Monthly Archives: May 2010

Mazda Develops High-Strength Heat-Resistant Bioplastic With Hiroshima Area Partners

Author: Dave Gosine
Title: Mazda Develops High-Strength Heat-Resistant Bioplastic With Hiroshima Area Partners

Article: Tokyo, Japan, — Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that an industry-government-academia joint research project in Hiroshima Prefecture, in which it is participating, has achieved an improved exterior surface quality, high-strength, heat-resistant plastic (bioplastic) made of natural materials. It can also be used for vehicle interior parts. An automotive sector first, this new bioplastic is made from natural materials and is carbon neutral because of the reduced amounts of fossil fuels used to make it and the consequent lowered amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

This newly-developed bioplastic features is stronger – it has three times the shock impact resistance along with 25 percent higher heat resistance when compared to contemporary bioplastics used for items such as electrical appliances. In addition, it is made with a fermentation process that includes natural materials such as fermented starches and sugars which, compared with the process to make polypropylene, reduces energy use by 30 percent. In contrast to current petroleum-based polypropylene plastics, the new bioplastic also has comparatively higher rigidity, resulting in thinner molds and fewer materials used. These attributes hold great promise for better productivity in the mass production of vehicle parts, since parts manufacture frequently involves injection-molding equipment. Mazda will continue its research and development in this area for the next several years, with any new advances being employed in Mazda products.

Bioplastic

This newly-developed bioplastic is made of 88 percent corn and 12 percent petroleum. Mainly using corn-based polylactic acids, Nishikawa Rubber Co. Ltd, Hiroshima and Kinki Universities focused their efforts on developing a new nucleating agent for crystallization and a compatibilizer compound to raise the strength and heat resistance of the new plastic, dramatically increasing the amount of applications for automobile manufacturing.

This research was the result of joint industry-academia-government collaboration, promoted under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s (METI) “Consortium R&D Projects for Regional Revitalization” program, which began in 2004. The joint research conducted under this rubric has the goals of fostering new industry, creating new business and revitalizing regional economies in Japan.

The new bioplastic consortium project partners are Hiroshima University, Nishikawa Rubber Co. Ltd., Western Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Research Institute, G.P. Daikyo Corporation, Japan Steel Works Ltd., Kinki University School of Engineering, Nishikawa Kasei Co. Ltd., National Research Institute of Brewing, Yasuhara Chemical Co. Ltd., MANAC Incorporated and Mazda Motor Corporation. This is a consortium consisting of two universities, seven companies and two research institutes.

Seita Kanai, senior managing executive officer in charge of Mazda’s R&D, said, “Mazda and G.P. Daikyo Corporation are at the center of a world-class accumulation of automotive plastic module parts makers here in the Hiroshima area. Based on our rich tradition of sake brewing in this region, we’ve been accumulating fermentation biotechnology for a long time and Hiroshima University, Nishikawa Rubber Company and the Western Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Research Institute – among other organizations – have an extensive history of research into the practical uses of biodegradable plastics than can be broken down by microorganisms. In particular, great results have been achieved through joint international research into lactic acid copolymers. So it’s safe to say the Hiroshima area is fertile ground in terms of research achievements. Together with our regional partners over the next few years, Mazda intends to continue its bioplastics research for the purpose of utilizing any advances we achieve to make better products for our customers.”

2006 marks the final year of the Mazda Momentum mid-term management plan. Two of the plan’s goals were to achieve 100 billion yen in operating profit and a net-debt-to-equity ratio of less than one hundred percent by the end of fiscal year 2006; these were achieved one year earlier than projected. Another key measure of the plan is to strengthen research and development efforts. As a company that values its social contributions now and into the future, Mazda will keep up its proactive technical research on eco-friendly and safe products for its customers.

Mazda will exhibit vehicle interior parts made with the newly-developed bioplastic in its booth at the Automotive Engineering Exposition at the Japan Society of Automotive Engineering (JASE) Annual Congress, to be held at the Pacifico Yokohama complex from May 24-26, 2006.

Notes:

1) Carbon neutral

As an example, carbon neutral can be characterized as CO2 gases released during plant decomposition or combustion being absorbed during the growth phase of photosynthesis, so any emitted CO2 gases are offset and end up producing a negligible impact on CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

2) Nucleating agents for crystallization

An additive to stimulate crystallization

A “stimulus” nucleating agent added to crystal acts as a catalyst and makes it easier to form the crystals. Polylactic acid has properties which make for comparatively slower crystallization when compared to other plastics and this negatively impacts on production efficiency when molding bioplastics for car parts. Given this factor, it is necessary to carry out the crystallization earlier by means of a nucleating agent. When the molecular chain is arranged in a systematic way, the plastic’s strength is increased and its heat-resistant properties are improved.

3) Compatibilizer

An additive is needed for a material that has two or more different types of properties, and when distributed uniformly, it improves the physical properties of the material. It is necessary to mix the polylactic acids with a combination of polylactic acid and an added element that is not chemically compatible.

4) Lactic acid copolymers

This is a plastic material derived by partly replacing some of the elements of polylactic acids with other ingredients.

5) International collaboration

-Participating organizations: Hiroshima University (the representative research institute); University of Massachusetts and Tufts University (US); University of Liege (Belgium), Zhejiang University (China).
-Research content: The aforementioned research institutions worked together to conduct research and development into lactic acid copolymers for general use as well as use in medical treatments. Webbolt (http://webbolt.ecnext.com/coms2/description_60902_Mazda020606_SUS) provides an on-demand, dynamically presented, tailored, total information solution with increasingly complex and global content. Webbolt continually updates and expands its free news in 22 key topic areas.

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An Introduction To The 2007 Chevy Tahoe

Author: Andy Zain
Title: An Introduction To The 2007 Chevy Tahoe

Article: The 2007 Chevy Tahoe has long been a widely respected and highly successful SUV. Before size SUV from the popular American company, General Motors, it was originally very similar the GMC Yukon that was originally introduced back in 1992. The Chevy Tahoe itself was produced in 1995 under that name and still remains in production.

While the original GMC Yukon was the predecessor for the Tahoe, it was introduced to the public in 1992. This was only a two doors version but in 1995 with the coming of the new Chevy Tahoe, there was a four door version. Having undergone numerous redesigned and overhauls, the product start to change dramatically by 1999.

The next generation, beginning in the year 2000, the vehicle was completely redesigned. All the vehicles in the line received significant updates but they were very largely similar with a few aesthetic variations. They also came as some advanced in car entertainment systems, often found in luxury vehicles, including stability control, Bose audio and a DVD entertainment system.

Because were also known for their luxury. After the year 2000, marking the next generation of the product, high quality audio systems and DVD entertainment was included in the car. Stability control was also introduced along with a number of other luxury features.

The cars were considered fairly luxury, coming with an abundance of extra features which make them especially comfortable and pleasant family and touring cars. Some of models introduced in the year 2000 included stability control, high powered audio systems and DVD Entertainment.

The hybrid version allowed for electrical power as an alternative method of power in the car. However, it could also run and gasoline or even a mixture of the two by using an advanced automatic system. The automatic system monitored the vehicle’s torque, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly way of power in the car.

The car is widely used in a number of foreign countries including Brazil where it was sold under a similar name. It is also being sold for law enforcement agencies and other government organisations. The police use both a combination of two wheel drive and four wheel drive models.

The current Chevy Tahoe enjoys being the only SUV in the world rated for pursuit. This is one of the reasons it is used in law enforcement agencies as it is efficient, reliable and safe. It has long enjoyed a special reputation for these three factors and continues to be produced. Andy Zain is the admin of Chevy Tahoe Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Chevy Tahoe. Get the information you need when you visit Chevy Forum

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Improve Your Truck’s Resale Value with Bed Liners

Author: Ray La Foy
Title: Improve Your Truck’s Resale Value with Bed Liners

Article: There are many brands of pickup truck bedliners available. They offer many different features, but they all fall into two basic categories: drop-in bedliners and sprayed-on bedliners. Which is the best for your pickup truck and your needs? Taking a look at the pros and cons for each type of truck bedliner might help you choose the best accessory for your needs.

The pros of drop-in bedliners: Drop-in bedliners are easy to install and can be easily removed. Most have thick, rigid bodies that provide pretty good protection against dents in the bed of your truck. Drop-in bedliners are long lasting and easy to clean. They can mount under the bedrail or can be placed over it to add more protection.

Some drop-in bedliners, like the Bearticle, are made from flexible materials. They are gentler than the rigid models, and even people find them comfortable to sit on. The price can range anywhere from $300-$450. Look closely at each type to determine how much protection it offers.

Cons of drop-in bedliners: Some drop-in bedliners can shift around and rigid versions can scuff the paint underneath. Dirt and sand can get behind a drop-in liner, making scratches even more likely if you don’t keep the area clean. Drop-in bedliners can be gouged or broken, but they can take a lot of abuse before the truck bed is affected.

Pros of sprayed-on bedliners: Sprayed-on bedliners stick to your truck’s body panels, so they can not shift around. There are no gaps between the liner and the bed of the truck, so sand and water can not get between and rust or erode your truck bed. They are not as thick as drop-ins, but they do minimize minor denting. The sprays can be applied to any body panel, including interior or floor panels. Sprayed-on liners are easy to clean and available in many colors. You might prefer their sleeker look. Cost can range between $90 for do-it-yourself kits to $450 for professional installation. This also depends on the size truck you have.

Cons of sprayed-on bedliners: Sprayed-on bedliners can’t be removed. They aren’t as thick as drop-ins, so it’s more likely that dropping something sharp or heavy will dent or gouge the liner and the truck bed underneath. Hard-to-remove stains, such as spilled paints, may become a permanent part of your truck bed. A sprayed-on liner should be applied by a professional if you want a truly professional appearance.

Bottom Line is that there are more aftermarket bedliner choices now than there have ever been. You must ask yourself several questions to decide which type is the right one for you. How do you use your truck? Do you expect the bedliner to protect your truck from constant hauling of heavy objects? Do you need only minimal protection for occasional use? Is the bedliner strictly for looks? Study as many online resources as you can find, then visit local bedliner distributors. Ask questions about each bedliner as it pertains to your needs to sort out which is the best for you. More information on Adjustable Bedliners

truck bedliners

http://www.adjustablebedliners.com

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Products From Audi Dealerships Over The Past Forty Years

Author: Dominic Donaldson
Title: Products From Audi Dealerships Over The Past Forty Years

Article: With sales panning over one hundred years of history Audi is a name to be proud of. Even the vintage models of years gone by strongly reflect the high standards in technology and design. Audi dealerships continue to relish in this reputation today and live up to the premium billing of Vorsprung durch Technik. This article takes a look at some of the models through history and why they have all contributed to creating the irreplaceable brand that it is today.

Leading industrialist Friedrich Karl Flick made history in 1964 when he instigated that Volkswagenwerk AG acquired a majority stake in Auto Union GmbH. As a result the company became a fully-owned VW subsidiary two years later. A further three years later, Auto Union GmbH merged with NSU AG Neckarsulm and shortly the best-selling Audi 100 model was unveiled. By 1971 the legendary slogan Vorsprung durch Technik hit the advertising boards and it has not stopped running since, forty years later.

One of the classic automobiles from the early days is the Audi 80. After much anticipation, the car eventually arrived in Audi dealerships in 1972. The Audi 80 GT and Audi 80 GTE both sported circular double headlights instead of the large single headlights. After an inspiring facelift in 1976, the design bore a stronger resemblance to the Audi 100, powered by the same engines used for the Type 80, but with outputs ranging from 40.5 kW (55 bhp) to 81 kW (110 bhp). Delighting customers in a range of styles, the Audi 80 was sold as a two-door and four-door salon and a coupe. The latter was the last to be released into the market, when in 1988, the sporty model became a favourite of Audi dealers.

A few years on, another revolution began in the car industry when Audi released what became the first series-production vehicle to feature permanent four-wheel drive in 1980. The Audi Quattro, also known as the Urquattro (original quattro) was to continue in production for a full ten years, after its popularity became apparent, both on the road and on the race track. Again, the Quattro came in a number of styles, from the first series, to the sport Quattro (featuring a 2.1 litre engine and 306 bhp) to the big daddy, the sport Quattro S1, the definitive rally car.

Throughout the following thirty years Audi never failed to delight their customers with their unique manufacturing styles, from the Audi A2, to the Audi A4 to the Audi A8 at the start of the twenty first century. The latter luxury saloon was marketed as the first series-production luxury saloon with a full aluminium body, developed to reduce weight and therefore fuel consumption. With an aluminium body, corrosion was also no longer a problem. Variants included the saloon, a long- wheelbase version, the Quattro (sporty model) and the A8 Security, (the pinnacle of power as the official state car and Federal Chancellor’s car).

With so many models to be proud of, Audi’s four rings have become part of history as we know it. Regarded as one of the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the world, Audi Dealerships have not had to struggle over the years to round up their customers; the brand alone sells itself. Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the Automobile industry.
Find out more about Audi Dealerships and take a look at some of the models to emerge over the past forty years.

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The All New 2009 Ford F-150 Pickup

Author: Andy Zain
Title: The All New 2009 Ford F-150 Pickup

Article: With its sleek stylish looks and all the power you’ve come to expect from the f-150, the 2009 Ford F-150 is taking the automotive industry by storm. It’s luxurious good looks have gained it a party image rating hovering around four, while it proudly bears the title of 2009 North American Truck Of The Year.

Sporting superb noise reduction and luxurious comfort, the 2009 Ford F-150 aspires to retain its title of top selling automobile that it has enjoyed for over two decades. Long distance trips or short grocery runs, the F150 is up to the challenge. Superb styling blended with the dependability you have come to expect, the 2009 Ford F150 definitely delivers.

Four wheel drive and two wheel drive have been standard options in trucks for many years. The style side bed and the flare side bed have been around before too. The King Ranch, STX, SL and Harley Davidson trim packages offer many features for you to choose from. The super cab is another option available to conform your F-150 to fit your lifestyle.

With its stylish new lines, and many available color choices, the F-150 remains a show stopper. Whether you prefer the stylish look of one color or the sportier approach of a two tone scheme, standard wheels or sportier nineteen inch wheels, customizing your F-150 has never been easier. The ease of access to the cargo area are among the list of features that have pushed this truck over the top.

With responsive power and exceptional styling, this is one truck that works hard and plays even harder. Ranking in the top five in the motor sports world, transporting precious cargo, such as your family, or just fetching groceries from the supermarket, you’ll turn eyes every time you’re out in your 2009 Ford F-150.

With the impressive array of accessories there is no limit to the custom look you can achieve with your 2009 Ford F-150. The versatility and functionality of the Ford F-150 are among the list of attributes that have pushed it to the top of the list in the full size truck category.

Whether climbing that rugged mountain trail, or hauling that remarkably heavy load, or just simply making it to some of those remote hidden fishing holes, the 2009 Ford F-150 delivers what you need.

From playing in the mud to dinner at a first class restaurant with just a quick wash in between. Comfort, elegance and dependability come together in the new 2009 Ford F-150 as it continues its climb to be king of the hill. Andy Zain is the admin of Ford F-150 Forums , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Ford F-150. Get the information you need when you visit Ford Truck Forums

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Different Tonneau Covers for Different Trucks

Author: Ivar Rudi
Title: Different Tonneau Covers for Different Trucks

Article: When you have a truck that you want a tonneau cover for, you may have to do a little research before you buy one. When buying a cover, you have to know the size of your vehicle and find out what covers will work best for it. You should not just buy one because it is on sale or because it looks like it would fit. You are best to make sure that you have the right one first.

When you are getting ready to put a tonneau cover on and you have measured the right size, you can go to any truck accessory store to find out if they have what you need. You can shop in your area or you can go online and find the different stores that offer tonneau covers. You will find that there is going to be a huge selection of covers and you can choose the one that is perfect for you.

Getting a tonneau cover will save you a lot of time and expense. Not only can you use it for keeping items safe underneath inside the bed, you can also find that you will save more money in gas. You will use less gas when you have some thing covering the bed. You are not going to have the wind trying to hold you back when you are driving down the road. This is why it is so important to make sure that you have the right one on your truck.

Going through a dealership for your tonneau cover may be a good idea. This way you will know that you are getting the right fit and the one that will work best on your model of truck. Another way to find great covers is to search the newspapers. You may find that someone else is selling one that will fit your vehicle perfectly. You can get great deals this way and save money too.

Getting a custom tonneau cover made for your vehicle is an investment that you will find great for any truck. You will be able to have the style and the perfect fit that you have been wanting for a long time. Having a custom made one will make your truck stand out in a crowd and get you noticed for your great taste. This would be an improvement for any on road or off road style truck.

If you are selling your truck and have a tonneau cover on it, you can sell it with or without it. If you decide to sell it with your truck, you can ask more for the selling price. You will raise the value of your truck and be able to get more for a profit. If you want, you can take the cover off and sell it separately. You may find that this will be a better bargain and you can get more money for the cover when you sell it alone. Either way, you will defiantly get your money back out of it. Copyright 2006 – Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.tonneau-cover-guide.com/
and also http://www.truck-accessories.org/

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Make The Long Haul Safe And Simple With A Utility Trailer

Author: Tom Sample
Title: Make The Long Haul Safe And Simple With A Utility Trailer

Article: No matter how youarticleit, at some point we all need to haul a large item from one point to another. Whether it’s a homeowner cleaning out a garage and needing to get rid of some debris, or it’s a small business that needs to get equipment to a job site, hauling is a fact of life. The costs of truck purchases for some jobs are just too great, and this is where a good utility trailer can really step in and save the day.

A utility trailer is simply a platform for hauling items. It can be an elaborate add on to a vehicle that includes safety walls and other features, or it can just be a wheeled slab on which to secure a piece of machinery or item for hauling. There are a number of things to consider, however, when adding a trailer onto a vehicle. They include:

* Local laws. Many states require even simple trailers to have their own license plates. They also require lighting systems that include break lights and hazards. This is for the safety of everyone on the road, the hauler included.

* Proper hook up. Trailers are wonderful for homeowners who occasionally need to pick up big items, but don’t own trucks. Easy to add to a car or a small, personal use pickup truck, trailers free their owners up from having to rent a big hauler or hire someone else to do the work for them. They must, however, be hooked up safely. This means the attachment to the towing vehicle must be safe and secure and the lighting system needs to be in place correctly. Doing otherwise might not only result in an accident, but also the loss of the load being hauled.

* Weight considerations. A small, wooden trailer with a wheel system that’s meant to hold only 500 pounds, cannot and should not be loaded up with a ton of debris or lawn equipment. Make sure you know what your trailer is rated for and follow all safety precautions.

Businesses, too, often use trailer systems to help them get their work done. Plumbers, electricians, other construction trades and especially lawn maintenance companies rely on trailers to help them get from jobsite to jobsite with their equipment intact. The benefits of trailers over much larger trucks for hauling equipment and supplies are many. They include:

* Increasing the capacity of a regular work truck without having to purchase more expensive vehicles.

* Ease of access of equipment. Open trailers or even enclosed ones make it much easier for employees to get at the equipment they need when they need it. Ramps on lawn equipment trailers, for example, are ideal for rolling equipment out when it’s needed. Plus, it makes it even easier to put equipment away after a long, hot day. After all, who wants to lift a heavy lawn mower onto a truck?

Utility trailers are oftentimes much more affordable and economical to keep up with than a full-sized truck or even a larger commercial truck. They are perfect for homeowners who need to do occasional hauling, great for businesses and simply irreplaceable to lawn maintenance crews. #1 Resource

Utility trailers.

http://www.utilitytrailersite.com

Truck rental and leasing.

http://www.truckrentalinc.com

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The Advantages Of The 2009 Honda Element

Author: Andy Zain
Title: The Advantages Of The 2009 Honda Element

Article: The 2009 Honda Element is the latest model of car to grace the product range from Honda’s affordable range of SUVs. It has an exceptionally high quality build and has received favourable reviews from all sorts of sources such as customers and reviewing agencies alike. It is expected to be a highly successful and popular seller.

It has undergone a complete redesign over the previous models and now has a particularly unique and original look to it. With a streamlined an aerodynamic appearance, it does not have the clunky appearance than many SUV cars have. It has a versatile cabin make for particularly eye catching and pretty unique design.

However, this car is not only affordable and reliable, but it also performs extremely well and a number of other respects. Introduced original in 2003, this car was redesigned again in 2007. With a sportier feel about it, the car went on to the redesigned again for this year, and is now got a complete facelift.

Originally, the Honda Element was introduced in the year 2003. 2007 sore a major redesign with the birth of an entirely new model which is built around a sporty sort of thinking. All of the models of course are available with four wheel drive but the most recent model includes a few extra features including durable waterproof cabin storage.

Performance is perfectly acceptable as well but most importantly, it handles very smoothly and the engine has proven particularly impressive with customers and reviewers. Some say it can be a little clunky to handle, an exaggeration can be fairly sluggish, but all in all, this car still performs very well in the town and highways alike. It has a well thought out design with very adequate aerodynamics.

With regards to the aesthetic design, the exterior has undergone a complete overhaul, being something rather original and quite attractive to the cut. With various design differences, the interior is also considerably spacious and with configurable rear seating, it offers plenty of cargo options.

As with many cars from this brand, the 2009 Honda Element is also extremely reliable and it has been rated highly as such by a number of reviewers and customers alike. Reliability is of course one of the most important aspects and something which Honda has always paid close attention to.

All round, this is a good car with a solid build and with an exceptional safety record, reasonable performance and high reliability, it makes a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable SUV. Andy Zain is the admin of Honda Element Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Honda Element. Get the information you need when you visit Honda Forum

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