Study Shows Chevy Blazer Has Highest Driver Fatality Rate

Study Shows Chevy Blazer Has Highest Driver Fatality Rate

by Jenny McLane

According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), General Motors Corp. vehicles had the highest and lowest driver fatality rates from 2002 through 2005. And the highest rate is linked to Chevy Blazers.

The study found that the Chevrolet Blazer which comes as a two-door, two-wheel drive SUV built from 2001 to 2004, had the highest rate of driver fatalities which amounts to 232 per million registered vehicles during the four-year duration.

The Blazer was launched in 1969 on the C/K pickup truck chassis that produces GM's trucks. In 1970, the largest automaker introduced Jimmy - its own model of the truck which was produced until the arrival of GMC Yukon in 1992. The Blazer is replaced by the Chevrolet Tahoe which is now a full-size SUV.

The Blazer and Jimmy, based on the short wheelbase trucks, were made available with either four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Its long wheelbase sibling is called the Chevrolet Suburban. Both the K5 Blazer and the Jimmy were given fabulous removable tops for the first few years until 1976 when the half-cab body style was launched. In 1983, the S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy, all smaller models, were introduced. The original Blazer and Jimmy remained in production until 1991.

GM's Chevrolet Astro, on the other hand, is the recipient of the lowest rate with only seven fatalities per million registered vehicles. The Astro boasts of powerful auto parts that consist of engines, AEM intakes, radiators, filters and more. The midsize van, which has debuted in 1985, is engineered to compete with domestic rivals like the Dodge Caravan. The Astro shares the same platform with GMC Safari which is its sibling.

In connection with the rating, the Infiniti G35, BMW 7 Series and the Toyota 4Runner came next to the Chevrolet Astro. Additionally, the two-door Acura RSX had the second-highest rate with 202 driver deaths followed by the Nissan 350Z, with 193 deaths.

The Chevy Astro and Blazer went out of production in 2005.

Automakers said the study was limited in scope because it did not include factors such as driver behavior that could play a key role. "It's difficult to really draw much significance," said GM spokesman Alan Adler.

Nissan said its vehicles, including the 350Z, are designed to meet government safety regulations and the automaker's internal safety requirements. Chris Naughton, a spokesman for Acura parent Honda Motor Co., said that the Acura RSX had younger buyers, which could have contributed to its ranking.

The IIHS found the average death rate decreased from 110 from 1990 to 1994 to the current rate of 79 for the 2002 to 2005 period.

High-Tech Gadgets Hit The Road

High-Tech Gadgets Hit The Road

by Glady Reign

It used to be Agent 007 enjoying the sweetest ride on the road. But that was before. Nowadays, each driver is given the opportunity to ride high-tech autos. That fact makes James Bond jealous for sure.

Spectacular auto features are now made available by automakers but they also come with awesome price tags. Nonetheless, these gadgets are worth it. From push-button parking to night vision systems, today's auto and car features are simply fascinating.

A few years ago, a vehicle could show the driver the location via digital map. The car could take control when it begins to skid. It could also automatically maintain a set of distance from the car in front. However, these auto features are becoming increasingly common. Hence, there has to be something more interesting and useful.

What's next? How about a car that parks itself? Drivers who are oftentimes faced with parking problems will find the Lexus Intelligent Park Assist system pretty much beneficial. The said feature is available on the Toyota Prius and offered as an option on the redesigned LS models. Essentially, the system enables the driver to pull up to an available parking space by just pressing a button. According to Lexus, the driver only has to apply a little braking pressure.

If you find the Intelligent Park Assist system not that beneficial, you may find a system that keeps an eye on blind spots interesting. According to statistics, many road accidents occur when the driver tries to change lanes without being aware of a vehicle in his "blind spot." This is the reason why Audi and Volvo formulated their versions of systems that answers this quandary.

Audi's Side Assist system, launched in the new 2007 Q7 SUV, uses radar to detect other vehicles. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, available on the new S80 sedan, uses cameras. The systems are not complicated. It does not need the assistance of Audi rotors or of a Volvo head gasket to function well. It could function just with the rearview mirror. Both systems utilize LED displays near each outside rearview mirror to warn a driver that he should not try to change lanes because a car is in or is rapidly approaching a vehicle's blind spot.

Another high-tech auto feature is called the sophisticated night vision. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz introduced updated versions of the Night Vision system, which was initially offered by Cadillac. The systems allow a driver to detect objects and passersby beyond the reach of a vehicle's headlights. The system uses infrared technology to sense heat from people, animals, stopped vehicles, and other objects up to several hundred feet in front of the car.

The precollision system is also awesome. The system is engineered to detect an impending collision and automatically adopt measures to avoid it. Some automakers use radar to detect and alarm and warning lights to alerts drivers of a possible crash. If the driver did not respond immediately, the system take the necessary steps like applying brakes, shutting windows, adjusting seat positions for maximum air-bag effectiveness, and activating safety-belt pretensioners. Lexus has formulated the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) to avoid "preventable" collisions.

On-the-road entertainment is also booming. Portable audio systems like iPods and MP3 players are now auto compatible. Mercedes-Benz, for one, offers a glove-box-mounted iPod-docking station. It gives power for the iPod and enables the driver to use the car's steering-wheel to operate it. High Definition (HD) Radio systems and Bluetooth technology are also offered as part of the auto package.

Volvo C30: German's Readers' Choice For "The Best Cars of 2007"

Volvo C30: German's Readers' Choice For "The Best Cars of 2007"

by Glady Reign

When it rains, it pours. And it seems like Volvo Cars is getting the entire downpour. The first thing to be thankful about it is its amazing 80 years existence in the auto industry. Then, here comes the overwhelming awards.

For its latest addition - the Volvo C30 - alone, the model has received the Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) from one of the major Sunday papers, and the Auto Zeitung's Auto Trophy award in the best compact car class. But it did not stop there, the Volvo C30 is also the readers' choice feature "Die besten Autos 2007" ("The best cars of 2007") of the distinguished German trade journal "auto motor und sport" the Swedish manufacturer's first compact model came way out on top in the lower medium import class.

Success comes successively that it leaves the automaker jubilant and thrilled. The all-new S80 also yielded remarkable result, coming second in the upper medium import class. In the said competition, readers are given the opportunity to choose from 312 current car models. Over 100,000 readers chose their favorite cars in ten vehicle categories.

The 2007 Volvo C30 garnered 19.1 percent of the votes thus making it a dominant entry in its category. The said success is bolstered by its previously won awards like the "Das Goldene Lenkrad 2006", the "Auto Trophy 2006" and the "Design Award 2006."

The all-new S80 garnered 12.2 percent of readers' votes to put it on the second place in its category thus beating other popular rivals. The second generation of Volvo limousine blends Scandinavian design with the clear language of innovation and intelligent functions. It also boasts of superb driving dynamics and the outstanding Volvo safety reputation.

The new Volvo C30 from the automaker flaunts the unmistakably Volvo features - from the luxurious aura and ergonomics, exemplary safety, sporty drive feel. The three-door, four-seat hatchback is powered by I4 and I5 engines. The production version of the car was officially introduced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. It will be introduced in the United States as a 2008 model, with the T5 as the single version.

For the very first time, Volvo reaches out to the young generation of auto buyers. "The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30's youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo's traditional customers," said Anne Blec, President and CEO of VCNA.

"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package," said Steve Mattin, Volvo Car's design director. "Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following."

Aside from standard auto parts like Volvo antenna, wheels, radiator, and brakes, the Volvo C30 also boasts of its safety features that include the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) to overcome "blind spots" and the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) to monitor the car's preemptive systems that include steering wheel angle, pedal depressions, and overall factors that aid the vehicle's computer to decide if the driver is busy or distracted. The car also features four-wheel anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, seatbelts with pretensioners, traction control, and airbags all around for side impact and rollover protection.

"The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible," Arp noted. The automaker intends to sell 65,000 cars every year. Seventy-five percent of those sales are expected to come from Europe market.

2007 World Green Car Award Finalist: The VW Polo BlueMotion

2007 World Green Car Award Finalist: The VW Polo BlueMotion

by Benjamin Hudson

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion sold in the European market was named as one of the finalists for the 2007 World Green Car of the Year. More than 40 automotive journalists from all over the world selected the top three finalists for this year's award. The other two finalists for the 2007 World Green Car of the Year award include the BMW Hydrogen 7 and the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC.

According to a Volkswagen Group official press release, "The Polo BlueMotion is Europe's most economical five-seat automobile, offering the equivalent of 60 miles per gallon. The key to the Polo BlueMotion's efficiency is the optimization of an already economical package. Incorporation of longer ratio gears in the standard five-speed manual transmission, application-specific light weight alloy wheels, and lower rolling resistance 165/70 R14 tires all contribute to increased fuel economy. The lightweight body structure has enhanced aerodynamics to further improve its efficiency. The Polo BlueMotion doesn't ask its owners to compromise, as its sprightly performance and sporty chassis dynamics provide the "fun to drive" element inherent in Volkswagen's brand DNA."

Introduced at the 2006 Geneva International Auto Show, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion hatchback model features a 3-cylinder TDI engine delivering 80 hp (59 kW) at 4,000 rpm and develops a maximum torque output of 144 lb.-ft. (195 Nm) rotating at engine speeds of 2,200 rpm. The engine significantly offers improved fuel efficiency with only 3.9 liters of fuel consumption. In addition, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion made it as a finalist in the 2007 World Green Car of the Year award because of the low exhaust (CO2) emissions provided by the 3-cylinder TDI engine. The reduced CO2 emissions was achieved, thanks to the engine's advanced systems including turbo diesel fuel direct injection, optimized exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), improved EGR cooler, and electrically powered EGR valve with VW valve cover and VW valve cover gasket. The engine is connected through a standard 5-speed manual gearbox.

Exterior highlights of the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion incude side flasher lamps integrated in the outside rearview mirrors, rear spoiler, radiator grille insert, front and rear bumpers in sporty design, side trim strips, sill panel, 14-inch "Jerez" alloy wheels with 165/70 R 14 performance tires, and the "BlueMotion" badge at the rear.

Inside, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion comes with four spoke steering wheel, indicator lamps and service interval indicator, seat stripes in "Popcorn" or "Select" pattern, and electric window lifts. In addition, advanced active and passive safety systems are also available as standard equipments including driver and front passenger air bags with front passenger airbag deactivation switch, side air bags for driver and front passenger, height adjustable 3-point automatic front safety belts with belt tensioners, rear head restraints, and antilock braking system (ABS) with convenience braking assist (BA).

Toyota Trucks Showcase Uphill Thrills At Nashville

Toyota Trucks Showcase Uphill Thrills At Nashville

by Anthony Fontanelle

A striking off-road course made of 1,000 tons of dirt and 20 tons of gravel plus the presence of Toyota trucks invite no less than action pact driving adventure. Toyota will also make the test drive free of charge and get lots of excited enthusiasts.

The Toyota Motor Corp. is glad to announce that its Trucks Off Road On Site Adventure is back by popular demand. The adventure brought by Toyota will be visiting a dozen cities throughout the United States to give attendees the opportunity to test drive Toyota trucks that include the 4x4 Tundra, Tacoma and the FJ Cruiser.

"Tour Gives Attendees the Opportunity to Experience the Hills and Thrills of a Full-Line of Toyota 4X4 Vehicles." The amazing off-road adventure will begin at the 2007 Nashville International Auto Show at the Nashville Convention Center on April 6.

The off-road adventure program was launched by the automaker last year and it became an instant success. The automaker has recorded over 25,000 attendees who took test drives and experienced Toyota adventure first-hand. Behind the successful program is a simple philosophy: let auto show attendees get behind the wheel and discover Toyota quality and performance on their own in a fun, no-pressure environment.

For this year's Toyota truck adventure, the automaker has significantly improved its test track. It will be featuring obstacles such as moguls, sand pits, logs, and berms. There is also a hill climb, teeter totter, wood bridge, and frame twister. Toyota's main course accommodates all the three models but the anticipated stunner is the famous FJ Cruiser, which is known for its incredible off-road performance.

The track is also redesigned to coincide with the introduction of the new generation Tundra. The move is resorted to stress the rugged capabilities of the redesigned truck. In the said event, participants could enjoy a thrilling and high-performance ride and the efficiency of EBC pads. According to analysts, there is a good deal in tugging along the new Tundra to the auto market. It will promise thrilling excitement to win over non-Toyota enthusiasts.

The participants must be 18 years old or older and have a current driver's license. Toyota said minors are allowed to attend the program with a parent or legal guardian, and children can ride as passengers if they are at least 4' 9" or 57 inches tall or over 8 years old. Children eight years and older who are not 57 inches tall may ride with proof of age like the birth certificate or passport. The LP Field will be available to all attendees. It will be absolutely for free.