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Archives for October 2009

Innovative Citroen car part makes C3 ‘ideal for filming Eiffel Tower show’

Citroen has claimed one of the innovative car parts on the new C3 makes it the ideal model to use to film a celebration scheduled for later this month.

The Eiffel Tower is marking its 120th anniversary with a 12-minute light show that will take place every evening for three months starting on October 22nd.

On the first evening, Citroen will provide live footage of the event, which it will film from ten C3s situated at various points around the famous Parisian landmark.

The manufacturer explained the car was the perfect vehicle for the job because of its huge windscreen.

Commenting on the model, the company stated it "provides a driving experience like no other, with a huge glass screen that soars above the heads of front occupants offering unprecedented levels of visibility".

Earlier this month, Citroen unveiled a new website where auto enthusiasts can examine its DS3 in a 3D format.
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Neglected batteries ‘may struggle this autumn’

Vehicle owners have been warned one car part in particular may struggle to perform if it is neglected during autumn.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) claimed the dip in temperature usually experienced at this time of year can take its toll on batteries.

However, the group also advised there are steps drivers can take to help prolong the life of this vital vehicle part.

It urged auto owners to make sure the battery is securely fitted in its tray and that terminals are corrosion-free and tightly secured.

The organisation also said it is important the top of the car part is dry and clean.

Finally, motorists were advised to get batteries that are over three years old looked at by a professional.

IAM stated: "It is worth having it checked now to save many a frustrating start to an autumn morning."

Last month, the group also reminded drivers of the importance of regularly measuring tyre tread depth.
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UK drivers ‘are neglecting a vital car part’

Drivers across the UK are increasing their chances of being involved in an accident by failing to look after one important car part, it has been claimed.

According to TyreSafe, the number of vehicle owners who do not check whether their autos are likely to offer sufficient grip when road surfaces are wet is "shocking".

Research by the group found motorists in East Anglia and the north-west of England are the worst culprits with nearly one in four respondents admitting they have never checked tread depth.

However, the organisation said tyre neglect is a problem in other areas too.

Chairman Stuart Jackson commented: "Our survey revealed a shocking number of drivers right across the country are failing to take adequate steps which could stop them from being involved in a car accident."

Meanwhile, the group previously advised motorists buying tyres online to make sure they choose products that have been designed with their make and model of car in mind.
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British car parts company to offer expertise in US venture

A British company that produces car parts for numerous electric autos is offering its expertise in a new environmentally-friendly commercial vehicle project in the USA, it has been announced.

Zytek is to provide battery-powered drivetrains for the venture, which has received $39 million (£23 million) of support from the American government.

The company claimed it is the ideal firm to undertake this challenge as it already provides its services to groups like Chrysler and General Motors.

It stated this means its E-Drive product is thoroughly proven and the perfect basis for the development of electric transportation.

Commenting on the benefits of such models, Zytek’s sales and marketing director Steve Tremble stated: "A thoroughly engineered vehicle will bring substantial fuel savings, combined with high productivity, near silent operation and very low maintenance costs."

In other news, Clean Green Cars recently reported the average CO2 emissions of UK autos fell 5.5 per cent during the first nine months of 2009.
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Report recommends developing a variety of green car parts

A new report on global warming has claimed that developing greener car parts for a variety of different types of vehicle could help to play a part in reducing the UK’s impact on the planet.

The paper produced by the Committee on Climate Change and submitted to parliament suggested working on producing more eco-friendly petrol and diesel models, as well as focusing on the widespread introduction of electric autos and hydrogen fuel cell models, would allow the country to cut its carbon footprint.

It was also recommended that changing consumer behaviour could have environmental benefits.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), welcomed the report.

He stated: "The Committee recognises that a portfolio of technologies will deliver emissions reductions in the medium term."

In other news, SMMT recently claimed the government’s scrappage incentive scheme helped to boost sales of new cars across the UK in September.
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Green Toyota car parts ‘having desired effect’

Some of the green car parts produced by Toyota have allowed the company to meet an EU CO2 reduction target before any other mainstream manufacturer in Britain, it has been claimed.

The average emissions of the firm’s UK line up of autos has dipped below 130 g/km.

Clean Green Cars said this was partly due to the company introducing its Optimal Drive technology across the range.

It also pointed out getting rid of three of its more highly-polluting models – the Previa, Celica and MR2 – had also helped.

On top of this, the group has expanded its line up of small autos with vehicles like the iQ, the website added.

Spokesman Jay Nagley commented: "It is highly significant that a major manufacturer has met the EU target, as it means no mainstream car manufacturer has an excuse for failing to meet the target in future."

Meanwhile, the online resource recently claimed the extension of the scrappage scheme in the UK is good news for the environment.
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New F1 car part ‘could have benefits for road models’

Changes to a Formula One car part could be applied to other vehicles in the future, it has been claimed.

According to Xtrac, the gearboxes on a variety of autos could benefit from developments that have come about as a result of new regulations in motorsport.

Formula One teams have been advised this key car part now needs to last more than one race.

In response, Xtrac has produced new high-performance steels for gearboxes and it claimed the material could be applied to numerous vehicles to improve efficiency and driveline reliability.

Steve Vanes is the company’s chief metallurgist and he explained how the changes to Formula One rules may affect other autos.

He stated: "Shifting the emphasis in Formula One to endurance and reliability has the additional benefit of making the technology more relevant to road cars."

Meanwhile, Jenson Button could wrap up the drivers’ championship in Brazil this weekend, depending on where he finishes in relation to Rubens Barrichello.
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Drivers urged to mind their manners

Good manners can make driving a more pleasurable experience, it has been claimed.

The AA made this statement after a poll of its members found 41 per cent of motorists are irritated by road users who do not say thank you after being let into a queue of traffic.

According to the group, as well as making driving more enjoyable, good manners could also reduce the threat of road rage.

President Edmund King commented: "It does not take much to let someone into the queue of traffic or to acknowledge them."

He added: "We all need to live in harmony on the roads so better manners would help."

Other motorists who were found to irritate their fellow drivers included boy racers, people who show off behind the wheel, white van men and parents on the school run.

Meanwhile, the AA recently urged drivers keen to avoid accidents and damaged car parts to clean their windscreens in order to help maintain the best possible vision.
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Big cars ‘are not necessary for long journeys’

Drivers who cover long distances do not necessarily need big cars, it has been claimed.

According to Suzuki, small autos are not only suitable for urban motoring.

It made this statement after two of its Alto models completed a 2,122-mile trip in six days.

One motor with a manual transmission and one with an automatic completed the marathon through the north and south islands of New Zealand and back again.

The journey was organised to test fuel consumption and comfort levels.

Motoring journalists Donn Anderson and Allan Dick drove the cars and revealed they had been impressed on both counts.

Commenting on the trip, Mr Anderson stated: "The Altos took the journey in their stride."

Meanwhile, Mr Dick said: "We have just proved that any prejudices about small cars can be put aside."

In related news, the Suzuki Alto that recently completed the UK’s 2009 MPG Marathon achieved average fuel economy of 75.94 mpg.
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Brits ‘treat their cars with affection’

A new survey has demonstrated the level of affection Brits feel for their cars.

Research by motors.co.uk found 26 per cent of drivers have a pet name for their autos and 75 per cent talk to their vehicles.

Of those questioned, 44 per cent admitted they chat to their cars from time to time and 31 per cent said they were constantly conversing with the set of wheels.

Marketing manager Katie Armitage suggested the findings were not that surprising, pointing out a significant number of motorists spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel each week.

She also highlighted the role vehicle producers may have played in fostering the affection motorists feel towards their autos.

She stated: "Manufacturers spend millions on advertising trying to give their cars a personality whether it’s fun and cheeky Minis to safe, dependable Volvos – which could explain why people feel able to relate to their cars."

A previous study by motors.co.uk found 90 per cent of drivers consider their first vehicle to be more memorable than their first kiss.
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