Gm's Hybrid Concept Vehicle

In a GM news announcement on February 10, 2006, the company announced the testing of a transit vehicle powered by General Motors' hybrid technology, which will be used for Cleveland's BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) automobile known as Silver Line. According to the recent GM news release, testing is currently being conducted by The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
The GM hybrid concept automobile is similar to the 21 automobiles that the Regional Transit Authority plans to purchase by the end of 2007. The recent GM news announcement reveals that Cleveland's reasoning behind the decision to purchase GM's hybrid-powered vehicles is because they offer a more economic fuel consumption, along with cleaner emissions than that of conventional bus transportation.

The Silver Line is just one aspect of The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's impending project, which hopes to better transit service by using more environmentally friendly automobiles, reducing traffic congestion, increasing pedestrian safety and supporting increased improvements along city avenues. The project is geared toward providing shorter travel times for passengers, which will enable them to have better access to school, work, home, medical facilities and the city's recreational activities. The recent GM news announcement reveals the plan to have the Silver Line completely operational in 2008.

Public transportation buses, which are powered by GM's hybrid technology are shown to be better for the environment, overall fuel consumption and customer's wallets. Being more cost-effective than rail transportation is just one of the reasons that many commuters are deciding to take the bus. By combining GM's hybrid technology, consumers will see reasonable rates and have the convenience of cleaner air.

"The General Motors hybrid diesel electric drive system for buses uses the most efficient parallel hybrid architecture available in the world today and is perfect for BRT initiatives," said Tom Stephens, Group Vice President of GM Powertrain. In a recent GM news quote, Stephens added, "If the U.S. had only 1,000 GM hybrid powered buses operating in major cities, the cumulative savings would be more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel annually."
There are currently 380 GM hybrid technology buses operating in 29 cities throughout the United States and Canada. During 2006, GM has scheduled deliver of 216 hybrid-powered buses to six American cities.

GM news is constantly surrounding the most innovative new designs, technology and creations that the company has to offer. As the world moves ahead, hybrid transportation is expected to gain in popularity each year. Among their many benefits, hybrid automobiles are especially practical to helping conserve fuel while maximizing air quality.

Comparing Bmw And Mercedes

BMW - Give BMW credit for moving outside of the box by building a plant in South Carolina. Opened in 1994, the Spartanburg, SC plant has produced the Z3 - now Z4 - roadster as well as the X5 SAV. Seeking to become more of a world player, BMW has also purchased controlling interest in other automakers including Rolls-Royce and Rover during the 1990s. Later, BMW sold off the Rover and MG portions of Rover, but has kept the Mini brand.

BMW vehicles are well represented in the US. Coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters, and SUVs make up the American fleet with new cars at various stages of development being prepared for release.

Mercedes Benz - As part of the Daimler Chrysler fold, Mercedes Benz has been producing high quality automobiles for over a century. In 1998, seeking to expand its reach, Daimler Chrysler [DCX] bought out the Chrysler Corporation. Names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and Mopar became part of the DCX fold, although Plymouth was discontinued a few years later.

The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury vehicles and in the US the company is well represented by a host of sedans, coupes, convertibles, tall wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and other fine vehicles.

Owners of BMWs and Mercedes Benz do have some things in common: vehicle maintenance. As high end vehicles, the automakers are noted for equipping their cars with only the finest OEM parts. Well represented manufacturers used by both companies include: Bosch, Hella, Mahle, Textar, Brembo, Bilstein, Febi, SKF, and others. Most are German born and bred and are recognized the world over for producing the highest quality parts for auto manufacturers.

Replacement auto parts purchased through dealer parts departments are priced at a premium. When you take into consideration any tariffs, import fees, and third party mark ups, consumers can expect to pay a mint for each part. The growing internet wholesale market has been changing the paradigm lately as companies such as Car Parts Stuff are selling direct to consumers. The better online wholesalers have lowered costs significantly as overhead is low and they buy direct from leading manufacturers. This translates into real savings for you, the consumer.

When purchasing any parts for your luxury car, always determine that the parts you order meet or exceed OEM specifications. There are a lot of counterfeit parts on the market; shop wisely and you will get premium parts at low prices.

Independent Mercedes Repair in Dallas

When looking for an independent Mercedes repair in Dallas, Texas, there are two places that are reputable when making those Mercedes repairs. Having been in business for some time now in Dallas, Texas, as an independent Mercedes repair shop, the folks at Dallas Auto Sports, dallasautosports.com, have the state-of-the-arts equipment and the highly trained mechanics who can restore your Mercedes to its top-running condition. The mechanics at Dallas Auto Sports guarantee the best parts for your Mercedes, as they are interested in making sure that it runs as it should when you leave after your repairs. Give them a try at Dallas Auto Sports; you'll never regret hiring one of the best Mercedes repair shops in town.

Also, located in Dallas, Texas, is the independent Mercedes repair shop at Louden Motorcar Services, Inc., loudenmotorcars.com, where you can be confident that you will receive only the best service and parts available for fixing your Mercedes. Louden has been in business for over 30 years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and they have the professional expertise that it takes to get the job done and done well. Founded in 1977 by Steve Louden, a racecar mechanic who knows his European cars well, this top-of-the-line Mercedes repair shop is one of the best independent Mercedes repair shops in Dallas, Texas.

Amphibious Cars

Isn't it wonderful how far we've come along with technology for cars? I mean we have cars that run on electricity, power from the sun, and even vegetable oil. Now we have cars that actually go on land and in water-it's actually been around for a while, but people are always wanting to improve it; kind of like how people are always improving computers.

These cars are called Amphibious Cars and have been used mainly for warfare. One of the first amphibious car dates all the way back to the Neapolitan Prince Raimondo di Sangro of Sansevero, which was in 1750. In 1805, a man named Oliver Evans designed the first amphibious vehicle that was self-propelled and steam-powered-this was called the Orukter Amphibolos (it's sounds super cool, right?). Similar to the history of the wheel, there's is no specific name that was recorded in regards to who was the very first one to invent this device, but researchers do know that the expansion of this really began in 1899. When the late 1920s rolled around, they decided to really combine the automobile and the boat. When they first realized that they can integrate these two things, they just put the axles and the wheels on something called the boat hull; but we have obviously come so much farther since then. Since they first started designing and improving them, they have invented some with specific purposes like search & rescues, expeditions, but mainly the military.

When the W.W.II rolled around, the two most important amphibious cars were invented. One was called the German Schwimmwagen. I know it's a weird name, but just bare with me on this one. It kind of looked like a small 4x4 Jeep that was actually designed by Porsche in 1942. The second one was called the Amphi Ranger that was also German. It was made out of Aluminum called AIMg2 that was sea water-resistant. I have no idea if they still make wheels like that for models such as the regular Land Rover Wheels, but you never know, right? Anyway, only about 100 were built-which means that they were most likely really expensive and pretty changeling to make.

Most people don't know that a great number of land vehicles can be amphibious by simply installing them with a waterproof hull and a propeller; but let's not get any crazy ideas. The way the car propels is done merely by spinning their wheels or using water jets (also known as screw propellers). As of now, there are many countries that have developed their own amphibious vehicles and have actually offered tours on these lovely cars. The countries include Japan, Canada, and even Budapest... where the Parliament is located.

The Hovercraft is the most commonly known amphibious vehicle that's mainly used by the military. It's called an ACV (Air-Cushioned Landing Craft) that is created to obviously travel in land and water; it's supported by low-pressure air that's released below the vehicle. Technically, the Hovercraft can work on anything smooth, rough, and everything else that you can possibly imagine... kind of.

I'm more than positive that these cars are the future, wouldn't you agree? If they're already used in the military, then some manufacturer is going to make up some reason why we need it, just like we need to have the iPhone with all of those applications; you know what I mean? Feel free to visit us at OriginalWheels.com for all of your wheel needs