AutoEvent: LA Auto Show 2008

Being held since the year 1907, the LA Auto show has been the center of attraction for the whole of auto industry including auto part suppliers. With the show being only the second International Auto Show in the US to be officially recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, there's the anticipation that it would feature some truly pulsating exhibits.

The international automobile exhibition is an annual event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Back in 1907, the first show was held at the at Morley's Skating Rink in downtown Los Angeles, just a few blocks away from the present venue. Historically held during early January, it now takes place in November, after it celebrated its 100 years of success in 2006.

The LA Auto Show usually conjures up images of scintillating concept cars and world debuts of many autos. However, there's a lot more for the aftermarket part suppliers and buyers as well. The show is just the right place for you to find and buy most automotive parts which are associated with trucks, vans and SUVs.

Here's a glimpse of what to expect, for those interested in aftermarket supplies.

Wheels, Tires & Suspension: Wheels are an important automotive part that not only enhance the look of the vehicles but ensure a good fuel economy too. A lot of wheel components such as Automotive Wheels, Automotive Tubes, Linkage Parts, Radial Tires, Tires and Wheels Accessories, Tubeless Tires, etc. make it possible. In 2007, a couple of wheel manufacturers and suppliers who exhibited included Lorinser, Diablo, Center Line Wheels, and many more.

Automobile Accessories: Most Trucks, Vans & SUV owners can expect a wide array of automotive accessories to customize and style their autos as the wish. Accessories such as Automotive Body Polishes, Automobile Maintenance Supplies, Automotive Seats, Car Care Products and Tools, Audio Devices, Video Devices, Security Devices, etc. don't power an automobile but the surely enhance our comfort and safety in addition to making the vehicle appealing.

Other notable exhibits last year were from specialty vehicles and tuners & performance, electronics & technology, appearance, supplies for automobiles.

Most major automobile manufacturers display at the show. At present there seems to be a lot of buzz about Hyundai, which is reported to showcase a hybrid version of the Sonata sedan at the Los Angeles auto show. The featured product is supposed to comprise a rolling chassis, and it would be rolled out with a production version to the United States in 2010. So get ready for some big action in November this year.

The Show's Key Details:

Show Name: LA Auto Show

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Dates: Press Days: November, 19 – 20, 2008
Sneak Preview Night: November, 2008
Public Days: November, 21 – 30, 2008

Follow the link for: Contact Information

For previous trade show reviews follow the links:

Truck Show 2008 &

The Tokyo Motor Show &

Automotive Trade Show: SEMA 2008.

UK & German Consumers Covet Hybrids!

Consumers in Germany and the United Kingdom have expressed strong interest in alternative powertrain options, such as hybrid-electric and clean diesel automobile engine technologies, according to recent study conducted by JD Power

The study was meant to measure consumer familiarity, interest and purchase intent for 13 emerging automotive technologies in Germany and the United Kingdom before as well as after an estimated market value was revealed.

The study found that before the average market price was revealed, interest in hybrid-electric technology ranked sixth and clean diesel ranked 12th among consumers in Germany. Additionally, prior to price introduction, interest in hybrid-electric technology ranked fifth and clean diesel technology ranked sixth among consumers in the United Kingdom.

However, once the average price was revealed, interest in alternative-powertrain technologies increased among consumers in both markets. In Germany, hybrid-electric technology ranked second and clean diesel ranked fifth among consumers. In the UK, clean diesel technology received the highest interest among consumers after the market price is revealed while hybrid-electric technology ranks third.

Apparently, of the 13 features examined in the study, alternative powertrain technologies and especially the clean diesel technology turned out to be the favorite among consumers in Germany and the UK in comparison to the US.

The differences in preference are attributed to tendency of consumers in European markets to purchase smaller vehicles, which are also better suited to hybrid-electric technology. Furthermore, Diesel automobile engines too have a stronger appeal and presence in Europe than in the United States.

During the study, when the respondents were quizzed before the average market price was revealed three features namely, portable navigation devices, built-in navigations systems and active cornering headlight systems (a vehicle-sensing feature used to enhance night driving) invited the highest interest among consumers in both Germany and the UK. At the same time UK's favorite were portable navigation devices, while the German folks were attracted more towards cornering headlight systems.

Another interesting find came after the market price was revealed to consumers. After which consumers in both Germany and the United Kingdom seemed to be much less interested in satellite radio compared with consumers in the US.

Age Wise Preferences

In Germany, consumers ages 38 years or older were more willing to pay the market prices for HD radio, navigation systems, collision mitigation systems, clean diesel technology and active cornering headlight systems, compared with consumers ages 16 to 37. Conversely, consumers ages 38 years or older in the United Kingdom were typically less willing to pay market prices for emerging technologies in general compared with younger consumers.

Gender Wise Preferences

Among consumers in both Germany and the United Kingdom, males expressed higher levels of awareness for the 13 emerging technologies included in the study, compared with females. In both markets, one of the largest gaps in awareness between males and females seemed to exist when considering awareness of premium surround sound.

Hybrids, of late have garnered a lot of interest, and the real or perceived disadvantages of hybrids seem to be waning away at a much faster rate. Perhaps skyrocketing gas prices have had a big contribution to the fast changing perceptions. Nevertheless, the auto part manufactures and automakers now know for sure what consumers want?

Breakthrough Gas Pedals For Auto Safety

When it comes to driving, it's only a matter of a split second between successful application of brakes, and a disaster due to a delay. The importance of a car's braking system can't be overestimated. As advancements to developing automobile safety technologies race on, researchers at Continental. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.

The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that so many car accidents still happen well over a 100 years past the Automobile's invention. For instance, the US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.

However, if the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents could have been averted. Apparently, this might not be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make it happen.

The pedal, whenever it senses danger is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.

Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would most probably be desirable.

Healthy Brakes: Top 3 DIY Tips

What's the point in driving if you can't reach your destination, alive! And for the most part it's your car's brakes that ensure your safety throughout a journey. The best part about ensuring a fully functional braking system is that you can yourself run some quick checks to see whether it needs your attention or not.

And that's not all, you can even carry out some of the repairs yourself. The following three tips should help you keep your car's braking system happy, and you and your passengers safe.

1. Brake Fluid: The system's Lifeblood

The key here is to have the right levels of brake fluids in the reservoir. It's a lot more easier these days to check the fluid levels, as most of the brake fluid reservoirs are see through and have markings on them to show the levels.

To check the fluid level, lift open the hood and locate the reservoir. You'd find it at the back of the engine bay and in front of the driver's side. It's positioned high up for easy access.

Once you're there, check the markings, wipe the dust off the reservoir if you can't see clearly. If it needs replacement then here's how you should go about topping it up.

A. Clean any grime or dust from around the reservoir cap before opening it.
B. Pour in the fluid slowly, allowing it time to settle.
C. Close the cap and you're done.

However, it's a good idea to check the level again after a day just to make sure that there isn't a void after the air bubbles have escaped. Also don't take point “A” lightly, as any impurity that falls into the reservoir could harm the system.

2. Brake Pads: The systems cutting edge

While in some automobiles you'd need to remove the wheels, in others you can carry out the inspection without it. However the important thing is to get a clear view of the pads.

To make an assessment, follow surface of the disc towards the top, and you should see that the outer pad is touches the disc, of the disc brakes. Over time the pads do wear, but if they've worn to the breadth of two pennies stacked atop each other, it's high time you replaced them.

3. Brake Disc: Too critical to lose

To run an assessment of the brake disk you'd need to take a look just like you did with the pads. Run your eyes from the center to the outside edges of the disc and it should appear to be shiny. Minor lines and scratches are hardly a thing to bat an eyelid, but any rough areas or deeper grooves should certainly raise a big red flag. Replace them ASAP, and in pairs.

You'd need to run these checks just a few times each year.

If you have your car's braking system in order you wouldn't ever put yourself in danger, unnecessarily.

You might also want to go through the following DIY and other tips covered earlier.

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