The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.

The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.

How it works?

The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.

What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?

The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.

Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles

There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.

Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles

Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.

The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.

If you are frustrated with the high prices of replacement parts for your car, you haven’t been looking in the right places. When you search online, you will find many websites that offer automotive products at prices that are much lower than if you went to the auto parts store.

Whether you drive an Audi, Honda, Lexus or Lincoln, you can find exactly what you need when you shop for parts and accessories online. Many websites don’t just offer low prices; they offer articles and how-to so that you can fix your car yourself and learn how to protect yourself from unsavory mechanics.

It is often cheaper to take care of minor repairs before a more expensive job is needed. Many times people let their small problems go until the car no longer will. This often costs lots and lots of money and can throw your financial budget into a tailspin. If you take care of the minor problems immediately, you can avoid this upsetting scenario.

When you visit automotive parts and accessories websites, you can find out just when you should do routine maintenance. You can find out at how many miles the oil and filters should be changed, when the tires should be rotated, as well as many other tips about how to keep your car running at optimum levels.

If you have a foreign car, this can make the situation worse. If you have an estimate done on your car, see if you can buy your own parts. Oftentimes the labor costs far exceed the price of the parts, so if you can bring your own part at a cheaper price, it may take the sting out of the final bill.

For simple repairs like replacing windshield wipers, keeping the fluid levels for antifreeze, water and transmission at their proper places, you should be able to do that yourself. You can find many of these automotive parts that are made by big name companies for a fraction of the cost you would pay in the store. You can take the time to comparison shop so that you can find the best price for the part or accessory that your car needs.

If you are handy with tools and don’t mind getting under the hood, you will be able to save even more money when you search online. You can find warehouses where you can buy oil and transmission fluid, not to mention plugs and filters in bulk and this will save you more money than you could imagine. Before the next time you visit the auto parts store to pick up some things for a repair, check online and see what prices and what deals you will be offered. Many times when you search on the internet, you can find deals with prices that can only be found on the internet.

Maintaining your car can get expensive if you keep buying from traditional stores. Get online and find out where you can find the hot deals on automotive parts and accessories that will keep your car running smoothly.

Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.

These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.

Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.

Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.

The CVT?s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have ?the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.?

Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ?shift shock? or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ?gear hunting? or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.

You may be wondering why this isn?t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.

The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800?s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950?s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.

So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).

Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.

You may well have noticed gorgeous, massive cars in classic movies. What happened to these car makers? Were they innovators or just producers of boats or other monstrosities of little innovative value? Sort of like big tank S.U.V. trucks in these days of $ 3 a gallon gasoline. Indeed you may have spotted such cars as the Italian made Isotta Fraschine in classic movies such as the movie “Sunset Boulevard” which starred Gloria Swanson. These cars were not only the highest end luxury models of their days but they introduced early on many advanced features into cars as well as moving ahead and reinforcing standards of reliability and durability of motor vehicles. The thin edge of the wedge even then. Back in 1929 when the Tippo 8A primo motor car was delivered to its first waiting owners , the automotive name and models if Isoto Fraschini were held in the same breath , prestige and level as those of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. The story starts in Milan, Italy thirty years earlier when Cesare Isotta and Vincenzio Fraschino joined forces and went into the “newfangled” car business.

At that time Italy was a poor country, they soon realized that with their limited car market, and luxury car market the need, indeed the necessity to export their products. The enterprising partners first shipped a car to the United Sates in 1902 and established the Isotta Import Company in New York just five years later. In 1908, Isotta won Sicily’s super tough Targea Florio race and notched up more than several important auto races in America. Two years later, the Italians launched the mighty KM model, which sported 10.6 liter, four cylinder, and sixteen valve engine. It would storm along at 90 mph at a time when few aircraft could achieve that in flight.

After World War I, Isotta Fraschini decided to concentrate on the lucrative and prestigious luxury end of the automotive market. The 5.9 liter Tipo 8 arrived in 1909 – powered by the world’s first series production straight eight engine, and was later joined, then replaced by the Tipo 8A. Customers purchased a chassis and ordered whatever body tickled their fancy from a coachbuilder. The well known high end coachbuilder of the time Sala and Castanga accounted for most of them. Others built to the likes of Fleetwood and Barker.

One of the lighter and more powerful Super Spinto versions of the *A finished sixth in the first Mille Miglia , driven by none other than Count Maggi , one of the 1000 -mile road race founders and originators. He was accompanied by Bindo Maserati. Bindo and his brother Alfieri were then working for Isota Fraschini as testers. Most of the parts for the first Masaerati cars were made at Isotta’s factory on Via Monterosa in Milan.

Launched in April 1931, the Tipo 8B is generally considered as Isotto Fraschini’s finest automobile product. It offered more performance than its predecessor. About 950 of these fine motor vehicles were manufactured and sold. The Tipo 8B Automobile product line encountered strong opposition from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Hispano and Bugatti. By the mid nineteen thirties the Isotta Frascnini car production system and enterprise was out of the automobile business. It made a short comeback after the time period approximately of the post Second World War II period when the Tipo 8C Monterosa appeared to a fanfare of postwar trumpets. The Post World War II Tipo 8C Monterosa was a most interesting concept car of its time period – a very big car with a V-8 engine its tail. Rather unbelievably, or perhaps

We owe a debit of gratitude to these early luxury automobile innovators and producers in that what we take today for automotive vehicle features , engineering as well as reliability started early on with the expectations of purchasers of these luxury automobile products.

Earlier this month, an SUV that will debut on the automotive market in early 2008, won an award in Los Angeles.

When the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid hits the roads in the spring of 2008, it will already have made history. Not only because it will be the first full size Hybrid SUV on the market, but also because it holds the prestigious title of ?Green Car of The Year?. The annual award was presented to Jay Flaherty of Chevrolet, at the Los Angeles auto show by Ron Cogan, publisher of ?Green Car Journal?.

The panelists that decided who the recipient of the ?Green Car of the Year? award would be included Jay Leno, host of the Tonight Show, Carroll Shelby, legendary automotive designer, and spokesperson representing four environmental organizations.

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid brought to us by General Motors Corp., will also be the first General Motors vehicle that offers a hybrid system designed and developed in a collaborative effort with input given from BMW AG, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, in addition to GM.

General Motors Shows A Strong Back After Causing A Major Controversy.

With the release of the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, some critics may finally forgive General Motors for what was perceived as a major mistake. In 1997, GM launched the battery operated EV1, and the little electric cars were a hit with the few people who ever had the chance to own one. The revolutionary automobile never made it to the world, only the most thoroughly screened politian’s and celebrities were given the privilege of leasing them, and then they had to give them back. In 2002, GM yanked all the prototypes back in, and sent them to the junk heap. The reason was never explained in detail, nor will GM offer any further information on the particular issue. The entire program was completely and officially cancelled in 2003, the brief statement given at the time by a spokesperson for GM claimed that they ?never realized any profit from the product.?

Sophisticated Look, Distinctive Features, And Powerful Performance.

Powered by the world’s first two-mode hybrid engine system, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is inspiring to drive. This will be the first hybrid that is designed to optimize fuel efficiency for both city and highway driving. In the first mode, for driving at low speeds, with light loads, the Tahoe hybrid can operate in three different ways; gasoline engine only, electric only, or gas and electric together. In the second mode, for highway driving, or for pulling or carrying heavy loads, the Tahoe operates mainly with the powerful V-8 engine, assisted by electric battery when passing, or slowing.

Safety, appearance, and comfort are of great import to GM, as always. The newest member of the Chevy family is no exception to the rule. The Tahoe Hybrid SUV is as pleasing to the viewer, as is it is to the driver. The exterior has a sleek but sporty aerodynamic design, with optional features available. The dynamics that power the new model of Chevy Tahoe are updated, upgraded versions of the quality components that have made General Motors’ the worthy brand it has become. The interior of this model received quite a bit of enhancement over last year’s design. Including added storage space, additional air bags, and classy changes to the instrument panel and center console.

Jobs within the automotive industry are extremely varied. Depending on which element you would like to enter defines what kind of jobs to go for. Put simply there are two major sectors dividing the industry; those who work in the development, manufacture and sale of new cars, and those involved in the after sales garage industries.

Both can be lucrative industries to enter, especially the latter as the majority of people lack any real mechanical knowledge so your skill with an engine is often required by many.

Employment within the car manufacturing industry has a wide scope and is not necessarily defined by engineering qualifications. Sadly the British motor industry had been in decline for some years, most will remember the ghastly scenes outside Rover’s Longbridge plant during its closure in 2005.

It seems to have settled down in recent years with large plants in Ellesmere Port, Southampton and Sunderland still open, producing cars for Vauxhall, Ford and Nissan respectively. These construction jobs will most probably come under threat eventually, as with much of the automotive industry in Britain, cheaper production abroad means companies are less inclined to use the British workforce.

Construction is not the only field available in the motor industry. In terms of creative development, many British applicants have gone on to work for the major car companies to design future models despite production being moved overseas. Added to this, thanks to British universities leading the way in engineering scholarship, the talents of British design engineers are required worldwide.

Their knowledge has helped bring the motor industry forward, creating new technologies and providing expert advice is clearly a niche that British engineers have managed to chisel out in an extremely competitive global market.

However if you are in the process of looking for jobs in the automotive industry do not be disheartened by lack of engineering know-how or the dwindling opportunities in vehicle manufacture. Showroom sales and after sales care are a very important part of the business and pay handsomely for employees who can sell well.

As a car sales representative being able to bend people to your will is a requirement as this will help in selling cars. Subsequently pay is often performance related and those who have a clear drive for earning would be suited to this type of job as the reward of an extra big pay packet can be enough to pursue sales fervently.

The vast majority of UK motor trade vacancies however are in the garage and after sales industry. The legislative insistence upon the MOT test, added to a car’s need to be serviced regularly creates a constant stream of work for garages.

Employment within the industry varies from MOT testers to panel beaters, whilst running a garage can be extremely lucrative. When beginning in the trade, options include college courses that will qualify students to work on cars and apprenticeships that allow on the job training.

Knowing your way round an engine is no longer a sure fire way into the modern automotive trade. Increasingly cars are becoming more advanced, with electronics and electronic diagnosis becoming a major constituent of the job.

Today’s mechanical engineering college courses are not wholly practical either and contain a large theoretic element requiring much study and written examinations. Seemingly the days of the ‘grease-monkey’ are over, as the industry evolves those who can work a lap top will be increasingly required to diagnose and repair engine malfunctions.

Applicants for jobs in this industry vary from engineering graduates to mechanics’ apprentices. Those in manufacture take pride in the production of evermore modern and improved designs whereas those in after sales care ensure that people’s cars are roadworthy and running well. Both sets of skills are valued equally in an industry that prides itself on getting people moving

In today’s highly mobile world, many spend countless hours and miles traveling in their automobiles for work and vacation. Modern cars are also far more reliable than the cars of 30 years ago. We have begun to take them for granted. We expect them to just work day in day. However, the time to learn the lessons of basic car repair is not on a deserted highway at 2 am on the way up to the ski slopes! Automobiles still breakdown, have flat tires and batteries run out of juice. Most people think that you have to be a space shuttle engineer to even open the hood of a 21st century car. While it is true that computer technology has drastically changed the way engines and cars operate, there are still some basic car repairs that you can perform in a pinch. You must carry some basic automotive tools with you at all times in order to carry them out.

A basic kit with automotive tools doesn’t have to break the bank or require you tow a trailer full of tools. You can go as basic as you want and add more tools as your needs change. The first thing to do is put together a list of automotive tools that you will probably need. (I have included one in this article.) You will be surprised to find that you own many of them already. The real chore is to get them together in one place and carry them with you. You will also need something to carry them in. First see if you have an old duffle bag stuffed in a closet. If not you can probably get one cheap at an Army surplus store. Now it is time to look at our automotive tool list and start collecting them.

Automotive tools for your kit should include the following: set of various screwdrivers (both flat head and Phillips), crescent wrench, pliers, torque wrench, pocket knife, jumper cables, battery terminal brush, spare fuses, 1 quart of oil, duct tape, flashlight, gloves, medical kit, road flares, reflective vest, blanket and funnel. Make sure your car jack and tire iron are in their proper place in your car’s trunk. After you have gathered these items and put them in your old duffle bag, store it in your truck so its there when you need it. These items can prove to be invaluable to help you fix a minor problem and be on your way.

Preventative maintenance is important because it keeps your car running smoothly, avoiding the problems that come from a lack of care. Having your car serviced at a good foreign or domestic automotive maintenance shop is important to ensure that it gets the best care possible.

Here are some of the standard foreign and domestic automotive maintenance procedures that you should be sure to have done periodically:

Oil Changes: This is one of the most obvious, yet it is also one of the most frequently overlooked. Changing your oil and oil filter every three thousand miles keeps your engine running smoothly. Not changing your oil and oil filter often enough, on the other hand, can be disastrous: Over time, the additives in your engine oil break down, and the oil becomes thick and sludge-like. When this happens, the oil creates resistance on the engine, causing buildup and premature wear. Old engine oil can also cause the rubber seals in your engine to prematurely dry out and crack, creating leaks that can be quite expensive to fix.

There are a lot of quick-lube places that will change your oil quickly and cheaply, which may make you question the need to take your car to a good foreign or domestic automotive maintenance shop. However, it is definitely worth the extra money to make sure an experienced professional services your car. It is not uncommon for quick-lube shops to employ inexperienced teenagers at minimum wage, and horror stories (driving off without oil in the engine, finding months later that the oil plug won’t come out because it was stripped) abound.

Air Filter Replacement: Replacing the air filter is another important precaution that many people forget about. The silly thing is that this is also the easiest thing you’ll have to do on your car. Just as easy, if not easier, as filling the washer fluid on some cars. In fact, this one is so easy that you may not even have to get a foreign or domestic automotive maintenance shop to do it for you. Just make sure you get a high quality replacement filter. If you are not sure where it goes, ask. There will be a couple of clips you’ll have to undo to open the air filter box, but that’s about it.

Your air filter should be replaced once or twice a year. Every six months, you should at least check it. If it looks dirty, replace it. The better airflow your engine gets, the better it will perform, which to you means higher gas mileage and lower maintenance costs over time.

Basic Tune-Up: A tune-up basically involves replacing a bunch of inexpensive, quick-to-wear-out parts, and checking out a bunch of more expensive, slower-to-wear-out parts. This should be done once a year, but again, many people aren’t very good at making sure it gets done regularly.

A basic tune-up involves replacing (or cleaning and re-gapping) your spark plugs, replacing your distributor cap and rotor, and checking and/or replacing your spark plug wires. Other parts that might need to be replaced during a tune-up are your PCV (positive crankcase ventilation valve) and your oxygen sensor. All of these can affect the way your car runs, causing your gas mileage to go down and the carbon monoxide in your exhaust to go up.

Radiator Flush and Coolant Replacement: Your cooling system is a vital system. It prevents your engine from overheating, which can ruin an entire engine in mere minutes. Your cooling system therefore ought to be treated with respect, which means flushing your radiator and replacing the coolant every year or so, preferably at the end of summer or fall, before the cold weather hits.

The reason for flushing your radiator and replacing the coolant is that the Ph balance in antifreeze breaks down after a while, destroying many of its protective properties. Not only will it not cool to as low a temperature, but it will also begin to allow rust to form in your cooling system, which may lead to premature leaks in your radiator.

Be sure your replacement coolant is half water and half antifreeze. The 50/50 mixture has the lowest possible freezing temperature, the highest possible boiling point (meaning your coolant won’t boil on hot days), and will protect against corrosion inside the system.

Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement: Many people don’t realize that their automatic transmission contains fluid and a filter that need to be replaced periodically, just like an engine. Unfortunately, neglecting this maintenance repair can result in parts in the transmission going out more quickly than they should, requiring you to overhaul or replace your transmission, which is a costly venture, to say the least.

The fluid and filter in your automatic transmission should typically be replaced about every 25,000 miles, which is less than a year’s worth of driving for most cars. The oil in a standard transmission doesn’t need to be replaced as frequently. Replacement about once every couple of years, unless you happen to do a lot of hard driving, such as towing.

Keeping up on these five preventative maintenance repairs will ensure that you maximize the life of your car. A good foreign or domestic automotive maintenance shop can help you keep track of the required maintenance, making sure that you don’t miss anything important.

Innovation in the automotive lift service department is driving time savings, improved efficiency and resource savings for dealerships looking to speed vehicle check-in, improve technician performance and reduce waste.

These new technologies in automotive lifts range far and wide. Among others, they include laptop and notebooks service advisor tools that improve walk-around results while getting customers in and out of the write-up process faster, connectivity tools that assist technicians in their problem diagnosis and resolution, and automotive lift systems using non-hazardous hydraulic oils for their operation.

On of the newest technologies for the service department is an inground automotive lift using water (instead of petroleum or vegetable-based hydraulic oils) and compressed air (rather than electric motors to raise and lower the unit.

The new type of automobile lift system has been in operation in a number of dealership service departments for several months. It also has been accepted by a number of OEMs, including Ford Motor Company, which offers it to its dealers through the Ford Rotunda program, Ford?s OE equipment and tool program.

“There has been no new significant technology in lifts for the last 10 years or so, but Challenger Lifts, with this new AquaVantage model, has changed the true guts of lifts,” says Nick Zala, vice president of OEM Sales for Integrated Supply Network, administrators of the Rotunda program for Ford Motor Company.

Because these lifts use corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum pistons, water?usually unwelcome in a vehicle service environment?presents no concerns about rust in the unit or its impact on internal components.

For the complete article or to learn more about AquaVantage? Technology, please visit Challenger Lifts.

Automotive Airbag should be filled instantly by the burning helium when the sensor got the emergency signal. Therefore, automotive Airbag integrated seal and leak testing is an important index for automotive Airbag quality. Labthink Instruments Co., Ltd. introduces PARAM Leak Tester to test Airbag seal and leak performance.

Labthink PARAM MFY-01 Leak Tester determines whether the Airbag meets the requirements through observation of emerged Airbag in distilled water with inside-out pressure difference. This tester is of simple operation and micro-computer control. It complies with ASTM D3078 and GB/T 15171 and provides accurate data.

At the same time, Labthink PERME series of Gas Permeation Instruments can test Airbag material gas permeation rate.

Labthink, the excellent provider of testing instruments and testing services, is devoted to provide most excellent and complete quality control solutions for pharmaceutical, foodstuff, cosmetics, packaging, printing, adhesive, automotive, petrochemistry, environment, biology, new energy, construction, aviation and electronic industries worldwide.

Labthink, the excellent provider of testing instruments and testing services, is devoted to provide most excellent and complete quality control solutions for pharmaceutical, foodstuff, cosmetics, packaging, printing, adhesive, automotive, petrochemistry, environment, biology, new energy, construction, aviation and electronic industries worldwide.

Labthink is devoted to share excellent quality testing and control techniques with global clients and is known for wide coverage of international testing standards. Labthink participates in the drafting of several important standards of food, pharmaceutical and packaging industries, and is the excellent partner of national certification institutes.

Labthink has also established cooperation with IGT, Rycobel, Metrotec, Chilton, Moroka and other renowned distributors to provide attentive and prompt technical services for her customers in more than 40 countries and regions.

Labthink aims at creating satisfactory value and professional services for her customers.

Labthink, think for you only!

Labthink Instruments Co., Ltd.

No. 144 Wuyingshan Road, Jinan 250031, China

Tracy Bao  info@labthink.cn

Tel: 0086 531 85061153  fax:0086 531 85812140