Labels: headlight bulb, Honda Civic

Dearborn automaker Ford is not exactly in a good shape. With the Japanese automakers attracting more and more consumers away from the Big Three, Ford has found itself having only the third largest market share in the United States auto market.

Sure, the automaker has done much in Europe. But in America, it is still lagging behind. It is giving a good fight though. Recently, it showcased its new F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show along with the Transit Connect which is a vehicle without peer in this country.

Steve Purdy of The Auto Channel writes: "An entertaining press conference at Ford introduced a charming small commercial van called Transit Connect built in Turkey. Apparently on a car platform the van is 6’8” high and boasts 143 cubic-feet of cargo area inside. Also at Ford the new F-150 is being enhanced with more office-on-the-road technology including a system that can tell a contractor if all his tools are in the bed or not. Fleet tracking, Internet accessibility, Bluetooth, in-dash computer with 2-gigs of memory, available printer, a retractable cable-lock system for tools, the recently introduced SYNC system of voice-activated communications and entertainment systems make the F150 perhaps the smartest pickup out there."

The automaker is now focusing on the development of in-car systems apart from bringing European cars here. Thom Cannell of The Auto Channel said that the automaker is leading the field when it comes to these in-car technology-oriented features.

"Ford is doing more with the combination of in-vehicle electronics/navigation/communication/location called telematics than anyone else is. It surely is a product differentiator," said Cannell.

"Like the hit SYNC technology, Ford Works Solutions incorporates Microsoft Auto (a subset of Windows) to make the computer stuff work. I’ve seen twenty-something’s choose a Focus just to get SYNC. They are very satisfied with the vehicle and SYNC. Giving contractors and small fleets the telematics they need could spark another move to Ford," he added. These enhancements to Ford vehicles make them really more attractive than Acura motor mount-equipped RDX.

Blake Humphrey and Jackie Rohner. These two have been making headlines in the auto industry. No they are not owners of a smacking Chevy Impala dealership in Illinois from which they are from. They have also not created some new product for the industry. They are just a simple couple. A lucky couple, if I may say so. And they have won Dodge’s “Journey of a Lifetime” contest.

As prize for winning the mentioned contest, Auto Channel reported that the couple just got hitched and married last Valentine’s Day. Everything was shouldered by Dodge and they were tied the knot at the hundredth Chicago Auto Show.

A hundred of their close friends and relatives joined the ceremony which took place at the auto show’s floor. They had some music from the band Journey and they started their journey as a married couple in a new 2009 Dodge Journey which was also part of their prize.

Congratulations you love birds!

One of the much-anticipated cars at the auto show are the newest models from Nissan Motor Company Limited’s luxury brand Infiniti. According to edmunds.com, the Infiniti brand was launched for the 1990 model year. It originally started with only two luxury cars - the Q45 and the M30. But on the forthcoming Geneva International Motor Show, Infiniti will be unveiling its second generation Infiniti FX, its V-6 powered G sedan, Ex Coupe Crossover and G Coupe in addition to their various mid-size, full-size, coupe, crossover and sport-utility vehicle (SUV) models.

At infiniti.com, it was revealed that the 2008 G37 Coupe, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $34,500 features a 330 horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and premium leather-appointed seats that most probably matches the unique style of the Acura MDX car cover. On the other hand, the 2008 Infiniti G35, also known as the G Sedan with an MSRP of $31,850, is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an aluminum interior trim. Both are incorporated with an Infiniti intelligent key with push button ignition while the 2008 Infiniti FX35 or FX45 has an MSRP of $38,050. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is capable of producing 275 horsepower. It boasts of an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system as well as a dual-zone automatic temperature control.

According to AutoChannel, the launching of Infiniti’s car models at the Geneva International Motor Show is an important milestone for the luxury brand for Western Europe is considered as the world’s toughest market for luxury vehicles. As we all know, Infiniti is Nissan’s competing brand for other luxury marques such as BMW, Lexus and Audi.

When you think of automakers and their vanity, the drive to have the fastest, the coolest, and the biggest vehicle in their lineup, you would surely think of top-of-the-line vehicles to be some sort of really fast and luxurious cars that they would cost you an arm and a gazillion.

It is of course necessary for automakers to have their best-of-the-best vehicle. These so-called flagship vehicles say a lot of things about an automaker. See, if an automaker's flagship is equipped with a very well-rounded powertrain but cheap-looking materials on the inside, it could be understood that ALL of their vehicles have the same cheap interior.

Now, European cars are classy and their top of the line vehicles are sure to be really elegant. American automakers on the other hand values power, which means the best vehicle in their lineup is the fastest. Then, Asian automakers are known for well, reliability and fuel efficiency.

That is very much apparent in Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. According to The Auto Channel's Carrey Russ, the flagship of the luxury marquee is a hybrid. Now, that means Toyota is really serious with its green credo.

But don't even think that since it is a hybrid, it is not as fast as American cars or as luxurious as European ones. In fact, a hybrid has a lot more power than some of us give them credit for. You see, a hybrid get sits power from two sources. One of these is an internal combustion engine, and the other is an electric motor.

The flagship of Lexus, the LS600h, is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine powered by gasoline. Now, that engine's power output can be complemented with the power of the electric motor. That would mean significant acceleration boost. And being a Lexus, it is sure to have components more durable than Acura steering racks.

• A 40 gigabyte hard drive that allows pause and rewinding of live radio, and is tailored for MP3 player
• iPods and other digital devices
• a 304-horsepower 3.6 L direct injection V-6 engine
• an all-new redesigned cabin with handcrafted accents
• a “double" sunroof enabling both front and rear passengers a sky view
• heated leather seats
• a retractable navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data
• On Star
• XM Satellite Radio
• A BOSE eight-speaker sound system
• A six-speed automatic transmission