Category: Automotive

News reports over the past several months have featured the coming “invasion” of Chinese cars to the North American market. What has gotten the attention of many car buffs is the very low prices at which each model will be sold. Prices as low as $6600 have been quoted for one model, with a handful of other models also expected to retail for well under $10,000. If Chinese cars do arrive as expected, look for a massive change in the entry-level model cars that are built and sold in the U.S. and Canada. Consumers stand to gain from the increased competition, although exactly what they will be getting for the price is not yet known.

The Chevrolet Aveo, a compact car built by GM’s Korean unit, Daewoo, is currently the lowest-priced car sold in the U.S., retailing for as low as $9300 after all discounts have been applied [MSRP is currently set at $9890 for the “Special Value” models]. A 16-valve 1.6L I4 mated to a 5-speed transmission is standard, and Chevy kicks in an AM/FM radio for good measure. Beyond that, the car is truly stripped.

Two Chinese automakers are preparing to enter the U.S. market.t

On the other hand, two Chinese automakers are preparing to enter the U.S. market, likely as soon as summer 2007. Selling 2008 model year cars, both the Geely Automobile Company and the Chery Automobile Company are working with U.S. representatives to build nationwide dealer networks. Chery, which will have to change its name after losing to General Motors in a court decision over their name [too close to Chevy], has a model currently called the “QQ” based on the Daewoo Spark which they would like to bring to the U.S. Along with as many as four other models, the cars will range in price from just under $7,000 to as high as $20,000. Geely has similarly priced cars that they plan on marketing to.

So, what does this mean to the market? Plenty. Besides the Aveo, numerous other small cars are marketed in the U.S, including Toyota’s Scion brand, the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Saturn ION, and offerings from Kia and Hyundai. Some of these vehicles come better equipped than the base Aveo, but for the most part, rt comparably equipped models with air conditioning are each retailing for about $12,000.

Even after air conditioning and certain safety measures [like air bags and better fenders] are added to entry-level Chinese vehicles, it is expected that comparably equipped Geely and Chery models will still retail for between $8-8500. This translates into a price drop of as much as 30% compared to competing models.

The quality of Chinese cars may be a big concern.

Naturally, the quality of Chinese cars may be a big concern. Not noted for building much of anything that is of superb quality, China, much like Japan of more than 40 years ago, must bring quality levels up. Still, for even $1000 more per vehicle, le an extended warranty similar to the 100,000-mile warranty offered by Hyundai and Kia could allay consumers’ concerns. Simply add the cost of the warranty to the price, and a $9000 fully warranted Geely could be very attractive.

So, how will competing manufacturers react? By dropping their prices accordingly. Look for specially equipped Scions, Kias, and Hyundais to appear in U.S. showrooms priced below $10,000. Soon, lookfor forlook for ucion fighters from Ford and Dodge also to show up and be sold at unthinkably low prices. By 2010, the base price for many entry-level models in the U.S. will be below $10,000; if they are not priced accordingly, then they may not sell.

Long term, prices across the board for all vehicles may begin to drop, especially as Chinese manufacturers start to market vehicles that are larger and better equipped than base models. Mentioned earlier was a vehicle in the $20,000 range. This particular Chery model strongly resembles the Chrysler Pacifica and could be imported to compete against it and other crossover vehicles.

Effect on the U.S. manufacturing industry

Naturally, the effect on the U.S. manufacturing industry could be devastating and not just to GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai all build cars here. Will they compete in price,,e, or will consumers see the sharp differences in quality and stick with the trusted brands?

A revolution is coming to the auto industry — one which is certain to completely redefine the market.

People can’t ride their bikes everywhere, and it is often necessary to transport bikes from one place to another. Until recently, people would have to put the bike inside their vehicle when transporting it, but now there are bike racks that can secure the bike above the ground outside of the vehicle. Trailer hitch bike racks fit into the trailer hitch receiver opening and provide metal racks specifically designed to hold and transport bikes.

Trailer hitches fit into the same trailer

Trailer hitches fit into the same trailer hitch receiver opening that is used to secure the hitch ball mount. On most models, the trailer hitch bike rack sticks up vertically behind the rear of the vehicle. The vertical metal pole that holds the bikes up is usually a few feet long. There are two horizontal bars at the top of the vertical pole where the bikes are secured. One wheel of the bike is put between the bars and then strapped in. The bike hangs down between the bars and can be transported in this position. These bike racks provide enough ground clearance that the bike is not in danger of being dragged along the ground.

Other types of trailer hitch bike racks fit horizontally on the back of the vehicle. The wheels of the bike fit into two openings on the rack. The bike is fastened and held upright in these racks.

There are models of both types of trailer hitch bike racks that can hold several bikes. Some can transport up to five bikes at once. These racks are larger and more cumbersome than smaller racks, but they can be useful, especially when transporting several bikers to a biking destination.

Bike racks are great for people going on long mountain biking trips. The racks can accommodate several bikes at once, leaving room in the vehicle for the riders.

Losing control of your car and losing the function of your brakes could actually happen in real life, not just in movies and soap operas. In fact, it could happen to your car or to a Geo vehicle, or to any other vehicle. This usually happens if you do not take good care of your car and its brake system. Also, if the owner of the vehicle has not gone through the usual check-ups, losing control of the brakes could happen.

What if it happens to you? The first thing to do is to stay calm and keep control of the situation, even if the vehicle itself is not responding to your attempts at stopping or slowing it down. There are actually two possibilities that could happen to you and your car. First, your pedal does not go down and feels hard. And second, your pedal would sink to the floor and would feel too soft.

When your brake feels hard

If the first thing happens to you when your brake feels hard and will not go down despite your attempts at pressing it down, it simply means that your brake booster is not working correctly. This kind of problem is often caused by a vacuum leak, or the engine itself has stopped running. If this happens, do not distress. You still have the power to push down very hard on the brake pedal. Even if it would not provide the desired effect of eventually slowing or stopping the vehicle, pressing down hard could provide some force and provide some brake.

If you find yourself in the second situation where the brake is just too soft, remember that modern vehicles have been installed with a second braking circuit. Even though you are pressing the pedal to the floor and nothing seems to be happening, the truth is that you might be providing some braking power, which assists in slowing down your vehicle.

If nothing happens despite your efforts at braking, try using the parking brake, which is also known as the emergency brake. Usually, it works on the rear wheels; however, it is better than not having any kind of brake at all. And yes, always remember to still think clearly despite the no-brakes situation. Make sure that you still steer clear of any obstacles, especially other vehicles and pedestrians.