Recent Comments:
An Inconvenient Truth nominated for Oscar, questioned in Seattle-area school district {Autoblog Green}
Jan 24th 2007 4:59PM Even if the whole movie was a lie, (which it isn't), what's better? More pollution or less pollution? It's obvious that the answer is less pollution so we should move in that direction. There will be no harm to the planet if we reduce emissions more than we need to and I don't buy the idea that it will hurt the economy. New technology development will help the economy and provide jobs as it sparks innovation.
And if you think the scientists who claim global warming is real have an agenda, remember that they don't all own stock in companies that create alternative sources of energy and they're probably not shorting oil futures. On the other hand, those who claim global warming is not for real tend to have ties with oil corporations and militarily taking over countries that have oil.
UH2L
http://www.thingsivenoticed.com
Yahoo: President Bush to call for 20 percent reduction in gasoline consumption by 2017 {Autoblog Green}
Jan 23rd 2007 6:53PM Since we aren't willing to sacrifice and use less fuel by walking, bicycling or taking public transportation more often, and since we wouldn't vote for a candidate that raises the gas tax, shifting to domestically produced fuels is the only way to reduce dependence on foreign oil. But it won't help much on the pollution front.
Detroit Auto Show attendance drops for fourth straight year {Autoblog}
Jan 22nd 2007 8:09PM #5 Sure, Cobo Hall has its issues. But why move the biggest most international auto show in the U.S. from the Motor City, (where cars get planned designed because many HQ's are there), to a place where no vehicles are developed and it's difficult to even drive above 45 mph with all the traffic and toll booths?
Atul
http://www.realitydriven.com
World Premiere of the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class {Autoblog}
Jan 18th 2007 4:27PM I agree with #1 that it looks like a mini S-Class from the side, but that side crease across the doors is so BMW 3-Series. The front view reminds me of a traditional American luxury car from the 80's.
As for adding too much luxury and complexity, they almost have to in order to set themselves apart from other entry lux competitors.
Atul
http://www.realitydriven.com
Automakers to depend on marketing more to compete {Autoblog}
Jan 17th 2007 4:20PM I concur with Michael. Now that efficiency is more important, differentiation is subtle because vehicles have to be lighter and more aerodynamic, closer to optimal. Since cars are such emotional purchases, marketing does have an impact. But with new infotainment type technology, vehicles can be differentiated with features, fuel economy, performance, and just general design character.
As for reliability, based on what TrueDelta shows, the differences are minor and more in the consumer's minds. This is where marketing may have a bigger impact, but nothing can replace positive product experiences. These experiences lead to word-of-mouth reputations which last longer than the product differences do. Then the press seems to jump on the bandwagon that Japanese vehicle quality is far superior to American car quality. Remember that a difference of 50 problems per hundred is an extra half problem per vehicle.
Atul
www.realitydriven.com
Despite thousands of rugged miles, used E-Class cars selling out {Autoblog Green}
Jan 17th 2007 4:11PM #6 The fuel you speak of, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel, (ULSD), is available now in the U.S. to comply with the EPA's 2007 commercial truck emissions laws. That's why Mercedes, Audi/VW, BMW are offering BlueTec diesels which as #7 points out will have very low emissions.
There is a huge anti-diesel sentiment that is sometimes unfounded. What people forget is that if less fuel is used per mile, you have less fuel with which to create emissions. Like #7 says, new emissions technology is making diesel emissions very green, comparable to gasoline engines.
Atul
www.realitydriven.com
Spy Shots: Honda Fit growing {Autoblog}
Jan 10th 2007 2:40PM All cars have souls. We each like different types of souls and some of us don't like boring souls or ones that are too common.
Atul
www.realitydriven.com
Saab offering free car to members of the Million Mile Club {Autoblog}
Dec 18th 2006 6:58PM I might be crazy enough to try for the million mile mark with my 1997 900, and I also bought a new Saab a year ago because I also need a newer car.
Saab offering free car to members of the Million Mile Club {Autoblog}
Dec 18th 2006 6:19PM #7. You have to have been the original owner to cash in on this offer. Otherwise, this announcement would have increased the resale value on all Saabs including my 1997 900 S which still looks and drives like new at 125,000 miles, (click on my name to link to my blog which has an album with pictures of it). My original target was 300,000 miles, but now I'm going to go for 1,000,000. It may take a while, perhaps by the time I turn 80!
Spy Shots: Ford Mondeo Wagon {Autoblog}
Dec 13th 2006 5:58PM Stationwagons rule. I talk about why here...
http://uh2l.blogs.com/things_ive_noticed/2006/11/my_name_is_atul.html
UH2L
www.thingsivenoticed.com
