$6bn More Auto Aid For U.S Auto Industry

It seems it is time for General Motors to rejoice. The US government has made the announcement for expanding the auto bailout of the auto industry. The government will provide an additional auto aid of $6bn. This auto aid will definitely make a huge difference to GMAC. $5bn out of this auto aid would be given to GMAC that is the finance arm of General motors. The remaining $1bn would be given to GM which would use the money to buy shares in GMAC. While funding the auto aid of $6bn, the government has also warned the automakers to use the money judiciously. It has also asked the companies to put forth restructuring plans as soon as possible. If not so, the automakers might have to face bankruptcy by the month of March.

These steps are being taken to bailout the auto industry from global economic recession and automatically suffering from heavy losses. In the first week of December, the US government had pumped in $17.4bn for the survival of U.S auto companies. The government had clearly stated that its can't afford to let the Big Three automakers die. $13.4bn of that auto aid was for the biggest automaker of the world General Motors, that was on verge of bankruptcy prior to bail out.

Best Cars of Year 2008

With the year 2008 passing by, here is a glimpse of some of the best cars that were unveiled this year. Some of the cars were known for their special features whereas others were known for their stylish looks. Auto lovers could not have asked for more. From engine to automotive accessories, these cars had something new to offer to them. This year showcased some elegant and terrific cars this year.

Chevrolet Silverado
Striking design coupled with unmatched performance, Chevrolet's new launch this year 'Chevrolet Silverado' has everything one desires for. This 1500 Crew Cab assures comfortable ride as well as high payload rating. This is the latest line of full size pickup trucks from world's biggest automaker General Motors (GM).

Toyota Rav4
Toyota presented an all exclusive model this year – Toyota Rav4. This car offers 22mpg with the V6 engine. According to consumer reports, this car is the best non-hybrid SUV ever. Definitely, it is. Popular for its comfort and space, Toyota Rav4 has earned accolades over the world. The four cylinder version of this car gets 23 mpg. This car is becoming increasing popular thanks to ravishing look of the car.

Hyundai Elantra Se
Stunning and small sedan – so is Hyundai Elantra Se. What makes it popular is its good fuel economy and spacious design. Amongst the varied features of this car include standard electronic stability control. Safety is the most important feature of this car.

Jeep Renegade Concept
Renegade Jeep from Chrysler became popular at 2008 Detroit Auto Show. This jeep comes with clean-diesel series hybrid powertrain. The unusual shape of the jeep and a Bluetec diesel "range-extender" engine makes this jeep stand out amongst the other vehicles. The automotive engine is capable of giving 110mpg when used with the electric motors.

Year 2008 - Best Electric Car – “Tesla Roadster”

Year 2008 witnessed a number of cars, but those who stole limelight were electric, hybrid cars and concept cars. Amongst all the electric cars launched this year, Tesla Roadster is the best one. This sleek and small model car is not only attractive but also offers a number of features. There are a number of unique features that make these cars special and best electric car of year 2008.

Tesla Roadster is 100% electric sports car with zero emissions . This car offers 135 mpg equivalent , 220 miles per charge. Whereas the horsepower and RPM is 248 and 13, 000 respectively. The car tires and battery of this electric car are recyclable and hence are eco friendly. The battery of this electric car gets fully charged in 3.5 hours. This ultra modern car costs less than 2 cents/ mile and hence helps you save money. The other attractive features include touch-screen navigation, 16″ front, 17″ rear & spoke wheels . It also has all the features for your entertainment like 7 speaker, ipod and 170 channel satellite stereo .

Roadster is an electric car with carbon fiber body and has heated leather automotive seats that come with inflatable lumbar support. The most important advantage of this electric car is that being electric it requires no oil. Well, there is another important advantage that will gives these cars an over the other electric cars and that is – Tesla Roadster requires maintenance after every 12, 000 miles. Wow, that would definitely bring a smile on your face. So, are you really interested in this electric car? I hope so, the last piece of information for you – Price of the car – it is $109, 000.

Year 2008 and Automotive Industry

Its festive season and the countdown has begun for the new year. Another seven days to go for year 2009. How was this year for automotive components and parts industry? Find out the latest innovations in the auto industry, new cars, interesting facts about the auto trade shows, all the latest happenings this year. From industry news to new launches, you can find various interesting information here.

Year 2008 had in its disguise a number of incidents. On one hand this year the US Big Three automakers suffered from major loss and on the other it was a year for hybrid cars. The upcoming posts will cover different interesting automotive industry news. Keep tuned in to find out the hot n happenings of automotive industry.

Deal with UAW Chief Before Seeking More Auto Aid

It seems that asking for more auto aid from the treasury department will be a difficult task for the U.S automakers - G.M and Chrysler. Ron Gettelfinger, president of United Automobile Workers Union is adamant on not letting concessions take effect. He had refused to cut down labor wages or benefits. Bush administration had earlier demanded a number of concessions from unions before any money is given to the automakers. Responding to the Bush administration's demand, UAW chief said, "We are disappointed that he (Bush) has added unfair conditions singling out workers." he also expressed his discontent with the present administration and said that he would go to the Obama Administration that projects itself as more labor-friendly.

Canada Follows The Footsteps of U.S Government, Provides $4bn Loan

After US Government announced to provide $17.4bn to the save the automakers from bankruptcy, different nations have also got up from their sleep. Canadian government's has also stepped forward to provide emergency loan to the auto industry. The $4 billion auto loan that has been promised by the government will definitely give a boost to the automakers. Though the amount is mere 20% of that provided by the U.S government, it would prevent the automakers from collapsing.

Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper indicated that besides the $4 billion emergency loan, the government would also extend additional insurance to auto parts makers. The government is also on the lookout to come up with a program to finance consumer loans for new car purchases. Mr. Harper said, “I will not fool you, There is obviously money at risk here and there may well be more money at risk going forward. There are literally across the country hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of potentially affected families by the distress of this industry, We don’t want a package that simply helps the Detroit Three,”

While the governments are providing loans, the status of labor agreements between the car companies and the Canadian Auto Workers Union is still undecided. Earlier, the Canadian Union had refused to agree to a wage system by the United Auto Workers according to which new employees would work on a lower wage scale.

Unemployment Is The Future If Automakers Collapse

Oh, yes, definitely, unemployment or job loss will be the future if auto bailout is not taken seriously. Its not only the auto industry that will be affected but also other related industries like media and advertising. Now its upon the Bush administration to decide whether to provide government assistance to Detroit's Big Three automakers or not. Reports and surveys clearly state that if automakers like Chrysler and GM collapse, more than 600, 000 employees would loose their jobs.

The failure of the automakers will be catastrophic and affect 323,000 Canadians who would be jobless. And if the situation remains the same, the toll is expected to exceed upto 582,000 in next five years. Even if the automakers cut down their production by 50%, more than 157,000 jobs would be lost. By 2014, this job loss percentage is considered to rise to 296, 000. If some analysts are to be believed, this situation is difficult to handle and banks will not be able to fund loans to the automakers.

Chrysler to Close Down For A Month

Chrysler is finding it hard to handle the emerging crisis in the auto industry. On Wednesday, Chrysler announced that it will close down all the production work for a minimum of one month. The 30 factories under this automaker will remain closed till 19th of January, 2009. Though its a normal practice for the Detroit's automakers to close the production plants for two weeks at the end of every year, this news is being seen as the consequence of recession in global auto economy. With 46,000 workers employed in Chrysler's factories, this auto news has stirred ripples amongst the auto industry employees.

While Chrysler will close down for one month, Ford has also made the announcement to remain closed for three weeks. The extension of holidays truly depict the deploring condition of the auto industry. Seeking immediate help, Chrysler and other automakers had asked the Bush administration to intervene for auto bailout. An immediate loan for this month of $7 billion and $4 billion was demanded by Chrysler and G.M respectively.

Closing down this week, Chrysler production will remain shut till January 19, 2009. It is also possible that some of the factories might remain closed for a little longer than that.

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Its freezing cold in different parts of the world. Chilly temperature might cause severe damage to any auto part that might be expensive to fix and may be a problematic affair for you. If you face frequent car problems during winter season, then your car needs special winter care. Proper & regular care and preventive measures will ensure that your car remains well-maintained. From car's windscreens, engine to auto valves, all the car parts need to be paid some extra attention during winter months. Did you ever think that you should keep your cars windscreen clean or should get your car's fog lights checked. Here are few such car care tips for winter season will keep your vehicle running smooth even in freezing temperatures. Try these car maintenance tips this winter and enjoy the smooth driving experience.

Read More at Automotive Components & Parts

Top Ten Ways to Save Fuel

Fuel is getting expensive day by day and if your salary is falling short, then you must look for ways to save some money. Try saving some fuel that will automatically minimize your expenses. Here are few tips that you can definitely try to save some fuel. Try these do-it-yourself tips next weekend or if you get time do it during the weekdays itself.

Tip No. 1 – As far as possible, try to avoid warming up your car especially early in the morning. I wonder, if you ever gave it a thought as how much fuel was burned up. It actually consumes and wastes a lot of fuel.

Tip No. 2 – Keep a check on you auto tires regularly. Worn out tires are hard on the engine. Both underinflated as well as overinflated car tires are harmful.

Tip No. 3 – You must also keep a check on the automotive valves in order to ensure that you car functions smoothly. Auto valves' function is to control & regulate the flow of air or fuel mixture.

Tip No. 4 – Did you know proper filling of the tank is also necessary. It is always advised not to overfill the tank.

Tip No. 5 – An important way how fuel is often wasted while driving is through rash driving. You must ensure that when you start driving, the accelerator should be used smoothly. Frequent usage of brakes also leads to stress on the auto braking system.

Tip No. 6 – Trunk should be kept clean. Auto experts often ask the car users to keep their car's trunk clean and if you don't, its gonna cost you a number of pounds more on your vehicle.

Tip No. 7 – Cool breeze in scorching sun feels great. But it feels really bad when the air conditioner consumes a lot fuel and swallows a major chunk of money. So, all you car users, try using alternatives to air conditioner. Interiors vents or sunroofs are definitely better options than loosing a lot of money.

Tip No. 8 – Well, if you can afford a new car, hybrid cars will definitely be a great option for saving fuel. Go green is definitely the mantra these days in auto industry and many hybrid cars support this thought.

Tip No. 9 – Weekly checks of the different auto parts especially the automotive engine.

Tip No. 10 – And this last tip will definitely save a lot of money. Car pooling! If you and your neighbours have your offices in the same area, you must go for car pooling. This is any time a better idea to save fuel, money as well as minimize global warming.

Well, try these car maintenance tips to save some fuel. These small yet important tips would help you save some extra money that you can spend this Christmas. Remember, “Save Fuel = Save Money = Save Environment”

You may also like the following DIY and other tips covered earlier.

Top 5 Tips - DIY Car Maintenance & 63 Sweet Tips To Save Gas!

63 Sweet Tips To Save Gas!

Should Big Three Automakers' CEO Go?

As the Congress decision on auto bailout is expected this week, the auto industry might have to go through major changes. Will GM be the same post bailout? Has GM's CEO Rick Wagoner's rein led to deploring condition of the company today? Has he failed as in leading the world's largest auto company? Will he be replaced soon?

Barack Obama, President-elect of USA has told the Big Three auto companies to look for a change of top executives if they fail to make fruitful usage of the loans. He also warned the auto industry and asked it to act immediately for optimum usage of the loan. Obama spoke at a press conference, “ We have to have an auto industry that understands they can't keep on doing things the same way. If this management team that is currently in place doesn't understand the urgency of the situation, and is not willing to make the tough choices and adapt to these new circumstances, then they should go." His statement has caused ripples in the auto industry. With such harsh words from the President-elect, is the Detroit's Big Three looking for a change in the top management?

Is the auto industry ready for the change? Its seems that bailout of auto industry would definitely throw out some top executives of auto companies.

Exploring Automotive Gauges

Latest technology and innovative car designs have combined together to give space to auto gauges dashboard in a car. A wide variety of automotive gauges can be noticed on a modern dashboard. These auto devices are used for determining the dimensions, measurement, speed and pressure. Often, one does not pay attention to the auto gauges in his or her vehicle, but having a fair idea of these gauges or warning lamps helps in smooth functioning of the car. Acting immediately to find the solutions to the existing problems would help in avoiding unnecessary damage to the vehicle. Know your auto gauges dashboard for better driving experience.

Read More at Automotive Components & Parts

US Top Automaker 'GM' going Bankrupt

If General Motors (GM) collapses, what would the condition be? A thought to this question brings the deadly feeling. Will the auto industry be the same or will it be able to recover from the massive loss. If Congress does not approve the auto aid for bail out of auto industry or delays the plan, its going to aggravate the deploring situation at a faster pace.

News from automotive industry reveal that the company is headed towards bankruptcy at the rate of $2 billion/ month. General Motors Corporation that is the world's most powerful as well as largest corporation has facing the economic blues over the past months. Workers as well as management of the companies are joining hands to support the bail out of the auto industry.

Don't Let This Giant Auto Maker Die

If the auto aid is not provided to GM soon, there are going to be adverse situations and the downfall of auto industry would be completely impossible to handle. What happens if GM collapses. Some of the possible consequences (few of which we are are experiencing now) would be:

• Workers are amongst those who would suffer the most
• Suppliers & creditors will face the blow
• Heavy job losses
• Economic crisis would impact every industry related to auto
• Half the workers and dealerships
• Lower market share

What Has Congress In Store For The Auto Industry Next Week

It is now for the world to see what does Congress come up with to help the US automakers in the coming week. President George W. Bush has called on the lawmakers to put forth their plan by next week. According to auto news and market reports, GM needs auto aid between $20 billion & $40 billion, though the company has demanded a bridge loan of $10 billion to $12 billion so that it can make its payments for the bills. Lets see what does Congress ask in return from the auto industry while extending the auto aid to the Big 3 auto companies.

Tires – Your Vehicle's Lifeline

Tires – doesn't sound that important, right? Rather, you feel they are car parts that are meant to bear all the load of car. Poor souls. When its comes to car care/ vehicle maintenance or regular cleaning, we mostly pay attention to the body of the car, mirror, windshields and engine. The car tires are often left untouched or are rather checked for the air pressure only.

But friends, let me make it clear, auto tires are the backbone of any vehicle, whether its your car, motorbike or any heavy utility vehicle. We need to take care of our car tires. Here's a post dedicated to these car parts that bear the cars' as well as our weight.

Wheels and tires are the indispensable auto parts that are responsible for the movement of the vehicle. Apart from being the load support, there is more to these auto tires.

Functions of Auto Tires

• Tires are helpful in the rotation of a vehicle.
• One of the important functions of auto tires is to add traction to the vehicle.
• These are the load support of the entire vehicle
• Automotive tires are a major factor in enhancing the vehicle's performance by providing a smooth and comfortable grip of the road.
• With their shock absorbing features, these car parts make our journey jerk proof and comfortable.

Types of Auto Tires

Tires being vital to any vehicle must be chosen judiciously. Before buying auto tires, you must know how to buy auto tires. There are a number of factors on which the choice of auto tires depend. Some of them are the season or the place where you live. The different types of car tires are:

• All-season Car Tires
• Summer Tires
• Winter Tires
• Wet-Weather Tires
• Mud Tires
• All-Terrain Tires

You must ensure that chosen car tires are ideal for your car. Choose the Best Car Tires That Suit Your Vehicle.

This was a snapshot of auto tires and their role as car parts in a vehicle. Do come back to read about a few tips on the maintenance of automotive wheels and tires.

US Auto Bailout - Big Three to Drop Brands & Dealers

The recession in the auto industry is also affecting other major industries. Media is one of these industries that will have to suffer huge losses soon. The new restructuring plans that were announced by the Detroit's big three automakers have revealed that they will be reducing different advertising brands and dealers. This step has come in order to win financial help from the Congress.

Restructuring plans signaled that the advertising industry have bad days ahead. In its restructuring plan, GM has indicated that the famous Saab brand would be sold or closed soon. Whereas, on the brand Saturn, the speculations are going on. Presenting the plan on 03rd Nov, 2008, GM has requested Congress to approve auto loans up to $12 billion as soon as possible. The dropping of Saturn is being taken as a complete surprise by the auto industry. But if GM is to be believed, it is looking for ''alternatives'' for Saturn.

According to latest automotive industry news, different ad agencies like Interpublic Group (IPG), Omnicom Group (OMC), etc. till now received 14% of sales from the auto industry. Now, if brand reductions are new plans of the automakers, media industry especially advertising agencies will surely have major impact on their revenue.

Here's A Quick Way To Troubleshoot Auto Gauge Problems

Another car problem? Oh, is it your engine's temperature gauge this time? Not to worry, we'll discuss few troubleshooting ways to repair this automotive gauge. You must ensure that the auto gauges function properly so as to avoid any kind of damage to the vehicle's engine. There are different types of auto gauges like fuel gauge, temperature gauge, tire pressure gauge and many more.

Temperature gauge in the vehicle is installed to indicate the temperature range within which the engine is working. It is very essential that we maintain these car parts and speaking honestly, its not actually difficult to do so because problems with auto gauges can be easily diagnosed. Few small checks of these auto gauges will help you know whether you need to replace them with new temperature gauges.

Begin with the Gauge Wire. Unplug it at the sending unit. Remember, you must unplug only the temperature gauge wire. Usually, you will find the wire located on the engine.

Turn on the Ignition Key. Please ensure that you don't have to start the engine of the vehicle.

Ground this Wire to Engine. The next step that follows is of grounding the temperature gauge wire to engine. You can do this by using a jumper wire.

Keep an eye on the Temperature Gauge Needle. Check what does it indicate. If it reads 'Hot', it is time to replace the temperature sending unit.

If Needle does not read 'Hot' – In such a case, you should check the fuse whether it is fine.

Fixing the Problem - Now that you have ensured that you fuse is working fine, check the voltage. For that you need a voltmeter. You must check the voltage at ignition terminal using this voltmeter.

Found a Problem there? - You might notice that there is no voltage. If this is the case, then it is because of some damage in the circuit between the ignition key & gauge or fuse panel & gauge temperature.

Repair It – Since you have diagnosed this problem, repair or fix it. Fix the problem and test again. You may also replace the gauge.

Observe Closely – Ground the temperature gauge wire to engine with a jumper wire. Check the gauge. If its working fine, then disconnect the wire at sending unit as well as turn on the ignition.

Needle Higher then Cold Range – Does the needle this time indicate that it is a little bit higher than cold range. If it is, then unplug the wire that is going to the sending unit at the gauge. Check the gauge again by turning on the ignition key.

Watch the Needle this Time – Is it still higher than cold range, the gauge needs to be changed. Check the auto gauge, doesn't it read 'Cold'.

Gauge Reads 'Cold' – You can fix this problem of short in the wiring. It is because of this, the gauge reads cold. After the repair, test the gauge again.

These were some of the ways how you test your temperature gauge of your vehicle. Monthly checks of the automotive gauges will help you avoid any major damage of the engine. In case, you are stuck anywhere, I suggest do not take a chance. Call your car repair mechanic. Try these troubleshooting tips and have a safe driving experience. Happy Driving.