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Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 11, 2012
Stalingrad Tower Defense
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Stalingrad Tower Defense
Description Game:
Nazi invasion? Not in my Mother Russia! Prepare by building factories: factories for money, for guns, for tanks. Build a defensive wall of fire and eliminate any troops foolish enough to enter!R
(Visited 42 times, 2 visits today)
How to play Game:
This game is played with mouse only.The Zombie Epidemic
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The Zombie Epidemic
Description Game:
In this game you have to get rid of all zombies in the city. The zombie infestation has become epidemic and you have to rescue the survivors. Recruit and build an army to clean the city from the undeads. Watch your resources and buy weapon upgrades and ammunition in between the levels of this game.How to play Game:
Thứ Ba, 6 tháng 11, 2012
Lamborghini Racing Challenge
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Lamborghini Racing Challenge
Description Game:
The Lamborghini Racing Challenge is all about speed and quick turns. Some tricky features have been added, for example road blockages which will mislead you if your not paying attention, precious time will be lost instantly.(Visited 16 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Arrow keysMath Bubbles
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| coolmath4kids |
Math Bubbles
Description Game:
Destroy balls by forming pairs that add up to 10. Note that you can use one ball to destroy a group of same numbered balls.(Visited 95 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Use mouse key to aim and left mouse button to shoot.Spongebob Wheels
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Spongebob Wheels
Description Game:
Spongebob is riding his bike on the seashore near the jungle. There are burger on the way which spongebob has to collect before heading home. However, you have to watch out the crappy roads and make sure spongebob doe not fall from the bike.How to play Game:
Arrow keys to move the bike and collect burger to reveal more characters to choose.Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 10, 2012
Crop Defenders
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Game description: Defend the crops against invaders with your birds.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Plunk Pool
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| pool games
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Plunk Pool
Description Game:
The aim of the game is to hit the balls hard so they end up in the pockets.(Visited 9 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Mouse13 Days in Hell
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| gun games |
13 Days in Hell
Description Game:
Shoot the incoming minions of hell. Shoot them in the head to save bullets. Don’t let them chop you!(Visited 6 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Mouse - Aim / Shoot. 1-5 / Mouse Wheel - Select Weapons. R - Spacebar - Reload.Epic Battle Fantasy 2
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| fighting games |
Epic Battle Fantasy 2
Description Game:
Turn-based fighting RPG reminiscent of the battle scenes from the Final Fantasy series.How to play Game:
This game is played with mouse only.Batman Ice Age
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| batman games |
Batman Ice Age
Description Game:
Help Batman to eliminate all his enemies by using the hook to climb the levels and by finding the secret doors. Grapple to get around to upper levels and punch out enemies as you flip switches and ride elevators.(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Left / Right Arrow Keys - Run. Up Arrow Key - Jump. Down Arrow Key - Duck. CTRL - Punch. Spacebar - Use Batrope / Activate Switch / Use Elevator.Basketball Shot
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| basketball games
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Basketball Shot
Description Game:
Make at least ten baskets before time runs out. This game is free.(Visited 3 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
This game can be played by mouse only.Desert Bike Ride
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| dirt bike games |
Desert Bike Ride
Description Game:
Ride your bike desert in desert. The Mountain paths are not easy to cross. Your objective is to complete all 7 levels to win the game.How to play Game:
use arrow keys to drive.Knugg Rally
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| disney cars
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Knugg Rally
Description Game:
Choose your car and defeat your opponent to become the champion.(Visited 3 times, 1 visits today)
How to play Game:
Gymkamaths
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| Cool math for kids |
Gymkamaths
Description Game:
Gymkamaths is an educational software to learn mathematics. It reviews basics of algebra, geometry and equations. Enjoy ten math challenges that will test your skills. Complete all games with all points to get the gold medal!(Visited 10 times, 3 visits today)
How to play Game:
This game is played with mouse only.Thứ Sáu, 7 tháng 9, 2012
Providence
Game Info - Fly your mech as you shoot the enemies in this sidescroller. Dodge their fire for as long as you can.
Game controls - Z, X - Weapon Select.
Mouse - Move / Shoot.
Game controls - Z, X - Weapon Select.
Mouse - Move / Shoot.
Prawn Curry
Game Info - This is a spicy
prawn curry recipe having lots of flavors and is a very popular curry in
South Asian Cuisine, particularly Indian cuisine. This prawn curry is
made in a very similar fashion in which other curries are made. Some
people might not admire the use the ginger paste in this recipe as they
like it more with chicken or beef curry but in this prawn curry recipe,
it is up to the cook whether he/she uses it or not. This is because some
people do not like ginger in most of the seafood recipes. Continue
reading below to find out what it requires and how the this spicy prawn
curry is prepared.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Tactical Assassin Substratum
Game Info - More missions to test your Tactical Assassination skills!
Game controls - Use mouse to play the game.
Game controls - Use mouse to play the game.
Word Search 1
Game Info - Click, drag and find
the words hidden in the puzzle to clear them from the words list. Game
ends if you find them all. Choose from a wide variety of categories.
Enjoy solving the puzzle!
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Thứ Tư, 5 tháng 9, 2012
Sniper Assassin 2
Game Info - Avenge the hideous
murder of your wife. But many targets lay between you and your final
victim. Wear your boots, 'cause you're gonna be knee-deep in blood
before this is over.
Game controls - Identify your target; mouse to aim and fire.
Game controls - Identify your target; mouse to aim and fire.
Narcolyxii II
Game Info - A top-down action shooting game. Shoot bugs, infected people, and large spiders
Game controls - W,A,S,D - To move.
Mouse key - To aim shoot/use melee.
R - To reload
Game controls - W,A,S,D - To move.
Mouse key - To aim shoot/use melee.
R - To reload
How to Make Chocolate Velvet Ice cream
Game Info - Learn how to make this enticing dessert.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Prom Dresses Dressup
Game Info - Can you help this lovely lady choose a nice gown for her prom?
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
18 Wheeler 3
Game Info - Drive your 18 wheeler down the road, attach your trailer and drive to the drop zone.
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move.
1-3 to change speed.
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move.
1-3 to change speed.
Thứ Ba, 4 tháng 9, 2012
Ricarda
Game Info - Ricarda loves to go shopping. Look at all the cool clothing she bought.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Downhill Hamsterball
Game Info - This hamster is loose and ready to go on a rollicking roll to the finish line!
Game controls - Up or Right arrow keys to Roll.
Space bar to Jump.
Jump on enemies to crush them. (Touching them any other way will hurt you!) Collect butterflies for points and turbo speed. When you have turbo speed, you can plow through enemies and obstacles.
Game controls - Up or Right arrow keys to Roll.
Space bar to Jump.
Jump on enemies to crush them. (Touching them any other way will hurt you!) Collect butterflies for points and turbo speed. When you have turbo speed, you can plow through enemies and obstacles.
Downhill Hamsterball
Game Info - This hamster is loose and ready to go on a rollicking roll to the finish line!
Game controls - Up or Right arrow keys to Roll.
Space bar to Jump.
Jump on enemies to crush them. (Touching them any other way will hurt you!) Collect butterflies for points and turbo speed. When you have turbo speed, you can plow through enemies and obstacles.
Game controls - Up or Right arrow keys to Roll.
Space bar to Jump.
Jump on enemies to crush them. (Touching them any other way will hurt you!) Collect butterflies for points and turbo speed. When you have turbo speed, you can plow through enemies and obstacles.
Gold Miner Vegas
Game Info - Gold Miner Vegas
takes our bearded friend to the modern-day mother lode! Can you get all
the way to golden Las Vegas? With new levels, challenges and gadgets the
action is bigger, brighter and more enjoyable than ever before. Gold
Miner Vegas is family-friendly and fun for all ages. Mine this
entertaining game today!
You're a gold miner and it's your job to mine as much gold and come out with the most amount of money you can.
Game controls - Arrow left/right- To move.
Arrow up- To throw dynamite/discard item.
Arrow down- To catch item.
When your mining claw is aimed in the right direction click the mouse to launch it.
Click on the track to move your cart left or right.
Use your mouse or keyboard to move the Gold Miner, drop your mining claw by pressing down to pull treasures from the ground!
1. It's a race against the clock to reach your goal before time runs out.
2. Elude the rocks, bones and living creatures that get in your way.
3. Throw dynamite sticks to blast through large obstacles.
4. The bigger the gold nugget, the more it?s worth! Diamonds are worth even more!
5. Mystery Grab Bags contain money or extremely useful power-ups like the Super Claw!
6. In between levels spend your money wisely with the shopkeeper.
7. Your niece, Jewel Miner, may show up to help.
8. Be on the lookout for Hansel and other meanies!
You're a gold miner and it's your job to mine as much gold and come out with the most amount of money you can.
Game controls - Arrow left/right- To move.
Arrow up- To throw dynamite/discard item.
Arrow down- To catch item.
When your mining claw is aimed in the right direction click the mouse to launch it.
Click on the track to move your cart left or right.
Use your mouse or keyboard to move the Gold Miner, drop your mining claw by pressing down to pull treasures from the ground!
1. It's a race against the clock to reach your goal before time runs out.
2. Elude the rocks, bones and living creatures that get in your way.
3. Throw dynamite sticks to blast through large obstacles.
4. The bigger the gold nugget, the more it?s worth! Diamonds are worth even more!
5. Mystery Grab Bags contain money or extremely useful power-ups like the Super Claw!
6. In between levels spend your money wisely with the shopkeeper.
7. Your niece, Jewel Miner, may show up to help.
8. Be on the lookout for Hansel and other meanies!
Alloy Arena
Game Info - Play this awesome robotic game! Hane Fun!
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Movement A - Jump S - Shoot D - Punch
Game controls - Arrow Keys - Movement A - Jump S - Shoot D - Punch
Thứ Hai, 3 tháng 9, 2012
Love Hina Sim Date RPG
Game Info - Love Hina Sim Date
is the latest and one of the best sims game. Choose your character and
go to the Hina Inn where you get to meet a lot of girls. Your basic goal
is to get a Hina girl and gain as much money and experience as
possible. Good luck!
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Nail Fashion
Game Info - The girls are all
set to attend a party. And they want the best of everything. Most
importantly nails, Try your hands at some nail art. Add your favorite
color and designs and go wow!
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Game controls - Use mouse to interact.
Tessa's Summer Hair
Game Info - If you like the idea
of being a great hair dresser, this game is perfect for you. Help your
clients find a summer look that suits them. You can try anything you
like. But you can also try to give your clients the hair-style they
order. Just try it. In the first level the hair-styles are still simple,
but in the following levels they get tougher.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Puzzle Freak
Game Info - This game is like
monopoly but with puzzles in each turn,which adds more excitement to the
game. Its like a collection of different games but you have to solve
each game as fast as you can to earn more IQ points which will make you
win at the end of the board game.
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Game controls - Mouse - To interact.
Command Grid
Game Info - The enemy is attacking your base! Build turrets as fast as you can to protect your stronghold.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Thứ Bảy, 1 tháng 9, 2012
Sydney Shark
Game Info - Control the shark as you eat and crash into as much as possible. Bring down aircrafts for explosions
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move.
A to bite.
Game controls - Use arrow keys to move.
A to bite.
Unreal Flash 2007
Game Info - Unreal Tournament soldiers, now here comes your 2D solution. Master all mission in this nice remake.
Game controls - W, A, S, D - Move.
W,W - Double Jump
Mouse - Aim / Shoot.
Mouse Scroll - Change Weapon
P - Pause Game
Each weapon has a primary and a secondary fire; you fire the wapon by holding down the mouse.
To use secondary fire, hold down the SPACE bar and fire with your mouse.
Press 1 - Pistol
Press 2 - Uzi
Press 3 - Shotgun
Press 4 - Assault Rifle
Press 5 - Shock Rifle
Press 6 - Grenade Launcher
Press 7 - Bio Rifle
Press 8 - Rocket Launcher
Press 9 - Sniper Rifle
Press 0 - Special
Game controls - W, A, S, D - Move.
W,W - Double Jump
Mouse - Aim / Shoot.
Mouse Scroll - Change Weapon
P - Pause Game
Each weapon has a primary and a secondary fire; you fire the wapon by holding down the mouse.
To use secondary fire, hold down the SPACE bar and fire with your mouse.
Press 1 - Pistol
Press 2 - Uzi
Press 3 - Shotgun
Press 4 - Assault Rifle
Press 5 - Shock Rifle
Press 6 - Grenade Launcher
Press 7 - Bio Rifle
Press 8 - Rocket Launcher
Press 9 - Sniper Rifle
Press 0 - Special
Ray Part 1
Game Info - Go on a mission to save a girl for some money, snipe down people and do the dirty work.
Game controls - Live a day in the life of Ray, your local street thug and hitman. You call the shots in this "Choose your own adventure game" with multiple paths and endings. Some scenes throughout the movie will give you a choice, in some places, the choice you pick will give you a number. At the end of the movie you add all these numbers up and that will determine your rank, Not all choices throughout the movie will give you a rank but they offer you another way to do something. You cannot see every scene through on one viewing of the movie, In fact if you dont play it 4 times through you will miss at least 40 extra scenes.
In the big mission some choices will cause you to die and you will be taken back to the choice again, not back to the start....Have fun!
Game controls - Live a day in the life of Ray, your local street thug and hitman. You call the shots in this "Choose your own adventure game" with multiple paths and endings. Some scenes throughout the movie will give you a choice, in some places, the choice you pick will give you a number. At the end of the movie you add all these numbers up and that will determine your rank, Not all choices throughout the movie will give you a rank but they offer you another way to do something. You cannot see every scene through on one viewing of the movie, In fact if you dont play it 4 times through you will miss at least 40 extra scenes.
In the big mission some choices will cause you to die and you will be taken back to the choice again, not back to the start....Have fun!
Kids Pancake Corner
Game Info - Welcome to this fun
filled game “Kids Pancake Cornerâ€. In this game you play as Anna,
your aunt owns a Pancake shop but due to her illness she won’t be able
to run the shop for a while, so she has asked you to run the shop till
she recovers. Serve the customers as per the required target and move on
to the next level. Unlock all the different varieties of food items and
make the customers happy. Note that your points will depend on the
remark given by the customer. So what are you waiting for, its time to
start having some Fun.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls - This game is played with mouse only.
Sift Heads World - Act 6
Game Info - After having their
head quarters destroyed, Vinnie and his gang try to find the culprit and
stop them for good. But the guys will find out that more than one clan
is behind this attack!
Game controls - Mouse key - To aim and shoot.
R - To reload.
Game controls - Mouse key - To aim and shoot.
R - To reload.
Thứ Sáu, 3 tháng 8, 2012
Zombie vs Hamster
Game description: Which side will you take in the war between the zombies and the hamsters?
Game controls: Arrow keys- To move. Z / X keys- To attack.
Game controls: Arrow keys- To move. Z / X keys- To attack.
What should i wear 6
Game description: Can you help her decide again which among the nice clothes to wear?
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.
Meeting Friends Dressup
Game description: This
evening, this girl, Sarah is going to meet her old friend. Please be
kind to help her choose nice dress for her meeting. Among these in her
wardrobe, which one do you like best?
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact.
Thứ Năm, 19 tháng 7, 2012
Masquerade Style Makeover
Game description:
Masquerades are the most loved parties and they always bring together
many people that will showcase their best costumes and masks. Venice is
known for his Masquerade festival and everyone is looking forward to
those parties. So is this beautiful girl that now she's trying to put
together the look she wants to have at the biggest masquerade party
ever. She knows that all the girls and women there will look amazing and
she wants to be one step ahead of them. Could you give her a style
advice and help her in choosing the best look ever? Take a look at the
amazing choices she has like those imposing old age hairstyles or the
special makeup for a Venetian style party. Choose the one you think is
perfect for this girl and will make her unforgettable. Some accessories
like those feather or flower hair pins or the sparkling jewelry should
not miss either. A gems embroidered dress is the best choice for the
masquerade party. Now that the look is almost complete, how can she be
part of such a party without its stable: the mask? So make sure you are
choosing for her the most beautiful one, either a face mask or a hand
one. Enjoy preparing this beautiful girl for an amazing masquerade!
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Gold Miner - Xploit Machine Edition 2009
Game description: A
simple small game to test on the accuracy to collect as many as gold in
the mine, as the time goes less. Enjoy the game in your free time.
Thanks
.
Game controls: Down arrow key to drop claw. Up arrow key to toss dynamite.
Game controls: Down arrow key to drop claw. Up arrow key to toss dynamite.
Beach Beauty Contest Dress Up
Game description:
Beauty needs to be praised and celebrated and this is why there are so
many beauty pageants. In summer time, the beach beauty contests are many
but non as big as this one. The competition is huge and only the most
beautiful girls are participating. So is Emily, this amazing looking
girl. She is a runner up for the crown and the swimsuit challenge is the
last one. Be her style adviser and choose the swimsuit that you think
looks best on her and will make her a winner. But no swimwear can be
presented without some chic high heel sandals so make sure you pick the
ones that go best with the outfit. Now some stunning jewelry to make her
shine and a perfect hairstyle will definitely bring her the crown, so
make sure you choose one and some flowers. Now doesn't she look like a
real miss?
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Thứ Ba, 19 tháng 6, 2012
Candy Dress Up
Game description: Her this girl pick a nice outfit. Many Dresses and clothes to choose from.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.
Star Rebellion
Game description: Challenging defense game with strategy elements. Use your commanding powers to defend your base from attacking enemy forces.
Game controls: Build and upgrade turrets, power stations, refineries and send out air raids to clear the enemy from the map.
Game controls: Build and upgrade turrets, power stations, refineries and send out air raids to clear the enemy from the map.
Autumn Season Dress Up
Game description: Dress her up and prepare this cute girl for autumn season.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.
Game controls: Use Mouse to interact.
Chủ Nhật, 17 tháng 6, 2012
Slow progress on battery-electric vehicles
UK report predicts no great leaps but steady as she goes EV battery development until at least 2020
A UK report into the short- and mid-term future of battery technologies has concluded that any quantum-leap improvement in the performance of EV batteries is ‘highly unlikely’ for the rest of this decade.
A research team convened by the UK Committee on Climate Change – an independent body established to advise the UK government on setting and meeting car games bon budgets and preparing for the impacts of climate change – pointed to the dearth of breakthrough technologies in the consumer electronics market as the primary evidence behind its conclusions. History has shown that’s where great leaps forward in battery technology make their debut before strengthening and solidifying to meet the more stringent demands for automotive use.
Working under the stewardship of Professor Peter Bruce of EaStChem, the chemistry school of Edinburgh and St Andrews, the team included researchers from consultancy Element Energy and lithium-ion battery manufacturer Axeon. It concluded that while the industry had seen all the step-change it’s likely to see with the shift from lead-acid through NiMH to Li-ion chemistries, it will continue to see smaller advances, mainly in energy density improvements through technologies like nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), composite cathodes and high-capacity anodes (eg silicon), most of which it suggests will make their way into production vehicles by 2020.
The report goes on to map the future cost-performance trajectory of Li-ion batteries out to 2030, covering individual cell and pack development, taking in cell design, material consumption, manufacturing cost, factory throughput and overheads. From 2020, it predicts, the industry will set to work on higher voltage cathode chemistries boosting Li-ion energy density. It suggests, too, that growth in the automotive battery market will help speed up the development of new cell technologies, bringing it abreast of the consumer cell sector.
In outlining the current condition of the industry, the team identified steady improvements in energy density and the ramping up in production volume as the two main influencers pushing the technology towards mass affordability. The report predicted baseline BEV costs would drop from about $21K for a 2012 medium-sized BEV pack with a range of 150km to about $6400 for a pack with a range closer to 250km.
If this all sounds rather optimistic, the report tempers it with a reminder that you can lead a horse to an EV showroom but you can’t make him buy. Which is to say, any cost benefits brought about by increases in production volume are ‘highly dependent’ on consumer uptake. If buyers continue to balk en masse, “…there is a significant risk of over-capacity in the next five years [which] could stall further investment.”
Beyond lithium-ion, it suggests, the most promising technology now known lies in lithium-air technology – a battery chemistry that keeps weight and size down by drawing its oxygen direct from the air rather than through internal synthesis.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
A UK report into the short- and mid-term future of battery technologies has concluded that any quantum-leap improvement in the performance of EV batteries is ‘highly unlikely’ for the rest of this decade.
A research team convened by the UK Committee on Climate Change – an independent body established to advise the UK government on setting and meeting car games bon budgets and preparing for the impacts of climate change – pointed to the dearth of breakthrough technologies in the consumer electronics market as the primary evidence behind its conclusions. History has shown that’s where great leaps forward in battery technology make their debut before strengthening and solidifying to meet the more stringent demands for automotive use.
Working under the stewardship of Professor Peter Bruce of EaStChem, the chemistry school of Edinburgh and St Andrews, the team included researchers from consultancy Element Energy and lithium-ion battery manufacturer Axeon. It concluded that while the industry had seen all the step-change it’s likely to see with the shift from lead-acid through NiMH to Li-ion chemistries, it will continue to see smaller advances, mainly in energy density improvements through technologies like nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), composite cathodes and high-capacity anodes (eg silicon), most of which it suggests will make their way into production vehicles by 2020.
The report goes on to map the future cost-performance trajectory of Li-ion batteries out to 2030, covering individual cell and pack development, taking in cell design, material consumption, manufacturing cost, factory throughput and overheads. From 2020, it predicts, the industry will set to work on higher voltage cathode chemistries boosting Li-ion energy density. It suggests, too, that growth in the automotive battery market will help speed up the development of new cell technologies, bringing it abreast of the consumer cell sector.
In outlining the current condition of the industry, the team identified steady improvements in energy density and the ramping up in production volume as the two main influencers pushing the technology towards mass affordability. The report predicted baseline BEV costs would drop from about $21K for a 2012 medium-sized BEV pack with a range of 150km to about $6400 for a pack with a range closer to 250km.
If this all sounds rather optimistic, the report tempers it with a reminder that you can lead a horse to an EV showroom but you can’t make him buy. Which is to say, any cost benefits brought about by increases in production volume are ‘highly dependent’ on consumer uptake. If buyers continue to balk en masse, “…there is a significant risk of over-capacity in the next five years [which] could stall further investment.”
Beyond lithium-ion, it suggests, the most promising technology now known lies in lithium-air technology – a battery chemistry that keeps weight and size down by drawing its oxygen direct from the air rather than through internal synthesis.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
SPY PICS: A-Class AMG spotted on test
Meister A-Class Mercedes-Benz on track to take on Golf R
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
Chunky wheels, body kit and dual exhausts might have featured in the photos issued of the all-new Benz A-Class at its launch in Geneva this year, but these don’t necessarily point to what will be seen on cooking varieties of the now-conventionally styled and engineered VW Golf/BMW 1 Series/Audi A3 challenger.
What they do point to, is the far from secret plans Benz has to introduce an AMG version of the new car, as seen here in the spy photos supplied by Carparazzi. Complete with all the good gear aforementioned, the AMG A-Class will come with a pumped-up version of the 2.0-litre engine producing as much as 260kW (highest power so far in the new A-Class is 155kW), plus bigger brakes and the Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system to put it all effectively to the road. Transmission is expected to be the seven-speed dual-clutch system seen elsewhere in the new A-Class.
Word is that the AMG A-Class will directly target VW’s 50K or thereabouts all-wheel drive, 188kW Golf R at the top end of the range.
— with Carparazzi
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at cars games ales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
Chunky wheels, body kit and dual exhausts might have featured in the photos issued of the all-new Benz A-Class at its launch in Geneva this year, but these don’t necessarily point to what will be seen on cooking varieties of the now-conventionally styled and engineered VW Golf/BMW 1 Series/Audi A3 challenger.
What they do point to, is the far from secret plans Benz has to introduce an AMG version of the new car, as seen here in the spy photos supplied by Carparazzi. Complete with all the good gear aforementioned, the AMG A-Class will come with a pumped-up version of the 2.0-litre engine producing as much as 260kW (highest power so far in the new A-Class is 155kW), plus bigger brakes and the Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system to put it all effectively to the road. Transmission is expected to be the seven-speed dual-clutch system seen elsewhere in the new A-Class.
Word is that the AMG A-Class will directly target VW’s 50K or thereabouts all-wheel drive, 188kW Golf R at the top end of the range.
— with Carparazzi
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at cars games ales' mobile site...
Van start-up to tackle Aussie market
China's newest light commercial brand has serious backing, and it's coming Down Under
Chinese start-up light commercial brand Maxus is set to launch into the Australian market. Imported by Milperra (NSW) based operation WMC Group , the brand will arrive Down Under with multiple variants of its V80 light van around October 2012.
Maxus is a new manufacturer established less than two years. It has strong backing, however, as a wholly owned subsidiary of SAIC Motor (formerly Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), China's largest automotive manufacturing group.
SAIC is perhaps best known for its passenger car games joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen. In 2011 the group built more than 4.0m vehicles, placing it in the position of eighth largest automaker in the world.
Maxus is based in Wuxi, around 120km north of Shanghai in China's south. Construction of the factory in which the new V80 range is built, a greenfield site, was finished in 2010. Maxus produced its first V80s last year, thus Australia is one of the first export markets for the van.
Based on a Leyland-DAF design, V80 is a front-engined, front-wheel drive van that features unitary (passenger car style) construction. Designed initially to take on Ford's Transit in Europe, it will tackle the Blue Oval boxcar again in China where Ford has a substantial share of the rapidly expanding LCV market.
Maxus claims the vehicle is built to European standards of fit, finish and construction. It says V80 meets European commercial vehicle collision standards. The van earns a four-star rating in its domestic C -NCAP crash test program (not directly comparable to ANCAP) and Australian-delivered vans will come equipped with dual front airbags.
The Wuxi plant itself uses manufacturing equipment sourced from Leyland-DAF Van's Birmingham operation. Production updates include a move to the latest water-based paint and coatings technology. Many of the Maxus staff and executive team have been drawn from SAIC's JV passenger car operations.
Maxus claims the design of the van itself has had around 100 detailed changes from its LDV roots. Notable upgrades include a revised interior with passenger car style centre-stack and instrument panel, four-wheel disc brakes and late-spec Bosch antilock braking hardware.
V80 is powered by a VM Motori-designed 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel rated (for Australia) at 100kW and 330Nm. Matched to a five-speed manual transmission, the powerplant is built under licence in China.
The engine is currently certified to Euro 4 emission regs, though Maxus says a Euro 5 version is in development. So too for the Australian market, says Maxus, an automatic transmission option. Aisin-Warner is the partner supplier, WMC representatives told motoring.com.au.
Chinese fuel consumption figures have the van in its varied configurations rated at around 9.3L/100km. It's not clear how this figure will translate to local ADR testing.
In the Australian market WMC will launch both passenger and cargo versions of the V80 across a range of configurations and specifications.
Passenger vans will be offered in long (3850mm) and standard (3100mm) wheelbase models and standard and high-roof body styles. Seating layouts range from seven in single captain-style leather recliners to more utilitarian cloth-faced 16-seater versions. Twin zone twin compressor air-con systems are standard on the larger vans.
The cargo variant will be offered in two and three-seat versions (and perhaps a crew van) — again in both long and short wheelbase. No short wheelbase high-roof cargos will be sold Down Under at this stage, WMC reps say.
Exact Australian specifications and range are yet to be finalised -- along with pricing.
Maxus says it is looking to deliver high levels of comfort and amenity with the V80. Options offered in the Chinese domestic market include rear park sensors and a large screen rear view camera, while passenger vans can be equipped with electrically operated folding steps.
Other options include cruise control, 220-volt power outlets and a tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system. Vans rolling off the line at Wuxi wore a mix of 16-inch steel and 17-inch alloy wheels.
motoring.com.au visited Maxus' production facility in Wuxi this week. The new plant is currently building vans at a run-rate approaching 30,000 units per annum but plans to step up to a two-shift output of approximately 50,000 vans per year. Exports currently account for around ten per cent of volume.
Cab-chassis and dropside tray versions of the V80 are undergoing final testing and are expected to debut in China before the end of 2012. These too are earmarked for Australian market sales.
Longer term Maxus intends to build a smaller van with a true MPV variant. Execs are tight-lipped regarding any prospect of building ute or SUV style vehicles.
A quick drive of a manual long-wheelbase 14-seater right-hand-drive Standard spec V80 straight off the Wuxi line (see pics) hardly comprises a thorough review, however, we can attest that the van performed as advertised.
Control weightings are light (the steering is boarding on vague) and the manual gearchange is deliberate but far from truck-like. The VM engine's response with six persons onboard was eager enough. Indeed, even dropping down below 1000rpm in third gear didn't illicit any histrionics as the turbodiesel four just torqued its way back into its sweet spot.
More time in both Standard and Deluxe versions of the passenger vans provided as our transport to and from Wuxi showed noise levels are commendably low. It's clear, however, that the standard gear ratios are quite short. At 110km/h on the freeway engine revs are up towards 3000rpm mark on the manual variant. No autos were available to drive.
Also impressive was the general refinement of the vans -- both our transport and those coming off the Wuxi line. Vans are not luxury cars, and the Maxus offerings don't match the best Euro vans, but as many buyers have to spend hours in their cabins, decent fit and finish is a consideration even for those on a budget.
In the case of the V80, the plastics appear durable but they also have a level of graining and gloss that's better than average. There are niceties like central locking (even a folding ignition key) and Deluxe versions got better than average leather seat facings and high-spec audio units in the Chinese models we saw.
There are some driver-related negatives at first flush, chiefly: no steering wheel adjustment; limited driver's seat rail travel; and the necessity to operate a separate central locking switch to exit the van -- even from the driver's seat. But perhaps the biggest niggle behind the wheel is the old-gen Yaris-style centrally located instrument cluster. Your eyes are away from the road for an awfully long time when speedo checking. Given the miles and pace at which most van owners drive, this could be an issue.
WMC Group is still to confirm its full dealer network for Maxus in Australia along with details such as warranty coverage, service intervals and, of course, price.
It's a balance of these factors but mainly the final detail that will dictate just how many professional van operators take the plunge and give Maxus a go. That said, if first impressions count, WMC Group is already ahead of the curve.
Chinese start-up light commercial brand Maxus is set to launch into the Australian market. Imported by Milperra (NSW) based operation WMC Group , the brand will arrive Down Under with multiple variants of its V80 light van around October 2012.
Maxus is a new manufacturer established less than two years. It has strong backing, however, as a wholly owned subsidiary of SAIC Motor (formerly Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), China's largest automotive manufacturing group.
SAIC is perhaps best known for its passenger car games joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen. In 2011 the group built more than 4.0m vehicles, placing it in the position of eighth largest automaker in the world.
Maxus is based in Wuxi, around 120km north of Shanghai in China's south. Construction of the factory in which the new V80 range is built, a greenfield site, was finished in 2010. Maxus produced its first V80s last year, thus Australia is one of the first export markets for the van.
Based on a Leyland-DAF design, V80 is a front-engined, front-wheel drive van that features unitary (passenger car style) construction. Designed initially to take on Ford's Transit in Europe, it will tackle the Blue Oval boxcar again in China where Ford has a substantial share of the rapidly expanding LCV market.
Maxus claims the vehicle is built to European standards of fit, finish and construction. It says V80 meets European commercial vehicle collision standards. The van earns a four-star rating in its domestic C -NCAP crash test program (not directly comparable to ANCAP) and Australian-delivered vans will come equipped with dual front airbags.
The Wuxi plant itself uses manufacturing equipment sourced from Leyland-DAF Van's Birmingham operation. Production updates include a move to the latest water-based paint and coatings technology. Many of the Maxus staff and executive team have been drawn from SAIC's JV passenger car operations.
Maxus claims the design of the van itself has had around 100 detailed changes from its LDV roots. Notable upgrades include a revised interior with passenger car style centre-stack and instrument panel, four-wheel disc brakes and late-spec Bosch antilock braking hardware.
V80 is powered by a VM Motori-designed 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel rated (for Australia) at 100kW and 330Nm. Matched to a five-speed manual transmission, the powerplant is built under licence in China.
The engine is currently certified to Euro 4 emission regs, though Maxus says a Euro 5 version is in development. So too for the Australian market, says Maxus, an automatic transmission option. Aisin-Warner is the partner supplier, WMC representatives told motoring.com.au.
Chinese fuel consumption figures have the van in its varied configurations rated at around 9.3L/100km. It's not clear how this figure will translate to local ADR testing.
In the Australian market WMC will launch both passenger and cargo versions of the V80 across a range of configurations and specifications.
Passenger vans will be offered in long (3850mm) and standard (3100mm) wheelbase models and standard and high-roof body styles. Seating layouts range from seven in single captain-style leather recliners to more utilitarian cloth-faced 16-seater versions. Twin zone twin compressor air-con systems are standard on the larger vans.
The cargo variant will be offered in two and three-seat versions (and perhaps a crew van) — again in both long and short wheelbase. No short wheelbase high-roof cargos will be sold Down Under at this stage, WMC reps say.
Exact Australian specifications and range are yet to be finalised -- along with pricing.
Maxus says it is looking to deliver high levels of comfort and amenity with the V80. Options offered in the Chinese domestic market include rear park sensors and a large screen rear view camera, while passenger vans can be equipped with electrically operated folding steps.
Other options include cruise control, 220-volt power outlets and a tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system. Vans rolling off the line at Wuxi wore a mix of 16-inch steel and 17-inch alloy wheels.
motoring.com.au visited Maxus' production facility in Wuxi this week. The new plant is currently building vans at a run-rate approaching 30,000 units per annum but plans to step up to a two-shift output of approximately 50,000 vans per year. Exports currently account for around ten per cent of volume.
Cab-chassis and dropside tray versions of the V80 are undergoing final testing and are expected to debut in China before the end of 2012. These too are earmarked for Australian market sales.
Longer term Maxus intends to build a smaller van with a true MPV variant. Execs are tight-lipped regarding any prospect of building ute or SUV style vehicles.
A quick drive of a manual long-wheelbase 14-seater right-hand-drive Standard spec V80 straight off the Wuxi line (see pics) hardly comprises a thorough review, however, we can attest that the van performed as advertised.
Control weightings are light (the steering is boarding on vague) and the manual gearchange is deliberate but far from truck-like. The VM engine's response with six persons onboard was eager enough. Indeed, even dropping down below 1000rpm in third gear didn't illicit any histrionics as the turbodiesel four just torqued its way back into its sweet spot.
More time in both Standard and Deluxe versions of the passenger vans provided as our transport to and from Wuxi showed noise levels are commendably low. It's clear, however, that the standard gear ratios are quite short. At 110km/h on the freeway engine revs are up towards 3000rpm mark on the manual variant. No autos were available to drive.
Also impressive was the general refinement of the vans -- both our transport and those coming off the Wuxi line. Vans are not luxury cars, and the Maxus offerings don't match the best Euro vans, but as many buyers have to spend hours in their cabins, decent fit and finish is a consideration even for those on a budget.
In the case of the V80, the plastics appear durable but they also have a level of graining and gloss that's better than average. There are niceties like central locking (even a folding ignition key) and Deluxe versions got better than average leather seat facings and high-spec audio units in the Chinese models we saw.
There are some driver-related negatives at first flush, chiefly: no steering wheel adjustment; limited driver's seat rail travel; and the necessity to operate a separate central locking switch to exit the van -- even from the driver's seat. But perhaps the biggest niggle behind the wheel is the old-gen Yaris-style centrally located instrument cluster. Your eyes are away from the road for an awfully long time when speedo checking. Given the miles and pace at which most van owners drive, this could be an issue.
WMC Group is still to confirm its full dealer network for Maxus in Australia along with details such as warranty coverage, service intervals and, of course, price.
It's a balance of these factors but mainly the final detail that will dictate just how many professional van operators take the plunge and give Maxus a go. That said, if first impressions count, WMC Group is already ahead of the curve.
Chủ Nhật, 27 tháng 5, 2012
Flashoulette
Game description: Great roulette game with classic
rules and a highscore table, where you can compete with players from all
over the world! Play more great Highscore Games.Classic roulette rules!
Play with your mouse!
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Naruto GG 08
Game description: Who will win the battle? Make incredible combos, earn experience in battle and shows who the best in the world.
Game controls: W,A,S,D - Move. J - Attack. K - Jump. L - Block. I - View inventory. O - Summon Pet.
Game controls: W,A,S,D - Move. J - Attack. K - Jump. L - Block. I - View inventory. O - Summon Pet.
Goth Bride Dress Up
Game description: Gothic style with all the medieval
and vintage influences has left its mark even on brides and weddings in
general. Imagine yourself in that picture, dressing up for your gothic
wedding and getting prepare for the most special moment of your life.
But hurry up and get ready, because your loved one is waiting for you in
that dark castle on the top of the hill!
Game controls:
Game controls:
Zuma's Revenge Official
Game description: Enter an all-new world of Zuma where
evil tiki bosses rule the land. Tame the jungle by firing stone spheres
to make matches and destroy the deadly stream of balls. Then take on
tiki boss battles and guide your agile amphibian to victory!
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Game controls: This game is played with mouse only.
Cutie Trend-Suzie's Trip
Game description: Suzie will have a trip for her summer
vacation,of course with the other two girls of the Cutie Trend,they
will go to four wonderful places,that is nice,right?just have fun from
this game!
Game controls: use mouse.
Game controls: use mouse.
Other Age Second Encounter
Game description: A dating sim / adventure game with 55
possible endings! In OASE, you control Prince of Zeiva Empire in his
quest to find his dream date using a machine called Luv Luv Nitarou
Dynamite. With it you can summon girls from any place, time or space.
The story begins in Mirage Castle, the largest castle in Zeiva Empire.
Explore various places and find the perfect dating spot!
Follow stories of different characters and collect as many ending as you
can. Perhaps the prince will manage to find true love?
Game controls: This game is played by mouse only.
Game controls: This game is played by mouse only.
Gold Miner Special Edition
Game description: Use your claw and reel to mine gold and other treasures out of the earth.
Game controls: Use either mouse or Down arrow key to drop your claw. Toss dynamite by pressing Up arrow key.
Game controls: Use either mouse or Down arrow key to drop your claw. Toss dynamite by pressing Up arrow key.
Hands of War
Game description: Kill enemies as you grab gold and complete quests. Get money to buy armor and better weapons.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. WASD keys to move.
Game controls: Use mouse to interact. WASD keys to move.
Thứ Ba, 22 tháng 5, 2012
Fierce competition for 2012 Engine of the Year awards
Thirty-nine all-new powerplants and an astonishing 46 ‘green’ contenders in the running for 2012 International Engine of the Year awards
Arguably the most diverse field to date is in contention for the prestigious 2012 Engine of the Year honours, with a raft of new high-po powerplants taking the fight to the latest breed of fuel-sipping lean-combustion units.
There’s also the possibility a diesel or electric powerplant could claim the overall honours for the first time in the awards’ 14-year history.
The competition is judged by a panel of motoring journalists from around the world and is organised by the UK’s largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication company -- UKIP Media & Events Automotive Magazines.
Since the competition's inception in 1999, BMW has been the most dominant manufacturer, bagging the overall title on no less than six occasions (see honour roll below). Toyota and Volkswagen have two gongs each to their credit, while last year’s winner was Fiat’s punchy 875cc TwinAir engine.
Among the notable new contenders for this year are McLaren’s compact yet potent 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels the MP4-12C, and it faces stiff competition for the torque-laden 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as used by the new M5 and M6.
At the other end of the spectrum are the all-electric engines that power the Nissan LEAF and Renault Fluence, along with the efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine used by the latest Fiesta and Mazda’s 2.2-litre ‘SKYACTIVE-D’ diesel unit.
Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards, was quoted as saying: “As ever, the judging panel has assessed every new engine to the market in the past 12 months, and we firmly believe that this year’s judging has been the toughest ever.
The 14th International Engine of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony at Engine Expo 2012 in Stuttgart, Germany on June 13, with a total of 12 awards being handed out to manufacturers who have been judged to have achieved excellence in powertrain engineering.
Roll of Honour – International Engine of the Year (overall winners)
1999 Toyota Yaris 1SZ-FE 1.0L
2000 Honda Insight 1.0L IMA
2001 BMW M3 S54 3.2L
2002 BMW N62 4.4L Valvetronic
2003 Mazda RX-8 1.3L Renesis
2004 Toyota Prius 1NZ-FXE 1.5L Hybrid Synergy Drive
2005 BMW M5/M6 S85B50 5.0L V10
2006 BMW M5/M6 S85B50 5.0L V10
2007 BMW 3.0L N54B30 Twin Turbo
2008 BMW 3.0L N54B30 Twin Turbo
2009 Volkswagen 1.4L TSI Twincharger
2010 Volkswagen 1.4L TSI Twincharger
2011 Fiat 500 875cc TwinAir
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at car games ales' mobile site...
Arguably the most diverse field to date is in contention for the prestigious 2012 Engine of the Year honours, with a raft of new high-po powerplants taking the fight to the latest breed of fuel-sipping lean-combustion units.
There’s also the possibility a diesel or electric powerplant could claim the overall honours for the first time in the awards’ 14-year history.
The competition is judged by a panel of motoring journalists from around the world and is organised by the UK’s largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication company -- UKIP Media & Events Automotive Magazines.
Since the competition's inception in 1999, BMW has been the most dominant manufacturer, bagging the overall title on no less than six occasions (see honour roll below). Toyota and Volkswagen have two gongs each to their credit, while last year’s winner was Fiat’s punchy 875cc TwinAir engine.
Among the notable new contenders for this year are McLaren’s compact yet potent 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that propels the MP4-12C, and it faces stiff competition for the torque-laden 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 as used by the new M5 and M6.
At the other end of the spectrum are the all-electric engines that power the Nissan LEAF and Renault Fluence, along with the efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine used by the latest Fiesta and Mazda’s 2.2-litre ‘SKYACTIVE-D’ diesel unit.
Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards, was quoted as saying: “As ever, the judging panel has assessed every new engine to the market in the past 12 months, and we firmly believe that this year’s judging has been the toughest ever.
The 14th International Engine of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony at Engine Expo 2012 in Stuttgart, Germany on June 13, with a total of 12 awards being handed out to manufacturers who have been judged to have achieved excellence in powertrain engineering.
Roll of Honour – International Engine of the Year (overall winners)
1999 Toyota Yaris 1SZ-FE 1.0L
2000 Honda Insight 1.0L IMA
2001 BMW M3 S54 3.2L
2002 BMW N62 4.4L Valvetronic
2003 Mazda RX-8 1.3L Renesis
2004 Toyota Prius 1NZ-FXE 1.5L Hybrid Synergy Drive
2005 BMW M5/M6 S85B50 5.0L V10
2006 BMW M5/M6 S85B50 5.0L V10
2007 BMW 3.0L N54B30 Twin Turbo
2008 BMW 3.0L N54B30 Twin Turbo
2009 Volkswagen 1.4L TSI Twincharger
2010 Volkswagen 1.4L TSI Twincharger
2011 Fiat 500 875cc TwinAir
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at car games ales' mobile site...
German brands more secure
Thieves deterred by the products of German marques — or Jaguar — but not Aussie-built cars games
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) has named the cars least susceptible to theft in this country.
Winners for 2012 were jointly announced by the NMVTRC chairman, David Morgan and the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher.
“Experience has shown that the level of secure design applied in the manufacturing process is the single most important factor in determining the theft rate of a particular model,” said Morgan.
Engineering experts evaluated over 70 current models at NRMA Insurance's research centre in Sydney to arrive at the list of winners. Judging criteria for the six categories was based on each car's respective performance against its peers. Every entrant was assessed on the ease of identification and the security of its entry systems and the engine immobiliser. Entry systems comprise door, ignition locks, alarms, rear seat/boot access and glazing, while vehicle identification includes body stamping, security labeling and microdotting.
Across the categories, the one non-German brand that trumped its rivals was Jaguar, with the XF (XFR pictured) winning the large-car category. Another prestige brand, BMW, won the Coupe/Convertible category with two models that tied for first place: the 1 Series and the 3 Series.
In the medium car category, Audi's A4 shared the honours with the Volkswagen Passat. The one brand to win in multiple categories, Volkswagen counted Polo (small cars), Golf (small/medium) and Tiguan (SUV) — as well as the Passat, of course.
“While there are some luxury vehicles amongst the winners, the inclusion of the many affordable cars, with the Polo starting at around $20,000 clearly demonstrates that good security is within reach of everyday motorists and that other manufacturers should be aspiring to matching these levels of design,” said Morgan.
The NMVTRC chairman had a salvo to serve local manufacturers and importers of people movers and commercial vehicles. In the case of the people mover and commercial vehicle categories, the Council was unprepared to award a winner, since none of the respective candidate vehicles came close to the level of security offered by winners in the other categories.
As for the locals, Morgan said that the three companies concerned needed to “lift their game in relation to vehicle identification technology. Improved vehicle identification is essential to combating profit-motivated thieves who launder stolen vehicles by manipulating the vehicle's identifiers, or break the vehicle down to separated parts for sale on the black market.”
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) has named the cars least susceptible to theft in this country.
Winners for 2012 were jointly announced by the NMVTRC chairman, David Morgan and the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher.
“Experience has shown that the level of secure design applied in the manufacturing process is the single most important factor in determining the theft rate of a particular model,” said Morgan.
Engineering experts evaluated over 70 current models at NRMA Insurance's research centre in Sydney to arrive at the list of winners. Judging criteria for the six categories was based on each car's respective performance against its peers. Every entrant was assessed on the ease of identification and the security of its entry systems and the engine immobiliser. Entry systems comprise door, ignition locks, alarms, rear seat/boot access and glazing, while vehicle identification includes body stamping, security labeling and microdotting.
Across the categories, the one non-German brand that trumped its rivals was Jaguar, with the XF (XFR pictured) winning the large-car category. Another prestige brand, BMW, won the Coupe/Convertible category with two models that tied for first place: the 1 Series and the 3 Series.
In the medium car category, Audi's A4 shared the honours with the Volkswagen Passat. The one brand to win in multiple categories, Volkswagen counted Polo (small cars), Golf (small/medium) and Tiguan (SUV) — as well as the Passat, of course.
“While there are some luxury vehicles amongst the winners, the inclusion of the many affordable cars, with the Polo starting at around $20,000 clearly demonstrates that good security is within reach of everyday motorists and that other manufacturers should be aspiring to matching these levels of design,” said Morgan.
The NMVTRC chairman had a salvo to serve local manufacturers and importers of people movers and commercial vehicles. In the case of the people mover and commercial vehicle categories, the Council was unprepared to award a winner, since none of the respective candidate vehicles came close to the level of security offered by winners in the other categories.
As for the locals, Morgan said that the three companies concerned needed to “lift their game in relation to vehicle identification technology. Improved vehicle identification is essential to combating profit-motivated thieves who launder stolen vehicles by manipulating the vehicle's identifiers, or break the vehicle down to separated parts for sale on the black market.”
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Thứ Ba, 27 tháng 3, 2012
BMW commits €400 million for Megacity Vehicle production
The all-electric, carbon fibre-bodied Megacity Vehicle (MCV) will be built at an East German plant, BMW has announced
discount new cars games » Get the best price on a new BMW
Leipzig will be the home base for production of BMW's Megacity. The German manufacturer is set to spend €400 million (AUD$550 million) on new buildings and component manufacturing equipment at its production plant in the East German city between now and 2013.
Currently building 1 Series variants, the Leipzig plant will build the carbonfibre-bodied city car, which has been jointly developed with BMW's partner in the project, specialist carbonfibre company SGL. The picture here shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel with one of the workers at the plant during a ceremony to mark the announcement of the investment in Megacity production.
This spend takes the total cost to date for the pair to around €530 million (AUD$730 million) in the project. BMW expects the first cars to roll out of the factory in 2013.
Where most EVs to date have started life on platforms designed for internal combustion power, the MCV will be among the first clean-sheet designs to go to market. The most immediate evidence of that is in the bodywork: it will be the world's first mass production vehicle with a full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body.
The so-called LifeDrive concept is the company's answer to power-to-weight ratio disadvantages that go with large battery packs. It divides the bodywork into two discrete modules: a lower 'Drive' module integrating the power pack and drivetrain into an aluminium space frame providing base crash protection and an upper 'Life' module that puts a light but super-strong CFRP safety cell around the passengers.
Part of the joint investment with SGL will go into a carbonfibre manufacturing plant in the US state of Washington.
The details of the electric drive system have yet to be finalised, but it will draw power from a 96-cell Li-ion power pack divided into eight modules, each putting out 44.5V. Power will go to the rear wheels. To ensure no dilution of its Sheer Driving Pleasure brand values, BMW will produce the tiny four-seater's zero-emissions powertrain in-house.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars games » Get the best price on a new BMW
Leipzig will be the home base for production of BMW's Megacity. The German manufacturer is set to spend €400 million (AUD$550 million) on new buildings and component manufacturing equipment at its production plant in the East German city between now and 2013.
Currently building 1 Series variants, the Leipzig plant will build the carbonfibre-bodied city car, which has been jointly developed with BMW's partner in the project, specialist carbonfibre company SGL. The picture here shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel with one of the workers at the plant during a ceremony to mark the announcement of the investment in Megacity production.
This spend takes the total cost to date for the pair to around €530 million (AUD$730 million) in the project. BMW expects the first cars to roll out of the factory in 2013.
Where most EVs to date have started life on platforms designed for internal combustion power, the MCV will be among the first clean-sheet designs to go to market. The most immediate evidence of that is in the bodywork: it will be the world's first mass production vehicle with a full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body.
The so-called LifeDrive concept is the company's answer to power-to-weight ratio disadvantages that go with large battery packs. It divides the bodywork into two discrete modules: a lower 'Drive' module integrating the power pack and drivetrain into an aluminium space frame providing base crash protection and an upper 'Life' module that puts a light but super-strong CFRP safety cell around the passengers.
Part of the joint investment with SGL will go into a carbonfibre manufacturing plant in the US state of Washington.
The details of the electric drive system have yet to be finalised, but it will draw power from a 96-cell Li-ion power pack divided into eight modules, each putting out 44.5V. Power will go to the rear wheels. To ensure no dilution of its Sheer Driving Pleasure brand values, BMW will produce the tiny four-seater's zero-emissions powertrain in-house.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Morgan's trike: a vehicle whose time has come... back
British sports marque Morgan is reprising its classic three-wheeler after a 60-year absence
Europe's legislatures are corralling auto makers towards ever lighter, more fuel-efficient product. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that British sporting specialist Morgan has exhumed the iconic three-wheeler on which it built its name.
Badged as the Super Sports, the two-seater is hard to pick as a new product, with its skinny wire wheels and original-look grille and bodywork. The interior is upholstered in leather, the steering wheel is big and flat, complementing simple retro-toggle switchgear. The starter button has even been modelled on the bomb-release button from a WWII aircraft.
Like the original, it's powered by a V-twin -- this time a 1.8 litre Harley Davidson 'Screaming Eagle' putting out 75 kW. That's enough to give the sub-500 kg machine a top speed of 185 km/h and a 0-100 sprint time of 4.5 to five seconds.
Between 1909 and 1953, Morgan built more than 30,000 of founder Harry Morgan's lightweight half-car-half-motorcycle, with thousands more being built under licence across the Channel in partnership with French company Darmont. After production ceased, the car's eccentricity continued to attract loads of celebrity attention. Stirling Moss once called it 'a great babe magnet'. Brigitte Bardot proved it by buying one; Peter Sellers used his to win over Claudine Longet in The Party. Mick Jagger turned up in one, Marianne Faithful in tow, looking like anyone but the defendant, for his drugs trial at the Old Bailey.
The Super Sports hails from a back-and-forth deal with Seattle engineer Pete Larsen, who bought the concept rights from Morgan and released them in 2009 as the Harley-powered Liberty Ace. Such was that car's success that Morgan has bought back its original concept rights along with Larsen's modernisation formula, which it has in turn extensively rejigged to turn into the Super Sports.
Part of the attraction of the early cars lay in tax avoidance, care of their classification as motorcycles rather than cars. The 21st century Super Sports bears something in common with its predecessor in leveraging the tax breaks and other concessions the UK government uses as incentive to consumers to buy light, fuel-efficient cars. Homologation under laws governing motorcycles rather than cars allows the company to dispense with airbags and secondary safety structures, the latter extending not far beyond the twin rollover hoops extending from its aluminium coachwork and tubular frame.
Protection from the elements is equally rudimentary -- twin flyscreens and no roof, although Morgan is already talking about extensive customisation options which will most likely eventually include some kind of lid.
The company has not yet confirmed prices, but has told UK media it's working to bring the Super Sports in at around £25,000 pre-tax.
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Europe's legislatures are corralling auto makers towards ever lighter, more fuel-efficient product. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that British sporting specialist Morgan has exhumed the iconic three-wheeler on which it built its name.
Badged as the Super Sports, the two-seater is hard to pick as a new product, with its skinny wire wheels and original-look grille and bodywork. The interior is upholstered in leather, the steering wheel is big and flat, complementing simple retro-toggle switchgear. The starter button has even been modelled on the bomb-release button from a WWII aircraft.
Like the original, it's powered by a V-twin -- this time a 1.8 litre Harley Davidson 'Screaming Eagle' putting out 75 kW. That's enough to give the sub-500 kg machine a top speed of 185 km/h and a 0-100 sprint time of 4.5 to five seconds.
Between 1909 and 1953, Morgan built more than 30,000 of founder Harry Morgan's lightweight half-car-half-motorcycle, with thousands more being built under licence across the Channel in partnership with French company Darmont. After production ceased, the car's eccentricity continued to attract loads of celebrity attention. Stirling Moss once called it 'a great babe magnet'. Brigitte Bardot proved it by buying one; Peter Sellers used his to win over Claudine Longet in The Party. Mick Jagger turned up in one, Marianne Faithful in tow, looking like anyone but the defendant, for his drugs trial at the Old Bailey.
The Super Sports hails from a back-and-forth deal with Seattle engineer Pete Larsen, who bought the concept rights from Morgan and released them in 2009 as the Harley-powered Liberty Ace. Such was that car's success that Morgan has bought back its original concept rights along with Larsen's modernisation formula, which it has in turn extensively rejigged to turn into the Super Sports.
Part of the attraction of the early cars lay in tax avoidance, care of their classification as motorcycles rather than cars. The 21st century Super Sports bears something in common with its predecessor in leveraging the tax breaks and other concessions the UK government uses as incentive to consumers to buy light, fuel-efficient cars. Homologation under laws governing motorcycles rather than cars allows the company to dispense with airbags and secondary safety structures, the latter extending not far beyond the twin rollover hoops extending from its aluminium coachwork and tubular frame.
Protection from the elements is equally rudimentary -- twin flyscreens and no roof, although Morgan is already talking about extensive customisation options which will most likely eventually include some kind of lid.
The company has not yet confirmed prices, but has told UK media it's working to bring the Super Sports in at around £25,000 pre-tax.
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Toyota flair on show at SEMA
Creative juices flow in Las Vegas with three modified models set to stretch the imagination
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A trio of radical concepts have taken to the Toyota stage at this year's SEMA custom car show in Las Vegas. The custom-built vehicles are designed to demonstrate Toyota's flair for creative design. All three cars are based on popular production models including the Prius, Yaris and Tundra.
First up, the Prius C&A Custom Concept demonstrates what Toyota says is the "unlimited potential for sports-car modification of the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle". The modified right-hand drive Prius was developed with the Conversions and Accessories (C&A) group at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.
Featuring carbon-fibre body panels (excluding the doors), the lightweight Prius is also adorned with aerodynamic side skirts, fender flares, front bumper and enlarged air intakes. Other exterior features include an outside mirror, camera system, smoked rear combination lamp with a translucent rear side spoiler, styled exhaust tip and illuminated Toyota badging. Lowered suspension sees Prius ride 10cm lower up front and 15cm at the rear. It rides on forged 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the customised Prius gets black suede highlights throughout with embroidered Recaro sports seats and "G" metre on the dashboard. An aftermarket Denso navigation system features an eco function with electric motor and engine kilowatt output, steering angle, speed, accelerator open angle, and mileage.
Not content to just look the part, the second car at Toyota's stage brings a minimalist Club Racer attitude to the brand's light car, Yaris.
Dubbed Yaris GT-S Club Racer the car began life as a standard five-door hatch, but has since lost almost 180-kilograms to become a capable race car. Non-essential creature comforts such as air conditioning and the audio system have also been ditched in a bid to lose excess weight while many of the outside panels are formed of carbon-fibre.
Dressed in graphics that pay homage to Dan Gurney's All American Racers-built IMSA GTP Toyota Eagle Racers of the 1990s, Yaris GT-S Club Racer is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine modified to deliver 36 per cent more power than the factory tune. Bolt-on performance parts including cool-air intake, header, camshafts and cylinder head.
Internal additions include a race seat with six-point harness, alloy pedals and race steering wheel with a quick-release hub. The car rides on three-piece 13-inch racing wheels shod with slick tyres. Developed by SportsCar magazine, the modified Yaris won its very first race, topping the competition at Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California.
Finally, the Tundra Sportsman concept takes a creative look at the utility vehicle combining what designers say is the ultimate sportsman fantasy transport and base camp.
The dual-cab 4x4 Tundra is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine married to a six-speed automatic transmission. It includes modifications such as a three-inch suspension lift kit, custom-made air intake and snorkel, custom-made exhaust with pipes exiting the roof-top deck for improved water-crossing capability, and ATX 18-inch Teflon-coated wheels fitted with mud tyres.
Inside, Tundra takes on the appearance of a mobile command centre with an array of field electronics including a weather station and GPS. The bucket seats are upholstered in waterproof material and the standard 10-speaker JBL sound system is supplemented by JBL all-weather outdoor speakers.
Externally, the tray is divided in to three unique zones, with equipment concealed and protected by a fabricated shell.
The driver side features a workbench that swings out to a 90-degree angle from the truck, essential for cleaning your outdoor gear. The passenger side incorporates cabinets and a closet, while the tailgate section includes a mobile kitchen with a small stove, sink and work surface, storage for cooking utensils and a built-in 26.5-litre water tank.
On top of the camper shell and cab, an eight square metre platform accommodates a two-person tent as well as a camouflage blind.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Toyota
A trio of radical concepts have taken to the Toyota stage at this year's SEMA custom car show in Las Vegas. The custom-built vehicles are designed to demonstrate Toyota's flair for creative design. All three cars are based on popular production models including the Prius, Yaris and Tundra.
First up, the Prius C&A Custom Concept demonstrates what Toyota says is the "unlimited potential for sports-car modification of the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle". The modified right-hand drive Prius was developed with the Conversions and Accessories (C&A) group at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.
Featuring carbon-fibre body panels (excluding the doors), the lightweight Prius is also adorned with aerodynamic side skirts, fender flares, front bumper and enlarged air intakes. Other exterior features include an outside mirror, camera system, smoked rear combination lamp with a translucent rear side spoiler, styled exhaust tip and illuminated Toyota badging. Lowered suspension sees Prius ride 10cm lower up front and 15cm at the rear. It rides on forged 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the customised Prius gets black suede highlights throughout with embroidered Recaro sports seats and "G" metre on the dashboard. An aftermarket Denso navigation system features an eco function with electric motor and engine kilowatt output, steering angle, speed, accelerator open angle, and mileage.
Not content to just look the part, the second car at Toyota's stage brings a minimalist Club Racer attitude to the brand's light car, Yaris.
Dubbed Yaris GT-S Club Racer the car began life as a standard five-door hatch, but has since lost almost 180-kilograms to become a capable race car. Non-essential creature comforts such as air conditioning and the audio system have also been ditched in a bid to lose excess weight while many of the outside panels are formed of carbon-fibre.
Dressed in graphics that pay homage to Dan Gurney's All American Racers-built IMSA GTP Toyota Eagle Racers of the 1990s, Yaris GT-S Club Racer is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine modified to deliver 36 per cent more power than the factory tune. Bolt-on performance parts including cool-air intake, header, camshafts and cylinder head.
Internal additions include a race seat with six-point harness, alloy pedals and race steering wheel with a quick-release hub. The car rides on three-piece 13-inch racing wheels shod with slick tyres. Developed by SportsCar magazine, the modified Yaris won its very first race, topping the competition at Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California.
Finally, the Tundra Sportsman concept takes a creative look at the utility vehicle combining what designers say is the ultimate sportsman fantasy transport and base camp.
The dual-cab 4x4 Tundra is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine married to a six-speed automatic transmission. It includes modifications such as a three-inch suspension lift kit, custom-made air intake and snorkel, custom-made exhaust with pipes exiting the roof-top deck for improved water-crossing capability, and ATX 18-inch Teflon-coated wheels fitted with mud tyres.
Inside, Tundra takes on the appearance of a mobile command centre with an array of field electronics including a weather station and GPS. The bucket seats are upholstered in waterproof material and the standard 10-speaker JBL sound system is supplemented by JBL all-weather outdoor speakers.
Externally, the tray is divided in to three unique zones, with equipment concealed and protected by a fabricated shell.
The driver side features a workbench that swings out to a 90-degree angle from the truck, essential for cleaning your outdoor gear. The passenger side incorporates cabinets and a closet, while the tailgate section includes a mobile kitchen with a small stove, sink and work surface, storage for cooking utensils and a built-in 26.5-litre water tank.
On top of the camper shell and cab, an eight square metre platform accommodates a two-person tent as well as a camouflage blind.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 3, 2012
HiLux's uphill battle
At the halfway mark in its model life, the Toyota HiLux faces threats from existing rivals and a new one
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There are many words one might use to describe Toyota and its products. 'Besieged' isn't typically one of those words. The company's HiLux pick-up isn't exactly besieged by competitors, but its sales leadership in the segment is being challenged on several fronts.
Volkswagen's Amarok is an unknown quantity in the market, but bearing the badge of the company that has vowed to overtake Toyota for global sales, the South American-sourced pick-up cannot be underestimated. The Volkswagen brand is generally well regarded in the Australian market and is aggressively working to increase its local market share.
Ford and Mazda recently announced their respective Ranger and BT-50 models, which reportedly mark a major advance on the current models wearing those nameplates. The new models are closer in size to the HiLux and will offer formidable specifications and equipment.
Perhaps the rival to the HiLux that's best understood by the market is the Nissan Navara, which is stealing private-buyer and small-business sales from the Toyota in the lucrative dual-cab 4x4 niche. Nissan has already upgraded the Navara ST-X variant this year and the importer will upgrade the entire model range for retail sale early next year.
At that time (January 2011) it will introduce the V9X turbodiesel V6 in the ST-X 550 variant. The Navara has stolen a march on the HiLux, outgunning the Toyota with its 3000kg towing capacity. Plus Nissan has added safety equipment to the Navara's specification to overtake the HiLux, but Toyota has now regained ground with a facelifted model, featuring extra safety gear.
With the new or improved challengers hitting the market within the next 12 months, increased market share can come principally from just the one source -- existing HiLux sales. HiLux sells as many as 4000 units a month and it's the model that could yield the most conquests. Toyota's senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner acknowledges that the HiLux is currently beset by competitors that have the Toyota's measure.
"That segment in the market place -- which for years we dominated and we've still got very, very strong share -- our competitors now also offer very competitive product, very well specified. And in some cases frankly, their specifications are surpassing some of ours in terms of towing capacity and those types of things.
"You can't just sit back nonchalantly and accept that... and nor can you just sit back and wait until your next model change."
That's why the company introduces enhancements with each new model year, to keep the vehicle reasonably fresh right up to the point when it's replaced by an altogether new model. There's a major facelift for the HiLux due sometime next year, likely the second half given the timing of the latest upgrade.
"We've just gone through a minor technical change," Buttner continued. "Next year will be a big change... and that will help us -- in the areas of specification and styling aspects -- to get us through to the next generation, because the model life cycle of those commercial vehicles now is longer than it used to be. And that's just to do with amortising your cost over a period of time.
"While our competitors now... are at the peak of their next-generation model cycle, we're halfway through ours, so you have to keep doing things, like this technical change, special editions... still got to continue to offer value for money in the marketplace.
"HiLux, as to that total segment, benefited significantly from the government stimulus package and the investment allowance -- particularly for a lot of trades people or business people, who would have pulled forward their purchase to get that advantage of that investment allowance, so we have to keep the private customer stimulated and we have to ensure we're still competitive in that segment. Our pricing allows us to be competitive, we've got great residual values, but we're not sitting down and waiting for others to catch up."
Fittingly for a one-tonne commercial vehicle, the HiLux bears a name that carries a lot of weight, as does the Toyota reputation that goes with it. But some buyers may frown upon the HiLux as the segment's tall poppy and feel that it's stuck in a marketing rut -- its redoubtable offroad ability notwithstanding. Those buyers looking for something different from the default choice may settle for one of the challengers, rather than the sales leader. So who holds the advantage currently, we asked Buttner, the king or the challengers?
"That's not just limited to HiLux, for us," Buttner replied. "Because we compete in 16 segments in the market... and none of our competitors compete in that number of segments, so we're getting attacked from a whole host of competitors, whether it be in small, compact or medium SUV... we're being attacked the whole time. And it's a challenge to have that 360-degree vision the whole time and always having the response required, at the appropriate time to keep ahead of the pack. We respect every competitor, we understand every new product that comes to the marketplace; we drive it, we have review days. But sometimes, with a new model cycle, there's only so much you can do.
"There will be times... when you may not be aligned with the marketplace, in terms of your specification and your pricing, but that's the nature of the model cycles. While others are at their peak, we will be at our peak again -- starting with a new major model cycle across our whole range... last quarter of next year...
"Over the next 18 months to two years, we will be back at our peak again. History shows us... the last time we had a huge model peak was 2007; we had seven new-generation cars launched that year -- and that's worth anywhere between two to five per cent market points.
"So at the moment, while being in the middle, we've lost about 0.7 [per cent] share this year, versus last year, but we're starting to bounce back with some campaigns we've just launched [in] the smaller, compact segments. HiLux we've put additional specification in without adding to the price -- in fact lowering the price. Kluger, we've added spec and been able to reposition the price as well, for value for money.
"One strength we do still have is the loyalty of our customers... we have to make sure through our dealer network that we [are] customer-centric in everything we do.
"If you remain customer-centric, keep offering products while understanding you won't always be the leader in every instance at any particular point in time, but just keep striving for excellence -- and that's what we try diligently to do, working with Japan in terms of future-generation product.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars games » Get the best price on a new Toyota
There are many words one might use to describe Toyota and its products. 'Besieged' isn't typically one of those words. The company's HiLux pick-up isn't exactly besieged by competitors, but its sales leadership in the segment is being challenged on several fronts.
Volkswagen's Amarok is an unknown quantity in the market, but bearing the badge of the company that has vowed to overtake Toyota for global sales, the South American-sourced pick-up cannot be underestimated. The Volkswagen brand is generally well regarded in the Australian market and is aggressively working to increase its local market share.
Ford and Mazda recently announced their respective Ranger and BT-50 models, which reportedly mark a major advance on the current models wearing those nameplates. The new models are closer in size to the HiLux and will offer formidable specifications and equipment.
Perhaps the rival to the HiLux that's best understood by the market is the Nissan Navara, which is stealing private-buyer and small-business sales from the Toyota in the lucrative dual-cab 4x4 niche. Nissan has already upgraded the Navara ST-X variant this year and the importer will upgrade the entire model range for retail sale early next year.
At that time (January 2011) it will introduce the V9X turbodiesel V6 in the ST-X 550 variant. The Navara has stolen a march on the HiLux, outgunning the Toyota with its 3000kg towing capacity. Plus Nissan has added safety equipment to the Navara's specification to overtake the HiLux, but Toyota has now regained ground with a facelifted model, featuring extra safety gear.
With the new or improved challengers hitting the market within the next 12 months, increased market share can come principally from just the one source -- existing HiLux sales. HiLux sells as many as 4000 units a month and it's the model that could yield the most conquests. Toyota's senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner acknowledges that the HiLux is currently beset by competitors that have the Toyota's measure.
"That segment in the market place -- which for years we dominated and we've still got very, very strong share -- our competitors now also offer very competitive product, very well specified. And in some cases frankly, their specifications are surpassing some of ours in terms of towing capacity and those types of things.
"You can't just sit back nonchalantly and accept that... and nor can you just sit back and wait until your next model change."
That's why the company introduces enhancements with each new model year, to keep the vehicle reasonably fresh right up to the point when it's replaced by an altogether new model. There's a major facelift for the HiLux due sometime next year, likely the second half given the timing of the latest upgrade.
"We've just gone through a minor technical change," Buttner continued. "Next year will be a big change... and that will help us -- in the areas of specification and styling aspects -- to get us through to the next generation, because the model life cycle of those commercial vehicles now is longer than it used to be. And that's just to do with amortising your cost over a period of time.
"While our competitors now... are at the peak of their next-generation model cycle, we're halfway through ours, so you have to keep doing things, like this technical change, special editions... still got to continue to offer value for money in the marketplace.
"HiLux, as to that total segment, benefited significantly from the government stimulus package and the investment allowance -- particularly for a lot of trades people or business people, who would have pulled forward their purchase to get that advantage of that investment allowance, so we have to keep the private customer stimulated and we have to ensure we're still competitive in that segment. Our pricing allows us to be competitive, we've got great residual values, but we're not sitting down and waiting for others to catch up."
Fittingly for a one-tonne commercial vehicle, the HiLux bears a name that carries a lot of weight, as does the Toyota reputation that goes with it. But some buyers may frown upon the HiLux as the segment's tall poppy and feel that it's stuck in a marketing rut -- its redoubtable offroad ability notwithstanding. Those buyers looking for something different from the default choice may settle for one of the challengers, rather than the sales leader. So who holds the advantage currently, we asked Buttner, the king or the challengers?
"That's not just limited to HiLux, for us," Buttner replied. "Because we compete in 16 segments in the market... and none of our competitors compete in that number of segments, so we're getting attacked from a whole host of competitors, whether it be in small, compact or medium SUV... we're being attacked the whole time. And it's a challenge to have that 360-degree vision the whole time and always having the response required, at the appropriate time to keep ahead of the pack. We respect every competitor, we understand every new product that comes to the marketplace; we drive it, we have review days. But sometimes, with a new model cycle, there's only so much you can do.
"There will be times... when you may not be aligned with the marketplace, in terms of your specification and your pricing, but that's the nature of the model cycles. While others are at their peak, we will be at our peak again -- starting with a new major model cycle across our whole range... last quarter of next year...
"Over the next 18 months to two years, we will be back at our peak again. History shows us... the last time we had a huge model peak was 2007; we had seven new-generation cars launched that year -- and that's worth anywhere between two to five per cent market points.
"So at the moment, while being in the middle, we've lost about 0.7 [per cent] share this year, versus last year, but we're starting to bounce back with some campaigns we've just launched [in] the smaller, compact segments. HiLux we've put additional specification in without adding to the price -- in fact lowering the price. Kluger, we've added spec and been able to reposition the price as well, for value for money.
"One strength we do still have is the loyalty of our customers... we have to make sure through our dealer network that we [are] customer-centric in everything we do.
"If you remain customer-centric, keep offering products while understanding you won't always be the leader in every instance at any particular point in time, but just keep striving for excellence -- and that's what we try diligently to do, working with Japan in terms of future-generation product.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Nissan Murano loses its lid
Japanese carmaker breaks the mould with Murano CrossCabriolet, which debuts at next week's Los Angeles motor show
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Nissan has released this image of the Murano CrossCabriolet, due to be revealed at next week's Los Angeles motor show.
It's not a pie-in-the-sky concept either, as Nissan has already announced the vehicle is production-bound, and it's slated to go on sale in the US in early 2011. However, there are as yet no plans to offer it in our market.
"The Japanese carmaker touts the open-topped Murano as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and promises that it "delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways."
The Murano CrossCabriolet allegedly offers room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a "premium level interior".
One might have thought the five-door wagon configuration of the Murano wouldn't exactly lend itself to being the basis for a two-door cabrio, but the end result doesn't look as awkward as expected.
In fact, the vehicle is further proof of Nissan's willingness to push design boundaries as it follows in the wake of the offbeat Juke, which launched overseas earlier this year, but is currently not on the agenda for Australia.
There's every chance the Murano CrossCabriolet will fare well in the US, as Americans have long had a love affair with open-topped cars. The best-selling drop-tops in the States include the convertible versions of the Chrysler Sebring, Mini Cooper/Cooper S, BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, Ford Mustang and Porsche 911/Boxster.
General Motors plans to strengthen its presence in the segment and will use next week's LA motor show to showcase the new convertible version of the Chevrolet Camaro.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Nissan
Nissan has released this image of the Murano CrossCabriolet, due to be revealed at next week's Los Angeles motor show.
It's not a pie-in-the-sky concept either, as Nissan has already announced the vehicle is production-bound, and it's slated to go on sale in the US in early 2011. However, there are as yet no plans to offer it in our market.
"The Japanese carmaker touts the open-topped Murano as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible" and promises that it "delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways."
The Murano CrossCabriolet allegedly offers room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a "premium level interior".
One might have thought the five-door wagon configuration of the Murano wouldn't exactly lend itself to being the basis for a two-door cabrio, but the end result doesn't look as awkward as expected.
In fact, the vehicle is further proof of Nissan's willingness to push design boundaries as it follows in the wake of the offbeat Juke, which launched overseas earlier this year, but is currently not on the agenda for Australia.
There's every chance the Murano CrossCabriolet will fare well in the US, as Americans have long had a love affair with open-topped cars. The best-selling drop-tops in the States include the convertible versions of the Chrysler Sebring, Mini Cooper/Cooper S, BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, Ford Mustang and Porsche 911/Boxster.
General Motors plans to strengthen its presence in the segment and will use next week's LA motor show to showcase the new convertible version of the Chevrolet Camaro.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
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