Nissan Releases New Tiida and Tiida Latio Compact Vehicles

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the sales launch of the newTiida 5-door hatchback and Tiida Latio 4-door sedan at dealers acrossJapan. Since their debut in 2004, the Tiida and Tiida Latio have exceededcustomer expectations for compact vehicles offering apremium-quality, roomy interior and outstanding fuel economy andperformance. For 2008, both vehicles have been enhanced inside and out.Key changes include new exterior and interior designs, retuned electricpower steering, powertrain enhancements and a new "Plus navi HDD"package, among other improvements.

Both Tiidaand Tiida Latio feature all-new front-end designs, with new grilles,front bumpers and headlights, which impart a feeling of dynamic modernperformance. Tiida also features new taillights and a rear bumper for amore substantial look, and all Tiidas and Tiida Latios feature newwheel cover designs.

Eight exterior colors are available on Tiida, including titaniummetallic Silky Beige, metallic Brilliant Silver, metallic ChampagneGold, and pearl metallic Pacific Blue. Tiida Latio offers seven colorchoices, including titanium metallic Silky Beige and metallic BrilliantSilver.

Revised, Roomy, Sporty Interior
The interiors ofboth the Tiida and Tiida Latio have been redesigned for a new, modernlook, as well as increased usability and visibility. The new instrumentcluster design features new illumination colors changed to an orangehue and a fuel consumption display function. New metallic-finish dashboard paneling is available on Tiida models.

The modern look continues with a revised center stack withredesigned automatic air-conditioner controls and new illuminationscheme, as well as new silver finishers (available on 18G, 15G, 15M and15M FOUR models). Additionally, seat fabrics have been changed on 18Gand 15G models, while new seat fabric patterns and stitching colors areavailable on 15M and 15M FOUR. Stitching color changes also apply toTiida 18G, 15G, 15M and 15M FOUR models and Tiida Latio 18G and 15Gmodels with a black interior.

Powertrain Enhancements
The new Tiida and TiidaLatio models each receive a variety of powertrain enhancements,including the new availability of a 6-speed manual transmission on1.8-liter models for a sportier driving experience. Theelectric-assisted power steering system has been retuned for improvedfeel at low and high speeds.

Additionally, 2WD models with the HR15DE 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engineand XTRONIC continuously variable transmission (CVT) attain a fueleconomy level 20% higher than Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards,thereby qualifying for the highest tax reduction*1 under the Green Tax program in Japan.

The HR15DE/XTRONIC CVT/2WD combination also features fuel economyfigures that more closely match actual fuel consumption, based on testsconducted under the JCO8 test mode, recently adopted in Japan tosimulate real-world driving conditions more accurately, as well as onconventional 10-15 test mode data. Also, this powertrain, under theJC08 test, attains SU-LEV certification levels by emitting 75% fewernitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) than thelevels required by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations.

Special Tiida Packages
Tiida 15S and 15S FOURmodels are available with a new, affordable Plus navi HDD package,which includes an exclusive HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with ahigh-speed, large-capacity 30-gigabyte hard disk drive;steering-wheel-mounted switches for audio controls and hands-freephone; a front center armrest with console storage box; rear seatcupholders; fully automatic air conditioning system; and chrome-platedwaistline molding.

The new Tiida is also available with two optional dealer packages a NISMO S-tune Aero Package and a NISMO S-tune Performance Package for further fine-tuning of the vehicle aerodynamics and drivingperformance. Individual NISMO components are also available separately.

BMW

---

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (info) (BMW), is an independent German company and one of the world's leading manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands.

BMW was officially founded as a public company in 1922, but traces its origins to the pioneering days of German aviation all the way back to 1913. Two of these pioneering men, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, are credited by BMW as the "founding fathers". However, BMW owes its actual founding by three men- Josef Popp, Max Friz, and Camillo Castiglioni.

These men brought BMW through many turbulent times in the company's early life as well as taking the company public in 1922 to form BMW AG. BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke.

Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually shifting to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1929. The circular blue and white BMW logo, which has not been altered throughout the company's history, does not in fact symbolize a spinning propeller according to a BMW spokesperson (although the imagry did apear in post-WWI advertisements).

The BMW roundel badge is believed to have been partially derived from the logo of its predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke[citation needed], while ultimately taking on the colors and checkers of the Bavarian flag. Significant aircraft powerplants of pre-WWII and WWII included the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet. BMW's factories were damaged badly in the war, and many surviving machine tools were confiscated by the victorious Allies.

Important Things to Know Before Signing off for Your Rental Car.

Before you sign the contract and drive away with your rental car, you need to make sure you really know what you have agreed to by signing that agreement. If something were to go wrong while you had the rental car, who would be responsible? How much are you really going to be charged when you return it? What happens if the car gets scratched while you are driving it? You need to consider each of these questions before signing a rental car agreement.

Rental Cars and Insurance

One of the first things you will be asked when you head to the check out counter to pick up your rental car keys is whether or not you want to purchase the rental agency's insurance policy. Do not say no without thinking first. If something were to happen to your rental car, would you be responsible for the damages? Without insurance, you would.

However, this does not mean that you need the rental car company's insurance policy. Do you have car insurance on your own vehicle? If so, find out what your current car insurance company covers on rental cars. You may have full coverage on rental cars with your current insurance provider.

Are you paying via credit card? If so, check with your credit card company. Many of them automatically put rental car insurance on the cars that are rented using their cards.

If you do not have insurance with either of these sources, then you need to consider buying it. Also, keep in mind that you will not only pay for the damages to the rental car if you are in an accident. You will also have to pay for the lost time on that car. If it takes three days to fix the car, you will pay for three days of rental on that car, since the rental car company cannot make money during that time frame.

Keep in mind that the damage to a rental car does not have to occur in an accident. If the car is scratched, you could be charged. Be sure to inspect the car thoroughly before driving it off of the rental car lot. Have any damages that you notice noted on your contract.

Hidden Fees and Charges

You may think that you know how much the rental car will cost when all is said and done, but you likely will be surprised when you get your final bill due to additional fees and charges. Of course, you will have to pay taxes on your rental car. Be sure you plan for this when budgeting for a rental car.

You may also be charged for gas. Some rental car companies charge a flat fee for gas and instruct their renters to return the car close to empty. Others will not charge the gas fee if the car is returned full. If you can fill the car up yourself, do so, because the rate the rental car company is going to charge for gas will be more than the gas station down the street.

If a driver on the contract is under 25 years old, expect to pay an additional fee, if the rental car company will even allow this driver to drive the car. Also, adding additional drivers to the agreement will cost extra. Finally, be sure to inquire about late fees, and turn the car in on time unless you absolutely cannot do so.

Renting a car seems like it should be an easy task, but there are many considerations that you need to make before signing the contract. Make sure that you know exactly what you are agreeing to do, and follow through with your end of the contract. This will protect you from unexpected and expensive fees when you return the car.

Car body parts

We want you to think of us, as YOUR entrusted, reliable sourcing resource and automotive parts industry expert. We are committed to consistently providing quality, high-grade, aftermarket (OEM replacement), exterior car body parts and lights, for most makes and models.

Our globally sourced, quality manufactured OEM product offerings and options, include part categories and part names, for your ease-of-use, convenience and reference.

We are here to care for all of your auto body parts, aftermarket car parts and all related aftermarket auto body parts needs, specialty requirements or upgrades and automotive detailing. Routine care and maintenance, repair and/or replacement auto body parts are a sector almost onto itself, ever expanding and with lots to offer your every need.

We are diligently working to earn your trust and build a lasting customer relationship, by offering a comprehensive under-one-roof automotive specialist, that wants to partner with owners, automotive specialists and enthusiasts, who SHARE THE PASSION and dream of THE ULTIMATE RIDE!

As a preferred supplier and global trading partner, we can offer discount body parts, car body parts, truck body parts and car exterior detailing and enhancement body parts, accessories and choice automotive products from around the world, for every vehicle and styling imaginable.

Across categories, makes, models and years of manufacture, we source online and through our extensive collaborative network, any and all car parts, auto parts, truck parts and pickup parts that you might have a need for. High-grade, in-demand body parts include: car lights, auto lights, truck lights, automotive lighting, headlights & taillights and the like.

A provider of choice and reputation, known for quality, customer service and satisfaction, exceeding expectations and going beyond, for any and all requests regarding automotive parts, we serve your best interest and get YOU the auto body parts YOU need!

These would include any special offerings, limited editions, discount auto parts, wholesale auto parts, products from auto parts store or any truck specialty parts store, car parts online, import auto parts, import car body parts, OEM parts, used body parts, used auto body parts and more.

2009 Audi A4 Avant revealed ahead of Geneva

Wagonistas, your chariot has arrived. After showing off the new-for-2009 A4 in Frankfurt, Audi has finally released the details about for its A4 Avant prior to its debut in Geneva next month.The estate version of the A4 is nearly identical to the sedan from the B-pillar forward, but now features 50-cubic feet of cargo capacity out back. An optional power liftgate is available and the load floor is reversible if you happen to be toting a set of used wheels in the trunk and the mat is coated in brake dust. Overall, the Avant gains about five inches in length, but is almost ten-percent lighter than the outgoing model.

Although powerplant details are scarce, those of us in the States will be stuck with the 2.0-liter TFSI mill, while sedan buyers get a choice of either the four-cylinder or the 3.2-liter V6.

We’ll have more from the show floor next month, but in the meantime, check the gallery below for a handful of high-res shots and make the jump for Audi’s press release.

OK, we’ve seen some of their previous work so we probably shouldn’t have expected much more this time around, but when we heard that Mansory had gotten its hands on an SLR and a Ferrari 599 GTB, we certainly hoped that it would figure out a way to enhance their gotta-have-it quotients. Alas, our prayers went unanswered. Done up in a matte gold and black combo, the SLR looks a bit toy-like, but it should manage to sell in the single digits at least. Which digit you choose to count the sales is up to you. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano had actually been criticized in some camps for being a bit too evocative of the Chevrolet Corvette when it was first shown. The Mansory edition done up in white and carbon fiber looks even more Vette-like to our eyes. Thoughts of a ZR1 or the recent 427 special edition Z06 leapt to mind. There was also a Phantom in the booth, but quite honestly, doing something outrageous to a Roller just doesn’t offend us as badly. Take a look at the gallery and let us know if you agree. We’ve already heard from at least one other journo who happened to be winding his way down the road towards us that the 599 looks seriously racy and that we are dead wrong about it. We’ll let you decide for yourselves. Click away.

New York ‘08 Preview: Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3 planned for debut

---

At the Frankfurt Motor Show last year we met the first Suzuki Kizashi Concept, a large sport wagon proof of concept that looked like a Dodge Magnum had crashed into a box of Anime. Next we encountered the Kizashi Concept 2 at the Tokyo Motor Show, which carried forward the first concept’s design theme but applied it to a low-slung CUV body. At the New York Auto Show later this month, we’ll meet the Concept Kizashi 3, the most production feasible Kizashi concept to date and the last one in the series. Cast in the form a sport sedan, the Concept Kizashi 3 portends a future performance four-door for the Japanese brand, and we’re down with that given Suzuki hasn’t played in this space with a decent offering, like, ever. We have no other information on Suzuki’s big debut for New York, so no word on what powers it, which wheels are driven or what the interior’s like, but we’ll find out soon enough when Autoblog goes to Gotham.

New York ‘08 Preview: Nissan to unveil all-electric concept

---

All-electric vehicles are on their way, and Nissan plans to be a player with an all-electric vehicle on the market in Japan and the U.S. by 2010 for fleet customers and 2012 for everyone else. While the automaker has been testing a system that uses a lithium-ion battery pack in its boxy Cube runabout (above), it’s not known if the Cube will get the electric drive train when it goes on sale in the U.S. Regardless, Nissan plans to preview its electric intentions in two weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show with an all-electric concept car. Details are scarce, but it’s said to have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. While it’s true that most people drive less than 100 miles per day, a top speed of just 75 mph seems especially limiting. Apparently passing on the freeway is not an option on this car. We’ll be on hand in New York to catch this EV concept’s debut, so stay tuned.