Recommendations on Hybrid Car Tires
Will Treps asked:
It is important that you know how to assess hybrid car tires for better performance. Gas mileage is influenced more than just the weight and size of the tire. Keep in mind that rolling resistance of a tire has a bigger influence. Basically, harder tires equals less rolling resistance.
Generally, if the tire is too round or too hard, the tire-patch will be too small to adhere to the road surface effectively. The case is similar when it comes to tread designs and patterns. The more intricate the tread design, the better it will be able to adhere to the road better. But this also produces a chance for air, dirt, snow or water to become trapped. Ultimately, the engine will have to work harder and the car’s mileage will be minimized.
The majority of hybrid cars utilize some kind of low rolling resistance tire. While the low resistance tires will improve mileage, there have been reports from consumers that they were not pleased by the way the tires dealt with the road. But at the end of the day, it’s all about your personal requirements. If you drive aggressively, for instance, then a softer tire will be ideal. Otherwise, tires with the lowest resistance might be the best for you.
Several hybrid car users suggest an absolute minimum of psi or 35 psi. You should go through the manufacturer’s advice, and find out on your own how comfortable you are with pumping up your tires for an increase in mpg. Always remember, though, the safety issues regarding over-inflating your tires. Hopefully, this article has given you the opportunity to learn more about hybrid car tires so you’ll know how to assess them before purchase.
It is important that you know how to assess hybrid car tires for better performance. Gas mileage is influenced more than just the weight and size of the tire. Keep in mind that rolling resistance of a tire has a bigger influence. Basically, harder tires equals less rolling resistance.
Generally, if the tire is too round or too hard, the tire-patch will be too small to adhere to the road surface effectively. The case is similar when it comes to tread designs and patterns. The more intricate the tread design, the better it will be able to adhere to the road better. But this also produces a chance for air, dirt, snow or water to become trapped. Ultimately, the engine will have to work harder and the car’s mileage will be minimized.
The majority of hybrid cars utilize some kind of low rolling resistance tire. While the low resistance tires will improve mileage, there have been reports from consumers that they were not pleased by the way the tires dealt with the road. But at the end of the day, it’s all about your personal requirements. If you drive aggressively, for instance, then a softer tire will be ideal. Otherwise, tires with the lowest resistance might be the best for you.
Several hybrid car users suggest an absolute minimum of psi or 35 psi. You should go through the manufacturer’s advice, and find out on your own how comfortable you are with pumping up your tires for an increase in mpg. Always remember, though, the safety issues regarding over-inflating your tires. Hopefully, this article has given you the opportunity to learn more about hybrid car tires so you’ll know how to assess them before purchase.
Detroit Auto Insurance – The Disadvantages of Getting the Minimum Liability Auto Insurance
Austin Auto Insurance asked:
Plenty of people are certainly aiming to get the lowest rate when it comes to Detroit auto insurance. Well, who doesn’t want lower rates? Who wants to pay too much for car insurance? As much as possible, people would like to spend less in everything especially on insurance policies.
With this reason, people came up with a lot of solutions on how they could lower their rates. They are considering every possible options and solutions. Plenty of people just choose to purchase the minimum liability auto insurance because they noticed that this is the most affordable type of insurance compared to the other types of insurance.
As we all know, the government is mandating everyone to get even the minimum liability insurance. Getting this car insurance is good because at least you have your own insurance. Maybe you are now thinking of purchasing one. But before you do that you must know that there are also some disadvantages when it comes to type of insurance. You must be aware of all of these things before you finally decide to purchase the minimum liability auto insurance so that you will not have any regrets in the end.
There are usually three types of Detroit auto insurance and those are the comprehensive auto insurance, collision, and the minimum liability auto insurance. As I have said, the advantage of the minimum among the two is that it is more affordable but when it comes to coverage the other two covered more. Obviously, the minimum liability auto insurance only covered the minimum. This means that it only has limited coverage. In case you will be involved in an accident where there are terrible damages and injuries, you must not expect the insurance to pay for all of it because it will pay only the minimum. There is a need for you to pay all the rest. If you will compute the expenses, you will discover that you will have lesser expenses if you will just purchase the collision or comprehensive insurance than the minimum liability auto insurance. At first, it seems that the minimum liability auto insurance is a great way to save a lot of money but sooner or later, when you will get yourself involved in an accident you will see the truth and that truth is that it is more practical to get the insurance policies which have bigger coverage.
If you will get insurance policies with bigger coverage, there will be no need for you to pay a lot of fines in the damages and injuries because all of those things are already covered by the insurance. Aside from saving a lot of money, you also save yourself from a lot of hassles and problems. So, if you are planning to get Detroit auto insurance, it will be wiser if you will choose the insurance with the best coverage. Now that you already know the disadvantages of purchasing the minimum liability auto insurance, I hope that you will now consider getting the other types of insurance.
Plenty of people are certainly aiming to get the lowest rate when it comes to Detroit auto insurance. Well, who doesn’t want lower rates? Who wants to pay too much for car insurance? As much as possible, people would like to spend less in everything especially on insurance policies.
With this reason, people came up with a lot of solutions on how they could lower their rates. They are considering every possible options and solutions. Plenty of people just choose to purchase the minimum liability auto insurance because they noticed that this is the most affordable type of insurance compared to the other types of insurance.
As we all know, the government is mandating everyone to get even the minimum liability insurance. Getting this car insurance is good because at least you have your own insurance. Maybe you are now thinking of purchasing one. But before you do that you must know that there are also some disadvantages when it comes to type of insurance. You must be aware of all of these things before you finally decide to purchase the minimum liability auto insurance so that you will not have any regrets in the end.
There are usually three types of Detroit auto insurance and those are the comprehensive auto insurance, collision, and the minimum liability auto insurance. As I have said, the advantage of the minimum among the two is that it is more affordable but when it comes to coverage the other two covered more. Obviously, the minimum liability auto insurance only covered the minimum. This means that it only has limited coverage. In case you will be involved in an accident where there are terrible damages and injuries, you must not expect the insurance to pay for all of it because it will pay only the minimum. There is a need for you to pay all the rest. If you will compute the expenses, you will discover that you will have lesser expenses if you will just purchase the collision or comprehensive insurance than the minimum liability auto insurance. At first, it seems that the minimum liability auto insurance is a great way to save a lot of money but sooner or later, when you will get yourself involved in an accident you will see the truth and that truth is that it is more practical to get the insurance policies which have bigger coverage.
If you will get insurance policies with bigger coverage, there will be no need for you to pay a lot of fines in the damages and injuries because all of those things are already covered by the insurance. Aside from saving a lot of money, you also save yourself from a lot of hassles and problems. So, if you are planning to get Detroit auto insurance, it will be wiser if you will choose the insurance with the best coverage. Now that you already know the disadvantages of purchasing the minimum liability auto insurance, I hope that you will now consider getting the other types of insurance.
Choosing a Used BMW SUV
Christine Harrell asked:
It’s no surprise that BMW has been a leading luxury car brand since soon after it’s inception in 1917. A latecomer to the SUV market, BMW released its first X5 SUV in the year 2000 followed by the X3 in 2003. Now in 2006, there are a great number of options and features to choose from in a used BMW SUV. With such a broad range of choices, choosing the perfect SUV can seem a bit overwhelming. In this article, we’ll take a look at the year to year variations in the X5 and the X3 BMW SUVs.
The 2000 X5:
The 2000 model BMW SUV is the earliest year model you’ll find for any used BMW SUV. The first release of the X5 was an 8 cylinder model (4.4i), but if you’re looking for lower price, all years of the BMW SUV also come in a 6 cylinder version (3.0i.) Among the many common features that you’ll find on every X5 used BMW SUV some of the most prominent are an anti-skid system, 4 wheel drive, traction control, a hill decent control feature, and front side impact air bags.
The 2001 X5:
You’ll find no differences between the 2000 X5 SUV and the 2001. However, you may find feature variations within these 2 years due to the presence or absence of optional features such as head protecting tubular air bags located above the front door windows, rear lower body side air bags, and a super-slick luxury option for the 6 cylinder with 18 inch tires, leather seats, and elegant wood trim.
The 2002 X5:
As seems to be the trend with many new models, the 3rd year of production is where the X5 saw the most changes. When shopping the 2002 BMW SUV models, you’ll find yet another 8 cylinder SUV; the 4.6is with 20 “wheels as opposed to 19″, a more robust engine, and more stylish interior. Sun-lovers will enjoy the fact that both the 6 cylinder 3.0i and 8 cylinder 4.4i model of this used BMW SUV come with a Panorama glass sunroof.
The 2003 X5:
The 2003 is identical to the 2002 year model.
The 2004 X5:
The 2004 offers a fresh new styling with new taillights, a redesigned front end, and a new wheel style. The 2004 used BMW SUV sports upgrades under the hood as well with the 6-speed “x drive” for both manual and automatic transmission models. The 2004 SUV turns up the luxury factor a notch also with rain sensing wipers, a power passenger seat, and an optional heated rear seats.
The 2005 X5:
If you love those optional luxury features but have been having a hard time finding them in other year models, you’re likely to find them in the 2005 model. Instead of creating new features in 2005, BMW decided to make many of the optional features standard on the 8 cylinder 4.4i model. You’ll find features such as front and rear obstacle detection and Xenon headlights are standard on the 2005 4.4i used BMW SUV, but still optional on the 6 cylinder 3.1i.
The 2003 – 2005 X3:
In 2003, BMW introduced the X3, designed to compete with the smaller luxury SUV’s on the market like the Lexus RX. The main difference between the X5 and the X3 is that the X3 is smaller; referred to by BMW as a “compact luxury crossover SUV” or a “Sports Activity Vehicle.” The X3 is built upon the 3-Series car platform and truly is a beefed up version of the beloved 3-Series BMW with all of its class and styling designed for drivers in the new millennium.
The 2005 X3:
Whenever a new model is released, there are always some kinks to smooth out in the design or engineering. For the X3, the complaint seemed to focus on the X3’s rough ride, which was rectified in 2005. Earlier models had mismatched interior plastics and carpeting – another issue addressed in 2005. Other changes you’ll find with the X3 2005 BMW SUV are one-piece front wheel fenders, and an “open door” indicator.
The 2006 X3:
The 2006 X3 model offered no significant changes over the 2005 – apparently the 2005 changes were enough to keep critics and buyers smiling. This 2006 X3 used SUV won both the Intellichoice Best in Class awards for highest retained value and for lowest maintenance.
The year or model of BMW SUV you choice will be as individual as you are. Any used BMW SUV is a smart option when it comes to value, prestige, and satisfaction of ownership. The greatest benefit of buying a used SUV or luxury vehicle is having the opportunity to read consumer reviews, to review crash test reports, and to see the progression of a new model over the course of several years before choosing the one that fits your lifestyle as well as your price range.
It’s no surprise that BMW has been a leading luxury car brand since soon after it’s inception in 1917. A latecomer to the SUV market, BMW released its first X5 SUV in the year 2000 followed by the X3 in 2003. Now in 2006, there are a great number of options and features to choose from in a used BMW SUV. With such a broad range of choices, choosing the perfect SUV can seem a bit overwhelming. In this article, we’ll take a look at the year to year variations in the X5 and the X3 BMW SUVs.
The 2000 X5:
The 2000 model BMW SUV is the earliest year model you’ll find for any used BMW SUV. The first release of the X5 was an 8 cylinder model (4.4i), but if you’re looking for lower price, all years of the BMW SUV also come in a 6 cylinder version (3.0i.) Among the many common features that you’ll find on every X5 used BMW SUV some of the most prominent are an anti-skid system, 4 wheel drive, traction control, a hill decent control feature, and front side impact air bags.
The 2001 X5:
You’ll find no differences between the 2000 X5 SUV and the 2001. However, you may find feature variations within these 2 years due to the presence or absence of optional features such as head protecting tubular air bags located above the front door windows, rear lower body side air bags, and a super-slick luxury option for the 6 cylinder with 18 inch tires, leather seats, and elegant wood trim.
The 2002 X5:
As seems to be the trend with many new models, the 3rd year of production is where the X5 saw the most changes. When shopping the 2002 BMW SUV models, you’ll find yet another 8 cylinder SUV; the 4.6is with 20 “wheels as opposed to 19″, a more robust engine, and more stylish interior. Sun-lovers will enjoy the fact that both the 6 cylinder 3.0i and 8 cylinder 4.4i model of this used BMW SUV come with a Panorama glass sunroof.
The 2003 X5:
The 2003 is identical to the 2002 year model.
The 2004 X5:
The 2004 offers a fresh new styling with new taillights, a redesigned front end, and a new wheel style. The 2004 used BMW SUV sports upgrades under the hood as well with the 6-speed “x drive” for both manual and automatic transmission models. The 2004 SUV turns up the luxury factor a notch also with rain sensing wipers, a power passenger seat, and an optional heated rear seats.
The 2005 X5:
If you love those optional luxury features but have been having a hard time finding them in other year models, you’re likely to find them in the 2005 model. Instead of creating new features in 2005, BMW decided to make many of the optional features standard on the 8 cylinder 4.4i model. You’ll find features such as front and rear obstacle detection and Xenon headlights are standard on the 2005 4.4i used BMW SUV, but still optional on the 6 cylinder 3.1i.
The 2003 – 2005 X3:
In 2003, BMW introduced the X3, designed to compete with the smaller luxury SUV’s on the market like the Lexus RX. The main difference between the X5 and the X3 is that the X3 is smaller; referred to by BMW as a “compact luxury crossover SUV” or a “Sports Activity Vehicle.” The X3 is built upon the 3-Series car platform and truly is a beefed up version of the beloved 3-Series BMW with all of its class and styling designed for drivers in the new millennium.
The 2005 X3:
Whenever a new model is released, there are always some kinks to smooth out in the design or engineering. For the X3, the complaint seemed to focus on the X3’s rough ride, which was rectified in 2005. Earlier models had mismatched interior plastics and carpeting – another issue addressed in 2005. Other changes you’ll find with the X3 2005 BMW SUV are one-piece front wheel fenders, and an “open door” indicator.
The 2006 X3:
The 2006 X3 model offered no significant changes over the 2005 – apparently the 2005 changes were enough to keep critics and buyers smiling. This 2006 X3 used SUV won both the Intellichoice Best in Class awards for highest retained value and for lowest maintenance.
The year or model of BMW SUV you choice will be as individual as you are. Any used BMW SUV is a smart option when it comes to value, prestige, and satisfaction of ownership. The greatest benefit of buying a used SUV or luxury vehicle is having the opportunity to read consumer reviews, to review crash test reports, and to see the progression of a new model over the course of several years before choosing the one that fits your lifestyle as well as your price range.
More Than 100,000 Mercedes-benz Cls-class Models Already Sold
Dwyane Thomas asked:
DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand has recently announced the 100,000th sales milestone of the company’s CLS-Class luxury 4-door coupes. Actually, more than 100,000 units of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are already sold in markets and delivered to customers all over the world since the new Mercedes-Benz 4-door luxury coupe model was launched in 2004. Stuttgart-based automaker said the top selling markets for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are in Germany and in the United States.
“The CLS-Class combines the elegant design vocabulary and dynamics of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan in a completely unmatched way.” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.
“The extraordinarily positive customer response to a model that is still unique underscores Mercedes-Benz’ role as a trendsetter in the development of new vehicle concepts and impressively demonstrates the success of our product strategy.” he added.
In addition, in an official company press released, Mercedes-Benz reports that:
“Demand for the CLS is particularly high in the U.S., where about 27,000 units have been sold since the vehicle was introduced to the market in January 2005. The second most important market for the four-door coupe is Germany accounting for about 20 percent of global sales. The most popular engine version in Germany last year was the CLS 320 CDI, which was chosen by more than half of the customers.”
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with a wide range of models. These include CLS 350 CGI, CLS 500, CLS 63 AMG, CLS 320 CDI, CLS 550, and CLS 63 AMG. All models feature a sleek and luxurious body styling and impressive vehicle driving and handling performance coming from a 4-door coupe with 4-seat cabin. Mercedes-Benz offers an exclusive petrol or diesel engine for each model.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering the world’s first direct-injection gasoline engine with a spray-guided combustion process for the 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood of the CLS 350 CGI. As a result of this innovative powertrain technology, the Mercedes CLS 350 CGI pumps out additional horsepower and torque output, and boost the vehicle’s performance while improving the fuel efficiency.
All models included in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with standard components including 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and Speedtronic cruise control, 80 liters fuel tank, 4-5 twin-spoke alloy wheel design with 245/45 performance tires, electric folding mirrors, exhaust system with two chrome tailpipes, heated windscreen wash system, metallic paint finish, projection beam halogen headlamps, remote boot release, and space saver spare wheel.
For more performance-oriented customers who starve for speed, Mercedes AMG tuning company offers Mercedes OEM parts that will further boost the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s performance.
DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand has recently announced the 100,000th sales milestone of the company’s CLS-Class luxury 4-door coupes. Actually, more than 100,000 units of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are already sold in markets and delivered to customers all over the world since the new Mercedes-Benz 4-door luxury coupe model was launched in 2004. Stuttgart-based automaker said the top selling markets for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class are in Germany and in the United States.
“The CLS-Class combines the elegant design vocabulary and dynamics of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan in a completely unmatched way.” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing.
“The extraordinarily positive customer response to a model that is still unique underscores Mercedes-Benz’ role as a trendsetter in the development of new vehicle concepts and impressively demonstrates the success of our product strategy.” he added.
In addition, in an official company press released, Mercedes-Benz reports that:
“Demand for the CLS is particularly high in the U.S., where about 27,000 units have been sold since the vehicle was introduced to the market in January 2005. The second most important market for the four-door coupe is Germany accounting for about 20 percent of global sales. The most popular engine version in Germany last year was the CLS 320 CDI, which was chosen by more than half of the customers.”
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with a wide range of models. These include CLS 350 CGI, CLS 500, CLS 63 AMG, CLS 320 CDI, CLS 550, and CLS 63 AMG. All models feature a sleek and luxurious body styling and impressive vehicle driving and handling performance coming from a 4-door coupe with 4-seat cabin. Mercedes-Benz offers an exclusive petrol or diesel engine for each model.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering the world’s first direct-injection gasoline engine with a spray-guided combustion process for the 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood of the CLS 350 CGI. As a result of this innovative powertrain technology, the Mercedes CLS 350 CGI pumps out additional horsepower and torque output, and boost the vehicle’s performance while improving the fuel efficiency.
All models included in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with standard components including 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and Speedtronic cruise control, 80 liters fuel tank, 4-5 twin-spoke alloy wheel design with 245/45 performance tires, electric folding mirrors, exhaust system with two chrome tailpipes, heated windscreen wash system, metallic paint finish, projection beam halogen headlamps, remote boot release, and space saver spare wheel.
For more performance-oriented customers who starve for speed, Mercedes AMG tuning company offers Mercedes OEM parts that will further boost the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class’s performance.
Why it is so Important to Have San Francisco Auto Insurance
Austin Auto Insurance asked:
There have been a lot of issues regarding the purchasing of auto insurance. Some drivers even come to the point that they think they don’t need auto insurance anymore because they are very good in driving. Even some still think that they can escape accidents. Well, this matter is really unbelievable since accidents happen in the unexpected moments. Others may think that auto insurance is more of a painful task than a beneficial task. It could be something that makes them tiresome everytime they receive their monthly bills.
However, the importance of purchasing your auto insurance cannot be denied. You should have or you will forever live with worries while you are driving. Auto insurance will keep you away from that. If you have it with you or your car is insured, you will feel confident that whatever happens to you while you are on the road driving, you know that you are financially protected.
In San Francisco, California, they require their drivers to insure their car so that they will be covered if ever they got involved in any vehicular accidents.
San Francisco auto insurance requires you a certain minimum amount of auto insurance on your car. The coverage of your auto insurance that you must handle as a minimum on every car differs from the other states which could actually require more.
Every driver should comprehend that the state they live in affects the amount of liability they should carry. If the state is prone to accident then there is a higher the possibility that you will pay beyond the minimum coverage. There a lot more factors that could affect the amount of coverage that you should pay your insurance company. Some of them are your age, your gender, the type of car you are driving, your driving history and so on. That is why knowing and understanding all of these things is important so that you will be able to catch the suitable auto insurance for you.
San Francisco auto insurance will surely protect you from personal accountabilities should you be involved in any vehicular accident. If ever you are at fault, you will be required to pay for all of the damages you have caused. Aside from your legal responsibilities, you will have a lot of worries most especially if your car is not insured. This is how important San Francisco auto insurance is.
You should also endeavor to learn about the many ways of gaining discounts. If you are lucky enough to have discounts that will be a big factor that could lessen the burden of paying your auto insurance.
Surely, you can never escape having auto insurance. This is a requirement that has negative impression to many but in the long run it will help them from any quandaries caused by unexpected accidents.
Having San Francisco auto insurance serves as your angel in disguise. It will be there as your protection whatever happens to you. So why not embrace and never **** it? After all, it’s your best friend at the end.
There have been a lot of issues regarding the purchasing of auto insurance. Some drivers even come to the point that they think they don’t need auto insurance anymore because they are very good in driving. Even some still think that they can escape accidents. Well, this matter is really unbelievable since accidents happen in the unexpected moments. Others may think that auto insurance is more of a painful task than a beneficial task. It could be something that makes them tiresome everytime they receive their monthly bills.
However, the importance of purchasing your auto insurance cannot be denied. You should have or you will forever live with worries while you are driving. Auto insurance will keep you away from that. If you have it with you or your car is insured, you will feel confident that whatever happens to you while you are on the road driving, you know that you are financially protected.
In San Francisco, California, they require their drivers to insure their car so that they will be covered if ever they got involved in any vehicular accidents.
San Francisco auto insurance requires you a certain minimum amount of auto insurance on your car. The coverage of your auto insurance that you must handle as a minimum on every car differs from the other states which could actually require more.
Every driver should comprehend that the state they live in affects the amount of liability they should carry. If the state is prone to accident then there is a higher the possibility that you will pay beyond the minimum coverage. There a lot more factors that could affect the amount of coverage that you should pay your insurance company. Some of them are your age, your gender, the type of car you are driving, your driving history and so on. That is why knowing and understanding all of these things is important so that you will be able to catch the suitable auto insurance for you.
San Francisco auto insurance will surely protect you from personal accountabilities should you be involved in any vehicular accident. If ever you are at fault, you will be required to pay for all of the damages you have caused. Aside from your legal responsibilities, you will have a lot of worries most especially if your car is not insured. This is how important San Francisco auto insurance is.
You should also endeavor to learn about the many ways of gaining discounts. If you are lucky enough to have discounts that will be a big factor that could lessen the burden of paying your auto insurance.
Surely, you can never escape having auto insurance. This is a requirement that has negative impression to many but in the long run it will help them from any quandaries caused by unexpected accidents.
Having San Francisco auto insurance serves as your angel in disguise. It will be there as your protection whatever happens to you. So why not embrace and never **** it? After all, it’s your best friend at the end.
New $750m Tech Center Ignites Nissan Catch-up Plan
RyanThomas asked:
The Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. said last Tuesday that it will invest some $750 million in a new research and development centre to catch up with rivals in environmental and safety technology.
New technology center
Japan’s third largest automaker inaugurated the Nissan Advanced Technology Centre (NATC) on Tuesday in Atsugi, west of Tokyo, with some 2000 employees and laboratories for advanced vehicles, electric powertrains and other equipment.
The opening of the new facility underlines the determination of the automaker to develop environmental and safety technologies that are increasingly critical for riding out the tough competition in the auto industry. “Whether products with technology that appeals to consumers can be offered in a timely manner will determine the winners and the losers,” Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said in Japanese at the opening in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture.
“NATC has been established to accelerate the research and advanced engineering of breakthrough technologies for Nissan’s next generation products,” Nissan executive vice president Mitsuhiko Yamashita said. “Future technologies being developed are aimed at environmental sustainability and towards creating a safer mobile society,” he added.
The investment will cover renovations to a powertrain development center and a global design studio, both in Atsugi, said the company in a statement. At the NATC, Nissan’s pool of engineers will pursue a range of eco-friendly technologies to limit the dangerous carbon dioxide emissions, including electric vehicles and hybrids, the statement went further. The Japanese automaker will also develop an “intelligent transportation system” in which data received from traffic beacons is used to alert drivers and aid slash reduce potential road accidents.
NATC is located in Kanagawa prefecture and that is adjacent to Tokyo. Nissan has two other major facilities in the prefecture for product planning, research and development and advanced development: the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi and the Nissan Research Center in Yokosuka.
The injury
The Japanese automaker was hit by a business slump in the late 1990s. Since then, it has lagged behind the Toyota Motor Corp. and the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in the development of new-generation vehicles. Honda has intimated its plan to build a new laboratory in Japan in 2009. Last month, Nissan reported the first drop in annual profits since 1999 under its legendary chief, a Brazilian-born Frenchman who is also the Renault CEO.
Nissan officials acknowledged the company’s near collapse before its dramatic revival under a 1999 alliance with Renault SA of France meant they could not invest in technology to the degree they would have liked. But for the past several years, Nissan has been investing more in technology, they said.
The aim
Nissan Senior Vice President Minoru Shinohara said the carmaker is not preoccupied with what rivals may be doing and is focused on its own goals, such as perfecting its original hybrid system that he said will outperform the competition.
Hybrids now available from Toyota and Honda use nickel-metal hydride batteries, although all major automakers, including the General Motors Corp. of the U.S., are working on lithium-ion batteries for vehicles. Breakthroughs may be exactly what Nissan needs if it hopes to narrow the gap in hybrids with industry leaders like Toyota and Honda, analysts added.
Analysts’ say
Some analysts said Nissan has fallen behind rivals Toyota and Honda in developing gas-and-electric hybrid cars and other technologies that reduce gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Yasuaki Iwamoto, an auto analyst with Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo, said investing in the Nissan Advanced Technology Center is a step in the right direction. “Otherwise, Nissan has no chance of surviving the competition,” he said. “Catching up won’t be that easy for Nissan. It’s not as though Toyota and Honda are going to sit still and do nothing.”
Maintaining the standing under such unfavorable conditions is a key impediment researchers must overcome to make ecologically friendly vehicles. Nissan’s lithium-ion batteries, expected to have the major benefit of smaller size compared to the current systems, were being tested to to lift the standing of the automaker in the automotive battle arena.
Improving product lines
Nissan introduced a hybrid last year, but now licenses the technology from Toyota. The automaker is working on an original hybrid, set to be launched by 2010, using what it says is a superior kind of battery technology, the lithium-ion battery to be mated to Nissan engines. The batteries are commonly used in gadgets such as laptops and cell phones but have yet to be completely adapted to the more meticulous demands of a car engine.
At the automaker’s new complex for technology, experimental car batteries are stored in freezing temperatures, cooked in giant metal boxes and rattled to improve driving. The batteries are anticipated to play a critical part in Nissan’s effort to catch up in the race to develop green vehicles. The lithium-ion batteries were being tested at the center that opened Tuesday in Atsugi, just west of Tokyo.
“Whether products with technology that appeals to consumers can be offered in a timely manner will determine the winners and the losers,” Ghosn noted.
Nissan is also developing a “three-liter car” capable of traveling 100 kilometers, or 60 miles, on just three liters, or about three quarts, of gasoline. The company hopes to unveil a new model in Japan in 2010.
On alliance
The Japanese automaker is also confident in competing without additional alliance. Ghosn said last Tuesday that Nissan is under no pressure to find a new alliance partner and is not in talks with anybody despite news that a private equity firm will buy U.S.-based automaker Chrysler. “We’re not talking with anybody. I don’t think it’s the right timing today,” Ghosn said while commemorating the opening of its new technology center.
In 2006, Nissan and its French partner Renault entered months of tie-up negotiations with Detroit’s General Motors Corp. in an attempt to create an auto juggernaut across Asia, Europe and North America. The talks ended with no agreement.
Ghosn has since held open the possibility of a further merger, adding that a North American link would be a natural extension. But he has said he is currently satisfied with the scale of the Nissan-Renault partnership. “There’s no change,” he said.
The Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. said last Tuesday that it will invest some $750 million in a new research and development centre to catch up with rivals in environmental and safety technology.
New technology center
Japan’s third largest automaker inaugurated the Nissan Advanced Technology Centre (NATC) on Tuesday in Atsugi, west of Tokyo, with some 2000 employees and laboratories for advanced vehicles, electric powertrains and other equipment.
The opening of the new facility underlines the determination of the automaker to develop environmental and safety technologies that are increasingly critical for riding out the tough competition in the auto industry. “Whether products with technology that appeals to consumers can be offered in a timely manner will determine the winners and the losers,” Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said in Japanese at the opening in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture.
“NATC has been established to accelerate the research and advanced engineering of breakthrough technologies for Nissan’s next generation products,” Nissan executive vice president Mitsuhiko Yamashita said. “Future technologies being developed are aimed at environmental sustainability and towards creating a safer mobile society,” he added.
The investment will cover renovations to a powertrain development center and a global design studio, both in Atsugi, said the company in a statement. At the NATC, Nissan’s pool of engineers will pursue a range of eco-friendly technologies to limit the dangerous carbon dioxide emissions, including electric vehicles and hybrids, the statement went further. The Japanese automaker will also develop an “intelligent transportation system” in which data received from traffic beacons is used to alert drivers and aid slash reduce potential road accidents.
NATC is located in Kanagawa prefecture and that is adjacent to Tokyo. Nissan has two other major facilities in the prefecture for product planning, research and development and advanced development: the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi and the Nissan Research Center in Yokosuka.
The injury
The Japanese automaker was hit by a business slump in the late 1990s. Since then, it has lagged behind the Toyota Motor Corp. and the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in the development of new-generation vehicles. Honda has intimated its plan to build a new laboratory in Japan in 2009. Last month, Nissan reported the first drop in annual profits since 1999 under its legendary chief, a Brazilian-born Frenchman who is also the Renault CEO.
Nissan officials acknowledged the company’s near collapse before its dramatic revival under a 1999 alliance with Renault SA of France meant they could not invest in technology to the degree they would have liked. But for the past several years, Nissan has been investing more in technology, they said.
The aim
Nissan Senior Vice President Minoru Shinohara said the carmaker is not preoccupied with what rivals may be doing and is focused on its own goals, such as perfecting its original hybrid system that he said will outperform the competition.
Hybrids now available from Toyota and Honda use nickel-metal hydride batteries, although all major automakers, including the General Motors Corp. of the U.S., are working on lithium-ion batteries for vehicles. Breakthroughs may be exactly what Nissan needs if it hopes to narrow the gap in hybrids with industry leaders like Toyota and Honda, analysts added.
Analysts’ say
Some analysts said Nissan has fallen behind rivals Toyota and Honda in developing gas-and-electric hybrid cars and other technologies that reduce gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Yasuaki Iwamoto, an auto analyst with Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo, said investing in the Nissan Advanced Technology Center is a step in the right direction. “Otherwise, Nissan has no chance of surviving the competition,” he said. “Catching up won’t be that easy for Nissan. It’s not as though Toyota and Honda are going to sit still and do nothing.”
Maintaining the standing under such unfavorable conditions is a key impediment researchers must overcome to make ecologically friendly vehicles. Nissan’s lithium-ion batteries, expected to have the major benefit of smaller size compared to the current systems, were being tested to to lift the standing of the automaker in the automotive battle arena.
Improving product lines
Nissan introduced a hybrid last year, but now licenses the technology from Toyota. The automaker is working on an original hybrid, set to be launched by 2010, using what it says is a superior kind of battery technology, the lithium-ion battery to be mated to Nissan engines. The batteries are commonly used in gadgets such as laptops and cell phones but have yet to be completely adapted to the more meticulous demands of a car engine.
At the automaker’s new complex for technology, experimental car batteries are stored in freezing temperatures, cooked in giant metal boxes and rattled to improve driving. The batteries are anticipated to play a critical part in Nissan’s effort to catch up in the race to develop green vehicles. The lithium-ion batteries were being tested at the center that opened Tuesday in Atsugi, just west of Tokyo.
“Whether products with technology that appeals to consumers can be offered in a timely manner will determine the winners and the losers,” Ghosn noted.
Nissan is also developing a “three-liter car” capable of traveling 100 kilometers, or 60 miles, on just three liters, or about three quarts, of gasoline. The company hopes to unveil a new model in Japan in 2010.
On alliance
The Japanese automaker is also confident in competing without additional alliance. Ghosn said last Tuesday that Nissan is under no pressure to find a new alliance partner and is not in talks with anybody despite news that a private equity firm will buy U.S.-based automaker Chrysler. “We’re not talking with anybody. I don’t think it’s the right timing today,” Ghosn said while commemorating the opening of its new technology center.
In 2006, Nissan and its French partner Renault entered months of tie-up negotiations with Detroit’s General Motors Corp. in an attempt to create an auto juggernaut across Asia, Europe and North America. The talks ended with no agreement.
Ghosn has since held open the possibility of a further merger, adding that a North American link would be a natural extension. But he has said he is currently satisfied with the scale of the Nissan-Renault partnership. “There’s no change,” he said.
The Dos and Don’ts of Renting an Exotic Car
Noah Lehmann-Haupt asked:
As the exotic car rental industry grows, more consumers are flocking to this exciting and accessible trend in the luxury automotive space. Gotham Dream Cars, a leader in the industry with locations in New York and Miami, has released some useful tips for those enthusiasts who seek a “dream day” in a favorite luxury or super car. Unlike when renting from a traditional car rental company (such as Hertz or Avis), knowing what to ask of your exotic vehicle provider can help protect you from the unknown factors that come with renting an extremely expensive and powerful piece of machinery.
“As a car guy, I loved the idea of trying out the latest super car but I couldn’t find a reputable company to rent from! It was then that I decided to start Gotham Dream Cars and solve that problem,” states CEO Noah Lehmann-Haupt. “Renting a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the weekend is quite different from rental a normal economy car at the airport. It’s important for those thinking about taking the plunge to do their research and know what questions to ask up front.”
Lehmann-Haupt offers these important tips to discuss with any exotic rental company prior to utilizing their services:
Avoid the fly-by-nights: Make sure the car you are renting is actually owned/leased by the rental company and not a private owner’s personal toy. Several fly-by-night operators use privately-owned cars as ways to get around the legalities and difficulties of insurance and financing. If you rent a car that isn’t legally insured as a rental, you could be held liable and possibly sued for damages by the owner – and your personal insurance carrier won’t cover you. Furthermore, private owners rarely respect customers’ reservations, and your car could be taken back from the owner at any time. Not a good thing to happen the night before your big rental!
Beware of the stock photo: Make sure the car you reserve is the car you’re getting. Many small/start-up rental companies trade cars with other companies or list cars on their website that they do not own in order to appear bigger and more established. You may make a reservation based on a pretty picture online and get a different color, different model, or no car at all!
Ask for an on-site walk through of your car: Luxury/super cars are generally rare and exclusive vehicles and may have extremely advanced technology. Each can also have a unique driving personality and varied handling characteristics that can take hours, if not days, to get used to. Ask your rental company to give you a proper introduction to your vehicle and make sure you know how to use all the safety features, how to operate the transmission, and how to avoid a potentially dangerous drive.
Terms and conditions: Know the terms and conditions of the agreement prior to arranging for your rental: Exotic and super cars can be vastly different to rent than your standard rental. How many miles are included in the agreement? (Exotic rental companies rarely, if ever, give unlimited miles.) What happens if the car breaks down? What about roadside assistance? Are there refueling requirements?
Locations: Ask about delivery to your home or office and what the full service range of your rental provider is. Some rental companies offer different points for pick up and drop off as an added value.
Check the vehicle’s condition: Many startup and fly-by-night firms act only as brokers or middlemen, renting you a vehicle that’s been borrowed from another firm or a private owner. When this happens, the “buck never stops” and mechanical failures may not get fixed, tires may get dangerously worn, warning lights can get ignored, and the vehicle’s paint may get tarnished and dull from lack of care. Make sure your chosen exotic rental company has adequate staffing and someone who is responsible for the vehicles’ maintenance – both aesthetically and mechanically.
BUT, have realistic expectations: Even though the vehicle you’ve chosen to drive for the day may the be car of your dreams, it’s still a rental car and will inevitably have been driven by other enthusiasts, so normal wear and tear should be expected. Unlike the traditional rental companies, exotic rental firms rotate their fleets less frequently (usually every 2 – 3 years). The most reputable firms will give great attention to providing you with a great-looking and great-driving car, but be realistic about your expectations – just because the car is expensive doesn’t mean it will be coming straight from the showroom floor. And if the renter immediately before you puts a scratch in the bumper, there probably won’t be time to repaint it before it’s your turn, so you might have to face the choice of scratched car or no car.
As the exotic car rental industry grows, more consumers are flocking to this exciting and accessible trend in the luxury automotive space. Gotham Dream Cars, a leader in the industry with locations in New York and Miami, has released some useful tips for those enthusiasts who seek a “dream day” in a favorite luxury or super car. Unlike when renting from a traditional car rental company (such as Hertz or Avis), knowing what to ask of your exotic vehicle provider can help protect you from the unknown factors that come with renting an extremely expensive and powerful piece of machinery.
“As a car guy, I loved the idea of trying out the latest super car but I couldn’t find a reputable company to rent from! It was then that I decided to start Gotham Dream Cars and solve that problem,” states CEO Noah Lehmann-Haupt. “Renting a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the weekend is quite different from rental a normal economy car at the airport. It’s important for those thinking about taking the plunge to do their research and know what questions to ask up front.”
Lehmann-Haupt offers these important tips to discuss with any exotic rental company prior to utilizing their services:
Avoid the fly-by-nights: Make sure the car you are renting is actually owned/leased by the rental company and not a private owner’s personal toy. Several fly-by-night operators use privately-owned cars as ways to get around the legalities and difficulties of insurance and financing. If you rent a car that isn’t legally insured as a rental, you could be held liable and possibly sued for damages by the owner – and your personal insurance carrier won’t cover you. Furthermore, private owners rarely respect customers’ reservations, and your car could be taken back from the owner at any time. Not a good thing to happen the night before your big rental!
Beware of the stock photo: Make sure the car you reserve is the car you’re getting. Many small/start-up rental companies trade cars with other companies or list cars on their website that they do not own in order to appear bigger and more established. You may make a reservation based on a pretty picture online and get a different color, different model, or no car at all!
Ask for an on-site walk through of your car: Luxury/super cars are generally rare and exclusive vehicles and may have extremely advanced technology. Each can also have a unique driving personality and varied handling characteristics that can take hours, if not days, to get used to. Ask your rental company to give you a proper introduction to your vehicle and make sure you know how to use all the safety features, how to operate the transmission, and how to avoid a potentially dangerous drive.
Terms and conditions: Know the terms and conditions of the agreement prior to arranging for your rental: Exotic and super cars can be vastly different to rent than your standard rental. How many miles are included in the agreement? (Exotic rental companies rarely, if ever, give unlimited miles.) What happens if the car breaks down? What about roadside assistance? Are there refueling requirements?
Locations: Ask about delivery to your home or office and what the full service range of your rental provider is. Some rental companies offer different points for pick up and drop off as an added value.
Check the vehicle’s condition: Many startup and fly-by-night firms act only as brokers or middlemen, renting you a vehicle that’s been borrowed from another firm or a private owner. When this happens, the “buck never stops” and mechanical failures may not get fixed, tires may get dangerously worn, warning lights can get ignored, and the vehicle’s paint may get tarnished and dull from lack of care. Make sure your chosen exotic rental company has adequate staffing and someone who is responsible for the vehicles’ maintenance – both aesthetically and mechanically.
BUT, have realistic expectations: Even though the vehicle you’ve chosen to drive for the day may the be car of your dreams, it’s still a rental car and will inevitably have been driven by other enthusiasts, so normal wear and tear should be expected. Unlike the traditional rental companies, exotic rental firms rotate their fleets less frequently (usually every 2 – 3 years). The most reputable firms will give great attention to providing you with a great-looking and great-driving car, but be realistic about your expectations – just because the car is expensive doesn’t mean it will be coming straight from the showroom floor. And if the renter immediately before you puts a scratch in the bumper, there probably won’t be time to repaint it before it’s your turn, so you might have to face the choice of scratched car or no car.
To Keep Your Jaguar Running Optimally You Need Quality Jaguar Parts
Gregg Hall asked:
Have you ever seen a documentary about Jaguars? These gorgeous animals are royalty among the other animals that share their habitats. They are predators that can move swiftly, yet can be playful as well. The jaguar is one of nature’s most powerful and sleek creatures. The jaguar is large, but agile and beautiful. They are so revered that even a car was named after them, one that contains the same smooth lines as the animal itself, as well as its great capacity for speed. Much like its name sake, the Jaguar brand car is a glorious mix of sleekness, agility, power, and beauty.
Instead of the honing of muscle and bone, the Jaguar is an infusion of technology and steel. Much like the jaguar of nature, the Jaguar of men is in a class all its own.
The Jaguar XJS is one the most awe inspiring luxury cars on the market. This GT coupe was released onto the market in the mid 70s as a replacement for the mythical Jaguar E-Type. Despite its aerodynamic shaping, and technologically advanced mechanisms, the Jaguar XJS could not compare to the E-Type on the race track. This fact not only further established Jaguar’s reputation in racing; it blew away all other competition as well.
In 1996, the last Jaguar XJS’s rolled off the line and are now considered highly collectable automobiles. If you want to own a discontinued XJS, you have an easier time of it now. If you own a Jaguar XJS and find yourself in need of parts, you can rest assured that the parts you need for your glorious car are still on the market. You don’t have to look very far to find Jaguar accessories, Jaguar electrical systems, Jaguar transmission systems, and more, which make repairing your Jaguar much easier. There are many online stores that specialize in these parts.
Why do you want to buy genuine Jaguar parts for your Jaguar? The answer to that is astonishingly simple: why wouldn’t you? Why would you want to take your high-performance, quality, powerful, and beautiful driving machine and fill it full of less than perfect parts? It’s like trying to make water into wine; it just doesn’t happen.
When you purchase Jaguar parts you are buying quality, genuine parts for your Jaguar. You don’t want to settle for anything else. For instance: why would you buy something as important as a suspension system from anyone other than a certified Jaguar parts dealer? Why would you want to put your safety into anyone else’s hands? You can trust that any parts you buy from a certified Jaguar parts dealer are going to be the best at maintaining your car, and even your life. There’s no point in taking chances. If you need parts, go online and select from one of the automotive parts stores that specialize in Jaguar parts.
Have you ever seen a documentary about Jaguars? These gorgeous animals are royalty among the other animals that share their habitats. They are predators that can move swiftly, yet can be playful as well. The jaguar is one of nature’s most powerful and sleek creatures. The jaguar is large, but agile and beautiful. They are so revered that even a car was named after them, one that contains the same smooth lines as the animal itself, as well as its great capacity for speed. Much like its name sake, the Jaguar brand car is a glorious mix of sleekness, agility, power, and beauty.
Instead of the honing of muscle and bone, the Jaguar is an infusion of technology and steel. Much like the jaguar of nature, the Jaguar of men is in a class all its own.
The Jaguar XJS is one the most awe inspiring luxury cars on the market. This GT coupe was released onto the market in the mid 70s as a replacement for the mythical Jaguar E-Type. Despite its aerodynamic shaping, and technologically advanced mechanisms, the Jaguar XJS could not compare to the E-Type on the race track. This fact not only further established Jaguar’s reputation in racing; it blew away all other competition as well.
In 1996, the last Jaguar XJS’s rolled off the line and are now considered highly collectable automobiles. If you want to own a discontinued XJS, you have an easier time of it now. If you own a Jaguar XJS and find yourself in need of parts, you can rest assured that the parts you need for your glorious car are still on the market. You don’t have to look very far to find Jaguar accessories, Jaguar electrical systems, Jaguar transmission systems, and more, which make repairing your Jaguar much easier. There are many online stores that specialize in these parts.
Why do you want to buy genuine Jaguar parts for your Jaguar? The answer to that is astonishingly simple: why wouldn’t you? Why would you want to take your high-performance, quality, powerful, and beautiful driving machine and fill it full of less than perfect parts? It’s like trying to make water into wine; it just doesn’t happen.
When you purchase Jaguar parts you are buying quality, genuine parts for your Jaguar. You don’t want to settle for anything else. For instance: why would you buy something as important as a suspension system from anyone other than a certified Jaguar parts dealer? Why would you want to put your safety into anyone else’s hands? You can trust that any parts you buy from a certified Jaguar parts dealer are going to be the best at maintaining your car, and even your life. There’s no point in taking chances. If you need parts, go online and select from one of the automotive parts stores that specialize in Jaguar parts.
The Jaguar and Why He is the Keystone Cop of the Rainforest
Jack Deal asked:
The jaguar or panthera onca has to be one of the most magnificent animals on Earth. Maybe the most magnificent. Only the tiger and lion are larger cats. Our Maya friend Aniceto says we have a jaguar den on our ranch; probably some shallow limestone cave covered by dense growth. Part of our ranch is virgin rainforest.
We’ve never seen our jaguar but he has. One evening coming back from his “milpa” he saw it in the middle of the road. Usually they don’t come out at all when it is light, but this one did. The jaguar or “el tigre” as he is called by the Maya, probably was hungry and looking for a tepe, tejon or javalina. Humans eat the same food, though we barbecue tepe and the jaguar chomps it down raw.
The jaguar kills its prey by biting the neck and skull of its victim. As the keystone predator in the jungle, the jaguar serves a great function by eating the predators that kill smaller prey. Except for man, the jaguar has no enemies. Not many friends either, but that comes with being at the top of the food chain and having a very nasty bite.
My Mayan friends say they can never remember an incident where a jaguar attacked a human. That certainly doesn’t mean a jaguar wouldn’t attack a human; but in the wild they really don’t. Even so, when most Maya go deep into the jungle, they carry a shotgun.
Clearly man is more afraid of the jaguar than the jaguar of man. Maya men tell of times when they would be startled to look to the side of the path and find a jaguar sleeping peacefully; in the deep jungle “el tigre” takes his siesta wherever he pleases.
The jaguar cannot be domesticated and has little fear of man. It is also considered to have the most unpredictable behavior of any animal in captivity. Jaguars aren’t meant to be in captivity. It’s not what they do. Jaguars are wired for one thing and it has nothing to do with cages.
A Maya familiar with the jungle can spot jaguar tracks, dung and the plant life the jaguar disturbs while traveling through the jungle. To an untrained eye such signs go unnoticed. Rule number one is when in the deep jungle take a jungle man along as a guide.
Unfortunately the jaguar can climb trees and have been seen jumping from tree to tree. Hence the tree house I plan to build on my ranch will provide no protection from the jaguar…ha. I can imagine sleeping one night and waking up to a pair of large eyes staring me in the face; maybe a giant boa or maybe a jaguar.
My one concern is one day we will be out walking around on the ranch and come across the den with little jaguars in it…oh, boy. Well, no one said the jungle was without some risk. The jaguars, however, readily eat cattle, sheep, turkeys and dogs.
Several weeks back, Aniceto took me back into the jungle and we saw dog hairs in jaguar dung. Aniceto said that his friend had two dogs eaten by the jaguar one night…and his friend could hear his dogs yelping as the jaguar dragged them off into the jungle. Since dog is man’s best friend, that sound had to be unnerving.
Several months before, his friend’s cousin shot a jaguar trying to make off with a sheep. It took four men to carry the jaguar out of the jungle. Jaguars can grow up to 200 pounds and eight feet long including the tail. That makes them king and keystone of the jungle ecosystem.
The Maya see them as predators and not endangered. One’s perceptions change if one has little children playing around the jungle palapa; “el tigre” certainly might be considered much more of a predatory threat. But fortunately one does not hear of jaguars foraging for small humans outside villages way back in the jungle. The jaguar is smart enough to leave children alone…common jaguar sense probably passed down from generation to generation.
The jaguar is a representative of the truly wild and that which cannot be tamed. For most of us, the jaguar is a symbol of the magnificence of the wild and what nature has created over the eons including a very nasty bite.
Let’s hope we both keep our respect and distance and don’t find ourselves peering at each other in the pitch black jungle night. And that’s very okay by us because in the deep jungle it’s always big advantage jaguar…
The jaguar or panthera onca has to be one of the most magnificent animals on Earth. Maybe the most magnificent. Only the tiger and lion are larger cats. Our Maya friend Aniceto says we have a jaguar den on our ranch; probably some shallow limestone cave covered by dense growth. Part of our ranch is virgin rainforest.
We’ve never seen our jaguar but he has. One evening coming back from his “milpa” he saw it in the middle of the road. Usually they don’t come out at all when it is light, but this one did. The jaguar or “el tigre” as he is called by the Maya, probably was hungry and looking for a tepe, tejon or javalina. Humans eat the same food, though we barbecue tepe and the jaguar chomps it down raw.
The jaguar kills its prey by biting the neck and skull of its victim. As the keystone predator in the jungle, the jaguar serves a great function by eating the predators that kill smaller prey. Except for man, the jaguar has no enemies. Not many friends either, but that comes with being at the top of the food chain and having a very nasty bite.
My Mayan friends say they can never remember an incident where a jaguar attacked a human. That certainly doesn’t mean a jaguar wouldn’t attack a human; but in the wild they really don’t. Even so, when most Maya go deep into the jungle, they carry a shotgun.
Clearly man is more afraid of the jaguar than the jaguar of man. Maya men tell of times when they would be startled to look to the side of the path and find a jaguar sleeping peacefully; in the deep jungle “el tigre” takes his siesta wherever he pleases.
The jaguar cannot be domesticated and has little fear of man. It is also considered to have the most unpredictable behavior of any animal in captivity. Jaguars aren’t meant to be in captivity. It’s not what they do. Jaguars are wired for one thing and it has nothing to do with cages.
A Maya familiar with the jungle can spot jaguar tracks, dung and the plant life the jaguar disturbs while traveling through the jungle. To an untrained eye such signs go unnoticed. Rule number one is when in the deep jungle take a jungle man along as a guide.
Unfortunately the jaguar can climb trees and have been seen jumping from tree to tree. Hence the tree house I plan to build on my ranch will provide no protection from the jaguar…ha. I can imagine sleeping one night and waking up to a pair of large eyes staring me in the face; maybe a giant boa or maybe a jaguar.
My one concern is one day we will be out walking around on the ranch and come across the den with little jaguars in it…oh, boy. Well, no one said the jungle was without some risk. The jaguars, however, readily eat cattle, sheep, turkeys and dogs.
Several weeks back, Aniceto took me back into the jungle and we saw dog hairs in jaguar dung. Aniceto said that his friend had two dogs eaten by the jaguar one night…and his friend could hear his dogs yelping as the jaguar dragged them off into the jungle. Since dog is man’s best friend, that sound had to be unnerving.
Several months before, his friend’s cousin shot a jaguar trying to make off with a sheep. It took four men to carry the jaguar out of the jungle. Jaguars can grow up to 200 pounds and eight feet long including the tail. That makes them king and keystone of the jungle ecosystem.
The Maya see them as predators and not endangered. One’s perceptions change if one has little children playing around the jungle palapa; “el tigre” certainly might be considered much more of a predatory threat. But fortunately one does not hear of jaguars foraging for small humans outside villages way back in the jungle. The jaguar is smart enough to leave children alone…common jaguar sense probably passed down from generation to generation.
The jaguar is a representative of the truly wild and that which cannot be tamed. For most of us, the jaguar is a symbol of the magnificence of the wild and what nature has created over the eons including a very nasty bite.
Let’s hope we both keep our respect and distance and don’t find ourselves peering at each other in the pitch black jungle night. And that’s very okay by us because in the deep jungle it’s always big advantage jaguar…
Jaguar — All Car History Volume 12
Luke Scott asked:
Jaguar produces some of the world’s most luxurious cars. Jaguar’s ethos has helped develop cars that are exclusive, beautifully designed, with high performance and overall, the excitement of driving a Jaguar.
As Jaguar’s design director said: “You should always feel better when you get out of a Jaguar than when you first get into it.” True to this heritage, the latest addition to the Jaguar portfolio – the all new Jaguar XF – has the heart of a sports car and the looks of a grand tourer, bringing together style, power and performance.
JAGUAR HISTORY
Jaguar was founded by Sir William Lyons in Blackpool, 1922, making motorcycle sidecars, then car bodies. The company moved to Coventry and in 1935 the Jaguar name was introduced for the first time with a new saloon and sports car range.
During the war, aircraft and fabrication work had the side effect of introducing the company to aircraft design. Jaguar enjoyed racing success in the 1950s, notably at Le Mans. The famous E-type was introduced in 1961.
JAGUAR FACTS
Type: Subsidiary
Founded: 1922
Founder: Sir William Lyons
Key People: Ratan Tata, Chairman, Geoff Polites, CEO Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director
Industry: Automotive
Products: Cars
Parent: Tata Motors
FEATURED MODELS
JAGUAR S-TYPE a mid-size luxury/executive car introduced in 1998, the name is a revival of a previous Jaguar model, the S-Type introduced in 1963
JAGUAR XJ – a classic luxury saloon, the XJ was launched in 1968 and has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most of its life, which continues today
JAGUAR XK - a grand tourer produced since 1996, the XK replaced the XJS and is available as a coupé and a convertible
JAGUAR X-TYPE - a compact executive car produced since 2001 and available in 4-door saloon and 4-door estate versions
DID YOU KNOW?
As soon as Jaguar founder William Lyons turned 21, he formed the Swallow Sidecar Company in September 1922, with a bank overdraft of £1,000. The company later changed its name to Jaguar.
Jaguar enjoyed success in the Le Mans 24 Hours race with victories in 1951 and 1953 with the C-Type, and in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the D-Type.
The Jaguar 2.7 V6 diesel engine is so efficient that it requires a supplementary heater to supply warm air to the cabin, and the engine’s fuel pressure is a constant 1650 bar, 750 times more than a fully inflated tyre.
“JaguarVoice” enables Jaguar drivers to adjust functions simply by pressing the steering wheel’s “voice” button and speaking. Drivers can alter climate control settings, set a navigation route home, control TV, radio, CD, tape and make a hands-free telephone call, all without moving their hands from the steering wheel or taking their eyes off the road.
Jaguar produces some of the world’s most luxurious cars. Jaguar’s ethos has helped develop cars that are exclusive, beautifully designed, with high performance and overall, the excitement of driving a Jaguar.
As Jaguar’s design director said: “You should always feel better when you get out of a Jaguar than when you first get into it.” True to this heritage, the latest addition to the Jaguar portfolio – the all new Jaguar XF – has the heart of a sports car and the looks of a grand tourer, bringing together style, power and performance.
JAGUAR HISTORY
Jaguar was founded by Sir William Lyons in Blackpool, 1922, making motorcycle sidecars, then car bodies. The company moved to Coventry and in 1935 the Jaguar name was introduced for the first time with a new saloon and sports car range.
During the war, aircraft and fabrication work had the side effect of introducing the company to aircraft design. Jaguar enjoyed racing success in the 1950s, notably at Le Mans. The famous E-type was introduced in 1961.
JAGUAR FACTS
Type: Subsidiary
Founded: 1922
Founder: Sir William Lyons
Key People: Ratan Tata, Chairman, Geoff Polites, CEO Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director
Industry: Automotive
Products: Cars
Parent: Tata Motors
FEATURED MODELS
JAGUAR S-TYPE a mid-size luxury/executive car introduced in 1998, the name is a revival of a previous Jaguar model, the S-Type introduced in 1963
JAGUAR XJ – a classic luxury saloon, the XJ was launched in 1968 and has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most of its life, which continues today
JAGUAR XK - a grand tourer produced since 1996, the XK replaced the XJS and is available as a coupé and a convertible
JAGUAR X-TYPE - a compact executive car produced since 2001 and available in 4-door saloon and 4-door estate versions
DID YOU KNOW?
As soon as Jaguar founder William Lyons turned 21, he formed the Swallow Sidecar Company in September 1922, with a bank overdraft of £1,000. The company later changed its name to Jaguar.
Jaguar enjoyed success in the Le Mans 24 Hours race with victories in 1951 and 1953 with the C-Type, and in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the D-Type.
The Jaguar 2.7 V6 diesel engine is so efficient that it requires a supplementary heater to supply warm air to the cabin, and the engine’s fuel pressure is a constant 1650 bar, 750 times more than a fully inflated tyre.
“JaguarVoice” enables Jaguar drivers to adjust functions simply by pressing the steering wheel’s “voice” button and speaking. Drivers can alter climate control settings, set a navigation route home, control TV, radio, CD, tape and make a hands-free telephone call, all without moving their hands from the steering wheel or taking their eyes off the road.