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This week I’ve been asked to review a Volkswagen of my choosing and after much deliberation I’ve decided on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560/4. No I haven’t gone mad, you see Lamborghini is owned by Audi who are owned by Volkswagen so in essence all Lambos are the Italian lovechild from a German partnership. It was also an opportunity I couldn’t pass up following me cashing my cheque to a track day which allowed me to get behind the wheel of one.

The reason I’ve always liked Lamborghini is what they stand for: raw power and noise, crazy styling and their ability to make you feel eight years old all over again. As a child I grew up with the largest hardback book of cars you’ve ever seen. I remember there were only 100 cars in the book, but for some reason every page was the size of a house. To be honest even at a mere eight years old, the majority of the cars looked dated even when newly released. Ferrari was going through a slump, the Delorean was made of tinfoil and no disrespect to the French, but the Venturi was hardly a supercar thoroughbred.

However there were two pages of the book of real interest and they lovingly featured the Lamborghinis Countach and Diablo. The former looked like a Transformer halfway between being robot and vehicle, with its half open vents, angular styling and larger rear wheels making the front bumper burrow through the tarmac. The Diablo as with the Countach had doors that opened to the heavens rather than in the conventional manner and was the first Lambo to achieve 200mph. Both wouldn’t have looked out of place with rocket launchers and wings on them and from that moment on, Lamborghini were the dream car maker for me.

It’s safe to assume then that my day driving the Gallardo was a slightly exciting one. Looking back at the Countach and Diablo they were unwieldy machines that didn’t top any reliability surveys and this played on my mind a tad, not so much the reliability, but the fact I’d end up in a hedge backwards at 150mph thanks to poor handling. The amazing thing however is this: since Volkswagen have taken over the company and used their engineering resources (Audi included) the Gallardo is not only the most beautiful car they’ve made, but it’s so easy to drive quickly even an oaf like me can do it.

Ok let’s prove that fact with some statistics. My current car has a 1.6 litre engine, an asthmatic 111bhp and a 0-60mph time of 11 seconds. I am used to driving this and am aware it is painfully slow, but to compare that to a 5.2 litre, 552bhp 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds Gallardo is simply scary. Not willing to show my fear to the instructor however, I did the usual laps in slower cars to practice the racing line and then I was ready to go.

The version I drove had the additional benefit of having a flappy paddle gearbox so all I had to do was pull up on the paddle on the right hand side of the steering wheel to change up a gear and do the same on the left to change back down. As you’d expect from a car that does 0-60mph “faster than you can say this sentence out loud” the gears required changing frequently. If you’re hoping I’m building up to a big crescendo, complete with big crash you’ll be disappointed I’m afraid. The gear changes were as smooth as silk, the roar from the V10 was heavenly and the steering was perfectly balanced. I’ve driven many Lamborghinis on the PlayStation and although it sounds idiotic to say so, the real experience, although far more exciting and involving was no scarier than lying on the sofa, pressing go on the controller.

There should be no other car on an eight year olds’ wall than the Gallardo, it is stunning to behold – angles suit a car far more than curves I’ve decided. The front bumper is my personal favourite feature with two huge air intakes ready to eat anything they encounter. The doors may now open conventionally but the spirit of Lamborghini coarses through every vein of the Gallardo. The cost of this magnificent creature is a mere £143, 350. Ok so maybe the car isn’t perfect after all, but for the six people who will buy one in the next decade, it’ll be money well spent.

I wish Volkswagen would buy my car.

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Mark Creese -
About the Author:

Mark Creese is a writer and car enthusiast. Here he discusses his test drive of a Lamborghini Gallardo. Alan Day Volkswagen

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A collection of Brand Car Logos and their meanings (II)

PEUGEOT

PRUGEOT LOGO

Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker in Europe. Peugeot’s roots go back to 19th-century coffee mill and bicycle manufacturing. The company’s entry into the vehicle market was by means of crinoline dresses, which used steel rods, leading to umbrella frames, saw blades, wire wheels, and ultimately bicycles. The trademark of Peugeot is a mighty lion, which is the symbol of the region Franche-Comté, where the company is. The lion represents the excellence of their saws in three aspects: saw tooth is as enduring as lion’s tooth; saw blades is as elastic as lion’s backbone; the performance of the saw is as invincible as that of lion. In 1890, when the first Peugeot motor was out on the market, the company decided to carry on the “lion” trademark to signify its high quality.

ASTONMARTIN

ASTON-MARTIN LOGO

Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company’s founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. The logo of Aston Martin is a flying roc with wings wide spread, on each of which writes ASTON and MARTIN, indicating that the company has the velocity and ambition of a roc.

Bentley

BENTLEY LOGO

Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer of automobiles founded on 18 January 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley (known as W.O. Bentley or just “W.O.”). Mr. Bentley had been previously known for his range of rotary aero-engines in World War I, the most famous being the Bentley BR1 as used in later versions of the Sopwith Camel. Since 1998, the company has been owned by the Volkswagen Group of Germany. Bentley’s winged and flying B logo has been used since the first Bentley motor made its appearance.

LINCOLN

LINCOLN LOGO

Lincoln is the luxury brand of Ford Motor Company. Founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland and acquired by Ford in 1922, Lincoln has manufactured vehicles since the 1920s. Leland named the brand after his longtime hero Abraham Lincoln. In 1927, Lincoln adopted the greyhound as their emblem, which was later replaced with diamond that is currently in use.

JAGUAR

JAGUAR LOGO

Jaguar Cars Ltd., better known simply as Jaguar (pronounced) is a manufacturer of luxury and executive motor cars, headquartered in Coventry, England, and now operated as part of the Jaguar Land Rover business owned by Tata Motors of India. Jaguar was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company by Sir William Lyons in 1922, originally making motorcycle sidecars before switching to passenger cars. The name was changed to Jaguar after World War II due to the unfavourable connotations of the SS initials. Jaguar cars are designed in an engineering centre at their headquarters in Coventry, England and are manufactured in one of three English Jaguar plants; Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, Halewood near Liverpool and Gaydon in Oxfordshire. The Jaguar logo is a Jaguar leaping across the company name. The leaping Jaguart is possibly built to represent the speed, power and quickness of the car. The Jaguar emblem is also placed on the front of the car.

CHEVROLET

CHEVROLET LOGO

Chevrolet (of Swiss origin) (also known as Chevy) is a brand produced by General Motors Company. It is the top selling GM marque, with “Chevrolet” or “Chevy” being at times synonymous with GM. Chevrolet offers 18 vehicles and many different enhanced versions in its home market. The vehicles range from subcompact cars to medium duty commercial trucks. Its number one seller in the United States is the Silverado pickup. The straightforward Chevy logo may seem mundane to the spectator at the first glance but it indeed holds huge significance in the corporate world. A brilliant simple cross in customary metallic colors representing the automobile industry defines the Chevy logo completely. Being a very simple yet elegant trademark, the Chevy logo design compels an everlasting impact on the human mind.

LEXUS

LEXUS LOGO

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Designs and Hunter Communications. The final design for the Lexus logo featured a stylized “L” within an oval, and according to Toyota, was rendered using a precise mathematical formula. The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo, designed by Team One, appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York auto shows in 1988.

LAMBORGHINI

LAMBORGHINI LOGO

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini, is an Italian sports car manufacturer, based in the small village of Sant’Agata Bolognese. Founded by businessman and tractor factory owner Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, the company has achieved widespread recognition for sleek, exotic designs, and its cars have become symbols of performance and wealth. The Lamborghini Charging Bull Logo stands for the founder’s, Ferruccio Lamborghini, zodiacal sign (Taurus). Most of the company’s cars have been named after famous fighting bulls (oddly most have been Spanish bulls not Italian). Interestingly it is said that the choice of an animal and the colors used on the logo (gold on a black background, and a charging bull) are suspiciously similar to the Ferrari logo (a black horse on a yellow background). It is believed that this was no accident on the part of Lamborghini, who had a long standing (and not always friendly) rivalry with Ferrari.

CADILLAC

CADILLAC LOGO

Cadillac is a luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors Company. Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mainly in North America. The Couronne (Crown)-The crown symbolizes the six ancient counts of France. Each tip is topped with a pearl, a symbol of descendancy from the royal counts of Tolouse. The Shield-In heraldry, a shield represents the origins of a noble family. Its shape is of no consequence, and it pertains to those shield shapes used during the Crusades. The original Cadillac shield though, is round. The First and Fourth Quarterings-They display the arms de la Mothe. The color- black against gold- represents wisdom and riches. The “fess” or lateral black bar, represents an award for Crusader service. The Second and Third Quarterings-The red band symbolizes prowess and boldness in action. The silver represents purity, charity, virtue, and plenty. The blue represents knightly valor. The emblem was adopted for use on Cadillac cars in 1905. It was registered as a trademark on August 7, 1906.

ALFAROMEO

ALFA-ROEMO LOGO

Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian automaker founded on June 24, 1910 in Milan. The logo is split in half and contains the emblems of Alfa’s hometown Milan and the one of the great Milanese ‘Visconti’ family. On the left is the red cross on a white background, which refers back to the days of the First Crusade, when many Milanese soldiers were amongst the Lombards who followed Giovanni of Rho to the Holy Land. The red cross was their symbol, whilst the white background symbolised the white shirts they were forced to wear under their armour to protect them from the fierce Palestinian sun. On the right of the badge are the arms of the Visconti family, which later became recognised as those of the City of Milan. Some says the serpent represents the snakes that the Lombards used to wear round their necks in a little case as a lucky charm, – or the dragon which, at the start of the fifth century, plagued Milan and was finally killed by Uberto, Squire of Angera, and founder of the Visconti family, – or it could be the symbol of Ottone Visconti who fought a victorious duel with the Saracen leader, Voluce, during the First Crusade. The city of Milan, however, claims that the serpent has nothing to do with the Visconti family.

VOLVO

VOLVO LOGO

The Volvo Group is a Swedish supplier of commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and financial services. Volvo was founded on 14 April 1927 in the city of Gothenburg, as a spin-off from the roller ball bearing maker SKF. The name Volvo means “I roll” in Latin (or “I drive” in modern-day English, appropriate for cars as well as bearings). The word is derived from the Latin word “volvere” which means “to roll”. The logo for Volvo is the ancient symbol of Iron, which is a circle with an arrow pointed diagonally upwards to the right. The iron badge on the car was supposed to take up this symbolism and create associations with the honoured traditions of the Swedish iron industry: steel and strength with properties such as safety, quality and durability. Today, the iron logo also stands for a brand that radiates modern and exciting design and has a strong emotive connection with the customers.

MAZDA

MAZDA LOGO

Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan. t is said that Mazda coincides with the anglicized pronunciation of the founder’s name, Jujiro Matsuda, who was interested in spirituality, and chose to rename the firm in honor of both his family and Zoroastrianism. The word Mazda derives from Ahura Mazda, the Avestan language name for a divinity exalted by the ancient Iranian prophet Zoroaster, as the source of wisdom, intelligence and harmony. The current logo attempts to capture the spirit of Mazda, the stylised “M” evokes an image of wings in flight and symbolises the Mazda’s flight toward the future. The “V” in the centre of the “M” spreads out like an opening fan, representing the creativity, vitality, flexibility and passion that is Mazda. The symbol as a whole expresses the sharp, solid feeling that Mazda will be seeking in all of its products. The dynamic circle symbolizes our readiness to spread our wings as we enter the 21st century.

PONTIAC

PONTIAC LOGO

Pontiac is a brand of automobiles first produced in 1926, and sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico by General Motors (GM), marketed as an “athletic” brand specializing in mainstream performance vehicles. The original logo was that of an American Indian headdress, which was used as a logo until 1956. The American Indian headdress is obviously connected to Chief Pontiac referenced earlier. This was updated to the currently used American Indian red arrowhead design for 1957. The arrowhead logo is also known as the Dart. The logo has a distinctive Red and a silver star in the middle. I am not sure what the significance of the star is but a lot of the Native American art contains elements of nature such as the sun, moon and stars.

For more information, you could check on Michelle_chow’s blog: www.ChinaCarGPS.com/blog, providing you with professional Auto GPS Navigation guide.

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2010: 10/30
CATEGORY: Car Reviews
TAGS: Brand
Collection
Logos
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Next-gen Bmw X3 to be Made in Us; Magna to Lose Contract

BMW AG has officially announced that the next generation BMW X3 SUV will be manufactured at its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This will be built when its present contract of agreement is already used up in 2010 to 2011.

The move, though not entirely unexpected, is a surprising a blow for Magna International which currently assembles the X3 for BMW at its Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria.

First introduced in January 2004, the next generation BMW X3 will be released soon with added innovative features. In connection with this, Magna acquired its adjoining neighbor, Chrysler’s Euro star plant. The said plant was building minivans and PT Cruisers. Minivan production will be moved to Magna’s original plant once Magna owned the whole complex. At the plant in Toluca, Mexico, PT Cruisers were merged. And the space vacated by Euro star was prepared to set up Magna as the only source for the new BMW.

The X3 had an estimated 45 percent of Graz’s total automobile output in 2006. But the speculations began after BMW executives started suggesting that the next generation X3 could share underpinnings with the Z4 and both could end up having the new 3-series architecture and design.

To expand plant capacity in Spartanburg, BMW is spending $3 billion. The new plant capacity is expected to convert 140,000 units to 200,000 annually. It already fixed operations, substituting two separate assembly lines with a single flexible one that builds the Z4 and the midsize X5 SUV. Also to be sourced out next year from South Carolina is the new coupe-shaped X6 (based on the X5). BMW pointed several reasons for manufacturing more of the BMW lineup in the U.S, and one of the main reasons is the continued strength of the euro versus the dollar.

Magna, on the other hand, a manufacturer that is more focused in producing niche-vehicle, said that it is appealing to customers to fill the excess capacity that seems dismal in a couple of years. The said appeal or talking includes conference with BMW. This discussion will comprise an analytic study on whether to source a different automobile from Graz or not. At the Shanghai Auto show last month, the German auto maker was said to be mulling over something along the lines of the Concept CS and based on the 7-series. The smaller luxury sports tourer that is based on the 5-series could be considered.

Magna, a Canadian auto parts maker, also learned that it lost out on its bid to acquire Chrysler Group. Expected to close sometime in July to September this year, Cerberus Capital Management is acquiring an 80.1 percent stake in the automaker in a deal.

About BMW X3

A compact luxury crossover SUV, the BMW X3 is produced by the German auto maker BMW. The company, though, is advertising the vehicle as an SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle. The X3 is based on the auto mobile platform of BMW 3-Series. The X3 3.0i won the 2005 Canadian Car of the Year Best New Sport Utility Vehicle.

While the BMW X5 was being produced and doing a great job in the automobile market, the Bavarian car maker decided during the early period of the year 2000 that it would compete with vehicles like the Free Lander and other small luxury SUVs (like what the X5 had previously done in its respective classes). As a result of this decision, the X3, which is also known as E83 when talking about the interior, was delivered in the auto mobile market.

Resembles like an “X activity”, BMW, for the first time at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, revealed to the public what a smaller SAV that is based on a 3 Series platform would look like. Though is has no windows, the car concept showed no roof for most part so that natural air can be experienced while driving. It also featured a sleek futuristic interior. However, only the primary shape of the vehicle would exist as the BMW X3.

The vehicle is a front engine, four-wheel drive with 3.0L 260 hp I6 engine. It has 6-speed automatic and manual transitions and a top of the line BMW header. In the entry level class, the BMW X3 is similar to Audi Q5, Land Rover LR2, and Volvo XC60.

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

2010: 06/12
CATEGORY: Car Reviews
TAGS: Contract
Lose
Made
Magna
Nextgen
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Cars for Sale ? Buy New & Used Cars ? Repossessed Cars on Sale

Cars for Sale:

Are you looking for a “cars for sale” auction to buy a car/cars? At best car deals website you will get instant access to thousands of new and used repossessed homes, cars, trucks and SUV’s on sale that have been seized by the government, police, IRS customs, DEA, banks and lending institutions etc, all car makes and models, new and used cars for sale from up to 95% off, used cars with low miles and clean records. This is a closely guarded resource only used by car dealerships and realtor to buy and sell cars and homes due to the extreme discounted prices and amazing deals not possible in any other way. Click here to see Best Car Deals site.

Repossessed Cars:

Every day thousands of Americans default on their car payments, or fail to abide by certain law which in turn, causes the law enforcement agencies to seize their cars and other property indefinitely. Some of these cars are repossessed from criminals and individuals or institutions with large amounts of bank loans and debts which they are unable or refuse to pay and also in cases of tax evasion. For this reason vehicles repossessed in these kinds of situation are quickly repossessed and auctioned on non – profit basis for the banks and lending institutions to cover loses and to minimize cost of storage and maintenance. This is therefore a perfect source for you to buy your dream car used / new. The general public does not know about kind of cars for sale and homes auctions! After being a member of the site there is no reason to buy from a dealership or realtor ever again!

New and Used Repossessed Cars for Sale:

Repossessed cars for sale auctions are now becoming more and more popular. This is the perfect way for any individual be it a car dealer or even students to buy cars due to affordability. Once you become a member of auction seized cars website you will get an excellent service to help you save time and money with a detailed database site and much more about government and state auctions sites and their contact phone numbers. This is the most updated database on government and state auctions with online support and live service to assist you and help you find exactly what you are looking for and make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

Buy New & Used Cars:

Once you become a member you will get instant access to thousands of repossessed cars for sale both new and used cars to choose from including luxury homes. You will get an opportunity to shop at local and online auctions allover the U.S (every U.S state). The site has implemented an awesome system for its members to utilize and now you can become that lucky buyer and drive away with the car or home of your dreams! The repossessed cars are kept in a warehouse; the homes repossessed, and then auctioned off in a hurry. These auctions sometimes have a few people attending; therefore these repossessed cars are sold for bargain prices.

Some of the cars on sale are: Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Audi, Isuzu, Oldsmobile, BMW, Jaguar, Plymouth, Buick, Jeep, Pontiac, Cadillac, Kia, Porsche, Chevrolet, Land Rover, Saab, Chrysler, Lexus, Saturn, Dodge, Lincoln, Subaru, Ford, Mazda, Suzuki, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, Mercury, Volkswagen, HUMMER, MINI, Volvo, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Ferrari

You will be able to browse through all this models and more then bid and buy these cars at unheard – of low prices of up to 90% off. You also get full access to easy online bidding, seized car listings, dealer car auctions, bank repo vehicles, police repo vehicles, other government auctions, browse online listings or buy offline, From basic to luxury cars for sale and homes and save thousands of dollars.

In the past, only car dealers and realtors with special licenses could access these auctions, only now cause of the internet, things have changed because big business has saturated the market in turn making it impossible for many of these repossessed cars and homes auction centers to get the word out. These auction centers and online Auctions need you to attend and buy because of the enormous expense to store these thousands of vehicles and homes. This is the absolute best way of attaining the car or home of your dreams for a fraction of what it would cost you otherwise.

Advantage of repossessed new and used cars auction:

Repossessed cars for sale auctions offer multiple benefits among buyers simply because they are being offered at a low starting price and this makes it possible for you to save big money, buyers can expect a whole wide range of choices for vehicles and the quality of the vehicles is not compromised by the prices. It is possible for you to find the car you have always wanted available at a price you can easily afford.

Besides a low starting price repossessed cars on sale auctions offer quality cars in a lot of ways, most of the cars are in top condition and will look quite new with the warrant still on. There are no pieces of junk in fact, you will be amazed at how unbelievably good and well maintained these cars are being sold at a price that even teenagers can afford.

If you buy repossessed cars, don’t think that these cars are always in bad shape. You will be surprised to know that some of these repossessed cars are in brand new condition. You can get a background check on the vehicle you wish to buy; you should also be able to do a little research on its history and records. Repossessed cars for sale auctions usually give information regarding the repossessed cars for free, including history reports on the car that you wish to buy. Buy new & used cars click here to view and join cars for sale and Repossessed cars on sale at auction seized cars on sale site.

FOR THE BEST DEALS ON REPOSSESSED CARS FOR SALE VISIT;http://www.bestcardealers.blogspot.com/

2010: 05/23
CATEGORY: Car Parts
TAGS: Cars
Repossessed
Sale
Used
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Bmw Takes Two on Merger

DaimlerChrysler, parent automaker of Mercedes-Benz, has already signed the papers to their corporate divorce while their strong rival BMW is planning to launch a takeover bid for Volvo earlier this year as revealed by Autocar. It can be noted that most analysts have expressed their concern over mergers in the auto industry saying that it is not pragmatic. But it looks like BMW just don’t want itself to be daunted by the number of failed mergers in the industry and preferred to personally experience it.

Anyway, the Bavarian automaker and producer of high quality BMW exhaust have already requested a complete breakdown of Volvo’s financial position from a European investment bank which is handling enquiries on behalf of Ford, the owner of Volvo. Reliable sources have also revealed that BMW has earlier eyed the Alfa Romeo as its takeover target.

According to industry experts BMW is planning to expand its range of brands to support the future growth of the company. Likewise, part of its plan is underpinning the front-wheel-drive Mini division by expanding its output and it can do so with the help of Volvo.

Why Volvo? Company bosses at BMW saw Volvo as the fitting global brand complimentary to BMW, which they deemed has considerable room for growth and room to accommodate Volvo. Although BMW will always emphasize driving pleasure, Volvo on the other hand will contribute safety and environmental concerns to the mix.

At present it not yet clear what BMW plans are but its probable that the larger saloon and estate models of Volvo just in case would be switched to BMW platforms offering both rear-and four-wheel drive. The smaller cars in the Volvo’s range would remained front-drive and would probably be merged to the Mini family expanding this model range.

The Mini brand is currently one of the biggest problems of BMW and it has already been forced to allot additional investment just for the redesigning of the new Mini as well as engineering the Mini Clubman estate. But despite all the efforts Mini sales are still down on their 2005 peak and the BMW insiders admit that a total annual output of 250,000 to 270,000 cars is just not enough to secure a profitable long-term future for the Mini brand.

Potentially with Volvo, BMW could build the proposed large five-door Mini and Mini SUV on the same front-drive chassis as the future S40 and V50. And let’s just say for the sake of argument that this was done, an annual output of 500,000 upmarket Volvo and Mini front-drive cars could ensure long-term profitability.

The expectation for future profit is not new when it comes to merger in fact every one of those failed union in the auto industry is hoping for the same thing that’s why they merge in the first place. Unfortunately, none of those merges survive except for the seven years partnership between Nissan and Renault but even their union is still uncertain and nobody knows what may happen in the future.

And let us not forget that seven years ago BMW was humiliated when it incurred massive losses which forced it to split up and sell the Rover Group which it bought in 1994. The question now is: Has BMW forgets the lessons of the past or has it learned a lot to create a new successful partnership? Well only BMW can answer that.

2009: 10/14
CATEGORY: Car Reviews
TAGS: Merger
Takes
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Porsche to Start a New Auto Empire

Europe will see the rise of a new automobile empire. The much-anticipated conglomeration will be composed of Porsche, Volkswagen, and Scania.

Porsche Automobil Holding SE was given the green light by its board Monday to acquire majority stake in Volkswagen AG which owns Audi, Skoda, Seat, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti brands. VW, meanwhile, said it will take a controlling interest in Scania, a Swedish truckmaker. This also means Porsche is in a position to absorb Scania with MAN AG, a German truckmaker which Volkswagen holds 29.9 percent, reported the Associated Press.

VW Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said Volkswagen will focus on synergies with Scania AB, mainly in purchasing raw materials such as steel as well as research and development and electronic components.

Analysts in the industry said the deals are aimed at accumulating more wealth. The deals also strengthen the control held by the grandson of Porsche founder – Ferdinand Piech. He is the chairman of Volkswagen and MAN supervisory boards.

The maker of Porsche parts has been gradually increasing its stake in Volkswagen for more than a year and won a significant victory in 2007 when the European Union’s highest court promulgated a decision that the German government had to remove a cap on voting rights at VW.

“Volkswagen has announced that they’re taking a majority share of Scania. Next they could upgrade their stake in MAN to a majority stake, merge the two companies into a Volkswagen Commercial AG and sell that to Porsche SE. Then they could hand back to Porsche … or to their stock owners, a special dividend from the revenues of that sale,” said Christoph Stuermer, an auto analyst with Global Insight.

In a statement, Porsche said the reviews by the regulatory authorities are expected to take several months. And when requisite clearances are finally acquired, Porsche can take majority stakes in Volkswagen. The statement added that Porsche does not intend to merge the two companies.

“Our aim is to create one of the strongest and most innovative automobile alliances in the world, which is able to measure up to the increased international competition,” said Porsche Chief Executive Wendelin Wiedeking.

Were a tie-up happen, VW and Scania would effortlessly upstage giant rivals such as Volvo AB and Daimler AG, Europe’s largest truckmaker.

“It shows the trust that the people in Porsche AG have in Volkswagen,” Winterkorn noted at the Geneva Motor Show. “It means a lot of interesting things in the future.”

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

2009: 10/06
CATEGORY: Car Reviews
TAGS: Auto
Empire
Porsche
Start
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Oem Bmw Parts Vs. Aftermarket Bmw Auto Parts

If you own a BMW chances are you have scoured the internet searching for great deals on BMW parts and accessories. Who can blame you? BMW’s are infamous for their great handling, but with great handling comes the associated wear and tear of the suspension and steering parts (ie BMW control arms and thrust arms). When these parts begin to wear, its not surprising when you get an outrageous quote from a dealership for hundreds, if not several thousands of dollars to replace these steering and suspension parts. I’m just using BMW control arms as an example, but its across the board for any European cars such as Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, and Volkswagen.

You have now made a decision to do your own due diligence and attempt to source the parts outside of a dealership to save you a little bit of money. You will quickly become overwhelmed by the amount of company’s brands and products to choose from and may be confused by the jargon used in the aftermarket and OEM parts industry. Terms such as genuine, aftermarket, OEM, OES, and OEA. I will end all of this confusion right here and right now.

Genuine BMW Parts: Genuine BMW parts come in Genuine BMW packaging. Plain and simple. If its not in a Genuine BMW box, or has a BMW stamp on it, it is not considered a Genuine BMW Part. Keep in mind BMW does not actually manufacture these parts, they are subcontracted to companies that manufacture the specific product. The company that manufactures the particular part for BMW is called the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

OEM BMW Parts: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is essentially the same product as a Genuine BMW Part, however the manufacturer has sold the product in their own packaging instead of sending it directly to BMW to be packaged under the BMW name.

OEA/ OES BMW Parts: Stands for either Original Equipment Aftermarket or Original equipment supplier. A company may manufacture genuine parts for Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, or other car maker, but if they have never manufactured a part for BMW, they will never be considered a genuine BMW part or OEM BMW part.

Aftermarket BMW Part: An aftermarket BMW part is manufactured by a company that has never been contracted by a major car maker to be their Original Equipment manufacturer. Although the company has never been contracted by a major auto maker, the parts are made to fit and perform as well as the OEM since they are generally produced with the same materials and machinery.

Our purpose here is not to be deceitful. As you move down the chain, the instances of coming across a BMW part that is inferior in quality will increase. Now that you are an educated consumer you can use this information along with checking the warranty policy and credentials of the company to make the best decision along the way.

FCP Groton is one of the leading worldwide automotive parts distributors in the world. Find out more information by visiting FCPGROTON .

Scott Drozd works for FCP Groton, LLC- one of the leading worldwide automotive parts distributors.

2009: 07/24
CATEGORY: Car Reviews
TAGS: Aftermarket
Auto
Parts
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