Actually hybrids are now marketed as the car you must possess, to deal with the high expense of fuel. Paying for one of these brilliant eco-friendly vehicles could save you cash on gas and you will be providing the economy a lift.

That said, there basically are two different types of hybrids: the gas powered money savers and the electric cars. The gas version model is actually driven by a unique specialized gas engine while the electric hybrid includes a chargeable battery, just the way you remote control the Porsche you possessed as a child.  Before you decide on purchasing a Hybrid Car, we would like to list out the common pros and cons of owning a Hybrid car. These facts about hybrid cars can help you make an informed decision whether to go for a hybrid car.

Pros of owning a Hybrid Car

Lower Pollution:

Hybrid cars possess reduced pollution levels compared to other cars. While operating on their electric motors, engines of hybrid vehicles aren’t producing any of the air-borne pollutants we are concerned about when we consider the gas engines.  As rated for an Energy-Efficient Economy by American Council, three of the leading 12 ‘Greenest Cars’ had been hybrid cars.

Higher Fuel Economy:

Spending less on gas is really likelihood for hybrid motorists. Even mild hybrid trucks that enhance the mileage from 17 to 19 mpg are making an impact. And when you begin referring to obtaining 50 or 60 mpg, you might be actually starting to spend less on gas. In addition, you make a change in the dependence everyone has on oil and its several byproducts. Furthermore, you might simply loathe visiting the pump so frequently.

Improved Performance:

Hybrid cars might be created for power, instead of economy. The Lexus GS450h and Honda Accord Hybrid are excellent illustrations of ‘performance’ hybrids. The car’s electric engine is utilized to enhance the power performance of the particular gas engine at reduced speeds, instead of replacing it.

Hypermiling:

The Hybrid cars might get much better than the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating. In contrast to gas engines, the hybrid engine is able to exceed the EPA rating for mileage consistently with just a few basic alterations to your daily driving patterns. Such techniques are known as hypermiling and they permitted a group to attain over 100 mpg in a great distance trial of the hybrid Toyota Prius.

Tax Breaks and Local Perks:

A few states provide HOV access (California and Virginia) to car owners of hybrid cars. Several localities in fact offer free car parking. A few states are considering tax breaks or might possibly already offer them. Several companies provide money to people who opt to go hybrid. So you must look around for the local perks.

The United States Government is now providing as much as $3400 in a tax credit for people who purchase a hybrid car this year. You must however remember, it is just for the initial 60,000 qualifying cars by every manufacturer, so in case you are thinking of buying a Toyota hybrid and you would like to benefit from that tax break, you must purchase one this particular year. Numerous states will also be providing tax breaks to buyers who buy hybrid cars.

Cons of using a Hybrid Car:

Issues with Hybrid Batteries:

You will find issues regarding hybrid batteries. The majority of these focus on just how long they are going to last and exactly how costly they may be to replace. Yet another question that is often asked is whether such larger nickel metal hybrid batteries are damaging to the environment? The reality is such bigger batteries are meant to be recycled, just like the lead batteries in gas only cars are meant to be. Also, the batteries now come with 8 years guarantee (10 in case you dwell in California). However they are very costly to replace should you want to do so. You may have to shell out thousands of dollars if it expires and it is not really covered by warranty.

Safety:

In case you meet with an accident driving your hybrid car, is this larger battery a potential danger? High voltage electricity could be hazardous, but manufacturers are creating the batteries usually shut down during an accident. Yet things could go wrong, and that’s why specific emergency crews are receiving exclusive training associated with hybrid car accidents. Yet in all other cases, these cars are simply as safe as other cars.

High Price Tag:

Economizing on gas isn’t sufficient to cover up for the massive initial cost that is the buying price. As the auto manufacturer charges the hybrid car $3000 more compared to its gas only counterpart, it is difficult to justify the original layout of cash. Based on a recent research of hybrid cars by Consumer Reports, just 2 of the 6 hybrids researched made up for its initial investment (Civic and Prius) within the initial 5 years of possession. And they also did consider the federal tax credit which is offered.

Japanese cars rule in New Zealand’s used car industry.  Imported vehicles are typically purchased from used auto auctions in Japan and then brought to New Zealand by auto dealers.  Many of these Japanese used vehicles possess low mileage since Japanese people like to travel by public transport instead of by private vehicles.  These used cars from Japan also are properly maintained, obtainable in excellent condition and are available at very low prices. This has resulted in  a great demand for Japanese used cars.  However, latest regulations concerning importing used cars to New Zealand which will soon be put to effect, may rule out vehicles which are older than seven years; and such a move would certainly push up the prices of used Japanese cars in New Zealand.

Current Regulations for importing Japanese Cars in to New Zealand

New or used cars exported from Japan may be shipped from any Japanese port like Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, to all the main Ports in New Zealand like Auckland, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Napier, Wellington, Tauranga. When considering the age of shipped in vehicles, the vehicle brought in to New Zealand should not be more than 20 years old. Exclusions to this rule could be made if the used car or truck you import is a special interest vehicle or if perhaps you import a car which has already been registered by your name in Japan.  The vehicle under consideration ought to meet noise and emission standards which are laid by New Zealand government for vehicles of a similar class.  Imported cars should be in a position to clear the New Zealand’s WoF (warrant of fitness) check. All new or used cars should be Right Hand Drive.  There may be exceptions made for any special interest vehicle like special purpose vehicles, antique cars, motorsport cars, hearses or machinery. Nevertheless, a few of these import rules pertaining to import of used cars from Japan might change soon, leading to increase in prices of Japanese used cars in New Zealand.

Law changes could drive used car prices up in New Zealand

Costs of a few of New Zealand’s most in-demand second-hand cars might surge by over 50 % in the coming year as new standards of emission result in a step change in the price of used car imports.  The cost of used cars might go up as new laws on Japanese imports are being enacted; ruling out vehicles older than seven years.  The step by the Government has come about as new statistics indicate New Zealanders tend to be driving older cars.  Over 80,000 used cars had been brought into the nation in 2011 and the typical age of all those imports is an average 8.6 years which makes it the oldest ‘used car’ fleet ever recorded on the New Zealand roads.  The Motor Trade Association states a new car is usually safer, and has concerns that older vehicles might be harming the surroundings and also producing gases which are damaging to the health of people.

The worries have motivated the Government to place new measures in position.  Japan made stringent policy on automobile emissions back in 2005 which is partially why a lot of older cars have been shipped in to New Zealand. As per the new law, from January 1, the Japanese imports will need to comply with the Japan 05 emissions test, that tend to produce significantly less pollution compared to existing standard, Japan 02.  This implies the majority of cars made before 2005 are going to be ruled out.  Even so the latest changes in law has lead to New Zealand standards rise to be at par with Japan which suggests no cars or trucks manufactured before 2005 might be imported.  Several importers opposed this change, which might push car prices up and beyond customers’ reach.

Most often, truck owners do not give a great thought to which replacement batteries you must buy for our trucks till our original battery fails. Once the final volt is cranked you are generally in a rush to be again on the streets. This simply implies that you don’t spend enough time choosing the perfect replacement batteries for our truck.

Although price is crucial, the cheapest battery may not be the most beneficial (or cheapest) in the long run. Picking out the perfect battery for your truck is much simpler if you get acquainted with your choices before you require a fast replacement. Here are some common factors which you need to consider while selecting a replacement battery for your truck.

How to choose the right Battery for your Truck?

1. Purchase a truck battery having the right size and dimensions

Battery group size shows the battery size which will best match the physical proportions of your truck. Several vehicles may allow for multiple group size.
Batteries are available in all sizes and shapes. If you opt for one that is too small, it may move about inside the battery tray, and therefore the battery hold-down will certainly be loose. On the contrary, if you purchase a battery that is too big, it might sit on the tray’s edge and this could rub a dent in the battery. If your battery is just too tall, it may touch the hood as well as other metal pieces and create a loud explosion. It is clear that the battery group size is very essential while selecting a battery for your truck.

2. Check the Cold Crank Amperes for your Truck

Cold Crank Amperes (CCA) is crucial for a good cranking ability. It is the number of amperes a battery supports for half a minute at a 0⁰ F before the battery voltage falls to levels which are unusable. A 12V battery having a rating of 600 CCA implies the battery provides 600 amps for 30 seconds at 0⁰ F till the voltage falls to 7.20 V (six cells). Cold start-ups are one of the hardest difficulties for any battery, and in case you purchase a substitute having a reduced rating compared to what your truck needs, you might be in trouble.  In case you buy a battery with a higher rating, it won’t hurt, but there is no great benefit to a sizable increase.

3. Check the Reserve Capacity for your Truck

Reserve Capacity (RC) helps you to power your truck’s electrical system when the alternator stops working. It shows the battery’s staying power, the number of minutes the battery provides sufficient power without dropping below the lowest voltage necessary to run your truck.

4. Make sure the battery terminals are in the proper configuration for your truck

There are several battery configurations. When you purchase a set-up which is different from your truck’s initial battery, the cables may not be of sufficient length to get to the terminals. You could possibly coax it on, however the vibrations while driving, coupled with the cable tugging on the battery post will ultimately break the post free from the battery case. You should never ever stretch a cable. It is very risky.

5. Battery Choices

The type of battery you choose will again depend on your vehicle needs and your needs. For an average driver, a conventional battery could be the best alternative. Batteries with acid have to be vented. The chemical reaction in acid battery produces vapor and heat. This may lead to explosion if the truck battery is not properly vented.

If you plan to go off-road, then GEL type batteries may be a better pick for you. During climbs and bumps, the thick fluids are less likely to leak from the vents.

6. Always buy a fresh Truck Battery

Figure out how to understand battery date codes or consult your retailer to ensure that you buy the freshest available battery. A battery which has been resting on the shelf for longer periods may lose a bit of its battery charge and might not give you the performance you may expect from it in its first use. Extended performance will most likely not be affected however, since the battery could be brought back to the original degrees of performance by using either an external charger or by in-vehicle charging.

While buying a new truck battery, these are a few points you need to consider. Also, make sure to look for trouble-free warranty plans so that you may not have any issue in the long run either.

Should you use a higher octane gasoline or regular gasoline? Most car owners are not sure about whether going for High Octane gasoline will improve the performance of the car.  You should first learn about how the engine works, the Octane ratings of a fuel and its effect on car engine performance.

Gasoline is most frequently employed in most automobile spark ignition engines.  Gasoline is basically a mixture of various hydrocarbons.  The gasoline used in cars is sprayed to your engine combined with mixture of air.  Once the engine heats up it transforms the gasoline to vapor.  This vapor allows to generate ignition with the aid of spark plug and this ignites the mixture.  Further additives are blended with the gasoline fuel to boost its quality.  If the ignition takes place before time, there can be a trouble with the fuel.  This harms the engine and the engine tends to make some knocking sounds.  The fuel’s quality is decided based on the knocking effect.  The gasoline’s quality is assessed in octane number.

What’s the difference between premium and regular gasoline?

Many cars usually come with four-stroke gasoline engines.  Out of the four strokes, the first is the compression stroke which compresses a cylinder filled with air into a really small volume to help ignition process in the engine.  The standard car engine has a compression ratio of 8:1. Octane is the primary element of fuel.  The octane rating of gasoline will show you the optimum amount of fuel which needs to be compressed to initiate instant ignition. This is a fact which vehicle owners need to be conscious of, since low octane rating may cause knocking inside the engine.  Usually the high octane gasoline provides the perfect timing for ignition process, and it may prevent knocking, which explains why it really is regarded as an improved fuel.

Octane Ratings of Gasoline

The octane ratings will show you your fuel’s resistance to burning.  A fuel, when compressed, should not ignite by itself.  The timing is vital, which is considered while the rating is calculated.  Generally, filling stations provide three grades of octane and these are conspicuously shown on vibrant yellow stickers.  Standard fuel usually has 87 octane rating, mid-grade fuel usually has 89 octane rating while the premium grade fuel has 92 or 93 octane rating.

The right Octane level for your Car

You may find out the proper octane level which suits your car by referring your car’s owner’s manual.  The owner’s manual usually indicates which fuel works well with your vehicle.  Most cars employ standard octane gasoline, whereas sports cars and a few luxurious cars which may have high-compression engines require premium or mid-grade gasoline.  You’ll know whether you are utilizing the correct grade of gasoline if your engine doesn’t knock.

Higher Octane Gasoline

In case the engine of your car knocks, even when you used the fuel of suggested octane, you can think about the next higher grade of fuel.  Mostly, when vehicle owners change over to a premium grade or mid-grade gasoline, their engines work with no knocking.  If the knocking continues, you might have to get the engine tuned.  If the engine of your car has been properly tuned, you may continue to make use of the appropriate grade of octane which is suggested for your car.

Do engines stay cleaner with higher octane gasoline?

In fact, it doesn’t make the car perform much better than the standard octane gasoline.  The engine cleaning detergents are included in most fuels as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency renders it compulsory that engine-cleaning detergents be included to the fuel.  This is to ensure that there won’t be any deposits which develop during the fuel combustion process.

Energy-saving electric powered automobiles equipped with sophisticated eco-friendly technology were competing for attention in the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, with computers and robots becoming increasingly part of the automobiles displayed.  Car manufacturers are now exhibiting concept vehicles with bodies that can be transformed and which are also automotive computers connected to smart phones, whilst flaunting energy-efficient green automobiles with electric powered, fuel cell with hybrid engines.  Green cars has been the major theme with most car makers at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIWeOXu30Bo

The cars on display at Tokyo Motor Show 2011 are mostly compact, fuel-efficient automobiles with which Japanese car manufacturers aspire to shake up the stagnant local sales as the segment attempts to regain from March’s earthquake and tsunami as well as the current worldwide economic crisis.

Eco-Friendly Cars at Tokyo Motor Show

With most of the auto-manufacturers abiding by the green theme, Nissan, Suzuki and Toyota Motors Corporation all exhibited their vehicles in the Tokyo Motor Show.  Nissan’s Leaf Electric Car, which was a major exhibit in this year’s show, was elected the car of the year.  Nissan revealed its PIVO-3 Electric Vehicle, which is a 3 seater commuter vehicle. Toyota Motor Corporation displayed five of its automobiles. Most of these worked on alternative fuel technology.

Daihatsu displayed PICO, its two seater electric vehicle which greatly resembled combination of lightweight automobile and motorized cycle.  Suzuki came up with two of its small cars. Suzuki’s Regina which is an advanced global compact car is lightweight and aerodynamic.  It also exhibited a Q-Concept two seater which can be considered an intermediate between cars and motorcycles.

Foreign Participants in the Tokyo Motor Show

Many reputed auto manufacturers from different countries of the world participated in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.  German auto manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen exhibited their vehicles. BMW exhibited its Active Hybrid-5 Series which is equipped with a 6-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor and automatic transmission. Mercedes Benz exhibited its F 125 Research Vehicle.  France made its presence felt with Peugeot-Citroen and Renault while Britain’s JLR was also a part of the show.

Tokyo Motor Show 2011

The 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show was held in Tokyo, Japan for ten days. Most of the vehicles exhibited this year were choosing eco-friendly and green alternatives. The Tokyo Motor Show is an initiative by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc (JAMA). Many local as well as foreign reputed auto manufacturers were a part of the show. For first time in the history of Tokyo Motor Show, all the fourteen JAMA members were present. This was an added reason why 2011 show was successful. There were fifteen Japanese auto manufacturers and twenty-five foreign brands who exhibited their innovative next generation vehicles here. Overall 176 exhibitors from 12 different countries were a part of this great show.

This year the Tokyo Motor Show included a new initiative called Smart Mobility City 2011. Latest technology and innovative products related to cars and automobiles were displayed. There were also many events which involved participation of visitors. This also included a passenger car test drive initiative.

The visitors also enjoyed extended hours as the show went on till 8 pm this year. Visitors also enjoyed special discounts after 6pm. This year’s show turned out to be a great success.

The 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show is going to take place in autumn 2013.  JAMA will announce the outline and dates in spring.

Tokyo Motor Show is a Motor Show held once in two years is Japan. It is organized by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc (JAMA) on the October-November months. It is held in Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Many innovative auto manufacturers exhibit their most modern innovations through this Show. This was the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show and many big companies like the Toyota Motor Corp, Daihatsu Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Honda Motor Co, Ford and the Volkswagen participated in it.

One of the most interesting entries in the Tokyo Motor Show 2011 was Toyota’s Fun Vii rightly named so. This car resembles a mobile phone and was presented recently and customization was elevated to a different level as Toyota revealed its innovative brand new vehicle, appropriately referred to as the Fun-Vii.

At this point, changing the look of your automobile to match your flavor as well as your disposition can be as simple as downloading a mobile phone application or perhaps uploading a picture or a graphic to Facebook.

Toyota Fun Vii – Fun to Drive, Again

Toyota revealed many concept automobiles in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Fun-Vii is just one of them. It was displayed by the theme of ‘Fun to Drive, Again’. Being the final word in personalization, it offers you the power to modify the content shown on the exterior and interior with identical simplicity posting to Instagram or downloading an application.

The entire vehicle body may be used like a display space, with the color of the body and display content interchangeable when needed. This permits the whole car to work like a display for preferred images or messages inside, the interior can be adjusted to complement the feel of the instant.

Navigation information is paired within the interior design by making use of ‘augmented reality’. The ‘navigation concierge’ of the car can offer the passengers in your car with driving details and assistance by way of a vocal interface.

Software program for this automobile’s drive, control and multimedia system will always be up-to-date due to the network update function on it. The Fun-Vii can also link to neighboring automobiles and infrastructure, letting it identify probable hazards beforehand, or to get connected to friends driving close by.

Other Concept Cars in the Tokyo Motor Show

As mentioned earlier, many great auto-manufacturers were a part of the Tokyo Motor Show. The Volkswagen revealed two new cars in the Show, the Cross Coupe and the Passat Alltrack. The Cross Coupe depicts the new look for all future Volkswagen Sports utilities. Ford had also participated and exhibited its Classic Anglia on the occasion.

Honda unveiled numerous brand new concepts in this Tokyo Motor Show. Honda’s Micro Commuter Concept is Honda’s efforts in the direction of a clean environment. The car’s CO2 emission is low and hence it ensures a pollution free environment.

Honda has also exhibited its EV-Ster which is a dual seater electric sports car. It is based on a completely new concept and made partly out of carbon fibre for this purpose.

There are various factors involved in proper car maintenance.  The car tires are a significant component of your car.  Car tires tend to be a high-priced component and once in a while they ought to be replaced at regular intervals.  The tire maintenance is crucial for any automobile.  Tire maintenance and preservation is easy and straightforward.  You can boost the durability and efficiency of your car tires by executing a couple of basic tasks.

Proper tire maintenance is an important from safety point of view; however, it is often neglected by car owners.  By undertaking some simple measures, you can ascertain the longevity of your auto tires.  Here are some tips for maintaining your car tires.  If you follow these tips, it will certainly help you to extend the life of your car tires.

Examine the Tire Pressure Regularly

Make sure to check the pressure of the tires regularly.  The tire of the car should be properly inflated. If the tires are over inflated or less inflated it may lead to tire failure.  If you do not know the air pressure the tire of your vehicle must possess, you need to find out.  The tire pressure is mentioned in the user manual and also on the side of the tire.

Checking your tire’s pressure is also simple.  You can make use of the tire gauge.  These can be purchased from the automotive department of any big store.  You simply need to unscrew the cap of your tire’s air intake and hold a Tire Gauge against it.  See to it that all the tires of your car are evenly inflated, else it may lead to wear and other problems in future.

Visually inspect for Scars and Pores in Tires

Streets are usually layered with rubble, most of which are actually sharp like nails and glass.  If a nail pierces into a tire, it might not lead to an instant flat tire, but may cause a gradual leakage of tire pressure.  In future, it may even lead to a flat tire. Hence it is essential that you have an alert eye.  You must repair tires with small cuts, scars or abrasions and get the tires with larger cuts replaced to avoid problems in future.

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Tire rotation at regular intervals can help your car tires to wear uniformly.  Your automobile owner’s handbook will note how frequently your car tires must be rotated.  For those who adhere to the standard servicing schedule for your automobile, tire rotation is going to be a part of the normal routine.  In case no time frame is stipulated, typically 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a nice point in time.  If you are using a spare tire, make sure to subject it to the rotation too. Every single tire holds a unique weight and this also can cause inconsistent wear of your auto tires.  The unevenness can be uniformly distributed by rotating your tires.

Proper Tire Balance

Tire balancing makes up for the weight of the wheel and tire assembly once the tire is secured.  A wheel may be out of balance whenever one particular area is lighter or heavier than the rest.  An uneven tire can cause vibration and eccentric tread wear.  The tires are balanced while they are new and needs to be rebalanced each alternate tire rotation.

Correct Driving Practices

How you drive impacts the health of your auto tires.  Drive within speed limit.  Higher speeds produce excessive heat which softens the car tires a bit which in turn increases the wear and tear of the tire.  Refrain from quick turns close to corners as well as on curves.  Refrain from rapid starts and stops, driving over the edge of the pavement; don’t drive on potholes, curbs or road debris. Do not strike speed bumps too hard. Do not overburden your automobile.  If you’ve got an automobile, do not put it to use like a truck.

We hope that by following these tips for taking care of your tires, you can extend the life of your car tire and also enjoy safe driving.

Toyota Motor Corporation will display its Scion FR-S sporty car for the first time at the 42^ndTokyo Motor Show 2011.  Toyota will also unveil Toyota Aqua or the Prius C as the North Americans know it, for the first time in Japanese Market.  Toyota Aqua will go for sale in Japanese Markets next month while it will be displayed in US Showrooms only next year.  Toyota will also showcase its Prius Plug-in Hybrid and also it’s iQ Electric Vehicle.  The Tokyo Motor Show which happens every two years will this year witness many new, hybrid and eco friendly vehicles.

Toyota Aqua or Prius C

The Prius C or Toyota Aqua can comfortably seat five people.  The 1.5 litre engine is linked to Toyota’s all new lightweight Hybrid System.  It has a front that resembles Yaris, roofline is much similar to Prius and it has a wavy new side panel treatment that covers over the rear wheels.

Its new hybrid system consists of a motor, new inverter and a battery.  The hybrid drivetrain is around 88 pounds lighter than the standard Prius. Aqua has been chosen as a standalone name in Japan inorder to generate a new client base for hybrid systems.

In the U.S., they are following a converse theory.  There they intend to cash upon the already existing repute of Prius for Prius C.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Toyota Show will also witness debut of production version of Prius Plug-in Hybrid which will be in markets only next year.  This version will be powered by Lithium Ion Battery.  This battery is smaller and will enable more space for luggage.

Toyota FT-EV III

The FT-EV III is yet another electric vehicle based on Toyota’s iQ Minicar.  The car will be out for sale in USA as Scion next year.  This little car can cover 65 miles when fully charged.  Another merit it offers is its battery can be charged in barely half the time other electric cars take.  In a 200 volt system, the car gets completely charged in around four hours.

Fuel cell concept FCV-R

This is one more remarkable Toyota debut. The FCV-R is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell that will be sold in markets by 2015. It is a four seater and has been inspired from Lexus HS 250h hybrid.  The fuel cell unit can power the car on a single filling for 435miles.  It has been located under the driver’s seat.

Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Tokyo Motor Show is a biannual auto show held in Japan.  This year, Toyota plans to exhibit its debutants hybrid and electric vehicles mentioned above in the show.  Generally auto companies make use of such opportunities to reveal their new ventures.

Nissan Motor Corporation, manufacturer of all-electric leaf car will display, the ESFLOW sports car, the Pivo3 Compact and the Townpod Compact in the show.  The Pivo3 is equipped with an auto-parking feature which will help the vehicle get parked at the right spot even after the driver is gone.

The maker of Insight Hybrid Car, the Honda Motor Corporation will introduce its first plug-in hybrid, the AC-X sedan and the electric sports car in the show.

The Tokyo Motor Show will open to the public on December 2, 2011.  It will feature 15 Japanese automobile brands and 25 foreign brands.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is planning to manufacture car components  by around 2013 and expects to build two different car models besides assembling cars in around 10 years from now, according to an official looking after  the development of the country’s automotive industry.

Azzam Shalabi, president of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Clusters Programme said it was a huge challenge and that was why the government was going to be involved in the development of the country’s automotive sector.

Truck Market in Saudi Arabia and Middle East

Saudi Arabia is engaged in the development of new conversion industries in the areas around petrochemical plants and refineries currently being built by Saudi Basic Industries Corp. and Saudi Arabian Oil Co. Under the Kingdom’s cluster development program, the development of mainly five industrial conversion targets, including the automotive sector, will be covered. Besides the automotive sector and its value chain, the other four industries being targeted include solar energy products, plastics and packaging, energy goods and services, and home appliances.

In order to attract foreign auto investors, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to develop an automotive-zone master plan which will allow manufacturers to share some logistics operations and production facilities. The government is also trying to persuade large automotive companies to commence assembling automobiles in the kingdom. Shalabi said that the zone concept was being discussed with automobile manufacturing companies in order to validate its acceptability and feasibility.

Currently, Japan’s Isuzu Motors Ltd. has a plant for assembling medium-size and heavy trucks in Dammam, where it plans to commence production in 2012 and produce 25,000 vehicles each year. Isuzu Motors will be producing the trucks for export to the Middle East and GCC Region. The assembling of the trucks by Isuzu comes under the aegis of Saudi Arabia’s cluster development program.

While addressing the recent Petrochem Arabia Conference at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, Shalabi said that in collaboration with Isuzu, Saudi Arabia would be aiming to capture the SR300 billion auto markets in and around the region. He added that the automotive cluster would also include the development of auto assembly and components with the objective of building a national base for both the domestic and global market. But this would require the setting up of a modern automotive production and marketing concept involving the participation of key players in the domestic automotive business as well as the global industry.

Saudi Arabia has plans to develop two car models, which will be called the Assilah and the Ghazal. Referring to these two national car manufacturing initiatives, Shalabi said that the Ghazal would be developed by the King Saud University, and that the Riyadh Techno Valley Co. is currently conducting a project-feasibility study. The Assilah car project on the other hand has been developed by the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology and commercial production for the same is being sought. Two other companies that are based in Jubail Industrial City are going to produce hood parts and small plastic parts in 2013.

Ever wondered how big are the biggest trucks in the world?  The world’s biggest truck is not a Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, Isuzu Giga, Nissan Diesel Big Thumb truck or even a rugged Mach Truck with double trailer.  The biggest trucks in the world are used in mining industry.  These trucks are truly enormous and calling them big would be an understatement.  Normal heavy duty trucks look like miniature puppets in front of the real locomotive giants!

Mining Trucks

In mining, heavy metal ores are hauled from the mining pits using these gigantic dump trucks. These dump trucks generally weigh around one million pounds and can carry more than 300 tons of material. These trucks have power of 3000 horsepower. They generally are taller than 20 feet and are 50 feet long. There are many companies which manufacture such massive trucks. These are used in various nations round the globe for the purpose of mining.

Large Mining Trucks by different companies

Komatsu 930 E-4

It is a mining truck with Japanese origin. It is manufactured and designed by Komatsu. and has an engine power of 2700 horsepower. It has a gross vehicle weight of 553 tons (553000 kilograms) and a payload capacity of 321 tons (321000 kilograms). It has a length of 15.6 meters and a height of 7.5 meters. It is a perfectly productive truck when it comes to mining purposes.

Caterpillar 797B

It is a heavy duty mining truck manufactured and developed in US by Caterpillar Inc Company. It was introduced in 2002. It has a payload capacity of 380 tons (380000 kilograms) while its engine power is 3370 horsepower. The Gross Vehicle weight is 688 tons (688000 kilograms). It is 14.5 meters long and 7.2 meters tall.Its higher payload capacity helps it to reduce cost and increase operational efficiency. It is equipped with computer controlled, rear axle mounted, seven speed planetary transmissions with lock-up torque converter.

Hitachi EH 5000

It has a payload of 315 tons (315000 kilograms). It has been manufactured and designed by Hitachi Japan. Its length is 14.4 meters and its height is 7.2 meters. It has a gross weight of 642 tons (642000 kilograms). It has a 2700 horsepower engine. Its major merits are its AC drive technology which is leading to better performance and higher speed. It is a very useful vehicle for mining purposes.

Liebherr T 282B

It is manufactured by Liebherr Mining Equipment Co, USA and is an ultra class rigid frame, diesel or electric, two axle AC power train haul truck. It is 14.5 meters long and 7.4 meters in height. It has a total payload capacity of 396 tons (396000 kilograms) and has a 2700 horsepower engine. Its gross weight is 652 tons (652000 kilograms).

Terex MT 6300AC

Finally we have the Terex MT 6300AC. It is 15.6 meters long and 7.9 meters high. It has a payload capacity of 400 tons (400000 kilograms) and an engine power of 3750 horsepower. Losing to Komatsu 930 E-4 only in length by 2.54 centimeters, Terex MT 6300AC is still nonchalantly the most gigantic locomotive monster. Its gross weight is 660 tons (660000 kilograms). It uses AC Electrical Drive system.

This miraculous invention costs around US $3 million. Every year, 50-75 Terex MT 6300 AC are sold. They are used in various mines around the world like in coal mines of Australia and Wyoming, extraction of iron in South Africa, copper mines of Chile and gold mines of Nevada. The engine of this vehicle has been made by Cummins and Detroit Diesel MTU. The electric control, drive system and electric motors have been designed by Siemens. Michelin and Bridgestone have designed the tires. The brakes function on electric retarding and use 6000 horsepower retarding effort.