http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/cars/ en-us Sun, 3 Jan 2010 01:53:49 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2419780/posts Youths burned 1,137 cars across France overnight as New Year's Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday. Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2419780/posts#comment Sun, 3 Jan 2010 01:53:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2419817/posts The new Mustang GT continues Fords powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg. Watch, Video: New 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 Car Dealer Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2419817/posts#comment Sun, 3 Jan 2010 03:51:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2417046/posts First, they sold the most amount of cars in the world, then, they started cost cutting and now, Toyota are taking another big step towards becoming GM. The Charleston Daily Mail reports that the managers of Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Buffalo, West Virginia have allowed workers to distribute union literature during breaks at the plant. There’d been grumblings about unionisation for some time. Last month, some Toyota employees, (with the backing of the UAW, naturally), filed a grievance with the National Labour Relations Board’s regional office in Cincinnati. They wanted to distribute union material but were stopped by Toyota managers.... The Truth About Cars http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2417046/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:45:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2408393/posts Fifty Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years A Half-Century of Automotive Eyesores By Damian Joseph Considering how many new cars are rolled out every year, it's no surprise that a few might be just plain homely. There's a chance that certain styles might become fashionable with a dash of retro hip. (Well, maybe not from the 1970s.) But for the most part, the following 50 cars will never be anything but design duds. Business Week http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2408393/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:24:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2406660/posts Today I have read a piece of "journalism" by a freelance writer whose Slate article shows me why the profession has fallen on such hard times. The piece on fast food drive thru windows is not only pretentious but it is filled with enough fluff to stuff a mattress and leaves the impression that the writer thinks it all resembles wit. It simply amazes for its vacuous nature. And, worse, it doesn't even pay off fulfilling the premise of its headline. In fact, it is so ridiculous for its assumptions and its presumption of surety that one wonders if the... Publius Forum http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2406660/posts#comment Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:10:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2399992/posts Dismay at the SMH: New car buyers appear oblivious to climate change concerns, with the latest sales figures showing people are flocking back to fuel-guzzling four-wheel-drives … While the growth in new car sales was remarkable, the real story was the type of vehicles being sold. While sales of the smallest cars on the market fell in November, four-wheel-drives and utes enjoyed a sales bonanza. The Toyota HiLux utility was the best selling vehicle in the country, outselling the Holden Commodore, while sales of 4WD-style SUVs were up a staggering 44 per cent. Toyota’s smallest car, the Yaris, saw sales... Tim Blair http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2399992/posts#comment Fri, 4 Dec 2009 07:23:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2386968/posts Here at Wrecked Exotics, we've seen our share of crazy drivers, but even we were taken aback when an anonymous tipster let us in on what is surely the most insane exotic car owner in the world. We proudly present to you: The "King of Wrecked Exotics", a 73 year old Florida businessman who has managed to destroy at least 10 exotic cars in the last 3 years. We of course would be honored to shake the hand of the man who, despite being involved in some horrible wrecks, has managed to walk away from each one AND still have... Wrecked Exotics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2386968/posts#comment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:20:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2386933/posts Here at Wrecked Exotics, we've seen our share of crazy drivers, but even we were taken aback when an anonymous tipster let us in on what is surely the most insane exotic car owner in the world. We proudly present to you: The "King of Wrecked Exotics", a 73 year old Florida businessman who has managed to destroy at least 10 exotic cars in the last 3 years. We of course would be honored to shake the hand of the man who, despite being involved in some horrible wrecks, has managed to walk away from each one AND still have... Wrecked Exotics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2386933/posts#comment Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:15:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2384497/posts Volkswagen Group has displaced Toyota for the first time as the world's largest car manufacturer in terms of production. The German carmaker produced 4.4 million vehicles in the first nine months of the year, overtaking its Japanese rival by 400,000 units, consulting firm IHS Global Insight said on Wednesday. Volkswagen Group owns a variety of models such as Skoda and Seat and high-end lines Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini. In July it expanded its stable by acquiring Porsche. HIS Global Insight said Volkswagen was able to beat Toyota thanks to increased sales in China, Germany and the U.K. even amid... The Chosun Ilbo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2384497/posts#comment Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:47:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2377504/posts Considering how many new cars are rolled out every year, it's no surprise that a few might be just plain homely. There's a chance that certain styles might become fashionable with a dash of retro hip. (Well, maybe not from the 1970s.) But for the most part, the following 50 cars will never be anything but design duds... BusinessWeek http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2377504/posts#comment Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:01:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2374506/posts Last night we were shocked to see that The White House was using its blog to tear into car website Edmunds.com over some analysis it did of Cash-For-Clunkers. To recap: Edmunds.com says the program was a gigantic waste with little effect. The White House disagrees. Anyway, Edmunds is sticking by its analysis, and it put out the following press release: SANTA MONICA, Calif. — October 29, 2009 — Today the Department of Transportation and White House chose to respond to an analysis Edmunds.com released Wednesday that looked at auto sales this year and what sales volumes would have been had... The Business Insider http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2374506/posts#comment Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:47:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2373952/posts Visit the federal government web site for the recently-concluded “Cash for Clunkers” program and you’ll find the program described as “enormously successful”. Contrary to that claim, however, Edmunds.com research revealed yesterday that the program, which enabled a car buyer to pay as much as $4,500 less for a new vehicle, actually cost taxpayers $24,000 per vehicle sold. Bob McCarty Writes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2373952/posts#comment Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:34:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2372550/posts Authorities said they are shutting down the Bay Bridge in both directions after pieces of the cantilever section fell during the late-afternoon commute, striking three vehicles on the upper deck, the California Highway Patrol said. Caltrans officials said the parts that fell were two high-strength rods and a saddle that were part of the emergency repair that delayed the opening of the bridge on Labor Day weekend. SFGate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2372550/posts#comment Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:09:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2367902/posts Saab Automobile has received permission to borrow 4 billion kronor from the European Investment Bank, the bank’s board revealed on Wednesday. Prior to Wednesday’s meeting, most indications were that the EIB board, which includes representatives from all 27 European Union members states, would approve Saab’s request. The EIB leadership group had recommended to the board that the bank agree to lend the Swedish car company up to €400 million, or roughly 4.1 billion kronor ($590 million), having concluded that Saab’s application was sufficiently strong. The loan is a critical lifeline for Saab, and was a key element for the planned... www.thelocal.se http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2367902/posts#comment Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:44:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2367047/posts Oracle CEO Larry Ellison commissioned the fabricators at Kirkham Motorsports to build the ultimate, cost-is-no-object roadster. After years of labor, they've completed the all-billet aluminum Cobra. Click "more" to see them build one of the most spectacular custom cars ever. Jalopnik http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2367047/posts#comment Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:09:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2366176/posts Sweden is a not entirely a Socialist hellhole on Earth. We fight alongside you Americans. We will not accept further terrorist attacks on NYC. Apart from knowing the nature of lasting friendship and military alliances, we also know how to drive real vehicles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzHElhj2pTo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXuhJvdchhg&NR=1&feature=fvwp http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2366176/posts#comment Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:14:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2360295/posts Motorists should be forced to pay to drive on the busiest roads to slash greenhouse gas emissions, the Government's climate change watchdog says today. The Climate Change Committee, led by former CBI chief Lord Turner, wants ministers to introduce compulsory road pricing to prevent global warming. Under the controversial scheme, cars would be fitted with electronic tags and tracked either by satellite or roadside beacon. Charges would rise at times of peak congestion to around £1.50 a mile. In a report to MPs, the advisers called for a carbon revolution - with thousands of wind turbines, nuclear power stations... The Daily Mail (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2360295/posts#comment Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:25:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2357513/posts A shiny green Volkswagen, standing out among the rattletraps on Gaza's dilapidated roads, is the latest hot item to come out of the besieged territory's smuggling tunnels. Cars are brought in piece by piece from Egypt, which only opens its sole crossing point into Gaza for humanitarian purposes, because of an embargo imposed by Israel two years ago. A handful of the hundreds of smuggling tunnels in the Rafah border area are dedicated solely to the auto operation that started a few years ago. The entrepreneurs who run them say they've managed to bring in 30 to 40 vehicles in... Al Arabiya News Channel http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2357513/posts#comment Thu, 8 Oct 2009 13:46:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2356675/posts It is called the Python, and its makers claim it is the fastest amphibious vehicle ever sold. It can hit 60mph on the waves - quicker than many speedboats - but is said to be equally at home on the road. All the driver has to do before leaving dry land is put the gears into neutral, engage the jet drive, then push a button to raise the wheels. The Python is powered on land by a V8 engine from a Chevrolet Corvette, which produces 640 horsepower and enables the 3,800lb machine to reach 100mph. On water, thrust is provided... The Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2356675/posts#comment Wed, 7 Oct 2009 13:28:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2356535/posts Even with the strides that cars have made in recent years, let's face it: There have been some real stinkers, too. Whether poorly executed, ill-conceived or downright dreadful to look at, these 10 stand out for all the wrong reasons. A car had to be sold at any point in the 2000s to be eligible for this list; some of these models were only on the market for a few years, while others are still being sold today... Yahoo (cars.com) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2356535/posts#comment Wed, 7 Oct 2009 08:39:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2353361/posts CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- In the first month after the end of the "cash-for-clunkers" program, automakers on Thursday are reporting virtually across-the-board sales declines with Chrysler and General Motors seeing volumes nearly halved, but Ford not hit as hard as expected and even robust gains for Hyundai. MarketWatch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2353361/posts#comment Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:42:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350856/posts Video story at link http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350856/posts#comment Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:48:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2351100/posts the list of all 690,114 trade-ins. Jalopnik http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2351100/posts#comment Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:12:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2349675/posts Not Coming to America From the boons of Ford's (F) assembly line and Eisenhower's interstate highway system to the banes of suburban sprawl and oil dependence, U.S. history is closely tied to the automobile. But that doesn't mean Americans are privy to any ride they want. Carmakers like BMW (BMWG.F), Ford, and Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) design and manufacture all kinds of vehicles for consumers in different countries with separate needs and budgets. Here, gaze on 21 internationally released cars you're unlikely to see in U.S. showrooms any time soon... Yahoo (Businessweek) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2349675/posts#comment Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:00:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2348969/posts A Ferrari worth 3 million kronor ($434,000) was left nursing a crumpled front end after a hapless Swedish motor vehicle inspection driver took it for an impromptu spin. The Ferrari F40 had been recently imported into Sweden by Von Braun Sports Cars in Skene in southern Sweden and was duly subjected to a routine registration inspection in nearby Kinna on Thursday. But when the state-owned Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Company (Bilprovningen) driver sat behind the wheel of the powerful Italian sports car something went seriously awry and the vehicle lurched into a fence in the test area. "It is not... www.thelocal.se http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2348969/posts#comment Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:20:17 GMT