Mercedes-Benz revealed Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept truck

November 29th, 2011

Automover News: Mercedes-Benz revealed the Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept truck on Trailer 2011 show in Kortrijk, Belgium.

Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept

Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept truck was manufactured in cooperation with the Commercial Vehicle Design department. The wind resistance of the truck was reduced by 18 percent, fuel consumption of fuel sysem was reduced virtually five percent and CO2 emissions of the truck also reduced .

The Airdams, trim panels and tapers reduce wind resistance. The front airdam on trailer reduces distance to tractor unit and lowers wind resistance by one percent. The side trim panels contribute eight percent improvement by slightly drawn in at front and characterised by an opening at rear that steers air in direction of striking rear diffuser.

The diffuser links up with underbody panelling which improves the wind resistance by one to two percent. The rear end taper measuring slightly more than 400 mm in length forms a crucial part of the aerodynamic concept. It features folding elements to facilitate access to the load compartment. The rear end taper improves wind resistance by a further seven percent.

The Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept truck features trailers load compartment. The box measuring 13.6 m in length, 2.55 m in width and with an overall height of four metres remains available for freight. The length measurement exceeds the currently permissible limit by half metre due to tail end extension.

The aero trailer is the flagship of new Truck and Trailer 7plus initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz. By taking a holistic approach to tractor unit and trailer it aims to considerably cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.


Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer Concept

Audi A7 with Long Roof and Headlights

October 14th, 2011

Automover News: Considering that Audi already offers the popular mid-size A6 sedan and full sized A8 sedan, one may wonder about the purpose of 2012 A7. Audi A7 fits as the emotional symptom between these two.

The 2012 Audi A7 has four doors and the back seat is well-sized, with plenty of leg room. Yet, because of its coupe-styled body, most people don’t notice the rear doors. The design is so deceptive that some people call it a coupe, others call it a sedan – Audi calls it a Sportback. Here is what causes the deception and the beauty. The long roof is like a movement from the front to the back, which meets the car’s boat tail at the rear. Shoulder line sinks far back. It begins at the front, takes its power from the engine and then sinks slightly to the rear. This combination creates a fresh-looking design, which has got the car a worldwide acclaim. The doors are frameless and the car has a very large cargo space, good for family events.

Last week Audi delivered the 2012 A7 3.0T to our Hickory headquarters in NC for a week-long review to Despite its luxurious price, we think it’s a great car not only for individuals, but also for family needs. We drove the new Audi A7 in Hickory, driving in one of the most beautiful roads in the country. One has to actually drive the car to appreciate all that it has to offer, but we will try to discuss some particular essentials in this review in lay man’s terms. Essentials, that particularly stood out and attracted our attention.

EU shipping rules push to natural gas

July 21st, 2011

Automover News: Europe’s proposal to force shipping fleets to cut emissions of sulphur-dioxide gas will only add painful costs to an industry already in tight straights. But tough rules on sulphur, it seems, really indicates Europe is keen to get its shipping on readily available natural gas, which is forecast to remain plentiful until 2500. When he took the Royal Navy off of coal and got its warships running on bunker fuel. Burning oil proved decisive in both world wars, as it brought superior ship speed. Britain’s enemies had little of the stuff.

The trouble is natural gas engines can emit 90 per cent pure, unburned methane, a greenhouse gas 11 times more potent than carbon-dioxide. Switching to natural gas will dramatically cut carbon-dioxide but increase methane. There are already signs the industry itself realizes methane, and not sulphur, is the pollutant to target. An earlier costly initiative switching to natural gas engines in some ships proved it cut sulphur and carbon dioxide but released pure methane into the atmosphere.

Under the new rules, the maximum sulphur content of fuels will drop 90 per cent to 0.1 per cent from 1.5 per cent in populous areas like the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel (and down from 4.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent in 2020 for all other areas). The industry had anticipated the fuel standard for sulphur, and had partly embarked on using natural gas as a fuel ahead of 2015, the start of enforcement. Europe’s involvement, however, appears to signal a strategic switch to safe supplies of gas, with cutting sulphur as the chief sales and enforcement point.

Judging by Europe’s mercantile history and the wording of treaties dating back 200 years, the shipping industry is gambling that if gas is a standard for cleanliness set at the highest levels, then low-cost competitors not burning gas aboard ship might one day be excluded from plying key sea routes. Liquefied natural gas propulsion now powers offshore service ships. Some 40 vessels, plus as many LNG carriers, are now driven by natural gas. A new generation of LNG engines in which methane emissions are greatly reduced. Rolls-Royce, too, boasts cleaner LNG engines in the works.

Opel revealed new 2011 Opel Corsa facelifted car

November 25th, 2010

Opel the Germany car manufacturer has revealed the new 2011 Opel Corsa facelifted car. The car will be available for sale with dealers in January.

2011 Opel Corsa

The new 2011 Opel Corsa ecoFLEX is powered with improved 1.3-L CDTI engine system with 94 hp. The car is outfitted with standard start/stop technology, three-door model provides combined 3.5 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 94 g/km. In five-door guise the car provides 3.6 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km.

The 2011 Opel Corsa was designed to imitate the Astra which features improved front fascia, new grille, restyled headlights and larger Opel logo on hatchback. The car holds full length body stripes as well as same color mirror caps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Color version has special paint black roof and black 17-inch alloy wheels for amazing bolder.

The engineers made 2011 Opel Corsa car with major chassis enhancements to better travel comfort with no negotiation on dexterity. Moreover the steering system has been recalibrated for improved feel and responsiveness.

The 2011 Opel Corsa car cabin installed with new dashboard, improved fabrics, and revised trim by the designers. Additionally the new Touch and Connect infotainment system has 5-inch color touch screen, GPS navigation system and Bluetooth/iPod/USB connectivity.

2011 Opel Corsa

Hyundai revealed 2011 Hyundai Elantra at LA Auto Show

November 22nd, 2010

Hyundai the South Korean car manufacturer has revealed the revamped 2011 Hyundai Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2011 Hyundai Elantra

The power of 2011 Hyundai Elantra car comes from a 1.8L four-cylinder engine system which produces 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. The car is connected to standard 6-speed manual transmission and six-speed automatic transmission is optional, which gives the car a hybrid like fuel economy rating of 29 mpg on city and 40 mpg on highway.

The interior of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra car has classy and craftsmanship. The entry level car models are additionally equipped. The car features inactive entry and GPS navigation. But the choice of topping restricted car have heated leather seats on both front and rear, air conditioning and 172 watt audio system with Bluetooth/iPod/USB/connectivitiy.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra features Fluidic Sculpture design with 4-door coupe styling which is basically a rebadged Avante. This gives the car extraordinary low haul which is better than other cars.
The cost of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra will be $14,830 which will be available for sale with dealers later on this year.

2011 Hyundai Elantra 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Types of Auto Transport

November 12th, 2010

If you are planning to move your car across the country, you may need help of transporting your car. Some people transport their car through self driving which may be very tiring. You may get exhausted until you reach the desired destination. Another way of transporting the car is through auto transport. The Auto transport is also called as Auto movers, auto shipping, car moving, car shipping, car transport, vehicle moving, vehicle shipping, vehicle transport,  etc. Auto Transport Company will pick up your car from your place or terminal and transport it to another state, country or overseas based on your requirement. There are two types of auto transport. They are enclosed auto transport and open auto transport.

Enclosed auto transport is one of the ways of transporting a vehicle. Enclosed auto transport is exactly that the car is enclosed in a container and shipped much like any other cargo would be by a freight hauler. Enclosed carriers is little expensive than traditional open transporter because it can save your exotic, luxury car from weather elements like rain, snow etc on transportation. Enclosed auto transport happens in containers that are completely enclosed and locked down. There are not more than 2 or 3 cars per truck. There is no exposure to elements.

If a customer chooses enclosed car shipping it means they take much care of their vehicle. All the auto mover companies will have online trucking systems or cell phone devices set up so that you can track your vehicle.

Open auto transport happens on 10 car carriers with 5 cars on the bottom and 5 cars on the top. In this type of transport, your car is exposed to elements. The elements that the cars are exposed to are wind, dirt, dust, snow, ice, rain and once in a while hail. Open trailers are available in two varieties – multi car trailers and flat bed single car carriers. Multi-car trailers are one of the cheapest ways as they are carrying three to twelve cars to the same location. Flat beds carry one car at a time and are middle of the road as far as price goes.

New air traffic control tower at Reno airport

October 27th, 2010

The Federal Aviation Administration or FAA devoted a new, modernized 195 foot-tall air traffic control tower at Reno Tahoe International Airport.

The improvement of air transport infrastructure is one of our highest priorities and this new tower will provide Reno-Tahoe International Airport with one of the nations most modern air traffic control facilities said in a report by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

This is a great day for aviation in Nevada said in a report by FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. The new tower will improve safety and efficiency by providing controllers with better airfield views and more modern equipment. The new tower was built with FAA facilities and equipment dollars which are used to modernize the air traffic control system.

Reno new control tower is almost three times the height of the old tower which was built in 1957.  The airport runways are very longer than they were when the old tower was built which made it challenging for controllers to see aircraft on certain taxiways and runways. The old tower also experienced glare from lights on the cargo areas.

Reno controllers also now will have state-of-the-art equipment that includes multicolor radar displays, touch-screen voice communications and touch screen work stations that provide instant information on everything from weather conditions to air traffic manuals. Double thick sun shades will help prevent glare inside the 610-sqft controller work area. Moreover new tower will have two backup power systems to help ensure uninterrupted operations.

Tower controllers direct aircraft within about five miles of airport up to an altitude of 3,000 feet.  The new tower and a 10,000 square-foot base building cost $29.4mn to build and furnish. Construction began in January 2008.  Reno-Tahoe International Airport served about 100,000 flights in 2009.

ATA announced Revenue Growth for September

October 20th, 2010

The Air Transport Association of America or ATA industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines reported that passenger revenue based on a sample group of carriers rose 19% in September 2010 compared to same month in 2009 marking the ninth consecutive month of revenue growth.

The global economy is spending on air travel with passenger revenue exceeding last years depressed levels. The industry remains hopeful that the nations economic recovery will progress in the months ahead said in a report by ATA President and CEO James C. May.

A sample of US airlines saw cargo traffic, as measured in cargo revenue ton miles, rise 14 percent year over year in August 2010. Data for all reporting US airlines is available on a time-lagged basis from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The revenues from the air transportation of passengers in scheduled air service, not including amounts paid to change tickets, transport baggage or perform other types of ancillary services defined by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Data for all reporting US airlines is available on a time-lagged basis from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. ATA monthly press releases cited the number of passengers previously to align more closely with the per-mile price statistics, ATA is now reporting traffic on a total mileage basis.

FMCSA Administrator in Commercial Motor Vehicle Technology Showcase

October 15th, 2010

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro participated in Commercial Motor Vehicle Technology Showcase that featured new-to-market and emerging roadside inspection technologies designed to improve safety performance of commercial truck transports and buses.

Held at FMCSA Roadside Technology Corridor on Interstate 81 in Greene County, Tennessee the showcase provided a first hand look at how state-of-the-art technology better equips state law enforcement as they conduct commercial motor vehicle or CMV safety inspections. FMCSA in partnership with Tennessee Department of Safety, Tennessee Department of Transportation, University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, organized the showcase.

Safety is our top priority said in a report by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. This technology showcase will help us as we seek innovative and more efficient ways to make our roads safer for everyone.

FMCSA is devoted to strengthening commercial vehicle safety through use of new technology said in a report by FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. By providing a platform to test, evaluate and refine new enforcement technologies, we are able to clearly understand their benefits and encourage deployment on the state level.

In a real world setting the showcase demonstrated various new safety technologies.

Wireless Roadside Inspection or WRI using a fixed site or mobile vehicle, the WRI is designed to conduct up to 25 times more vehicle inspections a year than the current, in-person inspection process. In real time, an inspector can obtain driver and carrier identity, vehicle condition and hours-of-service violations while vehicle is traveling at highway speed.

Smart Infrared Inspection System or SIRIS detects brake, wheel and tire problems by comparing infrared thermal images of wheels as vehicle enters a weigh station. Once this technology is complete, it will use software to read thermal images and alert law enforcement if an inspection is needed.

Performance Based Brake Tester or PBBT technology provides a safe, accurate and objective assessment of a vehicle’s brake force and overall performance.

Medium Truck Duty Cycle is safety sensor technology outfits vehicle with brake stroke, weight and tire pressure monitoring systems that collect data designed to help researchers develop tools that determine a vehicle’s safety fitness.

Technology In Motion Vehicle or TMV demonstration vehicle is equipped with electronic on-board recorders, raises stakeholder awareness and increases adoption of featured technologies.

FAA propose $664,000 Civil Penalty against Parachute Center

October 14th, 2010

The Federal Aviation Administration or FAA is proposing $664,000 civil penalty against William C. Dause doing business as The Parachute Center of Acampo, California for allegedly failing to perform required aircraft parts replacements and failing to comply with safety directives.

Putting parachutists at risk by neglecting to follow safety procedures is unacceptable said in a report by U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. We expect air transport operators to comply with our safety rules and will take enforcement action when they do not.

The FAA alleges that The Parachute Center operated a DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter when critical parts were well past their life limits and without inspecting portions of the wings for corrosion.

FAA alleges that The Parachute Center operated the air transport  on approximately 2,121 flights between March 21, 2008 and Nov. 4, 2009 with elevator control cables that were overdue for replacement and when the plane was not in compliance with Airworthiness Directives requiring visual inspections of the wing main spar lower spar cap extensions and wing support strut for possible corrosion.

The FAA also alleges that the company operated the aircraft on at least 500 flights between April 16, 2009 and November  4, 2009 with aileron control cables that were overdue for replacement.

Passengers and crew have to be able to trust that an operator has done the right thing and has complied with all the rules said in a report by FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. Safety and compliance are the right choices every time. The Parachute Center has 30 days from receipt of the FAA enforcement letter to respond to the agency.