Mazda is set to unveil a small car at the coming LA Auto Show with the expected unveiling of the 2011 Mazda2. The new car is expected to adhere towards the growing demand for smaller and fuel efficient vehicles in North America. Aside from the Mazda2, other vehicle models are expected to be shown off with the likes of the Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 and RX-8 also set to be unveiled next month. The Mazda2 is set to be offered in the U.S. and Canada later in 2010.

(Source) Press

Tags: Canada, debut, efficient vehicles, LA Auto Show, Mazda, mazda2, mazda3, Mazda5, mazda6, mx-5, new car, north america, rx 8, Small Car, unveiling, vehicle models

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Vehicle color seems to be playing an important role for consumer buying preference and it looks like Ford will be giving in to the trend. While they have offered the usual array of colors for other Ford vehicle models such as the 2010 Mustang and the Ford F-150. These cars for example came out with unusual colors like Grabber Blue (2010 Mustang) and Molten Orange (Ford F-150). And the response was positive enough to push Ford towards offering their 2010 Ford Fiesta in two color variants, Bright Magenta and Lime Squeeze which will come out next Summer.

As to why these two colors were chosen, sales agents have proven their impact to the public. They have been going around in Fiestas with these two colors and the attention is quite astounding. Likewise, placing into consideration that vehicle color has become among the top 10 reason for purchasing a car, these two new color variants may yet spell the difference between sales and flops for their 2010 Ford Fiesta vehicles once they start coming out.

(Source) Press

Tags: array, Cars, color variants, fiestas, Ford, ford f 150, ford fiesta, ford vehicle, lime squeeze, Mustang, orange, preference, purchasing a car, two colors, vehicle models

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One thing definite in vehicles these days, added strains on the engine lead to fluctuating fuel consumption. Like in the use of car air conditioning, you can bet that they add to the load of the car engine, perhaps upping the fuel consumption of a car since they are needed to mediate the in-car temperature

As far as helping out the cooling systems in cars, tints and films have been known to lower that burden. With an adjustable thermostat, the load on the car engine is diminished and hence lower. So with that in mind, Southwest Technologies offers the XIR Films.

These infrared reflective glass using XIR film technology for all new vehicles helps a lot in improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The XIR film is laminated with uncoated glass and enables any automotive glass manufacturer to produce IR reflective glass without the need to invest in tens of millions of dollars in glass coating equipment.

XIR film also makes IR reflective glass cost-effective for low-to-mid volume model runs and for aftermarket replacement glass that otherwise could never justify the fixed costs associated with glass coating production.

“Standardizing on IR reflective glass enables smaller AC systems for all vehicle models,” Capovilla added. “This not only justifies the cost premium of the glass but also makes it a value-added feature for consumers who are increasingly seeking options to reduce their impact on the environment.”

(Source) Press

Tags: ac systems, adjustable thermostat, automotive glass, car air conditioning, car engine, cooling systems, film technology, fuel consumption, fuel efficiency, glass coating, glass manufacturer, mid volume, new vehicles, reducing carbon emissions, reflective glass, replacement glass, technology aim, tints, vehicle models, volume model

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One thing about the hard times is that people are turning to alternative vehicle models, sacrificing power and luxury. Among them include sacrificing the good old 4×4 SUVs and trucks. But it looks like Daihatsu plans to change all that with its all-new Daihatsu Terios.

The Daihatsu Terios is longer than the Vitara, as wide as the Honda HRV and taller than them all while also boasting the longest wheelbase. The new Terios is available 2WD and 4WD, in manual or automatic. I spent 400km behind the wheel of the 4WD model to see how the Terios compares to its rivals.

This is a well thought out package that is nicely built, stylish and well equipped. Prices for the Terios start at €23,875 for the 1.5 2WD manual. The 1.5 4WD tested here costs €24,875 and will cost €630 a year to tax.

(Source) The Anglo Celt

Tags: 4wd, 4x4 suvs, daihatsu, Honda, honda hrv, new daihatsu terios, new terios, trucks, vehicle models, vitara

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