All Car Manufacturer Articles

All Car Manufacturer Articles

Significantly, and according to information I have had. So, scanners/cameras are placed across and along the full length and width of every motorway lane. As a result a radar picks you up as stopped in a motorway lane.

Naturally, the authorities are supposed to be on hand immediately to attend your broken down vehicle. So, and move you off the motorway. So, You legally sit there in your broken down vehicle. Whatever lane you are in and nobody is likely to run into the rear of your vehicle and kill you because of two reasons.

Cars and Climate Change

Electric Car Servicing-Buying An Electric ‘Compliance Car’? Think Hard About-

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There are now more than a dozen plug-in electric cars for sale in the U.S., but not all electric cars are created equal.

Eric Roberts’ insight:

Electric car Servicing

This is an interesting article about the difficulty that the American motorists could experience when wanting to repair or service their electric battery operated cars.

It tells of the state of California giving the car manufacturers a quota for a number of vehicles, that they are to supply as compared to normal gasoline engined ones.

The problem is that the amount of electric car servicing garages are in short supply, especially Toyota.

Fundamentally, the question on my mind is “whatever happened to the Right to Repair Laws” ! Naturally, that are in operation in the United States and in the European Union. Significantly, this states that service garages should be given the access to  technical details. Including all the cars that car manufacturers are making.

So, why can’t the regular garages service these cars? In fact recently, I paid an expert on electric cars to brief my staff about the impending influx of electric cars. Special equipment is required  ! Because these vehicle are extremely dangerous ! Of course due to the possibility of electric shocks.

Because of certain restrictions then it has always been a strong suspicion of mine.

So, that this work will be kept away from the independent garage sector. Resentfully, Electric Car Servicing will not be open to us. In many ways they cannot be blamed for wanting to protect all their investment and development. However, every other product that has ever been produced. So, would have had to start out somewhere!

Accepting this is difficult for me and  this won’t stick with me. Consequently, we should all have a share in this market as we do today. I hope the EU are looking at this, so that they can legislate against the car makers protectionism ! Giving us all a in the garage business a fair deal. Thus allowing us to carry out Electric Car Servicing, alongside petrol engine car servicing.

Importantly, we can service the “Hybrid cars” and indeed do so.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

See on finance.yahoo.com

mot testing and car servicing

Ford Focus-Duel Mass Flywheel – Driver heard a noise when clutch pedal pressed?

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Ford Focus Duel Mass Flywheel, clicking noise?

Certainly! A dual mass flywheel, also known as a DMF, is a type of flywheel that is commonly found in modern vehicles, particularly automobiles that are powered by diesel engines or high-torque engines. Its position between the engine and the transmission makes it an important link between the two components of the vehicle.

In contrast to a single mass flywheel (SMF), also known as a simple solid disc that rotates in unison with the engine, a dual mass flywheel (DMF) is made up of two flywheels that are physically separated from one another by a number of springs and dampers.

The crankshaft of the engine is connected to one of the flywheels, while the input shaft of the transmission is connected to the other flywheel. The two flywheels are able to move independently of each other thanks to the springs and dampers, which contributes to a reduction in the amount of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) produced by the drivetrain.

When the engine and transmission rotate at different speeds, the springs and dampers in a DMF work by soaking up and releasing the energy that is created as a result of this difference. Because of this, the experience of driving is made more comfortable and less noisy, particularly at low speeds and when shifting gears.

However, DMFs are more difficult to construct, which makes them more expensive, and they are also susceptible to wear and tear over time. Failure of a Duel Mass Flywheel can result in a number of issues with the vehicle’s ability to be driven, including vibrations, rattling noises, and other problems. The removal of the transmission is typically required in order to replace a DMF, which is a repair that can be both time consuming and expensive.

duel mass flywheel
duel mass flywheel

In a nutshell, a dual mass flywheel is a component

that, when installed in modern automobiles with high-torque engines, contributes to the reduction of both noise and vibration. Even though it makes for a more pleasant driving experience, replacing it may be more expensive than the installation of a single mass flywheel.

The driver of this Ford Focus presented his car to us. He explained that he could notice a slight change of noise in the sound of the engine followed by a sort of ticking noise?

When asked when the noise occurred he said that it was when started to press the clutch down, to about halfway. Then after the halfway point the noise clears up? The same happens when the clutch is released.

When the car engine is idling, or when you are just driving along, then there is no noise. Then when your foot is off the clutch (either in neutral or driving in gear) there is no noise.

He said that he noticed for the first time, about a month ago. Ryan my service manager thought straight away that the problems pointed to the clutch and perhaps the Ford Focus Duel Mass Flywheel.

The Ford Focus Duel Mass Flywheel is made of many small components and clicking or ticking sounds, point towards the DMF (duel mass flywheel). The sound was only slight and the noise was covered by the car radio.

Alex tackles Ford Focus clutch job !

At first we recommended that the guy should leave well alone and to see if anything else would develop. He agreed with us and went on his way.

We never saw the car again until a month later? This time the noise became a little louder.

Ryan still suspected the Ford Focus Duel Mass Flywheel as being the problem. We took the car in and split the gearbox from the Focus engine to inspect the DMF and clutch. The clutch release bearing and slave cylinder were examined and found to be OK.

Some reasons for the diagnosis of a problem with your Duel mass Flywheel are as follows:-

1) If you have a slipping clutch; if the cars revs become higher but cars speed does not increase, or it feels like you are riding the clutch when driving along or changing gear. Or sometimes you can smell the pungent smell of the overheated burning clutch.

2) Strange unfamiliar metallic noises (sounds like a rattling chain or bag of knife and forks being shook about). This noise will stop when the clutch is depressed then return of release.

3) If your dual mass flywheel has been wearing for a while then your starter motor may start to slip/spin, when you are starting the car.

The driver with the Ford Focus Duel Mass Flywheel problems came to us in good time. The DMF had started to break up and was replaced, along with a new clutch plate. So if you do hear these noises take it along to your local garage to be examined.

Solar Storage Batteries

Solar Panels to be fitted on the roof of this Ford Concept Car

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BBC News

Ford Is Making A Concept Car With Solar Panels For A Roof

Huffington Post

What do Superman and the Ford C-MAX Solar Energi concept car have in common? Both receive power from the sun.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Solar panels on car roofs a great idea but not a new idea

So, in my opinion this idea from Ford motor company is one of the biggest step forwards yet. Especially, in the quest for the electric cars! Enabling, them to cover more mileage.

Significantly, this car could be run on solar energy from Solar Panels . Even when the car is running about ! Consequently, the batteries will also be charged. Developments like this will be a big step in the right direction ! So, I can envisage all EV’s and all electric cars will have this technology. Incorporated in the cars electric system. Aiding charging.

This is not the first time that solar panels have been used to power cars

 

So, I believe that it will be the first time that a major car manufacturer. Has incorporated solar panels onto an actual model.

Consequently, a guy called Ed Passerini ! Was probably the first man to invent the first solar powered car ! Way back in 1977. After building several smaller prototype cars. He eventually built the solar car known as Bluebird.

More recently in 1983 two Australian’s, Hans Tholstrup and racing driver, Larry Perkins . Managed to drive a solar powered car from Perth to Sydney. Totaling 2566 miles a great achievement ! The vehicle was called the “Achiever”. Equipped with a solar cell panel fitted to the roof. Hence, that charged 2 x 12 volt lead acid leisure batteries.

Batteries charged for use after dark

So the charged batteries were to be used for use when the Sun was behind clouds or even in darkness. Many of today’s Solar Panels and solar energy equipment had not even been invented back then, so the electrics they used were pretty basic. They had an electric motor to drive the car with a basic type gearbox that could only have the gears changed when the vehicle was stopped. The acceleration was done by either using 24 volts or 12 volts, the 24 volt was the fastest option, depending on the amount of battery storage.

Other recent tries at utilizing solar energy were carried out by the larger auto companies such as Ford, using them in the headlights.

See on www.huffingtonpost.com

car clutch Clutch Vibration Problem

Clutch Vibration Problem-TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in with a Clutch Vibration Problem

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Clutch Vibration Problem

TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in for a Clutch Vibration Problem

So, for some unknown reason.  Christmas time brings in a few cars that are having Clutch Vibration problems. Hence, these are the normal problems. So, such as the driver cannot get the gears. Or the gears grind. Thus, when trying to drive the car and so on.

The Toyota Auris was a slightly different clutch pedal vibration and noise problem. As a result, the car was sort of vibrating and rattling. Consequently, as it was been driven along. When speaking to the customer. Ryan Linton my workshop manager. Discovered that the car had only had a new clutch fitted about two years ago. So the customer found it highly unlikely. Hence, that the clutch could be causing the clutch vibration in first gear problem. Especially, when driving the car along.

Ryan explained that the only way to tell is to check the clutch pedal vibration when engaging problem for the Clutch Vibration vibration when letting off clutch, by stripping the housing off and taking a look. The customer agreed and he took one of our courtesy cars while we explored his car to see what the problem was.

The other clutches that were done this week were standard sort of jobs,

taking two or three hours to do, but we always check with our Auto-data computer system, for the times it takes to do these jobs and this Toyota was shown to take seven hours, this included the Duel mass Flywheel having to be changed, but at this stage we did not exactly know what was wrong with the car.

clutch vibration problem
Clutch Vibration Problem

Clutch Vibration Problem

Ryan, tripped down the Auris clutch housing and assembly. Only to find that the system was a Duel Mass Flywheel. To clarify, the car had only had the clutch fitted two years ago and nothing had been done to the Dual Mass Flywheel. This action had

caused the pressure plate and the Dual Mass Flywheel to wear prematurely. Causing the DMF to have more play in it. Therefore causing the Clutch Vibration.

We did not fit the first clutch.

However the customer said that he would not go back there again. The cost was estimated at about the £1000.00 mark. Of course, customer gave us the go ahead to do the job. The time given by Auto-Data was pretty accurate and it took Ryan near enough six hours to complete the job. We always fit LUK clutches and DMFs because they were the company who originally developed the products along with BMW in Germany and to date we have never had any warranty problems with the LUK products in the past.

The Toyota Auris clutch and DMF was finished, tested and returned to a happy customer another job well done by my excellent staff.

First Time Drivers Guide

Volvo self driving cars- 100 to be tested on Swedish roads in pilot project …

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Volvo self driving cars

Volvo self driving cars has announced a pilot project that’ll see 100 Volvo self driving cars take to the roads of Gothenburg, Sweden, as the automaker continues in its efforts to bring a fully autonomous self driving cars to the market.

 Volvo self driving cars

Hi it must be a strange feeling to get into a car that can steer and drive to its destination without any aid by a driver. I must be getting old ,because I can’t see for the life in me what these Volvo self driving cars are going to gain.

If that’s what people want why on earth don’t they stick to the driver- less train systems that we see in many countries these days? I would much prefer to sit on a train high up above the busy traffic “Than In Volvo self driving cars”. Significantly, modern technology is good, but it is not perfect. I recently visited France and had to turn off the motorway because it was blocked by an accident, a large truck had toppled over, completely blocking the two lane motorway.

Unfortunately, we had to turn off so I switched on my satellite navigation system, hoping to pick the motorway up further North. I keyed in Calais further North and the sat/nav kindly to me to three junctions South of the junction that I had to turn off on? It then came up with a server problem message, which rendered it useless?.

Results of the Volvo Self-Driving Vehicle Experiment

Volvo self driving cars are already a reality because to advancements in technology. Volvo is one of the automakers that has been experimenting with self-driving vehicles. Since 2014, the Swedish carmaker has been testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in Gothenburg. Impressive results from the experiment are worth talking about. Volvo and the Swedish Transport Administration are working together to test self-driving vehicles. The experiment’s goal is to determine whether self-driving cars can safely share the road with other vehicles.

A fleet of Volvo self driving cars that are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other technology are used in the experiment to traverse the highways. Initially, there were only a few self-driving cars in the trial, but that number has since increased. The self-driving vehicles have been tested in a variety of weather situations and on a variety of roadways, including motorways and city streets.

With the aid of professional drivers who can take over control of the Volvo self driving cars if necessary, the tests have been carried out. Impressive outcomes have come from the experiment. The self-driving vehicles have successfully negotiated the roads, proving its practicality for use on public highways.

Volvo self driving cars have demonstrated the ability to recognise other automobiles, pedestrians, and other impediments and steer clear of collisions. The autos can also converse with other vehicles and adhere to traffic regulations.

Yet there have been difficulties with the trial as well.

Lack of laws controlling self-driving cars has been one of the main problems. The experiment has made it clearer how important it is to have rules governing autonomous vehicles on public roads. The general public’s opinion of self-driving automobiles has presented another problem. There is a need for additional education to assist people comprehend the advantages of self-driving cars because many people are still sceptical about them.

Volvo self driving cars
© Can Stock Photo / XXLPhoto

Volvo’s experiment with self-driving cars has been a success overall.

The test demonstrated that self-driving vehicles can travel on public roads safely and effectively. The trial has also brought attention to the need for rules governing autonomous vehicles on public roads and for additional education to help people comprehend the advantages of autonomous vehicles.

In conclusion, autonomous vehicles are the way of the future. A big step in achieving this vision has been Volvo’s self-driving automobile experiment. Self-driving cars will be a common sight on our roads with additional research and development.

So I have my doubts about the technology used in these cars.

Here is a good snippet from the Popular Mechanics web-site about the strange sensation that their driver experienced when first handling one of these Volvo self driving cars,

“As soon as I hit the small black lane-centre button, I can feel the wheel stiffen in my hands. Suddenly the light bar atop it begins to glow a soft green, signaling that the car has taken over the task of steering. I had already surrendered control of the acceleration and braking to the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, and now with my feet flat on the floor, I slowly un-wrap my fingers and release the wheel. Sitting in the passenger seat is Jeremy Salinger, who works on General Motors’ semi-autonomous car program. He’s seen the car do this dozens, possibly hundreds, of times, but, if only to reassure me, he states the obvious: “The car is in control now.”… http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/the-12-most-important-questions-about-self-driving-cars-16016418

His final comment is that” it felt like a ghost was driving the car”

See on www.digitaltrends.com

Cars and Climate Change

UK driverless Cars-government paves way for driverless Cars | tech spotlight

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BBC News – UK government paves way for uk driverless cars

The government has announced that it wants to make the UK a world centre for the development of driverless cars.

It said it would conduct a…

Eric Roberts insight:

UK Driverless cars ? what a joke?

Importantly, then I think it would be better to rephrase the statement as “uk driverless cars in the South of England”.

Anybody who travels around the North of England. Of course, would know that our roads in town and city centre are busting at the seams with traffic. We have had very little investment. Especially, to our road structures here in the North of England for years. Hence, successive governments have neglected to update the northern towns and cities. They cancelled the tram scheme in Leeds. Because of the costs! So, the East West train lines were to be electrified, but that never came off, because of lack of finance, now they can suddenly find some money by selling off their share in Eurostar to fund the development of Gatwick airport along with other projects down in the South, once again neglecting the northern towns and cities.

The only thing that I can think of that the government have done is to widen parts of the M62 motorway. We are desperately in need of a new road infrastructure to take us from North to South, before we completely grind to a halt. We all know what a nightmare it is trying to drive around West

Yorkshire in the rush hour traffic.

Now the government are going to give a £10 million prize to fund a town or city that becomes a testing ground for the UK driverless Cars. What a joke, the name of Milton Keynes has already been mentioned on more than one occasion, so I reckon that it’s a done deal. What chance would we have in the North for driverless cars, we are too congested as it is and one our largest cities Leeds, had to miss about on its tram system.

We do not need UK driverless Cars but a decent road and rail system, especially here in Yorkshire. The North is and will still be starved of investment, never mind this ridiculous idea of driverless cars, what a joke.

See on techspotlight.tumblr.com

Solar Storage Batteries

Batteries charged by Solar Panels-Toyota’s vision for the future – Drive

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Batteries charged by Solar Panels

Batteries charged by Solar Panels

Of course, connected up to a Lithium Ion Battery Pack .Enabling , the car to do 45 k/hr. With a range of about 50 kilometres. This  little car has special suspension .Of course, that allows it to sort of tilt, as you can see in the picture. Thus, is expected to be used in busy cities and towns. Consequently, the car will be known as the I-Road. Subsequently, will also be able to be plugged in and charged at any charging station. Of course, as well as at home.

The future of the Lithium-Ion battery is becoming more certain. Hence, regarding the batteries. Including when they have finished their end of life as a New Car Battery. Although the old replaced battery may not be suitable for a car.

Batteries charged by Solar Panels
Batteries charged by Solar Panels

The combination of battery storage and solar panels has gained popularity in recent years as a method to enhance the dependability and affordability of renewable energy. By storing excess energy produced by solar panels in batteries, individuals and organizations can utilize that energy later, even when there is no sunlight. This can help decrease reliance on conventional fossil fuels and provide a more consistent source of energy.

One of the primary benefits of battery storage combined with solar panels is the ability to reduce or eliminate reliance on the power grid. This can be particularly important in regions with undependable or costly electricity, or during power outages. By utilizing stored energy from batteries, individuals and organizations can continue to power essential appliances and equipment even during blackouts. Furthermore, because solar panels generate energy during the day, when energy demand is typically highest, they can help decrease stress on the power grid during peak usage hours.

Another benefit of battery storage combined with solar panels is cost savings. While the initial cost of installing solar panels and battery storage can be significant, over time, the energy savings can more than offset the initial investment. In many cases, individuals and organizations may even be able to sell excess energy back to the grid, further offsetting the cost of the system. Additionally, as battery storage technology continues to advance and become more affordable, the cost savings associated with solar panels and battery storage will only continue to increase.

Batteries charged

Then, scientists are thinking of using disused batteries for solar energy Battery storage purposes. To be charged and used as storage. The world will be crying out for some solution to solar energy storage. Of course, the old Lithium-Ion batteries could well be the answer. To the disposal problem.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, battery storage combined with solar panels can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future. By utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels, individuals and organizations can decrease their carbon footprint and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, the use of battery storage can help to make renewable energy sources more practical and reliable, encouraging even more people to adopt sustainable practices. As more individuals and organizations embrace this technology, the future looks brighter for a cleaner and more sustainable world. I have to say that my own battery storage is still working fine here in 2023.

As a result of demand. Other power saving technologies are been invented in Universities . All over the world. Hence, to reduce emissions and greenhouse gases. Including the Start-Stop Batteries that are now getting more popular with car manufacturers.

for more information…http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/08/toyota-i-road-electric-trike-production/

See on news.drive.com.au

Cars and Climate Change

Cars and Climate Change-Are we Being Led Down the Garden Path with Climate Change ?

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Cars and Climate Change

Cars and Climate Change

So I must declare that I have a self interest in this what I call the “road to electrification con”. Firstly, we all could see what a bunch of MP’s can do or most importantly can not do. So do we trust this bunch of self interested political class to run the country ! Especially after the recent yet to be resolved “Brexit Debacle” . In my opinion these people are just self interested hypocrites ! Incapable of certainly running my life and I think millions of other !

So, after my little rant, then my main concern is about climate change,( or so called climate change ). The government is being driven by a minority of so called “climate change protesters”. Seemingly without any concern for the millions of people and businesses that have a long time been connected to the motor industry. Consequently, as we now now it . Of course we do not have a say it the matter ! Personally, like millions of other people, I dont believe in “climate change”.

Cars and Climate Change has always occurred through natural events. My belief is that we are all going to be punished at the hands of a minority of protesters. Importantly, our delusional MP’s are getting sucked into this false news . I am an avid listener to LBC and one of the contributors comments inspired me to write this post. I actually agreed with his views.

Cars and Climate Change
© Can Stock Photo / XXLPhoto

No one questions the protesters rhetoric

It makes my blood boil to hear these people spout out about the planet coming to an end in the next twenty years. Also the fact that we are losing  thousands of species of animals . These people should be drilled down and share the true facts. Our MP’s just seam to be sucking all this false news up. many of us are old enough to remember days that when there was real air pollution ! Our Northern towns and buildings are still coloured black due to the dirty air and filth that we had to breath as children of the sixties and seventies.

So, where were the thousands of dying animal species then ? The truth is there wasn’t any and we just got on with life. Things did get better with new clean air laws that were passed by a generation of more sensible statesman like MP’s. Clean air was taken seriously and in my opinion was very successful . With the exception of London, I think we must all agree that we do breath in much cleaner air. My own house is now 35 years old and built out of the same Yorkshire stone as many of our old town and city buildings. The difference being is that my house is as clean as it was when first built ! No dirty air where we live.

London is going to penalize us all !

There is no doubt in my mind that we are all going to be penalized by the mass immigration and failed infrastructure in London. In fact I like many others are sick and tired of listening to the way that the problem is being looked at. As a outsider (thank God) all I hear is of banning Cars and Climate Change from this and that ? All i can see is that it is a way of taxing the London motorists ! Nothing more, nothing less. So, if London was so dirty then why not just ban cars from the central area ! Surely this would clean up the so called polluted air !

Like millions of others I do believe the Cars and Climate Change but only because change happens. The planet is well overdue for a major volcanic eruption. So, just lets see what the “climate change brigade” has to say about that !

Millions of trees

So, as a keen naturalist and gardener I just wonder how many trees we have planted since gardening became popular in the sixties. I recon it must be in the millions. Also why have the big cities and towns allowed people to concrete over their gardens. Surely, this was a another big mistake. The protesters are only now telling us  we must plant more trees “But we did !

Driving around the UK (as I do), you cant help notice what a green and pleasant land we live in. Millions will agree that we as keen gardeners have made our country a clean and healthy country to live in ! How far do these people want us to go. Surely there must be limits on how they want to penalize us all ? Especially those of us who live outside the dreaded London area.

However, my main concern is that of the advent of the “electric car”. Cars and Climate Change

Car manufacturers have now proven that most of our diesel and petrol cars are now very clean indeed. Electric cars are charged with “dirty” electricity from dirty power stations. So, whats the difference ! My main concern is the effect that this will have on the millions of people now employed in the “motor industry” as we now now it. So, the coal industry springs to mind ! I must admit that the decimation of the coal industry did clean things up. Especially, here in the North.

Millions of jobs were lost in the coal industry. Most of the citizens of London probably dont know anything about fear and anxiety that was thrust across the whole of the North and Wales. Now it looks like we are going to suffer again just to improve the lifes of Londoners. We already have the technology for clean cars with low emissions. How much more do we have to suffer at the hands a few thousand climate change protesters. Its pathetic how the government gives in to them.

Charging mounted police

What a vastly different world we live in today. many of us will remember the “horse mounted police” charging at the coal miners who were only fighting for their jobs ! Compared with today when “climate change protesters! held a the city of London to ransom while police officers did a dance with them! Just shows how week the people who represent us really are. Now they threaten more action at Heathrow airport ! They should be locked away along with their fake climate change propaganda.

I do believe that electric cars will be  a mix of automotive technologies, but at what cost ! How far does our tiny island have to suffer just so the “political class” can try and gain “browny points” at their World summits. How much do the people have to suffer when we get these silly ideas rammed down out throats. I believe that most of us dont want electric cars ! But have we been asked about it ! NO.

Its the developing countries that need to be targeted India and China would be just a start. In my opinion enough is enough. personally I am one of the millions who have now reached seventy years old. Because we live in a clean and healthy country. Except poor old London of course ?

Finally, I wonder what our fine  government has got in line for us.

Significantly, when they can no longer rely on the trillions of tax revenue. Of course, the fuel tax they will lose due to the electrification of cars being forced on us ? My opinion is that we will all have a little black box fitted to our cars and taxed on the mileage that we do. Of course it wont bother the green warriors ! Because, they will all be riding horses.

Also what are the oil producing countries going to do. In my opinion they will slash the price of oil to the west. Making electrification of our cars look even more expensive. Money talks. Just ask Donald Trump ! He does not want to penalize the American people by implementing punishing “green laws” realising that everything has a price. Punitive emission targets are a folly and the government should be prevented from penalizing the British. We are already achieving high standards for such a small country and enough is enough.

Cars and Climate Change

Could Driverless Cars Empty Cities?Autonomous cars could see Brits escape to suburbs – Car Keys

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Could Driverless Cars Empty Cities

Could Driverless Cars Empty Cities

It comes as no surprise that the first autonomous systems. Able to control steering, braking, and accelerating. So, have already started appearing in cars. Automobile giants like Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Volvo, and Audi have all shown off cars that can drive themselves. As a result, they have all declared that within a decade. They plan to sell some form of advanced automated cars.

Thus, taking over driving on highways or to be able to park themselves in a garage. Google, meanwhile, is investing millions in autonomous driving software. Subsequently, its driverless cars have become a familiar sight. Especially, on the highways around Silicon Valley. Hence, over the last several years.

The first autonomous systems, which are able to control most of the cars systems. Therefore, have already started appearing in cars. The big car manufactures,  have all shown off cars that can drive themselves. I must confess that this is something that I cant get my head round? The thought of all these cars bobbing about town scares the pants off me.

Especially in small towns with Victorian infrastructure such as in Halifax here in the UK. So it may be OK in Silicon valley, but not many other places. I realise that If we think about it, we humans actually make terrible drivers. Not to mention, reckless drivers. People who fiddle with their phones, maps or GPS while driving are responsible for significant number of accidents.

The software that self-driving cars uses is smart enough to detect the wait time at traffic signals and also on road stops which would reduce unnecessary traffic congestion on busy streets. I do agree though with the people who took part in this survey. if I lived in a town or city then I would move to the country side. Escape would be the only way. However I do not think it will  happen in my lifetime?

What the survey says about the autonomous cars-

Autonomous cars could see Brits escape to suburbs – Car Keys

hydrogen cell cars

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

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Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut

I must admit that I am loosing the plot regarding the number of alternative fueled cars that are now being developed. On the other hand I am very pleased that other forms of fuel are been experimented with.

None of these companies has yet disclosed any sales figures, but their fuels represent much larger pieces of the alternative fuel market. The EIA report for 2016 included less than In the United States, about 500 hydrogen-fueled vehicles are in use, and about 330 of those are registered in California.

The size of this individually produced marketplace of AFVs (Armoured Fighting vehicles). As a result, may never be officially counted or calculated. It’s clear that the shift from petroleum to the next generation of fuels has already gathered a lot of momentum.Indeed things are now moving on at pace. It is also clear that individuals from around the world.

Thus, are not waiting for big automakers. Including their governments. Hence, to decide what fuels they should use.

The only problem with hydrogen cell vehicles is the lack of  the re-fueling infrastructure. However things are slightly improving with a new hydrogen fuel station opening on the M25 here in the UK and several more in the pipeline.

Hydrogen fuel cells are certainly one of the ways forward and emit zero emissions. Indeed UK supermarket chain Sainsburys have opened a hydrogen fuel facility on one of their sites.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-This new model from Mercedes will only re-enforce the interest in this type of alternative fuel.

Of course,there are three major categories of alternative fuels in use now. One that we seem to have forgotten about is  bio-fuels. Also we have electric power and hydrogen power. Subsequently. we have the  electric battery cars versus the hybrid plug in cars debacle? for example, hydrogen fuel cell vs HHO ( which does not appear to be catching on).

Also, bio diesel vs ethanol. In fact bio diesel fuels are also being made from algae.These alternatives though seem to be falling behind. The main emphasis being the drive for the total electric car EV.
There are hundreds of videos out now about converting your car to use these other non viable fuels. However things in this direction are moving real slowly.
Similar companies exist and sell plans, parts lists, and instructions for converting a car to run on electric power (mostly of the plugin variety). Books and instructions on how to build bio diesel kits and recipes for growing algae bio diesel also are easy to find online.

Individuals have produced hybrid cars and vehicles running completely on all of these alternative fuel sources.I must admit though that in big picture of things then these are very small numbers. One company that sells the instructions and maintains a worldwide support group.

Hence, for people doing their own HHO fuel conversion.So, reported that more than 11,000 people bought their product last year.

There’s the difficulty of tracking just who is converting their vehicles and how. The EIA has surveyed private fleet owners. Including quasi-government and local, state and national government bodies. Thus, to get the basis for their calculations.

There are plenty of automakers, small and large, around the world coming out with different variations of all these cars. Including this new Mercedes Model.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Lithium-Ion may have a short life?

We do need alternatives? The electric car era will be very short because Lithium-Ion batteries are made up by using “Cobalt”. Cobalt is a very rare commodity and we will soon run out if the current volumes of use are not restricted. We also have had recent developments with the good old fossil fueled cars powered by the good old fashioned lead acid car battery.

Mazda have developed the first petrol engine that ignites by compression instead of a spark plug. Also burning much greener with less poisonous emissions. Yet another good step forward?

Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on a fuel cell version of the GLC ahead of its debut in Frankfurt. We don’t know many details about the car yet, but Mercedes has pulled back the curtain on the development process leading up to its launch.

Source: Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

See this important breakthrough from our friends in Australia.