed automatic or six manual transmissions.


The car’s interior cabin is full of leather and wood and because it’s convertible you can have full of air which means that you can save gas, and that’s all very nice. The new Aero Super Sports is due to enter production in early 2010. A deposit of £25,000 is required to ensure that you can have one of these exciting new models. It is anticipated to cost around £127,000 including VAT which is around €140,000 or $185,000.


Charles Morgan, Grandson of the Founder said in a release. "The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a luxurious flamboyant sports car which also remains true to Morgan’s philosophy of lightweight minimalist simplicity. It is a celebration of our love of cars and the romance of travel and is a fitting model to announce during Morgan’s Centenary year.”

The 2008 Lincoln Mark LT will come in two models. This 4 door, 5-passenger luxury pickup, will be released in a 4X2 and 4X4 trim. “The 4X2 is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. The 4X4 is equipped with a standard 5.4 liter, V8, 300 horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.” This engine specification provides adequate acceleration, and enough muscle for most towing. With the Mark LT's powerful V8, reviewers find it to be very quick.

This car is generally handsome due to lots of gleaming chrome and extra detail. For 2008, the Mark LT received the addition of the colors of light french silk and clear coat metallic. “Standard exterior features include a 138.5-inch short wheelbase or 150.5-inch long wheelbase model, and comes outfitted with four full-size doors, power/heated mirrors and 18-inch seven spoke cast-aluminum wheels. Optional exterior features include chrome bed rails, a power moon roof, power rear window, running boards and 20-inch seven spoke chrome aluminum wheels.”

Some reviewers tagged it as the best pickup interior in the business in terms of elegance, sophistication and comfort. It has a spacious five-passenger seating arrangement which uses premium leather on its seats.

Among the many standard features equipped on the Mark LT are trip computer and theater dimming interior lighting, audiophile sound system consisting of a six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability. Luxurious carpet completes the magnificence of the interior.

The 2008 Lincoln Mark LT, five out of a possible five stars for both driver and passenger protection in frontal-crash tests. The Mark LT also earned a rollover rating of four out of five stars.”

“Safety features included anti-lock all-disc brakes with electronic systems for brake-force distribution. In the front, dual airbags are deployed according to sensors that read crash severity and the presence or absence of a passenger.”

With the 2008 Lincoln Mark LT’s elegance and powerful performance it really does prove to be deserving of its “luxury car” designation.

The much awaited first production model from Nissan, the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima, has rolled off the assembly line at Nissan North America's Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing plant yesterday. The production underscores the indication of the return of Nissan's flagship to its origin as a superior 4-door sport car. The "Job 1" 2009 Maxima was brought down to the assembly line during a noontime festivity attended by several Nissan employees and executives. The car showcases a sporting bold new looks, with a revitalized and powerful V6 under the hood.

"The Maxima is an important car for Smyrna and for Nissan," said Greg Daniels, senior vice president, U.S. Manufacturing, Nissan North America. "It's our responsibility to build a high quality vehicle each and every time. Our customers deserve it and expect no less."

There were several alterations applied in the seventh generation Maxima. The exterior showcases a more insistent facade that conveys a tough, first-class charisma. A "super" cockpit experience was matched generating an interior that merges a driver point of reference with elevated quality, spaciousness and accessible technology. A one-of-its’-kind performance component was added to the Maxima, some customers and owners called it as "Maxima-ness” because of its superior and convenient road performance.

"We set out to create one of the best performing front engines, front-wheel drive sedans in the world. The Maxima delivers on all levels offering the value, quality, and exhilarating performance consumers have come to expect from Nissan," says Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan division, Nissan North America.


The next generation Maxima is fabricated based on the company’s latest D platform that offers alert handling and nearly get rid of the torque steer linked with loaded horsepower front wheel drive cars. It features an innovative Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode as well. It is altered particularly for net generation’s sporty driving nature. A brand new "Ds mode" (drive sport) has been added to the CVT for 2009 intended for drivers desiring for the extreme in vehicle control. "Ds mode" is an electronic control logic that improves sport driving through amplified speed up feel with superior engine revolutions, maintaining engine speed during cornering and automatic engine braking.

The new generation Maxima is outfitted with a 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve VQ series V6 engine which is presently rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima.

The changing of the Opel’s badge is part of improving the image of the brand.

The long-time badge of the world-renowned German auto maker is set to be replaced this coming July 2008. A report from John Revill of Automotive News Europe accounted that General Motors' Opel brand will reveal a new adaptation of its logo when it introduces the Insignia upper-medium car sooner this year. In addition to this, the new version of the lightning bolt symbol, which has been attached to Opel cars since 1963, will be showcased at the London auto show in July 2008.

The managing executives from GM further explained how they wished for to move Opel and move the brand upmarket by highlighting design and engineering supremacy based on traditional German manufacturing qualities.

The newest logo assimilates the brand’s name into an expanded boundary that surrounds the trademark lightning bolt. The latest badge to be obtained has a more molded design with sphere-shaped surfaces that provides the symbol three-dimensional deepness.

"Capturing that combination of beautifully-sculpted shapes together with German precision is very much consistent with the overall design language and philosophy of our vehicles," says Mark Adams, GM Europe's head of design, who led the team that re-designed the logo.

"The Opel Blitz evolved from a zeppelin – a symbol of progress at that time – which had been the radiator emblem of Opel vehicles since the beginning of the 1930s," said Heinz H. Zettl, manager of Opel Heritage & Institutional Communications.

A circle was added in 1937 to represent a wheel to symbolize mobility along with a representation of the endless innovation Opel has to offer all through the years.

“This evolution was also influenced by the brand name of Opel's light commercial vehicles, which from 1930 to 1975 bore the name "Blitz,” Zettl added. It also featured a lightning bolt as a distinctive symbol"

The company's sister brand Vauxhall will showcase a new version of its Griffin badge as well, along with a set of brand new models at the London show.

“Green” tax breaks were introduced in Thailand last year. This is an effort of the nation as the world’s largest manufacturer of light pickups to tuck the title in the years to come. Annually, Thailand churns out 900,000 one-tonne trucks. The figure is three-fourths of global output.

The government is threatened by escalating oil prices and global warming concerns that could result in truck sales doldrums. This scenario could put a dent to Thai economy because shoppers are expected to shift to fuel-efficient compact cars. These reasons prompted the Thai government to offer incentives for the manufacturer of “eco-cars” that meet European emission standards.

"First-time car owners, and especially motorcyclists who want to become car owners, are cost-conscious consumers," said Surapong Paisitpatnapong, spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries' automotive club. "Investments in eco-car production will help grow this new segment of the country's domestic auto market while increasing exports.”

By far, seven automakers have proposed eco-car projects to Thailand's Board of Investment. The automakers include Toyota Motor Corp., Volkswagen AG, and Tata Motors Surapong said four proposals have already been approved.

Also, Honda Motor Co. intends to invest $214 million to assemble eco-cars while manufacturing engines and parts in Thailand. Suzuki Motors, meanwhile, will invest $303.658 million to build a new factory in central Thailand. Approximately 80 percent of cars produces will be for export. Nissan Motors Co. also will invest $177 million to build 120,000 units annually. The output is also mainly allotted for export.

"Eco-cars are going to be hot in Thailand's auto market. The lower prices for these minicars, along with high oil prices, will drive up the demand," said Nongnapat Wilepana, a Nissan dealer in Bangkok.

AFP reported that under the scheme, the companies will not have to pay corporate income taxes on their investments for eight years, and duties on imported machinery will be waived.

“Thailand's main worry is that its auto industry depends entirely on foreign companies, since the kingdom has no national automaker,” Surapong noted. “That means the country will have to keep wooing automakers with attractive offers in the future to deter them from looking for better deals for their factories in other countries.”

At the Geneva International Motor Show, the leanest, greenest automobiles were displayed. And with more stringent vehicle emissions standards, an increasing number of green cars will soon hit the roads.

Among the horde of small cars that made their official debut are Ford Motor Co.'s Fiesta, Toyota Motor Corp.'s iQ, and Fiat’s 500 Aria. The cars flaunt carbon dioxide emissions of under 100 grams per kilometer. As such, they prove that automakers can beat the EU proposal for a fleet average of 130 grams by 2012.

Tata Nano, dubbed the cheapest car worldwide, was also displayed to wow the Europeans. The new People’s car bearing a price sticker of $2,500 plus tax and delivery will be initially available in India, the automaker’s home territory. Nonetheless, Tata is in the process of enhancing the car’s emissions ratio and safety features to compete closely with global automakers in the near future.

General Motors Corp.’s new Chevrolet Aveo, a five-door vehicle from the automaker’s best-selling brand, was also shown at the motor show to pull green aficionados closer.

More and more green cars are produced but one of the loopholes seen on the emission proposal was tackled in Brussels. Discussions reveal that automakers pool their fleets with those of companies manufacturing more efficient automobiles.

Greenpeace, a leading environmental group, said even tighter emissions targets than those in the EU proposal are needed if climate change is to be reigned in. Martin Lloyd of Greenpeace accused automakers of "greenwashing" with a few eco models while continuing to sell heavier, faster and less efficient vehicles. "The industry knows what it has to do and it has the technology to do it," Lloyd concluded.

According to an Associated Press release, about 20 activists protested at the Geneva show demanding that automakers rethink what makes a good car and calling for average fleet emissions to be limited to 120 grams per kilometer by 2012, and 80 grams by 2020.

There is also an impending threat that automakers could pass the cost to auto shoppers. As such, it would increase hundreds of dollars to the sticker price of cars. It won’t be long for automakers to impose much higher prices.

Mitsubishi plans to expand reach with the i-MiEV, set to arrive at dealerships by 2010.

The i-MiEV comes from the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) clan, a name given to the automaker’s alternative propulsion technologies. Other watchers in the industry predicted that the cute little electric car with the top speed of about 80 mph and a maximum travel of 100 miles will not make it into the real automotive realm. But the Japanese automaker proved them wrong.

Mitsubishi will also expand mid-sized platform cars and will include an SUV based pickup. The automaker also plans to make the i-MiEV global by reaching Europe and North America not just Japan.


The two-seater i-MiEV, which is designed for urban use, is Mitsubishi’s effort to combat global warming issues. The automaker will zero in on smaller and low impact sport utilities as well as core technologies stressing the development of clean diesel engines and the high-efficiency automated manual transmission Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), according to the Green Car Congress.

In the Western European market, the Japanese automaker will respond to stringent mileage standards by improving environmental awareness and tightening CO2 emissions. This will be done by introducing environmental technologies and compact vehicles. Additionally, to improve sales in the burgeoning Central European market, the automaker will concentrate on sport utilities.

In North America, Mitsubishi said that it will primarily be working on improving the brand image in the mid- to long term and working with its dealers. What’s more, the concentration for its US-based production facility will be continued efforts at overall cost cuts, including fixed costs, and by intensifying export prospects.

In Brazil, Mitsubishi will endeavor to raise sales by satisfying its lineup of full-range flexible fuel vehicles (FFV). FFV range covers 0-100 percent petrol or bioethanol-compatible vehicles.

With the global warming uproar, automakers are mandated to fill the roads with fuel efficient cars. But Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will take years to make the cars commercially viable.

The fuel-cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) produces electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. Fuel cells emit nothing more than water vapor. This is why the FCHV is deemed one of the cleanest cars that are expected to invade the roads.

In 2007, the Japanese auto giant reported success in a test of a fuel-cell car. During the test, the FCHV was driven about 560 kilometers on a single filling. Remarkably, the car finished with 30 percent of the hydrogen still in the tank.

Beside the fact that the FCHV is pricey, Watanabe noted that motorists would need an infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations if they are to take fuel-cell cars on the road.
"It will probably be a long way ahead until we can start mass production, considering problems linked to difficulties in how to stock hydrogen and where to draw hydrogen from," he said. "It'll take long time to solve these problems, but we will definitely commercialize it as I believe it is a promising power sourceaid.”

Toyota is the pioneer of hybrids. Additionally, the automaker is also expected to become the world’s largest this year by leapfrogging General Motors Corp.

Watanabe in an interview with AFP said he hoped to go further and "make a car that can actually clean the air, so that the longer it runs the cleaner the air becomes." He added work was progressing with Matsushita on loading cars with lithium-ion batteries. The batteries would introduce to the industry the so-called “plug-in hybrids" that can be recharged from domestic outlets. "By 2010 we hope the achievement will see customers," Watanabe said.

"I have no intention of changing our policy that the centre of research and development will be in Japan," he concluded. "Of course, part of technological development already has shifted to satellite centers in the United States, Europe, Thailand, Australia and Taiwan. But the basic and core technologies will be developed in Japan."

At the Chicago Auto Show, the Dearborn-based automaker launched its very first factory-customized model – the Edge Sport.

The turbocharged Sport trim features 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, the first size on a crossover, or 20-inch premium painted wheels with Sport-branded black center hubs. To complete the rugged and aggressive appearance of the vehicle, engineers at Ford give it low-profile tires.

What’s more, the vehicle’s design and features like VistaRoof™ and SYNC helped make Ford Edge the best-selling crossover in the nation.

According to the automaker, the eight-piece Edge Sport body kit includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower on other Edge models. Additionally, the front air dam features and integrated fog lamps.

The Dearborn automaker also offered perky details such as the custom Sport badging, "foundry gray", smoked headlamp and tail lamp lenses, and polished dual exhaust tips emerging from openings in the rear skirt.

Edge Sport will be available in Sport Blue, Brilliant Silver, Ebony and Redfire. Inside, dark gray leather seats feature unique suede-feel patterned inserts in a combination of light and dark gray, with contrasting stitching for premium appeal. The vehicle is scheduled to roll out into dealerships this fall.

The i-Blue is powered by hydrogen, which experts are claiming to be the future of green vehicles. Using hydrogen as fuel means that it does not produce any amounts of greenhouse gas. According to The Auto Channel, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle was developed at the automaker's Design and Technical Center located in Chiba, Japan. The automaker's development of the hydrogen-powered vehicle signals its active participation in the race to become the first automaker to mass produce hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The first two generations of the i-Blue were based on SUV platforms. The use of said platform enables the designers of the concept vehicle to have ample room to stow the components used by a hydrogen-powered vehicle. The unveiled i-Blue on the other hand has been developed using a crossover platform. This means that the automaker has overcome the need for a larger space to stow the needed components for the vehicle to run on hydrogen.

The third-generation i-Blue is powered by a fuel cell stack and an electric engine capable of producing 100 kW. Maximum speed of the vehicle is placed at a hundred miles per hour. A full tank of compressed hydrogen can power the vehicle for up to 370 miles.

The Hyundai I-Blue is a four-seat vehicle and one of its most striking features are the space age bucket seats, front and rear in the fuel cell crossover. The cockpit design is sure to gain many fans as the vehicle was designed for comfort along with its zero emissions capabilities.

The use of a crossover platform on the third-generation i-Blue also changed the position of the fuel cell stack. In the second generation i-Blue which is built around a Hyundai Tucson, the fuel cell stack is placed in the engine compartment. In the new i-Blue, the fuel cell stack is placed underneath the floor. This placement of the said component allows the new i-Blue to have a 50:50 weight distribution.

The said distribution is ideal so that the vehicle will have better agility. That means it can be easily driven as it responds better to handling than the old Tucson-based i-Blue.

Buick is a division of General Motors and one of the vehicles under this brand is the Buick Lucerne. For 2008, Buick has already decided on the manufacturer’s suggest retail price of the Buick Lucerne Super. Buick would be selling the Lucerne Super for $39,395 and that already includes the destination freight charge of $765. Of course, you would have to decide now if you would like to own this vehicle for orders are already coming in. Buick has also announced that the vehicle would be available come April this year.

If you would be going for the standard unit, that would give you a vehicle that comes with high quality features. One of these would be the new 4.6 liter Northstar V8 engine that has the capacity to produce 292 horsepower. Aside from that, you also would find Magnetic Ride Control technology used in the vehicle as well as a premium steering system and front seats that are heated and cooled. The vehicle has also been equipped so as to be able to have windshield washer fluid which has been heated so as to help facilitate easier cleaning especially during the cold months.

Access to the vehicle has also been made easier with a remote start. This feature is factory-installed. You also get total comfort with QuietTuning - this is the brand’s technology designed so as to reduce any kind of noise from entering the cabin. For entertainment, the vehicle comes with the XM Satellite Radio.

The Buick Lucerne Super has a chrome waterfall grille as well as dual chrome exhaust tips. The unit has also been designed to ride on chrome wheels that measure some 18 inches and you can enjoy night rides under the stars for this car has a power sunroof.

The legendary F-150 has been the best-selling pickup for 31 years now. But F-150 is now facing a serious competition in the 2009 Dodge Ram.


The 2009 Dodge Ram was launched at this year’s North American International Auto Show. With a throng of American cowboys riding on their horses alongside a herd of cattle, the Ram was flaunted outside the front door of the Cobo Center in Detroit.

The 2009 Ram boasts of higher fuel efficiency and more horsepower. Additionally, the new pickup is equipped with loads of features that other rivals failed to offer. The features include storage bins, dubbed the Ram Box, built into the sides of its bed area.

Other auto features include heated and cooled front seats; heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, memory seats with power lumbar, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel, and a 10-speaker surround sound audio system.

The Ram will also be offering three engine choices. Engine options include a 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for the high-end model. The HEMI engine generates 35 more horsepower than the previous model with 380. What’s more, fuel efficiency of the new pickup was increased to produce a more captivating version.

"This is an all-new truck. It's all-new design, new features. All kinds of new storage," said Dan Bodene, Chrysler’s body-on-frame specialist. "We significantly upgraded the interior. One of the other new features for the '09 is the coil spring rear suspension, which is a first in the pickup segment."

"Depending on how you option the vehicle, you can get everything from an AM/FM radio with CD player to Sirius backseat satellite TV," Bodene said. "There's DVD available. MyGIG entertainment system is available. You can have almost anything you want in it. We've got our signature Ram design. Compared to previous trucks, we think it's a little more aggressive this time around. A lot of features built into the design have helped the aerodynamics. We've got best in class aerodynamics on this truck. It's a .419 coefficient of drag. Our previous truck was .463 in comparison.”

The 2009 Ram, which will be manufactured in Warren, Mich. and St. Louis North plants, will hit showrooms this fall.

Although the Jeep Liberty has achieved some level of success, the automaker decided to give the Liberty a facelift.

Carey Russ of The Auto Channel recently took a Jeep Liberty for a test drive. Russ said that he did not recognize the vehicle instantly. "This was because about the only thing not changed in and on the 2008 Liberty was the name. The new styling - now looking like a shrunken Commander - may be the most apparent attribute, but that's only the surface," said Russ.

According to him, the new Liberty is given a longer wheelbase. This change though did not affect the maneuverability of the vehicle. The additional length and width of the said vehicle said Russ does not make any considerable change if one will look at it on the outside. But he went on to say that the changes in the dimension of the vehicle affect the interior room greatly.

Being a Jeep, the Liberty is expected to be like its rugged brethren and this is what Russ had to say about that: "Biggest difference from the crossover competition? Being a Jeep, the Liberty is designed and built to go where the pavement ends. Two-wheel drive (to the rear wheels) is standard, but there are two optional four-wheel drive systems, the new Selec-Trac II full-time system and the Command-Trac part-time system."

The power of the 2008 Jeep Liberty comes from a V6 engine which produces as much as 210 horsepower. Russ had this to say: "An interesting 90-degree single overhead cam engine, it's essentially two-thirds of a Grand Cherokee V8 and uses a balance shaft to counteract the vibration inherent in that design. Internal enhancements have reduced noise and increased low-rpm torque."

And as consumers are becoming more and more concerned about the safety features of vehicles, the automaker has given the 2008 Jeep Liberty safety features which are designed to adequately protect its occupants in the unfortunate case of a collision. "The Liberty's passengers are protected by a sturdy unibody structure with front and rear crumple zones and side impact-protection beams," said Russ.

"Advanced-design multi-stage front and full-length side curtain airbags are standard in both models, as are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with rough road detection for better off-road functioning, brake assist, all-speed traction control, hill start assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation systems (ERM), and a tire-pressure monitoring system."

In conclusion, Russ said: "The Jeep Liberty provides a real-deal alternative to the common crossover in the mid-size SUV class."

Mazda Motor Corp. announced Wednesday that it has developed a safety system that warns drivers who are trying to change lanes of vehicles approaching from behind. In the past, other automakers have introduced similar safety systems. The system was introduced in vehicles in the European continent. The rear collision warning system will be an option starting with the new Atenza to be released at month’s end.

The innovative system from the Japanese automaker kicks in when the vehicle go beyond 60 kilometer per hour. The said system is engineered to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes which are 50 meters behind.

The manufacturer noted that this would be the very first time that such safety system is installed in a vehicle for the Japanese market.

The modification made to the exterior design enlivens the vehicle's appearance. The design covers chrome door handles and expanded use of black molding on the rear bumper. Interior quality, meanwhile, was also enhanced with the addition of piano black parts on the power window switch bezels, center panel, and other interior areas of the vehicle. Additionally, chrome parts were chosen for select levers and buttons. This is done to enhance the vehicle’s elegance.

The Japanese automaker said all models in the range, including the four-door Axela, five-door Axela Sport and Mazdaspeed Axela, sport remarkable improvements. They are available at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships across the nation.

The Mazda Motor Corp. has launched its four-door, four-seater sports coupe RX-8 at this year’s North American International Auto Show with a serious bang. The new generation coupe boasts of a refreshed styling and an improved performance to wow more auto enthusiasts.

The Japanese automaker restyled the front and rear bumpers, wheels, headlights, and LED taillights while retaining the traditional rear-hinged rear doors. What is more, the automaker made the exhaust pipes and alloy wheels bigger than the previous model.

The RX-8 entertained a stiffened body by using a bar between the front suspension towers. Aside from enhancing stability of the car, it is also resorted to improve handling. The gearing was also modified to make the car even faster.

"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission - to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The new RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."

To make the revision catchier, Mazda’s pool of engineers zeroed in on innovation in three areas – styling, packaging and performance. "The enhancements made to RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," added Nakazawa.

Also, a flagship new sport package of the car will also be available. This will include a sport-tuned suspension, a body kit (with a new front bumper and side sills as well as fog lights and high-performance tyres) and Recaro front seats with leather side bolsters, reported Reuters.

The revised models are expected to go on sale in the United Kingdom in the summer. According to the maker prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time.

"You will see this design philosophy in the future," von Holzhausen said last Wednesday at the AutoWeek Design Forum. “If Mazda doesn't evolve and reinvent its "skin," it runs the risk of becoming obsolete. Look at BMW. They recreated their skin. It was controversial but now they are selling more cars because of it.”

Canada wants to get rid of old vehicles. To keep them out of Canada roads, the federal government will be introducing incentives. The investments are intended to lure vehicle owners to scrap old gas-guzzlers.

Environment Minister John Baird admitted it is a "huge challenge" to persuade Canadians to change their behavior to help combat climate change. But he said that the Conservative government is pursuing numerous options, including incentives for individuals who get rid of old and inefficient vehicles. "We will have an initiative in the coming weeks on that," he told the Economic Club of Toronto.

According to environmentalists, a 12-year-old vehicle produces 17 times more pollutants than one manufactured at the present time. A discussion paper released this summer outlines a number of possible incentives that could be offered, ranging from cash to free public transit passes to rebates on the purchase of new, fuel-efficient vehicles, reported Canada Autos.

The document states: "The incentive options offered through this new program will aim to accelerate the removal of older vehicles from the road and to encourage Canadians to consider sustainable transportation alternatives.”

It can be noted that a number of organizations are now offering vehicle-retirement programs countrywide. These programs include Scrap-it in Vancouver, Cash for Clunkers in Kelowna, B.C., Bye Bye Beaters in Winnipeg and Car Heaven.

Fatima Dharsee, Car Heaven's program manager, said that the government has consulted her organization as it develops its own plan. For the program to succeed, she said, it must include a range of rewards. "The right thing to do is to offer a suite of incentives, because there are families of four who want to participate and do the right thing, but for them, offering a transit pass that only works for one person won't fit their lifestyle," she said.

Scrap-it, Canada's first vehicle-retirement program, was established in Vancouver more than a decade ago. Through Scrap-it, drivers with cars built before 1993 are given $1,000 toward a new hybrid vehicle, $500 to buy a bicycle, a free transit pass for 18 months or other rewards. To qualify, individuals fill in an application and deliver their car to a designated recycling yard.

This year, the Conservatives have committed to cutting greenhouse gases by 20 per cent against current levels by 2020. However, they have been condemned by environmentalists for abandoning commitments made under the Kyoto protocol.

At a press conference of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) held at the Toronto Congress Center at the country’s capital, twelve vehicles from twelve “Car of the Year” categories were awarded as “Best New” for 2008.


Giving recognition to the vehicles is the AJAC’s means of giving Canadians honest comparative information about new vehicles debuting in the country’s auto market. To stand for this cause, the organization made the information about each vehicle that made it on the list in their website ready for consumer access. To come up with the vehicle’s data, AJAC conducted a series of evaluation for the 177 new vehicles which initially made it as entries. The four day vehicle tests were held last October 29-November 2, 2007 at the Niagara-on-the-lake in Ontario. This yearly vehicle assessment had been famed in the global auto industry as the “TestFest”.

For the data to be reliable reflecting real life consumer driving experiences, the TestFest’s evaluation program includes the typical driving at public roads. At the site, 70 Journalists get to pick their bet by means of driving the cars back to back themselves on the same roads, day and under the same weather conditions to avoid bias. Seventeen evaluation parameters are used that basically include driver position and ergonomics, engine smoothness, steering, handling, visibility and styling both in the exterior and interior of the vehicle. With these filtering program, winning vehicles are really the best in their kind.

2008 CCOTY Co-chairman Paul Williams commented, "In my opinion, the AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards are founded on the most objective, informed and thorough evaluation process you'll find. The evaluations are based on back-to-back testing in real-world situations. They're a uniquely Canadian resource for people looking to buy a new vehicle".

The 2008 category winners are:

BEST NEW SMALL CAR: Saturn Astra
BEST NEW FAMILY CAR: Honda Accord EX Sedan
BEST NEW LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz C Class
BEST NEW PRESTIGE CAR (over $75,000): Audi R8
BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR under $50,000: MINI Cooper S
BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR over $50,000: Audi S5
BEST NEW CONVERTIBLE: BMW 335i Cabriolet
BEST NEW MINIVAN: Hyundai Entourage
BEST NEW PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Silverado
BEST NEW SUV/CUV under $35,000: Nissan Rogue
BEST NEW SUV/CUV $35,000 - $60,000: Saturn Vue
BEST NEW SUV/CUV over $60,000: Buick Enclave

Aside from the twelve “Best New” awards, AJAC also awarded the Audi R8 as the “Most Coveted Vehicle”. The AJAC started recognizing vehicles as the “Most Coveted Vehicle” in 2005 giving honor to a dream car. The vehicle, to be a winner must gain the interests of car enthusiasts enough for them to say that it’s the vehicle they would buy in case they win in a lottery.

The said vehicle is greener than gas-electric hybrid vehicles as it is designed to run on hydrogen fuel which does not emit greenhouse gases. In connection with the unveiling of the FCX Clarity, Honda also announced that their Home Energy Station IV is already being used on their R&D facility in Torrance, California. Said unit is designed to provide fuel for hydrogen–powered vehicles such as the FCX Clarity. In addition, the said experimental device also provides electricity and heating for home use.

The said Home Energy Station is the fourth-generation of the mentioned technology and has been made more compact and efficient. With its compact construction, it will take up less space than its previous versions. According to Honda, the newest device is also less costly than previous units.

Hydrogen fueled vehicles are being seen as the vehicles of a greener future as it does not produce any greenhouse gases. Unlike hybrid vehicles which still produce carbon dioxide since they still burn petroleum fuel, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles only produce water vapor as its emission. But in order for hydrogen-powered vehicles to be mass produced and used widely, car manufacturers should bring down its cost of production. Another issue being faced by this technology is the availability of refilling stations offering hydrogen fuel.

With the Home Energy Station, refilling hydrogen-powered vehicles is no longer a problem as consumers can easily refill their hydrogen car's tanks in their own homes. The said technology does not only cut down greenhouse gas production via automobiles but also through the power grid. Electricity is sometimes produced by burning petroleum fuel, but with the Home Energy Station, consumers can produce electricity for their home using hydrogen as fuel.

Tomiji Sugimoto, the vice president of Honda Research and Development Americas, had this to say: "Honda is striving to address the need for a refueling infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The Home Energy Station represents one promising solution to this issue, while offering the added benefit of heating and powering the home more efficiently."

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently named the thirty-four 2008 model year vehicles which were given their highest safety rating. Called the Top Safety Pick award, the system is developed to name the best vehicles in the market in terms of protecting its occupants in the unfortunate event of a crash. The IIHS tests vehicles for their adequacy in protecting motorists during, frontal, side, and rear crashes. Vehicles should be rated highly at the said tests before they could be given the Top Safety Pick award.

"For 2008, consumers have the widest selection of vehicles they've ever had that afford the best protection in the most common kinds of crashes," said Adrian Lund, the president of the IIHS. Since safety is one of the major concerns of auto buyers, the Top Safety Pick rating will help them in their decision of which new vehicle to buy.

Lund pointed out that an ESC can be of great help to keep motorists away from accidents. "Vehicles should be designed to provide good occupant protection when crashes occur, but now with ESC we have the possibility of preventing many crashes altogether," he said. "If all vehicles were equipped with ESC, as many as 10,000 fatal crashes could be avoided each year."

ESC comes in various names as automakers have different names for this system. Chevrolet vehicles with StabiliTrak are actually equipped with ESC. StabiliTrak is Chevrolet’s name for the ESC. For Nissan, it goes by the name of Vehicle Dynamic Control. Ford calls it the Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control or RSC.

Some of the vehicles included in the list are the Honda Accord, Audi A3, Subaru Impreza, BMW X5, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tundra, Ford Taurus, and the Volvo XC90.

After the successful launch of the new XF in Frankfurt, Jaguar Cars will be introducing the car at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show. The motor show will be held from the 14th to the 18th of November at the World Trade Centre in Dubai.

The Jaguar XF marks a new milestone for the luxury arm of the Ford Motor Co. The car flaunts the fusion of style, safety, ergonomics, sophistication and performance of a sports car.

“At the last Middle East International Motor Show, we showcased the new XK and XKR - the vehicle demonstrated that Jaguar knows how to design and build contemporary, modern sports cars. And now, with the all-new XF we are showing that Jaguar also knows how to design and build Beautiful Fast sporting saloons,” said Andy Gawthorpe, the Managing Director of Jaguar Middle East.

“The Middle East International Motor Show is the perfect platform for Jaguar to showcase the new XF to an audience that appreciates vehicles that offer luxury, beauty, style and exhilarating performance,” added Gawthorpe.

The new XF will arrive in the Middle East in April 2008. The car is equipped with different engine variants: 4.2 V8 and 3.0 liter V6 and (natural or supercharged variants), all featuring Jaguar's six-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection (Jaguar Sequential Shift). This is the first time Jaguar is using the class-leading sequential shift system - used for the first time in a saloon.

The most exciting feature of the Swedish automaker’s new pride is the transmission control dubbed the JaguarDrive SelectorTM - an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines accurate, intuitive control with space-saving packaging. This is done to maximize the interior storage options.

“We are confident that the Jaguar XF will appeal immensely to the discerning Middle East customer,” Gawthorpe concluded. And experts in the industry said that confidence is well anchored.